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pgmoon's reviews
217 reviews
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
I picked up The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches as part of a Fable app club read, hoping for a bit of a breather from the intensity of The Folk of the Air series. This quick, cozy read was exactly what I needed!
One of my favorite tropes—found family—is at the heart of this story, and it’s done beautifully. Mika, the protagonist, was interesting to follow. While I found her very different from myself, there were certain aspects of her that I related to, making her journey feel personal in some ways. The colorful cast of characters surrounding her were like the sweet, lovable counterparts you'd find in a classic rom-com, which made the story even more enjoyable.
Plot-wise, it felt like a light magical rom-com with the same ilk of Practical Magic (a personal favorite of mine). The familiarity of the plot was prominent, with a wholesome message of togetherness that made it a perfect fall read. The twist toward the end didn’t feel forced either—the clues were laid out well, making it satisfying when it all came together.
Overall, I really liked it! If you're looking for a cozy, heartwarming read, especially for the fall season, this one is worth checking out.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
I picked up The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches as part of a Fable app club read, hoping for a bit of a breather from the intensity of The Folk of the Air series. This quick, cozy read was exactly what I needed!
One of my favorite tropes—found family—is at the heart of this story, and it’s done beautifully. Mika, the protagonist, was interesting to follow. While I found her very different from myself, there were certain aspects of her that I related to, making her journey feel personal in some ways. The colorful cast of characters surrounding her were like the sweet, lovable counterparts you'd find in a classic rom-com, which made the story even more enjoyable.
Plot-wise, it felt like a light magical rom-com with the same ilk of Practical Magic (a personal favorite of mine). The familiarity of the plot was prominent, with a wholesome message of togetherness that made it a perfect fall read. The twist toward the end didn’t feel forced either—the clues were laid out well, making it satisfying when it all came together.
Overall, I really liked it! If you're looking for a cozy, heartwarming read, especially for the fall season, this one is worth checking out.
Content Warnings
Minor: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, and Toxic relationship
The Wicked King by Holly Black
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
5.0
I was so excited to get to the next book, and it has me truly on the edge of my seat!
Here’s some of my favorite parts:
The character development of Jude is stellar; we truly see her come into her own as she navigates the treacherous waters of Faerie and beyond. Although this isn’t her ideal situation, Jude excels and proves her capabilities. I love the duality of Jude, and she is a really fun MC.
One of the standout elements of the book is the character interactions, particularly between Jude, Madoc, and Cardan. The relationship between Jude and Madoc has always been complex, and this story drives them further apart, adding depth to their dynamic. Meanwhile, Cardan undergoes significant development. While he has done reprehensible things, the layers to his character make it hard not to sympathize with him, which adds an intriguing twist to the narrative.
Additionally, The palpable tension between Jude and Cardan makes them such a compelling pair to follow. Their witty exchanges not only highlight their chemistry but also keep the reader engaged. This tension is further intensified by the introduction of the sea folk, who serve as formidable antagonists. I found them fascinating, can’t wait for more Nicasia honestly~
As for Taryn, I know many readers have mixed feelings about her, but I still found myself on her side. I feel genuinely sorry for her in so many ways - at least until the end, lol. How she came to where she did, especially in relation to Madoc, add another layer of complexity to the story. I need to know what happened there ! Even the smaller characters, like Vivi and Heather, left an impression, and I hope to see more of Heather in the future. COME BACK QUEEN PLS! On the other hand, Locke and The Ghost? They can catch these hands, I said what I said
As for the writing, Holly Black’s prose remains addictive and poetic yet straightforward, making the reading experience immersive and enjoyable. The political intrigue throughout the novel is exactly what I love in fantasy, expertly keeping me hooked from start to finish and the dialogue between characters is fresh and snappy.
And then there’s the ending. 🤯 I saw it coming but somehow didn’t at the same time, which made it all the more satisfying. I don’t want to reveal too much more because going in with no idea truly amps the experience. Overall, The Wicked King was a triumph. I already knew I liked the first book more than most readers, and I was curious to see if the sequel could maintain that momentum. It absolutely did, and I can’t wait to dive into the next book! I don’t hand out too many of these, but for me, this is a five star book.
Here’s some of my favorite parts:
The character development of Jude is stellar; we truly see her come into her own as she navigates the treacherous waters of Faerie and beyond. Although this isn’t her ideal situation, Jude excels and proves her capabilities. I love the duality of Jude, and she is a really fun MC.
One of the standout elements of the book is the character interactions, particularly between Jude, Madoc, and Cardan. The relationship between Jude and Madoc has always been complex, and this story drives them further apart, adding depth to their dynamic. Meanwhile, Cardan undergoes significant development. While he has done reprehensible things, the layers to his character make it hard not to sympathize with him, which adds an intriguing twist to the narrative.
