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thesigilwitch's reviews
45 reviews
Heartless Prince by Angela De Vito, Leigh Dragoon
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-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? No
3.0
3 stars, for me the story wasn't just too short, it felt hurried and almost incomplete. The beginning of the story pulled me in and the characters were interesting but lacked motivation. Not that they were lazy but that I as a reader didn't understand the motivations behind why characters, especially the Antagonist, were behaving like they did. I did really enjoy the concept I wish there was more details and time given to the middle of the story between the kids coming of age and the climax of the story, I feel like we could've got to know the characters better. I'd recommend this book still as I did enjoy reading it, I think anyone new to graphic novels or that enjoys the slightly creepier but not fully horror stories would enjoy this.
How to Get a Girlfriend (When You're a Terrifying Monster) by Marie Cardno
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
5.0
I really enjoyed this shorter story about an interdimensional being and a human witch researcher. This was Marie Cardno's debut I believe. Like most novellas I read, I wish it was longer and more expanded upon. The world building and the set up for the magic system are really great for the length of the story. We're first introduced to the nameless She that has separated from a great Endless, an alien dimension set on consuming everything both physically and intellectually. The experience of becoming conscious and developing an identity is such an interesting concept to explore and had me falling in love with Trillin (She names herself <3). I didn't fall in love with Sian as fast but it happened by the end, This story can be summed up as fun, it's very low heat, low angst. but packed full of interesting details. I would love to see more of this world and expand on the magic. 5 stars and I'll be picking up book 2 soon.
Tentacles & Triathlons by Ashley Bennett
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
If cheesy Romance channels embraced the Monster Fudger demographic this is the story they'd want. It's so wholesome and cuddly with just the right amount of spice and a tiny sprinkling of angst. Tentacles & Triathlons is book 2 in the Leviathan Fitness series (which I realized after I started it) but can be read as a standalone.
Reece is training for his first triathlon but there's two big hangups. 1 the swimming portion of the race, he has no confidence in the water and 2 monsters. Since monsters and humans integrated it's hard to avoid them but that's all Reece wants to do, he just doesn't trust their otherness. But his sister is mated to a wolven and for her sake he's willing to try. Atlas the wolven owns Leviathan Fitness and suggests that Reece is welcome to come use the pool to train for his race.
Cyrus is tired of being alone, and maybe just tired after all this time. As one of the only Krakens left Cy feels separated even from his monster community. When Atlas and Cyrus's other friends try to pull him out of his brooding artist funk the last thing he expects to find is his mate. Especially when that mate is a frightened, bigoted human that recoils at his first interaction.
Seeing Reece grow and change throughout the story from frankly, an asshole, to a sweetheart was heartwarming. I really think there's so much more to what happened in the woods with the monster and his dad's shaming him for being frightened but the story just wouldn't have been the same if the focus had been on that so i'm glad it's left mostly to us as the reader to interpret. Cyrus and Reece instantly made me want to say awww, they were just so cute in the initial flirting stages. I would love to see more character art or some of cyrus's painting because the descriptions are great, what I really want is a cartoon series :D. The pace of the book was really quick and probably only took a few hours to read. Anyone that's looking for a sweet palette cleanser after a darker read should definitely give this series a chance.
Reece is training for his first triathlon but there's two big hangups. 1 the swimming portion of the race, he has no confidence in the water and 2 monsters. Since monsters and humans integrated it's hard to avoid them but that's all Reece wants to do, he just doesn't trust their otherness. But his sister is mated to a wolven and for her sake he's willing to try. Atlas the wolven owns Leviathan Fitness and suggests that Reece is welcome to come use the pool to train for his race.
Cyrus is tired of being alone, and maybe just tired after all this time. As one of the only Krakens left Cy feels separated even from his monster community. When Atlas and Cyrus's other friends try to pull him out of his brooding artist funk the last thing he expects to find is his mate. Especially when that mate is a frightened, bigoted human that recoils at his first interaction.
