Review for THE MIGHTY NEIN: STORIES UNTOLD anthology.

 

THE MIGHTY NEIN: STORIES UNTOLD
Fantasy

 

  AUTHOR:
Betsy Aoki – Kiri Callaghan – Dani Carr – Mae Catt – Mike Chen – Rein Chupeco – Nino Cirpi  - Nadia El-Fassi – Chase K

Foreword by Taliesin Jaffe

RELEASE DATE:
August 11, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Random House Worlds

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798217298488

RATING:
4.5

 

FIGHT FOR THE SOUL by Betsy Aoki
Rating: 4

Uk’otoa, a leviathan, is the son of the Cloaked Serpent. He seeks to escape his prison and take revenge on those who sealed him away. Uk’otoa believes he has found the perfect pawn in a certain half-orc sailor… But, the Wildmother is determined to thwart his plans.

This story is the behind-the-scenes narrative of Uk’otoa and the Wildmother’s conflict over Fjord. I like how we get the villian’s point-of-view. I am always a sucker for a good fantasy story where a god (or demon) tries to influence someone to do their dirty work.

 

THE FALL WILL KILL YOU by Kiri Callaghan
Rating: 3.5

Essek Thelyss is an arcanist obsessed with his research into dunamancy. After dining with the Mighty Nein, he considers the path that led him to that point. The mistakes he has made, the motive behind his choices, and the consequences that may follow. Are the Mighty Nein truly his friends? Or are they merely pawns to be used?

I had a difficult time getting into this story. I understand that Essek is conflicted. His constant back and forth on certain things really boggled the story’s pacing. At first, he views the Mighty Nein members as friends he could trust and rely on. Then Essek questions their motives and such. His guilt over what he has done… only for him to justify his actions. By the end of the story, I felt relieved that it was over.

 

STAY ALIVE – Dani Carr
Rating:4.5

Dairon is an expositor for the Cobalt Soul. She worries over her young and impulsive student, Beau Lionett. Dairon believes Beau should not be burdened by the odd companions traveling with her. Oddly, she recalls her own troubled path, the one that landed her at the Cobalt Soul. And the boundless patience of her teacher. When Dairon teaches Beau the next step in her training, she realizes what those companions mean to the monk.

I like the little glimpses we get of Beau. True, the story focuses more on the teacher than the student. However, I feel that Beau showed some kind of growth from the beginning of the story and the end. I like that Dairon did not want to constrain Beau like the others in the Cobalt Soul did. She instead wanted to see what the monk could do without things weighing her down.

SUPER WEASEL –Mae Catt
Rating: 5

What a nice change of pace! The story’s format is comic book style. It follows the adventures and hijinks of Jester’s pet/furry friend.

I zipped right through it. It is such a quick yet amusing read. And the art is drawn wonderfully!

 

DREAMS OF DROWNING – Mike Chen
Rating: 4.5

Avantika becomes a pirate – or a merchant sailor as she calls it – to escape her former life. She keeps a low profile abroad the ship to avoid unwanted attention to her superiors. That is until Vandran, a fellow shipmate, proposes mutiny. He introduces Avantika to Uk’otoa, unknowingly setting her on the path she will later follow.

Based on the first story, FIGHT FOR THE SOUL, I assume Avantika eventually becomes a villain the Mighty Nein must face. I do not follow the podcasts, streams, or comics (the latter yet), so I am unfamiliar with her character. I do not think she has appeared in the animation yet. This did not lessen my enjoyment of the story.

The story delves into Avantika’s start in piracy (that is how I see her as), and how she comes to know the leviathan, Uk’otoa. At intervals, there are flashbacks to Avantika’s childhood with her grandmother regaling her with stories of a fearsome god or monster.

 

WORTHY – Rin Chupeco
Rating: 4

Astrid is a Volstrucker – an elite assassin of the Dwendalian Empire. She and Eadwulf are sent to investigate a certain ruin and eliminate the threat. Before they depart, their leader (Trent) leaves Astrid with a cryptic remark. As they delve into the ruins, the past keeps creeping into Astrid’s thoughts.

