The Sea Spinner - Review

The Sea Spinner (Reign of Remnants, # 2)

By: Julie Johnson

Publication: April 28, 2026 by Ace

544 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--Blazing with reawakened magic, a young woman challenges the tides of fate in this highly anticipated installment of Julie Johnson’s romantasy series.

Everything changed for Rhya Fleetwood in the battle of Fyremas. Her grief is heavy, her rage volatile. Caeldera lies in ruins. Her friends are dead or wounded. And Pendefyre, their newly crowned king, is shutting her out. The Remnant of Fire needs all his focus for his kingdom, his people, and—perhaps more than anything—his insatiable need for revenge.

When a twist of fate leads Rhya to the last place she expected—the Water Court—the novice wind weaver is forced to confront the limitations of her untrained power as well as her increasingly complicated relationships. For enigmatic King Soren of Llŷr is as different from Penn as sparks are from the sea. The more insight he offers into the maegic that binds them together, the more confused Rhya feels—about her future as a Remnant, about her deepest desires, and about her role in the coming war.

Enemies circle close, ready to strike. And if Rhya isn’t careful, she’ll lose more than just her heart.

She’ll lose her life.

I enjoyed The Wind Weaver, but maybe I didn't look at it as closely as I should have. I nailed some of the "twists" that I expected to come, but I felt like The Sea Spinner was deeper and more poetic than I was expecting, given that I didn't pick up on those things when I was reading The Wind Weaver. I highlighted a ton. I honestly felt like I was highlighting something nearly every page. Part of that was trying to see if my predictions would come true.

The Sea Spinner had a lot of water-related language. For example:

-Emotions swirl in the depths of his deep blue eyes as he stares down at me, but I cannot read them with any more success than I can his empty expression.

-Deep currents wash through me, rhythmic as the tides.

-I think one would have to be either very brave or very foolish to plumb the depths of such a man. Surely, you would drown just trying.

Now that I've seen the poetic language in The Sea Spinner, I feel the need to go back and see how much air and fire language was used in The Wind Weaver. I know that when Rhya is in scenes with Pendfyre, I noticed fire-related language as well.

For example:

-It is a charred current of unadulterated energy that scorches a path from his heart to mind.

As with The Wind Weaver, some pieces of this story were so utterly predictable that it was frustrating how the characters could be missing pieces. I mean earthquakes, really?

And of course, I have pieces of the story that I'm dying to "review" and talk about, but those pieces are spoilers.

I also noticed that several side characters check all of the diversity boxes. If you read my reviews enough, you'll know how I feel about this. But I can't say more than that for offending the AI community standards on the various sites that I share my reviews on.

A couple of times I got frustrated with the characters. One is feeling guilty about their inability to control an outcome that resulted in someone else getting hurt, and the other is telling them it was beyond their control. And then the roles reverse. And yet neither can see they're doing the exact same thing. And also, neither calls the other out on it. This annoys me. Surely the author knows. Why not call it out? It's one of those obvious things. Again, I say "earthquakes."

I didn't have any issues with the direction that The Sea Spinner took in regards to plot except the very end. But there were some inconsistencies. Rhya is completely blown away by Soren's lack of pomp, courtiers, staff, etc. But what does she really have to compare it to? Penn's court wasn't his court so much as his "sister's" when she was there before the keep was destroyed. And since then, he hasn't exactly been operating with pomp, staff, or courtiers either. So I didn't feel this was a fair comparison. Or even worth her taking note of. Or at the very least, she could have noted that while she was surprised, it also isn't all that different with her limited knowledge of other courts/kingdoms.

Other favorite quotes:

-There is nothing calming about our bond in this moment. Nothing remotely comforting.

-"I swear, nothing kills my affection quite so fast as someone expressing an overabundance of their own."

-I feel, quite suddenly, that the star by which I have guided my life these past months since I came to Dyved has flickered out, leaving me alone in the darkness.

-"I have always been honest with you. Since the first day we met." "There's a difference between honesty and transparency."

-Reliving my losses will not dull them. Endlessly replaying the past darkness does nothing to ensure a brighter future.

-"I told you once before: you cannot live as Pendefyre does. A life of repression and restraint is not what you were created for. The more you push down your grief instead of processing it, the more you bury your guilt instead of exposing it to the light, the longer it will fester in the shadowy corners of your mind. And the worse the ramifications. Not only for you, but for everyone in your path."

-No poison in the world more lethal than the fear running through your own veins...

-In my experience, the only known cure for fear is to grit one's teeth and carry on in the face of it. Be scared; live regardless.

-"You aren't ready for the things I want to say to you," he says finally. "So, I'll wait. ... Gods know, I've had enough practice at it."

-"You can find fault without condemnation."

-"Passion alone is not enough to sustain a partnership," I whisper. "At least...not the kind I want."

-I do not want to tell him how to win me. ... I do not want to hand him the cipher he needs to crack the secrets coded into the subtext of my soul. I want him to know, in one look across a room, how I am feeling.

I often felt like The Wind Weaver reminded me of other books--although I don't remember landing on a specific book--The Sea Spinner also reminds me of other books. I was reminded of A Court of Thorns and Roses (the series, not just the book).

I briefly mentioned it, but I was so annoyed with the ending of The Sea Spinner. Everything else I could get behind for the most part. But the ending frustrated me. It is what I call "a negative cliffhanger." Characters that I've come to love aren't in a good place. Those types of cliffhangers leave me unexcited about continuing the series. Of course, I will. The Sea Spinner gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Sea Spinner? What did you think? Let me know!

Homeschool Friday - Breath as Prayer for Kids

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.

Breath as Prayer for Kids

By: Jennifer Tucker

Publication: November 10, 2026 by Tommy Nelson

32 pages

Genre: Children, Picture Book, Christian

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--Help young children navigate emotions and find peace through prayer with this comforting guide written and illustrated by Jennifer Tucker, bestselling author and artist. When big feelings flare up, breath prayers prompt kids to self-regulate as they take a deep breath and recite simple prayers of love and encouragement.

I read Breath as Prayer by Jennifer Tucker and loved it. So when I saw Breath as Prayer for Kids available, I snatched it up quickly. I was so excited to get this book for my kids. The copyright page does list this book as for kids ages 4 to 8 years old. And I guess overall, I was a little disappointed with Breath as Prayer for Kids. I think the concept is great, but I was disappointed in the execution. The breath prayers that were included in this book weren't Scripture. I mean the ideas come from Scripture, but I expected to see Scripture turned into prayer in as simplistic a way as possible. Even in Breath as Prayer (for adults), "Inhale: The Lord is my shepherd Exhale: I have everything I need" is pretty basic, if you ask me.

