Sunday Post - 07/19/26

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~this meme was inspired in part by ~ In My Mailbox~ It's a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

Monday, I ended up having to take my daughter to the doctor. She also has swimmer's ear. She had pitching practice Monday afternoon, and then the big kids squeezed in a martial arts practice Monday evening. Tuesday morning, the boys had haircuts. Then we spent a few hours at my parent's house. We grabbed my grocery pickup on the way home. And then Tuesday evening the big kids had belt testing for martial arts. We went out to eat after that. Wednesday was a mostly normal day at home. Little Boy had a date night with Husband to see Minions and Monsters. Thursday was a normal day at home. And then Friday, we met my brother-in-law halfway to their house in Georgia to let the boys spend the weekend with them. Big Girl and I stopped by my brother and sister-in-law's new house on our way home. Then we drove the hour and a half home. Big Girl got car sick on the way home. Thankfully, I had a vomit bag in the car. We rested a bit and had dinner. Then we went to Walmart for a few school supplies. She also had a Dairy Queen gift card that she wanted to spend. Saturday, she and I went to a friend's house to hang out. We stayed there until about 2ish. We also went shopping for some jeans. We didn't completely succeed, but I do know what we're looking for now. And I think I'll be able to get some online now that we have her sizing and what style she's looking for.

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of The Wind Weaver (Reign of Remnants, # 1) by Julie Johnson (4 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Threshing Day (The Empyrean, # 3.5) by Rebecca Yarros
Friday: Homeschool Friday - On the Job (4 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Little Wild Library: Hawthorn by Clare Gogerty
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: Book Review?
Friday: Homeschool Friday - ?

NEW BOOKS:

A Bargain So Bloody (Kingdom of Dark Magic, # 1)

By: Kingdom of Dark Magic

Publication: June 30, 2025 by Late Night Daydreams LLC

498 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Romantasy, Vampires

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--She’s trapped in a magical prison. To break out, she’ll make a deal with the most dangerous prisoner of them all.

Sentenced for a crime she didn’t commit, Samara is bullied by guards and tormented by the screams of her fellow prisoners. She’s resigned herself to enduring her fifteen-year term… until she learns that the freedom she's been promised is the cruelest lie of all.

Now she's faced with a choice: resign herself to dying in the cold walls of Castle Greymere, or do the unthinkable and escape. But no one leaves Greymere alive. So to break out of the prison? She’ll have to use one of the undead.

Raphael is the worst kind of a vampire with a thirst for blood, the mortal enemy of witches, the same breed that killed her mother. And most importantly, he’s unspeakably powerful, his supernatural strength tamed only by the enchanted cuffs forced on him.

He’s her only chance at a life outside the prison walls.

The deal is Samara unlocks his shackles, and he'll help her escape. But although Raphael agreed to help her leave Greymere, he never promised to let her go…

A Bargain So Bloody is the first book in an exciting new romantasy series, perfect for readers who love slow burn romance with morally grey heroes who fall first and hard and heroines who find their own strength.

Of Blades and Wings (Flame Cursed Fae, # 1)

By: Eliza Raine

Publication: March 14, 2024 by Logic in Creativity Ltd

298 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Fae, Romantasy

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Fae fantasy meets Vikings in this enemies-to-lovers romance about a broken ice-fae princess who must earn her Valkyrie wings, a villainous fire-fae who will stop at nothing to get his revenge, and an ancient war that could see their whole world burn.Princess Madivia is broken. Her fae magic doesn’t work, her illness will kill her, and nobody knows she exists.So when the gods select her to leave her tower in the Ice Court and train to be a Valkyrie at Featherblade, she is sure they’ve made a terrible mistake.So is every other fae at Featherblade. All except the disgraced fire-fae Valkyrie, Kain. His burning gaze never leaves her. Nobody knows what he did to have his wings taken away, but he is as dangerous as the deadly world Maddy has been drawn into.And she has the key to his revenge.If he discovers her secret, it won’t just be Maddy’s life that is in danger. She knows she should avoid him.But, the only thing harder than becoming a Valkyrie? Conquering her searing fascination with the unhinged fire-fae.If she is to survive Featherblade, she must earn her wings. If she is to survive Kain, she must make a choice that could burn their world to ash.This is the first book in the Flame Cursed Fae romantasy series, and is inspired by Norse mythology and sexy fae Vikings. It has villain gets the girl and obsessive burn-the-world-down-for-her (literally) hero vibes. The romance is slow burn and builds in steam and delicious tension.

Avalon Tower (Fey Academy for Spies, # 1)

By: C.N. Crawford & Alex Rivers

Publication: June 27, 2024 by Corey Press

526 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Fae, Romantasy

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Avalon Spy Academy rules: spy on the fey, resist falling for your mentor, and try not to die in the process.

I spent five years saving up for a European vacation. But instead of drinking champagne on the beach, I get swept into a war of espionage between the humans and the fey.

