Tag Archives: standalone fantasy
Book Review

The Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk

The Midnight Bargain

The Midnight Bargain reminded me why I love fantasy novels, and then wrecked me with its social commentary about a Regency-inspired world. This is a story about women feeling trapped by social constraints, scrambling to escape, and discovering along the way that transforming a society is more satisfying than just saving oneself. I loved the book’s drawing room politics, djinn-inspired magic, chosen family, and the way the story didn’t shy away from the heroine’s ambition, … Continue reading The Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk

Book Review

Race the Sands by Sarah Beth Durst

Race the Sands

The book gods have been kind to me lately, and Race the Sands by Sarah Beth Durst is no exception. It’s a strong, fast-paced fantasy standalone about two women involved in the world’s most dangerous competition (monster racing!!) who unwittingly get involved in imperial and religious intrigues while they try to take top prize. It’s a classic sports underdog narrative that morphs seamlessly into a burn-the-whole-world-down-to-save-it story. I found the combination of fantasy sports and … Continue reading Race the Sands by Sarah Beth Durst