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nadiamasood's reviews
287 reviews
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
5.0
What a masterful blend of Gothic horror and fantasy, with a dash of Regency charm! It is a tale that will have you clutching your pearls one moment and laughing uproariously the next. A true testament to Kingfisher’s prowess as a storyteller, I would say!
Now, even though the writing was great, the pacing didn’t really hook me at the start, so I switched to the audiobook. Zoe Mills’ narration was FANTASTIC, and I ended up loving it! As the story picked up speed and got darker toward the end, I switched back to the ebook because I wanted to experience the words on the page directly.
This book has such a great cast of characters with a wickedly fun sense of humor!
I really loved all of them, especially Cordelia, the 14-year-old main character who’s shy and nervous, and Hester, a 50-year-old woman with aching knees. Hester is smart, bold, and unafraid of the wicked sorceress. It’s honestly so refreshing to see a character like her—an older woman, comfortable in her skin and secure in who she is.
Then there’s Richard, who’s completely head over heels for Hester. Poor guy even had to hide under the bed in one scene! As for the villains, Evangeline and Falada were both brilliantly written. Did I mention the delightful geese?
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy with elements of Gothic horror. It’s the kind of story that’ll have you laughing one minute and gasping the next. Grab a cozy blanket, your favorite cup of tea, and get ready to dive into this eerie and enchanting adventure—you won’t regret it!
Now, even though the writing was great, the pacing didn’t really hook me at the start, so I switched to the audiobook. Zoe Mills’ narration was FANTASTIC, and I ended up loving it! As the story picked up speed and got darker toward the end, I switched back to the ebook because I wanted to experience the words on the page directly.
This book has such a great cast of characters with a wickedly fun sense of humor!
I really loved all of them, especially Cordelia, the 14-year-old main character who’s shy and nervous, and Hester, a 50-year-old woman with aching knees. Hester is smart, bold, and unafraid of the wicked sorceress. It’s honestly so refreshing to see a character like her—an older woman, comfortable in her skin and secure in who she is.
Then there’s Richard, who’s completely head over heels for Hester. Poor guy even had to hide under the bed in one scene! As for the villains, Evangeline and Falada were both brilliantly written. Did I mention the delightful geese?
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy with elements of Gothic horror. It’s the kind of story that’ll have you laughing one minute and gasping the next. Grab a cozy blanket, your favorite cup of tea, and get ready to dive into this eerie and enchanting adventure—you won’t regret it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Suicide and Murder
The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún Vol. 2 by Nagabe
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The tension rises as Shiva becomes more curious about her missing grandmother and the curse, while Teacher wrestles with whether to reveal the truth, fearing it will shatter her innocence.
The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, A Rún, Vol. 1 by Nagabe
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
How can something so dark be so wholesome? I absolutely loved this! The Girl from the Other Side is a dark fairy tale about a cursed creature and a little girl.
The minimalist, sketch-like artwork is simply stunning, with sharp black-and-white lines that amplify the eerie, mysterious vibe. I noticed the use of heavy black ink in rendering the cursed creature, which creates a stark contrast with the more delicate, soft lines used to illustrate Shiva.
The story is a slow burn, but the constant tension—especially the rule that Teacher can never touch Shiva—keeps you hooked. Teacher is gentle and protective, but the restraint he has to practice around Shiva adds depth to his character. Shiva, on the other hand, is a bright, innocent light in his dark world, making their interactions heartwarming.
The manga doesn’t rush to explain everything, letting the mystery unfold naturally. The sparse dialogue and use of silence add to the haunting atmosphere. If you like introspective, melancholic stories with a touch of magic and mystery, this one’s a must-read! I definitely plan to read the rest of the volumes (there are 11, I believe)!
The minimalist, sketch-like artwork is simply stunning, with sharp black-and-white lines that amplify the eerie, mysterious vibe. I noticed the use of heavy black ink in rendering the cursed creature, which creates a stark contrast with the more delicate, soft lines used to illustrate Shiva.
The story is a slow burn, but the constant tension—especially the rule that Teacher can never touch Shiva—keeps you hooked. Teacher is gentle and protective, but the restraint he has to practice around Shiva adds depth to his character. Shiva, on the other hand, is a bright, innocent light in his dark world, making their interactions heartwarming.
