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hobbithopeful's reviews
225 reviews
The Witchery by S. Isabelle
Did not finish book. Stopped at 71%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 71%.
DNF 274 pages
6 different povs for a book that is only 370 pages long is a bit much. I really wanted to like this book so I kept trying to read it. I honestly had no connection to the characters, or to the story. I didn't really understand much of the world or what was going on.
If you are going to have this many povs then write a much longer book so we can be more invested in the characters. I don't remember any details about any of them, I can't keep track of any of the information we were given for their backstories because it is so fast paced. I had no idea why they were so motivated to end the Wolves, it didn't really make sense to me.
I wouldn't recommend this book, nor would I read anything by the author again.
6 different povs for a book that is only 370 pages long is a bit much. I really wanted to like this book so I kept trying to read it. I honestly had no connection to the characters, or to the story. I didn't really understand much of the world or what was going on.
If you are going to have this many povs then write a much longer book so we can be more invested in the characters. I don't remember any details about any of them, I can't keep track of any of the information we were given for their backstories because it is so fast paced. I had no idea why they were so motivated to end the Wolves, it didn't really make sense to me.
I wouldn't recommend this book, nor would I read anything by the author again.
Ever Since by Alena Bruzas
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This isn't a book that everyone should read, but a book that everyone *needs* to read.
Ever Since is a powerful and moving book dealing with topics of grooming, and CSA.
I honestly would not have picked up this book because the topics hit so close to home for me, but it was the book of the month for the local book club I frequent, and I am glad I read it.
I typically do not enjoy books told in the first person, but Bruzas writes so well I knew I was going to love the book after reading the first page. There are times that Virginia has panic attacks, and the sentence structures reflect that and makes you read faster and faster. It was overwhelming, and the most realistic book about CSA that I have read. It also has the best "teenager" depiction, and the way the friend group speaks and acts is very on par.
Books like this are extremely important, for many reasons. A lot of time we have this idea of what a "perfect" victim looks like in our head. Isolated, innocent, we forget that when people endure trauma and abuse they will all react and respond differently. There is no such thing as a perfect victim, people are incredibly complex and abuse and grooming can happen to anyone. When such behaviors aren't "caught" in childhood, people forget that the trauma and abuse doesn't just magically go away when you grow up. Virgina has been so unbearably hurt and abused that she is just trying to survive and cope.
The romance with Rumi hurt so bad, but was so necessary. I think we all have gone through that phase of hoping that someone will come rescue us, or thinking that once we find a certain person everything is going to be okay and we are going to be safe. At the end of the day it is also important to remember that the bar is so low for men, just because they don't abuse you doesn't make them perfect. (Looking back on the book, he was honestly quite a red flag.) That one scene where he just stood there made me so angry and upset. They are all teenagers in this book, and teenagers are messy.
I liked the ending, it is left a bit ambiguous. Different characters are at different places in healing, some not even have come to terms with what happened. I am so glad they all came back together to support each other.
This book hit very close to home for me, and I had to eat a lot of candy to recover.
Be kind to yourself, there are a lot of heavy topics and triggers in this. It is very graphic and extremely hard to read at times. VERY. GRAPHIC. (No seriously, just about every trigger you could think of is in here!)
I will definitely read anything else that Alena Bruzas writes.
Hands down one of the best debut novels I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
Read this book!
Also l love the cover, there is so much great symbolism there with the overlay showing how she is really feeling. I only wish the font choice for the title is different, it looks like every wedding invitation I've ever seen.
Ever Since is a powerful and moving book dealing with topics of grooming, and CSA.
I honestly would not have picked up this book because the topics hit so close to home for me, but it was the book of the month for the local book club I frequent, and I am glad I read it.
I typically do not enjoy books told in the first person, but Bruzas writes so well I knew I was going to love the book after reading the first page. There are times that Virginia has panic attacks, and the sentence structures reflect that and makes you read faster and faster. It was overwhelming, and the most realistic book about CSA that I have read. It also has the best "teenager" depiction, and the way the friend group speaks and acts is very on par.
Books like this are extremely important, for many reasons. A lot of time we have this idea of what a "perfect" victim looks like in our head. Isolated, innocent, we forget that when people endure trauma and abuse they will all react and respond differently. There is no such thing as a perfect victim, people are incredibly complex and abuse and grooming can happen to anyone. When such behaviors aren't "caught" in childhood, people forget that the trauma and abuse doesn't just magically go away when you grow up. Virgina has been so unbearably hurt and abused that she is just trying to survive and cope.
