Scan barcode
fictionlux's reviews
39 reviews
Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson
5.0
This is an absolute masterpiece that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The character development, plot twists, and suspenseful storyline had me hooked from the very first page. The author's writing style is engaging and immersive, making it impossible to put down (although I had to in order to get some other books read). The main character Pip, is a relatable and strong female lead that you can't help but root for. This gripping thriller will keep you guessing until the very last page. I highly recommend for anyone looking for a thrilling and captivating read. It definitely deserves five stars! Thankfully, I purchased the entire series, so I don't have to wait to read the next book.
As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.
As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.
Finally Fitz by Marisa Kanter
4.0
I got this book for free, in exchange for my honest opinion via NetGalley.
Ava ‘Fitz’ Fitzgerald is a teen Instagram fashion influencer. Thanks to her trendy up cycling and large fan base, she is able to be in New York for the summer completing a program at FIT, learning how to scale up her brand. The issue with this is that Fitz’s girlfriend and summer roommate, dumps her right before the program starts. A heartbroken Fitz can barely think let alone create. It isn’t until she runs into her long lost best friend Levi, that Fitz devises a plan of them fake dating.
My heat! I. AM. SOBBING. This is just too pure of words! This was my first ever Marisa Kanter book, and she’s quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. One of my favourite parts about this book, was the banter between the characters. Marisa has a knack for storytelling, I’ve never been to New York, but I felt like I’ve lived there. I really liked the growth of characters. There isn’t any spicy scenes, nothing more than kissing, so it’s perfect for a reader who enjoys a good romance without the spiciness.
All in all, it’s a really good read. If you’re into swoony young adult romance, this is for you!
All in all, it’s a really good read. If you’re into swoony young adult romance, this is for you!
Thank you, NetGalley and Marisa Kanter for allowing me to review! As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.
The Rabbit Man: A Collection of Short Terrors & Flash Fiction by T.R. Slauf
4.0
I got this book for free, in exchange for my honest opinion via Booksirens.
Slauf has created a truly terrifying collection of stories. He has lured readers into a spooky storyline, that grabs a hold of you and won't let go. I loved the fact that every story told, was in the same universe and you can find easter eggs throughout the book that connects one story to another. I would recommend this for all horror lovers looking for a quick but spooky read. My favourite was Mr. Tibbles, because, you know, cats. This book should be a the top of every horror lovers TBR.
Thank you, Booksirens and T.R. Slauf for allowing me to review! As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.
Slauf has created a truly terrifying collection of stories. He has lured readers into a spooky storyline, that grabs a hold of you and won't let go. I loved the fact that every story told, was in the same universe and you can find easter eggs throughout the book that connects one story to another. I would recommend this for all horror lovers looking for a quick but spooky read. My favourite was Mr. Tibbles, because, you know, cats. This book should be a the top of every horror lovers TBR.
Thank you, Booksirens and T.R. Slauf for allowing me to review! As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.
The Deadly Daylight by Ash Harrier
5.0
I got this book for free, in exchange for my honest opinion via Holiday House.
When I read the synopsis, I knew that I’d love this book. Alice England, is a twelve year old girl who helps out in her dad’s funeral parlor learning how to apply makeup and the finishing touches to clothing of the deceased. She wants nothing more than to take over the family business, and she’s proud of that. Oh, and Alice can pick up on information of the deceased using personal objects that she places on or with the bodies.
Alice doesn’t share this information with anyone, not even her dad. She also has trouble connecting with her peers. She’s pretty much alone in school, where she’s often picked on. However, this could change when she meets Violet, who turns out is allergic to the sunlight and soon finds herself in the midst of an investigation regarding Violet’s uncle. Alice can’t seem to let it go, as she knows there’s something suspicious about Uncle George’s death, and she’ll go to any length to prove it.
Overall, I adored this book! I devoured it and it’s a perfect middle grade mystery, for any reader.
Thank you, Rockstar Book Tours, and Ash Harrier for allowing me to review! As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.
When I read the synopsis, I knew that I’d love this book. Alice England, is a twelve year old girl who helps out in her dad’s funeral parlor learning how to apply makeup and the finishing touches to clothing of the deceased. She wants nothing more than to take over the family business, and she’s proud of that. Oh, and Alice can pick up on information of the deceased using personal objects that she places on or with the bodies.
Alice doesn’t share this information with anyone, not even her dad. She also has trouble connecting with her peers. She’s pretty much alone in school, where she’s often picked on. However, this could change when she meets Violet, who turns out is allergic to the sunlight and soon finds herself in the midst of an investigation regarding Violet’s uncle. Alice can’t seem to let it go, as she knows there’s something suspicious about Uncle George’s death, and she’ll go to any length to prove it.
Overall, I adored this book! I devoured it and it’s a perfect middle grade mystery, for any reader.
Thank you, Rockstar Book Tours, and Ash Harrier for allowing me to review! As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.
A Cold Night for Alligators: A rogue epidemiologist tackles a mysterious outbreak in this horror thriller by Viggy Parr Hampton, Viggy Parr Hampton
4.0
I got this book for free, in exchange for my honest opinion via Booksirens.
My lifelong dream is to be an epidemiologist. So naturally, when I read the synopsis, I knew I had to pick this up.
Leona finds herself drawn to Gullywashers after finding a flyer glued to her. She makes her way to the abandoned amusement park/aquarium and hunkers down. The place is perfect for her. Maybe too perfect?
Enter a rouge CDC epidemiologist Dr. Gruber who is currently investigating an outbreak of a fatal gastrointestinal illness, trying to redeem himself and be the hero. Gruber eventually meets up with Sid and Zeb Barkov who are in for an experience of a lifetime as they navigate the dangers of a drug dealer and the supernatural forces within Gullywashers.
The book started off a little slow for me, and I struggled with some of the language choices. That being said, this was such a unique horror read. I loved the epidemiology aspect intertwined with the traditional horror tropes.
Once I was a few chapters in, I was hooked! Hampton drew me into Gullywashers with her storytelling. This book had everything. Science, spookiness, supernatural elements, malevolent evil. It's all a girl could ask for. If you're a fan of those, you should definitely check this book out. I enjoyed the dynamic between Dr. Clements and Dr. Lucas. It perfectly captured what it is like to be in a male dominated field, with a senior who doesn't really respect boundaries.
As much as I enjoyed the book, I'm giving it a 4, because it was a slow start. But all in all, it's a great read the intertwines horror and humour.
Thank you, Booksirens and Viggy Parr Hampton for allowing me to review! As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.
My lifelong dream is to be an epidemiologist. So naturally, when I read the synopsis, I knew I had to pick this up.
Leona finds herself drawn to Gullywashers after finding a flyer glued to her. She makes her way to the abandoned amusement park/aquarium and hunkers down. The place is perfect for her. Maybe too perfect?
Enter a rouge CDC epidemiologist Dr. Gruber who is currently investigating an outbreak of a fatal gastrointestinal illness, trying to redeem himself and be the hero. Gruber eventually meets up with Sid and Zeb Barkov who are in for an experience of a lifetime as they navigate the dangers of a drug dealer and the supernatural forces within Gullywashers.
The book started off a little slow for me, and I struggled with some of the language choices. That being said, this was such a unique horror read. I loved the epidemiology aspect intertwined with the traditional horror tropes.
Once I was a few chapters in, I was hooked! Hampton drew me into Gullywashers with her storytelling. This book had everything. Science, spookiness, supernatural elements, malevolent evil. It's all a girl could ask for. If you're a fan of those, you should definitely check this book out. I enjoyed the dynamic between Dr. Clements and Dr. Lucas. It perfectly captured what it is like to be in a male dominated field, with a senior who doesn't really respect boundaries.
As much as I enjoyed the book, I'm giving it a 4, because it was a slow start. But all in all, it's a great read the intertwines horror and humour.
Thank you, Booksirens and Viggy Parr Hampton for allowing me to review! As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.
