Sneak Peak: The Chaos Weaver, by Aubrey Winters

Today, I’m thrilled to share a sneak peek of The Chaos Weaver, an upcoming fantasy romance out on January 31st, 2025!

If you’re looking for a story with rich world-building, unique characters, and plenty of potential for epic adventure, The Chaos Weaver by Aubrey Winters might just be your next read.

The Plot:

Everly and her twin brother, Julien, are just trying to survive in the ruthless city of Lagdon. Stealing and scheming is their only way to get by. So, when an opportunity to claim unimaginable riches arises, the twins don’t hesitate.

But nothing is ever as simple as it seems. In a shocking twist, Everly is transported to a new realm brimming with magic—and danger. Amidst the chaos, a captivating king offers to help her master powers she never knew she had.

Can he help her find her brother, or will she lose her heart—and everything she’s ever known—in the process?

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed the story—it’s a fast and easy read with a lot to appreciate. The world-building is both intriguing and well-crafted, striking a perfect balance that immerses you without overwhelming it. The characters are unique and vividly portrayed, while the descriptions strike just the right balance to bring the world to life.

That said, the pacing is a bit slow at the start, taking a while to get to the truly exciting parts. However, once the story picks up, it all plays out well, and you can see the foundation for future instalments being carefully laid.

While I didn’t particularly like the FMC, I found her defenselessness refreshing. Many books portray heroines as seemingly weak only to have them become instant warriors, wielding swords or powers within a few chapters and triumphing in battle. That doesn’t happen here, and I really appreciate it. It feels new and intriguing, leaving plenty of room for development in future books.

What didn’t quite work for me, though, was the love story. It felt rushed and a bit forced, as though it didn’t fit naturally into the flow of the plot. While I have a few theories about it—and the MMC(s?)—it currently feels out of place.

That said, this is just the first book in a series, and I’m hopeful for more character growth and development in the sequels. I’m especially excited to see how the clues and threads left behind in this instalment will blossom into what I hope will be a truly epic tale.

Recommendation:
If you enjoy stories with detailed world-building and character-driven narratives, try this one. While it has flaws, the unique approach to its heroine and the promise of an epic series make it well worth the read.

Review: Quicksilver by Callie Hart

In a world where water is life and every sip is precious, Saeris Fane survives by stealing and hiding from the ruthless Undying Queen Madra. But everything changes when she unknowingly steals from a royal guard and opens a portal to another world. Suddenly, she finds herself among the long-forgotten Fae, believed to be nothing more than myth, and becomes entangled in Kingfisher’s war against the vampires.

My Thoughts (Spoiler-Free):
Overall, I enjoyed Quicksilver, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it didn’t offer much originality compared to other popular fantasy books. It took me a while to fully immerse myself in the story—roughly the first 30% felt slow and somewhat disconnected. Events unfold, but their significance only becomes clear later. However, once the story picks up, it becomes an engaging and enjoyable read.

The book combines several familiar fantasy elements—Fae, vampires, portals between worlds, and meddling gods—and for the most part, it works well. However, many aspects of the story reminded me strongly of ACOTAR, and the male lead, Kingfisher, carries serious Fourth Wing vibes. If you’re a fan of those series, you’ll likely enjoy this book.

---

A More Honest Review

It took me quite some time to get into Quicksilver. The first 30% of the book feels slow and disconnected, introducing two vastly different worlds and a large cast of characters without clear connections between them. It’s difficult to see where the plot is headed initially. However, once Kingfisher is properly introduced, things start to improve—the banter between the two main characters really carries the story forward.

Kingfisher himself feels like a close cousin of Xaden Riorson from Fourth Wing: he wields shadows, is brooding and mysterious, distrusted by nearly everyone, and has an attitude that deserves a book of its own. When Saeris and Kingfisher finally interact one-on-one, the ACOTAR comparisons become even more apparent—especially during the dinner scenes. At one point, I half expected the famous "Your hair looks clean" line. There's also a village celebration scene that mirrors ACOTAR, albeit with more spice. Even the classic hidden mating bond trope makes an appearance, plus the transition from human to fae,

While it's true that most fantasy books draw inspiration from one another, these similarities felt a bit too familiar at times, bordering on déjà vu.

