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darquedreamer's reviews
652 reviews
Wildwood Magic by Willa Reece
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
slow-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
Absolutely loved it! It gave me The Notebook and Sleeping with the Enemy movie vibes, but with glorious, witchy, magical realism!
Dead Girls Talking by Megan Cooley Peterson
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
tense
slow-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
Wildwood Whispers by Willa Reece
emotional
reflective
relaxing
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
Bewitching. Breathtaking. Beautiful.
Wildwood Whispers was a cozy, thought provoking story about loss, grief, opening your heart again, "found" family, sisterhood, experiencing the beauty of life all around you, and daring to be brave to stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves. It was about community, love, acceptance, and finding your true self, and inner strength. It was Practical Magic meets Steel and Sweet Magnolias, mixed with a little Virgin River, Fried Green Tomatoes, and a whole lot of magic.
But why use so many comparisons for such a unique story? Because it's one that you can reach for when you need a comforting read, the same way we watch/watched/re-watch the movies and TV shows mentioned above. Wildwood Whispers stood on its own as a powerful story, but it held bits and pieces of nostalgia and enchantment from influences of the past.
I loved this one so much. It was heartwarming and wild. I already bought Willa's second book, and I can't wait to reread this one!
Wildwood Whispers was a cozy, thought provoking story about loss, grief, opening your heart again, "found" family, sisterhood, experiencing the beauty of life all around you, and daring to be brave to stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves. It was about community, love, acceptance, and finding your true self, and inner strength. It was Practical Magic meets Steel and Sweet Magnolias, mixed with a little Virgin River, Fried Green Tomatoes, and a whole lot of magic.
But why use so many comparisons for such a unique story? Because it's one that you can reach for when you need a comforting read, the same way we watch/watched/re-watch the movies and TV shows mentioned above. Wildwood Whispers stood on its own as a powerful story, but it held bits and pieces of nostalgia and enchantment from influences of the past.
I loved this one so much. It was heartwarming and wild. I already bought Willa's second book, and I can't wait to reread this one!
Small Horrors: A Collection of Fifty Creepy Stories by Darcy Coates
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Come Out, Come Out by Natalie C. Parker
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Dynamic, complex characters. Emotional storyline and plot twists. A unique take on telling local folklore and scary stories in a particular town.
Come Out, Come Out was such a powerful coming of age story, and, more importantly, a self discovery story meant for lost, opressed teenagers, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Not all kids and teenagers are lucky enough to grow up with supportive parents. Parents who love them unconditionally and only wish for a their safety, happiness, and success in life.
The heartbreaking take away here was: No one should have to feel unsafe or ashamed to show who they truly are. Parents should not push their own beliefs and prejudices on their kids. Religion should not be forced on, or introduced to, kids who are too young to truly understand it. Family should be loving and supportive and the only expectations should be for members to be themselves and do their best at whatever they apply themselves to in life.
Bigotry, racism, sexism, religious hatred etc. are such ugly, vile things, it's sometimes hard to believe that they don't originate from a sinister, supernatural source. Come Out, Come Out had some Nightmare on Elm Street vibes, but the real horror was the afore mentioned issues. The author created a beautiful story of friendship, love, loss, and coming to terms with, not only who you are, but, finding love and support from found family, and not being ashamed of how you feel.
Thank you Penguin Teen for the e-ARC!
Come Out, Come Out was such a powerful coming of age story, and, more importantly, a self discovery story meant for lost, opressed teenagers, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Not all kids and teenagers are lucky enough to grow up with supportive parents. Parents who love them unconditionally and only wish for a their safety, happiness, and success in life.
The heartbreaking take away here was: No one should have to feel unsafe or ashamed to show who they truly are. Parents should not push their own beliefs and prejudices on their kids. Religion should not be forced on, or introduced to, kids who are too young to truly understand it. Family should be loving and supportive and the only expectations should be for members to be themselves and do their best at whatever they apply themselves to in life.
Bigotry, racism, sexism, religious hatred etc. are such ugly, vile things, it's sometimes hard to believe that they don't originate from a sinister, supernatural source. Come Out, Come Out had some Nightmare on Elm Street vibes, but the real horror was the afore mentioned issues. The author created a beautiful story of friendship, love, loss, and coming to terms with, not only who you are, but, finding love and support from found family, and not being ashamed of how you feel.
