Author: Nicole Sweeney

Book Review: The Second Death of Locke – V. L. Bovalino

Book Review: The Second Death of Locke – V. L. Bovalino

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Series: The Hand and the Heart #1
Release date: September 23 2025
Publisher: Orbit Books
Pages: 504
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis

Love. Loyalty. Sacrifice.

Grey Flynn has dedicated her life to her mage, Kier.

She will be his blade on the battlefield, his healer and protector. The deep well of raw power inside her is Kier’s to use. Grey would do anything for Kier – be anything for him – if he would only ask.

When a quest to protect the child of an enemy kingdom pulls them into the dangerous heart of their nation’s war, Grey and Kier will need to decide what they are willing to sacrifice to protect their secret.

For Grey is no ordinary magical well, but heir to the lost island of Locke – the root of all power. If she dies, all magic dies with her.

Review

The Second Death of Locke is a beautiful and addictive fantasy book that I could not put down. The story follows Grey Flynn – Grey is a Hand who acts as a well for her mage, Kier. Without her, Kier can’t do magic, and the two are inseparable. When Kier and Grey are sent on a mission to escort the lost heir of Locke to safety, the team knows this mission is going to be fraught with danger, because not only must they keep this mysterious heir alive, they also have to protect their deepest secret – that Grey is actually the lost heir of Locke.

I’ve read three other books by Tori Bovalino and given them five stars, so this was one of my most anticipated releases of 2025. I’m so happy to say that I absolutely loved this book. From start to finish, it was filled with beautiful, lyrical writing and a plot that kept me glued. I thought the story had such a unique, compelling premise, and it was paced really well. There were some twists I didn’t see coming, and I am so intrigued about where Bovalino is going to take the story in book two. There’s plenty of action to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, and while I’m not a big romance person, I thought the romance was really well developed in the story.  

Bovalino has created some really compelling characters, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with Grey and Kier. Grey spends most of her time covered in blood and dirt, she’s a bit on the angry side, and she often speaks up when she shouldn’t. I loved the dynamics between her and Kier, but also between her and the rest of their group as she began to open up and trust people. Kier is also a really likable character, he’s brave and determined and willing to do anything to protect the people he cares about. All the characters in The Second Death of Locke are complex and well crafted, and I can’t wait to see where they end up next.

The Second Death of Locke is an incredibly engaging fantasy adventure full of magic, mystery, and romance. This will without a doubt be in my favourite reads of 2025 so if you’re looking for a fantasy read that will keep you hooked till the very last page, this is one you do not want to miss.

 

Book Review: To Clutch a Razor – Veronica Roth

Book Review: To Clutch a Razor – Veronica Roth

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Series: Curse Bearer #2
Release date: September 16th 2025
Publisher: Titan Books
Pages: 229
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Synopsis

A funeral. A heist. A desperate mission.

When Dymitr is called back to the old country for the empty night, a funeral rite intended to keep evil at bay, it’s the perfect opportunity for him to get his hands on his family’s most guarded relic—a book of curses that could satisfy the debt he owes legendary witch Baba Jaga. But first he’ll have to survive a night with his dangerous, monster-hunting kin.

As the sun sets, the line between enemies and allies becomes razor-thin, and Dymitr’s new loyalties are pushed to their breaking point.

Family gatherings can be brutal. Dymitr’s might just be fatal.

Review

To Clutch a Razor is the second instalment in Veronica Roth’s Curse Bearer series. Following on from the events of book one, the story follows Dymitir as he travels back to his family home in search of a book of curses that he can use to barter with Baba Jaga and get his sword back. To get the book Dymitir must not reveal his true nature to his monster killing family. Meanwhile Niko has been sent on a mission to kill the razor, one of the most legendary Knights there is. Will the two succeed in their tasks, and at what cost?

This might be a short novella at just over 200 pages, but my god did it pack a punch. I completely devoured this story, and I still think about it weeks after finishing it. The plot was gripping, the characters complex and flawed and the writing beautiful and lyrical. I thought the Slavic folklore was absolutely fascinating, and Roth created such a brilliant sense of atmosphere in this story. This instalment felt much darker than When Among Crows and I am so excited to see where Roth is going to take the story in the final chapter.

