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hobbithopeful's reviews
219 reviews
The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
5.0
Thank you Penguin for this ARC!
Krystal Sutherland truly never misses. The Invocations is haunting, magical, and full of rage, and Sutherland's writing style makes it impossible to put down!
Demons, magic, and so much blood, I don't even know where to start with what I love the most. The characters are all so fleshed out and well explored. Over the course of the story we see each one open up more as they begin to trust each other, and share their stories. There is so much female rage in this, and so much wonderful queer representation. Everyone who has been scared to walk home alone, or has pepper spray on their keychain will easily relate and see themselves in this story. I will say this isn't a book to eat and read at the same time, the imagery in this book had me gagging from how horrific and disgusting Sutherland described it.
Each one of the characters has lost something, and they are on a quest to achieve their goal, no matter the cost. (Also guys, lots of daddy issues in this, you know I love to see that!)
I love every second of this book, I have yet to read a book of hers I didn't thoroughly enjoy. There is something about her writing style that manages to tread the line between grotesque imagery, and mystery. I never know where her books are going to take me, but I always know I am going to have a fantastic time on the journey.
This is definitely one to check your triggers for! There is a lot of blood, injuries, and heavy topics that will make this difficult to read for many people, so please make sure you check that before you read this.
This is easily my favorite book of hers so far. I HIGHLY recommend this one! Perfect for fans of dark witchy reads with badass sapphic rep at the forefront.
One final note, I learned way more then I ever wanted to about body decomposition.
Krystal Sutherland truly never misses. The Invocations is haunting, magical, and full of rage, and Sutherland's writing style makes it impossible to put down!
Demons, magic, and so much blood, I don't even know where to start with what I love the most. The characters are all so fleshed out and well explored. Over the course of the story we see each one open up more as they begin to trust each other, and share their stories. There is so much female rage in this, and so much wonderful queer representation. Everyone who has been scared to walk home alone, or has pepper spray on their keychain will easily relate and see themselves in this story. I will say this isn't a book to eat and read at the same time, the imagery in this book had me gagging from how horrific and disgusting Sutherland described it.
Each one of the characters has lost something, and they are on a quest to achieve their goal, no matter the cost. (Also guys, lots of daddy issues in this, you know I love to see that!)
I love every second of this book, I have yet to read a book of hers I didn't thoroughly enjoy. There is something about her writing style that manages to tread the line between grotesque imagery, and mystery. I never know where her books are going to take me, but I always know I am going to have a fantastic time on the journey.
This is definitely one to check your triggers for! There is a lot of blood, injuries, and heavy topics that will make this difficult to read for many people, so please make sure you check that before you read this.
This is easily my favorite book of hers so far. I HIGHLY recommend this one! Perfect for fans of dark witchy reads with badass sapphic rep at the forefront.
One final note, I learned way more then I ever wanted to about body decomposition.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Body horror, Blood, Violence, and Self harm
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
Mistletoe and Mishigas by M.A. Wardell
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
4.5
4.5 stars
Steamy, sweet, and full of cake eating, Mistletoe and Mishigas is the perfect holiday romance and I love it so much!
I don't often like sunshine x grumpy romance trope, sometimes I feel it is very infantilizing and unless the characters are given good reason for the way they are it just comes off being very meh. I do like how it was depicted here, with Sheldon and Theo each given reasons and backstories for their personalities and how they view the world. I love how they came together, their relationship is so cute. Each of them are so true to themselves and I love how unabashedly himself Sheldon is. He doesn't give a flying flapjack, he will be himself!
All hail Janice! I love when cats are in books and not only is sweet Janice on the back cover, but she is often in the book.
The food in this made me so hungry! I am so thankful I live in a city with lots of Jewish delis because I need to go get my fix right away. (You will get hungry reading this!)
Speaking of hunger Theo is VERY hungry for cake in this book, don't worry because he gets to EAT his cake! *wink wink* The spicy scenes were so SPICY!
We also get a cameo from the first book in the series I love when authors bring back past couples.
For me I think the only reason this isn't five stars, is the beginning had a few rough parts. Specifically the transition in their relationship and 0verall how it got started after the first few chapters was a smidge rough.
Overall I highly enjoy this and would definitely recommend this book! The perfect holiday romance!
