Review: The Paladin (Saga of the Chosen #4)

Author: Petra Landon

Started reading: July 24th 2021

Finished the book: July 29th 2021

Pages: 452

Genres: Fantasy, Magic

Published: June 28th 2021

Source: Digital copy from the author

Goodreads score: 4.60

My score:

Synopsis

The explosive epiphany of their unique connection triggers the bondmates in different ways and simmering animosity drives a wedge between them. While their adversary and her shadowy sponsor get bolder, Tasia faces a tough decision.
The Alpha dredges up Vampire secrets to sow the seeds of dissension among the Clan, while Lady Bethesda struggles to right her ship. Sienna comes out, Temi makes a friend, the Blood Mages pick a side and ElMorad goes on a rampage. As more of the Oracle’s clues come to light, the investigation must make audacious moves and riskier bets, even work with the Guardians and other capricious partners, to checkmate their adversary. When a twist of fate forces Tasia to confront her worst nightmare, she has nothing to fall back on. As a multitude of threats converge on her, can Raoul shake off the chains of the past to help Tasia outrun her destiny?

Review: The Siren (Saga of the Chosen #3)

Author: Petra Landon
Started reading: April 4th 2020
Finished the book: April 24th 2020
Pages: 472
Genres: Fantasy, Magic
Published: March 30th 2020
Source: Digital copy from the author
Goodreads score: 4.50
My score:

Synopsis

Tasia is finally at home in San Francisco. Surrounded by powerful friends and like-minded allies, she's finding her feet in the Pack, contributing to the investigation and feeling her way with the fiercely guarded and daunting Alpha. But she has a major decision to make, one that goes to the root of who she is and the chains of history that hold her future hostage to the past.

The Oracle's interpretation of his prophecy raises uncomfortable questions about the allegiances of powerful Chosen. Lady Bethesda’s attempts to entice Faoladh to her side, the shadowy presence of an Archmage, the growing role of a powerful Vampire Master and the latent fissures among the Ancients force the team to reconsider their strategy. But a devastating bombshell tears apart a rock-solid partnership, just as Tasia is ready to break the shackles that bind her. As the past comes home to roost, the Alpha must grapple with the darkness he holds at bay. Can the Alpha conquer his demons or will the past color the present?

Review: The Elemental Coven (Witch's Ambitions Trilogy #2)

Author: Kayla Krantz
Started reading: September 29th 2018
Finished the book: October 8th 2018
Pages: 348
Genres: Fantasy, Magic
Published: August 15th 2018
Source: Got a digital copy from the author
Goodreads score: Not enough ratings
My score:

Synopsis
With the Land of Five being systematically torn apart by war, Ignis witch, Lilith Lace, has a number of problems before her. Captured in the Battle of Ignis by The Elemental Coven, she must deal with the recent deaths of her loved ones as a prisoner of war. Mind torn between escaping and giving up completely, Lilith is presented with a new surprise—infamous rouge witch, Willow, is not only alive and well but has a larger role in Lilith’s childhood accident than she ever imagined.

Everything’s changing. Friends are becoming enemies and enemies are becoming friends. Will Lilith finally get to the bottom of her past among the ranks of The Elemental Coven or will they hurt her worse than anything she’s encountered so far?

Review: Veins of Magic (The Otherworld #2)

Author: Emma Hamm
Started reading: April 6th 2018
Finished the book: April 28th 2018
Pages: 350
Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Retelling
Published: December 19th 2017
Source: Got a digital copy from the author
Goodreads score: 4.14
My score:

Synopsis
Once upon a time…

Heartache dogs the steps of Sorcha of Ui Neill. Although she is home with her family, she is unable to shake the memories of her time in Hy-brasil. She heals with a heavy heart, tells stories with melancholy words, and cannot forget the magic of the Otherworld. When an opportunity arises to return to her beloved Fae Prince, she makes a questionable deal. Dark magic, druidic curses, and a witch open a portal and send her tumbling into the middle of a war she must end for the sake of all who dwell in the Otherworld.