To Clutch a Razor is a perfectly executed novella. If anything, I loved this one even more than book one, so if you’ve been considering picking this one up, I would highly recommend it. This would make absolutely perfect reading for a dark autumn evening, and I am very much looking forward to reading more from Veronica Roth.

Book Review: Cinder House – Freya Marske

Book Review: Cinder House – Freya Marske

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Release date: October 7 2025
Publisher: Tor Books
Pages: 272
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: I received an E-ARC via Netgalley
Rating: 2.5/5 stars

Synopsis

Ella is a haunting.

Murdered at sixteen, her ghost is furiously trapped in her father’s house, invisible to everyone except her stepmother and stepsisters.

Even when she discovers how to untether herself from her prison, there are limits. She cannot be seen or heard by the living people who surround her. Her family must never learn she is able to leave. And at the stroke of every midnight, she finds herself back on the staircase where she died.

Until she forges a wary friendship with a fairy charm-seller, and makes a bargain for three nights of almost-living freedom. Freedom that means she can finally be seen. Danced with. Touched.

You think you know Ella’s the ball, the magical shoes, the handsome prince.

You’re halfway right, and all-the-way wrong.

Review

Cinder House is a new fantasy novella from Freya Marske, author of A Marvellous Light. The story follows a young woman named Ella, who is murdered by her stepmother and now haunts the house she once lived in. Unable to leave, she is trapped as a servant to her stepmother and two stepsisters. Ella’s days feel endless, until she manages to strike a bargain with a fairy – three days to be real again, to attend the ball at the palace, but when she gets there, all is not what it seems.

This is my first book from Freya Marske, and I thought it was a really interesting take on the Cinderella story. Unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me. I enjoyed the beginning chapters of the story, but I found as the story progressed, I just couldn’t connect with Ella or her story. I wasn’t particularly sold on the romance, and overall, it felt just a little bit too quick. I think perhaps if the story had been longer and a bit more fleshed out, I would have enjoyed it more. This is definitely a unique take on the Cinderella story, and at less than 200 pages, you can absolutely read this in one sitting. While this one wasn’t for me, if you love fast-paced fairytale retellings with a twist, this one might be just what you’re looking for.

Book Review: Hemlock and Silver – T. Kingfisher

Book Review: Hemlock and Silver – T. Kingfisher

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Release date: August 19 2025
Publisher: Tor Books
Pages: 368
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis

Healer Anja regularly drinks poison.

Not to die, but to save—seeking cures for those everyone else has given up on.

But a summons from the King interrupts her quiet, herb-obsessed life. His daughter, Snow, is dying, and he hopes Anja’s unorthodox methods can save her.

Aided by a taciturn guard, a narcissistic cat, and a passion for the scientific method, Anja rushes to treat Snow, but nothing seems to work. That is, until she finds a secret world, hidden inside a magic mirror. This dark realm may hold the key to what is making Snow sick.

Or it might be the thing that kills them all.

Review

T. Kingfisher is back with another unputdownable novel. Hemlock and Silver follows Healer Anja, an academic with a fascination for poisons. When she is summoned by the King to help his daughter Snow (who is dying), Anja travels to the palace in an attempt to save her, but nothing seems to work. Accompanied by a guard and a sarcastic cat, Anja embarks on an adventure to a dangerous mirror world in an effort to save Snow and the very kingdom itself.

Every T. Kingfisher book I’ve ever read has been a five-star read, and this was absolutely no exception. I didn’t want to put this down, and Kingfisher’s vivid, engaging prose meant I raced through this book in just a few days. Hemlock and Silver is described as a dark Snow White retelling, but it is unlike any Snow White retelling I have ever read, and it very much went in a direction I did not expect. Kingfisher does a marvelous job of creating tension as Anja races to save Snow, and there are some genuinely eerie moments as Anja and her companions explore the mirror world.

One of the things I adore most is Kingfisher’s brilliant characters. Anja’s a fascinating protagonist – she’s clever and a bit awkward, and I just loved seeing her perspective on things. Kingfisher does a fantastic job building the romance in the story. I thought it was executed perfectly without overshadowing the main plot. While I really liked all the characters, Grayling did steal the show a bit – how can you not love a talking cat?

Overall, Hemlock and Silver is a compulsively readable fantasy tale and another absolute gem of a book from T. Kingfisher. If you’ve been thinking of picking this one up, I’d definitely recommend it. This is one you don’t want to miss.

