I want to thank Venessa for her kindness in responding to my email and for sharing this prequel with me. I was late to the party! Her response made meI want to thank Venessa for her kindness in responding to my email and for sharing this prequel with me. I was late to the party! Her response made me feel welcomed as a reader, and it added a lovely personal touch to my experience of the series.
I’m glad I read the prequel before diving into the main book, as it gives a great introduction to the world’s inhabitants and allows me to witness the first meeting between Yvonne and Guise. Currently, I have no idea what that signifies. Who is Guise to Yvonne? Could he become a love interest?
So, I'm eager to dive into the main story to find out more about this world populated by the goblins, Wulfkins, humans and the Sorceresses, especially the rare Hunar. It's looking good so far....more
First, let me tell you that I don't usually read novels because I prefer series, and I rarely read non‑fantasy books, but this was an exception, all bFirst, let me tell you that I don't usually read novels because I prefer series, and I rarely read non‑fantasy books, but this was an exception, all because my friend, Hani, mentioned this book to me. However, I don't regret reading it at all! Here's why...
The first chapter convinced me to keep reading. I loved diving into the point of view of the three-brained creature, Marcellus, and I must say, Marcellus was the reason that powered me up to keep turning the page.
At first, I enjoyed the creature’s sections most and found the human perspectives less engaging, mainly because it was difficult to keep track of everyone besides Marcellus. So many names were introduced, and the narrative kept alternating between characters, which made it harder for me to get to know each one.
But after a while, especially as the plot thickened, I began to better understand the story revolving around Tova, the seventy-year-old woman who takes pride in her cleaning duties at the aquarium, and Cameron, the thirty-year-old whose attitude occasionally irked me.
The mystery surrounding the death and Tova’s relationship with Marcellus, the GPO, was compelling. I had fun guessing how the story would unfold. Cameron’s journey in search of his father was also entertaining, though there wasn’t much suspense there since Marcellus had already let us in on that secret.
Overall, the book combined a pleasing balance of mystery, humour, and sentiment, though the pacing was a little slow. In the end, it was a truly heartwarming story! Just one thing, though...
(view spoiler)[ I had hoped Marcellus would retrieve the key from the bottom of the ocean, leading to the discovery of the body. But that didn’t happen! (hide spoiler)] Still, that was just my imagination running wild. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for light and enjoyable reading material....more
In this five-book series, we witness remarkable growth. Friendships forming, alliances secured, respect earned, and love developing. The pacing is steIn this five-book series, we witness remarkable growth. Friendships forming, alliances secured, respect earned, and love developing. The pacing is steady, and the storyline flows smoothly, keeping me engaged without ever feeling rushed or dragged.
So, it’s a no-brainer! This series deserves a full five stars. From the very first book to the last, it delivers a wonderful reading experience filled with action, rich world-building, and characters who each have distinct personalities. ❤️
Book four raises the stakes in every direction. Instead of slowing down, the plot intensifies. This time, we not only explore human territory but alsoBook four raises the stakes in every direction. Instead of slowing down, the plot intensifies. This time, we not only explore human territory but also visit the realm of Surjusi, AKA the demons.
I cannot say enough how much I love Arrow’s adventure. We have seen her grow so much over the past four books, and I am eager to discover what awaits her in the final instalment. So far, the series has taken us through every territory mentioned in the story.
Perhaps we will see positive changes in Taellan and on the human side. The Shifkin appear to be in good hands, and the Erith still owe Arrow the recognition she deserves and a chance at a happily ever after. ...more
A new problem arises in the heartlands of Erith, specifically in the palace. Although Arrow is an exile, her service is still highly sought by those wA new problem arises in the heartlands of Erith, specifically in the palace. Although Arrow is an exile, her service is still highly sought by those who valued her in Taellaneth.
However, the Taellan still show her little respect and causes problems, which makes it harder for her to carry out the tasks of finding the missing Erith and catching the killer on the loose. The latter task comes as a direct request from the Queen.