It turns out, I have a magic power needed to fight an evil fey king. I'm quickly whisked off to an elite spy academy--in the hidden realm of Camelot. There, in the ancient and gothic halls of Avalon Tower, snobbery is as much a tradition as the veneration of Merlin and Arthur.

As if I didn't have enough trouble, my new mentor is Raphael Launcelot, a maddingly sexy demi-fey who already ruined my life once. Now, I have to push his distracting allure out of my mind to focus on our mission. We're going into the Fey realm together. If we get captured, we’ll die horrific deaths–and humanity doesn’t stand a chance.

That's it for my shelves and recaps of my past and upcoming week. What did you add to your shelves this week? Any bookish news you want to talk about? Let me know!

Homeschool Friday - On the Job

Homeschool Friday is a feature here at Somewhere Only We Know that showcases books my family reads during homeschool and provides a mini-review for each.

The Berenstain Bears: On the Job

By: Stan & Jan Berenstain

Publication: October 12, 1987 by Random House Books for Young Readers

32 pages

Genre: Children's, Early Reader, Level-2, Picture Books

Source: Personal Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Illus. in full color. Brother and Sister meet Firebear Bob, Police Officer Marguerite, and others as they try to discover "What will I be when I grow up?".

I still have my original 1987 edition of On the Job from my childhood. This was one of my favorite books as a child because of the variety of the pictures and topics.My kids have all requested this book over and over through the years. AR Book Finder lists this book as a level 2.5. So when my son was reading level 2 books, I grabbed this one to put in our stack of level 2 books. 

On the Job is told in rhyming verse. There are varying rhyme patterns throughout the book, but mostly it follows an ABCB pattern. Brother and Sister Bear take a walk around Bear Country to check out different types of jobs available. Firefighter, police officer, bus driver, ambulance driver, truck driver, mechanic/fixer, teacher, doctor, store owner, banker, engineer, scientist, builder, wrecker, singer, news anchor, astronomer, astronaut, programmer, environmentalist, beekeeper, carpenter, farmer, or forester. And then the book ends with telling the kids that even if they don't know what they want to be yet, that's okay; what they want to be might not have been invented yet. And it encourages kids to pick a job that they enjoy. 

There's not much that I feel the need to say about this book, but anytime that my kids don't fight me on actually reading for themselves, I count that as a win. On the Job gets 4 Stars. Have you or your child read The Berenstain Bears: On the Job? What did you think? Let me know!

*It looks like this book might have been re-released under the title Jobs Around Town which seems to be part of the Living Lights series with Biblical inclusion.

Can't Wait for Threshing Day

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

Threshing Day (The Empyrean, # 3.5)

By: Rebecca Yarros

Expected Publication: September 29, 2026 by Entangled: Red Tower Books

224 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Dragons, Romantasy

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--The next book in the blockbuster Empyrean series, Threshing Day contains thirteen stories starring your favorite characters and their dragons. The deluxe first edition includes sixteen beautiful original full-color illustrations by artist Joe Requeza. This breathtaking collectible is available only in the US and Canada while supplies last. Full blurb to be revealed soon!

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

The Wind Weaver - Review

The Wind Weaver (Reign of Remnants, # 1)

By: Julie Johnson

Publication: April 8, 2025 by Ace

544 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Magic and adventure swirl through this spellbinding romantasy where a young woman reignites the embers of an ancient prophecy, unleashing a storm that could save her realm or doom them all.

Fear of maegic plagues war-torn Anwyvn. Halflings like Rhya Fleetwood are killed on sight. But Rhya’s execution is interrupted by an unexpected savior—one far more terrifying than her would-be killers. The mysterious and mercenary Commander Scythe. In the clutches of this new enemy, Rhya finds herself fighting for her life in the barren reaches of the Northlands. Yet the farther she gets from home, the more she learns that nothing is as it seems—not her fearsome captor, not the blight that ravages her dying realm, not even herself.

For Rhya is no ordinary halfling. The strange birthmark on her chest and the wind she instinctively calls forth means she is a Remnant, one of four souls scattered across Anwyvn, fated to restore the balance of maegic…or die trying.

But mastering the power inside her is only the beginning. Desire for the Commander—a man she can never trust, a man with plans of his own—burns just as fiercely as the tempests beating against her rib cage for release. Rhya must choose: smother the flames…or let them consume her.

I dont really know why but I didnt have high expectations for The Wind Weaver, but I found myself pleasantly surprised and enjoying it. At the same time, I did notice early on that plot points of The Wind Weaver reminded me of other books I've read.

Rhya is a halfling fae. I don't know how she knows that considering she's never met her parents and have been raised by a human instead. Her human father for all intents and purposes was a healer who taught her the trade but also taught her to hide the parts of her that are fae, well except for her ears she cant hide. Her human father is dead, and Rhya is alone. The book starts with her having already been captured by an army squad that is determined to execute her. She is saved by an unlikely person, Scythe. But he keeps her bound and doesn't treat her very well as they run from another enemy army that seems to be chasing them for some reason Rhya doesn't know.

