ryreadsreviews's reviews
24 reviews

The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett

adventurous funny mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Title: The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett 

Publication Date- 02/06/24
Publisher- Random House Publishing Group Del Rey 
Overall Rating- 3.5 out of 5

Review: Review copy given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

What a feat this book takes on. The Tainted Cup is a heavy genre bending story weaving in elements of fantasy and mystery almost equally. It’s a whodunit in a sinking city. We follow two detectives that very much resemble a Sherlock and Watson duo (in a good way). The world building is heavy at times but is interesting. You have a city that’s on the verge of collapse due to a mysterious force called The Leviathan. So, while the duo try to solve a mysterious murder they are also faced with the looming threat of the world ending. Both characters are quirky and I found a lot of the scenes to have some comedic relief. At times I was truly laughing out loud. 

Now to some things I found more challenging to get through. Toward the 40 percent mark, I found that we just kept interviewing people. Which, in a whodunit that is to be expected however, I didn’t find these interviews interesting and started to feel that the story was repeating itself and sadly this continued until the very end. 

There is also a lot of politics in the backdrop and usually that is something I find interesting. However, I was bored and could care less about the politics in this world. 

I will own that I think my 3.5 rating will be in the minority. I think most people who love fantasy will enjoy this. For some reason I have struggled to get into fantasy this year. Our reading era’s come and go so I recommend if you are in a fantasy reading mood that you give this a chance. The main characters are interesting enough and the reason for 3 of the 3.5 stars. 

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious reflective tense 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

3.75

Title: The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown 

• Publication Date- 02/13/24
• Publisher-  William Morrow 
• Overall Rating- 3.5 out of 5 stars 

Review: Review copy given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

The Book of Doors sets out to be a combination of a literary fiction and a thriller. I would say it somewhat achieves it’s goal. I found my experience to be that the book felt like it was spilt into halves based off genre. The first half felt like a heartfelt literary fiction that shaped up to be one of my favorite books of the year. The latter half was a thriller that was convoluted and had too many elements to it. Unfortunately because of the latter half of the book I ended up not enjoying it as much as I expected. Let me say more. 

This book contains one of the most interesting worlds and premises I’ve ever read. This is a world where books carrying magical powers such as time travel, pain, despair, luck, etc. At the start of the book we get to know a few of these books and what they can do. As the book goes on there are more and more books to the point that I wondered what the point of them was anymore. 

We get to know a lot of characters who were all truly wonderful all the way to the end. The Book of Doors carries a found family element with it that was endearing and heartfelt up until the last page. In the latter half of the book this wasn’t as prominent at the start but could still be felt. 

Throughout the story we spend time with people who are “hunt,” these magical books for use and/or collection. There is some beautiful imagery in the first half that will stick with me forever. Picture you favorite ambience room and put that in a book. 

There is time travel in this story and it all made sense for the first 40 percent. Then it felt like the author himself got confused or took things too far to the point that it no longer made sense. There is one really heartbreaking element to the main characters life that felt relatable and authentic. However, on the very last page the author basically took all the heartfelt away. You will only understand that if you read the book. With that being said some of you will disagree with me about that element, you may soak it up and love it. 

That brings me to my final point. The story wraps up too neatly. I would have liked to see a more open ending that didn’t feel like everything tied up in a nice neat bow. Now, to you that may be something that you want or prefer in your books. 

All in all I did really enjoy this book. The first 50 percent I will never forget reading and some of the scenes and moments will be in my mind forever. I am not upset I read this and will read from the author again. 

The Spy and I by Tiana Smith

adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

4.0

Title: The Spy and I by Tiana Smith 

• Publication Date- 02/13/24
• Publisher-  Berkeley Publishing Group 
• Overall Rating- 4 out of 5 stars

Review: Review copy given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

The Spy and I by Tiana Smith is a fresh take on the rom com that incorporates some plot devices from movies we know and love. One of my favorite things about this novel was the wit and banter between the two main characters. I was laughing and having such a good time while reading this. Going into The Spy and I you should expect a light hearted and “insta love,” story. If those are your expectations and to have a silly goofy time then you will have a good time. The spice level was perfect for me, I don’t love a ton of it and when it’s there I prefer there to be an honest connection and meaning to the intimacy. Tiana Smith nailed that. 

Lately I have been having a hard time finding a good rom com with a solid plot that the main focus isn’t on how smutty it can be. This has a solid plot and you find yourself routing for the characters and their agenda. I genuinely did not expect this read to be as fun as it was. 

Looking at my notes while reading some things I said about the book: “Lots of good quotes just a damn good time,” “kind of reminds me of the movie the Heat,” and “I do really like the MC and this isn’t cringey.” 

I would totally reread this when I’m sick or just need a good pick me up. 

