A Reader's Guide to Books and Reviews

Caraval (Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber

Genre:
Fantasy, Magical Realism, Romantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Mystery, Book Series

Publication Date:
September 29, 2016

Page Numbers:
407

Read/Finished Date:
February 26th, 2026 - February 27th, 2026

Rating:
1/5

Premise:

A legendary competition.
A mesmerizing romance.
An unbreakable bond
between two sisters.

Scarlett Dragna has never left the tiny island where she and her sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval—the faraway, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show—are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt-of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. Nevertheless she becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic. And whether Caraval is real or not, Scarlett must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over or a dangerous domino effect of consequences will be set off, and her beloved sister will disappear forever.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval . . . beware of getting swept too far away.

Review:

One of the most disappointing books I had on my TBR. I am really glad I didn't listen to the hype and buy the entire series. Scartlet annoyed me immensely. While I understand her need to protect her sister, she tried a little too hard. If I were Tella, I would have run too.

I don't see myself reading the next books in this series.

The Poet Empress by Shen Tao

Genre:
Romance, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Asian Literature, Historical Fantasy, Romantasy

Publication Date:
January 20, 2026

Page Numbers:
400

Read/Finished Date:
February 11th, 2026 - February 14th, 2026

Rating:
DNF'ed @ 50%

Premise:

Debut author Shen Tao introduces readers to the lush, deadly world of The Poet Empress, a sweeping, epic and intimate fantasy perfect for fans of The Serpent & the Wings of Night, The Song of Achilles and She Who Became the Sun.

In the waning years of the Azalea Dynasty, the emperor is dying, the land consumed by famine, and poetry magic lost to all except the powerful.

Wei Yin is desperate. After the fifth death of a sibling, with her family and village on the brink of starvation, she will do anything to save those she loves.

Even offer herself as concubine to the cruel heir of the beautiful and brutal Azalea House.

But in a twist of fate, the palace stands on the knife-edge of civil war with Wei trapped in its center…at the side of a violent prince.

To survive, Wei must harden her heart, rely on her wit, and become dangerous herself. Even if it means becoming a poet in a world where women are forbidden to read—and composing the most powerful spell of all. A ballad of death...and love.

The Poet Empress is an epic fantasy that explores darker themes, subjects, and scenes that may not be suitable for all readers. Please see the author's content note at the beginning of the book.

Review:

I started this novel with extremely high hopes, drawn in by the intriguing premise of a young woman, Yin Wei, who loses her sibling to famine and ultimately joins the Concubine Selection of the brutal Crown Prince Terran. The story explores her journey as she navigates the treacherous politics of the Inner and Outer Courts, all while facing the prince's dark and cruel nature.

Unfortunately, I found myself struggling to connect with the story and characters. Around the halfway point, I realized I couldn't continue—the storyline and characters held no interest, no matter how well-sounding the story was.

For now, I am setting this book down. I am hoping to come back to it in the future.

Under the Oak Tree, Vol. 2 by Suji Kim

Series:
Under the Oak Tree (Light Novel)

Genre:
Manhua, Korean Literature, Fantasy, Romantasy, Light Novel, Romance, Historical Fiction, High Fantasy, Spicy Romance, Medieval Age, Asian Literature

Publication Date:
June 30, 2025

Pages Numbers:
416

Read Date:
February 5th, 2026 - February 6th, 2026

Rating:
5/5

Blurb:

Most fairytales end with a wedding and a happily-ever-after—but this is no fairytale. The updated and official translation of Under the Oak Tree, the #1 webnovel on MANTA, continues in this second volume.

As her first winter in Anatol turns to spring, Lady Maximilian finds herself confronting an unfamiliar hope. Her voice and her magic strengthen every day; the only parts of Calypse Castle left to refurbish are its gardens, which she plans to fill with blooming flowers; and the way her husband, the recalcitrant war hero Sir Riftan, looks at her from across their bedroom makes her feel, for the first time in her life, that she might be worthy of love and affection.

However, Maxi's life is never that easy. Just as she begins to feel at home with Riftan, Maxi receives a surprise visit from Princess Agnes, the renowned sorceress who might have become Riftan's wife if he'd decided to divorce Maxi after the Dragon Campaign. Not at all what Maxi expected, the princess stirs up complicated emotions and politics that could lead to monumental changes in Maxi and Riftan's relationship.

This volume collects chapters 77-133 of the original webnovel by Suji Kim.

Review:

I went to read the manhwa and I love Riff and Maxi together. The only thing I do have against their relationship is the way he treats her, not like a wife, but a child he needs to be put into time-out.

