Tag: May 2023

To Shape a Dragon’ Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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This excellent steampunk world that also has dragons was not only fun but also very poignant about the reality of colonialism and racism (many of these factors still exist today).

I loved the energy here. The author did not hold back with this main character. I felt pure pride reading about this MC challenging every misconception of her people and standing up against any slight.

This is a great fantasy with a lot of attention to the details, which is what really highlights it as steampunk to me. These small details of designs to either create machinery or to control a dragons breath are simply fantastic.

I will say that parts of this book seriously dragged for me and seemed a bit slow. But I am so glad I kept reading because the ending is wild!

Out May 9, 2023!

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!

A Shadow Crown by Melissa Blair 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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I already knew I was going to love this sequel, and I definitely did! I love this author’s style and the way the main characters are built up. Of course, particularly Keera. And, this book really delves into a lot of Keera’s history and how she is dealing with it.

I loved this focus on Keera and also the continuous world building that is just incredible. This world is especially beautiful and creative in this book. The author has a lot of room to work with very magical details, and it’s really marvelous.

This was one of my most anticipated reads this year, and I’m just so freaking happy with this! (By the way, major cliffhanger!! Can’t wait for book three!)

Out May 9, 2023!

The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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A beautiful love story that is juxtaposed with a horrifying setting full of gore and cannibalism. This story was enthralling.

A very different outcome to the Little Mermaid tale. This mermaid lost everything when taken in by her prince. However, this story begins with her final acts of vengeance brought on by her bloodthirsty children as she leaves with her plague doctor.

They come across boys playing violently and follow them to a ramshackle town run by three saints. They have a very deceptive hold on these children, controlling them through fear and a god-like presence. The plague doctor and mermaid prepare to destroy these men before they can hurt more children.

This story is gross, and yet absolutely poignant and full of the most savory, lyrical writing, and more than anything, this story is full of a strong love and devotion between two people.

Definitely recommend this!

Out May 2, 2023!

The Isles of the Gods by Amie Kaufman 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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I had high expectations for this book, and it went beyond those plus another billion high.  This is my new favorite ya series right now! I have not been so invested in a ya fantasy in a while, and this had me heart and soul.  Very character driven,  plot driven also.  But these characters,  Selly, Leander, and Keegan, feel like my new best book friends. 

A sentinel goddess that requires a sacrifice, a slumbering god that needs to awaken.  These are the two sides of a war that seem hellbent on coming.  Leander is a prince who is journeying to make a sacrifice to his kingdom’s goddess, unknowingly entering dangerous waters on Selly’s ship.  Keegan, a scholar, is also aboard, unwittingly being dragged into the middle of history in the making.

What they don’t know is that the country across from them has been paying attention.  Particularly Laskia, dying to prove that she is better and worth more than her infamous sister.

I cried 5 times reading this, and I really never cry in books.  This author had me instantly feeling attached to these characters and their emotions,  so yeah… some tearjerker moments had me. 

Out May 2, 2023!

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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This was a shock of a read! A post-apocalyptic world, really just an archipelago, and 2 very different people with very different lifestyles.   This situation between these people is a powder keg with a lit candle sitting on it…. you know it’s gonna blow, just not the exact damage it will create.

I loved this sci-fi world.  There are constantly new and surprising elements that drop in and keep things exciting.   Definitely twists and turns that I did not expect.   I really feel like I relished every page.

Out May 2, 2023!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

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!

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!