The Camelot Betrayal: A Book Review

I really enjoyed the first book to this series, The Guinevere Deception, so I was excited to read The Camelot Betrayal too. The second book continued with the unique magic system, epic quests, mystery surrounding Guinevere's origins, and Guinevere's complicated relationships with Arthur, Mordred, and Lancelot. However, I was surprised that almost all the conflicts in this book were continuations of the first book's subplots. This sequel had almost nothing to do with the Dark Queen, and it didn't really answer any questions about the main plot and Guinevere's identity. Because of this, I was a little annoyed at parts. But I'm still really looking forward to the last book so I can get my questions answered and continue with all the characters I love. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, NetGalley and Delacorte Press, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

The Arctic Fury: A Book Review

I was pleasantly surprised with The Arctic Fury. The premise drew me in: in 1853, a party of twelve women brave the arctic to lead an expedition to find the lost Franklin Expedition. The story is told in alternating timelines though. The second timeline follows the leader of the group, Virginia, during her trial where she's accused of murdering one of the women. I found both timelines fascinating and engaging, and the way Greer Macallister weaves them together is impressive. I could barely put this book down. I'd highly recommend if you're into historical fiction!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Written in Starlight: A Book Review

First off, love the cover. Isabel Ibañez is extremely talented. Second, my high hopes were a little dashed with this one. I loved Woven in Moonlight, but Written in Starlight felt too conventional, too frustrating at times, and too boring. I struggled most with the romance (or really lack thereof). Manuel and Catalina reminded me of Alina and Mal from the Grishaverse trilogy . . . and I didn't especially love both of their romances. The reasons keeping Manuel and Catalina apart weren't enough for me, and I was never really rooting for them in the first place. 

Overall, I'm disappointed in this book. But there was some good character development with Catalina, and I really enjoy Isabel Ibañez's writing style. I'll definitely give her future books another chance. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Page Street Publishing, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

The Gentleman and the Thief: A Book Review

It's been a long time since I've read a 19th century romance, and I forgot how fun and innocent they can be. The premise of The Gentleman and the Thief is fun: a gentleman who secretly writes stories to support himself falls in love with a music teacher who secretly steals back her family treasures. There's also a secret society and a suspicious gambling den. What could go wrong? 

I enjoyed reading this for the most part. The two main characters, Hollis and Ana, are lovable and the plot progresses well. But if I'm being honest, everything was simply lackluster. The romance wasn't thrilling, the plot wasn't tense enough, and sometimes I got confused with all the little details with the society and the criminals' backstories. I think this is the second in a companion novel series though, so that could be my fault coming in late. 

Overall, it was cute. It was fine. I don't think I'd recommend it to just anyone, but people who enjoy "proper romances" would probably enjoy this one as well!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Shadow Mountain, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

The Children of Ash and Elm: A Book Review

I read this book as a person fascinated by Vikings but knowing little about them. And I must say that after reading The Children of Ash and Elm, I see little need to read any other Viking book! This book is full of Viking history. I especially loved the chapters about how Vikings really lived—their day-to-day activities, their relationships, and their social and economic systems. I didn't care much for the history of the raids and Christianity, but it was still interesting. I'd definitely use this book as research for my Viking fiction novel, and I'd recommend it to people who want an in-depth, accurate read of Vikings. My one complaint of this book is the chapter titles didn't quite match the content in the chapters, but that's easily overlooked. I'm very glad I read this and very grateful to Hachette Book Group for gifting me a review copy.

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Into the Heartless Wood: A Book Review

This is the third Joanna Ruth Meyer novel I've read. I loved Echo North, disliked Beyond the Shadowed Earth, and was unimpressed with this one. I think the greatest complaint I have for Into the Heartless Wood is that there's a lot of torture and abuse in this book. Normally, that creates tension. But it happened so much in this book that by the end, I was just frustrated and disgusted with it. Additionally, the characters felt removed from me as a reader, and I didn't connect with them at all. It's a weak gender-flipped Beauty and the Beast retelling at best, and I honestly was a bit disappointed. I also got tired of all the random line breaks in some chapters. All in all, this one wasn't for me. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Plot/Movement: 2
Character Development: 2
Overall: 2

Thank you, Page Street, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Down Comes the Night: A Book Review

