maya23's reviews
146 reviews

Faebound by Saara El-Arifi

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk

adventurous emotional tense fast-paced

5.0

this had me hooked from start to finish! despite the brevity of the book, i thought the world building and character relationships were really well done. i loved the storytelling, specifically how parts of Helen’s past were revealed. it kept me on the edge of my seat and i was thoroughly entertained!

Juliet Takes a Breath: The Graphic Novel by Gabby Rivera

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

i loved the art work and the color palettes used in this story, it was absolutely stunning! i think if i hadn’t known this was adapted from a full length novel before diving in, i would’ve rated it higher. i couldn’t stop thinking about how rushed everything felt and overall the pacing was a bit odd. i think it definitely could’ve been fleshed out some more. however, i still enjoyed the story and seeing Juliet embrace herself and her sexuality was both empowering and heartwarming.

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Homophobia, Racism

She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen

emotional funny lighthearted 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

this might be one of my favorite YA romance books to date. the author did an amazing job of establishing the existing relationships between the entire cast of characters. i loved the sibling dynamic between Scottie, Thora, and Daphne especially. the amount of love and support they had for each other had me smiling almost every scene they shared. i really resonated with Scottie in some ways with her struggles of self love and her self image. i loved the way almost every character showed growth. the communication between Scottie and Irene felt exceptionally mature at times which feels uncommon in most YA books. both MCs possessed an abundance of self awareness and that alone made me appreciate them so much, flaws and all. i honestly thought this book was paced really well and this might be one of the only times i wasn’t mad at the third act break up trope. i feel like it made total sense and seeing Scottie put in the effort to better herself was so fulfilling. i’m excited to read other books by this author!

The Z Word by Lindsay King-Miller

adventurous emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

this was such a fun read! the plot was action packed and fast paced, this could easily be read in one sitting. towards the end, i didn’t really understand Wendy’s attraction to Leah anymore and some of the romantic aspects felt forced. while i was invested in their relationship at the beginning of the book, as things progressed i felt as though the romance could’ve taken the back seat a little bit. overall, the story was engaging and addictive! i loved the ensemble of characters and the writing was super descriptive and vivid which i thoroughly enjoyed. most of the scenes read like a movie and i loved it so much!

Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier

emotional hopeful lighthearted 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

3.5

this was a cute read and the art style is so pretty and vibrant! i think the plot was a little too rushed although i really liked seeing the character development take place. overall, i would’ve liked the story to be just a bit more fleshed out but this is still an enjoyable quick and easy read nonetheless.

Soft on Soft by Mina Waheed

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Outdrawn by Deanna Grey

emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

i enjoyed this book so much! i loved Sage and Noah with all my heart & their banter with each other was great. i thought they had good chemistry & i loved seeing them support one another throughout the book. seeing the growth both FMCs exhibited felt soooo rewarding. i loved how they not only learned to stick up for each other but for themselves as well. also seeing them talk through and address their issues head on was just amazing!!! i was so grateful for no third act breakup! 😂

Princess Princess Ever After by K. O'Neill

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-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

The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag

emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-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

this was such a cute graphic novel! the pacing was perfect, and the characters were adorable. i also loved the inclusion of the text group chats and thought it added a good bit of atmosphere to the story overall.