A Reader's Guide to Books and Reviews

Part of Your World by Liz Braswell

Genre:
Disney, Little Mermaid Retellings, Retellings, Twisted Tale, Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Young Adult Fantasy, Middle Grade

Publication Date:
September 4, 2018

Page Numbers:
480

Read/Finished Date:
June 6th, 2026 - June 7th, 2026

Rating:
4/5

Premise:

What if Ariel had never defeated Ursula?

It’s been five years since the infamous sea witch defeated the little mermaid . . . and took King Triton’s life in the process. Ariel is now the voiceless queen of Atlantica, while Ursula runs Prince Eric’s kingdom on land. But when Ariel discovers that her father might still be alive, she finds herself returning to a world—and a prince—she never imagined she would see again.

Review:

While I am not a huge fan of The Little Mermaid, I had to pick this up, especially since the pages are now being sprayed on the paperbacks. I wasn't disappointed. Five years have past since that fateful day and Ariel is living as Queen of the Seas, a punishment dealt by her sisters. When she is given a clue that her father could be alive, Ariel takes it and returns back to the human world.

I'm going to preface this to say I have never read any of the Twisted Tales nor anything from Liz Braswell. I went into this book with the highest of expectations, and I wasn't disappointed. I love how we meet old friends again, get reacquainted with them, and get right into the thick of things like realizing Eric's writing operas and Ursula is the one running the kingdom.

I found this an interesting take on a retelling of Disney's classic version of The Little Mermaid. I always wondered what difference it would have been if she had won and what the world would have been like, but apparently, she was thirsty for war and overtook the nearby kingdoms. Pure Ursula.

Roses & Ruin by Hazel Cross

Genre:
Vampires, Contemporary, Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Supernatural, Paranormal Romance, Netgalley

Publication Date:
September 1, 2026

Page Numbers:
320

Read/Finished Date:
May 17th, 2026

Rating:
3/5

Premise:

A steamy paranormal YA romance with deadly stakes for a new generation of Twilight and Vampire Academy readers.

A few years ago, Rose was in an accident that nearly claimed her life. In the chaos of that night, a mysterious boy pulled her from the brink of death, then vanished before anyone else could see him. No one believes he was there. But Rose knows the truth.

When Rose moves across the country for college, she’s expecting a fresh start, one that’s not haunted by the memories of this mysterious stranger. But then she sees him. Hayden. He’s cold and distant and claims he wasn’t there that night. Yet Rose can’t shake the pull she feels toward him. She pursues him, daring him to reject her. Daring him to explain himself.

That’s when she learns the Hayden is a vampire. And the bond between them goes deeper than the night he saved her life. Fate has woven their paths together, and no matter how hard they fight, it refuses to let them go. But loving Hayden may come at a cost…one that could destroy them both.

Review:

A few years ago, while walking home from a party, Rose was hit by a car, but a beautiful boy saved her. Unfortunately, no one believes her, and she keeps the secret until she sees him again at Payen University.

I’m really on the fence with this book. I was expecting something quite suspenseful. Something that would make me hang on and draw me into the world. It did not do any of that. The book was a little predictable, so I had to skip a few pages here and there. Characters felt a bit flat. The world-building was there, but it seemed to lack something, and the plot was predictable.


Thank you, Netgally, the author, and the publisher for the chance to read this novel.

Darkest Depths (Wickedly Grim #2) by Carmen Black

Genre:
Fantasy, Little Mermaid Retelling, Retellings, Reverse Harem, Romance, Smut, Erotica, Enemies to Lovers, Dark Romance, Dark

Publication Date:
May 5, 2023

Page Numbers:
365

Read/Finished Date:
May 2nd, 2026 - May 3rd, 2026

Rating:
5/5

Premise:

Merpeople and humans are enemies.
At least that’s what my father has told me ever since I betrayed him by saving that red-headed human child so many years ago.
He’s never let me forget it, and has always shunned me.
So I had no choice.
I had to prove to him I was deserving to be named heir to his throne.
My plan was dark and reckless, but with the help of the squid sorcerer Cassian, I can pretend to be human, and enact my revenge.
But the human world is not what I thought.
How can I return to the depths when I find my heart being torn not only between land and sea, but in the hands more than one man.