I LOVE this cover. M.A. Wardell always has some of the best covers, it shows so much of the characters and the story, and the art is just the perfect vibe.
Steamy, sweet, and full of cake eating, Mistletoe and Mishigas is the perfect holiday romance and I love it so much!
I don't often like sunshine x grumpy romance trope, sometimes I feel it is very infantilizing and unless the characters are given good reason for the way they are it just comes off being very meh. I do like how it was depicted here, with Sheldon and Theo each given reasons and backstories for their personalities and how they view the world. I love how they came together, their relationship is so cute. Each of them are so true to themselves and I love how unabashedly himself Sheldon is. He doesn't give a flying flapjack, he will be himself!
All hail Janice! I love when cats are in books and not only is sweet Janice on the back cover, but she is often in the book.
The food in this made me so hungry! I am so thankful I live in a city with lots of Jewish delis because I need to go get my fix right away. (You will get hungry reading this!)
Speaking of hunger Theo is VERY hungry for cake in this book, don't worry because he gets to EAT his cake! *wink wink* The spicy scenes were so SPICY!
We also get a cameo from the first book in the series I love when authors bring back past couples.
For me I think the only reason this isn't five stars, is the beginning had a few rough parts. Specifically the transition in their relationship and 0verall how it got started after the first few chapters was a smidge rough.
Overall I highly enjoy this and would definitely recommend this book! The perfect holiday romance!
I LOVE this cover. M.A. Wardell always has some of the best covers, it shows so much of the characters and the story, and the art is just the perfect vibe.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexual content, Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, and Mental illness
The Follower of Flowers by Natalia Hernandez
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Our intrepid trio continues on to try to find the Unnamed Prince, gaining unlikely allies on the way, and overcoming new obstacles. Old friends are met, and new enemies are encountered and I liked this very much.
This series just feels like a delightfully light fantasy series, I can shut off my brain and just enjoy the book. It almost reminds me of listening to someone tell me a story.
We get to see a bit of romance in this, I won't spoil anything, but it was very sweet and I liked the inclusion of it.
This book was a delightful palate cleanser that got me out of a funk, and for that I am so grateful.
If you are looking for shorter diverse fantasy books to read, give this one a go!
I very much love this cover as well, it's very soft and I like the symbolism.
This series just feels like a delightfully light fantasy series, I can shut off my brain and just enjoy the book. It almost reminds me of listening to someone tell me a story.
We get to see a bit of romance in this, I won't spoil anything, but it was very sweet and I liked the inclusion of it.
This book was a delightful palate cleanser that got me out of a funk, and for that I am so grateful.
If you are looking for shorter diverse fantasy books to read, give this one a go!
I very much love this cover as well, it's very soft and I like the symbolism.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Xenophobia
Minor: Sexual content, Death, War, Sexual harassment, and Death of parent
The Night Fox by Ashley Wilda
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Thank you Penguin for this ARC
This is NOT magical realism this is CHRISTIAN FICTION.
This is a common tactic done to appeal to secular audiences, try to market the media as something else and not disclose the fact it is religious. (Also a very popular Evangelist tactic too!)
God is mentioned 69 times in this book which is a mix of poetry and writing. 69 TIMES.
I am all for reading different faiths and culture, it's important to be exposed to such things, but in a book like this where the narrative is one belief or nothing.
Main character Eli is sent away to a cabin in the woods to process her grief and mourn and goes through VERY heavy handed religious symbolism thinly disguised (and poorly disguised) as magical realism. (Guys just say it's religious or are you afraid no one would read it if you did?) Over the course of the book we have lovely rhetoric and harm shoved down our throats every other chapter.
Would you like to know the "big reveal?" Turns out all she had to do was realize God loves her and her depression is cured! ALSO HER EX ISN'T EVEN DEAD HE JUST DIDN'T BELIEVE IN GOD! I'm not even joking! The book made is seem like he was dead!
Behold THIS HARMFUL QUOTE FOR THE REVEAL: "The voice echoes in my mind: I love you. If I am loved, then I-I am meant to be here. I am meant to be alive. On this earth. At this time. I am worth something, with or without you."
This is easily the most harmful and problematic book I've ever read in my lifetime.
