Review: Magician and Fool (Arcana Oracle #1)

Title: Magician and Fool (Arcana Oracle #1)
Author: Susan Wands
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: SparkPress
Source: BookSparks
Format: Ebook
Release Date: May 2, 2023
Rating: ★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Pamela Colman Smith, newly arrived from New York to her birthplace of London, is received as an oddball in Victorian society. Her second sight helps her in her new illustrating tarot cards for the Golden Dawn, a newly formed occult group. But when Pamela refuses to share her creations with Aleister Crowley, a controversial magician, he issues a give up the cards’ power, or he’ll harm her muses.

In the midst of this battle, two of Pamela’s idols, the actors Henry Irving and William Terriss, take her under their wing. Henry, who tutors her as the leader of the Lyceum Theatre, becomes the muse for her Magician card. William Terriss, teaching her by examples of instinct and courage, becomes the muse for her Fool card. As Pamela begins to create the tarot deck, she is almost overwhelmed by the race to possess the magical power of her cards. In order to defeat Aleister, Henry and William will have to transform into living incarnations of the Magician and the Fool—and Pamela will have to learn how to conjure her own magic.

Review:

This book is an intriguing historical fiction about an occult group in the Victorian era. The men who created the group were all well known men in their fields, such as Bram Stoker and Henry Irving. The story also followed a young girl, Pamela Colman Smith, as she experienced strange magical powers during her childhood until she became an adult. I recognized some of the characters as real historical figures, but I didn’t realize Pamela was a real person too until the end. I’m looking forward to continuing the series!

Magician and Fool is an interesting magical historical fiction!

Thank you BookSparks for providing a copy of this book!

Content warnings: death of parents (off page)

Other books in the series:

  • High Priestess and Empress (Arcane Oracle #2)
  • Emperor and Hierophant (Arcane Oracle #3)

Have you read Magician and Fool? What did you think of it?

Review: The Mafia Nanny, Vol. 1

Title: The Mafia Nanny, Vol. 1
Author: SH00, Violet Matter, Rouusuu, Drawniels
Genre: Graphic Novel, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Webtoon Unscrolled
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

For fans of romances with dashes of action and comedy, this hit WEBTOON comic with over 1.7 million subscribers follows Davina on her first assignment out of the Elite Nanny Academy: protect the young son of notorious mafia underboss, Gabriel Angelini.

Being an Elite Nanny is simple: protect the charge, obey the principle, and don’t get emotionally attached. 

This is easier said than done when Davina’s first client is a dangerously compelling Venetian underboss who’s determined to get under her skin. What he wants from her, she can’t imagine, but Gabriel Angelini drags her back into the glittering world of organized crime she thought she’d left behind forever. 

Davina might get answers about her past if she digs deep enough, but her challenges will be protecting Mikey from his father’s ambitions and keeping her heart from getting tangled up in their treacherous web.

This volume collects episodes 1–12 of the smash hit WEBTOON series The Mafia Nanny.

Review:

This graphic novel follows Davina, a nanny from the Elite Nanny Academy, on her first assignment to protect the son of a mafia boss. The young boy tried to outsmart her many times, so Davina had to keep on her toes. There were some hints to her backstory that led her to this kind of job, which I hope will be explored more in the next books.

The Mafia Nanny is a funny action graphic novel!

Thank you Wattpad Books for sending me a copy of this book!

Content warnings: death of parent (off page) kidnapping, knife violence

Have you read The Mafia Nanny, Vol. 1? What did you think of it?

Review: Blood Divided (The Felserpent Chronicles #2)

Title: Blood Divided (The Felserpent Chronicles #2)
Author: Katie Keridan
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: SparkPress
Source: Bookinfluencers.com
Format: Ebook
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Kyra Valorian and Sebastian Sayre have finally remembered their pasts as the former Felserpent Queen and King, and now it’s time for them to change the future―by reuniting the realms and bringing peace to Astrals and Daevals. But tensions between Aeles and Nocens have never been higher, and those of silver and gold blood are more divided than ever.

In addition to improving her recovrancy abilities and completing internship, Kyra is determined to uncover her father’s role in the evil Astral experimentation program, no matter the danger. As Sebastian learns to be in a relationship, he finds himself facing the traumas of two very different pasts, forcing him to make tough decisions about his chosen profession and who he wants to be. Meanwhile, Tallus, arch-enemy to the Felserpent monarchy, has also returned―and it will take help from Cyphers, as well as friends both old and new, to find and stop him.

