The Knave and the Moon review

 

Book: The Knave and the Moon

Author: Rachel Gillig

Pages: 368

Date(s) Read: September 1^st, 2026 to September 12^th, 2026

Date Published: September 1^st, 2026

Rating: 5/5

Genre: Gothic, Fantasy, Romantasy

Characters: 5/5

Writing style: 5/5

Story: 4/5

Ending:  4/5

Cover: 4/5

Format: Hard Cover

Date Bought: September 1^st, 2026

Book Cost: $20.80

Review:

The Knave and the Moon is a moving, poignant work of gothic fiction.

 

In this sequel, things pick up right where they left off with Benji marrying Sybil and then taking up a tour to the various hamlets of the area to emphasize his place amongst the elite nobles of the world. Things go awry when an unexpected challenger shows up to one of the tournaments on tour.

 

This was a bittersweet novel. Not much character development here, but it's not necessary either. Things move quickly, and a lot happens, but there's still more of the found family aspect I loved in the first here as well.

 

The novel wraps up beautifully and things come full circle, so it's worth the payoff.

 

If you liked the first novel, you'll be more than pleased with this one.

The Witch in the Dead of Night review

 

Book: The Witch in the Dead of Night

Author: Charlotte Buckley

Pages: 392

Date(s) Read: August 26^th, 2026 to September 9^th, 2026

Date Published: August 13^th, 2026

Rating: 4/5

Genre: Romantasy, Vampires, Witches

Characters: 4/5

Writing style: 4/5

Story: 3/5

Ending:  4/5

Cover: 5/5 (Fairyloot Hard Cover)

Format: Hard Cover

Date Bought: August 4^th, 2026

Book Cost: $39.99

Review:

The Witch in The Dead of Night is a fun and fast romantasy thats a page turner, but definitely lacks in areas.

 

In this novel we follow palace maid Finn. First shes caught using her witch magic and then she is attacked and saved, by the king no less. He sweeps her up into a world of vampires, court politics, fancy soirees, and romance. He decides to appoint her as part of his court under the condition she train to learn to use her witch magic under his handsome but frustrating brother, Prince Enhart.

 

I enjoyed this novel, but it's lacking any sort of depth. The romance could have been more of a slow burn, the friendships could have been more in-depth, and the politics weren't quite politicking but still, I got through this quicker than any book in recent memory so I guess that means I really enjoyed it, right?

 

This novel wont be memorable or rock your world, but it's a solid romantasy book to pass the time with.

These Godly Lies review

 

Book: These Godly Lies

Author: Rachelle Raeta

Pages: 358

Date(s) Read: August 6^th, 2026 to September 3^rd, 2026

Date Published: March 11^th, 2025

Rating: 5/5

Genre: Fantasy, Romantasy

Characters: 5/5

Writing style: 5/5

Story: 5/5

Ending:  5/5

Cover: 3/5

Format: Hard Cover

Date Bought: July 19^th, 2026

Book Cost: $20.99

Review:

These Godly Lies is a beautiful novel about love and resilience.

 

In These Godly Lies The First sends other God's to chase down Anna and Khiran for the stolen peach Khiran took that gave Anna her immortality.

 

I loved the continued romance between Khiran and Anna, as well as her friendship with Silas and Cassius. I also found the other God's to be equally interesting and unique.

 

This novel wraps up the duology beautifully. If you loved the first you'll adore the sequel.

Malice review

 

Book: Malice

Author: Heather Walter

Pages: 480

Date(s) Read: July 27^th, 2026 to August 31^st, 2026

Date Published: April 13^th, 2021

Rating: 4/5

Genre: Fantasy, Romantasy, Sapphic

Characters: 4/5

Writing style: 5/5

Story: 4/5

Ending:  4/5

Cover: 5/5

Format: Hard Cover

Date Bought: July 25^th, 2026

Book Cost: $3.66

Review:

Malice is a unique take on sleeping beauty that was highly compelling.

 

In Malice, Alyce is known as the dark grace. unlike the other Grace's her blood is green; she is unattractive, and her powers cause curses instead of enchantments and enhancements, making her of ill repute. Tired of feeling powerless and afraid, Alyce starts to explore her magic with the help of a mentor, an imprisoned shifter named Kal. While honing her abilities, she falls for Aurora, the cursed princess of Briar.