The manga doesn’t rush to explain everything, letting the mystery unfold naturally. The sparse dialogue and use of silence add to the haunting atmosphere. If you like introspective, melancholic stories with a touch of magic and mystery, this one’s a must-read! I definitely plan to read the rest of the volumes (there are 11, I believe)!
The Lantern of Lost Memories by Sanaka Hiiragi
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is a charming and emotional novel that made me appreciate how fleeting and beautiful life’s moments really are. Set in a magical photo studio, those who have recently passed away are granted the chance to relive one treasured memory before moving on.
The characters in this book—whether it's a 92-year-old nursery teacher, a former yakuza member, or a young girl who tragically died too soon—all bring their own emotional baggage and backstories. Each one gives you a peek into different sides of life, regret, and the memories that shaped them.
But even though the book is about death, it actually feels more like a celebration of life's little moments. It manages to be touching and reflective without getting too heavy or depressing (except maybe the young girl's story, which broke my heart).
What I learned from this book:
First, cherish the little moments in life that we often overlook. These seemingly insignificant memories often end up defining who we are. And second, accept both the joys and losses in life and find peace in letting go when the time comes.
If you’re into magical realism or Japanese literature, you’ll enjoy this book. It has a calming yet thought-provoking vibe that fans of "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" by Toshikazu Kawaguchi will appreciate, especially if you love stories that are heartwarming but also make you reflect on life.
The characters in this book—whether it's a 92-year-old nursery teacher, a former yakuza member, or a young girl who tragically died too soon—all bring their own emotional baggage and backstories. Each one gives you a peek into different sides of life, regret, and the memories that shaped them.
But even though the book is about death, it actually feels more like a celebration of life's little moments. It manages to be touching and reflective without getting too heavy or depressing (except maybe the young girl's story, which broke my heart).
What I learned from this book:
First, cherish the little moments in life that we often overlook. These seemingly insignificant memories often end up defining who we are. And second, accept both the joys and losses in life and find peace in letting go when the time comes.
If you’re into magical realism or Japanese literature, you’ll enjoy this book. It has a calming yet thought-provoking vibe that fans of "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" by Toshikazu Kawaguchi will appreciate, especially if you love stories that are heartwarming but also make you reflect on life.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
Bound to the Tyrant King by Bex Gil
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Fans of historical Kdramas, you'll enjoy this book! It's a new adult, slow-burn, closed-door Korean historical romance that explores the dynamics of arranged royal marriages, power, trust, and survival in a treacherous court environment.
The romance unfolds slowly and sweetly, with swoon-worthy scenes sprinkled throughout the book. I also think the court intrigue and politics were done nicely so that readers can follow without getting overwhelmed. The glossary at the end is helpful to understand unfamiliar terms.
My favorite is Seojun, the MMC. His character is layered and complex, and I like how the reasons behind his actions are gradually revealed as the story progresses. Bora suspects him up until like 60% of the story and always thinks he's going to kill her any second. At one point, this got tiring, to be honest.
If you haven't watched any historical Korean dramas yet, I'd recommend checking one out before diving into this book. Under the Queen's Umbrella is a great choice—it features a strong female lead, a queen who's ready to do anything to protect her family. Watching it will help you better appreciate the customs, traditions, court politics, clothes, food, and architecture in the book.
The romance unfolds slowly and sweetly, with swoon-worthy scenes sprinkled throughout the book. I also think the court intrigue and politics were done nicely so that readers can follow without getting overwhelmed. The glossary at the end is helpful to understand unfamiliar terms.
My favorite is Seojun, the MMC. His character is layered and complex, and I like how the reasons behind his actions are gradually revealed as the story progresses. Bora suspects him up until like 60% of the story and always thinks he's going to kill her any second. At one point, this got tiring, to be honest.
If you haven't watched any historical Korean dramas yet, I'd recommend checking one out before diving into this book. Under the Queen's Umbrella is a great choice—it features a strong female lead, a queen who's ready to do anything to protect her family. Watching it will help you better appreciate the customs, traditions, court politics, clothes, food, and architecture in the book.
When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohamed, Victoria Jamieson
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
This beautifully illustrated graphic novel tells a deeply moving account of two brothers living in a refugee camp in Kenya.
By the end of 2023, there were about 19.1 million refugee children and asylum seekers around the world, making books like this essential reading for everyone, especially kids. Victoria Jamieson’s illustrations perfectly capture the emotions and atmosphere of the story.
