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Hazelthron by CH Drews Published by Feiwel & Friends on October 28, 2025 Genres: Horror, LGBT Pages: 368 Format: Hardcover Source: Purchased
Content Warnings: Blood, Death, Murder, Gore, Dismemberment, Child Abuse, Death of a Parent, Medical Abuse, Ableism, Eating Disorders Rating:
Evander has lived like a ghost in the forgotten corners of the Hazelthorn estate ever since he was taken in by his reclusive billionaire guardian, Byron Lennox-Hall, when he was a child. For his safety, Evander has been given three ironclad rules to follow: He can never leave the estate. He can never go into the gardens. And most importantly, he can never again be left alone with Byron's charming, underachieving grandson, Laurie. That last rule has been in place ever since Laurie tried to kill Evander seven years ago, and yet somehow Evander is still obsessed with him. When Byron suddenly dies, Evander inherits Hazelthorn’s immense gothic mansion and acres of sprawling grounds, along with the entirety of the Lennox-Hall family's vast wealth. But Evander's sure his guardian was murdered, and Laurie may be the only one who can help him find the killer before they come for Evander next. Perhaps even more concerning is how the overgrown garden is refusing to stay behind its walls, slipping its vines and spores deeper into the house with each passing day. As the family’s dark secrets unravel alongside the growing horror of their terribly alive, bloodthirsty garden, Evander needs to find out what he’s really inheriting before the garden demands to be fed once more.
CG Drews is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I loved their first book, Don't Let the Forest In, and was so excited when my special edition of Hazelthornarrived. Like Don't Let the Forest In, Hazelthorn explores botanical horror through the eyes of a teenage boy who is an unreliable narrator, to say the least.
Set in the slowly decaying mansion of Hazelthorn with a garden overtaking everything, Evander is at a loss as to why he suffers the way he does from an unknown affliction and what he will do when his guardian suddenly dies before his eyes. As the vultures close in, seeking to steal the estate and its riches out from under him, we are pulled into what feels like a descent into madness as we uncover the secrets the Hazelthorn estate has been hiding for generations. Drews leads us through the sentient garden, down hidden paths and dark, shaded areas as we try to navigate the experiences of a boy who has spent most of his life drugged into a stupor.
Their captivating and lyrical prose leaves us frustrated and confused, right alongside Evander. I found myself trying to read faster to uncover what exactly was happening, and I couldn't get to the information fast enough. Evander doesn't remember much of anything from his life in Hazelthorn, but he is desperate to find out, and that desperation fills the reader. Drews left me guessing until the very end with a twist I was unable to completely predict, and I loved every minute of it.
On top of a wonderful story, beautiful prose, and an eerily gothic setting, the characters are also extremely lovable, even those we are meant to hate. Each character was well-rounded and fully fleshed out (no pun intended), creating dynamic interactions that made me feel like I was watching a movie instead of reading a book. And while I loved Evander, I loved Laurie even more.
As readers, we get to see how trauma has shaped both boys' lives, especially Laurie, who was able to "leave" the estate. I say "leave" in quotes because while he can physically leave, the abuse he has suffered ensures he is never out of Hazelthorn's reach. We see how this abuse and trauma create conflict between Laurie and Evander and the other members of the family. As a teacher, these are behaviors I have witnessed in my students: isolated, easily angered, refusal to ask for help, but also fiercely protective. Drews has either done their research or has suffered trauma themselves. Either way, bravo.
I felt a rollercoaster of emotions as I read Hazelthorn, from happiness to anger to sadness and grief. On one page, I was laughing, and the next, I was crying. If you are looking into getting into the horror fantasy genre or reading diversely, I strongly encourage you to pick up Hazelthorn. You won't be disappointed.
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Forged by Blood by Ehigbor Okosun Series: The Tainted Blood Duology #1 Published by Harper Voyager on August 8, 2023 Genres:YA Fantasy, BIPOC Pages: 400 Format: Paperback Source: Purchased
Content Warnings: Racism, Classism, Violence, Death of a Parent, Death, Grief, Genocide, Abuse, Kidnapping, Sexual Assault, Suicide, Slavery Rating:
In the midst of a tyrannical regime and political invasion, Dèmi just wants to survive: to avoid the suspicion of the nonmagical Ajes who occupy her ancestral homeland of Ife; to escape the King’s brutal genocide of her people—the darker skinned, magic wielding Oluso; and to live peacefully with her secretive mother while learning to control the terrifying blood magic that is her birthright. But when Dèmi’s misplaced trust costs her mother’s life, survival gives way to vengeance. She bides her time until the devious Lord Ekwensi grants her the perfect opportunity—kidnap the Aje prince, Jonas, and bargain with his life to save the remaining Oluso. With the help of her reckless childhood friend Colin, Dèmi succeeds, but discovers that she and Jonas share more than deadly secrets; every moment tangles them further into a forbidden, unmistakable attraction, much to Colin’s—and Dèmi’s—distress. The kidnapping is now a joint mission: to return to the King, help get Lord Ekwensi on the council, and bolster the voice of the Oluso in a system designed to silence them. But the way is dangerous, Dèmi’s magic is growing yet uncertain, and it’s not clear if she can trust the two men at her side.