But I also understood Maxi too. Here was the princess, the one woman who Maxi believed could easily steal her husband from her. They had history. They were even engaged. So, Maxi's fears were real and understandable.

I can see why a lot of people see their relationship as toxic, but I also see the positive side of things too. I think in his own way he does love her but he's been out there slaying monsters, so he doesn't know how to approach Max, plus he is extremely protective of her.

Of Fates & Ruin (Kingdom of Shattered Vows #1) by Alaya Wells

Genre:
Fantasy, Romance, NetGalley, Romantasy, High Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal Romance, the Fae, Seelie and Unseelie

Publication Date:
March 1, 2026

Page Numbers:
700

Read/Finished Date:
January 27th, 2026 - January 29th, 2026

Rating:
5/5

Premise:

If The Hunger Games, Fourth Wing, and Quicksilver had a dangerously romantic book baby, this is it.

I infiltrated a rival fae court to hunt my enemy. I didn’t mean to stab their golden-eyed king.

Disguised as a recruit, I cross into the wasteland swamp, searching for the rebels who murdered my sister. But instead of a crumbling outpost, I find a glittering court cloaked in illusion, where brutal trials bind warriors to magical beasts. Unfortunately, the first person my dagger sinks into is their infuriatingly gorgeous king. Instead of seeking revenge, Trewyn smirks, as if getting stabbed was just flirting. When he assumes I’m here to enter the Rite of Bonds, I let him believe it.

If I fail the bonding trials, I’ll be exiled before I uncover the truth. If I succeed, I risk becoming what my kingdom fears most, an untamed magic-wielder dangerously loyal to the wrong side. My court raised me to see the rebels as traitors. Now, I worry I’ll willingly bleed for them…especially for him.

King Trewyn goads me, but my body doesn’t care that he’s forbidden. He watches me like he knows what I’m hiding. Like he’s daring me to break. Like he’s already decided I’m his, and he’s just waiting for me to admit it.

But with a darker enemy rising, one that drains magic and leaves only husks behind, I’ll have to choose: avenge my sister or trust the king who’s become my greatest temptation.

Vengeance is a mask. And mine’s about to shatter.

Of Fates & Ruin is Book 1 of the Kingdom of Shattered Vows Series. Perfect for fans of hidden identity heroines who don’t take sh*t from anyone, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers with a side of emotional torment, brutal magical trials, court intrigue, beast bonding, found family, and slow-burn spice. This romantasy will sink its claws into your heart, and it won’t let go.

Trigger blood, gore, injuries, violence, death, grief, killing attacking creatures and people, on-the-page heat when they finally spice.

Review:

Of Fates and Ruin by Alaya Wells is a brand new romantasy set in a world where magic is forbidden and even given the death penalty to anyone who shows an ounce of it. Princess Amarissa, or Isi, must suppress her own abilities and don a mask to become an angel of death. When her sister is killed, Isi must become part of the recruitment for a rival court. The trials will be rife with dangers, and the animals won't bond with just anyone.

I loved this novel. I loved the characters. I loved the world-building. I think the bones of the story with its magical system were rather interesting. Isi is our lead female and when her sister is killed, she will do anything to find out what happened to her, even if that means infiltrating the rival court. I like that she has a bit of spirit in her and she doesn't back down. I think strong females in romantasy novels are quite rare and to see one was fun.

Then, we have our shadow daddy, Trew. Can we call him Shadow Daddy? xD I loved his possessiveness over her.

The only downside to it was the romance felt a bit insta. Not entirely insta. There was some slow burn. I am really looking forward to seeing book two.


Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

I Made a Deal with the Devil (Light Novel Volume 2) by Kaz Zen, GISELART (illustrator)

Genre:
Light Novel, Paranormal, Supernatural, Romance, Contemporary, Urban Fantasy,

Publication Date:
March 31, 2025

Page Numbers:
271

Read/Finished Date:
January 14th, 2026 - January 15th, 2026

Rating:
5/5

Premise:

A deal nearing its end.

A decision she must make.

And a truth that will change everything.

Living with Gage has introduced Eva to a world of passion and intimacy she never thought she'd ever find herself in. Her plans are falling seamlessly into place, and for the first time, her life feels almost perfect. But time is running out. Their 30-day deal is coming to a close, and with it, secrets about Gage begin to surface.

What awaits her at the end of the deal? Will their romance survive the deadline, or will it end with it?

