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literaryprincess's reviews
236 reviews
If I Have to Be Haunted by Miranda Sun
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A cute if somewhat simple contemporary fantasy. Though I appreciated the unique magic system, it was a bit all over the place, hopping back and forth incorporating various mythologies that didn't quite connect in any particular way. A deeper storyline lingered under the surface that was never fully explored that was used as teaser bait for a potential sequel, but Cara and Zach's story feels like it started and ended cohesively here. Although their romance was a given and was heartwarming in the end, their enemies dynamic at the beginning felt forced. The entire book definitely leans towards the younger side of YA, but it can be an enjoyable and quick read if tropiness and a few cringe lines here and there are no bother to you.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
As much as I am a lover of historical fantasies, I actually loved the cozy lack of fantasy in this book most of all. The background of the fantastical war in the distance that drives Iris and Roman's rivalry and inevitable romantic entanglement made for a perfect setup, and as the protagonists were simultaneously pulled back and forth by the events of the war, having them be mostly uninvolved in the actual events was a pleasant change of pace that I wasn't expecting.
And then the last 10% of this book happened and ruined all of that for me. And the sequel to this book is clearly going to be a complete change of pace. And I'm not sure how I feel about it.
I could have read another three hundred pages of tortured yearning and clandestine letters and Roman's snark and sarcasm and Iris' undying dedication to the people she loves. I suppose I'll have to see if the stark change of scenery in Ruthless Vows will allow for the parts of Divine Rivals that I loved to still shine through.
And then the last 10% of this book happened and ruined all of that for me. And the sequel to this book is clearly going to be a complete change of pace. And I'm not sure how I feel about it.
I could have read another three hundred pages of tortured yearning and clandestine letters and Roman's snark and sarcasm and Iris' undying dedication to the people she loves. I suppose I'll have to see if the stark change of scenery in Ruthless Vows will allow for the parts of Divine Rivals that I loved to still shine through.
Greywaren by Maggie Stiefvater
I don’t think I’ve ever read a more perfect conclusion to a long-running series. At its core, The Dreamer Trilogy (and the preceding Raven Cycle) is about love. Familial, romantic, platonic, all of it. The beginning and end of all things here is that the bonds we choose to make are stronger than any fear or evil in this world. And good LORD did this book wreck me with all of the gorgeously intertwined (complicated, messy, problematic, frustrating, beautiful) relationships that drove the story.
This series is one that took a while to click for me, but enjoyable aspects were present from the very start. As the story unfolds and pieces fall into place, it becomes all the more compelling and heart-wrenching in the best and worst ways possible. Every second of this book had me pacing in stress circles or having to put it down to take a deep breath. You know your book is good when it can get a physical stress reaction out of me.
I think this is a conclusion that will satisfy all readers, whether you’re here for the mystery aspect of the dreamers’ existence, the romances both old and new, the self-reflection of the Lynch brothers’ roles in each other’s lives, or just for the pretentious art vibes. A perfect ending to this strange little world.
emotional
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
I don’t think I’ve ever read a more perfect conclusion to a long-running series. At its core, The Dreamer Trilogy (and the preceding Raven Cycle) is about love. Familial, romantic, platonic, all of it. The beginning and end of all things here is that the bonds we choose to make are stronger than any fear or evil in this world. And good LORD did this book wreck me with all of the gorgeously intertwined (complicated, messy, problematic, frustrating, beautiful) relationships that drove the story.
This series is one that took a while to click for me, but enjoyable aspects were present from the very start. As the story unfolds and pieces fall into place, it becomes all the more compelling and heart-wrenching in the best and worst ways possible. Every second of this book had me pacing in stress circles or having to put it down to take a deep breath. You know your book is good when it can get a physical stress reaction out of me.
I think this is a conclusion that will satisfy all readers, whether you’re here for the mystery aspect of the dreamers’ existence, the romances both old and new, the self-reflection of the Lynch brothers’ roles in each other’s lives, or just for the pretentious art vibes. A perfect ending to this strange little world.
