As I was thinking of something to post, I realized it had been a while since I posted one of my seasons of the year. Winter being my favorite, because I love snow, I thought I post the latest two snow storms we had in New York City.
Seriously isn't it breathtaking?
Blogger doesn't do this video justice, but here is a winter wonderland walk one morning! Sound removed for safety reasons.
Want a story with a strong female lead? This book may be just for you! Kara Hartman is a bonafide badass who is trying to keep it all together. She may be a badass but she is definitely trying to keep it under wraps and hold her shit together. Kara is trying to keep a major part of herself hidden which is proving to be harder than she expected since life is like Nah sis, this is who you are, embrace it.
So let's jump right into the story, which is what Cura does. Within the first chapter, you are thrown right into a giant conflict between Kara, and her bestie or ex-bestie Charlotte. (I have a soft spot for that name). Charlotte is delving into the dark arts and playing with magic she shouldn't be. Kara just wants what is best for her, and tries to help her as a friend. However, shit goes left and all hell breaks loose. Cura does an amazing job at captivating you in those first 25 pages or so, and you just have to keep going. Especially since there is a time jump, and you're all like we need to unpack what the freak just happened.
This was a great fantasy book, that does an excellent job at world-building. We are thrown into a world unlike our own, or at least my own. There is no magic over here my friends. Cura doesn't shove all of this new knowledge into your face but sprinkles it through so it's digestible for the reader. As someone who is a fantasy lover, it was pretty quick to understand and enjoy. If you read my other reviews, you'll know I am a sucker for worldbuilding, and if you do it right, A+ my friend.
As the story progresses, so does Kara and that is just a selling point for me. Sometimes in fantasy books, you get all wrapped up in the world, and all the awesome things people can do. In this book, Cura makes sure we know this is Kara's story and we are growing with her. She is coming out of her shell and is friends with all these other amazing peeps. Seriously, they are awesome for her.
So you may wonder, hey K why not a full 5, you are right there? Well, at some point the story felt as if it were two different storylines because of other characters. When that happens, it pulls me out of the story and makes me wonder which story is truly being told. While the other plotline doesn't still the limelight it is quite pulling. Another thing is the ending. It sets up to be another story, and when something like that happens, I want to be sure there will be another one. Not sure if there is. Is there Christian? I love stories to finish as if they are stand-alone, and if there is another great, but tie up those loose ends, please.
Overall great fantasy book, with some amazing women empowered characters. If you are into fantastical worlds check this book out! Also that cover? GORGEOUS!
This book will be available in Summer 2022.
I received this ARC in exchange for a review.