Book Review: Fallen Shards – Michael S Jackson

Book Review: Fallen Shards – Michael S Jackson

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Series: Ringlander #2
Release date: August 16 2025
Publisher: Indie
Pages: 619
Find it: Goodreads Amazon
Source: The author kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis

THE SCARS OF A WOUNDED WORLD ARE REOPENING…War continues to blight the Ringland continents of Rengas, from Nord to Kemen and over the Middle Sea to the shores of Sulitaria. The Forbringrs fight in the heavens, leaving those who dwell unto dust, while the human rebellion struggles on against a unifying Bohr front and the treacherous Order of the White Dragon.

As God’s Gift, Abika can wield Soulfire, a power only possessed by Banèmen, but she’s still the unwanted child struggling to answer why she was left for dead. As she searches for meaning amongst a chaotic land, she discovers that the worlds have other plans for her.

Review

Michael S. Jackson is back with the next installment in the Ringlander series and if you’re looking for an engaging, coming of age fantasy adventure, this is a series you absolutely need to add to your TBR.

We pick up after the events of book one, and the war between the humans and the Bohr is far from over. We see some familiar faces, and we also meet some new characters. One of our new main characters is Abika, who can wield Soulfire and is trying to find her place in the world. I really enjoyed her POV, and overall, I thought she was a fascinating, complex character.

Jackson has created a really compelling world with the Ringlander series, and I thought the world-building was excellent. The world feels detailed and well-crafted, and I really enjoyed that we get to see more of the world in this installment. Fallen Shards feels darker and more bloody than The Path and the Way, with some pretty dark and gruesome moments. Jackson’s writing style is engaging, and I often found I didn’t want to put this book down.

Overall, Fallen Shards is a tremendous sequel, one that will leave readers wanting more. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, from the intricate, well-crafted plot to that absolutely gorgeous cover.  If you’ve read book one, book two is a must-read, and if you’re looking for an epic fantasy adventure with fascinating characters and a compelling plot, Ringlander is a series you do not want to miss!

Book Review: Extremity – Nicholas Binge

Book Review: Extremity – Nicholas Binge

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Release date: September 16 2025
Publisher: Tor Books
Pages: 176
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4.25/5 stars

Synopsis

When once-renowned police detective Julia Torgrimsen is brought out of forced retirement to investigate the murder of Bruno Donaldson, a billionaire she worked with whilst undercover, she doesn’t expect to find two bodies. Both are Bruno–identical down to the fingerprints–and both have been shot.

As the investigation sucks her back into the macabre world of London’s rich elite, she finds herself on the hunt for a mysterious assassin who has been taking out the wealthy one by one. But when she finally catches up with her quarry, she unveils an entire world of secrets: impossible documents about future stock market crashes, photographs of dead clones, and a clandestine time-travelling conspiracy so insidious it might just mean the extinction of the entire human race.

If Julia is to have any chance of preventing this terrible future, she’ll have to revisit her own past, the terrible choices she made undercover, and the brutal act that destroyed her once legendary career.

Review

Nicholas Binge is back with a fast-paced science fiction novella that follows ex police detective Julia Torgrimsen as she teams up with a newly recruited constable to uncover who has murdered billionaire Bruno Donaldson. When they discover two bodies – both with the exact same fingerprints – the two become entangled in an investigation into London’s elite and a conspiracy that could destroy life as they know it.

Ascension by Nicholas Binge was one of my favourite reads of 2023, so I was very excited to get to this. The book is less than 200 pages, and I ended up racing through it in a single sitting. This is a gripping and entertaining read that I didn’t want to put down. Binge has created a really compelling plot that is executed so well. If you enjoy police procedurals but with a sci-fi twist, Extremity should definitely be on your TBR.

The story is told from three different POVs, and I thought that worked really well. I really liked Julia; I thought she was a brilliant character. I thought the story came to a really interesting conclusion, and I would love to read another book following the same characters. If you’re looking for a compelling novella that’s full of tension, action, and mystery, that is one you do not want to miss!

Book Review: They Own the Night – Amy McCaw

Book Review: They Own the Night – Amy McCaw

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Release date: September 25 2025
Publisher: Ink Road
Pages: 387
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4/5 stars

Synopsis

Mia and Johnny have always been there for each other – particularly since their father was revealed to be a serial killer and is now serving a life sentence for murdering thirteen people.


