Thank you Hodderscape for providing me with an uncorrected arc.

It will come as no surprise to anyone that I love a historical setting with magic, but make it inspired by ‘The Mummy’, light academia, rivals to lovers, and where everyone has secrets and agendas, I’m instantly in.

I was a little nervous going into this when I saw it advertised as for fans of ‘The Mummy’ with how much I absolutely love the 1999 cult classic, but I had no reason to worry.

Inez is headstrong and loyal, and Whit is evasive and flirtatious. I can see the inspiration from Evie and Rick- albeit younger versions of themselves-while they remain distinctly their own characters in their own right. Their antics were hilarious, ‘the touch her and you die’ and reference to locking Evie in her room were greatly appreciated too ;)

This has such an intriguing magic system where the art of magic is lost but remain in objects of the past, making their archeology and the discussions on colonialism even more fascinating.

The mystery was a fun element running throughout the book, and while I guessed the twist I didn’t mind one bit. That is until the ending twist, that I didn’t see coming for the life of me, which made me want to read it again immediately. Seriously, I need the second book to put me out of my misery!

Content Warnings

The Boyfriend Candidate by Ashley Winstead

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emotional lighthearted 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? No

3.75

3.75*

Thank you Aria and Ares for providing me with an uncorrected arc.

When shy children’s librarian Alexis decides on the anniversary of her ex cheating on her (for the second time) because she was too boring in bed, she didn’t expect her one night stand to suddenly run away as fast as he could. There was a fire, but still. She certainly didn’t expect to go viral when Logan, actually a former playboy candidate for state governor, carried her out of said burning building fireman style. Faced with faking dating to protect her job and Logan’s reputation, Alexis is going to have to tamp down her feelings to get through the next two months. But with Logan’s longing glances, kind decisions, and soft lips that might be easier said than done.

This was a really cute romcom with a mmc who is down bad for the main character which I will always love. I’ll also say, but I’d love to hear what other people think, that Alexis seemed autistic coded to me and was highly relatable. *queue Taylor swift singing ‘pathological people pleaser*.

This is not spicy, although there is one open door scene at the 80% mark, and politics heavy so do bear that in mind if that’s not your thing.

This did lose a star because I wasn’t a big fan of the way the conflict at the end was handled, but this was still a really fun read.

The Herbwitch Princess by Ireen Chau

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious slow-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

5.0

I never thought I would be able to capture the feeling of being twelve and thoroughly escaping into a good fantasy book again, but I’m so happy to be proven wrong.

If you grew up loving Ella Enchanted, Ever After, and the classic Barbie films PLEASEEEE read this!

Content Warnings

Uprooted by Naomi Novik

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3.5

The Herbwitch's Apprentice: Illustrated Edition by Ireen Chau

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

5.0

This gave me Ella Enchanted vibes (one of the highest compliments I can bestow).

Although, the violin bow being used as a stirrer did make my musician heart die a little!

Content Warnings

Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken

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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? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

14/15+

Thank you BKMRK for sending me an arc!

Okay, I have no idea how to review this spoiler-free, but I will try my best!

I’ve had a complicated relationship with Alexandra Bracken’s writing in the past, where I’ve enjoyed the premise but something fell flat, but this lived up to my expectations and more.

The atmosphere and world building was beautiful, haunting and unique- especially impressive given the abundance of Arthurian inspired media. (I’m a BBC Merlin girl, I love it all).

Tamsin was wonderfully fascinating, flawed and determined. I’d actually love to see her explore a darker side of herself in the next book, it would make a really interesting dynamic with *redacted*. I’d also like to see more hollower heists…

Emrys is joining the lovable-bastards-with-secret-hearts-of-gold club. (Very catchy, I know).

The found family provided the relief necessary among the surprisingly dark world of Avalon. There were a lot of side characters that blurred together and got confusing after a while, but the story mostly focused on the main 8 (give or take) characters so this wasn’t too much of a concern.

The characterisation, plot, pacing, and world building were all amazing. Definitely recommend and after that ending I’ll be needed the sequel as soon as possible!

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bookishflower's reviews 154 reviews

bookishflower's reviews
154 reviews