The City of Stardust by Georgia Summers

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

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

3.75

Title: The City of Stardust by Georgia Summers 

• Publication Date- 01/30/24
• Publisher- Redhook Books  
• Overall Rating- 3.75 stars rounded up to 4

Review: Review copy given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

The City of Stardust is perfect for fans of magical realism, speculative fiction, romance and fantasy. Let’s start out with the things I loved about this novel. We are introduced to a world of magic, secrets, betrayal, long held curses and strong aspects of found family. We meet two characters who are on opposing sides of a long held family curse. One of the strong suits that I won’t attempt to do again here, is the synopsis does accurately reflect what you should expect from the story. I found myself drawn to the world and it’s magic. The worldbuilding is entertaining but for those who don’t like super complex worldbuilding, this is for you. The strongest elements in this are the aspects of found family, the first half of the novel’s magical and whimsical scenes and the romantic elements. 

From here on out I will discuss the book in two sections, the first half and the second half. The reason this wasn’t a 5 star read for me is the first half and the second half felt like two separate books. The first half reminded me of a better version of The Night Circus mixed with V.E. Schwabs storytelling. It felt refreshing and like nothing I had ever read before. I felt like the scenes where magic was used I couldn’t look away, I was so drawn in. 

Then the second half of the book happened and I felt more disconnected from the story and at times confused. The second half let’s go of the things I stated above and feels more like a war between gods and mortals which is fine. I typically enjoy those things but I think I wanted more from the first part and for it to continue in a similar style as the first half. I think it just felt like a separate book in the second half. It wasn’t bad by any means, and I loved the ending. 

Overall solid story that combines magical realism, fantasy and speculative fiction. 

An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson

dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-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

5.0

Title: An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson 

• Publication Date- 02/13/24
• Publisher- Redhook Books  
• Overall Rating- 6 out of 5 stars 

Review: Review copy given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

I’m not sure how to write a review for this and do it justice so I’ll do my best but the moral of the story is you need to read the book. The end. That’s all we have time for today, guys, gals, non-binary pals. 

Okay if I must, I will try to put something together for you all. Wow. What a book. I am sure most of you are wondering if you need to read A Dowry of Blood before you read this. You do not. It does take place in the same universe and we cross over a character from A Dowry of Blood however that character is very much in the background and feels like an easter egg. I did also read Carmilla to prepare for this release, you also don’t need to do that but it lived up to a reimagining and I loved that aspect. There are some nods to the original Carmilla but you by no means need to read that to read this. 

An Education in Malice contains some of the most engrossing, thought provoking, grab you by the throat and not let go writing. This is signature to S.T. Gibson and we get it again here. I felt like I could not put this book down, I read it in one day and almost in one sitting borrowing a few adulting things I needed to do. Once you get started you will get sucked into the characters and their story and not be able to let go. 

S.T. Gibson does such a delicate job of writing a coming of age story. Coming of age stories are some of my least favorite, I don’t really have a reason why, they just are. However, I will read anything she writes and in particular I feel like she handles this subject with authenticity, believability and courage. She includes in her works aspects of coming of age that I don’t feel like usually are included in other stories of the same vein. Let me be clear though, her works (thus far) are not for those coming of age but for those who are adults and are ready to look back on what is usually a trying time and feel seen. In particular, S.T. Gibson writes about sex and sexuality in a vulnerable and honest way that is the most relatable to my own life I have ever read. In most books these topics make me cringe but she, she had me at every word. 

If I haven’t convinced you to read this yet, well do it anyway. 

I hope An Education in Malice enters into the conversations of dark academia novels. It’s by far the best one I’ve read and I’ve read almost all of the popular dark academia. We arrive on secluded women’s college in the fall of 1968 and can feel every inch of it. This is a story about art, writing, poetry and the hope of living forever. I can’t wait until my physical copy comes in the mail, this is one I will reread and annotate the heck out of. 

Misdirection of Fault Lines by Anna Gracia
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.

 

Title: The Misdirection of Fault Lines by Anna Garcia 

• Publication Date- 04/02/24
• Publisher- Peachtree Teen 
• Overall Rating- DNF (marked as three on required platforms)

Review: Review copy given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Okay here’s the thing…. I love tennis and I played throughout my life. Though I don’t read much YA anymore this stood out to me. It’s a coming of age tennis story which such a lovely cover. Before I say what didn’t work for me, I do think this is a fine story (mostly) for the age group and maybe would be more relatable to them. That being said, before I transitioned, I played tennis as a young “female,” adolescence and I really felt this missed the mark. I also want to hold space for the fact that I did not finish this book so maybe some of these concerns get better. 

First and foremost, I don't mind cursing. In fact I think it often makes books better, including YA books. Come on y'all we all cursed at 15, probably more than we do now. But with that being said the f word was used 5 or more times on some pages and I just feel that for a YA book that’s a lot. There are a lot of other ways to express emotion even from a YA voice. 