My son when he was 2 years old could get himself calm if I told him "Remy, you need to get calm." And he could also quote several Bible verses in their entirety at that age. I think sometimes we dumb things down for kids way too much. And this felt like one of those opportunities that were missed as a means of simplifying for children. But then I had to remind myself that prayer isn't only repeating Scripture back to God. We can pray using our own words, and so it isn't wrong to use non-Scripture as breath prayers for kids. That isn't wrong at all. But not using Scripture does feel like a missed opportunity.

Either way, I love this method of getting calm using breath prayers. Our breathing is such an easy method to use to attack those big emotions. My older son frustrates me because any time I tell him he needs to take a deep breath, he always replies, "I don't want to." He then follows that up with telling me that deep breaths are for babies. And a kids' book about breath prayers isn't going to change his outlook, but it can be helpful for my other kids.

Another comment is on the page about feeling overwhelmed; the page is so visually overwhelming that it feels counterproductive.

Breath as Prayer for Kids still gets 4 Stars. Even though I thought the publisher/author missed an opportunity to use Scripture for the children's book the same as the adult's book, I still love the message and method behind this, and parents can use this book as a guide to tweak the breath prayers in their own ways. Have you or your child read Breath as Prayer for Kids? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for Refusing Lord Blakely

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.

Refusing Lord Blakely

By: Karen Thornell

Expected Publication: October 16, 2026 by Independently published

190 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical, Christmas

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--He has to marry. She would rather marry anyone but him.

Sebastian Blakely has tried—and failed—to become the viscount his father and grandfather would have been proud of. With both men gone too soon and memories of their faces beginning to fade, he fears he will never measure up. So when offered the chance to acquire the only portrait of the men together, he cannot refuse. Even if it requires agreeing to a ridiculous find a wife by twelfth night.

No amount of wealth can erase Clara Whitmore’s humble beginnings—or convince her that any gentleman might truly care for her. With the marriage mart looming, Clara gladly accepts an invitation to spend Christmas with her sister. It promises to be the perfect escape.

Until Lord Blakely arrives.

Determined, infuriating, and entirely too interested in her, Lord Blakely is the last man Clara would ever deign to marry.

But as their small party forces them together, Clara begins to see that the boy she remembers is not quite the man before her. And as old memories and long-buried truths begin to surface, they find themselves wondering if the past is truly as impossible to overcome as they once believed.

Refusing Lord Blakely is a sweet, no-spice Christmas romance filled with banter, growth, and simmering tension—perfect for lovers of Jane Austen and romances where the last person you expect might be exactly the one you need.

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

Of Blades and Wings - Review

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.

I hate when a book description tells the truth but twists things in a way that makes the book feel like it's going to be something different than it is. Maddy is hidden by her family. Sure, they might realize that she possesses a magic that can be used to benefit them and harm their enemies. But at this point, they aren't hiding her because they value her. They hide her because they seem to be ashamed of her. She can't do much ice magic. Her family has basically claimed that she is her sister's handmaiden. Her sister has been preparing for the Valkyrie training, but when the Valkyries show up, they take Maddy instead.

Maddy arrives as Featherblade and all the other rooks (Valkyrie candidates) seem to immediately hate her. Valkyries train and fight together, and the weakest link will get them all killed. Maddy doesn't have any visible magic, and she's physically weak. She has a condition that causes her to pass out randomly. And she's afraid of passing out in the middle of a fight, while swimming, or flying, or any other manner of activities that could result in her immediate death. I felt for Maddy. She has the odds stacked against her. And her mental magic that she has to hide almost seems to give her ADHD like symtpoms of inattention and focus as well as maybe some other things. But I liked that Maddy was determined to make this work for her. She never gave up. I particularly liked her motto: Do what you can. Ignore what you can't.

Kain is a mysterious character. We don't know why he's lost his wings or why he is viewed as untrustworthy, yet he remains a teacher. He follows Maddy, but he isn't around all the time. He makes it clear that he views his punishment as unjust, and if possible, he will bring retribution upon those responsible for it. Yet, we don't know who those are. We don't really know why he's keeping tabs on Maddy. We are given a reason eventually, but it is flimsy at best.

I only highlighted a handful of times. One time it was because the sentence was followed by an immediate contradiction.

-It is an excellent defense mechanism, as enemy raiders not only don't know where they are going--they also don't know how to escape when they are caught. And we are raided often, usually by the gold fae.

So...not an excellent defense mechanism after all if you're raided often?

The other quotes were either things that I could see being brought back around in the future, but as of completing the second book in the series, they have not come into play.

I also felt like in a sea of fantasy books that are 600-1000 pages long, it was both annoying and nice to have such a short book. It was nice to be able to finish a book quickly. It was odd and annoying because the story didn't feel like it should have been one book. As a matter of fact, I've already finished book 2, Of Frost and Feather, and those two definitely felt like they could have been smooshed together. The pacing just didn't feel like what I've come to expect from the genre.

I won't say that this book was particularly well written. But I did want to continue reading as soon as I was done with Of Blades & Wings. Given I already had book 2 on hand, I did just that. I will also note that language was excessive. Yet there was only one scene that I remember being spicy in nature. Just putting it out there for those who care. Of Blades and Wings gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read Of Blades and Wings? What did you think? Let me know!

Sunday Post - 11/1/26

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.

And I missed another Sunday Post. Man this is getting bad. Granted, October is one of our top two busiest months of the year. Husband was off work the week of the 19th-23rd. We still had school to do. Monday (19th) afternoon we had family pictures made. Tuesday was Big Girl's 11th birthday! We went to a new restuarant in our area for lunch. Then we had a spontaneous birthday dinner with grandparents for her birthday dinner. Thursday (22nd) we had band and nature class and then met up with friends at the park. Saturday (24th) we went to the pumpkin patch for a friend's birthday. This past week was pretty normal at the beginning. Monday, Big Girl had pitching lessons. Wednesday, Big Boy had pitching lessons. Thursday, we spent the day with my parents. I did have to run to pick up birthday donuts for Big Boy and return a package to the UPS store for my mom. Friday was Big Boy's 9th birthday. We went to our local skating rink and met friends there. We also had Jack's for dinner as fried chicken is his favorite. Saturday, we carved pumpkins, had a family birthday get together, and then went trick-or-treating. I have been crocheting a blanket to give as a gift, so I have only been able to listen to audiobooks or watch something on my phone while doing that. I'm trying to finish it as quickly as possible.

