Tuesday, October 29, 2024

REVIEW: Don't Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews

Don't Let the Forest In
My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Don't Let the Forest In is a haunting exploration of love, identity, and mental illness. The story centers around Andrew, a young boy haunted by his inner demons, whose intense connection with his twin sister Dove and deep infatuation with his best friend Thomas shape much of his world. Both Andrew and Thomas channel their complex emotions through creative outlets—writing and artwork, respectively—adding layers to their relationship and underscoring the novel's exploration of artistic expression as a form of self-discovery and coping.

Writing this review was a challenge, but only because the book left such a profound impact that I needed time to process it. The author’s poetic and evocative prose creates an eerie, haunting atmosphere that resonates long after the final page. The sensitive treatment of mental illness and sexual identity offers a raw glimpse into the struggles faced by both boys, portraying their experiences with honesty and depth.

And then there’s that ending—a masterfully executed twist! No spoilers here, but I found myself rereading certain sections, marveling at the subtle clues the author planted along the way. The conclusion is as satisfying as it is mind-bending, drawing everything together in a way that both shocks and satisfies.

If you’re drawn to slow-burn stories that lead to dramatic, unforgettable conclusions, Don't Let the Forest In is a must-read. This is a tale that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advance Readers Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#DontLettheForestIn #NetGalley

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Saturday, October 19, 2024

REVIEW: Impractical Magic by Emily Grimoire

Impractical Magic
My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Impractical Magic is a delightful blend of mystery and romance that makes for a perfect read during the witchy season. While it doesn't fit all the classic definitions of a cozy mystery, it certainly carries that cozy, whimsical vibe that fans of the genre will enjoy.

The story follows Scarlett, who, after leaving her hometown of Oak Haven a decade ago for a new life in San Francisco, returns only to find that magic in the town has gone completely haywire. Books are coming to life, random portals are opening up everywhere, and there's a bizarre culinary twist where entire menus taste like Spam—it's ridiculous, but in the best possible way.

Scarlett teams up with her two sisters and her long-lost maybe-boyfriend, reuniting after 10 years apart, to solve the mystery of why the town’s magic has gone off the rails. Their dynamic adds a charming layer of tension and humor to the story as they work together to restore balance to Oak Haven.

The book is cute, enchanting, and filled with just the right amount of magical chaos. It's a quick, enjoyable read that’s perfect for readers looking for something lighthearted and fun. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from Emily Grimoire!

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Avon, for an Advance Readers Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #ImpracticalMagic

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Friday, September 27, 2024

REVIEW: The House at Watch Hill by Karen Marie Moning

The House at Watch Hill
My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Poor Zo Gray—after the tragic death of her mother and the strain of juggling three jobs to support them both, she suddenly finds herself the recipient of a bizarre inheritance in a quaint, magical town called Divinity. Sounds like a stroke of luck, right? But with the inheritance comes a long list of challenging contingencies. The real question is, can Zo survive them all?

Where do I begin with this review? The story—LOVED IT! The blend of gothic mystery, paranormal intrigue, and witches (LOVE!) kept me absolutely hooked. The plot had my heart racing, and I especially appreciated that the romance aspect was kept to a minimum—refreshingly light on romance and the occasional hint of passion, without overwhelming the main storyline.

The author’s use of poetic, almost flowery language added to the atmosphere of the story, but I did find myself relying on my Kindle dictionary more than usual. The complex vocabulary, while beautiful, could be a bit challenging at times, though it fit the gothic tone well. Honestly, I can’t imagine reading this without the handy lookup function that comes with ebooks!

One thing that threw me off initially was the use of past tense, which is something the author did in the Fever series as well (at least in the first book). It took some getting used to, but once I adjusted, I was completely immersed in the world-building and the unique writing style.

Overall, this is a captivating start to a trilogy that I’m so excited to continue. It cannot end on that cliffhanger! Fans of gothic mystery and paranormal fiction will want to dive into this one, and I’m eager to see where the next book takes Zo and her wild journey.

I want to thank NetGalley and William Morrow for allowing me ARC access to this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
#TheHouseatWatchHill #NetGalley

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Monday, August 19, 2024

REVIEW: The Dishonest Miss Take by Faye Murphy

The Dishonest Miss Take
My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Faye Murphy's debut novel, The Dishonest Miss Take, offers a thrilling and imaginative journey through a steampunk-infused Victorian England. The story centers on the snarky and sassy Miss Clara Blakely, known to the tabloids as Miss Take. Being the daughter of London's most infamous criminals, Clara is determined to clear her tarnished name, and thus volunteers for the Hero Brigade, a decision that thrusts her into a world of fantastical elements and high-stakes adventure.

