Here at Chapter Break, we don’t always write a full review of every book we read. Well, now we have decided to do these monthly wrap-up posts with roundups of our reviews this month and mini-reviews to fill in the gaps. Enjoy!
Mini Book Reviews
Julie’s Mini Reviews:
House of Hearts: Thanks to Netgalley for this read (technically finished on Aug 31). House of Hearts was an enjoyable, spooky urban legend/ghost/curse story. Our FMC is out for revenge for who murdered her best friend at a special boarding school. As she joins the secret society and tries to infiltrate to find the murderer, she discovers eerie truths and a haunting curse. She’s smart and cunning and determined to find new ways to investigate the curse. The MMC is rather cheeky and pretends to be some alouf dude, but he’s more than he seems. I very much liked the descriptive writing style and the heart-pounding haunts. While the situation between the MMC and FMC was predictable, it was also necessary to move the stakes higher. I would have liked a little more banter, a bit more of the slow burn yearning that we all have grown to love recently; I mean I only highlighted one quote. House of Hearts is a quick read and a standalone, so it’s a great book to grab when you’re in the mood for a life-or-death, fast-paced, outrun the haunting plotline.
Don’t Haunt Ghosts (Hanna Sanchez Novels Book 1): This was a cute cozy ghost story. It’s a much lighter read and more earlier YA than the heavier stuff I’ve been reading lately so that was a nice change. Hannah is in her first year of high school and is trying to live a typical teenager life, like having a crush on someone who’s pretty much dating her mean-girl “best” friend. Then on top of body issues and an eating disorder, she also can see ghosts. Soon she realizes some ghosts can see her, and that opens up all kinds of troubles. She’s young and inexperienced in this seer life, but we get to see her grow and embrace her gift during this first book in the series. New characters and creatures were introduced that will probably be better developed in future books. I really liked the boy ghost, maybe even more than our main character. The audio narration was well done, with different voices for all characters, and did a good job making the main character feel young and naive.
The Chimera Bounty (Fae Prison: Earth Book 1): What an interesting premise – Earth as the prison for Fae! The story pulled me in right away, with a spunky FMC and her instant attraction to the broody MMC. Maeve is 23 but acts much more mature than that – she’s studying to be a journalist and is also working as a barmaid, where she meets Corvin, who seems to know very little about the world around him. As she learns about her powers and Chimera (Fae) background by complete accident, her relationship with Corvin begins to grow. And it heats up into some sizzling chilli peppers. The plot moved well and the two uncovered some terrible experiments and went on a rescue mission. Our FMC never backs down from wanting to save or help someone, making her get more powerful with every power “unlocked”. I enjoyed the world building and magic systems though it didn’t linger on too many details – just enough for an urban fantasy (vs high fantasy) to keep the plot and story moving. The audiobook was well done – I really enjoyed all the voices and cadence. I also really appreciated the story concluding in a happy contained way. No cliffy for me here! If you like fated mates, a damaged but still sizzling MMC, a FMC who goes above and beyond to find the truth, magical and fae worlds, spicy romance, discovering new abilities, and more – check out The Chimera Bounty.
Court of Fire and Ash (Hidden Courts of the Fae): Court of Fire and Ash picks up immediately where the first book left off; so much so that there is no “road so far” recap. Which is fine, since I just read the first book last month, but I always believe a recap is needed, since most people like me would forget who’s who if it’s been more than a few weeks.
I enjoyed the character development of both Tessa, the human half fae, and Neil, the fae Guardian. We finally got to see the horrors of the Fae Court and just how hateful everyone is to non-fae. Court politics are brutal and cold, as expected, and seeing the growth in Neil to start seeing the flaws and wishing things could be different is interesting. I wonder how many more books in the series until he completely turns his back on the Court.
The fast-paced plot made this book a quick and fun read. The stakes were high with Neil’s sister losing grip with reality because her Leath (familiar) was kidnapped. There was a lot of walking, which I am not a fan of in these types of books (I call them journey books), but there was still a lot that happened to move the plot forward and not be repetitive.
The book reads easily and quickly, and sometimes I forget this isn’t YA until suddenly there is adult language about the (forbidden) attraction between Guardian Neil and his ward, Tessa. Then I remember that Tessa is actually in her late 20s, not early adulthood.
The friendships Tessa forges, such as her bond with the short folk character, Kali, are lovely. Tessa is so compassionate and kind to all, wanting to help where she can, and both her Guardian and new friend come to appreciate this unique quality in their realm. I also am enjoying how Tessa is growing into her fae abilities, being more powerful than anyone imagined. Is she really the Chosen One from the Prophesy? What is even her role in the salvation of the realms?
That cliffhanger, though, is crazy. The first book ends with setting up for the next, but the conflict from the first book had reached a stopping point. But this? What happened? Why? What’s next? I guess I need to wait for book 3.
A Tempest of Tea: Something about this type of soft British accent in an audiobook narration just makes my brain too relaxed and unable to concentrate. It’s not a bad voice/accent, it’s just that it is vibing on the same frequency as my brainwaves wander off on. This was a book club pick and a new author to me. So I probably missed a lot of plotty details of their heist planning, but I am not all that into heist plans (only the carrying out of them). But what I enjoyed the most was the characters and their backgrounds, motivations, and desires. Between all the flirting, betrayal, and secrets, that’s where this book shone for me. The slow burn tension between some of the main characters, the absolute dedication and protection of found family, these tropes always do it for me. The ending though – slow build up to an epic event and that cliffhanger! Will I read the next book? I don’t know. Maybe; I want to know what happens to them.
