The Unicorn Hunters: a historical fiction fantasy of one woman's determination to keep her country's future secure

The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden is a historical fiction fantasy of one woman’s determination to keep her country’s future secure. Anne of Brittany is an orphaned duchess who decides to use the world of myth and magic in order to buy herself time. When she was a child, her country was invaded, her home surrounded and her father driven to his death. Now the country’s treasury is empty, the land is filled with enemies and she has been ordered to marry the King of France or risk a renewed war. Anne had promised her father that Brittany would never be conquered. In secret, she betroths herself to France’s greatest enemy and in order to formalize the union, Anne takes her court deep into a legendary forest under the guise of hunting an unicorn. However, it is all a ruse or so Anne thinks when a unicorn appears and she finds herself in a world of enchantment where she must find the power to change her own as well as her country’s destiny or be lost forever. 

I loved Katherine Arden’s Winternight trilogy with a mix of historical events and magical elements. When I had a chance to read The Unicorn Hunters, I looked forward to it as I was intrigued. I knew of Anne of Brittany, the historical figure, as well as the story depicted in the famous Unicorn Hunt tapestries. From the opening pages to the closing chapters, this story was engaging with a political strategy, historical figures and mystical intrigue. Anne is strong willed, fiercely loyal to the memory of her father and the people who depend on her. I enjoyed watching her strategize as she tried to avoid marriage with the King of France. I enjoyed the eerie atmosphere of the country and the legendary forest. There is a romantic element to the story; however, I feel it did not overwhelm the story. Overall, I enjoyed this reimagined story of the historical Anne of Brittany and the magical myth of the elusive unicorn. If you enjoy historical fiction with magical elements, I highly recommend The Unicorn Hunters. 

The Unicorn Hunters will be available June 2, 2026 in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

To Bind Fire: an engaging fantasy as one young woman learns she is destined to save the world, a world she doesn't know

To Bind Fire is the first book in the Empire of Ash and Song trilogy by D.E. Carlson. Iris is thrust into a foreign world she has never known. She knows little about her past and even less about her heritage. The only life she has known is the remote mountain cabin she lived with her mother and brother. When a tragedy brings her down the mountain, she learns the land has been torn by war and is now ruled by the powerful Fire Emperor. She also learns she has a terrible power, a power that can save the world or burn it forever. Besaun is the Crown Prince of the Fire Empire who has no desire for the throne. He has no patience for all the bowing, scraping, and politics. He just wants to tinker with his inventions. Little do they know, they are both fated to save the world. 

I discovered D.E. Carlson on TikTok and I was intrigued by her fantasy books. I decided to start with To Bind Fire. It has been described as “Perfect for fans of the faith themes of the Chronicles of Narnia, the powerful writing style of A Court of Thorns and Roses, and the clean sweet romance of Caraval!” While I haven’t read A Court of Thorns and Roses or Caraval, I love the Chronicles of Narnia and looked forward to how Ms. Carlson weaved faith themes into her story. From the opening chapter to the closing pages, I was hooked on this story. There is action, adventure, intrigue and drama with a smidge of romance. I loved the faith elements with the fantasy magical system. While I was left with questions and suspicions, I can’t wait to finish the trilogy and Iris’s story. I highly, highly recommend To Bind Fire. 

To Bind Fire is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Crimson Kingdom: as the threat of war grows, Rowan must choose a marriage alliance. Which man would she choose?

Crimson Kingdom is the third book in the Lochlann Feuds series by Robin D Mahle and Elle Madison. Rowan thought she had escaped as a prisoner when she stepped foot back in Lochlann. She thought being home would make everything better. However, even safe at home, she is haunted by the memories of Socair and everyone she left behind.  While the talk of war surrounds her, Rowan realizes that entering a marriage alliance is the only way to keep her kingdom safe and prevent another war. She doesn’t have a shortage of options as many marriage proposals flooded in from all over Socair. Only two options have her conflicted. Does she play it safe and choose the man who makes it obvious that he cares for her? Or does she choose the man who seems cool and uncaring and fuels a fire inside of her? 

