The Ivory Key: A Book Review

I will read any Indian fantasy every written, and The Ivory Key was no exception! I loved this fantasy debut, especially it's focus on sibling relationships. I liked the idea of four siblings each trying to discover the Ivory Key for their own agendas and the different dynamics that caused between them. There was plenty of Indian culture in this book too, especially with the food, jungles, and weapons. 

I will say that this book was pretty predictable for me, right down to the last plot twist. And I wanted more personality variety within the siblings—they all seemed a little too similar (I would have loved a morally gray sibling, or even an evil one to increase the stakes). But overall, this is a great debut! 

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

Thank you, HMH Books, for the ARC!

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

A Song Among the Silence: A Book Review

A Song Among the Silence is a wonderful debut! I enjoyed reading this book by Julie Janis. Her characters are deep and interesting and the magic system and lore is detailed and captivating. The plot expands very well through the story, and I honestly can't wait to see what happens in the next book. There are lots of twists and plenty of tension. There were some minor things that pulled me out of the story, but overall a splendid debut. Definitely read this if you like the secret identity trope, fairies, dark magic, winter settings, a morally-gray villain, and romance. It has it all! 

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

Thank you, Julie Janis, for the ARC!

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

When Night Breaks: A Book Review

This was a fun duology with sparkling magic, haunted mirrors, and dark secrets. I really enjoyed the first book, Where Dreams Descend, and mildly liked the sequel, When Night Breaks. I think my biggest complaint about this sequel was the pacing. The first half was entirely too slow, and it had my pet peeve of the love interests being separated for a large portion of the book. In fact, I didn't find myself being particularly impressed with this book until the ending, which is a shame. Plus, the ending left a lot of questions unanswered and loopholes that bothered me. But still, I found the prose well-written, and it had interesting characters and deep world building. 

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

Thank you, Wednesday Books and NetGalley, for the ARC!

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

Beasts of Prey: A Book Review

This book started off a little slow for me, and it took me awhile to connect with the characters. But once I did, I was transported into a vibrant jungle world with unique and terrifying beasts, secret magic, and a quest to save the world from the god of death. The world building and lore is a great strength to this book—honestly everything else pales in comparison. But I would still say the last half of the book is thrilling, with plot twists I did see coming, but somehow still managed to surprise me.. I couldn't read fast enough, and I need the second book right away! 

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

Thank you, Penguin and NetGalley, for the ARC!

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

Souls of Fire and Steel: A Book Review

What an EPIC conclusion to my favorite Viking series ever. Jill Criswell really outdid herself with this book. The plot was fast-moving and tense, and I was on the edge of my seat cheering for Lira and Reyker all the way through. I was surprised at how some things resolved quickly, and then more problems would arise. The whole plot was quite intricate and well-though-out. 

Lira and Reyker's development was also stellar in this book. They've been through so much in this series, both individually and as a couple. And honestly, their reactions to everything in this book felt so realistic. And the ending was exactly perfect for them and what they went through. 

Also, can we talk about Draki, the villain? So well written, and we find out so much more about him in this book. And I almost started to feel bad for him, even though I felt horrified with myself for feeling that way. That's how you know Jill Criswell has written a perfect villain.  

I'm sad to leave this series, but I'm very happy with this book and how it ended. I absolutely can't wait for more fantasy books from Jill Criswell. Do yourself a favor and read this series!!!

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

Thank you, Jill Criswell, for the ARC!

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

The Boy with Fire: A Book Review

This book has everything I could ever want in a YA fantasy. It has an enemies-to-lovers romance between a princess and her guard that's wonderfully slow burn and well written. It has a fascinating POV from the morally-gray king that shows his path to tyranny and madness. And most of all, it has FIRE BENDING. This book basically fulfills my wish of a fire-bending book similar to Avatar: The Last Airbender. The world building, magic system, and religion in this book are so well developed and rich. I don't think I can say enough nice things about this book. I'll definitely be reading its sequel!

