You know how the story goes: a young woman in a horrible situation wakes up one day to find herself in a new world—complete with a new face! USummary:
You know how the story goes: a young woman in a horrible situation wakes up one day to find herself in a new world—complete with a new face! Usually, this second chance at life is a dream come true.
Not for Penelope. She's the unwanted Daughter of a Duke, and having just finished playing this game (The Duke's Super Love Project), she knows just how lethal her future can get. Somehow, she'll have to find a way to escape this horrible situation. At least she has some insight on what events to avoid.
Review:
Ahhhh! Where has this series been all of my life? But seriously, I’m loving Villains Are Destined to Die. It’s a darker isekai, but I think it works well. I’m always on the edge of my seat, uncertain about what the world will throw at Penelope next.
Villains Are Destined to Die Vol. 4 throws us back into the mix - and the uncertainty. Every time Penelope progresses with one character’s percentage, something has to happen to put her back in danger.
It’s that recipe that I think works really well. This volume is all centered around the hunting expedition, which means we’re getting two things in large quantities: politics and danger. In short, I freaking loved it.
I loved it so much that the wait for the next volume will physically hurt. Unfortunately, there’s a bit of a waitlist at my library (nice to see the appreciation for it, at least), so wait, I must.
Highlights: Manwha Dark Isekai Dating Sim Game Foundation Originally a webcomic (Tapas)
Don’t let their cute faces and cuddly tummies fool you - cats are evil. They are set to rule the world, and all their cuteness is designed toSummary:
Don’t let their cute faces and cuddly tummies fool you - cats are evil. They are set to rule the world, and all their cuteness is designed to be a tactical advantage. Just as the Feline Commander, who leads the Evil Secret Society of Cats. Granted, if you’re not a cat, he likely won’t answer you.
Review:
It’ll come as no surprise to hear that The Evil Secret Society of Cats Vol. 1 is both cute and funny, in equal measure. This volume/series is perfect (purrfect?) for all cat and manga lovers for obvious reasons. (It also reminds me that I need to check out that Gat+Gamer series).
This series is perfect if you’re looking for something light and funny. It doesn’t get that deep, so please don’t go into it expecting complicated plots or lots of character development. On that note, it does get a tiny bit repetitive at times - much like you’d expect from a serial webcomic series. So keep that in mind.
Overall, I’d say that this series is great for chuckles and smiles. The Evil Secret Society of Cats Vol. 1 is worth the read!
Highlights: Cats! More Cats Evil Cats Incognito Dogs?
Jinwoo Sung has a reputation among the other hunters and dungeon adventurers – he's known as the Weakest Hunter of All Mankind. However, one Summary:
Jinwoo Sung has a reputation among the other hunters and dungeon adventurers – he's known as the Weakest Hunter of All Mankind. However, one job changed everything. It should have been a regular dungeon, but it quickly became life-or-death. Somehow Jinwoo survived – but he's forever changed. Now, he's working hard to level up and change the game.
The stakes have never been higher. Jeju Island is invested with giant ants, and if the hunters don't stop them, they will quickly overwhelm Korea (if not the world). Jinwoo is still undecided on whether he should sit this one out or not, though, given that he's finally gotten his family back together.
Review:
I have to give it to the creator; Solo Leveling always finds ways to surprise me (even though I always feel like I have a solid grasp of the story). Solo Leveling Vol. 8 brings us back into the fold, but the world seems to be changing and changing fast.
In truth, that part makes sense. Jinwoo’s power levels would change the scales and stakes one way or the other. Either he makes it so the dungeons aren’t a threat, or something else changes. At least, that’s how I feel about it.
The jokes around Jinwoo starting his own guild were a pleasant surprise - a bit of lightness reminiscent of the time before Jinwoo became jaded. I’m curious to see where all that goes - though I don’t love the other Hunter plot related to this. (The instant love/obsession one).
There is an incredibly tense moment in Solo Leveling Vol. 8, and readers will be on the edge of their seats. It had me worried, and it’s been a hot minute since I’ve been worried about anything related to this world (it always seems like Jinwoo will have a handle on it). Great reminder of his humanity.
Highlights: Manwha Originally on Tapas Dungeon Adventures Video Game Mechanics
Eileen Merriweather adores love stories. More specifically - she loves the story side of things. Stories (books) are safe. They can’t huBook Summary:
Eileen Merriweather adores love stories. More specifically - she loves the story side of things. Stories (books) are safe. They can’t hurt her, not really - not like real life. So after suffering a great hurt, that’s where she flees.