This book is an interesting conglomerate of YA, magic, romance, and gothic elements. Wren, the main character, has lots of rooms to grow through this book: she's a magic healer who craves the approval and love of her commander and the queen. But her loyalties are challenged when she takes a job at a gothic, creepy mansion under a mysterious man named Lowry. I liked the mystery aspect of this book and the gothic elements. But I didn't connect to the characters very much, and the romance seemed a little too fabricated to serve the plot. But this book has a great spooky atmosphere that was fun to read in October. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Wednesday Books and NetGalley, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Kingdom of Sea and Stone: A Book Review

I'm going to preface this by saying I loved Crown of Coral and Pearl when I read it last year. I loved the sea vibes, the twin-sisterly love, the magic, and the tense plot. Unfortunately, Kingdom of Sea and Stone was a disappointment for me. The plot was quite boring and slow, I got annoyed with Nor and Talin's relationship, and the ending felt lackluster. I wonder if I would've liked it better if I'd reread Crown of Coral and Pearl before reading the sequel. I just didn't enjoy reading it, and at no point did it live up to my (low) expectations. On a positive note though, I do love the cover.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Plot/Movement: 1
Character Development: 2
Overall: 2

Thank you, Inkyard Press and NetGalley, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

The Puppetmaster's Apprentice: A Book Review

This book is the perfect Halloween read! It has forbidden magic, a medieval-type setting, puppets, and an enchanting blue moon. I've been waiting for a solid YA fantasy the past couple weeks, and this one fulfilled my expectations. Piro is an engaging character, and the plot (though predictable) is entertaining. The writing has a storytelling feel to it, like listening to a fairytale. I'd readily recommend this one. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Page Street Publishing, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Above All Else: A Book Review

Above All Else tells the story of 18-year-old best friends who are about to make the climb to summit Mount Everest. The story mostly focuses on their emotions with each other and about climbing, though there are some cool parts about the skill and effort it takes to climb Everest. The first part of the book really captured my interest, but when Kate and Tate's romance suddenly started, it all fell apart for me. Both of them turned into highly emotional teenagers who liked to dwell on all their problems, and I lost interest. I think I was expecting climbing Mount Everest to be the highlight of this book, but instead it took a place on the back burner as they dealt with other things. Even so, I still found it interesting to read, and there is some solid character development.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3.5
Overall: 3

Thank you, Charlesbridge and NetGalley, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Blazewrath Games: A Book Review

The cover of Blazewrath Games and the description of "Quidditch meets dragons" drew me right in. I love dragon books, I love Harry Potter, and I love all the the pink on this cover. Unfortunately, I think I set my expectations a little too high. The first half of the book moves really slowly with Lana figuring out her role in the Blazewrath Games, and there's lots of world building details to cover. By the time the pace picked up with the second half, Lana annoyed me as a character, and the "big reveals" didn't seem that impressive. The world is clever, but the characters and plot fell flat for me. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3.5
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Page Street Publishing, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Far From Normal: A Book Review

Far From Normal is a perfect, quick-read summer romance inspired by Devil Wears Prada. Maddie is known for being "normal," besides being accident-prone, but she finally gets the chance to shine at a summer internship repairing an MLS soccer player's image. The story follows her ups and downs at the sports marketing firm and her relationship with Gabe, the soccer player. It's a cute, slow-burn romance, and I loved how this book focuses on perseverance and loyalty. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Page Street Publishing, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

The Orphan of Cemetery Hill: A Book Review

I've loved Hester Fox's previous books. They are perfectly gothic with mystery and danger and romance. Unfortunately, I thought this one wasn't as good as the others. The premise with a girl who speaks to the dead is interesting, but the book ultimately felt incomplete. I thought the romance fell through, the plot wasn't mysterious or tense like it needed to be, and I couldn't connect to any of the characters, especially because I didn't understand some of their actions and motivations. I'm very sad this one didn't live up to my expectations, but I certainly won't turn down another Hester Fox novel in the future. She's still a magnificent writer and creates wonderfully gothic worlds. Hopefully I'll like her next book better. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Graydon House and NetGalley, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Poe Dameron: A Book Review