Through Fire and Vow: I thought the story line was interesting and unique, with a great bigger message of trust and forgivness throughout time. I really liked the beginning, but felt it kind of got muddy and not polished as it went on. This was a pretty short novel, and really could have been expanded into something more full-length. I liked the concept, but as it sits now, it was choppy and a bit rough around the edges. I liked both characters more and more as we learned their backgrounds and what motivates them. Enemies to lovers, as she blamed him for her parents’ deaths, but here, the villain may not have been the true villain. There were much darker forces at play, and redemption arcs are my favorite. I also enjoy fated mates, a bit, especially when they finally stop fighting the bond and give in to it. There is a spicy scene, though the rest of the novel is mostly tame.
The Measure: A Novel: This was a local book club book. The book is basically a social commentary on the meaning of life, and the politics behind knowing how long someone will live. One day, everyone over the age of 22 mysteriously receives a box with a string. It is then determined that the string tells you how long you will live. The book follows a handful of characters and their experiences with knowing they have a short string or a long string. Some people refuse to even open the box. Some people make significant life choices based on the length of their string. Short stringers are discriminated against, as can be expected by the evils of humanity, to the point of getting fired from jobs, denied care, etc. But the story has a hopeful feel, showing how some characters make the most of their lives to find a happy path and make an impact while they can.
Lily & Thorne: Lily and Thorne was a cute cozy romance read. It’s a quick bite – less than 100 pages, just enough to get a sweet story with a normal 30-something divorcee human and a fae royal. You don’t get a lot of world building but enough quick explanations to know what’s going on. If you’re looking for a he falls first, steamy romance, magical bargains, second chance for happiness type of story – you’ll eat this up. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lynn’s Mini Reviews:
ACCOMPLICE TO THE VILLAIN: As Evie things to herself about the Villain, this book is “Like a fuzzy blanket with murderous tendencies”. I appreciate how the characters and story-telling has progressed over the 3 books. And I’m ready for the next book now! Love the flirty banter. Love how the Sage siblings are working out their issues. There are some very inadequate parents in this series! Enjoyed the addition of Kingsley’s POV. I think my only (minor) complaint is there is a lot of questing for Evie and the group. Go to place A to get X. But you can’t get X without going to place B to get Y. Kind of tiresome after a while. Did enjoy meeting Tatiana’s father on the quest, though! This series is super awesome and worth the read\listen!
QUICKSILVER: Unlike others, I am not really a fan of Kingfisher. He’s kind of an alphahole. And by kind of, I mean a HUGE alphahole. Which is not my thing. I’m way more invested in Saeris’s story than the romance between Saeris and Kingfisher. Which is less romance and more fulfilling physical needs. I also don’t understand why there are so many mentions of smells throughout the book. Like I don’t think about that many different scents in the course of one day, let alone in the course of a novel. For all those reviews saying the end makes up for the rest of the book, I’d agree. Where was all that energy in the first 3/4 of the book. Now I’m invested. Not rush out and read the next book when it releases. But just when I get around to it.
MURDER AT THE PATEL MOTEL: Continuing on with Audible excellent free selections. Short. ✔️Murder-y✔️ Free ✔️ Full cast ✔️ Lots of twisty plot and red herrings, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Characters which are engaging and fully developed, even for a short story. Very fun read! Made more so with excellent narration. My only real complaint is that some scenes were difficult to hear. Which I get. If someone is speaking from the other side of a door, it probably would be difficult to hear them. But that made it a challenge when listening with any other kind of background noise.
A TEMPEST OF TEA: Heist-y, like Six of Crows. But could use less yearning and tingly feelings between the characters. I’d rather have more heist than romance. Lots of morally grey characters. Lots of internal monologue, which tends to bore me on audio books. I find my mind wandering to my own internal monologue. Lost my focus a couple of times when bakewell tarts and headlights were mentioned. This is a fictional world. Why would there be bakewell tarts and/or headlights? And total missed opportunity that I can’t find anywhere to buy the teas mentioned in the book. Ok, overall. Nothing wrong, per se. I’m good with 3 1/2 stars. Might read the second in the series to find out what happens. Glad that it’s only a duology.
THE MARROW THIEVES: If you need a good cry, give this one a try. Both sad and happy tears while I was listening. Well-written. Kind of a downer. But also hopeful ending. I’ve mostly stopped reading dystopia (a little to on the nose recently). This one is post-dystopia, with all the associated societal and natural collapses associated. We really get a sense of French, the main POV, as well as the other members of his found family. I can’t really find any faults. Well worth the read.
BLONDE IDENTITY: 12/5 stars. Banging. Escapist reading at it’s best. If you are looking for a rom-com, this one is dang near perfect. Han Solo\Leia level banter. He doesn’t know if he should throttle or kiss her. She doesn’t know if she should trust him or kiss him back. Lots of action and peril for our main characters. Including using a negligée to dispatch an assassin. Audio narration is well done. Fun, light, adventure, and romance. Would definitely recommend!
Books we reviewed in full this month:
- [1 Sep] The Bones Beneath My Skin by T.J. Klune ★★★★½
- [5 Sep] The Witch’s Apprentice and Other Stories by Ekta R. Garg ★★★★
- [24 Sep] The Crimson Princess by Zoey Voss ★★★½
- [26 Sep] Bloody Black by Rhiannon Hargadon
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Looks like you had some good books last month! A few might go on my TBR now. Thanks for sharing your reviews!
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