Silver and Blood - Jessie Mihalik (Duology #1)

 Silver and Blood was a 4 star read for me! I was sold on the second book in the last paragraph of the book (*insert John Hamm GIF*).

The characters were likable, I loved the notes passed between the MC's, the world building/ magic system were thorough and easy to understand. The dialogue and narration portrayed authentic snark/sarcasm that is easy to miss the mark on. The nicknames were chef's kiss, the tension was excellent, the jealousy had me kicking my feet. I really enjoyed it, overall.
Not being a fan of the "miscommunication trope" made me side eye a lot of driving factors for the storyline, but that is all opinion based. The world building was thorough; however, I did find it to be clunkily explained. I realize that having a prologue or huge chunk of the beginning dedicated to world building drags out in an unfortunate way; but I do feel like it could have been slipped into conversation or observation a little more smoothly.
Piggy backing off the miscommunication trope mention from earlier: I did find a lot of the second half to be redundant. It adds realism to have people traveling back and forth to a location and not just have things solved the first/second time the MC's go-- there were so many repetitive scenes of traveling back and forth between realms that seemed to feed the miscommunication more than what I thought the plot. I felt like the character growth was mentioned to be occurring (like a realization would be noted);-- then in the next chapter, with no negative storyline between the MC's they were back to acting like they didn't trust each other again. Not trusting a stranger is a *reasonable* way to add that trope so heavily-- just needed a little more consistent portrayal of trust being built/given.

I would have given the book like a 3.75 star rating because the redundancy and heavy focus on that specific trope-- that ending was just a *perfect* lead in to the next book though and I cannot wait to read it!!

Welcome to my TED Talk: The 7 stages of grief (while watching the television adaptation of your favorite literary trilogy)

This week I have been attempting to watch the 2018 AMC original series A Discovery of Witches. “Attempting” is the key word. Yes, yes, before the eyeroll and judgement comes-- I do know that “the books are better than movies” and “the movies are never the same as the book”. I am only in episode 4 or 5 of season 1, and all observations are limited to that part of the series. This is not to write what a crummy show it is, that it never should have been created, or that they ruined a good thing—however, I am not pretending it is my personal cup of tea. I am trying to power through, as it has an excellent cast, and I do see the purpose in the changes overall. These thoughts will also be relevant to the up-and-coming adaptations of series such as Fourth Wing, Assistant to the Villain and ACOTAR.  

As a lover of the world of All Souls, it was very exciting to know that there was a TV adaptation that maybe could help round out my grasp of the very intricate trilogy. This changed fairly quickly when I began feeling, a touch dramatically, on the aggrieved side during the first 15 minutes of the first episode—why is the beginning seeming restaged? That character is significantly different than the book... Why is this main character interacting with this secondary character on screen, during a notable part from the book that didn’t even include the secondary character? Essentially, I “hate-watched” the next couple of episodes... which resulted in a sober and alone Hannah blathering at her television. I saw one of the listed producers was Deborah Harkness and made myself sit back and question if she minded these adjustments or if she appreciated her world and characters being resituated to meet a different audience. 

As I watched, I was aware that the tone of the show was drastically different from how I received the tone of the books. In the books, I found it to be a little on the.... quirkier(?) side of serious. Examples of this would be: The sweetheart of a daemon named Timothy wearing unplugged headphones with his endearingly mismatched cowboy boots, Diana finding out the stable boy thought she was speaking spanish while practicing her french, and Matthew’s distant reaction to Chris’s inquiry about werewolves. All of these moments are noted while in hiding for their lives and dealing with the culture shocks from every angle. The show, up to this point, seemingly removes those lighter observations and keeps it on the darker side of the serious vibes. I understand that some of the lighter notes of the books are mentioned through narrator observation or inner monologues and cannot always be conveyed effectively through cinema. The show would meet the criteria for more serious storyline preferences and broadens outreach, I have seen plenty of viewers praising the show! 

I could go on and on about this, for no good reason except my little brain has an opinion that demands to be expressed. I am by no means an expert on the series and could be misunderstanding things in the book/tv adaptation, feel free to point it out... It truly would make me feel better, in the long run!! Thank you for coming to my TED TALK. 
 
All the best, 

Hannah 

✨3 Inexpensive Ways I Protect My Books✨

1) Contact Paper: a more permanent method that can be used on paperbacks and dust jackets, maintains a less bulky dust jacket.

