the_library_of_mary's reviews
130 reviews

Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell

adventurous dark funny lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

LOVED IT! Full disclosure, I only had this on my list to read because I was in between library holds and wanted something to listen to. I'm so happy this was available because it was one of my top books so far this year.

It gave me the same vibe as Gideon the Ninth in terms of its humor and vibe ( though not quite the same). It has perfect parts gore-ey and fighting moments while also being heartfelt and sweet, which doesn't seem to go together but it done perfectly.

The romance was sweet and was innocent but not in a " I don't know anything about love" way, but in a I just know what makes me happy way.

Shesheshen and homily being fuly content with their relationship without a forced physical intimacy like their kiss, was so sweet. And again not in a condescending way toward people that don't crave a physical intimacy, but they just seemed so happy with each other and content with just being with the other person. I loved it.

Also the found family at the end were they have the offspring cracked me up but also made me so happy, so cute. I'm always a sucker for a found family trope.

The plot was engaging and kept me on my toes, I didn't always know what the next thing was going to be.

Definitely did not need the baroness being the monster, 100% caught me by surprise.

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

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funny mysterious 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

3.0

Not me entering my middle school twilight era again. Forbidden werewolf/vampire romance? Sign me up.

That being said, I have only read 2 Ali Hazelwood books and I feel like the characters in them are almost identical. The same humor, the same tone, even the same personalities it feels like. Its like they are the same couple just in an AU. She is a fun writer thought, and I do enjoy her writing style and her characterizations, so its not a bad story to read.

When it comes to the smut scenes, I was fully expecting the fanfiction special and all the gimmicks that come with this trope. They were okay, but i was expecting more. Like give me all the tropes in full force, embrace the embarrassing and cringe.

Untethered Sky by Fonda Lee

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dark emotional reflective sad fast-paced

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

4.0

This is the first book I've read from this author, but I've heard the name around. I saw this on a book review and loaned it from the library because it was short and I needed something small to break up my TBR list.

I'm a hugeeeee fantasy nerd and this book gives dragon rider vibes, but instead of dragons it's giant birds. One of the things that I thought was really interesting about this world was that the Rocs we just giant birds, not like super sentient all knowing magical creatures just....wild animals. A lot of the book revolves around the training process between rider and Roc and what that relationship really is.

It deals a lot with themes of obsession and ownership with our narrator and her Roc, but it can very easily be applied to human relationships.

The ending where she is abandoned by the creature that she has deluded herself into thinking has a personal connection with her, rather than just an agreement for food and strict training. It was heartbreaking and so poetic. The concept of owning something and the fanaticism she had for owning this creature was wonderfully portrayed.

Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa

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emotional funny inspiring 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? It's complicated

4.5

This is the first Pride & Prejudice content I have consumed, never read the original or seen the movie. This is a queer retelling of the story, and I had seen it circulating on booktok and wanted to give it a go.

I'm not normally a historical reader, but this story was incredibly engaging. I found Oliver a wonderful narrator and even though he was an unreliable narrator at times, it felt very vulnerable and honest which I appreciated. There were some scenes that were hard to read, but also some scenes that warmed my heart. I think the author did an amazing job at balancing historically accurate opinions and sad and tense moments with lighthearted and feel good scenes and a happy ending. Obviously this is a retelling so most people probably knew where the story was going, but I was happy that this was not just dump a bunch of trauma onto a trans character.

Content Warnings

A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

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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? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

EVERYTHING AVA REID WRITES KILLS. She is an AMAZING author and I enjoy every single one of her stories, this one included.

I saw this marketed as YA, and I would not agree. It deals with a lot of trauma regarding SA.

Effie is a loveable narrator and I resonated and cared for her so much reading the book. You just want to step in an help her get away from some of these men. Even though the book starts with showing a lot of her weaknesses, she also shows her stubbornness and her commitment to what she views as important. The duality of the character is very much appreciated.

The fantasy that Ava Reid writes always comes off as so natural. Where some fantasy books need to explain very clearly the aspects of their worlds, she is able to naturally explain things as they become relevant that only add to the scenes, never taking away as a lore dump.

Her rivalry turned romance with Preston was so sweet and again, Ava Reid knows how to write a relationship. It was just the right amount of romantic development without being to much and taking away from the story to turn it into just a romance.

The mystery of the Fairy King had me second guessing constantly. Because of Effie's pills and "delusions", I couldn't tell if she was an unreliable narrator or if this was really happening, which I LOVED. Effie and Preston solving the mystery of Angharad had me on the edge of my seat, and the backstory being revealed. The parallels between Angharad and Effie's traumas brought everything full circle and being able to see them both move on from these traumas that kept them prisoners and break the cycle made my heart happy.

Content Warnings