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cortanasreadingnook's reviews
355 reviews
Bittersweet in the Hollow by Kate Pearsall
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
5.0
The first book in the Bittersweet in the Hollow series is a unique and dark YA tale of the lore and mysteries haunting the forests of West Virginia. This was a perfect blend of paranormal mystery and the delightful hunt for a killer. I’ve always loved small-town thrillers because it’s cozy and quick to read and this book is no different. I loved Pearsall’s prose so much because it perfectly painted an eerie and disturbing narrative. The romance and thrill were balanced out very well because Cole and Linden had tasteful chemistry. I also liked how Rowan and Hadrian already gave us hints for where the story picks up in Caball Hollow. This is definitely one of those books you can’t put down. Perfect for fans of Where He Can’t Find you and Hollow Girls. I received an ARC for the sequel so I'm excited!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Murder
Moderate: Bullying and Vomit
Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
What a disappointment. Apparently the conclusion of the first book wasn’t enough that this had to get published. The continuation of the plot leading towards the conflict could’ve been enjoyable, but it was overshadowed by the terribly executed love triangle. This book was already heartbreaking in its depiction of grief and death is inevitable in a book ravaged by darkness and war. I am biased when I say I was rooting for Liwei, but for a strong character like Xingyin to end up with a man who betrayed, lied, and kidnapped her? Fucker should’ve stayed dead. Her inner monologue throughout this sequel consisted of her never forgiving Wenzhi, that she could not work past the lies, only for the ending to trash her development, along with Liwei’s character.
What was his purpose in this book, then? He’s a piece of furniture? I also would just like to add how terrible the portrayal of Chang’e is. Revered by mortals, the literal goddess of the moon but her character was so weakly-written that I simply find no appeal in reading the novella. Somebody also said that the ending was a clockwork princess rip-off and I can’t even disagree because they are absolutely right. Liwei was never given a chance, but a liar was? I just feel so angry and hope to forget the existence of this sorry excuse for a sequel.
The Yakuza's Guide To Babysitting, Vol. 4 by Tsukiya
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
The first installment of The Celestial Kingdom duology is an adventurous and fantastical tale. It’s such a stunning retelling of the story of the Chinese Moon Goddess Chang’e, adding new and colorful characters to a captivating world of magic. Tan’s prose is meticulous, and I found the characters to be easily loved. This book highlights bravery, strength, and heart wrenching romantic angst between a prince and a soldier who were friends before they loved the other. Liwei had an appealing persona, which suited the dynamic of Xingyin’s stubbornness and drive. I personally wanted to pull my hair out because of the angst, but they also had equally charming instances together. As this reads like a drama, one will find themselves engaged in a young girl’s high-stakes ascent to bargain for her mother’s freedom, all the while navigating the suspense of court faction and treachery. This was a striking story offering every element that I ever needed in a fantasy book, with the main character’s growth inspiring hope and courage in readers.
I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I was provided a complimentary copy through NetGalley by HarperTeen in exchange for my honest review. This doesn’t affect my thoughts in any way. Out in shelves on 28/01/25!
The Picture of Dorian Gray meets If You Could See The Sun in Ann Liang’s new young adult standalone where Jenna Chen, a girl who thinks she will never be enough for everyone around her wishes to be her perfect, smart, and Harvard-bound cousin. But what happens when it actually comes true?
Ann’s books always find me at times where I need to feel seen and understood and this is the personification of my life, where the narrative describes the experiences that made me. At one point I was Jessica, then Leela, Aaron, and now Jenna. When the first chapter made me cry, I knew it was for me.
I lived through these characters at one point in my life, considering how it has changed within two years. I recognized the anxiety, self-loathing, and exhaustion of every single one of these characters. I never felt enough for anyone, and I was so ahead that at one point, it became too difficult. Studying has always been the one thing I’m good at, and when I failed at that, I absolutely hated acknowledging burnout, leading me to the decision that ruined my future the first time. I am Jessica Chen, but I sympathized with Jenna: two sides of the same damn coin. Thus, I recognized that this book teaches that you CAN be enough. That success at the cost of your entire being is not always exciting because eventually, accomplishments will feel dull and empty, and life will humor you by taking away everything you’ve worked so hard for. This book is for the girls who’ve always been independent yet lonely, successful yet drained. It’s me. I’m the girl.
The Picture of Dorian Gray meets If You Could See The Sun in Ann Liang’s new young adult standalone where Jenna Chen, a girl who thinks she will never be enough for everyone around her wishes to be her perfect, smart, and Harvard-bound cousin. But what happens when it actually comes true?
Ann’s books always find me at times where I need to feel seen and understood and this is the personification of my life, where the narrative describes the experiences that made me. At one point I was Jessica, then Leela, Aaron, and now Jenna. When the first chapter made me cry, I knew it was for me.
I lived through these characters at one point in my life, considering how it has changed within two years. I recognized the anxiety, self-loathing, and exhaustion of every single one of these characters. I never felt enough for anyone, and I was so ahead that at one point, it became too difficult. Studying has always been the one thing I’m good at, and when I failed at that, I absolutely hated acknowledging burnout, leading me to the decision that ruined my future the first time. I am Jessica Chen, but I sympathized with Jenna: two sides of the same damn coin. Thus, I recognized that this book teaches that you CAN be enough. That success at the cost of your entire being is not always exciting because eventually, accomplishments will feel dull and empty, and life will humor you by taking away everything you’ve worked so hard for. This book is for the girls who’ve always been independent yet lonely, successful yet drained. It’s me. I’m the girl.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Abandonment
Minor: Racial slurs and Racism
Four Eids and a Funeral by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, Adiba Jaigirdar
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
Let me make this clear: this is a love story. What could be more fun besides two ex-bestfriends teaming up to save what matters most to them?
