The Goblins of Bellwater by Molly Ringle My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Goblins of Bellwater in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist While The Goblins of Bellwater by Molly Ringle has its merits, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, earning it a 3-star review. The Details One aspect that may contribute to a middling rating is the predictable nature of the plot. The storyline, while engaging, follows some well-trodden paths in the fantasy romance genre. Readers who are familiar with common tropes in these types of…
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Three Kisses, One Midnight
Three Kisses, One Midnight by Roshani Chokshi, Sandhya Menon, and Evelyn Skye My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Three Kisses, One Midnight in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Three Kisses, One Midnight by Chockshi, Menon, and Skye is a whimsical journey into a world of enchantment and romance. While the novel offers moments of magic and charm, it falls short of achieving a perfect spellbinding experience, earning a modest three-star rating. The Details The plot revolves around the protagonist, whose destiny is intertwined with three magical kisses beneath the…
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The Sunken City
The Sunken City by Emma V.R. Noyes My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Sunken City in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Sunken City by Emma V.R. Noyes is a spellbinding journey into the depths of imagination, where an ancient city and its secrets come to life beneath the waves. Noyes crafts a fantastical tale that seamlessly blends magic, mystery, and adventure, creating an enthralling reading experience. The Details The narrative unfolds as the main character with a thirst for discovery, embarks on a quest to unravel the…
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These Feathered Flames
These Feathered Flames by Alexandra Overy My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of These Feathered Flames in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist These Feathered Flames invites readers into a lush and magical world where elemental powers and complex relationships take center stage. This young adult fantasy weaves together themes of duty, sisterhood, and the enduring power of self-discovery. The Details The novel introduces readers to twin sisters, Asya and Izaveta, who possess opposing elemental abilities—fire and ice. Overy deftly explores the dynamics of their relationship, creating characters with depth and…
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Brief Chronicle of Another Stupid Heartbreak
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Brief Chronicle of Another Stupid Heartbreak in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Adi Alsaid’s Brief Chronicle of Another Stupid Heartbreak is a competent entry into the realm of young adult contemporary fiction. The novel explores the familiar terrain of teenage love and heartbreak with a mix of humor and genuine emotion. The Details The protagonist is a relatable character with authentic struggles and growth throughout the story. Alsaid skillfully captures the rollercoaster of emotions that come with navigating relationships in adolescence. The writing is straightforward and engaging, making it…
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The Cold is in Her Bones
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Cold Is in Her Bones in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Cold Is in Her Bones by Peternelle van Arsdale is a solid addition to the young adult fantasy genre. The novel, while engaging, falls into the familiar territory of fairy tale retellings and coming-of-age stories. With a foundation rooted in classic themes of curses, folklore, and self-discovery, the narrative builds a world that is both enchanting and ominous. The Details The characters are well-crafted, and the author successfully explores themes of isolation and the consequences of…
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Jinxed
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Jinxed in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Jinxed by Thommy Hutson is a spine-chilling thriller that expertly weaves together elements of suspense, supernatural horror, and psychological tension. Hutson masterfully crafts a narrative that is engaging, with each chapter unveiling new layers of mystery and dread. The Details The strength of the novel lies in Hutson’s ability to create a palpable atmosphere of unease. The town becomes a character in itself, its secrets and malevolent history casting a pervasive sense of foreboding. The author skillfully explores the psychological toll on…
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The Dark Beneath the Ice
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Dark Beneath the Ice in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Dark Beneath the Ice is a gripping and atmospheric journey into the unknown, skillfully blending elements of the supernatural with the challenges of adolescence. Amelinda Bérubé weaves a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, balancing the eerie with the emotional intricacies of the protagonist’s journey. The Details Bérubé’s writing is atmospheric and evocative, immersing readers in the chilling world that the protagonist inhabits. The exploration of mental health themes is woven seamlessly into…
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Anatomy – A Love Story
Anatomy – A Love Story by Dana Schwartz My rating: 1 of 5 stars The Gist Okay, so I have been absent from the book review world for a long time. Well, it feels long to me. With last year being the crap cherry on the crap sundae, I couldn’t focus on anything but making it through 2023 with that little shred of sanity intact. About halfway through last year, my insomnia took a lovely and intense turn for the worst, and I changed my entire sleep hygiene in an attempt to fall asleep before 4 am. This included making it a habit to read before bed to calm down…
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Starborn – Worldmaker Trilogy #1
Starborn – Worldmaker Trilogy by Lucy Hounsom My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher, Sourcebooks Fire, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Starborn in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Starborn by Lucy Hounsom is a gripping and imaginative fantasy novel that takes readers on a thrilling adventure through a beautifully crafted world of magic, mystery, and danger. The novel follows the journey of Kyndra, a young girl who discovers that she has the power to control the elements and that she is destined to play a crucial role in the fate of her world. The Details…
