Wizard of the Pigeons - Book Review

 

Wizard of the Pigeons

by Megan Lindholm/Robin Hobb

What is it about:

Seattle: a place as magical as the Emerald City. Subtle magic seeps through the cracks in the paving stones of the sprawling metropolis. But only the inhabitants who possess special gifts are open to the city's consciousness; finding portents in the graffiti, reading messages in the rubbish or listening to warnings in the skipping-rope chants of children.

Wizard is bound to Seattle and her magic. His gift is the Knowing -- a powerful enchantment allowing him to know the truth of things; to hear the life-stories of ancient mummies locked behind glass cabinets, to receive true fortunes from the carnival machines, to reveal to ordinary people the answers to their troubles and to safeguard the city's equilibrium. The magic has its price; Wizard must never have more than a dollar in his pocket, must remain celibate, and he must feed and protect the pigeons.

But a threat to Seattle has begun to emerge in the portents. A malevolent force born of Wizard's forgotten past has returned to prey upon his power and taunt him with images of his obscure history; and he is the only wizard in Seattle who can face the evil and save the city, his friends and himself.

What did I think of it:

This is a reread. First time reading it has to be between 2001 and 2009 somewhere. 

I borrowed it and now finally have my own copy.

And even though I mainly remembered atmosphere and vibes, this is indeed as beautiful a read as I remember. The writing is beautiful and vivid, painting a clear picture of a Seattle full of magic. This is as much an ode to the whimsical history and hidden places of this city (which I hope are all real) as it is a powerful, emotional story about a man who when down on his luck discovers he's a wizard.

I loved Wizard, and I could understand him when things start getting dicey and he stumbles. I will say I had forgotten about one character he encounters, and how super annoying I found this character, but it all fits perfectly. 

It was wonderful to revisit and rediscover this story, and you bet I will reread this again, especially now that I have this beautiful copy of it on my Keeper shelves.

Why should you read it:

It's a beautifully written and emotional read.

On McPig's wishlist - Night's Master

  

Night's Master (Flat Earth  #1)

by Tanith Lee

A DARK FANTASY CLASSIC: 18 seductive stories inspired by fairy tales, mythology, and the Arabian Nights, starring Azhrarn, Prince of Demons.

“Storytelling at its best and fantasy in its purest and strongest essence”—(SFSite)!

Rediscover master fantasist and World Fantasy Award winner Tanith Lee’s classic dark fantasy series, Tales from the Flat Earth, where demons and gods grant wonders and wreak havoc. Visit the Upperearth, where dwell the gods; the Underearth, the realm of nightmarish demons; the Innerearth, domain of the dead; and the Flat Earth itself, the home of mortals.

Supreme amongst them all is the demon god Azhrarn, Night’s Master, whose deadly whims could change the lives of those in the Flat Earth. Azhrarn holds in his heart a mystery which could alter the very existence of the Flat Earth forever.

Nominated for the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel, the first Flat Earth epic fantasy introduces a fascinating world reminiscent of the Arabian Nights.

The Chaos Weaver - Book Review

 

The Chaos Weaver (The Chaos Chronicles #1)

by Aubrey Winters

What is it about:

A dragon took my brother.

I’m going to get him back.

My entire world changes when a scheme-gone-wrong results in my brother being taken by a dragon.

I’ve followed them into a strange and dangerous world filled with magic and enemies, but its handsome king has promised to help me hone powers I never knew I had.

Can he help me find my brother, or will I lose my heart—and everything I ever knew—in the process?

What did I think of it:

So on social media the author was giving people the opportunity to sign up for an Advance Reader Copy. At her mention of necromancy and a mysterious king, I immediately signed up. And I got an ARC!

This is a really cool read!

I loved Everly from the start. She and her twin brother had a bad start in life and are surviving by conning people and stealing. I didn't really like her brother, but to Everly he is the world. So I could understand she follows and wants to do anything to get him back when a dragon drags him off to another world.

I really enjoyed getting to know this other world together with Everly. She immediately lands in trouble, manages to get out of it, to fall in the next mess. At times she is a bit too trusting, but as the world she landed in has very different rules and she's on her own for the first time in her life, I could understand .

And then there's the mysterious king! 

Without giving away too much I can tell you he was my favorite character (although long time blog followers might be fearing for his life now, I know I do). 

The ending although not a complete cliffhanger was exciting, leaving lots of questions, and made me hungry for more!

I might need to get this in print when it releases (ebook releases January 31st, go preorder!), and I already got a book from another series by this author to try soon.

Why should you read it:

Necromancy and a Mysterious King!

Need I say more?!

