A Review of A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
A cosy story about magic, found family and finding somewhere you belong.
Some books are about magic, spells and fantastical worlds. Others are about something much closer to home: finding people who accept you for exactly who you are. A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna manages to bring both together in a heartwarming story about second chances, friendship, love and belonging.
There is always something bittersweet about finishing a series that you have invested so much time in. You become attached to the characters, their relationships, their struggles, and the world you have spent so many hours getting lost in. And when you finally reach the end, you want to feel satisfied. You want that ending to leave you with something special.
I’ve officially finished House of Flame and Shadow, and I have A LOT of feelings. 🌙📚
After everything that happened in the first two books, I was so invested in these characters and desperate to see how their stories would come together. There were twists, emotional moments, surprises and plenty of moments where I just had to sit there and process what I’d read. 😭
After finishing House of Earth and Blood, I couldn’t wait to dive straight into the next book in the Crescent City series—and it did not disappoint.
House of Sky and Breath takes everything I loved about the first book and raises it to another level. The relationships become even deeper, the stakes feel higher, and the world continues to expand in ways that kept me completely invested from beginning to end
After years of hearing readers rave about the Crescent City series, I finally picked up House of Earth and Blood—and I’m so glad I did.
I’ll admit, this wasn’t an easy book to get into. The opening chapters throw you straight into a brand-new world filled with different species, locations and terminology, so it took me a while to find my footing. At first, it felt a little overwhelming, but once everything started to click, I couldn’t stop listening.
Some series are entertaining. Some series are memorable. And then there are the rare series that make you feel like you’ve lived alongside the characters.
That was exactly my experience with Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare.
After finishing Clockwork Angel, I was excited to continue The Infernal Devices trilogy, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much Clockwork Prince would pull me into the story.
When I first picked up Clockwork Angel, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I’d heard so much about the Shadowhunter world over the years, but somehow I’d never actually taken the plunge. Looking back now, I can safely say I understand why this series has such a dedicated fanbase.
A Wildflower in the Wind was an addictive start to the Magic of the Wildflowers trilogy and a book that kept me listening for hours at a time.
What I loved most about this story was the mystery. Every time I thought I had figured something out, another revelation appeared and pulled me deeper into the plot. The story does a fantastic job of slowly uncovering secrets while still leaving plenty of questions unanswered, making it difficult to stop listening.
Heat of the Everflame was everything I hoped it would be and more. This series has completely pulled me into its world, and by the time I reached the end of this book, I was fully invested in both the story and the characters.
Glow of the Everflame by Penn Cole | Spoiler-Free Review
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
After thoroughly enjoying Spark of the Everflame, I couldn’t wait to continue the series, and Glow of the Everflame delivered exactly what I was hoping for: more mysteries, more questions, and even higher stakes.
Every now and then, a book comes along that reminds me exactly why I love reading fantasy.
Fear the Flames by Olivia Rose Darling wasn’t just a good read. It wasn’t even just a five-star read. Somehow, over the course of a few hundred pages, it became my favourite book of the year.
I finally finished The Bridge Kingdom series by Danielle L. Jensen, and I can safely say I’m dealing with a serious book hangover.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve listened to every book in the series, becoming completely invested in the characters, the politics, the romances, and the world Danielle L. Jensen created. While my ratings for the individual books haven’t changed, finishing the series gave me a whole new appreciation for the story as a whole.
I went into The Endless War expecting another amazing fantasy read from The Bridge Kingdom world, but what I didn’t expect was for Danielle L. Jensen to completely destroy my emotional stability in the process.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
At the beginning of this series, I genuinely did not think Keris would become one of my favourite characters. I really didn’t. If someone had told me earlier on that I would finish this book and sit here saying he might actually be one of the best characters in the entire series, I would have laughed and carried on reading.
When I first started The Bridge Kingdom, I honestly expected one of those books you listen to casually in the background and forget about a week later. I hate saying that because I know “free” does not automatically mean bad, but I think a small part of me expected it to be a little dull.
Right… my goodness. I’ve officially finished Emily Wilde book three and I’m not even pretending to be calm about it — FIVE STARS all the way. No overthinking. No complicated breakdown. Just pure “I loved every minute” energy.
(aka: the sequel that quietly snuck up and did everything better)
Right, I’ll be honest — I went into this one with cautious optimism. I liked the first book, but I didn’t love it straight away. So when I started Map of the Otherlands, I wasn’t expecting to be completely pulled in… and yet here we are. This book felt smoother, warmer, and way more immersive than the first in the series — like the world finally stretched its legs and said, “Okay, now we’re having fun.”
