Peasreads:Fishbone Cinderella by Elizabeth Lim

Publication date July 28, 2026.

Fishbone Cinderella follows a family for multiple generations. It weaves in the story of fishbone Cinderella, Ye Xian (Yeh-hsien), a 9th-century Chinese folktale regarded as one of the oldest Cinderella variants. This is a poignant story about love, belonging, mistakes made, finding yourself, and letting others see who you truly are.

Elizabeth Lim's storytelling is descriptive, and her characters are flawed yet real. Throughout the story you can see how our history and experiences can shape us. Lim addresses generational trauma and curses and weaves them into the fabric of each character with care.

There are different settings in the story, from wartorn villages in China and Hong Kong, to city life in those places, to life in America. Lim's portrayal of immigrants settling into life in America tugged on my heartstrings. It reminded me of stories my parents and family have shared about their experiences fleeing from their homes due to war and coming to America. With nothing but the clothing on their backs and the language of their country on their tongues. It was difficult. Heartbreaking at times, but survivors survive. 

This is a beautiful story. 

Description

A mother and daughter must break their family’s curse through trials of war and immigration, love, loss, and redemption in this riveting multi-generational saga with a shimmer of magic, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Forgery of Fate.

1940s Hong Kong

When Japanese soldiers invade her hometown, Ha Yut Ying makes an unlikely escape—by turning invisible. But her miraculous survival is only the beginning. After the war is over, she’s sent to Hong Kong to live with her distant father and glamorous stepmother, who end her dreams of becoming a singer and turn her into the family’s servant. As the years pass, Yut Ying learns the hard truths of betrayal and ambition, of forbidden love and devastating loss, and discovers that sometimes the only way to endure is to disappear.

1960s San Francisco

Marigold has always had a knack for uncovering secrets, but nothing prepares her for the day she accidentally witnesses her mother vanish before her eyes. The moment fractures their bond, leaving questions that shadow her entire childhood. But when her mother’s condition suddenly deteriorates, Marigold is convinced she’s the only person who can save her. To do so, she must journey into the secrets her mother never shared and uncover the tragic, fairytale-tinged history their family has fought to forget.

A story of mother and daughters, the scars they inherit and the magic that binds them, Fishbone Cinderella is a tender and enchanting exploration of what it means, at last, to be seen.

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Thank you, NetGalley and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey, for this galley. I was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are my own. 

Peasreads: THE NIGHT ENDS WITH FIRE by K.X. Song

 

Get ready for epic storytelling. I've heard so much buzz about this book. It's in my read next que. Mulan? Yes. Magic? Fantasy? The Three Kingdoms? Yes. Yes and YES please. Plus one of my favorite authors is singing praise about it:

“Sweepingly epic and tenderly romantic, The Night Ends With Fire

is a fiercely feminist adventure about a young woman fighting to

shape her destiny in a world of lore, magic, and war.”

—AMÉLIE WEN ZHAO, New York Times bestselling

author of Song of Silver, Flame Like Night

From the publisher:

Infused with magic and romance, this sweeping fantasy adventure inspired by the legend of Mulan follows a young woman determined to choose her own destiny—even if that means going against everyone she loves.

The Three Kingdoms are at war, but Meilin’s father refuses to answer the imperial draft. Trapped by his opium addiction, he plans to sell Meilin for her dowry. But when Meilin discovers her husband-to-be is another violent, ill-tempered man, she realizes that nothing will change for her unless she takes matters into her own hands.

The very next day, she disguises herself as a boy and enlists in her father’s place.

In the army, Meilin's relentless hard work brings her recognition, friendship—and a growing closeness with Sky, a prince turned training partner. But has she simply exchanged one prison for another? As her kingdom barrels toward destruction, Meilin begins to have visions of a sea dragon spirit that offers her true power and freedom, but with a deadly price.

With the future of the Three Kingdoms hanging in the balance, Meilin will need to decide whom to trust—Sky, who inspires her loyalty and love; the sea dragon spirit, who has his own murky agenda; or an infuriating enemy prince who makes her question everything she once knew—about her kingdom and about her own heart.

About the Author

K. X. Song is a diaspora writer with roots in Hong Kong and Shanghai. Raised between cultures and languages, she enjoys telling stories that explore the shifting nature of memory, translation, and history. She is the author of An Echo in the City and the forthcoming The Night Ends with Fire, her adult fantasy debut. You can learn more at kxsong.com

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Peasreads: Spellbound at Pemberley, Abigail Reynolds

 

This book is a variation of Austen's Pride and Prejudice.  It has magic, dragons, and fae.  Darcy is a mage, and Elizabeth has magic of her own, which they call talents. Because this is a variation, the author does not take the time to develop the characters. I guess it is expected that the reader should already know the characters and their mannerisms and characteristics, There isn't much time given to explain the talents and the world the characters were in. I felt like I was just dropped into the middle of the story. If I were not a fan of Austen's I am unsure I would have enjoyed or connected with these characters well. It is an entertaining read and it's a short one. It does end on a cliffhanger. I like it enough that I want to read the sequel and fans of Austen and Fantasy would like this also. It is a clean read.

