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bookishvicky's reviews
127 reviews
Call Forth a Fox by Markelle Grabo
adventurous
hopeful
tense
slow-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
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Page Street Publishing for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
Rating: 4 stars★
Release Date: 02 April 2024
Review:
Call Forth a Fox was a magical experience with charming characters, using winter as a brilliant backdrop for such a bleak story that breaks through to hope just in time for spring. The twists in this book were great, and had me reading well into the night.
I found Ro to be such an intriguing main character; her love of the forest and distaste for village life felt perfect for a story about faeries. I loved watching her grow and discover who she truly is as the story progressed, both in heritage and love.
On the flipside, I do feel like the pacing was a little slow and dragged out. The final confrontation scene felt five pages too long, with constant back and forth. I also wished we got more of Eirwyn, as we’re constantly told about the sisters’ bond rather than witnessing it in action. Also, I can’t lie, the girls’ mother being gone for the majority of the story felt like a cop-out. I know her being there would answer a lot of the questions the girls had, but still.
Overall, I did enjoy this book, though I wish it went a bit more in-depth with the world and characters. It felt like everything sort of overshadowed each other, with the romance being on the backburner for the faerie realm which was put on the backburner for whatever Ro and Brend had going on.
I’ll absolutely read a sequel if there ever is one, as I adore the world and the characters and need to know more! It’s the kind of open-ended conclusion that just leaves me wanting, but also satisfied, which a lot of books struggle to pull off as well as Grabo did here.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Suicide attempt
Minor: Animal death
That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I’d love to recommend this to people who like d&d since it’s full of shenanigans that feel straight from a goofy campaign with friends, but good GOD this book was horny! Not that I’M complaining but damn. The world was fun, but the pacing was so sooo fast. I’ll probably read the other books in this series because the humor is so good. (Yeah. The humor. Just the humor is what’s good 👍)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Blood, and Vomit
Minor: Rape and Slavery
Under Your Spell: A Novel by Laura Wood, Laura Wood
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!
★ 4.0 stars
Before I get into why this book felt like a mug of tea on a summer evening looking out over a little beachy paradise, let me share with you the revelation I had about 30% of the way through:
I think this may be inspired by One Direction/ Harry Styles fanfiction.
Now hear me out! Theo Elliot is a popular solo artist after leaving the equally popular band “The Daze,” and he’s beloved by an audience of mostly girls in their teens to twenties. Pair that with a force proximity trope that starts out as mildly “enemies to lovers” (more like begrudged FMC to enchanted FMC), and this is the perfect recipe for a Harry Styles fanfic (like the ones Elliot says he has written about him).
I don’t mean that in a negative way; I mean that in a “this is evoking strange feelings of 2014-17 nostalgia” kind of way and to me it just made this book so much more fun.
I found the characters to be charming, especially the wholesome sisterly bond between Clementine, Lil, and Serena. Their relationship was strong and realistic, and their witchy traditions were so fun. I thought at first this would be a LEGIT witch book, but I think I’m happy it’s not.
I loved Clementine from the start– unlike some other FMCs in romance novels, she was quirky without being annoyingly so, and watching her overcome her past troubles and traumas to accept love and the chance at happiness was just as rewarding as watching the romance come to a HEA conclusion.
However, I do think the pacing of this book is off. Everything after the six-week cabin arc felt random and messy, like a third-act breakup without a real breakup. Plus, the “climax” at Lil’s birthday festival felt too cliche, like something out of a cheesy romance film, which was unfortunate since leading up to it every romantic aspect has been sweet but not overly so.
Overall, this was a delightful romcom. I sort of hope we get books now from Lil and Serena’s POVs regarding their own romances, since I just loved reading about their interactions. Definitely recommend this one!
Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.75
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for a fair review!
★ 4.75 stars
This book is a love letter to fandom culture and speaks to me on levels I never thought a book would. Not only do I see myself in Viola Reyes (cosplaying her original character from this world’s version of Dungeons & Dragons, not taking slack from toxic players, sticking to her guns even if it makes others resent her), but I see myself in her struggles to combat loneliness while not letting anyone in.