This may sound silly, but when I first heard about Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries, I genuinely thought it was a real book. An actual academic encyclopaedia. The kind you’d expect to find tucked away in a quiet library, written by someone far more interested in folklore than in people.
Hollow is the first book in the Crown of Hearts & Chaos series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, bestselling authors known for their emotionally intense romantic fantasy works. It blends high-stakes fantasy adventure with a deeply atmospheric romantic tension, creating a world that feels as dangerous as it is seductive.
(aka: “Why My Emotions Did a Gymnastics Routine While I Tried to Act Normal in Public”)
If Fearless were a person, they’d be that friend who drags you out of bed at 6 a.m., swears it’ll be “fun,” and then somehow you’re crying and laughing while drinking lukewarm coffee and processing childhood trauma. In other words: this book does. not. play.
Let’s break it down.
The Plot (aka: The Emotional Trap)
From page one, Fearless grabs you by the face and says “Right. We’re doing honesty today.” The story steps straight into the messy, complicated bits of love, survival, and trying to grow into the version of yourself you wish you could be without snapping like a breadstick. It isn’t soft around the edges—more like a sandpaper hug with occasional moments of warmth so good you briefly forget you’re being emotionally exfoliated.
And yes, it has action, tension, and drama, but never in that melodramatic, “I’m going to throw this book across the room” way. It’s balanced. Purposeful. The kind that keeps you reading at 2 a.m. even though your eyeballs are staging a walkout.
The Characters (the disaster darlings we love anyway)
The characters in Fearless feel like real people — the kind you’d secretly stalk on Instagram because you need to know what they’re doing with their lives after they’ve wrecked yours.
The protagonist: Strong, stubborn, flawed, and someone you want to hug and shake at the same time. A premium blend of “I’ve got this” and “actually… no I don’t.” The love interest: Oh, the chemistry? Thick. Tangible. Like-you’re-breathing-the-same-air thick. And none of that fake “we glanced at each other and now we’re soulmates” nonsense — it’s earned, layered, and messy in a delicious way. Side characters: Actual personalities! Actual impact! Not those cardboard cutout best friends who only exist to say “you’ve got this, girl!”
Basically: the cast is stacked.
The Writing (smooth like butter, sharp like a knife)
The style is gripping without trying too hard. Emotional without drowning you. And just when you think you’ve settled into the rhythm, bam, a line knocks you sideways and you need a minute to recover. The pacing? Chef’s kiss. No saggy middle, no rushed ending, no filler chapters where someone stares out a window thinking poetic nonsense.
Also, can we appreciate how the tension builds like a well-seasoned slow burn? I wasn’t just turning pages — I was inhaling them like a woman possessed.
The Feelings (I had all of them. Every single one.)
Did I:
Laugh? Yes. Cuss at imaginary people? Yes. Clutch the book to my chest like I was in a dramatic Victorian portrait? Also yes.
The emotional payoff is so worth the ride. You end up genuinely rooting for the characters, even when they make choices that make you want to crawl into the pages and give them a very stern talking-to.
Final Thoughts
Fearless is the kind of book that sticks to your ribs. It’s intense in the best way — raw, heartfelt, and beautifully chaotic. If you’re into stories that make you feel like you’ve lived through something with the characters (and maybe aged three years emotionally) then this is absolutely your next read.
✨ a short snappy version
Would I recommend it?
Oh, absolutely.
Would I reread it knowing full well it will drag me by the hair through my own emotions again?
Picture this: shadows slinking through ivy-covered corridors, whispered secrets traded like currency, and a campus where power isn’t just earned—it’s taken.
I just finished reading Christelle Dabos’ The Mirror Visitor books and I can’t stop thinking about them! These fantasy books are really something special. If you liked Harry Potter or His Dark Materials, you might love these too – but they’re totally their own thing.
Hannah Nicole Maehrer’s Apprentice to the Villain is a delightful fantasy-romance with sharp wit, an irresistibly fun premise, and a slow-burn romance that will keep you hooked from start to finish. If you love stories that blend humor, adventure, and a touch of villainous charm, this book is a perfect addition to your TBR list.
In the ever-evolving world of fantasy romance, Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer bursts onto the scene with a refreshing, laugh-out-loud, and heart-throbbing twist on the classic enemies-to-lovers trope. If you’re looking for a book that combines the whimsical charm of The Office with the dark allure of a fairytale villain, then buckle up — this story is about to steal your heart.
Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Sea of Monsters is a masterfully crafted adventure that blends humor, heart, and high-stakes action into a story that grips readers from the very first page. As the second book in the Percy Jackson series, it builds upon the rich world introduced in The Lightning Thief while deepening the mythology and relationships that make the series so compelling.
If you’re craving a fantasy romance series that blends whimsy with danger, intrigue with passion, and magic with heart-pounding stakes, The Wonderland Court Duology is your next obsession. This two-book series takes everything you think you know about Alice in Wonderland and twists it into a breathtakingly dark, seductive, and unpredictable journey that will leave you utterly spellbound.
J.A. Andrews’ Keeper of Origins: The Complete Trilogy is a masterfully woven epic fantasy series that brims with adventure, deep-rooted secrets, and characters who steal your heart. If you crave immersive world-building, compelling character arcs, and an emotional journey that lingers long after the last page, this trilogy delivers in full force.
Kaylie Smith’s “Phantasma” is a spellbinding entry into the dark romantasy genre, weaving a tale that is both haunting and irresistibly seductive. Set against the backdrop of a cursed manor, this novel invites readers into a world where danger and desire are intricately intertwined.
Lauren Roberts’ “Reckless,” the second installment in the Powerless Trilogy, invites readers into a world where love and loyalty collide amidst a backdrop of political intrigue and rebellion. This young adult fantasy romance continues the journey of Paedyn Gray and Kai Azer, weaving a tale that is both heart-pounding and emotionally resonant.
Lauren Roberts’ Powerful is an electrifying fantasy debut that weaves together high-stakes action, complex characters, and a world brimming with danger and intrigue. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you turning pages late into the night, this is it.
Lauren Roberts’ Powerless is a breathtaking, high-stakes fantasy novel that grips you from the very first page. Blending elements of dystopian society, slow-burn romance, and thrilling competition, it offers a gripping journey of resilience, rebellion, and self-discovery. Whether you’re a fan of fierce heroines, intricate world-building, or an enemies-to-lovers dynamic filled with tension, Powerless delivers on all fronts.
Stephanie Garber’s A Curse for True Love is the breathtaking conclusion to her Once Upon a Broken Heart trilogy, a series that has captivated readers with its enchanting prose, intricate world-building, and deeply emotional romance. This final installment takes everything readers have loved about the series—its fairytale-like magic, high-stakes adventure, and swoon-worthy characters—and elevates it to new heights.
Stephanie Garber’s The Ballad of Never After is a spellbinding sequel that seamlessly blends whimsy, heartbreak, and intoxicating magic. If you crave a novel that defies expectations and keeps you emotionally engaged from start to finish, this book is an irresistible choice.
Stephanie Garber’s Once Upon a Broken Heart is an enchanting dive into a magical world brimming with intrigue, romance, and the bittersweet allure of fairy tales. Perfect for fans of lush, atmospheric storytelling, this novel offers readers an irresistible blend of mystery, whimsy, and heartache.
“Quicksilver” by Callie Hart is a masterfully crafted tale that lures readers into a world brimming with intensity, mystery, and raw emotion. At first, the book may seem like a slow burn, but its intricacies gradually unfold to reveal a gripping story that refuses to let go.
“Onyx Storm” is a masterfully crafted novel that demands attention from the very first page. Set in a world where darkness and light blur in both the physical and moral realms, this book plunges readers into a high-stakes narrative teeming with intricate world-building, razor-sharp character development, and a plot that balances suspense, action, and heart-wrenching drama.
Sarah J. Maas’s “House of Flame and Shadow,” the third installment in the “Crescent City” series, has taken the literary world by storm, exemplifying the burgeoning “romantasy” genre—a seamless blend of romance and fantasy. The novel’s release on January 30, 2024, was met with unprecedented enthusiasm, selling 44,761 copies in its first week and becoming the third fastest-selling science fiction and fantasy title since records began.
“House of Sky and Breath,” the second installment in Sarah J. Maas’s “Crescent City” series, continues the journey of Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar in the urban fantasy realm of Crescent City. This sequel delves deeper into the intricate dynamics of its characters and the complex socio-political landscape they navigate.
Sarah J. Maas, best known for her Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses series, delivers an urban fantasy epic with House of Earth and Blood, the first book in the Crescent City series. Combining her signature blend of romance, adventure, and intricate world-building, Maas shifts into an adult fantasy setting that’s rich with political intrigue, supernatural beings, and deeply personal stakes.
