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Book Review: The Grishaverse Series by Leigh Bardugo

The Rise of Tsarpunk

Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse is a breathtaking young adult fantasy series set in a richly-detailed world inspired by 19th-century Russia, often referred to as “tsarpunk.” The series spans ten books, including a trilogy, two duologies, and three collections of short stories and novellas, each weaving together a tapestry of magic, intrigue, and romance. 

Series Overview:

The Grishaverse unfolds in a world where Grisha, individuals with the ability to manipulate matter at its most fundamental levels, are both revered and feared. From summoning fire to manipulating the human body, their powers shape the political and social landscape of Bardugo’s intricate world.

Shadow and Bone Trilogy:

Shadow and Bone: An orphaned soldier discovers her devastating power that could be the key to saving her war-ravaged country.

Siege and Storm: Dark secrets and new allies emerge as the battle for power grows more desperate.

Ruin and Rising: The fate of the Grisha world culminates in a final, heart-wrenching showdown.

Six of Crows Duology:

Six of Crows: A heist led by a cunning criminal mastermind tests the loyalty and courage of six outcasts.

Crooked Kingdom: The crew faces the aftermath of their daring heist, navigating vengeance, survival, and the shifting tides of power.

King of Scars Duology:

King of Scars: A young king must harness his fearsome power to protect his kingdom from a looming threat.

Rule of Wolves: As enemies gather at his borders, the king must fight on multiple fronts to save his nation.

Companion Books/Short Story Collections:

The Language of Thorns: A collection of six folklore-inspired stories set in the Grishaverse.

The Lives of Saints: Deep dives into the tales of saints revered in the world of Grisha.

Demon in the Wood: A graphic novel prequel focusing on the Darkling’s origin story.

Personal Take:

Leigh Bardugo’s ability to blend deep cultural roots with expansive world-building makes the Grishaverse series a standout. The integration of tsarpunk elements with complex character dynamics and high-stakes magical conflicts offers readers an immersive experience. The portrayal of characters like Alina in the trilogy and Kaz in the duology—each struggling with their identities and the burdens of their powers—provides a compelling look at leadership and morality.

What resonates most profoundly in these narratives is the seamless integration of the characters’ personal journeys with the larger political and magical conflicts. Particularly in Six of Crows, the diverse backgrounds and complex motivations of each character enrich the narrative, making their interactions and growth exceptionally engaging.

Bardugo’s treatment of cultural elements—seen in the characters’ reverence for their saints and the mystical aspects of their folklore—adds depth and authenticity, making the series not just a fantastical escape but also a reflection on the power of belief and heritage.

For fans of rich fantasy worlds and intricate plotting, Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse offers a spectacular blend of adventure, magic, and intrigue.

If you liked this review, consider subscribing to my free Reader’s Club newsletter for more young adult fantasy book reviews, updates on my Slavic Spirits series, and insights into my writing works in progress. Join now and discover a world where magic knows no bounds.

UPDATE — This blog post includes text and images generated with the assistance of OpenAI’s models. I provided detailed prompts, curated the outputs, and made edits, but the majority of the content was created with AI assistance. This disclosure aligns with my commitment to transparency under the EU AI Act. Disclosure added on November 18, 2024 to align with transparency requirements under the EU AI Act.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Portions of this content were generated using OpenAI’s models, with significant curation, editing, and creative input by E. S. O. Martin. AI-generated portions may not be subject to copyright under current laws.

Book Review: “Brooklyn Brujas” Series by Zoraida Córdova

Where Magic and Culture Collide: The Spellbinding Mortiz Sisters of ‘Brooklyn Brujas’

Zoraida Córdova’s “Brooklyn Brujas” series is a vibrant and culturally rich journey into the lives of three sisters navigating the challenges of growing up with magical powers in a world that intertwines their Latina heritage with contemporary American paranormal fantasy. This captivating young adult fantasy series explores themes of identity, family, and the power of embracing one’s roots.

Series Overview:

Set against the backdrop of Brooklyn, New York, the series follows the Mortiz sisters—Alex, Lula, and Rose—who are each coming to terms with their own unique magical abilities. They belong to a family of brujas and brujos, where their Latina heritage plays a significant role in shaping their magical practices and beliefs. The world Córdova creates is one where ancient traditions meet modern-day challenges, and the spiritual realm is as real and tangible as the streets of Brooklyn.

