Tag: Fantasy Fiction

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Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2026

BOOK REVIEW: West of Wicked by Nikki St. Crowe

Published April 16th, 2026 by Tor Bramble
Fantasy Fiction, Dark Fantasy, Romantic Fantasy

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

💚 A dark, sexy, and twisted reimagining of The Wizard of Oz from USA Today bestselling author Nikki St. Crowe 💚

No one is safe on the yellow brick road.

Dorothy Gale doesn’t know where she came from. At the age of five, she was dropped on Em and Henry’s doorstep while a terrible storm rolled across the Kansas prairie. Now as an adult, Dorothy has made the most of her life on the farm. But when a cyclone tears through the night, ripping her, her dog, and the farmhouse away, Dorothy wakes to find herself far from home in the strange, cursed land of Oz.

Desperate to find her way back, Dorothy takes the advice of the Witch of the North and sets off on the yellow brick road to find a wizard . . . with a warning to avoid forest monsters, heartless mercenaries, and wicked witches. It isn’t long before Dorothy encounters the dark side of Oz, stumbling on a man beaten and bloody, tied to a pole in a cornfield. Not unlike the scarecrows on the Kansas farm.

With no memories, the mysterious stranger joins Dorothy. Rook is ridiculously handsome, endlessly charming, and somehow understands Dorothy in a way no one ever has. But when they cross paths with the infamous Tinman and his axe, Rook proves he may be hiding his own secrets.

Nothing and no one is what they seem in the cursed land of Oz . . . maybe even Dorothy herself.

Tropes:

Wizard of Oz Retelling 💚
Forbidden Love ❤️‍🔥
Rambunctious Dog 🐕
Journey of Self Discovery 👩
Hidden Identity 🫣
Witchy 🧙 ‍
Villain gets the girl 🖤
Cyclone Shenanigans 🌀
Murder 🔪
Morally Grey Characters 🩶
Hot and Equally Evil Brothers 👬

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MY REVIEW:

I am a life-long Ozian. I have loved and been obsessed with The Wizard of Oz ever since I first saw the film when I was three years old. I love the book, too, and collect anything and everything I can to do with Oz. So, when I saw that a new reimagining of the book was being released, I immediately added it to my TBR. And then when I saw the US version with those beautiful, intricate Emerald City spredges, I knew it was worth the extra cost to have it in my collection. 

We all know the basic story: a girl trapped inside a house gets caught in a cyclone and wakes up in the land of Oz, and on top of the Witch of the East. She then follows the yellowbrick road all the way to the Emerald City where she sees the Wizard of Oz and asks to be sent home. But her return journey has a price: she must kill the Wicked Witch of the West. I’ll admit, being such a fan of the original, part of me was apprehensive about actually reading a version that was bound to be very different. But I couldn’t resist. 

This retelling has a similar premise to the original. Except Dorothy is a teenager not a little girl, she has a boyfriend who she has sex with and smokes pot. The story once she’s in Oz follows a similar trajectory to the original, with minor changes that bring it up to date, make it a little more edgy or make it a little different. It did take me a little bit of time to get used to the more grown up version of Dorothy and some of the changes, but I was quickly immersed in the story and loved being in this version of Oz. But it was over far too quickly and I’m now left waiting impatiently for the second installment in the series. 

A dark, gritty and sexy reimagining that Oz and fantasy fans will enjoy, I highly recommend this book.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

Thank you to Bookbreak for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nikki St. Crowe is a USA Today Bestselling Author of several romantasy novels, including the #1 Amazon Bestselling Series, Vicious Lost Boys.

When not writing about villains getting the girl, and the girl getting the power, Nikki can be found with her husband and daughter on the shores of Lake Michigan hunting for the perfect sunset.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: Wildflower by Becky Jenkinson

Published June 18th, 2026 by Zaffre
Fantasy Fiction, Cozy Fantasy, Romantasy

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Cursed from birth to always tell the truth, magical florist Felicity ‘Fliss’ Farrow chooses her words carefully and avoids trouble. But when she receives an anonymous request for a mysterious flower, her quest leads her directly into trouble’s path, to Willoh Vane.

