stitchsaddiction's reviews
1142 reviews

This is a fantasy and coming of age story that follows the unplanned adventures  of two best friends, Lily and Alice; an apothecary apprentice and a girl people call a witch and outcast… 

Sisters of Shadow is a young adult novel and that's apparent by some of the darker and more violent moments of their misadventure along their journey, as well as the chemistry between the two girls and their respective partners. However, I did feel as though some of the writing and storytelling feels more middle grade in nature, which is somewhat disappointing as it lets the overall dynamic of the book down.

Everything about Sisters of Shadow should have appealed as there's magic, mystery, misadventure, and a group of truly evil witches who seem to live in a cult-like manner. However, I found the world building wasn't consistent in how strong and immersive it is, which is very important, especially when it's a fantasy novel. Due to this, there is a disconnect between both myself as the reader and the world they're in. I prefer books that truly pull me in and hold me there, so for example, I'd feel as though I'm a witch or a friend to Lily or Alice.

I did enjoy how the storyline is a dual perspective as the two girls are separated, so to is their adventures, feelings, and circumstances. The supporting cast of characters do add to their recollections both for the good and the dire moments and the connection between Alice and Grace especially was done so well that you experience their initial reticence and Alice's uncertainty of who to trust through to the two experiencing an intense and intimate chemistry. It wasn't in your face at all that either girl was attracted to the other nor that their sapphic romance would occur, so it felt natural albeit swift but sometimes when you know.. you know.

Sisters of Shadow had a great premise, but I was left with far too many questions. primarily, why are the witches so damn awful and cruel to those they themselves encouraged to seek out their coven? I was irritated. There wasn't more explanation, nor if I'm honest, any historic moments of why the coven exists, etc. I kept holding out for answers but instead got a cliffhanger instead.

When I read the premise of Black Shield Maiden, I was intrigued by the mix of an African warrior among the culture and world of the Vikings. The concept of these two vastly different cultures mixing together had me curious, and I wasn't disappointed.

Our main character is a young African princess, Yafeu who finds herself taken from all she's known and facing a life either as a slave or dead until she unwittingly encounters a group of Vikings as they pillage fresh shores. This meeting will change everything.

I loved how Yafeu's strength and internal fire are felt from the page, and she truly comes to life as the book goes on. She's a warrior in many ways from the way she's raised, to her refusal to not give in when all is lost and I was firmly in her corner willing her on - I love that kind of writing when a fictional character feels so real that you can't help but look for them. Her journey is written so well from what is familiar and home for her in the Ghanaian empire to the cold and unknown lands of Norway, etc, that the Vikings call home. From her clansmen who she's known all her life, and the humidity that is again written so well, to the cold, and terrifying North the world building is done brilliantly and I was hooked from page one.

The fantasy aspects are woven skillfully into what is known from history and the tales of Old. There is legends and lore told between Yafae and Freydis, whom she serves for a period of time as a somewhat lady's maid and eventual friend which are fascinating and the reader will undoubtedly feel as though they're sitting at the fireside with the two women. 

I do need to acknowledge that there is darkness in the book, as both cultures at the time were focused on war, aggression, the claiming of people as slaves, and of pillaging, etc.  It doesn't glorify it, but Yafae's journey of self-discovery, etcetera, stems from being snatched and sold as a slave. Freydis's own journey, albeit not physical, is again one that begins from having no control over her own life. Slavery is a central part of Yafae's life at various moments, and whilst the practice is indeed shameful, it is prevalent to Black Shield Maiden. For many, life was cruel, but it was especially cruel to women even if people such as the now infamous Shield Maidens make being a woman in Viking culture be free of the controls of their sex. (Thank you, Vikings, for that romanticisation of the culture).

I requested Dungeons and Drama from Netgalley because I literally have a musical mad and DnD nerd for a son, and he wanted me to read it. (Thank God I was accepted so I could tell him how good it was!)

Firstly, the cover is so adorable, and I loved how cute the characters look on it - I mean, come on? Nathan has elf ears on because, of course, he does.. 

The story is a young adult romance and very sweet with a well done fake romance and a great cast of background characters who're an almost found family in the way how tight they all are and I loved how they complimented one another. Riley is a stereotypical musical lover who's obsessed with both the school musicals and longs for a career on Broadway in her future. She's somewhat obsessive about it, and that's what led to her spending time at her Father's game shop as she's in trouble. 

The way the store is described is so well done, and I could easily visualise it with the Warhammer style tiny figures and paints, stacks of board games that can be rented or bought etcetera and of course the plethora of Dungeons and Dragons items. Riley has zero interest in and has a prejudice against it because she sees the store as to why her parents are divorced. 

Nathan is the kid in school who hates to be there, and the store is his sanctuary and doesn't like Riley one bit, but there's a girl he wants, of course. Riley comes up with the fake dating and it had me giggling as it was so much fun to see Nathan be torn between how he dislikes Riley and how well it works to make the girl become a green eyed monster. 

I loved their chemistry and how the fake dating and close proximity had the effect of making the two start to see they'd misjudged one another. Yes, it's a cliche, but it's a fun one. However, it's not just Riley and Nathan who bring out the fun of the book, but their friends - I may not play DnD but I loved the commentary of their games and my son said it was that chaotic when his group play. Though I doubt despite some of his team, anyone breaks out into actual song! These moments of joy are tangible, and I loved how there are glimpses of how the somewhat estranged relationship between Riley and her dad blossom as he's so proud of her.

This is a fun read, very sweet and I enjoyed it a lot. It reminds me of a chic flick, a story that makes you smile and appreciate a happy ever after with the classic ‘things go wrong’ moment.