Three Kisses, One Midnight by Sandhya Menon, Evelyn Skye, Roshani Chokshi
A short and sweet romance that checked a good number of positive boxes - lighthearted romance, Halloween vibes, and a solid friendship between the three main characters. Each of the stories stands alone as its own quick snapshot: Onny gets a rivals-to-lovers realization, Ash gets to confess to the girl next door who he's always loved but felt invisible to, and True meets someone new who changes her previously-scorned opinion on love. Very much an insta-love scenario in True's case, making her story my least favorite, but I did enjoy the adorkable dynamic between Ash and his love interest.
Overall, the book felt very much like it was co-written by three different authors in that it didn't flow well at all. Each main character seems defined and driven by a single personality trait: Onny is fixated with the supernatural, Ash is an awkward artist, and True thrives in solitude rather than social situations. Beyond these shallow personalities, not much else is explored about the characters or their lives. This books stands exactly as the title explains: one night and three love stories. Not much else to it.
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
A short and sweet romance that checked a good number of positive boxes - lighthearted romance, Halloween vibes, and a solid friendship between the three main characters. Each of the stories stands alone as its own quick snapshot: Onny gets a rivals-to-lovers realization, Ash gets to confess to the girl next door who he's always loved but felt invisible to, and True meets someone new who changes her previously-scorned opinion on love. Very much an insta-love scenario in True's case, making her story my least favorite, but I did enjoy the adorkable dynamic between Ash and his love interest.
Overall, the book felt very much like it was co-written by three different authors in that it didn't flow well at all. Each main character seems defined and driven by a single personality trait: Onny is fixated with the supernatural, Ash is an awkward artist, and True thrives in solitude rather than social situations. Beyond these shallow personalities, not much else is explored about the characters or their lives. This books stands exactly as the title explains: one night and three love stories. Not much else to it.
The Feeling of Falling in Love by Mason Deaver
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I've never seen a more accurate cover for a book, considering the absolute dumpster fire that is our protagonist Neil's love life in this book. Hoo boy.
Neil is... a tough cookie, I'll say that. He's got an abrasive and downright mean personality that jumps out at you from the moment he starts his opening narration. He's a tough nut to crack. A hard pill to swallow. Another metaphor for something generally unpleasant and worth a lot of effort to get to the good part.
And then there's Wyatt. Guitar playing, nerdy, awkward, heart of gold Wyatt. And we're meant to watch these two fake date over the course of ~350 pages and keep our fingers crossed that Neil will get it together and not screw it up this time with his own predictable self-sabotage caused by years of past trauma.
Naturally, dumpster fire ensues. And it's glorious.
Deaver's previous book I Wish You All The Best made me cry. This one made me want to scream. Both are positive emotions, in this context. This book explores familial trauma, the effect of childhood fame, economic classism, gender exploration and trans experiences, and so much more. All while providing a love story that you want to root for despite the fact that you know the protagonist's personality so well off the bat and therefore know he's about to doom himself before it even begins.
A fantastic read all around that delivers exactly what it says on the cover while making me feel a ridiculously wide range of emotions and getting that gross yearning feeling ignited in my heart.
Neil is... a tough cookie, I'll say that. He's got an abrasive and downright mean personality that jumps out at you from the moment he starts his opening narration. He's a tough nut to crack. A hard pill to swallow. Another metaphor for something generally unpleasant and worth a lot of effort to get to the good part.
And then there's Wyatt. Guitar playing, nerdy, awkward, heart of gold Wyatt. And we're meant to watch these two fake date over the course of ~350 pages and keep our fingers crossed that Neil will get it together and not screw it up this time with his own predictable self-sabotage caused by years of past trauma.
Naturally, dumpster fire ensues. And it's glorious.
Deaver's previous book I Wish You All The Best made me cry. This one made me want to scream. Both are positive emotions, in this context. This book explores familial trauma, the effect of childhood fame, economic classism, gender exploration and trans experiences, and so much more. All while providing a love story that you want to root for despite the fact that you know the protagonist's personality so well off the bat and therefore know he's about to doom himself before it even begins.
A fantastic read all around that delivers exactly what it says on the cover while making me feel a ridiculously wide range of emotions and getting that gross yearning feeling ignited in my heart.
