The Sea Witch - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

 

The Sea Witch 

by Rebecca F. Kenney

What is it about:

When Averil saves a young man from a shipwreck, she thinks she feels the Soul Echo--the sign that the young human male is her one true mate. And the malevolent Sea Witch is all too happy to offer a deal that could make all her dreams come true. He wants her to win the prince's heart--even coaches her in the art of seduction. But what is the real price of the Sea Witch's help? Why is he more brutally beautiful--and charming--than Averil expected?

*check for trigger warnings before picking this up*

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:

I was in need for a book I knew I would enjoy, but I wasn't in the mood for a reread - I already reread The Arrows of the Heart by Jeffe Kennedy for the x-th time - so I picked up a book by Kenney as she hasn't disappointed me so far.

And this is another enjoyable read.

Just as in The Maleficent Faerie Kenney manages to write a delicious gender-swapped villain. I was rooting for the Sea Witch from the start. The overall story was very entertaining, but the scenes between Averil and the Sea Witch were so good! I was totally engrossed and yearned for their Happily Ever After.

There were enough elements to recognize this as a re-imagining of The Little Mermaid, but Kenney makes the story her own and I loved the new elements and the ending. I will say I only read the original tale and never saw the Disney version, so if you love that version I don't know if you'll love this book. But let me say one thing: Tentacles!

All in all: this is a delicious and enjoyable re-imagining with a yummy villain/grey hero. You bet I'll read more by Kenney.

Why should you read it:

Tentacled Male Sea Witch!

Divergent - Book Review (repost/reread)

 

Divergent (Divergent #1)

by Veronica Roth

What is it about:

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

What did I think of it:

This was a surprisingly cool read.

I did have some trouble with the world view of this book at first. The factions and how they function didn't seem very believable, but for the sake of the story I decided to take them for granted.

And I'm glad I did.

The story is suspenseful, intense and really cool.

I really liked Tris and could understand her struggle to try to fit in. And even though I was still a bit skeptic about the factions they did make for a very interesting setting.

The initiation Tris goes through is brutal and made for some really intense moments. There was lots of cool action as well. I did wonder how the initiation for other factions would be and luckily for some of them it is explained.

The romantic storyline was very nice, though slightly predictable, but at least it wasn't yet another love triangle or square, so that made me all happy.

Very late in the book a second major storyline gathers speed and plunges Tris in even more intense situations. This leads to an ending that makes you want to pick up the next book in this series right away.

This is certainly one of the more interesting Dystopian stories I've read lately and I will try to get hold of book 2 as soon as possible.

Why should you read it:

It's an action packed, intense Dystopian YA

Thoughts on rereading:

With a re-imagining/alternate storyline/thing coming out later this year I decided to do a reread of at least the first book in this series to be able to compare the new books to the original.

And this reread was fun!

I still think the world building is strange, but it makes for a fun story. I had forgotten there's a bit of a religious message near the end, but it's so minor I didn't mind. Overall still a cool Dystopian read. I'm curious about the new duology.

System Collapse - Book Review

 

System Collapse (The Murderbot Diaries #7)

by Martha Wells

What is it about:

Everyone's favorite lethal SecUnit is back.

Following the events in Network Effect, the Barish-Estranza corporation has sent rescue ships to a newly-colonized planet in peril, as well as additional SecUnits. But if there’s an ethical corporation out there, Murderbot has yet to find it, and if Barish-Estranza can’t have the planet, they’re sure as hell not leaving without something. If that something just happens to be an entire colony of humans, well, a free workforce is a decent runner-up prize.

But there’s something wrong with Murderbot; it isn’t running within normal operational parameters. ART’s crew and the humans from Preservation are doing everything they can to protect the colonists, but with Barish-Estranza’s SecUnit-heavy persuasion teams, they’re going to have to hope Murderbot figures out what’s wrong with itself, and fast.

Yeah, this plan is... not going to work.

What did I think of it:

I read and forgot to review this back in 2024.

(It was quite the year)

I couldn't really remember a lot, so when I got Platform Decay in the mail I decided to reread this before reading Platform Decay.

I know lots of people complained about Network Effect being slow, but to be honest to me System Collapse felt slow at first. I still enjoyed the story, but was waiting for things to actually start happening. (Some of this may be because it was a reread however little I remember of that first read.)

