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foxyfables's Reviews (10)
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Reminded me of RL Stines’ Goosebumps and the Excorcist. It was a fun twisty ride.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Watching Ulysses reconnect with Sofie had me yelling at the pages (if you’ve read the previous book, you know exactly why). But trust me, it sets up something incredible.
This book hits different if you’re a “Handmaid’s Tale” fan. The forbidden romance between Ulysses and Esme gives major June/Nick energy, but with its own unique Southern Gothic twist. Set against the backdrop of a controlling religious cult, their connection feels both dangerous and inevitable.
What really got me was the ending. Ulysses’s raw confession about his battles with addiction and self-worth hit close to home. Not because I’ve dealt with alcoholism, but because it’s relatable to anyone who keeps falling back into toxic patterns ONLY because they’re familiar.
Dark themes aside, the love story at its core is pure and sweet.
This book hits different if you’re a “Handmaid’s Tale” fan. The forbidden romance between Ulysses and Esme gives major June/Nick energy, but with its own unique Southern Gothic twist. Set against the backdrop of a controlling religious cult, their connection feels both dangerous and inevitable.
What really got me was the ending. Ulysses’s raw confession about his battles with addiction and self-worth hit close to home. Not because I’ve dealt with alcoholism, but because it’s relatable to anyone who keeps falling back into toxic patterns ONLY because they’re familiar.
Dark themes aside, the love story at its core is pure and sweet.
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-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:
N/A
Yes, this book is exactly as wild as it sounds. My favorite parts were the steamy alien mating scenes featuring a MMF 🥵 . I’ll admit I have unique tastes. 👽👽👩🏿🦰
However, most of it was simply too outlandish, though there were some genuinely hilarious moments. Listening to this audiobook felt like hearing a friend recount a bad acid trip—entertaining, but not something I’d want to experience again.
While I enjoyed it, the plot was too far-fetched for me to fully invest in. Think of it as a reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, except Toto is a lion, and the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion are replaced by two horny alien centaurs and a nervous alien intern.
However, most of it was simply too outlandish, though there were some genuinely hilarious moments. Listening to this audiobook felt like hearing a friend recount a bad acid trip—entertaining, but not something I’d want to experience again.
While I enjoyed it, the plot was too far-fetched for me to fully invest in. Think of it as a reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, except Toto is a lion, and the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion are replaced by two horny alien centaurs and a nervous alien intern.
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The book grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go. Like most enemies-to-lovers stories, the plot runs on miscommunication—though sometimes it ventures into eye-rolling territory.
Take Gideon, for instance, who seems perpetually confused about why Rune would side with Cressida. Hello? You literally handed her over to be executed! Connect the dots, my guy!
Romance drives this story forward. When they’re not at each other’s throats, Rune and Gideon’s chemistry is explosive. Their quiet moments will melt your heart, and the spicier scenes sizzle.
At its core, this is a story about overthrowing evil—the catch is, both sides think they’re fighting the good fight.
The ending? Pure perfection. It’s simple yet sweet, with a twist I never saw coming. Best of all, it matches the electric energy of the opening chapters—something rare in most books.
Full book review on https://foxyfables.blog/rebel-witch/
Full book review on https://foxyfables.blog/rebel-witch/
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
✨ Book Summary✨
Some gifts come with strings attached. For Sariyah Lee Bryant, her supernatural ability to hear people’s needs—from the mundane to the crucial—might be more of a curse than a blessing.
The story follows Sariyah, a Black teen whose life revolves around fulfilling the needs she hears from those around her: a pencil here, a phone charger there. Only her family and best friend Malcolm know about her gift. But when she helps her friend Deja with a simple request—and Deja vanishes shortly after—Sariyah’s world tilts on its axis. However, she and her friends are determined to not let Deja become just another statistic.
✨Book Review ✨
What makes this book shine is Desamours’ masterful character work. You don’t just read about Sariyah—you become her. Her compulsive need to help others while neglecting herself feels painfully real, serving as both her greatest strength and her ultimate weakness.
The author captures the exhausting reality of being everyone’s solution while having no one to solve your own problems.
The pacing might test impatient readers. This isn’t a breakneck thriller; it’s a slow-burning mystery that takes its time to simmer.
Perhaps most importantly, the novel tackles the disturbing disparity in media coverage between missing white girls and girls of color, especially those from lower-income families.
Desamours doesn’t just tell a supernatural story—she holds up a mirror to our society’s selective empathy.
Fair warning: the ending might leave you feeling conflicted, maybe even frustrated. You'll have to read to find out why.
Perfect for readers who prefer their YA with a side of social commentary and don’t mind trading rapid-fire action for deep character development. Just don’t expect to walk away unscathed—or unchanged.
Some gifts come with strings attached. For Sariyah Lee Bryant, her supernatural ability to hear people’s needs—from the mundane to the crucial—might be more of a curse than a blessing.
The story follows Sariyah, a Black teen whose life revolves around fulfilling the needs she hears from those around her: a pencil here, a phone charger there. Only her family and best friend Malcolm know about her gift. But when she helps her friend Deja with a simple request—and Deja vanishes shortly after—Sariyah’s world tilts on its axis. However, she and her friends are determined to not let Deja become just another statistic.
✨Book Review ✨
What makes this book shine is Desamours’ masterful character work. You don’t just read about Sariyah—you become her. Her compulsive need to help others while neglecting herself feels painfully real, serving as both her greatest strength and her ultimate weakness.
