Fantasy – Page 2 – Jill's Book Blog

Review: Freaking Romance, Vol. 1

Title: Freaking Romance, Vol. 1
Author: Snailords
Genre: Graphic Novel, Romance, Fantasy
Publisher: Webtoon Unscrolled
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Release Date: September 26, 2023
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Every relationship has its bumps. For this couple, it’s interstellar.

From the creator of Snailogy and Rescheduled comes a sexy supernatural story about being out on your own, finding your dream apartment and discovering that your new place is haunted by a handsome spectral stranger from another dimension. Sure, he can’t see you and you can’t touch him, but who said every relationship starts out perfectly?

Freaking Romance is for fans of Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me , This One Summer and Bloom .

This volume collects episodes 1–21 of the supernatural hit WEBTOON comic.

Review:

This is such a fun and original supernatural graphic novel! Zylith moved into a haunted apartment, but it turns out the “ghost” is actually pop star Zelan. They both live in the same apartment but in different worlds, so they can’t physically touch each other without making the other vanish. They took turns playing hard to get by pretending they couldn’t see the other, which was funny. I’m excited to read the rest of the series!

Freaking Romance is a fun graphic novel!

Content warnings: depression, abuse, sick parent

Other books in the series:

Freaking Romance, Vol. 2
Freaking Romance, Vol. 3

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

Review: Doom Breaker, Vol. 1 (Doom Breaker #1)

Title: Doom Breaker, Vol. 1 (Doom Breaker #1)
Author: Blue-Deep
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy
Publisher: Wattpad Books
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Release Date: July 25, 2023
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Zephyr is the last human fighting evil in a world abandoned by the gods. After a five-year war against humans and demons, Zephyr is slain by Tartarus, the Demon Lord. In the aftermath, much of humankind was either slaughtered or captured as hosts for demons. When all seems lost, Zephyr is abruptly reincarnated, much to the sinister amusement of the gods, to save humanity and avenge those he loves.

With his newfound second life, Zephyr is flung ten years into the past without his physical strength, starting at square one as a temple slave. Marked with a brand keeping him in servitude, he must navigate his new reality and regain his former powers. Some gods are still rooting for Zephyr’s success and offer him perks as he continues his quest, leading to the ultimate battle against the god of destruction, Tartarus, once more. Can Zephyr finally have his revenge and save the woman he loves, or is he doomed to repeat the past?

This volume collects episodes 1–10 of the hit WEBTOON comic.

Review:

This graphic novel is a thrilling start to the series. Zephyr was sent ten years into his past, as amusement for the gods. He knows what will happen in his life but he has to alter his past to be able to beat the god Tartarus in the future. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

Thank you Wattpad Books for providing a copy of this book!

Content warnings: violence, death, sword violence

Other books in the series:

Doom Breaker, Vol. 2 (Doom Breaker #2)

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

Review: Princess Academy (Princess Academy #1)

Title: Princess Academy (Princess Academy #1)
Author: Shannon Hale
Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy
Publisher: Bloomsbury Books USA
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

This deluxe twentieth anniversary edition of the beloved modern classic, Princess Academy, will feature stunning sprayed edges, a brand new cover, and a letter from the author!

What if you had a chance to become a Princess?

Miri lives high atop a mountain where, for generations, her ancestors have lived a simple life, working in the quarry. But everything changes when word arrives that the prince of the kingdom will choose his princess from among the village girls.

A makeshift academy is set up on the mountain and every eligible girl must attend and learn how to become a proper princess. Soon Miri finds herself confronted with a harsh academy mistress, bitter competition among the girls, and her own conflicting desires. Being chosen could give her everything she ever wanted, but does Miri really want to leave her home and family behind for a royal life?

Review:

I’ve wanted to read this book for years, so I’m excited that I finally had the opportunity to read it! This is a great middle grade book about self-discovery. Miri thought she was going to learn to become a princess and leave her village to live in the palace, but she ended up discovering the secrets of her people and realizing where she belonged. This book has a new special edition to celebrate the 20th anniversary, with beautiful stenciled edges!

Princess Academy is a modern middle grade classic!

