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The Dryad’s Crown
The story follows Piper, a girl who comes into the world under strange and magical circumstances, a child not born but found. She grows up pulled between care and cruelty, eventually falling under the rule of Dahlia Tulan, a guildmaster feared by all of Penderyn. Piper, renamed Silbrey, learns to fight, to kill, and to survive, carrying with her a mysterious staff that ties her to the forest and the gods. The book traces her journey from abandoned child to trained warrior to wife and mother, weaving in themes of love, power, abuse, and the weight of choices. It’s a tale about what it means to belong, and what it costs to escape.
Reading this book stirred up a mix of emotions. At times, the writing hit me hard with its blunt edges. Scenes of brutality were uncomfortable, but that discomfort made the story feel real. I caught myself holding my breath when Dahlia appeared, because the tension the author created around her was suffocating. The pacing sometimes slowed down with long descriptions, yet I didn’t mind, because it grounded me in the world. The tenderness between Silbrey and Callis was a much-needed counterweight to the violence. Their love felt believable, raw, and fragile. It gave me hope that even people shaped by cruelty can carve out something good.
What I found most striking were the ideas buried under the story. The book isn’t just about fantasy battles or guild politics. It’s about how trauma roots itself in people and how hard it is to pull free. Silbrey’s connection to her staff, to the trees, and the earth, reminded me of the ways we cling to something solid when everything else is crumbling. Hopkins doesn’t hand out easy answers. The gods don’t swoop in to save anyone. Instead, the book suggests that survival itself is sacred, and sometimes love, though messy and imperfect, is the closest thing to grace. That felt honest to me.
The Dryad’s Crown reminded me of Robin Hobb’s Farseer Trilogy with its mix of intimate character struggle, harsh mentorship, and the ache of trying to build a life in a world that feels both cruel and magical. I’d recommend The Dryad’s Crown to readers who like their fantasy with grit and heart, who don’t mind being unsettled along the way. If you’re drawn to characters who bleed, who fight, who love fiercely even while carrying deep scars, then this book will stay with you long after you set it down.
Pages: 569 | ASIN : B0C19R4FM5
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches from Outer Space! (A Twenty-First-Century Fairy Tale)
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches from Outer Space! is part zany sci-fi adventure, part heartfelt coming-of-age story, and part sharp commentary on youth, education, and social change. It follows Violet—a strong-willed, smart, and slightly overburdened teen—who just wants to start a school newspaper and save the world from ignorance. Instead, she ends up hiking through the forest with her best friend, two chaotic little brothers, and eventually discovering what appears to be a literal alien spaceship with a sandwich in it. You can’t make this stuff up—except, of course, I.S. Noah did, and did it with charm, sass, and a lot of insight tucked under the goofiness.
I adored Violet. She’s the kind of teen I wish I had the guts to be when I was that age—smart, mad as hell about the world’s problems, and totally driven to do something about it. Her internal monologue had me nodding and laughing in equal measure. Like in Chapter 1, when she vents about classmates calling facts “fake news” and quoting Asimov? Chef’s kiss. Relatable, sharp, and kind of heartbreaking. Also, the banter between the kids feels so real. Brad, her pain-in-the-neck brother, is hilarious in that “I want to throttle you but you’re also kind of brilliant” way.
What surprised me most, though, was how layered this book is under all the humor. Sure, there are fart jokes and banana slugs and a glowing alien disc, but there’s also real commentary on truth, science, journalism, and what it means to grow up in a world flooded with noise and nonsense. Violet’s drive to bring back the school newspaper is more than just a school project—it’s her way of fighting for reason in a world full of opinions. And then you get a twist like the sandwich from space—I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say it’s both hilarious and bizarrely thought-provoking. Who knew intergalactic peanut butter could stir up so many questions?
If you’re into stories that mash up teenage drama, sci-fi nonsense, heartfelt moments, and a healthy dose of “what the heck just happened?”—this book is for you. Teachers, nerdy teens, exasperated older siblings, and anyone who’s ever rolled their eyes at misinformation or dreamed of aliens—y’all will love this. It’s smart. It’s weird. It’s got heart. And somehow, it makes space sandwiches feel profound.