Fliss knows the outcast – yet teasingly handsome – sorcerer is rumoured to have used dark magic to corrupt the northern forest five years ago. She’s witnessed the resulting feud with Prince Bastion, whom her best friend, Card, is soon to marry. Despite the divided loyalty she feels, Fliss reluctantly accepts Will’s help with gathering more rare flowers and finds herself increasingly drawn to him.

As the royal wedding approaches, Fliss fears the flowers she’s delivered are intended for a sinister purpose. But with her warnings ignored, can she and Will save the kingdom from disaster, and ultimately discover what Fliss has sought for so long – the truth behind her curse?

‘Absolutely charming! With lovable characters, a unique floral magic system, and a story that tugs on your heartstrings, Wildflower is a true delight’
TESSONJA ODETTE, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Lies That Summon the Night

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

If you’re looking for a book that feels like summer, or a story that makes you feel like you’re skipping through a field of flowers on a warm summer’s day, then look no further. Wildflower is the book for you. Cosy, enchanting, romantic and heartfelt, this whimsical romantasy is an absolute delight. 

The story follows florist Felicity ‘Fliss’ Farrow, who was cursed from birth to always tell the truth. One day Fliss receives an anonymous request asking for a mysterious and rare flower that can only be located in a forbidden part of the land and home to the wicked sorcerer, Willoh Vane. Everyone knows Willoh is trouble. Fliss reluctantly accepts his help and finds herself drawn to the handsome outcast. When Fliss begins to fear that the flowers she delivered are intended for a sinister purpose, can she and Willoh save those she loves from a dark fate?

The best way to describe this book is sweet but deadly. Overall this is a cosy read that made me feel like I was wrapped in a warm hug but it has a deadly sting in its tail that strikes when you least expect it. Gorgeously written, Becky Jenkinson has filled this story with wonderful characters, original magic, imaginative world-building, witty banter, swoon-worthy romance, dark curses and malevolent conspiracies, this has everything  you want from a cosy fantasy and more. It was exactly the balm I needed after a few darker stories back to back, and I’ve not stopped thinking about it ever since I finished. 

Fliss is a wonderful heroine who is strong, feisty and likeable. I enjoyed the complications that arose from her curse and watching her come up with great ways to get around it. The curse also leaves her fearful of being used, an anxiety I think many of us can relate to even if we aren’t cursed. One of my favourite parts of this story was the relationship between Fliss and Willoh. Every interaction was sizzling with chemistry and their banter was so much fun. Handsome and charming but also cocky, Willoh isn’t your usual love interest. But we all know it’s hard to resist a bad-boy. On paper they may have been a disaster but I was rooting for them. 

Don’t miss this gorgeous debut.

Rating: 💐💐💐💐💐

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Becky Jenkinson is a writer, illustrator and teacher from Manchester, England. She graduated with a degree in Animation from Norwich University of the Arts, and in 2019, moved to Tokyo, Japan, where she currently teaches English. When she isn’t frequenting Tokyo Disneyland, she spends her free time hooked on video games, watching musicals, and requesting more photos of her cat back in England.

Wildflower is her debut novel.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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BOOK REVIEW: The Love Library by Sarra Manning

Published June 25th, 2026 by Orion
Romance Novel, Fantasy Fiction, Contemporary Romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

What if you could date your favourite book boyfriend?

“All loans are at the borrower’s own risk…”

After a series of dating disasters, Tess Hardy wonders if she’ll ever find the man of her dreams – or if he only exists on the pages of her favourite novels. So when she’s invited to visit The Love Library, a 200-hundred-year-old institution which promises dates with her favourite romantic heroes in real life, Tess can’t resist!

But handsome head librarian Gabe Sharma seems grumpily determined to keep the library under lock and key. And as soon as Tess steps into the beautiful building crammed full of books, she realises why – it’s not just dust in the air… it’s magic. Here she really can grab drinks with Heathcliff, dine with Rochester and cosy up to her one true literary love, Darcy.

There’s just one problem: Gabe. He’s determined to sabotage all of Tess’s dates! And why is it that she has more fun fighting with Gabe than flirting with any of her book-bound suitors…?

Heartwarming, hot and hilarious, The Love Library is a must-read for anyone who wishes they could step into the pages of their favourite book. Perfect for fans of Ashley Poston, Lucy Jane Wood and Kirsty Greenwood.