Review:

This is the second book of the Wickedly Grim series, and it focuses on the retelling of The Little Mermaid. Aria, the youngest daughter of King Proteus of Thaelussa, has always been a troubled child after betraying her merpeople for saving a young human child. Since then, she has been locked away in the city by her father. On her eighteenth birthday, she takes the Dagger of Oath from her father's treasury and makes a promise on it—she will bring her father the head of a king. The dagger gives her four months to get a heart, or it will take hers. Her father refuses to allow it, and Cassian offers to help. He turns her human and helps her swim to human land. There she is met by Emma and Theo, and later the king, who she realizes is the boy she saved. As time closes in to kill the king, Aria realizes she loves all three men, but can she kill Elias when the time comes?

I love this series. It has become my favorite ever since I first had my hands on Ashes to Glass, and this becomes another. The world-building. The characters. The storyline. All of them drew me into a fresh new world of the retelling of The Little Mermaid. I think I had a bigger thing for Cassian than the others, to be honest. LOL.

The only downside is that Aria was a big brat in the beginning. I understood her reasons with her father and her sister, but I think she could have been toned down just a bit. I did believe she got character growth as time passed, as did the others.

The Aftermyth (The Aftermyth #1) by Tracy Wolff

Genre:
Mythology, Greek mythology, Fantasy, Dark Academia, Middle Grade, Children, Fiction, Young Adult, Young Adult Fantasy, Romantasy, Academia

Publication Date:
February 3, 2026

Page Numbers:
448

Read/Finished Date:
April 30th, 2026 - May 1st, 2026

Rating:
3.25/5

Premise:

In a world ruled by the tenets of Greek mythology, one girl’s fate is more than it appears in the first book in a new dark academia fantasy middle grade series from #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Crave series Tracy Wolff.

What’s your myth?

Penelope Weaver has spent her whole life preparing to attend Anaximander’s Academy, where students learn how to bring to life the stories of Greek mythology as well as discover the Greek god whose principles they most embody. Penelope knows she’s an Athena—all smart, practical, and rule-following girls who take part in stories that matter are Athenas.

But when Penelope and her twin brother Paris arrive at Anaximander’s, it appears fate has other plans. Penelope isn’t placed with Athena but with students who are anything but practical and who prefer parties to rules. And that’s just the beginning. She’s given the world’s worst muse, her assigned tasks feel impossible, and the magic of Anaximander’s is overwhelming. Not to mention, there are two very different boys making her new life even more confusing.

But as things go from bad to dangerously worse, one thing becomes in a world where everything is fated to happen a certain way, some stories need to be rewritten. As the world around her shifts and cracks, Penelope is asked to forget everything she thought she knew to help create a better story…even if that changes every plan and breaks every rule.

Review:

Do you have a love for Harry Potter and Percy Jackson? Well, this novel is definitely for you. Penelope, or Ellie as she is known, cannot wait to become an Athena girl. Her parents were part of Athena at Anaximander Academy. She believes she will be, too, but she finds herself in Aphrodite instead. She believes this is a misunderstanding, and she really belongs to Athena. On top of that, she is given Calliope, one of the big Nine Muses, who seems more reluctant to be her muse and her brother has pretty much brushed her off. Thankfully, she found herself a newly found family to replace the brother.

The last time I read anything by Tracy Wolff, I really didn't finish reading, but I wanted to give this book a try. I love anything mythology, and this book seemed right up my alley. For the first half of the book, I found Penelope a bit whiny. While I understand that she didn't get into the house she wanted, you have to make do with what you are given. I loved her friends, but I had problems with her brother. Instead of supporting his sister, he pretty much turned his back on her, especially when she was already going through the denial of being placed into the house of Aphrodite.

