Category: fantasy

ARC, fantasy, Four Star Book, LGBT, ya

Scapegracers ARC Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Title: Scapegracers
Author: Hannah Abigail Clarke
Publisher: Erewhon
Publish Date: Sept 15, 2020
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to Netgalley and Erewhon for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

An outcast teenage lesbian witch finds her coven hidden amongst the popular girls in her school, and performs some seriously badass magic in the process.

Skulking near the bottom of West High’s social pyramid, Sideways Pike lurks under the bleachers doing magic tricks for Coke bottles. As a witch, lesbian, and lifelong outsider, she’s had a hard time making friends. But when the three most popular girls pay her $40 to cast a spell at their Halloween party, Sideways gets swept into a new clique. The unholy trinity are dangerous angels, sugar-coated rattlesnakes, and now–unbelievably–Sideways’ best friends.

Together, the four bond to form a ferocious and powerful coven. They plan parties, cast curses on dudebros, try to find Sideways a girlfriend, and elude the fundamentalist witch hunters hellbent on stealing their magic. But for Sideways, the hardest part is the whole ‘having friends’ thing. Who knew that balancing human interaction with supernatural peril could be so complicated?

Rich with the urgency of feral youth, The Scapegracers explores growing up and complex female friendship with all the rage of a teenage girl. It subverts the trope of competitive mean girls and instead portrays a mercilessly supportive clique of diverse and vivid characters. It is an atmospheric, voice-driven novel of the occult, and the first of a three-book series.

– Goodreads

4/5 stars for this new witchy series!

Sideways is the weird kid. She does magic under the bleachers for a can of coke. Then, the coolest girls of the school invite her to a party and pay her $40 to do some magic. Things get wild, and the girls get closer than they ever thought they would.

I loved the relationship between this new coven – The Scapegracers. It seemed so authentic to a teenage friendship. Sideways never really had friends, so while she relishes their attention, she is also questioning why they want her around. Do they really like her, or want her for her magic? It made me remember some of the teen friendships I had and how I felt. The language used in the book felt very authentic too. Just the slang and terms they used. It was very 2020’s teenager.

The magic system was very interesting. There were witchchasers, who aim to take magic, and girls who hunt witches, too. You don’t really know who you can and can’t trust.

I can’t wait to see where book 2 takes our new coven! Definitely recommend if you like witchy books, strong female friendships, and something spooky!

What’s your favorite witchy book? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time…

fantasy, Four Star Book, ya

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

For Malik, the Solstasia festival is a chance to escape his war-stricken home and start a new life with his sisters in the prosperous desert city of Ziran. But when a vengeful spirit abducts Malik’s younger sister, Nadia, as payment into the city, Malik strikes a fatal deal—kill Karina, Crown Princess of Ziran, for Nadia’s freedom.

But Karina has deadly aspirations of her own. Her mother, the Sultana, has been assassinated; her court threatens mutiny; and Solstasia looms like a knife over her neck. Grief-stricken, Karina decides to resurrect her mother through ancient magic . . . requiring the beating heart of a king. And she knows just how to obtain one: by offering her hand in marriage to the victor of the Solstasia competition.

When Malik rigs his way into the contest, they are set on a course to destroy each other. But as attraction flares between them and ancient evils stir, will they be able to see their tasks to the death?

The first in an fantasy duology inspired by West African folklore in which a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee find themselves on a collision course to murder each other despite their growing attraction.

– Goodreads

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin was one of my most anticipated books of 2020! The cover is GORGEOUS. I was intrigued by the West African folklore – I’ve never read a book with that folklore before!

The story was so interesting. I loved the premise of Malik trying to kill Karina to save his sister. But Karina might also kill Malik if he wins Solstasia! It was a story of who will kill who first so that made it very tense at times. And of course they fall in love, so will either actually kill the other?! It kept me on the edge of my seat.

The characters were all likable. They were well written. I love books that switch POV’s. I loved seeing the same struggle from both Malik and Karina’s point of view. All the side characters were interesting as well. My favorite was Tunde. He was so charming.

The only reason this wasn’t a 5 star for me, was that I felt the ending kind of dragged. There was twist after twist after twist. It just seemed to keep going and going. If it was a little more concise it would have been a 5 star for sure!