She was sort of a “not like other girls” girl at first, but she developed throughout the story. Her experiences spoke so true to me: I could write an essay about how accurately this book nailed being a woman in nerd culture, especially at conventions or a TTRPG table.
And Jack! Love of my life. Sweetheart football player turned gamer. His character development was beautiful. Watching him find his true passions while learning to not be ashamed of what he likes and who he loves was adorable.
Twelfth Knight is rife with charming side characters (Olivia needs a whole book), witty banter, necessary conversations about misogyny in fandom culture, and subtle Shakespearian references that made me kick my feet and remember this is a retelling and then kick my feet some more because it’s all so well-written--- just such a fun read.
I could write an essay about how accurately this book nailed being a woman in nerd culture, especially at conventions or a TTRPG table.
I loved the framing device of each character’s “big games” opening and closing the book. It showed how far they’ve come, and how happier they are now that they don’t confine themselves to the boxes they assumed they belonged in.
However, I did find this a little hard to get into, as Violet’s character can be irritating at first, and much of her fandom talk and Jack’s football sequences can feel overwhelming. But I finished this book in one sitting, which I RARELY do, so take my word that this book gets GOOD. If Follmuth wrote another Shakespeare retelling with some of the side characters in this book like Olivia and Bash, I’d be so giddy I’d probably kick my feet some more.
★ 4.75 stars
This book is a love letter to fandom culture and speaks to me on levels I never thought a book would. Not only do I see myself in Viola Reyes (cosplaying her original character from this world’s version of Dungeons & Dragons, not taking slack from toxic players, sticking to her guns even if it makes others resent her), but I see myself in her struggles to combat loneliness while not letting anyone in.
She was sort of a “not like other girls” girl at first, but she developed throughout the story. Her experiences spoke so true to me: I could write an essay about how accurately this book nailed being a woman in nerd culture, especially at conventions or a TTRPG table.
And Jack! Love of my life. Sweetheart football player turned gamer. His character development was beautiful. Watching him find his true passions while learning to not be ashamed of what he likes and who he loves was adorable.
Twelfth Knight is rife with charming side characters (Olivia needs a whole book), witty banter, necessary conversations about misogyny in fandom culture, and subtle Shakespearian references that made me kick my feet and remember this is a retelling and then kick my feet some more because it’s all so well-written--- just such a fun read.
I could write an essay about how accurately this book nailed being a woman in nerd culture, especially at conventions or a TTRPG table.
I loved the framing device of each character’s “big games” opening and closing the book. It showed how far they’ve come, and how happier they are now that they don’t confine themselves to the boxes they assumed they belonged in.
However, I did find this a little hard to get into, as Violet’s character can be irritating at first, and much of her fandom talk and Jack’s football sequences can feel overwhelming. But I finished this book in one sitting, which I RARELY do, so take my word that this book gets GOOD. If Follmuth wrote another Shakespeare retelling with some of the side characters in this book like Olivia and Bash, I’d be so giddy I’d probably kick my feet some more.
Triple Sec by TJ Alexander
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I wanted to love this book, I really did. The concept sounded so sweet, and the idea of a romance surrounded by NYC bar culture sounded like a wild ride– the ride was wild, but I wanted to hop off so many times.
First and foremost, I think this is a lovely poly romance book– it’s the first I’ve read, but I think it can be helpful to questioning queers trying to find their niche and what counts as a “relationship” in queer culture. It handled these tough subjects with grace, and I think the end-game relationship is a beautiful “blueprint” of sorts. Alexander handled pronouns, sexuality, labels, and the like so well. As a bi girl, I felt safe with this book, if that makes sense.
Mel’s inner voice is relatable and goofy, and at first I found her to be a likable, down-on-her-luck lesbian bartender looking for her second chance. But in all actuality, she’s a little selfish– ignoring her best friend’s problems, being rude to a service worker, being snooty to her partner’s wife– it made it hard for me to like her despite her being such a cool character.
