betterwithabookinmyhand's reviews
444 reviews

Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana

adventurous hopeful medium-paced

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

4.25

I’ve got a lot of love for this book! Not only do I have so much love and respect for the author, a fellow reader now published writer, but this debut ticks a lot of boxes! 

Romance 
Fae
Love of books
Cool magic 
Interesting worldbuilding 
Characters you care for

I’m glad the twist happened at the end because I needed a reason to be swayed in the romance, and now I am! Can’t wait for book 2!

This Cursed House by Del Sandeen

emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

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

3.75

Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman

adventurous challenging mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.0

Your Blood, My Bones by Kelly Andrew

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister

mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.5

The premise of the book really drew me in and kept my interest throughout the book. I didn’t foresee many of the reveals and I felt nearly as surprised as the MC as she uncovered more layers to the mystery. 

This is one I’d recommend to those who like a good mystery and are looking for a different plot than they’ve read before.

Salt Houses by Hala Alyan

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

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

4.0

A heartwrenching read, beautiful and reflective.

Heir by Sabaa Tahir

adventurous dark emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

Well damn this book rules. Out 10.1. preorder it stat!

Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.75

That was a cinnamon roll of a perfect feel good read! Listened to it on audio, loved it enough that I’m buying the paperback for my bookshelves. This is my new light romcom recommendation!

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

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

5.0

I would give a limb to read book two right now, that was incredible!! It reminded me of absolutely everything I loved about Serpent & Dove and Manon Balckbeak from Throne of Glass. The writing was so lyrical and had such vivid lines I felt like I was watching a movie in my head as I listened to the audiobook. 

Gideon Sharp is the witch hunter archetype I thought I couldn’t fall for again but damnit if I’m not rooting for the bastard and Rune to end up together. 

The author wove some unforeseen twists and turns into this story that I really appreciated. One twist I saw coming but still I loooove how the author wrote it I was perfectly fine to wait to watch everything unfold.  

The big reveal was so tangible I could see every character’s movement, it was epic.

So my only critique is that I have to wait til February 2025 for book 2! This is my new favorite witchy series!