Pages: 256 | ISBN : 9798887316918
The Heart of the Trilogy
El legado de Nahia follows a fairy torn between love for her human-turned-family and her duties in the Soberanía de las Hadas (Fairy Realm). What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
El legado de Nahia is Book 3 in my Faerie Legacy Series and Nahia is the rebellious faery princess whose story fills in that 200-year gap between books 1 and 2 (Herencia Encantada and Un Don de Cuna). Her strengths and weaknesses lead her to change her family’s genetic footprint and, after a great many adventures, to a bittersweet victory.
What character did you most enjoy writing about? Was there one that was more challenging to write than others?
I loved writing Nahia’s character arc; she matures so much throughout this novel. Not sure why, but I also get a fiendish kick out of writing antagonists, and in El legado de Nahia, it was very satisfying to develop Alaia and Ederne as their own plots threatened our heroine.
Friendship, love, sacrifice, and duty are virtues that are highlighted throughout the story. Why are these important in telling the story?
Beyond the fantasy in this novel (really the whole series) we find a great deal of realism. At the heart of the trilogy is the relationship between women in a family, hybrid though it might be. How mothers and daughters communicate and relate to one another is a critical aspect of this 200-year saga driven by generational love.
Where do you see your characters after the book ends?
At the end of El legado de Nahia we leave the family poised to move forward in blissful interdimensional harmony. Although that has the traditional fairytale happy ending vibe, the thought of a 4th book has been nagging at me. The chronicle of the latest descendant of the Santillán clan is just too tempting to leave alone. As soon as I come up with a proper conflict for young Aintza, I’m sure book 4 will take off.
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Krystal Winkle and Galloping Giuseppe
Most emergency room doctors seek details about a patient’s accident to provide the best care possible, and most patients willingly share this information. However, Krystal is not a typical patient. She harbors secrets that her grandmother has urged her to keep hidden—secrets that, if exposed, could reveal her powers and her family’s extraordinary heritage. Krystal must carefully guard this knowledge, even from her own father.
Krystal Winkle and the Galloping Giuseppe, by Carolyn Roth-White, is the captivating sequel to Roth-White’s children’s adventure novel, Krystal Winkle and the Peacemaker of Kigali. In this brilliantly penned fantasy, Krystal is hunted for her exceptional powers, which include enlisting the help of animals from all over. Young readers will be enchanted by the mystique surrounding Krystal as a member of the Cristalli. Her secret life, hidden from outsiders, the Cristalli Huntsmen, and even her own family, unfolds amid the Roman catacombs, revealing fantastic creatures and remarkable connections with nature.
Roth-White excels at crafting memorable characters and weaving adventure plots with the perfect blend of chaos, mystery, and suspense. Krystal is a vibrant character, and the first-person narrative creates an engaging reading experience. The use of the present tense throughout Krystal’s adventures adds immediacy and pulls readers into her world with ease. As an elementary teacher, I value chapter books that balance narration and dialogue while challenging young readers. Roth-White’s writing alternates between vivid descriptions of Rome, action-packed sequences, and clever, quick-witted exchanges between Krystal and her unique companions. This sequel strikes the perfect balance, keeping readers engaged from cover to cover.
Roth-White’s continuation of the Krystal Winkle saga promises to thrill young readers and offers a fantastic opportunity for novel studies in literature classes. I eagerly anticipate the announcement of a third installment in Krystal Winkle’s adventures.
Pages: 232 | ISBN : 978-0-568-35975-5
Beauty & the Alchemist
Beauty & the Alchemist, by Elle Hartford, is an engaging cozy murder mystery set in the enchanting town of Belville, a haven for magical beings. The story centers around Red, a pragmatic Alchemist who turned her back on her family’s legacy as Seers to embrace the tangible world of science. Running Red’s Alchemy and Potions, she becomes intertwined in a web of intrigue when a jailbreak and subsequent murder disrupt the town’s peace. Alongside her, a witty dog familiar named William and a diverse cast of characters, including the pun-loving, half-orc police officer Thorn and scholarly friend Luca, add depth and humor to the narrative.
The plot unfolds with a murder outside a mysterious castle, pulling Red into a quest to exonerate her friend and unravel the secrets of an ancient curse. The inclusion of a forgotten history of tree-elves, the Drus, adds a layer of myth to the already rich tapestry of the story. Hartford skillfully blends elements of fantasy, steampunk, and modern technology, creating a world that is both familiar and wonderfully unique.
