The West Wind - could have been better

 meets Greek retelling

I read this as a standalone novel and the tale was engaging, especially the character arc of Brielle and Harper (her nemesis turned ally). In a disciplined world of the abbey, Brielle has more than proved her faith and is yet to be promoted to an acolyte, in service to the Father. Her skills as a bladesmith and her being a larger woman were points which drew me to the story.

She saves a man, nay God, the West wind and bringer of spring, Zephyrus, and is cast into adventures and mishaps, thanks to his errors and omissions. Their tale is one of forgivable, vengeance and truly accepting flaws. With Zephyrus caught in an eternal curse, can Brielle teach him forgiveness and earn the second chance he deserves?

This tale has deep undercurrents of faith and yet does not fully etch the belief systems between the humankind and the fair folk. 

A good read, with Brielle transforming from a doormat to owning her decisions and accepting consequences. Thank you Netgalley and Safa press for the ARC!

Immortal - a spell binding and spectacular sequel in the Celestial Kingdom!

Sue Lynn Tan reveals her mastery in weaving a story of a young, weakened heir ,who grows into power, and consolidates her destiny in this epic tale of magic, love and what immortality truly means. Liyen is the heir to Tianxia, a human kingdom in the footholds of Kunlun which pays obeisance to the Queen of the Golden Desert, enforced by the ruthless, God of War, Zhangwei.

After her grandfather's sacrifice saves her from a cruel poisoning, and she is expected to pledge devotion to the Immortals. She strives against the magical forces and struggles against the secrets shrouding the Immortals, and is intrigued by the God of War. Liyen soon realizes that all is not what it seems, either in the Celestial abodes nor in the Netherworlds. Plagued by heartache, forgotten memories and political intrigue, Liyen comes to her own and finally embraces her choices. The romance between Zhangwei and Liyen unfolds mellifluously, struck by the notes of uncertainty and percussioned with beats of scorching looks and exchanges.

Tan's understanding of the human nature and it's conflict between mind and heart comes to fore. As a flawed heroine grappling with powers beyond her understanding and a political landscape with undercurrents of loss, freedom and vengeance, Tan builds a masterful tale of enchantment, sorcery and ultimately love in all its forms.

A million thank yous to Harper Voyager, NetGalley and the author herself for the ARC! I certainly devoured this tale and hopefully, you will too!

Our Infinite Fates - stunning, spectacular showdown of a storyline

 Wow!!! Laura's 'Our Infinite Fates' leaves you stunned and speechless, in the best way!! I have been dabbling in the groundhog day YA trope with 'the do over', 'yesterday, today, tomorrow' and this book beats them hollow!!

The premise is wonderful as is the exploration of the theme of love, for what is love, if not perfect understanding and acceptance. Evelyn keeps living multiple lives where Arden always reincarnated to kill her on her eighteenth birthday. She struggles with the why and the loss of family in each life, but more for the fact that Arden is her soulmate..

I raced through the book in a day - the writing was excellent and the storyline impeccable. The best kind of reading on a rainy Saturday afternoon! Thank you Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC. I am looking forward to more from Laura Steven. This author is going on my auto buy list for sure!