February was a sad reading month. It’s a short month to begin with, and then work was hectic.
I went on Reddit and–actually, I’m not sure what I searched for. Fantasy books with romance and world building and a plot? I picked subreddits at random and took random people’s advice on books to buy, and I have regrets.
- “Phoenix Unbound” by Grace Draven ★★
Woman with mysterious fire powers escapes torture and goes on a trip with a muscly gladiator. Why is she so desperate to get back to her ungrateful family? Why don’t they have real personalities? - “Daughter of the Forest” by Juliet Marillier ★★★
Sorcha, a Irish girl, is cursed by her evil stepmother and faces impossible trials to save her brothers. Some lovely elements, but pacing is strange. Story is dark and sad. Wouldn’t re-read this. - “Son of the Shadows” by Juliet Marillier ★★★
Sorcha’s youngest daughter falls in love with a rebel leader and must save her siblings and fight for her family. Interesting characters, but generation jump + convoluted timeline make it hard to follow. - “Child of Prophecy” by Juliet Marillier DNF
I gave up on the series. This was another generation jump, all new characters. Hard to get into. - “Onyx Storm” by Rebecca Yarros ★★★★
This book saved my month! People love to hate but this was a fun read. Violet is still annoying. Love the side characters. Dragons, plot twists, spicy scenes, compelling monsters. Escapist fun.