natashaleighton_'s reviews
1036 reviews

adventurous dark emotional 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

4.0

A contemporary take on the Persephone Myth, Melinda Salisbury’s Her Dark Wings was a beautifully written coming of age story, blending Greek myth with the angsty, emotional rollercoaster of adolescence that readers young and old are sure to find compelling.

Brimming with heartbreak, betrayal, complicated friendships and unbridled rage I was blown away by how deeply intense the emotions (conveyed through protagonist Corey) were.

I adored Salisbury’s The Sin Eater’s Daughter series and fell absolutely in love with her prose which is just as atmospheric as I hoped it would be. What impressed me the most however, was how very relatable this story and world itself actually was. I genuinely felt I could walk right onto the island and follow Corey straight into the Underworld.

Delving primarily into Corey’s life and her journey to self acceptance, as she comes into her powers and deals with the challenges that life throws her way (mainly cheating boyfriends and ex best friends.) It can be a bit of a slow burner, but I found it such a satisfying read a d though it has one of the most unique takes on Hades and Persephone that I’ve read in a while.

So, if you enjoy your fantasy a little on the modern and relatable side, with a coming of age style premise and deeply endearing protagonist —then I definitely think you should consider picking this one up. Just be sure to check TWs.

Content Warnings

In Want of a Suspect by Tirzah Price

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funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Now, this does have some spoilers for Price’s Jane Austen Mysteries series (which makes sense as it is a spinoff.) So if you haven’t had the chance to read that series yet, I highly recommend doing so before picking this up. But if you’ve been eager to see more of Lizzie and Darcy since heir appearance in Manslaughter Park, then you’re in for a treat!

Weaving cameos from the Dashwood sisters (and even a brief appearance of Miss Woodhouse) with themes of war, immigration, institutional misogyny and the pressures of family expectation—Price has managed to craft a compellingly modern take on the source material that I feel even Austen herself would approve of.

The cast of characters were all so quite interesting and multifaceted, but I think I adored Lizzie; whose stellar observational skills and ability to win over anyone (including children, dogs, Darcy) the most! Her tenacious drive to succeed will almost certainly endear old and new readers alike.

Plus, her temerity in the face of adversity, as a woman working in a male dominated field (and positively thriving) had me cheering her on every step of the way!

Darcy, no longer at loggerheads with Lizzie, was a wonderfully supportive character to explore as well. I enjoyed seeing just how far he’s come on his journey to being less prideful and stubborn, and found his efforts (in learning from his past mistakes, owning up to them and trying to make amends) pretty satisfying.

Together, he and Lizzie are a crime solving force to be reckoned with, and the snippets of romance and affection we encounter between them was soo enjoyable. I can’t wait to see what the pair with uncover next!

Overall, a really fun read that mystery, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen or Tirzah Price fans definitely don’t want to miss.

Also, a huge thank you to Harper360YA for the stunning proof.

Content Warnings

Graphic: Misogyny and Xenophobia

Moderate: Kidnapping, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury

Minor: War

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that Tirzah Price is the queen of Jane Austen-based, YA mysteries. And like many others, I’m soo glad she’s returned once again to her Jane Austen Mystery protagonists, Lizzie and Darcy, for a delightfully chaotic and action packed spin-off that will steal you heart and keep you on the edge of your seat. Now, this does have some spoilers for Price’s Jane Austen Mysteries series (which makes sense as it is a spinoff.) So if you haven’t had the chance to read that series yet, I highly recommend doing so before picking this up. But if you’ve been eager to see more of Lizzie and Darcy since heir appearance in Manslaughter Park, then you’re in for a treat! Weaving cameos from the Dashwood sisters (and even a brief appearance of Miss Woodhouse) with themes of war, immigration, institutional misogyny and the pressures of family expectation—Price has managed to craft a compellingly modern take on the source material that I feel even Austen herself would approve of. The cast of characters were all so quite interesting and multifaceted, but I think I adored Lizzie; whose stellar observational skills and ability to win over anyone (including children, dogs, Darcy) the most! Her tenacious drive to succeed will almost certainly endear old and new readers alike. Plus, her temerity in the face of adversity, as a woman working in a male dominated field (and positively thriving) had me cheering her on every step of the way! Darcy, no longer at loggerheads with Lizzie, was a wonderfully supportive character to explore as well. I enjoyed seeing just how far he’s come on his journey to being less prideful and stubborn, and found his efforts (in learning from his past mistakes, owning up to them and trying to make amends) pretty satisfying. Together, he and Lizzie are a crime solving force to be reckoned with, and the snippets of romance and affection we encounter between them was soo enjoyable. I can’t wait to see what the pair with uncover next! Overall, a really fun read that mystery, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen or Tirzah Price fans definitely don’t want to miss. Also, a huge thank you to Harper360YA for the stunning proof.

