gold rush by sarah sanders

 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is such an exhilarating read. It’s a dazzling and deftly plotted romp with unexpected plot twists right till the end. Just when I thought ‘Oh, so this is how it’ll go’ it changed directions. Then again. This one defies — or straddles — genres. The only book that I can think of that is similar in twists, setting (historical) and complete engagement is Fingersmith by Sarah Waters. What begins as a classic caper quickly deepens into a layered mystery of tangled debts, dangerous pasts, and hidden agendas.

First there’s the unforgettable duo of Cass and Leo, two grifters whose chemistry and witty banter are the engine of the story. Cass, with her audacious confidence and theatrical flair, is a force of nature, while Leo’s pragmatic wit and weary loyalty provide the perfect grounding. Their goal seems simple: infiltrate a prestigious poetry contest and con the reclusive, elegant Lady Seraphine into giving them her generous prize. But from the moment they step onto the opulent château, nothing is as it seems.

Then there are the impeccably poised Lady Seraphine and her enigmatic companion Isolde Reinhardt. Lady Seraphine is a balance of glamour with vulnerability. Isolde is like an Matryoshka nesting doll with layers that hide more layers — compellingly enigmatic and seems to be shifting character all throughout.

The true brilliance of this book lies in its perfect pacing and expertly crafted reveals. Just when you think you have the measure of the characters and their game, the plot twists elegantly, raising the stakes and deepening the emotional resonance. The story seamlessly blends laugh-out-loud humour, genuine tension, and moments of surprising tenderness.

The romantic tensions—both the aching, idealized crush and the more grounded, wary attraction—are woven beautifully into the central plot, driving the characters’ choices without ever overshadowing the thrilling narrative.

The conclusion is both triumphant and deeply satisfying, offering a payoff that is as emotionally resonant as it is clever. It is a testament to the author's skill that she can deliver an ending that feels both inevitable and obvious, but at the same time it also feels like a graceful, unexpected gift.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#bookrecs #bookrecommendations #historicalfiction #historicalromance #romance #humour #con #intrigue #bestbooks #mustread #lesfic #lesbian #lesbianfiction #plottwists #entertaining #readnow #reading #imreading #bookclub #booktok #bokkstagram #readers #bookreaders #amreading

Actually Romantic by Sarah Sanders

 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If I had to put a trope label on this one, it could possibly be opposites attract. But this book isn’t a trope. Sarah Sanders’ Actually Romantic is a breath of fresh, brilliantly organized air. This is not just a love story; it is a beautifully observed and sometimes hilarious character study about how love finds us not in spite of who we are, but because of it.

We meet Shelly Cobalt, a game designer whose world is a meticulously calibrated system of routines, parameters, and data points. She approaches the problem of finding a life partner with the same analytical precision she applies to her code, creating a disastrously clinical “Significant Interactions” plan. Her journey is upended when she meets Maple, the vibrant, chaotic, and endlessly charming owner of a local café called Sip Happens. Maple is everything Shelly’s plan didn’t account for: spontaneous, emotionally intuitive, and utterly irresistible.

The relationship between the two is heart of the book. Shelly, with her hyper-logical, algorithmic approach to life, is the kind of character who could easily have been reduced to a stereotype in the wrong hands. But Sanders crafts her with nuance, showing both her vulnerabilities and her strengths, making her oddly relatable. Maple, on the other hand, bursts off the page with warmth, spontaneity, and an infectious laughter that feels like sunshine. Together, they’re an irresistible contrast: logic meets chaos, structure meets colour. Their romance unfolds with wit and sensuality, but also with the kind of small domestic details—windchimes, shared meals, inside jokes—that make it feel lived-in rather than fabricated.

Sanders’ genius lies in her deep commitment to her protagonist’s voice. Shelly’s internal monologue, filled with “internal logs” and clinical observations, is consistently hilarious and unexpectedly poignant. Her gradual transformation from a woman who measures her coffee to the exact gram to one who learns to appreciate “soft entropy” is written with extraordinary sensitivity and wit. The romance that develops is not about changing Shelly, but about expanding her world to include warmth, colour, and the beautiful unpredictability of human connection.

Maple is the perfect foil—not as a manic pixie dream girl, but as a fully realized, patient, and understanding partner who sees the wonderful woman behind the systems. Their chemistry is palpable, and their interactions range from laugh-out-loud funny to deeply tender. A scene where Shelly arrives at a chaotic family birthday party armed with a colour-calibrated bouquet and a metaphoric spreadsheet is a particular standout, showcasing Sanders’s ability to balance humour with genuine heart.

