Tabitha Tomala

Five-Hop One-Stop is one of the destinations galactic travelers choose as their way station to pause in their journeys and take a break. Run by Ouloo and her child Tupo, the pair do their best to make it a comfortable and welcoming stop. But when an accident crashes the communication systems, their current guests, Pei, Speaker, and Roveg will have to stay over much longer than they originally planned.

The Galaxy, and the Ground Within is a wonderful tale of different cultures coming together during a crisis, learning from each other, and attaining a newfound sense of understanding. Taking a deep dive into each character’s culture is an eye-opening experience and continues to expand on the beautiful world Becky Chambers has created. There are great moments of representation woven within each culture. It grants readers various perspectives on how to process and understand others who do not share your beliefs or culture.

While there are many heartwarming moments, this novel is not without its share of conflict around beliefs and cultural past transgressions. Both sides of the story are told and the characters process their emotions in a way for readers to easily connect and understand. Sometimes there is no right or wrong answer, it is a matter of trying to see through another’s eyes to understand why and how they feel what they feel.

The Galaxy, and the Ground Within is the final installment of The Wayfarers series. Filled with themes of family, cultural learning, and collaboration it was a wonderful way to conclude the series. This book is for readers looking for a sci-fi focused on the characters and how their beliefs contribute to their actions and understanding of the world.

Having Kit team up with Darius for an entire novel was brilliant. Readers meet the guild leader in the first Guild Codex novel. Rumors of Darius' past have been floating around for quite a while, and now readers will witness it unfold along with all the repercussions he has had to deal with.

The synergy between Kit and Darius is both hilarious and delightful. And while Darius brings in the nostalgia for earlier fans of the series, Kit shines for this newer segment in Mage Assassins & Other Misfits. Being a psycho-warper can help Kit out of quite a few situations, but when the enemy comes prepared to combat his abilities, Kit has to find ways around it. Armed with his movie quotes and wits, Kit is in for a high stakes ride. Discovering more about his limitations along the way.

Readers are also left on edge at the end of the last novel, waiting to see what happens between Kit and Lienna. Kit is just as twisted up and anxious as the readers. It is adorable to see his inner thoughts and concerns surrounding Lienna. Despite all the serious and life threatening situations, the story makes sure to give readers resolution on their potential relationship.

Mage Assassins & Other Misfits is a fast-paced and exciting read. The balance between action, comedy, and romance is spot on. The Warped series has come a long way since book one. Fans of urban fantasy, while I don’t suggest starting with the Warped series, the Guild Codex world is a must.

Becky Chambers is one of those authors who writes in a way where the core themes of her novels hit on a deep emotional level. The characters and stories are so much more than just words on the page. There are meanings behind every action, every dialogue, and every scene.

In Record of a Space Born Few, there are several characters looking for more in their life, searching for something missing yet not all can pinpoint what that something could be. Tessa is happy with her life at the Fleet, yet things are changing and it makes her feel as though she is losing her place. Kip bounces from one job trial to another, never satisfied with the work. He yearns to do more and to explore the world. Sawyer has lost everything and searches for a community to reconnect with. Isabelle is a Fleet archivist and host to Ghuh’loloan, a researcher who opens her eyes to new possibilities for the Fleet. And lastly, there is Eyas, a caretaker for the dead who knows her purpose, enjoys her work, and yet still wants to do more, but doesn’t quite know what.

Following each of these characters will take readers on thought provoking and touching journeys. Some will find their way, some will be lost, and others will be caught up in things greater than themselves. Not everyone’s story ends happily, but each serves as a catalyst for the next, unknowingly helping one another in their search for something more. The writing is so well done. Each piece fits smoothly together, giving readers a complex yet simple to understand network of characters and stories.

Readers who enjoy stories focused on the characters and wonderful themes need to try out Becky Chambers' books. While they don’t have to be read in order, each one has a small tie back to the original novel. And each one brings to light another hard hitting theme in a way that harmonizes with the reader and characters. Yes, they are in sci-fi settings, but even those who don’t normally read sci-fi will enjoy Record of a Space Born Few and the other novels.