The romance with Rumi hurt so bad, but was so necessary. I think we all have gone through that phase of hoping that someone will come rescue us, or thinking that once we find a certain person everything is going to be okay and we are going to be safe. At the end of the day it is also important to remember that the bar is so low for men, just because they don't abuse you doesn't make them perfect. (Looking back on the book, he was honestly quite a red flag.) That one scene where he just stood there made me so angry and upset. They are all teenagers in this book, and teenagers are messy.
I liked the ending, it is left a bit ambiguous. Different characters are at different places in healing, some not even have come to terms with what happened. I am so glad they all came back together to support each other.
This book hit very close to home for me, and I had to eat a lot of candy to recover.
Be kind to yourself, there are a lot of heavy topics and triggers in this. It is very graphic and extremely hard to read at times. VERY. GRAPHIC. (No seriously, just about every trigger you could think of is in here!)
I will definitely read anything else that Alena Bruzas writes.
Hands down one of the best debut novels I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
Read this book!
Also l love the cover, there is so much great symbolism there with the overlay showing how she is really feeling. I only wish the font choice for the title is different, it looks like every wedding invitation I've ever seen.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Sexual harassment, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual content, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Alcohol, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, and Sexual assault
Minor: Transphobia
A Soul to Guide by Opal Reyne
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
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
My favorite in the series so far!
As always I was blown away by the writing of BIPOC characters, and I loved that we got a blind FMC! You can always tell so much research and time goes into these books, and I am always so impressed. This is a perfect example of what it means for a character to actually be the race they are written as. So much thought was given to Raewyns' relationship with her hair, and how she maintains it. I also loved getting to see more of a backstory and lore for how demons came to be.
Merikh is the smartest and most cunning Mavka, and his relationship with his family was heartbreaking to read. At the same time his interactions with Rae and how he hunts because of his intelligence was scary brilliant. (Also all of the smut in this book is just GRADE A CERTIFIED GROUND BEEF)
I really loved getting to read about magic and how different the Elven realm is to Earth. I can't wait to read more about it, and I would love another in the series to take place there!
My favorite part about this series is the overarching plot line we get, and how different each book is from the last. Hands down this is my favorite monster romance series! Always spicy and never boring, I can't wait until the next book come out! Is it too much to hope for a Latina as the next FMC?
As always I was blown away by the writing of BIPOC characters, and I loved that we got a blind FMC! You can always tell so much research and time goes into these books, and I am always so impressed. This is a perfect example of what it means for a character to actually be the race they are written as. So much thought was given to Raewyns' relationship with her hair, and how she maintains it. I also loved getting to see more of a backstory and lore for how demons came to be.
Merikh is the smartest and most cunning Mavka, and his relationship with his family was heartbreaking to read. At the same time his interactions with Rae and how he hunts because of his intelligence was scary brilliant. (Also all of the smut in this book is just GRADE A CERTIFIED GROUND BEEF)
I really loved getting to read about magic and how different the Elven realm is to Earth. I can't wait to read more about it, and I would love another in the series to take place there!
My favorite part about this series is the overarching plot line we get, and how different each book is from the last. Hands down this is my favorite monster romance series! Always spicy and never boring, I can't wait until the next book come out! Is it too much to hope for a Latina as the next FMC?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, Blood, Gore, Sexual content, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Hearts Still Beating by Brooke Archer
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.5
4.5 stars thank you Penguin for this ARC
An incredibly engaging and often dark read, Hearts Still Beating is the sapphic fantasy romance I've been missing from my life.
It isn't easy living in a world ravaged by Ticks (think zombies), with small pockets of humanity struggling to survive. No true cure has been found, but a treatment allows some Ticks, such as Mara, to regain their humanity and not be animalistic killing machines. When Mara and some of the other "semi cured" Ticks are sent to live with humans, she is going to be living with her once best friend and love of her life, Rory. Rory isn't excited to see Mara, and instead threatens her life multiple times. (She has a sword and knows how to use it!) The apocalypse has changed everyone for better or worse, and soon it becomes clear the two will have to work together if they want to have at living.
The violence and gore were a surprise but I am 10000% on board with it! It lent such gruesome imagery, and fit right in with the world. It isn't all blood and guts, there is such an underlying layer of hope and perseverance that persists. Rory and Mara have a really tenuous and fraught relationship for a lot of the story. Mara represents everything that Rory regrets and tries not to think about, and seeing the love of your life return as a Tick is no small matter. We get to see POVs from Rory and Mara, which is always so essential in a romance. I liked getting a peek inside each of their heads, and see how they are interpreting what the other does and says. Rory and Maras' relationship takes time to develop, but the trust and love that grows is so sweet to read.