The tenderness with which the intimacy is written is breathtaking. Shelly’s overwhelm when they become physically close, Maples loving encouragement and guidance. I’m blown by how beautifully that is handled. I could probably write another full review on just the unspoken subtext in that scene.

Actually Romantic manages to be both clever and deeply heartfelt at the same time. Sarah Sanders has written a romance that doesn’t just coast on chemistry—it builds an entire world of connection, humour, and tenderness that is refreshingly real.

What I loved most is how the novel balances humour with tenderness. The dinner scene with Shelly’s parents, for example, is written with such understated charm, while the playful epilogue is laugh-out-loud funny yet deeply romantic. Sanders never forgets that real love is equal parts passion and partnership, and she gives us both in abundance.

Actually Romantic is a smart, sophisticated, and deeply satisfying romance. It is a celebration of neurodiversity, the power of stepping outside your comfort zone, and the idea that the best things in life—especially love—can’t be planned for.

Sarah Sanders hasn’t just written a love story; she’s crafted a modern classic about finding your perfect match in the most imperfect, illogical, and wonderful way possible. This is a must-read for anyone who believes that the right person doesn’t complete you—they help you become a more complete version of yourself. This book is for anyone who wants a romance that’s genuinely romantic—messy, funny, awkward, tender, and yes, actually romantic. Highly recommended.

Also, the cover—absolutely beautiful and so meaningful to the story.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dragon Marked: The Legend of the Flame by Kara Knightlee

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cheers: We've got our own Rabecca Yarros in lesfic — Sarah Sanders (writing under the pen name Kara Knightlee) makes a confident and polished debut into the Epic Fantasy / Romantasy genre with this exceptional, superlative book.

From the ashes of a dying world rises a legend — and Dragon Marked is nothing short of breathtaking. This is fantasy at its most alive: a symphony of molten prose, heart-wrenching romance, and dragons that don’t just soar off the page — they sear your soul.

From the very first page, Dragon Marked: The Legend of the Flame ensnares you in its world of smoldering magic and unforgettable characters. This is the kind of book that doesn't just tell a story—it brands itself upon your soul with prose as sharp as dragon talons and as luminous as Heartfire.

It’s Unputdownable:

🔥 A HEROINE WHO BURNS BRIGHT

Aura Caelanth isn’t just a warrior—she’s a conflagration. Her journey from survivor to living myth is raw, real, and radiant. When she touches the Flameroot Tree and whispers "I come for remembrance," you’ll feel it in your bones.

 

🐉 DRAGONS LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN THEM

Ashari’s return is the most transcendent dragon resurrection in modern fantasy. Her bond with Aura isn’t magic—it’s memory made flesh. Scales like starlight, wings that rewrite the sky—this is how dragons were meant to be written.

Ashari's return is a revelation – a moment of such mythic grandeur that it lifts the entire story into the realm of timeless legend. The bond between dragon and marked one has never felt more sacred or more devastatingly beautiful.

Ashari didn’t just return to Emberfall—she crashed into my soul and built a nest.

 

💔 A LOVE THAT CUTS DEEPER THAN BLADES

Kaelen Ravaryn is a triumph of tragic allure. Their romance is a blade balanced on the edge of betrayal— it's a riptide of longing and secrets that will leave you gasping. Every glance, every scar, every unspoken truth hurts so good.

Kaelen and Aura's love story is a masterpiece of tension and tenderness. Their connection burns with the heat of a forge and cuts with the precision of a blade. Every stolen glance, every aching separation, every moment of vulnerability is pure narrative alchemy.

🔥🤫💘 A breathless, private inferno of want and wonder. 

Every intimate scene between Kaelen and Aura is visceral passion and totally swoon-worthy.

 

⚔️ 🎭⚫ MYSTERIOUS VILLAINS THAT CREATE DREAD

The mysterious but dreadful Void (the physics of unmaking), the Shadebound (the turned Flametouched) and the Shadow Soldiers. Chilling perfection.

 

✨🗡️🔥🐎🤣⚔️🕶️AWESOME CAST OF SECONDARY CHARACTERS including 

• Magnetic Rewa: A mentor with hidden storms beneath her calm. Her whispered "Ealá, Aura" carries the weight of centuries—and that final dagger scene? Iconic

• Skyburst: The MVP (Most Valuable Pegasus-Dragon?). Her sassy huffs and soul-deep bond with Aura prove love needs no words—just side-eye and shared courage.

