The Farseer/Romantasy Parallel: No, not Molly
Summer Hanford
While it’s doubtful that modern romantasy writers set out to consciously mimic Hobb’s masterful construction, the choice of first person, the intricate and deep emotional growth, and the form both…
Romance
The Poet Empress by Shen Tao: A Vague Review (Because Anything Specific Will Ruin the Ride)
JC Kang
I have concluded The Poet Empress needs to be experienced with very little knowledge of the story and characters, so the enigma of the villain can be unraveled as expectations…
The Saint of Steel series (books 1-3) by T. Kingfisher – Review
Julia Kitvaria Sarene
The blend of cute, fun, cosy and quite dark and bloody is a mixture I never knew I needed, before I found this author.
Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis – Review
Wooing the Witch Queen is a wonderfully immersive, playful, and warm story, perfect for anyone who loves quirky magic, complex friendships, and a touch of romance, all wrapped in cosy-dark…
SPFBO 10 Champions’ League: Reign & Ruin by J. D. Evans – Review
... blends romance, magic, and courtly intrigue into a story driven as much by emotion as by politics. Set in a richly imagined, Middle Eastern inspired world, it follows characters…
Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle – Review
Jayna
If you are a foodie and/or interested in the afterlife this is the book for you.
Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer – Review
Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer is a sequel that delivers just as much fun and charm as the first book. The quirky world, lovable characters, and sharp…
Swordheart by T. Kingfisher
As usual for Kingfisher’s books, the side characters are extremely well done. These include a non-binary priest-lawyer and a Gnoll oxen keeper. Both of which are funny, lovable and perfect…
Summoned to the Wilds by A. K. Caggiano – Review
The combination of lighthearted romance and quirky humor works perfectly here, and it’s a joy to read. The balance of both elements is refreshing, and it never feels forced, which…
Reign & Ruin by J. D. Evans – SPFBO 7 Finals Review
Jennie Ivins
If you are a fan of unique story settings and magic AND enjoy politics and some sexy times. This is definitely a book you need to read!