Cyn's Workshop

Today I’m reviewing This Gilded Abyss by Rebecca Thorne—a wild blend of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea vibes and 28 Days Later-style survival horror, all set deep beneath the ocean. Trapped in a submersible with danger closing in, this story combines claustrophobic tension, ancient gods and Titans, and a strong dose of steampunk atmosphere. It’s fast-paced, eerie, and packed with that “something is...

Today I’m reviewing The Secret World of Briar Rose by Cindy Pham—a fresh and emotionally grounded take on the Sleeping Beauty story that explores mental health, particularly depression, in a meaningful way. One of the standout elements is the main character—slightly unlikable at times, but ultimately understandable and deeply relatable. The pacing is strong throughout, allowing the story to unfold...

Today I’m reviewing Call of the Dragon—a fantasy adventure that leans into classic genre elements like destiny, powerful magic, and the timeless allure of dragons. The story builds its world through character-driven stakes and mythic undertones, exploring what it means to answer a call that could change not only a life but an entire kingdom. With danger rising and loyalties tested, the narrative b...

Today I’m reviewing Game Changer and Heated Rivalry—two standout entries in Rachel Reid’s beloved hockey romance series. These books blend high-stakes professional sports with emotional, character-driven romance, creating stories that feel intense both on and off the ice. From fierce rivalries to deeply vulnerable relationships, the chemistry between the characters carries these novels and makes t...

Time for my February Reading Wrap-Up! I set a goal to read 20 books this month… and while I didn’t quite hit it, I still finished 14 books, which honestly isn’t too bad. In this episode, I’m recapping everything I read in February—from standout favorites to the books that surprised me the most. I’ll also talk about the overall reading vibes this month and how things are shaping up for the rest of...

Today I’m reviewing The Will of the Many by James Islington—a layered epic that blends fantasy and science fiction in a way that feels both classical and futuristic. While the book takes its time at the start, the slow build pays off as the political tension tightens and the world’s structure becomes clearer. The story balances imperial academy intrigue, rebellion undertones, and high-concept worl...

Today I’m reviewing Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber—a lush, twisty fantasy filled with dangerous bargains, glittering illusions, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. Garber leans into her trademark atmospheric storytelling, blending romance, high-stakes magic, and morally complicated characters navigating a world where trust is fragile and power always comes at a cost. It’s dramatic, imm...

Today I’m reviewing Divided by Fire by Scott Wasilewski—a dystopian sci-fi thriller set in a city on the brink, where survival depends on loyalty, sacrifice, and the choices you make under pressure. The story leans into tense action, moral dilemmas, and fast-moving stakes as characters navigate a society fractured by fear and control. If you enjoy dystopian fiction with strong pacing, high tension...

Today I’m reviewing We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark—a dark, high-stakes fantasy that throws its characters into brutal trials where survival is never guaranteed. This story leans into danger, ruthless competition, and the kind of magic that always comes with a price. With relentless pacing and constant tension, We Who Will Die is built for readers who love deadly games, morally gray choices, and f...

Today I’m reviewing The Blood of Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski—the first full novel in The Witcher saga and a pivotal turning point for the series. This book shifts the focus toward political intrigue, looming war, and Ciri’s growing importance in a world that wants to control her power. With Geralt navigating fractured alliances, Yennefer stepping into complicated mentorship, and kingdoms circling l...

Today I’m reviewing The Book of Magic by Alice Hoffman—the sweeping, emotional conclusion to the Practical Magic series. This final installment leans into family legacy, generational love, and the quiet, aching magic that has defined the Owens women for decades. With Hoffman’s signature lyrical style, the story explores grief, fate, and the bonds that hold families together across time. It’s tende...

Today I’m reviewing Fledging—a fast-paced fantasy centered on an assassin-in-training navigating secrets, survival, and the dangerous cost of power. The story blends action, shadowy intrigue, and coming-of-age stakes as the protagonist is forced to grow up fast in a world that wants to use her. What stands out is the momentum and the sense of hidden potential threaded through every choice. If you...