Thank you Penguin Teen for the e-ARC!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, Blood, Religious bigotry, and Lesbophobia
Misplaced Magic by Jessica Dodge
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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? No
5.0
Stunning. Atmospheric. Steeped in mysticism, enchantment, and folklore.
I loved everything about this one. It was beautiful and rich. It was emotional and deep. It had vibrant characters, friendship, found family, a little romance, and a whole lot of magic.
I loved how different this one was from The Forgotten Witch. But, I also loved how they connected. And, I loved the similar vibes and cozy writing. Misplaced Magic was gloriously satisfying and I can't wait to read it again!
I loved everything about this one. It was beautiful and rich. It was emotional and deep. It had vibrant characters, friendship, found family, a little romance, and a whole lot of magic.
I loved how different this one was from The Forgotten Witch. But, I also loved how they connected. And, I loved the similar vibes and cozy writing. Misplaced Magic was gloriously satisfying and I can't wait to read it again!
The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-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
Just some thoughts, rather than a fully written review, of The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness, because you really need to read the entire, incredible series to truly appreciate it.
5 stars!
Familiar and different at the same time. The same world we know and love, but it's changed, in a good way. Feels like it brings in everything we have ever loved about iconic witchy movies and stories of the past. Importance of family, but also knowing how to not sacrifice who you are deep inside for them. Loving all the new, strong, female characters, and the magic! Highlighting the age old problem of deeply rooted prejudices, judging someone before you know them, female against female competition and jealousy. A beautiful nod to A Midsummer Night's Dream. My Big Fat Greek Wedding vibes.
5 stars!
Familiar and different at the same time. The same world we know and love, but it's changed, in a good way. Feels like it brings in everything we have ever loved about iconic witchy movies and stories of the past. Importance of family, but also knowing how to not sacrifice who you are deep inside for them. Loving all the new, strong, female characters, and the magic! Highlighting the age old problem of deeply rooted prejudices, judging someone before you know them, female against female competition and jealousy. A beautiful nod to A Midsummer Night's Dream. My Big Fat Greek Wedding vibes.
Chasing Starlight by Teri Bailey Black
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
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? No
5.0
What a fantastic, quick, cozy read. This was a cute, funny, historical fiction, mystery, romance, coming of age story set in the glitz and glamor of old time Hollywood. It was surprisingly diverse, with strong, dynamic characters that I loved. Especially brave, smart, inquisitive Kate.
The story itself lightly highlighted sexism and racism of the time. It dealt with ptsd, and the importance and impact of facing one's fears, and recognizing unnecessary self blame. It also held amazing messages about female power and strength and finding independence.
It was emotional and thrilling. It gave me Thin Man meets the The Holiday vibes. It was utterly satisfying, and I can definitely see myself rereading in the future, as one would enjoy rewatching a favorite, nostalgic movie.
The story itself lightly highlighted sexism and racism of the time. It dealt with ptsd, and the importance and impact of facing one's fears, and recognizing unnecessary self blame. It also held amazing messages about female power and strength and finding independence.
It was emotional and thrilling. It gave me Thin Man meets the The Holiday vibes. It was utterly satisfying, and I can definitely see myself rereading in the future, as one would enjoy rewatching a favorite, nostalgic movie.
The Forgotten Witch by Jessica Dodge
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? No
5.0
Oh, this was such a cozy read! Like a Hallmark movie mixed with The Good Witch. With sprinkles of Practical Magic, A Discovery of Witches, and Willow.
It was vibrant and beautiful. Unique and familiar. Magical and romantic. Absolutely bewitching!
I loved the flow, the world building, and the magic. I loved the characters, the story built across time, and the elements of nature and true witchcraft. And, I loved that there was an adorable wolf buddy, and a strong, sisterly friendship bond.
It had elegant writing. Imagery fit for a painting. This one hit the spot and was utterly satisfying!
It was vibrant and beautiful. Unique and familiar. Magical and romantic. Absolutely bewitching!
I loved the flow, the world building, and the magic. I loved the characters, the story built across time, and the elements of nature and true witchcraft. And, I loved that there was an adorable wolf buddy, and a strong, sisterly friendship bond.
It had elegant writing. Imagery fit for a painting. This one hit the spot and was utterly satisfying!