My second Star Wars book in two months. Who am I? I really enjoyed learning about Poe Dameron's past in this book. We learn about how he became involved with Kijimi, Zorii, and the smugglers (all mentioned and shown in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker). I also liked seeing Poe's reckless and brave personality as a teenager. But the plot itself of the book is pretty lacking. It's one smuggling run after another, patched together without any smooth transitions. But the backstory is still pretty interesting.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 2
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Disney Lucasfilm Press and NetGalley, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Kingdom of Ice and Bone: A Book Review

I was so excited to dive back into the Viking world with Lira and Reyker again. This book was one of my top-anticipated sequels this year! Before I go on, I have to warn you that this review may contain spoilers for the first book, Beasts of the Frozen Sun. Read at your own risk!

This book picks up where BOTFS left off: Lira and Reyker are separated, and they each think the other is dead. But they both have the same goal to defeat Draki and restore peace to their lands. Lira grows a lot in this book, especially with her magic, and I loved learning about a new land with new gods. There weren't as many fight scenes in this book; it was more of an exploration of Iseneld, magic from the gods, and the characters' goals. However, it still remained tense and entertaining throughout! There were a few things that bothered me, but Jill Criswell is a fantastic writer. I can't wait for the third and final book.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Jill Criswell, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

A Wicked Magic: A Book Review

This book has all the witchy, spooky vibes. When Dan and Liss become witches, they try to change their lives with magic. But magic has consequences, and a spell gone wrong takes Liss's boyfriend away. The story is set on the northern Pacific coast, and at its core, the book tells the story of friendship. 

I enjoyed learning about the magic, and I particularly liked Alexa, Dan's friend, and her growth through the story. I almost wish the whole book was just about her. I liked the atmospheric setting and the descriptions of magic. But still, this book didn't engage me like I thought it would, and I didn't love the plot with the evil magic guy and kidnappings. But it's witchy and dark and spooky, which lives up to the title.  

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Razorbill and NetGalley, for the review copy!

*Trigger/Content Warnings: f-words, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Shielded: A Book Review

Wow I loved this book! If you're looking for a solid fantasy with secret magic, enemy mages, a slow-burn romance, disguised royals, a warrior princess, and an intriguing plot, look no further. Shielded is super entertaining and fun to read and reminded me a lot of Sorcery of Thorns and Kiss of Deception. It echoes a lot of YA tropes and conventions, which make it familiar and perhaps a little predictable, but I still think it's worth the read. I can't wait for the next book.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Delacorte Press and NetGalley, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Set the Stars Alight: A Book Review

One word to describe this book: WONDER. Amanda Dykes has a compelling author's note at the end of this book where she talks about wonder: "an aching word, a thing radiating hope if we will but pay attention and be amazed at the miracles of this life, of this very world." 

This book has two stories. One is about Lucy, a marine archeologist, and Dash, a forensic astronomer. After the two childhood friends reconnect, they try to find a ship called the Jubilee, lost in 1811. The other story is about a boy named Frederick, a sailor in 1811. I loved watching how the two stories overlapped, reminding me how stories in history fade and become warped over time. The characters in this book have full hearts, the setting is homey England, and it honestly felt like a cozy Hallmark movie or a book club read. The story moves at a crawling pace though, so you'll need some patience to make it to the end. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4.5
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Bethany House and NetGalley, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Goddess in the Machine: A Book Review

I don't often read sci-fi. But when I pick up a sci-fi like Goddess in the Machine, I wonder why I don't read the genre more often! I was absolutely enthralled with this book. It starts out tense: Andra wakes up from a cryonic sleep after her journey across the galaxy, but she's a thousand years too late and everyone on the planet keeps calling her "Goddess." Andra has to figure out what went wrong on the spaceship, where her family is, and why everyone thinks she's deity. 

I think the plot is this book's strength. There's so many plot twists and so much tension. Andra is also a great character, and I LOVED how she was described as "chubby." We need more explicit body diversity in YA lit. Also, Johnson creates her own language in this book: an evolved version of English. The slang is hard to get used to at first, but by the end of the book, you feel like you've learned a second version of English. It's incredibly clever. All in all, this book surprised me, and I'll definitely be reading its sequel. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4.5
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Razorbill and NetGalley, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Hunted by the Sky: A Book Review

THIS is the YA fantasy I've been waiting all month for. Hunted by the Sky has rebels, magic, Indian culture, a slow-burn romance, politics, and prophecy—what's not to like? Once the plot starting really moving, I couldn't put it down. It's been a looong time since I've read and finished a book in a day. This book deserved all my attention today and all my love in the future.

