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Spells of Breath and Blade (Tarot Academy #2)
Spells of Breath and Blade (Tarot Academy #2)
Sarah Piper | 2020 | Fiction & Poetry, Horror, Paranormal
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
162 of 250
Kindle
Spells of Breath and Blade ( Tarot Academy book 2)
By Sarah Piper

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

I spent my whole life believing magick was a curse - and that I didn't have enough of it to worry about, anyway.

Turns out I was wrong on both counts.

I'm so much more than a magick-blessed Academy student. I'm an Arcana Witch, bound to a sacred order whose sole duty is to protect magick - and one another - at all costs.

Thankfully, I'm not alone.

My Arcana magick brought four fiercely loyal, impossibly sexy Arcana mages into my life.

But it also brought trouble.

Corrupt Academy officials. Mysterious attacks stripping students of their power. And the terrifying Dark Arcana - five insanely powerful ancient beings desperate to reclaim the magick they believe is their sole birthright... and destroy the rest of us.

Our best shot at defeating them is to track down the hidden Arcana artifacts - sacred Tarot relics that bind and balance all magick. But to do that, we'll have to embark on a dangerous otherworldly journey - one that will change us in ways even the Tarot can't predict.

Surviving my first month at Arcana Academy was no easy feat, but compared to what's coming?

That was training day.

This is the real deal.

And the fight is just beginning.

Honestly not much happens until the last chapter. It’s mainly Stevie dealing with the aftermath and putting her relationships right. It was an ok read.
  
Origin Exposed (Descended of Dragons #2)
Origin Exposed (Descended of Dragons #2)
Jen Crane | 2015 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was chomping on the bit to have this story and see where things would take Stella, Gresham and Ewan, and boy was I NOT disappointed!

There are once again, more plot twists and turns than you can shake a stick at, with the action coming thick and fast. Every page is completely imbued with emotions, whether it is sadness or joy. There were times when I thought my own heart was breaking and it wasn't even one of the main characters!

As for Stella, Gresham and Ewan themselves - Stella has a lot on her plate in this book. She does insist on keeping secrets from those who care about her, which isn't altogether surprising as she keeps being told not to say anything to anyone. To be honest, I was a bit surprised at the reaction to Gresham. It's not like anything he has said or done has been that well hidden so it took me a while to understand her 'over-reaction'. To be fair though, I'm more than happy with how things are turning out with Ewan! Can I just add though, that since Jen has proven herself to be a wicked author, I'm not banking on anything with anyone until I see it in print! ;)

An excellent continuation of the series and I really can't wait for more. Definitely recommended.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
 
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 23, 2015
  
The Shadow of Perseus
The Shadow of Perseus
Claire Heywood | 2023 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Have I said lately how much I’m enjoying these retellings of Greek myths? Keep ‘em coming, I say!

And here’s another take on the story of Perseus, except this has more of a historical fiction slant to it. There’s no magic, no snakey hair, no sea monster come to take it’s sacrifice. Instead there is a story packed full of adventure with women who try to make the best of their lives in a world where the patriarchy always comes out on top.

Much like the Perseus in Natalie Haynes’ Stone Blind, Perseus in The Shadow is very unlikeable. He’s immature, sulky, and believes the world - and his grandfather - owes him something. His ability to spin his own heroic deeds (are they heroic?!)makes fools of all the men, I felt. The women aren’t fooled though, and as in the original, Medusa pays the ultimate price.

The Narrator on the audiobook, Olivia Darnley, does a really good job of bringing the characters to life. She evokes the bravery and determination of all three of the female characters: Danae, Medusa and Andromeda. They all for a time become mistresses of their own fate, and I loved them for that. But of course, Perseus puts an end to all of that for all three of them. All through his own selfishness.

I’m going to have to go and read Daughters of Sparta, aren’t I? Oh yes I am! If it’s as good as The Shadow of Perseus, it’ll be time well spent!