Author: fantasticfictionsblog

The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 5

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The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 5 by Natsu Hyuuga, Nekokurage, Itsuki Nanao, Touco Shino
Series Name: The Apothecary Diaries (Manga)
Genres: Drama, Historical, Mystery, Romance
Intended Age Group: Teen
Publisher: Square Enix
Edition: Paperback 
ISBN: 978-1-64609-074-7
Rating: 3.5/5
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Description from the Book

Forced to the leave the Inner Court, Maomao finds herself in the employ of none other than Jinshi, the seemingly ever-present thorn in her side. Immune to her new master’s charms, Maomao instead sets her mind to her work and to learning the ways of the Outer Court, where government ministers and military officers go about the daily business of running the country. Far from being fearful of her new surroundings, however, Maomao has her insatiable curiosity piqued by the forbidden, soldier-occupied East Wing. And when yet another mystery beckons, Maomao is unable to resist…

Personal & Info

At this point, I’m most definitely hooked on the series. I tried to buy this volume on release at my small local bookstore, because I prefer to shop there when possible, but someone had already taken it by the time I went. I had to wait a couple weeks for more copies to come in.

Characters

Maomao has a new job, in a new place, with new bullies. Women always seem angry because of her presence, even though she makes the extra effort to look bland and scrawny.

Jinshi and Gao Shun come and go. Jinshi appears to be very busy, but he still makes time to be nosy.

Suiren is Jinshi’s head maid. She is in her fifties, and apparently tends Jinshi’s residence by herself.

Ba Sen is a military officer Gao Shun assigns to escorting Maomao in this volume. I have some suspicions about him. I won’t say what they are in case they prove to be correct.

Li Haku, the soldier whom originally gives Maomao a hairpin in volume two , is around. The military quarters is not far from where she works.

Loulan is the new Pure Consort. We know nothing about her, but my impressions are she is aloof, bored, and indifferent. She is the same age as Maomao.

Lakan is a tactician whom apparently visits Jinshi regularly, despite Jinshi’s distain for the man. I have a feeling he is a story villain getting his introduction. He certainly does not sound like a good person.

Story & Thoughts

Maomao starts her new job in the Outer Court. She is back to being a maid, because she fails an aptitude test, and it’s apparently hard to get back into the Inner court after you are let go. She does briefly get to go back as a teacher for a day, though. That part is rather amusing.

The first mystery of the volume is in the third chapter. The first two chapters consist of Maomao getting comfortable in her new position, and fulfilling a request to teach a class for the Principal Consorts in the Inner Court. The last three out of five chapters all have their own individual mysteries to solve, only one of which involves poison of any kind. The series definitely has that Detective Conan/Case Closed vibe comfortably established.

I keep thinking Maomao should speak her mind more, but then she does, and it gets her into trouble. Maybe she needs to learn what to say out loud, and what not to, instead.

I keep forgetting to say it, but I love how Maomao is always portrayed as a cat.

Maomao is absolutely obsessed with the caterpillar fungus Jinshi presented her upon buying out her contract. She keeps circling back to it with renewed excitement after work and mysteries are complete. It makes her so happy to think about, that she accidentally smiles full on at Jinshi, and it appears to be a traumatic experience for him, considering the way their relationship works.

Lakan leaves us with a bit of a cliff hanger. He chooses not to finish telling his story, and instead implies Jinshi should ask Maomao for answers. This certainly can’t lead to anything good. I’m almost positive Lakan is going to be a new villain for the story.

This volume feels like a slight dip in rating, but it’s understandable because Maomao is in a new place and meeting new people. I’m sure it will find a good rhythm again once everyone important has their introduction done.