The Twice Scorned Lady of Shadow brings back a few familiar faces as Saber is introduced to the Crow and Hammer. Having hidden behind her nice persona for so long, when Saber decides to let her true face show to the guild, her surprise at their acceptance is wonderful. For those who have read the original Guild Codex series, it will come as no surprise that Saber will have a new found family if she chooses to accept them. But acceptance can be a hard thing to come by when you have a darker past. Yet Saber is making quite a few strides towards learning trust and forming closer bonds.

But make no mistake, Saber is still just as hard edged as she began. And when she finds herself journeying to the Court of Shadows to help Zak, the cruelty and bitter betrayal she encounters would tear any lesser character down. The past will come back in full force to emotionally devastated Saber and Zak, uncovering truths long buried and forcing them to relive horrific moments of their childhood.

Readers will have the chance to listen to Zak’s point of view this time. As one of the main morally grey characters of the series, and after spending countless books with him viewed from another character’s point of view, seeing his reasoning behind what he does will not let readers down. While there has been time to understand Saber’s past and her feelings towards the present day, Zak’s outlook will be just as emotionally painful.

The Twice-Scorned Lady of Shadow will show readers a darker side of the fae world and how the power some seek will take precedence over everything else. The past traumas Zak and saber have endured will blend into their future state eliciting dark and gritty emotional stances. Not to mention with the action packed writing style Annette Marie is known for will leave readers needing more by the end.

It all starts with the tale of Chicky Starr. Having fallen in love with an American, she embarks on a new life with him in the United States. While her family back home in Ireland refuses to believe it will work out, Chicky has high hopes. When things start to crumble she spins tales of wonder and adventure. Despite her life taking an abrupt turn, she maintains her illusionary life to her family and works hard to make a living for herself.

And all Chicky’s hard work pays off as she moves back home and starts on her new journey making Stone House into a hotel. But Stone House is more than just a hotel. Through Chicky’s hard work and determination, she creates a comforting place where people from around the world are drawn to. And within Stone House, they find much more than just a place to vacation.

A Week in Winter is a generational tale, spanning years of couples and family members finding their way to Stone House. Whether they stay to work or seek to find a place to start their life over, each of them takes away a vital life lesson from the time they spend in Stone House. Each character is given a background and history, leading up to the events where they choose to stay at the hotel. Granting the reader a format similar to linked short stories that all center around finding their way.

A Week in Winter is a story for those who enjoy tales of families and characters working through the challenges of life and relationships.

Having grown up in a rough and abusive living situation, Saber snapped at an early age. She carries a switchblade with her at all times and has learned to display the proper emotions for people to accept her. While she holds no memory of her crime, she is a convicted murderer and is currently in a parole guild. By day Saber is a vet tech and volunteers at a rescue ranch. However, she will quickly turn into a hunter if she knows who has been harming the animals she is rehabilitating. Saber’s going to be a tough and prickly character to attach to, but that also means she has plenty of areas of growth.

While Zak does make an appearance in these books, he will be a very different character than encountered before. Throughout the previous novels featuring him, he has discovered hard truths about himself. Do not approach The One and Only Crystal Druid as a first read in this universe. You’ll need all of Zak’s back story to fully appreciate how he behaves and his new outlook on life.

Be warned there are toxic relationships in this novel. Saber is a dark and broken character. Readers will uncover her forgotten past as the story progresses. And while this book is trying to lean into the romance angle it does not start well. There are abrupt turns with little build up and the emotions are not apparent. Granted, Saber is a difficult character to imagine being involved with anyone at this point, but a little more development of her character before trying to wedge in romance would have helped.

The One and Only Crystal Druid is still a fast-paced and action heavy read. With a witch as a main character and Zak hovering in the background, readers will be granted more worldbuilding around their magics. Even sixteen books in there are new discoveries and mysteries for readers to indulge in. Though this one had a rough start, knowing Annette Marie it’s about to really pick up in the next novel.

Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Leovander Lovage is a sarcastic and witty character. Quick to turn to humor when things grow uncomfortable, and has a penchant for mischief. Leo has a complicated relationship with magic, and discovering his limitations is enlightening and heartbreaking. While he is a scriver, he is limited to writing small magics. Anything else grows out of control when cast. There is much Leo has buried from his past which influences how he writes magic.