Review: The Rainmaker (Saga of the Chosen #2)

Author: Petra Landon
Started reading: March 2nd 2018
Finished the book: March 14th 2018
Pages: 500
Genres: Fantasy, Magic
To be published: March 30th 2018
Source: Got a digital copy from the author
Goodreads score: Not yet published
My score:

Synopsis
As they race to untangle the past and thwart a power-hungry Wizard, Tasia must face her toughest decision yet. Can she take a leap of faith and risk her deadliest secret?
Tasia Armstrong is no longer a nondescript, friendless and naïve Wizard flying under the radar on the fringes of Chosen society. With her fate now publicly entwined with that of a powerful Shifter Pack, she must navigate the minefield of Pack politics while keeping her secrets and cover safe from the Chosen who hunt her. With a Pack to defend her, a powerful Alpha to protect her interests and friends to watch her back, her life is a far cry from before. But living with the Shifters holds new challenges for a Chosen more used to the shadows.

Review: Heart of the Fae (The Otherworld #1)

Author: Emma Hamm
Started reading: January 3rd 2018
Finished the book: January 17th 2018
Pages: 368
Genres: Fantasy, Retelling
Published: November 26th 2017
Source: Got a digital copy from the author
Goodreads score: 4.05
My score:

Synopsis

A plague sweeps across the emerald hills of Uí Néill, leaving a young midwife’s father with months to live. To save her people, Sorcha makes a deal with a dangerous Fae. She must travel across the sea, through merrow and kelpie lands, to find a forgotten king on a crumbling throne.

With the help of brownies, pixies, and will-o’-the-wisps, Sorcha battles to break through his crystalline shell and persuade him to take back his stolen throne.

Review: Mother of Shadows (The Chosen #1)

Author: Meg Anne
Started reading: October 27th 2017
Finished the book: November 2nd 2017
Pages: 257
Genres: Fantasy, Magic
Published: August 1st 2017
Source: Got a digital copy from the author
Goodreads score: 4.30
My score:

Synopsis
Helena’s life had always been quiet. In fact, she liked it that way. When her childhood friend returns home and tells her that she is the prophesied ruler of the Chosen, those blessed with the gift of magic, her quiet life goes up in flames.

Suddenly Helena finds herself surrounded by a circle of protectors, each having sworn their loyalty to her since her birth. All except for one: her Mate.

It’s not enough that she learn how to use her magic and undergo a trial to prove her worthiness; in order to claim her title, Helena must also find the man who carries the other half of her soul.

Review: The Prophecy (Saga of the Chosen, #1)

Author: Petra Landon
Started reading: March 5th 2017
Finished the book: March 13th 2017
Pages: 419
Genres: Fantasy
Published: January 27th 2017
Source: Got a digital copy from the author
Goodreads score: Not enough reviews
My score:


Synopsis:
Chosen have walked the earth for time immemorial - they have survived by scrupulously hiding their magic to blend in. Tasia Armstrong is a very special Chosen. Forced by circumstances to conceal her powers from her brethren, she makes a fateful decision one night to assist an injured Shape-shifter. Suddenly, Tasia finds herself forced out of the shadows, an unwitting pawn in the ongoing skirmish between rogue Shifters encroaching on Pack turf and the local Shape-shifter Pack led by a formidable and dangerous Alpha Protector. Thrown into the deep end, Tasia must learn to cohabit with the volatile and aggressive Shifters while grappling to deal with the enigmatic Alpha who holds his fractious Pack together with a ruthless hand on the reins.

My thoughts

I'm so so so surprised by this book. Mainly because it has very little readers on Goodreads. I wasn't really sure what I was getting into, when Petra Landon asked me to read the book. It took me some time to get into, but I loved it! I'll tell you why.

Pros

• Language choice: I truly loved the way this book was written. I learned SO MUCH new English words. It was written beautifully and described so well. The words that were used added a lot of depth to the story. There were so much words that you don't see that often in a book and it was great to read a book with a different feel to it. (So happy with my Kindle Dictionary, since English is not my native language)
• Lot of mystery: The book starts with a lot of mystery and also ends with a lot of mystery. This really makes me want to read the second book, to get me some answers. The ending is great, because Tasia is at the brink of solving the mystery, but there are still a lot of questions. 
• Amazing worldbuilding: The Council, Shifters, Leeches, Guardians, Wizards, Humans.. YEAH! It's so well thought through. There were no loose ends in the world building what so ever. This is by far the strongest part about this book. I believed every part of it.
• Characters: Can't end this list of pro's without saying something about the characters. The characters have so much depth because of the rich conversations they have together. Tasia is great, but the Alpha Protector stole my heart. He is so passionate :)

