December is always the busiest time of year for moms, and honestly…I’ve never made a reading plan. I usually just go with the flow and squeeze in pages where I can. But this month I’m trying something new! I want to start focusing on my physical TBR (which is currently sitting at…over 100 books 😅📚). I’ve also been taking my sweet time with Brimstone — once I finish, I’ll have a whole year to wait for the next installment, so I’m savoring every detail. We’ll see how this little experiment turns out. I’ll check back in once December ends! 💫 Here’s to cozy reads, quiet moments, and making a tiny dent in that TBR pile. Also are we not doing hashtags anymore???
At the top, let me say: this book includes content warnings and trigger warnings, and for good reason. There are scenes involving non-consensual sex and sexual actions that were, at times, hard for me to stomach. I understand their place in the story and the world the author created, and I really appreciated the warning before diving in. But if that’s not something you’re okay reading, take that seriously going in. ⚠️
Now onto the rest…
I loved this book! 😍 The flow of it was perfect—the pacing kept me hooked the entire time. The characters? So complex and layered. It has honestly been a LONG time since I’ve stayed up until 1 a.m. two nights in a row just to finish a book. I am a full-grown adult with responsibilities… and this book made me forget all of them. 😂
Toven was MOODY, dark, and “touch her and die” in the absolute best way. I loved him so much—his intensity, the quiet possessiveness, the inner turmoil—it all worked. New book boyfriend unlocked! 😩🖤
Briony, I found a tad annoying at times. She gave off some “pick me” girl energy in the beginning, and I was definitely rolling my eyes a bit. But I get it when it comes to Toven. I do think as the story progressed, she started shifting into someone stronger and more grounded. I’d love to see her become a full force to reckon with in the next book. There’s serious growth potential. 💪
Now… my only wish (and it’s a big one): some spice!!! 🌶️ The build-up was so there. The tension, the stolen glances, the aching want—it was all leading somewhere, and then when we finally got a taste? Just a dash, and then—BOOM, it ends?! 😭 I wanted more. The tease was too real and it ended hurt me physically.
✨ SPOILERS BELOW – Don’t read past this if you haven’t finished! ✨ Okay, let’s talk about the Rory twist…
I wasn’t shocked that he was alive. The story laid some solid breadcrumbs leading up to that reveal, so I was kind of expecting it. But honestly? I didn’t mind that it wasn’t a total surprise. It made sense, and I actually appreciated how it was built up if you were paying close attention.
Now—Rory being saved by the dragon and the dragon having her own mind?! THAT was exciting. That added a whole other level of intrigue, and now I’m dying to see where that goes. Hate where it ended in the best way possible. I need the next one NOW!
📚✨ A FORGERY OF FATE by Elizabeth Lim ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars
This is a GORGEOUS book! Let’s just take a moment to appreciate the cover—the art, the gold-foiled edges… chef’s kiss. This one is a display piece and a beautiful story.
If you’ve been following the promos, this is a Beauty and the Beast retelling with deep roots in Chinese folklore, and I absolutely devoured it. Elizabeth Lim takes a familiar tale and spins it into something rich, smart, and full of heart.
And now let’s talk spice… 🌶️ This book is spicy, but not in the steamy sense, unless, like me, you’re a fan of chili peppers. 😂 There’s definitely tension, lusting, and yearning that totally satisfies if you love a slow-burn romance, but no open-door scenes here. Perfect for readers who prefer clean romantasy with heat of a different kind.
🖤 SPOILER SECTION BELOW 🖤
Let’s get into the juicy bits.
Tru was such a standout. Funny, smart, brave, and intensely loyal, even when her family didn’t deserve her. She gave this story so much heart, and I loved how her wit balanced out the darker, heavier parts of the plot. She’s the kind of heroine you root for instantly and keep rooting for until the last page.
And can we discuss the tie-ins to the Six Crimson Cranes duology? The references to Kiata, to Seryu, pure joy! I loved how those details felt like little gifts for longtime readers, while still making complete sense in this new context. It’s intricately woven and completely satisfying.
Then there’s Elang… ugh, I loved him. Half-dragon face or not, that grumpy demeanor melted away perfectly. Watching Tru fall for him (and us right along with her) was so rewarding. That slow burn was just the right kind of painful, and his arc unfolded in such a soft, satisfying way. The banter. The tension. The longing. All of it.