In honor of Black History Month, I decided to read as many books as I could by Black authors, the first of those being Forged by Blood by Ehigbor Okosun. Based on the description, I was very excited: Political intrigue. Unique magic system. Nigerian folklore. Powerful women. Yes to everything! However, there was one major flaw that turned me off completely, resulting in my barely 3-star rating and my decision not to pick up the next book in the duology. However, let's start with what I did like.
First and foremost, I loved the flawless integration of Nigerian folklore, from magical creatures to the orisha-blessed magic Dèmi and other magical people, called Oluso, use. This created a unique yet familiar magical system, as many of the Oluso have magic abilities similar to those found across multiple cultures. All of this was woven into a world plagued with colonization, genocide, racism, and classism. Non-magical folk called Aje have waged war against those with magical abilities, partially because of skin color and partially out of fear of the unknown and powerful.
“My father once told me that truth has many faces, mouths that help us see more clearly. But justice has only one face—a sword for those who warrant it, whether they be the victims of yesterday or the victors of today.”
Despite the Aje's attempt to wipe out all Oluso, many have managed to survive in hidden places. The sense of community among the Oluso is strong, causing hidden members to adopt those outside of their families for protection and support. I adored the found-family aspect and the strength of the bonds portrayed throughout the story. This bonding is an integral part of the story, not only ensuring the success of their quest, but also impacting their magical abilities. The trust within this community is contrasted by the mistrust of those on the outside.
“Fear is a strange master. It makes monsters from the simplest of men.”
While being Black is frowned upon by the white rulers, being Oluso is worse. Non-magical Black folk do everything they can to fit in, from straightening their hair to lightening their skin. This is similar to what many Black people did and still do to assimilate into an oppressive system that otherwise tries to eliminate them. Okosun's commentary on the lengths people will go to avoid the ire of their oppressors was eye-opening and poignantly presented in an easy way for young readers to understand. This is a young adult fantasy, after all. This is coupled with a couple of young and old revolutionaries seeking revenge and freedom.
Overall, Forged by Blood is a brilliant, yet young adult, portrayal of very real issues in a fantastical setting. What I didn't like, however, was the inclusion of the white Prince Jonas Dèmi eventually falls for. I think it's great Jonas wants to help Dèmi and the Oluso win their freedom, but the way in which he goes about it leaves a lot to be desired. First and foremost, Jonas sacrifices very little for the freedom of the oppressed. Maybe this changes in the second book, but as it stands, he gives up nothing to help the revolution. He barely leverages his privilege to help, unlike Reeve Warwick from Kamilah Cole's Divine Traitors duology. Jonas is barely an ally while Reeve is an accomplice. On top of all this, Dèmi falls for the colonizer, who is supposedly his fated mate. What? Ew. Can we stop with the oppressed falling for the oppressor trope already? It isn't even well done here, especially when there is another loving and supportive man in her life who truly sacrifices for their cause.
If you are willing to look past the awkward romance and teenage banter, there is a wonderful story of oppression integrated with Nigerian folklore to be found. I, however, could not get over the romance and therefore have made the decision not to continue the series.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
The Starving Saints by Caitlin Starling Published by Harper Voyager on May 20, 2025 Genres:Horror, Fantasy, LGBT, Historical Fiction Pages: 352 Format: Hardcover Source: Purchased
Content Warnings: Death, Suicide, Blood, Sexual Content, Cannibalism, Starvation, Mind Control, Dismemberment, Disembowelment Rating:
Aymar Castle has been under siege for six months. Food is running low and there has been no sign of rescue. But just as the survivors consider deliberately thinning their number, the castle stores are replenished. The sick are healed. And the divine figures of the Constant Lady and her Saints have arrived, despite the barricaded gates, offering succor in return for adoration. Soon, the entire castle is under the sway of their saviors, partaking in intoxicating feasts of terrible origin. The war hero Ser Voyne gives her allegiance to the Constant Lady. Phosyne, a disorganized, paranoid nun-turned-sorceress, races to unravel the mystery of these new visitors and exonerate her experiments as their source. And in the bowels of the castle, a serving girl, Treila, is torn between her thirst for a secret vengeance against Voyne and the desperate need to escape from the horrors that are unfolding within Aymar's walls. As the castle descends into bacchanalian madness—forgetting the massed army beyond its walls in favor of hedonistic ecstasy—these three women are the only ones to still see their situation for what it is. But they are not immune from the temptations of the castle's new masters… or each other; and their shifting alliances and entangled pasts bring violence to the surface. To save the castle, and themselves, will take a reimagining of who they are, and a reorganization of the very world itself.
