Tag: book dragon

Dear Medussa by Olivia A. Cole 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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This meant a lot to me. I think sexual assault and trauma can happen to anyone, at any age, but this author speaking from 16 year old Alicia’s pov really gave this particular trauma a strong voice.

Alicia’s whole life changed after being sexually assaulted by a popular teacher. The girl who ran track and wanted a future was gone, but throughout this story told in verse, Alicia does regain her strength. Particularly with the help of other girls, other strong girls that show her that she is worth fighting for.

I loved the tie-in with Medusa, particularly the ending. I have heard and read many variations on Medussa’s story at this point, and it has become so clear to me that she was not the monster in her tale. I am so thankful to all the strong people out there, including this author, writing these stories and helping everyone no matter where they are in life with a problem that is so much more common than what I believe many people think.

Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Holy cow. This was unexpected. I am shocked at the amount of emotion that this book pulled from me.

The main character, Kyr, is a stickler for the rules. In a bad way. The lack of outward emotion had me confounded and in extreme dislike of her. She was head of her mess in a military setting. Always arguing with her rival, Cleo, but remaining her unit’s leader always.

She is fighting to avenge earth, a distant home planet that was destroyed by the Wisdom. When she finally gets her appointment to a particular long-term job… she is speechless. But, on learning of her brothers disappearance, this sets off a tide.. a tsunami… of events that change absolutely everything.

I had no idea how attached to this character I would become. No idea the depths of this story. This is a masterpiece and led me to thinking of all sorts of issues relatable. Great read!

Out April 11, 2023!

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!

Untethered Sky by Fonda Lee 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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This was stunningly beautiful. I want to say upfront that there is animal harm and death throughout this story. However, if you can get through that, then I highly recommend this.

Untethered Sky is an amazing story of tragedy, obsession, and the very human quality of ownership and love for a creature. Ester is a Rukher, which means she is part of a group that trains Roc’s (huge, magnificent birds of prey) to hunt Manticores.

The story begins with the tragedy that befell Ester’s family when a Manticore attacked. Ester and her father survived, but she was still very much estranged from love and family. When she becomes a Rukher and cares for her Roc, Zahra, she finds a whole new reason to live and to love.

As much as she loves Zahra, though, Ester’s Roc is still somewhat captive. She has much freedom and a good life, but she doesn’t have natural freedom. So, no matter how devoted and enthralled Ester is to her Roc, she is in constant fear of losing her.

This was gorgeous storytelling. Not unexpected from Fonda Lee, of course. A very meaningful and beautiful story.

Out April 11, 2023!

Thank you, Netgalley and Tor, for this opportunity.

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!

Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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I loved this book. The whole way through, from beginning to end, it kept my attention and had me wanting more.

This is a great fantasy with a lot of aspects taking place in our modern world and others in Avalon. Tamsin is an amazing character. I think she’s incredibly dynamic. She has abandonment issues from the time her and her brother were left by their guardian at a young age. This left them both to scavenge and continue stealing magical artifacts for money.

When Tamsin decides to go after an important artifact for a sorceress that will pay well, she takes on a bit more than expected, and she finds herself in a completely different and very magical situation.

This book stopped at a major cliffhanger. Suffice to say, I will be waiting for the sequel and I’m so excited!

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!

Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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A secret agent and a pop star work together to find evidence that could stop a world war. There is romance, action and a whole lot of danger. There is a big twist in the end and I loved reading this. (I’m fairly certain there will be a sequel and I can’t wait!)

Winter is the most famous pop star in the world while Sydney is one of the most talented secret agents at Panacea. Panacea is a large group that is separate from the CIA and works to keep the world safe. When Winter becomes an agent and Sydney is to work with him as a partner (pretending to be a body guard), things start getting intense very quickly.

Marie Lu has always been one of my favorite authors. I feel like it’s so easy for me to lose myself in her books. Her writing is very smooth with characters that I can’t help but fall in love with. Lu always keeps the plot moving fast, keeps it exciting, and, in few words, helps me visualize everything very clearly. I’m pretty sure this is Marie Lu’s first book without any fantasy, a NA thriller/romance.

Out March 28, 2023!

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan for this opportunity!

Lone Women by Victor Lavalle 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!!!

This is a mesmerizing, dark, and unsettling story. Adelaide Henry leaves home in a rush. She may not be carrying much, but she is carrying a great amount of weight. The steamer trunk is literally very heavy, but what is even heavier are her secrets.

This story takes place mainly in Montana before it was completely settled. Adelaide travels to this huge, wide and open, freezing cold state as a homesteader. She makes it all the way there, leaving behind some secrets but still towing one with her, and faces this land on her own. Soon enough though, the steamer trunk is opened and what comes out reveals the horror of this tale.

But is this monstrous thing the true horror? Or, is true horror what lies behind a prettier, more perfect seeming facade?

I loved this! This gave me historical fiction, horror, supernatural, and thriller all at once. Not to mention the amazing attention to the lone women of that time. I loved every single thing about this book and highly recommend it!

Out March 28, 2023!

Play the Fool by Lina Chern 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!!

This was such a fun murder/mystery! Katie works at this kind of strange store in the mall, among the many odd stores that can be found in malls everywhere. When a man bleeding from a head wound comes in, Katie offers to give him a tarot reading partially just so she can figure out what is going on with him. What she doesn’t expect tho, is finding out her friend Marley is dead. And, this starts her on the case.

I loved the main character. Katie is relatable and an overall cool person. The cop that becomes involved, Jamie, is another favorite character. Really all the characters are great. This book was funny and enjoyable.

Out March 28, 2023!