zoe_o_'s reviews
418 reviews

Spell Bound by F.T. Lukens

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adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted tense 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

Utterly delightful!

In Nightfall by Suzanne Young

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adventurous dark emotional tense medium-paced

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

3.75

A decent YA read. A modern version of The Lost Boys.

Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious 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? No

5.0

As a Louisiana native, it's very easy to find books set in New Orleans, but much less so to find ones that portray the city (and voodoo especially) with respect. I was shocked to learn Terry wasn't from here, as this is the most respectful rendition of New Orleans magic fantasy I've ever seen.
Blood Debts follows a Black family who have had their rightful place as leaders in the magical world taken away from them. When their mother almost dies from a curse, twins Cris and Clem decide to find out once and for all who has it out for their family. The web of hate and lies they uncover is bigger than they imagined.
The story itself was enchanting, and the characters endearing. But I was always especially impressed by the author's depiction of magic in New Orleans.
I'm absolutely snatching up the sequel when it comes out.

The Moth Keeper by K. O'Neill

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-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? No

4.0

A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon

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adventurous emotional hopeful 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? No

5.0

Shannon's Priory of the Orange Tree had such an impact on me that it's been my favorite book for years. I never pass up an opportunity to recommend it to new readers. So I absolutely smashed the request button (and preordered a physical copy) when I saw A Day of Fallen Night.
A Day of Fallen Night is a stand alone prequel to Priory. Though it is set in the same world, and Priory readers will recognize many of the characters, you do not need prior knowledge of this world to enjoy this title. Shannon does an excellent job of expanding upon existing characters and locations without retconning her previous work.
It was an excellent story, in a vibrant world, and I will absolutely be rereading it in the future.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Lost Girls by Sonia Hartl

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adventurous dark emotional lighthearted fast-paced