The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 4

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The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 4 by Natsu Hyuuga, Nekokurage, Itsuki Nanao, Touco Shino
Series Name: The Apothecary Diaries (Manga)
Genres: Drama, Historical, Mystery, Romance
Intended Age Group: Teen
Publisher: Square Enix
Edition: Paperback 
ISBN: 978-1-64609-073-0
Rating: 4/5
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Description from the Book

The trail of the garden banquet poisoner leads Maomao to the Garnet Palace! Aiming to uncover the identity and motives of the culprit who nearly succeeded in turning the festivities into a tragedy, the young apothecary-turned-lady’s maid temporarily takes up there at Jinshi’s behest. Home to Lady Aduo – the consort with the longest tenure in the Emperor’s affections – the Garnet Palace harbors many intrigues, some more shocking than even Maomao could have imagined! Will solving the mystery at hand lose Maomao her job…and maybe even her life?!

Personal & Info

This series is going strong for quality. I love Maomao. The story is great, and every volume makes me laugh.

Characters

Maomao’s life takes some turns in this volume.

Jinshi and Gao Shun seem important in each volume. Jinshi is a main character, and Gao Shun is his aide, so they are always around.

Xiaolan seems briefly present in each volume to pass gossip to Maomao that forwards the story or gives her insight she isn’t already aware of.

We learn more about Lishu and Aduo, some facts, and some speculation.

Luomen, we finally have a name for Maomao’s dad. This volume addresses some of the mystery behind his time at the inner court. We got brief implications in previous volumes that he may have been there.

Fengming is the head lady-in-waiting at the Garnet Palace. It would be hard for Maomao to visit and not associate with her.

Story & Thoughts

It’s two months after the garden banquet, and the investigation into who the poisoner is, is coming to a close. Approximately half the book is spent on this investigation. I think this volume has the most intrigue, so far.

Jinshi seems to be trying to turn Maomao into a detective. The favor he asks in this book has absolutely nothing to do with her apothecary skills. I think he just values her opinion and likes to test her.

The gross gossip about the tastes of the previous Emperor from volume two comes up again. As disgusting as it is, it’s only used in Maomao’s speculations. Nothing inappropriate is shown. If the sheer mention of this stuff offended you in volume two, you might be displeased to come across the subject again here.

There are some deeper mysteries going on around a few characters and their histories. All we have to go on are some observations and speculations from Maomao about possibilities. There’s no evidence or information to truly support any of it. Her speculations do make sense, though, so it makes me wonder if we’ll find out the truth later.

Maomao and Jinshi have some sweeter moments in this volume. Two are for sure sweet, but there is also one where I’m not sure if he’s flirting or tormenting. Maomao finds amusing ways to get revenge against him for torment now. Their relationship, whatever kind it is, has seen a lot of growth up to this point. I’m curious to see how it will continue to develop.

Maomao should probably speak her mind more often. The things she neglects to say seem to be things she should actually say.

Someone should do something about Lishu’s ladies. I can’t help feeling sorry for her.

I haven’t said this in other reviews, but I love the bonus comics in the back. They tend to have scenes that are extended parts from events that happen in the book, and they are always funny.

Light Novel and Manga Haul August 2022

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About

I went a little overboard this month. This is excessively more books than I usually obtain by the end of the month. I use books as a reward system for myself, and you can see the results. Obviously, I’ve had a productive month.

I didn’t mention it in my first haul, because there were only five books, and they were all new, but I frequently buy used. So if you see a haul with a discolored book, or volumes with stickers or damage, I likely bought it pre-owned.

Manga

Fruits Basket Collector’s Edition, Vol. 9

I’m collecting all of these so I can binge read them all at once. Back in the day, I wasn’t able to read them, so I’m collecting these editions. I’m up to volume nine. Only three left! Yes, I will also be getting Fruits Basket Another once this series is completed.

Headhunted to Another World, Vol. 1 & 2

I research new books all the time. This one sounds like it might be one of the more entertaining isekai, and the first two volumes were at my local bookstore, so I grabbed them to try. This series is not a priority for me, though, so I have no idea when I’ll actually get around to reading it.

Update: Reviews now available for these volumes, one and two.