Also, the plot of this book was lacking. Any conflicts were brought up and either squashed or forgotten within pages. But then again this book dropped banger lines like:
“You [think you have to] have to tick all the boxes. That your relationship has to look a certain way. Even if you’re– no, especially if you’re queer.”
Beautiful message and something so many in the LGBTQIA+ community can relate to! However, it felt like we couldn’t come to this conclusion on our own, as it was sort of “proved” time and again with various scenarios.
Overall, Triple Sec felt like a bunch of oneshots rather than a cohesive novel. Things just worked out and were okay. Lovely in reality, but makes for a dry novel. Maybe this one just wasn't for me.
I wanted to love this book, I really did. The concept sounded so sweet, and the idea of a romance surrounded by NYC bar culture sounded like a wild ride– the ride was wild, but I wanted to hop off so many times.
First and foremost, I think this is a lovely poly romance book– it’s the first I’ve read, but I think it can be helpful to questioning queers trying to find their niche and what counts as a “relationship” in queer culture. It handled these tough subjects with grace, and I think the end-game relationship is a beautiful “blueprint” of sorts. Alexander handled pronouns, sexuality, labels, and the like so well. As a bi girl, I felt safe with this book, if that makes sense.
Mel’s inner voice is relatable and goofy, and at first I found her to be a likable, down-on-her-luck lesbian bartender looking for her second chance. But in all actuality, she’s a little selfish– ignoring her best friend’s problems, being rude to a service worker, being snooty to her partner’s wife– it made it hard for me to like her despite her being such a cool character.
Also, the plot of this book was lacking. Any conflicts were brought up and either squashed or forgotten within pages. But then again this book dropped banger lines like:
“You [think you have to] have to tick all the boxes. That your relationship has to look a certain way. Even if you’re– no, especially if you’re queer.”
Beautiful message and something so many in the LGBTQIA+ community can relate to! However, it felt like we couldn’t come to this conclusion on our own, as it was sort of “proved” time and again with various scenarios.
Overall, Triple Sec felt like a bunch of oneshots rather than a cohesive novel. Things just worked out and were okay. Lovely in reality, but makes for a dry novel. Maybe this one just wasn't for me.
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Hmm. So.
I’ve never read an Ali Hazelwood book, and I know there’s always a risk reading a speculative title from someone who’s only written romance. HOWEVER— I did enjoy this. It was a fun take on the “vampires vs werewolves” trope, the pacing was surprisingly done well, and the smut was spicyyyy.
But, some things. 1. The dialogue felt so unrealistic. Like I could NOT get a grasp on Misery; she’s stoic and bitchy one moment and then cracking jokes and being quirky the next? Also why is her name Misery?! The explanation provided just did not cover it, I’m sorry.
Also- I didn’t see any of the plot twists coming. and I don’t mean that in a good way. Some, yeah, okay, I can see how they came about. But a lot felt like they were just being thrown at you and you had to roll with it because we’re onto the next Big Reveal!
I also found the “main villain” to be unpredictable yet so predictable, and the climax felt so so rushed. Like it was “evil bad guy speech” and then “oh ok he’s dead now lol!”
Lowe is such an interesting character and I WISH we knew more about him. Like he still felt like a mystery at the end! A good romance, especially first person, usually makes you feel like you understand why the MC loves them, you get their chemistry, their spice scenes are as wholesome as they are erotic. But these scenes were Just sex. Tropey, knotty sex.
I now know this is a setup in a duology/ series bc of the epilogue, so I’m edited to see Hazelwood explore the world and flesh out some characters more. Such ashow is a half wolf half human creature also half human. Huh. So are dhampirs a thing too?! I’m so confused. So so much of the lore was a mystery and still is
But, as a vampire lover, I’m giving this a solid 3.5. Not bad, not the best, I did enjoy it, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book set in this world.
I’ve never read an Ali Hazelwood book, and I know there’s always a risk reading a speculative title from someone who’s only written romance. HOWEVER— I did enjoy this. It was a fun take on the “vampires vs werewolves” trope, the pacing was surprisingly done well, and the smut was spicyyyy.