A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.0
What ultimately kept me hooked on this story was the slow-burn romance and the ridiculous chemistry and charm that comes with the two main characters' relationship with one another. While the main draw of the story is the infamous pseudo-magical, pseudo-action hunt of an ancient wild beast, I was far more invested in the bonding between our two protagonists. The religious aspect of the worldbuilding and storyline was clunky and felt forced at times - it's clearly based in reality, and that is used as an excuse to not actually build up the history of this fictional world, to its detriment. I also enjoyed the story of Margaret's mother and her relationship with the alchemic art and I wish that it had been explored more thoroughly. The side characters achieve exactly what they set out to do, but they very much read as stepping stones to an ultimate goal rather than actual fleshed-out people with their own lives outside of their chapters in this story. The beginning, middle, and end of this book is all about one thing: the romance between Weston Winters and Mararet Welty. Everything else is an afterthought. And I'm not too mad about that.
Coven by Jennifer Dugan
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A fun, magical, queer romp with a mystery element and just enough unfinished business to warrant a potential sequel or expand on the world.
Coven was a fairly straightforward witchy story, though the found family aspect was by far my favorite part. The worldbuilding could have been expanded on, but what we're given of the small New York town and its' close-knit coven of witches is heartfelt and fun.
The art style was particularly enjoyable, from the facial expressions to the use of magic. Graphic novels aren't always my cup of tea because I'm much more of a detail-oriented reader, but the subtext and tiny things included in each page's illustrations that fill in the detail that the main dialogue lacks definitely made this read more like a traditional novel, which I greatly appreciated.
Coven was a fairly straightforward witchy story, though the found family aspect was by far my favorite part. The worldbuilding could have been expanded on, but what we're given of the small New York town and its' close-knit coven of witches is heartfelt and fun.
The art style was particularly enjoyable, from the facial expressions to the use of magic. Graphic novels aren't always my cup of tea because I'm much more of a detail-oriented reader, but the subtext and tiny things included in each page's illustrations that fill in the detail that the main dialogue lacks definitely made this read more like a traditional novel, which I greatly appreciated.
The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
AIDEN THOMAS HAS DONE IT* AGAIN
*"It" being making me laugh, cry, squeal, cry again, and fall hopelessly in love with a collection of gay superpowered teens in just over 400 pages.
The Sunbearer Trials was such a delight. I was hooked from the moment I read the premise, and its execution was everything I could have asked for and more. All of the found family, all of the exploration of gender and queerness in a fantasy world with modern-day technology and twists, all the hints of romance, all the action and awesome powers of an entirely original pantheon of gods (I mean come on!!!!) and more.
The banter of this book was top notch. I laughed out loud multiple times while reading, which is a rarity for me. And I'd so easily switch from laughter to stress to sadness and back again without missing a beat. This book somehow combines the stakes of the Trials with all the deadpan comedy you could ask from an ensemble of hormonal teenagers who never fail to remind you that they're still kids. Bonus points to Teo for pulling multiple A+ pranks in this book with zero repercussions just for the lols.
At first, the dozens of names and backgrounds of characters seemed a bit muddled, but as the world developed, it felt as natural as reading about mythologies I've been familiar with for years, which is by far one of the most impressive feats this book accomplishes. People, places, and relationships fell into place seamlessly and it was so easy to become attached to every single character, even the ones I probably shouldn't love as much as I do.
I ADORED the Latine culture that this book is brimming with. Even the fantasy lands with floating mountains and magic parting waterfalls have bodega cats. Or in some cases, bodega alebrijes. It's beautiful.
The amount of queer rep in this book ranges from blatant (having the main character talk about his top surgery, testosterone shots, exploring gender identity labels and pronouns on page, etc.) to blink and you'll miss it (the main god and multiple other characters are nonbinary and the reader is only informed of this by their pronoun use, and I managed to miss that Xochi was a trans girl) and I found that incredibly refreshing and well done.
There's also Deaf representation, and the fact that a fantasy world can have ancient murder competitions AND sign language and memes is something that can actually be so personal.
Everything about my experience reading this book was phenomenal and magical and I am utterly stoked for the second half of this duology.
*"It" being making me laugh, cry, squeal, cry again, and fall hopelessly in love with a collection of gay superpowered teens in just over 400 pages.
