Thursday, April 3, 2025

A Dawn of Gods and Fury - Review

A Dawn of Gods and Fury (Fate and Flame, # 4)

By: KA Tucker

Publication: September 3, 2024 by Penguin

528 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, 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--"Prophecy always finds a way."

The will of the fates has come to pass. Monsters swarm from the depths, while dragons soar overhead. And the throne of Islor lies vacant… but not for long.

Fleeing the merciless sirens, Tyree and Annika find themselves stranded on a distant shore. Forced together to survive, they find old magics and terrifying new enemies.

For Romeria and Zander, the long-held secrets of the casters’ magic reveal a chance to finally master the power that has held all their lives in the balance for too long. But with power comes betrayal. And sacrifices must be made.

The final book in the captivating Fate & Flame series.

The previous book ended with Romeria killing Queen Neilina and assuming the crown for Ybaris. The rift is open, and monsters and beasts are coming out at night. Some have been wounded. And now Zander has to figure out how to get his throne back. Early in the book, he takes a trip to Islor's capital and finds Malachai, the god of fire, on his throne. He has to make a hasty retreat. And Malachai lets it be known that he intends to rule more than just Islor. With Sofie by his side, protecting him by default as she tries to protect Elijah makes it even harder to get rid of him.

Romeria and Zander play a huge role in A Dawn of Gods and Fury, but truthfully, I was more excited to read Tyree and Annika's chapters. Of course, the process of falling in love is more exhilarating than maintaining a relationship. Tyree and Annika were in much more of an unknown situation crossing the sea and entering into an unknown country. I really appreciated their pieces of the puzzle because they helped keep things interesting and fresh. Add in KA Tucker addressing the tension between Jarek and Romeria. I wasn't expecting her to actually bring it up even if the reader was able to see it easily. 

My biggest complaint revolves around the anti-climatic ending. Again, KA Tucker actually says that the ending is anti-climatic but poetic. And it reminds me of how people often make fun of themselves before others get a chance to so that it won't hurt when others make fun of that same thing. By letting us know she knows the ending was anti-climatic, it's like saying "You don't have to tell me, I already know." 

Some pieces that included Malachai felt gratuitous. I suppose they were included to show how bad he was. But these portions were mostly unnecessary if you ask me. 

Favorite quote:

-"Kings and queens are known to influence what the realm may remember of them and the gods they serve, and sometimes society chooses to erase history as if it never happened rather than confront the dark side of it."

The other things I highlighted had more to do with foreshadowing or things I wondered if they would come back around. Some did. Some didn't. 

A Dawn of Gods and Fury was a good ending to an enjoyable series. I feel like this book deserves 4 Stars. Everything I needed to see wrapped up was. I enjoyed the inclusion of Tyree and Annika. Even Atticus wrapped up well enough even if I wish we could have seen a little more firsthand of his reunion with the Gracen. I did find the battle and ultimately the climax to be a little bit of a letdown. But overall, I'm still happy with the series ender. Have you read A Dawn of Gods and Fury? What did you think? Let me know!

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Can't Wait for The Last Wish of Bristol Keats

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.

The Last Wish for Bristol Keats (The Courting of Bristol Keats, # 2)

By: Mary E Pearson

Expected Publication: November 13, 2025 by Tor

480 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Fae

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--Everyone needs something to hold onto, even if it’s a lie.

After Bristol Keats nearly loses her beloved King Tyghan to the monsters her mother had unleashed, their love deepens to a whole new level. Together, Bristol and Tyghan work to understand and reconcile their differences, moving forward with their common goal of saving Elphame. But when a daring rescue attempt turns into a disaster, and a beloved knight dies, Bristol is forced to confront the fact that her mother is more powerful than she could have ever imagined—and more dangerous. Meanwhile, Tyghan’s heart is laid bare when he encounters his former best friend and betrayer again, Bristol's own father, and must wrestle with a new secret that throws everything he thought he knew about his past into question.