In this richly crafted universe, pollution and smog have endowed many of London’s "heroes" with extraordinary abilities, and Clara is no exception. However, when a new and sinister force emerges to terrorize the city, Clara must draw on her powers while befriending a band of intriguing assassins to confront the looming threat.

Murphy’s novel is a splendid blend of steampunk, fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery, with a smidge of romance, creating an engaging and immersive experience. The narrative is lively and filled with inventive details, making it a captivating read from start to finish. Clara’s journey is both thrilling—showcasing her resilience and bravery in the face of danger—as well as heartfelt, as she comes to learn quite a bit about herself along the way. If you’re a fan of imaginative, historical worlds and gripping adventures, The Dishonest Miss Take is a must-read.

A special thank you to NetGalley and BHC Press for providing an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

#TheDishonestMissTake #NetGalley


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Friday, June 07, 2024

REVIEW: The Persephone Code by Julia Golding

The Persephone Code
My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

In the midst of the early 19th century, a captivating tale unfolds, drawing readers into a world of mystery and intrigue. The courageous and unconventional Dora takes center stage, embarking on a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns to uncover the dangerous truth behind her brother's unexpected death. As she and the enigmatic Dr. Jacob Sandys begin to unearth details surrounding both her brother's and a series of other perplexing deaths in the small parish of West Wycombe, a perilous adventure unravels, shrouded in secrecy and danger.

The Persephone Code was an absolute page-turner! The character development and historical context made it a truly enriching experience. The slow start set the tone perfectly for the time period, and once the action picked up, it was impossible to put down. A fantastic read that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a compelling historical novel with elements of secret societies and a dash of romance.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, One More Chapter, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. While I received it free of charge, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

#ThePersephoneCode #NetGalley

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Tuesday, May 21, 2024

REVIEW: The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

The Familiar
My Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆

Step back in time to the bustling streets of Madrid, Spain, during the time of the Spanish Inquisition. Meet Luzia, a young and resourceful scullion in the employ of Valentina and Marius Ordoño. Luzia possesses a remarkable gift for performing milagritos, or small miracles. But as word of Luzia's extraordinary talent gets around, she draws the attention of some very influential individuals who would seek to exploit her talents for their own gain. All of which sets the stage for a captivating tale of scheming, greed, and ambition as Luzia navigates a world filled with secrets and unexpected alliances.

If you're looking for a well-crafted and intriguing read, steeped rich in history, you're in for a treat. While things may start off a bit slow, the second half really picks up steam and is quite engaging. I really loved Santángel's character—it's hard not to be intrigued by someone whose sigil is the scorpion. And his story adds a whole other dimension to Luzia's.

Thank you, Leigh Bardugo, for another fantastic read!

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Monday, April 15, 2024

REVIEW: A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft

A Dark and Drowning Tide
My Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

A Dark and Drowning Tide was an entertaining read that held my interest with it's sense of mystery, combined with fantasy, folklore, and dark academia.

Lorelei is a sharp-tongued folklorist leading a mission to find a magical river for the current monarch. But when the mission goes awry and dead bodies start turning up, she turns to her arch nemesis for help, only to discover there's so much to unravel, including her feelings.

Honestly, I had a hard time warming up to Lorelei for about half the book. She's extremely acerbic and quite scathing in her conversations with others most of the time. As the story goes on however, you begin to understand why she is the way she is, and feel for her a little bit. I was happy to finally see her snide outer shell cracked. In my own life however, I would probably just end up writing someone like that off... but I suppose if she were your boss, you wouldn't have a choice, right?

I loved Sylvia and her wild, impetuous demeanor. But beneath her carefree attitude are multiple layers overlying a heart of gold. She was definitely one my favorite characters—her and Ludwig. He was so open yet outrageous—the perfect best friend. I wish we got more of him.

Overall the story, the mystery, and the world building kept me engaged and intrigued. So what that I didn't like the MC so much... Sylvia and Ludwig more than made up for it. :)

This book releases September 17, 2024, but you can preorder it at Amazon now.

Thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing me with an Advance Readers Copy of this book. The contents of this review are entirely my own.

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Saturday, March 09, 2024

REVIEW: Weyward by Emilia Hart

Weyward
My Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆

One of the best books I've read in awhile!! I can't wait to read more from this debut author.

Weyward is the story of 3 women, connected thru time. The writing style is both evocative and engaging, and I love the witchy vibes!

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