Let Him in by William Friend
4.0
I got this book for free, in exchange for my honest opinion via NetGalley.
I'm a sucker for a great cover, and this one was incredible. Let Him In is an explosive debut from William Friend.
A grieving father left to raise his 6 year old twins is struggling to cope. One night, he finds his girls standing at the foot of his be. Naturally, upon looking, he finds no man anywhere in their house. Yet the girls remain convinced they saw him.
Alfie thinks the girls are suffering from night terrors due from losing their mother. However, after several months the girls stop waking up in the middle of the nigh, which Alfie thinks is a good thing. That is, until he realises the girls entertaining their nighttime guest. They refer to their new friend as, The Black Mamba, who is able to shape shift and takes them on wild adventures at night. Alfie then recruits his sister-in-law, who happens to be a psychotherapist. And they make a plan to figure out what is actually haunting the girls.
This book is a fast and fun read, and it's a fantastic debut novel. There's something about children in thrillers that creep me out. Then throw in the fact that they're twins with a creep imaginary friend? Yes, please! This is an absolutely chilling book that preys upon grief and tragedy.
The ending wasn't quite what I was expecting but I didn't feel let down either. All in all, this was a pretty good read for me.
Thank you, NetGalley and William Friend for allowing me to review! As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.
I'm a sucker for a great cover, and this one was incredible. Let Him In is an explosive debut from William Friend.
A grieving father left to raise his 6 year old twins is struggling to cope. One night, he finds his girls standing at the foot of his be. Naturally, upon looking, he finds no man anywhere in their house. Yet the girls remain convinced they saw him.
Alfie thinks the girls are suffering from night terrors due from losing their mother. However, after several months the girls stop waking up in the middle of the nigh, which Alfie thinks is a good thing. That is, until he realises the girls entertaining their nighttime guest. They refer to their new friend as, The Black Mamba, who is able to shape shift and takes them on wild adventures at night. Alfie then recruits his sister-in-law, who happens to be a psychotherapist. And they make a plan to figure out what is actually haunting the girls.
This book is a fast and fun read, and it's a fantastic debut novel. There's something about children in thrillers that creep me out. Then throw in the fact that they're twins with a creep imaginary friend? Yes, please! This is an absolutely chilling book that preys upon grief and tragedy.
The ending wasn't quite what I was expecting but I didn't feel let down either. All in all, this was a pretty good read for me.
Thank you, NetGalley and William Friend for allowing me to review! As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.
Nimbus by Jan Eldredge
4.0
I got this book for free, in exchange for my honest opinion via NetGalley.
Nimbus is a story full of kittens, goblins, and magic. Nimbus has had a string of bad luck, until she meets her best friend and new owner, Fletcher. However, her happy days don't last long when Fletcher's aunt brings a mysterious and ancient jar that ends up releasing a nightmare demon who attacks Fletcher. Even after fighting the creature and saving Fletcher, his aunt mistakenly assumes Nimbus was the result of the attack. So she takes Nimbus away leaving her in a dump.
All alone and injured Nimbus is desperate to return home and get back to Fletcher. Especially, after she finds out that he's still in danger. However, she finds that she isn't able to do everything on her own, even when she doesn't want to depend on anyone else. Perhaps, the rat she friends and the cats (who belongs to a witch) she meets will help her.
Nimbus is a fantastic story of asking for help when you need it, and also finding out just how capable you are to start with. It took me a very long time to read this book, because the love Nimbus has for Fletcher reminded me of the love my cat and I shared. All in all, this was a great read. It was an original story, and if you are a fan of magic and cats, this book is definitely for you!
Thank you, NetGalley and Jan Eldredge for allowing me to review! As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.
Nimbus is a story full of kittens, goblins, and magic. Nimbus has had a string of bad luck, until she meets her best friend and new owner, Fletcher. However, her happy days don't last long when Fletcher's aunt brings a mysterious and ancient jar that ends up releasing a nightmare demon who attacks Fletcher. Even after fighting the creature and saving Fletcher, his aunt mistakenly assumes Nimbus was the result of the attack. So she takes Nimbus away leaving her in a dump.
