bookish_selkie's reviews
2059 reviews

The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith

adventurous 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

5.0

The Rose Bargain is Sasha Peyton Smith’s latest enchanting story! I loved this take on a magical regency world where a fae queen holds power. Ivy Benton is ready to make her debut into society, but struggles to overcome the scandal of her older sister’s debut. When a mysterious betrothal contest is announced, Ivy risks it all to end up with a crown. As the contest intensifies, Ivy must decide whether she will choose love or power. 

The Rose Bargain was fantastic! I loved the cast of characters, especially Ivy and Emmett. As Ivy gets to know both Bram and Emmett, she learns more about her sister’s secrets and the whims of the fae. I really enjoyed the intricate system of magic that comes with a price. The twist at the end took my breath away and made me eager for the sequel! The Rose Bargain is perfect for readers who wish The Cruel Prince and Bridgerton were combined. Readers who love dangerous competitions, costly magic, and excellent characters will devour The Rose Bargain.   

Thank you to Sasha Peyton Smith, HarperCollins, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel's Tween Empire by Ashley Spencer

informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson

funny 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? It's complicated

4.0

The North Wind by Alexandria Warwick

medium-paced

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

3.5

Under the Oak Tree: Season 1, Vol. 1 by Suji Kim

adventurous emotional 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? It's complicated

4.0

The Rival by Emma Lord

adventurous 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? Yes

5.0

Sadie and Seb have been competing since elementary school. While their families are friends, they remain fierce academic rivals. When Sadie begins her freshman year of college, she is shocked to see Seb there. Seb made it off the waitlist and is soon competing with Sadie for a spot on the school's beloved zine. As they experience freshman year together, they get closer than ever before. Can Sadie and Seb ever be more than rivals? 

The Rival is a sweet and hilarious rom-com. I especially loved Sadie! She feels very responsible for her family and freshman year is her chance to see who she is without managing others emotions. Seb is charming, though sometimes he and Sadie really misinterpret each other. Emma Lord includes so many fun details in this book from Alphabet parties, rainbow-sprinkle pancakes, and lots of new friends. I really enjoyed how Sadie and Seb went from rivals to friends to more.  

The Rival is perfect for readers who enjoy sweet rom-coms with hilarious dialogue. This book was as delicious as all the treats written about inside it! I can’t wait to see what Emma Lord writes next.

Thank you to Emma Lord, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Lore Olympus: Volume Seven by Rachel Smythe

emotional 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

5.0

Whispers of the Deep by Emma Hamm

adventurous emotional tense medium-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

Hammajang Luck by Makana Yamamoto

adventurous emotional funny 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? Yes

5.0

Hammajang Luck is a fast-paced and compelling sci-fi heist. When Edie is released from prison, she vows to steer clear of crime. She’s already lost enough time with her family and only wants to provide for them. Too bad that her ex-friend Angel has different plans. Edie has no interest in Angel’s plans, especially since their last heist is what landed her in prison for eight years. Yet Angel is planning one last heist that will set all of them up for life. As Edie is persuaded to risk it all for an epic heist, will she be able to reconnect with Angel and provide for her family?   

I loved reading Hammajang Luck! I particularly love a good heist plot. Makana Yamamoto weaves in sci-fi elements and Hawaiian pidgin to create a compelling story. I appreciated the inclusion of pidgin and the traditions from Hawaiian culture. Edie is a fascinating character who has been forced to make difficult choices, but is finally prioritizing her family above all else. I loved the complex family dynamics, especially between Edie and her sister. The queer rep is incredible, from the sapphic romance at its heart to the excellent side characters. I loved the queer found family and how they all looked out for each other.

Hammajang Luck is perfect for readers seeking an epic sci-fi heist, queer found family, and witty banter. I’m looking forward to seeing what Makana Yamamoto writes next! 

Thank you to Makana Yamamoto, Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Breath of the Dragon by Shannon Lee, Fonda Lee

adventurous medium-paced

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

4.0

Breath of the Dragon is the action-packed young adult adventure from Shannon Lee (daughter of Bruce Lee) and Fonda Lee. As a young boy, Jun makes a tragic mistake that causes him to be banished along with his father to the West. Jun desperately hopes to reunite with his mother and twin, while passing the time by honing his skills in martial arts. When a once in a lifetime opportunity arises for him to showcase his skills, his father forbids him from entering the tournament. Will Jun obey or choose his own path? 

Readers who love martial arts action sequences and Bruce Lee will love this book! It is fast-paced, with a strong hero who makes the best choices he can in tough situations. Jun is deeply shaped by the separation that occurred when he was young and must deal with the disappointment of not having a special power to aid him in his fighting. Fonda Lee’s exquisite writing style and world-building shines through, although readers of her previous works should note that this is a young adult story. Breath of the Dragon took me a little bit to get into, but at a certain point I was hooked! I enjoyed the side characters, such as Ren and Yin. I’ll look forward to seeing how the story continues! 

Thank you to Shannon Lee, Fonda Lee, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.