Flame of Recca, Vol. 7

This is something I discovered in high school. It reminds me strongly of Yu Yu Hakusho, of which I am a huge fan. They seem to use the same story formulas. I haven’t read this series, yet, but I have seen the anime. These appear to be out of print, so I’m slowly obtaining used copies to complete my collection.

Skip Beat! Vol. 45 & 46

These volumes catch me up to current releases. I am still missing a gap (I think volumes 36-42), so I can’t actively read the series yet. It does, however, make it easier for me to keep up with current releases. I’ll be reading and reviewing all volumes of this series eventually.

Yagi the Bookshop Goat

I’m trying to expand on my yaoi collection, because I have virtually none. According to what people are saying, Tokyopop is doing well with their yaoi and BL releases recently. I also hear this stand alone story is good. While I have not yet read it, I have high hopes. It sounds adorable.

Update: The review is now available.

Tail of the Moon, Vol. 4-6

This is another series I started in high school and have never gotten around to finishing. I’m going to fix that. A couple more volumes and I’ll be about half way to completing the collection.

Otomen, Vol. 1 & 2

This purchase is from my local bookstore, where they occasionally get some pre-owned manga. I’ve read this before, the whole series, and I absolutely loved it. It’s a story where traditional gender roles are flipped around, and it’s absolutely sweet and hilarious. I intend to collect the whole series since I read it before but did not own it.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Vol. 2

This series sounds super good. I have the first volume, but have not yet read it. Sometimes it’s better to have two volumes to test a series, so I saw no issue in buying the second volume before reading the first. I have high hopes for this one.

Update: The review for this volume is now available, also see the review for volume one.

The Hero Life of a (Self Proclaimed) “Mediocre” Demon, Vol. 1

This is not high on my list of priorities, but it was at my local bookstore, so now it’s on my shelf. It sounds like it might be funny. I don’t know when I’ll get around to it.

Update: The review for this volume is now available.

Light Novels

The Invincible Shovel, Vol. 1

I see the manga for this everywhere, and I hear it’s a comedy. Typically, the light novels for things are better than the manga, so I made sure to get the light novel, which was surprisingly more difficult to locate.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Under the Faraway Sky

This is volume four of the Fullmetal Alchemist light novel series, yet another series I started in school and did not have the opportunity to finish. The second editions for the six novel series are currently releasing. The final release is around the end of September. I’m getting the second editions despite having a copy of the first edition for volume one, because they changed the spines for the second editions, and volume six only got an English release as second edition. I want mine to match.

Spice & Wolf, Vol. 4

I love this series. Unfortunately, I discovered it a bit late, so I’m about twenty volumes behind the current releases at this point. I’m sure I’ll catch up eventually.

Reviews for this series are already in progress, so feel free to check those out. I’ll include a link to volume one for people who’d like more information.

Update: The review for this volume is now available.

Log Horizon: The Beginning of Another World, Vol. 1

The anime for this is amazing. I’ve only seen the first season or two, but I loved it. I hear the light novel is a little taxing to read with all the descriptions in volume one for introducing mechanics and stuff, but I’d like to judge that for myself.

Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest, Vol. 1

This is much thicker than I expected, but that’s not a bad thing. The premise sounds interesting. Instead of a single person or small group sent to another world, it’s a whole class. I hear the recommendation is to read one through seven, then start the prequel. I hope I like it, because this implies I might have a series to last me a while. Long running series are great as long as they don’t get boring, and I love it when books have spin-offs and prequels to expand on the world.

The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 3

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The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 3 by Natsu Hyuuga, Nekokurage, Itsuki Nanao, Touco Shino
Series Name: The Apothecary Diaries (Manga)
Genres: Drama, Historical, Mystery, Romance
Intended Age Group: Teen
Publisher: Square Enix
Edition: Paperback 
ISBN: 978-1-64609-072-3
Rating: 4/5
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Description from the Book

After putting on a successful and sensual (?) show of food tasting at the garden banquet, Maomao is the talk of the palace! But she soon discovers that notoriety isn’t the only thing the party has granted her! Her collection of hairpins from the event brings the young herbalist a brief window of freedom beyond the palace walls, as she returns to the pleasure district for the first time in nearly a year! But while reunions with her father and her friends await, so too does another mystery…

Personal & Info

I bought this at the same time as volume two, because I didn’t want to have to wait to keep reading, like I did after volume one. Four wasn’t out at the time. I love this series, and can’t get enough of it.

