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confessionsofabibliophile's reviews
14 reviews
When Oceans Rise by Robin Alvarez
Alvarez paints an ordinary life of a teenage Filipino girl, growing up in the United States. The girl is caught between the throws of a more Westernised ways of life and the life and ways of the old customs her Filipino mother tries to push on her. As someone who is tri-racial myself I grew up in a culture very similar to the Filipino one with the way of doing certain things. So I found myself mirroring Malaya thinking back to when I was her age and struggling with being who I wanted and yet still trying to keep the family happy.
I really loved learning about the Filipino culture and the Mythology and Lore. As I am a sucker for Cryptids in any culture; Wendigos, Chupacabras, Skinwalkers and more. So finding out that this was not only a fairytale retelling, which is one of my favourite genres, but also used Cryptids and Mythology from the Filipino culture, I was like yes, sign me up.
The story started off a little slow. Though it begins to pick up and after the speed change I was able to focus a lot more on the story. I loved how the use of magical realism was used and it kept the story interesting. I hated Ian the second he entered the chat. I was a little irked by how fast their relationship went, all because of a fortune. I felt like that was the reason Malaya went so hard for Ian and fell victim to all his rubbish. Blinded by love, I didn't understand how it happened. Then again teenage romance does that. Another thing, that I thought was a little clunky was the time shifts in the storyline. Though was easy to ignore.
After loads of lies, gaslighting, tons of abuse, Malaya finds herself drowning in the ocean. She is snatched up by a mythological creature and taken to a Sea Witch. Where she makes a deal to erase the love and heartache, for the price of her voice. This thrusts her into a different timeline. I guess a parallel universe to the one she came from. Ian is not apart of her life in this time, and she has a second chance at life or so she thinks. All if her personal relationships are different and seem better in this life. I won't go too into it as I don't want to drop any big spoilers. There is A LOT of time shifting and A LOT of fighting Cryptids, with the help of everyone in this time and the parallel in which she came. Even the Filipino Gods come in to help using a Mortal they chose as a Champion. All this is happening while Malaya learns some valuable life lessons, and works on a plot to get her voice back and defeat the Sea Witch.
I finished the audio book in two days, maybe two and a half days, as I listened driving to and from work and in bed or while cleaning. It did tie up nicely with an epilogue, I was just a bit eh on one part, because something happens and a choice is made by a key character that is literally the thing the book spent the half the time trying to right as it was wrong for it to happen. I guess I felt like the message that I thought was perfectly conveyed by Alvarez was then dismantled by her as well. That aside I still enjoyed the book and it left me wishing for more even though it didn't have a cliffhanger ending. That is just me wanting more of the Cryptids and lore. All in all I was very pleased with this retelling even with the minor flaws I would recommend.
*Review can also be found on IG, Netgalley and Goodreads.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I was l lucky enough to receive the audio arc for review via Netgalley. Thank you, Tides Collide Publishing, for giving me the chance to listen to this magical story in return for an honest review. Thank you, Robin Alvarez, for creating this fantastical retelling of The Little Mermaid laced with Filipino Legends and Lore.
*Trigger Warnings* Domestic Abuse (physical, emotional and mental) from a partner, gaslighting, cheating, brainwashing and all the bad things that go along with abusive partners.
*Trigger Warnings* Domestic Abuse (physical, emotional and mental) from a partner, gaslighting, cheating, brainwashing and all the bad things that go along with abusive partners.
Tiktik. A bird that is believed to fly alongside a Manananggal. It makes a sound “tik-tik-tik-tik” or “ik-ik-ik-ik” It is said that the fainter the call of the bird the nearer the Manananggal is to you, the louder the ticking the further away it is. This is meant to confuse victims of this Filipino myth.
Alvarez paints an ordinary life of a teenage Filipino girl, growing up in the United States. The girl is caught between the throws of a more Westernised ways of life and the life and ways of the old customs her Filipino mother tries to push on her. As someone who is tri-racial myself I grew up in a culture very similar to the Filipino one with the way of doing certain things. So I found myself mirroring Malaya thinking back to when I was her age and struggling with being who I wanted and yet still trying to keep the family happy.
I really loved learning about the Filipino culture and the Mythology and Lore. As I am a sucker for Cryptids in any culture; Wendigos, Chupacabras, Skinwalkers and more. So finding out that this was not only a fairytale retelling, which is one of my favourite genres, but also used Cryptids and Mythology from the Filipino culture, I was like yes, sign me up.
The story started off a little slow. Though it begins to pick up and after the speed change I was able to focus a lot more on the story. I loved how the use of magical realism was used and it kept the story interesting. I hated Ian the second he entered the chat. I was a little irked by how fast their relationship went, all because of a fortune. I felt like that was the reason Malaya went so hard for Ian and fell victim to all his rubbish. Blinded by love, I didn't understand how it happened. Then again teenage romance does that. Another thing, that I thought was a little clunky was the time shifts in the storyline. Though was easy to ignore.
