Take a photo of a barcode or cover
josie_bookstagram's Reviews (288)
challenging
slow-paced
"Meteorologically, Hell didn’t seem much worse than an English spring." 🌼
Katabasis was a difficult one for me and ultimately it just wasn’t the right fit. Having loved Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, I went in with high hopes but I found myself spending most of the story feeling lost and struggling to follow along. At times I felt like I wasn’t “smart enough” for the way the narrative was constructed and that took away a lot of the enjoyment for me.
The book leans heavily into themes of philosophy, paradox and academic structures all set against a backdrop of an underworld journey. It’s layered with allegory, critiques of academia and a magic system rooted in logic puzzles and contradictions rather than spells or action. For some readers this kind of dense intellectual approach is exactly what they want in fantasy. For me though it created a barrier that made it hard to feel invested.
There are certainly interesting tropes and elements here:
⚖️ Underworld / Katabasis Journey
📚 Dark Academia
🔮 Philosophy & Paradox as Magic
🏛️ Institutional Critique
👥 Mentor–Student Dynamics
🌑 Hell as Metaphor for Academia
I can see the brilliance in what Kuang was trying to do and I admire the ambition but I never felt fully connected to the story or characters. The tone was heavy and the structure at times left me more confused than curious. I don’t think it’s a bad book by any means—it’s clearly sharp and deliberate—but it just wasn’t a match for my reading tastes.
Katabasis was a difficult one for me and ultimately it just wasn’t the right fit. Having loved Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, I went in with high hopes but I found myself spending most of the story feeling lost and struggling to follow along. At times I felt like I wasn’t “smart enough” for the way the narrative was constructed and that took away a lot of the enjoyment for me.
The book leans heavily into themes of philosophy, paradox and academic structures all set against a backdrop of an underworld journey. It’s layered with allegory, critiques of academia and a magic system rooted in logic puzzles and contradictions rather than spells or action. For some readers this kind of dense intellectual approach is exactly what they want in fantasy. For me though it created a barrier that made it hard to feel invested.
There are certainly interesting tropes and elements here:
⚖️ Underworld / Katabasis Journey
📚 Dark Academia
🔮 Philosophy & Paradox as Magic
🏛️ Institutional Critique
👥 Mentor–Student Dynamics
🌑 Hell as Metaphor for Academia
I can see the brilliance in what Kuang was trying to do and I admire the ambition but I never felt fully connected to the story or characters. The tone was heavy and the structure at times left me more confused than curious. I don’t think it’s a bad book by any means—it’s clearly sharp and deliberate—but it just wasn’t a match for my reading tastes.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"Denial was my best friend who liked to braid my hair and call me pretty." 🌠
I just finished Fated Throne and… holy moly, I need a lie-down now! This one didn’t ease up—it slammed the accelerator straight to chaos, then leapt off a cliff into more cliffhangers! The tension is off-the-charts. Lionel is the worst—I loathe him with every fibre of my being and I’m practically vibrating, waiting for him to get what’s coming. His power-hungry scheming, the way he twisted rare magic into bondage and ruled with an iron fist—ugh, unbearable.
Meanwhile, the Vega twins, are just everything. Their bond, their resilience, their sheer force when they stand together—I just adore them so much I could burst. Their evolution, from terrified girls into true queens, is beautifully intense. And then there are the Heirs, I want to hug every single one (but especially Darius—with his much-needed redemption and emotional complexity). Geraldine, too—her arc, her loyalty, her buttery bagels, her badassery—genuine queen energy right there.
By the last quarter, I was utterly wrecked: heartbreak and hope tangled so tightly I couldn’t process. That explosive, epic crescendo where everyone rallies, magic clashing, rebellions igniting, sacrifices made—it scorched through me. The sheer emotional layering, the roller-coaster of character arcs shifting from despair to fierce defiance… it’s wild, it’s raw, it’s addictive.
I cannot wait to see Lionel’s reckoning—I’m ready. But I’m also dreading it, because the emotional fallout is going to be brutal. After this ride, I love the Heirs, the twins, Geraldine, Orion & Gabriel even more than before. And as always, I’m both healed and shattered—and already desperate for the next book.
