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thedragonqueen's reviews
206 reviews
Blood Jade by Ken Bebelle, Julia Vee
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-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
5.0
Blood Jade is the compelling sequel to Ebony Gate. We return to Emiko, now with her new standing in San Francisco. There’s a murder, and she starts her hunt for the assassin. Her hunt takes her to Tokyo where she is also visiting to help her brother prepare for Lóng Yá, his graduation. She discovers so much about herself, her family, and the dynamics of the Clans. Blood Jade is an action packed yet mysterious tale that I couldn’t put down. Ken and Julia are amazing story tellers of our time.
Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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? No
5.0
Thank you HarperCollins and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
“In the old tales, it is written that the egg of a seadragon, dragonfruit, holds within it the power to undo a person’s greatest sorrow. An unwanted marriage, a sworn enemy, a painful illness….gone. But as with all things that promise the moon and the stars and offer hope when hope has gone, the tale comes with a warning. Every wish demands a price. “
Hanalei’s father does the unthinkable, steals the last dragonfruit (Seadragon egg) that is known to grant the wish and desire of the person whom uses it. Her father uses the egg to revive Hanalei after herself and the princess of Tamarind succumb to poison, but that leaves the princess in an eternal slumber.
10 years later Hanalei returns to Tamarind and aids Sam, the princess’ son, in finding another dragonfruit to heal the princess. Their search is filled with trials and worries of what may come with another wish granted looms overhead.
My favorite part of this series is the unique animal companions called markings. They sleep and lay semi-dormant as tattoos, and come to life when their companion is in need. I love the Pacific Islander inspiration and setting, full of rich culture and beautiful writing.
5/5⭐️ can’t recommend enough!
Hearts Still Beating by Brooke Archer
dark
emotional
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
4.0
Hearts Still Beating is a gripping tale of love lost and found again, but with zombies. Mara and Rory experience their first kiss the night before the zombie apocalypse begins. They’re separated and eventually find each other again only one of them no longer has a beating heart. I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping love story with a splash of gore.
Thank you @prhaudio for early access to the audiobook, I love a good dual narration! And @penguinteen for an Advanced Reader Copy!
Thank you @prhaudio for early access to the audiobook, I love a good dual narration! And @penguinteen for an Advanced Reader Copy!
Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
Thank you to Feiwel & Friends and Netgalley for and advanced reader copy!
Boarding school Mean Girls? Yes, please. Sapphic Muslim main character? YES, PLEASE! Mysterious disappearance and dark secrets? Sign me up!
Where Sleeping Girls Lie was insightful, compelling, and heart wrenching. I love a good thriller and this did not disappoint. I didn't see so many twists that came and fell in love with these complex characters. This YA Contemporary thriller dives heavily into experiences so many of us women have in our lifetimes and I’m thankful to Faridah for telling this story.
Please check trigger warnings before reading.
Boarding school Mean Girls? Yes, please. Sapphic Muslim main character? YES, PLEASE! Mysterious disappearance and dark secrets? Sign me up!
Where Sleeping Girls Lie was insightful, compelling, and heart wrenching. I love a good thriller and this did not disappoint. I didn't see so many twists that came and fell in love with these complex characters. This YA Contemporary thriller dives heavily into experiences so many of us women have in our lifetimes and I’m thankful to Faridah for telling this story.
Please check trigger warnings before reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Death, and Murder