The Cursed Princess by Alexa H. Michaels

The main character is not likeable - her attitude is terrible and this sets this book up to be extremely hard to read. I understand the reasoning, I also understand that there are characters we don't like but even in some of the dark fantasy I have read (where the MC is quite unlikeable for the most part) I understood the thoughts of the MC, and even while unlikeable they were relatable, and somewhat likeable (meaning there was something that was redeemable). I assume this character's redeeming qualities will show up more in the following books. ??? IF not this series will be very quickly sent to the DNF shelf. Other than that the story was good.

Dark Affliction by Everly Haywood

This leaves you wanting to know what happens next! Excellent world building, great characters. This is worth the read.

The Princess' Pauper by Anna del C. Dye

A kingdom taken and a young crown prince displaced - and without proof of his claim to the throne. A strong princess with no husband, an ailing father, and tradition that will not allow her to rule without a man by her side. The stage is set for an epic story of courage, betrayal, love, and victory. Will Krilil and Zinnia get what each of them want? Will they be able to come together to save two kingdoms?

Blossom and Bone by Mary E Jung

Pacing of the story is okay. Writing is okay. Plot is okay, characters are above okay but not excellent. Overall the read is easy, plot is good enough to keep interest. This is not a book I would add to my physical bookshelf. It is also not one that I would read again. Once is enough, but it's not terrible. It was a good break from the dark fantasy and high fantasy books I've been reviewing lately. I guess I just had hopes for more.

Boy with No Name: Abandon the City of Nightmares (A Threads of Dreams Side Story) by K.A. Wiggins

I have not read the prequels, this is the first of this series that I have read. That being said, I will be completing this series! Excellent writing, great character development.

Vampires' Daughter by Kristen S. Walker

I guess, maybe because I am this parent.....I don't care for the book as much as I otherwise would have. I am all for stories about finding one's self, coming into one's own. I felt that the story centered around a girl who had strict parents (but were otherwise loving, their restrictiveness being for her ultimate protection) who felt the need to not once but multiple times go against them. Is this a story about fighting the restriction of loving parents, coming to age, defining oneself, fighting evil? When your friends put you in a terribly dangerous situation and you become marked by the unseelie (your enemies) and your parents save your but - tell me why you'd purposefully continue down the same path yet again. Are the parents that bad, if they moved this rebel across the country to try to keep her safe? I know plenty in real life who turn their backs on their rebellious children. Yet her parents don't. I don't really know how to feel about this book to be honest. But not because of the author's writing ability. Not because the story was lacking. Not for any reason good enough to review it lower than a 3. It's all a personal preference. I don't glorify rebellion that leads a person into harmful situations, rebellion from a protective environment into recklessness. Rebellion must be for a reason that is for the betterment of others (i.e. rebellion against tyrannical leaders, rebellion against terrible captives, an oppressive system, ect.) So I suppose the premise just bothers me on a personal level. On all other levels this book is enjoyable, the characters are good, the pacing is acceptable, the story line is well thought out, the world building is also good.

Trial of Thieves by Jon Cronshaw

There are authors...then there is Jon Cronshaw, an author that so immerses you into his world and story telling that your invested in the characters. Fedor's story is continued in this dark fantasy. The personal struggles are evident. The guilt, regret, maybe even shame....it weighs on Fedor. This author does an excellent job of world building. And your heart can't help but be drawn into the characters as you experience their struggles, their loyalty to one another, the way they stick together and face the things that come their way. The life of an assassin who doesn't want to be an assassin - what a paradox, what a conundrum, what an issue. The tension is evident and real. Thank you for the review copy from StoryOrigin