Review: Under the Oak Tree Vol. 2 by Suji Kim

Name: Under the Oak Tree Vol. 2 (Under the Oak Tree novels #2)

Author: Suji Kim

Publisher: Inklore

Date published: November 2025

Genre: Fiction, adult, fantasy, romance

Pages: 416

Rating: 5/5

As her first winter in Anatol turns to spring, Lady Maximilian finds herself confronting an unfamiliar hope. Her voice and her magic strengthen every day; the only parts of Calypse Castle left to refurbish are its gardens, which she plans to fill with blooming flowers; and the way her husband, the recalcitrant war hero Sir Riftan, looks at her from across their bedroom makes her feel, for the first time in her life, that she might be worthy of love and affection.
However, Maxi's life is never that easy. Just as she begins to feel at home with Riftan, Maxi receives a surprise visit from Princess Agnes, the renowned sorceress who might have become Riftan's wife if he'd decided to divorce Maxi after the Dragon Campaign. Not at all what Maxi expected, the princess stirs up complicated emotions and politics that could lead to monumental changes in Maxi and Riftan's relationship. 

- From Goodreads. 

I really loved the character development for Maxi in this volume, she has already come so far since the beginning of this story and I think it really shows what a strong character she is. After everything she's been through, it's not easy for her to be the lady of the castle, but she tries so hard and puts in a lot of work to learn, and it really shows her bravery. I also think it shows that even though they still have a lot to work on, her relationship with Riftan is good and will stand the test of time, because even though she is still nervous and insecure, she still finds the strength to speak up for herself and manages to ask for what she wants, even when she knows Riftan might not want the same thing. Even when she knows she might upset him, she has learnt to still express herself and her opinions, and feels safe enough to do so.

It was interesting to see more of the world and the creatures living in it as they set off travelling in the second half of this volume. It felt like a very expansive world and the different magical creatures they encountered definitely made for some exciting and suspenseful action scenes! 

I am just really enjoying this story so far and definitely feel very invested in finding out what happens next in Maxi's story and how she continues to grow. I really want a happy ending for her and really do feel like she has a strong chance of finding it with Riftan, even though they still have a lot to learn about each other and have a lot of growing to do together. Whatever happens in the next volumes, I'm sure they'll be enjoyable to read! 

Review: A Waltz of Sinister Import by Stephanie Burgis

Name: A Waltz of Sinister Import (The Supernatural Adventures of Lady and Lord Riven #3)

Author: Stephanie Burgis

Publisher: Five Fathoms Press

Date published: October 2026

Genre: Fiction, adult, fantasy, romance, vampires, historical

Rating: 5/5 

Thank you to the author for sending me an early review copy of this book!  

When the notorious Lady Riven is summoned to Vienna to solve a supernatural mystery, her debonair vampiric husband insists on accompanying her. However, neither of them is prepared for the true scope of the danger lurking within the sprawling Hofburg Palace... and by the time they uncover the truth behind every glittering illusion, their relationship may change forever.

- From Goodreads. 

I like that with each novella in this series, the world has widened a little bit, we've learnt more about its history, met more of its characters, and visited new places. It meant that while we got to see Margaret and Lord Riven learn more about each other and their relationship, we also get to learn more about the world and their perspective on it.

The mystery in this one was very fascinating, and I think it made the story feel both whimsical and sinister at the same time. All three novellas have had fairytale elements, but this is the one that felt the most like we were being immersed in a fairytale, which I loved.

I liked that Margaret and Lord Riven continued to grow together and to understand each other better, they faced challenges that could have pulled them apart but actually helped them grow closer and helped them to be more honest with each other and less afraid to show their emotions. They are a very endearing couple, and it is very clear how much they care about each other, which is so lovely and enjoyable to read.

I think this installment wrapped up their story well, but I would definitely be happy to read more stories about Lady and Lord Riven if there ever are any more. I am sure the two of them could find enough adventures to fill up a few novels at least!

Review: Paladin's Faith by T. Kingfisher

Name: Paladin's Faith (The Saint of Steel #4)

Author: T. Kingfisher

Publisher: Orbit 

Date published: First published December 2023, this edition published April 2025

Genre: Fiction, adult, romance, fantasy, mystery, adventure

Pages: 480

Rating: 5/5

Marguerite Florian is a spy with two problems. A former employer wants her dead, and one of her new bodyguards is a far too good-looking paladin with a martyr complex.
Shane is a paladin with three problems. His god is dead, his client is much too attractive for his peace of mind, and a powerful organization is trying to have them both killed.
Add in a brilliant artificer with a device that may change the world, a glittering and dangerous court, and a demon-led cult, and Shane and Marguerite will be lucky to escape with their souls intact, never mind their hearts… 

- From Goodreads. 

