beccaannekent's reviews
555 reviews

The Blood Moon Matron by C.L. Rose

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adventurous emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

When I chose to request this I was hoping for a forbidden romance / enemies to lovers contemporary paranormal romance book, which is certainly what was portrayed within the synopsis. Unfortunately, this isn’t quite what was advertised leaving me disappointed.

Firstly, the writing style is quite disjointed. We leap from one thing to the next, with no context or flow. This is especially obvious in the time jumps, particularly during Nickolas and Lucy’s relationship. We suddenly lose months of them dating, when it was earlier explained that Lucy was worried her father would be moving them again any day now. I feel like the author needs to establish exactly how urgent the move around Lucy’s family does regularly is. At the beginning, it is portrayed that Lucy will be jumping from one place to the next every few months, at the maximum a year. But we remain within London for the first 50% of the novel. If I’m honest, I think moving about where Nickolas has to find her would have been more interesting, and given an overall better pace to the book. 

Secondly, the pregnancy trope is sprung quickly and unexpectedly on the reader. Nowhere in the synopsis does it state that there will be an non-consensual breeding attempt and then, later, an actual pregnancy which is quickly followed by abortion discussions and almost a preachy tone given regarding the characters opinions on abortions. This entire section was giving me Twilight Edward vs Bella wanting to keep the baby vibes and, sadly, I was not enjoying it. 

If I’m honest, a lot of this book did feel like it was influenced by pop-culture vampires. Nickolas reminded me of The Originals, and his Noble Family indeed gave the same vibe as this. You could also compare them to the Volturi in Twilight, particularly regarding the relationship with the wolves and the pregnancy trope. 

In my personal opinion, if this book was more fleshed out, particularly around the history of the vampires, the wolves and the warlock/witches the story would have so much more to give! There is a lot of promise here, especially if the story steps away from the pop-culture vampire references and is more clear within the synopsis for readers to know what they’re stepping into when picking up this book. 

Most definitely leaning more towards a YA/NA audience, I think this book would be fantastic for those who are fans of Twilight, True Blood, The Originals and The Vampire Diaries etc. 

Although this book wasn’t necessarily my preference, I do encourage others to read and explore this authors world for themselves, as I think it absolutely will cater for the right audience! 

I want to thank NetGalley, Cranthorpe Millner Publishers and C. L. Rose for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. The review is my own opinion and I have given this freely. 
Hades by Carly Spade

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adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Turns out I don’t like a Hades retelling when Persephone isn’t in it. This was very meh. 

2.5/5.
A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

My god it has been a long, long time since I have read a book that captured folklore, fantasy and fairytales like this one has. 

A Dark and Drowning Tide combines the darkness of A Brothers Grimm Fairytales with the whimsical and alluring style of Lewis or Tolkien (and as a huge Tolkien Fan, I do not say this lightly). 

Setting out on an expedition, we follow an intrepid group of individuals, each with their own unique talents, as they attempt to find the source of magic within their lands, whilst solving a murder along the way. Our FMC, Lorelei, must work with her rival, Sylvia to ensure the project goes ahead as planned and confirm who killed their mentor before it is too late. 

The writing style was so utterly captivating and gorgeous, weaving so many different folklores and stories together I was enraptured from the very start. I must admit, I was not aware of any German Fairytales or creatures before delving into this book, and I did have Google on hand to ensure I was able to keep up with each one introduced, but this absolutely only enhanced my experience. 

However, the thing that absolutely makes this book is the stunning enemies/rivals to lovers romance that entwines throughout the story. These two had me giggling and kicking my feet from just them holding hands! Note: this is a fade to black series, ensuring that it remains within the YA genre. This does not, in my opinion, take anything away from this romance. 

I want to thank NetGalley, Daphne Press and Allison Saft for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. The review is my own opinion and I have given this freely. 
The Women of the Cousins' War: The Real White Queen and Her Rivals by Philippa Gregory, Michael Jones, David Baldwin

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informative reflective fast-paced

3.0

This book covers a brief, but interesting history of three women in the “Cousins War” (later known as the War of the Roses”. Jacquetta of Luxembourg, Lady Rivers. Elizabeth Woodville, Queen of Edward IV and Margaret Beaufort, mother to Henry VII. All three played significant roles in this time period’s history, but until recent times have been briefly mentioned due to their sex. 