First of all, this book is set in medieval India. Need I say more? By now, you probably know about my obsession with India. I loved all the descriptions of Indian food and saris. Bhathena creates such a vivid world with her descriptions and details. Second, Gul and Cavas are such wonderful characters with high goals. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing their relationship grow more in the second book; I felt it was a little lacking in this book. But I think that's due to the plot that has a lot of intricate details going through it. I can't wait to see how things develop in Rising Like a Storm. Overall, this was a solid YA read that I'll be recommending to everyone, especially those who like The Tiger at Midnight, We Hunt the Flame, and Dance of Thieves. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Farrar, Straus and Giroux and NetGalley, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Forest of Souls: A Book Review

Although this book wasn't as good as I was expecting and it moves a bit slowly, it has an expansive world with magic, politics, and cool creatures. It also has a killer main character, Sirscha, who has a distinct voice, and I really liked her from the first chapter. She has great drive and shows how even though she came from nothing, she worked hard to become strong and important. I do wish the book moved a little more quickly in the middle, and I wish it had some romance. But it sets up what I think will be an impressive series. I'm hoping the next book will have romance, more magic, and more of her past. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Page Street Publishing and NetGalley, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

The Kinder Poison: A Book Review

This book reminds me of We Hunt the Flame, Ashlords, and Tiger Queen. The Kinder Poison follows Zahru, a peasant with insignificant magic, as she gets caught up in a deadly race across the desert between heirs of the kingdom battling for the crown. It took a bit for me to get into as the beginning is very slow, but the middle of the book has lots of twists I didn't see coming. Zahru also has some nice character growth, and I enjoyed learning about each of the heirs. It did drive me crazy that Zahru had soooo many chances of escape that she didn't take, making her kindness look like weakness. However, there was enough action to keep me interested, and enough intrigue to make me look forward to the second book. But somehow, I still don't feel like this book deserves four stars. Maybe because it seemed underdeveloped with the romance (there's some instalove and also a suggestion of a love triangle?), I'm still a little confused on how the magic works, and the story overall didn't seem polished. (Also, I still don't know what "Kinder" in the title refers to, especially because that's the word for "children" in German.)

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you Razorbill and NetGalley for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Beyond the Break: A Book Review

Three words to describe this book: Christian, cutesy, and conventional. Lovette (what a name) is banned from swimming and surfing in the ocean after her brother's near-fatal surfing accident. She also loves God a lot and signed a purity pledge when she was twelve, saying she doesn't want to kiss anyone until the preacher says, "You may now kiss the bride." But then hunky Jake Evans walks into her life, and she knows she's toast. 

First of all, you have to be really Christian to enjoy this book. There's lots of religious theology, lots of quoted scripture, and lots of "if you have sex before you're married, you're damned" talk. For me, it was too much. Too didactic. A little too problematic, especially with views about sex and kissing. (I don't care what people's views are on this, religious or not, but it drove me crazy that Lovette judged others for their actions.) In general, Lovette just felt like a judgy, Christian teenager who thought she was better than everyone else because she's good at surfing and has a great relationship with God. 

There were also other small things I didn't like. The first chapter is horrible and has really nothing to do with the entire book. There's also a scene in the book that's a carbon copy of a scene in the book/movie A Walk to Remember (which is also Christian, so I'm pretty darn sure the author "borrowed" the scene). Also, Lovette makes a huge deal about how she hates lying in the first couple chapters, but proceeds to do it throughout the whole book without a second thought. And the plot just moves really slowly. This book just wasn't for me. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Plot/Movement: 2
Character Development: 2
Overall: 2

Thank you Penguin Workshop and NetGalley for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Queen's Peril: A Book Review

I'm such a Star Wars nerd and a big fan of Padmé, so this book was perfect for me.  This book really boils down to Padmé and her relationship with her handmaidens, and how their training helped them win the war against the Trade Federation. It was also my first Star Wars book, and I'm surprised how much I liked it. I've always avoided Star Wars books because I was afraid of them ruining the movies, but I loved the behind-the-scenes details in this book.

