Cover & synopsis from goodreads:

Across the border, the Witch Lords of Vaskandar are preparing for war. But before an invasion can begin, they must call a rare gathering of all seventeen lords to decide a course of action. Lady Amalia Cornaro knows that this Conclave might be her only chance to stifle the growing flames of war, and she is ready to make any sacrifice if it means saving Raverra from destruction.

Amalia and Zaira must go behind enemy lines, using every ounce of wit and cunning they have, to sway Vaskandar from war. Or else it will all come down to swords and fire.

A return to the world of Swords and Fire, this time with Amalia becoming deeper entrenched in the politics of the Serene Empire while also seeking ways to improve the lives of mages. While stepping up into her role as the heir to the Cornatto family, she finds herself juggling her desires and what she considers to be the greater good. Amalia has to consider what she is willing to sacrifice and whether the cost is too high.

I was surprised to learn that this was a series as the first book wrapped up nicely enough that it felt like a standalone, but I did love the world and characters so I was thrilled to learn that their journeys continued. It was great to see how the characters continued to develop, with book-loving Amalia taking further steps into the realm of politics and gaining alliances such as considering political marriage with a witchlord. I really enjoyed the new characters that were introduced and how they shook up the dynamics among the existing cast. Zaira remains championing for her freedom and the freedom of the other mages, and successfully convinces Amalia to use her position as the Cornatto heir to begin enacting change. The expansion of the political world was also fascinating, to see how other nations were run along with the continuation of the Vaskandar plot threads from the first book.

Cover & Synopsis from goodreads:

This charming classic, first published in 1970, brings together twenty years of correspondence between Helene Hanff, a freelance writer living in New York City, and a used-book dealer in London. Through the years, though never meeting and separated both geographically and culturally, they share a winsome, sentimental friendship based on their common love for books. Their relationship, captured so acutely in these letters, is one that will grab your heart and not let go.

This was recommended to me by a coworker and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed both the content of the book and the audiobook format. It was really well done by a wide variety of narrators who brought the character voices to life.

Consisting of a collection of letters between an American and a British bookseller, I just loved getting to hear how they built a friendship over the years despite never getting an opportunity to meet. Not only their relationship but also the other friendships that Helene Hanff developed over the years with others that were connected to the bookstore. A really nice listen and I loved hearing about their lives and their passion for books along with learning more about different authors and the lives of people living through a different period of time. It was wonderful getting to hear about the beauty of human connection and kindness.

Cover and synopsis from goodreads: 

Paulo Coelho’s enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world. This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and soul-stirring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago, who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried near the Pyramids.

Along the way he meets a Romany woman, a man who calls himself a king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the right direction for his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or whether Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles in his path; but what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery of treasure within.

Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is an eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts.

This was a book that came highly recommended to me and reading it, I can definitely see why the message resounded with so many people. For me, though it wasn’t quite my taste. I wasn’t a big fan of all the extended metaphors and allegories. It did have an interesting writing style that was captivating in it’s descriptions and frustrating at other times. I think a lot of the metaphors ultimately went over my head and found myself wanting the plot to just move forward.

I did like the message about following your dreams and how they lead you to various places you never would’ve expected. There is a great message about going on adventures and taking risks to follow your heart and dreams to encounter so many different people and experiences and learn so many different things. I like how it touched upon how lessons can be learned from so many different sources and so many different ways; and life is a twisting, winding road that won’t take you directly where you want to go, but you will ultimately find somewhere that you are happy.

Synopsis and cover from goodreads: 

Two sisters.

One brutal murder.

A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself…

And an intoxicating romance.

Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe—witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin… desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister’s killer and to seek vengeance at any cost—even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden.

Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked Princes of Hell that she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia’s side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women’s murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems…

Kingdom of the Wicked came highly recommended and I was eager to read it. I have always enjoyed stories about magic and it seemed right up my alley. I love the atmosphere and the worldbuilding, there are mysteries surrounding the witches and their relationship with demons that are beginning to unravel. After the death of Vittoria, Emilia begins to investigate the events that led to her death. Vittoria had been secretive for weeks and Emilia finds spells about summoning demons amongst her belongings. Accidentally summoning a Prince of Hell, Wrath, Emilia is drawn into the world of demons, witch hunters, and other creatures around Sicily. 