As this is co-authored by three people, each covering the history of one of the subjects, then you can separate this book into three parts.

The introduction, and Jacquetta’s story is given by Philippa Gregory. Who is known for her fictional and almost fantasy based historical novels rather than factual. I must admit, the fictional novels are a guilty pleasure of mine, even though when I read them I know there is limited accurate historical information throughout. I take them as they are. 

Unfortunately, although Jacquetta’s story is the least known to me and the one I was most excited to learn more about, Philippa’s non-fictional writing is not as immersive as her fictional. I was bored, particularly in the lengthy introduction, and couldn’t wait to move on. 

David Baldwin and Michael Jones’ takes on Elizabeth and Margaret were much more interesting. I was sad that Jones skipped quickly over the Battle of Bosworth with Margaret (potentially due to lack of accounts?), I can’t imagine what her thought processes were knowing her only son was either going to emerge victorious as a King of England or die trying. 

Overall, a short but interesting book which would be perfect for anyone beginning to dip their toes into this time period, particularly the Wars of the Roses. I am glad that finally women in history are being brought to the forefront and we can learn more about their impact on such historical events. 
The Queen of Cursed Things by S.M. Gaither

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Not quite an “ARC” as such, but I did receive a free copy of the New Edition released August 2024 from the author in exchange for an honest review. 

Before I go any further, I have to state just how much I love all of the characters SM Gaither has created in her Marrlands world, and I cannot believe I had no idea of this series existence until recently. This was the first series the author has written in this world, but timeline wise, it is set between Flame and Sparrow and The Song of the Marked. It also is very much YA compared to F&S and its sequel, so please bear that in mind.

As always we’re introduced to a strong, independent and thoroughly well thought out female main character. SM writes found family really well, and this book is no exception.

We follow Alaya, who is not who she seems and is hiding a pretty big secret from her village and her friends. A shock discovery of this secret leads her to the empires capital, and an introduction to the Royal Family. The Rook King is not a good leader, in Alaya’s eyes he’s the reason for her mother’s death and why she has to keep so many secrets close to her chest. She wants revenge and she may just have found a way to enact it, with the help of her friends and a certain prince. 

This is absolutely a book that focuses on self-discovery and redemption. Alaya doesn’t know who she is and this majorly impacts her life and her plans for the future. Character development is strong and there are some plot twists, particularly betrayals, which I did not expect. The complexity of the characters themselves and their behaviours kept me engaged and made for a compelling story. 

The world building is just enough to keep you informed, but not overwhelm. You would probably find this much easier if you have already read the other books in the Marrland World, where the heavy detail of the God’s Hierarchy and the magic system have already been detailed. 

Overall, as always, SM writes a fantastic fantasy story that makes you want to come back for more. I am already counting down the days for the re-release of book 2! 
Madness by Shantel Tessier

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dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I knew I was going to love this answer Haidyn did NOT disappoint thankfully. 

Absolute depravity, and I ate up every page! 

There is some really interesting plots coming together from previous books and I can see how they’re all being very intricately and cleverly linked and it just excites me for the next one. 
The Tempest's Soul by Brittany M. Riley

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

A slow-burn Romantasy, The Tempest Soul has a lot of tropes that tick all my boxes:

• a FMC who develops strongly throughout the book
• original, interesting magic system
• slow-burn romance
• fake relationship / pretend dating
• Varying races and creatures
• One bed
• One horse
• Found Family
• Quests

However, there was one trope which it didn't quite deliver on and this is world building. Absolutely 100% yes this world is interesting, I like the dynamics and the different races within the world and how the interact with each other but unfortunately, there wasn't enough information given for me to understand the importance of a name being mentioned or a city because I didn't know who or what they were and their significance.
 
I am never a fan of info-dumping, so that is not the solution, but personally I think this can be easily fixed with Eira having a lesson within the temple in the beginning and it being history based, covering the families, the royals and the races briefly but succinctly. It just needs a small amount of fine-tuning and finesse and it can be so much easier to follow and more enjoyable.