Once again I am impressed that all the books in this series have the same feeling of being a comforting and entertaining fantasy romance, whilst also managing to have such different plots. All the stories go in such different directions and have distinct characters, while also having a similar tone, humour and feel-good message that keeps the series cohesive and still feeling like there is an overarching plot that flows well between books.

This book really set up a lot for the rest of the series and I am very excited to see how it continues, both for the romantic stories between the new couples, and for the wider fantasy plot. There are just always so many fascinating details that make the world fully realised and such an interesting setting for the characters' stories to take place in.

I loved the two main characters in this story, Marguerite and Shane. It was wonderful to see Marguerite again and learn more about her after briefly meeting her in the first book, and I think she worked well opposite Shane, who, like all the other paladins so far, was very compelling and sympathetic. I also thought it was fun that he was especially good at the "paladin voice", and how that came to be significant in the plot at the end.

I really recommend this series, it's a wonderful balance of clever fantasy plot, brilliant humour, a little touch of horror, and really lovely romance. I'm so looking forward to the rest of the books in this series, and more from T. Kingfisher in general. 

Review: Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz

Name: Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore

Author: Emily Krempholtz

Publisher: Sphere

Date published: November 2025

Genre: Fiction, adult, fantasy, romance, cosy

Pages: 359

Rating: 4/5

Guy Shadowfade is dead, and after a lifetime as the dark sorcerer’s right-hand, Violet Thistlewaite is determined to start over - not as the fearsome Thornwitch, but as someone kind. Someone better. Someone good.
The quaint town of Dragon’s Rest, Violet decides, will be her second chance - she’ll set down roots, open a flower shop, keep her sentient (mildly homicidal) houseplant in check, and prune dark magic from the twisted boughs of her life.
Violet’s vibrant bouquets and cheerful enchantments soon charm the welcoming townsfolk, though nothing seems to impress the prickly yet dashingly handsome Nathaniel Marsh, an alchemist sharing her greenhouse. With a struggling business and his own second chance seemingly out of reach, Nathaniel has no time for flowers or frippery - and certainly none for the intriguing witch next door.
When a mysterious blight threatens every living plant in Dragon’s Rest, Violet and Nathaniel must work together through their fears, pasts, and growing feelings for one another to save their community. But with a figure from her past knocking at her door and her secrets threatening to uproot everything she’s worked so hard to grow, Violet can’t help but wonder... does a former villain truly deserve a happily-ever-after?

- From Goodreads. 

This was a very heartwarming and cosy fantasy romance, and I would definitely recommend it if you enjoy other cosy fantasy stories like Sarah Beth Durst's The Spellshop or Sangu Mandanna's The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

My only problem with the story was the conflict between Violet and Nathaniel towards the end that only seemed to be included to add to the tension and felt a little forced, like their character development was undone for a scene to make the end more suspenseful. I think that could have been done without forcing the conflict. Otherwise, I think the plot was very compelling and I was rooting for the two main characters to find their happy ending together.

I liked the concept of the story, I think the main character having a past in which she was very close to and helped a villain who did terrible things, and her feeling very confused and torn about how she felt about him made for a lot of interesting depth to her character and it was understandable that she felt so unsure of what her future would be without him. I really felt sympathy for her and hoped she would be able to live the peaceful life she wanted.

I do recommend this if you are looking for an easy-to-read, light-hearted fantasy romance, it's not perfect but it is comforting and I think has a lovely happy ending. I would definitely be happy to read more from this author. 

BOOKS | Review: Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig

Name: Two Twisted Crowns (The Shepherd King #2)

Author: Rachel Gillig

Publisher: Orbit

Date published: October 2023

Genre: Fiction, new adult, fantasy, romance, gothic

Pages: 437

Rating: 5/5 

Elspeth and Ravyn have gathered most of the twelve Providence Cards, but the last, and most important one remains to be found: The Twin Alders.
If they are going to find it before the Solstice and cure the kingdom of the dark magic infecting it, they will need to journey beyond the dangerous mist-cloaked forest that surrounds their kingdom.
And the only one who can lead them there is the monster that shares Elspeth's head. The Nightmare. And he's not eager to share any longer.

