Nomadic Worlds – Book Dragon. Bookish Blogger. Eclectic Reader.

Book Review: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me – Ilona Andrews

Posted on July 3, 2026 by Lyn*Nomadic Worlds

Rating: 5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Genre: Fantay, Romantasy

Review:

Here’s my long-awaited review of TKWNKM, at last! It only took me almost 2 months to get my thoughts in some semblance of order after the book wrecked me and gave me major book hangover, not once but twice because of course, I re-read it. So this already tells you how awesome this book is.

This is how my reading of TKWNKM went — I opened the book, told myself just a few chapters for today. A few pages in, I was so hooked I couldn’t stop. I read it in one sitting — through the night — that’s how good TKWNKM was.

In total isekai fashion (iykyk), Maggie gets transported to another world, the world of her favorite book series and this world is determined to kill her at every turn. But our clever, ingenious Maggie isn’t one to give in. She forges ahead, somehow pulling in extraordinary people into her orbit.

My favorite characters are Clover, Kaiden, Solentine, the Magnars, Rumian and of course, Everard. Each character made a special place for themselves in my heart and soul. The plot twists regarding Everard left me in awe. During the first major plot twist, I still remember all I could think and say was “Holy cow!”

I loved the scenes with Maggie and Solentine and Everard. Their banter cracked me up. TKWNKM is definitely one of the best books of this year and one of my favorites ever. All the glowing stars for this epic book with fantastic characters who take up camp into your heart and mind and refuse to leave, banter that is clever and dynamic and excellent plot twists.

Thanks to Tor Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Stay tuned.

∼Lyn

Maggie the Undying #1 – This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me – Ilona Andrews
Blurb:
Outlander meets Game of Thrones in this blockbuster new epic fantasy series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author duo Ilona Andrews.
When Maggie wakes up cold, filthy, and naked in a gutter, it doesn’t take her long to recognize Kair Toren, a city she knows intimately from the pages of the famously unfinished dark fantasy series she’s been obsessively reading and re-reading while waiting years for the final novel.
Her only tools for navigating this gritty world of rival warlords, magic, and mayhem? Her encyclopedic knowledge of the plot, the setting, and the characters’ ambitions and fates. But while she quickly discovers she cannot be killed (though many will try!), the same cannot be said for the living, breathing characters she’s coming to love—a motley band that includes a former lady’s maid, a deadly assassin, various outrageous magical creatures, and a dangerously appealing soldier. Soon, instead of trying to get home, she finds herself enmeshed in the schemes—and attentions—of dueling princes, dukes, and villains, all while trying to save them and the kingdom of Rellas from the way she knows their stories will end: in a cataclysmic war.

Book Review: The Final Target – Nora Roberts

Posted on June 22, 2026 by Lyn*Nomadic Worlds

Rating: 4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Genre: Thriller, Romantic suspense

Review:

Arden is just beginning her career as an author when she finds herself stalked by an obsessive fan. Dustin first appears as a harmless fan until he turns up at each of her author events. Delusional and psychotic, he attacks her and upends her life.

Left reeling, Arden picks up the pieces, learning just how much stronger she is. It took a lot of courage to push past the trauma and build her life stronger than before.

I loved Arden’s neighbors & her family. My favorite part of this book was the message of strength throughout the story. Arden’s a survivor and she works hard not to be defined by her trauma.

I liked Joe & Gideon a lot. The romance was a bit understated and the plot a bit predictable but it was a good story, and I enjoyed Arden’s new neighbors a lot.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

Stay tuned.

∼Lyn

The Final Target – Nora Roberts
Blurb:
A young author becomes the object of a fan’s desire―and rage―in the gripping new thriller by the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Hidden Nature.
He showed up at Arden Bowie’s debut author appearance with a copy of her novel and an eager smile. He showered her with compliments and got her autograph. Then he came to her next event. And the one after that.
Dustin was just an aspiring writer who wanted advice, Arden reassured herself. But after giving in to one of his incessant invitations and chatting with him over coffee, she discovered that ignoring her inner alarm bell had been a terrible mistake…
An introvert at heart, Arden had long craved solitude―but now, after a harrowing assault, she finds herself hiding behind locked doors and startling at every sound. And her relief at his imprisonment is tempered by anxiety when Dustin’s wealthy mother helps to get him a paltry five-year sentence at a psychiatric facility.
Arden decides to write a new story for herself, moving to a tiny Oregon town and befriending Gideon, an ex-LAPD detective. But while she learns to thrive, Dustin remains his delusional, twisted self, as fixated as ever and now seething with anger. He still believes Arden’s purpose on earth is to serve and please him. And his job is to protect her. But who will protect her from him?