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

Thank you, Aparna Verma and NetGalley, for the ARC!

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

Hunt: A Book Review

It's always such a huge pleasure to read Alexandria Warwick's writing. Every sentence is perfection, and this book in particular had so many meaningful and poetic quotes. This series is one of the most underrated series of all time, and I sincerely hope it becomes more and more popular. Everyone needs Alexandria's writing in their life. 

Alexandria has done it again. Her books just keep getting better and better. Hunt is my favorite of the series yet. I can't say too much without spoiling, but we learn so much about Apaay and Ila in this book. They grow so much through their journeys. And the plot just keeps getting thicker with the war and unexpected discoveries. The action is balanced nicely with the character development too. Honestly, this whole book is just perfection. Except the ending was so hard to read. I need the next book. Now. Now. Now. Now. 

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

Thank you, Alexandria Warwick, for the ARC!

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

The Devil Makes Three: A Book Review

This book is a perfect horror story for bibliophiles with its grimoires, a haunted library, and a devil made of ink. The horror was definitely out of my comfort zone, but I still liked reading it and couldn't put it down. The subplots were very well done, and I loved Tess and Eliot as main characters. I didn't fully feel their romance, but it was sweet nonetheless. I liked all the magic, spookiness, and tension too (I think I'll have nightmares about ink and devils for the rest of the week). Some of the plot points and lore about devils seemed a little weak, and I would have loved more characterization and history from the devil to make the ending more meaningful. But overall, I think this book is quite well done. And the cover is gorgeous.

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

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! 

Witchshadow: A Book Review

This book is definitely my favorite of the series so far. So much happened, especially near the end, and I just can't help but be in awe at the world building. It is so incredibly intricate, and totally comparable to Sanderson's world building. Each book just adds more and more fantasy and history and lore, and all of it is deeply connected to the plot. Susan Dennard is truly a master at creating a world that draws you in. 

I will say that this book moves a bit slowly in the beginning, and I think it's because of the five points of view that switches every chapter or within chapters. And sometimes it got frustrating when one POV ended in a cliffhanger and I had to get through a chapter or two or three before I got to that POV again. But it kept me reading. 

Another thing that this book does well is developing Iseult's character. She has a lot to work through in this book, and I loved her journey. I can't wait to see the other characters' final journeys in the last book!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4.5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Tor Teen, for the review copy!

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

Untethered: A Book Review

I loved reading Shielded last year. It was a good, generic YA novel that was pleasant to read. I didn't realize, though, that Untethered would be through completely different characters' points of view while continuing the same storyline! I kinda liked it. It made it more interesting to me. However, I will say that I didn't love Chiara as a main character. I just don't love timid, untalented characters who have to struggle with every challenge they face. And I found the romance pretty lacking. I did like how the story went though, and how it wrapped up all the loose ends from Shielded. Overall, a fine duology; one I think 15-year-olds would enjoy. 

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

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! 

Leaves of Holly: A Book Review

What an enchanting debut from Arnella Hobler! Leaves of Holly has a magical atmosphere to it, with a well-thought-out world and an ending that makes me want the second book right away. I'm very impressed with Arnella's writing. It is clear, melodic, talented, and matches the magic of the book. 

I will say that I did struggle getting into this book for the first half. I personally don't love stories where a modern-day character is transported into a fantasy land. The first half of the book also moves quite slowly, and Ivy, the main character, doesn't have a lot of personality at first. But by the second half of the book, I was enthralled and liking Ivy more. I do wish the character development was a bit more strong in the side characters and the romance (and I wish that there weren't so many characters' names that start with "C"). But overall, I really liked this story with the talented writing, the magical world, and the tense, political plot. And the cover is gorgeous! 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3.7
Character Development: 3
Overall: 4

Thank you, Arnella Hobler, for the review copy!