• Irrepressible Elin with her sassy comments—pure gold.

• Enigmatic Selyra and her eerie ways—chilling.

• Sharp-tongued Teyne—and her casual insults hiding a devastating truth—shock reveal

• the whole friends' group (Bran, Derran, Saela, Mira, Vess, Corren and Kye) are beautifully defined. Each one shines and is crafted with care. Their toast to Aura’s Dragon Mark ("Looks like we’ve got ourselves a dragon-caller!") is pure found-family gold—equal parts humor and fierce loyalty.

Also, a quick nod to: 

• 🕶️ Commander Vael ⚔️🌑 (A man or a ghost? — "I’ve seen centuries. You’re special. Don’t make me say it.")

• The Akmuo stone 🪨💬 ("I witnessed the first flame. Your angst is cute.")

🌀✨👤Plots twists and unexpected, breathtaking character arcs.

⚔️💥🎬👀Stunningly written fight sequences that you can actually see. 

Dragon Marked has an engrossing story, an immersive world, careful world-building, unforgettable characters, dramatic plot twists, cinematic fights, lush writing and a beautiful (but ultimately devastating + cliffhanging) romance. 

Dragon Marked: The Legend of the Flame isn’t just a book—it’s a living flame. It grips you with the fury of a dragon’s roar and the tenderness of a whispered vow. 

This one has everything I ever wanted in a lesbian fantasy book 

• The emotional depth of The Priory of the Orange Tree
• The fiery romance of Fourth Wing
• The mythic grandeur of The Jasmine Throne

I 💓 this book so hard.

Also, it has one of the most stunning covers I've seen.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#bookrecommendations #BookLovers #bookworm #bookrecs #bookreader #bookrelease #newbookrelease #newbookreleasealert #fantasy #fantasybookrecs #fantasybookstagram #bookstagram #BookTalk #NewFantasyRelease #Romantic #romance #romantasyreads #romantasybookrecs #reading #readerscommunity #fantasyseries #fantasybooks #epicfan

#fantasyseries #fantasy #yafantasy #sorcery #fantasybookseries #youngadultfantasy  #highadventure #medievalfantasy #fantasyreads #epicfantasybooks #youngadultbook #dragons #DragonRider #dragonriders #kindleunlimitedreaders #kindleunlimitedreads #KindleUnlimited #kindleunlimitedbooks #kindlebooks #kindlereads #freeonKU #freeonKindleUnlimted #bestbooks #bestfantasyreads #bestfantasybooks #mustread #bookrecommendations #BookLovers #bookworm #bookrecs #bookreader #bookrelease #newbookrelease #newbookreleasealert #fantasy #fantasybookrecs #fantasybookstagram #bookstagram #BookTalk #NewFantasyRelease #Romantic #romance #romantasyreads #romantasybookrecs #reading #readerscommunity #fantasyseries #fantasybooks #epicfantasyseries #fantasy #yafantasy #sorcery #fantasybookseries #youngadultfantasy  #highadventure #medievalfantasy #fantasyreads #epicfantasybooks #youngadultbook #dragons #DragonRider #dragonriders #kindleunlimitedreaders #kindleunlimitedreads #KindleUnlimited #kindleunlimitedbooks #kindlebooks #kindlereads #bookrecommendations #BookLovers #bookworm #bookrecs #bookreader #bookrelease #newbookrelease #newbookreleasealert #fantasy #fantasybookrecs #fantasybookstagram #bookstagram #BookTalk #NewFantasyRelease #Romantic #romance #romantasyreads #romantasybookrecs #reading #readerscommunity #fantasyseries #fantasybooks #epicfantasyseries #fantasy #yafantasy #sorcery #fantasybookseries #youngadultfantasy  #highadventure #medievalfantasy #fantasyreads #epicfantasybooks #youngadultbook #dragons #DragonRider #dragonriders #kindleunlimitedreaders #kindleunlimitedreads #KindleUnlimited #kindleunlimitedbooks #kindlebooks #kindlereads #rebeccayarros #sarahmaas #sarahjmaas #fourthwing #ironflame #onyxstorm #empyrean #empyreanseries #ACOTAR #acotar #acourtofthornesandroses

 

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I've been sitting here for half-an-hour wondering what words to use for this ... book. (See, I've again run short of words and adjectives to describe this book).