Murderbot is a mess and trying to deal with a lot of things and the way it was written was cleverly done. Still I was glad when action kicked in and the pace of the story picked up. From there on out it felt like Murderbot was back on track and found a way to move forward after the things that happened in Network Effect. I'll be picking up Platform Decay soon to see what's next for Murderbot.

All in all a great read if a bit slow at first.

Why should you read it:

Murderbot! Ehm... I mean: It's a really great SciFi read.

Teaser Tuesdays - Mister Magic

 

The sun assaults Val's eyes as she stumbles off the missing front step, knocking over one of the cinder blocks. She nearly falls among the toads.

(page 128, Mister Magic by Kiersten White)

---------

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 Faraway Inn - Book Review

 

The Faraway Inn

by Sarah Beth Durst

What is it about:

After a devastating heartbreak, a teen girl decides to spend her summer helping her eccentric great aunt manage her quaint Vermont inn--but this fixer-upper is hiding a magical secret--in this cozy and irresistable new fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop.

Sixteen-year-old Calisa is desperate for a change of scenery after her lying ex ruins her perfect Brooklyn summer. When her parents suggest she head to rural Vermont to help her great-aunt run her cozy bed and breakfast for a few months, she jumps at the chance.

But when Calisa arrives at the B&B, she's shocked to find a rundown inn with only a handful of guests. And to make matters worse, upon meeting with her great-aunt it quickly becomes clear that Calisa was not invited. Auntie Zee is determined to keep anyone from messing with her beloved inn…even if it is clear she needs the help.

To earn her keep, Calisa sets to work fixing up the inn, enlisting extra help from the groundskeeper's (handsome) son. But the longer she stays, the more it becomes evident that there is something strange about the B&B—and its residents. Something almost…otherworldly.

The inn is keeping a magical secret—but to protect the place she's come to love, Calisa must unravel the truth of it, and her aunt, before it's too late.

What did I think of it:

After the fluffy happy coziness of The Spellshop series I totally had to get this YA Cozy Fantasy.

And it doesn't disappoint!

I loved every minute I spent with this book. Together with Calisa I got to explore the Faraway Inn and discover its many wonders. Having read my fair share of Magical Realism and Fantasy books I picked up on the hints dropped throughout the story, which made sure I kept ahead of Calisa in discovering what was going on. It was fun to see where things started to click into place with Calisa.

Overall this is a wonderful and cozy read. You bet I'm keeping an eye out for more books by Sarah Beth Durst.

Why should you read it:

This book is like a cup of hot chocolate on a chilly day.

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror - Book Review

 

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror (Crowns of Nyaxia #2.5)

by Carissa Broadbent

What is it about:

She was commanded to kill him with a single strike to the heart. She didn’t expect her own to betray her.

Sylina has sacrificed everything for her goddess–her soul, her freedom, her eyes. Life in service to the Arachessen, a cult of the Goddess of Fate, has turned Sylina from orphaned street-rat to disciplined killer, determined to overthrow Glaea’s tyrannical king. But when a brutal vampire conqueror arrives on their shores, Sylina faces an even deadlier adversary. She’s tasked with a crucial mission: infiltrate his army, earn his trust… and kill him.

Atrius is a terrifying warrior carving an unstoppable path through Glaea. Yet when Sylina becomes his seer, she glimpses a dark and shocking past–and a side of him that reminds her far too much of parts of herself she’d rather forget. Sylina’s orders are clear. The conqueror cannot live. But as the blood spilled by Glaea’s tyrant king runs thicker, her connection with Atrius only grows stronger. A connection forbidden by her vows. A connection that could cost her everything.

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror is a standalone fantasy romance set in the Crowns of Nyaxia world, full of heart-wrenching forbidden romance, dark curses, and epic battles – perfect for fans of The Bridge Kingdom and the From Blood and Ash series.

What did I think of it:

I devoured this book, it's so good!

Turns out I absolutely love Broadbent's writing and worldbuilding, I just really did not like the main characters in The Serpent and the Wings of Night.

Sylina is an intriguing character. I liked getting to know her and learn more about her order and how it shaped her. Atrius is a cool character as well, so it was easy to root for the both of them to connect and learn to trust each other.

There's action and suspense, betrayal, and more, but the growing bond between the two and Sylina's growth as a person away from her order were the heart of this story. 

All in all this is a really enjoyable and engaging read. I'll investigate if there are more books in this world that have this vibe.

Why should you read it:

Cool worldbuilding and a very enjoyable romance.

Teaser Tuesdays - The Sea Witch

 

But I thought I should show him what I can do, I protest.