After loads of lies, gaslighting, tons of abuse, Malaya finds herself drowning in the ocean. She is snatched up by a mythological creature and taken to a Sea Witch. Where she makes a deal to erase the love and heartache, for the price of her voice. This thrusts her into a different timeline. I guess a parallel universe to the one she came from. Ian is not apart of her life in this time, and she has a second chance at life or so she thinks. All if her personal relationships are different and seem better in this life. I won't go too into it as I don't want to drop any big spoilers. There is A LOT of time shifting and A LOT of fighting Cryptids, with the help of everyone in this time and the parallel in which she came. Even the Filipino Gods come in to help using a Mortal they chose as a Champion. All this is happening while Malaya learns some valuable life lessons, and works on a plot to get her voice back and defeat the Sea Witch.
I finished the audio book in two days, maybe two and a half days, as I listened driving to and from work and in bed or while cleaning. It did tie up nicely with an epilogue, I was just a bit eh on one part, because something happens and a choice is made by a key character that is literally the thing the book spent the half the time trying to right as it was wrong for it to happen. I guess I felt like the message that I thought was perfectly conveyed by Alvarez was then dismantled by her as well. That aside I still enjoyed the book and it left me wishing for more even though it didn't have a cliffhanger ending. That is just me wanting more of the Cryptids and lore. All in all I was very pleased with this retelling even with the minor flaws I would recommend.
*Review can also be found on IG, Netgalley and Goodreads.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Grief, Racism, Injury/Injury detail, and Misogyny
Minor: Murder and Death
Clearlake by Stanislava Buevich
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I was kindly given a chance to read Clearlake for a Book Tour and also via Netgalley. This review is my honest thought and opinions based on the book. I will try and keep it as spoiler free as possible.
“I’ll snap you like gingerbread. One finger at a time. Snap, snap, snap.”
Clearlake isn't all that it seems to be. A huge monstrous building on a hill, on a secluded island; soon it will be the prison which will hold or main character and many other children.
Unfortunately for our main character Moon, fate was not on her side when she was birthed the night of the full Moon to her very eccentric mother, Ms. Raines in the bathtub of their flat. Her mother is one of those types of parents who believe Western medicine is fooey and that childhood board games like Monopoly are just a bunch of propaganda. You could say the woman is slightly mad.
Moon's unlucky destination happens on the chance she is ill. Upon exhausting all sorts of cures (except the Vicks; any Latin raised reader will understand my joke. Happened to me too.) She is taken away by her mother to this hospital on the hill. Where the staff are a bit off and odd things happen. The whole place is filled with children caught between growing up and being a child. the majority are orphans and the ones with cuckoo parents like Moon's. Every once I awhile a child is called to a room....and they never return....
Moon and her band of resistance fighters work together to try and unravel the secrets of the dark labyrinth, which Clearlake housed within its weathered walls. Will she and the rest of the lost boys and girls find the truth of the strange happenings before it's too late?
Clearlake was a quick short read. I finished it in a couple of hours. I found myself wanting to find out what the dark portrait lined halls of Clearlake echoed within the whisper of night. It is a YA horror thriller, I would say more towards the lower YA age demographic even into middle grade. It's not creepy enough for me, but I know it would be for the targeted demographic. I liked most of the characters except a handful, all the adults but one.. the plot twist with the one was so sad... As I read, I definitely had Roald Dahl Witches vibes mixed with this movie I saw on like netflix where they had all these girls in this buding from tiny kids to early teens before they would vanish. I felt like perhaps these two things may have been inspiration but I am unsure, though here I was thinking I was Sherlock Holmes and I couldn't have been more wrong, when the truth dropped, I was so surprised in a good way! Very clever!
The only thing I wished there was more of was a bit more to the ending. It was a good ending, but I had questions. I wanted to know what happened to all the kids and especially to the main group and to June. Was Lars telling the truth?
If you have a child between 8-14, I think they would definitely enjoy the book, or if you enjoy lower YA to Middle Grade stories and like spooky reads, this one is for you!
“I’ll snap you like gingerbread. One finger at a time. Snap, snap, snap.”
Clearlake isn't all that it seems to be. A huge monstrous building on a hill, on a secluded island; soon it will be the prison which will hold or main character and many other children.
Unfortunately for our main character Moon, fate was not on her side when she was birthed the night of the full Moon to her very eccentric mother, Ms. Raines in the bathtub of their flat. Her mother is one of those types of parents who believe Western medicine is fooey and that childhood board games like Monopoly are just a bunch of propaganda. You could say the woman is slightly mad.
Moon's unlucky destination happens on the chance she is ill. Upon exhausting all sorts of cures (except the Vicks; any Latin raised reader will understand my joke. Happened to me too.) She is taken away by her mother to this hospital on the hill. Where the staff are a bit off and odd things happen. The whole place is filled with children caught between growing up and being a child. the majority are orphans and the ones with cuckoo parents like Moon's. Every once I awhile a child is called to a room....and they never return....
Moon and her band of resistance fighters work together to try and unravel the secrets of the dark labyrinth, which Clearlake housed within its weathered walls. Will she and the rest of the lost boys and girls find the truth of the strange happenings before it's too late?
Clearlake was a quick short read. I finished it in a couple of hours. I found myself wanting to find out what the dark portrait lined halls of Clearlake echoed within the whisper of night. It is a YA horror thriller, I would say more towards the lower YA age demographic even into middle grade. It's not creepy enough for me, but I know it would be for the targeted demographic. I liked most of the characters except a handful, all the adults but one.. the plot twist with the one was so sad... As I read, I definitely had Roald Dahl Witches vibes mixed with this movie I saw on like netflix where they had all these girls in this buding from tiny kids to early teens before they would vanish. I felt like perhaps these two things may have been inspiration but I am unsure, though here I was thinking I was Sherlock Holmes and I couldn't have been more wrong, when the truth dropped, I was so surprised in a good way! Very clever!