Now, like I said I played on a female high school tennis team. People weren’t always the nicest but there is some really mean language and descriptions in this book. I tried to put myself back in my teen brain and get into the story but these things just really took me out of it and I couldn’t get through it. At times I felt like I was bouncing between the really young side of YA to what felt more adult and incongruent. 

By no means should this keep you from picking it up if the premise sounds interesting. I did feel that the premise made it sound way more palpable than I found my own experience. Who knows maybe this will be more relatable for teens now, we need more expressive literature for that age group. 

 

This Wretched Valley by Jenny Kiefer

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Title: This Wretched Valley by  Jenny Kiefer

• Publication Date- 01/16/24
• Publisher- Quirk Books  
• Overall Rating- 5 out of 5 stars

This Wretched Valley was my choice for episode 5 of season 2 of my booktube series titled “what the bleep did I just read.” This was the most fitting book I have chosen to date. What an effed up book in all the right ways. This book pushed me out of my comfort zone and though at times I thought I was going to puke I loved every second of it (I think that says something about me and my entry into horror). I recommend anyone coming into this check out the triggers because there are quite a few and some that people may change their minds about reading. With that being said, my biggest trigger was in here and I managed it fine. Though I did find myself reading those parts quicker to get through it, I never felt that I needed to put the book down. 

I really enjoyed the way this book wove in elements of the land and it’s past. I also described this as “dizzying,” at times I wasn’t sure which way was up. I can’t really expand on that element without going into spoiler territory but if you read it you will see what I mean. 

Let’s move into some things I made note of. The body horror is no joke, at least for someone who is newish in the horror genre. I used to be an EMT and still found myself ready to puke and I LOVED IT. I would say I read 60 percent of this story with my hand covering my mouth. A plot device I am learning that I really enjoy is going into a story knowing some or all characters are dead then going back in time, getting to know them and their parts in the story knowing all along they are going to die. This Wretched Valley nails this element. 

I think the only people who may end up disappointed could be those who read the description and think this will be more in the vein of a true crime/ thriller story. 

Solid horror, loved it, will read from the author again. Thanks Jenny, for building my tolerance to body horror and effed up scenes. I loved it. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Animal cruelty, Blood, Cannibalism, Death, Child death, Colonisation, Gore, Murder, and Violence

The Catch by Amy Lea

funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.5

 Title: The Catch Amy Lea

• Publication Date- 02/13/24
• Publisher- Berkley Publishing   
• Overall Rating- 3.5 stars

Review: Review copy given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

The Catch by Amy Lea was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024. This is the third book in the “influencer” series which takes a look at the lives and careers of influencers. It’s a series I never thought I would enjoy like I have. 

The standout of Amy Lea’s writing that continues into The Catch is humor. If you are looking for a rom com that truly has the comedy element this is for you. I loved our main character, she demonstrated growth while not losing pieces of herself that matter. One of my favorite elements of the story was the “Schitt's Creek,” vibes. Our main character is truly displaced and that really adds to the humor. I had many moments where I was literally laughing out loud. Once you read it, come back and talk to me about the spider conversation because that wrecked me. I felt a lot of joy in the belly laughs. 

Now you might be wondering why it’s not a 5 star. I think the more I read rom coms I know the formula and I imagine it has to be so hard to come off that formula as a writer. That’s the main reason it’s not a 5 for me, I really felt the formulaic element and would have liked something a little more different. I do want to own though that authors do their best to come up with unique situations and circumstances. I hope this genre can continue to move forward and create new stories. I think something that would have made this involved or interesting would be more heartfelt moments. That’s a really tough thing to balance with so much good humor but that’s what I felt made it fall flat for me at times. 

Read this for the humor, good conversations about influencing, family of origin, being seen, and if you like a good renovation story. I will also say that for once the story gave what it promised it would. 

 

When Among Crows by Veronica Roth

adventurous hopeful mysterious reflective 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

4.0

Title: When Among Crows by Veronica Roth 

• Publication Date- 05/14/23
• Publisher- Tor Books   
• Overall Rating- 4 out of 5 stars

Review: Review copy given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

When Among Crows by Veronica Roth is roughly 176 pages and packs the punch of a full book in a short amount of time. I really appreciated this aspect. The writing is descriptive, engaging, and thought provoking. It takes place in Chicago with a lot of references to the 20’s which I found myself rolling in. There’s something about that older feel in a modern book that my brain loves. I honestly had no idea what this book was about going into it and I would highly recommend that. Really all you need to know is it’s an imaginative, personal, dystopian with a damn good twist and ending to top it off with. I found myself smiling at the last page. 

One of my favorite things was the worldbuilding. Its a world that’s both beautiful and frightening. I also found so much wisdom and myself highlighting a lot of quotes. Because it’s an early copy, I am unable to share those quotes until they have been checked against the original. Just know there are things you’ll want to remember and sit with. 

This is an emotional story with characters you will love and believe in. I recommend it. It’s beautiful. 

Burn the Negative by Josh Winning

dark reflective tense medium-paced

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