Set in the 1980s, this is on one level is simple enough story of Joan Goodwin — her quiet life, her silent dreams, her family dynamics, her personality, earnestness, her work ethic and her friendships. On another level, it's about space, large dreams, deep philosophies, patriarchy, socio-political environment of the time, and personal growth. 

And on every level, this is a stunning and incredibly beautiful love story between Joan and Venessa Ford — navigating everything mentioned above. Intensely romantic, touchingly tender and heartbreakingly soft. Everything love should be.

Jenkins' superpower is her ability to weave in so much in a way that you're eager to read the next word; sentence; page; chapter — even when you know how the story is going to unfold. It's her ability to make you feel connections and ache for the pen-people like it's all happening to you. You viscerally feel each characters' feelings — be it supporting characters that are just meant to give enough tapestry to build the world or the MCs who are living, breathing, feeling people.

In the entirely incredible book there are two standout chapters: 

• When Joan want to sacrifice and Venessa fights for them: This is the most beautiful 'fight' ever. I haven't read anything even comparable.

• The last chapter is entirely devastating. You'll be re-reading it repeatedly. 

I literally cannot recommend this book enough. It's lesbian romance at its finest.

PS: Love the cover too.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

The context: Multiverse, a way to hop between the different Earths and world walkers.

Cara is a world traverser. She is one of the few people on Earth Zero who goes from one Earth to another collecting information and data. There are 382 Earths and a person can be a traverser if they do not exist on most of the other Earths. Cara exists on only seven other Earths. 

Each Earth is populated by the same people as Cara's and have the same past but a different present. 

Cara is a little bit reckless. A little bit of a rebel. And a whole lot attracted to and interested in her watcher, Dell. Cold, distant, indifferent Dell. Cara's been flirting with Dell for five years but is constantly met by the same wall.

The other people in Cara's life are her sister, Esther; her mentor, Jean; the man who invented the technology to traverse, Adam; the emperor of the rough land beyond the rich Wiley City, Nik Nik and a clutch of other minor (but not unimportant) characters.

Each Earth is in the same band of miserable with slight differences in the degree of miserableness, yet the book is not depressing. It is an action and emotion packed story with unexpected twists and turns.

Though there is a brief mention of the Middle East, all action remains contained in the world created by the writer consisting of the rich Wiley City, the rough Ashtown and the Rurals beyond Ashtown.

The world building is good and the character-across-Earths creation with regard to Cara and Adam is incredible. The writing is beautiful.

Cara is a strong, well rounded character. She is a great protagonist. However, Esther, in a much smaller appearance captured our admiration. And Dell, in an even smaller page presence, stole our heart. She is incredible in her strength, intelligence and above all in her loving. Major character crush on Dell happening here.

The ending is a little open ended but we believe that it is a HEA for Cara and Dell.

Definitely recommended.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Harrow the Ninth (The Locked Tomb #2) by Tamsyn Muir, Performed by Moira Quirk (Audiobook)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

You think: WTF did I just read (okay, listen to)?

And: I can’t wait to take that trip again.

And: When is the next book due?

And: I adore Harrow.

And: I adore Gideon.

And: OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG!

Repeat.

This is a mindbending, mindblowing rollercoaster of a book that makes you think you’re in the midst of a fevered dream. Just when you think you’ve got into the groove and can maybe think about what could happen, there is a sharp turn and you’re hurtled down a path you didn’t even know was there. And then you’re in another fevered dream – albeit not as mind-scrambling as the first fevered dream, but a fevered dream all the same.

Synopsis? Here it is (using a quote from the book because that’s the best way to encapsulate it): Do not fucking ask me for information. I could not be more lost right now.  

And: I was not following all of this, because necromantic theory is a lot of hot bullshit even when I'm not busy having Complex Emotions.

In an interview with Three Crows Magazine, Muir said about Harrow the Ninth:

“In many ways it is a book where I am not kind to the reader — it is one long puzzle, told out of order, and two stories running alongside each other, and Gideon the Ninth has very little bearing on it — but it is very much for anyone who came out of Gideon having a soft spot for Harrowhark Nonagesimus. It’s a book that is very frank about mental illness, trauma and grief. It is also a book with an extended makeover scene and some awful set-pieces involving dinner parties.”