The Sunbearer Trials was such a delight. I was hooked from the moment I read the premise, and its execution was everything I could have asked for and more. All of the found family, all of the exploration of gender and queerness in a fantasy world with modern-day technology and twists, all the hints of romance, all the action and awesome powers of an entirely original pantheon of gods (I mean come on!!!!) and more.
The banter of this book was top notch. I laughed out loud multiple times while reading, which is a rarity for me. And I'd so easily switch from laughter to stress to sadness and back again without missing a beat. This book somehow combines the stakes of the Trials with all the deadpan comedy you could ask from an ensemble of hormonal teenagers who never fail to remind you that they're still kids. Bonus points to Teo for pulling multiple A+ pranks in this book with zero repercussions just for the lols.
At first, the dozens of names and backgrounds of characters seemed a bit muddled, but as the world developed, it felt as natural as reading about mythologies I've been familiar with for years, which is by far one of the most impressive feats this book accomplishes. People, places, and relationships fell into place seamlessly and it was so easy to become attached to every single character, even the ones I probably shouldn't love as much as I do.
I ADORED the Latine culture that this book is brimming with. Even the fantasy lands with floating mountains and magic parting waterfalls have bodega cats. Or in some cases, bodega alebrijes. It's beautiful.
The amount of queer rep in this book ranges from blatant (having the main character talk about his top surgery, testosterone shots, exploring gender identity labels and pronouns on page, etc.) to blink and you'll miss it (the main god and multiple other characters are nonbinary and the reader is only informed of this by their pronoun use, and I managed to miss that Xochi was a trans girl) and I found that incredibly refreshing and well done.
There's also Deaf representation, and the fact that a fantasy world can have ancient murder competitions AND sign language and memes is something that can actually be so personal.
Everything about my experience reading this book was phenomenal and magical and I am utterly stoked for the second half of this duology.
This Wicked Fate by Kalynn Bayron
Though not as strong as it’s first book, still a fun exploration of black womens’ familial relationships with a heavy dose of adventure and a sweet side romance. The vibes were much less mystery and way more Percy Jackson killer quest this time around.
I found the plot to be very predictable and far lower stakes than before, and the convenience of everything falling together made the ending just slightly less satisfying than I’d hoped. Not much happened in terms of character development or problem solving - it was a very straightforward conclusion to the conflict that had been set up from book one. Bri’s general lack of knowledge was repetitive and slightly frustrating, as were Marie’s anger issues and the constant keeping of obvious secrets. Karter’s entire justification for his actions in the first book is explained away in a single sentence that I wish would have been explored more.
Still, this duology was entertaining and heartfelt, and I’d absolutely push it in the direction of any Greek mythology fan looking for a black, queer fantasy
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
3.0
Though not as strong as it’s first book, still a fun exploration of black womens’ familial relationships with a heavy dose of adventure and a sweet side romance. The vibes were much less mystery and way more Percy Jackson killer quest this time around.
I found the plot to be very predictable and far lower stakes than before, and the convenience of everything falling together made the ending just slightly less satisfying than I’d hoped. Not much happened in terms of character development or problem solving - it was a very straightforward conclusion to the conflict that had been set up from book one. Bri’s general lack of knowledge was repetitive and slightly frustrating, as were Marie’s anger issues and the constant keeping of obvious secrets. Karter’s entire justification for his actions in the first book is explained away in a single sentence that I wish would have been explored more.
Still, this duology was entertaining and heartfelt, and I’d absolutely push it in the direction of any Greek mythology fan looking for a black, queer fantasy
Eternally Yours by Patrice Caldwell
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5
A sweet and diverse collection of paranormal romances - some that stand out more than others, but all generally quick and entertaining. Each story was unique despite recurring use of paranormal love interests (vampires, merpeople, etc.) and each author's writing style stood out. I particularly enjoyed Anna-Marie McLemore's entry La Bruja y la Sirena, and Adib Khorram's Kiss The Boy. Maybe it's just the queer merfolk lover in me that made these two stand out. Overall a fantastic collection with a lot of heart behind it. Caldwell's dedication to young queer POC who felt like monsters themselves is particularly touching.