THE PAST TWO WEEKS

Monday 10/19: All Things Halloween Review of Thorns and Fire (The Ashes of Thezmarr, # 2) by Helen Scheuerer (3.5 Stars)
Thursday 10/22: All Things Halloween Review of Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games, # 0.5) by Suzanne Collins (4 Stars)
Friday 10/23: Homeschool Friday - Zoe's Hiding Place
Monday 10/26: All Things Halloween Review of Dire Bound (The Wolves of Ruin, # 1) by Sable Sorensen (3.5 Stars)
Wednesday 10/28: Can't Wait for A Match for the Marquess (London's Most Eligible, # 2) by Chelsea Bobulski
Thursday 10/29: All Things Halloween Review of Silver Elite (Silver Elite, # 1) by Dani Francis (3.5 Stars)
Friday 10/30: Homeschool Friday - The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

My annual "All Things Halloween" event has ended. This is my month-long event where I feature reviews from Halloween-y genres (fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, sci-fi, horror, mystery, thriller, and suspense). Over the last few years I've had mostly fantasy books as I just haven't been in the mood for much horror, but still...these are books that can get you in the mood for Halloween.

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: Review of Of Blades and Wings (Flame Cursed Fae, #1) by Eliza Raine
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Breath as Prayer for Kids

NEW BOOKS:

When the Moon Hatched (Moonfall, # 1)

By: Sarah A Parker

Publication: June 13, 2024 by HarperCollins

576 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Dragons, Romantasy

Source: Borrowed from Libby

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--He's fire and brimstone.
I'm shattered ice …
I'll gladly burn beneath him until the world comes crumbling down.
As an assassin for the rebellion, Raeve’s job is to complete orders and never get caught. When a rival bounty hunter shatters her world, Raeve finds herself captured by the Guild of Nobles – a group of powerful fae.

Crushed by the loss of his great love, dragon rider Kaan Vaegor took the head of a king and donned his melted crown. Now on a tireless quest to quell the never-ebbing ache in his chest, a clue lures him into the capital’s high-security prison where he stumbles upon the imprisoned Raeve …

Together, they seek truths that threaten to unravel everything they knew about their world – and each other.

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 - The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

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 Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia, # 1 or 2--depending upon your preferred numbering)

By: CS Lewis

Publication: October 16, 1950

180 pages

Genre: Children's, Classics, Fantasy, Adventure, Christian

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--They open a door and enter a world NARNIA...the land beyond the wardrobe, the secret country known only to Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy...the place where the adventure begins. Lucy is the first to find the secret of the wardrobe in the professor's mysterious old house. At first, no one believes her when she tells of her adventures in the land of Narnia. But soon Edmund and then Peter and Susan discover the Magic and meet Aslan, the Great Lion, for themselves. In the blink of an eye, their lives are changed forever.

What can I add to the discussion of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe? This won't be a lengthy analysis of this book. I read this to my children as a read aloud. So I mostly want to focus on that. I found it ironic that my son focused in on Edmund and his naughty behavior, yet I know him well enough to know that he would have totally been an Edmund himself if he were in the story. I do hope he'll follow Edmund in the turn around that he had in the series though. I do see growth in him.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is, at it's core, a good versus evil story. Aslan is good. The witch is bad. As a parent, of course, I picked up on a lot more symbolism than the kids did. They were only 9, 7, and 4 when I was reading it to them.

Favorite quotes:

-You'll understand when you see him."
"But shall we see him?" asked Susan
"Why, Daughter of Eve, that's what I brought you here for. I'm to lead you to where you shall meet him," said Mr Beaver.
"Is--is he a man?" asked Lucy.
"Aslan a man!" said Mr Beaver sternly. "Certainly not. I tell you he is the King of the wood and the son of the great Emperor-beyond-the-Sea. Don't you know who is the King of Beasts? Aslan is a lion--the Lion, the great Lion."
"Ooh!" said Susan, "I'd thought he was a man. Is he--quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion."
"That you will, dearie, and no mistake," said Mrs. Beaver; "if there's anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they're either braver than most or else just silly."
"Then he isn't safe?" said Lucy.
"Safe?" said Mr. Beaver; "don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you."
"Im longing to see him," said Peter, "even if I do feel frightened when it comes to the point."
"That's right, Son of Adam." said Mr. Beaver...

-"So've I, now you come to speak of it," said her husband, "but precious few, and they were the ones least like men. But in general, take my advice, when you meet anything that's going to be human and isn't yet, or used to be human once and isn't now, or ought to be human and isn't, you keep your eyes on it and feel for your hatchet."

My kids really enjoyed The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I got more out of it than they did, but that's the way of being an adult. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe gets 5 Stars from us. Have you read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe? What did you think? Let me know!

All Things Halloween Review - Silver Elite

Silver Elite (Silver Elite, #1)

By: Dani Francis

Publication: May 6, 2025 by Del Rey

512 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction

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--Psychic gifts are a death sentence and there are rules to survival: Trust no one. Lie to everyone. And whatever you do, don’t fall for your greatest enemy.

TRUST NO ONE.

Wren Darlington has spent her whole life in hiding, honing her psychic abilities and aiding the rebel Uprising in small ways. On the Continent, being Modified means certain death—and Wren is one of the most powerful Mods in existence. When one careless mistake places her in the hands of the enemy and she’s forced to join Silver Block, their most elite training program, she’s finally handed the perfect opportunity to strike a devastating blow from inside their ranks.

LIE TO EVERYONE.

But training for Silver Block can be deadly, especially when you’re harboring dangerous secrets and living in close quarters with everyone who wants you dead.

AND WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T FALL FOR YOUR GREATEST ENEMY.

As the stakes grow ever higher, Wren must prove herself. But that’s easier said than done when your commanding officer is the ruthless and infuriatingly irresistible Cross Redden, who doesn’t miss anything when it comes to her. And as war rages between Mods like her and those who aim to destroy them, Wren must decide just how far she’s willing to go to protect herself . . . and how much of the Continent is worth saving.