Sebastian Grimm has his own difficult past with magic as a caster. And having to deal with Leo’s constant pestering wears down on his nerves. When he is paired up with Leo as his scriver, things quickly go from downright annoying to terribly wrong when a curse is accidentally included in Leo’s spells. And while at first, they think they’ll have enough time to deal with it on their own, the curse has other ideas.

Forced together to find a cure, Leo and Sebastian must embark on a quest to traverse a dangerous forest and find the one sorcerer who can help them. Leo’s going to have to learn to curb his mischievous side if they're going to make it out alive. And all the while the curse, a love spell no less, will hammer away at his emotions driving him closer to Grimm. The rivals will have quite the journey, and mishaps along the way as they search for the sorcerer.

The evolution of Leo and Grimm’s characters is entertaining and remarkable. Forced into a situation neither of them wants, they have to work together and put aside their rivalry. The curse adds an extra layer of complication, and Leo begins to second guess everything he feels. The tension between not only the characters, but the sense of running out of time heightens the reader’s experience. Coupled with sarcastic humor and witty banter, Sorcery and Small Magics is for those who enjoy magic and fantasy have to read.

A Guildmaster has been found dead and Agent Söze is covering up the evidence. Kit and Lienna are determined to find out what he is hiding. But with Söze out to clear the board of any agent working against him, they must tread carefully. Söze won’t hesitate to put them down, and without concrete proof of what he is doing, Kit and Lienna don’t have a chance.

Stolen Sorcery & Other Misadventures ups the danger Kit and Lienna have to survive. While they are still trying to do their jobs as MPD agents and solve the murder of the Guildmaster, Söze is running interference and actively trying to remove them from the picture. The corrupt agent will use all kinds of dirty tricks and criminals to achieve his goals. And while Kit and Lienna make a dynamic team, they will not have enough support alone to take down Söze.

The leaps and bounds Kit and Lienna have made as a team are incredible. Starting as partners who miscommunicated and generally didn’t think in line with one another, they have grown from each other's influence. The slow simmering romance adds an underlying temptation for readers as well. And for those who fear romance will overshadow the rest of the plot, it most certainly does not. There is still plenty of magic-slinging action and close calls. If anything, Kit’s embarrassment and confusion over Lienna are endearing. He really wants to make sure he isn’t pushing boundaries without consent.

Kit took a while to solidify himself as a character worthy to follow, but his journey to where he is now in the series is worth the wait. There is an underlying mystery around his powers, and what exactly he will be fully capable of. Each book is a more intense exploration of the world and the various people and magics that create it.

The Guild Codex world is a great adventure for those who enjoy urban fantasy, fast-paced plots, character development, and a touch of slow-burning romance. Stolen Sorcery & Other Misadventures shows that Kit and Lienna have much more to learn and accomplish. And I can’t wait to see what they tackle next.

Lovelace was meant to be a ship’s AI, processing and monitoring her crew. But when circumstances push her towards uploading into a kit, her grasp of purpose and understanding begin to unravel. Pepper stays by Lovelace’s side, as she tries to process the new world around her from the eyes of a human looking kit. Along the way, readers will discover Pepper’s tragic past and heartwarming experience with artificial intelligence.

Through Lovelace, or as readers come to know her as Sidra, there are many moments where the new perception of the world is too much for her to handle. She has what amounts to panic attacks and struggles with feeling the kit is not actually her own body. The way Becky Chambers can capture these internal struggles is heart-wrenching. But no matter how difficult it may be, Sidra has the love and support of her friends.

And one of those friends is Pepper, a woman who has gone through a traumatic past. As Sidra’s story grows and develops, readers are also taken back to when Pepper was known as Jane. While there are hints at her past in the first book, A Closed and Common Orbit will dive fully into Pepper’s abusive upbringing and escape. It is a sad read, but knowing that Pepper is around to help Sidra in the future lets readers know there is hope for her in the end.

The two storylines interconnect and show how acclimating to a new society and worldview isn’t easy regardless of who is experiencing it. They also are in line with the understanding AI’s are much more than just pieces of software, yet the world at large still doesn’t want to accept it.