While I enjoyed the story, I think it fell a bit flat when it came to world-building. I also felt this book was a bit rushed like the author was in a hurry to get this novel out. I am hoping the next novel in this series is not as rushed as this one seems to be.

The Beheading Game by Rebecca Lehmann

Genre:
Historical Fiction, Alternate Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Bristish Literature, Historical Fantasy, Tudor Period, Horror

Publication Date:
March 24, 2026

Page Numbers:
320

Read/Finished Date:
April 3rd, 2026 - April 5th, 2026

Rating:
4.5/5

Premise:

Disgraced. Beheaded. And out for revenge . . .

We all know what happened to Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn. But what if she woke up the day after her execution and took it upon herself to seek justice?

“Nobody was surprised at Anne’s conviction. The world loves to put a woman in her place.”

The Beheading Game begins in the hours after Anne Boleyn’s beheading, when she wakes to find herself unceremoniously in an arrow chest, her head wrapped in linen at her knees. Discarded by King Henry VIII for not being able to give him a male heir, reviled by Cromwell for being too smart for her own good, and executed based on trumped-up charges, Anne escapes the tower, sews her head back on, and sets out on a quest for vengeance.

Traveling in the guise of a commoner, with the help of a prostitute, Anne navigates the London streets she never before walked and soon realizes how little she knew about life in the real world. If Kelly Link had teamed up with Hilary Mantel, the result might be The Beheading Game. An epic journey through the wilds of British royal history and a prescient reminder that “mouthy” women have always been punished, The Beheading Game finally allows one of history’s most maligned women a chance to tell her side of the story.

Review:

An alternate historical event in which Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated second wife of Henry the VIII, finds herself in her own coffin, holding her own head. With strength and determination, Anne takes it upon herself to leave her own tomb and find a needle and thread to reattach her head back onto her shoulders. Despite the unnatural way of revival, all Anne is out for is revenge against Henry and ensuring that Elizabeth's line of succession to the throne is secured.

I am not going to lie, but the unique premise of this novel drew me, plus it was an alternate take on a historical event—the beheading of the ill-fated second wife of Henry the VIII, Anne Boleyn, and her journey toward revenge against the very husband who saw to her demise. I love how we see her inner thoughts and past events that placed a target on her back. But most of all, I understood her need to get to Elizabeth, especially since Henry could easily remove her from the line of succession.

The downside: I am on the fence about the length. On one side, I think the novel was the perfect size for a retelling of Anne Boleyn and on the other end, I think it stretched a bit and could have been sized down just a bit.

Caraval (Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber

Genre:
Fantasy, Magical Realism, Romantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Mystery, Book Series

Publication Date:
September 29, 2016

Page Numbers:
407

Read/Finished Date:
February 26th, 2026 - February 27th, 2026

Rating:
1/5

Premise:

A legendary competition.
A mesmerizing romance.
An unbreakable bond
between two sisters.

Scarlett Dragna has never left the tiny island where she and her sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval—the faraway, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show—are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt-of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. Nevertheless she becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic. And whether Caraval is real or not, Scarlett must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over or a dangerous domino effect of consequences will be set off, and her beloved sister will disappear forever.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval . . . beware of getting swept too far away.

Review:

One of the most disappointing books I had on my TBR. I am really glad I didn't listen to the hype and buy the entire series. Scartlet annoyed me immensely. While I understand her need to protect her sister, she tried a little too hard. If I were Tella, I would have run too.

I don't see myself reading the next books in this series.

The Poet Empress by Shen Tao

Genre:
Romance, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Asian Literature, Historical Fantasy, Romantasy

Publication Date:
January 20, 2026

Page Numbers:
400

Read/Finished Date:
February 11th, 2026 - February 14th, 2026

Rating:
DNF'ed @ 50%

Premise:

Debut author Shen Tao introduces readers to the lush, deadly world of The Poet Empress, a sweeping, epic and intimate fantasy perfect for fans of The Serpent & the Wings of Night, The Song of Achilles and She Who Became the Sun.