In the Heartlands, we also learn more about her lineage, including her birth name. Meanwhile, love remains a low priority in Vanessa’s book. After the near absence of romantic elements in books one and two, book three attempts to explore that theme.
However, readers who are looking for a full romance will be disappointed because it appears only briefly in chapter one and again in the final chapter.
Anyway, I cannot wait to see what awaits Arrow. Before I finish this ramble, one detail still nags at me. Since she is busy with an ongoing project for the Shifkin, it seems odd that she did not at least tell them she would be away to help the Erith. Just saying. ...more
I absolutely love the continuation of Arrow’s story. As expected, it is full of action like the first book, but this time the world expands beyond TaeI absolutely love the continuation of Arrow’s story. As expected, it is full of action like the first book, but this time the world expands beyond Taellaneth and Shifkin territory, and we also explore the human side. As the title implies, some long-held secrets are finally revealed.
That said, I am honestly a little nervous about reading the next book, especially with the title: Betrayed. I hate seeing Arrow suffer even more. She barely gets to enjoy the small luxuries she deserves. ...more
Finishing The Rising left me with a bittersweet ache. I was so hoping to witness the spring festival, and many of my other questions went unanswered. Finishing The Rising left me with a bittersweet ache. I was so hoping to witness the spring festival, and many of my other questions went unanswered. Still, I understand that these stories aren’t about tying up every loose end, but about confronting the larger forces shaping this world.
I adore every character in this series. When Modig appeared at Yvonne’s doorstep, I felt giddy, almost able to smell his warm, spiced cooking. Saying goodbye to Grayling, Sephenamin, Jaalam, Ewan, Pieris, Mariah, Joel, Modig, Yvonne, Guise, and even Ulla feels like leaving behind a home. This world and its people will stay with me long after the final page ❤️.
The adventure continues in the Searching, where Yvonne and Guise are both tested mentally and physically. Accused of murder, the respected Hunar is onThe adventure continues in the Searching, where Yvonne and Guise are both tested mentally and physically. Accused of murder, the respected Hunar is on the run, and the proud Goblin lord is kidnapped and tortured.
Yvonne’s resilience, resourcefulness, and the friends she can count on are admirable. The book’s portrayal of helplessness and devastation, alongside moments of joy and courage, is beautifully written and takes me on an emotional rollercoaster. So I quite enjoyed it because it plays with our emotions. ❤️
A slightly longer review will be available on my site as soon as I finish reading the series. ...more
Book four of the Hundred series takes us to the home of the Sisters, once protected by stone walls that no longer stand after a devastating attack. YvBook four of the Hundred series takes us to the home of the Sisters, once protected by stone walls that no longer stand after a devastating attack. Yvonne’s mission in this instalment is to discover who perpetrated the massacre.
This adventure is an eye-opener, sending us to a place we have not visited before and revealing Yvonne’s original hometown. Meeting her parents is a big moment for me, as I had no idea how poorly they treated her until I read the story.
A slightly longer review will be available on my site as soon as I finish reading the serie...more
Highly engaging story with memorable characters, thrilling adventure, and rich world-building.
After finishing this third book, I still have several quHighly engaging story with memorable characters, thrilling adventure, and rich world-building.
After finishing this third book, I still have several questions. Thankfully, the story continues in three more books, despite an earlier suggestion that this might be the end. So, I hope to get all the answers to the questions that I have in mind.
For this book, I was somewhat disappointed by the way the ancient enemy is defeated. After so much build-up, I expected a struggle and perhaps a meaningful sacrifice, but the resolution felt easier than I anticipated.
Nevertheless, many scenes and adventures are excellent and outweigh my disappointment. I very much enjoy Yvonne’s time in the Goblin palace, followed closely by her leadership of the team into the treacherous Forbidden Lands. Both parts highlight her courage and resourcefulness. A badass heroine indeed!...more
Talking about underappreciation. Our heroine, Yvonne, faces a similar fate to Arrow in the Taellaneth series. While Arrow is exiled, Yvonne is demotedTalking about underappreciation. Our heroine, Yvonne, faces a similar fate to Arrow in the Taellaneth series. While Arrow is exiled, Yvonne is demoted. She feels powerless without the Hunar symbol on her shoulder, and for a moment, she loses her sense of direction.
