The Witch’s Broken Crown is a spellbinding blend of magic, betrayal, and fierce determination. Robin crafts a world dripping with atmosphere. Every choice feels heavy, every secret sharp, and every character pulses with emotion. The heroine’s journey is gripping and beautifully messy, filled with power she’s terrified to wield and truths she can’t outrun. Darkly enchanting, fast paced, and rich with tension, this is the kind of fantasy that keeps you turning pages long after you meant to stop.

Vitalia delivers a vivid, eerie world with plenty of dark whimsy, and Eliza Benner’s imagination is undeniably captivating. The concept of a circus bound by secrets and soul magic is fascinating, and there are moments where the atmosphere really shines.

For me, though, the pacing felt uneven. Some chapters pulled me in completely, while others dragged or left me wanting more clarity. The characters have strong potential, but a few emotional beats didn’t land as deeply as I hoped.

Still, it’s an intriguing start to a series with a unique vibe and striking worldbuilding. If you enjoy dark circuses, soul touched magic, and stories that lean into the uncanny, this one is worth a look... Even if it didn’t fully sweep me away.

The Haunting on Ashmoor Lane has a wonderfully eerie premise, and there are moments where Anne Shortlived captures that classic, creeping dread atmosphere. The setting itself is the strongest part, with fog soaked streets, whispered legends, and a house that feels like it’s watching you back.

But the execution didn’t quite land for me. The pacing is uneven, the scares predictable, and the characters never fully come into focus. I kept waiting for the tension to build into something sharper or more surprising, but the story settles into familiar beats without pushing them further.

Still, there’s a kernel of haunting charm here. It just needed more depth, more bite, and a stronger emotional pull to truly linger.