Category: Paranormal / Fantasy

The Quiet Side by Casey Blair

On By TracyIn First Person Narrative, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Tracy's Reviews2 Comments

The Quiet Side (Sage's Sanctuary #0.5)The Quiet Side by Casey Blair

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Sage’s Sanctuary, #0.5

Release Date: July 8, 2025

When the Sage of Wrath creates a magical dampening field, Kovan, the Sage of Resolve finds himself in the Quiet when he puts his trust in a Dragon. He is completely lost as he has no experience in taking care of himself and doesn’t know how to perform even the most basic of tasks, leaving him feeling hopeless and useless, which is in direct contrast to his magic. Luckily, he finds refuge with a Null named Tasa who is willing him to teach him how to survive in this new world.

Tasa has her own insecurities, as a Null she is without magic and nullifies magic around her, making her an outcast in this world. But with the dampening effect place on the island by the Sage of Wrath, she has an advantage for the first time and with her generous spirit she willingly offers to teach Kovan how to fend for himself.

I am torn about this book, while is a sweet story of healing and mutual support, I didn’t like the dual First-Person Narrative and didn’t feel as if the author gave me a clear understanding of the world or the romance she was building. I realize this is a prequel to a new series, but I felt like the author missed an opportunity to draw me in to this magical world. Overall, it was an OK read, and while I didn’t care for the writing style, if you like FPN, you might like this book more than I did.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

Never Run From An Immortal by Victoria Price

On By TracyIn Check Content Warning/Triggers, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Romantasy, Tracy's Reviews2 Comments

Never Run From An Immortal (Immortals #1)Never Run From An Immortal by Victoria J. Price

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Immortals, #1

Release Date: June 17, 2025

With people disappearing at random, tensions are running high in Demesia, the factions at odds and no one sure who is responsible for the disappearances. Rae Farren is a witch with a plan and a lot of secrets, but when her employee and dear friend witch Nimala “Nim” and her fae boyfriend Reed go missing, Rae knows she needs help. She turns to the Vampire Lord, Aidan Vale and makes a deal – she will help find his lost magic and he will help her find Nim. But to make it believable, Aidan insists they marry, making her his “odalik”. That is fine by Rae, as long as she has access to his resources and he stays out of her mind and her bed.

Aidan Vale knows Rae is hiding something, but he too has secrets and has his own plan for the future of Demesia. But implementing his plan is no easy task, despite being the leader of the Vampire faction, and de facto ruler of Demesia, there is always someone trying to kill him so they can take his place. Add to that the missing people, his missing magic and his inconvenient attraction to his wife and it is clear that Aidan has a lot on his plate. He tries to stay focused on his own plan, but there is something huge going down and his wife is smack in the middle of it.

I have mixed feelings about this book; I was sucked in by the blurb and thought the author did a great job with world building. But it was not an easy book to get into – there are a lot of characters and different types of characters, as well as different types of each type – it is a lot to grasp. I also felt like the author was a bit stingy releasing information to the reader about the character’s secrets, thoughts and their pasts. I also had a hard time connecting with Rae – there is so much anger in her, but the reader doesn’t really understand why until almost the end of the book. And OMG, the ending, to say I felt disappointed would be an understatement. Overall, I did like the book, I was completely invested in the story, and I will definitely be impatiently waiting for the next installment.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *