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bookishflower's reviews
155 reviews
The Lord Sorcier by Olivia Atwater
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Injury/Injury detail, Body horror, Death, Alcohol, Blood, Ableism, and Classism
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Colonisation
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, Classism, Emotional abuse, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Physical abuse, War, and Pregnancy
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
Cosy fantasy meets 'The Holiday' in this wonderfully witchy rom-com!
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Found family
- Funny
- I-hate-everyone-but-you
- Cosy autumnal vibes
- Queer and POC rep
Thank you Hodder and Stoughton, and NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
'Mika Moon has always been taught to keep a low profile as one of the few witches left in Britain. She never had any problem not drawing attention to herself until one day someone sees her 'pretend' witch videos online and invites her to teach three young witches magic at the intriguing Nowhere House. The only problem? It's forbidden and the prickly (but frustratingly attractive) librarian, Jamie, is determined to see Mika as a threat to the children and family's way of life at every turn. But just as Mika begins to open her heart to belonging anywhere again, a danger threatens to tear apart her new home. Mika must now decided if she should run away or risk it all to help the found family she didn't know she was looking for'.
This was the cosy autumnal palate cleanser I needed. If you want a book that feels like a cup of tea, rain on the window and warm blanket cuddles with a dash of magic, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is the book for you.
The romance didn't feel forced but natural and comforting despite their respective trauma, had good communication and all the found family feels. The girls were so sweet and acted like children which was lovely to see. (I might have a particular soft spot for Rosetta!). I'd also happily talk theatre and knit flamingo pink scarves with Ian, bake with Lucie, and garden with long-suffering Ken, I love them!
The writing was funny and warm, with a witty narrative voice. This was a wonderfully cosy romance and found family story. Pick this up on the 23rd August in time for the beginning of autumn!
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Found family
- Funny
- I-hate-everyone-but-you
- Cosy autumnal vibes
- Queer and POC rep
Thank you Hodder and Stoughton, and NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
'Mika Moon has always been taught to keep a low profile as one of the few witches left in Britain. She never had any problem not drawing attention to herself until one day someone sees her 'pretend' witch videos online and invites her to teach three young witches magic at the intriguing Nowhere House. The only problem? It's forbidden and the prickly (but frustratingly attractive) librarian, Jamie, is determined to see Mika as a threat to the children and family's way of life at every turn. But just as Mika begins to open her heart to belonging anywhere again, a danger threatens to tear apart her new home. Mika must now decided if she should run away or risk it all to help the found family she didn't know she was looking for'.
This was the cosy autumnal palate cleanser I needed. If you want a book that feels like a cup of tea, rain on the window and warm blanket cuddles with a dash of magic, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is the book for you.
The romance didn't feel forced but natural and comforting despite their respective trauma, had good communication and all the found family feels. The girls were so sweet and acted like children which was lovely to see. (I might have a particular soft spot for Rosetta!). I'd also happily talk theatre and knit flamingo pink scarves with Ian, bake with Lucie, and garden with long-suffering Ken, I love them!
The writing was funny and warm, with a witty narrative voice. This was a wonderfully cosy romance and found family story. Pick this up on the 23rd August in time for the beginning of autumn!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Xenophobia
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Racism, and Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol and Death of parent
I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dysphoria, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Biphobia, Outing, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Racism and Cancer
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
dark
mysterious
tense
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Hate crime, Incest, Kidnapping, Murder, Violence, Blood, Cannibalism, Colonisation, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Sexual assault, Xenophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Racism, Rape, and Body horror
Minor: Infertility and Miscarriage
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-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
5.0
- Light enemies-to-lovers
- Atmospheric gothic fantasy
- mystery solving
- murder
- ghosts
Thank you Hodder and Stoughton, and NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
Signa Farrow has been surrounded by Death her whole life. With her string of guardians all meeting untimely ends, Signa is determined to not let Death ruin her fresh start with her cousins at the mysterious Thorn Grove. But when her aunt's ghost tells her she was murdered and her daughter is next, it's up to Signa, Sylas the infuriating stable boy, and her sworn enemy Death himself to help stop the murderer before it's too late.
