My Bookish Brook Blog

Rose in Chains by Julie Soto, 3 Stars Solid Read.

I enjoyed this book, but it did not wow me. It was just a "meh" for me. This romantasy novel deals with Briony a princess that has magical powers who is caught by an opposing magical faction that enslaves her, and people with her type of magic, in order to further their own magical powers. The concept is quite interesting and it deals with some dark themes, such as torture, enslavement and alludes to r**e.

One reason, why I think why I didn't love this book, is due to many back and forth with the past and present, and also, b/c I didn't quite buy into romance between Briony and Toven, her capturer/owner.

This is the first book in the series, and it was ok. Will I continue with the next book in the series when they come out? Probably, but it won't be at the top of my list.
Overall, a 3 star solid read for this romantasy book. ,

The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez--3 star read.
Ok, I struggled with this book. The writing was typical Abby Jimenez stile, which I liked, I just couldn't connect to the story or the characters. In short, the book deals with falling in love with your best friend's girlfriend. The storyline is interesting, I just found that it dragged too long. I found the male lead, Chris weak, a wuz, and the female, Larissa a demanding whiner. Overall, the book is and ok read, but it didn't resonate with me. Oh well, there was bound to be a book of hers that I didn't love. This book is part of a series, but it is a standalone.

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4 Stars
🌶️ Spice Level: Moderate–High
This was such a solid romantasy read! When the Moon Hatched pulls you into a world of magic, vengeance, and secrets that slowly unravel in the best way.

We follow Raeve, a fierce Fae assassin who targets the morally corrupt elite. Living in the shadows with only a few close connections, her life takes a turn when she’s captured and sentenced for her crimes.

Enter Kaan Vaegor… her unexpected rescuer 👀
But nothing is as it seems—and as the story unfolds, everything starts to connect in ways you won’t see coming.

✨ Themes you’ll love:
• Enemies to lovers
• Vengeance
• Doomed love
• Dragons & magic

This book delivers on tension, intrigue, and yes… some pretty great spice 🌶️🔥

📚 Bonus: It’s part of a series, with book 2 coming February 2027—so get ready to be hooked!

If you’re a fan of romantasy with layered characters and slow-burn reveals, this one is definitely worth picking up.

Have you read it yet? What did you think?

The Assassin's Blade - 4 Star read. This book is made up of a series of novellas that give a back story into Celaena's friends (Sam, Rolfe, the silent assassins, Ansel) all characters, which are mentioned later in the series. The Assassin's blade is a prequel to Throne of Glass, however, in my view it shouldn't be read as the first book in the series, but after Heir of Fire, definitely before Queen of Shadows.

I thoroughly enjoyed the back stories and definitely shed a tear or two when reading about Sam.
Overall, if you like the series, you will enjoy this book.
4 Star solid read.

Kingdom of Ash - 5 Star read! This book broke me! I cried, I cheered, I clapped, I yelled, I bawled again, and was so moved. It was the epic finale of the series, and man, it did not disappoint.

The story picks up where Empire of Storms left off, and it continues with war, and Rowan's search for Aelin. The book is well written, and it pulls out all of your emotions. It has depictions of torture, action, drama, romance, epic war battles, and the most amazing conclusion.
This fantasy series is one the best that I've read, it grips you right from the beginning, and it becomes addictive as crack (not that I have tried crack! but it is an addicting series)
5 solid star read for this final book and for the entire series really. , ,

Tower of Dawn - 4 star read.
This novel primarily focuses on a storyline around Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq. It revolves around his recovery and the healing powers provided by Yrene Towers. We meet new characters which will reinforce Aelin’s armada. The novel runs parallel to the Empire of Storms and does not address the cliffhanger left by Empire of Storms.

Unfortunately, this was not my favourite book, I found it slow; however, it picked up momentum 70% into the book. Tower of Dawn is crucial to the series in the sense that we learn some MAJOR truths that will assist Aelin and Rowan in their fight against the evil forces that threatens their kingdom.

For me, it was not as good or gripping as the other books in the series, but we do encounter new characters which will assist in the battles to come.

Overall a 4 star read for me.