Thank you Bookinfluencers.com and Bloomsbury USA for providing a copy of this book for a sponsored campaign!

Content warnings: child abuse, death of parent, kidnapping

Other books in the series:

Palace of Stone (Princess Academy #2)
The Forgotten Sisters (Princess Academy #3)

Have you read Princess Academy? What did you think of it?

Review: Shadows and Light

Title: Shadows and Light
Author: Tanya Cimone
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Source: Publisher
Format: Ebook
Release Date: September 25, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Since childhood, Nyssa has been accompanied by ethereal melodies that haunt her and sinister Shadows that follow her every move. Shunned from her stepfather’s secretive business of curating art for the occult, her brother, Micah, and her best friend, Isabelle, are the anchors of her sheltered life.

But when demons crawl out of the underworld and capture Isabelle, Nyssa risks her own life to rescue her, determined to find the demon responsible. She quickly learns that trust is fickle as a demon’s bargain. When mysterious club owner Sam offers to help, and demons try taking her down, Nyssa hedges her bets.

She will dance with the Devil and bargain if it means saving her best friend. But will Nyssa save Isabelle and escape the Devil’s charm? Or will the darkness that’s always trailed behind finally claim her…revealing secrets that were meant to stay buried?

Review:

This was a great story! It had some fantasy, romance, and thriller aspects. There were some elements of a dark romance, with demons and angels, but it didn’t get dark or horrific. It was a fast-paced read with some exciting twists. The idea of fate and destiny was explored a little, as well as reincarnation, which I find interesting. I was on the edge of my seat for most of this book!

Shadows and Light is a thrilling romance!

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

Content warnings: death, kidnapping, references to blood, knife violence

Have you read Shadows and Light? What did you think of it?

Review: Guardians of Glyndor: The Disappearing Creatures

Title: Guardians of Glyndor: The Disappearing Creatures
Author: Nicoleclaire C.
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Publisher: Independent
Source: Bookinfluencers.com
Format: Ebook
Release Date: April 25, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old Jesse is always counting—the forty-two tiles in his café, the 37.8 percent chance of rain on Thursdays, and the stubborn minutes that keep him stuck behind the counter. It’s how he makes sense of a world that’s never quite made sense of him. Halfway across the globe, Emilyfeels too much, drowning in emotions that don’t belong to her, in a world that always asks her to be less.

Their lives change when a mysterious green-haired woman appears with an invitation to Glyndor, a prestigious school hidden in Eldora—the First Earth. In this world, magic is deeply personal. Jesse and Emily train alongside students from all over Earth, where quirks, traits, and personalities shape the magic they wield.

But Eldora is dying. Its magic is fading. The wealthy hoard what remains, while the Blanched are left powerless. As the Three Moons align, Eldora’s guardians start to disappear. Strange creatures emerge. Whispers of an ancient darkness grow louder. And amid it all, Jesse and Emily find themselves drawn together by something neither of them can ignore.

In this coming-of-age tale of magic, love and friendship, Jesse and Emily must decide who they are and what they stand for—before all they hold dear is lost.

Review:

This is a fun fantasy story set in a magical school. There were a few main characters, including Jesse who was neurodivergent. One part of the book that I really liked was the illustrations of the characters throughout the book. I love being able to see exactly what the characters look like on the page. There were some exciting twists in the story too!

Guardians of Glyndor is an exciting YA fantasy!

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

Content warning: death, parental death (off page)

Have you read Guardians of Glyndor? What did you think of it?

Review: Morgana and Oz, Vol. 2

Title: Morgana and Oz, Vol. 2
Author: Miyuli
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy
Publisher: Wattpad Books
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Release Date: March 25, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

This stunning series by debut author Miyuli, perfect for fans of both fantasy and romance, explores what happens when a struggling witch meets an angsty vampire—either love or war.

This stunning series by debut author Miyuli, perfect for fans of both fantasy and romance, explores what happens when a struggling witch meets an angsty vampire—either love or war.

Morgana Winterberry belongs to a long line of witches, while Oz belongs to the rival vampire clan. After a chance encounter…and maybe a few stray spells…these two need to find a way to work together, or risk all-out war between coven and clan.

