#Review - Darkwater Lane by Rachel Caine, Carrie Ryan #Thriller #Suspense #Mystery

Series: Stillhouse Lake # 7
Format: Kindle, 378 pages
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Publisher: Rachel Caine, LLC
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Genre: Thriller, Suspense, Mystery

It’s time for Gwen Proctor to bury her past—before it buries her.

For years, the Lost Angels have hunted Gwen, blaming her for the murders committed by her ex-husband, Melvin Royal. Now, they’ve found a new a viral true-crime podcast that drags Gwen and her family back into the spotlight—and into the path of a deadly new danger.

Then the FBI arrives with a chilling someone is killing Gwen’s enemies, leaving behind a twisted signature that links the crimes to Melvin. The evidence points to the last person Gwen ever expected—Sam Cade, the man she’s come to trust with her heart.

With her family’s safety at stake, Gwen returns to Stillhouse Lake for a final confrontation. But as the bodies pile up and the doubts about Sam grow, Gwen must face the one question she’s been running She trusted the wrong man once before…

What if she’s about to do it again?

Darkwater Lane is the Seventh and final installment in a series created by Rachel Caine, and finished by Carrie Ryan after Rachel's death a few years ago. Published by Rachel Caine, LLC, this novel concludes the intense journey of Gwen Proctor, a woman relentlessly pursued by the shadows of her serial-killer ex-husband, Melvin Royal, and his rabid fans, known as the Sicko Squad. Darkwater Lane delivers a high-stakes, emotionally charged finale that blends psychological suspense, family drama, and relentless action. 

Darkwater Lane centers on Gwen Proctor, who has spent years hiding from the fallout of her ex-husband Melvin Royal’s horrific crimes. Living under constant threat from the Lost Angels, a group blaming her for Melvin’s murders, created by Sam after the loss of his own sister to Melvin, Gwen faces a new danger: a viral true-crime podcast that thrusts her family back into the public eye. The stakes escalate when the FBI delivers a chilling warning—someone is targeting Gwen’s enemies, leaving a signature that mimics Melvin’s methods. 

Suspicion falls on Sam Cade, Gwen’s trusted partner, forcing her to question whether she’s once again placed her faith in the wrong man. As the body count rises, Gwen returns to Stillhouse Lake for a final confrontation, battling both external threats and her own doubts to protect her children, Lanny and Connor. The narrative weaves a taut web of suspense, exploring whether Gwen can finally bury her past or if it will consume her. Gwen Proctor remains one of the most compelling protagonists in modern thrillers. Her transformation from Gina Royal, a naive housewife, to a fierce, weapon-savvy protector is complete in Darkwater Lane. 

Her paranoia, strength, and unwavering commitment to her children make her both relatable and admirable, a “fierce mama bear” who embodies maternal love under extreme pressure. Sam Cade’s arc introduces a heartbreaking layer of complexity, as Gwen grapples with doubts about his loyalty, adding depth to their relationship. Lanny and Connor, now older, are more active participants, their growth reflecting the series’ focus on family dynamics under duress.

The antagonists, including the Lost Angels and the shadowy killer, are chillingly effective, though the villain’s motivations could have been fleshed out further. Darkwater Lane explores themes of trust, redemption, and the inescapable weight of the past. Gwen’s struggle to trust Sam mirrors her broader battle to reclaim agency after Melvin’s betrayal, making the novel a meditation on the cost of survival. The true-crime podcast element feels timely, critiquing society’s obsession with sensationalizing trauma, a thread that resonates with modern media culture. 

In the end, readers should be happy that Carrie Ryan stepped in to finish the final two books of this series so that Gwen, her kids, Sam, and her friends can finally get the closure they deserved.

 

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#Review - Heir of Light by Michelle Sagara #Fantasy

Series: The Academia Chronicles (#2)
Format: Trade Paperback
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Publisher: MIRA
Source: Library
Genre: Fantasy / Epic

In the sequel to SHARDS OF GLASS, a student at the Academia, a magic school reawakened after centuries, must prepare for taking on the power that is his birthright, a power that many are willing to kill him for. For fans of Olivie Blake's Atlas series and Naomi Novik's Scholomance trilogy.