A Closed and Common Orbit may be the sequel to A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, but it can also be standalone. However, if you do read this book first there will be major spoilers for book one. While book two may not follow the same cast of characters from the prior novel, it is no less phenomenal. I could hardly put this book down and highly recommend it to fans of sci-fi.

More Than a Little Warped takes place at the same time as Damned Souls and a Sangria. So make sure you have read it beforehand. This novella is a peek into Kit’s side of the story and his opinion of Tori never fails to impress. His movie lines do not land well and he is so intimidated by her. From a reader who lived in Tori’s mind for an entire series, seeing how others perceive her is fun.

This was a story full of action and Kit hijinks. Over time Kit is growing more as a character and stretching the boundaries he keeps himself within. When permitted to go full out on the MPD with probable cause, he pulls no punches and it is hilarious. Lienna even starts to bend the rules and surprise Kit and the reader.

More Than A Little Warped is a great snapshot into the MPD and the internal issues they have to deal with as well as the outside. The longer readers stay within Kit’s world, the more about the MPD will be revealed. And they might not be exactly as strict as they want people to believe. I’m looking forward to more of the Warped series!

Seeing into Kai’s mind is an exciting concept, but what readers see is a bit unexpected. While calculating his actions against the guild’s target, his thoughts strayed too often to the physical appeal of his female counterpart. The plot was focused on the two discovering instant attraction-level romance instead of showing off Kai’s magic and ability to work with his teammates.

For those who wish to see more romance in the Spellbound series, this novella will be exactly what you are looking for. However, for readers who lean more toward the action and magic side of the stories, this one will be a pass. There is nothing major readers will miss by not reading A Damsel and a Demigod. However, make sure you have read at least some of the Spellbound books or you won’t know who the characters are, how their magic works, or why they are recovering an artifact as this takes place before the Spellbound series.

When Malik lost his mother at a young age, it was violent and traumatizing. And with the rush of emotion at seeing his mother torn from him, his magic exploded into life. Igniting everything around him. Placed into the foster system, he not only had to cope with the loss of his mother but also abusive foster parents and a power he had no idea how to control.

The trauma Malik endured is deeply seeded into his character. Flashbacks of the night his mother disappeared constantly plague him, and his trust does not come easily. He immediately goes on the defensive with all adults. Even when they are trying to comfort him, it is heartbreaking to see people try to make a connection, yet readers will also understand why Malik isn’t ready for them yet. He is easily overwhelmed by affection, and when he suddenly has a family he never knew existed it is way too much for him to handle.

However, Malik’s foster brother is one of the most important people in his life. As soon as he is able, Malik tears his brother away from his abusers. In the process, Taye enters a life filled with magic and family alongside Malik. While Taye remains a secondary character, he is never far from Malik’s mind.

Blood at the Root aligns with the younger generation's grasp of the world. There is also a fair bit of generational slang young adults would connect with and understand. The romance is pretty reflective of the genre involving a long-lost childhood crush. This would be best enjoyed by young adults.

Dust returns readers to Silo 18, and the way life in the silo continues after an uprising. With the knowledge Jules now has, she is determined to find out what happened to the world. But the ally they’ve gained isn’t completely in control. One small move and Silo 18 will cease to exist like Silos in the past. Set on her path to connect Silo with Solo’s, Jules will be blinded to the consequences until it is too late.

The desperate struggle for Jules to find answers to her questions, and provide a better life for those in the silos is touching. And true to her personality she charges forward without thinking of the way things might go wrong, or if people even want what she is dragging them into. Jules finds herself balancing between the destruction the people are capable of when pushed too far and the uncontrollable forces at play outside the silo. Navigating between the two has to be done delicately, and Jules is anything but delicate.

When all of Jules’ cultivated plans go awry, she’s left with making split second decisions not everyone will come back from. Yet even when she is beaten down and feels alone, she stands right back up and tries again. And this time there is also a secondary storyline taken from book two, working in parallel. Even if they aren’t fully aware of the other’s intentions, ultimately they’re striving for common goals. It brings the cast of characters into alignment for this final novel.