Studying in a small university town near Edinburgh, Mia’s coping mechanisms are hiding behind sarcasm, horror writing and her somewhat illegal true crime radio station, while Johnny steps up as her warm, sensitive brother and keeps her out of trouble.But when journalist-wannabe Johnny accepts an offer he cannot refuse – the chance to interview a reclusive mega rock star who disappeared from public view three years ago, Mia finds herself stuck on campus when two male students are found dead.

As Johnny grapples with the enigmatic musician, he realises that something about the star’s nocturnal habits doesn’t quite add up. Meanwhile, Mia’s investigation takes her to the most unexpected places – including her dad’s prison…

Review

This gripping YA horror story follows siblings Mia and Johnny. Mia and Johnny are the children of an infamous serial killer who is currently serving life in prison for his crimes. Attempting to put the past behind them, Mia and Johnny attend university in Edinburgh. There, Johnny is offered the job of a lifetime, to interview Vlad Tepez, one of the most famous rock stars in the world. Tepez mysteriously vanished from public life, and if Johnny can find out why, it could make his career, but Vlad isn’t everything he seems. When two students turn up dead at the university, Mia begins to investigate; however, her investigation goes in a direction she absolutely did not expect.

This was such a compelling read. It was fast-paced, engaging, and I absolutely raced through this one. I really enjoyed McCaw’s writing style; it was atmospheric, and it really brought the 1980s to life. I loved the mixed media format of this book – the story features diary entries, interviews, newspaper clippings, and transcripts from a radio show. I thought this really added another dimension to the story, and it was such a fun way to see the story unfold.I thought the characters were terrific. Mia is strong and determined, but also struggling with the knowledge of what her Dad did. I really liked Johnny too, who becomes entangled in a romance that isn’t what he expects. There is lots of character development for both protagonists, and both POVs were really fascinating. I loved the 80s vampires and it was very reminiscent of The Lost Boys and Lestat, which I absolutely adored. If you’re a vampire fan or you’re looking for a fresh take on the Dracula story, They Own the Night is definitely a book you don’t want to miss – this one should absolutely be on your TBR for spooky season.

Book Review: Daughter of the Otherworld – Shauna Lawless

Book Review: Daughter of the Otherworld – Shauna Lawless

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Series: Gael Song Era 2 #1
Release date: September 11th 2025
Publisher: Head of Zeus
Pages: 448
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis

Over a hundred years after she went missing, Isolde, born to the family of a famous Irish king and a powerful immortal, inexplicably reappears.

Her mother’s kin, the Descendants, are one of the two magical races of Ireland. But no Descendant can understand the reasons for Isolde’s disappearance, and worse yet, she is giftless – born with no magical ability, a dangerous thing when the magic-rich Fomorians, ancient enemies of the Descendants, are growing in strength.

The Fomorians no longer control any Irish kingdoms, but they still desire control over the mortal world. They seek to spread their dangerous webs wider by manipulating England’s Norman lords to invade Ireland.

Not yet eighteen, Isolde’s world is about to change for ever. But when death and destruction seem inevitable, her true worth will show itself, for Isolde is far more than she seems.

Review

Shauna Lawless is back with a new book in The Gael Song series, and it is absolutely unputdownable. Isolde, daughter of Fódla, has reappeared after her disappearance one hundred years ago. But worringly, Isolde has no magical abilities, and the strength of the Fomorians is growing. Soon, everything Isolde knows begins to change, and war is once again on the way. Will Isolde be able to stop the Fomorians from taking control, and at what cost?

I’m pretty sure I could read fifty books about Gormflaith and never grow bored. She’s an absolutely magnificent character, and I’m so happy to be back seeing her scheme and manipulate to get what she wants. Lawless is a master storyteller, and I got completely swept away in this story. The plot is engaging, and I was pretty much on the edge of my seat for the last few chapters of the book. This series feels incredibly detailed and well-researched, and I love the way Lawless weaves magic and history together in this story. Lawless has such a beautiful writing style that you can’t help getting swept up in the story.I really liked that there were some old familiar faces in this story, as well as some new ones. Isolde is a great protagonist, and I loved getting to see her develop and grow as a character. Daughter of the Otherworld is definitely one of my favourite reads of the year, and I am already dying to get my hands on the next instalment. If you’re a fan of historical fantasy and haven’t had the chance to check out The Gael Song series yet, this should absolutely be your next read.