As the romance between the main characters develops, so does the plot—finally. We learn that the war between the Fae and vampires has left the Fae on the losing side because their king abandoned them. However, one major plot hole stood out to me: why didn’t Kingfisher explain what was happening sooner? He’s the only one who knows the truth, and while he's unable to explicitly reveal certain details, he could have at least tried to communicate with those who still trust him. Instead, he remains enigmatic and keeps everyone in the dark. This lack of transparency feels frustrating, and yet, when the truth finally comes to light, no one seems particularly upset with him.

Several pivotal moments, like Everlayne’s kidnapping and Kingfisher’s self-sacrificing departure, were perfect opportunities for emotional confrontations—but instead, the characters simply accepted everything without much pushback. This made the resolution feel too convenient and less impactful than it could have been.

The Ending:
The book closes with several intriguing revelations that set the stage for book two:

• Saeris is revealed to be half Vampire, half Fae, and the new queen of the vampires.
• The seemingly comic-relief character (and potential love triangle addition) turns out to be the long-lost heir to the Fae kingdom.
• The mating bond between the leads is now in place and could potentially spell the end of the universe.

With all these twists, I’m curious to see where the next installment will take us!

Sneak Peak: The Love Intervention, by Caroline Khoury

Today, I’m thrilled to share a sneak peek of The Love Intervention, an upcoming second-chance, friends-to-lovers romance set to hit shelves on February 13, 2025—just in time for Valentine's Day!

If you're looking for a heartfelt, friends-to-lovers romance with a touch of self-discovery, The Love Intervention might be your next favourite read. I had the privilege of reading this book early, thanks to NetGalley, and here’s what you can expect from this exciting new release.

The Plot

Laila is a 30-something British woman too focused on work and family to even think about sex, let alone love or a relationship. But things are about to change when her two best friends decide to stage a "Love Intervention"—a plan to help Laila reconnect with past lovers, heal herself, and be ready for a future filled with love and possibilities.

My Thoughts

Overall, I think the book tells a nice story. I particularly loved the flashbacks, which link the past and present without feeling overwhelming. The way Caroline Khoury wove Laila’s past experiences into the present storyline kept the pacing engaging and made for an emotional read.

Themes and Emotional Depth
One aspect that stood out was how well the book portrayed the repercussions of grief and guilt over a prolonged period of time. Laila's guilt for past actions is woven throughout the story—not in an overdramatized way, but rather in a realistic manner that allows readers to walk in her shoes. Even if we don't always agree with her choices, we can still sympathize with her emotional journey.

Character Growth and Development
Laila’s character development is a highlight of the book. She evolves from being hesitant and self-doubting to someone who takes charge of her emotional well-being. However, I found that the male characters (MMCs) felt a little flat in comparison. While Laila grows and changes, it seems the men from her past remain largely the same over the 10-year gap, which felt a bit unrealistic. That said, this is primarily Laila’s story of self-discovery, and the focus remains firmly on her journey.

Friendship and Supporting Characters
The friendships in this book are a major highlight. Laila’s two best friends, who orchestrate the intervention, add humor and heart to the story. I found myself invested in their lives just as much as Laila’s and would love to see them featured more in future installments.

Romance Expectations vs. Reality
A small note for readers—while the cover might suggest a steamy, "why-choose" romance, the story leans more toward a closed-door, heartfelt exploration of love and healing. This may not be what some readers expect, but if you enjoy emotional, character-driven romance, it’s still a satisfying read.

Final Thoughts

I would definitely recommend The Love Intervention for those looking for a fun and easy read with deeper emotional undertones. It's a story of friendship, second chances, and self-love that leaves you hopeful for Laila's future—and maybe even yours. I truly hope we get to see more of the supporting characters’ stories in future books!

Sheep Under the Snow: Crafting My Cozy Tribute to Andarna

 In honour of Onyx Storm coming out this month, while I wait for my physical copy to reach me, and to celebrate my favourite adolescent dragon Andarna, I decided to start this sweater

The pattern is Sheep Happens! by Drops Design, but to me, it'll be Sheep under the Snow in Tyrrendor, hiding from the Hungry One

I'm almost done with the yoke, and the sheeps are taking form splendidly!

For this sweater, i'm using Drops Lima in blue, white and light gray, to give the sheep time to blend in and hide from the dragons

Onyx Storm - spoiler free review and first opinions

Onyx Storm has finally been released, and while I'll need a re-read to really process everything, and link the story with the previous books, here's a first opinion - spoiler free! 

