truly magical inheritance..

The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina – Zoraida Cordova

Inheritance, families, magic, fiction.

Rating 9/10

Orquidea is feeling her end coming and she invites her to her funeral as well as an inheritance to her descendants. Her magic. Those who grew up didn’t take the magic seriously and others were annoyed with it. There were a lot of secrets that the Montoyas kept from each other and all came out when the magic was handed down. There is a force that doesn’t want Montoya’s family line to have magic. 

This book recently came out and I was intrigued by the plot. I loved this novel and the cultural lore that was present in this as well as magic. I love novels that have lore and mythical explanations that help understand the novel’s plot more. This also had an interesting family dynamic that is intriguing and satisfying to see the bonds get stronger despite the weak bond at the beginning. The transformation of the Montoyas from the first chapter to the last was certainly so paced that nothing felt rushed. Some flashbacks helped the story along. All in all, this novel was beautifully and magically written.

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Gaea is not nice -.-

Heroes of Olympus: The Mark of Athena – Rick Riordan

Greek gods and goddesses, roman gods and goddesses, mythical, fantasy, children’s, fiction.

Rating 9/10

Annabeth and her friends have another hurdle they must face. The Mark of Athena and the prophecy of their next journey. New acquaintances from Camp Jupiter accompany them on their journey. They must save Nico and defeat the twin cyclopes. Gaea had made it her mission to ensure her minions and followers kill these demigods except for two, a boy and girl. It is a race against time to save their friend and push back Gaea.

This one was more adventure than world building. I enjoy that because it’s a change of pace. Seeing that these demigod teenagers are trying to save the world again without the help of their Godly parents. I have to say I really love the interactions between Percy and Jason. It is funny as well as Leo and Frank’s interactions too. There are comedic moments because nothing has to be always serious and to keep light of the situation that these teens are going through. This was really fun to read and I am enjoying this journey with these characters. Riordan really did it with this series by making such lovable and relatable characters. The writing and changing of perspectives helps understand what’s going on with these characters in their eyes. I feel that it was of major importance to the plot and storyline in the long run. Loved every single moment of this book and am anticipating the next book very soon.

the usage of the amnesia trope is fun lol

Heroes of Olympus: The Son of Neptune – Rick Riordan 

Greek gods and goddesses, roman gods and goddesses, mythical, fantasy, children’s, fiction.

Rating 10/10

Percy wakes up with no memory other than he is a demigod and the name Annabeth. He finds himself going to Camp Jupiter and Juno, a goddess, announces that he is to be an important addition to the camp. Hazel is hiding a secret of her origin as well as the fact that she walks among the living for a reason. Frank doesn’t know who his parentage is, or rather which God he comes from. The three of them are the key to fulfilling the quest. The quest begins and frees Thantantos, or God of Death, from being imprisoned. Each of them learn more about what is going on and how Gaea is obtaining more and more power each day. 

I found that this was really interesting and there was a map. I wished that there was a map for Camp Half-Blood. Sadly there is only one for Camp Jupiter. A lot of world building and lore was explained in this novel that helped explain the previous book. I’m not too sure how to feel about the amnesia aspect because without the memories, this tends to cause a lot more issues for these demigods. I understand that it serves a purpose but it is annoying. Drives the plot unfortunately. Either way I did love this second book of the series.

this was fun

The Mysterious Disappearance of Aiden S. (as told to his brother) – David Levithan 

Mystery, children’s literature, fiction. 

Rating 8/10

Aiden disappears and is nowhere to be found. His family speculates a possible kidnapping or that he simply ran away. Liam wants to know where he could have gone. A week later he appears and everyone is in wonder of where he went to. Aiden can’t tell them but they must believe him that he wasn’t kidnapped nor did he run away. 

I found this novel to be rather interesting. I got it mostly because the title seemed rather odd and mysterious. I thoroughly enjoyed this because there was some intense mystery but not too much for a young reader. This is a good introduction to mysteries though. It is excellently written and the plot is so interestingly fun. I enjoyed this and definitely recommend for any young reader to grab off the shelves if they want some fun mystery.

why did i wait to read more Rick Riordan books???

Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero – Rick Riordan

Greek gods and goddesses, roman gods and goddesses, mythical, fantasy, children’s, fiction.

Rating 10/10

Jason wakes up on a bus going somewhere. He can’t remember who he is and what is happening. Leo and Piper try to help him piece together the clues and information about who Jason is. The trio are taken to Camp Half Blood to be claimed by their Godly parent and figure out what is going on in the world. There is a prophecy involving Piper, Jason, and Leo that they all must rescue Hera. Going on as much as little information, the trio begins their journey. 

I had loved the previous series so much that I decided I will invest in going further into this world. I am glad I took that leap because I love this novel. I enjoy Riordan’s world that he constructed because there is so much Greek and now Roman mythology that it is not overwhelming but very exciting. I felt that this was just as immersive as the previous book series. This also teaches some of the lore from greek and roman mythology. There are a lot of lore and gods and goddesses that it does take a while to digest. Other than that, this was magnificently and brilliantly written. The different perspectives are vital and very important for the plot because we see more world building and seeing the world through different eyes helps envision what these demigod teens are going through. Hands down I am going to continue to read this series and anything that Rick Riordan writes so expect for more on this blog.

sometimes the truth is intense

The Truth of Melody Browne – Lisa Jewell

Mystery, fiction. 

Rating 7/10

Melody is going about her date at a hypnotist show when she faints and remembers some parts of her childhood. She returns home and begins to remember more and more memories of a childhood she couldn’t remember. Her son helps her obtain these locked memories and she soon realizes that her childhood is much darker than she thought. That the truth is much more sinister than the facade of her childhood.

This was an alright novel. This was nicely paced and organized. I had read this in one sitting and I believe that this novel can be read over time but depending on the reader one sitting. The jumping from the past to present helps understand what happened in the life of Melody Browne. I love Lisa Jewell’s works and this one was not my favorites but this was good however. The writing is so splendid and she really knows how to write a good mystery. I just didn’t care for the repressed memories resurfacing trope as much. There were parts that I really loved because I was expecting something less traumatic for the main character but it was something else than I had predicted. I do recommend this novel and any of Lisa Jewell’s works in general. All are really good and very well done.

fantastic manga that’s magical and enriching

Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina (Vol 1) – Story by Jougi Shiraishi, Art by Itsuki Nanao, Character design by Azure 

Magic, fantasy, witches, wizards, teen, manga, fiction. 

Rating 10/10

Elaina, ever since she was a small child, had read books about magic and faraway places. She wanted to become a witch and was willing to do all that she can do to become one. She grows up to the teenage age to take an entrance exam to become an apprentice to a witch. Along her journey, she meets extraordinary people who she helps as she learns to become a full fledged witch.

I am saddened that I was only able to get the first book of this possible Wandering Witch series. This was really cute and heartfelt to read. We got to see along with Elaina the world she is in. The artwork is equally amazingly detailed and the dialogue felt so natural. There were a lot of good and learning moments for the protagonist that readers can take the lesson too. I felt myself wanting to be right there in the action with Elaina but unfortunately book jumping is only fantasy. I suggest reading this book. This will take readers on adventures that are unique and different.

wow !

A Court of Mist and Fury – Sarah J. Maas

Fantasy, fiction.

Rating 9/10

Feyre is brought back to life by being turned into a faerie after being murdered. She is taken to the Spring Court and to be wed to Tamlin. She wants to make herself useful and not just a pretty housewife to a Lord. When her wedding day comes, Rhysand comes to claim his part of a deal that he and Feyre had made when they were held prisoners at Under the Mountain. Every month she asks Tamlin to train her and he doesn’t want to train her and makes it a point by doing what he shouldn’t have done. Trapped her in darkness. Rhysand comes to rescue and makes her an offer to work for him. He would teach her everything that she needs to know and won’t be coddled like Tamlin did. Feyre decides to take fate into her own hands and fight for what she loves.