The author captures the exhausting reality of being everyone’s solution while having no one to solve your own problems.
The pacing might test impatient readers. This isn’t a breakneck thriller; it’s a slow-burning mystery that takes its time to simmer.
Perhaps most importantly, the novel tackles the disturbing disparity in media coverage between missing white girls and girls of color, especially those from lower-income families.
Desamours doesn’t just tell a supernatural story—she holds up a mirror to our society’s selective empathy.
Fair warning: the ending might leave you feeling conflicted, maybe even frustrated. You'll have to read to find out why.
Perfect for readers who prefer their YA with a side of social commentary and don’t mind trading rapid-fire action for deep character development. Just don’t expect to walk away unscathed—or unchanged.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The writing of “Children of Blood of Bone” was a masterclass how to introduce a unique magic system in a way that doesn’t overwhelm the reader.
Another thing I noticed were the short punchy chapters. Love them. Maybe it’s just me but I feel a sense of satisfaction when I finish a chapter. Not only were the chapters short, but they often ended on a cliffhanger which made you want to keep turning.
The Dual POV chapters features Zélie, Princess Amari, and Prince Inan.
While some perspectives feel more essential than others, each voice adds its own color to this rich tapestry of a story.
My only quibble? The dreamscape sequences tend to drag, pulling the brake on an otherwise racing plot.
But let’s talk about those goddesses and their magic – absolutely spectacular. The descriptions paint such vivid pictures that I could see every magical moment unfold in my mind’s eye.
The stakes are set high from the start—it’s a life-or-death situation. Zelie’s people’s fate hangs in the balance, along with the fate of magic itself. The plot is fast-paced and fun, making every moment count.
The stakes are set high from the start—it’s a life-or-death situation. Zelie’s people’s fate hangs in the balance, along with the fate of magic itself. The plot is fast-paced and fun, making every moment count.
The world-building and magic system are truly unique, unlike anything I’ve encountered before or since. I can’t wait to see how it translates to the big screen.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Violence, Xenophobia, Sexual harassment
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The true power of this novel lies in its character development. The main characters are so intimately drawn that you can’t help but feel you know them inside and out. Take the overly emotional Ulysses, for example–his inner turmoil leaps off the page. And then there’s Shawnee. Her snarky humor and bluntness remind me of the tom-boy I knew growing up.
Including the podcast message boards is a masterstroke, making the reader feel like a true crime podcast devotee along for the thrilling ride. You’re on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next shocking revelation with each riveting episode.
I’m obsessed with this series! It serves up all the juicy elements of a great true crime podcast:
Twisted family dynamics? Check.
Murder most foul? Check.
Love affairs doomed from the start? Check.
Law enforcement dropping the ball? Check.
A mind-blowing conclusion? Double check!
The portrayal of messy relationships feels startlingly realistic, especially involving the impaired character of Ulysses. It’s a refreshing take on the dark romance trope. Can’t wait till book 3 comes out!
Check out my full in-depth review at
https://foxyfables.blog/mysteries-of-the-southern-gothic-book-review/
Including the podcast message boards is a masterstroke, making the reader feel like a true crime podcast devotee along for the thrilling ride. You’re on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next shocking revelation with each riveting episode.
I’m obsessed with this series! It serves up all the juicy elements of a great true crime podcast:
Twisted family dynamics? Check.
Murder most foul? Check.
Love affairs doomed from the start? Check.
Law enforcement dropping the ball? Check.
A mind-blowing conclusion? Double check!
The portrayal of messy relationships feels startlingly realistic, especially involving the impaired character of Ulysses. It’s a refreshing take on the dark romance trope. Can’t wait till book 3 comes out!
Check out my full in-depth review at
https://foxyfables.blog/mysteries-of-the-southern-gothic-book-review/
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Violence, Alcohol
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked it; I didn’t love it. I can’t sink my teeth into a steak that’s overcooked. I don’t actually eat steak, but that’s the best analogy I could come with.
The good stuff first: this book moves. The chemistry between our leads crackles with electricity, and their back-and-forth had me grinning more than once. The magic system feels fresh - no small feat in a genre where everything’s been done twice. And those spicy scenes? Let’s just say they deliver. What really caught me off guard (in the best way) was how the plot zigged when I expected it to zag, mirroring life’s beautiful chaos.
However, the chaos nearly had me dizzy by the end. I had a hard time figuring out what the heck was going on, which is partially why this book review took so long. Unpacking what I just read was no easy feat.
Will I pick up the sequel? Maybe, but If I’m being honest, I’m not counting down the days. BookTok didn’t exactly lead me astray with this recommendation, but let’s just say the hype train might’ve left the station a bit too early on this one.
check out my more in-depth review at http://foxyfables.blog
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
The writing is exceptional. Chapters frequently end on cliffhangers, keeping me riveted. The narrative moves quickly—I was so engrossed that I devoured it in 24 hours.
The alternating perspectives give us a comprehensive insight into each character’s emotional landscape. Debut author Jessica Carrasquillo excels in weaving subtext. Initially, only subtle clues about formative events in Ben’s and Elyse’s histories are revealed. This strategy effectively builds suspense, making me eager to piece the entire puzzle together.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Murder
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The story started off strong, but fell flat around 40 percent of the way in. The plot dragged at times and the dirty talk was somewhat cringe. However the world building was interesting and the stakes were high enough to build suspense. It ended on a cliffhanger that left me kind of curious as to what happens next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence