Heir of Twisted Lies

 

Book: Heir of Twisted Lies

Author: L.J. Andrews

Pages: 499

Date(s) Read: March 25^th, 2026 to May 3^rd, 2026

Date Published: March 24^th, 2026

Rating: 4/5

Genre: Fantasy, Norse Inspired, Romantasy

Characters: 5/5

Writing style: 4/5

Story: 4/5

Ending:  5/5

Cover: 5/5

Format: Hard Cover

Date Bought: March 24^th, 2026

Book Cost: $27.96

Review

Heir of Twisted Lies is an imperfect sequel to the Stonegate duology. While fun and fast-paced it also felt a bit chaotic.

 

In this sequel, we see Lyra, Roark, and their friends battle against the malevolent melder Fadey. There's a few revelations, but nothing shocking or groundbreaking here. Still, I enjoyed this end to the duology.

 

Lyra and Thane see the most character development. It's interesting to see her grapple with her darker inclinations. Thanes friendship with Roark is a highlight still in this found family.

 

The pacing felt very uneven; the first half of the book is much slower paced than the last half, where it feels the ending is thrown at you relatively quickly. Not only does it feel a bit rushed, but the last few chapters are utter chaos. That being said, I really enjoyed the ending after the final battle. Everything wraps up exceedingly well.

 

Problems aside, this was still a fun romantasy. If you liked the first one you will like this one. Nothing ground breaking or particularly memorable but it is a good time while you're reading it.

Zoey Matthews the Cursed Doll, and the Ghost Men review

 

Book: Zoey Matthews, the Cursed Doll, and the Ghost Men

Author: Heather Elizabeth King

Pages: 302

Date(s) Read: February 28^th, 2026 to April 30^th, 2026

Date Published: February 12^th, 2026

Rating: 5/5

Genre: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy

Characters: 5/5

Writing style: 5/5

Story: 5/5

Ending:  5/5

Cover: 4/5

Format: Kindle

Date Bought: February 23^rd, 2026

Book Cost: $4.99

Review:

Another fun book in this fantastic series. I loved the character development with Zoey. This series is a must read if you like urban fantasy.

Lady Tremaine review

 

Book: Lady Tremaine

Author: Rachel Hochhauser

Pages: 339

Date(s) Read: March 5^th, 2026 to April 29^th, 2026

Date Published: March 3^rd, 2026

Rating: 5/5

Genre: Fantasy

Characters: 5/5

Writing style: 5/5

Story: 5/5

Ending:  5/5

Cover: 3/5

Format: Hardcover

Date Bought: March 1^st, 2026

Book Cost: $16.99

Review:

Lady Tremaine is a brilliant feminist novel that is an ode to women and mothers everywhere.

 

In this reframing of the classic fairytale Cinderella we see the story through the perspective of the stepmother, Etheldreda. In this novel the stepmother is a rich, multi-faceted character; she is resourceful, quick-witted, and driven. You may know the classic story, but you don't know this story.

 

The characters are layered and diverse in personality. I loved Etheldreda, she was fierce. In this novel she is a struggling widow doing what she must to keep a roof over the heads of her family while trying to preserve the illusion of wealth for the sake of the girls, lest they not withstand society's stringent expectations of women. Elin was a very realistic Cinderella who is high-maintenance, dainty, and unwilling to pull her own weight in the family while she waits for a prince to whisk her away from her circumstances.

 

This is a fantasy you must read if you love the classic story, it's also one to read if you want a novel about the realities and truths of being a woman in a patriarchal society. This is a deep and empowering novel that shouldn't be missed.