The story is set two years after the incident involving Bren/Caleb’s family. Though the story focuses mostly on Astrid’s inner dialogue, it does show what happened to Bren. Her conflicted feelings for Bren, how his mental breakdown affected her, and Trent’s motives. I like that Astrid has some doubts about Trent. She is not a mindless devotee.

 

RESPECTFULLY – Nino Cipri
Rating: 4.5

Pumat Sol is an enchanter and owner of a magic shop called Invulnerable Vagrant. He returns from a journey expecting chaos, but he finds his three clones handling everything well. What troubles Pumat is that they have allowed the Cerberus Assembly to assist with the shop in his absence. When two katari flee into his shop with Assembly lackeys in pursuit, he inadvertently helps them.

I remember this character, and his shop, from the animation. He never really left much of an impression on me. Honestly, Pumat is one of those characters I would not give much thought to. However, I did enjoy this story involving him and his clones. I can understand him being bent out of shape concerning them. How they adapted in his absence. And the initiative they took with the shop. And, I like how the Mighty Nein influenced Pumat to change and adapt, to see the Assembly in a different light.

 

DELICIOUS –Nadia El-Fassi
Rating: 2

Isharnai is a hag known as the great Prism Sage. She feeds off the misery of the people she made contracts with. Isharnai reflects on her encounter with Jester, the blue-skinned member of the Mighty Nein, over a cupcake.

I struggled with this story. The characters and the story’s premises did not interest or grab me. Honestly, I found it incredibly dull and boring.

 

THE RUBY’S GENTLEMAN – Chase K
Rating:4.5

Marion is a celebrated courtesan known as the Ruby of the Sea. Babenon Dosal is a Zadash crime boss called the Gentleman. They reunite only to be separated once more when someone threatens Babenon. He sends Marion back to the Chateau to protect her from harm. They exchange secret notes with Marion urging him to share his life and difficulties with her.

A cute story about Jester’s birth parents. It shows how they met, why they were separated, and what brought them back together again. I love that Marion and Babenon’s romance began with a book, and the small notes they wrote within its pages. And I adore how their romance picked up like no time between them have passed.

 

 

I have always loved fantasy. Sometimes it feels like my idea of the genre does not always seem universal. When I think of fantasy, worlds like Dragonlance, Forgotten Realms, and Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar come to mind. I am so done with Tuatha De Danann and fae this or fae that. I want elves (drows, sylvan give me variety), dragons, unusual creatures, sorcery of all kinds.

Fantasy does not seem to be written that way anymore – which saddens me. That is until Critical Role. I would like to thank everyone involved in CR for giving this fantasy lover something to look forward to again! I have been enjoying this world immensely.

I am not up to date with The Mighty Nein. And I do not follow the podcasts or the like since they are not my thing. The comics are on my “want to read list”, once I finish buying and reading Vox Machina. Now I have watched the season on Prime (and eagerly awaiting Season 2), along with VM. I have read and enjoyed TUSK LOVE – which is set in that world.

 

 

Review for the anthology "A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS"

 

A CINDERELLA CHRISTMAS
Historical Romance / Christmas Novellas

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Sabrina Jeffries
Mary Jo Putney
Anna Bradley

RELEASE DATE:
October 27, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kensington Publishing

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781496756015

RATING:
4.5

 

THE MISTLETOE MAIDEN – Sabrina Jeffries
RATING: 4.5
https://www.sabrinajeffries.com/

Noel Davenant, Viscount of Cokesbury, searches for a Christmas gift to brighten his mother’s spirits. He encounters an old friend of his late sister – a young woman who has returned from a detention camp in France. When Noel notices that she and her family have fallen on difficult times, he decides to help them. Eve stirs feelings that he would rather avoid. Which woman will Noel choose? The woman he feels nothing for or Eve?

Eve Archer and her family have returned to England after years in a French detention camp. While they wait for her brother to be recognized as their father’s heir, she and her mother support themselves through embroidery. She happens upon Noel when her brother picks his pocket. He and his mother encourage her to enter an embroidery contest. Can Eve win both the contest and Noel’s heart?