I have read through this series with eagerness. The first two books were gripping and exciting. I took the chance to read Crimson Kingdom soon after finishing Tarnished Crown. While this story was good, Crimson Kingdom was not as exciting as the first two books. The story was bogged down by the negotiation talks. However, I enjoyed finally seeing Rowan with her family and their interactions. Who she would choose kept me guessing and was shocked and not so surprised at the same time with her choice. There were great emotional moments and fun banter. The story does end on a cliffhanger as the first two books did. Overall, I did enjoy this story and I am looking forward to the rest of the series and a resolution to the feud. If you enjoy the fantasy genre, I recommend Crimson Kingdom and the entire Lochlann Feud series. 

Crimson Kingdom is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

A Soul as Cold as Frost: a twist on Christmas and winter characters

 A Soul as Cold as Frost by Jennifer Kropf is the first book in the Winter Souls series. Sixteen year old Helen Bell knows tragedy. She knows what it is like to be bullied and fight for all she has. She thought she was prepared for anything, however, she wasn’t ready for what was coming next. When a strange girl gives her a crystal orb, Helen’s eyes are opened to the realm of Winter, a world that intersects with the real world. A world where monarchs rise and fall and the name of The Dead King is forbidden to be spoken. Helen is summoned to The Crimson Court to participate in The Quarrel of Sword and Bone, a traditional duel to the death performed in front of one thousand witnesses, with the deranged Queen, a queen with a cold soul. She must find a way out or die in the wintry world. 

I saw this book come highly recommended on BookTok and other sites. I was intrigued by the premise of a series that “blends action and warm Christmas traditions” with “new and grittier versions of famous characters out of holiday legends, folklore and myths.” I was excited to start reading this story as the opening prologue was poetically written. However, I was quickly lost and bored. While I get that as a first book in the series, there would be a lot of world building going on; however, it felt disjointed. I also didn’t believe Helen as a 16 year old. She acts more like a child, than a teen. The book is marketed as a young adult novel; however, it doesn’t read like it. Overall, I was disappointed as it was not the story I was expecting. However, if you enjoy fantastical stories, you may want to try A Soul as Cold as Frost. 

A Soul as Cold as Frost is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Dark Earth: historical fantasy about two sisters

Dark Earth by Rebecca Stott is a story that takes the discovery of an artifact found while building in London. An artifact that asks the question who left it? On an island in the Thames River in AD 500, two sisters, Isla and Blue, find themselves fighting for survival in the harshness of the Dark Ages Britain. Not far from them is the Ghost City, the abandoned ruins of Londinium, the glorious Roman settlement. The ruins are said to be haunted by vengeful spirits. Isla, Blue and their father, the Great Smith, were exiled to the island when he was accused of using dark magic to forge his swords. Osric, the local warlord, places the family under close guard and decrees that the magnificent swords are to be made only for him. When their father suddenly dies, Isla and Blue face enslavement by Osric and his cruel son, Vort. Their only option is to escape into the Ghost City, hoping the fear of the ruins would keep them safe. They discover that in order to survive, they must use their skills and ingenuity to fight back.

I was intrigued by the premise and the author’s note in the beginning of the story that explains the discovery of a brooch in the ruins of Londinium. I usually enjoy stories that are inspired by a piece of history. Unfortunately, the story did not satisfy my curiosity. Dark Earth was a very hard book to get into. I did enjoy the relationship between the two sisters. Isla was the level headed sister who secretly learned her father’s trade. Blue was the fanciful/weird one. Touted as a “heart-in-mouth adventure” that brings a female perspective to a historical period dominated by men, however, beyond the sister’s relationship, the story was dry and bland. The author certainly knows her history and the descriptions of the time are vivid; however, the story is a lot of “telling” instead of “showing” for example “Mother said …” or “Father said…” when I would have preferred to be shown the action as the sisters retell their stories. It was supposed to have a mystical feel, but it wasn’t coming across for me. If you enjoy fantasy with a historical time period, you may enjoy Dark Earth. 

Dark Earth is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook

In a Garden Burning Gold: a fantasy adventure about family, power and magic

In a Garden Burning Gold by Rory Power is a magical fantasy story about twins, Rhea and Lexos, who must find a way to keep their family in power against growing opposition. Rhea and Lexos have incredible magical abilities, along with their family, they can control the seasons, the tides, and the stars. Their magic also helps keep their father on the throne of their kingdom. However, over the past century, their father has become an unpredictable tyrant, with an ever growing temper, which has fueled a rebellion within their borders as well as attacks from rival nations. Rhea and Lexos now must fight to keep the kingdom, and the family, together while fighting treachery, deceit and drama that threatens the bonds they hold dear. Could their determination to bring peace find themselves on the opposing sides of the battlefield? 