But, some things. 1. The dialogue felt so unrealistic. Like I could NOT get a grasp on Misery; she’s stoic and bitchy one moment and then cracking jokes and being quirky the next? Also why is her name Misery?! The explanation provided just did not cover it, I’m sorry.
Also- I didn’t see any of the plot twists coming. and I don’t mean that in a good way. Some, yeah, okay, I can see how they came about. But a lot felt like they were just being thrown at you and you had to roll with it because we’re onto the next Big Reveal!
I also found the “main villain” to be unpredictable yet so predictable, and the climax felt so so rushed. Like it was “evil bad guy speech” and then “oh ok he’s dead now lol!”
Lowe is such an interesting character and I WISH we knew more about him. Like he still felt like a mystery at the end! A good romance, especially first person, usually makes you feel like you understand why the MC loves them, you get their chemistry, their spice scenes are as wholesome as they are erotic. But these scenes were Just sex. Tropey, knotty sex.
I now know this is a setup in a duology/ series bc of the epilogue, so I’m edited to see Hazelwood explore the world and flesh out some characters more. Such as
But, as a vampire lover, I’m giving this a solid 3.5. Not bad, not the best, I did enjoy it, and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book set in this world.
An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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
ST Gibson has done it again. She’s made me cry over vampires. Again.
Where do I start. The characters. Each one so unique, so strong and detailed and mysterious and beautiful. Carmilla’s inner voice, her brattiness covering for her deep loneliness, just SCREAMED vampiric longing. She wanted so deeply of the world that she had to change to get it, and even then she only found that refuge in Laura.
Oh Laura. Oh man. The only character. The best girl. I’m so proud of her. She deserves everything. EVERYTHING.
De Lafontaine. Holy shit. I don’t know if I want to brush her hair or run her over with a car. What a complex character. I’d pay to watch her and Constanta duke it out.
SPEAKING OFMAGDALENA!!!! I’m bummed we didn’t see Alexi or Constanta but oh man seeing her play mother at the end? I love it
Great dark academia, steamy with yearning and longing and hope peeking through the misery. Utterly beautiful prose. I’m going insane at how much I adored this.
Where do I start. The characters. Each one so unique, so strong and detailed and mysterious and beautiful. Carmilla’s inner voice, her brattiness covering for her deep loneliness, just SCREAMED vampiric longing. She wanted so deeply of the world that she had to change to get it, and even then she only found that refuge in Laura.
Oh Laura. Oh man. The only character. The best girl. I’m so proud of her. She deserves everything. EVERYTHING.
De Lafontaine. Holy shit. I don’t know if I want to brush her hair or run her over with a car. What a complex character. I’d pay to watch her and Constanta duke it out.
SPEAKING OF
Great dark academia, steamy with yearning and longing and hope peeking through the misery. Utterly beautiful prose. I’m going insane at how much I adored this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Blood, Violence, Toxic relationship, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Death, and Alcohol
Tripping Arcadia by Kit Mayquist
4.25
Gave off big Saltburn vibes. I loved the prose, the dreary atmosphere, the irony of being paid to poison the rich.
I do think the pacing is a bit off, and some things are still unclear even after being explained. I also think a lot of characters are underdeveloped, and I would love to know more about Lena’s family life, as we only get bits and pieces that allude to something bigger. I also wish we got more buildup to the endgame relationship, since it felt a bit rushed.
Overall, a delightfully gloomy and chaotic gothic read.
I do think the pacing is a bit off, and some things are still unclear even after being explained. I also think a lot of characters are underdeveloped, and I would love to know more about Lena’s family life, as we only get bits and pieces that allude to something bigger. I also wish we got more buildup to the endgame relationship, since it felt a bit rushed.
Overall, a delightfully gloomy and chaotic gothic read.
The Deal by Elle Kennedy
2.25
The plot was kind of all over the place, I HATE Hannah with a passion (she’s not like other girls 🥺) and there was barely any hockey. When I read a sports romance I want sports!