Books & Wheels

The Temple of Fortuna by Elodie Harper

The Temple of Fortuna wraps up Elodie Harper’s Wolf Den Trilogy in the best way possible.

Synopsis

It’s 79 AD, and Amara has come a long way since her days in the wolf den. She is now a courtesan to a powerful man with ties to the emperor. But her heart remains in Pompeii. She eventually returns to Pompeii at the same time as when the area begins to experience earth tremors.

Review of The Temple of Fortuna

This is hands down one of the most engaging historical fiction series I’ve ever read. It has such memorable and heartfelt characters. Historical figures and events are seamlessly interwoven into the story.

As with the first two books, the setting was vivid, and this time, frightening.

This last book ended on a hopeful note, especially the epilogue.

So why four stars and not five? There was the teensiest bit of repetitiveness regarding Amara’s reservations. And I was more invested in her life in Pompeii than her time spent in Rome.

But, overall, I adored this trilogy, and I can’t wait for more Roman-inspired historical fiction from this author.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 14 November 2023

Thank you to the publisher for sending a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviews for the first two books are here and here.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig

I went from incorrectly thinking I might not enjoy One Dark Window to finding a new favourite fantasy author with Two Twisted Crowns.

Synopsis

This sequel picks up immediately where the first book left off. In order to cure the kingdom of the dark magic plaguing it, Ravyn and Elspeth, along with the Nightmare, must find the Twin Alders card before Solstice.

Review of Two Twisted Crowns

We also get to learn more about Elm from his POV. He and Ione made up for the lack of pages from Elspeth’s perspective. They had such great banter and romantic tension. Aside from the romantic banter, there was also a teasing sense of humour, which helped balance the darker themes. Sometimes, with multiple POVs, I will prefer one over another, but with this book, I found each one to be as compelling as the next.

As with ODW, this book draws you in immediately with the rich atmosphere and fascinating storytelling. Without being subject to info-dumping, the reader learns more about the Nightmare and Providence cards.

It’s safe to say I’ll read whatever Rachel Gillig graces us with next.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Now Available.

Thank you to Orbit for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim

I’ve been waiting for another book by this author ever since I read Miracle Creek, so I was ecstatic when I saw Happiness Falls available on Netgalley. I’m happy to report this release was just as riveting as her debut.

Brief Synopsis

Like Miracle Creek, this book focuses on a character that has autism but also Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic condition.

Review of Happiness Falls

It discusses many themes, including language, communication, disability, ableism, and happiness – often through a philosophical lens.

I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump recently, and this book managed to pull me out of it. Angie Kim knows how to hook her readers and keep them engaged. It’s a tense read with lots of foreshadowing, making it hard to put down.

I’m excited to see what the author publishes next.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Now Available.

Thank you to Hogarth for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair

A Broken Blade is a solid fantasy romance with an intriguing plot written by an Indigenous author.

Synopsis

Keera is the King’s Blade and favourite assassin. Someone known as the Shadow has been making moves against the Crown. The King assigns Keera to find the Shadow and bring him their head.

Keera will venture into Faeland and begin to question where her loyalties lie.

Review of A Broken Blade

You’ll enjoy this if you like:

⁃ Slow-burn enemies to lovers

⁃ Fae

⁃ Political intrigue

⁃ Court politics

⁃ SJM

There are discussions on colonization, grief, and alcoholism.

This book isn’t original in terms of plot or characters, but it is sort of comforting if you’re looking for your next fae fantasy romance series.

It ended on a huge cliffhanger, so I’ll be starting the next book shortly.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Now Available.

Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

River Mumma by Zalika Reid-Benta

River Mumma by Zalika Reid-Benta is a magical realist novel full of Jamaican folklore and takes place in Toronto.

Synopsis

After reluctantly attending a party, Alicia is stunned when a Jamaican river deity materializes in front of her, telling her she has twenty-four hours to find her golden comb. Two of Alicia’s coworkers, Mars and Heaven, find themselves joining Alicia on her quest. Heaven knows all the folklore by heart, which will come in handy when things get dicey and rolling calves and duppies start making appearances.

Alicia has dreamlike, out-of-body visions throughout that have her travelling through time.

Review of River Mumma by Zalika Reid-Benta

River Mumma is a fast-paced magical realist novel. I’ve never been to Toronto, but the map and descriptions brought the city to life; it’s almost its own character. I could have used some Tim’s while reading this book.

Generally, I prefer character-driven novels over plot-focused ones, so this was a bit too fast-paced for me but still enjoyable. It has beautiful writing and descriptive imagery in spades.

If you enjoy magical realism and folklore, I think you’ll love this novel.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Expected Publication: 22 August 2023

Thank you to Penguin Canada for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

I’m a Fan by Sheena Patel

I was a fan of I’m a Fan by Sheena Patel.

Synopsis

Our unnamed narrator is infatuated with the man she wants to be with who is sleeping with the woman she is obsessed with.

Review of I’m a Fan

This novel is short with brief chapters and humorous titles like “The math ain’t mathing” and “When you miss your man that’s not your man but can’t trip cos he ain’t your man, but he is your man.” The timeline is not completely linear. It jumps around a bit.

It covers an array of themes but manages to integrate them well. It examines white feminism, white privilege, generational wealth, performative activism, and a lot more.

