Thought Corridor

 I really liked the world building in this story and the characters too. The dialogue did feel a bit awkward at times and I found myself being dragged out of the fantastical setting when 'modern' stuff was mentioned maybe a bit too much. Maybe I'll have to try earlier books in this universe as there was something about this that didn't quite work for me but that's entirely a personal preference. That said, the book is charming and cosy with an interesting collection of characters. The slow burn of the romance was good and I liked the fae and magical elements. If you like the found family trope then I think you'll enjoy this one. It's always good too to see some Non-binary representation. Thank you to the author, to the publishers, and to Netgalley as always for this ARC.  

I must start this review by saying that I was not aware this was a sequel to The Last Blade Priest until after I had requested it, That said I really enjoyed this book and I did  read The Last Blade Priest before reading this (and highly recommend others do the same). This book takes us back to the world that Wiles created in their previous book and reintroduces us to characters we met there while introducing us to some new ones too. The crisis that is engulfing this world is getting worse and the rivalries between the League and Mirolene empire grow more fierce. Enter our protagonist. Princess  Syzenne who is hiding a secret power that could change things, but of course, she's not the only one. I really enjoyed the vivid world building in this novel, its descriptive and evocative. Thank you to the publishers, the author, and to Netgalley as always for this ARC. 

I took one look at the description of E.M.Caro's Rears and Vices and knew I had to read it. The description begins thus ' Black Sails and Hamilton meet in this queer, poly, spicy Historical Romance set during the 19th century Age of Revolution, when pirates briefly reclaimed the Gulf and Caribbean seas and provided crucial support toward anti-colonial nation-states'. This ticked so many boxes for me.  Huge fan of pirate stories and loved the series Black Sails. (I'd also add that if you liked Our Flag Means Death then there's a great chance you'll like this book too) I really enjoyed this book but sometimes the multiple POV's did throw me off at times but I liked the characters and the romance. It is a very detailed and descriptive book with a great plot. A solid 4 stars.   Thank you to the publishers, E.M. Caro, and NetGalley for providing the ARC. .

The next book to review is Homebound by Portia Elan This has such an interesting premise, I really like books that contain different timelines and that move between them and this book does just that. Starting off in the 1980's the story follows three storylines that all weave together. The downside of some books that follow this structure is that at times it can feel tricky to follow the threads through the book The characters are interesting and the settings are well described. It is emotional at times dealing with complex themes but there is such heart to the writing. It is a very promising debut and an interesting novel to add to the scifi genre. Huge thanks to the author, the publishers, and to Netgalley as always for the opportunity to read this ARC. 

Fake Night  by Eyal Rosen. This describes itself as an addictive dark comedy so I knew I had to choose it. This book is a lot of fun. It is quirky and fast paced and we get caught up with the characters and their switching identities. Because of its manic energy it is hard to really review this book. Feels like one of those ones where you just have to give it a go and give into the madness for a bit. Overall its a fun, fast paced book that can be read quickly and will leave you feeling like you've spent the evening with these people and had a front row seat to their hijinks. Thank you to the author, the publishers and as always to Netgalley for his ARC. 

The next book review for today is The Lighthouse at the End of the World Cities of the Drift  by Philip A. Suggars I chose this book as I enjoy books that look at an alternate world to our own. Oyster our central character is very likeable and it's enjoyable to get to see him figure out his place in the gang. The world building is great as we alternate between a different London to the one we first meet Oyster in and it is all descriptive and vivid. The action is well paced and the book moves along nicely. It is beautifully descriptive and very expansive feeling as a universe. There does feel like there could be more to come in this universe and I look forward to it. It's great for fans (like myself) of V.A. Schwab. Thanks to the author, the publishers, and as always to Netgalley for this ARC.