I really like the inclusion of disability rep, Rory is such a hardened character, but she never strayed from a fight. (In fact she spent a lot of her time instigating fights, and I love her so much for that!) I really like how it wasn't just glossed over and forgotten, nor was it magically healed in a way stories like to do with injuries.
Hearts Still Beating shows how its different characters cope and respond to their experiences trying to survive a world devastated by Ticks. Some have become hardened, and lash out with their anger, choosing to be mad at the world instead of drowning in grief. Others retreat into themselves, a shell of their former shells, seemingly content with being half present. And of course we have the lovely few people who instead are so conquered by fear that they latch onto any semblance of control they can retain. Take away their power and you'll soon discover just how far they'll go to hang onto it.
The cherry on top is the absolutely gorgeous cover, it captures the vibe of the book so well and I honestly just like looking at it. Designed by: Danielle Ceccolini Art by: Garrigosa Studio
The only real issue I have is because of the large cast of characters, some of them got lost in the shuffle. I had no emotional attachment to many of the side characters, and I didn't truly care if they lived or died. I also almost wish we got a bit more from Rory and Mara in terms of developing their relationship, and see them interact outside of stressful situations.
All that being said I still found Hearts Still Beating a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I found myself reading in the most inopportune places because "just one more page".
I highly recommend this book, especially if you are a fan of heart-wrenching sapphic romances with zombies! I look forward to reading whatever book Brooke Archer writes next!
An incredibly engaging and often dark read, Hearts Still Beating is the sapphic fantasy romance I've been missing from my life.
It isn't easy living in a world ravaged by Ticks (think zombies), with small pockets of humanity struggling to survive. No true cure has been found, but a treatment allows some Ticks, such as Mara, to regain their humanity and not be animalistic killing machines. When Mara and some of the other "semi cured" Ticks are sent to live with humans, she is going to be living with her once best friend and love of her life, Rory. Rory isn't excited to see Mara, and instead threatens her life multiple times. (She has a sword and knows how to use it!) The apocalypse has changed everyone for better or worse, and soon it becomes clear the two will have to work together if they want to have at living.
The violence and gore were a surprise but I am 10000% on board with it! It lent such gruesome imagery, and fit right in with the world. It isn't all blood and guts, there is such an underlying layer of hope and perseverance that persists. Rory and Mara have a really tenuous and fraught relationship for a lot of the story. Mara represents everything that Rory regrets and tries not to think about, and seeing the love of your life return as a Tick is no small matter. We get to see POVs from Rory and Mara, which is always so essential in a romance. I liked getting a peek inside each of their heads, and see how they are interpreting what the other does and says. Rory and Maras' relationship takes time to develop, but the trust and love that grows is so sweet to read.
I really like the inclusion of disability rep, Rory is such a hardened character, but she never strayed from a fight. (In fact she spent a lot of her time instigating fights, and I love her so much for that!) I really like how it wasn't just glossed over and forgotten, nor was it magically healed in a way stories like to do with injuries.
Hearts Still Beating shows how its different characters cope and respond to their experiences trying to survive a world devastated by Ticks. Some have become hardened, and lash out with their anger, choosing to be mad at the world instead of drowning in grief. Others retreat into themselves, a shell of their former shells, seemingly content with being half present. And of course we have the lovely few people who instead are so conquered by fear that they latch onto any semblance of control they can retain. Take away their power and you'll soon discover just how far they'll go to hang onto it.
The cherry on top is the absolutely gorgeous cover, it captures the vibe of the book so well and I honestly just like looking at it. Designed by: Danielle Ceccolini Art by: Garrigosa Studio
The only real issue I have is because of the large cast of characters, some of them got lost in the shuffle. I had no emotional attachment to many of the side characters, and I didn't truly care if they lived or died. I also almost wish we got a bit more from Rory and Mara in terms of developing their relationship, and see them interact outside of stressful situations.
All that being said I still found Hearts Still Beating a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I found myself reading in the most inopportune places because "just one more page".
I highly recommend this book, especially if you are a fan of heart-wrenching sapphic romances with zombies! I look forward to reading whatever book Brooke Archer writes next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, Blood, Gore, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death of parent and Medical content
Minor: Child death and Torture
Good as Gold by Candace Buford
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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
2.5
A great premise, but unanswered questions and a rushed plot made Good as Gold feel unfinished, confusing, and overall left me incredibly frustrated and disappointed.
The book was so inconsistent. Some chapters we would get lovely full scenes, tension, and great plot. But the for the vast majority of the book it would lead us right into scenes perfect for suspense...and then just cut away to the next day and give us a measly recap of what happened! How am I supposed to be invested in the plot and characters if so much is happening off page?