- From Goodreads. 

Rachel Gillig is excellent at writing dramatic moments and making them feel very epic and monumental. My favourite moments were when the Nightmare could really show what he was capable of, his connection with the land and trees and how he could use that really made for some very thrilling moments that were so enjoyable to read.

I think the Nightmare's link to Elspeth and their relationship was so fascinating and it was so well done how it built emotionally up to the very end. I really felt attached to both of the characters and wanted to see what would happen with their bond in the end.

It was interesting to see more from the other characters in this book as we got some additional perspectives and learnt more about the world than what we had previously just seen from Elspeth's point of view. Elm was especially compelling and I really liked following his development and watching him decide what was important to him and what he would decide to fight for.

Overall, I really loved this duology and will definitely be coming back to reread it at some point. I am looking forward to reading more from Rachel Gillig as I think she has a wonderfully atmospheric writing style, can create some truly cinematic scenes and creates very fascinating characters. 

BOOKS | Review: One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

Name: One Dark Window (The Shepherd King #1)

Author: Rachel Gillig

Publisher: Orbit

Date published: September 2022

Genre: Fiction, new adult, fantasy, romance, gothic

Pages: 432

Rating: 5/5

Elspeth Spindle needs more than luck to stay safe in the eerie, mist-locked kingdom of Blunder - she needs a monster. She calls him the Nightmare, an ancient, mercurial spirit trapped in her head. He protects her. He keeps her secrets.
But nothing comes for free, especially magic.
When Elspeth meets a mysterious highwayman on the forest road, her life takes a drastic turn. Thrust into a world of shadow and deception, she joins a dangerous quest to cure Blunder from the dark magic infecting it. And the highwayman? He just so happens to be the King’s nephew, Captain of the most dangerous men in Blunder... and guilty of high treason.
Together they must gather twelve Providence Cards - the keys to the cure. But as the stakes heighten and their undeniable attraction intensifies, Elspeth is forced to face her darkest secret yet: the Nightmare is slowly taking over her mind. And she might not be able to stop him.

- From Goodreads. 

This story was incredibly atmospheric and wonderfully intense and so suspenseful in the plot. 

Elspeth was such a fascinating character to follow along, she had a lot of depth to her and so much heart, she cared a lot about the people close to her, but could not truly be herself with them because of the secrets she had to keep. Her relationship with the Nightmare was so intriguing and it was so interesting seeing their dynamic.

I really enjoyed the romance, I think Ryvan was a very compelling character, full of mystery at the beginning, but very empathetic once you got to know more about him, and I love that they wanted to be together and to be able to care for each other, despite everything around them working against them.

I found the plot very thrilling and all of the other characters very intriguing, the ending was very dramatic and exciting and I am curious to see what will happen in the next book and the parts each character will play in the events that follow on from this book.

I would definitely recommend this if you enjoy gothic and atmospheric fantasy romance stories, like Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson. I will definitely be reading the second book very soon as I'm excited to see how the story continues! 

BOOKS | Review: Swordheart by T. Kingfisher

Name: Swordheart (Swordheart #1, The World of the White Rat)

Author: T. Kingfisher

Publisher: Orbit

Date published: First published November 2018, this edition June 2025

Genre: Fiction, adult, fantasy, romance

Pages: 448

Rating: 5/5

Halla is a housekeeper who has suddenly inherited her great-uncle's estate... and, unfortunately, his relatives. Sarkis is an immortal swordsman trapped in a prison of enchanted steel. When Halla draws the sword that imprisons him, Sarkis finds himself attempting to defend his new wielder against everything from bandits and roving inquisitors to her own in-laws... and the sword itself may prove to be the greatest threat of all.

- From Goodreads. 

I have really enjoyed starting to read T. Kingfisher in the past year and this book was certainly no exception. It was another brilliant story with excellent humour, a fascinating word and a really wonderful romance.

The concept of a warrior trapped in a sword, enchanted to serve whoever wields it, made for a very fun and adventurous plot, with some delightful hijinks throughout, and Halla and Sarkin were both such compelling characters to follow along for that plot. Both of them were very endearing and it was lovely to see them come to admire and trust each other so much.

There were some very brilliant side characters too, especially Brindle and Zade, who it was wonderful to see again as they have both appeared before in books set in the same world, and I would be happy to see them both again as they added a lot of enjoyable moments to the story. 

All of the books I have read so far from T. Kingfisher have been amazing and this one has just made me even more excited to pick up another one.