u/MessyJessy422

The Winged Game by Sophie Kim is a newly released, immensely satisfying standalone book and my first by this author. It’s truly such an incredible book for so many reasons and it beat all of my expectations, which were already high given the reviews.

The story is set in a contemporary version of Britain with hidden magical cities separate from the mundane world. These cities contain a multitude of magical creatures aside from the myriad species of winged animals used in the fictional sport of Carriwitchet. There are elves, goblins, and trolls among others, adding such a rich layer to an already intriguing story. The FMC Taissa and MMC Kion are a witch and warlock respectively, who use quills to ink different complex glyphs that work very similarly to spellcasting.

The witty humor in this book is what really sets it apart and it reminded me a lot of Mhairi McFarlane’s writing in that respect. The banter between the main characters is electric and full of quippy sarcasm. The team dynamic is another great example of the book’s humor and I honestly haven’t loved a fictional sports team and its players this much since watching season 1 of Ted Lasso. The writing expertly blends comedy with heartfelt character development and emotional resonance, delivering some memorable moments that made me audibly laugh out loud and others that display trauma and PTSD in such a raw and moving way.

The romance between Taissa and Kion gave me the type of butterflies I find rare now that I’ve become so familiar with the fantasy romance genre. It takes more than just a surface level connection for me to feel fully invested in a relationship and in this case it was effortless. I had a cheesy grin on my face throughout so many parts of the book whether Taissa and Kion were working together and actually getting along or arguing in their own special, adorably petulant way.

I listened to the audiobook and the narration was phenomenal. It’s dual POV and both narrators did wonderful accents and captured the essence of each main character deftly. Some voice actors can take a 5 star book and make it even more enjoyable and this was absolutely the case here.

5⭐️

{The Winged Game by Sophie Kim}

One Small Echo by Jane Washington, book 1 in the Shadowsong series (a planned trilogy) has a lot going for it and finding it for free on Audible was such a treat. There are so many aspects of this book that feel fresh and engaging, and I was hooked right away.

The eeriness of the Quiet, a descending darkness filled with monsters that can bond to humans through bargaining, really worked for me and significantly enhanced the world building. The monsters themselves and the way they entangle with their human hosts was very unique and interesting.

A major highlight is the friendships and banter between the characters who have a wonderful camaraderie that makes them feel authentic from the first few chapters. Eiko herself is a fantastic FMC and her blindness never diminishes her spirit or hinders her conviction.

Experiencing moments of fear, panic, and horror through the POV of a blind FMC creates an extra layer of tension and disorientation, amplifying the suspense in perilous situations. When Eiko’s impaired vision transforms into something else completely it becomes even more compelling to see the world through her eyes both literally and figuratively.

The prose is descriptive but never veers into purple territory and at times displays a delightful and surprisingly sardonic humor. This doesn’t lessen the more serious plot points or make the book feel at all superficial in nature but instead adds to the relatability of the characters and especially Eiko with her snarky inner monologue.

The romance is a true enemies to lovers slow burn that takes a backseat to Eiko’s personal journey. It’s the type of dynamic that will clearly take its time developing over the course of several books, which I know is something a lot of readers appreciate. The MMC is a complete mystery for a large part of the book and his secretive inscrutable nature makes him an alluring enigma.

The only reason I didn’t rate it 5 stars is because some choices made by certain characters strain credulity and the inclusion of modern vernacular at times threw me off. There were also some unnecessarily long descriptions of outfits and settings that could have been edited a bit more and I would have preferred a slightly faster pace during certain sections of the book that felt a little dragged out.

4.25⭐️

{One Small Echo by Jane Washington}

The Court of Venus is as enticing as it is refreshing, with the type of political scheming and inscrutable characters that I never tire of in the fantasy genre. The combination of court intrigue and a main character who can transform her appearance to impersonate anyone is so much fun and adds so much excitement to the narrative. The system of planetary magic is complex and compelling, and it’s obvious how much intentionality went into its creation by the author.

Bianca is a formidable character who possesses an admirable level of resilience. Her life has not been easy to say the least given the rarity of her magical gifts and the patriarchal nature of the society she lives in. She never has a victim mentality or makes excuses for her own failings and yet can be vulnerable and soft when dealing with her losses and disappointments.

Roland comes off as flamboyant and unbothered at first but this facade hides a deeper more emotional side that he conceals for self preservation. Bianca is one of the only people who can see through his surface level demeanor and the only person he allows to truly know him. It took me a while to understand and champion him as a character but once his layers started falling away he became incredibly endearing to me.