Have you read A Song of Wraiths and Ruin? What were your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time…

ARC, fantasy, New Adult, Romance, three star book

The Weaver ARC Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Thank you to Netgalley and The Parliament House for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own.

Most writers choose the endings to their stories . . . most writers are not Weavers.


Laney Holden is a freshman at Madison College whose life goes from normal to paranormal in a matter of seconds. When the antagonist in the book she’s writing shoves her down the stairs at the subway station, she learns she is a Weaver. Weavers bridge the narrow gap between fantasy and reality, bringing their words to life.
Laney soon meets William whom she also suspects is a character from her book—one she’s had a mad crush on since her pen hit the paper. But he’s in danger as her antagonist reveals a whole different ending planned for Laney’s book that involves killing William. Laney must use her writing to save the people closest to her by weaving the most difficult words she will ever write.


THE WEAVER is the first installment of The Weaver trilogy. It is an NA paranormal romance set in a small town on the north shore of Boston. It will leave you wanting more.

– Goodreads

I had so many conflicting thoughts about The Weaver. I wanted to love this story, however, it was more of an eh like. The book wasn’t bad by any means, but by the end I wanted it to be over. It was only 238 pages.

The characters were the biggest issue for me. They all seemed flat and overdramatic, if that can even be a thing? None of them were likable. I felt the two male MCs were boring and stereotypical. Just a normal jock and a normal guy from the 1700s. Nothing special. All of Laney’s friends were annoying. Laney was whiney. I feel like if the characters ahd something to set them apart it would have worked much better.

I loved the premise of a writer being able to weave her story to life. It’s such an interesting concept – one that will probably have me looking for the second book in the series even though I wasn’t a huge fan of the characters.

The Weaver Trilogy by Heather Kindt
#1 The Weaver
#2 The Watcher
#3 The Ender

Have you read The Weaver Trilogy? What were your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below!

ARC, blog tour, contemporary, Erotica, fantasy, ya

⛱️ June TBR ⛱️

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

I could not bring myself to set up a tbr this month. I mean, I kind of have one? I have 21 books I want to read. I mean, I know I’ve been reading 12 a month, so that’s a little over half, but dang. I just can’t decide! Too many good things!

First let’s take a look at this month’s Words & Whimsy Reading Challenge!

I am so excited to be on the Autumn Court! We had a twist this month – it’s actually Seelie vs Unseelie! Unseelie FTW! Now, let’s get into these books I can’t wait to read.

There you have it. My super huge tbr. What do you think? Do we share any of the same books? What is your first book for June? Let me know in the comments below!
I’m starting with Seven Endless Forests!

Until next time…

adult, ARC, blog tour, contemporary, fantasy, mystery, New Adult, Romance, Sci-Fi, thriller, ya

🌞 May Wrap Up 🌞

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Guys I am so proud of myself this month! For the first time ever, I finished all my arcs releasing this month! This is giving me a huge boost of motivation to keep it up!

I competed in both Words & Whimsy Reading Challenge and the Bookemon Readathon. I finished criteria in WWRC, which I’m always excited about. I ended up reading 12 books again this month! I also read a few books over 600 pages, which is kind of unheard of from me!

My favorite read this month was From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L Armentrout. I couldn’t put it down. My least favorite was probably The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea. I just had a lot of trouble with the pacing and found myself getting bored.

Here’s what I ended up reading this month!

Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
Great conclusion to the series! It made me sob in the shower.

The Stone of Sorrow by Brook Carter
🌞🌞🌞
I still can’t get over this cover.

Sisters of the Perilous Heart by Sandra L Vasher
🌞🌞🌞
The virus in this book was SO interesting!

Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin
🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
This was a second close to being my favorite read of the month!

The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall
🌞🌞.5
I wish I liked this one more than I did. I really wanted to.

This is How I Lied by Heather Gudenkauf
🌞🌞🌞🌞
My fave thriller of the month! It got CRAY!

Breath like Water by Anna Jarzab
🌞🌞🌞🌞
This book was so beautifully written. The descriptions were swoon-worthy.

Out Now by Saundra Mitchell
🌞🌞🌞🌞
Such a fun grouping of LGBT short stories!

The Dark In-Between by Elizabeth Hrib
🌞🌞🌞🌞.5
This is an AMAZING debut! I loved it!

