Phantasma by Kaylie Smith

 

I just finished Phantasma by Kaylie Smith, and wow—this book completely pulled me in from the start. As the first installment in the Wicked Games series, it blends dark fantasy, romance, and a deadly competition in a way that had me hooked. I love stories with high stakes and a touch of necromancy, so I knew this would be right up my alley. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

The story follows Ophelia, a necromancer who’s trying to survive after her mother’s brutal murder. With a huge debt looming over her and her sister to protect, she enters Phantasma—a deadly game set in a cursed manor, where contestants must fight their way through nine floors of brutal challenges to win a single wish. Along the way, she meets Blackwell, a mysterious and charming competitor who offers to help her. Their partnership is full of tension, attraction, and the ultimate risk—falling for each other in a game where love is against the rules.

I absolutely loved the fast-paced storytelling and the dark, eerie atmosphere. The competition felt intense, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see what would happen next. Plus, the romance between Ophelia and Blackwell had me completely invested. That being said, I did wish the New Orleans setting played a bigger role in the story, and some of the plot twists felt a little predictable. But even with those minor critiques, I found myself completely immersed in the world.

Overall, Phantasma was an exciting, emotional, and addictive read. It had the perfect mix of danger and desire, and now I’m desperate for the next book in the series. If you love dark fantasy with high stakes and a swoon-worthy romance, I highly recommend picking this one up!

Buy in Amazon in Several formats here.

Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

 This book completely flipped the classic fairy tale on its head, turning it into a powerful feminist dystopian story that had me hooked from page one. It’s set 200 years after Cinderella’s death, in a world where girls are required to attend an annual ball where men choose their wives—or risk punishment, even death. The premise alone was enough to pull me in, but what really kept me turning the pages was the fierce main character, Sophia.

Sophia isn’t like the other girls in Lille—she doesn’t dream of being chosen by a man. In fact, she’s in love with her best friend, Erin, and wants nothing to do with the rigid, oppressive rules of her society. When things take a turn for the worse at the ball, she finds herself on the run and uncovering shocking truths about Cinderella’s story, the kingdom, and its cruel ruler. Along the way, she meets Constance, a bold and rebellious girl with her own reasons for wanting to take down the system. Their growing connection was one of my favorite parts of the book—it felt so raw and full of hope.

One of my favorite quotes from the book is: "I will not be weak or helpless again. I will not let them dictate my life. I will not bow down." This moment perfectly captures Sophia’s strength and determination, and it really stuck with me. The book is full of powerful moments like this, making it a story about resistance, courage, and rewriting the narratives we’re given.

While some parts of the plot felt a little rushed, I still loved every second of this book. It’s a fresh take on a classic tale with important themes about patriarchy, identity, and fighting for change. If you love dark fairy tale retellings with strong heroines and a bit of romance, you will love Cinderella Is Dead!

What made reading Cinderella Is Dead even more special for me was that I actually got to meet Kalynn Bayron at a local Barnes & Noble event! It was my first time meeting an author in person and getting a book signed, which made the experience unforgettable. When I told her how much I loved the way Sophia takes control of her own destiny, we ended up having a conversation about how important it is for women to save themselves in stories rather than waiting for a prince. She also talked about how vital it is for POC to finally be their own main characters in mainstream fairy tales, instead of just sidekicks or background figures. Hearing her speak about representation and storytelling made me appreciate the book even more. Now, every time I look at my signed copy, I’m reminded not just of an incredible story but of an amazing moment that reinforced why these kinds of books matter so much.

Find on Amazon on Audiobook/ Physical, and ebook here.

Devil's shore book review

Devil's Shore

Devil's shore is the sequel to Devil's mountain by Bernadette Walsh. I loved the first book and was excited to get the chance to review the second. I loved this book just like the first and I loved it so much that I finished it in a few short hours. I don't want to give to much away as this wont be out till the 5th but this follows where the last book left off. Caroline is desperate to save her daughter because HE followed them to New York. New characters are introduced and old characters redone. Orla is the main character in this book, she changes mysteriously and she hates that her husband doesn't notice it. Her powers develop and she has to learn to control them as she slowly destroys the things around her with a simple flare of temper. Betrayals occur and she has to be strong to help not only herself but her niece. Find it on amazon HERE.

About the book:

Take heed. The most powerful Devlin witch in generations has come into her own.




Orla has left Ireland, and the sinister shadow of Devlin’s Mountain, behind. In the States, she’s just another ordinary housewife and mother. That is, until destiny and Simon Gardiner find her. Compelled to tease the male witch, she wants to abuse him and hurt him. He’s surly, dangerous, and sexy…everything her husband is not. She must show Simon she’s not her meek, subservient mother who’s slave to Slanaitheoir, the Mountain’s demon.




Orla can no longer deny the power coursing through her veins. Nor can she deny the powerful attraction she feels for Simon. Can she best him in this battle of wills and magic, or like Slanaitheoir has for generations of Devlin witches, will he take everything she cherishes from her?