Seeing Reece grow and change throughout the story from frankly, an asshole, to a sweetheart was heartwarming. I really think there's so much more to what happened in the woods with the monster and his dad's shaming him for being frightened but the story just wouldn't have been the same if the focus had been on that so i'm glad it's left mostly to us as the reader to interpret. Cyrus and Reece instantly made me want to say awww, they were just so cute in the initial flirting stages. I would love to see more character art or some of cyrus's painting because the descriptions are great, what I really want is a cartoon series :D. The pace of the book was really quick and probably only took a few hours to read. Anyone that's looking for a sweet palette cleanser after a darker read should definitely give this series a chance.
Wild Love by Kacey Shea
adventurous
emotional
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
4.0
This is the third interconnected standalone in the Wilder Valley series. Wild Love follows the eldest Wilder sibling Tim aka Wild, the rebel of the family and the one that left Wilder Valley as soon as he could to follow his music dreams. A one night stand while out touring with his band leaves him with a photograph stashed deep in his wallet and nothing else. Simone is steady, and kind and ready to step out of her comfort zone to go see the cute guy she met earlier play with his band. Even though she misses his set they end up talking late into the night and Simone embraces the discomfort and invites Wild back to her place. He makes her feel seen and valued until he leaves the next morning and never calls again. Decades late our MC's are living their individual lives until a chance encounter brings them back for a second chance but will old hurts and new keep them apart?
I've come to love Kacey Sheas' writing and the whole Wilder family too. Wild Love takes place in Wilder Valley where family is the only thing that could bring Tim Wilder home. When he learns that his cousin Will is passing from Cancer, Wild drops everything to be there for him. The sub-plot and secondary storylines in this series work so well to support the ideas we build around the main characters, seeing familiar faces and learning more about how the family got to where they are and how they will get to their HEA's. Wild so far isn't my favorite of the Wilder siblings but I still loved seeing his story unfold, I'm not looking for mystery in my romances but Shea still keeps me on my toes with little details I don't expect. There's a good balance of angst and steam, the sex is so good but can they trust each other? can they move past their own insecurities?
I received an early copy of Wild Love in exchange for an honest review of the work. I recommend this series to anyone looking for a small town romance with great variety in the MC's but also a good background story bringing them all together. I'm excited to read book 4! Give me Maeve's story.
Dirt Road Secrets by Ashley James
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
"I need you to know that I plan to make you mine in due time, city boy" Copeland Murphy
"You've spent the last few months teaching me... It's my turn to show you a thing or two, cowboy" Xander Dawson
Dirt Road Secrets was sweet and thrilling and spicy, everything needed for a cozy small town romance. As someone that usually reads darker romances and romantasy this book was a shining beacon of snuggly smut!
Xander Dawson thought he knew small town life in Washington but when his aunt needs help with her small farm in Wyoming Xander realizes he's got no clue what small town really means. When his car breaks down just moments from his destination Xander certainly wasn't expecting the handsome cowboy from next door to stop and offer assistance. Copeland Murphy didn't think anything of stopping to help the car on the side of the dirt road leading up to his home, in a town this size it's easy to spot someone new and Xander Dawson is definitely new.
"Xander doesn't look like a cowboy or a farmer, but I like that about him."
"Xander doesn't look like a cowboy or a farmer, but I like that about him."
Dirt Road Secrets features
small town | cowboy | highland cows | Rodeo | Bronc Riding | Bi-awakening | Demisexual representation | MM Romance | golden retriever boyfriend vibes | Dual POV | on-page spice
I've never read from Ashley James before but I'm sold on her writing style from the first chapter. Dirt Road Secrets is book 2 in the Copper Lake series but can be read as a standalone. I found this to be a perfect balance of spice and silly, wanting to laugh along with the characters and blush at the shameless flirting. I loved seeing the entire process of Cope discovering that he has feelings for someone and what that means for him but also Xanders self growth and understanding that he deserves every bit of attention Cope wants to give him. Ashley James describes perfectly the way they grow individually and the ease with which they fit together both physically and emotionally.
I'm all about seeing representation of different sexualities when they're done well and James did it well.