I really like how this middle-grade novel shows kids and families doing their best to live as normally as possible and make the most of their situation. It highlights just how tough life in a refugee camp can be, but also shows children playing, going to school, and women taking care of kids—even those who aren’t their own.
I love the bond between the brothers. Omar, the older one, takes on the responsibility of caring for his younger brother, Hassan, who has epilepsy and is nonverbal, while also making tough choices about reuniting with their mom, going to school, and possibly moving to a new country.
It’s an inspiring read that offers a real glimpse into the refugee experience through the eyes of a young boy. Despite the tough conditions in the camp, Omar never loses hope. The story illustrates how education can be a path out of poverty and highlights the importance of community and support.
Perfect for middle and high schoolers, this graphic novel is not only engaging but also a great resource for parents and teachers to address global issues and foster empathy. If you love stories about resilience and the human spirit, this one’s a must-read!
By the end of 2023, there were about 19.1 million refugee children and asylum seekers around the world, making books like this essential reading for everyone, especially kids. Victoria Jamieson’s illustrations perfectly capture the emotions and atmosphere of the story.
I really like how this middle-grade novel shows kids and families doing their best to live as normally as possible and make the most of their situation. It highlights just how tough life in a refugee camp can be, but also shows children playing, going to school, and women taking care of kids—even those who aren’t their own.
I love the bond between the brothers. Omar, the older one, takes on the responsibility of caring for his younger brother, Hassan, who has epilepsy and is nonverbal, while also making tough choices about reuniting with their mom, going to school, and possibly moving to a new country.
It’s an inspiring read that offers a real glimpse into the refugee experience through the eyes of a young boy. Despite the tough conditions in the camp, Omar never loses hope. The story illustrates how education can be a path out of poverty and highlights the importance of community and support.
Perfect for middle and high schoolers, this graphic novel is not only engaging but also a great resource for parents and teachers to address global issues and foster empathy. If you love stories about resilience and the human spirit, this one’s a must-read!
Mad Love by Wendy Walker
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
They were deeply in love, the perfect couple—until they were discovered shot in their bed. This audiobook offers an immersive experience with a full cast and good sound effects, evoking the charm of an old-school radio drama.
Mad Love is a quick, fast-paced crime mystery-thriller. The story is decent overall, and the twist at the end is solid. I think someone new to the genre might enjoy it more, but personally, there just wasn't enough excitement and character development to completely wow me.
My issue with this story is that it hinges on a psychopath successfully manipulating and sleeping with a whole bunch of wealthy (highly educated, successful, and married) women—in a small town where most of them moved in the same circles and knew each other. We're not talking about just one or two emotionally vulnerable women falling for his charm, but EVERY SINGLE woman he goes after? It’s so unbelievable!
Also, while I enjoy a full cast audiobook, I had to give this one my full attention. If I tried doing chores while listening, I often found it difficult to keep up with all the characters popping in and out of scenes.
Mad Love is a quick, fast-paced crime mystery-thriller. The story is decent overall, and the twist at the end is solid. I think someone new to the genre might enjoy it more, but personally, there just wasn't enough excitement and character development to completely wow me.
My issue with this story is that it hinges on a psychopath successfully manipulating and sleeping with a whole bunch of wealthy (highly educated, successful, and married) women—in a small town where most of them moved in the same circles and knew each other. We're not talking about just one or two emotionally vulnerable women falling for his charm, but EVERY SINGLE woman he goes after? It’s so unbelievable!
Also, while I enjoy a full cast audiobook, I had to give this one my full attention. If I tried doing chores while listening, I often found it difficult to keep up with all the characters popping in and out of scenes.
Growing Up in the Shadow of Alcatraz: Childhood on a Prison Island by Emma Bland Smith
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Ever wondered what it was like for children to grow up on Alcatraz Island—a place known for its infamous prison and the world's most dangerous criminals? Well, I was definitely curious!
This 32-page middle-grade picture book gives a peek into the everyday lives of more than 100 kids who grew up on Alcatraz Island, where their parents worked at the prison. With a blend of captivating storytelling, historical photos, and real-life sources, Smith brings their unique experience to life. The book explores themes like resilience, community, and how these kids balanced their childhoods with the shadow of a notorious prison in the background.
