Book Reviews – Sassy Reviews

July 20, 2026

Zarya

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Zarya 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jackiem Joyner ✍️
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The story begins on the world of Cydnus, where scientist Aaron develops a revolutionary energy source that could save civilization from collapse. What starts as a breakthrough quickly spirals into betrayal, forcing Aaron and his family into unimaginable danger while laying the foundation for a much larger conflict.

The novel’s opening chapters are emotionally charged, creating genuine investment in the fate of its characters before shifting fifteen years ahead to follow the fearless and resourceful Zarya, whose daring spirit instantly makes her a compelling protagonist.

Joyner constructs a vivid civilization filled with advanced technology, flying vehicles, artificial energy systems, and layered political structures, yet never loses sight of the personal relationships that give the story emotional weight. The action sequences are fast-paced, and the blend of scientific concepts with coming-of-age storytelling keeps the narrative engaging.

Although the novel introduces a large cast and a complex fictional world that requires some attention in the early chapters, the payoff is a richly imagined story filled with mystery, suspense, and hope.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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July 20, 2026July 20, 2026

The Emerald Lady

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Emerald Lady 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: James L Hill ✍️
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The Emerald Lady begins with a violent shipwreck that throws young ship’s boy Jack Roggies and honorable naval officer Jeremy Simmons into a desperate fight for survival. What initially feels like a traditional maritime adventure quickly transforms into something far more enchanting when Jeremy is rescued by Shera, a mysterious mermaid whose existence challenges everything he believes.

Jeremy is a compassionate protagonist whose unwavering sense of duty makes him easy to admire. Shera’s curiosity, courage, and willingness to defy the traditions of her own people give the story emotional depth. Their growing connection is built on trust, sacrifice, and mutual respect rather than instant romance, making their relationship feel genuine. The richly imagined underwater kingdom, the political tensions among the maidens, and the constant struggle between destiny and free will add fascinating layers to the narrative.

The Emerald Lady is an engaging first installment that successfully combines naval history, fantasy, and heartfelt storytelling into a memorable reading experience. Readers who enjoy historical fantasy with strong world-building, adventurous storytelling, and a touch of timeless romance will find this novel to be an entertaining and rewarding journey.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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July 17, 2026

Golem for Broke

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Golem for Broke 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Deborah Wilde ✍️
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Golem for Broke opens with Tovah Silver, a witty forty-something magical fixer, enduring what should have been a routine mammogram when a murderous golem crashes into the clinic. What follows is an adrenaline-fueled introduction to a world where magic, danger, and bureaucracy collide. Tovah’s quick wit never falters, even in life-or-death situations.

Tovah’s friendships with fellow Mad Queens Nisha, Margot, and Jinny provide emotional depth while celebrating middle-aged women who refuse to be sidelined. Wilde weaves themes of aging, identity, and hidden power into the magical framework, giving the fantasy elements genuine emotional weight without sacrificing the fast-paced mystery.

Golem for Broke is a refreshing take on urban fantasy that combines laugh-out-loud dialogue, inventive magic, and a heroine whose life experience is one of her greatest strengths. The clever world-building, engaging investigations, and escalating conspiracy keep the pages turning, while the novel’s heartfelt exploration of friendship and self-acceptance makes it resonate beyond its action-packed plot.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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July 17, 2026

Lancer: Hero of the West: The Virginia City Affair

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Lancer: Hero of the West: The Virginia City Affair 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Bob Brill ✍️
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The story follows the honorable gunslinger Lancer as he journeys from Tombstone to Virginia City after receiving a plea for help from his longtime friend, Carter Benjamin. Along the way, Lancer encounters legendary frontier figures such as Tom Horn, whose ruthless philosophy sharply contrasts with Lancer’s unwavering sense of justice.

Lancer is a thoughtful hero whose loyalty and calm judgment make him easy to admire. Characters like Carter Benjamin, Sheriff “Little Art” Sanders, historian Dan DeQuille, and Tom Horn each contribute unique perspectives that enrich the unfolding mystery surrounding the attacks on Benjamin’s family. Brill also paints vivid pictures of Virginia City, its saloons, hotels, ranches, and rugged mountain landscapes.

Lancer: Hero of the West: The Virginia City Affair delivers an entertaining blend of detective work and classic Western action. The mystery behind the attempts on Carter Benjamin’s sons keeps the suspense alive, while Lancer’s intelligence, compassion, and steadfast moral code elevate the story beyond a typical gunslinger adventure.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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July 12, 2026July 13, 2026

The Sorceresses Splendor

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Sorceresses Splendor 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: R. Peter Ubtrent ✍️
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The novel opens with a fascinating look into the transformation of Al, who has fully embraced Tharona’s teachings in Black Magic. His growing obsession with power and his determination to prove himself against Aurora make him an interesting character.

Deirdre continues to evolve as a capable and determined presence, while characters such as Pyros, Stiz, Havrumli, and Grembicrum each contribute to the larger struggle in meaningful ways. Rather than relying solely on battles, the novel spends time exploring the relationships between its heroes, the burden of leadership, and the temptations that accompany extraordinary magical abilities.

