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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Stars Crossed – Silberblut
Stars Crossed – Silberblut by Alexandra Stückler-Wede My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Stars Crossed – Silberblut in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Stars Crossed – Silberblut presents an intriguing premise that draws readers into a world filled with star-crossed lovers and celestial drama. The narrative begins with an engaging hook, setting up the stakes for the main characters and their fateful connections. The world-building is imaginative, with vibrant descriptions of both the celestial and earthly realms, providing a lush backdrop for the unfolding story. The Details However, while…
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Immortality: A Love Story
Immortality: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz My rating: 1 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Immortality: A Love Story in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Dana Schwartz’s Immortality: A Love Story, the sequel to Anatomy, attempts to expand on the gothic atmosphere and medical intrigue of its predecessor. It ultimately struggles to maintain momentum or deliver a satisfying continuation of the story. While there are moments of intrigue, the novel is marred by pacing issues, underdeveloped characters, and a plot that often feels meandering and unfocused. The Details At the center…
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The Things They’ve Taken
The Things They’ve Taken by Katie McElhenney My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Things They’ve Taken in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Things They’ve Taken by Katie McElhenney offers a unique blend of fantasy, adventure, and young adult drama. It follows the journey of Lo, a girl whose mother has been taken by a supernatural force. To rescue her, Lo teams up with a mysterious and brooding guide named Shaw. They venture into a strange and dangerous world filled with magical creatures and perilous challenges. The Details…
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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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Cold Fire: Shakespeare’s Moon
Cold Fire: Shakespeare’s Moon by James Hartley My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Cold Fire: Shakespeare’s Moon in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist James Hartley weaves a captivating tale in Cold Fire: Shakespeare’s Moon. This novel, the second in the Shakespeare’s Moon series, masterfully intertwines the timeless themes of Shakespeare’s works with a modern-day setting. The Details The story revolves around a mysterious boarding school where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur. Hartley’s writing is both engaging and thought-provoking, drawing readers into a world where Shakespearean motifs…
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Maiden
Maiden by Teresa A. Harrison My rating: 2 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Maiden in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Maiden by Teresa A. Harrison is a novel with an intriguing premise and a richly imagined world, but unfortunately, it falls short in several key areas, leading to a disappointing reading experience. The Details The book’s setting is one of its strengths, with Harrison creating a vivid and atmospheric medieval landscape infused with elements of magic and political intrigue. The initial setup promises an exciting journey of personal growth and adventure…
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Paper Girl
Paper Girl by Cindy R. Wilson My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Paper Girl in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Paper Girl by Cindy R. Wilson is a compelling and heartfelt young adult novel that delves into the complexities of mental health, personal growth, and the power of human connection. Wilson masterfully creates a tale that is both touching and inspiring, leaving readers with a profound sense of hope and understanding. The Details The story centres around Zoe, a teenager who suffers from agoraphobia, confining herself to the safety…
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What Happened That Night
What Happened That Night by Deanna Cameron My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of What Happened That Night in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Deanna Cameron’s What Happened That Night is a compelling young adult thriller that delves into themes of trauma, family secrets, and the quest for truth. While the novel delivers an engaging and suspenseful narrative, it occasionally falters in character development and pacing, making it a solid but not exceptional read. The Details The story centres around Clara Porterfield, a teenager grappling with the aftermath of a…
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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…