It had a strong beginning but the further into the book I got, the character development just stopped and the pacing kept speeding up. There are so many characters that seem so vital to the story that we just never see again.
A lot of the action happens in the beginning of the book, but it just makes it more confusing if anything else. There's a car chase and shots fired, and the characters know who is after them. And then they just keep walking around town and living their lives as if they aren't in any danger! They even go to school and regularly encounter the bad guys yet it doesn't even seem to matter.
In an odd way Good as Gold felt half finished and rushed. So many scenes that I thought were going to lead to action, or more suspense, were just cut aways to "the next day". I really thought things were going to go down at Prom, the stakes were incredibly high and they had to be sneaky. Instead we didn't get any of that and it was just a cut away and a recap.
I did like how Fatima stood up for herself, even though her character just completely disappears after Prom. I liked the inclusion of talking about the lack of education around the Civil War, and how history is whitewashed. Overall just the premise of a mystery and town that has been covered up by white people so they can maintain power is such a great one, though lacking in execution.
I thought there was going to be more discovery around Toulouse and the showdown that happened. Maybe a journal, or a history book. Even just a simple conversation talking about what took place, and what happened. I guess the author would just assume we would have enough to go on by the bullet holes, the cannon balls, and the hidden deeds. BUT THAT TOLD ME NOTHING! I was so incredibly frustrated because the writing could be so engaging at times, and I feel like the book was such a let down. The end came out of nowhere. We didn't get to see any of the showdown, and it just was all resolved in one page. Then it was the epilogue which jumped a year without even saying above the chapter "one year later" and at that point I had no investment in any of the characters. I really thought that Casey was going to have a showdown with her ex friend, or just some kind of character growth in regards to how her family views money. Casey stands up and makes her speech and then..that's it. We don't get any answers about the town or the history. It's not even that the story was bad it just felt like half of it was missing. I just truly don't understand how this book even got to the point of being published with it being like this.
I do not recommend this book, nor would I ever read anything from this author again. (Unless maybe Buford moves moves publishers)
The book was so inconsistent. Some chapters we would get lovely full scenes, tension, and great plot. But the for the vast majority of the book it would lead us right into scenes perfect for suspense...and then just cut away to the next day and give us a measly recap of what happened! How am I supposed to be invested in the plot and characters if so much is happening off page?
It had a strong beginning but the further into the book I got, the character development just stopped and the pacing kept speeding up. There are so many characters that seem so vital to the story that we just never see again.
A lot of the action happens in the beginning of the book, but it just makes it more confusing if anything else. There's a car chase and shots fired, and the characters know who is after them. And then they just keep walking around town and living their lives as if they aren't in any danger! They even go to school and regularly encounter the bad guys yet it doesn't even seem to matter.
In an odd way Good as Gold felt half finished and rushed. So many scenes that I thought were going to lead to action, or more suspense, were just cut aways to "the next day". I really thought things were going to go down at Prom, the stakes were incredibly high and they had to be sneaky. Instead we didn't get any of that and it was just a cut away and a recap.
I did like how Fatima stood up for herself, even though her character just completely disappears after Prom. I liked the inclusion of talking about the lack of education around the Civil War, and how history is whitewashed. Overall just the premise of a mystery and town that has been covered up by white people so they can maintain power is such a great one, though lacking in execution.
I thought there was going to be more discovery around Toulouse and the showdown that happened. Maybe a journal, or a history book. Even just a simple conversation talking about what took place, and what happened. I guess the author would just assume we would have enough to go on by the bullet holes, the cannon balls, and the hidden deeds. BUT THAT TOLD ME NOTHING! I was so incredibly frustrated because the writing could be so engaging at times, and I feel like the book was such a let down. The end came out of nowhere. We didn't get to see any of the showdown, and it just was all resolved in one page. Then it was the epilogue which jumped a year without even saying above the chapter "one year later" and at that point I had no investment in any of the characters. I really thought that Casey was going to have a showdown with her ex friend, or just some kind of character growth in regards to how her family views money. Casey stands up and makes her speech and then..that's it. We don't get any answers about the town or the history. It's not even that the story was bad it just felt like half of it was missing. I just truly don't understand how this book even got to the point of being published with it being like this.
I do not recommend this book, nor would I ever read anything from this author again. (Unless maybe Buford moves moves publishers)
Content Warnings
Minor: Car accident, Toxic friendship, and Racism
The Narrow by Kate Alice Marshall
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
4.5
Thank you Penguin for this ARC
Tense, mysterious, and queer, The Narrow is must read horror novel that will leave you gasping for air.