Scythe is actually an alias and his real name is Pendfyre. I won't tell you too much about him as that would be a spoiler. But he is taking Rhya against her will north. He won't explain anything to her. He barely talks to her at all. Yet time and again he saves her life. To him that seems to cover a multitude of sins. Or at least normal decency and behavior. When Rhya still has trouble trusting him, he's annoyed that his protection from harm or death ought to be enough to reveal his character to her. I'm sorry, I'm with Rhya on this one. It's obvious he's kidnapped her with a purpose but he won't share that purpose with her.

The misunderstood, morally grey but not really MMC, the long journey with one horse, the shared bedroom at the inn, the lack of communication because then what would the plot conflict actually be...all of these felt very familiar to other fantasy novels I've read. They did feel unique enough without a deeper dive to say they don't mimick any one book too closely.

After I felt hooked, I did begin to feel like things were being too predictable. I have my suspicions for what is to come with the next book. Also, I skimmed more than I wanted towards the end of the book.

Favorite quotes:

-The heart makes you soft. The stomach makes you weak. Ignore their fleeting impulses. It is your mind you must mind.

-Physical contact is something I took for granted in all the years of my youth.

-For what is hate but love turned poison?

-“It is only lately, for the first time in seventy years, that I have felt my first bit of respite from those pointless longings. For if she were still here . . . you would not be.”

-Skies, everything was so much simpler when we were at each other’s throats instead of under each other’s skin.

The Wind Weaver was better than I expected it to be. Yet it was also predictable. The Wind Weaver gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Wind Weaver? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 07/12/26

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~this meme was inspired in part by ~ In My Mailbox~ It's a chance to share News. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

Monday was a rough parenting day. Big Girl got a break from pitching practice, but the kids went to martial arts instead since belt testing is coming up. Tuesday, we went to a funeral visitation for a friend's grandmother. Then we did grocery pickup. Tuesday after lunch, we had some friends come to swim. The Big Kids did martial arts. Wednesday was a chill day. Thursday, we had another swim playdate with a friend. The Big Kids did martial arts again. Friday, we had another chill day. I try to balance being active with resting during the summer. I'm so thankful to get to do both. Saturday, our dog turned 2. We took him to get a pup-cup.

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of An Honorable Love (The Gentlemen's Gamble, # ?) by Audra Wells (3 Stars)
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Throne of the Heavens (The King's Men, # 4) by Connilyn Cossette
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Jake Plays Ball (5 Stars)

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of The Wind Weaver (Reign of Remnants, # 2) by Julie Johnson
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: Book Review?
Friday: Homeschool Friday - ?

NEW BOOKS:

Web of Vows and Vengeance (The Hirathean Path, # 1)

By: Aria Ashbrook

Publication: February 27, 2026 by Hellhound Press Limited

542 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Romantasy

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Stripped of power. Fuelled by vengeance.

She lost everything because of his lie. Now the only way to save her sister is to win a deadly competition that could cost her the only thing she has left: her life.

When Prince Kyor twisted the truth about his mother’s death, Rose paid the price. Her family was stripped of their magic, cast into the slums, and abandoned by the kingdom they once served. Now her parents are gone, and her younger sister’s future hangs in the balance.

Rose’s only hope is the Tournament of the Gifting, a brutal competition held once a century, where the victor earns a blessing from the Goddess of Life. The catch? Every other contender wields the very power she was robbed of.

And Prince Kyor is among them. Commander of the armies. Rider of a bonded dire wolf. Wielder of lightning. He doesn’t just want to win for vanity – he wants the gift for himself. But what could a man who has it all possibly want?

Thrown into a world of magic, monsters, and merciless trials, Rose must fight not only for survival but for the chance to reclaim her future. Along the way, she’ll find unlikely allies, ruthless rivals, and a dangerous connection with her greatest enemy – one that could ruin or remake her.

Web of Vows and Vengeance is a dark, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romantasy, set in a Nordic-inspired world, featuring deadly trials, found family, gods and goddesses, political intrigue, and an underdog heroine who refuses to stay broken.

This is a story of heartbreak, vengeance, and the kind of power that can never be taken.

Theo of Golden

By: Allen Levi

Publication: October 3, 2025 by Atria Books

387 pages

Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Christian

Source: Borrowed from the e-library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--One spring morning, a stranger arrives in the small southern city of Golden. No one knows where he has come from…or why…

His name is Theo. And he asks a lot more questions than he answers.

Theo visits the local coffeehouse, where ninety-two pencil portraits hang on the walls, portraits of the people of Golden done by a local artist. He begins purchasing them, one at a time, and putting them back in the hands of their “rightful owners.” With each exchange, a story is told, a friendship born, and a life altered.

A story of giving and receiving, of seeing and being seen, Theo of Golden is a beautifully crafted novel about the power of creative generosity, the importance of wonder to a purposeful life, and the invisible threads of kindness that bind us to one another.

That's it for my shelves and recaps of my past and upcoming week. What did you add to your shelves this week? Any bookish news you want to talk about? Let me know!