There is always a price to be paid for power and justice.

With the Academia now awakened from its centuries-long slumber, Robin, a student who hails from a prestigious family, must own up to his destiny. As heir to the Gardianno seat, a highly coveted position within the human caste court, Robin stands to inherit great power when he assumes his birthright—but at what cost?

Under the guidance of a formidable Barrani lord named Teela, Robin wrestles with his newfound duties and the societal complexities that come with the privilege. Soon, however, it’s apparent that others feel entitled to the seat…and they’re willing to do the unthinkable in order to get it.

With Teela and his best friend, Raven, at his side, Robin is ready to battle for what is rightfully his. But when the Halls of Law consider reopening the investigation into the baffling murder of his parents, the truth could lead Robin right to the heart of danger.

Heir of Light, by Michelle Sagara, is the second and apparent conclusion to the author's The Academia Chronicles. This series is set in the same world as the author's The Chronicles of Elantra series. Heir of Light follows Robin Gardianno, a young student at the newly awakened Academia, a magical institution within the Empire ruled by a Dragon Emperor. After the events of Shards of Glass, Robin is grappling with a monumental revelation: he is the heir to the Gardianno seat, a prestigious and influential position within the human caste court. 

This inheritance comes with immense responsibility and danger, as others covet the seat and are willing to resort to assassination to claim it. Under the guidance of the formidable Barrani lord Teela and with the support of his loyal friend Raven, Robin must navigate the treacherous political landscape of the human court, learn the etiquette and responsibilities of his birthright, and confront the reopening of the investigation into his parents’ mysterious murders. The story unfolds in the city of Elantra, a vibrant, multi-racial society where humans, Barrani, Dragons, and other races coexist under the Dragon Emperor’s rule. 

The Academia, a living, sentient building, adds a unique layer to the setting, serving as both a sanctuary and a source of magical intrigue. The plot balances Robin’s personal journey—his struggle to reconcile his humble upbringing in the warrens with his newfound noble status—with larger stakes involving magical threats, familial betrayal, and the mysteries surrounding the Gardianno manse, particularly its enigmatic basement. Raven, Robin’s steadfast friend and protector, remains a standout. Her enigmatic nature and fierce loyalty add depth to their dynamic, and her interactions with Robin provide some of the novel’s most heartfelt moments. 

Teela, the Barrani lord serving as Robin’s guardian, is a fascinating addition, bringing a mix of sharp wit, formidable power, and unexpected warmth. Her role as a mentor grounds the story, and her perspective as an immortal Barrani offers insight into the broader Elantra world. The ensemble cast, which includes familiar faces from the Chronicles of Elantra, such as the Dragon Emperor, Kaylin Neya, and the Barrani cohort, enriches the narrative; however, new readers may need to refer to Shards of Glass or the main series for context. 

The antagonists, particularly those within Robin’s own family, are well-drawn, with motivations rooted in greed, power, and desperation. Their schemes and magical assassination attempts create a palpable sense of threat, although further exploration of their characterization to elevate them beyond the standard villain might have been beneficial. While the main plot points resolve, some secondary questions remain open, which may frustrate readers seeking an entirely conclusive ending. This is likely intentional, given Sagara’s tendency to plant “time-release plot threads,” but it could leave some wanting more closure.

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#Review - A Resistance of Witches by Morgan Ryan #Fantasy #Historical

Series: Standalone
Format: 416 pages, Hardcover
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Publisher: Viking
Source: Publisher
Genre: Fantasy / Historical

A historical fantasy debut set against the backdrop of World War II, where a witch journeys to find a book of unspeakable power before it lands in Nazi hands

Stubborn, plain-spoken and from an unimpressive family, Lydia Polk never expected to be accepted into the Royal Academy of Witches. Eight years later, with Hitler’s army rampaging across Europe, the witches of Britain have joined the war effort, and Lydia is key to the she must use her magic to track down magical relics before Hitler—known to be obsessively seeking the artifacts himself—and his sycophants can. Then a Nazi witch infiltrates the Academy with heart-breaking consequences, leaving the coven shaken, exposed and the elder British witches have no interest in further loss of coven life in service of a government that has forced them into hiding for decades, no matter the consequences to the world. But with the discovery of the Grimorium Bellum, an ancient book that leaves a trail of death and destruction wherever it goes—one the Nazi coven is desperate to get their hands on—Lydia’s mission has never been more urgent.