We follow Eden, returning to her boarding school and discovering that her parents chose not to pay her tuition. (Key word: chose!) Her only option is a scholarship by way of being a companion to the mysterious Delphine, a student confined to her quarters because of her mysterious illness. The house that is odd, locks all over the doors, cameras and one very important rule. Don't let the water in.
I will never get tired of reading horror books that have to do with water and drowning. Like bread and butter, it just goes together so well.
It took me a second to get into the story, but once I got past the beginning I found it very thrilling and and full of suspense. We are given enough breadcrumbs and clues to kind of piece together the mystery, but there were still still so many twists and turns that kept me on my toes.
I really interpreted a lot of the story to be symbolism for abusive relationships. Eden is so constantly making excuses for other people and her family. Even with the support of her friends she still falls into a bad situation, and seems to think she deserves it, and they aren't meaning her harm. She ends up very isolated and alone, and even gets to the point of failing her classes. Eden is so intent on hiding the pain she is in that it takes a good chunk of the book for her to even go to the hospital and get a splint for her arm. (Also the tooth scene creeped me out...gross!)
Queer horror is a genre that I have been dipping my toe in lately, and this book does it so well. Not only is Eden queer and we some lovely sapphic romance, but it is a core component of the whole plot. Whether it be homophobia, or presuming what you know about strangers, it really pulled the rug out from under me. When the reveal happened at the end, I COULD NOT HANDLE IT! I had to facetime my friend and freak out because I was so shocked!
One of the aspects I found most enjoyable was the friendship group that Eden had. It is always so refreshing to healthy and supportive friendships, and I loved how they were trying so hard to be there for Eden. There was a very beautiful quote that Veronica tells to her that really stuck with me: "You fall in love with all your friends. It's kind of a beautiful thing about you." That really just hit the nail on the head in regards to Edens' personality. She doesn't realise it, but she is truly such a caring and good person who just loves so deeply and purely. She will love someone to the point where she will let herself be harmed, because as long as they say they love her, or she assumes that they do, she would let them do anything to her.
I can honestly say I truly didn't know who was going to survive till the end. Usually in mystery/horror books I can get a good guess and suss out the plot, and while I did get a few things right to my great enjoyment the ending was still one I didn't see coming.
A great sapphic thriller book rec, I recommend this one and I am definitely going to check out Kate Alice Marshalls' other books.
Also. I just want to say that Eden having a crush on that one teacher was so relatable.
Tense, mysterious, and queer, The Narrow is must read horror novel that will leave you gasping for air.
We follow Eden, returning to her boarding school and discovering that her parents chose not to pay her tuition. (Key word: chose!) Her only option is a scholarship by way of being a companion to the mysterious Delphine, a student confined to her quarters because of her mysterious illness. The house that is odd, locks all over the doors, cameras and one very important rule. Don't let the water in.
I will never get tired of reading horror books that have to do with water and drowning. Like bread and butter, it just goes together so well.
It took me a second to get into the story, but once I got past the beginning I found it very thrilling and and full of suspense. We are given enough breadcrumbs and clues to kind of piece together the mystery, but there were still still so many twists and turns that kept me on my toes.
I really interpreted a lot of the story to be symbolism for abusive relationships. Eden is so constantly making excuses for other people and her family. Even with the support of her friends she still falls into a bad situation, and seems to think she deserves it, and they aren't meaning her harm. She ends up very isolated and alone, and even gets to the point of failing her classes. Eden is so intent on hiding the pain she is in that it takes a good chunk of the book for her to even go to the hospital and get a splint for her arm. (Also the tooth scene creeped me out...gross!)
Queer horror is a genre that I have been dipping my toe in lately, and this book does it so well. Not only is Eden queer and we some lovely sapphic romance, but it is a core component of the whole plot. Whether it be homophobia, or presuming what you know about strangers, it really pulled the rug out from under me. When the reveal happened at the end, I COULD NOT HANDLE IT! I had to facetime my friend and freak out because I was so shocked!
One of the aspects I found most enjoyable was the friendship group that Eden had. It is always so refreshing to healthy and supportive friendships, and I loved how they were trying so hard to be there for Eden. There was a very beautiful quote that Veronica tells to her that really stuck with me: "You fall in love with all your friends. It's kind of a beautiful thing about you." That really just hit the nail on the head in regards to Edens' personality. She doesn't realise it, but she is truly such a caring and good person who just loves so deeply and purely. She will love someone to the point where she will let herself be harmed, because as long as they say they love her, or she assumes that they do, she would let them do anything to her.