The Sea Witch cuts me off. Let him win. Again and again. Watch his mood improve.

(page 136, The Sea Witch by Rebecca F. Kenney)

---------

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!

Do You Ship It? - Book Review

 

Do You Ship It?

by Beth Reekles

What is it about:

When Cerys’ secret crush Jake moves to a new college, she realises she’s running out of time to take their relationship from platonic to romantic. She’ll do anything to get out of Jake’s friendzone, even if that means finally diving into the huge fantasy fandom he loves so much. Though she absolutely can’t see the appeal in Of Wrath and Rune, if Jake loves it, then Cerys will too.

But when Jake introduces Cerys to his shiny new friend Max, who goes to all the fandom conventions (and loves a costume or three), Cerys realises she’ll need to do a lot more to grab Jake’s attention than just read a few fanfics.

Can Cerys convince Jake they should become the new couple to ship? Or will he see straight through her cosplay?

What did I think of it:

This was a fun read!

For me as a reader there were a lot of things I could see coming, but that's what makes books like this fun: the clear hints of what's going on, and guessing when Cerys will come to certain realizations. 

I really liked Cerys and rooted for her to overcome the many struggles she faces with both her friendship with Jake, and with school friendships. This book is as much about finding yourself and being brave enough to not give in to peer pressure as it is about Cerys trying to get Jake to notice her.

All in all a very enjoyable read.

Why should you read it:

It's a fun Contemporary YA read.

The Wonder Engine - Book Review

 

The Wonder Engine (Clocktaur War #2)

by T. Kingfisher

What is it about:

Pull three people out of prison--a disgraced paladin, a convicted forger, and a heartless assassin. Give them weapons, carnivorous tattoos, and each other. Point them at the enemy.

What could possibly go wrong?

In the sequel to CLOCKWORK BOYS, Slate, Brenner, Caliban and Learned Edmund have arrived in Anuket City, the source of the mysterious Clockwork Boys. But the secrets they're keeping could well destroy them, before the city even gets the chance...

What did I think of it:

This was an entertaining read and a mostly cool conclusion to this duology.

I absolutely loved Grimehug, the gnole who joined Slate and her team in The Clockwork Boys. He and the other gnoles are my favorite of the creatures in the Clocktaur world.

I also really liked Learned Edmund and Brenner.

The story was fun and exciting as well. I was eager to find out how our band of misfits would deal with their predicaments and how they would complete their mission.

But the Romance...

I loved Slate, but Caliban...

I know which Knight Commander inspired Caliban, and I can say that Caliban is just as annoying as I find that particular Knight Commander, so well done, I say.

And mostly the romance is cute and sweet, and I might even have been satisfied with it, but near the end of the book something happens that for me would have meant the end of the relationship or should have had at least a different aftermath then it got. Now the Romance to me ended with a lopsided relationship that I don't think will last.

All that said: the overall story was still tons of fun, so this book will be added to my growing T. Kingfisher collection.

Why should you read it:

It's a really fun and entertaining Fantasy read.

Teasing on a Wednesday - Do You Ship It?

 

He interjects, 'And this is my mate, Jake. He was meant to come dressed as you, actually, but had a wing malfunction.'

(page 184, Do You Ship It? by Beth Reekles)

---------

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!

Apparently, Sir Cameron Needs to Die - Book Review

 

Apparently, Sir Cameron Needs to Die

by Greer Stothers

What is it about:

All his life, Sir Cameron has stayed as far away from danger as possible. He is, quite frankly, too handsome to die a violent and pointless death in battle. But when the Church hands down a prophecy to his fellow knights predicting that the only way to defeat their nemesis, the mad sorcerer Merulo, is to kill Cameron, he finds himself in a situation too sticky for even his considerable wiles. Short of ideas, Cameron throws himself on the mercy of the one person who now actually wants him to survive: the mad sorcerer.

Merulo isn’t thrilled to be babysitting a spoilt, attention-seeking knight, but fate has tied them together. And transmogrifying Cameron into a vulture is at least a great source of entertainment. Cameron, meanwhile, is on a voyage of self-discovery. It turns out he’s really, really into surly sorcerers who lock him up and tell him what to do. Who knew?

As a legion of knights surround their stronghold, the sorcerer’s poisonous ambitions draw ever closer to fruition. Cameron is quite invested in not dying, but he finds he’s also invested in Merulo. And sometimes, supporting the sorcerer you care about means taking an interest in their hobbies. Even if that hobby is trying to kill God.