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L Armentrout
🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
The only way to describe my fave read this month : 🔥🔥🔥

Sister Dear by Hannah Mary McKinnon
🌞🌞🌞
Blog tour excerpt coming June 2!

Four Days of You and Me by Miranda Kenneally
🌞🌞🌞🌞
Super cute, quick contemporary!

🌞 Stats 🌞

🌞 Goodreads Goal : 53/120. I am FOUR books AHEAD of schedule! WHAT?!
🌞 I read 12 books again, same as last month, but I read 5025 pages! Almost 1k more than last month. I had some chunkers! My average rating was also up from last month – 3.88!
🌞 Genre wise, I read six fantasies, two contemporaries, and two thrillers, and one each of scifi and anthology!
🌞 This was a very YA fantasy heavy month – 5 of them! In total I read 9 YAs, two adult and one new adult book.
🌞 And my ARCs! I am so proud to say I finished all eight May arcs! I have 10 next month. I think I can do it!

🌞 Yearly Goal Check In 🌞

🌞 Goal of 10 books a month : I passed this again with 12! I hope to keep up the momentum!
🌞 TBR Posts : I missed last Sunday! I’m still trying to figure out a system for blogging and working out and cooking all with a three year old. My husband helps, but let’s face it. My kid is a momma’s boy! I’ll get there eventually!
🌞 Words & Whimsy : I got to chat with a great MG author this month, Sarah Mlynowski! It was so much fun and she was so knowledgeable!
🌞 Words & Whimsy Reading Challenge : Team Gaia won the Broken Worlds edition! Next month is a theme everyone is sure to love – be sure to check it out!
🌞 Mithah Reads : This poor little blog. I have so much to catch up on! I’m going to make more of an effort this month, I pinky promise!

What did your May reading month look like? What was your favorite read? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time…

ARC, fantasy, Sci-Fi, three star book, ya

👑 Sisters of the Perilous Heart ARC Review 👑

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

👑 Title : Sisters of the Perilous Heart
👑 Author : Sandra L Vasher
👑 Publisher : Mortal Ink Press, LLC
👑 Publish Date : May 5, 2020
👑 Genre : YA, Fantasy
👑 Book Form : E-ARC
👑 Pages : 395
👑 Dates Read : May 4 – May 8
👑 Rating : 👑👑👑.5

Thank you to Netgalley and Mortal Ink Press for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What would you do to save a sister?

As the last mortal kingdom of Kepler resists the Immortal Empire, its young queen faces a devastating attack. Queen Vivian is two minutes into her reign when an arrow pierces her heart and infects her with the Immortality Virus. But she has too much magic to become immortal and not enough to survive. She must find more magic fast, or she’ll die.

Meanwhile, another young mortal faces an uncertain future of her own. Carina is fleeing for her life, but her magic is a tracking beam for immortals. She must learn to harness and control it, or she’ll be captured and killed. Then she meets the queen of South Kepler.

Vivian needs Carina’s magic, and she can offer safe haven in exchange. But can Vivian trust this common girl? Carina isn’t on the kingdom’s registry of magicians. What if she’s a Northern rebel? A spy for the Immortal Empire? And will the truth be revealed in time to save them both?

– Goodreads

I just feel kind of meh about this book and I hate that. I haven’t read a lot of fantasy lately, but this month has kind of fell flat for me.

Humans have escaped to the planet Kepler to escape those with the Immortality Virus – which is a mixture of influenza and AIDs. (This I thought was super interesting). Immortals are here though – and they’re fighting to take over the planet. This isn’t a cute immortality virus like vampires normally have. This makes you go crazy and lose empathy.

Queen Vivian has just been crowned. And less than an hour later, someone tries to take her life. She is infected with the immortality virus, so she and her two brothers go off in search for a cure.
Carina has been hidden at a convent for most of her life with her sister. She has magic, but isn’t allowed to practice. Someone figured out where she is, so they are trying to capture her to put her powers to their use.
Paths cross. Stuff happens.

I don’t remember much of this book. I’m thinking back on reading it, and I can’t really remember anything? There was a romance, but it’s not jumping out at me. I think the last 15% or so picked up. It was enough to make me want to read book two, but not like RIGHT NOW.