Review:

I love it when you get a book, and you devour it in one sitting. This was one of those books. From the first page to the end, it kept the reader engaged in the storyline. Eva has made a deal with Gage - one month that would allow her to seek revenge upon the family that shut her out.

Book two picks up right where book one ends. Eva has seen something she wasn't supposed to, but she has pretty much written it off. I don't want to give too much out because it would be horrible to spoil this novel, but I recommend this series, especially if you have read the manga. It does explain a lot of things to you.

And to be honest, I don't know whether the manga has continued or not. So, pick this up if you are looking for the manga's continuation.

Hollow by Celina Myers

Genre:
Sapphic, Horror, Fantasy, Vampires, Romantasy, Fiction, Supernatural, Paranormal, Gothic, Kindle Unlimited

Publication Date:
December 17, 2021

Page Numbers:
304

Read/Finished Date:
January 3rd, 2026 - January 4th, 2026

Rating:
DNF'ed @ 50%

Premise:

"Brilliant new vampire lore.... Spine-tingling!"
—L.J. Smith, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Vampire Diaries

Preorder now to get a deluxe limited edition of Hollow! This special-edition hardcover will include beautifully designed endpapers and sprayed edges, a gorgeous foiled cover, and a brand-new author’s note.

From TikTok sensation Celina Myers comes a fresh, intriguing novel about a woman who finds her destiny and her family after being turned into a vampire.

Mia Adair isn’t even twenty-five yet, but she’s starting to wonder if her peak has already passed. She’s spent years working at her local bookstore, a job that was supposed to be temporary. As a kid, she experienced a strange sort of fame within the paranormal community thanks to her inclusion in a book that revealed Mia’s ability to talk with the dead. But that was then, and Mia’s “gift” dried up once adolescence set in. These days, she feels like she’s nobody special.

Until she dies in a tragic car crash and reawakens as a vampire…

Forced to leave behind everything she knew, Mia must choose to live with one of two rival vampire families. The Bellamy and Sutton clans share a dark, complicated history that spans centuries. As Mia learns about their age-old traditions and extraordinary powers, along with their forbidden romances and betrayals, she’s drawn toward two very different loves. And as she feels her gift returning, more potent than ever before, Mia realizes she’ll need it to protect innocent lives—and save the only family she has left.

Review:

There are no words to describe how horrible the writing is in this book. It needs an editor badly. I don't understand why this was released in this manner, and most of the characters were not particularly impressive. The only thing this book has going for it is the stenciled edges of the novel. Other than that, skip this book completely.

Silver & Blood (Silver & Blood #1) by Jessie Mihalik

Genre:
Romantasy, Fantasy, Romance, NetGalley, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Magic, Fae, Science Fiction Fantasy, Science Fiction, Royalty, Close Proximity, High Fantasy

Publication Date:
January 27, 2026

Page Numbers:
448

Read/Finished Date:
December 31st, 2025 - January 1st, 2026

Rating:
DNF'ed @ 50%

Premise:

On a deadly mission to kill the mythical beast that has been haunting her woods, a desperate mage finds her fate intertwined with the handsome, powerful man who saves her in this dark and sexy romantasy—perfect for readers of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Callie Hart, and Holly Black.

There’s something in the woods…

When a vicious beast begins attacking her fellow villagers, Riela reluctantly agrees to enter the forbidden forest and kill the monster as she’s the only mage available—or so she thought.

Untrained and barely armed, Riela is quickly overwhelmed when one beast turns into two. She fears her death is at hand until the unexpected arrival of a scarred, strikingly handsome man with gleaming moonlit magic changes her fate—and provides a rare opportunity to learn more about her own fickle power.

After being rescued and healed from the beast’s poison, Riela awakens in a magical castle complete with a gorgeous library, a strange wolf, and the surly man who saved her life. She soon learns Garrick is both more powerful and far deadlier than a mere mortal mage—but thanks to a century-long curse, his powers are weakening.

Trapped in his castle and surrounded by the treacherous woods, the spark of attraction between Riela and Garrick slowly ignites into fiery desire. But the more they discover about Riela’s magic, the more suspicious Garrick grows of her identity. As they unravel the secrets and lies connecting Riela’s past to Garrick’s, the tenuous threads of trust between them start to fray.

Because Riela’s life—or her death—might be the key to regaining everything Garrick has lost.