Labyrinth Lost (Book 1) — The first book introduces us to Alex, the middle sister, who is reluctant to embrace her powers. On her Deathday celebration, a spell meant to rid her of her abilities backfires, plunging her into the dark and dangerous underworld of Los Lagos. Alex must navigate this new world, confront its creatures, and save her family who she accidentally banished.

Bruja Born (Book 2) — Lula, the eldest sister, takes center stage in this sequel. After a tragic bus accident leaves her boyfriend Maks in limbo between life and death, Lula’s attempt to heal him with her powers unleashes a series of supernatural events that put the entire magical community at risk from heart-hungry zombies. This installment deepens the exploration of magical ethics and the bonds of love and family.

Wayward Witch (Book 3) — The youngest sister, Rose, finds herself and her father thrust into the realm of Adas, a fairy-like world facing its own calamities. Rose’s story is about mastering her abilities and facing the responsibilities that come with them. As she fights to save Adas, she also learns more about her own strength, the importance of her family’s legacy, and the power of forgiveness.

What I liked about the series

Zoraida Córdova masterfully weaves her Latina heritage into the fabric of the “Brooklyn Brujas” narrative, enriching the magical lore with elements from Latin American culture. You can feel her love for her culture in the way the characters talk to each other, in the food they eat, and in their reverence for their ancestors’s sacrifices.

The inclusion of gods like La Mama and El Papa, along with practices such as setting up shrines and using magic crystals, adds authenticity and depth to the story. I appreciated how the Mortiz sisters, while deeply connected to their roots, navigate the complexities of being part of a broader magical community within a predominantly non-Latino culture. Their experiences spoke to me on a personal level, echoing the challenges of maintaining one’s cultural identity amidst the pressures of assimilation.

I also loved how inclusive Zoraida Córdova was in this series. We see blended families, lost fathers who leave and come back, queer characters, and many characters dealing with generational trauma. Throughout this series, though, is a strong sense of community and family love. The characters in these books make mistakes, but their families are unwavering in their love and loyalty, and I though that was beautiful.

If you’re captivated by tales of magic, cultural heritage, and the unbreakable bonds of family, the “Brooklyn Brujas” series is a must-read. 

Join my free Reader’s Club newsletter for more young adult fantasy book reviews and updates on my Slavic Spirits series, along with insights into my writing process and works in progress. Dive into stories where ancient traditions and modern challenges meet, and explore how young heroes find their place in the world.

UPDATE — This blog post includes text and images generated with the assistance of OpenAI’s models. I provided detailed prompts, curated the outputs, and made edits, but the majority of the content was created with AI assistance. This disclosure aligns with my commitment to transparency under the EU AI Act. Disclosure added on November 18, 2024 to align with transparency requirements under the EU AI Act.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Portions of this content were generated using OpenAI’s models, with significant curation, editing, and creative input by E. S. O. Martin. AI-generated portions may not be subject to copyright under current laws.

Book Review: Victoria Aveyard’s “Red Queen” Series

Power, Blood, and Class: Teens Rebel for a More Equitable World

Victoria Aveyard’s “Red Queen” series captures the imagination with its vivid portrayal of a dystopian world divided by blood—those with common Red blood serve under the elite Silvers who possess god-like superpowers. This series blends the grim realities of class warfare with the allure of fantasy, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with fans of YA dystopian fiction.

For anyone who had fantasized about the Marvel X-Men universe where people develop super powers, Victoria Aveyard’s series imagines what would happen if such a society were fast-forwarded into the future where there was a hardened class divide between those with Powers and those Without.

Series Overview:

The series begins with “Red Queen,” where Mare Barrow, a Red-blooded commoner, discovers she possesses powers of her own—a rare and dangerous anomaly in a world where power is dictated by blood. This revelation thrusts her into the heart of the Silver elite, where she must navigate betrayal, intrigue, and rebellion.

1. Red Queen: Mare Barrow’s world is divided between the powerful Silvers and the oppressed Reds. Her life changes when she displays Silver-like powers, leading to her posing as a lost Silver princess engaged to a Silver prince. This first book plays on the love triangle romance trope as Mare is courted by both royal princes Cal and Maven. However, their love story is a tangled web of betrayal, manipulation, and obsession.

2. Glass Sword: Following the events of the first book, Mare, Cal, and the Scarlet Guard seek other Red-and-Silver hybrids to combat the Silver oppression. The quest forces Mare to confront the darker side of her own powers and the potential for tyranny within herself.

3. King’s Cage: Captured by King Maven, Mare becomes a pawn in his continued war against the Scarlet Guard. The book deepens the exploration of political power dynamics and personal betrayals.

