alicia_ann_reads's reviews
478 reviews

The Amethyst Kingdom by A.K. Mulford

challenging emotional sad tense 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? It's complicated

4.75

Ugh what an ending to such an excellent series. 

I knew I would love Carys' storyline and the finalization of the overall plot. 

I shed some tears reading this book. 

A fantasy series touching on mental health, neurodivergency, queerness, polyam, racism, friendships, sacrifice, grief and healing. 

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

challenging dark 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? Yes

4.0

It took me awhile to get into this one, partly because of some of the language and partly getting used to the multiple narrator POVs.

It was a slow build but it really did take off and I love the last 40% of the book a lot. 

In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire

adventurous challenging lighthearted sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

4th installment of this series did not disappoint, while I love the earth side stories in book 1 and 3, the back stories or prequels just hit differently.

I loved this world, and it's rules and characters, but I won't lie the ending was tough. 

Looking for Smoke by K.A. Cobell

mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

I loved that this book draws attention to missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW) the other did it through the story and also through the podcast portions of the story. 

I liked that we had multiple POVs and some found family, although those we got more from some characters than others, I'd have liked a little more back story to each. 

What's the T? The no-nonsense guide to all things trans and/or non-binary for teens by Juno Dawson

informative medium-paced

0.0

I thought this was an really great resource for individuals and while she did spend time explaining things to allies and parents I think the bulk geared towards the individuals themselves was awesome.

I didn't love the definition used for asexual and I thought it was pretty lacking. 

Overall great resource!

Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix by Anna-Marie McLemore

funny 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? It's complicated

4.5

I have been loving this Classic remixes and this one did not disappoint! 

Now I admit I don't actually know the original Great Gatsby story, but I really loved this one. T for T romance and some minor revenge! 

Pumpkin Spice and Poltergeist by Ali K. Mulford, K. Elle Morrison

funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was a super cute sapphic romance and it embodied the essence of spooky season! Perfect first fall read!

I need a book of Iris and Ramona, and Willow and Wyatt please. 

Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire

adventurous challenging hopeful 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

4.5

Excellent book! This series is fantastic and the LGBTQ rep was stellar. 
Loved how we've already circled back to events of book 1 I thought were over!

Love how the author incorporates time travelesque storylines with the multiple worlds. 

Toast by

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring tense medium-paced

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Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire

challenging mysterious sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Absolutely loved this back story of Jack and Jill! I appreciate how gender roles were worked in, and there were Vampires and Werewolves!