4.5 stars Catalia “Cat” lives with a travelling circus, disguising herself as a soothsayer. She’s been on the run for years, hiding for a number of reasons, primarily that she can tell instantly when someone is lying (she gets a shot of visceral pain throughout her body) and she can frequently divulge the truth an individual is hiding when they lie, as well. Additionally, she has the ability to siphon magic from someone else, and in turn, use that magic against the individual or others. […]
One hell of a trilogy
I’m going to review this whole trilogy in one review. As such, there is bound to be some spoilers, and if you want to go in completely cold, you may want to skip this review and just trust me that while the first book is a bit slow, and not the most engaging of reads on its own, the trilogy as a whole is mighty compelling reading, and well worth your time. At least if you like well-written fantasy, tons of political intrigue and plots […]
Sword, sorcery and a chainmail bikini
3.5 stars Red Sonja, the legendary She-Devil with a Sword, returns to Corinthia, to repay the blood-debt she owes to its ruler. Facing a battle against impossible odds, Sonja nonetheless agrees to lead what remains of Corinthia’s fighting forces against its enemies, and comes face to face with Dark Annisia, a woman from her past. Having to face crushing defeat on the battlefield, unable to keep her promises to a man who once saved her life, Sonja is exiled and doomed to die. Always a […]
A future classic, whenever people stop disparaging romantic plots and especially m/m ones
The Captive Prince trilogy has been gaining steam on the internet for many years now — at first quietly, as a free serial posted by the author on her LiveJournal, and then less so as Penguin picked it up for official publication in paperback form. And, really, it’s very good. A capable balance of slow-burn romance — which I am ALWAYS here for — with classic historical fantasy elements and political intrigue, the series is mature, clever, complex, and, above all, utterly engrossing. Across nearly […]
Princesses doing it for themselves
3.5 stars And they all lived happily ever after… Or did they? What happens after we close the story books and leave the princes and princesses to the rest of their lives? Danielle Whiteshore, popularly known as Cinderella, is having some trouble adjusting to life as a royal, having been treated no better than a slave by her vicious stepmother and stepsisters until her sudden elevation in status upon marriage to Prince Armand. Even though they were nothing but awful to her, she still feels bad […]
When making a deal with the Devil, be careful what you wish for
Isobel has grown up in the town of Flood, in the saloon inhabited by the Old Man, the devil himself. It is known to all who live in the Territory, the area west of the Mississippi, that the devil always deals a fair hand. If you make a Bargain with him, he will give you exactly what you want, but you need to be careful you are sure exactly what you ask for. When Isobel turns sixteen, she is free to make her own way […]