Book Reviews, Netgalley, St Martin's Press

Book Review: In Death #62 – Stolen In Death – J.D. Robb

Posted on February 11, 2026February 11, 2026 by Lyn*Nomadic Worlds

Rating: 4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Genre: Futuristic, Romantic Suspense, Thriller

Published on: Feb 03, 2026

Review:

First of all, I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to get the ARC of 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯 𝘐𝘯 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩! I was super stoked to read it. As always, the futuristic world-building of the 𝘐𝘯 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 series just bowls me over. The technology, the futuristic info—it’s all so clever and seamless. 62 books in and I’m still fascinated.

I loved the opening of 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯 𝘐𝘯 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 and the story was a bit slow at first but I had no idea I was in for a long-awaited conclusion—a very satisfactory one. I was also happy that my gut was right about the killer and that I got a vibe about what was coming. J.D. Robb built up this new case in such a way, giving us die-hard fans a gift. Longtime fans who remember the previous books are in for a treat and will totally understand the satisfaction I’m getting out of this book.

I wished though, that there were some extra scenes woven in—like an insightful convo between Eve and Peabody, or between Roarke and Summerset to address the elephant in the room. That some of the characters from before would have mentioned something as it felt odd no one did, like say, Nadine, when the plot twist was revealed. I don’t want to say anymore without giving away any spoilers but I believe these additional scenes would have added value and turned the book into a 5-star.

Overall, 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯 𝘐𝘯 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 was way better than the last book and I was glad to see some of my favorite characters. I am definitely excited to read the book again.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Stay tuned.

∼Lyn

In Death #62 – Stolen in Death –
J.D. Robb
Blurb:
A violent death and a vault of stolen treasures has Eve Dallas struggling to solve crimes old and new in the latest thriller in the #1 New York Times-bestselling series.
A blow to the head with a block of amethyst has left multibillionaire Nathan Barrister dead―while nearby, a vault, its door ajar, sits filled with priceless paintings, jewelry, and other treasures. Lieutenant Eve Dallas’s husband, Roarke―who misspent his youth in Ireland as a scrappy thief―recognizes at least two stolen pieces among the hoard. The crime scene suggests a burglar caught in the act. But only one item seems to be missing.
Then it’s revealed that the vault had actually belonged to the victim’s late father―and no one in the household knew it was there until a recent remodeling project exposed it. To protect the family name and business, they explain to Eve, they’d been looking for a way to return the ill-gotten gains anonymously and avoid the police. But now the police are all over their elegant house, and have a bigger, bloodier mystery to solve.
By all accounts, Nathan Barrister was a good man, a generous employer, a devoted husband and father. As for his father―he clearly had secrets. Now it’s up to Eve and her team to find out if those secrets got Nathan killed―and if it was a crime of passion or revenge.

Manga Reviews

Manga Review: Life so Happy 4 – Kaede Kouchi

Posted on February 10, 2026 by Lyn*Nomadic Worlds

Rating: 4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Genre: Manga, Shoujo, Slice of Life, School Life

Review:

The final volume of Life So Happy concludes the events of vol 2. Aoi is a sensitive kid and he’s dealing with such heavy emotions for a boy his age. I liked how Seiji handled the unexpected complication and how he talked to the boy. Not to mention, the humor sprinkled throughout the heavy made it so heartwarming.

Aoi totally cracked me up with how he responded to Seiji. Best of all, the final chapter was perfect and it totally fit Seiji & Shiharu though I can’t help but feel a bit sorry for Seiji (in a humorous way). As always the art was super-cute and fun.

I really like this author’s drawings and story style.

Stay tuned.

∼Lyn

Life so Happy – Kaede Kouchi
Summary
The twins, Aoi and Akane, have been living with their grandparents from their late mother’s side and their father. They are now fifth graders and are about to start taking steps towards life while embracing new encounters and new experiences on their own. As they grow up, they do so by remembering the teachings of the person they still hold the dearest-Shiharu. This is the continuation of a story of growing up while holding on to small things that bring happiness in life no matter what life may throw at you.

Manga Reviews

Manga Review: Life so Happy 3 – Kaede Kouchi

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Lyn*Nomadic Worlds

Rating: 4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Genre: Manga, Shoujo, Slice of Life, School Life

Review:

Vol 3 of Life So Happy focused mostly on Shiharu & Seiji — how their relationship evolved after Love So Life ended. This volume seamlessly merges into the ending for volume 2 and sets the conclusion for the 4th and final volume.

