4.33 AVERAGE


Went back to annotate with Kishi Bashi in the background like Doocy did — reading the last chap to the song Honeybody?? Goosebumps
emotional lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A nice enemies to lovers but could we not have gotten a little more of the lovers part! A slow burn for sure. Feel like the outlaws were not super well fleshed out as to their motivations so hopefully later books add more details. 
adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious relaxing fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous hopeful slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

The “slow burn” is pretty much no burn. No connection/chemistry. Then suddenly they are obsessively in love at the end. Does not need to be a trilogy, seemed to be purposefully slow and secretive because there’s more books coming out yet we somehow had room for useless side plots. Didn’t even solve the main (very simple) mystery or settle the romance in a 400 page book. Quick and easy read though, entertaining enough to finish. 
adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This one was a delight. our two main characters are working through a lot and seeing them develop over the span of the book was very sweet. I am eagerly awaiting the next installation.
hopefully they will finally admit they are hopelessly in love

4.5⭐ rounded up to 5. This light and easy-to-read cozy fantasy was a nice surprise. I loved the vibes, the whimsy, the main character, the pace, the refreshing spin on popular tropes.

Note: I received an audio ARC from NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback.

❤️ Fun trainweck MC who seriously gives NF about what people think
❤️ Tons of whimsy
❤️ Weird creature galore
❤️ Spellsongs! Foragers! Blue mushrooms! A marshmallow wolf who can teleport!
❤️ Romance not taking centre stage
❌ Abrupt ending
❌ Lack of chemistry between the two MCs

Trigger warnings: violence and murder, blood and gore, injury and injury detail, death and grief, classism, kidnapping.

Plot:

After a forbidden spell goes wrong, academic rivals Leo and Sebastian are forced to stick together and venture deep into a dangerous magical forest to seek the help of a recluse witch. To solve their problem, they will need to work together, but also face past trauma and confront their biggest fears. And while searching for the counterspell, they start to discover that magic might not be the only thing pulling them together.

Yes, there are clichés and popular tropes (forced proximity, grumpy vs. sunshine, one of a kind MC) packed in. But still, this book felt refreshing as compared to many romantasy novels I’ve recently read. The witchy vibes, the whimsy, the (seemingly) unrequited loved, the animals and mythical creatures, the spellsongs… I loved it all. However, I wished Leo and Sebastian had ventured into the forest sooner, because it was my favourite part of the book. I think it took slightly too long to get there. Many aspects and characters piqued my curiosity, so I fully plan on reading the second book.

Characters:
Leo cracked me up! Most MCs are self-righteous with a hero complex and all, but he was a walking disaster… and I was totally here for that. I didn’t quite warm up to Sebastian, but I think his character has potential. Their growth was very well done, and I can’t wait to follow them again through their next adventures. I also hope to see more of Sybilla and explore her relationship with Leo. Jane and Leo’s brother also piqued my curiosity.

Writing:
I enjoyed Doocy’s light, yet sharp, writing style. I would read more from this author.

Audiobook:
Voice actor Ciaran Saward did a great job! He could read me a recipe book using Sebastian’s voice and I’d probably swoon.

Follow me on Instagram: @bibi.reads.writes

it is very difficult to think of something other than harry potter when it comes to wizard schools in books. but don't let yourself be blinded by this - sorcery and small magics is far, far better.

the characters are beautifully complex and well written. the world and the magic system are captivating and have the right amount of mystery to keep it interesting. the magic and its parallels to my thoughts about nature let my heart glow. wonderful book.

Short and sweet
adventurous
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This one didn't fully grab me until halfway through but when it did, it had me in a choke hold. I absolutely adore how the two main characters solve their problems in this. I found it very inventive and fitting for their characters.