All alone and injured Nimbus is desperate to return home and get back to Fletcher. Especially, after she finds out that he's still in danger. However, she finds that she isn't able to do everything on her own, even when she doesn't want to depend on anyone else. Perhaps, the rat she friends and the cats (who belongs to a witch) she meets will help her.
Nimbus is a fantastic story of asking for help when you need it, and also finding out just how capable you are to start with. It took me a very long time to read this book, because the love Nimbus has for Fletcher reminded me of the love my cat and I shared. All in all, this was a great read. It was an original story, and if you are a fan of magic and cats, this book is definitely for you!
Thank you, NetGalley and Jan Eldredge for allowing me to review! As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Pippa "Pip" Fitz-Amobi has decided to perform her Senior Capstone project on the disappearance of Andie Bell, a high school senior presumed to be murdered by her boyfriend Sal Singh. Not long after Andie went missing, Sal killed himself and confessed to her murder. However, Andie's body was never found. To determine if Sal really was guilty, Pip uses her intelligence to examine the case and threads that were overlooked by the police.
I'm an avid reader of Young Adult novels, but I have to say, I haven't found that one YA Mystery novel that I absolutely fell in love with. Until I met Pip. It's hard not to root for her, she's a great heroine and amateur detective. Intelligent, strong, and full of wit. When I first started this book, I did have my doubts. what can a 17 year old find, that the police didn't. However, when it became clear that there were gaps in the police investigation, and Pip saw it, I was on board.
I couldn't put this book down! The twists and turns were amazing, and it was really well paced. It had a wow factor finish. Every time I thought I had something figured out, BAM! I was wrong. I didn't know when I purchased the box set, that it was mixed media (transcripts, notes, texts, and more), I'm typically not a huge fan of books like that, but this worked on every level.
All in all, this is a fantastic read, it's a roller-coaster of emotions, I cried! Even if you're not a YA reader, this is a must read book. It's got everything and it's definitely worth your time.
As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.
I'm an avid reader of Young Adult novels, but I have to say, I haven't found that one YA Mystery novel that I absolutely fell in love with. Until I met Pip. It's hard not to root for her, she's a great heroine and amateur detective. Intelligent, strong, and full of wit. When I first started this book, I did have my doubts. what can a 17 year old find, that the police didn't. However, when it became clear that there were gaps in the police investigation, and Pip saw it, I was on board.
I couldn't put this book down! The twists and turns were amazing, and it was really well paced. It had a wow factor finish. Every time I thought I had something figured out, BAM! I was wrong. I didn't know when I purchased the box set, that it was mixed media (transcripts, notes, texts, and more), I'm typically not a huge fan of books like that, but this worked on every level.
All in all, this is a fantastic read, it's a roller-coaster of emotions, I cried! Even if you're not a YA reader, this is a must read book. It's got everything and it's definitely worth your time.
As always, my review is my own opinion and thoughts. This review will be shared to my Instagram @fictionluxblog shortly.
I Hope This Doesn't Find You by Ann Liang
medium-paced
4.0
I got this book for free, in exchange for my honest opinion via NetGalley.
Sadie has spent most of her life trying to be regarded a certain way: smart, confident, likeable, and charming. She has the need to be loved by everyone, and would do anything to not upset anybody in her life. She and her number 1 nemesis (and co-captains), Julius hate each other with a passion. In school, they must main a put up a front for their fellow students. However, unknown to others, Sadie channels all of her hate into her email drafts. Then, one day, her emails are accidentally send out, exposing her true self and ruining her reputation.
The tension between Sadie and Julius, I tell you, I wasn't ready. And the plot twist at the end, I didn't see coming at all! My only complaint is I wish Julius had more depth. We got to see a little in the scene where Sadie overhears Julius and his brother. But other than that, we really didn't get to learn too much about him.