As for the writing of the book, I liked the shifting points of view from several characters, and I liked how E.K. Johnston summarized the parts that are in The Phantom Menace and went deeper into the parts of the plot we don't see in the movie. It kept the story moving and made it interesting. I do wish we had more details into what Padmé thought about Anakin though—there's barely anything in the book about them meeting and becoming friends. But what a great book. I think I'll be reading more Star Wars books from now on!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you Disney Lucasfilm Press and NetGalley for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Beach Read: A Book Review

This book? Definitely worth the hype. Let me give you three reasons why:

1. This book has the BEST writer's/character's voice I've read in a while. I was completely sucked into January's life from the first sentence: "I have a fatal flaw." She's a totally relatable character, and even when she's not relatable, you can't help but watch the train wreck that's inevitably going to happen. She's clever, witty, salty, and she strikes a perfect balance of naivety and realism. Honestly, she's one of my favorite character I've had the pleasure of stalking. I didn't want to un-stalk her at any point.

2. If you're looking for a new OTP, you need only pick up this book. I don't want to say too much, but the passionate tension between January and Gus is strong enough to exist off the page and make you remember their witty and sometimes-deep conversations when you're doing all the mundane things in your life. Also, the whole deal with them both being writers is something so fascinating to me, and them swapping genres for the summer and teaching each other about their genre tropes made my writing-nerd heart sing. I can't say enough about January and Gus (besides the fact that I still feel like their names belong in some YA romance novel that involves cancer or another life-threatening disease).  

3. If my number two reason didn't cook your grits, this one better. This book isn't just about romance. Obviously there's other plot-lines, but get this: they are interesting plot lines not because unique and crazy things happen but because January seems like a real person, and you want to be involved in every detail of her life. Her character growth (and Gus's, actually) is incredible.

These three reasons should be enough to encourage you to pick up the book, especially if you already like romances and reading about angsty writers who live somewhat solitary lives. It's a perfectly lovely book that dives deeper than just romance, and really makes you wonder if you're the optimist or the pessimist in life. I promise, it's enjoyable to read this book. 

(Some may wonder why I'm not giving it five stars. It takes an incredible contemporary/romance/non-fantasy to make me give something five stars. While I really enjoyed this book, I can't imagine I'd read it again anytime soon, and it didn't make me feel as much as I wanted to. It's just an incredibly good book. Hence the longest review I've ever written.)

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 5
Overall: 4

*Content Warnings: f-words, a couple explicit sex scenes

Thank you Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Forged in Fire and Stars: A Book Review

What instantly drew me into this book was the idea of the Loresmith: a blacksmith blessed by the gods who defends kings and queens through the ages. The story starts out with high stakes: the kingdom's Loresmith killed during a battle to overthrow the regency, and everyone thinks that the Loresmith becomes extinct. But the Loresmith had a daughter no one knew about. In short, the story follows Ara as she becomes involved with the lost prince and princess to restore their kingdom. 

The most unique thing about this book is the writing. It feels similar to J. R. R. Tolkien's writing; it has that similar fanciful feel like some old bard is telling the story over a campfire. Because of this, I struggled to see into the characters' hearts and minds and connect to them. I was constantly reminded that this is simply a story being told. I couldn't escape into the world like I normally do when I read fantasy. 

Andrea Robertson sets up a nice series with this one, so a lot of the book is spent on world-building while the characters continually travel. The plot meanders a lot, and some things just don't make sense at first. But I still felt mildly interested in the plot and characters, so it wasn't hard to finish. In sum, this book simply wasn't remarkable enough for me to fully engage with it. But I may pick up the sequel. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you Philomel Books and NetGalley for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Tigers, Not Daughters: A Book Review

What a thriller. The story starts out with four daughters trying to escape from their confining house and tyrannical father, and then shifts entirely when Ana, the oldest daughter, dies and comes back as a ghost. However, this book isn't really about the plot. It's about the daughters—their unique and maybe even strange personalities. And it's about their relationships with each other, which is probably why other reviewers draw the connection to Little Women.

