grace_koalateareads's reviews
163 reviews

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

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adventurous dark emotional funny informative lighthearted mysterious reflective tense 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

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett was a delight! I went into the story not knowing much about it, which is how I like to read most books, and I was surprised by the intricacies of the Faerie world, the scholarly manner of Emily and the charming way the book was written. 
The side characters were loveable and full bodied and I could picture them all. Shadow was the bestest pupperoonie there ever was and Poe should always be protected. And of course Wendell, in all his charismatic chaos, did also have my heart by the end of the book. 

All in all I loved this book and cannot wait to continue reading on! 

“One doesn’t need magic if one knows enough stories.”
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense
  • 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

4.5

Loved this book! The mythology, the magic and the mysteries had be hooked from page one, and I really didn’t know where the story was going, right down to the last page. The host of characters were really well rounded and their backstories intrigued me. I also don’t think I’ve even read a book where the house is one of the main characters! I’ll be thinking about this book for a long while 
Darkly by Marisha Pessl

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book is everything I never knew I always wanted! Intrigue, conspiracy, mystery, board games, secrets… I am in awe and I don’t know what to do with that ending. I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time to come. And this is your sign to read this book immediately!
Never A Hero by Vanessa Len

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adventurous dark emotional informative mysterious tense fast-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

Never A Hero by Vanessa Len was a mind-bending, time warping masterpiece! I literally have no other words than that. Read it. You won’t be disappointed! 
Only a Monster by Vanessa Len

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious 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? Yes

5.0

“‘You’re a hero and I’m a monster,’ she whispered. ‘There’s only one way that story ever ends.’” 

Only A Monster by Vanessa Len was a leap into time: memorable and magnificent! I was truly and utterly enamoured and found it really rather difficult to put this book down (for sleep only)! I’m hurriedly writing this review now so I can start the next book immediately!

I adored all the characters, the twists and turns, the historical elements, magical world building and the way it was hard to distinguish who was actually the “villain” in the story, was impressive. Joan is such a fantastic main character, her flaws and motivations expertly crafted, I could feel her anguish and struggles throughout the story, and just wanted to give her a hug! 

Nick was such a wildcard, I found I both loved and hated him in equal measure, right up until that last page! I hope to see more of Aaron in the sequel, I haven’t so many questions still!! Also a special shoutout to Frankie, the bestest time travelling pupperoonie!

I cannot sing the praises of this book more! If it’s not on your TBR list, this is your sign! 
Dark Heir by C.S. Pacat

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious 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

Dark Rise by C.S. Pacat

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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

“For the dark is never truly gone; it only waits for the world to forget, so that it may rise again.” 

To say I was entranced by this book, would be an understatement. Dark Rise by C.S. Pacat was a mysterious and mystical read. Right up until the last page I was hooked, never really knowing what was going to happen and who could be trusted. And that plot twist!? Amazing! 

Pacat’s writing is stunning: the world building, the characters, the magic and the plot as a whole. I cannot wait to read Dark Heir and continue marvelling at this story! 
The Out Side: Trans & Nonbinary Comics by The Kao, Min Christensen, David Daneman

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adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

The Quiet and the Loud by Helena Fox

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective tense 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