I just finished Fated Throne and… holy moly, I need a lie-down now! This one didn’t ease up—it slammed the accelerator straight to chaos, then leapt off a cliff into more cliffhangers! The tension is off-the-charts. Lionel is the worst—I loathe him with every fibre of my being and I’m practically vibrating, waiting for him to get what’s coming. His power-hungry scheming, the way he twisted rare magic into bondage and ruled with an iron fist—ugh, unbearable.
Meanwhile, the Vega twins, are just everything. Their bond, their resilience, their sheer force when they stand together—I just adore them so much I could burst. Their evolution, from terrified girls into true queens, is beautifully intense. And then there are the Heirs, I want to hug every single one (but especially Darius—with his much-needed redemption and emotional complexity). Geraldine, too—her arc, her loyalty, her buttery bagels, her badassery—genuine queen energy right there.
By the last quarter, I was utterly wrecked: heartbreak and hope tangled so tightly I couldn’t process. That explosive, epic crescendo where everyone rallies, magic clashing, rebellions igniting, sacrifices made—it scorched through me. The sheer emotional layering, the roller-coaster of character arcs shifting from despair to fierce defiance… it’s wild, it’s raw, it’s addictive.
I cannot wait to see Lionel’s reckoning—I’m ready. But I’m also dreading it, because the emotional fallout is going to be brutal. After this ride, I love the Heirs, the twins, Geraldine, Orion & Gabriel even more than before. And as always, I’m both healed and shattered—and already desperate for the next book.
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
"Cal had been the one to buy the moon for me. And somehow, I would find a way to buy him the whole world in return." 🌕
Zodiac Academy: Seth on the Moon was such a delightful, funny, and super cute short story! Seth is an absolute hoot—his mischievous antics and quirky personality had me chuckling from start to finish. I loved how the story leaned into the friendship between Seth and Caleb, with the subtle hints of Seth’s hidden feelings making every interaction even more charming and sweet. Caleb has no idea yet, which makes the slow-burn tension all the more enjoyable.
Even in this short format, the story is full of heart, humor, and adventure. The tropes and themes that really shine here are:
✨ Best Friends / Friendship First
✨ Hidden / Secret Crush
✨ Lighthearted Comedy & Fun
✨ Adventure / Moon Mission
✨ Magical School Setting
✨ Playful Banter & Mischief
This is a quick, feel-good story that perfectly balances laughs, friendship, and a touch of swoony tension—ideal for a little Zodiac Academy escape!
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
“I didn’t know you could joke around.” “There’s a lot you don’t know about me.” ❤️
Pride & Prejudice & Potions: Lizzy’s Story was exactly the cozy, heartwarming read I didn’t know I needed. I’ve been on a streak of darker, heavier books lately, so diving into this magical twist on Jane Austen felt like curling up under a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate. It honestly reads like a Hallmark movie wrapped in a cozy mystery, sprinkled with just the right amount of fantasy charm.
What I loved most was the balance between Austen-inspired familiarity and the fresh magical world Laura M. Drake has created. The setting has that charming, small-town regency feel, but with potions, enchantments, and clever magical details woven in seamlessly. Lizzy as a heroine is everything I hoped she would be—smart, strong-willed, and a little stubborn—but her journey here adds new layers of intrigue and fun. The chemistry, the witty banter, and those moments of romantic tension had me grinning from ear to ear. Alongside the romance, the cozy mystery thread kept the plot moving and gave it that satisfying little twist of intrigue that made the story even more engaging.
The key tropes and themes include:
✨ Fake Dating
✨ One Bed
✨ Cozy Mystery / Whodunit
✨ Magical Regency Retelling
✨ Witty Banter & Chemistry
✨ Found Family / Close Community
What impressed me most, though, was how light and uplifting this book felt without losing depth. It’s whimsical, fun, and full of clever nods to Austen’s world, but it also has heart and charm that makes it more than just a fluffy retelling. By the end, I felt like I had truly escaped into another world—one that I’d happily return to whenever I need a comfort read.