Hyo the Hellmaker by Mina Ikemoto Ghosh

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adventurous 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

4.0

Interwoven with gorgeous illustrations to fully immerse in, and a detailed, slow burn mystery to solve. Mina Ikemoto Ghosh’s Hyo The Hellmaker was an entertainingly plot twisty read that manga-loving, high fantasy lovers should definitely consider picking up!

I found the lore surrounding Gods, Demons and curses was incredibly intriguing and I loved delving into the details around how the curses and magic system worked. Especially when it involved our protagonist Hyo, whose family carry a generational curse.

The illustrations definitely capture the magic of Ikemoto Ghosh’s prose which was both richly complex and full of humour. However, I was a teensy bit disappointed we didn’t get to explore Hyo’s backstory (or that of her family’s cursed legacy) in very much detail (but we did learn was really interesting and I have high hopes for a sequel.)

The action, mystery and plot twists we encounter within the pacy narrative, did make up for it though, and kept me on the edge of my seat for all 500+ pages.

The ensemble cast was marvellously impressive too! They were all really well written, endearing and soo much fun to explore (Particularly Natsuami, Tokifuyu and Hyo’s brother Mansaku —all of whom had such amazing, whimsical personalities.)

There are quite a lot of interactions between Gods and humans in this, so watching the stark cultural differences and customs between humans and their immortal counterpoints was pretty fascinating.

The God’s lack of interest/ opinions when it came to humans reminded me a little of the wealth/class divides seen in our own societies. Where the richest 1%ers live such vastly different lifestyles they become almost detached from the struggles most people face.

Here the Gods are soo emotionally detached from humans, their fragility and very short lifespans are almost incomprehensible to them. Something that I found super intriguing —and isn’t really explored as much you’d think in a genre (fantasy) that celebrates soo many different types of immortal beings (gods, demons, vampires, fae, etc.)

Overall, an intricately crafted and atmospheric read that has definitely made Mina Ikemoto Ghosh an author to watch out for.

Also, thanks to Scholastic & Lorraine Keating PR for the finished PB copy.

Content Warnings

Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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

A decadently lush and haunting, dark academia-esque read that I loved soo much I finished in a record two days!

With detailed world-building, a morally grey cast of characters and a fabulously fierce protagonist in Kidan, who stole my heart with her dedication to finding her sister and protecting the people she has come to care for (at any cost.) Think Jude from The Cruel Prince, but more vengeful and bloodthirsty.

It’s blood soaked and devastating at times but also vividly impactful and I loved how it makes us question the very idea of what makes a monster. It’s also bursting with secrets (secret societies) and some truly spectacular plot twists that had me in the edge of my seat.

I adored the romance too, as the chemistry between enemies-turned-reluctant-housemates (Kidan and Susenyos) was angsty and intense, in the most spectacular of ways —if you love the enemies to lovers trope (like me) then you’re probably gonna devour this just a quickly as I did.

I’m still kind of processing the plot twists of THAT ending, but I urge all paranormal fantasy, dark academia or Vampire loving bookworms to check this out— It’s SOO GOOD!

Content Warnings

Not Good for Maidens by Tori Bovalino

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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

Having read (and loved) Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti, I never miss the chance to check out a book that takes inspiration from it. And I have to say, Tori Bovalino’s vividly atmospheric, fantasy horror retelling was everything I hoped it would be and more!

Blending eerie and unsettling folk horror elements, with a pacey (action oriented) narrative that delves into themes of self discovery, sacrifice and sisterhood— fans of Holly Black’s grittier Fae books (The Darkest Part of The Forest & The Modern Faerie Tales series) will almost certainly enjoy this.

The attention to detail in the world building and lore was incredible, but it was the depth and complexity we explore in both of our POV characters, Lou and May that really kept me emotionally invested.

Told through two interwoven timelines, we follow present day teen, Lou (finally learning the secrets her mother and aunt have kept from her all her life), and the POV of her aunt, May, eighteen years prior (during the traumatic events that led to her and Lou’s mum moving to the US.)

Alternating between perspectives and timelines, Bovalino has crafted a highly suspenseful and empowering tale that beautifully captures the essence of sisterhood and family.

