Tag: book blogger

The Will of the Many by James Islington 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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I think this is going to be one of the best fantasy books that come out this year.

Vis is an orphan with a past that he keeps secret. Once a prince of Suus, the Hierarchy has taken control of the world, including slaughtering millions. When Vis is noticed by a Quintis, he is adopted and set on the path of greatness… at least according to Catenan standards. Inwardly Vis revolts at every turn, but outwardly he plays the political game he is now a part of. On one hand, searching for clues to a murder and, on the other hand, attending Catenan Academy to rise among its ranks .

This story instantly grabbed me. Vis is a relatable and likable character, and I felt like I was fighting along beside him through this whole story. James Islington is a masterful storyteller, and I can not recommend this more!

Out May 23, 2023!
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Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

Ever Since by Alena Bruzas 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Incredible. This story realistically relates trauma from sexual abuse as a child, sexual assault, the difficulties these things bring to a teenage girl’s life and her view of herself. I really felt this. As a survivor, I related so much with this main character. The division her trauma caused between her and her friends through drug and alcohol use is just one of the multitude of examples a teenager and also, adults, deal with the corruption of their youth.

This is a hard topic to read about, and I want to warn any to be readers that this hits hard and goes into some detail. However, what an important book! I’ve read several stories this year by authors who have survived this trauma, and I am continuously in awe.

The gorgeous and heart-wrenching descriptions of certain mythology characters, particularly Medea, that were sprinkled throughout this story is another example of finding a voice to speak through this trauma. And, it was really, like I’ve already said, hard hitting… as it should be.

There are no happy stories of childhood abuse and trauma… but there is hope.

Out May 23, 2023!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

The Guest by Emma Cline 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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I loved Emma Cline’s book The Girls for many of the same reasons I wound up loving in this one. This author tells the most interesting stories featuring women whose lifestyles are not something ordinarily thought of… or even known about. I love the honesty behind this character. The third person narration also gave me a lot of room to wonder at what was really going on in the main character’s head.

Alex is kind of a moocher. I would say a professional moocher, but I didn’t get much of a professional vibe from Alex. She spends her days going to the beach in Long Island after stealing a pill or two from the older man she’s staying with right now. It’s a great set-up for someone like Alex. Simon buys her beautiful clothes, jewelry, handbags…. but of course, there is always a price.

When Alex gets booted for a mishap with Simon’s car and a small adventure at a party, I felt like I was watching her careen downhill. She does everything in her power, manipulating, stealing, to get back to a safe spot. But her ventures wind up being as ambiguous as she is.

Out May 16, 2023!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

I’m Not Supposed to be In the Dark by Riss. M. Neilson 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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This story immediately pulled me in. I loved the main character, Aria, and I found that this whole story was just so well written and composed that I couldn’t help but enjoy this.

Aria has a secret power. She’s not really sure. In the very beginning of the book, she stops drinking the tea her mother and grandfather always push on her, and she begins to see into a gray world, some spirits. But, I’m getting ahead of myself. Her power doesn’t fully come into play until later in the story, but it is there the whole time.

She begins noticing some oddities about her neighbors. Her ex-bestfriend, Derek, lives next door. And, he is really acting strange. It’s almost like it’s not exactly him sometimes. In her search to help Derek, Aria also finds out a lot about herself.

I love this cover!!! And, throughout this story, the author includes some beautiful descriptions of Wisteria. (I just wish I didn’t have allergies! But I love Wisteria season!)

Overall, I really enjoyed this!

Out May 9, 2023!

King of Wrath by Ana Huang

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This is a fabulous read! Can I borrow Dante Russo for an afternoon? I’ll return him in one piece. Promise!

So, besides all the spice that left even my eyeballs sweating, this was a great story with great characters. Vivian is forced into an arranged marriage with a very grumpy dude, Dante. However, she doesn’t know that her father blackmailed the billionaire Dante into this pact.

This Grumpy/Sunshine, forced proximity romance lit me up! I enjoyed the hell out of this one!

Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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An incredibly intriguing and explosive take on a dystopian future and America’s prison system.

While this book gives no definitive answer to the multitude of issues in current day prisons across America, this still left me feeling like my eyes are more open to the very real problems at hand.

This story seems to jump all over the place, featuring quite a few different characters and viewpoints, but mostly, this story follows Loretta Thurwar. Thurwar is the reigning champion of a cruel TV show that pits prisoners in fights to the death. The prize for winning, which is beyond difficult, is freedom.

This is a startling but necessary social commentary on many things besides just the prison system. And, without a doubt, this has rattled me. This is a thought-provoking and insightful look into humanity, and I am really glad I read this.

Out May 2, 2023

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

A Hunger of Thorns by Lili Wilkinson 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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This is an outstanding demonstration of a very in-depth modern tale of beautiful magic with a deeply moving plot. This story had me in all my emotions. I was cheering on the main character and crying with her all at once. Like i said, this sincerely deeply moved me in the best of ways.

Maude has never really had the perfect life, but her childhood was pretty good. She had a great friend, Odette, and years full of magic and story-telling. Creating dolls and monsters from within her own imagination and Odette’s joy. But things get lost as one grows older. Children often lose their inner magic and even the best of friends don’t always remain close. In this case, magic seemed to flee from Maude’s grasp. In the rest of the world, it became something fake. Something easily bought and used by anyone and not very respected anymore.

Even though Odette and Maude are no longer close, Maude still feels a responsibility for Odette when her friend suddenly goes missing. A lost girl. But Maude knows she can find her. And, even more so, save her. She knows she can slay the dragon herself, however necessary.

This was inspiring and beautiful. Sad and yet, hopeful. I really enjoyed this.

Out April 18, 2023!

Tell Me What Really Happened by Chelsea Sedoti 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Wow.  This is intense.  Four students are being interrogated in separate rooms. All seem suspicious.   Each chapter is a separate question, but with each students answer, often not aligned at all.  Basically,  who killed Maylee?

One night camping in the woods, this odd group often finds themselves in disagreement over everything.   Really,  it was a bit funny at times.  Each short chapter added information that created a whole picture at the end.  But, I have to admit, I was completely shocked by how everything turned out.

This book is dark, mysterious, and full of tension.  I wound up really enjoying this!

What the Hex by Jessica Clare 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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What a splendid book! Grumpy/sunshine, fake dating, enemies to lovers, and the spice! Yes, please!

Penny is a sweet, wonderful character that I instantly fell in love with. Especially because she has a pet squirrel that she loves. Willem is a surly warlock in need of a familiar to help him with casting even though he is not supposed to.

I didn’t read the first book, so there were parts of this that made me feel a little lost, but that’s a me problem. I really loved this. I love how Will and Penny worked together, especially the spice! Overall, this book left me feeling warm and fuzzy!

Out April 4, 2023!

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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I had no idea how much I would end up loving this! Rebecca Ross has created such an enchanting and passionate story here.  (And, the romance is just out of this world!)

Iris Winnow is vying for the role of columnist at the Gazette. She is trying to win this title over her rival, Roman Kitt. (Yes!! Enemies to lovers!! And it is amazing!)

At this time, there is a war being fought between a god and goddess. Men and women are being called to fight for either side, including Iris’s brother, Forest.   After 6 months of him missing,  Iris makes it her goal to find him.  After her mother’s sudden death, she signs up to be a war correspondent and makes her way to the war zone.

This story has magical typewriters,  stories on the lore of the god and goddess,  and seamlessly throughout all of this, the most romantic couple I’ve read about in a while.  

Out April 4, 2023!

Thank you, Netgalley and Wednesday Books, for this Arc!