2) Non-Reflective Dust Jacket Cover: temporary and can be moved between similar sized books if one gets rehomed, maintains a matte appearance, but is also a softer plastic. The Brodart brand is reliable, though I find this finish difficult to come by in the length needed for most dust jackets to be covered end-to-end.

3) Lo-Luster Dust Jacket Cover: same as the last, but a more shiny and sturdier feeling plastic that compares to your library loans and is much easier to come by for an average length dust jacket.  

Books are an investment, whether it was a discounted, used, or new purchase; while well loved books are a great sign of the books quality, I personally prefer my books maintain a neat appearance (it brings me joy🤌). Light colored covers tend to pick up markings easily, matte covers show every drop of liquid/finger prints affect the finish, shiny covers crinkle easier than other finishes, sometimes the coaster is missed and the book finds its way onto a water ring— or in the case of the second picture, the red suede Flippy book pillow leaves its mark. Malice by John Gwynne will eventually be rebound, I decided not to put contact paper on the book and was able to use the little guy as an example for why I love these methods on white books *especially*!  
                                           

AND ANOTHER THING! The covers bring new life to a well-loved book and disguises unwanted wear and tear. I have multiple preowned books with torn dust jackets, but the cover makes them secure and, most of the time, seamless. The below picture shows a slice towards the bottom half of the spine, as an example.

Chasing Never - T.A. Lawrence (The Lost Girl Series #4)

   Title: Chasing Never    Series: The Lost Girl Series #4    Author: T.A. Lawrence

   Genre: Dark Fantasy/Romance    Page Count: 436    Audiobook: No

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SPOILER FREE - ARC REVIEW & RECOMMENDATION! Expected to Publish: 10/17/25

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    Brief Synopsis: Wendy's made a bargain to spare her mate; meant to be their saving grace, it may be their detriment. Wendy and Nolan must determine if they've bargained more than they can handle.

    My Impression: As a fourth installment to a series, and the conclusion to Wendy's story, the story grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. At the end of Caging Darling, Wendy's bargain to save her mate was -- to say "jaw dropping" just doesn't begin to cover it... and as a reader I was dying to know how this panned out and how Nolan took the news. I was grateful to be selected for the ARC team and find out a few days sooner than my countdown was set for. I was very intrigued by the lore and turns the storyline took.

    The dark subject matters in the previous books are revisited during this book and Lawrence manages to darken the story even more. On top of dark, I found this book to be more mind bending. I finished the first 50% in one sitting, it was so well paced. There were many emotions in the 400 pages of the book... joy, angst and shock are the few I will mention. While the story mostly focused on Wendy and the crew of the Iosa, we did meet back up with certain characters, and those parts were *quite* intriguing.

    Conclusion: Absolutely, preorder this story! This was a read at home book for me; the outbursts were expressive and could not be contained. I recommend, if the first 3 books have been read, do not put off reading Chasing Never. 

                All The Best,

                                 Hannah

Dawn of the North - Demi Winters (The Ashen Series #3)

     Title: Dawn of The North    Series: The Ashen Series #3    Author: Demi Winters

   Genre: Fantasy/Romance    Page Count: 608    Audiobook: No

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SPOILER FREE - ARC REVIEW & RECOMMENDATION! Expected to Publish: 02/03/26

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    Brief Synopsis: This 6-perspective sequel to Kingdom of Claw and Roots of Darkness follows Silla, Rey, Saga, Kass, the Bloodaxe Crew, and a bombshell external individual as they navigate the origin of the mist and earning the allegiance of northern nobles to defy Ivar Ironheart. 

    My Impression: The Dawn of the North is the most action packed of the books-- I was enthralled by each event that took place, no matter whose perspective. We were granted multiple perspectives for events, without being confusing, which consumed me as a reader. I only came up for air when forced; I was in love with the direction the plot has organically taken over the last 2.5 books. This being the longest book gave the author many opportunities for problems and solutions to take place without being overtly rushed-- I felt the pacing was excellent. Plotlines that have been ongoing did not feel stagnant; in fact, it felt like a more realistic timeline for fantastical endeavors. There are certain tropes I personally steer clear of and I deflated a little seeing them begin; but Demi Winters did a beautiful job of inserting those scenarios and wrapping them up so neatly that I was enjoying them... I mean, whose book characters *actually* & *effectively*communicate with each other? Demi Winter's do and that is what we love that about them.

The bonus plot that us readers were gifted had me sitting at attention with every chapter that focused on it... I was even rereading those chapters, enjoying the depth of the main character. I enjoyed that our favorite attack squirrel loves to give relationship advice (all of it was worth notating). The creatures get more eerie, the battles are savage, characters become stronger, and the romance is feral. 