As for the ending… yes. That twist? It surprised me in the best way. It gave the whole story a final punch of emotion and just the right amount of unpredictability. The last third of the book was impossible to put down.
Elizabeth Lim proves again that she’s a queen of yearning, slow burn, and fate-driven romance wrapped in magical, high-stakes fantasy. I closed the book feeling full but also already hoping for more in this world.
Look, I know I’m probably in the minority here, but “Onyx Storm” just didn’t resonate with me the way the previous “Empyrean” series books did. I’m a dedicated fan, and I’ll absolutely continue with the series, but this installment felt like a significant dip in quality.
My main issue? It felt like a rehash of “Iron Flame,” lacking the forward momentum I craved. It felt like a filler book, stretching out existing plot points without significantly advancing the overarching narrative. I couldn’t shake the feeling that “Iron Flame” and “Onyx Storm” could have been condensed into a tighter, more impactful single volume.
Perhaps diving in without a fresh reread of the first two books contributed to my disconnect, but it shouldn’t have been necessary. The pacing felt off, and the plot felt meandering. Many readers have expressed similar sentiments, noting a lack of substantial plot progression. The book felt too long for what the story was, with too many side plots that didn’t contribute to the main story.
I appreciate the continued world-building and the expansion of the “Empyrean” universe, but I was left wanting more regarding significant reveals and character development. The introduction of various side character deaths that I struggled to recall highlighted a potential character depth and engagement issue. Some of the new points of view felt underdeveloped and difficult to connect with, further contributing to the feeling of a scattered narrative.
While the ending certainly left us with a cliffhanger, it lacked the same level of excitement and anticipation I experienced with previous books. It felt more like a forced pause than a genuine cliffhanger that left me desperately needing the next installment. In some ways it really didn’t feel earned to me.
“Onyx Storm” felt, dare I say, a bit lazy compared to the previous books. It lacked the spark and urgency that made “Fourth Wing” and “Iron Flame” so compelling. I sincerely hope the next installment recaptures the magic and delivers the impactful storytelling I’ve come to expect from this series. While I remain a fan, this book was a definite disappointment.
Today, I sat back down to write. Which is hard after being out for a while. I had a house with sick people (norovirus for 10 days!), and then I hurt my back/hip and have been trying to recoup from that. A while ago, I had this brilliant idea to edit Part One of my book in its Word document. I got it done; it took a few weeks, and I added a ton, took it away, and felt really good. I deleted it. And emptied my trash. I hadn’t realized I had done this. I’ve been on muscle relaxers and dealing with less sleep with sick kids, but I have been devastated.
Today I began some work again after taking a bit of time away. Losing all that work hurt so much; it also set me back. Today, I am slowly trying again. Adding, removing, editing, and hoping this is a good sign. I did it once; I can do it again and maybe have new ideas and more.
I am hopeful that this will pass. This feeling of annoyance and anger with myself. I just wanted to try to publish in March, but if it’s April, that will be okay too. Everything happens for a reason right?
Today, I am back to editing. I haven’t looked at my book in well over a week. I am hopeful I can get back into the right mindset as I try to reread it and work it. Since switching to decaf coffee, I find it harder to get going in the mornings.
It is COLD, and I have no desire to be outside. I am hoping this helps me stay motivated. Since I can’t be outside and I am finally feeling better it is time to get to my book.
I do find I keep lagging behind. Maybe it’s because being done means I need to figure out my next step. And that is scary. Do I just go straight to self-publishing, or do I dare to find someone to take me on? I don’t want to waste my time if no one will ever publish it, but I also worry it won’t take off without the right people backing me up.
I am also currently trying to read this book. I keep getting into it, but then when I pause, I find it hard to dive back in. It is just a BIG book and has a lot in it. I really want to finish, though, so I can move onto a new book. Between writing and this, hopefully, I have a busy weekend.
Hey Everyone, There is a lot I should be doing and I really do mean A LOT! First of all if you like to come by and read my posts please subscribe! If you think someone else might be interested in it please share. Ok self promo plug over!
Now to the real reason for this post. I started an instagram and I am having too much fun with it, truly too much, I am already in instagram jail and can’t add or comment for 7 days, who knew? Anyways on instagram I noticed people using AI to create scenes and people from books. OH MY GOD! So hear me out on this. Have you ever had a story swirling in your head, vivid and vibrant, but struggled to bring it to life? well now you truly can. I’m so excited to share my latest Instagram Reel, born from the magic of artificial intelligence.
The concept was simple, yet powerful. I provided detailed descriptions of my characters, settings, animals, and even fantastical creatures to an AI image generator. I used exact excerpts from my manuscript. Then, the AI took over, transforming my words into stunning visuals.
The result? Absolutely mind-blowing! Seeing my descriptions materialize before my eyes was an incredible experience. It was like watching my imagination unfold on screen. The AI interpreted my words in ways I hadn’t even considered, adding unexpected details and perspectives that enriched the whole scene.
What’s even more exciting is sharing these AI-generated images with you! I am hoping some of you might care as much as I did.
This experience has opened my eyes to the incredible potential of AI in creative fields. It’s not about replacing human creativity, but rather augmenting it, offering new tools and possibilities. For me, it’s been an invaluable way to visualize my ideas and explore different artistic avenues.
Has anyone else experimented with using AI to bring their creative visions to life? I’d love to hear about your experiences! What tools have you used? Specifically, I’m curious about AI platforms that are particularly good at generating realistic images of people. Any recommendations for bringing characters to life would be greatly appreciated! Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below – I can’t wait to connect and discuss this exciting new frontier in creativity!
Check out my Instagram Reel below to see the magic for yourself! Don’t forget to let me know what you think in the comments!
Today, I am finally facing the music, even though I would rather be reading and ignoring everything else. But I am trying to keep myself on a timeline, to keep my commitment to myself. So today, my book, my beautiful, long book, is getting a trim. Let’s be honest, I’m a writer who believes in the power of description. I want you to see the world I’ve created, to feel it, to taste it! But I’ve learned a valuable lesson: sometimes, less is more. My friends, and family, the trusted few first readers, have spoken. And while it stings to part with some of my favorite phrases (a year’s worth!), I know it’s for the best. It’s all about you, reader. I want to give you the most captivating story possible. So, here we go! Wish me strength!
Okay, deep breaths everyone. I’ve officially finished a full run-through of my book! 🎉 Yes, you read that right. Finished. It feels surreal, exhilarating, and utterly terrifying all at once.
Now that the first draft is complete, I’m diving back in for the first edit, adding some fun little easter eggs now that I have a clearer picture of where book two is headed. It’s amazing how knowing the future of the story can influence the present!
But here’s the scary part: this feels like the almost done stage. The point of no return. I made a pact with myself that when I finished the first draft, I’d send it out to publishers. And now… the self-doubt is creeping in. What if no one wants it?
Okay, plan B: self-publishing. But then… what if no one reads it?
Writing is terrifying! As an avid reader, I know I can be critical. I often find myself picking apart books (in my head, of course!). “Why did they do that?” “I didn’t like this.” And now, that inner critic has turned its gaze on my writing. What if I fail? What if my carefully crafted world falls flat? What if my characters don’t resonate?
I guess there’s only one way to find out, right? I won’t know unless I try. So, here I am, facing the fear, embracing the vulnerability, and diving headfirst into this edit. Wish me luck! And if you have any words of wisdom for a newbie author facing the “almost done” stage, please send them my way. I need all the encouragement I can get! ❤️
Hello World! Meet Adelaide Green, Your New Romantasy Obsession
Hey everyone! I’m Adelaide Green, and I’m so thrilled to finally be launching this blog! I grew up surrounded by the Mountains of Colorado, a place where magic always felt just around every corner. My love affair with fairytales started with Ella Enchanted when I was eight, and it’s only grown stronger over the years.
I’ve been writing since I was a kid, but I often heard that fantasy wasn’t “real writing.” Well, the rise of romantasy has shown just how wrong those naysayers were! Love and fantasy are my passions—both what I love to read and what I love to dream up.
For the past couple of years, I’ve been pouring my heart into a series called The Oracle’s War. And then, something clicked. I turned 36 and realized that if I didn’t start taking steps toward publishing now, I might never do it. So, this blog is my beginning. It’s where I’ll share my journey, my inspirations, and snippets of my writing.
Thank you for being here, for cheering me on, and for joining me on this adventure! I can’t wait to share The Oracle’s Warwith you and everything that comes next. Let the magic begin!
Author Adelaide Green 