My heart wept for Noel and his mother. They both remained trapped in grief over Natalie’s death. I understand Noel’s reluctance to open himself to love only to risk losing it again. What I adore the most about Noel is his willingness to help Eve and her family. First, it stemmed from her friendship with his late sister.  Then it morphed into genuine feelings.

I could not help but like Eve. Despite all the trials and hardships, she has endured, Eve did not become bitter or jaded. I admire how she and her mother refused to wait for rescue. They instead used their embroidery skills to support themselves, until they could settle James’ inheritance issues. What I love the most about Eve is how she fought for what she and Noel had. She refuses to let him settle for a safe yet loveless future.

THE MISTLETOE MAIDEN is a part of Sabrina Jeffries’ historical romance series, LORDS OF HAZARD. I am unsure where this story falls in the series order. Jonathan Leighton, the hero of HAZARD TO A DUKE’S HEART, book one, is mentioned briefly. The only clear connection is that Eve and her family were also held at Verdun, a French detention camp.

I usually avoid holiday-themed stories, especially Christmas ones. However, I could not pass this one up because of Sabrina Jeffries. I have been a longtime fan and reader of her works. I did not mind this one. Christmas is clearly part of the setting, but the holiday theme never feels forced.

 

THE CINDERELLA CHALLENGE – Mary Jo Putney
RATING: 4
https://maryjoputney.com/

Cameron Tremayne is one of many abandoned gifted children adopted by the Earl and Countess Tremayne. He works for the Home Office’s gifted department. When his father receives a warning about trouble at a naval dockyard, Cameron goes to investigate. He meets Casey, another gifted and the one who tipped them off. Is she Cameron’s destined one? Will Casey’s ability to an asset to his investigation?

Casey Harris works as a clerk at the naval dockyard. She has spent most of her life disguised as a man. After overhearing threats against the Inspector General, Casey alerts the Home Office. She never expected the handsome agent sent to investigate to discover her secret. Cameron makes Casey wonder if she is ready to shed her disguise and live as a woman. Can they find the mastermind behind the plot? And what future awaits Casey afterwards?

I feel for both Casey and Cameron. Both were abandoned by their biological families because of their gifted abilities. And both found people, like them, who took them in and became their surrogate family. I like how Cameron encourages Casey to take her time in figuring out her future. That she did not need to rush into anything.

The only nitpick I have is Casey and Cameron’s open display of affection. I thought that was a big no-no in that time era amongst the haute ton.

THE CINDERELLA CHALLENGE is a part of Mary Jo Putney’s historical romance series, DANGEROUS GIFTS. I have read a book or two by this author in the past. However, I have not read the two full-length books in this series. The story can easily standalone. Couples from the previous books do appear but have a small part to play in the plot.

I like the series’ premises -people with certain heightened abilities in the regency era. However, this short story did not sell me on picking up the prior two or continuing. What I like the most about this novella is how understated the Christmas theme is. It reads like a regular book set in winter, with the occasional mention of a family’s Christmas ball. It made this kind of holiday story much easier for me to read.

 

A WINTER’S WISH – Anna Bradley
RATING: 4.5
https://www.annabradley.net/

Gabriel Scott, the sixth Duke of Hawthorne, feels unworthy of his title. His valet persuades him to host a holiday house party to meet eligible women.  However, Gabriel finds himself drawn to one guest’s servant. When they accidentally meet in his conservatory, he pretends to be the gardener. As they spend time together, Gabriel is certain that she is the perfect candidate for his duchess. Will his deception ruin his chances with Estella? Or will another obstacle stand between them?

Estella Harley has worked as a servant for her stepmother and stepsisters since her father’s death. They travel to Scotland in hopes of attracting the duke’s attention to her eldest stepsister. While exploring the castle, Estella encounters a mysterious man who claims to be the gardener. Gabriel makes her almost believe in fairy tales again, but not everything is as it seems. Will Estella’s stepmother destroy any chance she has with Gabriel? Or will she be trapped in servitude for the rest of her life?

