oracle_of_madness's reviews
1326 reviews

To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods by Molly X. Chang

1.0

When I requested this book I didn't realize the huge amount of issues that would come along with it.  Besides personally not agreeing with the content, I also am not interested in supporting any part of this.  

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this Arc. 

There's Going to Be Trouble by Jen Silverman

4.0

This has dual timelines focusing on an intriguing topic, protests and relationships.   Minnow is in 2018 and Keen in 1968.  Both have similarities but are dealing with completely different areas.  I found this to be incredibly interesting. 

Great writing and fantastic characters.   However,  I can't say I loved the characters themselves.  It's definitely a love-hate relationship there. I feel like this story is missing something, particularly with it ending the way it did.  But, I can't help but recommend this as a wonderful piece of fiction. 

Out April 9, 2024!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc! 

Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan

4.0

This was fun! A quick, southern, all-out fight against the vampires.  The women who own the funeral home wind up trying to save the town from evil.  It's a fun, quick read that I really enjoyed.  This has some aspects to it that I really enjoyed. Basically that the main characters are women and southern women at that! Overall, it's a fun book.

Out April 9, 2024! 

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

The Sleepwalkers by Scarlett Thomas

4.0

I thought this wound up being pretty cool.  This has a creative storytelling style that helped move me through the story, even the style of writing causing tension for me at times. 

Evelyn and Richard are newlyweds that seem quite oddly matched.  They are staying on a Greek island for their honeymoon.  However, things get weird quickly, and as the tension rises, I learned about a whole other twist that kept me on my toes till the very end. And, the ending is strange.   But, for such an interesting book, I wouldn't expect any less! 

Out April 9, 2024!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

The Gathering by C.J. Tudor

5.0

Yes! When I requested this, it was because I'm a fan of C. J. Tudor, so I didn't really read what exactly this entails.  But we have Vampyrs!!!! Yes! And, I loved every second of this!! 

There is a brutal murder to be investigated, and Detective Barbara Atkins goes to Deadheart, Alaska, to figure out what is going on.  The townspeople blame the nearby group of Vampyrs. They want to cull their colony in retaliation.  Barbara has to get to work to stop this while investigating. 

All of the characters are so interesting, and the atmosphere gives these very dark, sinister, definitely creepy vibes.  And, reading this at night had me scared, like looking at the darkened windows of my living room wondering what's out there kind of scared.  

Definitely recommend!

Out April 9, 2024! 

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

A Sweet Sting of Salt by Rose Sutherland

5.0

Wow! The tale of The Selkie Wife is already very intense but very good.  However,  this author took this fairytale and created a Sapphic, illuminating, just brilliant retelling.   Honestly, I couldn't ask for anything better.   This is just brilliant.  

Jean, a midwife in the early 1800s in Nova Scotia, meets Muirin and her husband Tobias.  After getting to know them, she realizes there is definitely a problem in their relationship. 

I really felt the isolation and unsettling feelings that the author created in this book.  The characters and the atmosphere were phenomenally done.  I really was taking by how much I felt a part of this story through the author's descriptions.   

I definitely recommend this!

Out April 9, 2024! 

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc! 

Ghost Station by S.A. Barnes

3.5

I was really looking forward to this but unfortunately it just couldn't keep my attention.   

This takes place in a dark, massive but empty space station.   The main character is trying to fit in with the small group, but she just doesn't feel welcome.  What the author did really well in this book is create a feeling of isolation and tension.  

I'd say, if this story sounds interesting,  then I think you should give it a go! 

Out April 9, 2024!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc! 

A Spartan's Sorrow by Hannah Lynn

3.5

I, unfortunately,  did not realize this was a series when I requested it on Netgalley.  However,  I did enjoy this retelling of clymnestra's story.  I found it to be interesting, particularly because it's a story I'm not familiar with.  I'm not sure if I loved this enough to want to continue the series. 

Out April 2, 2024!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

Your Blood, My Bones by Kelly Andrew

5.0

Wow, what an impressive read! Especially considering the chances the author took with the unique mixing of genres.

Supernatural elements, mysterious,  romantic,  and horror!!!!! I really was not prepared to love this so much.  The writing is gorgeous and had me wanting to soak in every word.  Also, the world-building is pure genius and brings this tale to life in a magnificent way.

The characters were definitely the heart of this book.  Particularly,  the romance between Peter and Wyatt was an emotional overload.  I recommend picking this one up! 

Out April 2, 2024!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc! 

Something Kindred by Ciera Burch

4.0

This is a spellbinding family drama mixed with a bit of romance.  I felt like this was less southern gothic and more magical realism.   

This story includes all the feels. There is grief, love, and even betrayal.   While this coming of age story was well done and beautifully written,  I still felt a little disappointed that it wasn't more like it's advertised.   Less ghosts, a lot more family drama... 

I still really enjoyed this one, though. 

Out April 2, 2024!

Thanks, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!