taylors_escapism's reviews
187 reviews

Neferura by Malayna Evans

adventurous dark emotional informative mysterious sad medium-paced

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

4.5

One of the most interesting books I’ve read this year! I really enjoyed getting to explore what it was like to live as not only a woman in Egypt in the Eighteenth Dynasty, but also what it was like to be a female priest. So many tab worth quotes throughout this book. I enjoyed the book emphasis on womanhood and the messaging of being proactive in making changes you feel need to be made within your community/country. The only issue that I had with the book was the pacing and the ending. The epilogue was a bit confusing for me at first and felt very rushed. It was such an abrupt transition from the previous chapter. I would’ve liked a smoother transition. I also felt that the first part of the book was really slow; however, the second and third part of the book was very interesting. Regardless, the book was very interesting and provides readers with an understanding of the importance of womanhood and making the change you want to see. Highly, recommend for those who enjoy feminist themes, Egyptology, and court politics with a drop of romance (and I mean drop). 

Thank you, Sourcebooks landmark, for sending me an arc of this phenomenal book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Net Galley, for giving me the opportunity to read and review books. Lastly, thank you, Malayna Evans, for writing a beautiful and meaningful work of fiction.

Vengeance of The Pirate Queen by Tricia Levenseller

adventurous dark inspiring mysterious sad tense fast-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

The opening scene for this book was incredibly interesting and helped get me back into the world of The Daughter of the Pirate King books. I was so excited that this story focused on Sorinda from the other two books! Her character was my favorite from the original books. As always, Tricia Levenseller always presents various themes/messages throughout her books, which is why I always enjoy reading her books. This one in particular focuses on trauma, mental health, vulnerability, self-possession, and women’s empowerment. I really enjoyed the story; however, I found myself struggling near the middle of the book, but it was definitely worth not giving up on the story. I’m interested to see if the author will decide to write any more books based on characters from this book. I’d be interested to read one about Roslyn or a dual POV of Niridia and Mandsy storyline mentioned in the book. Also, this was a perfect little read for the winter in my opinion! Highly Recommend! 

Thank you Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, for sending me an arc of this phenomenal book in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you Net Galley, for fiving me the opportunity to read and review books. Lastly, thank you Tricia Levenseller for writing a beautiful and meaningful work of fiction.

The Six Deaths of the Saint by Alix E. Harrow

adventurous dark mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler

dark inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-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

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous emotional sad 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

The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera

dark emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-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

4.5

Cherry by Nico Walker

challenging dark reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.5

The Water Outlaws by S.L. Huang

adventurous hopeful inspiring reflective tense slow-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

4.5

 It took me awhile to get into the story, but fell in love with the characters, especially Lu Da, and the feminist, elitism, and sexism themes throughout the book. It was very refreshing compared to the trope filled fantasy book’s currently dominating the genre, which I’m not hating on because I also love those books. It was just nice to read something more dense and complicated. I will say that there was a lot of characters, which could be distracting at time. I also think the story would’ve been great split up into two books instead of one. Still enjoyed and recommend the read. Will be buying to add to my self and reread on a later date. 

Thank you, Net Galley, and Dreamscape Media, for sending me an arc of this phenomenal book in exchange for an honest review. Thank You, S. L. Huang for writing a beautiful and meaningful piece of fiction. 

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad

• 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? Yes

4.75

 If you’re looking for a book with a slow born romance, complicated relationships, a little murder mystery, magic, loads of plot twists, and a strong female character who a little naive to go along with your ancient Egypt addiction, then this book was written in the stars for you! Would like to clarify that this is a duology and not a standalone, which I wasn’t aware of when I started it. I cannot wait to get my hand on the next book. The ending had me gasping and punching air. Couldn’t recommend enough! 

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martins Press, Wednesday Books, and Isabel Ibañez for this captivating Arc in exchange for my honest review! You all are the best! 

The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

 

I was hooked from the first chapter of this book. I devoured this book. I’m a huge fan of Adrienne Young’s other books, but this one may just be my favorite. It’s just the peak of creativity; I’ve never read anything like it. I’m not a huge fan of mystery type books, but the blend of magical realism and dash of romance is what makes this book stand out from the rest. It’s genuinely a book I would reread again, which is not something I say (or rather write) lightly. I love the author’s attention and exploration of grief throughout the book. I highly recommend if you like magical realism, slow burn romance, second chance romance (but in a more creative way than your typical second chance romance), fake dating, family curses/secrets, and strong female characters.

Thank you, Net Galley, and Random House Publishing Group, for sending me an arc of this phenomenal book in exchange for an honest review. Thank You, Adrienne Young for continuing to impress me by your already elite writing skills.