If you love empowered FMCs then you’ll love Lou, who (like her mother) is fiercely determined and willing to go to any lengths to protect the ones she loves. I also enjoyed exploring the juxtaposing upbringings she and her mum had (one with full knowledge of their witchy heritage and the Goblin Market, and one without) and felt their bond definitely strengthened in the midst of Lou’s discovery.

With only a crash course on Goblins, magic and the precarious pact her family share with the market, Lou feels like the character with the most disadvantages. But her lack of know how and shock from the new revelations, did seem to help in dealing with the Goblins in a more logical manner (plus her throwing a punch at a Goblin whilst half asleep was pretty badass.)

The queer representation was amazing too with Ace, Bi, Pan and Sapphic rep in our cast of characters—including both our MCs! Plus we’re also treated to a (star crossed-esque) sapphic romance involving Goblin, Eitra, that was surprisingly pretty endearing.

The only thing that I wish was included was Lou’s mum’s POV and also maybe Eitra’s POV (who I ended up absolutely loving), but otherwise an evocatively rich and captivating read that YA Horror/ Fae/ Goblin Market fans should really consider checking out. Just check TWs first cause it can get pretty gory.

Content Warnings

Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi

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adventurous dark emotional 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

4.0

Set three weeks after the events of Children of Blood and Bone, the second instalment in Tomi Adyemi’s bestselling Legacy of Orïsha series ups the ante by plunging us headfirst into the action (and even more danger.) As escalating tensions between the Orïsha and Maji, has them teetering on precipice of Civil War.

The worldbuilding was once again wonderfully vivid, capturing the depth and poignancy of our characters, and the heart wrenchingly atmospheric events they find themselves in.

With soo much tension, and emotions running high, Zelie and Amari find themselves frustrated by the decisions being made around them.

So it’s no wonder that Zelie, who has seen nothing but violence and oppression due to her heritage, would butt heads with Amari, who’s privilege and naive sense of optimism have her hoping for peaceful (non violent) resolution.

War is quite a heavy subject to tackle, but Adeyemi explores its complexites with skillful confidence (and even delves into the ethics and morality surrounding the decisions on both sides.) It’s not an easy undertaking, especially when there are soo many opinions and people in play. But she navigates it soo well. Which really added even more depth to the individual journeys (both physical and emotional) our POV characters undertake.

Though, some of the clashes and arguments did get a bit frustrating at times in their repetitiveness. However, the expansion of the lore, magic system and world in general (as well as all the shocking twists in between) definitely kept things interestingly pacey.

I don’t think I can say much else without huge spoilers but I will say this was definitely the most emotionally impactful and devastating instalment in the series that I’ve read soo far.

And though I’m eager to start the last book (especially after THAT cliffhanger ending), I’m also a little nervous as to where it’s going to take us (and Zélie, Amari and Tzain) next.

Also, thanks to Pan Macmillan/ Macmillan Children’s Books for the stunning PB copy.

Content Warnings

Child of Earth & Sky by Menna van Praag

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emotional reflective tense fast-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

4.0

The third and final instalment in The Sister’s Grimm Trilogy was a heartfelt contemporary fantasy, blending the magic of fairytales with real world struggles— that I found incredibly compelling.

Delving into themes such as grief, trauma, sacrifice and motherhood, Menna Van Praag paints an intriguing tale of empowerment which I felt brought a sense of introspection and intimacy to the characters that really helped bring them to life.

Particularly Goldie, who, from the loss and grief she’s experienced, has found herself becoming a smidge over protective when it comes to her loved ones. But especially of her precocious daughter, whose powers are beyond anything Goldie or the other Grimm sisters have ever seen.

I adored the very real, human emotions of our POV characters: Goldie, Luna (her daughter),Teddy (her little brother who helps her run the women’s shelter) and fellow Grimm sister, Scarlet (still battling the grief and guilt of the past.) Their struggles were relatable, and emphasised that not all problems can be easily solved with magic. My only criticism is that it ended for too quickly for my liking. I would’ve loved to have delved into Luna’s story a bit more.

I’ve actually never read the rest of the series, but there’s some (brief) exposition cleverly woven in, that gave enough insight for me to keep up with the plot without getting confused. So, technically this can be read without prior knowledge of the rest of the series. But I do think for the most enjoyment, it would be best to read the whole series.

Overall, an enjoyably pacy read that gothic leaning, contemporary fantasy lovers should consider picking up. Especially as Van Praag shares a few fairytale inspired short stories, between chapters.

