1940s Hong Kong When Japanese soldiers invade her hometown, Ha Yut Ying makes an unlikely escape—by turning invisible. But her miraculous survival is only the beginning. After the war is over, she’s sent to Hong Kong to live with her distant father and glamorous stepmother, who end her dreams of becoming a singer and turn her into the family’s servant. As the years pass, Yut Ying learns the hard truths of betrayal and ambition, of forbidden love and devastating loss, and discovers that sometimes the only way to endure is to disappear.
1960s San Francisco Marigold has always had a knack for uncovering secrets, but nothing prepares her for the day she accidentally witnesses her mother vanish before her eyes. The moment fractures their bond, leaving questions that shadow her entire childhood. But when her mother’s condition suddenly deteriorates, Marigold is convinced she’s the only person who can save her. To do so, she must journey into the secrets her mother never shared and uncover the tragic, fairytale-tinged history their family has fought to forget.
A story of mothers and daughters, the scars they inherit and the magic that binds them, Fishbone Cinderella is a tender and enchanting exploration of what it means, at last, to be seen.
My Review:
This ended up being a beautiful story about forgiveness and family healing. But I did almost give up reading it. I’m familiar with Elizabeth Lim for her Young Adult fantasy novels, which I have adored. So this was was a bit disappointing for me, but the story itself turns out to be well worth reading.
Content warning: Multiple f bombs, which I was not prepared for. One case of using the Lord’s name as a swear, and one spicy scene. (It left out graphic details though, but was more than I care to read.)
I come from a family of creatives. Several are writers. Several are artists. Not everyone wishes to be published. Not everyone wants to be a novelist. But everyone has probably had dreams. And I’m here to support them.
My mom’s cousin is a writer of spicy dark mafia romance. She’s doing amazing things and I wanted to give a shout out.
Set in ancient China, in a world where kung fu is magic, kingdoms vie for power and the battle to become the ultimate kung fu master unfolds, an unlikely hero is born… in the first book in the epic Legends of the Condor Heroes by the critically acclaimed master of the genre, Jin Yong.
After his father—a devoted Song patriot—is murdered by the Jin empire, Guo Jing and his mother flee to the plains of Ghengis Khan and his people for refuge. For one day he must face his mortal enemy in battle in the Garden of the Drunken Immortals. Under the tutelage of Genghis Khan and The Seven Heroes of the South, Guo Jing hones his kung fu skills. Humble, loyal and perhaps not always wise, Guo Jing faces a destiny both great and terrible.
However, in a land divided—and a future largely unknown—Guo Jing must navigate love and war, honor and betrayal before he can face his own fate and become the hero he’s meant to be.
Legends of the Condor Heroes A Hero Born A Bond Undone A Snake Lies Waiting A Heart Divided
My Review:
I really let the ball drop with this gem. This is a must read type of book. I received an ARC from the publisher before the pandemic, and this one sort of got buried in my to be read pile. I wish I had read it sooner, but, maybe one reason it got buried was the timing wasn’t right for me to read it. So, add this too your TBR lists. Buy a copy. Read it now. Read it later. Either way works. It’s great.
This is a sweeping epic. Upon finishing it, I had to go and see to the next one. The translator did an excellent job. What was really great about this book was, it was almost like watching it. I liked the third person omniscient story telling. I enjoyed the way it talked about kung fu and how it was magic. I wish I had read it sooner!
Deadly storms have ravaged Mina’s homeland for generations. Floods sweep away entire villages, while bloody wars are waged over the few remaining resources. Her people believe the Sea God, once their protector, now curses them with death and despair. In an attempt to appease him, each year a beautiful maiden is thrown into the sea to serve as the Sea God’s bride, in the hopes that one day the “true bride” will be chosen and end the suffering.
Many believe that Shim Cheong, the most beautiful girl in the village—and the beloved of Mina’s older brother Joon—may be the legendary true bride. But on the night Cheong is to be sacrificed, Joon follows Cheong out to sea, even knowing that to interfere is a death sentence. To save her brother, Mina throws herself into the water in Cheong’s stead.