The romance simmers in the background as mysteries are investigated and uncomfortable truths come to light. When it does start to take off it becomes something so special given the way Bianca and Roland’s pasts are inextricably intertwined.

I listened to the audiobook and I really appreciated the style of narration. The narrator’s accent is perfect for a story set and centered around a royal court and yet never feels too pretentious or inauthentic. The Court of Venus is the first book in a new series and I am so excited for everyone else’s thoughts once it’s released on September 29th.

4.5⭐️

{The Court of Venus by Bel Banta}

For anyone who loved {This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews} and is wondering about the romance aspect in future books this is confirmation that we’ll get some payoff in the form of spice. Love me a slow burn that delivers and this series is certainly setting out to be exactly that

I had so much fun with this challenge and discovered some books I might not have without the prompts. I tried to do as many in hard mode as possible while still choosing books I had a genuine interest in. My star ratings and some thoughts on each book:

From Top Books List
{Rose in Chains by Julie Soto} 4.75⭐️

This book really got to me in ways I didn’t expect and I was totally hooked by the romance, the characters, and the exploration of trauma and resilience. It’s a book that stands completely on its own despite it being based on fanfic and I am desperately itching for book 2 and to spend more time in this world with these characters and the intricate system of magic and political turmoil.

Autumn Read HM
{Enchanting the Fae Queen by Stephanie Burgis} 4.5⭐️

A witty and fun book 2 in the Queens of Villainy series with an over the top flirtatious and slightly chaotic but still lovable FMC and a loyal kind MMC that can easily be read as a standalone.

3+ POV HM
{Red City by Marie Lu} 5⭐️

One of my favorite books of the year with incredibly complex characters, a unique and fascinating system of alchemy based magic, and a moving exploration of the immigrant experience. This is a gritty urban fantasy about childhood friends to members of rival crime syndicates to hopefully more that examines what lengths a person will go to in order to avoid feeling powerless and alone.

Character with a disability HM
{The Gravewood by Kelly Andrew} 4⭐️

A YA book with lyrical prose set in a dystopian world with vampires and a deaf FMC who relies on trading her blood with a vampire in exchange for batteries for her hearing aids. It has an eerie unsettling tone with tension steadily ramping up despite an overall slower pace to the book.

Debut Work HM
{The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E Harrow} 3.75⭐️

Alix E Harrow is one of my all time favorite authors and while this was good it’s obvious she’s improved a lot since her debut book. January is a phenomenal character and the story itself is intriguing but some elements worked better than others and the pacing wasn’t on the level of her other work.

Set in East Asia HM
{The Red Winter Trilogy by Annette Marie} 4.5⭐️

A YA series based on Japanese mythology with a ton of action and a large cast of wonderful characters. This series encouraged me to seek out more East Asian mythology inspired books this year and I’ve been learning a lot while also enjoying a different perspective than western and European based fantasy books.

Book Club Pick HM
{This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews} 5⭐️

An absolutely amazing book with one of the best FMCs I’ve encountered and world building that reminds me so much of ASOIF. My top choice isekai and my second favorite book of 2026 so far. Maggie is just an awesome character and this solidified Ilona Andrews as an auto buy for me going forward. The audiobook narration was stellar, the plot twists were perfect, and I can’t stop recommending this to anyone and everyone.

Flying Magical Creatures HM
{Dawn of the North by Demi Winters} 5⭐️

Book 3 in The Ashen series allowed for a lot of character growth and the progression of several different romances in directions I found really satisfying. Saga really stole the book for me and her evolution and romance with Rurik is the real highlight.

500+ Pages
{Turncloak by LK Steven} 5⭐️

Book 2 in the Silvercloak Saga Trilogy and a phenomenal sequel with so much tension, yearning, action, plot twists, and reveals. The expanded POVs added so much to the already incredible world building and system of magic introduced in Silvercloak. I highly recommend this book and series. The release date is September 15th but I was lucky enough to get an ARC.

Weapons Master HM
{All Hail Chaos by Sarah Rees Brennan} 4.75⭐️

The sequel to Long Live Evil with just as much wit, humor, meta commentary, and hysterical real world references. Rae is a chaotic mess per usual and her romance with Key continues to deliver heartwarming and unhinged moments in equal measure. This is such a fun series and world to escape into and I cannot wait to see what will happen after that fantastic ending.