Characters

Maomao’s character is building nicely. We see more sides of her in each book as new problems present themselves and she flexes her brain. Apparently, bluffing is in her skillset, but knowing how to read people, not so much.

Jinshi seems to be full of mystery. We’re getting tiny bits of information about him at seemingly random times.

Li Haku gives Maomao a hairpin in volume two. He does her a favor in this book, and is hardly seen. He is both significant and not, more like a plot device to keep things moving in the direction Maomao wants to go.

We see Maomao’s Pa in this volume. I don’t think the book gives us a name for him. He seems like a kind old man, always teaching his daughter the family business whenever opportunity arises. It’s obvious where Maomao gets her apothecary talent from.

Story & Thoughts

Maomao’s friend Xiaolan explains the use of the hairpins from the garden banquet. She apparently doesn’t do a good job and oversimplifies it, though, because the context of everyone else’s reactions implies something far more romantic than Maomao has in mind. Li Haku is the only guy from outside the inner court she has a pin from, so he is unanimously the man whom Maomao asks a favor.

Most of the story for this volume takes place in the pleasure district during Maomao’s visit home. Two people get poisoned in a closed room of one of the brothels, and though unnecessary, Maomao speculates what happened to cause it. It appears to be well planned, with Maomao herself being the only unexpected factor. This section feels very similar to a Detective Conan episode.

We see Maomao do a lot of smart and successful things in the series, so I think what we don’t realize is she is always learning. She is trained in her craft, but there are still things she doesn’t know, or overlooks. Her father is still better at the job than she is, and he is constantly helping her learn. Maomao sees him for the first time in ten months, and he automatically tries to teach her by quizzing her to help her hone her craft. While she is smart, and has much success under her belt, she is still capable of making mistakes and missing details.

I think we actually get to see Jinshi be jealous, how surprising. It’s becoming unclear how he sees Maomao. At first, the story implies she’s essentially a toy for his amusement, but now it’s hard to be sure. He clearly cares for her in some way, though it’s not clear if it’s romantic or not. Her chastity seems to matter to him, but is she a toy or a crush? Only time will tell.

The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 2

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The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 2 by Natsu Hyuuga, Nekokurage, Itsuki Nanao, Touco Shino
Series Name: The Apothecary Diaries (Manga)
Genres: Drama, Historical, Mystery, Romance
Intended Age Group: Teen
Publisher: Square Enix
Edition: Paperback 
ISBN: 978-1-64609-071-6
Rating: 4/5
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Description from the Book

When word of her accomplishments falls on the ears of His Imperial Majesty, Maomao finds herself tasked with a direct request from the throne. Turning down the emperor is out of the question for the former(?) apothecary if she wants to keep her head! But while acquiescing to the emperor is expected of all subjects, Maomao is about to discover that ladies-in-waiting have still more taxing duties to which to attend, as preparations for the garden banquet get underway! Concocting an aphrodisiac might be second nature to Maomao, but smiling prettily for the officials of the court could prove far more difficult…

Personal & Info

Originally, I purchased volume one from my local book store, and I read it that same evening. The store was closed the following two days, so having fallen in love with the series, I had to wait a few days to go back for the next few volumes. Yes, I could have just ordered them, but I prefer to buy locally, if I can.

Characters

Maomao shows off her more aggressive side and proves she can be intimidating. Apparently, there are poisons she actually LIKES. I still love her as a character. She can be hysterically funny in unexpected ways, and uplifting in others.

Jinshi seems to be a bit more hands off in this volume. He isn’t seen as much due to the garden banquet, however, we do get to see a more tender moment with him.