In the waning years of the Azalea Dynasty, the emperor is dying, the land consumed by famine, and poetry magic lost to all except the powerful.

Wei Yin is desperate. After the fifth death of a sibling, with her family and village on the brink of starvation, she will do anything to save those she loves.

Even offer herself as concubine to the cruel heir of the beautiful and brutal Azalea House.

But in a twist of fate, the palace stands on the knife-edge of civil war with Wei trapped in its center…at the side of a violent prince.

To survive, Wei must harden her heart, rely on her wit, and become dangerous herself. Even if it means becoming a poet in a world where women are forbidden to read—and composing the most powerful spell of all. A ballad of death...and love.

The Poet Empress is an epic fantasy that explores darker themes, subjects, and scenes that may not be suitable for all readers. Please see the author's content note at the beginning of the book.

Review:

I started this novel with extremely high hopes, drawn in by the intriguing premise of a young woman, Yin Wei, who loses her sibling to famine and ultimately joins the Concubine Selection of the brutal Crown Prince Terran. The story explores her journey as she navigates the treacherous politics of the Inner and Outer Courts, all while facing the prince's dark and cruel nature.

Unfortunately, I found myself struggling to connect with the story and characters. Around the halfway point, I realized I couldn't continue—the storyline and characters held no interest, no matter how well-sounding the story was.

For now, I am setting this book down. I am hoping to come back to it in the future.

Under the Oak Tree, Vol. 2 by Suji Kim

Series:
Under the Oak Tree (Light Novel)

Genre:
Manhua, Korean Literature, Fantasy, Romantasy, Light Novel, Romance, Historical Fiction, High Fantasy, Spicy Romance, Medieval Age, Asian Literature

Publication Date:
June 30, 2025

Pages Numbers:
416

Read Date:
February 5th, 2026 - February 6th, 2026

Rating:
5/5

Blurb:

Most fairytales end with a wedding and a happily-ever-after—but this is no fairytale. The updated and official translation of Under the Oak Tree, the #1 webnovel on MANTA, continues in this second volume.

As her first winter in Anatol turns to spring, Lady Maximilian finds herself confronting an unfamiliar hope. Her voice and her magic strengthen every day; the only parts of Calypse Castle left to refurbish are its gardens, which she plans to fill with blooming flowers; and the way her husband, the recalcitrant war hero Sir Riftan, looks at her from across their bedroom makes her feel, for the first time in her life, that she might be worthy of love and affection.

However, Maxi's life is never that easy. Just as she begins to feel at home with Riftan, Maxi receives a surprise visit from Princess Agnes, the renowned sorceress who might have become Riftan's wife if he'd decided to divorce Maxi after the Dragon Campaign. Not at all what Maxi expected, the princess stirs up complicated emotions and politics that could lead to monumental changes in Maxi and Riftan's relationship.

This volume collects chapters 77-133 of the original webnovel by Suji Kim.

Review:

I went to read the manhwa and I love Riff and Maxi together. The only thing I do have against their relationship is the way he treats her, not like a wife, but a child he needs to be put into time-out.

But I also understood Maxi too. Here was the princess, the one woman who Maxi believed could easily steal her husband from her. They had history. They were even engaged. So, Maxi's fears were real and understandable.

I can see why a lot of people see their relationship as toxic, but I also see the positive side of things too. I think in his own way he does love her but he's been out there slaying monsters, so he doesn't know how to approach Max, plus he is extremely protective of her.

Of Fates & Ruin (Kingdom of Shattered Vows #1) by Alaya Wells

Genre:
Fantasy, Romance, NetGalley, Romantasy, High Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal Romance, the Fae, Seelie and Unseelie

Publication Date:
March 1, 2026

Page Numbers:
700

Read/Finished Date:
January 27th, 2026 - January 29th, 2026

Rating:
5/5

Premise:

If The Hunger Games, Fourth Wing, and Quicksilver had a dangerously romantic book baby, this is it.

I infiltrated a rival fae court to hunt my enemy. I didn’t mean to stab their golden-eyed king.