I know this review has like, nothing really but a synopsis, but I swear to you guys. Nothing is sticking out about this book. I’m so sorry!

I would say give this a try if you like fantasy/sci-fi. It wasn’t bad by any means.

Have you read Sisters of the Perilous Heart? What were your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time…

fantasy, One Star Book, Romance, ya

🦖 Hot Pterodactyl Boyfriend Review 🦖

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

🦖 Title : Hot Pterodactyl Boyfriend
🦖 Author : Alan Cumyn
🦖 Publisher : Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
🦖 Publish Date : March 22, 2016
🦖 Genre : Ya, Fantasy, Romance
🦖 Book Form : Ebook
🦖 Pages : 416
🦖 Dates Read : Apr 23 – Apr 25
🦖 Rating : 🦖

Prepare to be blown away—or rather, carried away on huge muscular wings—by this blissfully outlandish, bracingly-smart, tour de force about a teen who has to come to terms with relinquishing control for the first time as she falls for the hot new…pterodactyl…at school. After all, everybody wants him!

Shiels is very pleased with her perfectly controlled life (controlling others while she’s at it). She’s smart, powerful, the Student Body Chair, and she even has a loving boyfriend. What more could a girl ask for?

But everything changes when the first-ever interspecies transfer student, a pterodactyl named Pyke, enrolls at her school. There’s something about him—something primal—that causes the students to lose control whenever he’s around. Even Shiels, the seemingly perfect self-confident girl that she is, can’t keep her mind off of him, despite her doting boyfriend and despite the fact that Pyke immediately starts dating Jocelyn, the school’s fastest runner who Shiels has always discounted as a nobody.

Pyke, hugely popular in a school whose motto is to embrace differences, is asked to join a band, and when his band plays at the Autumn Whirl dance, his preternatural shrieking music sends everyone into a literal frenzy. No one can remember what happened the next day, but Shiels learns that she danced far too long with Pyke, her nose has turned purple, and she may have done something with her boyfriend that she shouldn’t have. Who’s in control now?

– Goodreads

Okay. So. This is one of those books everyone talks about how bad it is. They tell you not to read it, but you do to see how bad it is. This was also (jokingly) a group read last month in Words & Whimsy Reading Challenge. Perfect time to read it and see what the big deal was.

The deal was – it was bad. Shelis is a highschooler. She’s very into student council, so when a pterodactyl joins the school, she decides she is going to make sure he fits in. All the while, she falls in love with him, is jealous he likes her AND another high school girl, AND Shelis’ MOM FALLS FOR HIM. WHAT? They also all have purple noses after they wrangle dance with him. Aka sex. They have sex with a pterodactyl. And get purple noses. I just… what?

That was my thought throughout the whole book. Just what? I was confused. So much happened, but it also seemed like nothing happened? It was weird. And bad. Please don’t read it.

I’m going to link my friend Jordan’s review here. She says it much better than me. Her review is honestly way better than the whole book – and takes a lot less time to read!

Dear friends, please tell me you have not read this book. But if you have, I want to know your thoughts in the comments below!

Until next time…

adult, book meme, book tag, contemporary, fantasy, Nursing, Romance

👩 Down the TBR Part 23 👩

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms out there! I am so excited to spend the day with my son. He will be three on Tuesday and I just can’t believe how fast time is flying!

Today we’re starting the TBR at 1800. I keep adding more books! I can’t help it, they all sound so good! Hopefully we can weed some out today!

✔ What I Kept ✔

A Crack in Forever by Jeannie Brewer

This isn’t something I’d normally keep, but the MC is a doctor, and it;s written by a doctor, so I’ll give it a go.

Tending Lives by Echo Heron

I love nonfic about nursing. Love it!

✘ What I Deleted ✘

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real by Neta Jackson

I’ve deleted the rest of this series.

Being Elizabeth by Barbara Taylor Bradford

The synopsis just didn’t grab my attention.

Fat Tuesday by Sandra Brown

Just didn’t sound like something I’d enjoy. A cop goes after who he thinks is a crooked lawyer.

The Witness by Sandra Brown

Another legal drama that just seems eh.

Leaving Normal by Stef Ann Holm

Just seems too chick lit for my tastes.

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

Removing because I’ve read it already! It’s been a while, but the longer the series went on the less I liked it, so I don’t think I’ll do a reread.