Don't worry we also get some lovely purity culture and abstinence only education mentioned too! Luckily Eli and her ex "only kissed" even though she was worried they were moving too fast. And of course it mentions she hasn't had sex yet! Because that was necessary! (It wasn't!)
I worry what happens if a kid reads this and receives the message this book is trying to shove down people's throats. All you have to do is "accept God's love" and your depression will be magically cured.
That's not how that works, it's ableist and is going to cause lasting harm! You can't pray away depression or mental health LITERALLY THAT'S NOT HOW THAT WORKS! The number of mutuals who have trauma from this rhetoric (as do I) is numerous. Mental health and depression is NOT a choice.
Even in the author's note they say
Lastly, at the end of the day- there is Someone out there who loves you. Who doesn't want to fix you. Who doesn't think you need fixing. ..And if you listen you can hear it"
I am incredibly disappointed that this book is being marketed falsely, and incredibly angry in everyone involved in getting this harmful book published. Any child or teenager who reads this and believes if they just can hear God or believe enough or accept God's love, that they will be happy and then wonders why that doesn't happen? That's on y'all. You should be ASHAMED.
Any quotes come from an ARC and are subject to change before the book is released and finalized.
This is NOT magical realism this is CHRISTIAN FICTION.
This is a common tactic done to appeal to secular audiences, try to market the media as something else and not disclose the fact it is religious. (Also a very popular Evangelist tactic too!)
God is mentioned 69 times in this book which is a mix of poetry and writing. 69 TIMES.
I am all for reading different faiths and culture, it's important to be exposed to such things, but in a book like this where the narrative is one belief or nothing.
Main character Eli is sent away to a cabin in the woods to process her grief and mourn and goes through VERY heavy handed religious symbolism thinly disguised (and poorly disguised) as magical realism. (Guys just say it's religious or are you afraid no one would read it if you did?) Over the course of the book we have lovely rhetoric and harm shoved down our throats every other chapter.
Would you like to know the "big reveal?" Turns out
Behold THIS HARMFUL QUOTE FOR THE REVEAL:
This is easily the most harmful and problematic book I've ever read in my lifetime.
Don't worry we also get some lovely purity culture and abstinence only education mentioned too!
I worry what happens if a kid reads this and receives the message this book is trying to shove down people's throats. All you have to do is "accept God's love" and your depression will be magically cured.
That's not how that works, it's ableist and is going to cause lasting harm! You can't pray away depression or mental health LITERALLY THAT'S NOT HOW THAT WORKS! The number of mutuals who have trauma from this rhetoric (as do I) is numerous. Mental health and depression is NOT a choice.
Even in the author's note they say
Lastly, at the end of the day- there is Someone out there who loves you. Who doesn't want to fix you. Who doesn't think you need fixing. ..And if you listen you can hear it"
I am incredibly disappointed that this book is being marketed falsely, and incredibly angry in everyone involved in getting this harmful book published. Any child or teenager who reads this and believes if they just can hear God or believe enough or accept God's love, that they will be happy and then wonders why that doesn't happen? That's on y'all. You should be ASHAMED.
Any quotes come from an ARC and are subject to change before the book is released and finalized.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Religious bigotry
The Collectors: Stories by A.S. King
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
DNF 25%
Thank you Penguin for this ARC
A short story anthology revolving around what different people collect.
Normally I love collections like these, I think it's one of the best ways to discover new authors, or you get a bunch of stories in one. For some reason this just didn't hit Some of these authors I really enjoy, so I was very disappointed to just for some reason not be enjoying the book.
I know short stories are difficult because authors only have a short amount of time to make everything happen. There were times when I had no idea what the plot or message was supposed to be, or it felt overly heavy handed. I do not feel like a lot of the stories even connected to the theme, or just I think I wasn't enjoying the writing.
I think a lot of people will enjoy these stories, but they are not for me. If you like any of these authors I say try it out for yourself.
Thank you Penguin for this ARC
A short story anthology revolving around what different people collect.
Normally I love collections like these, I think it's one of the best ways to discover new authors, or you get a bunch of stories in one. For some reason this just didn't hit Some of these authors I really enjoy, so I was very disappointed to just for some reason not be enjoying the book.
I know short stories are difficult because authors only have a short amount of time to make everything happen. There were times when I had no idea what the plot or message was supposed to be, or it felt overly heavy handed. I do not feel like a lot of the stories even connected to the theme, or just I think I wasn't enjoying the writing.