Gabriel is such a cinnamon roll! I like the fact that he is aware of his many shortcomings. How his inability to converse (or flirt) with women causes him anxiety. It is a nice change of pace from the usual dominant, alpha type of hero.

I sympathize with Estella. The difficult years she endured under her stepmother’s spite and pettiness. And how her life changed from one of comfort to outright slavery. I am surprised no one in the haute ton was aware of what was going on. I like the fact that Estella found an unexpected ally in her younger stepsister. They share a quiet, unspoken camaraderie.

A WINTER’S WISH is a Cinderella retelling. I am uncertain if it belongs to any of Anna Bradley’s existing series. I have read a few of the author’s books before. Like the previous two stories, the Christmas theme is subtle, barely there, which I enjoyed. I could easily pretend it was a regular story set in winter.

I have two nitpicks. One is the time skips. In one chapter, the couple meets and interacts. Then, in the next, a week has passed. I felt a bit cheated out of seeing Estella and Gabriel getting to know each other. I think the story would have worked better as a full-length novel.

My other nitpick is that Estella’s stepmother and one stepsister faced no consequences for their actions. That did not sit well with me. I wanted to see more backlash for their cruelty towards Estella… or some legal action. I guess I am a little bloodthirsty.

 

Review of Sofie Darling's "WHEN A LADY DARES"

 

WHEN A LADY DARES
Historical Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Sofie Darling

RELEASE DATE:
June 30, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0GD4PPK4S

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://sofiedarling.com/

 

Lady Saskia Calthorp is the co-owner of a thriving circulating library and publishing house. She secretly writes romance novels under a non de plume. When her sister urges her to write the memoir of England’s most famous jockey, Saskia reluctantly agrees. What no one knows is that Liam Cassidy has long inspired the heroes in her stories. However, an unplanned kiss changes the dynamic of their work relationship. Is Saskia brave enough to step beyond her comfort zone?

Liam Cassidy is the Duke of Rakesley’s exclusive horse jockey and brother-in-law. He is not happy about helping with the memoir of his racing career. There are parts of his past that Liam wants to remain hidden. He first meets Saskia in a tavern, where she gives him a false name. Liam senses there is more to the woman than even she realizes. And he cannot forget their unforgettable kiss. However, the secret of his birth may destroy the life he has built. Will the change in Liam’s circumstances for him to quit racing?

I found Saskia easy to relate to. I achingly know how it feels to be invisible in a crowd or overlooked. It is never a pleasant feeling and lonely. I understand why Saskia retreats into books, both reading and writing them. They are safe. They also allow her to experience life while avoiding its risks. Books are constant; they never betray or leave you.

Liam is a sweetheart to both people and horses. I adore how he puts his mount’s well-being before his own. Liam refuses to use cruel tactics to win or put his equine partner in harm way. He humbly gives the horses the credit for their wins. What I love the most about Liam is that he truly sees Saskia. He does not overlook her as others are wont to do. Liam also encourages Saskia to embrace her inner self. He helps her explore things firsthand than from secondhand knowledge in books.

WHEN A LADY DARES is the seventh and final book in Sofie Darling’s historical romance series, ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND RACING. I feel this series is best to read in order. Events from earlier books are mentioned throughout the story and previous couples appear from time to time. It is always nice to see how their happily-ever-afters continue even beyond their own novels.

And that epilogue! It made me fervently wish that Darling would consider writing the next generation. I need Maeve and Philip’s story!! ASAP! I could not help but smile at knowing who Philip’s parents are – they are after all my favorite couple.

I am saddened to say goodbye to this series. It was my first introduction to this author’s works… I have since branched out to try out another of her series. I cannot wait to see what new books and series are on the horizon.