Gyokuyo seems like she will be important as an ongoing character, since Maomao currently works for her. She doesn’t always involve herself in Maomao’s business, but she’s definitely around.

Lihua may be more kind than the first volume seems to imply.

Consorts Aduo and Lishu, the remaining two of the four principal consorts, get an introduction.

We finally learn the names of all four of Gyokuyo’s ladies-in-waiting. We don’t learn all the names through the story in volumes one and two. There is a list of the four ladies in the back, which also includes personality descriptions to give us a better idea of their characters.

Story & Thoughts

In the first chapter, we get to see how consort Lihua is doing after the poison incident in the first book. This is also the first look into a different palace. We’ve only seen Gyokuyo’s Jade Palace residence until now. Lihua lives in the Crystal Palace, and she has many more ladies-in-waiting than Gyokuyo. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are more efficient at the job, though.

The story in this volume is much simpler. Three of the four chapters are concerning the garden banquet, so there seem to be less mysteries. Instead, Maomao learns how the banquet works, and more information about the other consorts is given. I think all three chapters contain one mystery. It’s like a long special.

The previous Emperor apparently had some sketchy preferences. There’s a section where Gyokuyo’s ladies-in-waiting are gossiping with Maomao about it and they actually bleep out part of it. Worry not, though, they don’t approve. Maomao even says it makes her want to throw up. It’s just gossip information, and does not appear to have any significant baring on the story aside from lore about a few people. It’s a small section, and I don’t think readers should let it affect the overall enjoyment of the volume.

Are you wondering why Maomao’s freckles are missing on the cover? Is she wearing makeup? I was certainly curious. You’ll find out when you read the book.

The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 1

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The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 1 by Natsu Hyuuga, Nekokurage, Itsuki Nanao, Touco Shino
Series Name: The Apothecary Diaries (Manga)
Genres: Drama, Historical, Mystery, Romance
Intended Age Group: Teen
Publisher: Square Enix
Edition: Paperback 
ISBN: 978-1-64609-070-9
Rating: 4/5
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Description from the Book

Maomao, a young woman trained in the art of herbal medicine, is forced to work as a lowly servant in the inner palace. Though she yearns for life outside its perfumed halls, she isn’t long for a life of drudgery! Using her wits to break a “curse” afflicting the imperial heirs, Maomao attracts the attentions of the beautiful Jinshi and is promoted to attendant food taster. But Jinshi has other plans for the erstwhile apothecary, and soon Maomao is back to brewing potions and…solving mysteries?!

Personal & Info

This is the first new and current manga series I’m reading in a good while. I’m wary of starting any new series without doing research, because I like to know what I’m getting into. This series is apparently a recommendation for people who like Case Closed/Detective Conan, which I do. That’s one of the reasons I am choosing to read it. It also has high praise everywhere I look. After actually starting the series, I can say I’m definitely not disappointed.

Characters

Maomao, the main character, is a trained apothecary. She grew up in the pleasure district, in a house with her father. I’m not sure why, but I imagine her voice sounding like Haruhi from the Ouran High School Host Club English dub.

Jinshi is a eunuch who appears to be in charge of running the inner court, and he seems to be fond of Maomao, or at least intrigued by her.

Xiaolan is a maidservant, a huge gossip, and Maomao’s friend.

Gao Shun is Jinshi’s aide.

Gyokuyo is the Emperor’s favorite consort. She resides in the Jade Palace of the inner court, and she has four ladies-in-waiting.

Hongniang is the head lady-in-waiting for Gyokuyo.

Lihua is one of the Emperor’s consorts, and mother of the infant crown prince. This volume does not state which palace she resides in.

Story & Thoughts

First thoughts, the art for this series is absolutely gorgeous. I am blown away.

The setting is Chinese inspired, and takes place in the inner court of the Emperor’s palace where all his consorts and concubines live. The only men allowed inside are the Emperor himself, his blood relations, and eunuchs. Maomao is sold into labor there, and as of the start of the book, her time served is three months.