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris

Sookie Stackhouse #2

Club Dead by Charlaine Harris

Sookie Stackhouse #3

We got down to 1792! It helps that I read a series I still had listed as ‘Want to Read’. We still have a long way to go but I’m so excited to weed out all these books I won’t read!

What did you think of my choices? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time…

ARC, fantasy, LGBT, three star book, ya

💎 The Stone of Sorrow ARC Review 💎

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

💎 Title : The Stone of Sorrow
💎 Author : Brooke Carter
💎 Publisher : Orca Book Publishers
💎 Publish Date : April 7, 2020
💎 Genre : Fantasy, YA, LGBT
💎 Book Form : E-ARC
💎 Pages : 304
💎 Dates Read : May 2 – May 4
💎 Rating : 💎💎💎.5

Thank you to Netgalley and Orca Book Publishers for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In a land of myth and ice, seventeen-year-old Runa Unnursdóttir is not the runecaster her clan has been hoping for. She spends her days daydreaming of sailing away and exploring the world instead of studying the runes and learning her spells. The villagers consider her odd, in looks and in manner. She’s nothing like her talented sister, Sýr, keeper of the sacred moonstone that ensures the village’s continued survival. But when a rival clan led by an evil witch raids the village and kidnaps her sister, Runa is forced to act. With a fallen Valkyrie by her side, and the help of a gorgeous half-elf Runa is not quite sure she can trust, the apprentice must travel to the site of an ancient runecasting competition to try to win back the magical gem. But the journey will not be easy; the three unlikely companions encounter malevolent and supernatural creatures at every turn. Somehow, Runa must summon the courage and strength to face her destiny, a destiny she never wanted. Or die trying.

– Goodreads

Okay, first. This cover! It is gorgeousssss. I love the pop of blue on her cloak and her white hair. I think I requested this off the cover alone.

This book had a lot of positives for me. It’s based on Icelandic mythology – which I know nothing about. It was so interesting to read a book based off this and I learned a lot! It made me want to research more Icelandic myths.
Next was all the rep! There is a female-female relationship, along with an asexual character that uses they/them pronouns. I believe this is the first book I’ve read with an asexual character, too!

This was a pretty quick read for me. The story was fast paced and compelling. I did see some of the twists coming, but not all! I liked the magic system. It was well explained and thought out. The ending twist I didn’t see coming and I loved it!

There was a romance – a small one. I didn’t like the guy though. His personality reminded me of a wet noodle. I think she should have gone for the sexy Elf instead! There wasn’t much of the elf, but I’m hoping to see him again in future novels!

Runa, the MC, was interesting. She started out so unsure of herself and insecure, but grew along with the story. I really enjoyed her character arc and can’t wait to see what happens in the next novels!

The reason I gave 3.5 stars was because the story slowed down at points and it became hard to push through. Most of it was action-packed and interesting, though. The ending also kind of dragged to me.

I definitely recommend if you are a fan of fantasy, mythology, with a little bit of romance.

Have you read The Stone of Sorrow? What were your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time…

ARC, contemporary, fantasy, Sci-Fi, ya

🤩 Top 5 Anticipated May Releases 🤩

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

May has some GREAT releases, guys! Even though a lot of books are getting pushed back, I still had to narrow down to the top 5 I am looking forward to. Let’s jump right in!

The Betrothed by Kiera Cass

Release Date: May 5, 2020

I LOVED the Selection series. I can’t wait to read her next romance!

Of Silver and Shadow by Jennifer Gruenke

Release Date: May 26, 2020

I am so excited I got this ARC! The cover is intriguing! It’s on my TBR this month.

The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly by Jamie Pacton

Release Date: May 5, 2020

I love books that are set in renaissance faires or medieval themed, so this is a must for me! I will try to work it in in June, probably.

Aurora Burning by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Release Date: May 5, 2020

I hate space books, unless Amie and Jay are involved. I can’t wait to read this and I REALLY can’t wait to chat with them later this month!

A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

Release Date: May 19, 2020

I can’t wait for this. I think I may do a Hunger Games reread next month with this at the end. I don’t know why I didn’t fit it in my TBR this month. Just too much to read!

What are your most anticipated releases this month? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time…