I think a lot of people will enjoy these stories, but they are not for me. If you like any of these authors I say try it out for yourself.
Muscles & Monsters by Ashley Bennett
DNF @ 51%
Rushed, stereotypical, and overall incredibly disappointing, this is one of the most disappointing monster romance books I've read.
I wisht the book would have spent a bit more time building up their relationship before jumping straight to sex. I love smutty books as much as the next person, but it went from 0 to 100 at such a pace it lacked chemistry and a good build up. They have one conversation and then when working out he gets a boner and she is getting on her knees like immediately? Where is the tension? The chemistry? Way too insta-love! I won't compare it to a fanfic because I've read FANTASTIC fanfics. I know this is a smutty monster romance, but I've read erotic novellas with better pacing and development. The dialogue is so incredibly cringey. I have never heard someone in my entire life actually say half the stuff in this book and mean it. Words like "kawaii" in a sentence made me physically CRINGE.
PLEASE STOP WRITING THE FABULOUS GAY BEST FRIEND! Seriously we are still doing this in 2023?! (Or whenever this was published?!) Attention romance writers: if you want to write a gay best friend stop and think: am I playing into harmful stereotypes? Have I actually ever met a gay person? HAVE I HAD A GAY PERSON BETA READ THIS AND GO HMM YAS QUEEN SLAY? No? Maybe stop falling into the pitfall of harmful depictions mkay? ALSO no one would say that about this book because this is straight up harmful queer representation. Do we think that's how every gay person talks! (Guess what they don't!) They also don't come out of the closet armed with a curler, makeup palette, and a fashionista sense! GAY MEN ARE NOT YOUR ACCESSORY STRAIGHT WHITE GIRLS!
The characters are allegedly in their 30s but read like immature teenagers with how weirdly young they are written.
My only saving grace is I have Kindle Unlimited so this technically wasn't money spent.
I would NOT recommend this book! THIS IS AN INSULT TO MONSTER ROMANCE EVERYWHERE! I'm never trusting hyped up monster romance again.
The cover is fantastic, and I am sure a ton of people will get it because of that. Seriously, wonderful design and composition on the cover.
Rushed, stereotypical, and overall incredibly disappointing, this is one of the most disappointing monster romance books I've read.
I wisht the book would have spent a bit more time building up their relationship before jumping straight to sex. I love smutty books as much as the next person, but it went from 0 to 100 at such a pace it lacked chemistry and a good build up. They have one conversation and then when working out he gets a boner and she is getting on her knees like immediately? Where is the tension? The chemistry? Way too insta-love! I won't compare it to a fanfic because I've read FANTASTIC fanfics. I know this is a smutty monster romance, but I've read erotic novellas with better pacing and development. The dialogue is so incredibly cringey. I have never heard someone in my entire life actually say half the stuff in this book and mean it. Words like "kawaii" in a sentence made me physically CRINGE.
PLEASE STOP WRITING THE FABULOUS GAY BEST FRIEND! Seriously we are still doing this in 2023?! (Or whenever this was published?!) Attention romance writers: if you want to write a gay best friend stop and think: am I playing into harmful stereotypes? Have I actually ever met a gay person? HAVE I HAD A GAY PERSON BETA READ THIS AND GO HMM YAS QUEEN SLAY? No? Maybe stop falling into the pitfall of harmful depictions mkay? ALSO no one would say that about this book because this is straight up harmful queer representation. Do we think that's how every gay person talks! (Guess what they don't!) They also don't come out of the closet armed with a curler, makeup palette, and a fashionista sense! GAY MEN ARE NOT YOUR ACCESSORY STRAIGHT WHITE GIRLS!
The characters are allegedly in their 30s but read like immature teenagers with how weirdly young they are written.
My only saving grace is I have Kindle Unlimited so this technically wasn't money spent.
I would NOT recommend this book! THIS IS AN INSULT TO MONSTER ROMANCE EVERYWHERE! I'm never trusting hyped up monster romance again.
The cover is fantastic, and I am sure a ton of people will get it because of that. Seriously, wonderful design and composition on the cover.