Pride & Prejudice & Potions: Lizzy’s Story was exactly the cozy, heartwarming read I didn’t know I needed. I’ve been on a streak of darker, heavier books lately, so diving into this magical twist on Jane Austen felt like curling up under a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate. It honestly reads like a Hallmark movie wrapped in a cozy mystery, sprinkled with just the right amount of fantasy charm.
What I loved most was the balance between Austen-inspired familiarity and the fresh magical world Laura M. Drake has created. The setting has that charming, small-town regency feel, but with potions, enchantments, and clever magical details woven in seamlessly. Lizzy as a heroine is everything I hoped she would be—smart, strong-willed, and a little stubborn—but her journey here adds new layers of intrigue and fun. The chemistry, the witty banter, and those moments of romantic tension had me grinning from ear to ear. Alongside the romance, the cozy mystery thread kept the plot moving and gave it that satisfying little twist of intrigue that made the story even more engaging.
The key tropes and themes include:
✨ Fake Dating
✨ One Bed
✨ Cozy Mystery / Whodunit
✨ Magical Regency Retelling
✨ Witty Banter & Chemistry
✨ Found Family / Close Community
What impressed me most, though, was how light and uplifting this book felt without losing depth. It’s whimsical, fun, and full of clever nods to Austen’s world, but it also has heart and charm that makes it more than just a fluffy retelling. By the end, I felt like I had truly escaped into another world—one that I’d happily return to whenever I need a comfort read.
Pride & Prejudice & Potions: Prequel Story
Laura M. Drake, J. Ann Curtis, Michelle Cowart, Rebecca Yockey
"I wasn’t sure what it said about me that I was asking for an orchid’s opinion, but I’d always loved plants." 🪴
I had such a delightful time reading Pride & Prejudice & Potions: Prequel Story! From the very first page, I was charmed by the cozy mystery vibes mixed with a clever Jane Austen-style retelling. Laura M. Drake’s writing is exactly the kind of witty, engaging prose I adore, and she seamlessly blends classic romance sensibilities with whimsical magical elements.
This novella felt both familiar and refreshingly new. The characters are wonderfully well-drawn, and I loved seeing the Austen-inspired personalities navigate a world where potions, spells, and fantasy twists are part of everyday life. The plot is cleverly constructed with just the right amount of intrigue, keeping me guessing while still feeling cozy and satisfying.
The story’s tropes are everything I could hope for in a fantasy-meets-classic romance:
✨ Regency Retelling / Classic Literature Inspiration
✨ Cozy Mystery / Whodunit Elements
✨ Magical Realism / Fantasy Twist
✨ Enemies-to-Lovers / Romantic Tension
✨ Witty Banter / Clever Dialogue
✨ Small-Town / Close-Knit Community
Even as a short read, it packs a punch of charm, magic, and clever plotting. I finished it with a smile, already looking forward to what the authors will conjure up next in this whimsical universe. This novella is a perfect treat for fans of Austen, fantasy, and cozy mysteries alike.
dark
emotional
slow-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
"There’s an abundance of D available in Alabaster Pen… But definitely not the kind you get from sunshine." 🤎
I’ve loved the Alabaster Penitentiary series since the very beginning – it’s dark, it’s twisted, it’s messy in all the ways I enjoy – so when Shadowman finally released, I had it downloaded the second it went live. I went in with sky-high expectations, and while I definitely didn’t hate it, I ended up feeling a little more “whelmed” than blown away. This book is huge – almost 850 pages – and I honestly felt that weight while reading it. For me, the pacing was the biggest struggle. Not a lot really happens until about 70% of the way through, and I felt it dragged to the point where I was tempted to put it down. It’s not that the writing wasn’t strong (Nyla K always delivers with her dark, lyrical, slightly chaotic prose), but there was so much happening that didn't seem important, that it slowed the story down.
That being said, once the action and revelations finally hit, I was locked in again. The tropes and themes are still everything that make this series such an addictive ride: MM dark romance, forced proximity inside the prison walls, the brutal fighter paired with the completely unhinged psychopath (with his imaginary friend making plenty of appearances), a messy bi-awakening, “delulu to lovers” energy, and a complicated tangle of betrayal, trauma, and twisted loyalty. It’s heavy on the psychological elements, which makes the romance both disturbing and tender at the same time.