As Kyra and Sebastian struggle to navigate the differences between their past and current relationship, one thing’s part of fulfilling their destiny means accepting their fate. The choices they make will reach all the way into Death in this thrilling found family sequel to Reign Returned .

Review:

This book is a thrilling sequel to Reign Returned! There was more action in this story since the characters and world were introduced in the first book. I loved how more of Kyra and Sebastian’s past lives together were slowly being revealed to them. They found more people who were also been reincarnated with them. I’m excited to read the final book in the trilogy!

Blood Divided is a great fantasy sequel!

Thank you Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: death of parent, knife violence, child abuse, fire

Other books in the series:

  • Reign Returned (The Felserpent Chronicles #1)
  • Realm United (The Felserpent Chronicles #3)

Have you read Blood Divided? What did you think of it?

Review: A Corpse and a Cat (Cass Peake #4)

Title: A Corpse and a Cat (Cass Peake #4)
Author: Rena Leith
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Contemporary
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Source: Publisher
Format: Ebook
Release Date: October 28, 2024
Rating: ★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

What’s a ghost to do when she needs a little excitement? In Doris’ case, she hitches a ride inside her human roommate’s big black cat Thor. But she didn’t intend to find a dead body.

With her smarmy ex-husband in town trying to cozy up to her, romance with a local cop cooling, and a St. Patrick’s Day party to plan, Cass Peake already has her hands full. 

But the loss of her most lucrative client yet and the near-loss of her ghost pal forces Cass to consider a shocking idea. Is there a killer among the DNA relatives vying for a lucrative conservatorship? And did she really see someone load a body-sized canvas bag into a car?

Review:

This book is an entertaining cozy mystery! Cass lives in a house with a ghost named Doris, who likes to inhabit Cass’s cat Thor so that she can leave the house. This is the fourth book in the series so it took a few pages to figure out what was going on with Doris. This book could be read as a stand-alone. Though this was a murder mystery with a lot of characters and suspects, it was quite funny at times. 

A Corpse and a Cat is a fun cozy mystery!

Thank you The Wild Rose Press and Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: death, asthma attack, murder

Have you read A Corpse and a Cat? What did you think of it?

Happy Pub Day – April 8

Happy Pub Day to these authors!

Desperate Deadly Widows by Kimberly Belle, Layne Fargo, Cate Holahan, Vanessa Lillie

The Maid’s Secret by Nita Prose

The Jane Austen Insult Guide for Well-Bred Women by Emily Reed

I Love Blueberries by Shannon Anderson, Jaclyn Sinquett

Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark, Penguin Random House Canada, Castle Point Books, and Publicity Prose for providing copies of these books!

What books are you most excited for this week?

Review: No Good Deed

Title: No Good Deed
Author: C.D. Bennett
Genre: Thriller, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Source: Publisher
Format: Ebook
Release Date: June 26, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

No Good Deed…goes unpunished.

Kiya James’ relocation to idyllic Riverton Colorado is disrupted when she discovers a critically wounded man lying in a field near her home. Little did she know that her selfless act to save the man’s life would thrust her into a world of corruption, greed, and danger. As the only witness to the initial attack, and shaken by an attempt on her own life, Kiya is offered refuge with the victim’s family. Together, they struggle to uncover the circumstances that would trigger an unknown assailant to unleash a string of deadly attacks in an otherwise quiet rural ranching community.
Jake McCleary’s world could have been destroyed with a single bullet if it hadn’t been for the quick actions of a stranger. Now, in a desperate attempt to protect her, and his entire family, Jake must fight to defend his home, livelihood, and the woman who is rapidly capturing his heart, against the vicious actions of a criminal that will stop at absolutely nothing to get what he wants. But will they find the answers they need in time, or will they lose everything to the conceit of a madman? And will the bond between his wounded brother and the woman that saved him prove to be too big of an obstacle for Jake to overcome in the pursuit for Kiya’s love?

Review:

This book was suspenseful and exciting. I loved how close the McCleary siblings were. They all worked together to run their ranch, and to solve the mystery of who shot Dylan. There were quite a few heart pounding twists that kept me wondering what would happen next. The ending was sweet and heartwarming!

No Good Deed is an exciting thriller!

Thank you The Wild Rose Press and Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: gun violence, knife violence, hospital scenes, blood, kidnapping, car accident

Have you read No Good Deed? What did you think of it?