The only thing I wished there was more of was a bit more to the ending. It was a good ending, but I had questions. I wanted to know what happened to all the kids and especially to the main group and to June. Was Lars telling the truth?
If you have a child between 8-14, I think they would definitely enjoy the book, or if you enjoy lower YA to Middle Grade stories and like spooky reads, this one is for you!
Forged by Linda Ling
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Forged by Linda Ling (Book 2 in a Trilogy)
I was given a copy courtesy of Hazel's Book Tours in exchange for a review. Even though this was given to me for this purpose, though this is my honest opinion.
Rating:3.5 stars
Review spoiler free:
Forged is book two in the series by Linda Ling, and it starts off. I assume where the first book ended. I haven't read the first book, but the author puts a lot of time and effort into the first few chapters revisiting and explaining things. So, in essence, this could have been picked up as a standalone and would be fine. The book is multi POV, which sometimes is like whiplash but, for the most part, easy to follow. The author does an amazing job at painting a beautiful world with her words. She is very descriptive and, I believe, explains things mostly. There is some stuff left unanswered, but this might be a book 3 explains it all situation. There are minor grammatical errors in the book but nothing too extreme, like one point Winyx is talking to Thane about leaving and going back to the Valley and how she will tell other fairies about Thane and stuff (trying to not spoil anything), but Thane says that he wants to go with her and he can 'met the fairies himself.' As you can see, this is an example of a minor error, but the sentence is still understandable. It honestly doesn't take away from the book or the immersive aspects.
There were things I liked about the book and things I didn't like. We will touch on things that weren't my cup of tea first. The book started off extremely slow. It is a slower paced book to me anyway, but the start seemed to drag on. This is a me issue, slower paced reads I lose interest as my brain starts thinking of a million things nothing having to do with the book that I lose focuse. Midway/end does pick up, which made it easier for me to focus.
There is a chapter in the book, I think it is 12. I can't remember off the top of my head, but every single sentence started with the word 'She'. I know it was from Winyx's perspective, but that chapter bothered me. It took me a bit to not dread reading the word she after that.
Although Ling does an absolutely phenomenal job at setting the scene, and you can tell she is a gifted writer, I felt like this was used a lot as filler. Again, in my opinion, I wanted more plot and story, and I felt that the book was heavy world building, especially at the start.
There are so many characters. I mean I love a good fantasy with loads of characters, but I think the thing that threw me was some characters go by multiple names and the author uses them interchangeably and I got confused a couple times, I had to re-read things.
Last two things that bothered me was how Faelyn is supposed to be in love with one person and then this new guy just barely gives her a smile and she is like "oh my God I am in love with him" like it was so instant and there was no build up, I mean something does lead into her being in this character's company but her being all googlie eyes happens so incredibly fast like within minutes and on no basis and I was so bothered by it. I know love triangle is a romantic theme in this book, but still. I like plot to my romance and romance building, and it was like blinked eyes, and she is in love with a new guy.
The other thing is also a relationship flaw for me. Winyx and Thane. They are enemies, and their is a fade to black sort of flash forward where she ends up going along with something Thane is orchestrating. Then when it succeeds it seems Thane seems to sort of fall for Winyx and she slightly in return, I think but the thing that I was like wait what...was the fact they got closer together OVER A DEAD BODY. I was like, wait, what did this just happen? I get the whole enemies to lovers trope but this I was like pause, excuse me come again, let's rewind and reread this section to make sure I am picking up what Linda Ling was putting down and YEP, I WAS. I mean, some people may not have an issue with this, but as I said, this is my own opinion. Not to mention I don't know I just picture Thane thousands of years older than Winyx and I know it's fantasy and I get people don't mind things like that for me I was like I get grandpa vibes from him, haha.
Now, onto the things I liked. I loved Sage. She was one of my favourites and I felt so sorry for her and I loved her care and compassion for Winyx almost like a Nana, which is why I think I view Thane as a Gdad because Sage is his sister.
I also LOVED Winyx! I enjoy fairy's and fairytales, and she was like fairy to a T! The wit, the sassy stubbornness, kindness, and beauty all in one. I enjoyed her story arc, I thought it flowed fairly well, minus the fade to black choice thing and infamous 'She' Chapter she was truly a loveable character and really fleshed out!
Speaking of fleshing out! Oh my God, the world building, Elvarue, The Valley, Rohinder, and all of the other places, characters, and creatures that make up this fantastical world that Linda Ling has created!
I liked how I was able to pick this up without reading the first book and understand perfectly what was going on. I loved fantasy elements, fairies, elves, mages, princesses, and more. The battle scenes were good and had all the elements for a good fantasy novel, romance, fighting, whimsical characters, and fantasmic setting that whisks your imagination off to the land of the Fae. If you like fantasy and typical romantacy tropes, you will probably like Linda Ling's series.
Would I read book 3? Yeah, to see if everything I was left questioning was answered.