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

Curses: A Book Review

Curses is my first gender-bent Beauty and the Beast retelling, and I honestly enjoyed it! The world felt very similar to Ella Enchanted, and I loved all the LGBTQ+ rep. Honestly, all the characters were well developed, and there's a fantastic cast of side characters who you learn to love. This was a sweet and cute story with (actual) funny banter. I do wish it had a little more romance, but the slow-burn was definitely there. I'd definitely recommend this book to those who love B&tB retellings!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3.5
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Penguin and NetGalley, for the ARC!

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

The Queen Will Betray You: A Book Review

I think the thing I love most about this duology is the cover art. Both books have phenomenal art with such beautiful characters on the front. That always draws me into a fantasy book. Another thing that drew me in was that it's a gender-swapped retelling of The Princess Bride. What a cool concept! However, ultimately I wasn't super impressed. Here are a few reasons why. 

I have to admit that I'm not a huge fan of The Princess Bride. I don't know why. Maybe if I rewatch it as an adult, I'll like it better. But I just didn't love it growing up. So perhaps that influenced my opinion of this duology. I always though Buttercup and Wesley were a little much, and I felt the same with Amarande and Luca. I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes every time they got near each other. 

And speaking of characters, I just couldn't connect to any of them. There were some interesting villains to be sure, but the rest I felt "meh" about. But I continued to read because of the plot. There was lots of intrigue, betrayal, politics, and action—enough to keep me happy and reading. All in all, a fine duology, but probably one I'll forget rather soon. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3.5
Character Development: 2
Overall: 3

Thank you, Tor Teen and NetGalley, for the ARC!

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

For the Wolf: A Book Review

I don't often pick up Beauty and the Beast retellings. I find that there are too many of them, and they can often be repetitive and bland. I first thought that this book, For the Wolf, was a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. But it's actually a Beauty and the Beast retelling, and to be honest, I wasn't mad about it. I liked the dark spin on it with the living, breathing Wilderwood and the monsters in the Shadowlands and the blood and magic. The plot was pretty entertaining too, if you can look past it being a little repetitive and predictable. Overall, it's a solid B&tB retelling that stays pretty close to the fairytale with some unique spins on it, so I think people who love retellings will enjoy this one well enough. 

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

Thank you, Orbit Books, for the ARC!

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

Daughter of Sparta: A Book Review

This book was like a female version of Percy Jackson! I loved seeing all the gods and goddesses brought to life with different and interesting personalities. Daphne is a pretty likable character too, with a mysterious heritage and dang good fighting skills. I will say that this book moves slowly, but it does have some intense action scenes and some romance sprinkled throughout. I definitely want to continue with this series just so I can see more of the gods and goddesses (Persephone and Hades were my favorites). All in all, I wouldn't say this book is spectacular, but definitely entertaining and a must-read for people who love Greek mythology. A pretty good debut from Claire M. Andrews!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3.5
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Jimmy Patterson Books, for the ARC!

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

The Shadow of the Gods: A Book Review

Now this book is an epic tale worthy of the Vikings. I felt like I was completely transported into the Viking world. It has daring and gruesome battle scenes, some interesting characters, and just the right amount of creatures, witchcraft, gods, and prophecy. I also appreciated how much Viking research went into this book. As far as I know, a lot of the elements in this book are accurate, and it was cool to see them in fiction. It really is an immersive book. 

I will say that this book is dense. To me, it read a lot like The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia. John Gwynne has a detailed, adult style that made it hard for me to read a lot in one sitting. Also, his writing style made me feel a bit removed from the characters. It was like watching a movie without being able to go deep into a character's head. That being said, I still cared for the characters and their goals, and I will definitely be picking up the next book. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 3.5
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Orbit Books, for the ARC!

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

Fire with Fire: A Book Review

I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did. I don't often like urban fantasy, but Fire with Fire was done very well. Honestly, the world needs more dragon books, and this is a fantastic one to add to the mix. 