Bittersweet in the Hollow by Kate Pearsall
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
Thank you Penguin for this ARC
I started reading this book, and could not put it down! Absolutely enthralling, positively mysterious, and wonderfully magical, this is easily one of my top books of the year.
Set in the Appalachian Mountains, Bittersweet in the Hollow follows Linden and her sisters investigating a mysterious disappearance. As tensions rise and secrets are uncovered, what little love the magical family has from the town soons turns bitter...
This book is just such a fun read, it's tense and I love reading about the James family and their "practical magic". My favorite is Linden, her ability to "taste" what others are feeling leads to wonderfully written prose and descriptions that had my stomach growling. I am very grateful to live in Texas, because after reading about crispy fried chicken, fried green okra, and butter heavy desserts, I have quite the appetite! (Seriously I think my stomach growled for most of the book!)
There is also some romance, and there is chemistry, sweetness, and the perfect amount of tension between them.
Much like the namesake, this is quite a bittersweet book. Don't go into this expecting fluffiness and comfort, but do expect a supportive family of strong woman, and a town full of dark secrets. I did enjoy the ending, the payoff was perfect and the suspense that had me staying up late to read did not disappoint with the reveal.
I was planning on finishing this book tomorrow and reviewing it then, but I couldn't put it down! I had to find out what happened next, and the next thing I knew I had reached the conclusion and sadly the end of the book. Honestly I wouldn't mind if this wasn't a standalone and instead a series. (Perhaps focusing on each sister?) Also mostly because I really want to see the parents get back together. That was so heartbreaking to learn of sacrifices that were made. I wouldn't mind seeing "Hadrian" somehow getting a happy ending with Rowan either.
Perfect for fans of dark fantasy, Krystal Sutherland, or excellent books in general, I HIGHLY recommend this book! This is Kate Pearsall's debut novel, and I need more from her immediately!
I will say I am not crazy about the cover. In fact I very much dislike the cover, it has fair composition and design, but does not convey the theme or mood of the book well. It feels a bit plain and dry compared to how wonderfully dark and magical the story is. The author name being in a script font looks like it was added as an afterthought, and just looks completely out of place. (It makes it seem childish) I hope that this book receives the success it deserves, and perhaps at some point a new cover for a different edition.
I started reading this book, and could not put it down! Absolutely enthralling, positively mysterious, and wonderfully magical, this is easily one of my top books of the year.
Set in the Appalachian Mountains, Bittersweet in the Hollow follows Linden and her sisters investigating a mysterious disappearance. As tensions rise and secrets are uncovered, what little love the magical family has from the town soons turns bitter...
This book is just such a fun read, it's tense and I love reading about the James family and their "practical magic". My favorite is Linden, her ability to "taste" what others are feeling leads to wonderfully written prose and descriptions that had my stomach growling. I am very grateful to live in Texas, because after reading about crispy fried chicken, fried green okra, and butter heavy desserts, I have quite the appetite! (Seriously I think my stomach growled for most of the book!)
There is also some romance, and there is chemistry, sweetness, and the perfect amount of tension between them.
Much like the namesake, this is quite a bittersweet book. Don't go into this expecting fluffiness and comfort, but do expect a supportive family of strong woman, and a town full of dark secrets. I did enjoy the ending, the payoff was perfect and the suspense that had me staying up late to read did not disappoint with the reveal.
I was planning on finishing this book tomorrow and reviewing it then, but I couldn't put it down! I had to find out what happened next, and the next thing I knew I had reached the conclusion and sadly the end of the book. Honestly I wouldn't mind if this wasn't a standalone and instead a series. (Perhaps focusing on each sister?) Also mostly because I really want to see
Perfect for fans of dark fantasy, Krystal Sutherland, or excellent books in general, I HIGHLY recommend this book! This is Kate Pearsall's debut novel, and I need more from her immediately!
I will say I am not crazy about the cover. In fact I very much dislike the cover, it has fair composition and design, but does not convey the theme or mood of the book well. It feels a bit plain and dry compared to how wonderfully dark and magical the story is. The author name being in a script font looks like it was added as an afterthought, and just looks completely out of place. (It makes it seem childish) I hope that this book receives the success it deserves, and perhaps at some point a new cover for a different edition.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Violence, Grief, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Alcoholism, Child death, Death, and Murder
PET by Akwaeke Emezi
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
Lyrical, magical, I love Emezis' style of storytelling and writing. I had read Bitter awhile ago, and finally got around to reading this one. (I know going backwards!) I really love the message of this and the writing style. Check your content warnings, a lot of the subject will hit very close to home for a lot of people. The differences in how Bitter and Jam each approach "their monster" is very interesting and I want to go reread Bitter again to compare, and see how the characters used to be.