4. War Storm: As alliances form and shatter, Mare’s journey culminates in an epic showdown that decides the fate of her world. The final installment wrestles with the costs of revolution and the complexities of peace.

5. Broken Throne: A collection of novellas that expand the universe and provide closure, exploring the new world order after the main series’ tumultuous events.

Personal Reflection:

What drew me into the “Red Queen” series was not just the inventive superpowers and the vivid battle scenes, but the intricate, multi-perspective storytelling that Aveyard masters. 

One of my favorite characters was Evangeline Samos.  Initially portrayed as Mare’s rival, Evangeline’s character unfolds with complexity over the series. Her forced engagement, meant to secure political power, clashes with her desire to be with the woman she loves, highlighting the personal sacrifices demanded by the rigid class system. This evolution from a mean girl to a nuanced character shows Aveyard’s strength in character development, adding depth to the narrative and enriching the reader’s experience.

This series does an excellent job of portraying how even those who seem to benefit from a system of oppression can also desire its downfall, and how alliances can form across enemy lines when higher stakes are revealed.

The series’ blend of action, moral dilemmas, and a realistic portrayal of revolution—complete with its victories and heartbreaks—makes it a standout addition to the YA fantasy genre.

For lovers of dystopian tales and intricate fantasy worlds, Victoria Aveyard’s “Red Queen” series offers a rich journey into a land where the fight for equality is entangled with personal growth and sacrifice. 

If you’re captivated by stories of rebellion, power, and heartache, consider subscribing to my newsletter for more reviews, deep dives into your favorite books, and updates on the latest in fantasy and romance literature.

UPDATE — This blog post includes text and images generated with the assistance of OpenAI’s models. I provided detailed prompts, curated the outputs, and made edits, but the majority of the content was created with AI assistance. This disclosure aligns with my commitment to transparency under the EU AI Act. Disclosure added on November 18, 2024 to align with transparency requirements under the EU AI Act.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Portions of this content were generated using OpenAI’s models, with significant curation, editing, and creative input by E. S. O. Martin. AI-generated portions may not be subject to copyright under current laws.

Book Review: The “Empyrean” Series by Rebecca Yarros

Love and Dragons: Romance in a the Basgiath War College

Rebecca Yarros’s “Empyrean” series stands out in the New Adult fantasy romance genre, blending high-stakes action with steamy romance in a world where dragon riders soar and battles rage. The series, projected to include five books, has currently published two that set the stage for an epic saga of love, war, and resilience.

Series Overview:

Set in a vibrant world where dragon riders are at the heart of military defense, the “Empyrean” series introduces readers to a war-college setting filled with young cadets training to become protectors of their realm. These cadets are paired with dragons, forming bonds that go beyond the battlefield, including psychic links that deepen their relationships and tactics.

1. Fourth Wing: Introduces Violet Sorrengail, a cadet with a unique blend of bravery and vulnerability. Born with a genetic disorder that makes her joints loose, Violet’s physical limitations do not deter her spirit or her strategic mind. Her journey at the academy intertwines with Xadan Riorson, another rider whose family she has been taught to fear, but whose secrets might shatter the way she sees her family and her world.

2. Iron Flame: Expands on Violet and Xadan’s relationship as they struggle with wanting to be vulnerable to each other, while needing to keep secrets to maintain national security. They also wonder if the devotion they feel for each other is simply a symptom of their bonded dragons, or if their love is genuine. The duo’s strategic prowess and deepening bond are tested as they navigate through battles that are as much about wits as they are about physical strength.

There are three additional books anticipated in this series. The next book, Onyx Storm, is anticipated in 2025.

Personal Take:

What captivates me about the “Empyrean” series is its seamless fusion of fantasy and romance—”romantasy”—appealing to a broad audience through its dynamic setting and compelling characters. The inclusion of a protagonist like Violet, who manages her genetic disorder while training to become a dragon rider, is particularly groundbreaking. It shifts the typical narrative around physical disability in action-oriented roles, presenting a hero who is both formidable and distinctly human.

The psychic connection between riders and their dragons adds a rich layer to the narrative, enhancing the emotional and tactical depth of the story. Yarros does not shy away from the complexities of Violet and Xadan’s relationship, which is filled with passionate disagreements and profound understanding, capturing the essence of a partnership where both parties grow and adapt.

