Fantasy and Sci-Fi Books That Have Surprised Me

For my Top Ten Tuesday here are some of the fantasy and sci-fi books that have surprised me-in a good way! I typically have not read a lot of fantasy or sci-fi. It is increasingly difficult to find any in those genres that don't have explicit content unfortunately. But the last couple of years I wanted to read something out of my comfort zone and broaden my imagination. Here are some that I really enjoyed!  

This one is darker and general market. I did enjoy it a lot though!

I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

LOVED. 

Five star series. One of my all time favorites!

Rogue Secreto Review

About the Book

From the author of Mortal Queens and Oathbound comes a fast-paced standalone in a roman empire world, filled with danger, catacombs, secret identities, and a forbidden romance.

Marsella has the unique ability to steal secrets with one glance. She keeps her identity hidden, while going under the name Rogue Secreto. The emperor hires her to read secrets of his enemies, all without realizing this masked figure who can bring empires to heel is his beloved daughter.

He lures enemies to his doorstep by promising Marsella’s hand in marriage, while the Rogue Secreto uncovers their secrets.

But Marsella has another secret. A boy she’s found, trapped behind a wall of water deep within forgotten ruins. As she seeks respite from the demands of her father, she’s drawn to the ruins and to the boy. He becomes her escape, her most treasured secret, and she shares everything she hears with him. When Marsella gleans a secret about someone trapped behind water, she thinks she’s found how to set him free. But he’s been waiting a hundred years to be released, and thanks to the secrets Marsella has been feeding him, he has the chance.

Too late, Marsella learns why he was trapped in the first place.

“I can hold them,” he said softly. “Tell me your darkest secrets, and I’ll carry them for you.”

ROGUE SECRETO is perfect for fans of Heartless Hunter or One Dark Window. It sits at the upper end of the YA genre. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I really enjoy McCombs writing so I am always eager to read her next story! This one is very different from her others. They actually are all very unique and I love that! This one is so interesting because Marsella is living two different lives. One that is behind a mask and one as the emperor's daughter. It has a few One Dark Window vibes for certain but it has it's own unique twists. It held my attention the entire time and I was so curious about the boy trapped in the wall of water. This book really gets your imagination going! I do wish there was a little bit more on character development with the main characters and the ending seemed a little bit rushed. But I still really enjoyed this story! There is a little romance but not much and there are some darker themes but I still consider this to be a pretty clean read. 

I recommend! 

Four Stars. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rune Review

About the Book

 Rune wants only one thing from the gods: the heart of a boy who already claims to love her. She wants it enough that she’s willing to make a deal with a god to keep it.

The deal is simple: the heart of the boy, and in return, Rune will make this god revered among the clan.

Then, out of nowhere, the boy proposes to Rune’s sister instead.

In her anger, she renounces the gods. But the gods have plans of their own. They snatch Rune from earth and throw her in Asgard, claiming her as their lost goddess and drowning her in a world of dangerous power. It’s clear a god is pulling the strings here, but Rune can’t guess who, or what her role is in their games. Desperate, she strikes a second deal with a god—one who might be as broken and twisted as she, and quite possibly more capable of breaking her heart than anyone. As her Viking past finds a way into Asgard, it’s clear that someone’s heart will be slaughtered. She can only hope to be long gone before it all crashes down.

A standalone fantasy for lovers of the fake engagement trope, shields and axes, or poison in teacups. (Goodreads)

Pre-Order HERE

My Thoughts

I have really been enjoying books by this new-to-me author. I have been looking for clean fantasty and McCombs delivers just that!! This story was a lot different than I was expecting but I ended up really enjoying it! The characters are strong and while Rune sometimes got on my nerves I also had to think of life from her perspective. There is a lot of physical fighting (with axes etc.) and while those scenes were important I wanted more story and less fighting by the final chapters. BUT the ending came together in a very Hunger Games type of way and it left me a satisfied reader. I wanted there to be more actually and I wouldn't mind another book in this world. The romance is sweet and clean and fit in perfectly with the rest of the story. 

I couldn't put this book down and I really enjoyed it! I recommend if you are wanting something new in the fantasy genre! 

Four Stars. 

"I received and ARC from the author. I am not required to write a positive review."