When I learned that this book was inspired by the line "tigers, not daughters" in King Lear (by Shakespeare, and perhaps my most favorite play), my entire perception about this book changed. I agree with Samantha Mabry that these words have such power, and I think this book encapsulates what that phrase means in a modern setting. I felt empowered reading this book because I realized that the characters that aren't just daughters. Similarly, we aren't all confined to one title, one descriptor. We are much more, and can be much more—as much as we want. We can be tigers. It's a powerful message to explore in a book, and Mabry does it very well.

Clearly, this book made me think, and then it made me be all theoretical, and then it made me never forget. It's a haunting read filled with perfect character sketches, underlying meanings that I'm still teasing out, and an uncanny atmosphere. I absolutely loved it.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4.5
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Algonquin Young Readers, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Joy's Summer Love Playlist: A Book Review

Looking for the perfect summer read? Honestly, this book has it all: a fake relationship, pop-culture references, singing, and a carefree summer before college starts. This book honestly reminded me of my own summer after graduation (though without the fake relationship, thank goodness), when you still feel like a teen, but you're about to become a full adult. It's a fun, light read that you can easily finish it in an afternoon because it definitely pulls you in.

Okay so first, Joy has a great character voice. You get right in her head and right in her heart, and her voice stays true throughout. She is incredibly loyal and selfless, even to a fault. Cale and Jin are also amazing characters. You've got Cale's humor and easy friendship, and Jin's sexiness and soft-heartedness. I'm totally #teamjin myself, but I loved both of them and their relationships with Joy.

Piper Bee has written a solid debut. There's definitely tension with the plot and subplots weaving together, and it's easy to get lost in the story and keep turning pages. The characters are solid, and the themes are hopeful and inspiring. There were a few small things that distracted me from the story, but Piper's writing is overall funny, relatable, and delightful. I can't wait to read more from her!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Piper Bee, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Of Silver and Shadow: A Book Review

Jennifer Gruenke has written a solid fantasy debut, Of Silver and Shadow. While there's really nothing crazy new with forbidden magic, secret rebellions, enemies-to-lovers romance, and a messed-up royal family, I still enjoyed reading this book. I mostly enjoyed all the points of view we get (I think there's four?). The differing views kept the pace moving pretty quickly, and I liked seeing all the characters' developments, especially Kellen's and Adley's. Also, this book is pretty dark. Often, YA fantasy is a bit cushy, not showing too much violence and gore. But this book doesn't hold back, and all the violence is tastefully done and helps you remember the stakes. This book just felt different from a normal YA fantasy for that reason, and it was plenty entertaining. Perfect for fans of Night Spinner, Flame in the Mist, and The Shadows Between Us.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, NetGalley and Flux, for the ARC! This book will be released on May 26, 2020.

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Night: A Book Review

I didn't think it was possible for Alexandria Warwick to top Below, the first book in this series. But she totally did. The world gets bigger in Night, and the characters grow so much more. The plot adds on new layers and new twists, setting up bigger problems and questions for the next two books to answer. The only thing I'm angry about is having to wait for the next books to come out. I NEED THEM NOW.

This book starts out slowly. Apaay has a lot of trauma to overcome, and she doesn't trust people easily, especially the Face Stealer. And although it moved a little too slowly for my tastes, I love how accurate Apaay's journey through her trauma is. I've obviously never been tortured by a girl and a demon, but Apaay's feelings seem justified. I think her journey can bring hope to a lot of people, and Warwick's dedication even says: "To those who look for light in dark places."

We see twice as many characters in this book, and go deeper into the characters we already know. Ila plays an even greater role, and I found her character growth to be absolutely empowering. The Face Stealer in all his mysterious glory also plays a huge role. I honestly can't get enough of him. We learn a lot more about his background and his personality in this book, and let me just say he's fascinating.

My favorite, favorite part of Warwick's books is her writing. WOW. Talk about one of the best writers I've ever seen. Even if the plot didn't grip me at first, her writing did. It's perfectly lyrical, and every word carries weight. She does some amazing things with rhythm and syntax that make my editor's heart giddy. She carefully crafts unique dialogue for each character, making them jump off the page. And she's laid the groundwork for an incredible series. Do yourself a favor and start this series!!! You won't regret it.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 4.7
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Alexandria Warwick, for the ARC! This book will be released on October 8, 2020.