Cons

• Felt slow at some points: I would understand if people think this book is a slow read. It could have had more action for me at some parts. The rescues when there was "danger" were so quick, so it never really felt like "danger". The action scenes were short and followed by long conversations. I didn't mind that much, but I would've loved a bit more muscles, fighting and magic spells.
• Too much exclamation marks: I have a thing with exclamation marks. I enjoy reading sentences when those are really shouted or if someone is shocked beyond believe. From my point of view, a lot of sentences in this book did not need a exclamation mark. It's a little remark from my side, but it just annoyed me sometimes, yep sorry.

Overall

We can welcome Petra Landon to the writer's world with a big bow. Great worldbuilding and amazing characters. I truly enjoyed this book. Loved the Pride and Prejudice references. Can't wait for the second part to get me some answers.

What is the best debut novel you've read so far?

Review: The Council (Witch's Ambitions Trilogy Book One)

Author: Kayla Krantz
Started reading: February 21st 2017
Finished the book: February 25th 2017
Pages: Unknown
Genres: Fantasy, Magic
Published: Expected March 1st 2017
Source: Got a digital copy from Kayla Krantz for an honest review
Goodreads score: 4.71
My score:

Synopsis:
The council is the governing Coven over the Land of Five, a region entirely inhabited - and split apart - by witches with verying powers. Lilith Lace, a witch thought to be born powerless, happily resides in Ignis, the Coven of Five, until she suddenly develops telekinesis, an ability only seen in some witches born in Mentis, the Coven of the Mind. When the Council finds out about her odd development, she's taken under their wing and is finally told the truth - everything she's learned about the Land of Five, herself included, have been nothing but lies.

My thoughts

I love witches, so I was excited to start reading this book. I got sucked right into the story and found Lilith to be a very passionate character. Definately a good book, some little things that made me give the book 4 apples.

Pros

• Worldbuilding: The first pro is definitely the worldbuilding. It's unique in it's genre and I really feel like everything is thought through. I would've loved a more detailed description of the Five different Covens! I also feel that's it's so cool that the Covens are not your standard, Fire, Wind, Earth, Water stuff. Like I said, some unique worldbuilding.
• No insta love: YES! FINALLY. A fantasy book without the INSTA LOVE. Sometimes it just drives me crazy to read a great book and then taste the sourness of insta love. Don't get me wrong, insta love is not something I despise, but it's just used too much and too often in my opinion. Ofcourse there is romance in this book and enough feelings, but I'm so glad that there is no insta love. THANK YOU KAYLA.
• A lot of questions: I love the feeling that you go on a trip with Lilith to find the answers to her questions. And I also felt the rage and despair of no one giving her the answers she (and you with her) wants. Made the book a great set-up for a sequel though!
• Cliffhanger: Are you kidding me? This final chapter.. Makes me NEED the next book. I can't wait to read about Lilith and the Land of Five again. About the Covens and the Council. The cliffhanger at the end of this book is promising, strong and a great set-up.

Cons

• Not much tension: While you search for the answers in this book and learn more about the Land of Five and the dangers, I never felt real tension. Lilith was never in grave or real danger, to my opinion and it lacked tension at some points. I really hope that if there comes a sequel, there will be more tension, more WTH-parts.
• More humor: I loved the rare parts where there is humor and jokes between the characters. That's something promising and I would love to see more of it. It could be used to give some characters more personality. The book had me laughing out loud at some points, would've liked more of it.

Overall

Okay, I gotta  be honest with you, you want that, right? I thought this book wasn't gonna be this good. This book suprised me and I have to give Kayla Krantz a little applause. The worldbuilding and depth in Lilith's character are the strong parts in this book. Looking forward to the next part.

Memorable quotes from this book

""You know, without your cloack of burning rage, you almost look like a girl," he teases with a wink at me."

"There are things in life that you must face alone. Birth is one of them, death is another."

"The way I see it, you can live your life as it is, continuing to feel like an underdog, or you can step up. Be someone who matters, and make a change."

What world would you love to visit from a fantasy book?

(I would love to visith the Night Court from ACOTAR, together with Rhysand, ofcourse)