Despite some great action sequences, there are many low points for Dust. Things such as exploring the engineering side of the silo machines are gone into great detail. Simply knowing the machine's purpose and intent for the plot would have been enough. There are also many loose ends still left after this final novel.

Readers who enjoy Dystopian novels may enjoy Dust. Just bear in mind there will be questions left lingering at the conclusion of the series, and the pacing is not consistent from novel to novel.

Thank you to Raina Nightingale for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Heart of Fire is a story full of lore and world building. As Camilla, Flameheart and the other key characters begin their journey, the reader will be told the history of elves, Dragonriders and unique creatures created by the gods. The break to tell history does slow the story down a bit, but gives needed background knowledge.

The writing style of this novel focuses on dialogue and the inner thoughts of the characters. Due to this it is a telling versus showing style of storytelling. There is less focus on the settings, and instead dives into how the characters feel about what has happened to them. Camilla in particular has moments where she is working through her anger over past events as a slave, and is actively learning how to understand why she is angry.

This novel does not go into depth of detail with battles, or conflicts. Conflicts that do arise are quickly resolved. Whereas discussion on things such as choices, and the cause and effect of them are explored in great detail. Heart of Fire focuses on the love between characters without turning into a romance. It shows the platonic side of love, and the connection between characters. This novel can be enjoyed by both young adults and adults.

Robin and Zylas’s time spent uncovering the mysteries of the ancient Demonica grimoire and Xavier’s true goals have forged a connection neither would have predicted. As they grow closer to their final showdown with Xavier, Robin begins to doubt her original promise to send Zylas home. But a promise is a promise, and despite how she feels Robin will keep her word. Together they will face off against Xavier and either die trying to stop him, or succeed and be torn apart.

As their time together grows ever shorter, Robin is faced with a choice. Either send Zylas home and never admit to how she feels, or risk telling him everything and breaking her heart when he leaves anyway. The power play between the two characters and the forbidden romance edge will take hold of readers and demand their attention.

But the romance angle remains a small part of Delivering Evil for Experts. The use of Demonica and different forms of magic amped up the action in this final novel. Robin and Zylas tear down boundaries and throw risks to the side as they go all out to defeat Xavier and his demon. Both sides will pull in allies to have a final showdown, and try to viciously tear each other apart. Pulling unexpected twists and turns with magic neither will see coming.

This final novel in The Guild Codex: Demonized will pull in events from the Spellbound series and put together missing pieces of character disappearances and reappearances. It will also give a wonderful amount of information on Zylas’ past and home. This was a great companion series to Spellbound that urban fantasy readers will love.

Thank you to Mark Cushen for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Over the roaring flame of the hearth and bubbling food pots in the palace kitchen, Garlan dreams of becoming a knight. Despite the harsh words of others, he continues to train with his wooden sword, unwilling to give up his dream. When an injured man stumbles into town warning of future disaster at the hands of Winter, Garlan is unknowingly caught up in a quest. Lord Winter, sealed away after the war between seasons, seeks to return and plunge the world into a forever winter. Standing between him and success is Garlan.

What can one kitchen boy do to protect the world? Everything within his power to make sure those he loves are safe. Garlan is kind and has a big heart, but his journey will be riddled with challenges and hardship. There are times when the odds will be stacked against him allowing guilt and self-doubt to creep in. But the friends he meets along the way will stand by his side when able, and encourage him to continue.

As Garlan and his friends forge their paths forward, readers will be entertained by the creative settings and encounters. From meeting small fae and their colorful forest guardians to fighting those who would turn Garlan into stew, there are so many delightful and startling experiences in store.

Little White Hands is a wonderful novel for mid-grade readers interested in adventure and fantasy settings. The conflicts throughout the book are exciting and tailored for a younger audience, yet adults will also find this a joy to read. Not to mention the themes of friendship and never giving up resonate within the writing.

Robin may have found her family’s grimoire, but there are still pages within Claude’s possession. Determined to find the lost pages and discover Claude’s goals, Robin and Zylas continue their hunt. But the closer they come to Claude, the more danger they will face. Claude has allied with powerful magic users who can directly combat Zylas’s demon magic. The pair will have to ramp up their teamwork and abilities to overcome this latest threat.