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

Being able to go on a date with one of your bookish romantic heroes sounds like a great idea. But would it really live up to your dreams? That’s what writer Tess Hardy is about to find out in The Love Library. Tess wants to find her happy-ever-after, but the only decent men she can find are the ones in the books at Waterstones. So when she receives an email from The Love Library, offering her the chance of a real-life date with one of her favourite literary love interests, she is intrigued. After all, her book boyfriends never let her down. But Tess doesn’t count on Gabe, the handsome Gabe and Tess immediately clash and, as she embarks on yet more disastrous dates, the pair keep fighting – seemingly oblivious to the sparks that are flying between them.

Magical, heartwarming, hot, witty and uplifting, this charming enemies-to-lovers romcom is the perfect read for book lovers. I think most of us have daydreamed about stepping into the pages of our favourite book or wished a romantic hero was real so I was intrigued by the premise of this one. Wonderfully written and cleverly plotted, Sarra Manning brings those daydreams to life perfectly while making them a cautionary tale. I loved all the bookish references and the varied cast of characters that Sarra selected for Tess’s dates. And I can’t share this review without mentioning the wonderful narrator, Imogen Wilde, who brought the story to life in vivid technicolour with her fantastic performance.

Tess and Gabe are the perfect example of the grumpy/sunshine trope and I loved their contrasting characters. Their attraction was obvious from the start so I was shouting at them to just realise they were meant for each other from early on. And then there’s their sizzling chemistry.  Talk about sizzling. I listened to the audiobook and just as it got really steamy my son and his girlfriend came downstairs and I was so embarrassed I had to stop the book! It will certainly make you blush. I also liked that Sarra doesn’t give her readers their romantic payoff easily and takes things in unexpected directions that were so much fun to read.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you NetGalley and Orion for my audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sarra Manning has been a voracious reader for over forty years and a prolific author and journalist for thirty.

Her many novels, which have been translated into numerous languages, include Unsticky, London With Love and The Last Days Of Summer, which publishes in the US in May 2026 and The Love Library, which publishes in the UK in June 2026.. Sarra has also written a number of YA novels, and several light-hearted romantic comedies under a pseudonym.

She started her writing career on the iconic Melody Maker and Just Seventeen and has written for The Guardian, The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, ELLE, Grazia, Stylist, You Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar and was most recently, Literary Editor of Red.

Sarra lives in London surrounded by piles and piles of books.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

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AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The Tiny Magic Bookshop by August Bloom

Published June 4th, 2026 by HQ
Fantasy Fiction, Contemporary Fantasy, Magical Realism, Domestic Fiction

*I listened to this on Bookbeat. Click here to listen free for 45 Days*

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

There’s magic in a book …

Max always felt too ordinary for the magical village of Lampton. No place more so than her mum’s bookshop, where the recommendations are more than just a matter of taste – they’re magic.

When Max’s mum dies suddenly, she leaves her daughter Lamplight Books and makes one last wish: that Max would spend a year working in the bookshop before she sells it.

Max has no desire to uproot her busy life in the city to return to a place that always made her feel inadequate, but she can’t ignore her mum’s last request. So she decides on a trial run of two weeks – if she can’t even last that long, then a year would be impossible…

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

Lamplight Books is a small bookshop in the magical village of Lampton. Max has come back to sort out the shop after her mother’s sudden death. She’s always felt too ordinary for this place and didn’t inherit her mum’s magical ability to recommend books that help people with their troubles. So she is shocked when she learns her mother wished her to spend a year living and working in the bookshop before she sells it. Max has no desire to uproot her life but also feels like she can’t refuse her mum’s last wish. So, she decides to have a two week trial run and then decide what to do. Can she find a place where she never managed to fit in?

Charming, cosy and comforting, reading this book was like being wrapped in a big, warm hug, which was exactly the vibe I was hoping for. It’s a love letter to bookshops, booksellers, books and the magic that is found in their pages. I loved hearing different books mentioned and how there was a quote from each of them at the end of the chapter. The different books also helped Max or other characters on their journey, showcasing the power of books to help us through some of our darkest times. They really are always there for us. As you can imagine, as  a book lover I adored these aspects of the story.