Non-linear narrative: Check

Two parallel stories: Check

Frank about mental illness, trauma and grief: Check

Came out of Gideon having a soft spot or Harrowhark Nonagesimus: Check (multiple times check against this one)

Muir is all sorts of brilliant. Rich imagination, masterful narration, fantastic multi-dimensional characters, an amazing command over the language, inventive expression, crazy great sense of humour, unpredictable plot – we can rhapsodise about her for light years.

We had loved Gideon the Ninth. It was (and is) undoubtedly a masterpiece. We thought that Gideon was a pinnacle of masterpiece-ery and hoped fervently that Harrowhark would get an equally good book. Given how brilliant Gideon is, we prepared ourselves for disappointment. But Harrow the Ninth surpasses Gideon with psychedelic gorgeousness and depth and darkness and excitement and jolts of adrenalin.

We are awestruck by the delicacy with which Muir builds the dimensions and depth of Harrow and Gideon. Even more awestruck by the gentle beauty with which she writes about love amidst all the mad action. In fact that last third of the book is as much about love as about the action-packed climatic drama. By the end, we came out of this experience only feeling the love.

Moira Quirk gives an astounding performance. Her talent in voice performance matches Muir’s gift as an author, that is: she is devastatingly brilliant.

This series is absolutely unmissable.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Off Balance by L. E. Royal

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆★

L. E. Royal is a must-read author for us. Well-realised characters, rocking chemistry, convincing relationships -- her books have it all.

Maya Scott is the newest employee with the Mars Fund. At twenty-two, Maya hasn't had an easy life. And there is one person, Robert Holt, determined to kick her down and keep her there. Holt also happens to be the grandfather of Maya's three year old daughter, Livvie. In a dick move, Holt managed to wrangle Liv's custody from the scared and confused teenager that Maya was when Liv was born. Ever since then, Maya is struggling to prove herself stable and capable and get her daughter back. 

Maya has an unfortunate and embarrassing first encounter with her boss, Elena Mars. Elena suffers from cerebral palsy but doesn't let that slow her down in any way. She is driven and tough, and works herself and her team hard. 

Liv proves to be an unexpected bridge between Maya and Elena and neither the fourteen years between them nor the vast gap between their financial statuses matters.

Maya and Elena are brilliantly written. Individually, they have all the complexes and complexities that make then entirely real and together their relationship has depths and dimensions that makes it just simply awesome.

Elena's difficulties and struggles are inescapable, incomparable and cannot be overstated. But Maya's difficulties and struggles, though of a different kind, are also as real and as valid. The beautiful part is how each one is there for the other in the way they are needed. How they both make an effort to learn about the place the other is in and what they can do to support -- Maya reading about cerebral palsy and Elena reading about toddler development goals are the obvious examples.

We absolutely love the part where Maya tells Elena that she doesn't entirely understand Elena's condition, but wants to and asks her to talk to her. In the flow of the story, this was incredibly beautiful. In fact, all the ways that Maya shows her love for Elena is heart-squeezingly gorgeous. The less obvious part of loving is that Elena let's Maya love her like the way she does. Uncontrollable physical difficulties have a huge mental and emotional toll. The defensiveness and need-to-prove one's self-sufficiency can be insurmountable hurdles. It requires Maya kind of expansive and unwavering love to overcome this hurdle. And it requires a leap of faith from Elena to allow it. We also loved the parts where Maya and Elena have disagreements and fights that play out in line the complexes they have as individuals. That is very insightful writing.

Liv and Maya's non-binary best friend and their girlfriend are delightful supporting characters. 

This one is definitely romantic erotica -- lots of fabulous sexy times driven by feelings and the relationship between the leading ladies. 

Royal gives us a book that has all the feels, amazing chemistry, multi-dimensional characters, hot sex, an adorable child and, Maya.

This book is most recommended.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆★

Spindrift by Anna Burke

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

When a character grabs your heart on introduction and you are totally invested in a book by the end of the first chapter, you know this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Emilia Russo is struggling on many levels when she comes to Seal Cove to deal with her late father's estate. Morgan Donovan is an ambulatory vet with a thriving practice in Seal Cove. Decades ago, when Emilia still visited her father during summers, she'd had a crush on Morgan. Decades later the attraction is still there and this time Morgan not only sees Emilia but returns the feelings. But with both of them, and Emilia in particular, struggling emotionally, it's not easy going.

