A delightful story of faraway lands with an admirable protagonist at the helm.
An apprentice physician becomes a de facto spy to protect her sovereign nation in Page’s fantasy debut.
In a fantastical realm, 18-year-old Isabel Moller, apprentice to Karlsborn Castle’s royal physician, tends to the ailing monarchs. The queen’s ailments are physical, while the king suffers a “madness” that the physicians haven’t yet found a cure for. When Isabel’s close friend’s murdered body washes ashore on the Sanok Isles where she lives, the young apprentice is determined to unmask the killer. That means stepping out of her element and agreeing to act as a “guide” for soldiers from the neighboring country of Volgaard; they’re in the Sanokes on a scouting trip that they don’t fully explain. (Isabel’s true agenda is hunting down Volgaard’s reputed “terrible and deadly” weapon, whatever it is.) She cozies up to the soldiers, who include the general’s handsome son Erik, to get any particulars on this weapon. If she passes along the valuable information that Volgaard plans to attack, Isabel can ensure that the Sanokes don’t lose their independence—or something even more precious. Page’s leisurely tale comes with a generous serving of subtle humor, often in the form of contemporary-feeling dialogue and narrative details; characters offer middle-finger responses and indulge in sitcom sarcasm (“If you don’t like it, you can always, I don’t know, leave?”). The sympathetic Isabel gives the novel an emotional resonance as she displays courage while struggling with her self-worth, an insecurity that stems from her father abandoning the family years ago. While much of the story involves Isabel ingratiating herself with the soldiers, it also includes numerous instances of understated romance as well as signs of magic—one such instance gives Isabel (and readers) the opportunity to see the forested Volgaard despite the action unfolding in the treeless Sanokes. The author rounds out this epic tale with a menacing villain who gradually comes to light alongside some shocking deaths and unexpected bonds.
A delightful story of faraway lands with an admirable protagonist at the helm.Pub Date: July 16, 2024
ISBN: 4.99
Page Count: -
Publisher: Shadow Forge Publishing
Review Posted Online: June 4, 2024
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A thrilling, immersive tale that shows that some bargains demand more than just a crown.
A reluctant princess is thrust into deadly political intrigue in Perry’s sweeping, high-stakes romantasy.
Odessa is the overlooked and underestimated princess of Quentis, whose life takes an unexpected turn when a deal is struck between her father and the formidable Turan warriors force her into an arranged marriage with their enigmatic prince, Zavier Wolfe. Intended as a mere formality to secure trade routes and military alliances, the betrothal spirals into something far more dangerous when ancient magic, a ruthless Guardian, and a looming war threaten to upend everything she knows. Finally emerging from the shadow of her seemingly perfect half sister, Mae, Odessa must navigate court politics, monstrous creatures, and her own uncertain place in a world where survival often depends on strategy rather than strength. As tensions rise, she finds herself entangled with the dangerous, enigmatic Guardian—a man whose silver eyes hold secrets of their own. Perry’s worldbuilding is lush and immersive, crafting a kingdom rife with old magic, deadly beasts, and political machinations that add depth. The pacing is relentless, carrying Odessa from one life-altering event to another as she grapples with duty, defiance, and a destiny she never chose. Her internal conflict is compelling, torn between the expectations placed upon her and the fierce independence that threatens to make her an outcast in her own kingdom. Romance simmers as Odessa struggles to reconcile her obligations with her growing attraction to the Guardian, whose past is as shadowed as his reputation. Mae is introduced as Odessa’s political foil, and although her presence drives much of Odessa’s internal drama—being constantly overshadowed or underestimated—she’s mostly seen through Odessa’s perspective. Her motivations, ambitions, and political maneuverings might have benefited from deeper exploration to give more nuance to the power dynamics. However, Perry’s evocative prose and intricate plotting make for a gripping tale. Readers looking for a slow-burn romantasy with rich political intrigue and a protagonist forced to create her own fate will find much to enjoy.
A thrilling, immersive tale that shows that some bargains demand more than just a crown.Pub Date: May 6, 2025
ISBN: 9781649378514
Page Count: 528
Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books
Review Posted Online: March 26, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2025
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A wallowing, emotionally wrenching family drama that leaves little time for romance.
Two people with bad luck in relationships find each other through a popular Reddit thread.
Emma Grant and her best friend, Maddy, are travel nurses, working at hospitals for three-month stints while they see the country. Just a few weeks before they’re set to move to Hawaii, Emma reads a popular “Am I the Asshole” Reddit thread from a Minnesota man who thinks he’s cursed—women he dates find their soulmates after breaking up with him, and the latest one found true love with his best friend! Emma has had a similar experience, which inspires her to DM the man and commiserate. She’s delighted by her witty, lively interactions with software engineer Justin Dahl, and is intrigued when he suggests that if they date each other, maybe they’ll each find their soulmate afterward. Emma upends the Hawaii plan and convinces Maddy to move to Minneapolis for the summer so she can meet Justin in person. The overly complex setup brings Emma and Justin together and the two hit it off, with Justin immediately falling head over heels for Emma. Jimenez then pivots to creating romantic roadblocks and melodramatic subplots centering on each character’s family of origin. Justin’s mother is about to serve six years in prison for embezzlement, which means Justin must move back home to care for his three much younger siblings. Emma was traumatized by her own mother for much of her childhood, left to fend for herself and eventually abandoned in the foster system. When her mother shows up in Minnesota, Emma must face her traumatic childhood and admit that she has prioritized her mother’s well-being over her own. There is little time devoted to Emma’s painful efforts to heal herself enough to accept Justin’s love, which leaves the novel feeling unsatisfying.
A wallowing, emotionally wrenching family drama that leaves little time for romance.Pub Date: April 2, 2024
ISBN: 9781538704431
Page Count: 432
Publisher: Forever
Review Posted Online: Feb. 3, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024
SEEN & HEARD
SEEN & HEARD
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