Bound to the Broken Crown Review

Bound to the Broken Crown by Astoria Hope 

4/5 Stars 

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Bound to the Broken Crown was a pretty solid read that had me looking forward to picking it up before bed all week. The characters all have a bit of substance to them which felt very immersive to me. Isca’s POVs are especially fun to follow!!! FYI this is a dual POV book, which I know is important to some readers out there!

Nisien is pure golden retriever energy while Emrys gives MAJOR black cat vibes. Both brothers are very different, yet you can really see how they are brought together by Isca’s alluring presence. The world building is solid without being overwhelming, and I found the plot easy to follow overall. Just a good aul' smooth and enjoyable read.

I also find it so cute to see some Irish words thrown in, especially as an Irish person hehe... The romance is definitely a slow burn, but the tension and emotional connection are there from day 1 which kept me invested throughout.

I will be purchasing a copy upon release on the 27th January 2026 (yay!) and cannot WAIT to see what Astoria Hope has coming next!!!

Wicked Onyx Review

Wicked Onyx by Debbie Cassidy

3/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Wicked Onyx coming out on the 10th of February 2026. 

Overall, this was a super enjoyable read with refreshing plotlines that I have not seen done before and some strong main characters. Paranormal academy setting (always a win for me!) and the big mystery surrounding Anamaya kept me interested. There's a constant senes that Anamaya is fighting for both her life and her place in the academy which added tension throughout. ALSO... saucy men (but not too saucy) are much much MUCH appreciated in this book. 

However, there was a few issues that brought this book down to a 3/5 for me... At times, the story dragged. in the last 1/4 of the book, Anamaya seems to drift away from her supposed 'goals' and I found myself disengaging more than I wanted to. Aside from this, I enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book immesely and I am awaiting book two! There is so much to uncover, especially when it comes to the academy and its secrets so I KNOW curiosity will pull me back in again. 

I recommend for those who want a paranormal mystery with potential romance on the table.

Blood of Hercules Review

 Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas

5/5 Stars

WOW. Blood of Hercules was such an insane book so it HAS to be my first proper review of 2026. 

I was hooked from the first page and quite literally had to have this book pried from my hands between lectures this week. Blood of Hercules delivers a refreshing, unique take on Greek mythology with a futuristic twist and brutal Spartan War Academy. Honestly, what MORE could you ask for?

Alex Hert is neither a hero or a god... she is first and foremost a survivor. She battles for both her life and future against fate itself gripping me from start to finish. Jasmine Mas' writing style is hilarious, sharp and emotionally unhinged in the best way possible. Alexis is so quirky, strange and witty that I genuinely did not know whether to cry or laugh at times but she really grows on you fast. 

This book is plot twist after plot twist after plot twist. If you love to be kept guessing 'what could possibly happen next?!?', rooting for an underdog and indulging in some terribly toxic men, then this book is perfect for you! Ruthless academy, intense mentors and professors (Achilles, Patro, Augustus and Kharon) and some high stakes... need I say more? 

I would recommend this book and happily reread this again soon. Cannot wait to see what Jasmine Mas plans next!