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clara gives bridge of ash by jacquelyn benson five out of five stars
everything jacquelyn benson writes is an automatic five stars but bridge of ash might be clara’s favorite so far in the london charismatics series. this book is set in the same universe as the author’s raiders of the arcana series and the easter eggs tying the two worlds together were perfect!!!
this is book number 3 in the series and really expanded on the idea of “charismatics” aka people with extraordinary powers. the new charismatic power described was soooo interesting (no spoilers though). it also features a locked room mystery set during christmastime! sooo good.
clara’s favorite part of the book was definitely the way the relationship between the main character lily and her fiancé (!!!) lord strangford was explored and tested.
clara’s only gripe was that this was the shortest book in the series so far and she wanted more!!!
Jul 7, 2025
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betty gives the shadow of water by jacquelyn benson five out of five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ms benson can WRITE. this is the second book of the london charismatics series. the stakes ratchet up as the group of charismatics (people with special powers) work together to prevent a disaster that would kill millions in the heart of london. this is all set right before england enters world war i.
betty recommends this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels in a historical setting with diverse characters.
follow for more recommendations by betty & popcorn.
Jun 23, 2025
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popcorn gives the fire in the glass by jacquelyn benson five out of five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
this book is pitched as the x-men in a pre-WWI london setting. popcorn has never seen x-men so he is unsure if this is accurate. HOWEVER, if you are looking for slow burn romance with a strong mystery plot and featuring a diverse group of people with special powers coming together to take down eugenics, this is the book for you.
jacquelyn benson is quickly becoming one of popcorn’s favorite authors. popcorn cannot wait to pick up the sequel.
follow for more recommendations by popcorn.
Jun 9, 2025
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clara gives firebird by juliette cross three point seven five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
this was clara’s first monster romance… it was fun! clara would have rated this higher if it was a standalone. does every fantasy book need to be part of a 3+ series!!!
firebird is a reimagining of ancient rome if the men in charge could also shift into dragons. it includes a master/slave romance so def read the trigger warnings before you pick this up!
there’s a lot of misinformation about this book on booktok. two major points i would like to refute - no the female main character is not underage. no she is not romani (she is from what is now romania!)
Apr 14, 2025
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so she can experience what life would be like if you were rich. stairs! multiple rooms! cobwebs to crawl through! she had been purring nonstop
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