Well, the books are one place she flees. The other was supposed to be a nice cabin in the middle of nowhere, but her car sort of broke down on the way there. Now, she’s trapped in a little town that feels all too perfect…and familiar.
My Review:
So, I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t read enough cozy romances. My bad. But the premise of A Novel Love Story (particularly the book-about-a-book element) really caught my attention, so I decided to dive right in, much like Eileen.
A Novel Love Story is a cute and sweet book. You can pretty much get a feel for the whole of the story within the first three or so chapters, minus a few details here and there. But that’s not a bad thing! There’s something so comforting when a book goes the way you want it to, you know?
This book gave me real Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls) vibes, and I mean that in the best of ways. It’s totally because of the quaint town and love of books, but I don’t mind. I also loved the overall positive tone of this book.
Highlights: A Book About a Book Magical Realism Contemporary Romance
Mitty has turned a small little town into her refuge. It isn’t a glamorous life, but she can hide from her past here. Sure, she felt abaBook Summary:
Mitty has turned a small little town into her refuge. It isn’t a glamorous life, but she can hide from her past here. Sure, she felt abandoned for a while, but she’s since made peace with her lot in life. That is until a new neighbor comes to town.
Lena is seemingly the perfect woman with the perfect life. But something has always felt off to her. It isn’t until the new move that she realizes what it is - it feels like she’s been missing something. And that something will slowly drown her.
My Review:
Okay, Whoever You Are, Honey is 100% not what I expected. Overall, I’d say it’s a solid read that will make you question everything. It’s Olivia Gatwood’s debut novel; you can see the potential here.
This book felt like Stepford Wives (mentioned in the comps) and a self-discovery novel mixed into one. I enjoyed the elements introduced into the mix here, even if I didn’t always enjoy the outcome.
The biggest letdown of this book was probably the ending. It felt like a lot of leading up for…not much? One perspective had almost a non-ending sort of ending if that makes sense. I suppose they both did, in a way.
Whoever You Are, Honey is the book for you if you enjoy feminist plots, slow-trickle tales, or stories of friendship.
Highlights: Science Fiction Meets Thriller LGBTQ+ Romantic Elements Finding Yourself
Trigger Warnings: Self Harm Toxic Relationship Blood/Injury Animal Death
Nina’s life has been turned upside down. One moment, she was the daughter of a brilliant professor. The next, she 3 1/2 stars rounded up
Book Summary:
Nina’s life has been turned upside down. One moment, she was the daughter of a brilliant professor. The next, she became a grieving woman, uncertain of her place in the world following her father’s death. To add to this complex miasma of emotions, she discovers her father left her a home she had never heard of.
Meanwhile, Maria has big ambitions in life. She’s okay with working really hard for the next few years if it means saving up enough for medical school. But her latest cleaning gig may be about to throw all those plans into disarray.
My Review:
Whew! If you’re looking for a book full of escape-room escapades with high stakes, Look in the Mirror is the book for you. This book pulls readers in with the promise of a family secret but quickly changes the stakes, leaving you on the edge of your seat.
There were some great elements in Look in the Mirror. It’s creepy and disturbing, and the stakes feel very real. There’s never any doubt that Maria and Nina are in grave danger, and I found it interesting how their circumstances are so different yet intersect pretty perfectly.
That said, I didn’t love every element of this book. There were times when the perspective-flipping felt repetitive or jarring. Likewise, I wasn’t a huge fan of the love at first sight bit (though I can see why it became an important part of the story).
All things said and done, I’m thrilled (see what I did there) to give Look in the Mirror a chance. I’ll happily read anything else written by Catherine Steadman.
The king of Yusan is not a good person. Most people are too afraid to admit that for fear of losing their heads. Y3 1/2 stars rounded up
Book Summary:
The king of Yusan is not a good person. Most people are too afraid to admit that for fear of losing their heads. Yet, just as many people have reason to want the king dead. Enter an unlikely crew of misfits.
Together, these five potential killers will share a mission - to do something impossible and kill a god. All they have to do is find a way to trust one another, cross the country, and risk everything at the feet of the king.
My Review:
Having just finished Five Broken Blades, I can see why there’s some discourse about it. People seem to either love it (or at least like it) or hate it. It’s an interesting read in a compelling world, so personally, I’m happy I took a chance on it.