Academia
{Queen of Faces by Petra Lord} 4.25⭐️

An enlightening book about a girl forced to live in the artificial body of a boy due to a fatal childhood illness that depicts the trans experience with nuance and insight. It’s YA but tackles some really important themes and doesn’t feel immature.

Queer Main Character HM
{This Gilded Abyss by Rebecca Thorne} 4.5⭐️

A sapphic second chance romance set aboard a luxury submersible where passengers are coming down with a mysterious condition turning them into zombie like creatures. It’s a fast-paced action packed adventure with expert pacing and highly competent main characters.

Published in 2026 HM
{Beneath by Ariel Sullivan} 4.25⭐️

This is the prequel to Conform set hundreds of years earlier in a much bleaker dystopian setting. I preferred the characters, setting, romance, and story overall to Conform and while not the best written book it is certainly addicting. I wish Ariel Sullivan didn’t create such self destructive FMCs and sometimes I was so frustrated with the decisions made but I once I started listening to the audiobook I couldn’t stop.

Romcom & Comedic Vibes HM
{The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer} 4.5⭐️

A delightful heartwarming standalone with witty banter that is truly a love letter to the joy of reading fiction and on top of the comedic aspect it has a mystery element when the FMC’s grandfather goes missing. It’s a great uplifting palette cleanser and fun escapism with some depth and poignancy.

Purple Cover HM
{Seek the Traitor’s Son by Veronica Roth} 5⭐️

My top book of 2026 and it has everything I absolutely love about speculative fiction. The characters are phenomenal, the world building is so unique and comprehensive, and trauma is expertly handled and portrayed. It combines a dystopian setting with space opera and fantasy elements in such an inventive way. The romance isn’t the main focus but it’s incredibly tender and moving. I can’t recommend this book enough.

Revenge HM
{The Lies That Summon the Night by Tessonja Odette} 4.75⭐️

A fresh take on vampires and the seven deadly sins with a side character whose main motivation in life is to get revenge for what was done to his family. Great spice and I really enjoyed the way the book celebrated artistic expression. The audiobook narration was fantastic and book 2 already has a title and is expected to be released in February of 2027.

Has Court in the Title
{A Court This Cruel and Lovely by Stacia Stark} 2.75⭐️

I would not have finished this book if not for the bingo square and it was very much an example of 5 tropes in a trench coat. Everything felt derivative and too similar to a lot of standard books in the genre.

Older Main Character HM
{Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser} 4.75⭐️

A standalone Cinderella retelling from the POV of the not so evil just misunderstood Stepmother that had lovely prose and a wonderful spin on a classic fairytale. The romance is very much a sub plot but a satisfying one and the audiobook is narrated by one of the actresses from the tv show Bridgeton which was a real treat.

Underrated HM
{Deathly Fates by Tesia Tsai} 4.5⭐️

This had under 1,000 Goodreads ratings when I listened to the audiobook but is now slightly over that. It’s a YA standalone about the ancient Chinese mythology surrounding necromancy with a FMC who reanimates corpses to transport them home for burial and a MMC who isn’t quite as dead as first believed to be. The romance is very endearing and the lore surrounding spirits and chi was really fascinating and informative.

Time Manipulation
{Skipshock by Caroline O’Donoghue} 5⭐️

A thought provoking, extremely creative, and expertly written book about a world where time is measured and experienced differently based on location and wealth. It’s book 1 of an unfinished duology and despite being YA it feels very much like an adult book in terms of the prose and the ideas surrounding disenfranchisement, immigration, and oppression.

Paranormal Fantasy HM
{Weavingshaw by Heba Al-Wasity} 4.5⭐️

An impressive debut and a poignant exploration of the refugee experience based on the author’s own life mixed with ghosts, demons, and an eerie underworld. It’s a true slow burn romance with an enigma of a MMC and a fiercely determined FMC with enormous resilience.

Elemental Magic HM
{Storm Breaker by Nisha J Tuli} 4.25⭐️

A first book in a new series about a futuristic dystopian world plagued by electromagnetic storms and a cutthroat academy that determines social status and privilege. The FMC possesses the rare and dangerous ability to absorb the energy from these storms and has to keep this a secret to avoid the risk of death or exile from the safety of the walled city she inhabits.

