A searing, soul-deep fantasy about loyalty, identity, and the cost of rebellion — The Sorrow of the Sea is not just a book, it’s a reckoning. Emotional, immersive, and unafraid to go dark.

Ashes of Xy is a character-focused fantasy full of heart, but not without its flaws. While it shines in emotional depth and tender, domestic moments, its scattered plot and lack of central conflict may leave some readers adrift. If you love quiet, relationship-driven storytelling in your fantasy, this might still be a journey worth taking.

A time-traveling journey to samurai-era Japan? I was immediately intrigued. But while the concept of Gate to Kagoshima had so much promise, the execution fell short. Abrupt storytelling, repetitive prose, and a lack of emotional depth made it a tough read. The romance felt forced, and a major plot point involving a false rape accusation felt mishandled and insensitive. A great idea that sadly didn’t land for me.