From the character work to the colour scheme to the humour to the message, everything about this book was a delight. I can’t wait to see what happens From the character work to the colour scheme to the humour to the message, everything about this book was a delight. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this bizarre and adorable story. ...more
This is the kind of book I'd call a 'quiet fantasy'. It's not all battles and quests and world-shattering romances. It's gentle and small scaled but nThis is the kind of book I'd call a 'quiet fantasy'. It's not all battles and quests and world-shattering romances. It's gentle and small scaled but nonetheless impactful.
It's a wonderfully vibrant and emotional story of self worth and inequality and the huge difference 'small' people can make in the world. With a whimsical, almost folktale-esque narration, rich world building, unique magic and a warm and lovable MC, this was a treat of a read and reminded me just how fantastic a writer Ifueko is....more
A beautifully and cleverly written intergenerational coming-of-age story exploring culture, family, trauma and the importance of understanding your hiA beautifully and cleverly written intergenerational coming-of-age story exploring culture, family, trauma and the importance of understanding your history. This was a tender, emotional and impactful book and one I’m sure to remember this for a long time to come. ...more
A brilliant ending to a brilliant trilogy. I didn't know how I was going to feel switching from Signa's to Blythe's POV for the final book but I lovedA brilliant ending to a brilliant trilogy. I didn't know how I was going to feel switching from Signa's to Blythe's POV for the final book but I loved it. Blythe was such a strong, sarcastic and endearing voice to follow and I loved her back and forth quips and slow building relationship with Aris.
The ending felt a little rushed and in all honestly, I would have happily read a fourth book to have it developed a little more (maybe a duology for Sigma and one for Blythe?) but other than that, I had a great time with this.
This definitely left room for a spin off or additions to this world and story and if that happens, I'm sure I'll be picking it up because Adalyn's writing is a joy to read....more
3.5* A super cute and fluffy YA friends-to-enemies-to-lovers road trip romance. Kristina’s writing is so enjoyable and this was the epitome of ‘short 3.5* A super cute and fluffy YA friends-to-enemies-to-lovers road trip romance. Kristina’s writing is so enjoyable and this was the epitome of ‘short and sweet’. I flew through this lovely story in a single sitting and whilst I’d have maybe liked the ending to have been a little more fleshed out, this was a lovely read to spend a monday afternoon with....more
A tender, dark and layered story exploring the lengths you'll go to for the ones you love. With all the drama, romance and horrors of classic mythologA tender, dark and layered story exploring the lengths you'll go to for the ones you love. With all the drama, romance and horrors of classic mythology, 'Gentlest of Wild Things' couldn't have been a more perfect title for this book....more
Absolute perfection. This was everything I could have wanted from this sequel. The Gabi writes makes it impossible not to become wholly enveloped in hAbsolute perfection. This was everything I could have wanted from this sequel. The Gabi writes makes it impossible not to become wholly enveloped in her stories. I can’t remember the last time I read for such a long stretch of time. Once I was pulled into this world, there was nothing that could pull me out of it.
Despite this being a phenomenal ending to the duology, I could have happily read countless more books in this world and about these characters and their story. They’re fantastically developed, endearing and I simply can’t get enough. This is one of the best fantasy duologies I’ve read and I have a feeling it’s one I’ll be returning to. I cannot wait to read whatever Gabi writes next....more
Six Crimson Cranes is one of my favourite fantasies, so realising this was a spin off/prequel until around the 70% mark was the best surprise. A vibraSix Crimson Cranes is one of my favourite fantasies, so realising this was a spin off/prequel until around the 70% mark was the best surprise. A vibrant story of sisterhood and the power young women hold, this was a superb standalone fantasy. Elizabeth Lim’s writing is so wonderfully readable and I ended up happily flying through this. It’s dark and action packed but in no way lacking emotion or heart. A well rounded and truly bittersweet story, this provided a thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying reading experience....more
If there's anyone I know I can trust to take a classic fairytale and spin it on its head in the best possible way, it's Kalynn Bayron. This was, unsurIf there's anyone I know I can trust to take a classic fairytale and spin it on its head in the best possible way, it's Kalynn Bayron. This was, unsurprisingly, fantastic.
Putting a dark and emotional twist on two tales and merging them into something wholly unique, Sleep Like Death is a captivating, unnerving and deadly story of desire, determination and defiance.
Whilst the romance itself left a little to be desired and the side characters/relationships could have been a tad more developed, the non-stop action and high stakes were so entertaining and compelling that I didn't find myself missing it until reflection upon finishing.