This romcom is one of a kind. It was insightful in highlighting heartfelt Islamic traditions. I loved how the writers featured Bangladeshi and Nigerian diaspora into shaping the characters and their dynamics together.
I would recommend Four Eids and a Funeral simply because people have become so comfortable in their islamophobia and racism that they expect no consequences, and this book is a reminder that there’s no safe space for their behavior. In these were I able to empathize with Tiwa’s anger. On the other hand, Said’s feelings of detachment from Islam were ones I could relate to the most and it’s why I appreciated this book so much.
My only critique is the lack of emotional connection to the death of their shared mentor. I didn’t feel much of the characters’ affection for this woman who played such a big role in their lives besides being given custody of her fluffy, orange cat. However, I urge readers to give this book a chance. Perfect for fans of Love & Resistance and Rules for Rule Breaking.
This romcom is one of a kind. It was insightful in highlighting heartfelt Islamic traditions. I loved how the writers featured Bangladeshi and Nigerian diaspora into shaping the characters and their dynamics together.
I would recommend Four Eids and a Funeral simply because people have become so comfortable in their islamophobia and racism that they expect no consequences, and this book is a reminder that there’s no safe space for their behavior. In these were I able to empathize with Tiwa’s anger. On the other hand, Said’s feelings of detachment from Islam were ones I could relate to the most and it’s why I appreciated this book so much.
My only critique is the lack of emotional connection to the death of their shared mentor. I didn’t feel much of the characters’ affection for this woman who played such a big role in their lives besides being given custody of her fluffy, orange cat. However, I urge readers to give this book a chance. Perfect for fans of Love & Resistance and Rules for Rule Breaking.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Racism, and Islamophobia
Legend of the White Snake by Sher Lee
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
My appreciation to Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins for sending me a complimentary copy through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This doesn’t affect my thoughts about the book in any way.
For the readers who loved A Bright Heart and Jade Fire Gold comes this YA, mlm fantasy standalone that is a retelling of the ancient short-story Huang Jiulang or “Cut Sleeve”, originally published in the Qing Dynasty (mid-1600s). A BIPOC author has once again given us a story worth reading!
Legend of The White Snake is Sher Lee’s fantasy debut that follows the timeless beauty of Ancient China. The elegant storytelling narrates a fond tale of unconditional love and devotion between a prince and a snake spirit mixed with court politics, treachery, and unexpected twists leading to a very hopeful finale. Out in shelves on October 15, 2024!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Blood
Minor: Sexual harassment
The Art of Breathing by Cali Melle
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.0
Thanks to Cali Melle and Valentine Literary’s team for sending me a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. It doesn’t affect my thoughts in any way.
“Luna. You rule the goddamn universe. There is no one above you.”
Luna Truly is living on borrowed time. Being diagnosed with a rare genetic mutation as a baby means she’s spent most of her life in the hospital or in the confines of her childhood home, strapped to tubes and machines. But through it all, boy-next-door and her childhood bestfriend Oliver Hart has been by her side. And this is their last summer together before Ollie leaves for college. Will things change? Or will Luna’s fear hold her back from truly living her life to the fullest?
I had no idea that this was the very book I needed right now. The Art of Breathing is a very intimate and angsty story between childhood bestfriends who have shared every single waking experience together as children, up to their teenage years and reminds me a of a less tearjerker version of A Walk to Remember but is just as beautiful. Trope wise, these stories have been on shelves countless times, yet I can’t help but appreciate how we got a book for the hopeless romantics. Luna and Oliver’s story is both very dear and bittersweet in some parts that one can’t help but just need more of them. Not only does this book help destigmatize guilt, trauma, and terminal illness, but it emphasizes the importance of our choices, letting people in, and how all of us are spending our lives on borrowed time. What an eye-opening read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Medical content, Grief, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
3.75
Their Vicious Games is a perfectly insane book where Ready or Not meets a fucked-up version of the famous The Selection. When Adina Walker’s acceptance to Yale and well… everywhere gets rescinded, she decides that she will take her future back. And the only possible way to do it is to join The Finish, an annual event hosted by the founding family of her alma mater Edgewater Academy.
This book is basically a slow descent into madness that laughs at the classism and bigotry of primarily white systems and their seeking praise for inviting women of color into their institutions. Wellington was able to create a story that is a big fuck you to racism in a fun, adventurous manner where a black woman stands at the end of it all and where women of color are given a voice.
This book is basically a slow descent into madness that laughs at the classism and bigotry of primarily white systems and their seeking praise for inviting women of color into their institutions. Wellington was able to create a story that is a big fuck you to racism in a fun, adventurous manner where a black woman stands at the end of it all and where women of color are given a voice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Racism, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Sexism
The Lost Book of the White by Cassandra Clare
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
The Lost Book of The White is definitely TMI 2.0. This was such an action-packed book filled with perfect comedic timing. I can’t believe I have come to the end of the very last book for TSC. The whole gang is back! (One of them owns Church). My heart is very full from reading this. All of our favorite ships share a bunch of cute and domestic moments together, especially Malec with their now warlock baby, Max. Little spoiler, Jace officially calls Maryse ‘mom’ now and her being a grandmother to Max is absolute perfection. Set three years after the events of the Mortal War, it makes me feel nostalgic that everyone has grown up and become more comfortable in how they carry themselves. I’m very sad that my time with these characters will come to an end someday, but I also can’t wait! The Eldest Curses is a trilogy that ties up the events for TWP’s first installment, which will be out in 2026.
Note: Please do follow a reading order before starting this. I read it chronologically, which is approved by CC herself. This series cannot be skipped as it opens up possible events for TWP.
Buddy read with my good friend Haley.