K.V. Wilson is a book dragon who reads mostly independently-published books. She's also a fantasy author focusing on mythical creatures, magic, found family, and a dash of romance. Born in Alberta, she lives in British Columbia, Canada, with her husband and dog.
https://linktr.ee/myth.and.magic
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To Speak with the Stars (Apprenticed to the Gods #1) by K.V. Wilson A reluctant mage reborn in flames. A passionate princess fleeing her fate. A powerful telepath at the mercy of the world’s thoughts. A spirited goddess craving adventure. With Penumbra on the brink of an ice age, Eos dreams of helping to create the False Star each dawn to ensure the survival of his people. But there's just one problem: he cannot speak the star's name. In the eye of the storm, Rysa was raised to rule at her mother's side. But a terrible secret has been kept from the princess—one that will tear her life apart. Deep within the molten Heart of Penumbra, a secret society gathers. Elves, dwarves, fauns, ice dragons, and magma merfolk prepare to seize the stolen throne and end the enchanted storm before it devours the realm. |
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Vanilla Blood: A Novella by S.L. Baron
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well Content Warnings: Violence, suicidal ideation, self-harm, coarse language, death, murder, sexual content. Vanilla Blood is not your average vampire fantasy. The author brings her supernatural world to life with spunky, endearing, badass characters. She’s expertly woven in a backstory of tragedy and acceptance, highlighting the vulnerabilities and strengths of a young woman. Reviewed on |
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Crowning Soul (Heart of Noorenia #1) by Sahira Javaid
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well Content Warnings: Death, Violence, Grief Excellent portal fantasy! It's a look into the vibrant culture of Morocco plus that of a fantasy world called Noorenia. This book has tons of action-packed fight scenes between characters with elemental magic (think Avatar: The Last Airbender and you're on the right track). Reviewed on |
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Fire & Flight by Brianna R. Shaffery
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well Content Warnings: Death, Violence, Blood, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Child death, War Excellent high fantasy! I loved the descriptions of the mysterious shadow forest. The characters were relatable and endearing, even when Nyla and Xander got on each other's nerves. Their banter was refreshing and funny. My favourite character was Shamira, a magical catlike being. Reviewed on |
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Phantom and Rook by Aelina Isaacs
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well If I had to describe this book in one word, I'd say 'vivid'. I picked this up because of its beautiful cover and I'm pleased to say the content matches. Levena is a feast for the senses. From Thitwhistle's cafe/bookstore to Arlo's room to the Kitchen at Garren castle, it was all Reviewed on |
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Black Smoke Rising by Caroline Cuell
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well Content Warnings: Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Torture, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Alcohol I don't think I've read a book before, apart from Six of Crows, where I've switched between favourite characters this many times! The representation in this book was well done, too. Plenty of gay and bi rep, a non-binary character, racial diversity, disability, mental health. Reviewed on |
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The Assassin and the Sorceress by NRG Selove
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well Content Warnings: Sexual content, Violence, Ableism, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Blood, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Bullying, Death of parent This had everything I look for in a book: magic, action, funny banter, a queer-normative world, romance/friendships, and found family. Jessara was a skilled archer and swordswoman and was also portrayed as autistic. That representation was handled exceptionally well. Reviewed on |
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Wyrmrot (Wyrmrot #1) by Stephanie Saige
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well Content Warnings: Confinement, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Medical content, Medical trauma, Car accident, Injury/Injury detail, Pandemic/Epidemic, Animal cruelty, Blood, Fire/Fire injury If you enjoyed The Last Of Us and/or Jurassic Park, you'll love this. Zelda is a strong heroine yet deals with anxiety. Cooper is sweet yet has a terrible secret. But my favourite character is Clover--best side character ever! Reviewed on |
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Aurethia Rising by Atlas Laika
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well Content Warnings: Violence, Death, Animal death, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Vomit, Murder, War The worldbuilding was excellent; the author clearly has a great passion for sci-fi universes and all the painstaking details they involve. The yearning and tension between Cael and Elio was entertaining and a pleasure to read. Vik was such a funny side character too. Reviewed on |
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Hearts of Bark and Scale by Nicole Leland
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well Content Warnings: Confinement, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma, Sexual content, Fire/Fire injury; Mentions of child abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship What a wholesome story about two people overcoming their trauma and learning how to work together. The lush descriptions of the nature and life magic being performed by both characters, the backstories, the bonding... It was all very magical and relatable. Reviewed on |
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The Betrayal of the Guardians by Diana Calanguia
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didn’t want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well Content Warnings: Violence, death, racism, fire, fire injury, mild coarse language This is one of my favourite fantasy books. It has plenty of action and adventure with sprinkles of friendship and romance. Reviewed on |