'Belladonna' was one of my most anticipated releases of 2022 and it did not disappoint! This is the perfect mix of fantasy, romance, mystery and the gothic! If you looking for a book that feels like a Hozier song, look no further. (It also needs to be said that this is one of the most beautiful book covers I've ever seen!).
I adored the writing style and how Signa as a character develops and comes into her own with her powers and sense of self. Death was mysterious, alluring and the sarcastic love interest of your dreams. I have never been more excited for my theories to be right than I was when I got to that bit! Signa and Death balance each other out perfectly- the banter, reluctant allies, consent, and encouragement?!!! I can't wait for 'Foxglove' and that cliffhanger was evil- I loved it!
- Atmospheric gothic fantasy
- mystery solving
- murder
- ghosts
Thank you Hodder and Stoughton, and NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
Signa Farrow has been surrounded by Death her whole life. With her string of guardians all meeting untimely ends, Signa is determined to not let Death ruin her fresh start with her cousins at the mysterious Thorn Grove. But when her aunt's ghost tells her she was murdered and her daughter is next, it's up to Signa, Sylas the infuriating stable boy, and her sworn enemy Death himself to help stop the murderer before it's too late.
'Belladonna' was one of my most anticipated releases of 2022 and it did not disappoint! This is the perfect mix of fantasy, romance, mystery and the gothic! If you looking for a book that feels like a Hozier song, look no further. (It also needs to be said that this is one of the most beautiful book covers I've ever seen!).
I adored the writing style and how Signa as a character develops and comes into her own with her powers and sense of self. Death was mysterious, alluring and the sarcastic love interest of your dreams. I have never been more excited for my theories to be right than I was when I got to that bit! Signa and Death balance each other out perfectly- the banter, reluctant allies, consent, and encouragement?!!! I can't wait for 'Foxglove' and that cliffhanger was evil- I loved it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death, Gore, Grief, Murder, Self harm, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Alcoholism, Confinement, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death, Classism, Physical abuse, Sexism, Child abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, and Vomit
Stolen City by Elisa A. Bonnin
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
PLEASE tell me we get a follow up book!!!!!!??????
5*
- Autistic rep
- Biracial rep
- Knife-to-throat scene
- Magic
- Heists!!
- Multi-POV
- Ship that made me giggle and scream, I’m obsessed!
Thank you NetGalley, Swoon Reads and Elisa A. Bonnin for providing me with an arc as a member of the author’s street team in exchange for an honest review!
This became one of my favourite books instantly, and I am completely obsessed! If you’re after a book to follow Six of Crows for its magical heists, look no further! I can completely see Stolen City becoming the new Tiktok 'it' book!
Elisa is a master of world building and Stolen City is no exception. The politics and history of Leithon is explained beautifully, showing the cultural and generational trauma caused by the Imperial occupation- however, this never feels 'preachy'. The magic system was intriguing and unique, the characters had limitations, and, for the most part, no one felt overpowered. I would totally read a prequel book about the creation of the Arcanum, Weavers and Venari family, this world is so rich it deserves more books! (Please!)
Arian and Liam's coming of age was satisfying, but it did feel a little rushed towards the end. I'd love to see a follow up book exploring what happens next with Leithon and the characters!
My favourite part of Stolen City was Arian and Cavar by far, the witty writing and tension?! In love! The heists were really fun and subverted my expectations- so good!
I need people to talk to to gush over this book!
5*
- Autistic rep
- Biracial rep
- Knife-to-throat scene
- Magic
- Heists!!
- Multi-POV
- Ship that made me giggle and scream, I’m obsessed!
Thank you NetGalley, Swoon Reads and Elisa A. Bonnin for providing me with an arc as a member of the author’s street team in exchange for an honest review!
This became one of my favourite books instantly, and I am completely obsessed! If you’re after a book to follow Six of Crows for its magical heists, look no further! I can completely see Stolen City becoming the new Tiktok 'it' book!
