A Fast-Paced Adventure! --"Quarter Labyrinth" by Victoria McCombs—Review

 My Review:

"Quarter Labyrinth" by Victoria McCombs is a fun, fast-paced fantasy perfect for fans of “The Hunger Games.”  McCombs excels at creating an elaborate world and descriptions where people enter the labyrinth at their own risk to win a prize and the stakes are high (sometimes life and death). I love the aesthetic and world in this book. It is so creative and imaginative, especially all the descriptions of the labyrinth. I enjoyed the island and sea community setting. The labyrinth includes castle ruins, green hedge walls, magical properties, and a person can begin in spring and end in winter. Of course, we cannot forget the stone gods (which all have their own backstory and lore, which is told throughout the book with impressive illustrations of each god). The gods are not always safe. I got some “Inheritance Games” and “Hunger Games” vibes while reading the book. Ren, our heroine, wants to find her father and win her legacy by winning the labyrinth. Her loyal friend (and possible love interest), Clark, reminded me a bit of Samwise Gamgee. The story asks the question of whether fate is sealed, and Ren learns that she must guard her heart (or does she learn that lesson?). There is a bit of a love triangle, and I would have liked to see more of the one love interest and see that relationship be more fleshed out. It felt a little bit like insta-love. I am excited to see more of that relationship and how that plays out in the sequel. Overall, this was an enjoyable book, and I am excited to see what happens in the sequel!

Content: I give this book a high PG to low PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: mention of alcohol; there is a fortune teller; blood, death; the words “bastard” and “hell” are used; mention of people being lovers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A Fast-Paced Roman Standalone! --"Rogue Secreto" by Victoria McCombs—Review

 My Review:

“Rogue Secreto” by Victoria McCombs is a fast-paced, young adult fantasy standalone with ancient Roman vibes. It is easy to read and hard to put down. I especially loved the illustrations. Our morally gray heroine, Marsella, can see others’ secrets with one glance. She also wants to find someone who loves her when they know who she truly is. Marsella disguises herself as the Rogue Secreto and is hired by the emperor to steal people’s secrets (the emperor also happens to be her father). But where will she draw the line? Accompanying the intrigue, there is a great romance that I was rooting for. I love that the author kept me guessing on a certain character and whether they were good or bad.

This is a multi-layered story with subtle Christian themes. It has themes of power and secrets, and makes the reader question how much power one person should hold. It deals with how we judge and perceive people. Marsella learns that we need to factor in mercy and grace. She can steal their secrets, but can she see their morals or their intentions? Through Marsella’s (the Rogue Secreto’s) story, we see that evil is a slippery slope. There are also beautiful depictions of sacrifice and love. I highly recommend this story to fans of young adult fantasy!

I give this book a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: the word “da*n” is used; a girl is called a witch and a devil; another religion uses blood sacrifice and seers; mention of hell and demons; mention of alcohol; someone had an affair and a mention of se*ual immorality; an animal is killed; bastard children born out of wedlock; underage drinking; mention of gambling.

TW: brief mention of madness and abuse.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

An Impressive Viking Fantasy! — “Rune” by Victoria McCombs—Review

 

My review: 

“Rune” by Victoria McCombs is an epic Viking young adult fantasy novel. Victoria McCombs is one of my favorite authors and I am so excited to share my review for her latest release. The world of “Rune” is filled with Vikings and gods and is so well written. In true McCombs style, the plot is fast-paced and filled with action. I got some “Hunger Games” vibes with the contests the gods held. Rune, our main character, is taken into the world of the gods, finding out she may be a lost goddess. I loved Rune’s character and that she deals with health issues. Rune is searching for belonging. This is a coming-of-age story for Rune as she comes to know who she is and of what she is capable. I loved the message of family, the complicated family dynamics, and the great sister bond. There is also a beautiful Christian allegory that is so well done, but also not in your face. I loved the romance and wanted more of it. Lovers of deals with gods, “Hunger Games” vibes, axes and swords, and the fake engagement trope will love this standalone fantasy! 

Content: I give this a PG-to-PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: a main character follows a pagan religion with rituals, sacrifices, a seer; violence; the word “bloody” is used; characters drink alcohol.

TW: childhood neglect; mention of child loss.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

A Best Book of the Year! --"Lethal Kings" by Victoria McCombs—Review

 

 My Review:

“Lethal Kings” by Victoria McCombs is the second book in the “Fae Dynasty” duology. I loved the first book “Mortal Queens” so much and I was wondering whether this second installment would live up to my expectations. Boy, did it, and more! This finale does not disappoint and wraps everything up perfectly. Althea is a mortal queen thrust into the fae realm. She must learn who to trust, make alliances, play chess, and may lose her heart along the way. Will she stay with Bash, whom she has developed feelings for, when their relationship is in jeopardy? She also must help the other new mortal queen as she starts her reign. Althea must learn to play the game of the fae and to navigate this world of trickery and riddles. I love seeing everything finally connect in this book and learning more about characters from Althea’s past.  It is wonderful to see family relationships come into play in this book and how close Althea is with some of them. It is satisfying to finally find out some answers, such as where the seventh king is and who can obtain his power. There are some hard things that happen along the way (if you have read the book, you know what event I am especially referring to) but the ending is so perfect. I do not know how Ms. McCombs expertly weaves everything together. I would recommend reading the first book in the series before reading this book. This duology is especially great for teens and those who enjoy fantasy and young adult books. I highly recommend this series. “Lethal Kings” is a pulse pounding, unputdownable book! 

Content: I give this book a PG rating. Examples of the content: characters drink alcohol; a side character used to gamble; a married man cheats on his wife.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.