Bristol is Elphame’s last chance for survival, but where do her loyalties truly lie? If she fully embraces the magic that has always been her birthright, she could become a different kind of monster from her mother. Is she willing to risk losing the people she loves most, if it means keeping them safe?

Brimming with dark secrets, lush world-building, and addictive romance, The Last Wish of Bristol Keats is the unforgettable conclusion to New York Times bestselling author Mary E. Pearson's first adult series.

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

Monday, March 31, 2025

March 2025 EOM Wrap Up

I read 11 books (not including children's books).
Blood of the Old Kings (The Bleeding Empire, # 1) by Sung-Il Kim
Kingdom of the Wicked (Kingdom of the Wicked, # 1) by Kerri Maniscalco
Juniper's Christmas by Eoin Colfer
Midnights with You by Clare Osongco
Risking It All (Pushing the Limits: Next Generation, # 1) by Katie McGarry
Iron & Embers (The Ashes of Thezmarr, # 1) by Helen Scheuerer
A Scar in the Bone (A Fire in the Sky, # 2) by Sophie Jordan
Now or Never (Stephanie Plum, # 31) by Janet Evanovich
Spark of the Everflame (Kindred's Curse, # 1) by Penn Cole
Glow of the Everflame (Kindred's Curse, # 2) by Penn Cole
Boundaries in Marriage by Dr. John Townsend & Dr. Henry Cloud

I have reviewed 4 books (not including mini reviews of children's books).
A Lady of Conscience (Somerset Stories, # 5) by Mimi Matthews
A Fire in the Sky (A Fire in the Sky, # 1) by Sophie Jordan
Midnights with You by Clare Osongco
Blood of the Old Kings (The Bleeding Empire, # 1) by Sung-Il Kim

Other Posts:
Sunday Post - 03/02/25
Sunday Post - 03/16/25
Sunday Post - 03/23/25
Top Ten Spring 2025 TBR List
Can't Wait for A Bachelor's Lessons in Love by Sally Britton
Can't Wait for Winterset by Tiffany Odekirk
Homeschool Friday - Today I Will Fly

Goals:
I'm a few days ahead in my Bible-in-a-year plan.
I've read 39 out of 75 books (including children's books).

Sunday, March 30, 2025

Sunday Post - 03/30/25

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.

This past week was spring break for us. My big kiddos left on Saturday and were gone with my parents all week to Gatlinburg, TN. They had a blast. My youngest, Little Boy, was battling a cold or virus all week. He had a pretty bad cough and even had some vomiting. We didn't do as much as I thought we might because he was sick. We spent a lot of time resting and snuggling. I did get some stuff done this week. I worked on consignment labeling. I did quite a bit of baking. I spent one afternoon cleaning my middle child's bedroom. He actually keeps it fairly clean, but he has a spot under his bed that was out of control. And I wanted to mop in there. We did go out to eat one night. And I did get to take Little Boy to Target to spend some money he'd been given. The big kigs got back home Saturday afternoon. I've also been dealing with a cold. I feel like mine is probably pollen related. Hopefully it'll pass quickly.

THE PAST WEEK

Monday: Review of Blood of the Old Kings (The Bleeding Empire, # 1) by Sung-Il Kim (3.5 Stars)
Tuesday: Last Ten Books I DNF'd
Wednesday: Can't Wait for Fallen City (Fallen City Duology, # 1) by Adrienne Young

UPCOMING THIS WEEK:

Monday: March 2025 EOM Wrap Up
Tuesday: Top Ten Tuesday?
Wednesday: Can't Wait Wednesday?
Thursday: Review of A Dawn of Gods & Fury (Fate & Flame, # 4) by KA Tucker
Friday: Homeschool Friday - Watch Me Throw the Ball

NEW BOOKS:

Glow in the Everflame (Kindred's Curse, # 2)

By: Penn Cole

Publication: July 14, 2023 by Penn Cole

608 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Magic

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--An unexpected gift offers the power to change everything. Keeping it could cost Diem her life.