"Sure, it was nice, and it felt good in the moment, but it never seemed like something I couldn't do for myself" She also wrote some great scenes between our two MC's and I can't un-think the "little hoodie" line
"Sure, it was nice, and it felt good in the moment, but it never seemed like something I couldn't do for myself" She also wrote some great scenes between our two MC's and I can't un-think the "little hoodie" line
Dirt Road Secrets was a 5 star read fro me and I would highly recommend it. Personally i'm looking forward to going back for book 1, Eight Seconds to Ride and Book 3 Burning the Midnight Oil.
Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-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? It's complicated
3.0
I started reading this in February for Black History Month, this year one of my goals is to increase the diversity of my reads both in Authors and Characters, this book was a fun way to jump into that for the year. I overall enjoyed the story of Sophia and Constance. This was a three star read for me I enjoyed it but I probably won't re-read it unless i'm doing something Cinderella themed. Cinderella is Dead is a re-imagining of the Cinderella story taking place centuries after her death. Prince Charming did not behave as he was named (I mean who names their kid Charming?) and created the yearly tradition of a ball in her honor. Every girl of age must attend and wish to be chosen by a man. If a girl attends 3 balls, and a man hasn't chosen to take her as a bride she becomes Forfeit and no one really knows what happens to those sent away. Our MC Sophia has known for years that she does not want a Prince or a Husband, she loves Erin and wants to run away with her and find somewhere out from under the thumbs of men. When Sophia flees her first ball the King is furious and will go to any end to find her. Luckily Constance stumbles into her first as Sophia seeks temporary refuge in the tomb of Cinderella herself, the woman who started it all. With the help of a the woman who was once called the fairy godmother Sophia and Constance must find a truth buried 200 years ago but they come to learn quickly that they know less about death then they could've guessed.
I appreciated the tone and pacing of the story, I chose to read and annotate my hard copy while listening to the audiobook at 1.5-2 x speed. The character of Sophia was often frustrating, the kind of girl you may have gone to school with, the one that pines for a boy she shouldn't be with. I wanted to tell her over and over that she didn't love Erin, and that Erin didn't love her I was glad to see her come to terms with her own value and really grow by the end of the story. Constance is fierce and she brings strength to Sophia and they worked well together to unravel the mystery and survive the consequences. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys retellings/reimaginings, and proud feminism. I look forward to reading more from Kalynn Bayron.
I appreciated the tone and pacing of the story, I chose to read and annotate my hard copy while listening to the audiobook at 1.5-2 x speed. The character of Sophia was often frustrating, the kind of girl you may have gone to school with, the one that pines for a boy she shouldn't be with. I wanted to tell her over and over that she didn't love Erin, and that Erin didn't love her I was glad to see her come to terms with her own value and really grow by the end of the story. Constance is fierce and she brings strength to Sophia and they worked well together to unravel the mystery and survive the consequences. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys retellings/reimaginings, and proud feminism. I look forward to reading more from Kalynn Bayron.
Heartstopper Volume 1 by Alice Oseman
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
I really enjoyed the story of Charlie and Nick, I found it to be well written and well illustrated with so much attention to the detail on the characters emotions. I went in not knowing anything about the story except that at least one character was gay and it came highly recommended, Heartstopper turned out to be the beginning of a high school love story for the ages. In volume 1 we're introduced to Charlie and Nick, 2 High Schoolers sat a school for boys. Charlie was bullied last year for being outed and is being taken advantage of still by a bully. Nick is going through his own inner turmoil as his friendship with Charlie feels more and more like the crushes he's had on girls.
I'm bummed I didn't think ahead and get book 2 checked out as well because like the other graphic novel I read today, My only complaint is just how fast I consumed this book.
I'm bummed I didn't think ahead and get book 2 checked out as well because like the other graphic novel I read today, My only complaint is just how fast I consumed this book.
