30something_reads's Reviews (820)

 I love dark, folklore inspired fantasies. I also love disaster sad-sack characters falling in love. So this duology is a win-win. 

These were just some of my notes as I was reading. I'll compile full thoughts soon. 

 This was just as delightful and whimsical and everyone has said.


I enjoyed reading through the author's noted regarding a lot of the choices she made around historical elements included in the story and the choices made surrounding Dora's neurodivergence:

"- Some people theorize that children historically suspected to be stolen by faeries were in fact neurodivergent all along, and that faerie involvement was simply a fanciful method of explanation for this phenomenon. I love this idea, and therefore enjoy calling myself faerie-cursed." 

Hey, umm how dare you, Shelley Parker-Chan??

 Ohhh. Ow. That was- yes. Right. Onto the next one. 🥲 

It's fine I just was in the mood and then woke up and was no longer in the mood. May come back to it another time.

 Such a charming and refreshing standalone! I didn't want it to end.

With so many lovely nods to Howl's Moving Castle and even lovelier themes, The Maid and the Crocodile is everything that I adore about YA Fantasy:

✨Lush worldbuilding (even as a book set in the established Raybearer duology, I was able to enjoy this without being privy to that story.)
🐊Sweet, well crafter characters that you can't help but root for.
✨A heartwarming found family.
🐊A (sometimes bumbling) love interest absolutely smitten with our heroine from the start.
✨A refreshing romance where our couple challenge and bring out the best in one another.
🐊Magic, mystery, prophecy, revolution, and a sweet little gecko companion. 

This is such a refreshingly subversive series.

I did enjoy this one more for the journey of self-discovery that Helix embarks on, rather than the romance. But, overall, the relationship with Kalu was very sweet.

*I do appreciate the acknowledgement and call outs for the eugenic practices that take place on Zylar 's world (from book 1)* 

"I have never pleased anyone without trying. Never felt that who I am is enough. You are a miracle Beryl Bowman. My miracle."

I was literally in tears over Zylar and how fucking sweet these two were together.

They are so different to one another in every conceivable way and YET 😭♥️ The way their love surpassed and inspired exploration of all their physical boundaries! A truly beautiful alien romance in every possible way.

And SNAPS!!!!! Please, why have I never had an alien book explore the idea of giving a translator to the human's dog (because they aren't sure how primitive either of them are) and now we have a talking good boy companion along for the ride 😩♥️♥️

 Perfect. Gorgeous. Beautiful. No notes.

Honestly though, this is hands down, going to be one of my favorite reads from this year. I intend for it to be my entire personality during Autumn.

This is a beautifully atmospheric fantasy romance. The world and the folklore are vivid, dark, and lovely. A rivals to lovers romance, a murder mystery, and an epic quest set in a politically charged backdrop- this has everything I want in a standalone fantasy.

The slow-burn sapphic academic rivals to lovers plot is so deliciously paced and is enhanced by the single POV from Lorelei. Being inside her head, feeling her animosity, her stubbornness, her yearning- it was ALL to die for. I could ramble for days about how much I love Lorelei as a character. She has so much internalized self-loathing and locks her emotions up tightly to protect herself. It's just so delectable watching her spiral and lose control over Sylvia von Wolff as her rival dismantles all of her walls. And Sylvia is such an effervescent and wonderful balance to all of Lorelei's brooding. UGH. I adore them.

Anyways, yes. You should read this.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced e-copy and thank you to PRH Audio for an early copy of the audiobook. 

 What you’ll find:
✨ Unconventional Workplace Romance
👽 Mulder x Scully Vibes
✨ Cryptid Hunting
👽 Friends to Lovers
✨ Mutual Pining
👽 Only One Bed (in a haunted hotel)
✨ Acespec Rep (MC)
👽 Neurodivergent LI
😺 A cat named Cthulhu

Hallie is a web series producer desperate to prove herself at her company after a horrendous break up with a coworker. Hayden is a big, tattooed nerd/podcaster obsessed with cryptids and other conspiracy theories.

Right away, these two have incredible chemistry when Hallie proposes that Hayden work with her to turn his podcast about conspiracy theories into a web series. When they find out that he is not great in front of the camera, she steps in as his skeptical, quippy co-host and The Out There web series is born.

As Hallie and Hayden begin working side by side, a budding attraction blooms between them that is as obvious on-screen as it is off. While Hallie is hesitant to pursue anything, Hayden is supportive to a fault and these bickering co-host slowly become best friends (who definitely lust after one other.)

My Thoughts:

A little bit silly and oh-so sweet!! I adored these characters. Hallie is working on building her confidence back after her awful ex and she finds such comfort in this work with Hayden (despite her being a non-believer.) And Hayden is just this perfect combination of passionate nerd and understanding sweetheart. He and Hallie are total opposites in a way but manage to have a wonderfully balanced and supportive relationship. Despite their (adorable) banter, they have such genuine affection for one other. I love these nerds. They are the perfect match.

This is a delightful debut from author, Mallory Marlowe! I cannot wait to see what else she comes up with.

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for an early E-ARC and thank you to PRH Audio for a copy of the audiobook!