Even if it might get you killed, too.

What did I think of it:

This was a nice enough read.

I especially liked the first half of the boo. It was fun and funny, and Sir Cameron's antics were fresh. Also: He's a vulture for parts of the story!

At one point though, I thought things were going on too long and then there were revelations where it came to the world this story is set and the book lost me to be honest. I was far enough in to finish it, but it was a bit of a drag.

All in all a fun concept, with an overall execution that was just not for me.

Why should you read it:

It's a fun Fantasy Romance.

Book Review - Love, Lies, and Ley Lines

 

Love, Lies, and Ley Lines (The Fast & the Fae #1)

by Jeffe Kennedy

What is it about:

It’s been years since the infamous smuggling team of Bandit and Goldilocks thumbed their noses at the fae authorities, running the priceless magical pixie dust desired by everyone from hedge witches to the storied magic academies. No one in the human principalities controlled by the fae can work even the simplest spells without the stuff. And without fae magic, humans will find themselves back in the dark ages of disease and fast mortality. But the enigmatic fae keep a tight grip on their monopoly of pixie dust, charging extortionate prices at their whim.

Bandit has been doing her best to get by on her racing wins and the quick thrill of one-night stands while her former partner and best friend, the powerful sorceress known as Goldilocks, is off playing house and having babies. But when Bandit gets the offer of a lifetime, she convinces Goldilocks to come out of retirement for one last, hugely profitable gig.

And if the Bandit picks up a mysterious and seductive hitchhiker fleeing his wedding, well that just adds a bit of spice to the job. When he refuses to tell her his name, she dubs him Prince Charming and only regrets that she won’t have time to find out more about her enticing companion—and what he looks like under those fancy clothes.

As the Bandit and Prince Charming run distraction for Goldilocks and her precious haul, they face untold dangers penetrating the arcane fae realms.

All for gold, glory, and maybe even true love.

What did I think of it:

Do you even need to ask?!

Jeffe Kennedy isn't my favorite author for nothing: this book is yet another winner!

This book had Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves vibes, but did it so much better in my opinion. They absolutely should make a movie based on Love, Lies, and Ley Lines. I'd watch the shit of out of it while also rereading this book.

I absolutely fell in love with Cha & her best friend, had my doubts about Prince Charming as well as finding him super intriguing, and couldn't get enough of the cool world Jeffe created for this thrilling adventure.

You bet I finished this in one day and that I'm now eager for the next book!

Why should you read it:

It's such a cool and delicious read!

Go Buy Here

Nine Goblins - Book Review (reread/repost)

 

Nine Goblins

by T. Kingfisher

What is it about:

When a party of goblin warriors find themselves trapped behind enemy lines, it'll take more than whining (and a bemused Elven veterinarian) to get them home again.

Nine Goblins is a novella of low...very low...fantasy.

What did I think of it:

This such a fun read!

It's silly, funny, and touching all in one.

The story switches viewpoints between the goblins and Sings-to-Trees, an Elven veterinarian. I loved the goblins and their view of the world, but I will confess I loved Sings-to-Trees even more. He's on the receiving end of a lot of trouble, still he keeps going and stays helpful.

The goblins get themselves in hot water as well, but they're tough and resourceful in a unique goblin way.

All in all this was a delight to read, and as promised when I read it last year: I got my trotters on the hardcover for this first of many rereads!

Why should you read it:

It's a super fun Fantasy read!

Teaser Tuesdays: "Look at My Pretty Book" Edition

 

No teaser from my current read today, but pictures of my newest arrival, just because it's pretty.

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror

by Carissa Broadbent

Have you read it?

What did you think of it?

Sea of Charms - Early Book Review

 

Sea of Charms (Spellshop #3)

by Sarah Beth Durst

What is it about:

Marin is a supply runner with her own boat that she sails from island to island, delivering whatever anyone will pay her to deliver: letters, flour, even the occasional enchanted lemur. It’s a lonely life, but it’s hers, and she wouldn’t trade the freedom of the sea for anything. Her only companion is a sea serpent, Perri, whom she saved from a fisherfolk’s net.

One day, she sails to Alyssium and discovers the city is on fire. There’s been a revolution, and the empire has fallen. Marin, with Perri, begins transporting refugees, finding them new homes where they can start over. One such refugee is Dax, a composer who refuses to leave behind his instruments, no matter how much she tries to emphasize the gravity of the situation. Intrigued by his stubbornness, his passion for stories, and his charming smile, Marin discovers perhaps she isn’t saving him ― maybe it’s the other way around.

