Review: Hive (Madders of Time #1)

Title: Hive (Madders of Time #1)
Author: D.L. Orton
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: Rocky Mountain Press
Source: Bookinfluencers.com
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

goodreads-badge-add-plus-71eae69ca0307d077df66a58ec068898

Goodreads Synopsis:

What if saving the future meant rewriting the past?
 
In a dying world overrun by microdrones, humanity’s last survivors cling to life inside the Eden-17 biodome. Isabelle Sanborn knows her time is running out, but one desperate plan might give humanity a second chance. With the help of Madders, an enigmatic AI built from the memories of a brilliant physicist, Isabelle sends Diego Nadales—the love of her life—35 years into the past. His mission? To change the course of history and prevent their world’s collapse.
 
When Diego arrives in the vibrant yet fragile Main Timeline, he’s forced to confront ghosts of the past, including a younger, ambitious version of Isabelle. As he battles to shape a better future, Diego must navigate a delicate web of relationships and events without destroying the very fabric of time.
 
Brimming with suspense, heart-pounding action, and a poignant love story that transcends time, Madders of Time – Book One is a breathtaking science fiction adventure. Award-winning author DL Orton weaves a tale that explores sacrifice, resilience, and the timeless power of love.
 
Fans of The Time Traveler’s Wife and Dark Matter will find themselves captivated by this unforgettable journey through parallel worlds and intertwining destinies.
 
The clock is ticking. Can love survive the collapse of time itself?
 
Prepare to lose yourself in the first installment of the Madders of Time series—a story that will keep you turning pages and leave you hungry for more.

Review:

This is a great sci-fi thriller! It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time and I didn’t want the story to end. I liked that each chapter had a small image of the character who was the POV of the chapter on the first page. It changed depending on the age of the character too. It was a nice detail that made it easier to imagine the characters’ appearances. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book in the series!

Hive is a suspenseful sci-fi thriller!

Thank you Bookinfluencers for sending me a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: death, bomb, terrorist attack, cancer, stillbirth, divorce

Have you read Hive? What did you think of it?

Review: The Sun’s Shadow

Title: The Sun’s Shadow
Author: Sejal Badani
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Paperback
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

goodreads-badge-add-plus-71eae69ca0307d077df66a58ec068898

Goodreads Synopsis:

From the bestselling author of The Storyteller’s Secret comes an unflinching exploration of betrayal, forgiveness, and the healing power of a second chance.

Celine’s life is spiraling out of control. She’s in danger of losing the beloved equestrian farm that was her childhood home. Her distant husband, Eric, is devoting a suspicious amount of time to a stunning new colleague. Then her young son, Brian, receives a devastating cancer diagnosis. How much worse can things get?

Felicity has uprooted her career and her teenage son, Justin, to get closer to Eric. She’s tired of keeping his secrets—that Justin is his son, and Eric’s frequent “business trips” have been spent playing the good dad with him. Felicity is determined to get her happily ever after, even if it means confronting Celine at a delicate time.

But when Brian’s prognosis worsens, and a transplant from Justin becomes his best chance at survival, Felicity must make a wrenching decision about her son’s well-being—and Celine must accept that the “other woman” is her only hope.

In another life Celine and Felicity might have been friends. Can they put aside the pain between them to do what’s best for their families—and their own futures?

Review:

This was a fast paced and emotional read. Even though this isn’t a thriller, the fast pace and intensity of the plot made it feel like a heart pounding thriller. I had a hard time putting it down! It was also quite emotional. Celine’s son was diagnosed with cancer, and she also had to deal with the discovery of her husband’s past infidelity. There wasn’t time to process everything at once, since her son’s treatment was urgent. This was such a great novel!

The Sun’s Shadow is a thrilling and emotional read!

Thank you iRead Book Tours for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: cancer, infidelity, parental abandonment

Have you read The Sun’s Shadow? 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-badge-add-plus-71eae69ca0307d077df66a58ec068898

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:

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-badge-add-plus-71eae69ca0307d077df66a58ec068898

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-badge-add-plus-71eae69ca0307d077df66a58ec068898

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: Unicornia: A Magical Birthday

Title: Unicornia: A Magical Birthday
Author: Ana Punset, Diana Vicedo (illustrator)
Genre: Children’s
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Source: Publisher
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

goodreads-badge-add-plus-71eae69ca0307d077df66a58ec068898

Goodreads Synopsis:

Wishes, presents, rides, and . . . unicorns! This second sparkling adventure in an upbeat series will captivate chapter book readers.

There is only one thing better than a birthday party—a birthday party in Unicornia! Here the cakes are enchanted, the candies change flavor, and the theme parks are covered in glitter. But Pippa’s birthday has started off on the wrong foot, and her friends must think quickly to turn disaster into great fun. Luckily for them, they live in the most magical place ever!

Review:

This was such a fun book in the Unicornia series! Claudia and her friends celebrated her friend Pippa’s birthday because Pippa’s parents were out of town. Even though Pippa was sad, her friends were able to give her the best birthday. The story is set in the fun world of Unicornia with Unicorns that fly around and even act as first responders and rescue people! I love the art in this book. The pictures were in black, white, and shades of blue.

Unicornia: A Magical Birthday is a fun book for young readers!

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

Other books in the series:

Have you read Unicornia: A Magical Birthday? 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-badge-add-plus-71eae69ca0307d077df66a58ec068898

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:

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-badge-add-plus-71eae69ca0307d077df66a58ec068898

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:

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