Emma Bland Smith's writing is both easy to follow and vivid, making complex historical topics easy for middle-grade readers.
This book is perfect for middle-grade readers (ages 8-12) who enjoy history and unique settings. It’s great for kids curious about lesser-known historical tidbits, as well as for educators and parents looking for engaging, educational material. I also think fans of historical fiction will appreciate the authentic look at life on Alcatraz Island.
Thanks to Netgalley and Capstone Press for the digital ARC of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
This 32-page middle-grade picture book gives a peek into the everyday lives of more than 100 kids who grew up on Alcatraz Island, where their parents worked at the prison. With a blend of captivating storytelling, historical photos, and real-life sources, Smith brings their unique experience to life. The book explores themes like resilience, community, and how these kids balanced their childhoods with the shadow of a notorious prison in the background.
Emma Bland Smith's writing is both easy to follow and vivid, making complex historical topics easy for middle-grade readers.
This book is perfect for middle-grade readers (ages 8-12) who enjoy history and unique settings. It’s great for kids curious about lesser-known historical tidbits, as well as for educators and parents looking for engaging, educational material. I also think fans of historical fiction will appreciate the authentic look at life on Alcatraz Island.
Thanks to Netgalley and Capstone Press for the digital ARC of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.
The Begum and the Dastan by Tarana Husain Khan
The Begum and the Dastan is a must-read for fans of historical fiction featuring strong female protagonists. If you like novels that mix history with folklore and offer a deep look into women’s lives in historical settings, or if you love Indian historical novels, this book is definitely for you!
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Some books tell a story, while others cast a spell, weaving a tale so captivating that you get lost in its pages. This is definitely one of those books for me!
This is a beautifully written novel that intertwines history, folklore, and the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. Set in the princely state of Sherpur, the story revolves around three generations of women and their tales of resilience and defiance.
I’m a huge fan of Indian history, especially when it’s based on real events and focuses on women! This book explores the challenges women have faced throughout history, and I was really struck by how each woman found a way to fight back, no matter her situation. The writing is so captivating—I couldn’t put it down.
The author has brilliantly brought 19th-century Nawabi culture to life with meticulous research. The prose is beautifully evocative, almost like a dream, and the characters are richly developed.
The novel centers on Feroza Begum, a strong-willed and beautiful woman of noble birth who goes against her family's wishes to attend a party at Nawab Shams Ali Khan’s palace. Her rebellious act leads to her being kidnapped and forced into marriage with the Nawab. Watching Feroza go from a free spirit to a confined Begum in the Nawab’s harem is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Her journey shows her resilience and skill in handling the tricky dynamics of the Nawab’s court.
I was totally engrossed in Feroza's story, feeling every bit of her anger, frustration, and hope as I turned the pages. It made me appreciate the freedom and choices women have today even more.
There are also stories about Kallan Mirza, an opium-addicted storyteller whose tales echo Feroza's, and about Ameera and her grandmother in the present day. Honestly, I ended up skipping most of their parts because I found myself mostly caring about Feroza's journey.
The novel explores several themes:
This is a beautifully written novel that intertwines history, folklore, and the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. Set in the princely state of Sherpur, the story revolves around three generations of women and their tales of resilience and defiance.
I’m a huge fan of Indian history, especially when it’s based on real events and focuses on women! This book explores the challenges women have faced throughout history, and I was really struck by how each woman found a way to fight back, no matter her situation. The writing is so captivating—I couldn’t put it down.
The author has brilliantly brought 19th-century Nawabi culture to life with meticulous research. The prose is beautifully evocative, almost like a dream, and the characters are richly developed.
The novel centers on Feroza Begum, a strong-willed and beautiful woman of noble birth who goes against her family's wishes to attend a party at Nawab Shams Ali Khan’s palace. Her rebellious act leads to her being kidnapped and forced into marriage with the Nawab. Watching Feroza go from a free spirit to a confined Begum in the Nawab’s harem is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Her journey shows her resilience and skill in handling the tricky dynamics of the Nawab’s court.
I was totally engrossed in Feroza's story, feeling every bit of her anger, frustration, and hope as I turned the pages. It made me appreciate the freedom and choices women have today even more.