Even though this wasn’t my favourite instalment, I still enjoyed being back in this world and seeing how these broken, damaged characters connect in ways that are strangely beautiful. The atmosphere is as tense and gritty as ever, and the way Nyla K leans into the darkness without ever completely giving up on hope is one of the things I admire most about her writing. So yes, Shadowman was longer than it needed to be and didn’t completely hit the mark for me, but I don’t regret reading it for a second. I’m still invested, still hooked, and I can’t wait to see how the final book ties all of this chaos together.
I’ve loved the Alabaster Penitentiary series since the very beginning – it’s dark, it’s twisted, it’s messy in all the ways I enjoy – so when Shadowman finally released, I had it downloaded the second it went live. I went in with sky-high expectations, and while I definitely didn’t hate it, I ended up feeling a little more “whelmed” than blown away. This book is huge – almost 850 pages – and I honestly felt that weight while reading it. For me, the pacing was the biggest struggle. Not a lot really happens until about 70% of the way through, and I felt it dragged to the point where I was tempted to put it down. It’s not that the writing wasn’t strong (Nyla K always delivers with her dark, lyrical, slightly chaotic prose), but there was so much happening that didn't seem important, that it slowed the story down.
That being said, once the action and revelations finally hit, I was locked in again. The tropes and themes are still everything that make this series such an addictive ride: MM dark romance, forced proximity inside the prison walls, the brutal fighter paired with the completely unhinged psychopath (with his imaginary friend making plenty of appearances), a messy bi-awakening, “delulu to lovers” energy, and a complicated tangle of betrayal, trauma, and twisted loyalty. It’s heavy on the psychological elements, which makes the romance both disturbing and tender at the same time.
Even though this wasn’t my favourite instalment, I still enjoyed being back in this world and seeing how these broken, damaged characters connect in ways that are strangely beautiful. The atmosphere is as tense and gritty as ever, and the way Nyla K leans into the darkness without ever completely giving up on hope is one of the things I admire most about her writing. So yes, Shadowman was longer than it needed to be and didn’t completely hit the mark for me, but I don’t regret reading it for a second. I’m still invested, still hooked, and I can’t wait to see how the final book ties all of this chaos together.
"Max drove his swordfish into my watering hole and I cried out as he pushed me firmly down beneath him." 🥯
Honestly, what in the Lady Petunia's buttery bagels did I just read? I've been a huge fan of the series so far, but The Big A.S.S. Party was truly baffling. I listened to the audiobook version and the voice for Geraldine was absolutely dreadful, with an accent that was all over the place. I was so invested in finding out what happened next that I pushed through, and thankfully it wasn't a long listen, but honestly, let's just pretend this book never happened and move on.
This instalment felt like a collection of disjointed scenes, completely lacking the usual emotional depth and coherent plot progression that I've come to love. The constant stream of bizarre side quests and the nonsensical, repetitive situations just didn't work for me. It was hard to connect with the characters when they were all acting so wildly out of character. I'm usually here for the forbidden love, fated mates, and enemies-to-lovers tropes that this series delivers so well, but they were almost lost amidst all the chaos. It felt like the authors were just using filler to move the story along without any real purpose. I'm hoping that this was a blip and that the next book will get the series back on track. The potential for this book was massive, but it fell short for me.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"It wasn't pretty or simple or easy, but it was life. And life just got messy sometimes even when you didn't mean for it to." 🖤
OMG, what a cliffhanger! Seriously, Kindle Unlimited is the best money I spend all month; I'm so glad I can dive straight into the next book. But, taking it back, what an absolute wild ride Zodiac Academy: Cursed Fates was, my head is spinning! So much happened, and I was on a total emotional rollercoaster, feeling mad, then sad, then hopeful, then heartbroken all in one go. Wow! There are just so many outcomes I need to know now!