Plot Summary
The story follows Bryce Quinlan, a half-human, half-Fae party girl living in Crescent City, a modern metropolis teeming with magic and danger. Bryce’s life takes a tragic turn when her closest friends are brutally murdered by a mysterious demon. Two years later, when the case reopens, Bryce teams up with Hunt Athalar, a disgraced angel serving as an assassin for the Archangels. Together, they unravel a conspiracy that threatens not only Crescent City but the delicate balance of power in their world.
Rebecca Yarros’ “Iron Flame,” the second installment in The Empyrean series, continues the journey of Violet Sorrengail at Basgiath War College. Following the revelations of “Fourth Wing,” Violet faces new challenges that test her resilience and adaptability.
When I picked up Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, I wasn’t prepared for the immersive journey it would take me on. Imagine stepping into a world where survival is a brutal test, dragons bond with humans, and the stakes are nothing short of life and death. From the first page, I was hooked—not just by the action but by the deeply personal stakes of the main character, Violet Sorrengail.
When I first picked up A Tournament of Crowns, I was expecting intrigue, magic, and of course, the fierce competition that the title promises. What I didn’t anticipate was just how deeply I would be drawn into Elise Kova’s world, where the stakes of the tournament are far more than just a crown—they’re a matter of life, legacy, and the future of entire realms. This novel is a whirlwind of political tension, action-packed sequences, and layered character development that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
When I first picked up An Heir of Frost by Elise Kova, I was already expecting a certain standard. After all, Kova is known for her intricately woven worlds, vivid characters, and a magic system that always manages to feel fresh despite the glut of fantasy novels in recent years. But from the very first chapter, it was clear that this book wasn’t just going to meet my expectations—it was going to blow them out of the water.
There’s something magical about diving into a world shaped by Elise Kova’s hands, and A Hunt of Shadows doesn’t disappoint in that regard. As I opened the book, I braced myself for what I knew would be an emotional and fantastical rollercoaster, brimming with intricate magic systems, deep character dynamics, and a world on the verge of unraveling. And while I had expectations—coming off the emotional high from The Trial of Sorcerers—what I encountered was an exhilarating and unexpected ride.
Elise Kova’s The Trial of Sorcerers is one of those books that takes you by surprise—much like a whispered spell, deceptively soft yet laced with potent power. From the moment I turned the first page, I found myself pulled into a vivid world where elemental magic feels as natural as breathing, and where political machinations tangle with the personal journeys of the characters in ways that felt both thrilling and deeply personal. Without giving away spoilers, this is a story about growth, the pressures of expectations, and the magic of survival when the odds are against you.
When I picked up The Vortex Chronicles Complete Collection, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. Having already enjoyed Air Awakens by Elise Kova, I was intrigued by the idea of a new adventure in the same world, but one with a completely different tone and direction. This collection doesn’t just follow in the footsteps of its predecessor; it sets off on a wild, wind-whipped adventure of its own.
In A Court of Silver Flames, Sarah J. Maas takes us on an intimate and raw journey through the eyes of Nesta Archeron. If you thought Nesta was a mystery before, this book lays bare her complex, often conflicting emotions, and her growth takes center stage in a way that’s both painful and triumphant. From the very first page, I felt as though I was being pulled into the depths of her struggle—her battle with herself, her trauma, and ultimately, her sense of worth.
When I picked up A Court of Frost and Starlight, I was curious about how Sarah J. Maas would bridge the events of A Court of Wings and Ruin and the future of the Night Court. This book is different from the previous entries in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series—it’s quieter, more introspective, and a necessary breather after the tumultuous events that have shaped these characters’ lives. While A Court of Frost and Starlight may not be a sweeping epic of battle and intrigue, it shines in its exploration of healing, relationships, and the subtle tensions that arise in a world rebuilding itself.
Diving back into the world of Prythian with A Court of Wings and Ruin felt like stepping into a storm—one where the winds of war, betrayal, and unlikely alliances battered me from every direction. I knew this third installment in Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series would be intense, but I was not prepared for the emotional whirlwind that awaited me. The stakes are higher, the tensions palpable, and the scope grander than ever before. As I turned each page, I found myself pulled deeper into the chaos, my heart constantly racing with anticipation of what might come next.