Swept away to the Spirit Realm, a magical city of lesser gods and mythical beasts, Mina seeks out the Sea God, only to find him caught in an enchanted sleep. With the help of a mysterious young man named Shin—as well as a motley crew of demons, gods and spirits—Mina sets out to wake the Sea God and bring an end to the killer storms once and for all.
But she doesn’t have much time: A human cannot live long in the land of the spirits. And there are those who would do anything to keep the Sea God from waking…
And I really enjoyed this retelling of it. I loved the lore and the myths. I loved the different takes on imugis. I loved the twists. I love the theme of family and love, and family ties that last beyond death.
I can’t wait to see what author Axie Oh writes next. (And seriously, this book will look great next to mine on the shelf.)
Have you read The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea? What did you think?
Dr. Barnabus Milligan has always felt called to help people, whether that means setting a broken bone or rescuing the impoverished women of London from their desperate lives on the streets as part of his work with the Dread Penny Society.
Three years ago, he helped rescue Gemma Kincaid by marrying her in secret to protect her from her family, notorious grave robbers who were intent on keeping her working in the trade.
But their unconventional relationship is nearly over before it begins when, six months after they exchange vows, Gemma realizes her love for Barnabus is unrequited. To protect her heart, she leaves, telling Barnabus to contact her if his feelings for her ever grow beyond a sense of duty.
When Gemma finally receives a letter from Barnabus, inviting her to return home, she hopes to find a true connection between them. But she quickly learns that he only wants her help to foil the Kincaids, who have been terrorizing the boroughs of London, eager to gain both money and power.
Heartbroken once more, Gemma agrees to help, but she warns Barnabus that she will not stay for long, and once she goes, he’ll never see her again.
Yet as the couple follow the clues that seem to connect the Kincaids to the Mastiff, the leader of London’s underground criminal network, Gemma and Barnabus both realize they might make a better match than either of them suspected. Perhaps the marriage that had once saved Gemma’s life, might prove the means of saving Barnabus—and his lonely heart—as well.
But before the once-confirmed bachelor can properly court his secret bride, they’ll need to evade the dangerous forces that are drawing ever closer to the hopeful lovers and the entire Dread Penny Society itself.
My Review:
I totally loved this book. I loved the growing relationship between Barnabus and Gemma. Everything was woven together very nicely. Highly recommend reading this.
This book has is all: romance, suspense, mystery, and interwoven Penny Dreadfuls! Even if you haven’t read any other of the series, you’ll enjoy this one.
When Annika Marie Meyer reads the most chauvinistic, absurd, insulting mail-order bride advertisement, she had to respond. With the ire of an enraged goddess, Annika was determined to put Cole Morison in his place. However, she just might find a place of her own.
Review:
This story positively delightful. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. From Annika’s first letter to Cole to their budding friendship, I just wanted to read more.
I originally read this one on Vella, but here is now an ebook!
Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. When a royal messenger summons her ailing father, once a tailor of renown, to court, Maia makes the ultimate sacrifice and poses as a boy to take his place. She knows her life is forfeit if her secret is discovered, but she’ll take that risk to achieve her dream and save her family from ruin. There’s just one catch: Maia is one of twelve tailors in a cutthroat competition for the job.
Backstabbing and lies run rampant as the tailors compete in challenges to prove their artistry and skill. Maia’s task is further complicated when she draws the attention of the court magician, Edan, whose piercing eyes seem to see straight through her disguise.
And nothing could have prepared her for the unthinkable final challenge: to sew three magic gowns for the emperor’s reluctant bride-to-be, from the sun, the moon, and the stars. With this impossible task before her, she embarks on a journey to the far reaches of the kingdom, seeking the sun, the moon, and the stars, and finding more than she ever could have imagined.
Steeped in Chinese culture, sizzling with forbidden romance, and shimmering with magic, this fantasy novel is not to be missed.
My Review:
This is the second book I’ve read by Elizabeth Lim. I really like her writing growth between this one and Six Crimson Cranes. I also grabbed the Unravel the Dusk to start reading.