For fans of fantasy that transcends traditional boundaries and embraces the complexities of love and war, Rebecca Yarros’s “Empyrean” series offers a thrilling dive into a world where the bonds between dragon and rider illuminate the battles faced both in the skies and within the heart. If you’re drawn to stories where romance meets epic fantasy, or if you’re looking for narratives that feature diverse and richly developed characters, the “Empyrean” series is not to be missed.

I know that I am avidly awaiting the next book.

If you would like to learn about more “romantasy” books like these, consider signing up for my newsletter, where I review stories with epic love and epic fantasy. You’ll also receive updates on my works in progress and my “Slavic Spirits” blog series, which explores the little-known world of Slavic fairy tales and mythology.

UPDATE — This blog post includes text and images generated with the assistance of OpenAI’s models. I provided detailed prompts, curated the outputs, and made edits, but the majority of the content was created with AI assistance. This disclosure aligns with my commitment to transparency under the EU AI Act. Disclosure added on November 18, 2024 to align with transparency requirements under the EU AI Act.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Portions of this content were generated using OpenAI’s models, with significant curation, editing, and creative input by E. S. O. Martin. AI-generated portions may not be subject to copyright under current laws.

Book Review: Legacy of Orïsha Series by Tomi Adeyemi

Magic Reawakened: Navigating Power and Identity

Tomi Adeyemi’s groundbreaking series, Legacy of Orïsha, has captivated readers with its rich tapestry of West African culture and thrilling fantasy narrative. With the series spanning three books, the final installment, Children of Valor and Virtue just released this year. Adeyemi’s novels have not only gained acclaim but have also been optioned for film, promising to bring this vibrant world to a broader audience.

Series Overview:

Legacy of Orïsha unfolds in a world where magic once flourished, and the maji, or magic wielders, were revered. However, a ruthless monarchy has suppressed magic and persecuted the maji in response to fear and grief over past grievances. The series is renowned for its lush world-building inspired by West African mythology, its intense action sequences, and its exploration of themes such as oppression, redemption, prejudice, and the struggle for power.

This series appeals to young adult readers and fans of epic fantasy looking for rich cultural narratives and dynamic character development. It tackles complex themes like racial discrimination, cultural heritage, generational trauma, and the moral complexities of leadership and rebellion, making it not only an entertaining fantasy series but also a thought-provoking read about societal struggles.

Book Summaries:

Book 1: Children of Blood and Bone

   The series kicks off with Children of Blood and Bone, where we meet Zélie Adebola, who remembers when Orïsha hummed with magic. But when magic is stripped away under the orders of a merciless king, Zélie has one chance to bring it back. With the help of her brother Tzain and rogue princess Amari, Zélie sets out on a dangerous quest to restore her people’s gifts. This book sets the stage for an epic saga, as they battle both physical and mystical forces aiming to thwart their mission.

Book 2: Children of Virtue and Vengeance

 In the sequel, the newly awakened maji face a regime bent on their destruction. Zélie and Amari struggle to unite the maji in a fractured kingdom. As they fight to secure Amari’s claim to the throne and protect new maji recruits, they encounter grave challenges that test their resolve and force them to question their own motives and methods. *Children of Virtue and Vengeance* expands on the political intrigue and complex relationships established in the first book, diving deeper into the characters’ personal battles and the broader war for justice.

Book 3: Children of Anguish and Anarchy

In the thrilling finale of Tomi Adeyemi’s “Legacy of Orïsha” series, Zélie Adebola faces her most formidable challenge yet. After seizing the royal palace, Zélie thought the worst was over, but finds herself imprisoned on a foreign ship by warriors known as the Skulls. The true mastermind behind her capture is King Baldyr, who seeks to harness Zélie’s powers for his own ruthless ends. As catastrophe looms over Orïsha, Zélie, along with Amari and Tzain, must forge new alliances and confront Baldyr to save her people from destruction. This final installment brings a storm of action and emotion, pushing Zélie to her limits in a desperate fight for freedom and justice.

Personal Take:

Reading Legacy of Orïsha is a journey into a uniquely crafted universe that masterfully blends magical fantasy with real-world issues. Adeyemi’s skill in narrating from multiple points of view adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to experience the diverse perspectives and inherited traumas of the characters as they all strive to make a better future. The depiction of such a vividly imagined world through the lens of West African culture is both refreshing and impactful, offering a story that is as educational as it is entertaining.

If you would like to learn about more books like these, please consider subscribing to my Reader’s Club for more recommendations.

UPDATE — This blog post includes text and images generated with the assistance of OpenAI’s models. I provided detailed prompts, curated the outputs, and made edits, but the majority of the content was created with AI assistance. This disclosure aligns with my commitment to transparency under the EU AI Act. Disclosure added on November 18, 2024 to align with transparency requirements under the EU AI Act.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Portions of this content were generated using OpenAI’s models, with significant curation, editing, and creative input by E. S. O. Martin. AI-generated portions may not be subject to copyright under current laws.

Book Review: Sarah J. Maas’s “A Court of Thorns and Roses” Series

Fairie Tales, Courtship, and True Love in “A Court of Thorns and Roses”

Sarah J. Maas’s “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series has become a hallmark of New Adult fantasy romance, blending rich, fantastical narratives with deep romantic elements. Inspired by various fairy tales, the series has played a pivotal role in defining the New Adult genre, providing a lush, steamy escape for readers craving stories where love and fantasy intertwine.

Series Overview:

The series begins with “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” where we meet Feyre Archeron, a young huntress who finds herself entwined in the intrigues and tales of the fae after mistakenly killing one. A blend of “Beauty and the Beast” and “Tam Lin,” this book sets up a world of beauty shadowed by dark undercurrents.

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses: Feyre’s life changes forever when she is taken to the fae realm as punishment for a crime. She discovers that her captor, the mysterious Tamlin, is not only a powerful fae lord but also under a deadly curse that Feyre must find a way to break.

2. A Court of Mist and Fury: Often regarded as the series’ best, this book recasts Feyre’s struggles with the broader evils of their world. It introduces Rhysand, the enigmatic High Lord of the Night Court, who opens Feyre’s eyes to her powers and the political complexities of their world. This is a wonderful example of the romance trope where a character’s first love isn’t necessarily their true love.

3. A Court of Wings and Ruin: Feyre and Rhysand’s story continues as they battle to save their world from a looming war that threatens to destroy everything they hold dear. This installment combines epic battles with deep personal sacrifices.

4. A Court of Frost and Starlight: This novella acts as a bridge between the original trilogy and the next book, focusing on the characters’ lives during the Winter Solstice and setting up future tales.

5. Court of Silver Flames: Nesta Archeron, Feyre’s sister, takes center stage in this book. Nesta’s journey is about healing and forgiveness, where her abrasive and cold exterior is peeled back to reveal the vulnerabilities and strengths underneath, especially through her developing relationship with Cassian.

Personal Thoughts:

I first heard about this series from an interview with Sarah J. Maas on the “Smart Bitches, Trashy Books” romance podcast. The interview was done when she concluded her series, and I was quite impressed with how well she talked how difficult it can be to have relationships with me when you don’t know whether they will be violent, protective, or neutral.

This was one of the very first New Adult fantasy romance series I read, which made me realize that this was even a genre. These are stories set in a high fantasy world, and which often are inspired by fairy tales, but where the dominant story has to do with love and romance. It has been really cool to watch this genre emerge as a dominant force because it blends two of my other favorite genres: fantasy and romance. (New Adult generally has PG-13 or R-rated sex scenes, whereas Young Adult generally caps out at PG-13, or closes the door when things get too intimate.)

Sarah J. Maas not only crafts a mesmerizing world filled with intrigue and magic but also provides a refreshing take on romance and heroism. The evolution of her characters, especially the female protagonists, is compelling. They embody strength and complexity, often growing through personal hardship and finding power in their resilience—a theme that resonates deeply with readers.

Nesta’s story in “A Court of Silver Flames” particularly stands out as my persona favorite. It challenges conventional romantic narratives by presenting a heroine who is difficult and unlikable but ultimately relatable in her flaws. Watching her grow and find love is a testament to the idea that everyone, no matter how flawed, deserves compassion and redemption.

If you’re drawn to epic tales where fierce heroines and intriguing heroes navigate a world as enchanting as it is lethal, the “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series promises to captivate and inspire. 

For more reviews like this, deep dives into fantasy romance, and exclusive updates on similar works, subscribe to my newsletter. Join a community of readers who cherish rich storytelling and explore the magic of love and adventure in every book.

UPDATE — This blog post includes text and images generated with the assistance of OpenAI’s models. I provided detailed prompts, curated the outputs, and made edits, but the majority of the content was created with AI assistance. This disclosure aligns with my commitment to transparency under the EU AI Act. Disclosure added on November 18, 2024 to align with transparency requirements under the EU AI Act.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Portions of this content were generated using OpenAI’s models, with significant curation, editing, and creative input by E. S. O. Martin. AI-generated portions may not be subject to copyright under current laws.