WWW Wednesday 8/21/2024

What is WWW Wednesday?

It's pretty simple! Every Wednesday, you share:

What are you currently reading?

What did you just finish reading?

What are you planning to read next?

---

Last: Phantasma by Kaylie Smith

This book was a magical journey! Kaylie Smith crafted such a unique and immersive fantasy world that had me hooked from the first chapter. The blend of adventure, intrigue, and strong character dynamics made this an unforgettable read. If you love fantasy worlds filled with mystery and beautifully complex characters, Phantasma should be on your list!

---

Welcome to Phantasma.

There are only two rules to the game. Stay alive. And don’t fall in love.

When Ophelia’s sister disappears, there is only one way to save her. Ophelia must enter Phantasma, a deadly contest inside a haunted mansion, and claim its prize—a single wish. Phantasma is a maze of twisting corridors and lavish ballrooms, of demons and temptations. Ophelia will face nine challenges, each more dangerous than the last. There can only be one winner, and the other contestants will stop at nothing to eliminate their rivals.

Every day the house creates new monsters. But just as Ophelia’s fears threaten to overwhelm her, a mysterious stranger offers her a bargain. Charming, arrogant and infuriatingly attractive, Blackwell claims he can guide her through the lethal trials ahead. All he asks in return is ten years of her life.

Ophelia knows she shouldn’t trust him. Blackwell doesn’t seem dangerous, but appearances can be deceptive. Worse still, she feels a dark and irresistible attraction drawing them closer and closer. Her life is on the line.

But in Phantasma, the only thing deadlier than losing the game is losing your heart…

Now: A Touch of Shadows by Jessica Thorne

I just started A Touch of Shadows, and I’m already intrigued by the rich world Jessica Thorne has created. The first few chapters have set the stage for a magical and twist-filled adventure, and I’m excited to see where it goes. So far, the blend of action, magic, and romance has me hooked!

---

A lost queen’s sacrifice. Two kingdoms at war for centuries. And a spark of passion between hunter and hunted with the power to end everything…

The shadow magic has always whispered to Wren. The same dark power that once ravaged her home kingdom of Asteroth. So she must keep her magic hidden, only using it to help people in need in the remote border village she calls home. Discovery of her gifts would mean death.

Noble knight Finn has sworn to serve his new home, Asteroth, by hunting down those who use shadow magic. He has never forgiven his father, ruler of enemy kingdom Ilanthus, for his terrible cruelty. Spying for Asteroth in his own father’s royal court is his revenge – and carrying a warning of raiding parties on the move, Finn is passing through Wren’s small town…

When terrible creatures in the nearby forest attack him, Wren risks exposing her magic and saves his life. But as they touch, burning desire takes over.

And Wren’s magic floods through them both.

As the power fades, Wren and Finn’s wariness of each other returns, even with a new bond between them. But there’s no time to untangle their feelings from the seductive call of the magic. Because with enemy soldiers crossing the border, dark days are coming to Asteroth…

Their fates now entwined, can Wren and Finn learn to trust each other to save their kingdom? Or will they be the key to its destruction?

Next: Coven of Consequence by S.L. Prater

Next up is Coven of Consequence, and I’m really excited to dive into it! It promises to be filled with dark magic, witches, and high stakes. I’ve heard great things about this one, especially the depth of its characters and the thrilling plot, so I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.

---

There’s something terribly wrong with the Castleway Circus.

When mortals happen inside its big billowy tents, they don’t always come out again, and the clown specters who haunt it won’t leave me alone. My partner, Quiet, insists we go and investigate. I’d rather have my hands nailed to a moving train—better chance of surviving that as a vampire than whatever haunts the circus.

She believes the specters who persist in making our lives more difficult mean no harm. They just want our help, she says. I’m not convinced. I want to be of assistance when there’s a case that needs solving; however, there’s certain things I’m not willing to give up.

Mainly, the one thing—one person.

I’m not willing to lose Quiet, and deep in my bones that’s what I believe will happen. If we go there, if we surrender to those tents and the mysteries contained inside, I’ll lose the only person I’ve ever loved. But Quiet is certain that if we avoid facing the consequences waiting for us there, I might just lose her anyway ...

That’s all for this week’s WWW Wednesday! What have you been reading lately? Share your recommendations in the comments—I’m always on the hunt for my next great read!