Book Reviews – Sassy Reviews

April 20, 2026

Broken Realm

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Broken Realm 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jenna Greene ✍️
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The story features Keely Thompkins, a reserved and introspective young woman whose internal struggles with anxiety are portrayed with remarkable sensitivity. The early chapters immerse readers in a village setting, where small, everyday moments like preparing for a town celebration carry emotional weight. Keely’s perspective, filled with hesitation and quiet courage, creates an immediate emotional connection that draws readers into her world.

The narrative gains momentum with the introduction of Briggs Ray, whose rough-edged charm and survival-driven mindset provide a strong contrast to Keely’s cautious nature. When a mysterious phenomenon transports them into a barren, altered version of their world, the story shifts from gentle character study to gripping survival fantasy.

Themes of resilience, trust, and personal growth are woven well into the unfolding mystery, as both characters are forced to confront their limitations and adapt to an unforgiving environment. This novel offers a thoughtful and immersive fantasy experience, appealing to readers who enjoy character-driven stories.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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April 20, 2026

The New Empire

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The New Empire 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Alison McBain ✍️
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The New Empire by Alison McBain is a powerful historical novel that immerses readers in a story of survival, identity, and transformation. The story follows Jiangxi, a young boy torn from his homeland and thrust into the horrors of slavery, beginning with a harrowing journey that strips him of both freedom and memory.

As the story unfolds, the novel shifts into a more introspective exploration of culture and belonging. Jiangxi’s relationship with Onas, his master and spiritual guide, becomes the emotional and thematic core of the book. Through this dynamic, McBain explores the intersection of different worlds: Chinese heritage, Indigenous traditions, and colonial tensions creating a layered narrative about identity in a fractured world.

The slow evolution of Jiangxi’s character, from a broken child to someone navigating complex loyalties and beliefs, is handled with nuance. The inclusion of spiritual elements, particularly the mysterious role of the kuksui, adds a haunting, almost mystical dimension to the story.

McBain skillfully balances historical detail with emotional depth. The book is well paced. I am impressed by the world building and the character development. Readers who appreciate historical fiction with strong cultural themes and morally complex characters will find this novel worth reading.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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April 18, 2026

FIRE

Book: FIRE

Author: Pat Daily

The novel follows Will Kwan, a teenager shaped by loss and hardship, who returns to the augmented reality world of SPARK in search of meaning tied to his past. The premise stands out for its mix of gaming culture, artificial intelligence, and dystopian undertones, creating a vivid setting where virtual quests intertwine with real-world consequences.

Will and Feral’s evolving relationship adds emotional depth to the otherwise action-driven plot, balancing vulnerability with resilience. Will’s internal conflict, his trauma, guilt, and search for identity feels authentic and compelling, while Feral provides both strength and contrast. The action sequences, especially the attack on SPARK, are vividly described.

FIRE succeeds as a gripping sci-fi adventure with a strong emotional core. It explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the blurred lines between virtual and real worlds. While some readers may find the complexity of its world-building and multiple plot threads demanding, the payoff lies in its immersive storytelling and thought-provoking ideas.

Rating: 5/5

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April 18, 2026

Escape to Jekyll Island

Book: Escape to Jekyll Island

Author: Sandy Malone

Escape to Jekyll Island by Sandy Malone is set against the picturesque backdrop of Jekyll Island. The story immediately draws readers in with vivid descriptions of coastal landscapes, ocean views, marsh air, and the island’s unique charm. The opening chapters introduce Tally, a protagonist returning home after the devastation of Hurricane Maria, and her journey feels deeply personal and relatable.

Tally’s return to Jekyll Island is not simply a physical journey but also an internal one, as she grapples with heartbreak, trauma, and the uncertainty of her future. The author uses the storm’s aftermath as both a literal and symbolic force, representing the chaos that has disrupted Tally’s life. The supporting characters and the close-knit island community add warmth to the narrative.

Escape to Jekyll Island is a heartfelt and atmospheric read that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories about fresh beginnings. Sandy Malone’s detailed storytelling and strong sense of place make the island feel like a character in itself. I had a great time reading this book. Go ahead with it without any second thoughts.

Rating: 5/5

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April 18, 2026

Spelldrifts

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Spelldrifts 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: A-M Mawhiney ✍️
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Set in a post Earth tipping future, the novel immediately draws readers in with its vivid opening, an air of mystery surrounding a hidden object in a rose garden and the quiet tension between secrecy and destiny. The integration of telepathy, emerging powers, and ecological harmony creates a unique backdrop.

At the heart of the story lies a compelling cast of characters, particularly the younger generation: Saki, Ali, and Cady whose evolving abilities and personal struggles drive much of the narrative forward. The bond between Saki and Ali stands out, balancing vulnerability and adventure as they uncover the existence of a mysterious dragon egg. Their journey from grief and uncertainty toward purpose adds emotional depth, especially in Saki’s arc of loss and rediscovery. Meanwhile, the older generation: Fania and Nuna carry the weight of foresight and responsibility, creating a layered dynamic between wisdom and youthful curiosity.

