The Princess Trial Series by Cordelia K. Castel
Set in a dystopian world, Zea Mays Calico enters the Princess Trials, a gruesome test to win the favour of the Prince and the chance of a life of luxury. But Miss Zea Mays has an ulterior motive. The country is in ruins and water is sparse. Yet when she arrives at the Oasis, home to the nobility, water fountains feed the luscious lawns. It's a mockery of the rations Zea and her family receive back home and now she's more sure about a revolution than ever. And then she meets the Prince. I devoured these books. They're such an easy read packed with drama, twists and turns. I loved the world-building, the friendships and the betrayals. I'm not usually an urban gal if I'm honest. I'm much more into medieval/fantastical settings but I can make an exception for these books. In fact, I actually liked the use of technology and the themes it generates. Definitely definitely would recommend and read again.
Golden Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy
STOP EVERYTHING YOU'RE DOING AND READ THESE BOOKS. SERIOUSLY. THEY'RE THAT GOOD.
This King Midas retelling is magical, atmospheric and spicy. The world-building is top-notch, the characters complex and the romance intense. If you love the found-family, touch-her-and-die and female-rage tropes, THIS is for you. I can't wait for the fifth and final instalment to be released (I may have it on pre-order) and I will be keeping these books in my collection to re-read over and over again. I actually have no words. Please just read. 10/10.
This King Midas retelling is magical, atmospheric and spicy. The world-building is top-notch, the characters complex and the romance intense. If you love the found-family, touch-her-and-die and female-rage tropes, THIS is for you. I can't wait for the fifth and final instalment to be released (I may have it on pre-order) and I will be keeping these books in my collection to re-read over and over again. I actually have no words. Please just read. 10/10.
A Forgery of Roses by Jessica S. Olson
This was one of the books my wonderful boyfriend gifted me for Christmas last year and I have to say, he knows me well. The story follows the life of Myra Whitlock, an artist with a hidden talent to alter reality with her paintings. When her power is discovered, she plans to flee with her sister, who is almost too sick to move. But what choice does she have? Using such power is forbidden, and now the wife of the Governor knows her secret, but she has an ultimatum for the young artist, a morbid request that could drain the life from her, or fill her pockets with riches. I loved the friendship in this story, the sense of sisterhood and of course, the magical element. It's a standalone and easy to read with a unique story and a plot twist I didn't see coming.
From Blood and ash Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Boy, do I have some things to say about this series. Can I start by saying that I absolutely loved the premise. Poppy has been raised as The Chosen One, the Maiden, and that comes with a whole bunch of responsibilities, and restrictions. I loved the relationship between Poppy and her guard and absolutely adored the first and second book. The brooding male lead, the spice, the adventure. Chef's kiss. And then I got bored. Somewhere along the way, it seemed to drag on just a little too much? I made it through book 3 and when I got to 4, I stopped half way. Maybe some day I will pick it up and finish as I would like to see where the characters end up (she says as though she hadn't already Google'd this before even picking up the first novel). But for now? She's on the back-burner. Perhaps I'll re-visit.
You'll Be the Death of Me by aren McManus
This little gem actually caught me by surprise. I bought it because the edges of the pages were purple, in all honesty, and decided to give it a go after my From Blood and Ash slump. YA isn't a genre I usually reach for these days but I needed a fantasy break. And I have to admit, I absolutely loved this. The books follows three naratives: Ivy, Cal and Mateo. The three of them used to be close, and when they bump into each other all at the same time, they decide to ditch school for the day, for old time's sake. Only that's when things turn sour. A kid is found dead and they're all connected to him one way or another. The whimsical ditch becomes a race against time to prove themselves innocent, but there are plenty of twists and turns along the way. It's a high-school setting which I instantly loved, and of course Mateo was my favourite character. He's angry a lot and I get that. There's some light romance but really, the story is more about friendship, family and justice.
A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
This is a nice re-telling of Beauty and the Beast. Yes, just nice.
Prince Rhen is cursed to live the autumn of his 18th birthday over and over again, until he falls in love. With the help of his loyal soldier Grey, the Prince will take a girl each season in an attempt to fall in love. None of them have worked out so far, and he has their safety to think of. The Beast could emerge at any point, destroying everything and anyone in it's path. Enter Harper, a girl that's taken by accident and dragged into the magical world of never-ending autumn. I think my favourite character of them all is actually Grey. He's loyal, sassy and kinda deadly, whereas Prince Rhen is a bit of an arse to be honest. I didn't bother to buy the rest of the series, but maybe it works out for Grey in the end? I wouldn't be opposed to reading the rest of the story, but I didn't rush out to get it either.
Prince Rhen is cursed to live the autumn of his 18th birthday over and over again, until he falls in love. With the help of his loyal soldier Grey, the Prince will take a girl each season in an attempt to fall in love. None of them have worked out so far, and he has their safety to think of. The Beast could emerge at any point, destroying everything and anyone in it's path. Enter Harper, a girl that's taken by accident and dragged into the magical world of never-ending autumn. I think my favourite character of them all is actually Grey. He's loyal, sassy and kinda deadly, whereas Prince Rhen is a bit of an arse to be honest. I didn't bother to buy the rest of the series, but maybe it works out for Grey in the end? I wouldn't be opposed to reading the rest of the story, but I didn't rush out to get it either.
What Lies Beyond the Veil by Harper L. Woods
Yes. Yes yes yes. I couldn't put this down and flew through it in a day and a half. When the veil shatters, destroying the only protection from Alfheimr, the realm of the fae, Estrella is marked. And her mate is coming for her. This book has plenty of angsty romance, excellent fighting scenes and a really unique magic system. My ONLY gripe is...it's not my FAVOURITE writing style. But do I really need that when I'm reading spice and violence? Honestly, it could have been so much better, like Sarah J. Maas better, but it didn't stop me immediately running out to grab the rest of the series. Beggars can't be choosers