Lexi Talks: A Touch Of Magic

Title: A Touch Of Magic (Fae-Touched Book 1)
Author: Isabelle Adler
Genre: LGBT, Romance, Adult Fantasy
Verdict: 4.5 Stars And A Magic Show To Never Forget

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*Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the free copy in return for an honest review*
*Spoilers Ahoy!*

 Now let me start by saying that this book took my completely by surprise. After years of searching for a well-written LGBT fantasy romance and the disappointment that followed at every turn, I had all but given up on finding something worthwhile and had long since turned to fanfiction to find the connection I was looking for (Gigolas will forever be my OTP ngl) but with this I was given characters that made me... feel. I found myself honestly intrigued by what would happen next to Ty and Cary.

 Thrown together by the theft of the amulet Ty has just stolen from Cary, the two men go hunting for an organized crime ring to get back what is owed to them. With both men out for themselves in the beginning, it was interesting to see the both of them draw closer together as the novel progressed.

What I liked:

• Magic 
• Morally ambiguous characters
• Humor
• Realistic gay characters that didn't fall into the typical Top/Bottom dynamic.
• Bas. Just in general.

What I want in the next book:

• More explanation on Ty's past
• More Fae!
• A proper backstory on Cary's stint in prison
• More Bas!
• More jobs for Ty! What good is a magic thief without work?

 In all, I find myself excited for the next instalment of the Fae-touched series and can't wait to see where the boys find themselves next. Hopefully I'll be able to get my hands on another ARC!

Cheers,

Lexi!

Lexi Talks: Furyborn

Title: Furyborn (Emperium Book 1)
Author: Claire Legrand
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Verdict: 5 Stars and A Conclusion Rightfully Jumped To

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 *Another thank you to Netgalley for giving me an ARC for an honest review*

 Holy shit! Holy Shit! HOLY SHIT!

Okay. Now that I have that out of my system: I loved this book so much! After hearing my lovely Lauren (laurensboookshelf for those that know her from her own blog and insta) rave about this for days/weeks I knew that I had to get my hands on a copy sooner rather than later, so there was a lovely moment at 6AM the other day where I leaped out of my bed dancing and celebrating as quietly as possible since my niece slept only a thin wall away. And then I worked. And worked. And worked. Really it wasn't until my hour-and-a-half lunch the other day that I truly got into the story. 

I read over half the book in one sitting (frequently conferring with Lauren as I went along and somehow guessing the twist in one excruciating moment of frustration) and can barely manage to gather my thoughts. 

But here's what I loved:

1. My Girls (even though I had a few drawbacks in the beginning with some of their choices)
2. MY BOYS: Simon and Audric have stolen me entirely and I couldn't be happier.
3. The repeating jokes! I always love a book that references itself
4. Moral Ambiguity and the guilt that comes with

And what I didn't:

1. The fact that I nearly drowned myself in the bath when I realized who the emperor was.
2. Lauren's  attempts at whistling whenever I guessed something correctly.

While I was initially forcing myself to read this in order to finish my review, by the last 200 pages I was laughing and crying along with the characters as I desperately raced towards the end. Every bit of magic and lore had me holding my phone tighter and closer (not just because I lost my glasses halfway through) and hoping beyond anything that there would be one more page after I flipped.

With the second book recently finished, all I can say is that I hope I will be able to get my hands on an ARC sooner rather than later! I hope all of you manage to get your hands on a copy as soon as Furyborn releases so you too can know my pain!

Cheers,

Lexi

Lexi Talks: A Mark Unwilling

Title: A Mark Unwilling (The Reckoning: Book 1)
Author: Candace Wondrack
Genre: YA Fantasy
Verdict: Three Stars And A Rotting Horseman In My Nightmares

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* Before I get too into this, thank you Netgalley for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review! *

 Now, where to begin? I really wanted to love this book; I mean angels, demons, horsemen, gods, vampires everything was there for me to love it. And yet, for most of the novel all I could think was that it read like a fanfiction I would have read at Thirteen or Fourteen. Now while that in itself isn't a bad thing, there was a rushed quality to it that made me feel disconnected.

 Within the first page we are introduced to the main character as she leaps in front of a car only to walk it off. Later this is revealed as common and explained, but it was near impossible to connect with this Twenty-year-old who ran headfirst into danger. While it would be easy to write this off as a one time read to forget as soon as I finished, there was something oddly charming about the off the rails plot that truly screamed that it was the End Of The World. It was a throwback to what I once loved, what I once raced for, and this... wasn't terrible with it.

 I mean, don't get me wrong, some of the humor was in poor taste, poorly timed, and sometimes downright juvenile, but I still laughed. It was a break from the truly horrifying turns the narrative took and, like any good comedic relief, it had me near hysterical after the stress that had been put on me prior.

 There are things to be ironed out, of course. There are things that made me put down my phone and ask myself why I was still reading. There were things that made me feel sick and like I needed to shower. But it made me feel, and despite myself I find myself (morbidly) curious of where the road will lead Lexa in the next installment (and not just because she stole my name).

Cheers,
Lexi