    Conclusion: 10/10 recommend Dawn of the North to anyone who even remotely liked The Road of Bones or likes Nordic style fantasies. The series' momentum has become so powerful, I was grateful to be given the opportunity to read this ARC and the book exceeded all expectations. After reading the uncorrected copy, I have hopes there are minimal to no changes at all to the plotline. The book was everything The Ashen series needed; I thank the publisher for the chance to read it early!

                All The Best,

                                 Hannah

Roots of Darkness - Demi Winters (The Ashen Series #2.5)

     Title: Roots of Darkness    Series: The Ashen Series #2.5    Author: Demi Winters

   Genre: Fantasy/Romance    Page Count: 176    Audiobook: No

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 When the past comes back to haunt-- whether it's yours or not, be ready. 

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    Brief Synopsis: Guiding the Bloodaxe Crew in lieu of Axe Eyes' presence, Hekla continues the mission to Istre. Frustrated she is not receiving the respect of those around the Crew, Hekla takes out her ire on a one-night stand-- who, in a strange turn of events is discovered to be the Crew's interim leader. Uncovering the source of the mist proves to be deadly and more than they could have ever anticipated.

    My Impression: Novellas do not hold a candle to a series, in my opinion-- Apparently, there are exceptions!!! Hekla is a great reprieve to a genre full of barely legal FMCs. She has lived a hard life, and the readers are given understanding of what made her the person she is. Hekla is written to be a born leader, but being in a man's world, unable to exercise the trait effectively. Our squirrel friend, Kritka, was the perfect attack squirrel and sidekick. Eyvind being the ever perceptive and cocky male counterpart was a fun dynamic and I was eating up all of their interactions.

    Conclusion: It is obvious while reading this book that it is necessary for full context towards the third book, and I was heavily invested. A plot heavy novella, though there was not a lot of romance, there were multiple open-door scenes portrayed as flashbacks. Delving into Hekla's personal life and history was a great way to move her to the forefront of the series plot.

                All The Best,

                                 Hannah

Kingdom of Claw - Demi Winters (The Ashen Series #2)

 Title: Kingdom of Claw    Series: The Ashen Series #2    Author: Demi Winters

   Genre: Fantasy/Romance    Page Count: 586    Audiobook: Yes

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  Found family with a twist that discovers the beast within.

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    Brief Synopsis: Silla and Rey return in Kingdom of Claw as two of the main perspectives in this four POV storyline. Identities and powers revealed, Silla and Rey travel to a shield house in his hometown and work to hone Silla's galdra. Upon arrival it is learned that a dangerous presence has been tormenting the sheltering village, and they are determined to find the malefactor. Meanwhile, Saga Volsik is held as the usurpers pet and is betrothed to the heir of those who slaughtered her parents. Visiting foreign diplomats divert the attention of King Ivar while Saga works diligently to protect Silla from behind castle walls. 

    My Impression: Kingdom of Claw remains a plot heavy book, but the romance and humor ramp up to add great balance to the inky malevolent parts of the story. The dynamic between Selfless Silla and the stone hearted Axe Eyes is quite amusing, adding lightheartedness to the path they travel. The malignant presence plaguing the sheltering village brings forth several fun characters who add insight to Axe Eyes' history. Silla learns about her heritage more in depth, which fuels her desire to refine her battle wits as well as galdra. Silla's journey to self-acceptance was tedious for me as a reader; though, I will say, it was satisfying once she fully embraced herself. The trust that builds between Rey and Silla is heartwarming and I found myself shamelessly cheesing like the dweeb I am. Saga's POV held my interest most-- after years of abuse and agoraphobic tendencies, Saga bravely pushes herself in too many ways to count. Attempts are successful and unsuccessful, but with the help of Kassandr she presses through the failures. We are not granted Kass POV chapters, and his visit is shrouded in so much mystery I was on the edge of my seat with every interaction. The fourth perspective we are given was unexpected to me -- I was not sure how to feel about it at first; however, it rounded out the plot lines having this fourth surprise perspective. 

    Conclusion: The Road of Bones was Bellissimo -- We learned all of the secrets in book 1, the sequel expanded on them to offer extensive plot and it all will easily carry over into the next book. I loved the path taken for each character; she wrote every story and perspective so satisfactory the book was unputdownable. I will always recommend this book be read, even if the first book was not loved, as it may add the depth that the reader was missing in book 1!

                All The Best,

                                 Hannah