The Starving Saints is one of the wildest, most confusing books I have ever read. Over a month later, I am still trying to process the events that took place at Aymar Castle once the Saints showed up and people started losing their minds.
We begin well into a siege that has left those within the walls of Aymar running out of food. With just a few days left before food runs out, tensions are already high as people begin to starve. Starling does an excellent job showcasing the lengths people will go to survive and the tough decisions that must be made to ensure the survival of as many people as possible. The line between right and wrong blurs as hunger closes in, and we watch as these tough decisions are made. Starling challenges us to answer the question: Is it really wrong to eat another person, given the right circumstances? What lengths would you go to justify otherwise horrendous behavior?
The matter is complicated when the Saints arrive. At first, it appears the people of Aymar have been saved, but everything quickly descends into madness as it is revealed the Saints are not there to save them at all, but instead to entertain themselves. It is unclear what exactly the Saints are. One of my book club members suggested they may be fae, as they tend to follow many of the rules fae follow, like fear of iron and making deals, but they also follow the rules of vampires (needing to be invited in), as well as those of eldritch horrors. It isn't clear what we are dealing with, which makes us all the more uneasy as readers.
This unease is compounded by the creepy atmosphere and unreliable narrators. The story follows three women, each as unreliable as the next, as they face off against each other, the Saints, and themselves. Phosyne, a witch trying to figure out her own power, Ser Voyne, who is dedicated to her King and her Saint, and Treila, who is running away from her past and future, must make difficult choices that will determine the fate of everyone in Aymar's walls. Unfortunately, they too descend into madness, making it difficult to figure out what is reality and what is not. By the end of the book, I had more questions than answers, but I know this was by design. We are meant to be confused and uncomfortable, left feeling exactly like those we are following. The creepy atmosphere Starling creates is definitely memorable.
However, it is this sheer lack of answers that resulted in me giving the book only 3.5 stars. I wanted so much more than we were given. After discussing The Starving Saints with my friends, we all agreed we would have been happier if the book had contained an epilogue. I was invested in our characters' survival and was really curious how they fared once they escaped. Were they shocked? Horrified? Confused? How did the outside world feel about the events? Was it all just a delusion formed as a coping mechanism by three starving women who were pushed to horrific means of survival?
In the end, The Starving Saints is a great portrayal of psychological horror mixed with fantasy and a touch of romance set in a time of cruel kings and valiant knights. Maybe skip the charcuterie board while you read this one. It is sure to make you lose your appetite for fresh meat.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
The Gentleman and His Vowsmith by Rebecca Ide Published by S&S/Saga Press on April 15, 2025 Genres:Fantasy, LGBT, Romance Pages: 464 Format: Paperback Source: Purchased
Content Warnings: Death, Suicide, Blood, Explicit Sexual Content Rating:
Lord Nicholas Monterris is trapped. The only heir to a declining dukedom, Nic is destined for a marriage of convenience. What he didn’t expect was for his bride to be Lady Leaf Serral, daughter of his father’s hated rivals. Now they must all be locked inside mouldering Monterris Court for the duration of the contract negotiations, along with head negotiator, master vowsmith Dashiell sa Vare—beautiful, perfect Dashiell sa Vare—an old flame Nic has neither forgiven nor forgotten. What could go wrong? Only a dead body turning up mere hours after they lock the doors. The first could be an accident, but a second death reveals something sinister is unfolding at Monterris Court, and long-buried secrets begin to surface. As accusations fly, Nic must work with his former lover and his future bride to uncover the killer before they become the next targets.
The Gentleman and His Vowsmith was one of the first books I read this year (2026), and while I was very excited about the premise, it was ultimately just okay. Not great, but not terrible either.
It is a beautiful combination of fantasy set in Regency England with a high-stakes murder mystery and queer romance. The setting? Very atmospheric. The characters? Loveable. The murder mystery? Somewhat confusing. Magic system? New and exciting. Romance? Full of yearning. So why was it just okay? Because none of it is particularly memorable. Here I am, two months out from reading the book trying to write a review and I am struggling to put into words exactly what went wrong. So I guess, let's talk about what I did enjoy.
First and foremost, I loved the setting. Ide transports the reader effortlessly into the crumbling manor of a destitute noble family who has many a secret to hide. The Monterris's were once a well-respected family, but, due to many unfortunate financial mistakes and blunders, have found themselves just shy of the poorhouse. A marriage to a wealthy family is necessary to save face, but the family is so plagued by secrets that such a marriage may never work. We are lead through dark, decrepit halls, into the dank servant passageways, and through overgrown, molded, and deteriorating wings of the manor as we follow Nic and Leaf while they investigate a series of unfortunately (or fortuitous?) murders. The setting really gripped me, keeping me reading even when I wasn't particularly interested in other aspects of the story.