Alone and woefully outnumbered, Lydia makes her way to the heart of occupied France, where she finds allies in Rebecca Gagne—a fierce French resistance fighter chockful of secrets—and Henry Boudreaux—a handsome Haitian-American art historian with a little magic of his own. Together, they traverse the country, stalked by the natural and supernatural alike, in search of the grimoire. But, as Lydia soon discovers, finding the Grimorium Bellum is only half the the book has a dark agenda of its own. Lydia must subdue it before the witches of the Third Reich can use it—but she’ll have to survive the book herself, first.

Morgan Ryan’s debut novel, A Resistance of Witches, is a captivating blend of historical fiction and fantasy, set against the harrowing backdrop of World War II. This novel introduces readers to an alternate history where witches, long suppressed by society, emerge as key players in the fight against Nazi forces. Ryan crafts a story that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. The story follow three distinct characters: Lydia Polk, who is a witch, Rebecca Gagne who helps right the Nazis with the French resistance, and Henry Boudreaux, a black American who chose to remain in France after the Nazi conquest of France. 
Set in 1940, as Hitler’s armies sweep across Europe, the witches of Britain, led by the formidable Grand Mistress Isadora Goode, pledge their magical abilities to aid the Allied war effort after a meeting with Winston Churchill. Their mission: to locate and secure magical relics before they fall into Nazi hands, particularly the Grimorium Bellum, an ancient book steeped in dark magic with the power to devastate civilizations. When a Nazi witch infiltrates the Academy killing two witches it leaves the coven shaken and divided. Lydia’s role becomes even more critical as she is supposed to be Isadora's heir. 
The elder witches, wary of further losses after centuries of hiding from persecution, hesitate to fully commit to the war. Undeterred, Lydia embarks on a perilous journey to occupied France, where she allies with Rebecca and Henry Boudreaux, an art historian with a touch of magic. Together, they navigate a treacherous landscape of natural and supernatural dangers to find the Grimorium Bellum—a book with its own malevolent agenda. The novel weaves a high-stakes adventure filled with espionage, magic, and moral dilemmas, culminating in a heart-wrenching exploration of sacrifice and resilience. 
Lydia Polk is a compelling protagonist, defined by her insecurities and determination. Coming from a family of “minor” magic practitioners, her journey from self-doubt to embracing her role as a key player in the war is both relatable and inspiring. Ryan doesn’t shy away from putting Lydia through emotional and physical trials, which deepens her character and makes her growth authentic. Her interactions with Rebecca and Henry are highlights, as their chemistry and shared struggles create a tight-knit trio that anchors the story. Rebecca brings a fierce intensity to the narrative. 
Her secretive nature and personal stakes in the fight against the Nazis add depth, though some reviewers note that her perspective could have been further developed to match Lydia’s prominence. Henry, with his scholarly charm and subtle magic, provides a unique cultural perspective, and his backstory involving his mother is particularly intriguing. The novel’s exploration of mother-daughter and familial relationships, primarily through Lydia and Rebecca, adds emotional weight, transforming what could have been a straightforward adventure into a poignant meditation on sacrifice and legacy.

The WWII setting is meticulously researched, capturing the tension and despair of occupied France, the Blitz in England, and the broader geopolitical stakes of the era. The integration of witchcraft into this historical framework feels seamless, with the Royal Academy of Witches operating as a covert arm of the war effort, akin to the Special Operations Executive (SOE). The witches’ reluctance to fully engage in the war, given their history of oppression by the British government, adds a layer of moral complexity. This tension mirrors real-world debates about loyalty, sacrifice, and resistance. Ryan masterfully balances the thrill of a wartime adventure with the tenderness of human relationships, ensuring that the story resonates on both an intellectual and emotional level. 

 

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