A Sea of Unspoken Things: A Book Review

Okay, I read that in almost one sitting! I was so drawn in with the murder mystery, the mysterious and claustrophobic forest town, and all the secrets the characters kept. Adrienne Young’s writing never fails to captivate me, even when the plot is a bit slower. She really focuses on the atmosphere and the tension of secrets in this book, so don’t expect a lot of action or dialogue or focus on the romance. But nevertheless, it took me on a JOURNEY, and I couldn’t look away. Another win from Adrienne Young!

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

Thank you, Ballantine, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: fade to black, swearing, murder

The Fury of the Gods: A Book Review

The Viking vibes are perfection in this book. I felt very immersed in the world with the language and accuracy. And it felt good to spend time with the characters again! They have gone through so much in this series, so it was satisfying to see their endings and how they all work together.

However, the plot felt too slow. There wasn't enough tension overall in the first half, and I think it's because we have to wait for all the POVs to get in position for the final battle. I wanted more action leading up to that point. And I did get overwhelmed by the big paragraphs of fighting descriptions. I couldn't easily follow along with the action.

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

Thank you, Orbit, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: fighting violence and death, gore, torture, fade to black

Fledgling: A Book Review

The futuristic dystopian world was so interesting. I felt immersed in the world once I understood all the politics and futuristic technology.

I also loved all the POVs. There wasn't a single POV that I had to trudge through. Each character had so much going on for them, and I LOVE when there's a villain POV.

The plot was engaging and tense! Once I picked it up, I had a hard time putting it down. The story sets up for an interesting sequel.

However, I did have some dislikes. The writing had some distracting quirks in its style as well as grammar, and one sentence near the end ruined my whole mood with the story. I'm still angry about what happened in that sentence, and don't understand why it had to happen. What was the point?

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

Thank you, Penguin Teen, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: one fade to black, violence and murder, torture

Knitovation Stitch Dictionary: A Book Review

I’ve been seeing this book used by fellow knitters and designers, so I thought I’d feature it as well! What a versatile and inspiring book to add to your knitting book collection. There are so many motifs in here, and the pages are beautiful and well laid out. I can’t wait to use some of these for some colorwork socks!

There’s also a section for patterns as well as colorwork knitting tips and which yarns/colors work best. This really is such a useful knitting book, one that I’ll be reaching for over and over for years.

Overall: 5 stars

Thank you, Interweave, for the review copy!

Heir: A Book Review

What a joy to be back in this world from Sabaa Tahir! The magic, politics, and cultures in this world are so expansive and interesting, so I'm pleased she is exploring more of this world with new and old characters.

It really warmed my heart to see characters from An Ember in the Ashes series again. There was a good balance in how much we see them and how they influence events, but they also took a backseat so the new generation could take the spotlight. All the new POVs were interesting, and I love seeing them meet up through the story.

The plot is tense, there's some great character growth, and of course there's a cliffhanger at the end. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it whenever I picked it up. However, I never felt fully sucked into it. I often forgot about the story when I put it down and never felt the urgency to see what happens next. (I'm not sure if this is the fault of my weird reading mood or the book.) But I'm still looking forward to the sequel!

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

Thank you, Penguin Teen, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: one vague open door, graphic violence and murder (including children), abuse, torture, sexual assault (vague on-page), genocide

Once Upon a Boy Band: A Book Review

Nobody writes celebrity romances like Jenny Proctor. She really spends the time to understand what a celebrity's perspective could look like, and how hard living with fame can be. It adds so much tension and originality to a romance. Celebrity romances are quickly becoming my favorite because of Jenny Proctor!

Laney and Adam are wonderful characters to spend time with. Their relationship grows organically, and I love their communication and support of each other. Every scene with the two of them is really sweet, and I love seeing them grow together through overcoming their own issues and relationship issues too. 

My one critique is I wanted more justice for a "bad guy" in the end. It seemed like everything was solved really quickly and easily, and I wanted more push and pull to have closure and be satisfied with the ending. But otherwise, this book was really cute and another win for Jenny Proctor!

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

Thank you, Jenny Proctor, for the arc!

Trigger/Content Warnings: past parent death from cancer, kisses

So True a Love: A Book Review

Right away, I was entertained and captivated by the suspense with the robbery! I love that Verity is fearless and determined to solve it. And I love Verity and Nathaniel's banter and friendship as they work both in competition and together to solve the mystery. Their relationship unfolds naturally and beautifully, and I loved the quiet moments they shared together.

Overall, the plot is quick and engaging, and there's some great character growth in the main characters overcoming their pasts to deal with the present. It's a perfect, quick regency read that feels unique and is memorable. 

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

Thank you, Shadow Mountain, for the arc!
Releases September 3, 2024

Trigger/Content Warnings: mild violence, kidnapping, kisses