Additionally, The palpable tension between Jude and Cardan makes them such a compelling pair to follow. Their witty exchanges not only highlight their chemistry but also keep the reader engaged. This tension is further intensified by the introduction of the sea folk, who serve as formidable antagonists. I found them fascinating, can’t wait for more Nicasia honestly~
As for Taryn, I know many readers have mixed feelings about her, but I still found myself on her side. I feel genuinely sorry for her in so many ways - at least until the end, lol. How she came to
As for the writing, Holly Black’s prose remains addictive and poetic yet straightforward, making the reading experience immersive and enjoyable. The political intrigue throughout the novel is exactly what I love in fantasy, expertly keeping me hooked from start to finish and the dialogue between characters is fresh and snappy.
And then there’s the ending. 🤯 I saw it coming but somehow didn’t at the same time, which made it all the more satisfying. I don’t want to reveal too much more because going in with no idea truly amps the experience. Overall, The Wicked King was a triumph. I already knew I liked the first book more than most readers, and I was curious to see if the sequel could maintain that momentum. It absolutely did, and I can’t wait to dive into the next book! I don’t hand out too many of these, but for me, this is a five star book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture and Murder
Minor: Sexual content
The Lost Sisters by Holly Black
emotional
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Just a quick review for this very short story!
I feel unlike many others, I didn’t despise Taryn at the end of Cruel Prince. I didn’t necessarily agree with her, but I did find her fascinating and wondered what made her do the things she did in the story.
I had actually already started reading The Wicked King before I found out this existed, and seeing it was so short, I decided to give it a quick read. Although the quality of Black’s writing is still very good, and Taryn’s opinions on other characters is interesting, the content on the main story lacks for me.
Overall, this story is pretty unchanging of my opinion for anyone involved. If you hate Taryn, I don’t think this will change your mind. Locke also is still very suspicious for me, and although I guess I get a sense of whyTaryn loves him (in the sense that she feels unimportant as a mortal and he not only counteracts this, but also validates her as a person who could be admired in Faerie) , it doesn’t make me enjoy them as a couple and their relationship feels shallow. Maybe that’s the point, but it’s not very fun to root for in my opinion . This makes the story fall a little flat for me.
Unless you’re especially interested in Taryn and what she did in The Cruel Prince, this story is probably not necessary.
I feel unlike many others, I didn’t despise Taryn at the end of Cruel Prince. I didn’t necessarily agree with her, but I did find her fascinating and wondered what made her do the things she did in the story.
I had actually already started reading The Wicked King before I found out this existed, and seeing it was so short, I decided to give it a quick read. Although the quality of Black’s writing is still very good, and Taryn’s opinions on other characters is interesting, the content on the main story lacks for me.
Overall, this story is pretty unchanging of my opinion for anyone involved. If you hate Taryn, I don’t think this will change your mind. Locke also is still very suspicious for me, and although I guess I get a sense of why
Unless you’re especially interested in Taryn and what she did in The Cruel Prince, this story is probably not necessary.
Just For the Summer by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
3.5
This book was recommended by some BookTokers I follow, and even though I’m not usually a huge fan of romance, I decided to give it a shot. I really like Emily Henry and gave Beach Read 4 stars, so when I saw a testimonial from Henry on this book, I figured it was worth checking out.
I listened to the audiobook, and it was so much fun! The two narrators really brought the main characters to life. The book is a great blend of funny and heartwarming moments, with some real character growth, diving into how our past trauma can shape who we are now.
The main couple has a ton of chemistry, and I loved their moments together. The side characters were full of personality too—Maddie is definitely my favorite character, hands down. Emma’s struggle with her relationship with her mom was beautifully done; I found myself getting angry on her behalf . And when Emma found out about her family, it broke my heart—I definitely teared up.
I also loved that the happy ending didn’t come easy . Emma getting the help she needed was so real and wonderful to see, and the epilogue was super sweet.
The book maybe ran a little long in the middle, but overall, I really enjoyed it. I’ll definitely be checking out more from Abby Jimenez. If you’re a fan of Emily Henry, I’d recommend giving this one a try.
I listened to the audiobook, and it was so much fun! The two narrators really brought the main characters to life. The book is a great blend of funny and heartwarming moments, with some real character growth, diving into how our past trauma can shape who we are now.
The main couple has a ton of chemistry, and I loved their moments together. The side characters were full of personality too—Maddie is definitely my favorite character, hands down. Emma’s
I also loved that
The book maybe ran a little long in the middle, but overall, I really enjoyed it. I’ll definitely be checking out more from Abby Jimenez. If you’re a fan of Emily Henry, I’d recommend giving this one a try.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Death of parent
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
This is a book I’ve been wanting to read for a while, as I've heard so much about it. I know it’s a bit polarizing, with some people loving the sequels more, but I have to say, I really enjoyed this first installment.