What makes The Sorceresses Splendor memorable is how it balances epic fantasy with personal drama. Ancient magic, dragons, demons, and dangerous sorcery provide the spectacle, but the heart of the novel remains the choices its characters make when faced with impossible odds.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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July 10, 2026

Forbidden

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Forbidden 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Lee Sato ✍️
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The central premise, a string of murders that perfectly mirrors the work of a convicted killer already locked away, creates an irresistible puzzle that keeps readers questioning every assumption. The suspense builds naturally, making each new revelation feel earned.

Jara Quinn returns to duty carrying both physical and emotional scars, and her interactions with Katerina provide moments of warmth that contrast beautifully with the darkness of the case. Detective Tess Goodwin is equally compelling, driven by determination yet haunted by the possibility that she may have missed something years earlier. Their collaboration gives the story depth, showing that solving crimes requires not only intelligence but also trust, resilience, and the willingness to challenge past conclusions.

Lee Sato crafts a thriller that rewards attentive readers with carefully placed clues, believable investigative work, and a cast of characters who continue to evolve. The pacing remains steady throughout, blending forensic detail with emotional stakes to create a story that feels immersive from beginning to end.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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July 9, 2026

Hornet’s Nest

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Hornet’s Nest 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Lee Sato ✍️
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Lee Sato introduces readers to Jara Quinn, an FBI agent whose sharp investigative instincts are matched by a deeply compassionate heart. The story gradually reveals her complicated history with Katerina Lansing and her connection to a politically influential family.

Family tensions, hidden resentments, and long-buried secrets create a constant feeling that something significant is about to happen. Rather than relying solely on action, the novel builds suspense through conversations, emotional conflicts, and subtle clues.

The contrast between the warmth of Jara’s personal relationships and the increasingly uneasy political landscape keeps the story engaging, while the mystery surrounding Senator Lansing and the financial irregularities within the family foundation adds another compelling layer.

Hornet’s Nest is an excellent start to what promises to be a captivating series. Readers who enjoy thrillers with believable characters and slow-burning suspense will find plenty to appreciate here.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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July 9, 2026

The Children of Raven’s Reach

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Children of Raven’s Reach 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Ira White ✍️
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Chase’s tragic backstory gives readers an emotional reason to invest in his journey, and the gradual introduction of magic, secret societies, and hidden knowledge creates a genuine sense of curiosity. The concept of a grieving protagonist searching for truth while being drawn into a dangerous supernatural world is compelling, and the mysterious mentor is one of the novel’s strongest characters.

The novel’s greatest strength is its imagination. The blend of occult lore, spirituality, conspiracy, and fantasy feels original and ambitious. The scenes inside the Magic Store are particularly memorable, introducing the enigmatic Michael, whose wisdom and cryptic guidance transform the novel from a simple fantasy into a thought-provoking exploration of good versus evil, free will, and the consequences of seeking forbidden power. Rather than presenting magic as glamorous, the story repeatedly emphasizes its dangers and ethical costs, adding depth to the fantasy elements. Chase is a sympathetic protagonist whose motivations are understandable.

The central mystery is engaging enough to keep readers interested, particularly once Michael enters the story and the larger conflict begins to unfold. The foundation is strong, and the originality of the ideas makes this a memorable read that stands apart from more conventional fantasy novels.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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July 8, 2026

The Fire of a Dragon’s Eye

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Fire of a Dragon’s Eye 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: R. Peter Ubtrent ✍️
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As the third installment in The Aurora Chronicles, the story immerses readers in a richly imagined world where kingdoms stand on the brink of destruction and powerful forces clash for survival.

Aurora’s emotional struggles and extraordinary powers make her a compelling protagonist. Her journey through grief, responsibility, and self-discovery adds heart to the fast-paced adventure, while the interactions with allies and enemies alike create moments of humor, tension, and genuine emotion. The dialogue feels natural, and the shifting perspectives help build a broader understanding of the world and its many dangers.

The Fire of a Dragon’s Eye is a captivating continuation of the series, offering thrilling action sequences, imaginative world-building, and meaningful character development. While its large cast and extensive lore are best appreciated by readers familiar with the previous books, the novel rewards that investment with an immersive and satisfying fantasy adventure. Readers who enjoy expansive fantasy worlds, magical battles, and emotionally driven heroes will find this to be an exciting and memorable read.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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July 6, 2026

House and the Books

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: House and the Books 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Millard Hiner ✍️
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The murder of wealthy developer Sterling Vance during the Humboldt County Fair is more than just a shocking crime, it is the result of escalating tensions involving threatened family farms, corrupt land deals, personal debts, and bruised community pride.

Watching Dr. Ann McBride piece together clues while balancing her work as a physician makes the investigation feel grounded and believable, especially since her observations come from experience rather than coincidence.

Elias Thorne’s desperate fight to save generations of family farmland, Ma Higgins’ fierce defense of her baking legacy, Jax Malone’s dangerous financial troubles, and the mayor’s suspicious obsession with protecting the town’s public image all create genuine uncertainty about who could have committed the murder.

What impressed me most was how every clue seemed to matter, from the torn VIP parking pass and hidden financial notes to House the cat’s surprisingly important discovery. Instead of relying on dramatic twists alone, the story rewards readers who pay attention to details.

• 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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