Review:

I don't even know where to begin this review because, in all honesty, I DNF'ed this novel, and while I normally don't give any sort of rating, I will be giving this a one. The premise is promising, especially because of the whole theme of Beauty and the Beast. Unfortunately, that is where it ends for me. The leads are anything but likable. The female lead, an untrained mage (we are told this numerous times), finds herself living in a castle, cleaning room from room and eating sticky buns. To me, she comes across as a brat sometimes. Maybe it's just me. And the male lead is just as unlikeable.

Second, I love the beginning of the novel, where we are tossed into the action. There is no story told as to why Riela isn't liked in her community. There are brief mentions, but nothing solid to grasp onto and understand. Maybe it has to do with her father? I don't know.

Third, repetition. There is a ton of this within the novel. Case in point, the whole "untrained mage." We learned a lot about Riela being one until it had been drilled into our heads. I get it. She's untrained. She's looking for someone. You can tell us this every once in a while. Not all the time.

Fourth, I struggled with the romance. It lacked the chemistry a lot of romances have. I found it frustrating.

I'm sad this was my first DNF'ed book of the New Year because I had high expectations for this novel and it didn't deliver.


Thanks to NetGalley, Avon, Harper Voyager, and author Jessie Mihalik for the ARC. This review is my own opinion, and I am not being paid for it.

The Dragon and the Sun Lotus (The Three Realms Duology #2) by Amélie Wen Zhao

Genre:
Romance, Fantasy, Mythology, Romantasy, Young Adult, Enemies to Lovers, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Netgalley

Publication Date:
March 3, 2026

Page Numbers:
400

Read/Finished Date:
December 14th, 2025 - December 15th, 2025

Rating:
4.75/5

Premise:

In the breathtaking sequel to The Scorpion and the Night Blossom, the battle has just begun. With Àn’yīng’s kingdom teetering on the brink of destruction, and amidst a budding forbidden romance, she must now risk everything to protect her world.

A decade ago, the Kingdom of Night began the war against the Kingdom of Rivers, ravaging the lands and releasing mó—beautiful, ravenous demons—to roam free, drinking the souls of mortals. Now the mó have made it beyond the magical wards of the immortal realm—the Kingdom of Sky—and will not stop until the entire world falls to darkness.

Àn’yīng is determined to banish the mó to their realm and return the mortal realm to peace. But a stunning betrayal has turned the tides of this Her handsome rival from the Immortality Trials and the man she was falling in love with, Yù’chén, is now the enemy. Yù’chén is half mó, his mother none other than Sansiran, the Demon Queen of the Kingdom of Night . . . and the monster responsible for killing Àn’yīng’s father.

There is one hope for the future, though. The boy in the jade—Àn’yīng’s lifelong mystery guardian and heir to the last mortal Emperor—Hào’yáng. Together, Àn’yīng and Hào’yáng must join forces to rally an army that stretches across realms, from the Four Seas of the Dragons to the Phoenixes of the Golden Desert. But first she must awaken to the immortal power slumbering in her own veins.

Review:

The Dragon and the Sun Lotus is the final novel in a duology that takes place shortly after book one. Our female lead, Àn’yīng, has fled from the Kingdom of Sky after being betrayed by the one person she thought she could trust. Now, the Kingdom of Night has ruthlessly set out to destroy both the Kingdom of Sky and the mortal world and drown them in darkness. Àn’yīng and the boy in the jade Hào’yáng must join forces to rally an army to keep out the mó from entering other realms.

I loved this novel, but I also love the fact that it read like those outrageously beautiful fantasy Cdramas that I enjoy watching so much. I cannot put a finger on it, but there are quite a few that this novel reminded me of. Nevertheless, this duology is the first book that I have read by Ms. Zhao and it won't be the last one. The characters. The world-building. The storyline. I loved Yù’chén. I think he was my favorite among all the characters.

I also loved how well-fleshed out the characters were in this novel. There was a growth in these characters, especially in Àn’yīng.

Overall, this novel was entertaining and read like a beautiful Cdrama that drew you in and kept you captivated until the end of the novel. Pick this one up if you like Cdramas.


Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for this ARC. All reviews are my own.

We Who Will Die (Empire of Blood #1) by Stacia Stark

Genre:
Romantasy, Book of the Month, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Vampires, Adult, Paranormal, Fiction, Book Series, Slow Burn, Book Series, Mythology, Enemies to Lovers, Spicy Romance, Historical Fiction

Publication Date:
December 30, 2025

Page Numbers:
423

Read/Finished Date:
December 6th, 2025 - December 9th, 2025

Rating:
5/5

Premise:

From the bestselling author of the Kingdom of Lies series comes a slow-burn romantasy set in a Roman-inspired world ruled by merciless vampires. Filled with breathtaking combat, vengeful gods, and magical creatures, We Who Will Die is the epic first installment in an enthralling new series perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent, Jasmine Mas, and Rebecca Yarros.