The discovery of the dragon egg introduces a sense of wonder and looming significance, hinting at larger conflicts yet to unfold. At the same time, grounded subplots, such as the crisis within Ben’s family, reminds readers that even in a near-utopian world, human struggles persist. Mawhiney crafts a story that is both adventurous and introspective.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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April 17, 2026

The Walker Chronicles

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Walker Chronicles 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jason Kristopher ✍️
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The novel opens with a military investigation that quickly descends into visceral terror as soldiers encounter corpses exhibiting horrifying, predatory behavior. The author’s descriptive strength is immediately evident, the bleak landscapes, the stench of decay, and the psychological strain on the men are rendered well.

The story expands beyond a simple outbreak narrative, weaving through different historical periods including World War II and beyond to suggest a long-standing, hidden war against these walkers. Each timeline introduces new characters and moral dilemmas, from soldiers forced to make brutal decisions to secret units tasked with containing an unexplainable threat.

The book excels in its core themes: duty, sacrifice, and the cost of survival in the face of the unimaginable. Fans of historical horror and military fiction will find Walker Chronicles a bold read. The backdrop setting is impressive. Add this book to your bookshelf without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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April 17, 2026

The Ties That Bind

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Ties That Bind 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jansen Schmidt ✍️
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The Ties That Bind by Jansen Schmidt is a contemporary Western romance that opens with a powerful sense of atmosphere and unresolved past. The story follows Shiloh Ferguson, who returns to her childhood home after her father’s death, only to confront a flood of painful memories and complicated emotions. From the very first chapter, the author establishes a haunting tone: cold, desolate, and introspective that mirrors Shiloh’s inner turmoil.

Shiloh is not portrayed as a perfect protagonist; instead, she is deeply human, guarded, conflicted, and shaped by a troubled upbringing. Her interactions with Luke Wainwright add both tension and warmth to the narrative, hinting at unresolved connections and potential romance. Through their dialogue, the author skillfully reveals layers of the past, including family struggles, misunderstandings, and the consequences of emotional neglect.

This book is a heartfelt exploration of family, forgiveness, and second chances. It balances romance with deeper emotional themes, making it more than just a love story. Readers who enjoy character-driven narratives and stories about returning home to face one’s past will find this book engaging and thought-provoking.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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April 13, 2026

Immune

Book: Immune

Author: Seth Voorhees

It is a gripping post-apocalyptic novel that explores a world divided between the immune and the infected.

The story follows multiple characters, particularly Layla, Wyatt, Helen, and Logan as they navigate a fractured society plagued by a virus that has reshaped humanity and its power structures. The narrative presents a compelling setting filled with abandoned cities, militarized camps, and violent encounters with infected beings who can only be killed by headshots, adding a constant sense of urgency and danger.

Rather than presenting a simple good-versus-evil conflict, the book delves into the gray areas of human decision-making. Characters like Layla struggle between opposing factions, questioning propaganda, loyalty, and survival strategies.

Immune is a thought-provoking read that blends action, political intrigue, and psychological drama. Fans of dystopian and survival fiction will find this book both engaging and meaningful, as it challenges readers to reflect on human nature in times of crisis. The book is well paced and I loved every bit of it. The writing style is easy to follow. I enjoyed the backdrop setting done by the author.

Rating: 5/5

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April 13, 2026

Throwing Shade

Book: Throwing Shade

Author: Deborah Wilde

The story is centered around Miri, a middle-aged single mother and corporate librarian whose life takes a dramatic turn when she reconnects with her long-suppressed magical abilities. Initially grounded in the mundane struggles of work, motherhood, and societal expectations, the story quickly evolves into a high-stakes journey involving supernatural entities like golems, vampires, and dybbuks.

As Miri investigates the mysterious disappearance of her friend Jude, she is pulled deeper into a hidden magical world that challenges everything she thought she knew about herself and her past.

Miri’s evolution from a cautious, self-doubting woman into someone who begins to embrace her power and agency is impressive. Supporting characters like Laurent and the unpredictable golem Emmett bring both tension and humor.

The book stands out as a compelling entry in paranormal women’s fiction, offering not just supernatural intrigue but also a meaningful exploration of identity, empowerment, and second chances. The mix of suspense, humor, and emotional resonance keeps readers invested until the last page.

Rating: 5/5

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April 12, 2026

Death in Halfmoon Bay

Book: Death in Halfmoon Bay

Author: Erik D’Souza

The story is set in a quiet retirement community. It follows Suzanne Rickson, a determined resourceful sleuth whose curiosity is piqued when her friend Adeline is suddenly taken away by ambulance only to later be revealed as a victim of poisoning. From the very first chapter, the author creates an atmosphere of unease, turning an otherwise peaceful setting into a stage for suspicion, secrets, and hidden rivalries.

Suzanne stands out as a compelling protagonist. She is intelligent, observant, and subtly humorous, with a love for gossip that doubles as an investigative strength. The dynamics among her circle of friends, especially the tensions involving Adeline, Lan, and the formidable Regina Snow, add depth and authenticity to the narrative. The inclusion of everyday activities like Mahjong games and community politics cleverly contrasts with the darker undertones of betrayal and murder, making the mystery feel relatable.

The plot is layered with motives ranging from personal grudges to financial gain, and the investigation, both official and Suzanne’s own, keeps the tension alive. Death in Halfmoon Bay is a well-crafted debut in the Suzanne Rickson series. I had a great time reading this book. I strongly recommend it to my fellow readers.

Rating: 5/5

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