I enjoyed the book for the most part but felt that the plot meandered around at times or there were too many things introduced especially around halfway towards the end. But, it can be explained as it is the first book in a series. I had expected more mystery, in regards of looking for the murderer but it seemed to fall on the wayside at times in exchange for the developing relationship between Emilia and Wrath.  A better balance between the two plotlines would’ve been nice since both felt a little underdeveloped and somewhat abrupt in their conclusion.

Cover and synopsis from goodreads: 

In the powerful conclusion to Robin LaFever’s New York Times bestselling His Fair Assassins trilogy, Annith has watched her gifted sisters at the convent come and go, carrying out their dark dealings in the name of St. Mortain, patiently awaiting her own turn to serve Death. But her worst fears are realized when she discovers she is being groomed by the abbess as a Seeress, to be forever sequestered in the rock and stone womb of the convent. Feeling sorely betrayed, Annith decides to strike out on her own.  She has spent her whole life training to be an assassin. Just because the convent has changed its mind, doesn’t mean she has.

Rounding off the series is the book focusing on the final of the three handmaidens of Mortain we were introduced to in the beginning. Annith has been at the convent since she was a babe, all her life has been dedicated to learning the art of murder. Despite being restricted to the convent, she is the best and watches as her younger more inexperienced sisters are sent out on missions. Being forced into the role of the Seeress is the final straw and Annith runs away from the convent to find her own adventures. But there are mysteries about her circumstances that need to be unraveled. 

I enjoyed the story, I loved seeing more of the fantastical elements that were in play in the previous books and the continuing storyline that can standalone. I am really intrigued by how LaFevers brought in the mythology of the gods and how they were further fleshed out in this novel. Of the three romances, this one was probably my least favourite. It didn’t feel as developed as the other two and I wasn’t really rooting for the couple. But it was still a good read and fun finish to the series.

Cover and synopsis from goodreads: 

Sybella’s duty as Death’s assassin in 15th-century France forces her return home to the personal hell that she had finally escaped. Love and romance, history and magic,vengeance and salvation converge in this thrilling sequel to Grave Mercy in the critically acclaimed, New York Times best-selling His Fair Assassin series, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Kristin Cashore, and Victoria Aveyard.

The convent returns Sybella to a life that nearly drove her mad. Her father’s rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother’s love is equally monstrous. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for?

Return to the world of the critically acclaimed His Fair Assassin series in this “romantic fantasy with a vengeance” and sequel to Grave Mercy that takes reader’s deep into the wicked world of corrupt politics, dangerous love, and hard-won vengeance.

Running both concurrently and after the events of the first book in the series, we follow the story of Sybella; one of Ismae’s closest sisters at the convent. Sybella had found salvation and healing at the convent, only to be returned to the home of her abusive family as her father D’Albert is now one of the biggest threats to the kingdom of Brittany. Walking the fine line as she tries to spy on her family without jeopardizing her mental and emotional health, Sybella is given the task of rescuing the Beast, a soldier who had been captured in the events of the previous book. Only for the plan to go awry and she is spirited away from the household and to the high court of Brittany. 

A really enjoyable read about how Sybella is coming to terms about the abuse in her life and trying to recover. I enjoyed how the book ties up and ties into the previous book in the series but also has it’s own almost standalone adventure. It really fleshes out Sybella and also D’Albert. He is the main villain behind book 1, this book shows more of his abusive behaviour and how it affects his children; really showing how it could create someone as hurt as Sybella. The first book was more of a political intrigue read, while this one was more of an adventure quest, LaFevers manages to write both genres really well.

Cover and synopsis from goodreads: 

Enter the world of female assassins and join the daughters of Death in this first book of the New York Times best-selling His Fair Assassin series by Robin LaFevers. Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes a brutal arranged marriage into the sanctuary of a convent of assassins serving St. Mortain, the deity of death–but for a price. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Kristin Cashore, and Victoria Aveyard.

Why be the sheep when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

    Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

Deemed ready for assignments by the sisters of the convent of St. Mortain, Ismae is sent out to protect Brittany from traitors by quietly eliminating any threats to her kingdom. However during an undercover assignment to the high court threatens not only her secrets but also her beliefs and faith in the convent. With the constant betrayal, lies, and secret agendas, no one can be trusted.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I love the historical setting, the worldbuilding, the dash of mythology, and all the political intrigue. I was surprised at how well the relationship between Ismae and her love interest, Duval, played out. It starts off slower but it really picks up and is full of twists the further you continue.