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

The Shadows Between Us: A Book Review

I've never met a Tricia Levenseller book I didn't like. The Shadows Between Us was everything I hoped for and more: a wicked, clever main character that I somehow admire, a mysterious, handsome king, a slow, steaming romance, and threats of murder and blackmail at every turn. Honestly, it's a solid read because it has all the elements that make a fantasy book unforgettable: the characters are unique, the plot tense and driving, and the writing both humorous and deep. Levenseller keeps setting the bar higher and higher for herself, and she never fails to disappoint. I can't wait to read more from her. She deserves all the stars!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly: A Book Review

Jamie Pacton's debut is perfect for the feminist YA readers of the world. Kit works as a serving wench (waitress) at a medieval-themed restaurant and dreams of being promoted to a knight so she can earn money for college and help her mom pay the bills. But the company and her boss want to keep it medieval and traditional, meaning only guys can be knights. So Kit takes things into her own hands, riding out as a knight and raising awareness for gender restrictions and spurring a whole new set of problems.

As far as contemporary YA goes, this book has a cute story. There's lots of pop-culture references in here and lots of inclusion with sexualities, races, etc. The characters are entertaining, the restaurant setting is original and interesting, and the writing is pleasant. But to be honest, none of these characteristics really set it apart from other contemporaries. I took greatest issue with the plot, which seemed to move quite slowly and felt like a play-by-play of Kit's everyday life. I wanted more punchy scenes and less showering, eating, driving, and studying. I also didn't love the romance. It felt non-existent until the end, and by then it felt forced. Unfortunately, this book fell a bit flat for me, but it was still entertaining and cute.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3.5
Plot/Movement: 2.5
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Page Street Publishing, for the ARC! This book will be released on May 5, 2020.

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

The Sound of Stars: A Book Review

Alechia Dow's debut, The Sound of Stars, tells the story of Earth after it's been invaded by aliens called the Ilori. The Ilori have banned art, books, and music, but that doesn't stop teenage Ellie from reading and loaning her books out to others in their detention center. But everything changes when Ellie meets a nice Ilori named M0Rr1s (Morris) who collects illegal music. Together, they may be the key to rebelling against the Ilori and saving Earth and its humans.

The cover really drew me into this book. The rich blues, pinks, and purples really make this book stand out and promise a whimsical science fiction. But unfortunately . . . the book didn't live up to my expectations. While it has an interesting premise and plenty of tense action scenes, the characters didn't grab me. Ellie is a black, bisexual, anxiety-ridden teenager who struggles being vulnerable, and it seems like she was just a stock character chock-full of characteristics that check various representation boxes. I'm not saying that characters can't have all the characteristics that Ellie has. I'm saying that Ellie felt the need to explain and dwell on these characteristics for several pages for the reader. Instead, I would have liked to see a character that normalizes these characteristics and trusts the reader to not be a racist or sexist or whatever. Anyways, Ellie just seemed a little too didactic at parts.

Another issue I had was the plot. It was paced rather slow, especially the transitions from place to place, and I was often bored. It also ended rather abruptly, with a rushed explanation using a big reveal and the "big problem" still unsolved. I guess I placed my expectations too high for this book.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3.5
Plot/Movement: 2
Character Development: 2
Overall: 2.5

Thank you, Inkyard Press, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Night Spinner: A Book Review

I've never read a retelling of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. But I am thoroughly impressed with Addie Thorley's Night Spinner. Enebish is a monster. After destroying a caravan of innocent people with her dark night magic, she is disfigured and sent to live a traitorous and lonely life in a monastery. But her life changes yet again when her stepsister offers her the opportunity to be reinstated as a warrior if Enebish captures a deserter in the midst of a war. But when she leaves the monastery, she discovers that the war is a lot worse than she thought and she's not sure who to trust anymore.

This book is chock full of twists and turns, and I honestly didn't see hardly any of them coming. I loved Enebish as a character because she is an ugly, maimed traitor—you don't see this a lot in YA fiction. Enebish was refreshing, and I learned and was betrayed right alongside her. Her character arc is strong, and I can't wait to see it fulfilled in the next book.