I am completely in awe of how the authors cram so much into one book. The whole series has been building to this crescendo, and this instalment really delivers. I was fully invested in Darcy’s journey as she grapples with her new role and the immense pressure placed on her. Her character arc is compelling, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. Tory’s storyline was equally gripping; her defiance and fiery spirit are a joy to read about, and I'm really curious to see how things progress for her. The plot twists were genuinely shocking, and I couldn't predict what was coming next. The world-building remains top-notch, with the authors expanding on the magical system and the lore of Solaria. It's a huge world, and I'm always impressed by the details they put into it.
The emotional rollercoaster the authors take you on is intense, and I’m pretty sure I went through every possible emotion while reading this. With the dramatic finale and that heart-stopping last chapter, I am completely hooked and ready to see how everything unfolds. The suspense is killing me!
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
"She stood in front of this pretentious mirror, covered in chiffon and judgement" 💃🏼
I was so excited to dive back into the world of the CPK girls, and I'm thrilled to say that Mexico Can Choke On It by MéLisa Ryun was exactly the fun-filled, heartfelt escape I was hoping for. Having already fallen in love with the previous books, I had high expectations, and this one absolutely delivered. Petra and Bryce's story was a pure delight from start to finish. I was so invested in their journey, from the initial spark to their beautiful, complicated romance. And let's not forget Miss Muffy Von Cashmere the dog, who was a truly brilliant (& hilarious) addition to the story. This book provided so many laugh-out-loud moments!! 😂
MéLisa Ryun have a real talent for creating characters you want to be friends with. The CPK girls are everything you could want in a group of best mates – their banter, support, and friendship feel so genuine and authentic. I also actually adored Sebastian Bellini; despite his seemingly mean exterior in his designer clothing shop, his secret heart of gold eventually shines through, which I absolutely loved. He gave off the vibes of the nice concierge in Pretty Woman.
This book is a treasure trove of my favourite tropes. It has an excellent secret crush plot, the exhilarating excitement of a holiday romance, and the sheer pleasure of a forced proximity scenario. Seeing Petra and Bryce navigate their situation with such humour and tenderness was a joy. There's also a wonderfully endearing 'found family' theme running through the series that I simply adore. This book was a perfect blend of comedy and romance, with a wonderfully well-paced storyline and a strong narrative voice. I'm already eagerly anticipating the next instalment. I know she's not one of the OGs, but I've got my fingers crossed that Hana's story is next! She deserves her own happily ever after, and I hope I get to see what MéLisa Ryun have in store for her.
I was so excited to dive back into the world of the CPK girls, and I'm thrilled to say that Mexico Can Choke On It by MéLisa Ryun was exactly the fun-filled, heartfelt escape I was hoping for. Having already fallen in love with the previous books, I had high expectations, and this one absolutely delivered. Petra and Bryce's story was a pure delight from start to finish. I was so invested in their journey, from the initial spark to their beautiful, complicated romance. And let's not forget Miss Muffy Von Cashmere the dog, who was a truly brilliant (& hilarious) addition to the story. This book provided so many laugh-out-loud moments!! 😂
MéLisa Ryun have a real talent for creating characters you want to be friends with. The CPK girls are everything you could want in a group of best mates – their banter, support, and friendship feel so genuine and authentic. I also actually adored Sebastian Bellini; despite his seemingly mean exterior in his designer clothing shop, his secret heart of gold eventually shines through, which I absolutely loved. He gave off the vibes of the nice concierge in Pretty Woman.
This book is a treasure trove of my favourite tropes. It has an excellent secret crush plot, the exhilarating excitement of a holiday romance, and the sheer pleasure of a forced proximity scenario. Seeing Petra and Bryce navigate their situation with such humour and tenderness was a joy. There's also a wonderfully endearing 'found family' theme running through the series that I simply adore. This book was a perfect blend of comedy and romance, with a wonderfully well-paced storyline and a strong narrative voice. I'm already eagerly anticipating the next instalment. I know she's not one of the OGs, but I've got my fingers crossed that Hana's story is next! She deserves her own happily ever after, and I hope I get to see what MéLisa Ryun have in store for her.