Cover and synopsis from goodreads: 

In a sprawling mansion filled with peculiar treasures, January Scaller is a curiosity herself. As the ward of the wealthy Mr. Locke, she feels little different from the artifacts that decorate the halls: carefully maintained, largely ignored, and utterly out of place.

Then she finds a strange book. A book that carries the scent of other worlds, and tells a tale of secret doors, of love, adventure and danger. Each page turn reveals impossible truths about the world and January discovers a story increasingly entwined with her own.

The Ten Thousand Doors is a book I have been eyeing for a while now. I was really intrigued by the summary and the title. I really enjoyed how Harrow had set the scene, the descriptions of January’s early life and how she begins to grow stifled by the role that Mr. Locke has crafted for her. While the plot drags in the early chapters, setting up the exposition and future conflicts, it does begin to pick up at an almost breakneck pace hurtling towards the end but in a way that is almost well-balanced. I loved the ideas of the Society and how Mr. Locke and his fellow members are described, their obsession with hoarding rare objects and the masks that they hold up to the rest of the world. I was really interested in the magic that January discovers within herself and also the ways her family’s story comes back and intertwines with her own. A satisfying ending, with a few questions left unanswered but a great read.

Cover and synopsis from goodreads: 

A broken bond. A dying land. A cat-and-mouse game that can only end in bloodshed.

Esha is a legend, but no one knows. It’s only in the shadows that she moonlights as the Viper, the rebels’ highly skilled assassin. She’s devoted her life to avenging what she lost in the royal coup, and now she’s been tasked with her most important mission to date: taking down the ruthless General Hotha.

Kunal has been a soldier since childhood, training morning and night to uphold the power of King Vardaan. His uncle, the general, has ensured that Kunal never strays from the path—even as a part of Kunal longs to join the outside world, which has been growing only more volatile.

Then Esha’s and Kunal’s paths cross—and an unimaginable chain of events unfolds. Both the Viper and the soldier think they’re calling the shots, but they’re not the only players moving the pieces. As the bonds that hold their land in order break down and the sins of the past meet the promise of a new future, both rebel and soldier must make unforgivable choices.

Drawing inspiration from ancient Indian history and Hindu mythology, the first book in Swati Teerdhala’s debut fantasy trilogy captivates with electric romance, stunning action, and the fierce bonds that hold people together—and drive them apart.

Another fun fantasy adventure. I really enjoyed the worldbuilding in the novel and how vivid the descriptions were. The way Esha and Kunal’s stories intertwine was really interesting and I really enjoyed their dynamic. I found it to be a fun and enjoyable read. While the first book ends on a sort of an abrupt cliff hanger I am interested in seeing how the second book will continue the story, there are many mysteries that are only just beginning to unravel. I am really interested in seeing more of Esha and Kunal, they are great dual protagonists and I can’t wait to read the next book.

Cover and synopsis from goodreads: 

The first in an all new fantasy series from USA Today bestseller, David Dalglish.
The last remnants of humanity live on six islands floating high above the Endless Ocean, fighting a brutal civil war in the skies. The Seraphim, elite soldiers trained for aerial combat, battle one another while wielding elements of ice, fire and lightning.

The lives of their parents claimed in combat, twins Kael and Breanna Skyborn enter the Seraphim Academy to follow in their footsteps. There they will learn to harness the elements as weapons and fight at break-neck speeds while soaring high above the waters. But they must learn quickly, for a nearby island has set its hungry eyes upon their home. When the invasion comes, the twins must don their wings and ready their blades to save those they love from annihilation.

A creative new world where on floating islands, different conflicts are resolved by armies donning angel wings and learning to harness the elements. Full of mystery and tension, the twins Kael and Breanna join the Academy only to find themselves wrapped up in mysteries about their own origins and the origins of the world they thought they knew. Questioning the influence of the central island, they find themselves caught in an escalating war with the other islands. 

The worldbuilding behind the story was really interesting. There are lots of questions that have been built up and I hope they are addressed in the following books. Both twins had joined the military in the hopes of taking revenge for their parents, seraphs who had died during a skirmish with another island and find their dreams conflicting with the reality when they join the military school. However they find themselves in the middle of an all out war, both with another island and also with the Center island trying to squash a rebellion. I am really excited to read the rest of the series.