Category: Part of a Series

Chaos Beckons by Sophie Gabrielle

On By TracyIn Book Publicity, Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Romantasy, Tracy's Reviews, Young AdultLeave a comment

Chaos Beckons (The Chaos Chronicles #1)Chaos Beckons by Sophie Gabrielle

Tracy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: The Chaos Chronicles, #1

Release Date: October 14, 2024

Hidden away in an Eden-like paradise lies a village dedicated to the worship of the goddess Laastra and her husband Arthai. When villagers reach the age of eighteen, they are forced to marry and bear children – but Nadia has other ideas. Tired of the endless worship, torture and oppression of the fanatical cult, Nadia concocts a plan to flee the walled compound before her dreaded wedding day. Despite being an outsider and a troublemaker hated by all, Nadia enlists the help of her husbands-to-be, High Elder candidate Venne and warrior guardian Emiil. Yet along the way they discover terrifying secrets about their existence and all that has been hidden from them. After a life of being powerless and punished, Nadia and her friends begin to realize they may be something more than mere mortals. The world beyond the village walls is nothing like they had dreamed. Will the price of freedom be too much to pay?

The Chaos Chronicles is an exciting fantasy romance series, filled with action, morally grey characters and dark themes. Inspired by the Grishaverse and Dragon Age, this series offers a twist on mythology, magic and mayhem. It also features a variety of LGBTQIA+ characters and found family.

My thoughts: This was a well written, interesting book with a strong YA/Coming of Age vibe. I found the idea of the story to be intriguing – a group of young people who escape their village to learn that they are not who they thought they were. There is a lot of mythological inspiration, as well as magic, a love triangle, new friends, a bit of heartache, a dash of darkness, action and life-altering events. I personally felt it was a bit young for my taste, it was also a little wordy and dragged in places – but overall, it was a good read and if you prefer a YA fantasy – I am sure you will find this book to be a wonderful read. As it is the first book in the trilogy, this story is just the beginning of an epic adventure.

*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. *

Murder in Mercy by Anne Cleeland

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Contemporary, Mystery, Part of a SeriesLeave a comment

Murder in Mercy

Barbara’s rating: 3.75 out of 5 Stars
Series: Doyle & Acton #21
Publication Date: 3/16/25
Period: Contemporary London
Number of Pages: 208

I have been captivated by this series since the beginning, and I always anxiously await each new release. I love all of the eccentric, quirky characters, and I can hardly wait to see what Acton gets up to next – and how Doyle thwarts him. There are always witty and serious moments that combine to present an excellent story.

We have met the victim in previous books – the twice-widowed Mrs. Birdsong – who just doesn’t seem to have much luck choosing husbands. Both of her husbands were villains, with the last one trying to poison her before he died. While he didn’t succeed, someone did, and the investigation now belongs to Detective Sergeant Kathleen Doyle and Special Officer Vadik Gabriel.

Doyle and Gabriel have no readily discernible clues to follow, and decide their investigation should follow two paths. One path would take them back through the investigation of the art theft ring Mrs. Birdsong’s husband was involved in, and the other would be to see if there is a hidden heir somewhere looking to inherit her considerable wealth. The path is a crooked one with red herrings and surprises along the way. Of course, Acton sticks his finger into the mix to make things even more confusing.

I enjoyed the book, and the mystery is a good one, but this is not my favorite book of the series. There just wasn’t as much of the ‘hold your breath’ tension as in previous books. I think it gave us hints of stories to come with the Savoie brothers, which could be interesting.

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