Second, the characters are extremely loveable, especially Leaf. She is a headstrong young woman with a plan and once she sets her mind to something, there is no stopping her. She is the perfect partner for Nic, an otherwise shy recluse. And while Leaf is supposed to marry Nic, there is absolutely zero romantic chemistry between the two as Nic is unapologetically gay. According to Leaf, "As gay as a spoon." Yes...that was said by Leaf. Funny, but out of place for the supposed time.
Other than the loveable characters and the deeply disturbing manor, the yearning between our gentleman, Nic, and his vowsmith, Dash, is palpable. The two have a complex history and it rears its head, threatening to undo them both in the process. There is spice in this book, so if gay sex or spice in general make you uncomfortable, this may not be the book for you.
Despite how much I enjoyed our characters, the atmosphere, and the love affair, the overall story was just okay. There were moments that a scene did not make complete sense or the dialogue was so modern it pulled me out of Regency England into modern-day America. Not a great feeling. I was also angry at the lack of or unwillingness of people to communicate with each other. The entire affair and murders could have been prevented if people had just talked to each other and said what they meant. I get it...we wouldn't have a story if that were the case, but it was overwhelmingly frustrating for me as an outside person looking in.
Overall, The Gentleman and His Vowsmith is a rather light-hearted read for a book filled with so much death, making it a great palate cleanser between more intensive reads.
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The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samanthan Shannon Series: The Roots of Chaos #1 Published by Swoon Reads on September 1, 2020 Genres:Epic Fantasy, LGBT Pages: 848 Format: Paperback Source: Purchased
A world divided. A queendom without an heir. An ancient enemy awakens. The House of Berethnet has ruled Inys for a thousand years. Still unwed, Queen Sabran the Ninth must conceive a daughter to protect her realm from destruction – but assassins are getting closer to her door. Ead Duryan is an outsider at court. Though she has risen to the position of lady-in-waiting, she is loyal to a hidden society of mages. Ead keeps a watchful eye on Sabran, secretly protecting her with forbidden magic. Across the dark sea, Tané has trained to be a dragonrider since she was a child, but is forced to make a choice that could see her life unravel. Meanwhile, the divided East and West refuse to parley, and forces of chaos are rising from their sleep.
The Priory of the Orange Tree was one of the best books I read in 2025. Usually, I find Booktok and Bookstagram suggestions to be slightly over hyped, but that was not the case here. In fact, I am kicking myself for waiting so long to pick this one up! It ended up being one of the book club picks on Fable, and that finally gave me the nudge to pick it up.
First and foremost, I absolutely adored Shannon's prose. Her ability to weave world-building with character development and plot rivals that of the greats, leaving me begging for more. This, coupled with multiple points of view, had me so immersed in the story that I forgot I was reading a book; everything else ceased to matter once it was opened. We as readers are introduced to elaborate, fully realized characters with cultural and religious differences that are so detailed it's as if they exist right alongside the reader. At no point did a world full of dragons and magic and alchemy feel unrealistic or fantastical. In fact, it felt quite the opposite!
“We may be small, and we may be young, but we will shake the world for our beliefs.”
Apart from an absolutely engaging story and characters, Shannon also holds up a mirror to her readers, asking us who we are when the world demands change. We are faced with a series of characters all seeking to survive the end times. Some bury their heads, demanding the world remain as it was, while others, full of hope and eagerness, forge a path forward through the dark. Others still attempt to change the world within the confines of current political systems and cultural norms, making slow, yet substantial changes for the better. We are reminded that burying our heads or trying to force change too quickly ultimately results in the same thing: loss. Shannon makes it clear that the best path forward is often slow, but it's steady. Eventually, these incremental changes add up, and by the end of the book, the world is saved (duh!), but there is still a shattered world begging to be fixed, to be rewritten into something better.
“Just because something has always been done does not mean that it ought to be done.”
The political and cultural tension in The Priory of the Orange Tree is a beautiful reflection of the world we are currently living in. The rise of fascism and isolationism did not occur overnight, as some people seem strongly to believe. Instead, it was the result of decades of small changes that eroded the very fabric of our governments, not just here in the United States but across the world. Fixing this is going to take the same strength and devotion to maintain small, steady changes as our main characters took to save the world from an impending devourer of worlds. This is not a fight we win overnight, nor a fight a single president will suddenly fix. Sure, the big bad is defeated in the end, but the world must still undergo drastic changes to sustain the ideals our main characters fought so hard for.
The Priory of the Orange Tree is, without a doubt, a 5-star read. I would even go so far as to say it is one of the few 6-star reads I have read in my life, and I cannot wait to see whatever Shannon has to offer. If her other books are anything like Priory, I know I am going to be in for such a treat!