I can honestly say I truly didn't know who was going to survive till the end. Usually in mystery/horror books I can get a good guess and suss out the plot, and while I did get a few things right to my great enjoyment the ending was still one I didn't see coming.
A great sapphic thriller book rec, I recommend this one and I am definitely going to check out Kate Alice Marshalls' other books.
Also. I just want to say that Eden having a crush on that one teacher was so relatable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Physical abuse, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Homophobia
The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holton
adventurous
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? No
4.5
Charming, witty, romantic, the only ingredient missing from the second book in the Dangerous Damsels series is diversity.
I enjoyed seeing more of the world, and seeing the differences (and similarities) in how witches and pirates interact and steal valuable items. I didn't go a single chapter without chuckling to myself, this is one of those books that brightens your day, and leaves you in a better mood than when you started.
Charlotte is so different from Cecilia, and I liked seeing a more bristly character as the FL. Her and Alex had such fantastic chemistry, and I loved their denial of them being together even while they are holding hands!
I'm glad we got to see so many returning characters (Lady Armitage always has me in stitches!) that had roles in the first book, and it is always so refreshing to see healthy and refreshing female friendships. Girl power is one of the first themes that comes to mind whenever I read any of Holton's books. I loved how the men were aware of their inadequacies and were willing and ready to take a back seat to let their ladies take charge. A memorable quote from Alex comes to mind: “Does anyone else get the feeling,” he said, “that in fact we’re their boys?” (I mean if that doesn't summarize the series nicely, I don't know what else does!)
My only real complaint is there is not a single crumb of diversity in this book. Not. One. Fun fact, BIPOC have existed since the dawn of time, and lived in England. (Shocker, I know!) I was so enthralled with the first book in the series I didn't really think about it, I figured we might see some diversity in the sequel. But this book is whiter than a corporate board room. It is..isolating in a way to read a book series where the beauty standard is pale and soft skin. Characters are constantly being told to stay out of the sun, and no one dares venture out into the sun without a parasol, for fear of their porcelain skin darkening.
All that being said, if you liked the The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, you will thoroughly enjoy this one as well. A perfect book for lovers of cozy fantasy, and badass ladies. Less recommended if you like diverse reads.
I enjoyed seeing more of the world, and seeing the differences (and similarities) in how witches and pirates interact and steal valuable items. I didn't go a single chapter without chuckling to myself, this is one of those books that brightens your day, and leaves you in a better mood than when you started.
Charlotte is so different from Cecilia, and I liked seeing a more bristly character as the FL. Her and Alex had such fantastic chemistry, and I loved their denial of them being together even while they are holding hands!
I'm glad we got to see so many returning characters (Lady Armitage always has me in stitches!) that had roles in the first book, and it is always so refreshing to see healthy and refreshing female friendships. Girl power is one of the first themes that comes to mind whenever I read any of Holton's books. I loved how the men were aware of their inadequacies and were willing and ready to take a back seat to let their ladies take charge. A memorable quote from Alex comes to mind: “Does anyone else get the feeling,” he said, “that in fact we’re their boys?” (I mean if that doesn't summarize the series nicely, I don't know what else does!)
My only real complaint is there is not a single crumb of diversity in this book. Not. One. Fun fact, BIPOC have existed since the dawn of time, and lived in England. (Shocker, I know!) I was so enthralled with the first book in the series I didn't really think about it, I figured we might see some diversity in the sequel. But this book is whiter than a corporate board room. It is..isolating in a way to read a book series where the beauty standard is pale and soft skin. Characters are constantly being told to stay out of the sun, and no one dares venture out into the sun without a parasol, for fear of their porcelain skin darkening.
All that being said, if you liked the The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, you will thoroughly enjoy this one as well. A perfect book for lovers of cozy fantasy, and badass ladies. Less recommended if you like diverse reads.
Content Warnings
Minor: Misogyny and Child abuse
True True by Don P. Hooper
dark
emotional
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
Thank you to Penguin for this ARC
Powerful, moving, and all too relatable, True True follows Gil and his experience at his new mostly white prep school. Racism and getting jumped in his first week leads to probation for him, and of course no punishment for the popular white athletes who attacked him. He soon plots revenge against the admin based on The Art of War. When Gil finds out other Black students at the school have had similar experiences, he encourages them to speak out, but the consequences and response to them trying to get their voices and concerns heard soon takes over his life.
The moment I picked up True True, I could not stop reading! (Except to get snacks of course!) The writing style was so engaging, I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I resonated so deeply with what Gil experienced, the frustration, the lack of being heard, the anger. At its heart while this is a book primarily about vengeance, I felt it was also about speaking other, and not letting your voice be silenced. Not taking the bread crumbs you are given with a smile on your face, but instead asking for equal treatment. (And acceptance!) Realising that certain situations are bigger than you, and to share your burdens with others. Not giving up no matter what, and daring to speak out because change doesn't come to those who are silent.