Teaser Tuesdays - The Queen's Blade

 

Our realm, splintered and broken, yearned to be united under a single ruler. The Witches may have won and put one of their own on the throne, but even they had suffered.

(page 1, The Queen's Blade by Evelyn Ward)

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Teller of Small Fortunes - Book Review

 

The Teller of Small Fortunes

by Julie Leong

What is it about:

Tao is an immigrant fortune teller, traveling between villages with just her trusty mule for company. She only tells "small" fortunes: whether it will hail next week; which boy the barmaid will kiss; when the cow will calve. She knows from bitter experience that big fortunes come with big consequences…

Even if it’s a lonely life, it’s better than the one she left behind. But a small fortune unexpectedly becomes something more when a (semi) reformed thief and an ex-mercenary recruit her into their desperate search for a lost child. Soon, they’re joined by a baker with a knead for adventure, and—of course—a slightly magical cat.

Tao sets down a new path with companions as big-hearted as her fortunes are small. But as she lowers her walls, the shadows of her past are closing in—and she’ll have to decide whether to risk everything to preserve the family she never thought she could have.

What did I think of it:

This is such a good read!

I will confess I fell in love with the cover, and that's why I bought tis book. It turned out to be a Cozy Fantasy: as if your read is giving you a hug by being mostly nice, comforting, and happy.

I loved Tao and the people she meets and befriends. Especially Mash, the ex-mercenary is so awesome (and bearded mostly, although he should stop shaving entirely Voodoo Bride wants me to add).

There are of course some stakes to keep everyone moving, but I never worried, trusting that this book wouldn't disappoint me by suddenly being mean to me. 

All in all a wonderful read, and I immediately bought an extra copy to gift a good friend for her birthday (because nobody gets to borrow mine!).

Why should you read it:

Cozy Fantasy! So nice and huggable!

On McPig's Radar - Never the Roses

 

Did I already read this? 

Yes!

Am I still totally looking forward to getting this beauty in my eager trotters? 

YES!

Believe me: you want this book! 

It's utterly amazing and beautiful in and out! 

Go preorder: I totally did.

Never the Roses

by Jennifer K. Lambert

UNSTOPPABLE WAR. UNSPEAKABLE SINS. IMPOSSIBLE LOVE.

Genevieve Gornichec’s The Witch’s Heart meets Madeline Miller’s Circe in this epic and deeply emotional romantic fantasy debut by Jennifer K. Lambert. The hardcover edition features beautiful stenciled edges.

The Dread Sorceress Oneira has retired. She’s exhausted from fighting the endless wars of kings and queens, and has long accepted that her death is near. Alone at last but for a few uninvited companions―a near-mythical wolf, a goddess’s avatar, and a feline that embodies magic itself―Oneira realizes that she’s bored. On a whim, or perhaps at the behest of fate, she makes an unlikely trip to the most extensive library in existence: the home of her most powerful rival, the sorcerer Stearanos.

By recklessly stealing a book from him, Oneira inadvertently initiates a forbidden correspondence. Taunting notes and clever retorts reveal a connection neither has found―nor could ever find―in any other.

But Oneira soon learns that Stearanos, bound to a vile king, is tasked with waging war on the queen she once served. A relationship with him is far too dangerous to pursue despite their mutual desire―and yet, Oneira can’t seem to stay away.

A bond with Stearanos could alight the long-extinct flame of life within her… or it could destroy her entirely.

Expected publication July 8, 2025

 

The Unseelie Crown (Maze of Shadows #2)

by Kathryn Ann Kingsley

What is it about:

The gods brought her back. But was it to stop Valroy, or to become his queen?

Valroy will let nothing block his path to the Unseelie Crown. He was born for the crown, born in blood and death, and he is willing to stop at nothing to see both Tir n’Aill and Earth as his dominion, and crushing the self-righteous Seelie beneath his bootheels.

He’d wished for Abigail to stand beside him as his queen, but that went terribly wrong when she chose death over becoming his bride. It was a setback, certainly, but not one he could not overcome.

Yet despite being wrenched from the song of life, Abigail returned to Tir n’Aill, only to be hunted by both Seelie and Unseelie alike. She did not know why she was returned or for what purpose, but it was clear that two paths lay before her: to become Valroy’s enemy, or to allow him to make her his queen in chains.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:

I had a total love/hate relationship with book 1. Loving the scenes and tension between Abigail and Valroy, hating some of the other ugly violence scenes. Still love won out and I got the whole series after finishing it.

This book was less vicious, but it also mostly lacked the tension between Abigail and Valroy as they are apart for the biggest part of the book. I still loved it, but it felt a bit like a filler book at times, giving you more information about the characters and the world. There were some interesting character developments though, and things got tense again at the end. The next book promises to have even more tension again, so I'll be reading it soon.