There are also stories about Kallan Mirza, an opium-addicted storyteller whose tales echo Feroza's, and about Ameera and her grandmother in the present day. Honestly, I ended up skipping most of their parts because I found myself mostly caring about Feroza's journey.
The novel explores several themes:
- the oppressive structures of patriarchy and women’s struggles
- resilience and defiance
- storytelling as a form of resistance
The Begum and the Dastan is a must-read for fans of historical fiction featuring strong female protagonists. If you like novels that mix history with folklore and offer a deep look into women’s lives in historical settings, or if you love Indian historical novels, this book is definitely for you!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Kidnapping, and Abortion
The Wolf at Number 4 by Ayo Tamakloe-Garr
Wolf's Story:
Wolf's intelligence sets him apart, but it also leaves him feeling isolated and misunderstood. His dark thoughts and introspective nature come from grappling with heavy ideas and big existential questions way beyond his years. The book touches on how gifted people often don’t get the support they need, and it adds a lot of pressure for them to always excel. In the end, his genius ends up being both a blessing and a curse.
The Ending:
The twist totally caught me off guard, and the ending left me with so much to think about! But I get what the author was going for. He shows how the boy's environment and family dynamics had a huge effect on his mental state. Being surrounded by stress, conflict, and negativity at such a young age shapes how he sees the world and leads to some pretty dark thoughts.
The ending hints that no matter how hard Desire and Wolf try to escape their pasts or find redemption, the weight of their secrets and society’s judgment ends up being too much. It’s a tough reminder that sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you can't fully outrun your past, and eventually, you have to face the consequences of your actions.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I can’t believe this is the author’s debut! It was darker than I expected, but compelling. By the end, I had so many thoughts spinning in my head. If you're a foreign reader, I’d definitely recommend going into it with an open mind and being ready to embrace a culture that might be different from what you're used to.
This story, set in 1990s Ghana, is a chilling, gothic tale that'll totally shock you. It follows the unlikely friendship between Desire, a disgraced schoolteacher in her thirties who moves to the quiet town of Cape Coast to run from her messy past, and Wolf, an eccentric 11-year-old genius.
Desire's Story:
Desire’s story shows the intense pressure women face to stick to traditional gender roles and deal with sexual harassment. Her desperation to find a husband and be accepted by society highlights how limited women's options can be and the tough expectations they have to deal with. It’s really about her search for redemption and acceptance in a society that judges harshly.
The book dives into how people cope with shame and what they’ll do to find redemption, while also showing how communities can label and isolate someone based on their past, forcing them to live in secrecy and fear of being exposed.
This story, set in 1990s Ghana, is a chilling, gothic tale that'll totally shock you. It follows the unlikely friendship between Desire, a disgraced schoolteacher in her thirties who moves to the quiet town of Cape Coast to run from her messy past, and Wolf, an eccentric 11-year-old genius.
Desire's Story:
Desire’s story shows the intense pressure women face to stick to traditional gender roles and deal with sexual harassment. Her desperation to find a husband and be accepted by society highlights how limited women's options can be and the tough expectations they have to deal with. It’s really about her search for redemption and acceptance in a society that judges harshly.
The book dives into how people cope with shame and what they’ll do to find redemption, while also showing how communities can label and isolate someone based on their past, forcing them to live in secrecy and fear of being exposed.
Wolf's Story:
Wolf's intelligence sets him apart, but it also leaves him feeling isolated and misunderstood. His dark thoughts and introspective nature come from grappling with heavy ideas and big existential questions way beyond his years. The book touches on how gifted people often don’t get the support they need, and it adds a lot of pressure for them to always excel. In the end, his genius ends up being both a blessing and a curse.
The Ending:
The twist totally caught me off guard, and the ending left me with so much to think about! But I get what the author was going for. He shows how the boy's environment and family dynamics had a huge effect on his mental state. Being surrounded by stress, conflict, and negativity at such a young age shapes how he sees the world and leads to some pretty dark thoughts.
The ending hints that no matter how hard Desire and Wolf try to escape their pasts or find redemption, the weight of their secrets and society’s judgment ends up being too much. It’s a tough reminder that sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you can't fully outrun your past, and eventually, you have to face the consequences of your actions.
This book is ideal for fans of Gothic fiction and African literature, offering a dark tale set in 1990s Ghana.
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Rape, Stalking, Fire/Fire injury, and Sexual harassment