The woman who the narrator is obsessed with is the archetypal white feminist with all the accompanying privilege, including her exclusive lifestyle shared on social media, her luxury business, culturally appropriated decor and organic and locally sourced food.

I highly recommend this novel. I will definitely read whatever this author publishes next.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 22 August 2023

Thank you to Random House Canada for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

The Sun and The Void by Gabriela Romero-Lacruz

The Sun and the Void is a lush start to an epic fantasy series featuring South American folklore and a Sapphic romance.

Synopsis

Eva Kesare has an aptitude for magic but cannot use it openly because it is viewed with suspicion by everyone around her. She is viewed with suspicion and barely tolerated by her family due to her mixed heritage.

Reina is similarly an outcast. When her grandmother invites her to Aguila Manor, she leaves everything behind without a backward glance. But monstrous creatures attack Reina in the forest, and her grandmother, a powerful sorceress, is the only one who can save her. Now her life depends on the Doña’s magic, and she’ll do whatever it takes to keep her favour.

Review of The Sun and the Void

This book is slowly paced; it does not rush getting to know the characters and the world. It is richly detailed, and nearly every character is fully realized. The world-building is complex and encompasses religion, politics and the land’s colonial history. It also looks at gender dynamics and prejudices.

If not for the slow pacing, this would have been a five-star read. For me, the pacing suffered from explaining every last detail of the setting. It took me twice as long to read this as it normally would for a fantasy of this length.

As I mentioned, the characters were well-drawn. They’re all mostly morally ambiguous or plain evil. They’ll do whatever is asked of them without thinking about it too deeply. Maior was a late entry into the book, but she might be my favourite character.

I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store. Overall, this a terrific start to a new fantasy series.

My Rating: 3.75/5

Now Available.

Thank you to Orbit for sending a physical copy to review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

The Phoenix King by Aparna Verma

The Phoenix King is the first installment of a new sci-fi fantasy trilogy loosely inspired by Indian mythology.

Synopsis

Elena Aadya Ravence will soon inherit the crown, but she first needs to learn how to control the Eternal Flame. Her father, Leo Ravence is not ready to step down; there are still things he needs to do to protect his daughter and maintain stability for the kingdom. And he will do whatever he deems necessary to achieve it, no matter how heinous. And then there’s Yassen Knight who wants to shed his assassin past.

Review of The Phoenix King

This book was originally independently published and has since been picked up by Orbit.

It is slowly paced and lays the groundwork for the next two books. The world-building is richly detailed, from the futuristic sci-fi elements to court intrigue to the religious landscape.

While the world-building was great, the character development was a bit lacking. Leo was the most complex character; his motivations, no matter how horrible, were clear. Elena and Yassen were slightly one-dimensional, their budding romance flat. And although this is targeted at adult readers for its dark and brutal content, the writing style felt YA at times.

However, the last quarter was when things really took off, and now I’m intrigued to see where the rest of the trilogy goes.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Expected Publication: 29 August 2023

Thank you to Orbit for the digital and physical arc copies.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

Delicate Condition by Danielle Valentine

Delicate Condition by Danielle Valentine is as creepy as the cover suggests.

Synopsis

Anna and her husband, Dex, have been trying to get pregnant for some time now. Between managing IVF treatment and her acting career, it’s a lot to keep track of. Lately, she’s been late for appointments and misplacing crucial medicines, even though she’s usually so meticulous. She begins to suspect someone is trying to interfere with her treatments.

When Anna finally gets pregnant, these interferences escalate but no one, including her husband, believes her. Still, they retreat to the Hamptons, only for things to take a more sinister turn.

Review of Delicate Condition by Danielle Valentine

This books starts as a psychological thriller but eventually morphs into horror. It’s a heart-pounding read where you’re not sure what’s real and what’s not.

For the most part, it was an addictive read. The dark themes were well-done, though the ending was mildly underwhelming.

It explores doctors and men not believing women, gaslighting, and labelling women as hysterical.

If you are squeamish, prepare yourself because things become downright grisly. However, if you can stomach it, this is well worth a read.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Now Available.

Thank you to HarperCollins Canada for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

The Damages by Genevieve Scott

The Damages by Genevieve Scott discusses sex and consent in the 90s compared to now.

Synopsis

1997/98: Ros attempts to settle into her first year of university. She sees this as an opportunity to become who she always thought she was supposed to be and join the popular crowd. In Ros’ view, her new roommate, Megan, is decidedly uncool, so she makes sure everyone knows the two are not close in her effort to befriend the cool kids.

But when a winter storm hits; and Megan goes missing, everyone blames Ros.

2020: Ros’s ex, the father of her child, Lukas, is accused of sexual assault. This accusation forces Ros to confront her past and consider whether the allegations are true.

Review of The Damages by Genevieve Scott

I’m of two minds with this book. Sex and consent are important discussions to have. But I felt that they sometimes overpowered the plot, and diverted my attention from the story. There could have been a better balance between the two, especially in the second part.

Readers that need to relate to characters or require them to be likeable might struggle with teenage Ros (and her crew). She is self-absorbed and obsessed with maintaining her social status at all costs. Although, I found this section more engaging than her adult years.

It examines gender dynamics, consent, rape and SA. Also, since some of the plot takes place during early Covid, it discusses the pandemic alongside the #MeToo movement. I also appreciated that it brought up men that claim to be feminists but use it as a shield to cover for themselves.

But it does end on a realistic note.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Now Available.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for sending over a copy in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.