The threat of war has arrived at Diem’s doorstep, along with a new discovery that could save her people. To use it, she must survive the next thirty days by forming a devil’s bargain with the people she hates the royal family of House Corbois.

But as she dives into the world of the Descended elite, Diem quickly realizes good and evil aren’t as simple as they seem. Old prejudices are challenged, and new loyalties blur the line between friend and foe.

Meanwhile, her mother is still missing, and the secrets she left behind can no longer be ignored—and neither can the Guardians and their demands. Caught between an old flame and a sizzling new spark, Diem must confront the truth about who she is and what she wants before time runs out.

War is coming, and dangerous enemies wait on all sides.. but the most deadly battle Diem faces may be the one for her heart.

Glow of the Everflame is the second book in The Kindred's Curse Saga, a four-book epic fantasy romance series that follows our fiesty, bad*ss heroine Diem Bellator in her fight against injustice and oppression, her struggle to survive in a royal palace full of betrayal and intrigue, and her journey of self-discovery and finding true love. This slow burn, enemies-to-lovers series is perfect for fans of unique magic systems, dragons and other mythical creatures, angst and romantic tension, and hilarious banter. This book will appeal to fans of plot-heavy, character-driven romantasy such as A Court of Thorns and Roses, Throne of Glass, From Blood and Ash, Gild, Shadow & Bone, and The Serpent & the Wings of Night.

Heat of the Everflame (Kindred's Curse, # 3)

By: Penn Cole

Publication: March 11, 2025 by Atria Books

848 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Magic

( 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 third installment in the #BookTok sensation and New York Times bestselling series that started with Spark of the Everflame—now in a collectible hardcover edition featuring gorgeous full-color endpapers, an exclusive designed hardcover case, and a never-before-seen bonus chapter.

The war has begun. Both sides demand Diem’s allegiance—or her death.

After her disastrous coronation, Diem finds herself at the center of the conflict between the Descended and the Guardians. With her newfound friends and the man she’s falling for on one side, and the mortals she has vowed to protect on the other, Diem must walk a careful line to save the people she loves…even from one another.

When the mystery of her unusual heritage begins to unravel, it sends Diem and Luther on an unexpected journey across the realms. The answers they seek may hold the key to winning the war, but finding them will require Diem to face painful truths about her mother, her bloodline, and her fate.

Meanwhile, the Crowns have set Diem in their sights. Some could be her greatest allies—while others want her dead. To end their oppressive reign, Diem must sort friend from foe and risk it all to build an army of her own.

But a powerful figure in the north has plans that could change everything…

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!

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Can't Wait for Fallen City

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.

Fallen City (Fallen City Duology, # 1)

By: Adrienne Young

Expected Publication: November 4, 2025 by Saturday Books

400 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Mythology, Retelling

( Goodreads | Amazon )

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

Goodreads description--In the great walled city of Isara, political turmoil ignites a rebellion one hundred years in the making. But when a legionnaire falls in love with a Magistrate's daughter, their love will threaten the fate of the city and the will of the gods.

Luca Matius has one purpose—to carry on the family name, maintaining its presence in the Forum once his powerful and cruel uncle dies. But his noviceship with the city's Philosopher places him in the middle of a catastrophe that will alter the destiny of his people.

Maris Casoeria was raised amidst the strategic maneuvers of the Citadel's inner workings, and she knows what her future holds—a lifetime of service to a corrupt city. But her years of serving as a novice to the last Priestess who possesses the stolen magic of the Old War has made her envision a different kind of future for the city. When she meets Luca, a fated chain of events is set into motion that will divinely entangle their lives.

As a secret comes to light and throws the city into chaos, Luca and Maris hatch a plot to create a calculated alliance that could tip the scales of power. But when an execution forces Luca to become the symbol of rebellion, he and Maris are thrown onto opposite sides of a holy war. As their fates diverge, they learn they are at the center of a story the gods are writing. And even if they can find their way back to each other, there may be nothing left.

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