I always loved Seiji so much — he was so kind, responsible and most of all, decent. I hadn’t expected to see scenes of Shiharu and Seiji and I was so happy when they got together.

It felt like a surprise gift to all the fans of Love So Life—those of us who always rooted for them and tried to imagine how they would be like, living their life together. It was wonderful to read and see the scenes.

Stay tuned.

∼Lyn

Manga Reviews

Manga Review: Life so Happy 2 – Kaede Kouchi

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Lyn*Nomadic Worlds

Rating: 4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Genre: Manga, Shoujo, Slice of Life, School Life

Review:

Life So Happy vol 2 centers on Aoi’s experiences — his thoughts and feelings. He’s definitely my favorite of the twins though it’s endearing how both children are so sensitive. Maybe because they lost their mother at such a young age and their father just left.

The storyline is a simple one but with a depth to both twins—they feel so much and have complicated emotions they’re both trying to work through and to understand.

I enjoyed the drawings a lot—they are so cute and heartwarming, with humor sprinkled throughout. Some of the scenes cracked me up. I really love Kaede Kouchi’s art so much.

Stay tuned.

∼Lyn

Manga Reviews

Manga Review: Life so Happy 1 – Kaede Kouchi

Posted on January 7, 2026January 7, 2026 by Lyn*Nomadic Worlds

Rating: 4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Genre: Manga, Shoujo, Slice of Life, School Life

Review:

Life So Happy is the sequel for the manga Love So Life, which is one of my favorite mangas with one of the best descriptive manga art I have ever seen. Love So Life is the story of 16yo Shiharu who ends up babysitting the cute, naughty 2yo fraternal twins, Aoi and Akane, under the care of their young uncle, Seiji Matsunaga.

Life So Happy shows the twins older now, as fifth-graders, living with their father and maternal grandparents as they go through the pains of growing up. The first volume centers on Akane and how’s she handling school and friendships.

I enjoyed Akane‘s interactions with her classmates and her family. It was fun catching glimpses of the toddler she used to be. I also loved seeing Aoi and scenes with Shiharu and Seiji. And let’s not forget how cute the art is!

Stay tuned.

∼Lyn

Life so Happy 1 – Kaede Kouchi
Summary
The twins, Aoi and Akane, have been living with their grandparents from their late mother’s side and their father. They are now fifth graders and are about to start taking steps towards life while embracing new encounters and new experiences on their own. As they grow up, they do so by remembering the teachings of the person they still hold the dearest-Shiharu. This is the continuation of a story of growing up while holding on to small things that bring happiness in life no matter what life may throw at you.

New Releases

New Book Releases – 06 Jan 2026

Posted on January 6, 2026 by Lyn*Nomadic Worlds

Hola, Book Dragons, well you know what day it is! Happy book release day to these beauties!

Dragon Cursed – Elise Kova
Blurb:
The moment you see a dragon is usually your last…
Since the dragons emerged–along with the scourge that ravaged our lands and people–there’s only one human city that remains standing: Vingard.
But the hellfire from above is nothing compared to the threat from within. For there is no worse fate than being dragon cursed. Slowly and excruciatingly, you’ll be transformed into a mindless beast who destroys everything–and everyone–you love.
Any of us could be tainted. Any of us could be lying. Any of us could be caught and killed by the authorities.
And I’m terrified that I might be next.
There’s only one other person who might suspect my secret. He’s like my shadow, following me wherever I go. Part protector, part tormentor, fully annoying. Sometimes I think I am just one of the million unfathomable secrets he keeps hidden.
Because Lucan definitely knows something.
And if I’m dragon cursed, death might be the only mercy I get.

Dark #39 – Dark Joy – Christine Feehan
Blurb:
The next addictive novel in the worldwide bestselling Dark Carpathian series . . .
Silke Vriese Reinders knows a war is coming. The demon slayer has seen it over and over again in the cards-and the battle won’t just be for the survival of her remote village, but for all mankind. Silke knows the only way to win will be with the help of the Carpathians. A fact that fills her with trepidation, as she is fated to be the lifemate to one of the ancient supernatural warriors-bound to a complete stranger and responsible for his soul.
One of the oldest, most dangerous Carpathians, Benedek Kovak is more beast than man. Locked away for centuries, the only thing that has stopped him from becoming one of the monsters he’s sworn to defeat is the thought of his lifemate. When Benedek senses the impending danger, he sets out to find her before it’s too late. But their enemy has laid a trap that pushes him closer to turning than ever before.
For so long Benedek has felt nothing. Now, some dark art is compelling him to indulge in cravings he thought long buried. He has no hope that anyone can restore what’s left of his tainted soul, but Silke is nothing like he imagined. Perhaps she’s strong enough to fight back the darkness. Perhaps together they can defeat an adversary hell bent on destroying them all. . . .

