Review: ‘Soul of the Deep’ (‘Skin of the Sea’, #2) by Natasha Bowen

I think of all my own memories, reclaimed and mine. To know where you came from holds so much power over how you feel about yourself. Rating: 4/5 paper planes Genre: YA historical fantasy; Mermaids; MythologyPublication: 27 Sep 2022Pages: 304 (hardcover) Synopsis: *CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR BOOK 1 'SKIN OF THE SEA'* To save those closest …

Review: ‘Medusa’ by Rosie Hewlett

I was beautiful once. I would not recommend it. Rating: 3.75/5 paper planes Genre: Historical fantasy (Greek myth retelling)Publication: April 2021Pages: 204 (paperback) Synopsis: Within the depths of the Underworld the formidable snake-haired Gorgon has finally had enough. Tired of being eternally and unjustly brandished a villain, Medusa has found the courage to face her …

Review: ‘Skin of the Sea’ (‘Skin of the Sea’, #1) by Natasha Bowen

"In the water there are many things that mankind doesn't know about...When you peel back the skin of the sea, you never know what you will find."All quotes are from the ARC (advance reader copy), which may differ to the final version. Rating: 3.8/5 paper planes Genre: YA Historical Fantasy (15th Century C.E.); Mythology (West …

Review: ‘The Wolf and the Woodsman’ by Ava Reid

This is a power I've always had, one that I've earned, one that can't be taken from me by some capricious god. Rating: 4.5/5 paper planes Genre: Fantasy, mythological and historical inspirationPublication: 8 June 2021Pages: 448 (hardcover) Synopsis: In her forest-veiled pagan village, Évike is the only woman without power, making her an outcast clearly …

Review: ‘These Violent Delights’ (‘These Violent Delights’, #1) by Chloe Gong

"Astra inclinant," [Roma] would whisper into the wind, so heartachingly sincere even when quoting in Latin, "sed non obligant."The stars incline us, they do not bind us. Rating: 4.95/5 paper planes Genre: Historical fantasy (retelling, 'Romeo & Juliet')Publication: 17 Nov 2020Pages: 464 (hardcover) Synopsis: The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of …

Review: ‘The Once and Future Witches’ by Alix E. Harrow

The wayward sisters, hand in hand,Burned and bound, our stolen crown,But what is lost, that can't be found? Rating: 4.5/5 paper planes Genre: Alternate-historical fantasy (19th century; witches; women's suffrage movement)Publication: 13 Oct 2020Pages: 528 (hardcover)Synopsis: In 1893, there's no such thing as witches. There used to be, in the wild, dark days before the …

Review: ‘The Sin Eater’ by Megan Campisi

Don't I know by now that folk see their sins in the way they choose? There's always a reason as to why selfishness is not really selfish and crimes are honest and waiting safely by while somefolk else is killed is really the more courageous choice. Rating: 3.8/5 paper planes Genre: Alternative historical fiction (Tudor …