The Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk

 

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Thank you Netgalley for an eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Beatrice is a young sorceress,who dreams of becoming a mage. Only one thing stands in her way, she is a woman. Women are only permitted to practice magic after they have produced heirs for their husband. Until then, from their wedding day, they are required to wear a collar which suppresses their magic. Beatrice practices magic in secret and is determined to remain unwed. She has been hunting for a grimoire which holds the key to achieving her dream. When she finally locates the grimoire it is taken from her.

Bargaining season has arrived and Beatrice will be expected to find a husband in order to save her family from ruin. Will she be able to give up her dream of being a mage, even for the right person?

What I liked about this book 

• The magic system - everyone can do small magics and charms but in order to do higher magic they must obtain a spirit. It reminds me of the magic system in Sorcery of Thorns.
• The female characters - One of the prominent themes of the story is inequality. Most of the female characters in The Midnight Bargain are strong, forward thinking and are fighting for equal opportunities. 

What I didn't like

• The instalove- The romance felt a bit rushed and under developed to me.

For the most part the story held my attention and kept me interested. The writing is coherent and easy to read. I think that you will enjoy this book if you enjoy historical romance books or fantasy romance.

3.5 Stars 

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From Fire and Shadows by J.F Baptista (Release date 31st August 2020)

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Thank you Book Sirens for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Theodora is a six year old girl living in a house for girls with no power. One night her power makes itself known in the form of blue fire which destroys everything and everyone in the surrounding area. This event brings about the start of a new life for Theodora and the development of a power which is unheard of. 

Kai is a powerful warrior who is being used as a personal assassin to the leader of his region. The people are not happy with the way the region is being ruled. Kai finds himself questioning the orders he is given. A decision not to comply puts him on a path he intended to avoid. Leading a small group of warriors he intends to put a stop to the upcoming war.

What I liked about this book 

• The world is really well described. It's easy to picture the places, the characters and their powers in your minds eye.
• I liked the direction that the story is headed in.
• The first chapter gives a strong start to the book which grabs your attention immediately.

What I didn't like

• Even though I do like the direction of the story, I didn't really understand where it was going until more than half way through the book. 
• After a strong start the story flat lines a little bit but it does pick up again after the 50% mark.
• The time jumps several times and at seemingly random times.
• There are alot of Gaelic (I think) words which have been used throughout the book which are for the most part explained but occasionally they aren't which did cause a little confusion. there is a glossary at the back of the book which explains them though but I personally would prefer that this is done consistently throughout the narrative.

Overall, this book had the feel of a prequel. It laid the groundwork for what has the potential to be a really enjoyable series. I would definitely like to read the next one to find out where the author goes with it.

3 stars

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Northern Wrath by Thilde Kold Holde (release date 27th October 2020)

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Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Norse village of Ash Hill is attacked and burned, the villagers put up a good fight, but most are killed. The warriors return home and find their village in ruins, they begin to plot their revenge.

Hilda, Siv ad Tyra are the only ones who survive the battle of Ash Hill. Hilda sets off on her own, Tyra leaves with Siv. They find themselves on different paths with the same objective, to protect the old ways and save the nine worlds from falling apart.

What I liked about this book 

• The Norse mythology - the author clearly done their research when writing this book. Reading this book sparked an interest and had me reading up about Norse mythology on the internet. 
• World building - the scene is set perfectly. It's really easy to picture what's going on.
• The story - this book is written from several different perspectives. All the individual stories weave together into a story that's full of action, gods and magic.

What I didn't like 

• There was a bit of repetitiveness from one page to the next, but it's possible that this is just because I was reading an arc copy.

I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Game of Thrones or who like books where the theme is Norse mythology.

4 Stars

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The Crowns of Croswald by D.E. Night

 

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I recently received a copy this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

For the first sixteen years of her life, Ivy has known nothing other than working as a maid in Castle Plum. Until one day she leaves the protections of the castle's enchanted boundary, and makes her way to the Halls of Ivy - a school where students are taught how to control the magic they already possess, or are gifted with magic through their crowns. When the Dark Queen comes to threaten Ivy's life, she must learn her history and the truth that has been kept from her, before the Dark Queen destroys them all.

What I liked 

• The characters - my favourite character was definitely Ivy, she loves to draw and read which is something that I can relate to.
• The story line is mysterious and packed with action. There are many unique magical creatures throughout the story which adds an aspect of wonder to the book.

The Crowns of Croswald is filled with magic and mystery that is centred around the Dark Queen and the school. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to fans of the Harry Potter series.

5 stars

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