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Genre: High Fantasy

  • Book ReviewsFantasyYA

    Joe Abercrombie: Half A King Review

    by Jefferz September 3, 2026
    September 3, 2026

    Half A King Series: Shattered Sea #1 Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, High Fantasy, Young Adult Published by Harper Voyager on July 2, 2014 Format: eBook Pages: 385 Betrayed by his family and left for dead, prince Yarvi, reluctant heir to a divided kingdom, has vowed to reclaim a throne he never wanted. But first he must survive cruelty, chains and the bitter waters of the shattered sea itself – all with only one good hand. Born a weakling in the eyes of a hard, cold world, he cannot grip a shield or swing an axe, so has sharpened his mind to a deadly edge. Gathering a strange fellowship of the outcast, he finds they can help him more than any noble could. Even so, Yarvi’s path may end as it began – in twists, traps and tragedy. A story of vengeance, resilience, and a quest to return home, Joe Abercrombie’s Half A King is an intense epic adventure that adapts his signature storytelling for younger readership. Set in wild and dangerous lands that surround the foreboding namesake Shattered Sea, this book contains a straightforward and tense adventure of a young man realizing the twisted figures around him as he …

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  • Book ReviewsFantasy

    Joe Abercrombie: The Devils Review

    by Jefferz August 30, 2026
    August 30, 2026

    The Devils by Joe Abercrombie Series: The Devils #1 Genres: Adult, Adventure, British Literature, Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Historical Fantasy, Low Fantasy, Paranormal, LGBTQ+ Published by Gollancz on May 5, 2025 Format: Hardcover, Special Edition Pages: 565 Source: Goldsboro Books Europe stares into the abyss. Plague and famine stalk the land, monsters lurk in every shadow and greedy princes care for nothing but their own ambitions. Only one thing is certain: the elves will come again, and they will eat everyone. Sometimes, only the darkest paths lead towards the light. Paths on which the righteous will not dare to tread… And so, buried beneath the sacred splendour of the Celestial Palace, is the secret Chapel of the Holy Expediency. For its congregation of convicted monsters there are no sins that have not been committed, no lines that will not be crossed, and no mission that cannot be turned into a disastrous bloodbath. Now the hapless Brother Diaz must somehow bind the worst of the worst to a higher cause: to put a thief on the throne of Troy, and unite the sundered church against the coming apocalypse. When you’re headed through hell, you need the devils on …

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  • Book ReviewsFantasyLGBTQ+

    Nicholas Eames: Bloody Rose Review

    by Jefferz August 12, 2026
    August 12, 2026

    Bloody Rose by Nicholas Eames Series: The Band #2 Genres: Adult, Adventure, Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, LGBTQ+ Published by Orbit on August 27, 2018 Format: Hardcover, Special Edition Pages: 515 Source: The Broken Binding Live fast, die young. Tam Hashford is tired of working at her local pub, slinging drinks for world-famous mercenaries and listening to the bards sing of adventure and glory in the world beyond her sleepy hometown. When the biggest mercenary band of all rolls into town, led by the infamous Bloody Rose, Tam jumps at the chance to sign on as their bard. It’s adventure she wants – and adventure she gets as the crew embark on a quest that will end in one of two glory or death. It’s time to take a walk on the wyld side. Like its namesake character, Bloody Rose by Nicholas Eames is a book that has big shoes to fill after its predecessor’s bombastic breakout. Rather than recycling or retreading familiar beats, this book is an effective and smart sequel that reflects and contrasts Saga’s adventures and fame, telling its own story that’s more serious, mature, and thematically rich while still maintaining the spirit of the …

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  • Book ReviewsARCFantasyRomantasy

    Taylor J. LaRue: Steelborn Review

    by Jefferz July 13, 2026
    July 13, 2026

    Steelborn by Taylor J. LaRue Series: The Steelborn Saga #1 Genres: Adult, Adventure, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, High Fantasy, Magic, Romantasy Published by Requited on August 3, 2026 Format: ARC, eBook Pages: 496 Source: Booktrovert Enter a world ruled by tyrants and thieves, where magic is outlawed, revolution brews, desire is dangerous, and an impossible cure may prove deadlier than the curse. Never run. Never bow. Never die. Reya Connery became the Crimson Dagger, the most notorious thief in Rhiterra, by following a strict set of rules. One: There is no honor among thieves. Two: A good blade is key to any negotiation. Three: Only the dead keep secrets. And Reya has a secret that must be kept at all costs. But when a heist goes wrong on the eve of paying off her debt to a ruthless crime lord, Reya may need a new set of rules. And lots of coin. Fast. Enter Caelan Halcyon, an immortal warrior whose magic makes him a valuable target—if the curse inching closer to his heart doesn’t kill him first. There’s just one person who might be desperate enough to try and get their hands on the fabled cure in time to save his …

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  • Book ReviewsARCFantasyRomantasy

    V.L. Bovalino: The Thief and the Traitor Bride Review

    by Jefferz July 8, 2026
    July 8, 2026

    The Thief and the Traitor Bride by V.L. Bovalino Series: The Hand and the Heart #2 Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, High Fantasy, Magic, Romantasy Published by Forever on September 28, 2026 Format: ARC, eBook Pages: 592 Source: Netgalley A ruthless spy. A deadly mission. A thief who could ruin it all. Nore Gordon is a woman of many she can speak a variety of languages, disguise herself in plain sight, and has made a name for herself as a successful wine merchant. But unbeknownst to those closest to her, it is all a front for Nore’s true role as the favoured spy of the Lindle crown. Tasked with infiltrating enemy lands in search of a powerful relic, Nore is forced to engage the services of a great thief. Unfortunately, the only person for the job is her estranged husband Caspian. Both Nore and Caspian bear the scars of the disastrous end of their marriage, but if they are to survive their deadly new assignment, they must pose as a happily married couple to avoid detection. As danger closes in, Nore finds herself tangled in a web of lies and deceit-and though Caspian is at the centre of …

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About Me

Reader & Coffee Connoisseur

I am a reading enthusiast and book reviewer who enjoys reading with a warm latte in-hand, breaking down what I read in detail. Although my favorite genres are sci-fi, high/epic fantasy, mystery noir, and a sprinkle of contemporary romance, I consider myself a variety reader.


With a coffee (or favorite beverage) of choice, join me on The Book Grind as we read and sip our way through some great novels.

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The Book Grind
  • Home
  • Book Reviews
    • By Title
    • By Author
    • By Year Read
    • By Series
    • Advanced Reader Copy Reviews
    • Indie Book Reviews
    • Archive (sortable)
  • Blog
  • Book Store
  • Contact Me
    • Review Policy