I was given a copy courtesy of Hazel's Book Tours in exchange for a review. Even though this was given to me for this purpose, though this is my honest opinion.
Rating:3.5 stars
Review spoiler free:
Forged is book two in the series by Linda Ling, and it starts off. I assume where the first book ended. I haven't read the first book, but the author puts a lot of time and effort into the first few chapters revisiting and explaining things. So, in essence, this could have been picked up as a standalone and would be fine. The book is multi POV, which sometimes is like whiplash but, for the most part, easy to follow. The author does an amazing job at painting a beautiful world with her words. She is very descriptive and, I believe, explains things mostly. There is some stuff left unanswered, but this might be a book 3 explains it all situation. There are minor grammatical errors in the book but nothing too extreme, like one point Winyx is talking to Thane about leaving and going back to the Valley and how she will tell other fairies about Thane and stuff (trying to not spoil anything), but Thane says that he wants to go with her and he can 'met the fairies himself.' As you can see, this is an example of a minor error, but the sentence is still understandable. It honestly doesn't take away from the book or the immersive aspects.
There were things I liked about the book and things I didn't like. We will touch on things that weren't my cup of tea first. The book started off extremely slow. It is a slower paced book to me anyway, but the start seemed to drag on. This is a me issue, slower paced reads I lose interest as my brain starts thinking of a million things nothing having to do with the book that I lose focuse. Midway/end does pick up, which made it easier for me to focus.
There is a chapter in the book, I think it is 12. I can't remember off the top of my head, but every single sentence started with the word 'She'. I know it was from Winyx's perspective, but that chapter bothered me. It took me a bit to not dread reading the word she after that.
Although Ling does an absolutely phenomenal job at setting the scene, and you can tell she is a gifted writer, I felt like this was used a lot as filler. Again, in my opinion, I wanted more plot and story, and I felt that the book was heavy world building, especially at the start.
There are so many characters. I mean I love a good fantasy with loads of characters, but I think the thing that threw me was some characters go by multiple names and the author uses them interchangeably and I got confused a couple times, I had to re-read things.
Last two things that bothered me was how Faelyn is supposed to be in love with one person and then this new guy just barely gives her a smile and she is like "oh my God I am in love with him" like it was so instant and there was no build up, I mean something does lead into her being in this character's company but her being all googlie eyes happens so incredibly fast like within minutes and on no basis and I was so bothered by it. I know love triangle is a romantic theme in this book, but still. I like plot to my romance and romance building, and it was like blinked eyes, and she is in love with a new guy.
The other thing is also a relationship flaw for me. Winyx and Thane. They are enemies, and their is a fade to black sort of flash forward where she ends up going along with something Thane is orchestrating. Then when it succeeds it seems Thane seems to sort of fall for Winyx and she slightly in return, I think but the thing that I was like wait what...was the fact they got closer together OVER A DEAD BODY. I was like, wait, what did this just happen? I get the whole enemies to lovers trope but this I was like pause, excuse me come again, let's rewind and reread this section to make sure I am picking up what Linda Ling was putting down and YEP, I WAS. I mean, some people may not have an issue with this, but as I said, this is my own opinion. Not to mention I don't know I just picture Thane thousands of years older than Winyx and I know it's fantasy and I get people don't mind things like that for me I was like I get grandpa vibes from him, haha.
Now, onto the things I liked. I loved Sage. She was one of my favourites and I felt so sorry for her and I loved her care and compassion for Winyx almost like a Nana, which is why I think I view Thane as a Gdad because Sage is his sister.
I also LOVED Winyx! I enjoy fairy's and fairytales, and she was like fairy to a T! The wit, the sassy stubbornness, kindness, and beauty all in one. I enjoyed her story arc, I thought it flowed fairly well, minus the fade to black choice thing and infamous 'She' Chapter she was truly a loveable character and really fleshed out!
Speaking of fleshing out! Oh my God, the world building, Elvarue, The Valley, Rohinder, and all of the other places, characters, and creatures that make up this fantastical world that Linda Ling has created!
I liked how I was able to pick this up without reading the first book and understand perfectly what was going on. I loved fantasy elements, fairies, elves, mages, princesses, and more. The battle scenes were good and had all the elements for a good fantasy novel, romance, fighting, whimsical characters, and fantasmic setting that whisks your imagination off to the land of the Fae. If you like fantasy and typical romantacy tropes, you will probably like Linda Ling's series.
Would I read book 3? Yeah, to see if everything I was left questioning was answered.
Small Favors by Erin A. Craig
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Historical Fantasy/ Gothic Fantasy. Fast Paced. 5 Stars.
Themes: Loss, Love, Betrayal, Loyalty, Folk lore, Religion
"Be careful what you say in the dark of the night, Ellerie Downing, lest you promise something you might regret."
Amity Falls, God' Grasp valley somewhere in the new world (America's). I wish I could say this was a quaint tiny town in the middle of nowhere far off the beaten path from society. I mean technically it is that, but quaint not really. It is a town gripped by fear of what lies beyond the bells. A town that was settled many years ago in the time of wagon trains by families who clutched onto superstitions, lore and fear of the unknown. They put together a place that to the naked eye was perfect, protected and the best place to live, away from the monsters of the forest and the world. A town with rules, set by elders made up of founding families. A town with a hive mentality of a way of life and a way of doing things. They used a vote system to determine some events. Casting votes in a ceremony that stained your skin as a reminder to you and the rest of the town your choice and side in the matter for days to come, like a scarlet letter.