That aside, I did enjoy the story and the characters, even if I was running through the book mostly on vibes. The tension and romance is perfect, I really love a slow-burn that has pay-out in the book (and not several books later in the series) and this was absolutely spot on for myself. The plot twist at the end was genuinely not one I saw coming, which is rare, and I thoroughly enjoyed the shock factor it provided. I will 100% be keeping my eye out for book 2 as I must know what happens next.

I want to thank NetGalley, Fox Tale and Brittany M. Riley for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. The review is my own opinion and I have given this freely. 
A Touch of Shadows by Jessica Thorne

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adventurous hopeful mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

A fast and engaging read, I would recommend A Touch of Shadows for anyone wanting to venture into the NA Fantasy genre. 

Focusing on Wren, our FMC who is a witch, living with her mother in a forest and supporting a small community with healing. Wren’s life is turned on its head, when unexpectedly a knight becomes magically bound to her. 

The magic system is simple (light vs dark) yet this makes it easy to follow with no complicated explanations or concepts to understand. This makes the story also easy to follow, yet the world building was immediately pulling me in. 

Unfortunately, the book lacked a little bit of finesse. It could have been fantastic if the characters had been fleshed out better, and more time spent on each of them in turn. There were multiple POVs which I felt gave plenty of opportunity for this, but sadly this wasn’t utilised enough. This is particularly disappointing around Wren and Finn’s relationship. I’m normally not a fan of ‘insta love’ in fantasy, but the premise of ‘magically bound’ really intrigued me. This could have been SO good if the two main characters had some more time dedicated to their feelings around this bond and how it was affecting them. 

Overall, A Touch of Shadows has peaked my interest enough to see how the story plays out and I’m looking forward to book 2! 

I want to thank NetGalley, Second Sky and Jessica Thorne for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. The review is my own opinion and I have given this freely. 
Henry V - The Astonishing Rise of England's Greatest Warrior King by Dan Jones

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adventurous informative inspiring tense slow-paced

5.0

One thing you can count on with Dan Jones books, and a reason I love them so much, is their readability. You truly feel like you’re having a conversation with him, and can feel his enthusiasm for the subject throughout every page. 

Henry V, potentially one of England’s most famous Kings thanks to Shakespeare, but also probably one of the most misrepresented Kings of medieval England. When you read of Henry V they will always focus on his deeds, particularly Agincourt, and Jones touches on this during his introduction. Thankfully, in his detailed but endlessly interesting manner, Jones covers the boy and his upbringing that will eventually become the man and King, Henry V. His years as a son of Lancaster and then Prince of Wales, defending his principality are key to understanding Henry, and how he came to be the stalwart King who was able to take on France. 

Dan Jones delivers a fresh perspective on Henry’s character and how decisions he made may have led to his ever famous victory at that little town in Normandy in 1415. 

I want to thank NetGalley, Head of Zeus and Dan Jones for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. The review is my own opinion and I have given this freely. 
Crown of Slumber by R.L. Perez

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adventurous mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

A standalone Fantasy Romance, Crown of Slumber takes the Disney Sleeping Beauty story and adds a few twists, and a sprinkling of spice.

The concept of the story, the magic in the world and the dragons (and their lore) was well thought out and quite unique. I really enjoyed the aspect that each dragon has differing magic and differing connections to people depending on the land that they’re originally from. 

The two main characters were well structured, plenty of backstory which was revealed at critical points within the story, and just enough to want you to keep reading to reveal more. For a Romantasy, their love story was believable enough to myself as a reader to want to cheer for a happy ending. However, I would not class this as enemy to lovers. 

The spice was good - it didn’t overwhelm the story and remained appropriate for a “book with spice” (as a Romantasy should be), rather than a “Spicy Book” (like erotica).

Unfortunately, the last third of the book fell slightly flat as the story was rushed towards the end. I can see why, this book was clearly designed to be a standalone and it needed to be wrapped up, however I genuinely think if we had stopped the story at where Aurelia is captured within the Star Court and then had a second book, with a more fleshed out ending (and more dangerous situations to the characters), it would have been a fantastic duology. 

There seemed to be a lot of villainous characters throughout this book, but the “Big Bad” never quite lived up to expectations. She was easily defeated and I never had any sense of trepidation or fear that Aurelia would not win. 

Overall, a really fun read. Definitely one for those who love a fairytale retelling! 

I want to thank NetGalley and R.L. Perez for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. The review is my own opinion and I have given this freely.