For me, the characters are the strongest aspect. They’re all flawed but fascinating. I really liked Jude and her journey from feeling oppressed and ostracized to realizing just what it takes to gain power. Vivi and Oriana were great side characters too—Vivi’s determination to escape and Oriana’s resilience after everything she’s been through really stood out.
I know Taryn isn’t everyone’s favorite, but I want to learn more about her, as her flaws often were the center of the emotional core of the story. And then there’s Cardan and Madoc—definitely not likable at first or even by the end of the book, but by the end, you kind of understand them in a way that makes you want to sympathize… maybe?
The world-building was another highlight for me. The idea of the world of Faerie existing alongside our world, kind of like Narnia, is a intriguing idea. I’d love to see more mingling of the two worlds in future books.
I’ve seen some people say that this book doesn’t have a lot going on, but I’d disagree. The first half is more focused on the characters, and the plot really picks up at the end. The pacing felt fine to me, and there are some lovely, quotable moments in the prose. The coup at the the end was so fun to read and the twist pulled on Cardan was jaw dropping (to me at least!)
As for minor drawbacks,the kiss between Cardan and Jude toward the end, while fun, felt a little out of place . I also wanted more development for some of the minor characters, but that’s often the case for me with the first book in a series.
Overall, The Cruel Prince was a very enjoyable read with well-written characters and an interesting plot. I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the series.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-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
4.0
This is a book I’ve been wanting to read for a while, as I've heard so much about it. I know it’s a bit polarizing, with some people loving the sequels more, but I have to say, I really enjoyed this first installment.
For me, the characters are the strongest aspect. They’re all flawed but fascinating. I really liked Jude and her journey from feeling oppressed and ostracized to realizing just what it takes to gain power. Vivi and Oriana were great side characters too—Vivi’s determination to escape and Oriana’s resilience after everything she’s been through really stood out.
I know Taryn isn’t everyone’s favorite, but I want to learn more about her,
The world-building was another highlight for me. The idea of the world of Faerie existing alongside our world, kind of like Narnia, is a intriguing idea. I’d love to see more mingling of the two worlds in future books.
I’ve seen some people say that this book doesn’t have a lot going on, but I’d disagree. The first half is more focused on the characters, and the plot really picks up at the end. The pacing felt fine to me, and there are some lovely, quotable moments in the prose.
As for minor drawbacks,
Overall, The Cruel Prince was a very enjoyable read with well-written characters and an interesting plot. I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Child death and Sexual assault
Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir by Dolly Alderton
I picked up this book after reading a lot of fantasy earlier in the year, and I’m definitely glad I did! EIKAL feels a lot like reading someone’s diary, kind of like Carrie Bradshaw’s musings or the vibe of Golden Girls. It’s a super engaging and relatable read, capturing the essence of personal experiences being told to you by a friend.
Despite the book's distinctly English references, which might not always work for everyone, I found them to be delightful and immersive. Alderton makes you really feel her experiences: for examples, I particularly felt a connection when Alderton described her best friend Farly growing into her relationship with her fiancée; I knew the feeling of friends growing away from you. Additionally, the parts about body image and navigating your late 20s were especially spot-on for me. The book’s focus on platonic relationships was also really refreshing and really resonated.
While some sections of the book could drag a bit, the inclusion of recipes was a nice touch that added depth and broke up chapters well. And although the insights aren't necessarily groundbreaking, they are delivered with such warmth and humor that they are truly moving.
Overall, this is a sweet and funny read. If you enjoy the introspective and humorous tones of the show mentioned above, you'll likely find this book a proper addition to your reading list.
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
4.0
I picked up this book after reading a lot of fantasy earlier in the year, and I’m definitely glad I did! EIKAL feels a lot like reading someone’s diary, kind of like Carrie Bradshaw’s musings or the vibe of Golden Girls. It’s a super engaging and relatable read, capturing the essence of personal experiences being told to you by a friend.
Despite the book's distinctly English references, which might not always work for everyone, I found them to be delightful and immersive. Alderton makes you really feel her experiences: for examples, I particularly felt a connection when Alderton described her best friend Farly growing into her relationship with her fiancée; I knew the feeling of friends growing away from you. Additionally, the parts about body image and navigating your late 20s were especially spot-on for me. The book’s focus on platonic relationships was also really refreshing and really resonated.
While some sections of the book could drag a bit, the inclusion of recipes was a nice touch that added depth and broke up chapters well. And although the insights aren't necessarily groundbreaking, they are delivered with such warmth and humor that they are truly moving.