Review: Fly Me to the Moon, Vol. 1

Title: Fly Me to the Moon, Vol. 1
Author: Kenjirō Hata
Genre: Manga, Young Adult, Romance
Publisher: Viz Media
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Release Date: September 8, 2020
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

From the day his parents named him, Nasa Yuzaki has felt connected to outer space…whether he likes it or not. His efforts to outperform the space program veer off course when an accident introduces him to Tsukasa, a mysterious girl with strange powers. Is she an alien, a moon goddess or something else? Since she insists on marrying him, Nasa will have plenty of chances to find out!

Review:

This manga was so cute. It was sarcastic and funny at times. It had the “love at first sight” trope, which isn’t usually my favourite, but it was done in an exaggerated and funny way so it was entertaining. It was often cinematic in the way the story was told. I’m looking forward to continuing the series!

Fly Me to the Moon, Vol. 1 is an entertaining manga!

Thank you Viz Media and Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: car accident, hospital scene, blood

Have you read Fly Me to the Moon, Vol. 1? What did you think of it?

Review: Reign Returned (The Felserpent Chronicles #1)

Title: Reign Returned (The Felserpent Chronicles #1)
Author: Katie Keridan
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: SparkPress
Source: Bookinfluencers.com
Format: Ebook
Release Date: January 1, 2022
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Kyra Valorian is the most gifted Astral healer the golden-blooded realm of Aeles has seen in ages. When tragedy strikes, Kyra discovers she possesses a life-changing she’s a Recovrancer, able to enter the realm of the dead and recover those who’ve died before their time. Unfortunately, recovrancy is outlawed in her realm. Desperate for answers, Kyra will do anything to get them . . . even partner with a dangerous enemy.

Sebastian Sayre is the most sought-after Daeval assassin in all of Nocens. A silver-blooded Pyromancer, he wields fire and dreams of finding Rhannu, a legendary sword that makes its holder invincible. Since the sword was long ago stolen from Nocens and hidden where no Daeval can retrieve it, however, such a dream seems impossible … until he encounters the one Astral who might be both able and willing to help him.

As Kyra and Sebastian work together to uncover the secrets of their realms, they also uncover secrets within their own pasts—pasts that are far more intertwined than they ever imagined. Ultimately, in this tale of discovery, destiny, and a love strong enough to outlast time, remembering the past just may prove to be the only way to change the future.

Review:

This book is an exciting story about a couple from opposing regions who have been reincarnated from a past King and Queen. There was a complex magic world, which included animal companions for each of the characters. I loved the main characters Kyra and Sebastian. They had well developed backstories, and they had some secrets in their past too. I’m so excited to continue reading this trilogy!

Reign Returned is a great beginning to this series!

Thank you Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: death of parent, child abuse (off page), murder (off page)

Other books in the series:

  • Blood Divided (The Felserpent Chronicles #2)
  • Realm United (The Felserpent Chronicles #3)

Have you read Reign Returned? What did you think of it?

Review: Dogsred, Vol. 1

Title: Dogsred, Vol. 1
Author: Satoru Noda
Genre: Manga, Young Adult
Publisher: Viz Media
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Ice hockey action from the creator of Golden Kamuy!

Rou once chased figure-skating glory. Now he chases redemption in the ice hockey rink.

After winning the national championship, 15-year-old figure skater Rou Shirakawa was on his way to the Olympics. But with his mother’s tragic death on his mind, he threw it all away in an outburst of rage. Banned from figure skating, he and his sister move to Hokkaido. When he meets some local kids at the skating pond, they convince him to be a stand-in player for their soon-to-be-disbanded hockey team. The team has never won a game, and they’re up against the local champs—but if they’ve got to go down, they want to score at least one goal before it’s all over. Rou hasn’t got a clue how to play ice hockey, but he sure knows how to skate!

Review:

In this manga, a promising young figure skater, Rou, gives up his future of skating at the Olympics after his mother passes away. Even though he doesn’t want to figure skate anymore because it reminds him of his mother, he still skates on his own and some kids talk him into playing hockey with them. I liked that Rou didn’t completely give up his passion of skating. He found a different way to skate in a new sport. There were some hints of what’s to come at the end of the story, of Rou possibly joining a hockey team.

Dogsred, Vol. 1 is a great start to this manga series!

Thank you Viz Media and Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book for a paid campaign!

Content warnings: death of parent (off page)

Have you read Dogsred, Vol. 1? What did you think of it?