Disguised as a recruit, I cross into the wasteland swamp, searching for the rebels who murdered my sister. But instead of a crumbling outpost, I find a glittering court cloaked in illusion, where brutal trials bind warriors to magical beasts. Unfortunately, the first person my dagger sinks into is their infuriatingly gorgeous king. Instead of seeking revenge, Trewyn smirks, as if getting stabbed was just flirting. When he assumes I’m here to enter the Rite of Bonds, I let him believe it.

If I fail the bonding trials, I’ll be exiled before I uncover the truth. If I succeed, I risk becoming what my kingdom fears most, an untamed magic-wielder dangerously loyal to the wrong side. My court raised me to see the rebels as traitors. Now, I worry I’ll willingly bleed for them…especially for him.

King Trewyn goads me, but my body doesn’t care that he’s forbidden. He watches me like he knows what I’m hiding. Like he’s daring me to break. Like he’s already decided I’m his, and he’s just waiting for me to admit it.

But with a darker enemy rising, one that drains magic and leaves only husks behind, I’ll have to choose: avenge my sister or trust the king who’s become my greatest temptation.

Vengeance is a mask. And mine’s about to shatter.

Of Fates & Ruin is Book 1 of the Kingdom of Shattered Vows Series. Perfect for fans of hidden identity heroines who don’t take sh*t from anyone, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers with a side of emotional torment, brutal magical trials, court intrigue, beast bonding, found family, and slow-burn spice. This romantasy will sink its claws into your heart, and it won’t let go.

Trigger blood, gore, injuries, violence, death, grief, killing attacking creatures and people, on-the-page heat when they finally spice.

Review:

Of Fates and Ruin by Alaya Wells is a brand new romantasy set in a world where magic is forbidden and even given the death penalty to anyone who shows an ounce of it. Princess Amarissa, or Isi, must suppress her own abilities and don a mask to become an angel of death. When her sister is killed, Isi must become part of the recruitment for a rival court. The trials will be rife with dangers, and the animals won't bond with just anyone.

I loved this novel. I loved the characters. I loved the world-building. I think the bones of the story with its magical system were rather interesting. Isi is our lead female and when her sister is killed, she will do anything to find out what happened to her, even if that means infiltrating the rival court. I like that she has a bit of spirit in her and she doesn't back down. I think strong females in romantasy novels are quite rare and to see one was fun.

Then, we have our shadow daddy, Trew. Can we call him Shadow Daddy? xD I loved his possessiveness over her.

The only downside to it was the romance felt a bit insta. Not entirely insta. There was some slow burn. I am really looking forward to seeing book two.


Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

I Made a Deal with the Devil (Light Novel Volume 2) by Kaz Zen, GISELART (illustrator)

Genre:
Light Novel, Paranormal, Supernatural, Romance, Contemporary, Urban Fantasy,

Publication Date:
March 31, 2025

Page Numbers:
271

Read/Finished Date:
January 14th, 2026 - January 15th, 2026

Rating:
5/5

Premise:

A deal nearing its end.

A decision she must make.

And a truth that will change everything.

Living with Gage has introduced Eva to a world of passion and intimacy she never thought she'd ever find herself in. Her plans are falling seamlessly into place, and for the first time, her life feels almost perfect. But time is running out. Their 30-day deal is coming to a close, and with it, secrets about Gage begin to surface.

What awaits her at the end of the deal? Will their romance survive the deadline, or will it end with it?

Review:

I love it when you get a book, and you devour it in one sitting. This was one of those books. From the first page to the end, it kept the reader engaged in the storyline. Eva has made a deal with Gage - one month that would allow her to seek revenge upon the family that shut her out.

Book two picks up right where book one ends. Eva has seen something she wasn't supposed to, but she has pretty much written it off. I don't want to give too much out because it would be horrible to spoil this novel, but I recommend this series, especially if you have read the manga. It does explain a lot of things to you.

And to be honest, I don't know whether the manga has continued or not. So, pick this up if you are looking for the manga's continuation.