Tag: Book review

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.

Damsel by Evelyn Skye 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Elodie lives in a land that has been impoverished by drought, so when her father promises her hand in marriage to a prince of a rich kingdom, she is all for it.  I think what I really admired about Elodie is her tenacity to do anything for her people.  

What Elodie doesn’t know is that this rich, beautiful,  golden kingdom and its golden boy prince are going to leave her as a sacrifice to a dragon.  This is how their land stays so opulent and thriving.  

What nobody expects is Elodie fighting back.

I liked this book.  But I didn’t love it.  I felt that Elodie’s character could be more fleshed out with maybe a more interesting personality.   Much of this seemed a bit superficial and forced, which is not something I enjoy.  However, I love the idea and the strength of this character.

Out April 18, 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!

Ander and Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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I loved this for so many reasons. For showing a look at what being an undocumented immigrant is like. For showing a safe and loving family for an nonbinary person. For the absolute love that this book filled me with. Hands down, the best book I’ve read this year.

Ander and Santi are just meant to be. Ander is an artist planning on going to art school in Chicago. Currently, they are working on murals across their hometown, San Antonio. When they meet Santi, everything seems to still be for the both of them into a tranquil happiness. And it’s just so romantic!!!

This author speaks on very important issues and does it well. I honestly want more Ander and Santi!

This book is gorgeous. The characters are gorgeous. Chef’s kiss, this was an amazing read!

Out May 2, 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!

Queen Bee by Amalie Howard 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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I love a good revenge story and the fact that this takes place during the Regency era just made me so happy!

Lyra has a difficult past. She had a friend that she thought was trustworthy when she was young. But, when a new and rich (and handsome) boy moves into town, Ela doesn’t realize the overwhelming power of jealousy, particularly in her best friend, Poppy. Poppy not only starts a rumor but “finds evidence” making Ela look like she was with a boy, therefore Ela loses all respect from her peers and even her family and is sent to a small, country, boarding school for problematic girls.

However, like I said, this is about revenge. When Lyra (Ela) returns for the season years later, she immediately grabs everyone’s attention. But is dragging down Poppy and lying to the boy from her past worth it? Some would say yes and some would say no. I suggest read and find out!

This was a great read! A really delicious, often humorous look at what makes real friends so important. I loved this story!

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!

Forget Me Not by Alyson Derrick 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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This book has my heart right now. Being gay and living in a small conservative town, an Asian mc who must deal with racism, just the attention to several big problems for many, many Americans living in this country right now. And, not just mentioning these problems but speaking about them in this story in such an honest way.

Stevie and Nora are in love. They have a new life waiting for them in California. However, all of that changes when Stevie falls into a ravine and has permanent amnesia about the past two years after she wakes up from a coma.

So, this is a story of friendship and finding out who your true friends really are. About finding yourself. This is a story about falling in love, and then forgetting everything and falling back in love with a beautiful human who never gave up.

If you can’t tell… I loved every piece of this book. It lives up to the hype and more. It’s my new moody read for when I’m feeling cloudy.

Out April 4, 2023!

Some warnings for racism, homophobia, and domestic violence.

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!