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bookheathens's reviews
347 reviews
At First Spite by Olivia Dade
4.25
Wow I did not expect this hit me square in the jaw and fuck me up.
TWs for on page depressive episodes/clinical depression (doesn’t include explicit suicidal ideation but she does mention wanting to disappear [which to me is all too similar]), remembering the events leading up to sibling loss, accidental drug overdose of the sibling, grief. Also includes graphic sexual content and loss of virginity.
I didn’t expect a laundry list of tws and a couple of these I wish had been listed in the book or more reviews.
TWs for on page depressive episodes/clinical depression (doesn’t include explicit suicidal ideation but she does mention wanting to disappear [which to me is all too similar]), remembering the events leading up to sibling loss, accidental drug overdose of the sibling, grief. Also includes graphic sexual content and loss of virginity.
I didn’t expect a laundry list of tws and a couple of these I wish had been listed in the book or more reviews.
The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson
4.5
Holly Jackson's "The Reappearance of Rachel Price" is a total page-turner that'll have you hooked and guessing at the whodunit REAL QUICK (and if you’re like me, changing your mind 57 times, to STILL BE WRONG). Seriously, why was I always wrong?!
Bel's mom vanished years ago, leaving her with more questions than answers. But just when she thought things couldn’t get crazier, her mom shows up back in town and upends literally everything. Cue the jaw drops!
Jackson throws you right into the thick of it with Bel as she tries to untangle the mystery of her mom's disappearance and navigate a film crew that’s decided that Rachel Price's disappearance is documentary-worthy… And let me tell you, it's a wild ride! With every chapter, you'll be on the edge of your seat, trying to piece together the puzzle alongside Bel.
Sure, there are a few moments where you might feel like yelling at the characters for being a tad repetitive, but trust me, it's all part of the suspense. Jackson knows how to keep you guessing until the very end, and when the big reveal hits, it's like a punch in the gut (in a good way, of course).
So, if you're looking for a book that'll keep you up way past your bedtime (*cough 1:00 am is when I finished it cough*), "The Reappearance of Rachel Price" is it. Grab a copy, a blanket and a snack, and get ready for a wild ride you won't forget!
Bel's mom vanished years ago, leaving her with more questions than answers. But just when she thought things couldn’t get crazier, her mom shows up back in town and upends literally everything. Cue the jaw drops!
Jackson throws you right into the thick of it with Bel as she tries to untangle the mystery of her mom's disappearance and navigate a film crew that’s decided that Rachel Price's disappearance is documentary-worthy… And let me tell you, it's a wild ride! With every chapter, you'll be on the edge of your seat, trying to piece together the puzzle alongside Bel.
Sure, there are a few moments where you might feel like yelling at the characters for being a tad repetitive, but trust me, it's all part of the suspense. Jackson knows how to keep you guessing until the very end, and when the big reveal hits, it's like a punch in the gut (in a good way, of course).
So, if you're looking for a book that'll keep you up way past your bedtime (*cough 1:00 am is when I finished it cough*), "The Reappearance of Rachel Price" is it. Grab a copy, a blanket and a snack, and get ready for a wild ride you won't forget!
The City of Stardust by Georgia Summers
5.0
4.5 Stars, but honestly... Just give it the 5.
This book was incredible! I almost don't want to write a review because going into it blind was such a wild ride, and I think everyone should experience that. But hey, here I am, keeping things vague to keep the surprises alive.
Violet's world is torn apart when her mother vanishes into the stormy night, a victim of their family's curse. Brought up in seclusion by her uncles, Violet's concealed life crumbles when she can no longer be protected. Her mission to break the curse and uncover her mother's destiny propels her into a heart-stopping adventure that defies all expectations.
But hold up—this book is way more than just that!
Georgia Summers' prose is like a movie in your head. You'll feel the chill of the snowy city, the splash of rain in a thunderstorm, and the cozy vibes of a coffee shop. As captivating as it is, there's a twinge of sadness knowing it's a standalone—a wish that there were more to explore in this enchanting world, much like the longing after finishing The Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross.
I would also go so far as to say if you liked The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, you'd like this, too. It's magical, romantic, and full of adventure. You'll feel like you're right there with the characters, not just reading about them.
The City of Stardust is a beautifully woven tapestry of magic, romance, and adventure that pulls you alongside the characters. It's an absolute standout of the year for me, with mysterious doorways to other realms, mystical god-metal, ancient curses, betrayals, deep family bonds, cozy coffee shop meetings, and a race against time to rescue a loved one.
So yeah, The City of Stardust is a rollercoaster of magic, romance, and all-around good vibes. Dive in and enjoy the ride!
This book was incredible! I almost don't want to write a review because going into it blind was such a wild ride, and I think everyone should experience that. But hey, here I am, keeping things vague to keep the surprises alive.
Violet's world is torn apart when her mother vanishes into the stormy night, a victim of their family's curse. Brought up in seclusion by her uncles, Violet's concealed life crumbles when she can no longer be protected. Her mission to break the curse and uncover her mother's destiny propels her into a heart-stopping adventure that defies all expectations.
But hold up—this book is way more than just that!
Georgia Summers' prose is like a movie in your head. You'll feel the chill of the snowy city, the splash of rain in a thunderstorm, and the cozy vibes of a coffee shop. As captivating as it is, there's a twinge of sadness knowing it's a standalone—a wish that there were more to explore in this enchanting world, much like the longing after finishing The Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross.