If the vote didn't decide it fell upon the shoulders of the Elders to decide the best course of action for Amity Falls to take. When I first dove into the book it reminded me a lot of that one M. Night Shyamalan, movie, The Village and to be honest how the story was tracking I thought that is exactly where this was headed, but boy was I wrong and it was a VERY welcoming surprise. The hive mentality of the town is a theme throughout the book, which is where I will introduce the main character Ellerie Downing. Her family is a founding family and they are the apiarists of the town, that's right the town with a hive complex actually have local beekeepers. She is from a family of 6. Mama, who can bake the best honey cake in the area that is rivalled by none, Papa who's honey is spoken about far and wide, Samuel; Ellerie's twin brother older by mere seconds who I ended up DESPISING throughout most the book. Ellerie, she is the level-headed, strong work ethic, has her own will underneath the rules and is smart. Merry, middle sister who is intelligent, very matter of fact but so devout when it comes to their religion. Sadie, she is the youngest Downing and honestly she is a sassy smart seven year old who is often running around with her imaginary friend Abigail. For what seemed like a normal town, it was not. Strange things begin to happen and I was often left thinking what in the hell is going on but I couldn't put the book down, I was enthralled and needed to know. The town has a bunch of horrible things happen, I won't get too into cause of spoilers. The new trappers in the area and the mutated woodland creatures are some of the oddities that befall Amity Falls. It is a story of love, family, survival, loss, and finding the truth. There were a couple predictable components, the character Whitaker being one of them, I saw that curve ball a million miles away, but Craig does a brilliant job not to divulge all the cards at play so easily. This is my first Erin Craig book and it won't be the last. It ended perfectly tied but I hope for a sequel. I want to know where the Downings go from here.
I definitely recommend. I can't wait to start House of Salt and Sorrow. Erin Craigs writing was so addictive, I could not put this down.
Themes: Loss, Love, Betrayal, Loyalty, Folk lore, Religion
"Be careful what you say in the dark of the night, Ellerie Downing, lest you promise something you might regret."
Amity Falls, God' Grasp valley somewhere in the new world (America's). I wish I could say this was a quaint tiny town in the middle of nowhere far off the beaten path from society. I mean technically it is that, but quaint not really. It is a town gripped by fear of what lies beyond the bells. A town that was settled many years ago in the time of wagon trains by families who clutched onto superstitions, lore and fear of the unknown. They put together a place that to the naked eye was perfect, protected and the best place to live, away from the monsters of the forest and the world. A town with rules, set by elders made up of founding families. A town with a hive mentality of a way of life and a way of doing things. They used a vote system to determine some events. Casting votes in a ceremony that stained your skin as a reminder to you and the rest of the town your choice and side in the matter for days to come, like a scarlet letter.
If the vote didn't decide it fell upon the shoulders of the Elders to decide the best course of action for Amity Falls to take. When I first dove into the book it reminded me a lot of that one M. Night Shyamalan, movie, The Village and to be honest how the story was tracking I thought that is exactly where this was headed, but boy was I wrong and it was a VERY welcoming surprise. The hive mentality of the town is a theme throughout the book, which is where I will introduce the main character Ellerie Downing. Her family is a founding family and they are the apiarists of the town, that's right the town with a hive complex actually have local beekeepers. She is from a family of 6. Mama, who can bake the best honey cake in the area that is rivalled by none, Papa who's honey is spoken about far and wide, Samuel; Ellerie's twin brother older by mere seconds who I ended up DESPISING throughout most the book. Ellerie, she is the level-headed, strong work ethic, has her own will underneath the rules and is smart. Merry, middle sister who is intelligent, very matter of fact but so devout when it comes to their religion. Sadie, she is the youngest Downing and honestly she is a sassy smart seven year old who is often running around with her imaginary friend Abigail. For what seemed like a normal town, it was not. Strange things begin to happen and I was often left thinking what in the hell is going on but I couldn't put the book down, I was enthralled and needed to know. The town has a bunch of horrible things happen, I won't get too into cause of spoilers. The new trappers in the area and the mutated woodland creatures are some of the oddities that befall Amity Falls. It is a story of love, family, survival, loss, and finding the truth. There were a couple predictable components, the character Whitaker being one of them, I saw that curve ball a million miles away, but Craig does a brilliant job not to divulge all the cards at play so easily. This is my first Erin Craig book and it won't be the last. It ended perfectly tied but I hope for a sequel. I want to know where the Downings go from here.
I definitely recommend. I can't wait to start House of Salt and Sorrow. Erin Craigs writing was so addictive, I could not put this down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Murder, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Confinement, Death of parent, Religious bigotry, Animal death, Gun violence, Pregnancy, and Violence
Minor: Alcohol, Child death, Miscarriage, Classism, and Alcoholism
Evander Her Forbidden Crime by Isis Melantha
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
"He was everything that shouted sin."
Evander Her Forbidden Crime 3.75⭐️ out of 5
I was sent an e-arc for review by the authors' team. This book falls under
Mafia Dark Romance. I agreed as I like crime and Mafia stories. It was truly I think my first Mafia dark romance. I was a little nervous as to be honest, I don't read a lot of romance books, just not my usual thing. Though I enjoyed the book because of the dark underbelly of society aspect. I found myself wanting to know more about Asa Galen, the Ice Queen of New York. Her family and the world she lived in prior to the setting of the book.