Why should you read it:

Great worldbuilding (if a bit violent at times) and intriguing characters

Teaser Tuesdays - Wizard of the Pigeons

 

This is a reread. First time reading it has to be between 2001 and 2009 somewhere. 

I borrowed it and now finally have my own copy.

I mostly remember atmosphere, vibes, and that I loved it. Starts out promising, the writing is so good!

He swallowed queasily. The footlocker seemed to swell to fill his room, muttering its ugly secrets to itself.

(page 35, Wizard of the Pigeons by Megan Lindholm/Robin Hobb)

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Locked Out - Book Review

 

Locked Out (Zombie Bedtime Stories #2)

by Thea Isis Gregory

What is it about:

Doctor Anna Lewis administrates a team of researchers who find their facility co-opted by the military, with a very special project. They're charged with looking for a medical cause to the sudden outbreak of violence and riots in the capital, which have begun spreading to neighboring cities. They must struggle to assimilate new equipment and talent, while searching for a scientific explanation.

What they discover challenges their sense of ethics, and draws them together while simultaneously tearing them apart. As the unrelenting enemy draws closer, their research is superseded by the need to survive long enough to report their chilling discoveries to the world.

What did I think of it:

This second story in this zombie series is a bit longer at 51 pages and just as cool as the first one.

Told from the perspective of a scientist who gets roped in to find out what's going on, it's engaging and suspenseful. I really liked Anna and rooted for her and for the army major who has been send to oversee her lab and the research.

It soon is clear things are bad and maybe getting close too quickly. Some things I could see coming, but this short story did have some surprises hidden in its 51 pages. 

You bet I'll be reading the next one soon.

Why should you read it:

Zombie Goodness!

On McPig's Wishlist - The Farmhouse

 

The Farmhouse

by Chelsea Conradt

Every woman who has lived on this farm has died. Emily just moved in. 

When Emily Hauk's mother dies, it's time for her and her husband, Josh, to finally leave San Francisco. A farm in rural Nebraska is everything they want for a fresh clear skies, low costs, and distance from the grief back home. 

They should have asked why the farm was for sale. 

Three years ago, a teenage girl went missing from the farm. Soon after, the girl's mother mysteriously died. The deeper Emily digs, the more stories she finds of women with a connection to her new home who've met their own dark ends.

The farmhouse was meant to be Emily's fresh start, but with each passing day, her sanctuary slips further away. The barn seems to move throughout her property, as though chasing her. Her mother's favorite music drifts across the corn. She swears she saw blood in one of the farmhand's trucks. And the screams that wake her are not foxes, no matter how many times her husband says otherwise.

Despite Josh's skepticism, Emily feels the darkness that has seeped into the soil of her farm. And if she wants to claim this place as her own, she'll have to find the truth before whatever watches from the cornfield takes her too.

Expected publication June 17, 2025

Locked In - Book Review

 

Locked In (Zombie Bedtime Stories #1)

by Thea Isis Gregory

What is it about:

Haley is enjoying her new job as a paramedic on a beautiful summer’s day. Not even her dour and sullen partner, Frank, can deflate her enthusiasm for life. Responding to a routine call near her former high school, she is excited to see her old hang-out spot, the park. On arrival, something is clearly wrong, and Haley is attacked by one of her old friends. Soon, she begins to experience disturbing changes in her personality and food preferences, until she wakes up a zombie. Her consciousness is suspended in a body that she can't control, and she needs to find a way to escape.

What did I think of it:

I'm always on the lookout for a good zombie story, so when I encountered the author on Social Media and she mentioned zombies I immediately got hold of her Zombie Bedtime Stories series and read the first book as it's only 18 pages.

And what a cool read!

It's told from the perspective of someone who has been infected and it's so well done! I was immediately hooked and wondering how this could and would end. Those 18 pages flew by. I was very glad I immediately got the whole series of short stories, because this one tastes like more!

You bet you can expect a review of the secons book real soon!

Why should you read it:

This is an amazing zombie read! 

Teaser Tuesdays - The Teller of Small Fortunes

I'm still reading this one. So far this is a really fun read, but I got stuck somewhere without physical book, so started on an e-book and read that first before continuing with this book.

But here with two unwanted escorts of dubious reputation, it had become something loud and unfamiliar. But not, thought Tao as their small party clanked on, entirely unpleasant.

(page 38 The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong)

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Taylor Swift Reading Challenge 2025

I don't think I'll actively hunt down books that fit here, but it might be fun to see if my reading fits these.

 

On McPig's Wishlist - The Farmhouse

 

The Farmhouse

by Chelsea Conradt

Every woman who has lived on this farm has died. Emily just moved in. 