Peasreads: The Last Dragon King by Leia Stone

Leia Stone is a new author to me. the description of this book, below, drew me in. Magic, dragons, strong female that provides for her family. A Dragon King that is in search of a wife that has strong enough to carry his heir (there is an underlying reason- it's actually a good one). Arwen has lived her whole life in a poor town, she hunts to provide for her family. She has no desire to leave her family especially to be used for her womb. Good thing she has no magic in her, she is human through and through. 

When the Dragon King's convoy comes into her town Arwen's mother tells her to run. She doesn't understand why until her mom reveals a secret that changes her whole life. The magic sniffers tell her that she must go to the capital city where the castle is where everyone's magic level will be tested to determine who will be the King's new wife.

Meanwhile, there is a threat at the border of the kingdom that threatens their way of life.

WHEW.

A lot is going on in this book. It's only 288 pages, it's a one-sitting book that has so much potential. I hoped that the author would take her time to develop the characters and storyline deeply. I felt like this was very surface-level. It was rushed. The love was rushed. The training to fight in battle was rushed. It would be more believable if time was taken to develop these storylines. There were some potholes in the story. Sometimes the language didn't match the proposed period. Who says "dude" right?

Despite these issues, I still enjoyed the book.  I just wanted more depth. I can't wait to read the remaining books. I hope that they will be different but the story and the characters are worth the investment to read the next one. Author don't fail me now.

Peasreads: The Frost and the Flame (The Wraith 3)- CJ Brightley

What a lovely way to explore the themes of Pride and Prejudice. The Frost and the Flame is book three of The Wraith by CJ Brightley. You could read it as a stand alone. However, knowing the history of the Fair lands and seeing the main character Lord Willowvale's growth was one of my favorite things about this series. The way CJ Brightley writes this heart transformation through friendship is beautiful.  I can see myself rereading this one often. This has been my favorite of the three books.

Description

 Lord Willowvale’s icy heart has begun to thaw, but it will take a fiery Fair maiden to melt him.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single fairy in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.

Lord Ash Willowvale is wealthy and eligible, albeit famously disagreeable, but he is hardly looking for a wife, and the Fair maiden who catches his eye certainly wasn’t hoping to. She is merely doing her job as bodyguard for the Fair ambassador, who has been imprisoned in Aricht.

When Lord Willowvale is tasked with extricating the Fair delegation, his difficulties are only beginning. His task seems impossible, his past is deeply offensive to the Fair maiden he quickly grows to respect, and his own guilt threatens to crush him.

Friendship broke down his prejudice; will love break his legendary pride? Will he ever be able to tell the lovely maiden who captured his heart how ardently he admires and loves her?

A clean, noblebright fantasy Pride and Prejudice reimagining in the world of The Wraith. Come for the Jane Austen+magic feel, stay for the redemption arc!

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Peasreads: The Shield and the Thorn (The Wraith)

 

So. The final book in the duology of The Wraith. We're back in the midst of both the Fair Lands and Regency London. The Wraith, Theo has saved the Fair Lands. I almost think these two books could have just been one since it's all Theo mostly. I was hoping we could be done with Theo and Lily's story as sweet as it was. I hoped Shelby could shine in his very own adventure where Theo was a supporting character. To me, Theo is again the main character. 

I wanted more of Shelby, more of Miss Firethorn. As loyal as Shelby is to Theo, it's wonderful and amazing really. I also wanted HIM to just be the one. A great conclusion to the adventures of the Wraith. The Fair Lands will be safe, but now it's a matter of winning the trust of the Fair people so that there can be peace among them.

Peasreads: The Rose and the Wraith

A reimagining of Baroness Emmuska Orczy's A Scarlet Pimpernel. The Wraith and the Rose main characters, Theodore Overton and Lilybeth Rose Hathaway are in London for the season, so of course there is romance in the air. This isn't your everyday Regency romance, this has Fae, magic, and an unlikely hero in disguise!

I have never read A Scarlet Pimpernel. I think if I had I would have understood the character of Theo Overton much better. The unlikely hero is seen simply as a wealthy Englishman during the season. Kind, generous, and thoughtful Theo seems too gentle really to be all the things the Wraith is. The Wraith is bold, daring, amazing with disguises, a great swordsman, and has magical abilities above the normal amount humans have. While a great character Theo was too too perfect. He didn't seem to have a flaw in him, maybe that was his flaw. Sure there is miscommunication on both his and Lily's sides. So there was a misunderstanding, he was still too perfect.