Today I’m reviewing Fallen Gods by Rachel Van Dyken—a dark fantasy romance steeped in immortal intrigue, dangerous attraction, and power struggles that blur the line between love and ruin. This story leans into high-drama tension and mythic vibes, pairing supernatural elements with emotionally charged romance. It’s fast-paced, angsty, and built for readers who like their fantasy laced with obsessi...

Today I’m reviewing Bane of Asgard by Cinda Williams Chima—a fantasy that draws heavily from Norse mythology, weaving gods, destiny, and looming war into a high-stakes adventure. This story leans into mythic scope and heroic conflict, blending familiar Norse elements with character-driven stakes and a fast-moving plot. If you’re into gods meddling in mortal affairs, fate vs. free will, and epic fa...

What a way to kick off the year! In this episode, I’m sharing my January Reading Wrap-Up—and I knocked it out of the park with 18 books read. I break down my standout favorites, surprise hits, and overall reading vibes for the month, plus what this strong start means for my goals going forward. Whether you’re looking for recommendations or just love a good reading recap, this episode is the perfec...

Today I’m reviewing Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz—a clever, heartfelt fantasy that centers on redemption, self-reinvention, and what happens when a former “villain” decides she’s done playing the role everyone assigned her. This story shines in its character work, especially Violet herself, who is sharp, complicated, and impossible not to root for. With humor, ma...

Today I’m reviewing Captain of Fates by Katherine Webber, book four in the Twin Crowns series—and this time, the story follows Marino. This installment expands the world in exciting ways, giving a beloved side character room to grow while keeping the charm, adventure, and emotional beats fans of the series expect. With strong character work, familiar wit, and high-stakes momentum, Captain of Fates...

Today I’m reviewing Tidespeaker—a fantasy steeped in ocean magic, political tension, and the weight of having a voice in a world that would rather silence you. The story leans into elemental power and character-driven stakes, blending mythic sea imagery with questions of agency, responsibility, and survival. What stood out most was the atmosphere and the way magic is tied to identity and consequen...

Today I’m reviewing Not for the Faint of Heart by Lex Croucher—a bold, funny, and emotionally rich queer historical adventure that blends rebellion, romance, and sharp character work. This novel delivers outlaw energy, sapphic tension, and heartfelt exploration of identity and belonging, all wrapped in Croucher’s signature wit. It’s fast, character-driven, and unapologetically queer, balancing hum...

Today I’m reviewing The Last Vampire by Romina Garber—a sharp, modern take on vampire mythology that blends atmosphere, identity, and emotional depth. This story leans into what it means to be immortal in a world that keeps changing, using vampirism as a lens to explore belonging, legacy, and self-definition. With compelling characters and a mythic tone that feels both classic and contemporary, Th...

Today I’m reviewing The Prince of Mourning, a rich blend of historical fiction and fantasy infused with compelling mythological elements. The story uses mythology not just for spectacle, but as a way to explore grief, legacy, and power within a grounded historical setting. Atmospheric and thoughtful, this book balances lore with character-driven storytelling, making it a strong pick for readers wh...

Today I’m reviewing This Will Be Interesting—a fun, quirky romantasy adventure that fully embraces humor, heart, and magical chaos. This story doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s exactly what makes it work. With charming characters, playful banter, and a romance woven naturally into the adventure, this book delivers an entertaining ride from start to finish. It’s the kind of romantasy th...

Today I’m reviewing All That We See or Seem—a quiet, introspective novel that leans heavily into themes of grief, perception, and the fragile line between reality and interpretation. This is a story less concerned with spectacle and more interested in emotional resonance, memory, and the way loss reshapes how we see the world. The writing is thoughtful and atmospheric, inviting readers to sit with...

Today I’m reviewing Make My Wish Come True—a cozy, feel-good romance that leans into warmth, emotional sincerity, and the kind of hopeful storytelling perfect for readers who love heartfelt love stories. This book delivers charm and comfort, focusing on connection, vulnerability, and what it means to let yourself want something more. While it keeps things relatively low-stakes, the emotional beats...

In this episode, I’m wrapping up my December reading—breaking down everything I finished during the final month of the year. From standout favorites to books that surprised me (for better or worse), this wrap-up is a spoiler-free look at how the year ended on the page. I talk quick reactions, overall trends in my reading, and which stories lingered the longest once the month—and the year—came to a...