That said, I’ll be the first to admit that the motives for each character were a bit flat, for the most part. Likewise, the romance per pairing (three sets of romances in total) wasn’t necessary, especially as there wasn’t time to develop all of them. Walking into a story where we’re supposed to believe these people are madly in love (but don’t act that way) is a challenge.
Moving on, I did like the story. I loved how it unfolded through multiple perspectives, even if that sometimes resulted in a bit of repetition. As for the twists, I knew that something was up (obviously), but even knowing that, I didn’t guess the big twist at the end. Truthfully, I felt a bit dumb for not seeing it coming. So take what you want from that sentiment.
All in all, I enjoyed Five Broken Blades. I certainly enjoyed it enough to want to see where the story goes from here.
Highlights: Romantic Fantasy Multiple POVs Found Family Hidden Missions
Trigger Warnings: Attempted Assault Slavery Animal Death
Patch has always been a little different, especially in the small town he called home. He was born with one eye to a family without muchBook Summary:
Patch has always been a little different, especially in the small town he called home. He was born with one eye to a family without much money. In a town like his, that’s enough to make him different. But his mom raised him to embrace the pirate theme, and so he did.
Perhaps that’s why he didn’t hesitate - why he jumped in to save that girl when nobody else was around to do so. Unfortunately, stepping in may have saved her, but it changed the lives of Patch and everyone around him.
My Review:
Holy smokes. All the Colors of the Dark is an AMAZING read, if I may say so. This probably gets my award for favorite thriller of the year (and it’s only September!). This is the first novel I’ve read by Chris Whitaker, but you better believe I will read through his entire catalog now.
To put it simply, I loved All the Colors of the Dark. It’s rich, complex, beautifully written, and so emotional. I was tied to this story from when Patch made that fateful decision, and I’m not sure it will ever let me go.
Part of what I loved about All the Colors of the Dark is the different perspectives. We have Patch, the rogue pirate/cowboy character who grabs onto the past and lets it guide his movements (and morals) going forward.
Then we have Saint, his best friend. She is also forever changed by what happened, and she, too, chases answers. But not alongside Patch. They chose very different paths for their answers, and I cherished the perspectives this gave us.
If you’re looking for a longer, character-driven thriller, I strongly suggest checking out All the Colors of the Dark. This book will get under your skin.
Highlights: Mystery/Thriller Historical Fiction Multiple Perspectives Complicated Situation Dedication to the End
Trigger Warnings: Abductions (children) Stalking/Abuse Cancer
Ethan Marsh’s life was changed one night in July. He went to sleep in a tent next to his best friend, only to wake3 1/2 stars rounded up
Book Summary:
Ethan Marsh’s life was changed one night in July. He went to sleep in a tent next to his best friend, only to wake up to a nightmare. Thirty years later, Ethan never really got over that trauma. He still wakes up at night hearing the same sounds.
He also feels haunted. Haunted by his past. By Billy - alive or dead, he’s not certain. Admittedly, moving back into his childhood home probably wasn’t the best move for his mental health, but it felt like the right option at the time. Maybe now he can finally get some answers.
My Review:
It's time to try another Riley Sager novel! I'm in the minority here, but I feel like Sagar's books can be a bit hit or miss for me. So I promised myself that Middle of the Night would be the last of his I read (for a bit, at least) if I didn't enjoy it.
The good news is that I liked it decently! It's one of my favorites by him. I loved how Middle of the Night played with the past, present, preconceptions, and the persistence of memory. That was all really well done.
A huge chunk of Middle of the Night focuses on building up the mystery and atmosphere of the world. You'll get to know the circumstances of Billy's disappearance very well. You'll also learn a bit about the town and the time. It's the final hundred pages of this book that really kick off. So, if you keep waiting for the twist - keep reading. It's there.
I didn't love the final twist(s) in Middle of the Night, so I'm not rating this book higher. Although well-written and compelling, the ending didn't meet my expectations.
Highlights: Thriller/Horror Missing Person Haunted Past History Repeats
Stella Hudson is a specialized attorney. It’s her job to step in and help ensure that the court of law makes the best decision for childBook Summary:
Stella Hudson is a specialized attorney. It’s her job to step in and help ensure that the court of law makes the best decision for children, typically in instances where it is anything but clear. As a rule, Stella doesn’t work with children under a certain age (for her own mental health).
However, she’s made an exception, bringing her to Rose Barclay’s house. Her nanny recently died (possibly of murder), and her parents are divorcing. Both parents want full custody, and little Rose has refused to speak a word, making it impossible to ask what she wants.