The world of Silver Elite has been killing off anyone with psychic abilities, called Modified or silverbloods. Their veins glow when they're using their powers, so it's not something that is easily hidden. However, Wren is unique. Her veins don't glow. Wren's parents were killed, and her mother entrusted her to a man she called her uncle, but they didn't share any blood. Jim took her into an area covered in darkness at all hours of the day. They lived there for years. Wren learned how to navigate it, and Jim taught her how to use her abilities.

But Uncle Jim gets captured as a suspected rebel participating in the Uprising. And he gets condemned to execution. In an attempt to save him. Wren gets captured as well. And her "sentence" is to go through the training program which ultimately leads to the Silver Elite. She is up against many other cadets who are trying for the program too. And there are challenges, but only in the way of training. Wren is now in the most dangerous place possible. She is surrounded by people who would kill her on the spot if she displayed any psychic abilities. Cross in particular is nearly convinced that she's a Mod, but he isn't certain yet. And keeping his eye on her in the only way to be sure one way or the other.

Some annoyances for me involved Wren's expectations of a relationship/marriage. She claims that she's seen many women bend to the will of men. Yet diversity for diversity's sake is present within the story. So how does that qualify? I also don't like the flippant use of the b-word. There are spicy scenes that I could definitely do without. And language abounds, which I also find unnecessary for a good story.

-..."reckless is not the same as brave."

-"Rushing headfirst into danger is not an act of courage..."

Nearly all of my highlights had to do with things that annoyed me or things I thought would come back around. So there's not much in the way of poetic or memorable quotes.

The best part of this book is the suspense of will she or won't she get caught. And that was on-point. There's one more book in this series, I believe, and I want to read it, but I'm not dying for it immediately. Silver Elite gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read Silver Elite? What did you think? Let me know!

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.

Can't Wait for A Match for the Marquess

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.

A Match for the Marquess (London's Most Eligible, # 2)

By: Chelsea Bobulski

Expected Publication: February 2, 2027 by Haven

336 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Romance, Clean Romance, Edwardian

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--American heiress Rose Carrington knows exactly what she wants in a husband, and the Marquess of Holbrook--with his roguish behavior--doesn't have it. But when a lively English house party throws the polar opposites together as unlikely partners in a week of spirited competition, Rose finds her carefully ordered plans turned upside down.

August Shaw has spent years perfecting the art of charming everyone while committing to no one, but Rose and her impossible expectations make him wonder if he's been wrong about what he wants. And even as he offers to help her catch the attention of a more suitable houseguest, August finds himself wishing he could be the type of man to win her love.

As the games grow more competitive, Rose's feelings toward August begin to betray her. How could someone so far from her ideal find his way into her heart?

Chelsea Bobulski weaves together yearning and wit in her charming opposites-attract romance set in Edwardian-era England.

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

All Things Halloween Review - Dire Bound

Dire Bound (The Wolves Ruin, # 1)

By: Sable Sorensen

Publication: May 21, 2025 by Requited

605 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--Only the worthy survive the Bonding Trials. She’ll risk her life—and her heart—to be one of them.

Meryn Cooper has always hated the Bonded, elite warriors who form mental links with the massive, vicious direwolves they ride. While they live in luxury, Meryn struggles to keep her family out of poverty. When her little sister, Saela, is kidnapped—stolen across the border by the immortal monsters her country has spent centuries fighting—Meryn’s world falls apart.

Desperate to cross the front and save her sister, Meryn enlists in the army and is thrown into the deadly Bonding Trials, where any mistake will cost her life.

Now Meryn must survive four months of training at the castle. She is bound to a feral direwolf who refuses to communicate. The other trainees would love to spill her common blood. And her cold and beautiful instructor, Stark Therion, is eager to punish any weakness.

Everything is a competition, and everyone is out to get her—everyone except the dangerously handsome crown prince, whose attention adds another target to her back. In the castle, every smile hides a knife…and the halls hide dark secrets.

It’s bond or bleed. Duel or die. Failure is ruin.

Dire Bound contains mature content including depictions of graphic violence, and is therefore recommended for readers 17+. For a full list of tropes and TWs, please visit the author's website.

If you liked Fourth Wing, then chances are good that you will enjoy Dire Bound.

Meryn's father died serving in the military, and her mother has slowly been losing her mind to visions and hallucinations. Meryn has taken the responsibility of taking care of herself and her younger sister, Saela. Meryn earns extra money by fighting in the fighting pits. She's also in a loose relationship with Lee, who works in the palace. When Saela is kidnapped by the immortal monsters (siphons) of the neighboring nation, Astreona, which has been at war with theirs for 500 years, Meryn knows she has to do whatever she can to be sent to the front so she can find Saela. It just so happens the Bonding Trials are starting, and Meryn needs to enter--not because she wants to bond with a direwolf, but because the trials are her best bet to making her way to the front as soon as possible.

Against her wishes, a direwolf does choose her, but bonding is anything but easy or natural for Meryn. Most of the other trainees are descendants of previous bonded. And they are all about culling the weakest links to make the pack as strong as possible. There are four packs that each channel a specific type of magic from wolf to rider.

Stark is one of the strongest bonded riders, both in magic and in physical ability to fight. And he's in charge of the bonded trials. Meryn can't figure out if he has a personal vendetta against her or if he's actually trying to help her survive. At the same time, things with Lee are progressing. Just because Meryn is in the bonded trials doesn't mean the two of them are over.

Meryn isn't a perfect character. One of her flaws is how quick to pass judgement she is. She judges the Bonded before knowing them. She assumes they walk around flaunting themselves and judging others. She assumes they are evil and don't hesitate to kill or execute others--even when those people are deserters. She resents those who have more than she grew up with. It's understandable in most cases, but that doesn't mean it's right. And she judges things she knows nothing about. She occasionally blurts out her opinion with little thought or consideration for the opinions of those nearby.

Twists were somewhat predictable to me. Although I was surprised a time or two. I found it surprising that Meryn's internal dialogue had moments like, "Please, let some of these people survive tomorrow's test." Um, ma'am, who exactly are you sending that thought out to? Are you, perhaps, praying? Yes, there are "gods/goddesses" in this series, but I felt like this was actually a bloop on the author's part. I don't mind it, but I found it an inconsistency with the character/world.

Another question/inconsistency I saw was that Meryn notes how attractive all of the bonded are. Does that mean the wolves only bond with people who are attractive? Or does the bond itself change people's appearances to make them more attractive than they were before bonding?