I really liked the doubling points of view between the two sisters. I could sympathize with both of them, and I loved their character arcs. Eden's arc was especially well done. I also loved the secret world of dragon slayers and sorcerers and of course the DRAGONS. I really want a sequel to this book just because I'm so attached to Dani, Eden, and the dragons. 

I will say that this book has a lot of pop-culture and super modern-day references (which in general draw me out of a story) and f-words. So beware if these things bother you. On the bright side, this book does very well in addressing mental health, and I think it's worth the read if you like dragons and well-developed characters.

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

Thank you, HMH Books for Young Readers and NetGalley, for the ARC!

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

The Immortals: A Book Review

The Immortals is a remarkable book about the sinking of the Dorchester during World War II and the men who sacrificed and the men who survived. Just when I think we don't need another WWII book, one comes along and proves me wrong. This is a story that needed to be told, especially about Charles Water David Jr., a black man whose story was lost for decades. 

I will say that this book is quite slow. The entire first half of the book sets up what is to come and gives detailed background stories on significant people aboard the Dorchester. But once on the ship, the story becomes gripping. Steven T. Collis has obviously researched a great deal to make this story as accurate as it can be, and he also suggests interesting connections and ideas about loving and accepting people who believe differently than you. I do feel like this book could have been a bit more inspirational, but I still very much enjoyed reading it and learning about the four brave chaplains and Charles. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves learning about WWII.

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

Thank you, Shadow Mountain, for the ARC!

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

Sky Breaker: A Book Review

Let me start out by saying I really enjoyed the first book, Night Spinner. I loved the idea of a gender-bent Hunchback of Notre Dame retelling in a fantasy world with magic and warring kingdoms. Unfortunately, Sky Breaker didn't live up to the first book for me. Here are a few reasons why. 

First, Enebish started to get on my nerves with how little she trusted everyone and her generally negative attitude throughout the book. Subsequently, I didn't really care about the plot that much. Second, I didn't love Ghoa in this book. I didn't love being in her head and her ending in the book (no spoilers from me). Third, the ending overall was just a bit weird. I didn't love the sudden focus and reality of religion. It's my pet peeve when authors mix omnipotent gods with humans in the plot. 

Anyways, this book just didn't do it for me, but I do like Addie Thorley's writing. I'll be sure to visit her future books, and I'm interested to see what she does next. 

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

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! 

Isabelle and Alexander: A Book Review

Isabelle and Alexander is a bit of an unconventional romance, but I absolutely loved it. I think it's best described as a Victorian version of Me Before You, with elements from North and South. So if you love these two books/movies, be sure to give this one a try! 

I adored the main character, Isabelle. She is the perfect mix of patience and kindness, yet she stands up for what she believes. I loved watching her navigate her relationship with Alexander.

I think my favorite part of this book is that it starts with Isabelle and Alexander already married. So often in period romances, the book ends with marriage. So it was very interesting and entertaining to read a romance starting with marriage. This book is definitely a slow burn romance, and I thought the plot was interesting and captivating. The only think I didn't like in this book was Alexander's character growth. He did have growth, but it didn't have a clear path to me. Because of this, the ending felt a little rushed and too convenient for me to really believe. But Isabelle and Alexander have such a sweet story, and I really enjoyed it all the way through. 

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

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! 

Mercurial: A Book Review

Mercurial had me hooked from the beginning with its Avatar-esque cover and magic system, interesting plot with oaths and revenge, and the enemies to lovers trope. I was hooked most of the way through, and I truly enjoy Naomi Hughes's writing. However, this book didn't live up to my expectations. First, there wasn't enough room in this book to do the world/politics/magic justice. Second, the enemies to lovers trope rapidly turned into instalove. Third, everything at the end resolved rather quickly and easily. Fourth, I was missing some key character development from the main characters. This book was 412 pages, yet I felt like I needed soooo much more from almost every aspect of the book: characters (main and side), plot, romance, magic, and world building. Because of this, I'd be very interested in seeing more books written in this world. I really did enjoy reading this for the most part. 