I have to be honest—this book left me wanting more, yet gave me so little that I’m not sure I actually do want more. Overall, the story is good, but it doesn’t quite reach the epic feeling of Fourth Wing. The pacing is slower, more in line with the first part of Iron Flame. It’s not a bad read, but it had the potential to be so much more.

The story picks up right where we left off after Iron Flame: Xaden has channeled from the earth, Basgiath is recovering, and everyone is desperate to figure out their next move. Violet is finally stepping into her role as a true leader, even if she’s reluctant to fully take the reins. I also feel like she’s developing a bit of a mean streak—not towards everyone, but definitely towards those who don't share her morals, and I love it! In previous books, she felt a bit too tame (for lack of a better word), but now she’s putting herself out there and not pulling any punches.

What I did feel was missing—perhaps because Rebecca Yarros emphasized it so much in previous books—is the romance drama. There’s no wallowing Xaden, no "I'm only half a man" moments. Maybe that's how the author envisions the characters or how readers might expect to feel, but it’s not really in this book. Xaden is doing his best, and although he tries to pull back at times, it never lasts long. Violet, on the other hand, remains hopeful and unwavering in her belief in a cure and a brighter future. This is a refreshing contrast to the Violet of Iron Flame, who was constantly stuck worrying about the same problems over and over again. In this book, she’s finally growing, and it’s a welcome change.

One of the aspects I really enjoyed was the inclusion of multiple POVs, which I think could be a great addition to future installments. I also appreciated the larger role given to previously minor characters—this added fresh perspectives and depth to the story.

The ending leaves a lot of possible directions for the series to explore, and at this point, I can't wait to see where our heroes go next.

Dragons, Wards, and Secrets: What Could Be Next in Onyx Storm?

As we eagerly await the release of Onyx Storm, countless theories have emerged about Violet Sorrengail's future, the mysteries surrounding the Venin, and the fate of Navarre. From speculating about Violet's second signet to predicting Xaden's ultimate destiny, we are all diving deep into the story's hidden clues and foreshadowing. In this post, we'll explore some of the most popular and intriguing theories that could shape the future of the series.

Violet's Second Signet: Beyond Mind Reading

One of the most widely speculated second signets for Violet is mind reading, and I agree it seems like a plausible option. However, if we think outside the box and consider Violet's need for information, perhaps her signet won't involve directly extracting thoughts from others. Instead, she might develop the ability to sense where information is stored or how to locate it, rather than pulling it from someone's mind. Mind reading might be too intrusive for Violet's character; after all, she is neither Dain nor Xaden and would never willingly expose someone else's secrets.

The Weapon to Defeat the Venin

I believe Andarna's den is intricately linked to the defeat of the venin, and that she was left behind as a last-resort measure. In Onyx Storm, I suspect Violet will embark on a quest to find more dragons from Andarna's den, hoping to raise the wards at Aretia and strengthen their defenses. This could be a major turning point in the fight against the venin, offering new insights into how to combat them effectively.

Xaden's Venin Status: A Ticking Clock

When it comes to Xaden's potential venin transformation, I see only two possible outcomes: either they find a cure, or he dies by the end of the series. There can't be any half measures here, and Xaden himself wouldn't accept living with the condition indefinitely. In Onyx Storm, I anticipate we'll see him attempt to control his condition through sheer willpower, only to have it backfire—possibly with catastrophic consequences. I sincerely hope he won't turn fully venin and become an enemy; at most, he might go undercover within their ranks. One concern, however, is the possibility of the venin being telepathically linked, which could pose significant challenges.

Violet's personal mission in Onyx Storm will likely center around finding a cure for Xaden. I suspect that by the end of the book, we might uncover what the cure entails, but its application could be reserved for book four.

The Marked Ones and Loyalty

I truly hope that none of the marked ones are working as spies for the venin. The notion of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" might be too much to bear in this already complex narrative. Trust and loyalty will be crucial as the battle intensifies, and any betrayal could shatter their fragile unity.

Aretia's Secrets and Hidden Power Sources

Many speculate that Aretia holds more than just old wards—it could contain lost knowledge, hidden relics, or even dragon-forged weapons that might tip the scales in the fight against the venin. Violet's exploration of Aretia, and the rest of the continent, could reveal game-changing resources critical to the war effort.

Venin Origins and Potential Redemption

There’s speculation that venin were not always evil, and that the series might explore their origins more deeply, potentially introducing a way to reverse their corruption rather than simply destroying them. If so, this could redefine the entire conflict and lead to unexpected alliances.