However, even without the title, her help is still needed. Children are still being abducted, and there is new evidence suggesting that her mentor, Elinor, was murdered, and Yvonne must uncover the truth.
Another great continuation in the series, full of action and adventure. I enjoyed following Yvonne as she uncovered secrets, and I laughed when she ran away as she couldn’t handle the foreign feeling. Toughen up, Mristrian!
I am curious, though, what Guise sees in Yvonne that makes him so smitten and devoted to her, despite her lordly title. His mother is the freaking Goblin Queen!!! So, what will the Queen do about Yvonne? Will she accept her?
A slightly longer review will be available on my site as soon as I finish reading the series. ...more
When the Hundred is first introduced, I have many questions about the group. I want to learn how someone becomes a Hunar, what their powers are, what When the Hundred is first introduced, I have many questions about the group. I want to learn how someone becomes a Hunar, what their powers are, what the initiation process involves, and how the hierarchy works. I also want to know why Yvonne became a Hunar and how she came to adopt the two Wulfkin, Joel and Mariah. I am curious about her past, especially the scar on her neck.
Although I have answers to most of these questions, new ones keep arising as I read. Questions about the sisters, the bonds, the goblin territory, etc. It's all very exciting, and I can't wait to find out what awaits Yvonne in the next book!
A slightly longer review will be available on my site as soon as I finish reading the series. ...more
Thea still endures bullying at the office, but handling admin work has actually benefited her this time, as she begins to notice a pattern. Either herThea still endures bullying at the office, but handling admin work has actually benefited her this time, as she begins to notice a pattern. Either her colleagues are incompetent or something more is going on.
What a wonderful continuation story! We're in the middle of the series, and the story is still engaging. I’m very pleased with the direction it's going. Several long-awaited revelations finally come to light, and although they did not surprise me, the new developments still make me giddy.
I really hope circumstances change so Thea accepts her true self, learns magic, and takes revenge on the bully who tormented her in her youth.
A slightly longer review will be available on my site as soon as I finish reading the series. ...more
Just like in the first book, there are cases to solve in the city of Accanter. This time, the investigation involves the Citadel, which brings Thea’s Just like in the first book, there are cases to solve in the city of Accanter. This time, the investigation involves the Citadel, which brings Thea’s nightmares to life. She has to visit the place and deal with the Ageless she has been trying to avoid. To make things worse, there is a deadline to solve the case, and if she fails, the Ageless will take matters into their own hands.
I love the scenes where Thea and Niath work together. They make a great team, and taking down the big bad feels almost like a ritual for them. The rest of the group, Dina, Odilia, Iason, and even Sutter, are fun to read when they brainstorm and try to solve cases.
I am curious about what the next story's excuse is to bring Niath and Thea working together again. How will they eliminate the threat posed by the goddess Alayla and her followers? Why is the pony at the Citadel? Could there be bad seeds within the Citadel itself?
A slightly longer review will be available on my site as soon as I finish reading the series. ...more
Deadly Night is the first book in the Ageless Mysteries. A great introduction to a world where humans, magic users, Nairiad (sort of like merfolk), anDeadly Night is the first book in the Ageless Mysteries. A great introduction to a world where humans, magic users, Nairiad (sort of like merfolk), and several night-kind shapeshifters coexist under the rule of the Ageless, winged beings like Angels, and were once worshipped.
I enjoy the mystery, the world-building, the side plots, the politics, the discoveries, the allies Thea gains along the way, the secrets, and her strong personality. Her backstory is compelling, and I want to learn more about what happened before they left the Citadel. Most importantly, who saved her?
A slightly longer review will be available on my site as soon as I finish reading the series. ...more
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