When Emily Hauk's mother dies, it's time for her and her husband, Josh, to finally leave San Francisco. A farm in rural Nebraska is everything they want for a fresh clear skies, low costs, and distance from the grief back home. 

They should have asked why the farm was for sale. 

Three years ago, a teenage girl went missing from the farm. Soon after, the girl's mother mysteriously died. The deeper Emily digs, the more stories she finds of women with a connection to her new home who've met their own dark ends.

The farmhouse was meant to be Emily's fresh start, but with each passing day, her sanctuary slips further away. The barn seems to move throughout her property, as though chasing her. Her mother's favorite music drifts across the corn. She swears she saw blood in one of the farmhand's trucks. And the screams that wake her are not foxes, no matter how many times her husband says otherwise.

Despite Josh's skepticism, Emily feels the darkness that has seeped into the soil of her farm. And if she wants to claim this place as her own, she'll have to find the truth before whatever watches from the cornfield takes her too.

Expected publication June 17, 2025

Revolution: Piercing the Veil - Early Musings

 

Revolution: Piercing the Veil by Samantha Minerva

What is it about:

Have you ever wondered what lurks beneath the surface of your conscious mind? Have you ever felt like your life has a purpose that you have yet to discover? Have you considered what happened to the five-year-old version of yourself? And where his or her zest for life went? Would you like to reclaim that part of you and create a life full of meaning, color, and joy?

Join one woman on her quest through the deep and dark underworld of human consciousness, as she confronts every fear, wound, and shadow keeping her from the ultimate truths about life, love, and reality. Her rawness and realness will reach into places deep inside of you, shining a light on the parts of you that are screaming to be seen, held, and acknowledged.

This is not a journey for the faint of heart, but a journey into the heart of pain, to reveal the gold buried beneath it all.

What are my early musings:

Only on page 30 of over 300 of this book of poetry, but this is a book to savor and take in just a few poems at the time. I really recommend giving this a try if you have kindle unlimited. Beautiful and sometimes dark, these poems are a delight to read.

Amazon

Teaser Tuesdays - The Teller of Small Fortunes

 

On the day the Teller of Small Fortunes came to Necker, the village was in an uproar because the candlemaker's would-be apprentice had lost all the goats.

Laohu plodded to a stop in the town square and Tao patted his rump.

(page 1, The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong)

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Legends & Lattes - Book Review (reread/repost)

 

Legends & Lattes (Legends & Lattes #1)

by Travis Baldree

What is it about:

After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time.

The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success—not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won't be able to go it alone.

But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.

What did I think of it:

This book has been all over the internet and has been lauded by lots of people, but it took me a while to pick it up as I was a bit wary. Finally I caved.

And this is such a pleasant and fun read!

I loved reading about Viv's attempts to start a coffee shop, and about the people she manages to meet and befriend on the way. It's mostly a fluffy and cozy read about friendship, with just enough obstacles thrown in to keep the story engaging.

If you've played Dungeons and Dragons there's tons of things that you'll recognize, but for people who haven't, this book is a perfectly entertaining and enjoyable read as well. There's a tiny bit of romance, lots of coffee, and good friends.

Definitely a keeper!

Why should you read it:

It's fluffy, cozy, and totally enjoyable.

Thoughts on rereading:

Still a delight and definitely worth rereading especially when you need a book that's like a warm hug.

Happy 2025 and Challenge Update

 

Time to see how I've done last year with my challenges.

So let's start by saying that 2024 was a total WTF?! year for us. So reading was one of the things suffering from that as you may have noticed by the lack of reviews.

We finished 60 books in 2024.

24 of those were rereads.

6 were Orphans,

4 of them were from 2023, 1 from 2021, and 1 from 'how and were did I even get this?'.

My series challenge:

Series:

Karma Marx duology: Done!

House Immortal trilogy: Done!

Dark Swan series: Done!

Jessie Shimmer trilogy: 1 read, 2 to go

Souls of Fire series: DNF

Esther Diamond series: 2 read, 3 in my TBR, 2 to track down

Well... We didn't do too bad on these. 

We decided to stop with Souls of Fire because we seriously disliked the main love interest. We liked the other two friends with benefits and couldn't stand the heroine thirsting after a real big jerk, while two perfectly fine men wear there for her.

So for 2025 we'll try to get 12 Orphaned books off the TBR. Which should be easy with how the TBR pile is big!

We will also keep working on those two series we haven't finished yet.

Some of the books we read in 2024

I decided to not chase after reviews and start afresh in 2025, but feel free to poke me if you're curious about my thoughts.

Happy 2025 to all and Happy Reading.