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itsjustkatereading's reviews
1681 reviews
Gifted & Talented by Olivie Blake
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I had such high hopes for this and while it was enjoyable enough, it sadly didn’t reach my expectations. This very much felt like a vibe driven book and although the vibes were great and I liked the characters, overall it unfortunately just didn’t do enough for me to feel entirely invested. I think I just wanted more from the relationships and plot, especially when it came to the powers the siblings had. I have a feel a lot of people will love this book and I can totally see its merit but unfortunately it was a middle ground read for me. Enjoyable enough but not particularly outstanding.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder
A Witch's Guide to Love and Poison by Aamna Qureshi
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Unique, magical and warmhearted, The Witch’s Guide to Love and Poison has easily found its way onto my list of top cosy fantasy reads. With its treehouse dwelling in an enchanted forest, focus on sisterhood and rival garden witch romance, everything about this book was a cosy delight. Sure, plot wise it was predictable but in a way that felt comfy and in no way impacted my enjoyment. The world-building and magic system was nourishment for the imagination and I loved the vivid picture Qureshi painted. I’d absolutely love to read more from this world in the future! If you’re in the market for a cosy fantasy with a focus on environmentalism, sisterhood and an adorable slow burn romance, this is the book for you.
what to expect:
• an enchanted forest
• grumpy x sunshine
• desi fmc
• golden retriever mmc
• cottagecore vibes
• garden magic
• found family
• slow burn
what to expect:
• an enchanted forest
• grumpy x sunshine
• desi fmc
• golden retriever mmc
• cottagecore vibes
• garden magic
• found family
• slow burn
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Minor: Child abuse
Eva Evergreen and the Cursed Witch by Julie Abe
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
If you’re a Kiki’s Delivery Service fan, I beg of you to please pick up this series.
Starring a brave, resilient, big hearted, loyal and resourceful young witch, Eva Evergreen’s story transports its readers to a world of adventure, magic, friendship. It’s a delight from start to finish and one I’d happily recommend to readers young and old.
Starring a brave, resilient, big hearted, loyal and resourceful young witch, Eva Evergreen’s story transports its readers to a world of adventure, magic, friendship. It’s a delight from start to finish and one I’d happily recommend to readers young and old.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Fearless by Lauren Roberts
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
I am STRESSED.
On the one hand I adored 80% of this but on the other hand? the ending just fell flat. I don’t know if it’s because it didn’t end how I wanted it to and it’s a me thing or what but it just didn’t hit like it should have hit.
BUT I did love nearly all of it and I didn’t hate the end, I just didn’t love it which hurts a bit.
idk I need to sit on this for a bit but overall, I had such a great time with this book and this series and I’m sad to say goodbye to it.
On the one hand I adored 80% of this but on the other hand? the ending just fell flat. I don’t know if it’s because it didn’t end how I wanted it to and it’s a me thing or what but it just didn’t hit like it should have hit.
BUT I did love nearly all of it and I didn’t hate the end, I just didn’t love it which hurts a bit.
idk I need to sit on this for a bit but overall, I had such a great time with this book and this series and I’m sad to say goodbye to it.
Interesting Facts about Space by Emily Austin
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
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
4.0
Equal parts funny, heart-aching and warm, this is another hit from Emily Austin. Emily writes flawed, damaged, genuine and messily characters in a way I can’t get enough of. Her stories are poignant and so deeply human, whilst also being wonderfully peculiar. Interesting Facts About Space has well and truly solidified Emily Austin as an auto-buy author for me. I loved it.
rep:
• autistic, lesbian, partially deaf mc with ptsd
• non binary side character
• depression (mc and side characters)
• therapy (mc)
rep:
• autistic, lesbian, partially deaf mc with ptsd
• non binary side character
• depression (mc and side characters)
• therapy (mc)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Suicide attempt
Minor: Eating disorder, Homophobia
Wild Love by Elsie Silver
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
It seems I’ve been got once again by the single dad trope and I’m not made about it.
