Falhorne: Dark Dawn by Tristan Dineen - Immersive dark fantasy

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Falhorne: Dark Dawn is a sweeping and uncompromising entry in Tristan Dineen’s epic fantasy saga. At once brutal and deeply human, it’s a story that doesn’t flinch from darkness but never feels gratuitous. Instead, every moment of violence and hardship carries weight, shaping the characters and the world around them.

 

About the book: Falhorne: Dark Dawn  

The novel follows Tagus as he pursues the slavers who stole away his people, pulling him into the oppressive heart of Trastamere — a land of plantations, rebel camps, and spiritual unrest. Dineen masterfully weaves a tale of survival and resistance against both mortal cruelty and an ancient, rising darkness that blots out the sun.

BookHookup review: Falhorne: Dark Dawn 

What makes Dark Dawn stand out is its characters. Tagus and his companions are not painted in broad strokes but given depth and flaws that make them feel alive. They wrestle with trauma, faith, hope, and despair in ways that are deeply relatable, even within the grand sweep of epic fantasy.

 

The writing itself is vivid and confident. Dineen’s worldbuilding is immersive, full of cultural nuance, myth, and history. It’s dense at times — the pacing slower in early chapters as the stage is set — but patient readers will be rewarded with a rich and layered story.

Yes, there is blood. Yes, there is suffering. But rather than shock for its own sake, these elements add gravity to a world where choices matter and survival has a cost.

For fans of dark, character-driven epic fantasy, Falhorne: Dark Dawn is a compelling and worthwhile read. It’s not a light or quick tale, but it is one that lingers, both for its imagery and its humanity. I recommend reading Falhorne: The World Is Burning first for a totally immersive experience.

A Fraying of Schemes - Perfect for fans of clean, sweet fiction

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Blythe Baker’s A Fraying of Schemes is a delightful historical cozy mystery that’s both easy to read and sweet in tone, even while centering on a murder. This third installment of the Dickinson Sisters Mysteries finds Iris and Lily staying at a hotel while their home is under repair—a temporary inconvenience that quickly turns into something far more sinister when a guest is found dead.

 

 

About the Book: A Fraying of Schemes

The historical setting adds an extra layer of charm and atmosphere. Social expectations, reputation, and the rhythms of the time period all shape how the sisters approach their investigation, grounding the mystery in a believable past. I enjoyed the way Baker wove these details into the story without making it feel heavy-handed, the history enhances the plot rather than slowing it down.

BookHookup Review: A Fraying of Schemes 

One of the strongest parts of the book is the interaction between the characters. The bond between the Dickinson sisters is warm and engaging, and their exchanges with the other hotel guests provide both humor and tension. The mystery itself is well-paced, with enough clues dropped along the way to keep me guessing. I found myself actively piecing things together, trying to determine who killed Mr. Igram, and the eventual reveal was satisfying without feeling too predictable.

Overall, A Fraying of Schemes is an enjoyable and accessible read. With its mix of historical flavor, likable characters, and a solid puzzle at its core, it’s a perfect choice for fans of cozy mysteries who enjoy a touch of history alongside their sleuthing.

A Cozy Mystery with Heart: Scraps of Paper

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Kathryn Meyer Griffith’s Scraps of Paper (Spookie Town Murder Mysteries Book 1) is more than just a murder mystery—it’s a heartfelt story of loss, resilience, and the unexpected ways new beginnings can unfold.

At the center is Abigail Sutton, a woman grieving the tragic loss of her husband. Hoping to heal, she settles into a quiet small town and purchases an old fixer-upper. But this house carries dark secrets of its own. Hidden scraps of paper—tucked away in walls and floorboards—whisper of a long-ago disappearance that has haunted the town for thirty years. Soon, Abigail uncovers not just clues but graves, drawing her into a decades-old mystery alongside Frank Lester, a retired homicide detective.

What follows is a carefully woven tale where everyday life blends with intrigue. Griffith captures the rhythms of small-town living, the comfort of unexpected friendships, and the healing power of community, all while layering in suspense. A touch of the paranormal adds an atmospheric chill without overwhelming the cozy, slice-of-life feel. And threaded through the tension is a quiet, believable spark of romance between Abigail and Frank—two wounded souls finding solace in one another while chasing justice.

For readers who enjoy mysteries that are as much about people as they are about crimes, Scraps of Paper offers a satisfying mix. It’s a cozy mystery with heart, rich in atmosphere, and anchored by a heroine whose compassion makes her both relatable and inspiring.

Miss Blaire in Blackwell's Island - Chilling, romantic, unforgettable

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Miss Blaire in Blackwell’s Island by Grace Hitchcock is a historical romance with a haunting twist. Set in 1887 New York, the story follows heiress Edyth Blaire, who refuses to live by society’s rules. While other young women lace themselves into corsets and search for husbands, Edyth rides her velocipede boldly through the city (corset-free). She takes fencing lessons with the man she has secretly loved for nearly a decade. When he finally notices her in a new light, sparks fly, and their friendship begins to deepen into something more.

But just weeks before her twenty-fifth birthday, Edyth’s uncle finds a way to seize control of her inheritance: he declares her insane and has her committed to Blackwell’s Island asylum. To tighten his hold, her name is never recorded, and the staff mockingly call her “Duchess,” stripping away her identity along with her freedom.

Inside the asylum, Edyth meets Nellie Bly, the undercover journalist determined to expose the truth about the institution. Their friendship brings strength and hope, while Edyth’s slow-burn romance with her longtime friend offers a tender counterpoint to the suspense. Meanwhile, her beau does everything in his power to rescue her, but he’s up against immense wealth and influence, forces that make escape nearly impossible.

 

BookHookup Book Review: Miss Blaire in Blackwell's Island 

The novel shines in its mix of fact and fiction. Real history enriches the fictionalized narrative without ever weighing it down. The asylum scenes are vivid and unsettling, yet the emotional core remains tender, reminding us that love and hope can bloom even in the darkest places.

With twists, danger, and a heartfelt friends-to-lovers romance, Miss Blaire in Blackwell’s Island is engrossing, emotional, and ultimately uplifting—a perfect read for romance fans who also enjoy a touch of mystery and historical intrigue.