Elisa is a master of world building and Stolen City is no exception. The politics and history of Leithon is explained beautifully, showing the cultural and generational trauma caused by the Imperial occupation- however, this never feels 'preachy'. The magic system was intriguing and unique, the characters had limitations, and, for the most part, no one felt overpowered. I would totally read a prequel book about the creation of the Arcanum, Weavers and Venari family, this world is so rich it deserves more books! (Please!)
Arian and Liam's coming of age was satisfying, but it did feel a little rushed towards the end. I'd love to see a follow up book exploring what happens next with Leithon and the characters!
My favourite part of Stolen City was Arian and Cavar by far, the witty writing and tension?! In love! The heists were really fun and subverted my expectations- so good!
I need people to talk to to gush over this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality, Blood, Genocide, Grief, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Colonisation, Death of parent, Murder, and War
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Cursing, Ableism, Confinement, Abandonment, and Fire/Fire injury
The Stardust Thief by Chelsea Abdullah
adventurous
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
“I am Loulie al-Nazari, the Midnight Merchant, and I am the master of my own fate.”
I wouldn’t have picked this up if it hadn’t have been in the Fairyloot May box, but I’m so glad I did! I tend to be intimidated by adult high fantasy, but this was easy to read, had beautiful and witty writing, with nuanced characters you can root for. I think this would be a great entry to adult fantasy books if anyone was looking for one.
I adored the importance of storytelling, and the ambiguity of good and evil in this book. I also loved Qadir, Loulie, Mazen and Aisha. I hope we get to see their found family develop more and explore more of the world building as the series continues! I will definitely be continuing with this series! This book took me back to my love of stories and a thousand and one nights when I was younger.
I wouldn’t have picked this up if it hadn’t have been in the Fairyloot May box, but I’m so glad I did! I tend to be intimidated by adult high fantasy, but this was easy to read, had beautiful and witty writing, with nuanced characters you can root for. I think this would be a great entry to adult fantasy books if anyone was looking for one.
I adored the importance of storytelling, and the ambiguity of good and evil in this book. I also loved Qadir, Loulie, Mazen and Aisha. I hope we get to see their found family develop more and explore more of the world building as the series continues! I will definitely be continuing with this series! This book took me back to my love of stories and a thousand and one nights when I was younger.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Body horror, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Genocide, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Moderate: Alcohol and Confinement
Minor: Child death and Cursing
So This Is Ever After by F.T. Lukens
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.75
“I didn’t look behind me to check that everyone followed, because I was certain they would. I could feel them right there, protecting me as they had for the past nine months. We might be dressed like chess pieces, but we were still that ragtag group of assholes who had taken on the darkest and vilest regime in five lifetimes and lived to tell the tale.”
If a DnD campaign, cozy fantasy and merthur came together and wrote a book, it would be So This Is Ever After.
As always, FT Lukens has written a hilarious, gay, cozy romcom perfect for lovers of fantasy books! Was it perfect? Not exactly, the lack of communication and obliviousness of Arek and Matt made me want to repeatedly walk headfirst into a wall, BUT it was entertaining as hell and aggressively sweet! I can see this becoming a new staple of the cozy fantasy sub genre!
If a DnD campaign, cozy fantasy and merthur came together and wrote a book, it would be So This Is Ever After.
As always, FT Lukens has written a hilarious, gay, cozy romcom perfect for lovers of fantasy books! Was it perfect? Not exactly, the lack of communication and obliviousness of Arek and Matt made me want to repeatedly walk headfirst into a wall, BUT it was entertaining as hell and aggressively sweet! I can see this becoming a new staple of the cozy fantasy sub genre!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Bullying, Cursing, Blood, Body horror, Murder, Vomit, Death, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Gore, and Panic attacks/disorders
Loveless by Alice Oseman
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
This was PERSONAL, my word! 😭 Georgia is a bit too close to home! I cried throughout this. I want what Georgia and Rooney have. 10/10
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Mental illness, Bullying, Cursing, Gaslighting, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Alcohol
Minor: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic relationship