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

Thank you, NetGalley and Naomi Hughes, for the review copy!

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

A Captain for Caroline Gray: A Book Review

I liked this book! I especially liked Caroline and her love of learning and knowledge even if it made her unpopular among society. I also loved the enemies-to-lovers romance between Caroline and Captain Scott. It felt pretty believable to me. 

Throughout this book, I felt sure that this book would get five stars from me. I loved the ship setting, the romance, India, and Caroline's character. But then the ending happened. A lot of stuff didn't make sense, the pacing felt off, and it wrapped up way too quickly and easily. It was not satisfying, and it was definitely disappointing. But all in all, I still mostly enjoyed the book and think it deserves four stars.

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

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! 

Real: A Book Review

This book is so powerful and important that I feel insignificant writing a review for it. Real touched my heart in many ways. I loved learning about Charity, who has nonverbal autism, and her journey to find a voice and help others like her. Her story is utterly inspiring and brought me to tears many times through this book. I couldn't help but love all the kind, patient, and believing adults who helped her throughout. This book reminded me of all the sadness and horrible things these kids go through in this harsh world, but it also reminded me that there are kindhearted heroes who can help them, and that each of these kids has a voice and a place in our world. And I loved that it was based on a true story. I think everyone would benefit from reading this book. 

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

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! 

Georgana's Secret: A Book Review

This regency romance is incredibly cute, and it has a different twist to it with Georgana disguised as a boy on her father's ship. I enjoyed the ship and sea setting, the romance, and especially Georgana's character growth. She has a difficult and traumatizing past, and I liked seeing how that plays a role in her growth. There's plenty of tension, action, and secrets that kept me turning pages too. I'd highly recommend it for those who love regency romances! 

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

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! 

Instant Cooking with Six Sisters' Stuff: A Book Review

I don't often use cookbooks. Probably because I don't often cook. But this cookbook made me actually excited to start cooking and using my Instant Pot more! I found this cookbook really beautiful—there are clear, gorgeous images for every single recipe, and the layout of the pages makes it easy to read and understand the recipe. I also love how many different recipes there are: basic foods, main dishes, side dishes, snacks, drinks, and desserts. I think this is the only Instant Pot cookbook I'll ever need. I will say that this cookbook requires you to already be familiar with an Instant Pot and have access to some additional accessories. But overall, this book is perfect for whoever wants to use their Instant Pot to make delicious recipes. 

Overall: 5

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 Wide Starlight: A Book Review

The cover and the whimsical description of the Northern Lights and finding a lost mother immediately drew me to this book, The Wide Starlight. And sure enough, the beautiful descriptions of Norway match the beautiful cover. However, I didn't feel as connected to the story. It boils down to me not loving magical realism. I just can't seem to wrap my brain around it, which regrettably seems to be the point of magical realism. Anyways. I couldn't connect with Eli because I questioned some of her choices and thought processes, and the fairy tale stuff didn't seem to fit in with the world and aesthetic of the book sometimes. I enjoyed the flashback portions because those seemed solidly in place with the story. But everything else just didn't fit. Still engaging though, with beautiful scenery and some interesting characters.

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

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

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

Find Me in Havana: A Book Review

I loved Serena Burdick's novel last year, The Girls with No Names, so I was excited to pick up Find Me in Havana. Unfortunately, I just didn't love it. My biggest critique is the second person, switching points of view format. It did serve the story by giving us an adult perspective and a child perspective, especially when adult content was happening. But it was rather confusing at times, and I didn't feel as connect to the characters as I otherwise would have. I also didn't like the pacing of the book. We get snippets of the future while the story is told in the past, but then when we get caught up to the future, everything is rushed. It deflated the ending a little, and it failed at inspiring me. So while this book is dramatic and has some good history in it, it just didn't work for me. 

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

Trigger Warnings: suicide, drug overdose, sexual abuse, rape, domestic abuse, kidnapping 

Thank you, NetGalley and Park Row Books, for the review copy!

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