I’ve always been someone who enjoys books that not only entertain but also take me on a journey of emotional and intellectual growth. And Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Mist and Fury (ACOMAF) truly fits that bill. If you’ve read the first book in this series, A Court of Thorns and Roses, you might expect more of the same in the sequel—romance, tension, a touch of fantasy. But let me tell you, ACOMAF is an entirely different beast, taking a leap into a richly developed world filled with complex characters and intricate plotlines that shift your understanding of everything that came before.
When I first picked up A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) by Sarah J. Maas, I had a vague notion of what to expect: a fairytale retelling with a touch of romance, set in a world of fae. Yet, the moment I dove into the pages, I realized that this story was so much more complex, layered, and emotionally charged than I had anticipated. There’s a certain pull that the novel exerts from the very first chapter, a magnetism that comes from both its vivid world-building and its characters, who evolve and deepen in unexpected ways.
I’ve just finished reading Kingdom of Ash, the final book in Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass series, and I’m feeling a mix of emotions—exhausted from the intensity of it, yet strangely satisfied. This book is the culmination of a journey that started with Throne of Glass and spanned across seven books, growing more complex, darker, and more emotionally charged with each installment. From the very first page, I was reminded of why I fell in love with this series, and by the end, I was left in awe of Maas’ ability to bring such an epic tale to a fitting close.
“Tower of Dawn” by Sarah J. Maas is a book I went into with a bit of hesitation, and perhaps that’s a sentiment many share. It’s not because I didn’t trust Maas’ ability to craft an engaging story—her previous works had already cemented her as a powerhouse of the fantasy genre. But because this book was, at least initially, unexpected. This isn’t a continuation of the main storyline
When I first picked up Empire of Storms, the fifth book in Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series, I was already deeply immersed in this world of magic, war, and complex characters. By this point, I felt I had a strong sense of who these characters were, what drove them, and where the story was headed—or at least, I thought I did. This novel quickly disabused me of that notion.
Queen of Shadows, the fourth book in Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass series, is a masterful continuation of a sprawling fantasy epic that grips readers with its evolving characters, high-stakes politics, and emotionally charged moments. As someone who has followed the story from the beginning, Queen of Shadows feels like a monumental shift—a turning point that reshapes everything I thought I knew about the world Maas has crafted.
From the very first page of Heir of Fire, I knew this installment of the Throne of Glass series was going to be different. It felt darker, more introspective, and more complex than the first two books. Sarah J. Maas deftly takes us deeper into her world, not just geographically but emotionally, as we follow Celaena Sardothien on a path that is both epic in scale and deeply personal.
I recently finished Crown of Midnight, the second book in Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series, and wow—this one took things to a whole new level. If Throne of Glass set the groundwork with a good introduction to the world and characters, Crown of Midnight blew that open and left me reeling with its plot twists, emotional depth, and non-stop action.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas really captivated me with its richly imagined world of intrigue and danger. Set in the kingdom of Adarlan, it follows Celaena Sardothien, a young assassin with a complex past and a fierce drive to reclaim her freedom.
Sarah J. Maas’s “Assassin’s Blade” is a compelling prequel to her Throne of Glass series, offering a gripping dive into the origins of Celaena Sardothien, the notorious assassin of Adarlan. This collection of novellas provides a rich backstory, fleshing out Celaena’s character before the events of the main series.
From the outset, Maas’s signature world-building shines. The richly detailed setting immerses readers in a world of political intrigue, magic, and deadly rivalries. Each novella delves into different facets of Celaena’s life and the complex dynamics of her relationships. Maas’s writing captures the essence of Celaena’s fierce independence, her cunning strategies, and the depth of her vulnerabilities.
One of the book’s strengths lies in Maas’s ability to balance action with emotional depth. The fast-paced, high-stakes adventures are matched by poignant moments that reveal Celaena’s inner struggles and growth. This combination keeps the narrative engaging and multidimensional.
“Assassin’s Blade” also provides valuable context for the Throne of Glass series, enriching the reader’s understanding of the characters and the political landscape. Maas’s exploration of themes like loyalty, redemption, and the burdens of leadership adds layers to the story, making it not just a collection of exciting tales but a meaningful prelude to the main saga.
In conclusion, “Assassin’s Blade” is a must-read for fans of the Throne of Glass series and those new to Maas’s work. It offers a captivating blend of action, character development, and world-building that sets the stage for the epic narrative that follows.
Anna Hackett’s Captain of the Guard is a thrilling, high-octane blend of romance, fantasy, and adventure that transports readers to a vividly imagined world of warriors, intrigue, and passion. It is the first book in the The Elven Lords series, and it successfully sets the tone for an immersive fantasy romance.
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