Also, thanks to Chloe Rose and Penguin for the PB copy.

Content Warnings

I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast Is Me by Jamison Shea

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Taking the deadly ambition of 1995’s Showgirls into Paris’ iconic Palais Garnier, Jamison Shea has crafted a blood soaked, (and ballerina-filled) rollercoaster of a read that I literally couldn’t put down!

The raw, untethered emotions of our protagonist Laure were phenomenally well crafted, with her depth filled POV giving us a delicious glimpse into the cutthroat world of Ballet.

I loved how Shea navigated the classist and discriminatory underpinnings of an industry that (predominantly) thrives on the perception of exclusivity and perfection. And delving into the injustice Laure faces at the hands of her peers: the relentless bullying and spiteful jibes aimed at their working class background and darker complexion.

So watching Laure drive her own body to the brink of exertion, for a chance to earning a place in this world was a little heartbreaking. Especially when her hard work is constantly overlooked (with one character even remarking her presence only inspires thoughts of poverty that would ruin the company.)

Soo be prepared to hate a lot of the secondary characters, as their vitriolic demeanours and gleeful character assassinations will have you eager to see them face some sort of retribution. Even if that involves invoking a bloody (demonic) supernatural force to do so.

And boy is it bloody! Like Carrie meets The Craft levels of violence —with a vengeful and marvellously gripping plot that fans of YA Horror (or anyone who really enjoyed books like House of Hollow or Ace of Spades) should definitely consider checking out.

Though I do suggest checking TWs beforehand, as the subject material and (gore related) content may not be to everyone’s tastes.

Content Warnings

The Four by Ellie Keel

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dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

An atmospheric and intensely foreboding, dark academia that follows four scholarship students and their often brutal experiences at a prestigious boarding school at the turn of the millennium (‘99-00.)

I did enjoy this as the writing was soo compulsive, with its vividly descriptive (slow burn) exploration of the each of the characters’ experiences at High Realms and the systemic failures of the UK’s private education system. But, it was quite tough to get through emotionally, as soo many of the themes and events centre around pretty dark/ bleak topics. As such I’d definitely recommend checking out the TWs first, as I did find quite a few scenes pretty harrowing.

I wasn’t nearly as diligent and found myself struggling to continue (particularly in the second half), mostly as I was a sobbing (and slightly traumatised) mess by then.

That being said, the depth and emotions Ellie Keel infuses into her characters (Rose, Marta, Lloyd and Sami) was phenomenal and really helped to pull me through, as I was soo invested in seeing how things would pan out for them.

If you loved The Secret History or If We Were Villains then I definitely recommend checking this out!

Also a huge thank you to Harper Collins UK for my giveaway win of the proof.

Content Warnings

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

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adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Murder She Wrote meets Knives Out in Ally Carter’s newest release, a festive (and deliciously suspenseful) rivals to lovers mystery romance that had me utterly hooked.

Much like her adult debut (The Blonde Identity), Carter weaves a heart-poundingly swift and swoon-worthy read with two phenomenally depth filled and endearing protagonists I couldn’t get enough of.

Maggie Chase, our self doubting, cosy mystery writer is still trying to come to terms with the loss of her husband when we first meet her. A year on from finding him in bed with her best (and only) friend. Emotionally bereft, her self esteem in the gutters and facing the first Christmas alone since her parents died (when she was eighteen) I was emotionally invested almost immediately.

Her heartache and pain was incredibly evocative snd had me desperate to give her a hug soo much— especially with the flashbacks and anecdotes she lets slip as the story progresses.

Ethan Wyatt, Maggie’s leather jacket wearing, thriller author rival (who she blames for every professional misfortune that has ever befallen her) was really endearing as well.

His effortless ability to win over everyone riles up Maggie like nobody else, but their chemistry and banter was absolutely delicious! Ethan’s past and previous interactions with Maggie also gave amazing insight into his thoughts and feelings—which only made me love him more.

I adored the cleverly crafted plot twists too, which had me in super sleuth mode trying to figure them out. Alas, I was unsuccessful but I did guess a couple of the smaller things that were connected to the main twists— but the surprises were what really made this soo enjoyable.

Overall, a thoroughly entertaining (locked room) mystery romance that even Agatha Christie would’ve been impressed with. I can’t wait to see what Carter writes nexts!

Also thanks to Chloe over at Pan Macmillan for the finished copy.

Content Warnings

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natashaleighton_'s reviews 1036 reviews

natashaleighton_'s reviews
1036 reviews