Robin and Zylas have come such a long way from two characters who could hardly see eye to eye. But while they’ve made great steps towards becoming a team, the danger is increasing the closer they get to Claude. With each new challenge, their lack of communication and trust shows. Robin and Zylas are equally stubborn and they’re going to learn some hard lessons when they find their separate abilities have little power.

The ramp up of romantic tension in the series has gradually built from book to book. And while it by no means takes over the plot, the character interactions are influenced by their feelings. The ability to work magic together is intricately tied into Robin and Zylas trusting each other with their innermost thoughts and feelings. The power balance between the two has always been unequal, yet if they can learn to communicate and sync with one another, they will make a dynamic team. And the tension between the two is just as exciting as the plot tension.

Each book in the Guild Codex: Demonized series improves on the last and the audiobooks bring such a wealth of emotion to the characters. The narrator does a fantastic job changing pitch and tone to reflect how the characters are feeling. Hunting Fiends for the Ill-Equipped is an action-packed fast-moving read. Urban fantasy readers need to visit the Guild Codex world.

Thank you to The Write Reads and Neem Tree Press for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Told through multiple points of view, and spanning years, The Idle Stance of the Tippler Pigeon tells a tale of grief and recovery. It is a story about second chances, the complexities of family and friendship, and learning how to live on past traumatic experiences.

Safinah Danish Elahi can capture raw human emotion in a detailed and intricate way, from the characters’ inner thoughts to their interactions. Readers will find themselves experiencing intense moments of conflict within each of the characters, and their struggles to find some semblance of balance and peace in their life.

As the story unfolds, each point of view begins to paint a picture of the tragedy that ultimately influenced each person’s life. Hints are mixed among each narrative, slowly working to expose why each character is dealing with grief in their own way. And how the loss of one person can influence the lives of many. Though each character readers encounter, knows the deceased in different capacities, the effect on their lives is no less profound.

The Idle Stance of the Tippler Pigeon is an emotional read that centers on how relationships and lives change after loss. And how years later it can still impact a person's life. This book is for those who enjoy stories of families and friendships trying to endure and move past their grief.

Thank you to Jamie Jackson for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Isolde is the only sorcerer in the king’s court. And as such, she is a valuable asset and tool. When a mysterious child appears from a forest no one has ever returned, the king sends Isolde to the town of Perdition to deal with him. But when Isolde and her guardian Bear arrive, the two will find there is much more to the tale than a mysterious child.

The Sparrow and the Oak Tree is a slow-burn enemies to lovers romantic fantasy. When Isolde is kidnapped by a fae in the mix of the mystery she is to solve, her basic instinct is to run away. All her life she's been told the stories of fae who trap humans. But there is a hard to ignore allure surrounding him—a constant temptation at war with the warnings in her mind.

The connection between Isolde and her fae captor grows in intensity as the story progresses. Readers will have a chance to see through both Isolde and the fae’s eyes, causing a back and forth temptation readers will need to continue reading to watch. And the varying levels of frustration they both feel when Bear does what he can to keep them apart.

Bear takes on the persona of a big brother, truly shining through with his name. And while his interventions will cause frustration there is also comedy and an ever growing romantic tension his actions induce. The relationship between Isolde and Bear is a great counterbalance to the smoldering relationship between Isolde and the Fae.

Romantic fantasy readers who enjoy slow-burn enemies to lovers, The Sparrow and the Oak Tree should be your next read! While it is a mythological retelling, there is no prior knowledge required to enjoy this story.

Through manipulation and decades of planning, Ruin does all it can to sway lives into the path of destruction. Its counterpart, Preservation, is drained as it tries to combat Ruin’s actions. Vin, Eland, and the team must figure out the hidden meaning of messages left by the Lord Ruler, who knew this day would come. But is it too late to turn back the devastation that Ruin has unleashed?

There are so many revelations taking place within The Hero of Ages. Careful planning and foundations of misdirection went into the previous books. When the truth is finally revealed readers will be hard-pressed to see it coming amidst the twists and turns. As things begin to click into place both the characters and readers will be left stunned.