Favorite quotes:

-Confidence makes men sloppy. And sloppy men are easy targets.

-"Someday, Meryn...someday, you might come up against someone who has outmaneuvered you. You might not even see it coming."

-"Careful with that smart mouth once you're in the army," Igor warns. "Commanders don't love it when their soldiers talk back."

-I try to separate myself from his glare, but it's like trying to read a book while sitting under a guillotine.

Unlike Fourth Wing, a direwolf does die if their human bonded dies. I felt like this was understood by the authors, but it wasn't talked about enough for me. The choices that people make, the choices the direwolves make, seemed to make little sense when given this knowledge. Choices felt like they should be different at times.

Why did Meryn get to negotiate about being the one who interrogated the siphon caught that one time? She doesn't have bargaining power. She has no power at all. Yet Stark gives in to her in a way that makes zero sense at all. Interrogation is a skill. One Meryn has no experience in.

Dire Bound was a book that was easy to get hooked on the storyline and the plot. But I found myself questioning things so often. Most of my highlights also have notes attached to them--which is actually rare for me. I found so many inconsistencies in character, thought, world-building, or at the very least, things that just didn't make sense to me. This isn't a book that stands up to scrutiny very well. Dire Bound gets 3.5 Stars. I originally rated it 4 Stars in my mind, but upon writing my review and reliving it a little, I decided to bump that rating down. Have you read Dire Bound? What did you think? Let me know!

*Note: Dire Bound does include language and open door bedroom scenes. I prefer to skip over those while reading. But I like to note them in my reviews for other readers who might want to avoid them altogether.

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.

Homeschool Friday - Zoe's Hiding Place

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.

Zoe's Hiding Place (Good News for Little Hearts)

By: David A Powlison

Illustrated By: Joe Hox

Publication: October 6, 2018 by New Growth Press

32 pages

Genre: Children's, Animals, Picture Books, Christian, Manners

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--This beautifully illustrated book invites children to remember that the Lord is near when they are anxious. Zoe, a fearful mouse, is worried about a class trip. As she talks with her parents, Zoe realizes that she can turn to God for help. Papa Mouse gives her a verse from the “Great Book” that she can read when she is afraid. She learns that she can tell God all about her fears, and he will comfort her. Also included is a tear-out page of “Back Pocket Bible Verses” that will give children a practical way to remember God’s words when they are afraid.

A new series of hardback, illustrated children’s books for three-to eight-year-olds—each centered on an animal family—bring gospel help and biblical counsel to families. The animal characters, colorful illustrations, and the real-life issues each animal family face will captivate children. The first three books address anxiety, anger, and failure bringing biblical help and hope to issues every child faces. The last page of each book contains information for parents on how God, in his Word, helps children apply biblical truth to specific issues. Together children and parents will be guided by the stories into meaningful conversations about living by faith in the details of everyday life.

I absolutely love the Good News for Little Hearts series. There's always a Scripture where a book dedication usually stands. Zoe's Hiding Place features Psalms 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble." Zoe's Hiding Place is 32 pages long, but of course, it isn't an AR book so finding an exact book level for reading purposes would just have to be a guess, but I would put these books on par with the Berenstain Bears which ranges from a level-2 to a level-4. Either way, this is a book that I've read to my kids, not a book that my kids have grabbed for supplemental reading purposes (at least so far).

The book starts with Zoe commenting about how under her purple patchwork quilt is her favorite place to hide because she feels so safe and cozy. On the walk to school, Zoe dives into her fairytale book. She barely notices her friends joining her. At school, Miss Minnick announces that they have been invited to visit the Mulberry Meadow Art Museum in the morning. Zoe isn't as excited as everyone else because she's remembering her last trip to the museum where she got so lost looking at a painting that she didn't notice her class leaving. Zoe's mind begins to fill with worries and fear. Mama came in to talk to her. She tells Zoe that worry wants you to believe that you're all alone, but God and Jesus are both with you. She explains that you can trust God to keep you safe. Mama encourages Zoe to turn her fears into prayers and instructs her to listen carefully to the adults in charge of keeping her safe. Zoe wakes up and prays before heading to the museum. Her father gives her a paper with Philippians 4:5-6 on it and tells her to pull it out to read when she feels afraid.

On her way to school, Zoe notices the beauty around her. She doesn't feel afraid, she feels God's presence and peace. She prays again when they arrive at the museum. And she realizes that she forgot how much she loves the art museum. Zoey gets lost in a painting once again and doesn't notice the class leaving, but when she realizes it, she brings the paper out of her pocket and prays again. Then she remembered that all she had to do was find the Great Oak at the beginning of the meadow. And there was her class. Miss Minnick realizes that she needs to do a better job keeping up with her class, but Zoe is okay after all.

At the end of the book is a section to parents about helping children with anxiety. And then finally, there are four "Back Pocket Bible Verses" that you can pull out and give to your child/children for when they are anxious. Philippians 4:5-6, 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 121:7-8, and Psalm 23:1.

Picture books that teach about Biblical character in a way that children can understand and apply in their lives are among my top favorite books. This entire series is great. Zoe's Hiding Place gets 5 Stars. Have you or your child read Zoe's Hiding Place? What did you think? Let me know!

All Things Halloween Review - Sunrise on the Reaping

Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games, # 0.5)

By: Suzanne Collins

Publication: March 18, 2025 by Scholastic Press

400 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Fantasy, Science Fiction

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--When you've been set up to lose everything you love, what is there left to fight for?

As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.

Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.

When Haymitch's name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He's torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who's nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town.

As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he's been set up to fail. But there's something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.

I don't often return to series that I feel has been complete when additional books are written over time. Especially if a large amount of time has passed, and even more especially if the new book is a prequel. The Hunger Games already had a prequel that I wasn't the least bit interested in. I tried to force myself to get it and read it just to complete the series, but I was never interested in President Snow's story, so I never finished The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, but Haymitch was a much more interesting character from the original books in my opinion, and I heard good things about it from my nephew. So I decided to check it out. And I actually listened to this almost non-stop on our trip to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN in April.

Because this is a prequel, you already know how Haymitch's story ends. He wins his year of the hunger games. He is District 12's only winner. And he lives alone in the winner's village, drinking himself into a stupor more times than not. And yeah, so that's exactly where Sunrise on the Reaping ends. What the reader doesn't fully know or understand is the journey to get there.