Spin the Dawn is a beautiful story about love and family. I knew straight from the opening that this would have an epic romance. I was not disappointed. Maia would give up the sun and moon for Edan, and he would do the same for her.
I can’t wait to see where the next book takes me.
Content alert: There is a scene with off-the-page/fade to black sex. And another scene with heavy kissing and necking.
Telling the truth is a vital part of growing up, so this beautifully illustrated book is a great way to start teaching your child the value of honesty. Most adults will agree that lying to someone is a gargantuan no-no. This story is a great way to begin explaining why you should always be honest through use of an example.
The main character in this story, Macy, lied to her parents about eating a piece of cake. After that, her father tells her a very loved and familiar Bible story about Jesus and the truth. Jesus had many opportunities to lie but he always told the truth. This puts Jesus in a different light for little Macy who then decides that she would like to be more like Jesus and tells her parents the truth.
Some great characteristics about this book:
It can help change a child’s behavior
It opens an honest dialogue between parent and child.
It is easily read and understood and great for kids and families
The illustrations are bright and colorful both of which make it appealing to young readers.
It also teaches an important Biblical principle that is not easily forgotten.
So grab a copy today and start teaching your child the value of honesty. Scroll up and click “Buy Now” button
My Review:
I loved this book. I was misty eyed by the end.
The prose is lovely. The illustrations are beautiful. I love that this story involves both Macy’s parents and that Macy gets the courage to be more like Jesus and tell the truth. The way it played out is realistic to family lice. Beautifully done.
What if you could avenge your own murder? A brilliant young woman gets a second chance at life in this debut YA tale of vengeance, court intrigue, and romance, inspired by classic Chinese tropes.
Mingshin outsmarted three princes to help the man she loved become king. But she doesn’t see Ren’s betrayal coming, not until she’s lying in a pool of her own blood on the palace steps.
As she’s dying, Mingshin makes a desperate plea to the gods to turn back time and give her a chance to make things right.
Mingshin wakes up two years earlier, her prayer granted, and swears two things: Ren will never become king, and she will never fall in love again.
But the timeline in this life has changed: a dignitary gifted with dark magic is threatening her kingdom’s peace, and Ren’s thirst for power runs deeper than Mingshin could have imagined.
She finds herself allying with Jieh, another contender for the throne. Mingshin knows better than anyone not to give her heart to a prince. But in the viper’s nest of the royal court, she and Jieh prove a phenomenal team. Can Mingshin avert the catastrophe of her past by once again learning to trust…and maybe even love?
Master storyteller Kate Chenli introduces a singular YA heroine in this vividly rendered and utterly original new fantasy series.
My Review:
The cover caught my attention as I love Asian based fantasy.
I waver between a 3 and a 4 star on this one, but by the end, I really loved this book.
Mingshin wasn’t that likable in the beginning. Yes, she’d been wronged. And she had good character growth. By the end, she was both likeable and admirable. (And I really really want to read the next book.) And I was rooting for Jeih from their first meeting.
Things to be aware of:
First is the minor foul language. (The a and b words.) There was only a few usages, thankfully. Does not really support the setting or feel of the story, but you understand why.
Secondly, too many lines went into what could have been epic kisses. Less is more.
This story does hint at a lesbian romance between Yunle and Fei, but it is both respectfully and tastefully handled.
Now, I think the next book will be an epic conclusion. If it’s anything like current C-dramas, and with the talent this author has for storytelling, I expect it even. (Don’t let me down!)
Mossy Cha has only ever wanted one thing: more control over her own life. With high school graduation approaching, she is excited to attend her dream college and experience freedom for the first time. But life takes an unexpected turn when this modern girl learns she is the chosen bride of a powerful Hmong shaman. The last thing she needs is destiny telling her what to do!
Touso Khang comes from a line of shamans that once exiled a great evil from the world. As the demon Du Yong returns to seek revenge, Touso’s only chance to destroy him for good is with the help of his chosen bride. Can he convince Mossy to accept her place by his side before evil forces prevail?
My Review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
This book has soo much going for it. I don’t think the blurb does it justice. And this review will probably contain spoilers.
