bookish_selkie's reviews
2059 reviews

Not for the Faint of Heart by Lex Croucher

adventurous emotional funny 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

Not for the Faint of Heart literally made me laugh out loud! It is a witty and hilarious take on what would happen if the granddaughter of Robin Hood (Mariel) sort of accidentally kidnapped a healer (Clem). The world of the Merry Men has changed since Robin Hood retired and not necessarily for the better. As Clem and Mariel adventure through the woods, Mariel starts to see that something is wrong with the structure of the Merry Men. As the Sheriff cracks down, can Mariel and Clem work together to change the woods for the better?

I absolutely loved this book! Clem was one of my favorite characters; she was so committed to healing anyone that she could help. I loved how she fit into the found family of the Merry Men, much to Mariel’s confusion. Mariel is another strong character who desperately wants to do the right thing and make her family proud. I appreciated how she learned to think for herself, with the help of Clem and her friends. I also loved the side characters! Clem and Mariel’s relationship has fantastic growth as they start to see that they are more than the assumptions they first made about each other. I can’t wait to read whatever Lex Croucher writes next!

Readers who love found family, enemies-to-lovers, and hilarious dialogue need to read Not for the Faint of Heart!

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

The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong

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adventurous 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

Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibañez

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious 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

Duchess Material by Emily Sullivan

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adventurous 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? It's complicated

4.0

Duchess Material is the story of Phoebe and Will. Growing up together, Phoebe dreamed of Will returning her feelings for him. Then he is unexpectedly thrust into dukedom. Not only does class now divide them, but Phoebe is against everything Will stands for in his new position. Years later, Phoebe is now a teacher and Will remains a duke. When Phoebe is forced to ask Will for help, can they reconnect and see past their assumptions?

Duchess Material is a fast-paced and enjoyable romance. Phoebe has a lot of agency, strong opinions, and a loving family (even though she doesn’t always appreciate their meddling!). Will is very concerned with what it means to be a duke, even when the people in his life care less than he might think. I enjoyed how Will and Phoebe slowly fall for each other as they race to uncover where Phoebe’s student might have gone. Will and Phoebe have some swoon-worthy moments as they unravel the series of clues. Phoebe’s sisters were my favorite side characters and I enjoyed her interactions with her family. Duchess Material is a light-hearted romance perfect for fans of Bridgerton. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

Thank you to Emily Sullivan, Forever, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Lotus Empire by Tasha Suri

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adventurous emotional mysterious 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

The Lotus Empire is the majestic finale of the Burning Kingdoms trilogy. This series is so intricately complex and a must-read for fantasy fans. It has incredible LGBTQ+ rep, a rich magic system, and complicated politics. As this is the third book, every story thread from previous books is wrapped up beautifully.

Tasha Suri is such an imaginative writer; she creates worlds that feel deeply real. I love how she handled the relationship between Priya and Malini. From the very beginning, Priya and Malini have had a conflicting and nuanced connection. This is all brought to a crescendo in The Lotus Empire, when Priya and Malini must decide how far they are willing to go for power and love. The romance between Malini and Priya is both ethereal and scorchingly hot.

The yaksa and magic system are also creatively done; Suri’s prose is atmospheric and haunting. There is a creeping sense of dread as the rot slowly takes over more and more, while the priests wish to see Malini burn once and for all. It’s so good! I also enjoyed how we got to see the perspective of side characters who became entwined with the yaksa. Readers who seek fantasies about fiercely strong women, excellent LGBTQ+ rep, and epic magic systems will devour this series. I can’t wait to read what Tasha Suri writes next!

Thank you to Tasha Suri, Orbit Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland

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adventurous medium-paced