I want to discuss some topics in detail, but I don't want to spoil anything for the reader since we already know so much about how this story ends; spoiling anything else would make the book pointless. I won't say that Sunrise on the Reaping is necessary to enjoy the series, but it does make an already interesting character more understandable and interesting.

The narrator, Jefferson White, did a great job. I can't tell you the last time I listened to a book entirely narrated by a male, but I enjoyed this one. Sometimes the female voices were a bit much, but it didn't bother me too much.

Sunrise on the Reaping was better than I thought it was going to be. At one point, I was hoping for an ending that was different from what I knew to be the actual ending. So to get me invested enough to hope against what I know to be true felt like a feat well accomplished. Sunrise on the Reaping gets 4 Stars. Have you read or listened to Sunrise on the Reaping? What did you think? Let me know!

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.

All Things Halloween Review - Thorns and Fire

Thorns & Fire (The Ashes of Thezmarr, # 2)

By: Helen Scheuerer

Publication: July 31, 2025 by Alchemy

448 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Magic, Fae

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--Perfect for romantasy fans, Helen Scheuerer’s spellbinding sequel to Iron & Embers, Thorns & Fire, delivers heart-wrenching choices, a found family to root for and a love that defies the odds.

A golden thread joined them, a bond that went deeper than love – and it had nearly destroyed them.

Wren Embervale and Torj Elderbrock share a dark and bloody history. With Thezmarr on the brink of another war, and overwhelmed by the force of their feelings for one another, Torj discovers there is far more to their bond than mere passion. The legendary Warsword is determined to protect Wren at all costs, even if it means lying to her . . . Even if it means losing her forever.

Meanwhile, Wren is struggling to find her place in the world – both as an advanced student of alchemy at the ancient academy of Drevenor, and as one of the heirs to a lost kingdom. With the midrealms once again facing destruction, Wren must decide: loyalty or liberation? Legacy or love?

As new political players emerge, Wren discovers that her gift for alchemy is more powerful than she ever imagined – and that it could tear the kingdoms apart.

Will she and Torj find their way back to each other, or will the ancient magic that binds them become their undoing?

From the author of the bestselling The Legends of Thezmarr series, Thorns & Fire by Helen Scheuerer is the second book in The Ashes of Thezmarr trilogy.

Iron and Embers was one of my most anticipated books from 2025. Yet, I ended up disappointed with the ending, mostly. That being said, I knew I wanted to continue the series, but I also knew I wasn't thrilled about starting Thorns and Fire because of where the characters left off in the previous book. So I didn't run out to pick this one up. I guess this is probably one of those series that it might be better to wait until all of the books are published and then binge-read them one after the other.

Thorns and Fire starts immediately where Iron and Embers left off. Wren has to replicate the solution she made that nullified the alchemy that takes away royal and warsword power. She's under a time crunch as the people's vanguard is gaining traction and followers.

Wren and Torj are broken up. Wren doesn't accept Torj's answers or non-answers, more like. She is determined to get to the bottom of why he broke things off with her. I don't want to spoil anything, but when she does get to the bottom of the answers, I really wasn't happy with her reaction. I'm not saying it wasn't justified or that I would have had a different reaction. But the nature of her search indicated that she knew Torj wasn't being entirely honest with her. So for her to feel betrayed by what she found, I just found that to be too convenient for conflict to drive the plot forward and didn't feel entirely authentic.

Overall, I will say that Thorns and Fire was better than Iron and Embers for me, Language is still a lot. And spice is on page. You can skim that as I do. I do plan to finish this series as I already have book 3, Silver and Smoke in my possession, but so far I've been less impressed compared to The Legends of Thezmarr series which The Ashes of Thezmarr is a spinoff of. Thorns and Fire gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read Thorns and Fire? What did you think? Let me know!

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.

Sunday Post - 10/18/26

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.

I can't believe that I've missed two Sunday Posts in a row. I don't think that has ever happened in the history of my blog. But October is our busiest family month of the year. So that makes sense. Going all the way back, I can't remember every day details. Tuesday the 29th of September, Big Girl had a doctor's appointment to check up on some increased asthma/breathing problems she's been having during activity. All the kids had ball games that night and the following Thursday as well. After school on Friday the 2nd, my parents came to get the kids to spend the weekend with them. Husband and I went out to eat for a rare date night. Saturday the 3rd was my dad's birthday. I worked on consigment tagging and prepping most of the day. I did get a good bit of reading and listening to an audiobook done during that time. Sunday we had fellowship meal at church and had more visitors than we usually do. Monday the 5th, the kids ended up having ball games. Monday wasn't the normal game day, but things got rearranged that week. Tuesday the 6th I had a hair appointment in the morning. The kids had ball games, but before games started they did a tent decorating contest and the kids playing ball got to trick or treat at all the different team tents. That was a lot of fun, but hectic. Thursday the 8th was a packed day. Big Boy had nature class. Little Boy hung out with my parents. Big Girl had band. Then we met up with friends after to eat lunch and play at the park. My sister and niece ended up evacuating the hurricane and came to my parent's to stay the weekend. We went to my parents' after the park and hung out until dinner. The kids ended up spending Thursday and Friday nights there. I did have to pick the boys up early Friday morning, the 9th, for haircuts. I hung out with them until dinner again. Saturday, we had a family birthday celebration for all of our October birthdays (Husband's birthday was also that day). We have 5 total birthdays in my side of the family during October. That was a great day of celebration since we don't all get together too often. Sunday, Little Boy went off on vacation to Tennessee with my parents. Tuesday the 13th after some school, Big Girl and I took her trumpet to the music store to get some work. (Her slides were stuck and a few other tweaks.) Husband went to pick it up on Wednesday for us. Thursday, we had band. Afterwards, we went to Kohls to do a return and then to Shoe Station to get shoes for the family for family pictures. Big Boy ended up having pitching practice late Thursday night. Friday the 16th was a mostly normal day. And then yesterday, I took consignment items to drop off.