Six Scorched Roses was an incredible novella from the Crowns of Nyaxia world, and I was so glad to be swept away to this dark world again.

Quite often, a novella feels too short, but I don't know what it was about Six Scorched Roses, but it felt like a full-length novel. The world-building is so well done, bringing the darkness and how desolate it is for Lilith and those who have been cursed. As awful as it is for the people living there, Carissa Broadbent has given life, albeit a bleak one to the world they're living (and dying) in.

I listened to the audiobook of this novella and absolutely loved Amanda Leigh Cobb's narration and how her storytelling swept me away once more to this world and whilst Lilith and Vale are new characters, I love how intrinsically woven Vale especially is into what we know from The Serpent and the Wings of Night. He's an example of the utter darkness and violence that is expected of a vampire, but I loved how there was more to him. How he craved knowledge and I like how Lilith's sheer determination to help her sister and townsmen intrigues him and draws him out to grow fascinated, friendly and then love the human who'd become his little mouse.

I adored this novella, and now I need to get the physical copy and will be, of course, lost to book two soon. I highly recommend Carissa Broadbent to anyone who loves Anne Rice and others similar to her in this genre.

Without a doubt, this book is one that every parent/carer of an LGBTQIA+ child should get after their child has taken the brave step to talk to them. It will help break down fears, provide explanations, and give the reader the support to aid their child in any way that is needed.

I liked that whilst providing information, the chapters are far from overwhelming so that you won't feel like you're drowning in information whilst still processing emotion and the ‘where do we go now?’ Each chapter has a brief set of questions that can help the reader break down both what they've read and how they may be feeling at that point. 

The author, John Sovec, is a therapist who works with families of LGBTQIA+ children, so his information you're provided with is taken from years of experience. His way of explanation is compassionate and comprehensive as it comes to the discussion of the various ways a child will come out, whether in regard to gender identity and/or sexual orientation. 

As a parent of two transgender boys, I have been there alongside their journey of both their gender identity and their sexual orientation. Whilst it was somewhat easier than it could have been because we are accepting of our children and I myself am nonbinary? Mistakes were made, and that's natural, and no parent should break themselves apart because of it. I do wish there had been a book such as ‘Out’ just to try and catch ourselves before we made them or doubt their identity with those dreaded words ‘Is it a phase?’ (I'll preempt a read and say to you - don't say that to your child.)

Above all, this book will give you the facts, the phrases, and the support you will need. You will make mistakes, and you will struggle, and you will mourn for the maybe, and all of this is explained succinctly and gently. There is a constant that is so true. The author will remind you that you need to listen to your child and you need to love them just as much as you did before and to be kind. That sounds obvious, but it's good to be reminded by someone who has seen countless people come through the process of a child coming out and discovering themselves.

Out is exceptional. It's a book that's been needed and wanted for a long time, and I highly recommend it to every adult whose child is LGBTQIA+. It should be available to anyone in childcare, education, and therapy and suggested to anyone as the default guide to be the best you can when your child needs you.

Thank you, John Sovec, for writing this for every LGBTQIA+ child who needs their parents/guardians to be their protector and first line of support.

Grim is the first in The Withering Mysteries and throws you into a world filled with magic, witches and wizards, monsters, and monster hunters who search out and destroy all that lingers in the dark. I liked how we, as the reader, are introduced to monster hunter, Grim, in the midst of his journey, and although we don't know immediately what has caused him to seek help? It unfolds, albeit partially, as the book unfolds.

Grim has got himself into quite the grim predicament - pun intended and his life is dependent on finding an answer and cure but as it's book one in a series it's apparent that it won't be easy. As anyone knows who enjoyed the Witcher series of which some of the monsters could easily be a part of it, we all know that when a hunter has made a mistake and his life is in peril?  We won't see that swift fix because hunters are just supposed to suffer. (Sorry Grim.) Amy Boyles has brought our moody and distant hero to life in such a visceral manner that you can practically feel the angst and tension ripple from the page. 

Grim doesn't want help. He doesn't want to be beholden to anyone, but sadly, he has no choice, and he simply hates it. He's his own worst enemy, and I have a feeling he's going to be liked by many who read The Withering Mysteries because of it.

This is an excellent blend of mystery and fantasy as of course the monsters do come out to play and they're described so well as is the world-building so you can't help but feel as though you're in the bizarre town born from an old movie set hunting down these gruesome creatures alongside Grim. One such monster hunt may help him get answers for his predicament, but as things should always be when building up the angst, anticipation, and that rush of adrenalin? Nothing will come easy.

Grim held my attention from the get-go with diverse characters, some grumpy, some sunshine in their personalities, and some downright sketchy. The storyline is woven together in such a manner that there's both light ahead and utter darkness and despair. 

I will say, however, that I did keep wondering where Grim's dog disappeared to? He arrived at their destination and then disappeared, and it seemed strange, I would have thought a hunter's dog would stay with the hunter? Small point, I know, but I kept waiting for the dog to turn up with a monster or clue in paw.. Book Two needs more Savage the dog..

Also, I think I would have liked a little more of Grim being drawn towards the darkness and the conflict he would experience as one who fights against the one thing circumstances have caused him to be ever closer to being. Again… I imagine book two will give me that because I'm a little evil and like to see a tortured soul or two in books such as this.

Grim was a really good introduction to a series I know I'll enjoy and not want to end. It's got everything you need for this genre of book, and I am hoping to see more of Grim and his unlikely companion, Matt, and his bright way of seeing the world as the series unfolds.

Will Grim get his happy ever after? I don't think for some time, but I'm looking forward to the adventures and mysteries along the way.