Fantasy is not a genre I generally read but In a Garden Burning Gold, with its gorgeous cover and intriguing premise, had me taking a chance. At the core of the story is a family who must test the bonds of their family, to see how far they can bend before they break. The story itself is beautifully written with flowing language. However, the story was like a roller coaster of slow building anticipation to the sudden free fall of action. The slow parts were almost painfully slow which I found myself spacing out. The villain reveal was a bit surprising but as I looked back on the clues leading up to the reveal, it did make sense and was very predictable if I had paid closer attention. If you are a fantasy reader, I would recommend In a Garden Burning Gold. 

In a Garden Burning Gold is available April 5 in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook

 

The Dark of Twilight: a fantasy adventure

The Dark of Twilight by Kate Danley is the first book in the Twilight Shifters series. The story opens as Aein, a young girl, begins her new position in Lord Arnkell’s guard. She is being sent on her new assignment to the eastern borders. Unfortunately, something strange happens when she arrives to the border and she is sent back to Lord Arnkell by her partner, Lars, to raise the alarm of a new threat. Lord Arnkell seems unconcerned but sends reinforcements to the eastern border. Some time later, at a great feast, something terrible happens. The people have fallen under a trouble curse and now it is up to Aein to find a cure before it is too late. Will she be able to find a cure? Is there someone or something behind this terrible curse?

The Dark of Twilight was an enjoyable yet simplistic story. It was an easy read as the story moved along quickly, moving from action to action without much downtime. Unfortunately, I doubt I will continue the trilogy. I did not care for the main character, Aein, as she acts more like a lovesick teenager than a warrior in a royal guard. As a villain, Lord Arnkell is weak. Aein has two potential love interests and the attempts at a love triangle is also weak. Maybe the love triangle will get more intense with the other books, but I have no interest to read further. However, I see teen readers enjoying it and those who enjoy fantasy stories.

The Dark of Twilight

is available in paperback and eBook

The Bone Witch: a fantasy world of magic and monsters

The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco is a story in a mystical world where bone witches are feared for they can raise the dead and have very powerful magic. Tea is a young girl who lives with her parents in Knightscross, a small village in the kingdom of Odalia. Her older sisters are respected witches of water and forest. One day, without meaning to, Tea raised her brother, Fox, from his grave. Another bone witch, Mykaela, comes to see Tea and informs her that she needs to leave her home and train with other ashas or witches. When Tea arrives in Ankyo, the capital of the kingdom of Kion and enters The Willows, the home of the most powerful asha, Mistress Parmina, she is thrown in a world of lessons and intense training. During her training, she visits an oracle who tells her she is hovers between being a force of good and a source of evil. She will change the world. Will Tea heed the oracle’s warning? Will she strive to be a force of good? Or will she turn to darkness?

The Bone Witch is an interesting premise and story which certainly opens itself to multiple books. It was a bit slow at points with no real action until about 75% into the book. However, the descriptions of this world draws you in. The reader learns with Tea as she deciphers the oracle’s message. I can't discuss too much of the events as it would give away too much information, If you enjoy fantasy worlds and the realms of magic and adventure, I recommend The Bone Witch.

The Bone Witch

Is available on Amazon

In hardcover and on the Kindle 

The Ocean at the End of the Lane: a great book with a big imagination!

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman is story of magic and wishes. The story opens to a middle age man leaving a funeral. As he drives through the village he grew up in, he finds himself at the Hempstock farm. While he is there, he remembers the fantastical events of one year when the duck pond on the farm became an ocean.

We are introduced to a lonely young boy who prefers the company of books than kids his age. He meets Lettie Hempstock who insists her duck pond is an ocean. After meeting Lettie and her family, strange occurrences begin to happen around the village. Money mysteriously appearing in the weirdest places, money being thrown at people and a mysterious woman appears at the boy’s home and makes herself comfortable as the family nanny. What is going on? What does the occurrences have to do with the Hempstock farm and their ocean?

I’ve read a few of Neil Gaiman’s books before and The Ocean at the End of the Lane is just as mystical and wonderful as his previous books. It combines the real world with a world of fantasy and magic. It was wonderful strange creatures and interesting characters that as you read, you’re wondering who these people are. It was a short book, about 300 pages, and a quick read. There isn’t much I can talk about without giving away major plot points. If you love fantasy with wonderful characters, I would highly recommend this book.