THE PAST THREE WEEKS

Monday 9/28: Review of Trust Fall by Lynn Painter (3.5 Stars)
Thursday 10/1: All Things Halloween Review of Heartless Hunter (Crimson Moth, # 1) by Kristen Ciccarelli (4 Stars)
Friday 10/2: Homeschool Friday - Jax's Tail Twitches
Saturday 10/3: September 2026 EOM Wrap Up
Monday 10/5: All Things Halloween Review of Web of Vows and Vengeance (The Hirathaen Path, # 1) by Aria Ashbrook (3.5 Stars)
Thursday 10/8: All Things Halloween Review of Rebel Witch (Crimson Moth, # 2) by Kristen Ciccarelli (4 Stars)
Friday 10/9: Homeschool Friday - Gwen Tells Tales
Monday 10/12: All Things Halloween Review of Ruby Red (Ruby Red Trilogy, # 1) by Kerstin Gier (3 Stars)
Thursday 10/15: All Things Halloween Review of Divine Rivals (Letters of Enchantment, # 1) by Rebecca Ross (4 Stars)
Friday 10/16: Homeschool Friday - Spider-Man The Amazing Story

My annual "All Things Halloween" event is happening. This is my month-long event where I feature reviews from Halloween-y genres (fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, sci-fi, horror, mystery, thriller, and suspense). Over the last few years I've had mostly fantasy books as I just haven't been in the mood for much horror, but still...these are books that can get you in the mood for Halloween.

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: All Things Halloween Review of Thorns and Fire (The Ashes of Thezmarr, #2) by Helen Scheuerer
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Wednesday
Thursday: All Things Halloween Review of Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games, # 0.5) by Suzanne Collins
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Zoe's Hiding Place

NEW BOOKS:

Threshing Day (The Empyrean, # 3.5)

By: Rebecca Yarros

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

224 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Dragons, 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--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!

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 - Spider-Man the Amazing Story

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.

Spider-Man the Amazing Story

By: Catherine Saunders

Publication: January 1, 2006 by Dk Pub

32 pages

Genre: Children's, Level-1 Reader, Early Reader, Superhero

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--Describes how Peter Parker became Spider-Man and tells what his amazing secret powers are.

DK rates Spider-Man The Amazing Story as a Level-1 Beginning to Read book. My son when he was reading level-1 books was always intimidated by this book. It is the average length of a level-1 reader, but I will say that some of the words were bigger than I was expecting from level-1, so I let him wait until he was reading level-2 books to kind of force this one on him. (For example: ordinary, heights, radioactive, exhibition, poison, fantastic, skyscrapers, wrestling, television, burglar, identity, costume, building, strength, Scorpion). If it were one or two words, I wouldn't have questioned it, but there was a challenging word for a level-1 reader on every page. We don't want to discourage readers even while pushing them a little.

The book tells the basic story of Spider-Man/Peter Parker. There's no new revelations. It talks about who Peter Parker was before, how he became Spider-Man, and how he changed after becoming Spider-Man. I liked that he has a story that goes from being picked on by others at school to using his new skills to save people and catch bad guys. What I didn't love and don't see as necessary in a book designed for roughly six-year-olds was the hyper sexualization of Mary Jane. She's wearing a lace-up shirt that emphasizes her breasts and narrows down to a taper into her pants were you can see flesh at her hip. In the next picture, She is clinging to Spider-Man while wearing low-rise jeans and a shirt that shows about 5+ inches of her belly, hip and back, all while showing the V of her abdominal muscles/hip bone and emphasizing the round shape of her butt. I just don't think this was necessary for a young children's book. Also, Aunt May looks positively diabolical and scary. These are some odd choices for a level-1 reader if you ask me.

I don't mind challenging a child to push beyond what they might think they are capable of, and I don't know how DK chooses to rate their leveled readers. I thought some of the words included were a little more challenging for a level-1 book. But the biggest draw back to me was the odd illustrations which depicted Aunt May almost as evil and Mary Jane as hyper-sexualized. Spider-Man The Amazing Story gets 2.5 Stars. Have you or your child read Spider-Man The Amazing Story? What did you think? Let me know!

All Things Halloween Review - Divine Rivals

Divine Rivals (Letters of Enchantment, # 1)

By: Rebecca Ross

Publication: April 4, 2023 by Wednesday Books

368 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

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--After centuries of sleep, the gods are warring again…

All eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow wants to do is hold her family together. With a brother on the frontline forced to fight on behalf of the Gods now missing from the frontline and a mother drowning her sorrows, Iris’s best bet is winning the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.

But when Iris’s letters to her brother fall into the wrong hands – that of the handsome but cold Roman Kitt, her rival at the paper – an unlikely magical connection forms.

Expelled into the middle of a mystical war, magical typewriters in tow, can their bond withstand the fight for the fate of mankind and, most importantly, love?

An epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy novel filled with hope and heartbreak, and the unparalleled power of love.

Divine Rivals is a YA fantasy where the world the characters live in is at war. This a war between two gods that were once asleep. We don't really understand the war yet, but we have gotten a little mythology surrounding the gods in the story, so I imagine we will learn more as the story progresses.

Iris's brother has gone to fight in the war. She dropped out of school and has joined a newspaper in hopes of becoming a columnist. But she's in competion for the role. And her mother has become an alcoholic. Iris has also been writing letters to her brother but he hasn't written her back.

Roman is in competition with Iris for the columnist role. And we learn pretty quickly that he's been receiving letters written by Iris to her brother magically. He decides to take a risk and write her back without telling her who he is. Roman's father is attempting to control his life. He is setting up an arranged marriage. And the columnist position is what his father wants for him.

Eventually both characters end up writing for a rival newspaper as war correspondents. As they grow closer together in both real life and through their magical letters, we begin to wonder how Iris will respond when she finds out the truth. And what has happened to Iris's brother that has kept him from responding to her letters.

Divine Rivals was a sweet book that hooked me so quickly. I listened to the audiobook and finished in in less than 24 hours. It helped that I was able to listen during a large stretch of a day we had off school. The dual narrators (Rebecca Norfolk & Alex Wingflield) did a great job. Rebecca Norfolk did get to narrating quickly at times that had me hearing "Raymon" instead of "Roman" at times. I wondered if I was hearing her incorrectly, or if she was messing up. Either way, I am giving Divine Rivals 4 Stars. Have you read or listened to Divine Rivals? What did you think? Let me know!

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.

All Things Halloween Review - Ruby Red

Ruby Red (Ruby Red Trilogy, # 1)

By: Kerstin Gier

Published: May 10th 2011 by Henry Holt (first published January 6th 2009)

330 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Source: Christmas gift from my friend Paula

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!

Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

My friend Paula actually gifted me Ruby Red more than ten years ago back before I was a mom and still worked at the same office as her. She read the series and enjoyed it. But to be honest, time travel books are ones that I often struggle with. As a matter of fact, I never seek them out. Even when some of my favorite authors go that route, I end up not reading those books. But Paula and I usually end up liking the same books, so I finally decided to see if the e-library had a copy of the audiobook, and they did.

Gweneth is a sixteen year old girl that has always known that the time traveling gene runs in her family, but it was supposed to come to her cousin Charlotte, not her. Yet Gweneth ends up with the gene and not Charlotte afterall. Charlotte has spent her entire life preparing for this, and Gweneth has not. It doesn't help that Gweneth is being paired up with Gideon who she has a little crush on, but he has some kind of relationship with Charlotte.

Gweneth's mother has kept her true date of birth a secret because she was hoping to spare Gweneth the time traveling world. Her mother seems to think that there's something to be afraid of. Not to mention that one of Gweneth's ancestors has defected from the group and stolen a major artifact needed in the time traveling process. Gweneth doesn't know the truth about any of it. Why did Lucy steal the cronograph? What does St. Germain really want? What happens with the cronograph is sealed with the blood of all twelve time travelors. What is being hidden from her? And who are the real bad guys?

Ruby Red is a book that I'm definitely glad I listened to on audio. The romance is slow burn and barely there at this point. You know it's building from what is hinted at, but if you're looking for action or a romance driven plot you will be disappointed. I know my friend, Paula, read the whole series, so I do plan to continue with the series, but at this point, I don't have any free holds with the elibrary, and I've got 6 weeks until my next hold is up. Plus I'd rather snag the 2nd book in the Divine Rivals series as my next hold. But I have been holding onto this series for over 10 years as it is. It isn't going anywhere. I'm giving Ruby Red 3 Stars. Have you read or listened to Ruby Red? What did you think? Let me know!

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.

Homeschool Friday - Gwen Tells Tales

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.

Gwen Tells Tales (Good News for Little Hearts)

By: Edward T Welch

Illustrated By: Joe Hox

Publication: October 4, 2021 by New Growth Press

32 pages

Genre: Children's, Animals, Picture Books, Christian, Manners

Source: Personal Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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Goodreads description--This colorful, beautifully illustrated children’s book invites children ages four through seven into Gwen Raccoon’s world to learn alongside her how to have the courage to always tell the truth. Gwen Raccoon is embarrassed when she gets a failing grade on a math test. But that’s not the big problem: the big problem is that she is cultivating the habit of lying to do what she wants and cover up her mistakes. Gwen’s lies pile up. But when Mama confesses her own failure to tell the truth, Gwen gains the courage to confess and ask forgiveness of Jesus and of those she has lied to. Edited by Edward. T. Welch, Gwen Tells Tales helps young readers see how God always accepts us when we confess sin and repent; and further, how he gives us the humility to speak the truth when it’s hard. A special section at the end of the book guides parents in helping their children be truth-tellers. Also included is a tear-out page of Back Pocket Bible Verses to remind children and adults that God’s forgiveness is always available to cleanse us from sin; and the Holy Spirit always gives strength to speak the truth. Gwen Tells Tales is part of the Good News for Little Hearts series, bringing gospel help and biblical counsel to families. Based on CCEF’s model of hope and help, each story focuses on an animal family’s real-life issues, encouraging young readers toward a growing relationship with Jesus in the midst of challenging circumstances. Each individual story guides parents toward meaningful conversations with their kids, based on what Scripture has to say about living by faith in everyday life.

I absolutely love the Good News for Little Hearts series. There's always a Scripture where a book dedication usually stands. Gwen Tells Tales features Ephesians 4:25, "So you must stop telling lies. Tell each other the truth because we all belong to each other in the same body." Gwen Tells Tales is 32 pages long, but of course, it isn't an AR book so finding an exact book level for reading purposes would just have to be a guess, but I would put these books on par with the Berenstain Bears which ranges from a level-2 to a level-4. Either way, this is a book that I've read to my kids, not a book that my kids have grabbed for supplemental reading purposes (at least so far).

The book starts with Monday morning where Gwen is excited to go to school because she is the smartest 4th grader in Mukberry Meadow. Mama reminds Gwen and Gus that she and Papa have their cornhole game that night and wouldn't be home until 9 after Gwen and Gus are in bed. She also reminds Gwen of her math test tomorrow and that tonight is Gwen's last tie to study, so no screens allowed. Gwen isn't worried about failing her test so she let's Mama's instruction go in one ear and out the other. When Mama and Papa head out to their game, Gwen goes to get on her device, but Gus reminds her of the rule. She blows him off. Gwen plays until 8:45 so she won't get in trouble when Mama and Papa come home. But the next day at school, Gwen is confused by the test. She doesn't recognize the work she's expected to do. Then she remembers that she was sick two days last week, and this must have been taught while she was out. On the way home from school, Gwen pulls out her graded test and sees "Failing grade. Parent signature required." When she gets home, Gwen decides that she's going to have to copy Mama's signature on the paper herself. Unfortunately, Miss Minnick, the teacher, runs into Mama at the market and asks how Gwen has been doing since Tuesday's test. The truth comes out. Immediately after, Mama runs into a friend from the cornhole game and Mama fibs a little about practice to get a high score.

Gwen asks Mama on the way home from the market why she lied to Mrs. Squirrel about practicing cornhole. Mama realizes that she was wrong and needs to straughten things out. She then asks Gwen why Miss Minnick thinks that she signed Gwen's tests. Mama, Papa, and Gwen discuss the test and Gwen's lack of studying, plus her screen time. And Gwen asks for forgiveness. Mama tells Gwen that following Jesus doesn't mean that we don't mess up and do wrong things from time to time. Papa chimes in that we do ask Jesus for help and forgiveness. Mama gives Gwen a piece of paper with 1 John 1:8-9 written on it.

At the end of the book is a section to parents about helping children with lying. And then finally, there are four "Back Pocket Bible Verses" that you can pull out and give to your child/children for when it's hard to tell the truth. Psalm 34:12-13, Hebrews 4:13, 1 John 1:8-9, and Psalm 32:5.

Picture books that teach about Biblical character in a way that children can understand and apply in their lives are among my top favorite books. This entire series is great. Gwen Tells Tales gets 5 Stars. I love how it shows how one lie often leads to another. Have you or your child read Gwen Tells Tales? What did you think? Let me know!