Demon in the Wood Graphic Novel by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
hopeful
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The only negative I can think of for this graphic novel is how fast I devoured it (only about 30 min). If you've read the original trilogy or if you've seen the tv adaptation this prequel is a great addition to the Grishaverse. We get to explore young Alexsander's life before creating the divide between Grisha and Non-Grisha, as part of that we get to see how brutal and violent the conflict was and how much of it was born from misunderstanding and fear. The illustrations are gorgeous and carry so much detail. Pages 135, 151 and 173 are great examples of the dynamic design of the graphics and the way they utilize structured grids as well as white space and overlapping images. I would highly recommend this short story to anyone interested in the Grishaverse either as a first entry point or anywhere in your journey as an extra boost of lore.
Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
The second book in the Wicked Lovely series follows Leslie's story as Aislinn takes on her new responsibilities in the summer court. The new balance of power has left some courts weakened though and the Dark Court Fae are slowly starving. Iriel's plan with Rabbit to use the ink exchange to create a conduit puts Leslie right in the path to her own court alliance.
Re-reading this as an adult it isn't the world changer it was as a preteen whose obsession with fairies was just turning to the darker side. It is will always be a comfort read though and brings back a lot of nostalgia. Marr's writing lends itself well to creating an internal movie as I read.
I think this book is where my tattoo obsession really started as a preteen and at least part of what inspired my thoughts on body modification as a whole. That was something that became a much bigger part of my life years later. Ink Exchange also helped stoke the flames of bad boy crushes with our own King of the Dark Court, Iriel and the brooding handsome loner Niall, while other girls grew out of it I simply went darker.
From my reading notes at 35% "Jesus, it was Niall that was supposed to take over the court for Iriel. IDK what he is but he's crazy strong and I think it's connected to emotions. and I think he's intentionally weakening himself by staying with the summer court. The other fae don't seem to choose their court but rather are assigned based on the type of fae they are so that's another thing that makes Niall different." As I was reading it was right on the tip of my tongue and I got so excited reading this section. The bromance between our dark boys is sweet and snarky and I love it.
I would definitely recommend this series to someone in their teen to younger adult years still, Especially if you love urban fantasy stories about the fae, this books way of combining the fae and mortal realms was unique for it's time and the world building has held up over the years.
Re-reading this as an adult it isn't the world changer it was as a preteen whose obsession with fairies was just turning to the darker side. It is will always be a comfort read though and brings back a lot of nostalgia. Marr's writing lends itself well to creating an internal movie as I read.
I think this book is where my tattoo obsession really started as a preteen and at least part of what inspired my thoughts on body modification as a whole. That was something that became a much bigger part of my life years later. Ink Exchange also helped stoke the flames of bad boy crushes with our own King of the Dark Court, Iriel and the brooding handsome loner Niall, while other girls grew out of it I simply went darker.
From my reading notes at 35% "Jesus, it was Niall that was supposed to take over the court for Iriel. IDK what he is but he's crazy strong and I think it's connected to emotions. and I think he's intentionally weakening himself by staying with the summer court. The other fae don't seem to choose their court but rather are assigned based on the type of fae they are so that's another thing that makes Niall different." As I was reading it was right on the tip of my tongue and I got so excited reading this section. The bromance between our dark boys is sweet and snarky and I love it.
I would definitely recommend this series to someone in their teen to younger adult years still, Especially if you love urban fantasy stories about the fae, this books way of combining the fae and mortal realms was unique for it's time and the world building has held up over the years.
Every Which Way But Dead by Kim Harrison
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A turning point in Rachel’s story.
In “Every Which Way But Dead”, the relationships between the main characters deepen and develop further. Ivy, a member of the core cast, grapples with embracing her vampiric nature while upholding her personal boundaries after they were shattered by Piscary. Jenks, another core character, craves to be seen as an equal member of the firm and struggles to come to terms with Rachel withholding information from him, even if it was justified. Rachel's romantic life takes an unexpected turn as she gives Kisten a chance while waiting for Nick to choose her. Additionally, Trent and Rachel make their first tentative steps towards forming a friendship. Every Which Way But Dead also introduces readers to several new characters who will play significant roles in later books in the series, including Takata, David, Ceri, and Lee. Beyond character exploration, "Every Which Way But Dead" also contributes to the series' rich world-building. Author Kim Harrison expands our knowledge of the Ever After and the Hollows’ diverse Inlander species with emphasis on the Vampires and the differences between living and Undead Vamps. This installment in the series offers readers a deeper look into Rachel's ongoing journey of self-discovery. Subtle hints scattered throughout the narrative tease at revelations about her past. The small details in this book that point toward the truth of Rachel’s past are why this is one of my favorites in the series.