Second Chance Book
{The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent} 4⭐️

At this point most of the tropes and plot points in this book feel like what I’ve already read. I did end up liking this more than I anticipated and despite initially giving up after a few chapters I didn’t struggle to finish it the second time around. It’s a great entry point to the genre and definitely for someone who isn’t exhausted by common character dynamics and plot beats.

Written by an AMA Author
{Half City by Kate Golden} 4⭐️

This reminded me a lot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and centers around a demon hunter FMC attending what is basically grad school for people born with her abilities. While not perfect this was a very addicting and well paced book with a great set up for book 2.

Published in the 2010s
{Swordheart by T Kingfisher} 3.75⭐️

T Kingfisher is an author I love but her fantasy romances don’t work as well for me as her horror books. This was good and I can definitely see why people love it but it wasn’t engaging or exciting enough for me and the conclusion felt dragged out unnecessarily so. Some parts really worked and others either strained credulity or felt redundant. I’m still a huge T Kingfisher fan and will give Daggerbound a try regardless.

Moss’d in Space is an endearing sci-fi space story with a lot of heart and humor. It centers around Torian Razner, age 27, who is set on procuring her own spaceship despite meager financial means. Her goal is to transport herself and eventually her chronically ill sister to a planet with clean air that her sister can safely breathe. The only ship Torian can afford however has been sitting abandoned and neglected by its former alien captain and comes complete with a biological computer made of sentient moss with enough personality and complex emotional range to rival any human passenger.

Moss, the entity responsible for life support aboard the ship, is reasonably cautious about forming an attachment to Torian after being left behind and forgotten about by the previous captain. Moss’s snarky humor and witty commentary on human behavior and emotions is reminiscent of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and the true highlight of the book. Moss becomes increasingly connected to and protective over Torian in such a heartwarming way, and their bond is the main focus of the story. There is a romantic subplot between Torian and her former captain Amelia, but the dynamic between Torian and Moss takes center stage.

While this is a cozy story about Torian traversing space through worm holes and jaunts to distant planets, it hits on some important heavier themes surrounding loneliness and belonging, as well as scarcity of opportunity and the pitfalls of bureaucracy devoid of empathy. In this universe, many planets and peoples treat health and access to resources as a privilege and a luxury instead of a right. The book depicts the unfairness of this in a way that interrogates our own healthcare system and how borders can either help or hinder a person’s ability to thrive. There is one scene that is especially impactful where Torian learns firsthand how little another human can care about her and her sister’s plight, and how callous and cold a society can be. This is a true example of showing not telling, something Rebecca Thorne is incredibly skilled at.

This book really shines when it comes to queer representation and love is shown in all its forms in organic and authentic ways. Who someone chooses to love and how they do so is acceptable along a spectrum that celebrates differences instead of othering individuals for their own preferences and tendencies. Unfortunately, while the world building and characters are wonderful, I wanted more from the plot itself. Space exploration means adventure to me and I wish there had been more action and excitement given how much potential there was for it.

I listened to the audiobook and both narrators did an exceptional job with the myriad voices and characters. This is the type of narration that makes a book into a fully engaging experience that keeps the listener completely captivated. Voice acting is an art form unto itself and these narrators have mastered the ability of storytelling in such a satisfying way. Moss’d in Space is out on June 30th and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to escape into a dynamic world infused with warmth, levity, and a romp through space. I will definitely be continuing with the series and I can’t wait for more books by such a talented and creative author.

4⭐️

{Moss’d in Space by Rebecca Thorne}

Silver Dawn the sequel to {Red City by Marie Lu} and book 2 of The New Alchemist series (a duology) has a cover and a release date! It’s out on April 27th 2027 and already available for pre order. Red City was a 5⭐️ book for me and I can’t wait to see how the story concludes.

Blurb:
“A new era of alchemy is about to dawn…

The empire of Grand Central, built on its foundation of sand, has crumbled. But in Europe, Belle Epoque believes it has the key to a bright new golden age. A new formula for the philosopher’s stone, so strong it stretches the limits of the impossible. They plan to unveil the drug at a global Exhibition, where they will unleash wonders the world has never seen―and rain destruction upon their enemies. It’s a plan that’s missing only one thing: the Ghost who brought down Grand Central.

Set adrift by her own victory, Sam takes Belle Epoque’s offer, but all she wants is to turn their plans against them. Set free of the syndicates for the first time in years, Ari follows her back into their grasp. All he has ever wanted is for those he loves to be safe.