With its small town setting and slow burn, frenemies to lovers romance, as well as a fun twist on the single dad trope, Wild Love ticked all my boxes. The chemistry and banter between Ford and Rosie was everything. It was funny and sweet and warm but also just so much fun. I adored both of their characters and POV’s, as well as the side cast and their individual relationships. This was silly and sweet and definitely one of my favourite Elsie Silver books to date.
what to expect:
• small town
• slow burn
• childhood friends/frenemies to lovers
• billionaire
• brothers best friend
• work place
• forced proximity
• single dad
• he falls first / it’s always been you
• grumpy x sunshine
With its small town setting and slow burn, frenemies to lovers romance, as well as a fun twist on the single dad trope, Wild Love ticked all my boxes. The chemistry and banter between Ford and Rosie was everything. It was funny and sweet and warm but also just so much fun. I adored both of their characters and POV’s, as well as the side cast and their individual relationships. This was silly and sweet and definitely one of my favourite Elsie Silver books to date.
what to expect:
• small town
• slow burn
• childhood friends/frenemies to lovers
• billionaire
• brothers best friend
• work place
• forced proximity
• single dad
• he falls first / it’s always been you
• grumpy x sunshine
In the Company of Killers by Elora Cook
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Whilst this was nothing particularly new, it was undoubtedly an entertaining and enjoyable read. It was compelling and held my attention with its fast paced action, high stakes and multiple twists (some predictable, others not so much.) Sadly for me, the ending fell extremely flat. I felt like it needed an epilogue or even a few more lines, as it simply felt unfinished and left me rather unsatisfied. That said, I had a good time with this overall and would definitely read more from Elora Cook in the future.
Captain of Fates by Katherine Webber
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
The Twin Crowns trilogy is one of my all time favourite series, so when I heard it was getting a spin off instalment I was beyond thrilled and Captain of Fates did not disappoint.
Captain of Fates is everything I love about this series. It's such a huge amount of fun and filled with adventure, magic and romance and stars a cast of characters you can't help but adore. It also brilliantly plays on classic tropes in a way that feeds my soul in an almost nostalgic way.
This is truly a series for all of us who grew up on a healthy diet of Disney, animated Barbie movies and old school YA fantasy novels (whilst being elevated to new, higher levels). With vibes of The Little Mermaid and The Pirates of the Caribbean, this book was practically written just for me and I had such a great time with it.
what to expect:
- mermaids
- magic
- secrets
- slow burn
- excellent world building
Captain of Fates is everything I love about this series. It's such a huge amount of fun and filled with adventure, magic and romance and stars a cast of characters you can't help but adore. It also brilliantly plays on classic tropes in a way that feeds my soul in an almost nostalgic way.
This is truly a series for all of us who grew up on a healthy diet of Disney, animated Barbie movies and old school YA fantasy novels (whilst being elevated to new, higher levels). With vibes of The Little Mermaid and The Pirates of the Caribbean, this book was practically written just for me and I had such a great time with it.
what to expect:
- mermaids
- magic
- secrets
- slow burn
- excellent world building
The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
This was utterly adorable and by far my favourite book in the series so far. I adored Archer and Iris and Olive was an absolute sweetheart. This was a warm and gooey delight and I loved every minute of it.
what to expect:
• pancakes
• chef x nanny
• single dad
• accidental pregnancy
• forced proximity
• small town
• found family
• grumpy x sunshine
what to expect:
• pancakes
• chef x nanny
• single dad
• accidental pregnancy
• forced proximity
• small town
• found family
• grumpy x sunshine
The Floating World by Axie Oh
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Between The Floating World and The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, it's clear that Axie Oh is a true master of unique and vivid of world creation. With vibes of Ghibli and City of Ember and an exciting video game-ensque quality to it, The Floating World had me hooked from page one. A whirlwind read of magic, action, love, adventure and secrets, The Floating World is a truly transportive read and I can't wait to see what happens next!
what to expect:
- demons
- he's hired to capture her but ends up falling for her
- floating city
- swordsman x troupe performer
- magic
- mythology
what to expect:
- demons
- he's hired to capture her but ends up falling for her
- floating city
- swordsman x troupe performer
- magic
- mythology