The characters are relatable and compelling as even the magical beings are given very human emotions and problems that make us able to relate to them. Max was a flawed, nuanced and likeable character who is going through the hardest time in her life. My  heart broke for her as she tried to deal with losing her mother and I had a lot of sympathy for all the other things she was dealing with, some of which she did bring upon herself. But the main character in this story is grief, which takes centre stage throughout. Max’s grief is palpable. It’s always with us in every room and at every movement, something that anyone who has grieved someone they love will understand. August Bloom takes us through all the different stages alongside Max as she tries to run the shop, make a decision about its future and find her place in Lampton. 

I highly recommend this heartwarming and bewitching story. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you HQ Stories for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

August Bloom  writes magical novels from her cosy writing studio in Gloucestershire. She devours gentle fantasy stories alongside cinnamon buns and loves the cooler autumn months when she can curl up under a blanket with a good book. Her co-writer is a chronically clumsy Labrador who she explores the countryside with.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2026

BOOK REVIEW: The Midnight Train by Matt Haig

Published May 21st, 2026 by Canongate
Fantasy Fiction, Magical Realism, Time Travel Fiction, Domestic Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

When your life flashes before your eyes, what will matter most?

For Wilbur it was his time with Maggie, the love of his life. Their honeymoon in Venice. Before he threw it all away.

Years later, on the brink of his own death, a train arrives. It can take Wilbur back in time. To relive his most important moments. Soon he realises just how much he would have changed.

An adventure through time, The Midnight Train is a story of love and second chances, from the world of The Midnight Library.

PRE-ORDER

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MY REVIEW:

A love letter to books, bookshops and the joy of reading, this is the perfect read for any bibliophile. And this highly anticipated follow-up to The Midnight Library is also full of a tsunami of emotions. Atmospheric, poignant, powerful and achingly human, this is a story about love, life, grief and second-chances A true gem of a book, I never wanted it to end. But when it did it left me with my heart full and the biggest smile on my face.

The story follows Wilbur, who after his death finds himself on a train platform. At a minute after midnight a train arrives: the Midnight Train. Wilbur gets on board and finds himself on a journey through his entire life: from his impoverished childhood where he found an escape in books to awkward first dates with the love of his life, Maggie, to their honeymoon in Venice and him throwing it all away. He relives all his most important moments and realises how much of his life he wished he could change. 

Matt Haig is one of my favourite authors. An exceptional storyteller, he has a style all his own and both are showcased in this book. Exquisitely told, skillfully crafted and full of evocative imagery that brings the whole book to life, I was in his thrall from start to finish. Matt is also skilled at writing about a wide range of difficult subjects with honesty, depth, nuance and sensitivity while also never feeling triggering and that combination of real life and magical realism lends the story a dreamlike vibe that I adored. 

I loved Wilbur. He’s likeable but also deeply flawed, and I think we can all relate to wishing we’d done something differently in our lives. I loved his love of books and the big role they play throughout his life. The other characters are as richly drawn, compelling and real and I particularly enjoyed reading Agnes, former bookshop owner and his guide on his journey. And I want to say a big thank you to Matt for all of the Sheffield representation in this book. As a life-long Sheffielder myself, this was so great to see. Thank you.

A truly mesmerising story that will linger long after you close that final page, this is a must-read.

Rating: 🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂

Thank you Canongate for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Matt Haig is the internationally bestselling author of the novels The Midnight Library, The Life Impossible,  How to Stop Time, The Humans and The Radleys. His work has been translated into over fifty languages.

The Midnight Library was an instant bestseller and winner of the Goodreads Choice Award for Fiction. It has become a worldwide phenomenon and sold over ten million copies worldwide spending 52 weeks in the New York Times bestseller list. The audiobook is read by Carey Mulligan. 

His memoir Reasons to Stay Alive was a number one bestseller, staying in the British top ten for 46 weeks. His award-winning children’s book A Boy Called Christmas was a runaway hit and is translated in over 40 languages. It was made into a film starring Maggie Smith, Sally Hawkins and Jim Broadbent and The Guardian called it an ‘instant classic’. 