The story has a serious tone, because each chapter has a mystery to solve. They can be anything from a problem someone is experiencing, to figuring out treatment for an illness or poison. Don’t let that premise fool you, though, it’s plenty funny, too.

There are funny moments everywhere, most Maomao usually causes herself. Her personality is fantastic for comedic relief. She has a mad scientist vibe, and I love that. She doesn’t respond well to flirtatiousness either, and that makes for some great scenes with her and Jinshi.

Jinshi clearly flirts with Maomao. The series is technically a romance, but it doesn’t feel like one. If it is, it’s going to be a slow burn, because Jinshi is obviously the love interest, and she is blatantly not interested. If he so much as smiles at her, she is suspicious of him.

The pacing of it all is good. It doesn’t feel like anything is happening too fast or too slow. Everything is explained efficiently and well enough to understand. Even the part where Maomao is “cooking” is easy to understand. It’s cool, too, because they take the time to explain how she refrigerates something without any electricity.

I can’t stress enough how much I like Maomao as a character. I’m hooked on this series, and I look forward to reading the rest. This is one of the few series I think I’ll bother to keep up with as it releases.

Calluna (Spell Library #4)

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Calluna by Jewels Arthur
Series Name: Spell Library
Genres: Angels, Contemporary, Elves, Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal Romance, Reverse Harem, Romance, Shifters
Intended Age Group: Adult
Publisher: Independent
Edition: Kindle
ASIN: B086GFHRZJ
Rating: 3/5
Amazon

Description

Calluna doesn’t buy into all the love junk she sees all over town. She’d rather spend her time working at her pet store Beastie Besties, where she’s recently been curing a slew of cursed animals. She’s determined to find the culprit and put a stop to the curses. Her goals do not change when she suddenly finds herself with multiple fated mates, and dark secrets come to light.

Personal & Info

I’m going to be honest. I don’t remember some of the serious story parts. However, I do remember most of the romance, which I think is the most important part of each book in this series. It’s been about a year since I read this, and this was the last one I read. So if I read more and review them, it’ll be from here on out.

Characters

Calluna is the main character. She’s something called a changeling. I’m not completely clear on all the lore for that, but I think in this case it means she was swapped with another baby.

Lars is Calluna’s friend, whom works with her at her pet store, where they treat cursed animals.

Landyn, I think he’s a griffin, and he works at a night club or bar, if I remember correctly.

Rhett and Damian, they are themselves a couple. Rhett is a fennec fox shifter, and Damian is a meerkat shifter.

Elias, I believe he is an angel.

Story & Thoughts

As usual for this series, I like the characters. They are always well defined and full of personality.

There are more lore dumps in this volume for how the world works. Rules about magic, some species laws, stuff like that. It makes the series feel more fleshed out. I love that stuff.

The writing style is a little different than previous volumes. This one rotates through all of Calluna’s mates at least once to help flesh things out. It gives a better idea of how the mate bond feels to each of them, and what their lives are like behind the scenes. It works well with the lore dumps to make them feel more natural.

At this point, four books into the series, I think it’s safe to say you never really know what you’re getting into. Violet and Lupine seem tame, and Juniper and Calluna are very sexual. Be ready for either possibility when digging into this series.

This one is a step up from Lupine, but not as good as Violet or Juniper.

I’m a little confused why Vampires are out and about during the day with nothing to say they were using any sort of covering like Bert does, which is specifically mentioned in the first book. There are two instances in here where different vampires are visiting somewhere outside their home in what appeared to be daylight hours, but nothing is specified about window coverings or what they are wearing to protect them from the sun. It seems odd.

I’m sad they never the epilogue never says what the men get for their tattoos, only Calluna.

Lupine (Spell Library #3)

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Lupine by Hanleigh Bradley
Series Name: Spell Library
Genres: Angels, Contemporary, Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal Romance, Reverse Harem, Romance, Shifters, Wolves
Intended Age Group: Adult
Publisher: Independent
Edition: Kindle
ASIN:  B086BKF1ZN
Rating: 2.5/5
Amazon

Description

Lupine, a wolf shifter, and an orphan herself, runs the Silver Springs Orphanage. She’s never felt like she truly belonged. Always overworked and stressed, she’s always busy taking care of the twenty unique children of the orphanage. None of them are human.