The book shines in its ability to balance playful and light-hearted moments with tension and darker themes. Its ability to maintain my interest, despite my usual focus challenges, speaks to the compelling nature of the narrative. The characters are charming, each with their distinct quirks, and the representation of diverse sexualities is a refreshing addition. The inclusion of recipes related to the story is a thoughtful touch, further immersing readers in the world of Belville.
While I enjoyed the story, I felt some characters occasionally verged on being overly irksome, which may be intentional to evoke a strong reader response. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall experience.
For those who enjoy a blend of fairy tale elements with the intrigue of a cozy murder mystery, peppered with a dash of the supernatural and a hint of spookiness, Beauty & the Alchemist is an excellent choice. Hartford has crafted a captivating fantasy world that invites readers to return to Belville time and time again.
Pages: 294 | ASIN: B0C271XLX4
Pirate Dreams
Pirate Dreams, the first installment in the Ginny McC’s Mysteries series by DL Morton, takes readers on an exciting journey alongside the protagonist, Ginny, and her remarkable clairvoyant dreams. These dreams serve as valuable tools for unveiling the truths behind the captivating mysteries she encounters. Accompanied by her loyal and supportive friend Rita, fondly known as Ritz, they embark on an unforgettable adventure at the enchanting pirate-themed festival, Pirate Days. The story truly comes to life as Ginny’s dreams transport her to the deck of the festival’s centerpiece pirate ship.
The novel revolves around a group of young adults who face relatable challenges such as jobs, rent, and finding a new place to live. Including these realistic aspects adds depth to the characters and grounds the story in a believable setting. Although the book touches on their personal lives, it does so in a lighthearted and humorous manner, incorporating playful allusions to their bedroom activities. While the plot may appear simplistic at first glance, it ultimately proves to be charming and engaging, capturing the essence of a captivating children’s adventure. The author’s writing style, although straightforward, effectively conveys the story, allowing readers to effortlessly immerse themselves in Ginny’s world. The narrative adheres to the fundamental principle of “Show, don’t tell,” vividly bringing the scenes to life. The characters, particularly Ginny and Rita, possess a genuine and relatable dynamic, engaging in realistic arguments and moments of introspection. Their interactions mirror authentic human behavior, and though they occasionally backtrack on their initial stances, it serves to showcase their growth and emotional depth. One aspect worth noting is the deliberate exposition that subtly foreshadows character traits, allowing readers to anticipate their development. By skillfully revealing these traits, the writer invites readers to form deeper connections with the characters and better understand their motivations.
I recommend Pirate Dreams to those seeking a delightful and whimsical adventure, complete with mystery and intrigue. The novel’s imaginative storyline and relatable characters make it an enjoyable read.
Pages: 264 | ASIN : B0C2JW6TN7
The Writer and the Librarian
The Writer and the Librarian by R. L. Geer-Robbins is a captivating fiction work that masterfully blends fantasy and realism elements. This book is an intriguing mystery imbued with romance, myth, and legend, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted tale. The story follows Chloe Pairtree, an ordinary writer who finds herself drawn into a centuries-old secret society known as the Raven Society. The society’s mission is to safeguard a magical book called the Book of the Veiled, which has the power to rewrite history and shape the future. When the book is stolen, Chloe is recruited to help recover it, thrusting her into a world of danger and intrigue.
Although the novel has an extensive cast of characters, the author takes the time to introduce each of them, allowing readers to become fully immersed in their stories. This may make the initial stages of the book feel slow, but it pays off by giving readers a deeper understanding of the individuals and their motivations. Chloe is the exception to this, as the story follows her as she falls in love with the enigmatic Lucas. Despite this, we are only given hints of her troubled past, and the story arc that begins in this book remains unresolved at the end. However, Geer-Robbins sets the stage for future installments in the series, leaving readers eager for more. The characters are well-drawn, and the dialogue feels natural. The author uses the first-person point of view to give Chloe a witty and engaging voice, which readers are sure to appreciate.
The Writer and the Librarian is an entertaining work of Dark Fantasy and transports readers to an intriguing and imaginative world. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging mystery with a touch of magic.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0BRGHYHB7
LITERARY TITAN 