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxxx

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Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Weavingshaw by Heba Al-Wasity

Published February 26th, 2026 by Bantam Press
Gothic Fiction, Fantasy Fiction, Romantic Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Ghost Story, Debut Novel

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

A dark, gothic slow-burn fantasy romance, Weavingshaw follows a young woman haunted by the ghosts of her past and the Saint of Silence who promises her greatest desire in return for her darkest secret…

‘LEENA DIDN’T BELIEVE IN MONSTERS UNTIL SHE SAW WEAVINGSHAW.’

The Saint of Silence trades coins for every sordid divulgence uttered to him. The darker the secret, the higher the price.

Leena has a secret, one that has haunted her since she was seventeen – she can see the dead. When her brother falls ill, she knows what she must do: seek the Saint.

But Leena’s secret is more valuable to him that she could have imagined. To save her brother, she must make a deal with him to find the ghost he’s searching for.

All paths lead to Weavingshaw, a cursed estate on the moors. As Leena grows closer to the Saint, and is plunged into his world of danger, deceit and desire, she learns that he is hiding his own secrets – ones that have the power to destroy them all.

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

Leena can see the dead. It’s a secret she’s kept since she was seventeen. But now she’s going to trade that secret for the money to save her sick brother. So, she seeks out the Saint of Silence, who says that in order to save her brother she must agree to help him find the ghost he’s looking for. She reluctantly agrees. But Leena isn’t the only one hiding a secret. So is the Saint, and as their search leads them to the cursed estate of Weavingshaw, Leena learns his secret could destroy them all…

Darkly atmospheric, gothic and spellbinding this slow-burn fantasy debut that is so much more than a ghost story. It feels cinematic and epic: a story of deadly secrets, demons and haunted houses that has themes of power and debt at its core. Filled with tension, twists and surprises, the story unfolds piece by piece, giving us just enough  information to think about while keeping us guessing about the full picture. It kept me on tenterhooks, eager to learn more and discover what other secrets were lurking beneath the surface. Heba Al Wasity’s storytelling is gorgeous, her imagery evocative and her world building rich and detailed. I loved the dark, supernatural elements, the magic and how the political unrest added to the tense atmosphere. Meanwhile, Weavingshaw itself looms large over the entire story, feeling like a character in its own right. There are beautiful, haunting descriptions of this eerie house and the dark undercurrent that runs through it. It’s shadowy, gothic and unnerving. Exactly what I wanted in a gothic fantasy. 

The characters are morally complex and compelling, pulling you into their world and their stories. I thought Leena and Silas were great protagonists. She’s a heroine who is haunted by ghosts and he’s a tortured saint who is more sinful than good. I enjoyed learning their histories, what makes them tick and what motivates them. Leena’s experiences as a WOC and a refugee are central to who she is and I loved how they were woven into the narrative. Silas keeps his cards much closer to the vest but I was keen to unlock what secrets he was hiding. The romance between them was slow-burn which I enjoyed as bonding slowly and being reluctant to admit their feelings felt more realistic than if they’d instantly fallen in love.

A fantastic beginning to what promises to be an epic new series, this is a must for fantasy lovers. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you Bantam Press and Libro.fm for sending my proof copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Heba Al-Wasity was inspired to write by her own experiences of being born an Iraqi-refugee in Libya, growing up in Canada, and attending medical school in the UK. She has worked in emergency care and several psychiatric inpatient units, allowing her to gain first-hand insight in the ways that poverty and deprivation can lead to social inequalities. She currently lives with her husband near Manchester, just close enough to the moors to set her imagination alight.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: The Book of Heartbreak by Ova Ceren

Published August 26th, 2025 by Hot Key Books
Romantic Fantasy, Fantasy Fiction, Romance Novel, Fairy Tale, Magical Realism

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

A gorgeous romantasy of angels and curses, which will break your heart and mend it again. Perfect for fans of Laini Taylor and Stephanie Garber.

‘A TRUE DELIGHT – VIVID, FRESH AND GRIPPING’
Laini Taylor, bestselling author of Daughter of Smoke and Bone and Strange the Dreamer

Heartbreak is always devastating, but for Sare it’s life-threatening.

Sare Silverbirch has already had her heart broken four times, and a fifth heartbreak will stop her heart forever. Such is the nature of the curse she was born under, which forces her to live a life without letting anyone get too close.