Overall, this was a fast paced and atmospheric read and one I'd happily recommend....more
I’m a sucker for a good Iliad/Trojan War retelling and after adoring Girl, Goddess, Queen, I had high hopes for this one and it did not disappoint. I I’m a sucker for a good Iliad/Trojan War retelling and after adoring Girl, Goddess, Queen, I had high hopes for this one and it did not disappoint. I thought Bea did such a fantastic job at making this story her own, whilst keeping close to the myth’s origins. This is a retelling that feels just as epic as its source material, whilst viewing it through the eyes of the women at its centre.
I absolutely loved the exploration and discussion of Cassandra’s asexuality throughout the book. It was incredibly moving and made for a really tender and empowering romance. The writing style was a perfect balance of contemporary and easy to read, whilst not being jarring in its modernness in a way that removed me as a reader from the ancient setting.
This was a truly epic and beautifully told tale and I think I’m a little in awe of Bea’s ability to tell it....more
3.75* While I didn’t love this as much as the original trilogy, it was still a lot of fun.
I particularly enjoyed Grayson’s storyline but I missed seei3.75* While I didn’t love this as much as the original trilogy, it was still a lot of fun.
I particularly enjoyed Grayson’s storyline but I missed seeing the core group together and interacting with one another, especially Nash and Xander who were barely present.
That being said, it was a good time and that’s all I ask for from these books and I know I’ll happily keep reading this series!...more
A brilliantly written, thoughtful and rage inducing read that’s made all the more powerful by the authors note.
Seema Yasmin has done a beautiful job aA brilliantly written, thoughtful and rage inducing read that’s made all the more powerful by the authors note.
Seema Yasmin has done a beautiful job at leaving her readers with both a wealth of information and knowledge about the attack on reproductive rights in the US, as well as hope in the strength and power of humanity to fight back and protect one another.
This was a terrifying read and one I wish could have been labeled as a dystopian. It’s terrifying but important and one I’d highly recommend. ...more
Veronica Mars references are always going to have me warming to a book, so it’s unsurprising that Barnett, and her all Veronica Mars fangirling, totalVeronica Mars references are always going to have me warming to a book, so it’s unsurprising that Barnett, and her all Veronica Mars fangirling, totally stole my heart.
Rachel Lynn Solomon is one of my all time favourites authors and See You Yesterday has only further cemented that. SYY is heartfelt, funny, messy and, as with most of Rachel’s books, features some beautifully honest discussions surrounding mental health, sex and body image. With its superbly executed time loop twist, gorgeously complex and lovable characters and adorable romance, this, for me, was the perfect rom-com read....more
Have you seen this girl is the epitome of a small book that packs a big punch. I flew through this and not just because it was short but because it waHave you seen this girl is the epitome of a small book that packs a big punch. I flew through this and not just because it was short but because it was impossible to put down.
Gut wrenching, tense and utterly riveting, this was a superbly written thriller made all the more impressive for how much it achieved in so few pages....more
A sweet and fun pirate fantasy read with major The Little Mermaid vibes. This admittedly wasn’t my favourite of F.T. Lukens’s work but as with all of A sweet and fun pirate fantasy read with major The Little Mermaid vibes. This admittedly wasn’t my favourite of F.T. Lukens’s work but as with all of their stories, it was cosy and magical and a good time. ...more
It’s been ten minutes since I finished this and I already miss the series. This was more predictable than the rest of the books but nonetheless grippiIt’s been ten minutes since I finished this and I already miss the series. This was more predictable than the rest of the books but nonetheless gripping and stressful.
This whole series was a wild, wild ride and one I’m already sad is finished.
This series is so much fun because it’s all beyond far fetched in a way tThis whole series was a wild, wild ride and one I’m already sad is finished.
This series is so much fun because it’s all beyond far fetched in a way that forces you to just go with it and throw away all logic, resulting in a story that’s unbelievably addictive and just a great time. ...more
I enjoyed this one but sadly didn't love it as much as I'd hoped/expected based on reviews.
Despite the ending being pretty intense (although I very mI enjoyed this one but sadly didn't love it as much as I'd hoped/expected based on reviews.
Despite the ending being pretty intense (although I very much saw it coming), the first 80% or so didn't do a huge amount for me. It was a little dull and all over the place.
Whilst this was a fun read I one can definitely see the appeal of (and probably would have enjoyed a lot more had I read it as a teen), I'm not sure it's a series I'll be continuing....more