The Hero of Ages touches upon recovering from grief and the battle against depression. As Sazed works to overcome his loss from book two, he begins a downward spiral. The religions he took such care to research have become meaningless. Readers will witness Sazed’s struggle to understand the circular nature of what he studied and how religions are formed over years of individual understanding and contribution. Sazed will come to a startling discovery about the history he holds close.

And then there is Spook. He goes through such an intense stretch of character development. Spook is no longer the boy crushing on Vin and lingering in the background. He makes it his goal to be a more effective part of the team. Even though all his choices are not wisely made, and he is influenced by darker intentions, Spook truly makes his mark on the world. And while not everything is perfect, he does discover self-worth and purpose.

The Hero of Ages is an intense conclusion to the original Mistborn novels. It leaves behind lingering mysteries the main cast could not discover and opens the door for even more adventure. Yet at the same time, it neatly concludes all the current character’s stories. Each of these novels was intense but easy to read. The politics are simple yet complex enough to influence the character's actions. This trilogy is for those who enjoy epic stories and well-developed characters and worlds.

Thank you to Joel C. Flannagan-Grannemann for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm has a large cast of characters. Not only do readers have a chance to experience the story through Talia’s eyes, but her nine ladies and their soldiers also journey with her. Readers can witness the relationships between all the characters, and how they collectively work together towards common goals. This does slow down the pace, but readers who enjoy side characters having their moments to shine will enjoy this style.

With a larger cast of characters, there is also the opportunity to explore many harder hitting themes without requiring the main character to experience it all. Talia and her companions face many challenges as they move from one goal to the next—grief, loss, recovery from traumatic experiences, etc. There is so much packed into this novel. Not to mention the political maneuvering and undercurrent of family rivalry.

Joel C. Flannagan did a wonderful job showing the difference between Talia’s mother as a queen and as a mother figure. There are times the queen struggles with her decisions because as a mother she would not force Talia into certain situations. However, as the queen she must do what is best for the kingdom and carry out certain political maneuvers. And the readers can see how devastating it is to her as Talia’s mother. But the bond between mother and daughter is strong, and while they will voice anger and sorrow, ultimately they love each other and understand what must be done.

Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm is a novel for those who want an in depth quest based novel. While it is slower paced, it has an intricate way of showing Talia develop her knowledge and world understanding by physically experiencing the troubles of others in her realm.

The evolution of Robin’s character from a meek girl to an empowered woman is off to a great start. Robin has so much left to go with her development, but the way she is beginning to assert herself in situations is encouraging. Robin is using her mind to think of new solutions and plan for a future version of herself. She’s even reluctantly started combat training to circumvent her natural reaction to run away.

And then there is Zylas. While he tested the boundaries of his contract with Robin in book one, in Slaying Monsters For the Feeble he’s going to push things near the breaking point. Robin and Zylas are both hard-headed and stubborn. When the two go toe to toe, there's a definite power difference. Robin keeps trying to use the customs and morals of humanity, but Zylas comes from a completely different environment. The two are going to have to sort their differences out to achieve their common goals.

Plot wise, there are so many tidbits and hints being dropped as to Zylas’ demon house being special and the origin of demon summoning. Readers will be enticed to continue reading to find answers. Not to mention the ongoing partnership and character development. Robin and Zylas’s relationship is so complex due to power differences and a base understanding of how the world works for each of them. They’re going to have to break down and try to understand one another, it’s just a question as to who will be the bigger of the two characters to do so.

Slaying Monsters For the Feeble is just as exciting to read as book one in The Guild Codex: Demonized. Readers who enjoy fast-paced, action heavy urban fantasy with complex relationships need to give this a try.

Kings of the Wyld hits spot on with the balance between humor and darker fantasy. The team encounters quite a shock at how different it is to start a band and earn their keep. Gone are the days of working hard to earn a name. There are now contests and parades, fanfare, and PR that Clay’s team would have never imagined participating in. And of course, all of this is a parallel comparison to the music industry in the modern age as well! Earning your name is more than just playing shows in the hopes of catching the eyes of the right audience, it’s social media and fanfare.