Then her mother dies unexpectedly,and Sare begins to question the curse. Where did it come from? Why her? And rather than accept it, could there be a way to break it?

Her questions lead her to Istanbul where she meets Leon, a seer who helps her track down the mysteries of her mother’s past. But Sare’s heart is a fragile thing and their blossoming relationship poses a great risk to her survival. Especially when she discovers that her fate is in the hands of celestials beyond this earthly realm. And now the heavens are stirring, for they have a stake in Sare’s destiny and they don’t like their plans being overturned.

Will Sare unravel the secrets of the past before the curse claims her forever?

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

“Love is a four-letter death sentence for someone like me, cursed to die of heartbreak.”

For teenager Sare Silverbirch heartbreak isn’t only devastating, it’s life-threatening. She’s had her heart broken four times already, but a curse means that a fifth heartbreak will stop her heart forever. When her mother dies unexpectedly, Sare begins to question where the curse came from and wonders if there is a way to break it? These questions take her to Istanbul where she meets Leon, a seer, who helps her track down the mysteries of her mother’s past. But their blossoming relationship puts her fragile heart, and her life, at risk. Can Sare unravel the secrets of her curse before it claims her forever?

Lush, lyrical, heartrending, illuminating and whimsical, The Book of Heartbreak is a folkloric story of cursed hearts, star-crossed lovers, long-buried secrets and wayward ethereals. Told with emotion, humour, romance and enchanting prose, Ova Ceren’s singular voice showcases her as a talent to watch in this unforgettable debut. An exploration of love, loss, heartbreak, trauma and forgiveness that is expertly interwoven with Ottoman history, Ova transported me to Istanbul so vividly that I could feel the sun on my skin. The world-building,  imagery and plot are fascinating, vibrant and evocative, making the world she created feel so real that I could imagine it all happening. And I loved that between each chapter she included excerpts from books or documents, correspondence and emails from celestial administration that ramped up the curiosity and tension. 

I loved the eclectic cast of characters in this book. Sare was likeable and easy to root for. When we meet her she has just lost her only parent and faces losing her own life if she has another heartbreak. That is a lot for a 17-year-old to be going through. And although she will be free of the curse if she reaches her 18th birthday without another heartbreak, it comes with a steep price that she isn’t sure she’s prepared to pay. I felt for Sare and was cheering her on at every step. Her emotions were palpable and I was living in fear of her last heartbreak, just as she was. Leon is also likeable and easy to root for, and I loved the chemistry between him and Sare. But the character I had a real soft spot for was Manu, Sare’s celestial guide. Funny, flamboyant and charismatic, she leapt from the pages as  she delivered insight into the curse, humorous warnings and advice.

Beautiful, sparkling and magical, this mesmerising debut is a real treasure. I can’t wait to see what Ova writes next.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ova Ceren writes bittersweet tales of heartbreak and magic, often inspired by Turkish and Ottoman folklore.

Blessed (or perhaps cursed) with a mathematical brain, she earned a degree in Computer Science and a master’s that led her into a career in IT, taking her from Türkiye to Britain. After years of wrestling with algorithms in corporate jungles, she finally eloped with a debut novel instead.

Ova now lives in Cambridge, UK, with her husband, son, and a spirited flock of runner ducks.

She is also the creator of the popular Instagram and TikTok channels @excusemyreading.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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BOOK REVIEW: Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab

Published June 10th, 2025 by Tor
Fantasy Fiction, Dark Fantasy, Historical Fantasy, Lesbian Literature, Contemporary Fantasy

Welcome to my bookish thoughts for this magnificent gothic chiller.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Heart-Stopping International Sensation!

Instant No. 1 Sunday Times Bestseller
No. 1 New York Times Bestseller
The Radio 2 Book Club Pick

From V. E. Schwab, a genre-defying, unforgettable novel to sink your teeth into . . .

This is a story about hunger.

1532. Santo Domingo de la Calzada. A young girl grows up wild and wily – her beauty is only outmatched by her dreams of escape. But María knows she can only ever be a prize, or a pawn, in the games played by men. When an alluring stranger offers an alternate path, María makes a desperate choice. She vows to have no regrets.

This is a story about love.