Peasread: Dark Star Burning, Ash Falls White (Song of The Last Kingdom, Book 2)

The Song of The Last Kingdom books have been some of my favorites to read this year. If you've read my review for Song of Silver, Flame Like Night you already know what the author Amelie Wen Zhao's writing style is. It is poetic, and lush, and brings to mind the landscapes of the Last Kingdom beautifully. Storytelling that will have glued to your seat and not wanting to stop until you've reached the end. Even then, you'll want more.

This book starts off from where we last left Zen and Lan. They have gone their separate ways. They have the same goal. Eradicate the colonizers and restore their people. While they both want the same thing, both believe in different methods of achieving their goals. Lan refuses to use the power of the Silver Dragon bound to her believing that the Demon God and its counterparts bring nothing but death and destruction. Zen believes the only way to rid the land of the Elantions is to use the power of the Demon Gods. He has made a deal with the one who dwells within him. One that will cost not only his body and mind but in the end, his soul. 

Who is right? Who is wrong? In the end, will either of them be able to save what they hold most dear to them?

Peasreads: Song of Silver, Flame Like Night (Song of the Last Kingdom Book 1)

 

Before you sit down to read this book, go ahead and preorder the second one. You won't want to wait to dive right into it. Trust me. I purchased this book as soon as I found out I was chosen to read and review the second one. I'm so glad I did. I want copies of both to be able to reread.

Song of Silver, Flame Like Night is the first in the Song of the Last Kingdom series. It is a fantasy inspired by ancient China and its mythology. I grew up watching Chinese kung fu movies set in ancient China. The characters dressed so beautifully, they would fly through the air with billowing sleeves and it was always so visually stunning. Amelie Wen Zhao has a way of word building that paints her characters, world, and the whole story so vividly in your mind. Just visually beautiful. 

But in rare moments like this, when the sun hung ripe and swollen as a mandarin over the glittering sea, there was still a shattered-glass beauty to be found in the remnants of a conquered land.- Song of Silver, Flame Like Night

I had just started reading, and when I got to the second paragraph I read a sentence that stopped me. The one above. I reread it and knew that I was going to love the richness of how the scenery and the characters were going to materialize in my mind. I came to find that this was consistent throughout the book. I could read the pain and desperation of people who were worn down from occupation. I could sense their pride as they also clung to whatever they had left of who they were at the core.

The story from the beginning grips you and you just want to keep reading to see what happens next. There are twists, turns, and surprises. The story flows well, and you'll fall in love with the characters. Not just the main ones, but many of them. 

Peasread: Seer Of Sevenwaters

Thank you Juliet Marillier for writing another Sevenwaters book that I really liked! Okay, I've liked most all of them, but some I liked a little less, and some a little more. Seer of Sevenwaters, I liked a little more. It is about another of Lord Sean and Lady Aisling's daughters, Sibeal. Sibeal is a young seer who has known her path since she was younger. She is called to join the Druids. Before she takes her final vow does she visits Clodagh and her other family on the Island of Inis Eala. This island is where Johnny trains his elite warriors. While Sibeal is on the island there is a shipwreck. Three mysterious survivors are found. Knut, a warrior who everyone on the island likes and makes friends with. His wife, Svala, who is strange in her behavior and she does not speak.

Peasread: Heir To Sevenwaters

I can't help but finish the books in this Sevenwaters series. I am actually done and have been but writing out a review it just takes more effort. This fourth installment by Juliet Marillier was pretty good. I liked it, I will say none of them have compared to Daughter of the Forest. Still I feel that the  fantasy aspect is back, it was not as prevalent in the last book. There was magic of course, as Fianne had magic powers. This is just a different, other world setting that I liked.

Peasread: Child Of The Prophecy

Continuing the Sevenwaters Trilogy/Series with Child of the Prophecy. A return to Sevenwaters through the eyes of a new female character, Fianne. Fianne is the daughter of Ciaran and Niamh, her heritage is both of the Sevenwaters clan and the dark sorceress Lady Oonagh. She was raised in a small village away from Sevenwaters by her father who trains and teaches her magic and druid lore. Fianne is very different from Sorcha of Daughter of the Forest and Laidan of Son of the Shadows. She's more conflicted in many ways.

Peasread: Son Of The Shadows (Sevenwaters #2)

If you read my review on Daughter of The Forest, you know that I really like this author. Son Of  The Shadows was a good book, I really liked it. The story was a good one, a great one even. It had elements, situations, and characters that could have made it just as good as Daughter Of The Forest. It took me twice as long to read this book than the first because I just wasn't as convinced that the characters were as good as Ms. Marillier intended for them to be. I liked the characters, but I didn't connect with them as I did with the first book in this series. There will be spoilers in this review.

This story picks up after Sorcha and her husband have settled in at Sevenwaters.