Book Review: Spiderlight – Adrian Tchaikovsky

Book Review: Spiderlight – Adrian Tchaikovsky

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Release date: September 11th 2025
Publisher: Tor Books
Pages: 288
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4.25/5 stars

Synopsis

The Church of Armes of the Light has battled the forces of Darkness for as long as anyone can remember. The great prophecy has foretold that a band of misfits, led by a high priestess will defeat the Dark Lord Darvezian, armed with their wits, the blessing of the Light and an artifact stolen from the merciless Spider Queen.

Their journey will be long, hard and fraught with danger. Allies will become enemies; enemies will become allies. And the Dark Lord will be waiting, always waiting…

Spiderlight is an exhilarating fantasy quest from Adrian Tchaikovsky, the author of Guns at Dawn and the Shadows of the Apt series.

Review

Spiderlight is a gripping epic fantasy tale that follows a group of misfits as they embark on an epic quest to defeat the dark lord Darvezian. To do this, they must first seek help from the Spider Queen. The Spider Queen grants their wish, but sends along one of her children to accompany them. The group knows this quest will be a dangerous one, and those loyal to Darvezian will do anything to stop them.

This was such a wild ride of a book. It was fast-paced, entertaining, and I did not want to put it down. I have read several Adrian Tchaikovsky books in the past, but they have mainly been science fiction, so I was really excited to finally dive into some of his fantasy. I was expecting a ragtag group embarking on an adventure, but I absolutely was not expecting their spider turned into a human companion. This felt like such a unique and engaging idea, and it was executed perfectly.

The characters in this story are really excellent, but Nth is particularly fascinating. He’s attempting to adjust to life in a human body, he’s forced to do as he’s told by the other members of the group, and he’s faced with distrust and revulsion from most of the group. Tchaikovsky does a marvellous job exploring what it means to be different. The book has plenty of humorous moments and a few that are pretty heartbreaking. If you’re looking for an epic fantasy quest story with a bit of a twist, Spiderlight should definitely be on your reading list.

Book Review: Ascension – S. T. Gibson

Book Review: Ascension – S. T. Gibson

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Series: The Summoner’s Circle #2
Release date: July 8 2025
Publisher: Angry Robot Books
Pages: 349
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me an E-ARC to review
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Synopsis

From bestselling author of Evocation comes it’s hotly anticipated and spellbinding sequel, where Rhys steps into his new role as High Priest. A perfect read for lovers of urban fantasy.

Now the High Priest of Boston’s famed and secret Society, Rhys McGowan has a lot on his shoulders. With the help of his adoring witch wife, Moira, and his newly rekindled relationship with psychic boyfriend, David, Rhys is destined to become the most powerful High Priest ever.

However, Rhys’s insatiable ambition may be his undoing…

The second book in the bestselling Summoner’s Circle series sees beloved characters return for an all new dark and enthralling adventure.

Review

Ascension is the newest release from A Dowry in Blood author S. T. Gibson and the second book in Gibson’s Summoner’s Circle series. Picking up after the events of Evocation, we follow Rhys as he tries to come to grips with his new role as High Priest. Things don’t go quite to plan, and Rhys finds himself with quite a lot on his shoulders. He is supported by his wife, Moira, and boyfriend David, but Rhus is determined to be an outstanding High Priest at any cost, even if that means biting off more than he can chew.

I absolutely fell in love with Evocation, so Ascension was one of my most anticipated releases for 2025. It was an utterly compelling read, and I will absolutely read anything S. T. Gibson writes. Gibson has a beautiful and engaging writing style, and as soon as I started reading Ascension, I didn’t want to put it down. I raced through this book in a few sittings, and I am already counting down the days till the release of book three.

The story is pretty fast-paced, and there’s lots going on that will keep the reader hooked and desperate for more. Gibson has a way of crafting these fascinating, complex characters that you just can’t get enough of, and that’s definitely how I feel about Rhys, Moira, and David. I loved exploring the relationships between these three characters, particularly as the story progresses and Rhys becomes consumed by his ambition, while David encounters someone from his past.

This is a compulsively readable series; it’s full to the brim with magic and has some really fascinating and complicated characters. If you’re someone who loves stories with demons and secret societies, you definitely don’t want to miss this one.