To Cage a Wild Bird review

 

Book: To Cage a Wild Bird

Author: Brooke Fast

Pages: 363

Date(s) Read: March 1^st, 2026 to March 20^th, 2026

Date Published: September 9^th, 2025

Rating: 4/5

Genre: Dystopian, Romantasy

Characters: 4/5

Writing style: 5/5

Story: 4/5

Ending:  4/5

Cover: 2/5

Format: Kindle

Date Bought: N/A

Book Cost: 0.00

Review:

To Cage a Wild Bird is a solid dystopian novel with a fleshed-out setting that gives just enough detail and information, as well as likable characters you'll find yourself rooting for, and, as an added bonus, a swoon-worthy romance.

 

In 'To Cage a Wild Bird', we see bounty hunter Raven orchestrate her arrest and introduction to Endlock prison so she can be reunited with her brother, who's already been sent there. At Endlock the prisoners are hunted by the wealthy elite, for a price. Raven needs to find her brother fast, but first she must survive the hunts long enough to reach him.

 

I can't say there was anything bad about this novel but I also can't say anything rocked my shit. This novel is good, a definite page-turner but there's nothing stand out about the characters, setting, or story. You've seen it all before. But what this novel rehashes and does, it does well. To Cage a Wild Bird is worth your time if you're a fan of romantasy and looking to dip your toes into dystopian fiction.

A Feather so Black review

 

Book: A Feather so Black

Author: Lyra Selene

Pages: 482

Date(s) Read: January 1^st, 2026 to March 16^th, 2026

Date Published: March 12^th, 2024

Rating: 4/5

Genre: Fae, Romantasy

Characters: 4/5

Writing style: 2/5

Story: 4/5

Ending:  4/5

Cover: 3/5

Format: Soft Cover

Date Bought: June 30^th, 2025

Book Cost: $6.70

Review:

A feather so Black is both languorous and overwrought, yet I felt the inclination to keep going with the story because the premise was too intriguing to DNF. I was rewarded with a story that was engaging and unexpected, despite the stilted writing style.

 

In this story, laden with Irish folklore, we follow Fia. Fia is a changeling sent in the place of the queens daughter Eala when she is whisked away by the folk. The queen has spent her time honing Fia into a brutal weapon but Fia yearns for love. Along with the prince and lover of her youth, Rogan, Fia is sent to once and for all rescue Eala as well as retrieve a weapon for her mother. This becomes a complicated mission when Rogan and Fia find all is not as it seems for Eala and the other maidens spirited away from lands far and close.

 

The writing style is poetic and beautiful at times, but more often than not, it's a chore to read, which makes the story feel agonizingly long. It's very slow-paced and oftentimes there are long chapters where nothing and everything seems to happen.  The story is good, the writing, leaves a lot to be desired.

 

That all being said I'd still recommend this book. It's a fairytale fantasy that is adult and unique, with a riveting premise that more than makes up slogging through such a slow and labor-intensive writing style. The ending was a surprise, as was the ultimate love interest she ends up with.

License to Curse review

 

Book: License to Curse

Author: Kim Richardson

Pages: 281

Date(s) Read: February 28^th, 2026 to March 15^th, 2026

Date Published: July 22^nd, 2025

Rating: 4/5

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Characters: 4/5

Writing style: 5/5

Story: 3/5

Ending:  4/5

Cover: 3/5

Format: Kindle

Date Bought: February 21^st, 2026

Book Cost: $4.99

Review:

License To Curse isn't going to rock your world or change your life but it will entertain you during the time you spend reading it.

 

Rhea Morven is a newly minted Merlin sent to Gallows Gate on a mission to fail. Despite the odds stacked against Rhea we follow her as she investigates the disappearances of supernatural teens with a motley crew of interesting characters.

 

This novel is fast paced and fun but none of it is particularly memorable and I saw that having just finished the book 10 minutes ago. It's got romance, action and found family. If you're looking for a easily digestible urban fantasy this will do the trick but don't expect anything more.

Dawn of the North review

 

Book: Dawn of the North

Author: Demi Winters

Pages: 578

Date(s) Read: February 1^st, 2026 to March 10^th, 2026

Date Published: February 3^rd, 2026

Rating: 5/5

Genre: Fantasy, Romantasy, Viking

Characters: 5/5

Writing style: 5/5

Story: 5/5

Ending:  5/5

Cover: 3/5

Format: Hard Cover

Date Bought: January 13^th, 2026

Book Cost: $30.27

Dawn of the North is a brilliant work of fantasy that is not to be missed. It's an epic addition to Demi Winters' The Ashen series that will leave you breathless. From the first page to the last I was absolutely gripped by this enthralling work.