 

I found the world-building interesting and intriguing, as well as in-depth. The history behind the Vila was fascinating, and having Aurora start off with a generational curse was a unique twist.

 

I loved the romance between Aurora and Alyce. There's so much tension and yearning. I also felt for Aurora as much as I did for Alyce.

 

This fantastic classical fantasy fairytale reimagining is a must-read for fans of sapphic love and classic fairytales.

Die for Me review

 

Book: Die for Me

Author: Shirlene Obuobi

Pages: 416

Date(s) Read: August 7^th, 2026 to August 25^th, 2026

Date Published: July 14^th, 2026

Rating: 5/5

Genre: Gothic, Horror, Romance

Characters: 5/5

Writing style: 5/5

Story: 5/5

Ending:  5/5

Cover: 5/5

Format: Soft Cover

Date Bought: August 5^th, 2026

Book Cost: $20.56

Review:

Die for Me is a fabulous work of contemporary gothic horror romance.

 

In Die for Me our protagonist, Sean, a doctor, meets the enigmatic Julian at the second wedding of one of her colleagues. What starts off as a passionate romance becomes a nightmare when Sean realizes that there's more to the younger man than there appears.

 

I adored this novel. The passion, banter, and chemistry are off the charts. This novel is both intoxicating and suspenseful. I could not get enough of Sean and Julians romance.

 

I loved our heroine, Sean. She's a childfree, single woman who's older than your average fmc. She's a breath of fresh air. I loved her personality. She's resilient and highly moral. Julian is the younger man whose both charming and highly confident. I found him as alluring as she did.

 

If you want a solid romance with some mystery and suspense you will devour this novel.

The Twelve Kingdoms book 1 review

 

Book: The Twelve Kingdoms book 1

Author: Fuyumi Ono

Pages: 289

Date(s) Read: August 5^th, 2026 to August 25^th, 2026

Date Published: July 1^st, 2025

Rating: 4/5

Genre: Fantasy

Characters: 4/5

Writing style: 5/5

Story: 4/5

Ending:  4/5

Cover: 5/5

Format: Soft Cover

Date Bought: August 2^nd, 2026

Book Cost: $18.40

Review:

The Twelve Kingdoms book one is a fast-paced adventure that will please fantasy fans.

 

Youko is a normal high school student who is transported to a different world by a strange man. She is stranded with nothing but a sword she does not know how to use in this strange land and must learn to survive in a place inhabited by monsters and people with ulterior motives.

 

I enjoyed Youko's story. She is really a student who goes through the motions and just does what is expected of her without real thoughts of what she wants or a true sense of self. We really watch her grow as a person throughout the story.

 

The novel isn't without it's flaws, though. At times it moves too quickly, never staying long enough in one setting to feel like Youko gets her bearings. I also would have liked more character development for the main character as well as other characters. The book feels like it really just skims the surface of things in a superficial way at times.

 

That being said, it is a solid novel and definitely worth your time if your looking for a traditional fantasy world.

Steelborn review

 

Book: Steelborn

Author: Taylor J. LaRue

Pages: 432

Date(s) Read: August 4^th, 2026 to July 23^rd, 2026

Date Published: August 4^th, 2026

Rating: 4/5

Genre: Fantasy, Romantasy

Characters: 4/5

Writing style: 5/5

Story: 4/5

Ending:  5/5

Cover: 5/5

Format: Hardcover

Date Bought: July 6^th, 2026

Book Cost: $32.00

Review:

Steelborn was a fun, fast-paced, romantasy novel.

 

In Steelborn, Reya Connery is the thief known as the crimson dagger. When she frees an imprisoned woman, it sets off a chain of events that takes Reya on a massive journey where she finds friends, a lover, and herself.

 

I enjoyed the pacing and various settings. This book is a journey through various environments that make the story feel like a long adventure game. The action and journey never get old and are broken up by a romance that is both rewarding and intense.

 

While nothing here is completely new, the novel feels fresh. There's a tremendous amount of character development and revelations for Reya that really keep you invested in her sojourn. The relationship aspect also features conversations about where the relationship is going before the sex happens, which is something I haven't encountered before in a romantasy but is a big part of most people's relationships, so it was a welcome addition to an already great story.

 

I loved the characters, especially the pirate woman Kalue. The love interest is your typical romantasy lead, but he is more open to conversations and a future with her than male love interests typically are, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

 

This novel doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it is a good time and worthy addition to any romantasy lover's library.