A Post-Venin Era: The Future of War College

By the end of the series, I believe they'll find a way to erect new wards that allow gryphon riders to channel their magic, or perhaps there will no longer be a need for wards altogether. That pivotal chapter in Iron Flame, where the cadets discuss all that was lost due to the unification of Navarre, feels like a foreshadowing of a future shaped by mutual understanding and cooperation.

In a post-venin era, Basgiath War College might undergo significant changes, resembling the gryphon rider academy with a reduced emphasis on death and survival, and a greater focus on strategic unity and collaboration.

Iron Flame - Spoiler free review

We’re back at Basgiath War College for a second year, and Rebecca Yarros does it again! Iron Flame is a rollercoaster of emotions, action, and surprises that will leave you breathless.

There’s so much happening in this book that it’s hard to know where to start. 

From plot twists you’ll never see coming to new characters who are impossible to hate (even when you try), every page keeps you hooked. And yes, the spice is definitely dialed up a notch in this installment! 

This story will make you laugh, cry, and gasp—sometimes all in the same chapter. And the ending? 

Absolutely breathtaking. It left me counting the days until we can continue this incredible journey.

If you’re still unsure about diving into the Empyrean Saga, now is the time! The wait for the next book might drive us mad, but trust me, it’ll be worth every second.

Fourth Wing - spoiler free review

Let’s kick off the month strong with the Empyrean Saga! With Onyx Storm set to release on January 21st, it’s the perfect time to dive into my honest—and spoiler-free—reviews of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame.

Covers of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

If you haven’t read these books yet, stop here and grab your copies—they’re worth it! But if you’re ready for more, check out:

• My in-depth recap of the story (part 1 and part 2)
• My spoiler-free review of Iron Flame.

I absolutely loved Fourth Wing! From start to finish, it’s a book that keeps you hooked, with a perfect balance of action, character development, and surprises.

The characters are wonderfully developed, each bringing something unique to the story. The plot flows seamlessly, with just enough twists to keep you guessing and every chapter leaving you hungry for more.

If you love dragons, dragon riders, and a school setting filled with high-stakes trials, this book is for you. It’s one of those rare reads that completely absorbs you—you’ll lose track of time as you immerse yourself in its world.

Whether you're a long-time fantasy fan or new to the genre, Fourth Wing offers a thrilling adventure you won’t want to miss!

Where Stories Meet Stitches: My Blog Launch

Hello everyone! Welcome to The Literary Stitch Society, a space where book lovers and fiber art enthusiasts come together to share their passions. I’m Sabrina, your host.

My reading journey began back in elementary school with The Story of a Seagull and the Cat Who Taught Her to Fly by Luis Sepúlveda. I fell in love with the atmosphere, the characters, and the story itself. I loved it so much that at the next book fair, I begged my mom to buy me a copy so I could read it over and over. From that moment, my love for reading only grew, and it’s been a constant in my life ever since.

My passion for fiber arts developed a bit later. As a child, I remember watching my mom knit sweaters and cardigans for me and my sister and crochet doilies (which are quite popular here in Italy—every respectable Italian household has at least a few on display). While I admired her work, she didn’t have the patience to teach me. Years later, at the age of 25, I decided to learn on my own. I started with crochet, then picked up knitting, and haven’t looked

back since.

This blog is my way of combining these two hobbies into something special. Whether it’s diving into a gripping fantasy novel or working on a cozy sweater, I believe there’s magic in pairing stories with stitches.

Here’s what you can expect to find in my cozy corner:

• Book of the Month: We’ll explore one book in depth together, with chapter-by-chapter discussions.
• TBR (To Be Read): A monthly list of books I’m excited to dive into.
• Anticipated Reads: Let’s talk about upcoming books, theories, and what we can’t wait to discover.
• Sneak Peek Reads: A special section where I’ll share reviews and thoughts on books I’ve had the privilege to read before their release. Discover what’s coming to shelves soon!
• Knitting and Crochet Updates: Regular posts about my current projects, pattern testing, and even some of my own designs.
• Seasonal Craft Themes: Every season, I’ll focus on a new craft theme inspired by the time of year. For winter, I’m starting with a cozy scarf and hat to keep me warm and creative

I’m so excited to share this journey with you. Let’s create a warm, welcoming space for creativity and connection. So tell me, what are you reading or crafting right now? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!