A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen My rating: 1 of 5 stars The Gist Oh, where to begin with A Fate Inked in Blood? It had such promise—Viking lore, a strong female lead, and a plot dripping with destiny and magic. Sounds epic, right? Unfortunately, the execution left much to be desired. The Details First, let’s talk about the characters. Our heroine, Freya, is supposedly a fierce, independent woman destined for greatness. Yet, somehow, she spends most of the novel embroiled in romantic drama that feels straight out of a soap opera. It’s hard to root for someone who is constantly torn between brooding love interests instead…
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The Book of Pearl
The Book of Pearl by Timothée de Fombelle My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Book of Pearl in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Book of Pearl by Timothée de Fombelle is a captivating and enchanting tale. It seamlessly blends fantasy, adventure, and romance. The novel is set in a world where reality and imagination intertwine. The story takes readers on a magical journey through time and space. It weaves together the lives of its diverse cast of characters in a tapestry of love, loss, and redemption. The…
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Women of the Dunes
Women of the Dunes by Sarah Maine My rating: 5 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Women of the Dunes in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Sarah Maine’s Women of the Dunes is a haunting and atmospheric novel that seamlessly weaves together the past and the present, exploring themes of family, legacy, and the enduring power of myth. The Details Set against the rugged backdrop of the Scottish coast, the story follows the intertwining lives of three women separated by centuries but connected by fate. In the present day, archaeologist Libby Snow…
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Aix Marks the Spot
Aix Marks the Spot by Sarah Anderson My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Aix Marks the Spot in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Sarah Anderson’s Aix Marks the Spot offers a light and engaging read, ideal for fans of cozy mysteries. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Aix-en-Provence, the novel provides a delightful blend of travel, mystery, and a touch of romance, though it occasionally falls short in terms of plot complexity and character depth. The Details Anderson’s vivid descriptions of Aix-en-Provence are a highlight of the book, transporting…
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Terraformer
Terraformer by Colleen Houck My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Terraformer in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The story centres around a young protagonist named Astra Meador, who is part of a pioneering team tasked with transforming a barren planet into a habitable world. As Astra and her teamwork against the clock to complete their mission, they encounter unexpected challenges and mysteries that threaten not only their mission but also their lives. The plot is fast-paced and filled with twists, as the team uncovers secrets about the planet and…
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Olav Audunssøn I. Vows
Olav Audunssøn I. Vows by Sigrid Undset My rating: 5 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Olav Audunssøn I. Vows in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Olav Audunssøn I. Vows by Sigrid Undset is a masterful historical novel that transports readers to medieval Norway, where love, honor, and ambition collide in a world of political intrigue and religious upheaval. Undset, a Nobel Prize-winning author, demonstrates her unparalleled skill in crafting richly detailed narratives and complex characters that resonate with depth and authenticity. The Details At the heart of the story is Olav…
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Radar Girls
Radar Girls by Sara Ackerman My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Radar Girls in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Radar Girls by Sara Ackerman is a poignant and immersive historical fiction novel that shines a light on the often-overlooked contributions of women during World War II. Set against the backdrop of Hawaii in the early 1940s, Ackerman skillfully weaves together a tale of courage, resilience, and camaraderie amidst the chaos of war. The Details At the center of the story is Daisy Wilder, a spirited young woman who defies…
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You Can Go Your Own Way
You Can Go Your Own Way by Eric Smith My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of You Can Go Your Own Way in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist You Can Go Your Own Way by Eric Smith is a sweet and heartwarming young adult romance that offers a delightful, albeit predictable, read. Set against the backdrop of a small, struggling pinball arcade in Philadelphia, the story brings together two unlikely characters who must navigate their differences and personal struggles. The Details The plot centres on Adam Stillwater, who is fiercely…
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The Stars Between Us
The Stars Between Us by Cristin Terrill My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Stars Between Us in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Stars Between Us by Cristin Terrill is a young adult science fiction novel that follows Vika Hale, a girl from the lower echelons of society living on a poverty-stricken planet. Vika’s life takes a drastic turn when she learns she is the heiress to a massive fortune left by a wealthy benefactor. As she is thrust into a world of luxury and intrigue, she must…
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This Vicious Grace
This Vicious Grace by Emily Thiede My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of This Vicious Grace in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist This Vicious Grace introduces us to Alessa, a young woman with a powerful but dangerous gift meant to protect her people. The Details The novel presents a unique magic system centered around Alessa’s gift and her role as a Finestra. This concept is fresh and adds an interesting dynamic to the story. Thiede crafts a vibrant and detailed world with its own customs, politics, and history. The setting…