But forces greater than them both are on the move, bringing new enemies–and old–into their orbit. Sam and Ari have never had the luxury of being on the same side. Now, it might be too late to reclaim the innocence of the children they once were, but perhaps they can still find their way back to each other… unless this deadly new age forces them to pay for their ambitions with their lives.”

{Silver Dawn by Marie Lu}

LK Steven author of the Silvercloak Saga has a new adult standalone fantasy romance book titled “The Only Immortals” coming out on April 6th of 2027

The blurb:

“Two immortal families. A love that crosses time. And a rivalry that threatens to undo it all.

Madelena Caravita is a notorious sword-wielding thief, whose elaborate grand larcenies (and ill-tempered pet crow) are a constant menace to the wealthy and powerful.

Hendrie Strachan is a talented musician and lonely dreamer, searching for the long-lost Alchemist―a legendary figure who made the immortal clans several centuries ago―so that he never has to be alone again.

Both believe themselves to be the only immortals left in the world―until their paths collide on one of Madelena’s infamous jewel robberies.When Madelena learns that Hendrie’s clan possesses the Philosopher's Stone, capable of transmuting base metal into gold, she realizes this could be her final and most fruitful heist.

But Hendrie’s mother soon learns of Madelena’s impossible immortality, and the cruel matriarch will stop at nothing to wipe the time-bending Caravitas from existence.

As their clans descend into all-out war, Madelena must journey back into the distant past―to where the Alchemist lived, invented, and then violently vanished―to save the immortal man with whom she’s fallen in fiery, tender, and ultimately doomed love. But what she finds in the Dark Ages could destroy everything she thought she knew about Hendrie, about alchemy... and about time itself.”

Heather Fawcett just posted on her Instagram that a 4th Emily Wilde book is set to release in January of 2027! I love this series and I’m so excited for more stories in this world. According to the post it’ll be darker in tone than her previous installments.

{Emily Wilde by Heather Fawcett}

Photo courtesy of Heather Fawcett’s instagram

Sublimation by Isabel J. Kim is one of the most compelling and nuanced explorations of identity that I’ve ever come across. I was hooked from the first chapter and my fascination only increased as the story progressed. Sublimation is based on a world almost exactly like our own, with one vast difference in the form of instances. Instancing occurs when a person crosses a border into another territory or land, creating two distinct genetically identical copies of themselves referred to as instances. One instance departs while the other is forced to stay behind, effectively turning them into separate individuals.

The concept of instances in this fictionalized version of our world is a phenomenon that has existed for as long as people remember. Bits of lore and history are interspersed throughout the narrative, giving context and exposition. The inclusion of The Odyssey is particularly effective, acting as poignant symbolism for the desire to venture far from home while also wanting desperately to cling to the safety of familiarity.

Soyoung and Rose have been instances since childhood, after immigrating from Korea to America. While adult Soyoung’s life in Korea might seem idyllic from the outside, she harbors a fierce curiosity about her American counterpart, Rose, that borders on obsession. When their grandfather dies and Rose returns to Korea for the funeral, she and Soyoung interact for the first time since they became instances. Desperately coveting Rose’s memories and experiences, Soyoung makes a drastic choice that changes everything.

Yujin, Soyoung’s childhood best friend, has also experienced instancing. Him and his American instance YJ are actually friends who talk regularly about their plans to reintegrate. The Yujin/YJ POV chapters contain some of the book’s best material and his dynamic with Soyoung/Rose propels the plot forward. It’s no small feat to encapsulate the essence of four distinct personalities but Isabel J. Kim absolutely pulls it off. There is so much to parse through in the small, seemingly inconsequential moments that become much more impactful once the trajectory of the story becomes clear.

These characters are realistically flawed and believably imperfect. This book excels as a character study and pushes the reader to examine their own thoughts and internal struggles as a result. I found these insights to be painfully relatable in their depiction of the complicated, often chaotic experience of existence itself. This is a book that makes you think, makes you question, and makes you wonder.

There is a romance subplot that is secondary to the larger story being told and yet is substantial enough to warrant mention. It is inherently complicated given the nature of instances and the way the main characters lives and pasts are interwoven. At times I questioned what outcome I was even hoping for. It adds more texture and layers to the book overall and the ending especially.

I listened to the audiobook and both narrators deftly brought the characters to life and enhanced my experience with the story in their delivery. They conveyed the multitude of feelings and emotions so well and kept my attention throughout the whole book. Sublimation is available on June 2nd and I encourage every sci-fi fan to dive headfirst into what will most certainly become a standout in the genre.