When the mafia comes to town and moves in across the street, will Lupine find a home and connection with the wolves?

Personal & Info

First of all, there is a disclaimer at the start of the book saying the author usually writes in British English, but is writing in US English for this particular series, and it asks readers to be patient with the occasional British slip. That’s all fine and good. I don’t mind that. However, with this knowledge, I became aware of how many slips there were. There were a lot. I think this book needed someone with US English as their first language to proof it. It would have been fine on its own, but as part of a series, it felt jarring.

I don’t have good notes for this one, so I’m not sure I’ll have much to say. I’ll do my best anyway.

Characters

Lupine, the main character, is a wolf shifter in charge of running the Silver Springs orphanage. I think she has one employee/helper, but I can’t remember their name. I don’t think they are important for the purposes of the review.

Wren, Rehan, Camden, and Kalen are all the love interests. They are wolf shifter mafia dudes who move in across the street.

Story & Thoughts

I like the story and the characters.

I don’t think this is good as Juniper or Violet. It doesn’t seem like there is much actually going on. The problems in the other books come across as more dire. This one is more slice of life with minor inconvenience.

The confrontation toward the end is resolved quickly. It’s obvious there is more to Lupine’s story, because the main issue isn’t even addressed in this book. It doesn’t occur here, which makes the story feel lacking. To try explaining it better, I feel like finishing this one only feels like reading half a book. I believe there’s another Lupine book in this series later on that deals with the part that isn’t addressed in this one.

I’m actually surprised about the love interests. When I hear mafia, I don’t think of guys like these. They seem more like yakuza than mafia. Is there a difference? I think there’s a difference.

I find it amusing all five of them piled into Lupine’s bed. I’m not sure how comfortable that would be, but I bet it’s cramped. It just goes to show how close wolves like to be to their mates.

Juniper (Spell Library #2)

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Juniper by Eva Delaney
Series Name: Spell Library
Genres: Comedy, Contemporary, Fantasy, Ghosts, Magic, Paranormal Romance, Pirates, Reverse Harem, Romance, Shifters, Vampires
Intended Age Group: Adult
Publisher: Independent
Edition: Kindle
ASIN: B086HG2WRC
Rating: 3.5/5
Amazon

Description

Juniper is in hiding from some allies turned enemies for taking some things that weren’t hers. When she decides to use some dark magic for a night of fun with her three favorite toys, things go awry. The toys become dildo shifters! The three being: a shy vampire, an 18th century pirate, and Shakespeare himself.

The spell only lasts until morning, so Juniper promises to show them a good time. But can she really stand to let them go? If she wants a real chance at a future with them, she must come out of hiding and confront her problems.

Personal & Info

Violet is good, so I am continuing the series. If you also read Violet, I do not recommend using that as an expectation for this book. Violet is cute and funny, and generally appropriate. This book goes in a completely different, erotic, direction.

Some of these have paperback copies available, but not all of them. I can only find Amazon links for them, so that’s all I’m listing.

I don’t have good notes for this one, so I’m not sure I’ll have much to say. I’ll do my best anyway.

Characters

Juniper, the main character, is a dark witch. She’s hiding from people in plain sight by not using dark magic, because apparently people can track that. She’s a thriving business woman in the sex toy industry. Her products are magically enhanced for all kinds of shenanigans.

Oscar, I believe he is the bookish vampire. He is my favorite in this volume. I resonate with him and want him for myself.

Sam is the pirate. I think he hogs most of Juniper’s attention.

Shakes is literally Shakespeare. I think they function under the logic he doesn’t LOOK like Shakespeare because he looks younger than the commonly seen pictures or something like that.

Alyssa, I think she is Juniper’s best friend, if I am remembering right.