Overall, this is a sweet and funny read. If you enjoy the introspective and humorous tones of the show mentioned above, you'll likely find this book a proper addition to your reading list.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Death and Eating disorder
Like Water For Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
CW: consent
Please take caution as there is mention of sexual assault in the book.
Like Water for Chocolate is a magical and metaphorical novel about many generations. I really enjoy magical realism, as I liked 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' and adored 'House of the Spirits'. I had heard good things about this novel so I decided to listen to it.
Tita, the protagonist, is incredibly well-rounded. Her journey from a young, oppressed girl to a confident, loving woman who learns to stand up to her domineering mother is both heart-wrenching and empowering.
The novel’s focus on women characters—Chencha, Nacha, Gertrudis, Mama Elena, and Rosaura—was refreshing. Their complex, loving, and sometimes strained relationships are explored in depth, making them interesting and relatable. I felt sympathy for each of them at different points in the story, which is a testament to Esquivel's craft of nuanced characters. I was particularly enthralled by how cooking was used as an emotional outlet throughout the story. The visualization of emotions through food was enhanced by Yareli Arizmendi’s phenomenal narration in the audiobook, which brought the story to life in a vivid way. The sudden deaths of some characters were shocking, adding to the novel’s intensity.
However, I had more issues with the male characters, particularly Pedro. While the story positions him as Tita’s true love, his behavior often left me uncomfortable, especially his jealousy as Tita tried to move on. Additionally there is one scene where Pedro and Tita sleep together for the first time with dubious consent. I wanted to feel happy for Tita, but I was somewhat disturbed. In contrast, Rosaura, though depicted as shrewish, also had her share of struggles, being another victim of Mama Elena’s oppressive control. The doctor, John, however, was a breath of fresh air, and I appreciated his kindness and understanding. I can understand that the book is set and was written at a different time, however I feel about it as a modern person.
Although I wasn’t entirely satisfied with Pedro and Tita ending up together, I must admit that their final scene was visually stunning and left a lasting impression. The novel’s message about the dangerous yet beautiful and nourishing nature of love within a household was powerful, and the passing on of recipes through generations could break the cycle of trauma was incredibly poetic. I understand that some find this story's tendency for melodrama exhausting. I understand that, but also feel that's part of its charm, as it feels more in line with a fairy tale with moments of reality. It's certainly not everyone's cup of tea.
Overall, I found Like Water for Chocolate to be a charming, fantastical, and powerful read, filled with beautiful imagery. I recommend it, especially as a short read or in audiobook format.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
CW: consent
Please take caution as there is mention of sexual assault in the book.
Like Water for Chocolate is a magical and metaphorical novel about many generations. I really enjoy magical realism, as I liked 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' and adored 'House of the Spirits'. I had heard good things about this novel so I decided to listen to it.
Tita, the protagonist, is incredibly well-rounded. Her journey from a young, oppressed girl to a confident, loving woman who learns to stand up to her domineering mother is both heart-wrenching and empowering.
The novel’s focus on women characters—Chencha, Nacha, Gertrudis, Mama Elena, and Rosaura—was refreshing. Their complex, loving, and sometimes strained relationships are explored in depth, making them interesting and relatable. I felt sympathy for each of them at different points in the story, which is a testament to Esquivel's craft of nuanced characters. I was particularly enthralled by how cooking was used as an emotional outlet throughout the story. The visualization of emotions through food was enhanced by Yareli Arizmendi’s phenomenal narration in the audiobook, which brought the story to life in a vivid way. The sudden deaths of some characters were shocking, adding to the novel’s intensity.
However, I had more issues with the male characters, particularly Pedro. While the story positions him as Tita’s true love, his behavior often left me uncomfortable, especially his jealousy as Tita tried to move on. Additionally there is one scene where Pedro and Tita sleep together for the first time with dubious consent. I wanted to feel happy for Tita, but I was somewhat disturbed. In contrast, Rosaura, though depicted as shrewish, also had her share of struggles, being another victim of Mama Elena’s oppressive control. The doctor, John, however, was a breath of fresh air, and I appreciated his kindness and understanding. I can understand that the book is set and was written at a different time, however I feel about it as a modern person.
Although I wasn’t entirely satisfied with Pedro and Tita ending up together, I must admit that their final scene was visually stunning and left a lasting impression. The novel’s message about the dangerous yet beautiful and nourishing nature of love within a household was powerful, and the passing on of recipes through generations could break the cycle of trauma was incredibly poetic. I understand that some find this story's tendency for melodrama exhausting. I understand that, but also feel that's part of its charm, as it feels more in line with a fairy tale with moments of reality. It's certainly not everyone's cup of tea.
Overall, I found Like Water for Chocolate to be a charming, fantastical, and powerful read, filled with beautiful imagery. I recommend it, especially as a short read or in audiobook format.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, and War