And while readers will enjoy the many subtle (and not so subtle) ties into music, there are also wonderful character dynamics. Clay is such a stalwart father figure. While he leads a boring life, it’s a peaceful one where he can enjoy his family and watch his daughter grow up. And despite all he faces on his latest adventure, his mind is never far from his family. And while he is a family man, he also has deep connections to his crew. He’s formed bonds with each member of the band. And while they go through ups and downs, and many mistakes, he remains steadfastly loyal to them. He is a character who faces down impossible odds to protect his family and friends.

Alongside the wholesome moments and humorous pluck, there is a darker fantasy undertone. It is no secret the band is marching toward what could be their death. They must travel through the Wylds, which brings a level of danger most adventures don’t have the courage to face. There is also a slow creeping devastation as characters face down the fears lingering in the back of their minds, and harsh realities come to light.

Kings of the Wyld balances humor with dark fantasy, to create a unique and engaging story. For fans of rock music, this will also have plenty of easter eggs. The characters are well written and the relationship dynamics are phenomenal. Character personalities blend into a complex and intricate team that will entertain readers through every leg of their journey. Fantasy fans have to read this book.

In Shift, readers will follow Donald. A politician skilled in architecture, who takes on a peculiar but at the time unalarming job. After all, planning new structures isn’t completely out of the way for political figures. But as the project progresses and Donald realizes what he has helped build, the chain of events will already be set in motion. As the remaining population is given medication to forget, there are some whose memories can never be erased.

As a prequel to Wool, Shift will reveal the origin of the Silos and the reason behind their creation. This is explained through the eyes of selfish and biased characters. Both Donald and the reader will be horrified at the slow-dawning discovery of what happened to the world and the utter manipulation that takes place. Not to mention the devastation and true intentions behind the entire plan. Donald may very well lose all he knows and loves, just to satisfy the goals of humans seeking power. The emotional impact Shift will have on readers is much more in-depth than Wool.

But Shift doesn’t just tell the origin story of the silos, it also gives readers an exploration of Solo’s story. When readers encounter him in book one, he’s been alone for years. But what happened to his silo? As Donald struggles in his storyline, Solo deals with the loss of his loved ones and the only life he grew up knowing. Readers will be brought back to the very moment Solo’s silo began to break apart, and the ensuing chaos he found himself barely surviving. Solo’s storyline shows the downward mental spiral isolation can inflict on the human mind.

Readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic stories should give the Wool series a try. This series focuses on the people living in the aftermath of an apocalypse and its effect on entire societies. When the remaining population has their memories erased and is forced to restart with a created doctrine and history, it is only a matter of time before something goes awry.

Thank you to Daniel Meyer for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Sam Adams is a teenage wizard who has no desire to draw attention to himself. When he finds out about a new drug on the street called Hex, his investigation will put him straight into the line of fire. While Hex might give humans magical powers, it comes with deadly consequences. Tensions between the Southside and Northside are bad enough as it is, let alone adding Hex into the mix. Sam will find himself up against impossible odds, as tempers and situations escalate.

Credible Threats is an action-filled sarcastic ride. Sam’s response to tough situations is to drop sarcastic humor which helps break tension and propel the story forward. And as soon as Sam mentioned his cat’s name was Catrick Swayze I couldn’t help but laugh. Catrick is quite the character. He serves as a voice of reason for Sam, calling him out on risky ideas, and helps where he can with his own brand of magic.

But make no mistake, there are also darker themes lying in wait for the reader. Throughout Credible Threats, Sam deals with the loss of a close friend. Flashbacks and emotional scenes will immerse readers in Sam’s regrets and solidify his reason for moving forward despite the risks. And the writing captures all of this in a way suitable for young adult readers. The action sequences have cut-away scenes perfectly timed to allow readers to enjoy the story without too much detail. The depth of emotion portrayed for Sam’s character is relatable and readers will root for him through every tough decision he has to make.

Credible Threats is for readers who enjoy fast-paced urban fantasy novels. Daniel Meyer does not pull punches for the characters but skillfully captures their struggles both mentally and physically. This is suitable reading for both adults and young adults.