I Hope This Doesn't Find is a book for the people pleasers. I found the main character Sadie, incredibly repeatable, as I find myself consistently apologising. Like Sadie, I'm always trying to fix things or people in mu life, even if it's not my burden to bare.
All in all, this story is the a wonderful young adult romance. Some parts seemed a little slow moving, while other parts made it difficult to part it down. It was close to perfect, and I found a new favourite author.
Sadie has spent most of her life trying to be regarded a certain way: smart, confident, likeable, and charming. She has the need to be loved by everyone, and would do anything to not upset anybody in her life. She and her number 1 nemesis (and co-captains), Julius hate each other with a passion. In school, they must main a put up a front for their fellow students. However, unknown to others, Sadie channels all of her hate into her email drafts. Then, one day, her emails are accidentally send out, exposing her true self and ruining her reputation.
The tension between Sadie and Julius, I tell you, I wasn't ready. And the plot twist at the end, I didn't see coming at all! My only complaint is I wish Julius had more depth. We got to see a little in the scene where Sadie overhears Julius and his brother. But other than that, we really didn't get to learn too much about him.
I Hope This Doesn't Find is a book for the people pleasers. I found the main character Sadie, incredibly repeatable, as I find myself consistently apologising. Like Sadie, I'm always trying to fix things or people in mu life, even if it's not my burden to bare.
All in all, this story is the a wonderful young adult romance. Some parts seemed a little slow moving, while other parts made it difficult to part it down. It was close to perfect, and I found a new favourite author.
The Frightful Tales of Louis & Lovely by Noelle Strommen
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
I got this book for free, in exchange for my honest opinion via BookSirens.
I'm a huge fan of R.L. Stine growing up with his books. So when I saw this, I knew I had to pick it up. If you also enjoy his books, enjoy campfire stories or urban legends, then this book is for you, no matter your age.
Our story begins with a group of teenagers in a treehouse none of them has noticed before, and messing around with a scary story book called, "The Frightful Tales." Flash forward to meeting Louis and Lovely, a cute sibling duo, as the move into Woodhaven and are immediately drawn into the creepiness.
This book is definitely aimed at the older middle grade spectrum, as one of the stories include domestic abuse. My favourite story in the book, had to be "Mr. Richards." It was a little on the dark side (the domestic abuse comes into play in this one), but definitely held my attention and was on the spookier side. "Stanley," was okay.
I enjoyed how the author intertwined characters and plot making it a book within a book. Making it difficult for you as the reader, and our main characters unsure of what was and wasn't real. It held the perfect atmosphere for a spooky urban legend aspect.
I knew the book would end on a cliffhanger, I just didn't think it would be as abrupt as it was. The story was going at a great pace, then all of a sudden it ended. I need to know what the next story is. I need to know if they finish the book As much as the cliffhanger bugged me, I thought it was brilliant. What better to make sure readers pick up the next book.
I'm a huge fan of R.L. Stine growing up with his books. So when I saw this, I knew I had to pick it up. If you also enjoy his books, enjoy campfire stories or urban legends, then this book is for you, no matter your age.
Our story begins with a group of teenagers in a treehouse none of them has noticed before, and messing around with a scary story book called, "The Frightful Tales." Flash forward to meeting Louis and Lovely, a cute sibling duo, as the move into Woodhaven and are immediately drawn into the creepiness.
This book is definitely aimed at the older middle grade spectrum, as one of the stories include domestic abuse. My favourite story in the book, had to be "Mr. Richards." It was a little on the dark side (the domestic abuse comes into play in this one), but definitely held my attention and was on the spookier side. "Stanley," was okay.
I enjoyed how the author intertwined characters and plot making it a book within a book. Making it difficult for you as the reader, and our main characters unsure of what was and wasn't real. It held the perfect atmosphere for a spooky urban legend aspect.
I knew the book would end on a cliffhanger, I just didn't think it would be as abrupt as it was. The story was going at a great pace, then all of a sudden it ended. I need to know what the next story is. I need to know if they finish the book As much as the cliffhanger bugged me, I thought it was brilliant. What better to make sure readers pick up the next book.