 

In this thrilling installment, Silla tries to rouse support for the Volsiks while in the clutches of Myrkur, the god of chaos. The Blood Axe crew continues their battle against the mist with Hekla continuing to take the reins of a leadership role. Signe learns to adjust to her new prison in a foreign land.

 

In this novel the real star is the character development. You see truly tremendous and astounding character growth with Saga as she learns to not only cope with her fears but conquer them. Silla also sees a wealth of character development as she struggles to see herself as a leader, while battling her darker urges under Myrkur's influence.

 

The romance offers a nice break from breathtaking action set pieces and intense political intrigue. Sillas relationship with Rey offers spice, while Saga's with Kassandr features that intense, slow burn I always crave. Various relationships grow, develop, and change in a way we don't usually see in romantasy. It was nice to see an established relationship like the one between Rey and Silla, continue past the initial infatuation stage. That's not often seen in romantasy novels that largely focus on the initial stages of a relationship.

 

This book is a pulse-pounding epic that is a true work of art with an ending that will keep you hooked and ready for the next installment. If you like fantasy at all The Ashen is a must-read series, not just one for romantasy lovers. It is truly epic. Every book improves on the last and this is no exception. Dawn of the North is the best book yet in this explosive series.

Slaying the Shadow Prince review

 

Book: Slaying the Shadow Prince

Author: Helen Scheuerer

Pages: 364

Date(s) Read: January 30^th, 2026 to February 14^th, 2026

Date Published: July 20^th, 2023

Rating: 4/5

Genre: Fantasy, Romantasy

Characters: 4/5

Writing style: 5/5

Story: 3/5

Ending:  5/5

Cover: 5/5

Format: Soft Cover

Date Bought: February 4^th, 2025

Book Cost: $15.99

Review:

Slaying the Shadow Prince is a fun story that connects with the Thezmarr universe. It's not an earth-shattering or groundbreaking work, but it is a solid romantasy that fans of Scheuerers will enjoy

Shadow & Storms

 

Book: Shadow & Storms

Author: Helen Scheuerer

Pages: 442

Date(s) Read: February 3^rd, 2026 to February 15, 2026

Date Published: June 20^th, 2024

Rating: 5/5

Genre: Fantasy, Romantasy

Characters: 5/5

Writing style: 5/5

Story: 5/5

Ending:  5/5

Cover: 2/5

Format: Soft Cover

Date Bought: November 3^rd, 2025

Book Cost: $15.99

Review:

Shadow & Storms is an exciting and satisfying ending to the Legends of Thezmarr quartet.

 

In Shadows & Storms we see the epic conclusion to Arto's evil plans with a fantastic final battle that spans chapters. All of your favorite characters return for this final stand against the forces of evil. You'll find plenty of action, twists, romance, and found family moments in this fabulous finale.

 

The Characters really shine in this stellar story. The interactions and relationship between the sisters really gives you a true sense of a family dynamic. The romance shows complex dynamics that can only happen from a seasoned couple which is a rare thing in a romantasy, usually you just get the beginning of a relationship, not the hard earned middle.

 

This novel stars off with a bang and goes from there. It is incredibly fast paced but each moment carries the appropriate emotional weight and depth it should have. Emotional character interactions are poignant, losses are felt, and the battles are tense.

 

There isn't anything I can say that's bad about this book. If you enjoyed the first 3 books you will absolutely looooove the conclusion to Thea and Wilders tale.

Behind Five Willows review

 

Book: Behind Five Willows

Author: June Hur

Pages: 336

Date(s) Read: January 5^th, 2026 to February 18^th, 2026

Date Published: May 26^th, 2026

Rating: 5/5

Genre: Romance, Asian

Characters: 5/5

Writing style: 5/5

Story: 5/5

Ending:  5/5

Cover: 4/5

Format: Kindle

Date Bought: N/A

Book Cost: 0.00

Behind Five Willows is a moving and poignant love story, not just about romantic love but familial love.

 

In the late 1700's Shin Haewon is a criminal. She transcribes illicit and illegal novels that are deemed by the king to be damaging to society. When Haewon crosses paths with Yu Seojun her life will never be the same, and neither will his, as they both become embroiled in scandal.

 

The writing is beautiful and moving. I initially struggled to get into the story as I am unused to June Hur writing such a low-stakes, cozy romance, but by the end, I was enamored. Character interactions are handled with a delicacy and passion that make the characters leap off the page. The characters are all so three-dimensional and multifaceted, not just the hero and heroine. This might be one of the most beautiful books I've ever read.

 

Behind Five Willows is a passionate love story that is both simple and clean in its approach but is nonetheless impactful. You'll love the characters, feel gripped by their circumstances, and feel a deep satisfaction at the end.

 

Behind Five Willows is a romance that everyone should read. It handles the intricacies of difficult family dynamics with care, has a passionate romance or two, and many powerful and empowering messages about love, self, and family.