Life in the perilous Thorn district is a constant battle for Arvelle and her younger brothers. And the vampire standing on her doorstep is about to turn their world upside down.

Faced with an unthinkable choice, Arvelle makes a magically binding vow to do the impossible: kill the emperor, an ancient vampire created by the god Umbros. But first, she must enter the Sundering—an arena where only the fastest, strongest, and deadliest survive long enough to be selected for the emperor’s elite guard.

She quickly draws the ire of the Primus, the powerful figure charged with protecting the emperor. But the vampire under the armor is the last person Arvelle expects to encounter in the emperor’s court.

With her brothers’ lives in the balance, Arvelle has no choice but to ally with the man who once shattered her heart… and with the emperor’s sadistic son, Rorrik—two vampires whose motives are impossible to pin down. Rorrik holds the key to understanding the powers Arvelle is developing—abilities that would put a price on her head if discovered by the emperor.

To survive the arena and complete her mission, Arvelle must get to the bottom of a conspiracy that will change everything she thought she knew about herself—and the two vampires who are deeply entwined with her destiny…

Review:

Do you know how thrilled I was when I saw this was one of the Books of the Month and you could get your hands on it early? Oh, that was me, and I signed up for Book of the Month just for this book (okay, there might be others later on, but this one was well worth getting started with the BOTM club).

Our female lead, Arvelle, was champion of the Sands six years ago. Unfortunately, her wins were nothing compared to the loss she experienced. Since then, she vowed she would never set foot in the arena again. That is, until a vampire shows up on her doorstep with a deal that could save her younger brother from a deadly illness. The only thing is that she would need to re-enter the arena, win the tournament, and kill the emperor. The bad thing is she caught the attention of not only the Primus but also the emperor's eldest son, Rorrik.

The character development in the story was truly interesting. Each character felt well written and had their own unique personalities and flaws. Arvelle's character grows in response to the challenges that she had no choice but to face. Each challenge becomes more dangerous than the other and we see Arvelle adjust to this.

I also loved the love triangle, but then I have always enjoyed love triangles. We have two morally grey male characters and I love both of them. I don't know which male to root for. Well, never mind. I actually do. I like the darker male character more than the other, but then again, I am a sucker for the darker, brooding male with an agenda.

I absolutely loved the world-building. The mythology, the magical system, the gladiator fights, and Ancient Rome. Then again, anything historical fiction with romantasy elements has always been my jam.

Now I eagerly wait for book 2.

Queen of Dante (Empire of Shattered Crowns #5) by May Freighter

Genre:
Isakei'd, Japanese Fiction, Fantasy, Book Series, Historical Fiction, Medieval, Third Person Point of View, Fantasy Romance, Romantasy,

Publication Date:
September 30, 2024

Page Numbers:
345

Read/Finished Date:
November 4th, 2025

Rating:
5/5

Premise:

Some secrets are better left alone.

As Emilia prepares for her coronation, a foreboding message from the goddess, Luminos, sets her on a path fraught with uncertainty and deception. Navigating the treacherous world of politics and dealing with the handsome yet mysterious pope, Emilia must also face the consequences of her past choices and how they will reflect on the future of Dante.

Meanwhile, Prince Thessian’s journey takes a dark turn when his new sword imbues him with godlike powers and plays with the memories of the people around him. Forced to serve a deity he doesn't fully understand, Thessian struggles in the confines of his new shackles.

Can Emilia and Thessian overcome their daunting challenges or will the divine forces prove too powerful?

Review:

I love it when book series pick up from where they left off, and their characters have been growing immensely in development. Emilia and her crew have stuck together through everything, including the court politics, murders, and other events in the pages. Her journey toward the crown has begun to change everything in the novel, and the Gods of this world are using riddles to confuse her. It doesn't help that the mystery pope has developed quite an interest in her. So, where is that harem of hers? LOL. Honestly, this girl will need one (although I doubt the one she ends up with will appreciate it). Theo's struggle with his newfound powers has added an intriguing layer to the tension and growth of his character, hinting at a pivotal moment to come.

I loved this book. I love this series. Ever since I first discovered it and saw it was isakei (where a person is pulled into another world like a novel, and they can either change the trajectory of the novel or keep it as is). It continues to get better with each novel and I am looking forward to seeing how this entire series ends.