I wanted to know all the Mafia kingpins and hear the details. Including the very hard to like Evander Aloysius. I definitely hated him at first, but in the end, he was alright.
There are lots of secrets and lies to uncover in this book. Some I was very surprised others not so much. The spice level I am not sure as I don't normally read romance, so I don't know how to gauge that 😅. I do apologise for that.
It did start off with a bang, but the pace was a mix of slow and fast. I am a fast-paced reader, so slower parts caused me to struggle, but that's a me thing and has nothing to do with Melantha's writing. Which was amazing. You can tell the author really put their soul into this book and explains and sets the mood in immense detail. It was like each word, visually painted the stage in my mind, and I could see each scene. The glinting of the gun metal, the smell of sweat and cologne, the taste of the breakfast the first time Asa meets Evander. There are some minor errors in the book, but nothing major. I loved how the author created their own version and history of the real world. Evander Her Forbidden Crime is the first of a four book series that those who love dark romance and/or Mafia Crime will enjoy.
I give it about 3.75 out of 5 stars. Melantha did an absolutely amazing job at creating the badass dark underbelly and the crime families involved as well as the twists and turns. Some of the topics, though warned in the introduction of the book I was a little surprised by, as I said this was really my first ever romance book of any type. It seems I have a lot to learn about in the spicy realm of books. 😅
Do I recommend this book? Yes, if you like dark romance or if you like Mafia crime settings and are fine with potentially taboo and triggering topics and if your a spicy book bestie who loves all the above then, Evander Her Forbidden Crime is definitely for you!
Thank you, Isis Melantha, and your team for contacting me to read this arc.
Evander Her Forbidden Crime 3.75⭐️ out of 5
I was sent an e-arc for review by the authors' team. This book falls under
Mafia Dark Romance. I agreed as I like crime and Mafia stories. It was truly I think my first Mafia dark romance. I was a little nervous as to be honest, I don't read a lot of romance books, just not my usual thing. Though I enjoyed the book because of the dark underbelly of society aspect. I found myself wanting to know more about Asa Galen, the Ice Queen of New York. Her family and the world she lived in prior to the setting of the book.
I wanted to know all the Mafia kingpins and hear the details. Including the very hard to like Evander Aloysius. I definitely hated him at first, but in the end, he was alright.
There are lots of secrets and lies to uncover in this book. Some I was very surprised others not so much. The spice level I am not sure as I don't normally read romance, so I don't know how to gauge that 😅. I do apologise for that.
It did start off with a bang, but the pace was a mix of slow and fast. I am a fast-paced reader, so slower parts caused me to struggle, but that's a me thing and has nothing to do with Melantha's writing. Which was amazing. You can tell the author really put their soul into this book and explains and sets the mood in immense detail. It was like each word, visually painted the stage in my mind, and I could see each scene. The glinting of the gun metal, the smell of sweat and cologne, the taste of the breakfast the first time Asa meets Evander. There are some minor errors in the book, but nothing major. I loved how the author created their own version and history of the real world. Evander Her Forbidden Crime is the first of a four book series that those who love dark romance and/or Mafia Crime will enjoy.
I give it about 3.75 out of 5 stars. Melantha did an absolutely amazing job at creating the badass dark underbelly and the crime families involved as well as the twists and turns. Some of the topics, though warned in the introduction of the book I was a little surprised by, as I said this was really my first ever romance book of any type. It seems I have a lot to learn about in the spicy realm of books. 😅
Do I recommend this book? Yes, if you like dark romance or if you like Mafia crime settings and are fine with potentially taboo and triggering topics and if your a spicy book bestie who loves all the above then, Evander Her Forbidden Crime is definitely for you!
Thank you, Isis Melantha, and your team for contacting me to read this arc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Rape, Trafficking, Violence, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Gun violence, Sexual content, and Stalking
Moderate: Addiction, Drug use, Alcohol, and Gaslighting
Minor: Car accident and Kidnapping
This is a Mafia Crime book so the dark dredges of society are who you are reading about. Keep that in mind violence and language. It is also a dark romance so many of the dark romance tropes are included. It can be triggering to some. So please check before reading.
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
4.5
This is my first Ava Reid story, and it probably won't be the last! This book was not like others I had read, they mixing fantasy, paranormal, as well as hinting on psychological, with a tad of romance. It did start of very slow, and the time period I had questioned due to the rules and systems within the university. As I went through reading, you are made uncertain if it is fantasy/paranormal or mental health. The main character, Effy, has had it rough! I won't go into detail, but I felt bad for her throughout the book. I wanted to scoop her up and give her the biggest cuddle. She ironically reminded me of another character by the same name, from a UK TV show called Skins. With everything going on, how men and boys made her feel. How she thought of herself in a man's world. The psychological stuff behind the main character. When looking at Ava Reid's IG, she did a character map of who she pulled inspo from for her Effy, and there she was in all her smeared eye-liner glory, Effy Stonem from Skins. It felt good to know my brain wasn't just imagining the parallels.