Favorite Quotes
"Look," I said, my finger jabbing out to point at him. "I don't like you. Jenks doesn't like you. And Ivy wants to eat you. Start talking.” - Rachel to Quen
“I'll always be here," he said softly. "You can never fill my need, never drive me away, no matter how much you give me. The good or the bad. I'll always be hungry for emotion, always and forever, and I can feel you hurting. I can turn it to joy. If you'll let me.” Kisten speaking to Rachel
"Most people," he said, "are desperate to be needed. And if they don't feel good about themselves or think they're undeserving of love, some will fasten upon the worst possible way to satisfy that need to punish themselves…” -Kisten
Conclusion
This book dives deeper into the relationships between characters and the intricacies of the world's magic system. It's a reread for me, and while it feels transitional compared to the later books, it still plays a crucial role. It would be easy to skip this book and not realize all the small pieces that are set up here to fall into place later. Knowing the characters undergo significant growth – often fueled by trauma – in later books, gives this one a nostalgic air, a reminder of ‘the good days’ or ‘back when things were easy’. I always recommend this series.
This review was written based on a yearly re-read / re-listen of this series and so I was considering things I knew that someone would not know on the first read through of the series. All that to say if this is your first time reading the Hollows, just give it a chance and push through it's all worth it.
In “Every Which Way But Dead”, the relationships between the main characters deepen and develop further. Ivy, a member of the core cast, grapples with embracing her vampiric nature while upholding her personal boundaries after they were shattered by Piscary. Jenks, another core character, craves to be seen as an equal member of the firm and struggles to come to terms with Rachel withholding information from him, even if it was justified. Rachel's romantic life takes an unexpected turn as she gives Kisten a chance while waiting for Nick to choose her. Additionally, Trent and Rachel make their first tentative steps towards forming a friendship. Every Which Way But Dead also introduces readers to several new characters who will play significant roles in later books in the series, including Takata, David, Ceri, and Lee. Beyond character exploration, "Every Which Way But Dead" also contributes to the series' rich world-building. Author Kim Harrison expands our knowledge of the Ever After and the Hollows’ diverse Inlander species with emphasis on the Vampires and the differences between living and Undead Vamps. This installment in the series offers readers a deeper look into Rachel's ongoing journey of self-discovery. Subtle hints scattered throughout the narrative tease at revelations about her past. The small details in this book that point toward the truth of Rachel’s past are why this is one of my favorites in the series.
Favorite Quotes
"Look," I said, my finger jabbing out to point at him. "I don't like you. Jenks doesn't like you. And Ivy wants to eat you. Start talking.” - Rachel to Quen
“I'll always be here," he said softly. "You can never fill my need, never drive me away, no matter how much you give me. The good or the bad. I'll always be hungry for emotion, always and forever, and I can feel you hurting. I can turn it to joy. If you'll let me.” Kisten speaking to Rachel
"Most people," he said, "are desperate to be needed. And if they don't feel good about themselves or think they're undeserving of love, some will fasten upon the worst possible way to satisfy that need to punish themselves…” -Kisten
Conclusion
This book dives deeper into the relationships between characters and the intricacies of the world's magic system. It's a reread for me, and while it feels transitional compared to the later books, it still plays a crucial role. It would be easy to skip this book and not realize all the small pieces that are set up here to fall into place later. Knowing the characters undergo significant growth – often fueled by trauma – in later books, gives this one a nostalgic air, a reminder of ‘the good days’ or ‘back when things were easy’. I always recommend this series.
This review was written based on a yearly re-read / re-listen of this series and so I was considering things I knew that someone would not know on the first read through of the series. All that to say if this is your first time reading the Hollows, just give it a chance and push through it's all worth it.