I loved the inclusion of robotics, I don't really know anything about the subject but it was really cool to see! I have seen clips of robotic competitions on Tiktok and now I want to go watch some more. I also thought Gil being a black belt and seeing a peek into Karate was so interesting! (Also really loved the symbolism!)
I am really glad that Gil had such a great support system, especially when he realised it was there. His Granma was so sweet, and I could feel the love for his family. The reality of his Dad not being present because he didn't want to get deported just gave me all the feelings. I could go on a many paragraph rant about how America treats immigrants, and the failure of our government in regards to the legalization process, but I'll spare you my rant.
If you have ever experienced microaggressions, racism, or your voice being ignored you will see so much of yourself in this. The microaggressions in this book were hard to read, and so accurate. How do you speak up about seemingly innocuous situations that others don't care/realise is harmful? The scene with Lydia claiming to be an "ally" had me immediately knowing what box to place her in. I was completely unsurprised by her actions after that reveal, and how she was just touching hair without consent.
The vibes and theme of this book reminded me of The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School, a favorite of mine. It's also incredibly disheartening to know that no matter where you live, you are not safe from this type of treatment. I have definitely seen a trend in recent years of authors writing books about race and what it is like to be at a predominantly white school, and I am 100000% on board with it. Do not read this on an empty stomach, all the food descriptions had me so hungry! I had to take a snack break multiple times.
I also love the cover, it matches the vibe of the book perfectly.
I read and review a lot of books, and if you are ever curious which ones you should for sure read, this is one of them. Seriously- read this book!
Powerful, moving, and all too relatable, True True follows Gil and his experience at his new mostly white prep school. Racism and getting jumped in his first week leads to probation for him, and of course no punishment for the popular white athletes who attacked him. He soon plots revenge against the admin based on The Art of War. When Gil finds out other Black students at the school have had similar experiences, he encourages them to speak out, but the consequences and response to them trying to get their voices and concerns heard soon takes over his life.
The moment I picked up True True, I could not stop reading! (Except to get snacks of course!) The writing style was so engaging, I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I resonated so deeply with what Gil experienced, the frustration, the lack of being heard, the anger. At its heart while this is a book primarily about vengeance, I felt it was also about speaking other, and not letting your voice be silenced. Not taking the bread crumbs you are given with a smile on your face, but instead asking for equal treatment. (And acceptance!) Realising that certain situations are bigger than you, and to share your burdens with others. Not giving up no matter what, and daring to speak out because change doesn't come to those who are silent.
I loved the inclusion of robotics, I don't really know anything about the subject but it was really cool to see! I have seen clips of robotic competitions on Tiktok and now I want to go watch some more. I also thought Gil being a black belt and seeing a peek into Karate was so interesting! (Also really loved the symbolism!)
I am really glad that Gil had such a great support system, especially when he realised it was there. His Granma was so sweet, and I could feel the love for his family. The reality of his Dad not being present because he didn't want to get deported just gave me all the feelings. I could go on a many paragraph rant about how America treats immigrants, and the failure of our government in regards to the legalization process, but I'll spare you my rant.
If you have ever experienced microaggressions, racism, or your voice being ignored you will see so much of yourself in this. The microaggressions in this book were hard to read, and so accurate. How do you speak up about seemingly innocuous situations that others don't care/realise is harmful? The scene with Lydia claiming to be an "ally" had me immediately knowing what box to place her in. I was completely unsurprised by her actions after that reveal, and how she was just touching hair without consent.
The vibes and theme of this book reminded me of The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School, a favorite of mine. It's also incredibly disheartening to know that no matter where you live, you are not safe from this type of treatment. I have definitely seen a trend in recent years of authors writing books about race and what it is like to be at a predominantly white school, and I am 100000% on board with it. Do not read this on an empty stomach, all the food descriptions had me so hungry! I had to take a snack break multiple times.
I also love the cover, it matches the vibe of the book perfectly.
I read and review a lot of books, and if you are ever curious which ones you should for sure read, this is one of them. Seriously- read this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Dementia, Hate crime, Racism, Classism, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Bullying and Xenophobia
Minor: Sexual assault and Deportation
A Soul to Touch by Opal Reyne
dark
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? Yes
4.5
Who needs therapy when you have monster romance?