The story takes place in thesouthernn part of Llyr. The difference between the North and South is like night and day. It follows along similar stereotypes as in today's times, the North, wealthy, educated, and experienced. The south, poor, illiterate, and believe in myths and lore and superstitions, like a characte, The Faery King. Effy finds herself in the bottom hundred after the death of her favourite writer. She is entrusted to rebuild his estate, while the entrance of another main character, Henry, whom I knew right away who he was; is there to disprove or prove the dead writers'
authorship.
They go on this journey uncovering the mystery the old manor has had locked way for years. When the path is finally discovered, I was semi surprised. I had a feeling the stuff that was uncovered was a thing. I just didn't realise a few things. Sorry for the extreme vagueness. I am trying very hard to keep this spoiler free.
Romance does spark, but it also talks about forced romance, my take from it, sort of grooming, but both girls are 18, but the men are DRASTICALLY older 30s+. Sexualising of women is a huge running theme. I found myself wanting to punch a couple of male characters in the face. The theme is that women are either weak and only good for the home life or that we are harlots and temptresses which hook and ensnare men in a trap, with just one look. Really had me flabbergasted, but the end is what made me realise why these themes were used.
Come the last two chapters, it had left me wanting a bit more of the story, the aftermath, I wanted that. The build-up was great, a bit slow, the climax hit, and then I was left wanting to know more and seeing where it all took them. Which is why it isn't a 5☆.
The story takes place in thesouthernn part of Llyr. The difference between the North and South is like night and day. It follows along similar stereotypes as in today's times, the North, wealthy, educated, and experienced. The south, poor, illiterate, and believe in myths and lore and superstitions, like a characte, The Faery King. Effy finds herself in the bottom hundred after the death of her favourite writer. She is entrusted to rebuild his estate, while the entrance of another main character, Henry, whom I knew right away who he was; is there to disprove or prove the dead writers'
authorship.
They go on this journey uncovering the mystery the old manor has had locked way for years. When the path is finally discovered, I was semi surprised. I had a feeling the stuff that was uncovered was a thing. I just didn't realise a few things. Sorry for the extreme vagueness. I am trying very hard to keep this spoiler free.
Romance does spark, but it also talks about forced romance, my take from it, sort of grooming, but both girls are 18, but the men are DRASTICALLY older 30s+. Sexualising of women is a huge running theme. I found myself wanting to punch a couple of male characters in the face. The theme is that women are either weak and only good for the home life or that we are harlots and temptresses which hook and ensnare men in a trap, with just one look. Really had me flabbergasted, but the end is what made me realise why these themes were used.
Come the last two chapters, it had left me wanting a bit more of the story, the aftermath, I wanted that. The build-up was great, a bit slow, the climax hit, and then I was left wanting to know more and seeing where it all took them. Which is why it isn't a 5☆.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Mental illness
Moderate: Gaslighting and Classism
There is kind of grooming acts in book, but the girls involved are 18. But the men are 30s+
There There by Tommy Orange
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
"The problem with believing is you have to believe that believing will work, you have to believe in belief.”
There There is the first book I have read by an Native American author about Natives, specifically "Urban Indians" as the book puts it. I am Native myself and I guess I would be considered this. I lived in cities, not the Rez, my family didn't continue the practice set by our Ancestors, we lived the new way. Just like the majority of the cast of characters within the story. Also like a few of the characters the story follows, my family didn't even know what specific tribe we were from until a few years back. There were always stories but like the older generation cast in this book growing up in a time period well after my grandfather being "Indian/Native" was not a thing to put on blast. Even if you looked it you pretended to not be it.
Throughout the book this is a common trait amongst the older generation of characters and a couple of the younger Gen who consider themselves "Urban Natives". It is a story of finding yourself, finding your past, your history, discovery of who you are and who you have always been regardless of the changing times. It's a story of loss, grief, belief and belonging. We follow a huge cast of characters with all a common goal of attending "The Big Oakland Powwow." Each chapter is told from the perspective of a different character, and although these people are all separate their lives, their destinies are interwoven. Long lost children from flings, teen pregnancy given up to the system, the words of addiction and how it cannot only destroy you but destroy a family, a tribe.
I truly enjoyed the book 4.25-4.5 stars. It made me feel not alone in how I think or feel being mixed race. Tommy Orange captivated me with his story telling the web his words weave bringing feeling to life. The ending made me cry a million tears and left me wondering a lot of loose ends for me which is why it's not a 5. Regardless of that it is still a book I recommend.
There There is the first book I have read by an Native American author about Natives, specifically "Urban Indians" as the book puts it. I am Native myself and I guess I would be considered this. I lived in cities, not the Rez, my family didn't continue the practice set by our Ancestors, we lived the new way. Just like the majority of the cast of characters within the story. Also like a few of the characters the story follows, my family didn't even know what specific tribe we were from until a few years back. There were always stories but like the older generation cast in this book growing up in a time period well after my grandfather being "Indian/Native" was not a thing to put on blast. Even if you looked it you pretended to not be it.
Throughout the book this is a common trait amongst the older generation of characters and a couple of the younger Gen who consider themselves "Urban Natives". It is a story of finding yourself, finding your past, your history, discovery of who you are and who you have always been regardless of the changing times. It's a story of loss, grief, belief and belonging. We follow a huge cast of characters with all a common goal of attending "The Big Oakland Powwow." Each chapter is told from the perspective of a different character, and although these people are all separate their lives, their destinies are interwoven. Long lost children from flings, teen pregnancy given up to the system, the words of addiction and how it cannot only destroy you but destroy a family, a tribe.
