Hello, readers! I hope you all are having a wonderful winter or summer, depending on where you are.
I’m back with more book reviews and recommendations. And as always, I hope you find your next favorite read among these gems.
Isn’t it the perfect time for Fantasy? Tell me what are you reading these days or are you too busy to find time for your favorite books?
House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
5 Stars Review
A beautiful story with a beautiful message. In a world where magical people are regulated by the government, a man working with the department of magical creatures finds himself questioning his reality and what’s right or wrong. He works with orphanages and reports back to the relevant department. His reports decide which orphanages will stay open, providing homes to orphan magical children, and which will close. He has never questioned what happens after his reports are processed. But on one particular assignment, he meets children and the caretaker who changes his opinion for good. He realizes that children are first and foremost children. They don’t need to be isolated and judged, rather they need love and protection. Now, he will never be the same. He can no longer do his job and stay emotionally detached. Just because someone is different doesn’t mean they are bad or that you should be afraid of them. If we take the time and learn about each other’s differences, we might end up loving our differences. Everyone is beautiful just the way they are. And that’s the central message of this beautifully written story that will take you on an adventure and change your life forever.
I thoroughly enjoyed the way it’s narrated. I loved the main character and his way of looking at things. He is perfect to tell a story like this. No wonder the “extremely upper management” picked him to visit the house in the Cerulean sea. Although told from an adult’s point of view, this book is meant for children. I listened to an audiobook of this and would recommend it to all listeners. It’s a very well-narrated story. It has some fun moments, and some sad ones, but mostly it is a thought-provoking book meant for those who are always ready to open their minds to new ways of thinking and looking at things.
4 out of 5 Stars
It’s such an interesting story that takes us to another London, a darker side of the city that hasn’t changed much with time. It’s a dangerous place where few survived. Then there is your regular London, a place many love. Personally, I enjoyed reading about both the Londons; the real as well the fantasy. The story has some interesting, well-developed characters. Overall, I feel that it isn’t anything special, but I think that the way it’s told makes it special. As far as fantasy goes, it’s a good one.
Door is running from her enemies. Someone killed her family and now wants to kill her but she has no idea who or why. In despair, she uses her ability and made a door that would leave her to safety. To someone who would save her and that’s how she met Richard, a man from London above. She probably shouldn’t have involved him in her problems but she had no choice. Later, she might regret it. For now, she needs his help and he seems like the type of man who would help a girl in need, regardless of the consequences.
A man living a pretty ordinary life finds himself getting mixed up with the cut-throats from the wrong London and now, his life will never be the same. His adventure will take us to the darkest tunnels and we will meet creatures that only exist in our worst nightmares. Just when it feels that Richard will never find his way back to his world, the story surprises us. But will he ever be happy with his mundane life now that he has tasted the thrill of a dangerous life? Living on the edge might be more addictive than he thought.
Overall, it’s a book that will ignite your imagination and might make you fall in love with the characters, even the villains.
4.5 Stars Review
It’s a very well-written paranormal fantasy that takes you to a world of intrigue and romance. The beginning is a little slower for my taste but I think it’s perfect in this case because it gives you a chance to get into the story. I especially loved how it combines so many cultures and languages. It’s one of the best books I have read with diverse characters.
Elle is more powerful than she admits to anyone, most of all to herself. In the past, she did something that is haunting her and she thinks happiness isn’t for her. That is until Luc comes into her life and proves her wrong.
Lucien is working for a man he can’t respect doing a job he hates. There is no way out, though. That is until he has a reason to try harder. Now, he is determined to change his circumstances and help Elle regain her happiness.
I’m a fan of Asian Fantasy and the premise of this book is what piqued my interest first. Then I read more about it and knew I would love it and I wasn’t wrong. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and loved every character.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest opinion of it.
Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
The Blood of Stars #1
5 of 5 Stars: I would have given it more if I could…
This book is a fantastical masterpiece and I loved every second of it. I have read books by Elizabeth Lim before and she is quickly becoming my favorite author. This year I discovered Asian Fantasy, a genre I didn’t know much about. I have read many wonderful stories and I think some of my favorite 2022 books are Asian Fantasy books. This one is also on the list.
It’s a Mulan-type of story, where the heroine pretends to be a man to enter a competition at the palace. It’s a fictional world but much like ours. Girls aren’t allowed to do many things and among them is becoming a royal tailor. But Maia might not have a choice in the matter. Aside from the fact that she is an excellent tailor, better than any man, there is also a slight problem, i.e. her father cannot answer to the royal summons. Thus, it’s up to her to protect her family’s honor, and pretends to be her brother.
At the palace, things are very different than Maia thought. It is not a competition just for their skills but it’s also about politics and using whatever advantages one can find. There, she will find some allies and many enemies. She will meet the Lord Enchanter, who will scare her and fascinates her at the same time. And she will meet her Emperor, a man like no other.
But the real test will begin when the princess, betrothed to the Emperor, gives her an impossible task. She must sow the three dresses of Amana to prove her worth. She must travel far to find the sun, the moon, and the stars. What new challenges await her on her journey, read to find out more.
Unravel the Dusk by Elizabeth Lim
The Blood of Stars #2
Another 5 Stars Read
In this second installment of the duology, the story continues and Maia faces more challenges. Last time, she succeeded in her task and even became the royal tailor. But now, she wonders if she had made a big mistake. The war is at their doorsteps once again and the land will bathe in the blood of soldiers and civilians alike. To make things even worse, the demon Bandur wants her and won’t rest until she gives into the curse and becomes a demon.
Her friendship with Ammi is also one of my favorite parts of the story. I absolutely love how well-paced the book is and how perfectly the story flows. Elizabeth Lim’s descriptions and settings will take you on a wonderful journey of rich culture and fantasy. No matter the danger, there is always hope that all will end well. But will it really or is the world changing too fast for anyone to do anything about it?
Trying to stay ahead of Bandur and hiding from the Emperor’s people, Maia must find Edan. He might not be able to help her, but she still wants to see him again just to make sure he is safe and well. He had called her the last of the land, but what happens when she becomes a danger to those who are near her? What kind of choices and sacrifices she will have to make this time around? Will there ever be peace in the land? All these questions and many more will keep you on your toes and you won’t be able to put the book down.
If you enjoy a good Fantasy, then I highly recommend The Blood of Stars Duology.
Enjoy the rest of your year. I hope the coming one brings you much joy and lots of books to read. Happy Holidays!
Between The Pages Of A Book 