Review for Saburo Nagai's "SMELLS LIKE GREEN SPIRIT"

 

SMELLS LIKE GREEN SPIRIT
Boys Love

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Saburo Nagai

RELEASE DATE:
July 21, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781647295585

RATING:
2.5

 

 

Futoshi Mishima is a gay boy growing up in a backwater, homophobic town. He is always being bullied for looking too feminine. Kirino is the school’s most popular boy. He torments Mishima because he recognizes that they are the same. Kirino finds the lipstick that Futoshi lost, and he decides to try it on, only to be caught. That starts the two boys’ unlikely friendship, one that allows them both to come to terms with their sexuality and paths.

The story jumps too much for my tastes. It does touch on some dark and triggering things: bullying, pedophile, sexual assault. I understand the manga’s concept and the message it is trying to convey. I just had a tough time getting into the story and characters.

The ending left me baffled and sad. Mostly for Kirino. Mishima and Taro both had supportive parents – who encouraged them to be their true selves, no matter what. Kirino did not, which left me disappointed. I did feel for all three for having to grow up in such a closed-minded community.

Review of Anji Seina's "COMEBACK AFTER FATE"

 COMBACK AFTER FATE

Boys Love; K-pop Idols

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Anji Seina

RELEASE DATE:
August 18, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888778395

RATING:
4

 

 

Eri is a rising idol from a newly debuted group. Sooyoung Lee is a star from a major agency’s elite, alpha unit. A renowned producer notices Eri’s dancing talent. And he wants to pair Eri with Sooyoung in a dance number to a particular song. Eri stumbles upon Sooyoung’s secret while rehearsing their dance number – that he is no alpha but secretly an omega. This secret has the potential to threaten both of their careers if revealed.

I did not care for Sooyoung that much. He just rubbed me the wrong way, especially his method to gain Eri’s silence. Yeah, I understand Sooyoung’s cynic views of fated love/alpha-omega bonding. He has been exposed to it at an early age… and he has seen the destruction it caused with those involved.

Sooyoung’s father irked me. I wanted to throttle the jerk for behaving as he did. He did not see Sooyoung as his offspring, but a product that brought him and his agency money and fame.

Eri is such a cinnamon roll! It is really easy to like him, especially his work ethic. He did not rely on his secondary gender as most idols did. Instead, Eri put all his effort and energy into his idol practice and rehearsals.

I did adore Eri’s group mates! They showed just how much they cared and valued their youngest member. And when Eri needed them most, they were there helping where they could.

I thought Eri would have more problems and issues with Sooyoung’s group-mate Reno. Sadly, that did not happen. Most of Eri’s problems came from his and Sooyoung’s agencies than Reno. Though, I think Reno deserves to find his destined mate! Perhaps someone from Eri’s unit?

Fans that love the raunchy side of M/M, omega/alpha story lines will enjoy this manga. There are more than simply one or two such scenes.

Review for Kinley MacGregor's "THE FORGOTTEN"

 

THE FORGOTTEN
Historical Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Kinley MacGregor
(other alias Sherrilyn Kenyon)

RELEASE DATE:
June 16, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Oliver-Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798900431987

RATING:
5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.sherrilynkenyon.com/

 

 

Sin is the illegitimate son of a Scottish laird and an English gentlewoman. He is the English king’s most feared knight and trusted advisor. Sin despises everything Scottish except his half-brothers. When the king orders him to marry a Scotswoman, he resists. The monarch has another reason for sending Sin into enemy territory: to find the raider attacking his people. Caledonia baffles him. She invokes feelings and desires he has no business having. Can Sin trust his wife with his heart? Or will Caledonia betray him as others have?

Caledonia “Callie” MacNeely is a political hostage of the English crown. She tries valiantly to escape with her younger brother only to fail. Callie realizes marriage to Sin is her only path home. However, she fears how her kinsmen will treat him once they arrive. On the trip to Scotland, Callie begins to see there is far more to her husband than his sinister reputation suggests. Can she teach Sin how to love and be loved? Will Callie convince her clan to accept him? Or will political unrest stand in the way of their happiness?

Sin’s backstory is every bit as heartrending as I remember. The abuse and neglect he suffered in childhood, followed by the rejection and hostility in adulthood. It made my heart ache! I can understand why Sin is so guarded, broody, and distrustful. It has been hammered into him continuously. I like the glimpses of who Sin might have been if he had grown up with love and support of family. Generally, those moments only appeared whenever he was around his Scottish siblings. What I admire the most about Sin is how he treats children. He refuses to let any child suffer abuse or endure the kind of cruelty he experienced.

Caledonia is no damsel in distress. She does not wait to be rescued but instead devises her own escapes. She is not deterred by failure. What I admire most about Callie is her ability to see the man beneath Sin’s feature reputation. She understands how traumatic his childhood was and how it shaped him. Callie feels empathy for him, not pity. I love how openly she defends him against those who shun and speak ill of him. Callie is not afraid to earn their censor or ire.

THE FORGOTTEN is the third book in Kinley MacGregor’s historical romance series, BROTHERHOOD OF THE SWORD. Originally released in 2003 by Avon as BORN IN SIN. The author has re-published the series with different covers and new titles. I have not re-read this book since its first release in 2003. Not because it is terrible but because of the traumatic life Sin had. This read through reminded me why Sin is still my favorite wounded/tortured hero of all time.

I love how the MacAllisters (Braden, Ewan, and Lochlan) play parts in the story. Simon also plays an important role throughout the book. Maggie from THE HIGHLANDER does appear in the epilogue. And Draven and Emily have a couple scenes.

 

Review for Kinley MacGregor's "THE HIGHLANDER"

 

THE HIGHLANDER
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:

Kinley MacGregor
(other alias Sherrilyn Kenyon)

RELEASE DATE:
June 16, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Oliver-Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798900431932

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.sherrilynkenyon.com/

 

 

Braden MacAllister is the youngest of his siblings. He returns home to Scotland to find the women of the clan boycotting their men. Braden discovers that the mastermind behind the revolt is Maggie, his friend’s younger sister.  He offers to seduce Maggie into ending the mutiny, but the stubborn hellion appears to be immune to his charms. Braden begins to see Maggie differently. Can Maggie persuade him to give up his womanizing ways? Or will he unintentionally break her heart?

Maggie ingen Blar is determined not to lose another brother to the ridiculous feud with the MacDouglas. She persuades the women of both clans to revolt against their men until the lairds agree to negotiate peace. The only threat to her carefully laid plan is Braden MacAllister. She has loved him since childhood, but she refuses to let that distract her. Can Maggie successfully end the feud between the two rival clans? Or will her plan have dangerous repercussions for all?

I have noticed that rereading certain books years later can completely change one’s view on a character. Braden clearly did not leave much of an impression on me the first time. On this second read, now that I am older and hopefully wiser, I find him easy to like. He is such a lovable rascal. Yeah, his womanizing made Braden a red flag. However, I understand his aversion to commitment. What happened with Sin and Braden’s mother clearly had a lasting effect on him. What I adore the most about Braden is his love for his brothers. It hurt him deeply when he lost one, and he vows not to lose another for any reason.

Maggie is awesome! She is a woman worn down by the fallout of a senseless feud. I admire Maggie’s ingenuity in uniting the women in two clans against their menfolk. In that time period, women did not have many rights, so they did not stand up to their fathers, brothers, husbands and sons. I am surprised Maggie and the others did not get into more trouble than what they did. I understand her reasons and feelings for putting an end to the animosity between the two clans. Men never really notice how the women and children suffer from such disputes.

THE HIGHLANDER is the second installment in Kinley MacGregor’s historical romance series, BROTHERHOOD OF THE SWORD. Originally released in 2002 by Avon as CLAIMING THE HIGHLANDER. The author has re-published the story with a different cover and new title. I remember buying and reading this book twenty-four years ago. Unfortunately, I do not recall much of what happened in it (they say as you age, the memory goes). Sad, I know. Bits and pieces did feel familiar to me, such as the MacAllister brothers’ banter and their closeness. So, it is like reading the book for the first time all over again.

Re-reading Braden and Maggie’s story did remind me why I fell in love with Sin. Him, I did not forget! I am anticipating his book’s re-release! Until then, I will re-familiarize myself with the MacAllisters as each new book comes out.