Story & Thoughts

I actually think the first third of the book is difficult to read, because it seems like it’s trying too hard. By this I mean, throwing in as many sexual jokes and phrases as possible, to the point where they don’t make sense, or sound strange. Some of the humor is lost because of this. After the first third, the story finds its pace and gets better.

This book has more action in it than Violet. There are magic duels, for example. I think an entire street gets messed up because of one.

I can’t remember the finer details about the story events toward the end with the island and the other witches and warlocks or whatever you want to call them. What I do remember is the book is very erotic, like, maybe eighty percent erotic, and twenty percent actual deep story. I’m making up these numbers.

There are elaborate sex scenes scattered about. Three ways, guy on guy, almost anything you can think for them to do, they do. It’s not shy either, you might as well be reading a full blown erotica.

It’s incredibly obvious Juniper’s favorite guy is the pirate. They have the best chemistry of the three, and their personalities seem to compliment each other in a gravitational way.

Violet (Spell Library #1)

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Violet by Mia Harlan
Series Name: Spell Library
Genres: Comedy, Contemporary, Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal Romance, Reverse Harem, Romance, Shifters, Vampires
Intended Age Group: Adult
Publisher: Independent
Edition: Kindle
ASIN: B086HXCNHT
Rating: 4.5/5
Amazon

Description

Violet is a young chameleon shifter on the run. She’s spent the past year posing as her 80-year-old best friend in Silver Springs. No one can ever find out who she is or what she looks like or she might end up dead. Not even her three fated mates: a bear shifter, a vampire mage, and a troll cop. But that might be out of her control.

Personal & Info

I see a lot of ebook ads on social media. That’s where I found this one. The description was so out there and funny on its own that I added it to my wish list. I scroll through my wish list regularly for sales, and this one was free one day, so I grabbed it. I’m glad I did, too, because this book is glorious!

I am unable to find any hardcopies or listings on other major sites, so I’ve only listed the link to the Amazon kindle version.

It’s been a while since I read this, but I like to read this series every so often as a pallet cleanser when I need a break. At this point, I’ve read four of them (in the past two years), so I’d like to get reviews up for them so I won’t be missing any when I get around to reading more of them.

All of these books CAN be read as stand alone novels, but they do connect a little. The characters appear in other books, and the main connector is a novel that gets passed to each main character.

Characters

Violet, the main character, is a chameleon shifter. She impersonates her best friend to work at the library. Violet is in a bit of trouble, so nobody can know who she really is.

Violet, Violet’s best friend (yes there are two Violets), is a skunk shifter. Other Violet impersonates this Violet at work.

Liam is troll police officer. I don’t mean the jokester kind, he is a literal troll. He’s related to one of the old ladies that frequents the library.

Bert is Liam’s partner. He’s a vampire who chooses to work the day shift.

Cash is a wealthy vampire. His name is rather fitting when you think about it. I think he invented this world’s version of social media, if I remember right.

Nole is a bear shifter. He works at the library with Violet. I believe he has two brothers, but I probably won’t be mentioning them.

Story & Thoughts

This book has me laughing and giggling most of the way. The first half is hilarious

The story occurs within the span of only a few days. Day one, Violet is practically bombarded by men. I won’t say how, because that would spoil the comedy.

My favorite is Cash. I like his sense of humor the most, and he seems like the sweetest, in my opinion. No details on how or why, because I don’t want to spoil anything.

The story is not purely comedy, though. It gets serious in the second half, but the events practically fly by, so it doesn’t feel like the book itself is serious.

Both Violets get a happy ending, which is great. It’s not really a surprise though, because as a romance, a happily ever after is standard. I am a little surprised at the ending old lady Violet gets, though. That part caught me off guard, but good for her.

The general setting of the story intrigues me, but I have to wonder what humans see if they can’t see all the paranormal stuff.

I’m tempted to give Violet a perfect score, because, as a comedy, the rating system is a little different. I laughed a lot, which is good, but I feel like there is something missing from the serious section. I love this book. It’s a great break from the more serious fantasy I often read.