Speaking of the next book, I need it immediately. Night Spinner took me a couple chapters to get into, but after that it sucked me in and I had to finish it as soon as possible. This is a fantastic story for fantasy and magic lovers, and especially for those who want to see something new in the YA world.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Page Street Publishing, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

The Henna Artist: A Book Review

This beautiful, lush story takes place in vibrant India in the 1950s. Lakshmi, after running away from her abusive husband, makes a living by making herbal remedies and being a henna artist. But everything changes when her little sister she never knew she had turns up, homeless, lost, and known as the "Bad Luck Girl." 

It's no secret that I love reading about India and its culture. The Henna Artist delivered. It is so richly drenched in Indian culture with food, clothing, castes, hennas, herbs, and Jaipur, India. I felt drawn to Lakshmi because of her ambition, work ethic, reason, feminism, and loyalty. It was an absolute pleasure to follow her throughout the book. She has a solid character arc as well as her sister, Rahda. The plot is well paced and had lots of tension to keep me reading—I couldn't put this book down all day. The writing flows very well. I would definitely recommend to those who love reading about India and about woman fighting for their future. A great debut by Alka Joshi.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 5
Overall: 4

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin-Mira for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Ashlords: A Book Review

As soon as I found out that Ashlords is about phoenix horses and a legendary race, I was all in. And while I struggled to get into the story, I still enjoyed the rich Hunger Games-like world and the three main characters, all from different classes/castes in the kingdom. Each character has a good reason to win the race and I couldn't help but cheer each one on, even though they were all obviously enemies.

A few things bothered me in the beginning. I didn't like how one point of view was in second person, for seemingly no reason at all. I didn't like how one of the characters, a big, burly guy, calls his dad "Daddy." I didn't like how the Gods were real and could visit people (but I rarely like this in any book). And I didn't like that the race didn't start until 50% through the book. But at the same time, I understand why it took so long. There is a lot of intricate world building that sets up this duology, and I think it may have felt rushed if the race came earlier.

I will definitely read the second book to this series because I am invested in all three of the characters. It's so interesting to read from such different points of view and I wonder if they will all stay enemies. All in all, a fantastic fantasy. I want my own phoenix horse now.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3.7
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

The Girls with No Names: A Book Review

This fantastic historical fiction takes place in New York City in the 1910s and follows the stories of girls whose families are torn apart. I love the time period of this novel, and I was interested in learning about women's suffrage, poor working conditions, and houses (more like prisons) for disobedient girls. I don't often find historical fictions taking place in the 1910s, and I think this novel deserves a lot of attention and praise for its research as well as its plot, characters, and writing.

I instantly connected to all the characters in this book. They are well-rounded, imperfect, interesting, and even lovable. The story switches among three points of view, and I was surprised that I loved them all equally. The plot moves at just the right pace—slow enough to soak in the historical details and fast enough to keep me reading. In fact, I couldn't put the book down, and I read it all in one sitting.

After I finished the book, I kept thinking about the characters and what they went through. In fact, I'm still thinking about them. This book left an impression on me, and I'm not likely to forget it anytime soon. I highly recommend this book for those who love historical fiction and the 1910s and anyone who enjoys a solid story of sisterly love, hope, and overcoming hardships.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Content Warnings: abuse, stillborn/dead infants, sexual assault, and rape.

Thank you NetGalley and Park Row for the ARC! This book will be published January 7, 2020.

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

A Love Hate Thing: A Book Review

A Love Hate Thing is a cute, contemporary love story. Tyson Trice comes from a troubled past and meets Nandy, who hasn't had to deal with anything more horrible than a hang nail or eating takeout for dinner every night. Their worlds collide and high school drama begins as they try to reconcile their childhood friendship and who they are today.

This story kept me engaged and wanting to read until the end. However, this book feels too much like a debut novel. The tropes are a little too cliched for me—boy from a troubled past falls for a rich girl, the troubled past simply can't stay in the past, the rich girls feels like she needs to be on a fruit and vegetable diet to fit into a pageant dress, the classic beach parties, etc. I also had trouble looking past the cliched dialogue tags and constant F-words. But the story is cute and has some great familial relationships in it that aren't often seen in contemporary teen fiction. If you're looking for a cute, surface-level romance, this is a great one!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Content Warnings: murder, domestic violence/abuse, child abuse, frequent swearing.

Thank you NetGalley and Inkyard Press for the ARC! This book will be published January 7, 2020.

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!