Room to Breathe – Kasie West
Blurb:
Indy and Beau’s friendship is shattered, but getting accidentally locked in a bathroom together just might be what’s needed to reconnect.
When the walls close in, the truth comes out.
When Indy’s life came crashing down, she made a no one could know. To the world, she’s still the same Indy—cool, calm, unshaken. But behind the scenes? It’s chaos.
Her tight-knit crew—Beau, Caroline, and Ava—were once her everything. Now they’re strangers she can’t seem to reach—especially Beau. And the only person she talks to these days is Cody, a skater-boy she used to think was so not her type. Funny how everything changes when your world flips upside down.
And then, as if things couldn’t get weirder, Indy finds herself literally stuck in a school bathroom with Beau. After months of silence, and there’s no escape. If they want out, they’ll have to face the messy truth about what happened between them and find a way back to what they once had. Or maybe even more . . .

Tidespeaker – Sadie Turner
Blurb:
A girl with the power to command the tides has her life changed when she secures a job serving a wealthy noble family—only to learn upon arrival that the last person to fill her post mysteriously died, and her new employers are hiding dark secrets—in this haunting and lush debut fantasy.
Corith Fraine is a Floodmouth—her words can control water. Yet for those born with her rare elemental ability, paths forward are few, and Corith is one of the lucky ones. She has spent most of her life in a prestigious magic institution, training to one day achieve the highest possible honor for a member of her kind: the chance to serve one of the hundred noble houses.
When Corith learns she’s secured a post working for House Shearwater, a reclusive noble family living on a wave-battered island, she thinks her hard work has paid off. Until she discovers that their previous Floodmouth—Corith’s closest friend—mysteriously died in their service. And Corith is her replacement.
To learn the truth of her best friend’s accident, Corith must unravel the dark conspiracies at the heart of Bower Island. Yet doing so will require contending with the island’s deadly tides and her enigmatic new employers—including the family’s brooding youngest son, Llir, who she finds herself equally drawn to and repelled by. With her loyalties pushed to breaking point, these treacherous waters may well pull Corith under…

Blue Swan #2 – Order of Royals – Jude Deveraux
Blurb:
The second book in Jude Deveraux’s spellbinding and unforgettable Blue Swan series weaves an intricate tapestry of fantasy and intrigue on the enigmatic planet of Bellis.
Princess Aradella is trapped in the iron grip of her evil and powerful aunt, Queen Olina. Navigating the treacherous waters of political machinations and familial duties, Aradella discovers allies in unexpected places, including Tanek, a swansman with his own mysterious connections. Set in a world where royalty, magic, and mythical beings coexist, Aradella’s path is intertwined with that of Kaley Arens, an Earthling who becomes deeply entangled in the planet’s intricate social hierarchy, as she is faced with a choice between her homeland and newfound love. As Aradella and her companions uncover dark secrets and hidden agendas, they embark on an adventure filled with loyalty, romance, and courage, where the lines between magic and reality blur, but where love has the power to transform destinies.
Aradella’s heart finds a beacon in Mekos, the son of Tanek, whose distinct heritage and protective nature captivate her. As their bond deepens amidst political intricacies, their love story unfolds through secret plans and whispered promises. But in this world, nothing is as it seems and destiny can’t be denied…

What about you guys? Any new releases you were anticipating today?

Stay tuned.

∼Lyn

Blog Memes, F is For Friday

F Is For Friday – 02 Jan 2026

Posted on January 3, 2026 by Lyn*Nomadic Worlds

Hola, Book Dragons, Happy New Year! I couldn’t get around to doing this post yesterday like I wanted to but today’s never too late. I think it’s good to start the year practising some gratitude, right?

How’s everyone started the year? Resolutions anyone? I’m not setting big ones for myself – just some hopeful good habits that will help me achieve some balance in my life. Mazel Tov!

F – Feature your latest book obsession (it doesn’t have to be your current read)

This is the sequel for the manga Love So Life. I only recently found out it was completed and the art’s just as cute as ever.

Continue reading →

Blog Memes, F is For Friday

F Is For Friday – 03 Oct 2025

Posted on October 3, 2025 by Lyn*Nomadic Worlds

Hola, Book Dragons, TGIF. How’s your week been? I’m always glad when it’s Friday.

F – Feature your latest book obsession (it doesn’t have to be your current read)

How gorgeous is this cover?

Continue reading →