Book Review: Air Awakens by Elise Kova

I've heard about this series for a while. A lot of folks suggest reading it if you like or are looking for something instead of ACOTAR.

I did not expect to like this book, I'll be honest. Typically, I don't like the over-hyped books I find on social media.

I was pleasantly surprised.

While Air Awakens felt way more YA than adult, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The main character works in the library--a dream, honestly--and is responsible for saving the life of the crown prince. There's just one thing: he's a sorcerer, and Vhalla is, too, though she doesn't know it.

What follows is a charming story of grumpy and sunshine, full of witty banter, changing opinions, longing glances, and lots of secrets.

Magic is something to be feared in this world, so Vhalla keeps hers a secret, especially because she is the first known Windwalker in a hundred and fifty years. She manages to put off having to decide whether to give up her magic or join the tower--a mysterious order of sorcerers that she's only heard scary stories about.

A mysterious stranger leaves notes for her in the library. Through those notes, the two of them banter and Vhalla learns more about her magic and its history. When the reveal comes that she's been corresponding with the crown prince--my heart melted. I have a thing for dark, sad, murder boys, and Aldrick almost perfectly fits the bill (he's missing the chaotic bisexual part, but that's fine, not everyone can be perfect!)

While the novel really felt YA and there was very little spice, I have hope that the rest of the series will make up for it. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series by Kova. She is a wonderful writer and every scene felt intentional and like I was watching a movie behind my eyelids.

Thanks, Abbie

A Spell of Rowans by Nash Bird

I recently signed up for NetGalley so I could access books early. I didn't expect to get approved for many, but this one sounded super witchy, which is right up my alley!

What a surprisingly fun read! I didn't think I'd like the main character, Vic. Her voice in the early chapters sort of turned me off but I realize it's because I see a lot of myself in her. Vic escaped childhood trauma and has to return to the place it all took place. As a survivor of childhood abuse and neglect, Nash's portrayal of Rachel Rowan through the perspective of her daughter was very realistic. So realistic at times it made me uncomfortable. I am a huge fan of all things witchy. While I usually like to get more of a background to the magic system, I kind of liked not knowing it here. Vic and her siblings have gifts, talents. And they use them to find out the truth behind their mothers nefarious deeds before and after death. I'd give an arm for a guy like Reed Easton. ❤ All in all, my only wish would have been to see more descriptive details-sights, sounds, feelings-and not being told so much. This was a fun read and the ending made me chuckle.

My only complaint is the genre was listed as Magical Realism, and this was more urban fantasy/women's fiction.

Abbie

Book Review: The High Mountain Court by A.K. Mulford

I am friends with A.K. Mulford on TikTok. I kept seeing rave reviews for The High Mountain Court, so I decided to check it out!

I have to say, this was probably one of the best indie books I've read. From the start, you get sucked into Remy's world. You learn early on that she's been in hiding most of her life because of her magic: she's a red witch. Red witches are persecuted, known to be uncontrollable, and are typically dangerous.

When a fae prince from a neighboring kingdom seeks her aid, the stakes are upped because they are fighting against a common enemy: the man who slaughtered Remy's entire family.

While some of this felt reminiscent of Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, I actually felt like Mulford did a better job of this story. The romance between Remy and Hale felt a little pushed at first, but once we were hooked, we. were. hooked. There was a slight appearance of my favorite "just one bed" trope, but even better was the fake dating scene where Hale basically treated Remy like she was his plaything. It was masterfully done.

Woven in between the spice is a scavenger hunt for mystical items that only Remy's bloodline

can wield.

All in all, this was my kind of story. I like to read books with spice, not necessarily spicy books. The second novel in this series is already out, and I can't wait to get my hands on it!

Thanks,

Abbie