My Review:
I knew right away that Sarah Pekkanen would deliver another amazing thriller, and I wasn’t wrong. House of Glass is twisted and compelling in the best ways, and I absolutely devoured this book (one sitting).
I loved this book because it was quite challenging to uncover what was truly going on. Was it a stereotypical case of the husband committing the crime, or was it the upset wife? And then there’s a worse, third option - the little girl.
Each chapter had me leaning in another direction right up until nearly the end. All the twists and additional complications did a great job of keeping me guessing (while still making it possible to see the truth; I love it).
House of Glass is worth the read, especially if you enjoy twisty psychological thrillers and vast amounts of uncertainty.
Highlights: Thriller/Mystery Multiple POVs Psychological Thriller Quest for the Truth Child Advocate
Cleo and Kat are very different people despite being mother and daughter. One is a talented student at NYU; if we’3 1/2 stars rounded up
Book Summary:
Cleo and Kat are very different people despite being mother and daughter. One is a talented student at NYU; if we’re being honest, she’s also a daddy’s girl. The other keeps her work a secret because she doesn’t really want the world to know she’s a company “fixer.” If we’re being more honest - that’s not the only secret she has.
Those secrets catch up, resulting in Kat going missing. Now, it’s all Cleo can do to delve into her mother’s disappearance and find some answers. Worse, she can’t quite rely on those around her, as it seems like everyone has something at stake.
My Review:
Ohhhh. I love a twisted thriller with multiple perspectives! In Like Mother, Like Daughter, we have two, and I couldn’t get enough of them. I was so determined to find out their whole story—well, stories.
That said, for much of the book, I found myself preferring one character over the other. This had a lot to do with what the daughter did and didn’t know (plus a fair amount of gaslighting from other parties). Actually, I’m not sure that I really liked any of the characters in this book. However, I did really enjoy the twists that kept appearing out of seemingly nowhere. Two in particular were well done, and they made the book all the stronger for it.
Highlights: Mystery/Thriller Multiple POVs Suspense Secrets upon Secrets
Darcy, Camilla, and Kate are best friends. So it’s only natural that they travel together - especially as they try3 1/2 stars rounded up
Book Summary:
Darcy, Camilla, and Kate are best friends. So it’s only natural that they travel together - especially as they try and cheer one of their own up following her divorce. Unfortunately, they’re all traveling with a bit of baggage.
Darcy is trying to understand what it’s like to be single and free again, Camilla is trying to maintain her perfect influencer image, and Kate is struggling to bring her beloved book to life—finally. If only they knew what was going to happen next.
My Review:
If you’re looking for a tense thriller with multiple perspectives (and plenty of secrets), please take the time to check out Bad Tourists. Best of all, this book has a layered history that starts 22 years before the vacation.
This is a solid read. I loved the different perspectives (four, plus a historical side of things), especially as they bring about a few surprises. Likewise, I enjoyed most of the tropes and themes that Bad Tourists played with.
Some of the twists were a bit predictable, which diminished my overall enjoyment of Bad Tourists. But that’s okay—I still enjoyed the time I spent reading it!
Highlights: Mystery/Thriller Divorce Vacation Multiple Perspectives Layers of Lies
Yu has somehow become stranded in the world of Twisted Wonderland - and as one might imagine, getting home is no simple feat! Not when a magiSummary:
Yu has somehow become stranded in the world of Twisted Wonderland - and as one might imagine, getting home is no simple feat! Not when a magical school, ghosts, monsters, and more are getting in the way.
As a student-age child, it seemed logical for Yu to spend his days at the academy, at least until he figured out a way home. But that doesn’t mean he’s doing a great job of staying out of trouble.
Review:
Okay, so before I get into this review, let me start by saying I didn’t play the video game Disney Twisted Wonderland. So I went into Disney Twisted-Wonderland, Vol. 1, very blind about everything that was about to happen.
But still, I enjoy Alice in Wonderland retellings and adore Disney stories, so I figured this would be a good read. Overall, I found the story intriguing, the artwork endearing, and the characters unique.
This book (and presumably video game?) had a lot of fun flipping the common Disney message (be good princes and princesses) and wreaking playful havoc with it. There isn’t a lot of depth, but there doesn’t really need to be.
I have a feeling that fans of the games would probably appreciate this adaptation more, so please don’t let anything I’ve said discourage you from trying it!
Highlights: Fantasy Retelling Alice in Wonderland Adventure and Drama Adapted from a video game
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