No synopsis can capture the true depth of characterisations or the many textures of the various relationships in this book. Relationships not only between the two leading ladies but with an extensive supporting cast of friends, families, coworkers and pets. 

In her bio, Burke writes "...drinking too much tea, which she prefers hot and strong—just like her protagonists.” Hot and strong is the perfect description for not only Emilia and Morgan, but for most of the women we meet in this story. Burke writes her people with depths and dimensions that make them tangibly real.

Emilia is someone who captured our heart and imagination completely. Morgan was a good foil to Emilia's strength and sexiness most of the time. Most of the time, not always, though. Especially towards the end where our liking for Morgan was severely tested. She does redeem herself later, but just about. On the other hand Emilia is a brilliantly explored and layered personality who just grows more and more compelling in each scene. 

We usually dread the compulsory conflict towards the end and maybe, this one didn't really need it. It would've moved perfectly well without the conflict, but then, we'd have missed Emilia's sexy assertiveness in the resolution conversation. 

Hot, hot, hot sexy times in this one. Utterly and totally awesome. And plenty of them. Okay, maybe a little more than expected, but sooo good. The chemistry between the leading ladies is so good that the sex becomes more than just erotica even for the reader. That is quite an achievement.

We see at least two more books within the Seal Cove universe and this group of friends. We can't wait for them.

Highly, highly, highly recommended.

PS: We'd like to put in our request to Burke to write one for Morgan's ex, Kate. In her brief appearance, Kate was just so lovely. Also, in her relationship with Morgan, Kate got the bad deal and she deserves love, romance, attention and happiness. We'd love to read abut Kate getting her sweeping romance. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Midnight Magic by Cameron Darrow

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Rich in imagination and raw in emotion this is an awesome love story set in a fantasy world.

In days long past, wizards or rather mages, had started playing God in Atvalia. They'd started creating immortal creatures its skeletons of metal and stealing the life force of a living animal to animate and give life to their skeleton. As a result of this practice they were hounded and essentially wiped out. Now, anyone with magic is a second class citizen forced to always dress in a particular way to set them apart and closely watched. 

Vimika is a wizard more second class than most because she's a struggling freelancer. Her skills are mostly used to kill rats or find missing pets. After one too many heartbreaks, Vimika has hidden herself in Durn taking whatever gigs she gets and drinking herself into oblivion every evening.

When she is given the task of finding the lost pet of one of the four powerful houses that rule the city, she feels that her life is about to change with all the money she's going to earn for it and gleefully sets out. But as she gets closer to the animal, she realises that things aren't as simple as they'd seemed. Still she pushes on only to be met with nightmares in form of a forest and then...a clearing and the most beautiful woman she's ever seen -- Aurelai.

Aurelai has been imprisoned in her clearing in the forest for at least a couple of centuries by her father, the most powerful and considered the most wicked of all the mages of the past. Aurelai confesses that she purposely created a situation to get Vimika to her so that Vimika can set her free. Trapped and isolated for endless time Aurelai hungers for 'normalcy'. 

Hot-headed Vimika reacts badly, but she seems to have lost her magic and is also unable to get away. So she stays. And sees the gentleness in Aurelai. Sees her kindness. Her aloneness. Her tragedy. Her beauty -- inside and outside. 

The two women are drawn to each other and struggle to break free out of a prison created by unfathomable magic.

Aurelai and Vimika are amongst the most fully realised and well-defined characters we've met in the world of words. Aurelai in particular stole our heart. Her life is unspeakable tragedy and yet she is so strong as she struggles to live and learn from books, from nature and by herself that she inspires deep tenderness and protectiveness. It took more time for Vimika to grow on us, but grow she did, till by the end she became deserving of the perfect Aurelai.

We have to mention the penultimate climatic scene where Vimika rejects the optics of Aurelai's truth completely dismissing the person Aurelai is. It shattered us. Gutted us. Compelled us to give a thought to the prejudices society engenders and the limitations it creates. How the collective conscious and the collective unconscious shape and bind our acceptance. How discrimination and fear are ingrained so that we dismiss our experience with a person. That scene shook us. It was truly powerful in the reveal, the emotion and the dialogue.

Darrow is a talented writer. The narrative is consistently strong and solid with excellent world-building and evocative descriptions. The imagination is flawless in thought, planning and execution.

The whimsical cover belies the powerful book behind it. This is a compelling read and strongly recommended. Even if fantasy isn't your usual fare, this one is also beautiful as a love story (it is more than a romance).

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