I loved how badass and strong Mayumi was! It was so cool to see a woman lead know how to survive, and thrive! I feel like I could survive for maybe an hour now in their world, after reading how Mayumi would cook and hunt. (In actuality I would survive for maybe 5 minutes, unless I'm abducted by a Duskwalker)
Faunus was so sweet, he was such a cat ! I think he is the first Duskwalker we have seen who wasn't constantly working, and ready to go everyday. Much like his appearance he was more content to just nap lazily all day. (Also that tail though!)
On the flip side Mayumi was a difficult character to love, in best terms she was an unabashed asshole, with no desire or want to change, and no remorse in how she treats those around her. A huge hypocrite, at times I was surprised there was anything that Faunus saw in her. When she was slapped by a woman that she one night stand-ed, and then had the audacity and gall to act offended. Her inner monologue was something along the lines of "well she was probably treated like this by men so it's okay". Like what even? The inner misogyny was strong. I can see why this was the first book to not have the brides meet or interact, Mayumi had a very abrasive personality and I don't see how it would have ended well. (I feel like Delora and her could have cool sparring matches though!)
Honestly this is some of the best BIPOC writing from an author I have ever seen in a book. You can tell so much time and research was done into writing her character, and I loved every second of it. It was incorporated into so much of Mayumi's character, and even how she ended up fixing a certain piece of material just was the cherry on top.
One final thing to say: barbed for her pleasure
Another must read book by Opal Reyne!
I loved how badass and strong Mayumi was! It was so cool to see a woman lead know how to survive, and thrive! I feel like I could survive for maybe an hour now in their world, after reading how Mayumi would cook and hunt. (In actuality I would survive for maybe 5 minutes, unless I'm abducted by a Duskwalker)
Faunus was so sweet, he was such a cat ! I think he is the first Duskwalker we have seen who wasn't constantly working, and ready to go everyday. Much like his appearance he was more content to just nap lazily all day. (Also that tail though!)
On the flip side Mayumi was a difficult character to love, in best terms she was an unabashed asshole, with no desire or want to change, and no remorse in how she treats those around her. A huge hypocrite, at times I was surprised there was anything that Faunus saw in her. When she was slapped by a woman that she one night stand-ed, and then had the audacity and gall to act offended. Her inner monologue was something along the lines of "well she was probably treated like this by men so it's okay". Like what even? The inner misogyny was strong. I can see why this was the first book to not have the brides meet or interact, Mayumi had a very abrasive personality and I don't see how it would have ended well. (I feel like Delora and her could have cool sparring matches though!)
Honestly this is some of the best BIPOC writing from an author I have ever seen in a book. You can tell so much time and research was done into writing her character, and I loved every second of it. It was incorporated into so much of Mayumi's character, and even how she ended up fixing a certain piece of material just was the cherry on top.
One final thing to say: barbed for her pleasure
Another must read book by Opal Reyne!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Death, and Murder
Minor: Torture and Death of parent
Out of the Blue by Jason June
Did not finish book. Stopped at 69%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 69%.
Cheating, lusty teens, miscommunication, and completely inaccurate swimming makes this a tough read to swallow.
Why cheating. Just why.
Miscommunication, does anyone actually enjoy that trope? (no seriously, does anyone?)
This book is all about lust and physicalness, to the point it was uncomfy and also in no way a relationship? Like make it make sense.
Nothing in regards to swimming is accurate! Listen I used to swim competitively and it just was all so wrong. You will shave everything when you swim, especially if you are going to swim meets and whatnot. It helps to reduce drag and no coach would ever not make you shave. Swimming is extremely strenuous exercise, it burns so many calories and if you are on the competitive level where you are ranking so high and winning scholarships, you are going to be incredibly lean and lithe. Please I loved the plus sized rep so don't come for me, just look up Michael Phelps diet if you are curious about how much swimmers have to eat to even maintain their bare body.
I regret buying this. I should have gotten it from the library before buying it.
Why cheating. Just why.
Miscommunication, does anyone actually enjoy that trope? (no seriously, does anyone?)
This book is all about lust and physicalness, to the point it was uncomfy and also in no way a relationship? Like make it make sense.
Nothing in regards to swimming is accurate! Listen I used to swim competitively and it just was all so wrong. You will shave everything when you swim, especially if you are going to swim meets and whatnot. It helps to reduce drag and no coach would ever not make you shave. Swimming is extremely strenuous exercise, it burns so many calories and if you are on the competitive level where you are ranking so high and winning scholarships, you are going to be incredibly lean and lithe. Please I loved the plus sized rep so don't come for me, just look up Michael Phelps diet if you are curious about how much swimmers have to eat to even maintain their bare body.
I regret buying this. I should have gotten it from the library before buying it.