I would also go so far as to say if you liked The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, you'd like this, too. It's magical, romantic, and full of adventure. You'll feel like you're right there with the characters, not just reading about them.
The City of Stardust is a beautifully woven tapestry of magic, romance, and adventure that pulls you alongside the characters. It's an absolute standout of the year for me, with mysterious doorways to other realms, mystical god-metal, ancient curses, betrayals, deep family bonds, cozy coffee shop meetings, and a race against time to rescue a loved one.
So yeah, The City of Stardust is a rollercoaster of magic, romance, and all-around good vibes. Dive in and enjoy the ride!
The Veiled Kingdom by Holly Renee
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (I'd give it more if could)
Pure Romantasy Magic!
Diving into Holly Renee's latest release felt like coming home to a world where enchantment thrives, and excitement awaits at every turn. Surrounded by friends who, like me, are avid fans of Holly’s writing and storytelling, I dove STRAIGHT into this new world.
Right from the start, I was hooked on the characters, their struggles, and the intricate plot, which seamlessly blended fantasy and romance into a spellbinding tale.
Narrated through the eyes of Nyra and Dacre, the story unfolds with a magnetic pull, drawing readers into a realm where a runaway princess without magic and a morally complex rebel collide in a whirlwind of intrigue and passion.
Nyra embodies everything I adore in a fantasy heroine – resilient, flawed, and unapologetically herself. Her journey from sheltered royalty to a formidable warrior navigating the complexities of her newfound reality had me rooting for her every step of the way.
And Dacre... oh, Dacre! 😮💨😮💨 With his irresistible charm and mysterious demeanor, he effortlessly stole every scene he graced. His internal conflicts and unwavering convictions added depth to his character, making each interaction with Nyra an electrifying exchange of wit and desire.
The banter between Nyra and Dacre crackled with tension, leaving me DYING for them to admit their undeniable chemistry. (Slow burns, amirite?)
BUT THE ENDING?! My mouth was agape. I wanted to cry?! In true Holly Renee fashion, she wrote one hell of a cliffhanger.
In summary, Holly Renee's latest masterpiece flawlessly weaves together tropes like enemies-to-lovers, royal intrigue, and hidden identities, delivering a captivating tale that will leave readers spellbound and desperate for more.
Huge thanks to Holly Renee and Valentine PR for providing an ARC in exchange for this review. My love for Renee's storytelling knows no bounds, and I can't wait to embark on the next adventure in this enchanting series.
Pure Romantasy Magic!
Diving into Holly Renee's latest release felt like coming home to a world where enchantment thrives, and excitement awaits at every turn. Surrounded by friends who, like me, are avid fans of Holly’s writing and storytelling, I dove STRAIGHT into this new world.
Right from the start, I was hooked on the characters, their struggles, and the intricate plot, which seamlessly blended fantasy and romance into a spellbinding tale.
Narrated through the eyes of Nyra and Dacre, the story unfolds with a magnetic pull, drawing readers into a realm where a runaway princess without magic and a morally complex rebel collide in a whirlwind of intrigue and passion.
Nyra embodies everything I adore in a fantasy heroine – resilient, flawed, and unapologetically herself. Her journey from sheltered royalty to a formidable warrior navigating the complexities of her newfound reality had me rooting for her every step of the way.
And Dacre... oh, Dacre! 😮💨😮💨 With his irresistible charm and mysterious demeanor, he effortlessly stole every scene he graced. His internal conflicts and unwavering convictions added depth to his character, making each interaction with Nyra an electrifying exchange of wit and desire.
The banter between Nyra and Dacre crackled with tension, leaving me DYING for them to admit their undeniable chemistry. (Slow burns, amirite?)
BUT THE ENDING?! My mouth was agape. I wanted to cry?! In true Holly Renee fashion, she wrote one hell of a cliffhanger.
In summary, Holly Renee's latest masterpiece flawlessly weaves together tropes like enemies-to-lovers, royal intrigue, and hidden identities, delivering a captivating tale that will leave readers spellbound and desperate for more.
Huge thanks to Holly Renee and Valentine PR for providing an ARC in exchange for this review. My love for Renee's storytelling knows no bounds, and I can't wait to embark on the next adventure in this enchanting series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Death
Minor: Death of parent
Shanghai Immortal by A.Y. Chao
2.0
Don't asked me what happened in this book, I honestly couldn't tell you. I couldn't get into it but I forced myself through it.
A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft
4.0
I think we’re going 4 stars on Fragile Enchantment. This is my first book by this author, and I loved the writing, but it wasn’t calling to me to not put it down, so not quite a 5-star read.
I loved our premise of magical abilities from divine blood, where it seemed like every family's powers were different. We had family conflict, political intrigue, arranged marriage, forced proximity, court politics, and QUEER REP 🌈 I WAS NOT EXPECTING QUEER REP🥹🥹🥹 but I can’t elaborate because spoilers! But know that I gasped, and I loved it all. SO MUCH.
DEFINITELY recommend AFE🖤🌈
I loved our premise of magical abilities from divine blood, where it seemed like every family's powers were different. We had family conflict, political intrigue, arranged marriage, forced proximity, court politics, and QUEER REP 🌈 I WAS NOT EXPECTING QUEER REP🥹🥹🥹 but I can’t elaborate because spoilers! But know that I gasped, and I loved it all. SO MUCH.
DEFINITELY recommend AFE🖤🌈
Broken Fae by Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0