I truly enjoyed the book 4.25-4.5 stars. It made me feel not alone in how I think or feel being mixed race. Tommy Orange captivated me with his story telling the web his words weave bringing feeling to life. The ending made me cry a million tears and left me wondering a lot of loose ends for me which is why it's not a 5. Regardless of that it is still a book I recommend.
One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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? No
4.0
🔴Might contain spoilers.🔴
Upon reading the first few chapters of this book, I was sucked in. It gave me Pretty Little Liars vibes with a splash of The Breakfast Club thrown in. Unsure if in the future when the "Bayview Four" are named the Murder Club if this was McManus paying homage to the 80s classic, even if it wasn't a little Easter Egg it made me laugh.
The book takes place in an area of California, I know all too well. Which gave me the ability to immerse myself more into the read. We follow in the first few chapters 5 students: Bronwyn Rojas; very girl next door, top of the class and squeaky clean or so we think, she reminded me of Molly Ringwalds character in The Breakfast Club. Adelaide "Addy" Prentiss; miss popularity dating star athlete the perfect pair, everyone knows who she is by name and by who she is dating but not who ADDY is which let me tell you at the start I really didn't care too much for her she seemed like filler until her story and personal development begins to unfold. She gave me a mix of Hannah from PLL. Cooper Clay; all American golden boy, with the perfect life, grades, MLB scouts pick and the perfect girl, but Coop is hiding a secret that he is worried might end his perfect facade. He is the male counterpart to Emily from PLL. Next, we have Nathaniel "Nate"' Macauley; is the bad boy, down on his luck, guy from the other side of the tracks the only one without a squeaky clean past. He screams a hybrid of Caleb Rivers (PLL) and John Bender (TBC)! Lastly we have Simon Kelleher, he is the school gossip app specialist, secret digger and lie detector. The homecoming court prince that no one seems to think much of. Simon screams A from PLL!!! We start with 5 then someone dies and then the Bayview Four is born and our Murder Club strangers become the unlikely friends that solve the mystery behind the murder.
The characters were well written and I felt connected to them. I think Addy was one of the best character development progressions I have seen for a character set up like Addy. The plot flowed well with no holes that I could find. The story had a good pace, it felt smooth and effortless as it progressed and you begin to unravel the truth about the murder and the Bayview Four. With that being said the ending that was supposed to be a twist and shock, it was to an extent but I had thought about the possibility earlier on in the story, though it didn't change my Oh My God moment.
All in all it was a great quick read that took about a day. Definitely going to read her other books in the series and absolutely will watch the tv show! I totally recommend this YA murder mystery/thriller with a slice of life setting!
Upon reading the first few chapters of this book, I was sucked in. It gave me Pretty Little Liars vibes with a splash of The Breakfast Club thrown in. Unsure if in the future when the "Bayview Four" are named the Murder Club if this was McManus paying homage to the 80s classic, even if it wasn't a little Easter Egg it made me laugh.
The book takes place in an area of California, I know all too well. Which gave me the ability to immerse myself more into the read. We follow in the first few chapters 5 students: Bronwyn Rojas; very girl next door, top of the class and squeaky clean or so we think, she reminded me of Molly Ringwalds character in The Breakfast Club. Adelaide "Addy" Prentiss; miss popularity dating star athlete the perfect pair, everyone knows who she is by name and by who she is dating but not who ADDY is which let me tell you at the start I really didn't care too much for her she seemed like filler until her story and personal development begins to unfold. She gave me a mix of Hannah from PLL. Cooper Clay; all American golden boy, with the perfect life, grades, MLB scouts pick and the perfect girl, but Coop is hiding a secret that he is worried might end his perfect facade. He is the male counterpart to Emily from PLL. Next, we have Nathaniel "Nate"' Macauley; is the bad boy, down on his luck, guy from the other side of the tracks the only one without a squeaky clean past. He screams a hybrid of Caleb Rivers (PLL) and John Bender (TBC)! Lastly we have Simon Kelleher, he is the school gossip app specialist, secret digger and lie detector. The homecoming court prince that no one seems to think much of. Simon screams A from PLL!!! We start with 5 then someone dies and then the Bayview Four is born and our Murder Club strangers become the unlikely friends that solve the mystery behind the murder.
The characters were well written and I felt connected to them. I think Addy was one of the best character development progressions I have seen for a character set up like Addy. The plot flowed well with no holes that I could find. The story had a good pace, it felt smooth and effortless as it progressed and you begin to unravel the truth about the murder and the Bayview Four. With that being said the ending that was supposed to be a twist and shock, it was to an extent but I had thought about the possibility earlier on in the story, though it didn't change my Oh My God moment.
All in all it was a great quick read that took about a day. Definitely going to read her other books in the series and absolutely will watch the tv show! I totally recommend this YA murder mystery/thriller with a slice of life setting!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Murder, Death, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Physical abuse
Minor: Cancer, Mass/school shootings, Homophobia, Abandonment, Addiction, Classism, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Alcoholism, and Domestic abuse