5⭐️

{Sublimation by Isabel J. Kim}

Storm Breaker is the first book in a new trilogy by Nisha J. Tuli. Dystopian settings are definitely having their moment in the genre and I found this one to be particularly enjoyable, with solid POC representation. Poet Graves, the FMC, is the 19 year old daughter of a powerful scion in a futuristic Manhattan that exists in an era post catastrophic global warming. Earth is now plagued by electromagnetic storms and people with the rare ability to absorb the energy released from those storms have to hide their existence or risk being eliminated from the population. Poet must conceal this rare magical ability from everyone she knows, which becomes increasingly more difficult once she enters Amery Academy.

Amery Academy is divided into factions that mirror the social structure of New Manhattan. First year students must pledge a house to maintain their status as society members who are afforded a myriad of privileges only open to the select few who can make it through their schooling successfully. Rook, a mysterious new student who grew up outside the city walls, draws Poet’s eye despite her reluctant engagement to a fellow society member named Knox, someone hand picked by her father to increase his own power and social standing.

While there are deadly trials as part of the school’s training, the focus of the book is centered much more on Poet’s internal struggle for agency and autonomy given her father’s controlling nature and her mother’s deference towards him. The trials serve to demonstrate to both the readers and to Poet herself what she’s capable of and what choices she can and should make for her own life. The cutthroat nature of the school also makes sense in the context of a dystopian world where resources are scarce and the population desperately fears repeating the mistakes of the past.

This is a YA book, and my only major gripe with it was the slightly repetitive nature of Poet’s internal monologue, which I attribute to it being written for a YA audience. The stakes are laid out a few too many times, especially in the middle section when Poet’s motivations and dilemmas are already well established. This only slightly hindered my enjoyment of the book and I didn’t find the romance or the characters immature. I would consider this more upper YA/NA given the fact that the characters are college aged (and act like it).

The last stretch of the book really picks up speed with a bunch of revelations I didn’t see coming and an adrenaline fueled final few chapters. It does end on a pretty big cliffhanger but thankfully book 2 in the trilogy is set to release in September of 2026 (no official title yet).

4.25⭐️

{Storm Breaker by Nisha J. Tuli}

All Hail Chaos, the sequel to Long Live Evil and book 2 in the Time of Iron series, is just as zany, fun, entertaining, and heartwarming as I hoped it would be. Often it’s difficult to remember details from the previous installment once the next book in a series is released but thankfully the beginning chapters of All Hail Chaos efficiently summarize the pertinent information and events from Long Live Evil, allowing readers to jump in without worry.

Rae is immediately confronted with the way her actions have interfered with and altered the narrative of the fictional story she’s trapped in. Her task is to set things right and ensure her favorite characters turned real friends come out relatively unscathed. Rae’s resilience and determination to power through despite her myriad challenges is truly inspiring. Her experience with cancer and all that comes with it becomes a kind of superpower. She has already learned how to accept disappointment and move forward, and seeing how well that serves her now is so rewarding. What she does struggle with however is the ability to view herself as worthy and someone capable of heroism instead of merely a villainous side character.

Key is as unhinged and subtly charming as ever. I absolutely adore him and his romance with Rae. His devotion to her is not without its issues given his personality and inclinations but there are some wonderfully earnest and sweet moments between the two of them to savor. Emer’s storyline is another highlight and her character becomes even more integral to the plot as the mysteries surrounding her backstory and heritage are revealed. The reasons behind her abandonment at birth and inclination towards violence start to make a lot more sense given the context.

The meta aspect of the book injects the story with a style of wit and humor perfectly tailored to fans of the genre. It’s one of reasons why I love this series so much and find it so special. Equally as entertaining is the way real world references are deployed for comedic value and Eric (The Golden Cobra) is a source of endless enjoyment in this respect, especially when paired with Marius’s hilarious reactions.

I listened to the audiobook and once again Moria Quirk knocked it out of the park with her narration. She’s a phenomenal narrator and her delivery fits the humor of the story perfectly. I highly recommend this book, especially the audiobook version, and I can’t wait for the next installment in the series. I’m so eager to spend more time with a group of characters that have become so close to my heart and witness the shenanigans that will inevitably ensue. All Hail Chaos is out on May 12th.

4.75⭐️

{All Hail Chaos by Sarah Rees Brennan}