S is for Summer
This year I’m taking a break from Faerie and doing an A to Z of my TBR (to be read) list instead. Each letter will have books starting with that letter on my list, a book I’ve read and reviewed (with the review!) and one of my books matching the letter with a link about more info about the book. I’ve decided not to include words like “A”, “The” and “An” during this challenge.
My TBR
About the Book I’ve Read
After I read Summer Solstice Seduction, I decided that I should read more of this group’s anthologies and was able to borrow this one from a friend.
On the shortest night of the year, fae come out to play, vampires don’t have much time, and werewolves howl at a full moon.
The summer solstice brings out all the witches, demons, vampires, shifters, and supernatural creatures in a night of magic and mayhem. Some spells can only be cast or curses broken on this enchanted night. If you dare, follow the fae down a magical path but beware getting forever lost. There’s trouble around every corner, and plenty of supernatural shenanigans.
This collection includes more than 20 urban fantasy stories of summer solstice shenanigans from new and international bestselling authors.
Check it out on Goodreads.
My Review
Some good stories, some meh stories, and stories in between.
Out of Luck
An interesting story, but all the head-hopping was confusing and exhausting. 2 stars
Hunting for Trouble
An enjoyable story. I wonder what Aisha’s powers are, though, and if the portal opening was really stopped. 3 stars
Solstice of Darkness
Read a bit like “Lethal Weapon” with fae and the ending felt contrived. 3 stars
Solstice on the Slab
Loads of exposition about what the character likes and dislikes. Ugh. DNF
The Origin Story of Monsters
I read part one, full of head-hopping and unrealistic moves, but didn’t feel like continuing the crazy. DNF
Deadman’s Anchor
All fight, no story. 2 stars
Curse of the Veil
A good story, but too much head-hopping caused no emotional attachment to any character. 3 stars
Summer Solstice in Swindon
A good story with solid world-building and thrills. Too bad I had no idea what the main character’s name or gender was – difficult to focus on the story when you’re wondering if you’re dealing with a kick-ass female lynx or an alpha male and how the personal interactions with others should go (e.g. their superior being an arse cause it’s a woman or because it’s a lone-wolf type?). 3 stars
Raven Cursed
A good story. I do wonder how, exactly, she had cursed her brothers and why. 3 stars
Blood and Bone
A gritty vampire story where vampires act like the mob… and Fae blood is addictive. Good twists. 4 stars
Call forth the Wild Hunt
A good story. I enjoyed the portrayal of the Wild Hunt. And the main character had good growth. 5 stars
The Fire Crown
Interesting premise, but not gripping. DNF
Noodle Day
An eight-year-old protagonist in an urban fantasy short story? Not working for me despite the dragons. DNF
Averted
Eating a still-beating heart? Ah, no. DNF
Best Friends Never
The blurb failed to interest me. DNF
Meta-Magic
The blurb left me cold. DNF
Night Shift
A fun, thrilling vampire story. 5 stars
River of Tears
The blurb doesn’t intrigue. DNF
Caged
Clearly part of a series. Not interested to jump in without knowing anything else about the characters of world. DNF
The Gilded Nest
So much fun to read. Dragons! 5 stars
Lucifer’s Daughter
DNF based on title.
Spiders for Solstice
DNF based on title – I don’t like spiders.
The Longest Day
Blurb and title are generic. No excitement. DNF
On a Hot Summer Night in Vegas
The blurb sounded like a rip-off of Ghost Busters. DNF
Seeking Solstice
A fun and thrilling read. Loved the use of the elements and the dog. 5 stars
My Book
Symphony of Destruction
I hope you enjoyed this. For more books I’ve read and reviewed, check out either my Pinterest board about reviews or my Goodreads profile. Alternatively, you can check out my reviews on BookBub. Have you read any of the books? Loved or hated any of them?
*FYI, my reviews are my honest opinion and if something bothers me, I tell it straight. How else will anything change? My opinions are based on being a voracious reader and book buyer, not an attack on the author.*
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Wow! That’s quite the list Ronel… I’m so excited for you 🙂
Thanks, Damyanti 🙂
Another wonderful list! Once the challenge is over I am definitely adding your suggestions to an excel sheet for my TBR list.
Visiting from A-Z challenge
– momandideas.com
An Excel sheet sounds like a good way to keep track!
Quite a list. I generally do not read fantasy, although I have read a book by N.K. Jemisin (The City We Became – and also the short story that was developed into that novel. Loved them both, and I think part of the reason was because I grew up in New York City, where the story takes place. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I am also looking forward to reading Severance by Ling Ma, which is on your list above. I tend more towards dystopian/alternate history as my preferred genre, along with the occasional historical novel. Thank you for reading my A to Z post.
Thanks, Alana. I’m looking forward to reading Severance, too 🙂
An amazing list! I can’t believe I haven’t read any of the books listed! I loved the Kristen Painter book covers, they made me laugh.
Thanks for the honest review, it was great.
You’re welcome 🙂
Your TBR list for the letter S is long and there are some beautiful and eye catching covers on that list.
Stopping in from A to Z: https://brewingcoffeetwistingwordsbreakingpencils.ca/2022/04/23/toffee/
They just make me want to reach out and read them!
I’ve read “Save the Cat,” and while I did not become a True Believer, it was definitely useful. I like that you have next to “Story Trumps Structure.” I haven’t read that one, but they look like they make a good pair!
S is for Sentience
I know, right?
I’m relieved to not be alone is being yet to read Save the Cat, but am mildly horrified to discover there also a Save the Cat: Write the Novel as well :O I read Shadow of the Wind some years ago and remember loving it. I particularly enjoyed the genuine sense of place about it. Although I can’t remember much about the follow-up, I do recall it didn’t grab me as much, sadly.
Debs visiting this year from
Making Yourself Relationship Ready
I’m going to try out the “write the novel” edition first, hopefully it means not having to read the first. LOL.
Strange the Dreamer and The Scorpio Races are both amazing. I wish I had the opportunity to read them for the first time all over again. They both have beautiful, immersive settings.
Thanks for the recommendation! I’m looking forward to reading them 🙂