Morgana is still trying to pick up the pieces after the explosive breakdown of peace negotiations between her family of witches and the Red Vampire clan.

With the vampires poisoned because of a curse put on the blood served by Morgana’s family, and Oz stuck as a cat thanks to a spell gone wrong, Morgana has a lot to fix. She’s determined to put things right, which leads her to a powerful witch doctor, and right into the vampires’ lair.

There are a number of dangerous secrets to untangle, because something strange is going on with Morgana’s powers, and someone in her family has been using dark magic.

Meanwhile, no one on either side is happy about a witch and a vampire getting closer…except maybe Morgana and Oz.

This volume collects episodes 20 – 39 of the hit fantasy WEBTOON series.

Review:

I was so excited for this sequel. I loved the first volume and this one didn’t disappoint. The dynamic between the witches and vampires is tense, but Morgana is so kind that she’s trying to mend their relationship. There was a flashback chapter to when Morgana was a child, which I found really sweet and emotional. This is such a great series! I can’t wait for the next one!

Morgana and Oz, Vol. 1 is an exciting fantasy graphic novel!

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

Other books in the series:

Morgana and Oz, Vol. 1

Have you read Morgana and Oz, Vol. 2? What did you think of it?

Review: Hocus and Pocus and the Dragon Next Door (Hocus and Pocus #2)

Title: Hocus and Pocus and the Dragon Next Door (Hocus and Pocus #2)
Author: A.R. Capetta, Charlene Chua (illustrator)
Genre: Children’s, Fantasy
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Source: Publisher
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Magical puppies Hocus and Pocus have a new Bye-Bye the dragon! Hocus is delighted, but Pocus is nervous about making friends—and about fire breath. A funny and affirming adventure.

On a walk around the neighborhood delivering potions with their magical family, puppies Hocus and Pocus discover that the wizard next door, Jade, has a new pet—a dragon named Bye-Bye. Hocus is excited! She loves making new friends and thinks Bye-Bye’s wings and fire breath are cool. But Pocus is afraid. He already has five friends, which feels like a lot. Plus Bye-Bye might eat them! Right? When Hocus bounds into Bye-Bye’s yard wanting to play, the dragon shies away, then chases her off. Could it be that Bye-Bye isn’t scary—she’s scared? How can the puppies help? Maybe if Hocus uses a potion to turn into a dragon temporarily, or if Pocus learns some friendly phrases in dragon language, it might help Bye-Bye open up. And it just might help Pocus feel braver, too. This charming series continues with another fun-filled and enchanted romp in a world where everyone can be their unique selves.

Review:

This is a cute story about making new friends and conquering your fears. Hocus and Pocus were nervous about meeting the scary dragon next door, so they brewed a potion to take away their fear. However, they discovered that the dragon was actually scared of them. Sometimes new people can seem scary if they aren’t friendly, but that can actually be because they’re also scared. Once Hocus and Pocus got to know the dragon, they became friends.

Hocus and Pocus and the Dragon Next Door is a great children’s book!

Thank you Candlewick Press for sending me a copy of this book!

Other books in the series:

Hocus and Pocus and the Spell for Home (Hocus and Pocus #1)

Have you read Hocus and Pocus and the Dragon Next Door? What did you think of it?

Review: Spirit Service (Spirit Service #1)

Title: Spirit Service (Spirit Service #1)
Author: Sarena and Sasha Nanua
Genre: Middle Grade, Contemporary, Fantasy
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Canada
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback arc
Release Date: April 22, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Ghostbusters meets The Baby-Sitters Club in this supremely sweet and spooky story about four seventh graders who start a small business helping their local neighborhood spirits pass on to the other side.

All Raveena wants is to bring back her school’s beloved arts program. It’s been six months since her music-loving grandmother passed, and four since Hollows’ Peak Middle School cut its entire arts budget. Now Raveena has no way to practice music, and worse, no way to honor Grandmama’s memory.

But Raveena’s world turns on its head when she and her friends stumble upon an otherworldly discovery: an old-fashioned telephone with the ability to contact ghosts!

