Moth and Spark by Anne Leonard was a delightful romantic fantasy with Dragons, Kings, and Wizards. Leonard gave us the details one expects in high fantasy, without the three hundred characters. This was a mid to light fantasy that I didn’t want to end. The author’s writing has been influenced by Austen, and I felt it humming through her prose and attention to detail. Mini review: Dragons, lore, romance, magic and wizards this tale held me captive from page one.
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Red Rising is a brilliant dystopian and the first in the Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown. From the depths below Mar’s surface to the hills of Olympus; Brown melded science-fiction, complex characters and outstanding world-building in this tale that left me spent and begging for more. Mini review: Epic world-building, brutal, and enthralling with whiffs of a darker Hunger Games.
Bellman & Black by Diane Setterfield
Bellman & Black was my first foray into the mind and writing of Diane Setterfield. I have heard countless recommendations and praise regarding her earlier work, The Thirteenth Tale and decided to take a chance. The writing is beautiful, dark and unsettling at times. Mini review: atmospheric, dark, clever, and unsettling.
TaleSpins by Michael Mullin
Michael Mullin’s TaleSpins is a trilogy that offers alternate telling of some of our favorite fairy tales. The tales in this short novel share versions of Snow White, The Frog Prince and Jack and the Beanstalk. Filled with humor and moral lessons, Mullin delivers each tale in a sing-song verse that I thoroughly enjoyed. Three word review: original, humorous and engaging.
Enchanted by Alethea Kontis
Enchanted by Alethea Kontis is the first book in the Woodcutter Sisters series, and was my first audio book experience.Thanks to Sync I was able to enjoy this for free. Carrying around my smart phone with ear buds as I cleaned and cooked was fun and I am so glad this particular book was my first. Three word review: magical, humorous and engaging.