1827. London. A young woman lives an idyllic but cloistered life on her family’s estate, until a moment of forbidden intimacy sees her shipped off to London. Charlotte’s tender heart and seemingly impossible wishes are swept away by an invitation from a beautiful widow – but the price of freedom is higher than she could have imagined.

This is a story about rage.

2019. Boston. College was supposed to be her chance to be someone new. That’s why Alice moved halfway across the world, leaving her old life behind. But after an out-of-character one-night stand leaves her questioning her past, her present, and her future, Alice throws herself into the hunt for answers . . . and revenge.

This is a story about life . . .
how it ends, and how it starts again.

Utterly unmissable, this is a twisting, gothic tale of immortality and hunger. From the bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.

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MY REVIEW:

“Bury my bones in the midnight soil, plant them shallow and water them deep, and in my place will grow a feral rose, soft red petals hiding sharp white teeth.”

Achingly beautiful, deliciously gothic, haunting and consuming, this dark and twisted treasure is one of the most magnificent books I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. I knew quickly that this would be a five star read and one of my favourite books this year. I was obsessed, beguiled from the first pages by this story that feels both ancient and modern, and felt utterly bereft when it was all over.

V. E. Schwab is an author I’ve heard so many great things about but her books sat on my shelves unread for years. But after hearing how passionate she was about her writing at an event this summer, I knew I had to finally pick up one of her books. And where better to start that with a vampire story during spooky season. Lyrical, poetic and descriptive, Schwab’s writing is sheer perfection. You can feel the love and attention that has gone into every word on the page. I get the hype. She is a phenomenal talent and after just one book I think I’d read her shopping list. 

And while it’s undoubtedly beautiful, buried within it is something dark and filled with malevolence, heartache, longing, rage and fear. This is a story about hunger. A story about desire. A story about women. And a story about vampires. It’s a story about dark secrets, depravity, fractured people, complex love, trauma, obsession and violence against women all wrapped up in a hypnotic bow. The trio of women at the heart of this story are richly drawn, vivacious, charismatic and deeply flawed characters that I loved reading. I was enthralled as Schwab slowly but expertly wove their stories together, revealing how their destinies tragically interlaced. And while I loved reading them all, I particularly enjoyed Marie as there is just something about a really dark character that I find captivating and she had me in her thrall as she took me to the darkest depths of inhumanity.

Seductive, sapphic, ferocious and menacing, this is a must for your spooky season TBR. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

VICTORIA ‘V. E.’ SCHWAB is the No. 1 Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books, including the international sensation The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, the acclaimed Shades of Magic universe, the Villains series, the City of Ghosts trilogy, Gallant, and The Fragile Threads of Power. When not haunting Paris streets or trudging up English hillsides, she lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is usually tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up monsters.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

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Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: Upon A Frosted Star by M. A. Kuzniar

Published September 21st, 2023 by HQ
Fairy Tale, Fantasy Ficiton, Romantic Fantasy, Gothic Ficiton, Magical Realism, Historical Fiction, Romance Novel, Historical Fantasy, Festive Fiction

I listened to this dreamy story on Bookbeat. You can get 60 days listening for free with my affiliate link here.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘An enchanting new twist on a classic tale’ Elodie Harper

When the snow falls, she will be free…

The invitations always arrive the same way – without warning, appearing around the city on the first snowfall of the year, simply inscribed with ‘Tonight.’

When struggling artist, Forster, finds an invitation, he’s bewitched by the magic of the evening, swept up in the glamour of this notorious annual party and intrigued as to who is behind them.

Determined to find out more about the mysterious host, Forster discovers an abandoned manor house silent with secrets and a cursed woman who is desperate to be free…

From the bestselling author of Midnight in Everwood, comes another spellbinding literary fairy tale that’s The Great Gatsby meets Swan Lake.

Tropes:
🎄 Finding the magic of Christmas
❤️ True love
☃️ Festive fun!

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MY REVIEW:

When the snow falls, she will be free…

Decadent, dreamlike, moving and original, Upon a Frosted Star is an enchanting tale perfect for the winter days. A reimagining of The Great Gatsby merged with Swan Lake, M. A. Kuzniar transports us to the roaring 1920s for her sophomore novel which tells the story of Forster, a reclusive artist living by the lake and his swan wife, Detta. 