First up, lets get the negative out of the way first. This book has swear words. If you don’t like the f bomb, proceed with caution. There is also some kissing and reference to sex/intimacy, but no sex occurs on page in this book. (This is different for book 2, which has more adult language and more adult situations.)
Mossy is graduation from high school, but she is 18. This book captures the heart of an 18 year old well. Especially one with a strong family behind her with traditional values. On top of that, this book is my introduction to all things Hmong. And it does this introduction well. It’s also an urban fantasy.
The evil in this book is Du Yong. He’s based on Ndu Nyong, a demon god who eats human souls. (Hmongs believe a person has 1-20 souls. You can learn more here.) As written in this book, he’s a great antagonist. And he is particular interested in shaman souls. He also wants what he can’t have–a body.
Going back to Mossy. She wants to spread her wings and fly after school. She is known to put her friends first, and has two very close friends (Eva and Cindy) and a boyfriend (Dylan) she hasn’t told her family about. Her mother tells her that a good Hmong girl stays home. Mossy doesn’t want to stay home. Prom is coming up and well, let’s just say Mossy’s plans don’t go the way she planned and she finds out she’s meant to be with Touso. (For those who like Asian dramas, you’ll totally get the multiple life times forever love trope here. It is a romantic notion.) And that love bond quickly unites them, much to Dylan’s chagrin.
Now more on Dylan. He’s a great character. He loves Mossy. For him, she just might be the one. In fact, it’s one of those things that proves to be vital to Mossy’s survival. (And for Kai.)
Kai is Touso’s older brother. His story will play out more in book 2. He’s important.
I enjoyed this book and it’s world that I went on to read book 2 right away.
Synopsis:
He’s fighting for his life, but for her, he’d sacrifice his soul.
Touso Khang is a shaman with the face of a heavenly prince . . . he’s also cursed.
Driven by the loss of his brother and saving the other shamans in his lineage, he’ll risk everything . . . but now it’s becoming clear that it may cost him his bride.
Mossy Cha wasn’t sure she could ever accept her place as the bride and guardian of a cursed shaman, or anyone for that matter! She just wants to be a normal person with ordinary adventures! But she can’t help feeling certain things when she looks at Touso Khang . . .
Their love was destined, and they have always found each other in every new lifetime—but it doesn’t mean it’ll be easy. With evil spirits and demons coming for them, they must find a way to end the curse for good or risk losing each other forever.
My Review:
The world building continues to be fabulous. The Hmong cultural details really add to this. In this book, we deal more heavily with the “bad shamans” or necromancers. We also see more of Du Yong, who is orchestrating his plan. He’s kidnapping chosen brides.
Kai plays a bigger role in this book. You see, Du Yong is using him. Kai died in an attempt to save his family. Now, he is being used by Du Yong to try to keep Mossy away from Touso. Not to mention, Kai’s refusal to accept a chosen bride has had dire consequences. On this back drop, we also have a very emotional moment for Mossy when one of her friends dies. And that’s just the tip of what roller coaster of a ride this story will take you on.
The necromancers also play a bigger role.
We learn more about Hmong wedding. Mossy graduates high school.
Now, book one had some adult language in it. This book has a lot more. (If the first book had as much as this one, I might not have continued reading.) This book also has adult situations, which includes an on page sex scene. Now, it may be tame compared to a lot of books and I appreciate that we are spared the dirty details, it was still more than I was expecting from a YA book. (Suitable for 16 and up, if your teen reader is comfortable with the f bombs, the mf bombs and sexual content.) While the romance between Kai and Nia (Kai as a ghost inhabiting Dylan’s body) made me of the movie Ghost, I was a bit uncomfortable with the fade to black scenes with them together. It’s not Kai’s body and it felt akin to cheating. It was also tragic in a way, because Nia and Kai had been married and loved each other. Who wouldn’t want one more chance to love their spouse?
By this time, I was invested in this story and in this world. I also want to know what happens next, and while I do hope the books remain suitable for a teen audience, I’d also be happy if the author released a clean version for those of who prefer less sex and foul language in our books.
Roxbury Books 