With her newfound possession, Raveena devises the perfect plan to raise funds for the arts program: Spirit Service, an agency that guides deceased townspeople to the afterlife by reconnecting them with their living loved ones. The best part? There are tons of spirits in need of assistance—and people willing to pay big bucks to communicate with them.

But not all spirits are interested in peacefully moving on…

To keep their neighborhood safe, Raveena and her friends must dive into the history of their town and the mysterious phone, and in the process, uncover secrets that are much closer to home.

Review:

When I heard about this book I was so excited! The main characters have a business called Spirit Service, which is like the Baby-Sitters Club but instead of babysitting they reunite people with the ghosts of their loved ones. This book was as great as I expected it to be. There were some emotional moments, since they were talking about their loved ones who they had lost. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!

Spirit Service is a great middle grade story!

Thank you Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me a copy of this book!

Have you read Spirit Service? What did you think of it?

Review: Give Up the Night (Moonstruck #2)

Title: Give Up the Night (Moonstruck #2)
Author: P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Contemporary
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback arc
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

New York Times bestsellers P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast return with the astonishing conclusion to their new duology set in a dark and magickal world filled with incredible danger and irresistible romance.

Since becoming Moonstruck on her eighteenth birthday, Wren Nightingale has found herself thrust into a world filled with deception, danger, and murder. Uncovering that their magick was fractured and limited when the original Moonstruck ritual was broken by Selene, Wren is determined to find a way to restore it. But the Elementals are split into two factions―some want the ritual completed and their freedom―and others are so terrified of change that they’re willing to end Wren before she can reach the center of the island where the ritual Selene ruined can be completed.

Between his overbearing father’s arrival, Rottingham delegating him more and more responsibility, and Celeste taking a special interest in him, Lee Young has been struggling to find his own path. As much as Lee wants to take his place in the Moonstruck hierarchy, he knows something’s not right at the Academia de la Luna. He thinks if he can talk some sense into Wren and get her to return to the Academia, that everything will turn out alright.

As Wren and Lee both battle for what they believe is right, they’ll have to uncover who their true allies are…and if they’re even on the same side of this magickal fight.

Review:

This was an exciting sequel to Draw Down the Moon. It didn’t take long to get right back into the action. I liked the reminders of what happened in the last book because it’s been a while since I’ve read it. The beginning and ending were exciting and action packed, but throughout the middle of the book, the pace slowed because the two main characters were in separate places. I would have liked the ending to be longer so that we can see what happens after the final battle. However, the main plot had a great ending.

Give Up the Night is a great conclusion to the Moonstruck duology!

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

Content warnings: death of parents (off page), death, blood, burns

Other books in the series:

Draw Down the Moon (Moonstruck #1)

Have you read Give Up the Night? What did you think of it?

Review: High Priestess and Empress (Arcana Oracle #2)

Title: High Priestess and Empress (Arcana Oracle #2)
Author: Susan Wands
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: SparkPress
Source: Publisher
Format: Ebook
Release Date: May 14, 2024
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

On her return to London, artist and seer Pamela Colman Smith discovers that her nemesis, Aleister Crowley, has returned—and his sights are set on her. Despite Aleister’s efforts to stop Pamela from further developing her tarot deck and accessing its magic, she carries on casting her High Priestess and Empress muses, Golden Dawn society leader Florence Farr and popular theatre star Ellen Terry. But when Ellen is poisoned and nearly killed, Pamela realizes that Aleister won’t stop coming for her—not until her muses are dead.

When Aleister reveals his plot to assassinate Queen Victoria and all female rulers, war breaks out between the Aleister’s Carlists and the Golden Dawn. With so many lives on the line—that of the queen, and those of her friends—Pamela must access her inner magic to face the battle of her life.

Review:

This book is a great sequel to Magician and Fool. The story was more intense as things heated up with the magical society. The characters faced more danger as their enemies became stronger. There were some exciting magical realism scenes too, as Pamela explored her powers.

High Priestess and Empress is a great sequel!

Thank you BookSparks for providing a copy of this book!

Content warnings: death, murder, drugging, animal death

Other books in the series:

Magician and Fool (Arcana Oracle #1)

Have you read High Priestess and Empress? What did you think of it?