ablogofbooksandtea's Reviews

The Dragon Queens' Son by Jessi Fenix is a captivating fantasy adventure packed with mystery, magic, and heart. The story draws you into a richly imagined world where destiny, family, and courage collide. With compelling characters and a plot that keeps the pages turning, this is a fantastic read for anyone who loves dragons, royal intrigue, and epic coming-of-age journeys. Highly recommended for fantasy fans looking for their next escape!

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.

Five Rituals of the Forgotten is an intriguing anthology with a haunting, folkloric pulse running through each story. Gideon Paert builds eerie little worlds that feel half remembered and half dreamed, and a few of the "rituals" linger long after you close the book.

That said, the collection can feel uneven. Some stories are sharp, atmospheric, and beautifully unsettling, while others fade too quickly or don’t quite deliver on their premise. The themes are compelling, but the emotional impact varies from piece to piece.

Duskshade offers a moody, magic tinged world with plenty of atmosphere, and Patershuk and Dobson clearly have a strong vision for their story. The lore is intriguing, the setting feels lived in, and there are moments where the tension really clicks.

For me, though, the book doesn’t always maintain its momentum. Some scenes are wonderfully immersive, while others feel a little rushed or underdeveloped. The characters have compelling dynamics, but a few emotional beats don’t quite land with the impact they’re aiming for.

Still, it’s a solid, imaginative fantasy with flashes of brilliance. If you enjoy dark magic, layered worlds, and stories that blend character drama with creeping mystery, Duskshade has enough to keep you turning the pages.

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.