What did I think of it:

I absolutely love The Spellshop and The Enchanted Greenhouse so I was super happy to receive an ARC of Sea of Charms.

The book felt initially slow. I get why it started where it started, but as it overlaps time- and event-wise with The Enchanted Greenhouse it felt like a rehash at times and that's what took the speed out of it for me personally. But luckily after a few chapters the story moved away from the previous book and took on speed. 

I especially enjoyed Ree, the sentient plant, and Perri, the sea serpent. I love how Durst manages to give the plants in this series their own personality.

I didn't totally get into the relationship between Marin and Dax. Marin seemed unreasonably obsessed with Dax from the start even while telling herself they can never be together, while Dax is a cinnamon roll where someone forgot to add the cinnamon. 

I didn't mind much though. The adventures of the four of them were more than fun and enjoyable enough to keep me entertained. I loved seeing even more of the world these books are set in, and to discover more of what happened in the aftermath of the revolution. There's exciting action, lots of humorous situations, and more. There were a few delightful cameos from characters from the other books along the way as well.

All in all a fun and entertaining addition to the series. I will most definitely get my trotters on the hard cover once it releases.

Why should you read it:

It's a very enjoyable Cozy Fantasy

Expected publication July 28, 2026

On McPig's Radar - A Long and Speaking Silence

 

A Long and Speaking Silence

(The Singing Hills Cycle #7)

by Nghi Vo

Every story begins somewhere.

On the banks of the Ya-lé River, the town of Luntien gathers to celebrate the start of the rainy season, but the celebration is marred by the arrival of refugees from the sea. Everyone has a story about the foreigners newly in their midst—lazy, violent, unwanted—while the refugees themselves grieve the loss of the home they loved.

Cleric Chih, very recently still Novice Chih, is also a stranger in Luntien. A moment of carelessness and bad luck leaves them waiting tables as they struggle to establish themself as a real cleric. A cleric’s job is to listen and record, but the stories emerging in Luntien are ugly and violent, as hard to predict as the river itself. With their hoopoe companion Almost Brilliant by their side, Chih must help the refugees while also unraveling a mystery that may have roots in their own faraway home in the abbey of Singing Hills.

In the seventh entry of the award-winning Singing Hills series, we meet Chih and Almost Brilliant just beginning their journey together as Chih assumes their place on the road and in the world.

The novellas of the Singing Hills series are standalone stories linked by the Cleric Chih, and may be read in any order.

Expected publication May 5, 2026

The Maleficent Faerie - Book Review by Voodoo Bride

 

The Maleficent Faerie (For the Love of the Villain #2)

by Rebecca F. Kenney

What is it about:

A spicy, Fae Sleeping Beauty retelling with a male version of Maleficent, a dying realm, and intriguing twists on the old tale.

When Malec, the Void King, attacks Princess Dawn's carriage, her Fae bodyguard Aura switches places with her. Glamoured as a human, Aura must fool Malec into thinking she's the Princess he cursed 25 years ago. Relentless and powerful, but with a vulnerable side he hides from others, Malec begins to crave Aura's respect as much as he craves her body.

What did Voodoo Bride think of it:

I've very much enjoyed the other books I've read by Kenney so far, so I treated myself to The Maleficent Faerie to see if I'd enjoy stories not connected to her Wicked Darlings series.

And this book was such an enjoyable read!

I'd call this a re-imagining instead of a retelling as the story differs greatly from the original fairytale (in the most yummy ways). I fell hard for Malec (I do love a tortured hero/villain) so it was easy to lose myself in the romance between Aura and Malec. There were of course story elements connecting this story to its inspiration, but those were used in original ways to create a whole new story with a romance at the heart of it that doesn't need a prince to save Aura. 

All in all I had a great time with this very steamy and delicious Fantasy Romance and you bet I got my hands on another book in this series of standalones.

Why should you read it:

It's a delightful Fantasy Romance re-imagining of Sleeping Beauty.

Teaser Tuesdays - Apparently, Sir Cameron Needs to Die

 

"Why should he be mad? He's the one who fucked me over," I grumbled, then winced, hoping the construct circling some distance below hadn't caught my words.

(page 68, Apparently, Sir Cameron Needs to Die by Greer Stothers)

---------

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!