This was rather interesting and I loved the energy that this book has. The interactions felt realistic and the trauma that was addressed really put this book together. Feyre is experiencing PTSD from her time Under the Mountain. In this book we see that she is coping and trying to make herself stronger. Not only her but Rhysand is helping her become stronger without making any excuses that are invalid. I honestly thought at first Feyre and Tamlin were cute but in this book he became a total control freak of a jerk. I honestly do not like Tamlin at this time and am thankful for Rhysand to help Feyre in a time of need. Despite him being a jerk as well, he is a helpful jerk. I might continue the series later but I did like this novel. I wished this was shorter but there is a lot to unravel and the world building continues. I totally appreciate the breadcrumbs and slowly introducing more of this world in a palatable way. There are some spicy scenes and mature scenes so forewarning for whoever reads this book. Overall, I love this novel and I am glad that this is a new adult fantasy that isn’t only smut but actual plot and dialogue. I do recommend this if one is looking for a fantastic fantasy. 

she is not beauty in this one, she’s the beast

A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J. Maas 

Fantasy, fiction. 

Rating 10/10

Feyre is hunting for food for her family who lives in deep poverty. There is a wolf that caught what was supposed to be her kill and she kills the wolf that turned out to be a faerie. Humans and the faeries had been at war and there was a treaty between the two worlds. The faeries stay within their realm and humans stay within their own realm. She doesn’t think much of what she had done until a day or so later, a member of Prythian, comes demanding to know who killed the wolf. Feyre bravely comes forward and the faerie gives her an option, either die right there or live out her sentence in Prythian. She chooses an option where she lives out her sentence in the other realm as punishment for killing a faerie. This faerie takes her to Prythian and introduces himself as Lord Tamlin. He tells her that she is free to do whatever she wishes and that she isn’t really a prisoner. She learns about this realm and comes to slowly to love the faeries. Her attitude towards the faerie changes. Lucien, a friend of Tamlin, tells her about why they wear a mask because of a curse. She demands to know more but she can’t be told. One day, trouble and something wicked comes her way. Tamlin sends her back to the human realm and she knows she no longer fits in with the human realm nor wanted. She returns to Prythian and is told more details of the curse and how she failed to break the curse. Forcing her to go break a spell by all means necessary to save Tamlin and his court. 

I saw this book trending and heard a lot of hype for it. Mostly see it trending on TikTok. I waited too long to start reading this book. This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast but with a lot of twists, turns, spice, and violence. Not for the faint of heart at all. The writing is exquisitely written, and the lore was spaced out like breadcrumbs in a digestible way. I do have to say there are some explicit scenes that are not suitable for children or teens. This book feels more towards new adults and adult audiences. The plot was thought into and it is noticeably clear of that. Like I mentioned before I was not expecting so many twists and turns with the spice and violence blended and presented as a retelling. I cannot wait to read the next book of this series and I will for sure as I am writing this review, will read the next book immediately. I do recommend this to the audience that wants a spicier retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I jokingly said to my friend that I was curious about how I felt after reading… Feyre is the beast and Tamlin is the beauty. Read the book. It is worth it.

bibliophiles will love this manga

Ascendance of a Bookworm: Part 1: Volume 1

Author – Miya Kazuki, Artist – Suzuka, Character Design – You Shinna

Reincarnation, books, librarians, literature, manga 

Rating 10/10

Urano, a young college student, loves books. One day she gets killed by books toppling her during an earthquake. She prays that in the next life, she is able to access literature but fate has different plans for her. She gets reincarnated as a young sickly girl named Myne in a society where books are not accessible at all due to the lower class she was born into. Seeing that books are not accessible, she decides to make books. The first step of making a book is producing paper and she goes to gather necessary materials to make paper.

My boyfriend had watched the anime series and he found the manga books to gift to me and for me to read. I had watched some of the anime but the manga I was interested in reading. This manga is a bibliophile fantasy and really well detailed of how literature came to be plus the process of obtaining a book is never easy. While reading this, I felt that books are so underappreciated today but a hundred or more years ago they were cherished and hard to obtain because only the higher classes such as the noblemen could have these books. The main character is very relatable as we both love literature and definitely book worms. I intend to read more of the series as I come to find them because apparently this is a really hard manga to find. Luckily, as I mentioned, my boyfriend had found the books and gifted them to me. I really recommend all bibliophiles and book worms to venture and find this book. Request your nearest bookstore to bring some copies into the bookstore.