Perfect for all ages, highly recommend.
Perfect for all ages, highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse
Salt the Water by Candice Iloh
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
Thank you Penguin for this ARC
Great premise, very poor execution that made little to no sense, lacking any emotional impact and feeling unfinished.
I was so excited to read this, it checks all my book boxes. BIPOC mc? Check. Queer? Check. Issues of racism? Check Check. Told in verse? Check.
Just when we are introduced to the characters and get to see a horrible situation happen at Cerulean's school, there is an accident with their Father, who ends up bedridden and heavily injured. You might think, hey this is where we get to connect with the characters more and see what is going on. Especially with the pile of past due bills on the table. Nope they just leave? Ditches their girlfriend, their friends, their loving family? And then there's a time skip and it's years later and we just see other people's povs? There was no emotional impact except for confusion. You don't have any time to connect to the characters or even really form an attachment to them. It's mentioned so many times how loving their family is, and yet they leave. It just feels incredibly unfinished and didn't make any sense at all plot or character wise. Maybe if we had gotten more time to get to know and care about the characters, then it would have had a greater impact. If anything the actions just made me confused, and I just didn't understand why the book just ended. I wasn't in a place of wanting to read more, I just was so confused by how the story went. It truly feels unfinished. If the book was twice as long and gave us time to at least know Cerulean and maybe to give more foreshadowing I would have understood it more.
As it stands this is such a great premise, but a book that I am truly surprised to see getting published.
(Listen and I feel entirely less crazy reading all the reviews who share the same mindset!)
I would not recommend this book. At this time I wouldn't read anything else by Candice Iloh either.
If you are looking for a good BIPOC queer verse book I recommend [book:The Black Flamingo|41020406]
Great premise, very poor execution that made little to no sense, lacking any emotional impact and feeling unfinished.
I was so excited to read this, it checks all my book boxes. BIPOC mc? Check. Queer? Check. Issues of racism? Check Check. Told in verse? Check.
Just when we are introduced to the characters and get to see a horrible situation happen at Cerulean's school, there is an
As it stands this is such a great premise, but a book that I am truly surprised to see getting published.
(Listen and I feel entirely less crazy reading all the reviews who share the same mindset!)
I would not recommend this book. At this time I wouldn't read anything else by Candice Iloh either.
If you are looking for a good BIPOC queer verse book I recommend [book:The Black Flamingo|41020406]
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Abandonment
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
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
This is just an incredibly fun and nostalgic read. Plus dragons! Honestly I adored this book, it felt very nostalgic to me when I read it. It reminds me of all of those dystopian books I loved to read as a teen like [book:The Hunger Games|2767052] ! The inclusion of disability rep in fantasy was so great to read, I love how Violence used it to her advantage and worked with it.
Every book should have dragons. Seriously what is it about dragons that takes us right back to our childhood!
Also for romance lovers, the romance straight ROMANCED. It was exquisite to read. Plus they destroy a room during sex...so like yes it's excellent.
Also Tairn and his little petty comments gave me life I love him so much.
The twist was A TWIST! I thought I knew what was going to happen but I was so wrong.
THE ENDING KILLED ME! If I see the author it is on sight and I'm throwing hands.
I HIGHLY recommend this book,it's fun, fantasy, romance, and just a great time.
Every book should have dragons. Seriously what is it about dragons that takes us right back to our childhood!
Also for romance lovers, the romance straight ROMANCED. It was exquisite to read. Plus they destroy a room during sex...so like yes it's excellent.
Also Tairn and his little petty comments gave me life I love him so much.
The twist was A TWIST! I thought I knew what was going to happen but I was so wrong.
THE ENDING KILLED ME! If I see the author it is on sight and I'm throwing hands.
I HIGHLY recommend this book,it's fun, fantasy, romance, and just a great time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, War, Medical content, Gore, Blood, Ableism, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, and Bullying
Minor: Death of parent