Content Warning: Seduction, erotic sex and a witch who will enchant you.




A Lyrical Press Paranormal Romance

Coven: The scrolls of the four winds by Diane Wing Review

                                             Coven: The scrolls of the four winds by Diane Wing

Synopsis

Treachery Ignites an Otherworldly Battle Between Good and Evil

Centuries have passed since the Coven of the Triad Witches, once charged with protecting the Scrolls of the Four Winds, was betrayed and their memories cast into darkness. They have reincarnated together in many lifetimes, but this time, one of their own intends to wield the power of the Scrolls herself. Sisters in magic with ties more binding than blood, they must face a dangerous journey to rekindle ancient powers and fulfill their true destiny.
Learn more at www.ForestWitch.com

From Modern History Press www.ModernHistoryPress.com
FIC009510 FICTION : Fantasy - Dark/Horror
FIC027040 Fiction : Gothic
FIC044000 Fiction : Contemporary Women

Quotes:

Review:

In this book it follows Victoria, who on her own quest for power started by her ancient tutor alienates herself from her rightful place. Throughout the book I caught conflicting emotions from Victoria as if she didn't want ultimate power any more she just wanted to belong but once you saw a flash of that it was gone and she was back to her old self. 

At first I really liked poor Heather but as the book progressed she sunk to the levels of Ethan. Ethan I disliked from the moment he appeared. He gets what he deserves after trying to string along Heather by knowing if he openly rejects her she has the power to kill him. It is something some of us wish would happen to men in real life that only use women for sex and their own gain with no care for the woman's emotions.

This book had me wondering what would come next and almost had me cheating and reading the last page before finishing just to see where it will end, but I held strong and just kept reading from the edge of my seat.  Diane Wing sneaks in life lessons in the story that's a good reminder for us all. I am glad to see Victoria triumph over the darkness in her life and get back to where she belongs.

Biography

Diane Wing, M.A. is an author, teacher, personal transformation guide, and intuitive consultant. She has a Master's degree in clinical psychology and has been providing valuable insights for the highest good of her clients for over 27 years.

She is the founder of Wing Academy of Unfoldment, a virtual Mystery school that helps students to increase their energetic awareness, release old ways of being, and develop their intuition to build confidence and self-trust.

In addition to appearing on many Blog Talk radio programs and having been published in various magazines, both in print and online, Diane is the author of the books "The True Nature of Tarot: Your path to personal empowerment," a collection of short fiction titled "Thorne Manor...and other bizarre tales," and the novel, "Coven: The Scrolls of the Four Winds." She is also the creator of two tools of self-empowerment "Insight Stones ™ - a game of self-awareness" and "Pathways - an interactive journey of self-discovery."

Diane works with her clients to find their Inner Magick and empower them to create the life they really want. Her websites are www.DianeWing.tv and www.ForestWitch.com.

Where Shadows Dance By Vered Ehsani review

Where Shadows Dance

By Vered Ehsani

Book Description:

Ash was looking forward to a summer of camping with friends and time travelling. Then his Great Aunt fades away (literally), his near-death nightmare gets even weirder and he keeps falling into someone else’s dreams. On top of that, his house is attacked and he gets trapped in the past while trying to help a new friend who isn't too friendly. Juna isn't having a great time of it either: having escaped from her parole officer, she barely survives a plane crash and a bizarre tornado that keeps appearing in the most unlikely situations. While Ash and Juna try to get out of the past and back home, events and dreams keep pointing them to the place where it all starts and ends, where shadows dance and time bends. If they can get there, they may be able to stop an implacable enemy from destroying their future. Of course, getting there means surviving first… 

Tomorrow Is the big day!

So YAY I just realized we are officially at 500 posts! Go us! Tomorrow I get to pick up my new iPhone from  Best Buy. I am using the cash I make off my iPhone 4s to get a 3ds XL and I cant wait! I may even end up picking up the new Kingdom hearts game.

Other news, I am going to be working LOTS of overtime the next few days but at least I got to keep 1 day off. I am doing 6 hours on Saturday and 2 hours added to my shift on Sunday and Monday. Didn't volunteer for the 2 extra hours per day but I am stuck with it so Oh well.

Have you guys played songpop? It's quite addicting! Well I'm off for now have to get ready for the morning. I am planning on taking a folding chair and reading my kindle so I can possibly finish the book I am reading and get the review up soon!

Devil’s Mountain By Bernadette Walsh book review

Review

I have always been into Irish and Celtic based stories. So this book caught my attention when I read the synopsis. I love the combination of history and myth In this book, to me it made it seem even more real. 

Book review: Blood and Guitars

I am totally in love with vampire books. That being said this book captivated me from the start.
It took me time to get through the book just because of life in general got in my way. I would try to read when I could which was mostly when I should have been asleep and would end up going to bed at least 2 hours late each time I did that. Finally I sat down one day and I told everyone I was busy and wasn't going to do anything else till I finished the book and that's what I did!