Genres: Paranormal, Paranormal Fantasy, Urban Fantasy | Release Date: 1 December 2024 | Series: Celestial Shifters | Series Book: #3 | Pages: 474 | Indie Author | Review
“Whoever she tried to save, someone would still die.”
Tjalara Draper
Overview:
A big thank you goes to Tjalara Draper for sending me an ARC of Thorns of Neptune, book three in the paranormal urban fantasy series, Celestial Shifters! Did I read this a while ago? Yes, yes I did. But I’m also terribly slack with writing my reviews lately. Better late than never though, am I right? So let’s give you an overview!
Violet and her daughter have been taken by the king of the Nephezai, the aquatic shape-shifters who live in the very depths of the ocean. Unable to battle her way out, Violet’s only hope is that Thane can help plan an escape that won’t cost their daughter her life. Does she trust him? Not at all. But better the devil you know… And unbeknownst to them? Matthias Branstone has decimated the small haven they’d once called home, leaving Nathan to pick up the shattered pieces. Will Violet, Thane and their daughter find a way to reach the surface before time runs out? Can anyone under the ocean be considered an ally? But it’s not only Violet’s family who are on limited time, as Nathan’s affliction steadily grows without hope of a cure…
Happiness Boost:
Thorns of Neptune is not your usual shape-shifter story, and I cannot emphasise enough how much I love that it’s unique! Blending fantasy and science, an urban setting and the wilds of nature, this tale is an expansive journey. And for anyone who has ever wondered what lurks beneath the waves? You will *not* have seen the Nephezai coming. Tjalara has given us a paranormal fantasy which is both thrilling, slightly disturbing and lots of fun as it explores the various communities both above and below the sea.
Within Thorns of Neptune we’re also treated to a front row seat of the protective maternal side of Violet, as she plans to do anything and everything she can to save her daughter. But you know what else I enjoyed? Violet doesn’t just brush an entire race with the same brush. Instead, Violet is able to discern amongst her captors those who are truly evil, and those who are not. Is this because she’s a hybrid, so she knows a thing or two about being judged for what she is (or isn’t)? Maybe. But I adore how her humanity is allowed to shine.
This paranormal fantasy is a refreshing take on what it means to be different, and how it shouldn’t automatically be considered a bad thing to be an individual. Combine that with the banter and found family within its pages? It was like getting to drink the perfect hot chocolate: delightfully comforting.
Downside:
No downside for me, I had a lot of fun reading this!
Final Thoughts:
Thorns of Neptune by Tjalara Draper is a paranormal fantasy full of deadly choices, devastating betrayals and unique shifters. I did not want to come to the last page, I wanted more! I have no doubt it’s going to be a wild ride with what comes next for these characters. Enjoy what you’ve heard from my review? Just click on any of the links below to grab yourself a copy! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can order Thorns of Neptune via these links:
