Dark Heart of Magic is the second novel in Jennifer Estep’s Black Blade trilogy. This young adult fantasy offers spectacular world building and an engaging cast of characters that will have you singing the mantra, “just one more chapter”.
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff is a young adult science fiction thriller that is perfect for fall and will have you holding your breath. Completely riveting I consumed this 600-page tome in less than two days.
I was excited to dive back into the world Sara Raasch has created with her Snow Like Ashes series. Ice Like Fire is the second novel, and I am thankful to report that despite not being as strong as Snow Like Ashes, it did not fall victim to second book syndrome. Told in alternate perspectives of those of Meira and Mather we see what has befallen Winter and begin a quest to save their people and perhaps all the kingdoms of Primoria.
Queen of Always by Sherry D. Ficklin is the last book in the Stolen Empire series and perhaps the darkest. Catherine needs to be ruthless if she is to survive life in the Imperial Court. Ficklin delivered in sharing the last chapters of Catherine’s story and it held me spellbound.
The Accident Season by Moïra Fowley-Doyle was not on my radar until I read a review from a fellow blogger. Then an opportunity to review the audio version with Colby Minifie reading presented itself and I jumped. I am so delighted that I did so as the Accident Season was beautiful, dark, mysterious, and quirky.
Reawakened by Colleen Houck takes the reader on an adventurous quest from New York City to the tombs of Egypt. Wrapped in Egyptian mythology Awakened and its tale of good vs evil and forbidden romance will captivate listeners. While I struggled with aspects, I quite enjoyed the narrative voices of Phoebe Strole and Mark Deakins and this original fantasy.