Moving between timelines and perspectives, this unusual romance unfolds slowly, pulling us into their strange world of hedonistic parties, ballet and vanishing performers. It is a story imbued with magic, wonder, yearning, and a menacing edge, staying true to the darkness of the original fairy tale. Kuzniar’s magnificent storytelling and evocative imagery bring the story to life, vividly describing the frigid, frosted landscape, extravagant parties, the ballet and the streets of Paris. But the most vivid of all were the descriptions of Della’s agonising transformations that I felt in my own bones and Forster’s heartbreaking yearning for his love when the ground is no longer dusted with snow. I was transfixed and totally lost myself in this deliciously dark fairytale.

A spellbinding wintery tale, this one is perfect for reading this time of year. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Maria Kuzniar spent six years living in Spain, teaching English and travelling the world which inspired her children’s series The Ship of Shadows. Her adult debut novel Midnight in Everwood was inspired by her love of ballet and love of The Nutcracker. She lives in Nottingham with her husband, where she reads and writes as much as can and bookstagrams.

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Waterstones* | Amazon*
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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxx

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book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Squadpod Squadpod Featured Books

SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOK: Return to the DallerGut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee

Published November 1st, 2024 by Wildfire
Fantasy Fiction, Magical Realism, Humorous Fantasy, Translated Fiction

Welcome to my review for this magical and mesmerising story. Thank you to Ollie at Wildfire for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

|| THE NO.1 KOREAN BESTSELLER WITH OVER A MILLION COPIES SOLD ||

It has been a year since Penny first walked through the doors of DallerGut Dream Department Store, and surviving a year at the store means one thing . . . She is now an official employee of the dream industry! She can finally take the express commuter train to the Company District, where all the dream production companies are located and discover how all raw dream materials and testing equipment are produced.

But the Company District is not quite what she expected, it hides the darker underbelly of the magical industry that Penny thought she was a part of.

Penny discovers the Civil Complaint Center, full of people filing complaints about their dreams. She also learns about the regular customers who have stopped coming to the store. As she gets to the bottom of each complaint, she begins to expand her horizons, transforming from just selling dreams to understanding what lies in the hearts of their lost regulars.

Return to the DallerGut Dream Department Store delves deeper into the dream industry and its customers. Why do some of them buy a dream and never return? Will Penny and her colleagues be able to bring their regulars back?

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MY REVIEW:

Magical, dreamy, uplifting and original, Return to the DallerGut Dream Department Store is a mesmerising sequel that is every bit as breathtaking and imaginative as the first book. Once again Miye Lee once again takes us on a moving and fantastical journey into our dreams. The wonderful cast of characters return but find their roles expanded as we delve even deeper into the world of dream-making. A new side to the dreams is explored in the Civil Complaints Centre and Ms. Lee again examines serious topics such as disability through the dreamworld. As a disabled person myself I found this part of the book very emotional and inspiring. I loved how she was so inclusive and advocated for us in such a creative way while also reminding us that whatever our abilities there is so much left to enjoy in life and we should do exactly that.

As with book one, the best thing to do with this book is discover it for yourself. So I’m not going to say anything more about the plot. However I was saddened to learn this is a duology and therefore our final visit to the DallerGut Dream Department Store. This world is so comforting and a real balm for my soul that I could have read countless books set there. I’m sincerely hoping that Ms. Lee reconsiders and adds to the series.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Miye Lee was born in Busan in 1990. After graduating from the Busan National University School of Materials Science and Engineering, she worked as a semiconductor engineer at Samsung Electronics. Her debut novel Dallergut Dream Department Store published entirely funded through a crowdfunding service in Korea in 2020 and has since drawn many enthusiastic responses and favourable reviews.

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ABOUT THE TRANSLATOR:

Sandy Joosun Lee is a Korean-to-English translator based in Seoul. She studied Literature/Writing in University of California, San Diego. Her translations include Won-pyung Sohn’s Almond (HarperVia, 2020) and Miye Lee’s DallerGut Dream Department Store duology (Wildfire, 2023). She also works in animation, translating and developing animated content, which includes The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf (2021) and Star Wars: Visions (2023). She is a member of the translator collective Smoking Tigers.

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Bookshop.org* | Waterstones* | Amazon*
*these are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx