Absolutely incredible! This is the book I wish I had when I was little. It’s funny and super relatable. I actually wasn’t expecting to connect with it this much, but it has the representation (both Islamic and cultural) I needed and wanted. The rules part was perfect and 100% described me when I was 5. And the different kinds of suitors cracked me up, especially the visa one

(Major trigger warnings for physical and emotional abuse)

I actually don't know what to say.

This book was weird and creepy and a little confusing.

I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style. It was fine to read, but just not my favourite. There's a lot of broken up sentences, which I guess is used to show how Trish is feeling and processing her thoughts and emotions, and I think that fit with how this story is told, but it did feel a bit jarring to read.

The setting itself was nice in a way. It takes place in Toronto, mainly Scarborough, and it was nice to have a book take place somewhere I've been before. I also liked how the main character is Trinidadian Indian. My placement preceptor in Scarborough was also from Trinidad and there are so many aspects of the culture (especially the food) that are similar to mine.

My issue is with the story itself. There's a paranormal aspect that was never explained. But I'm assuming it's more a result of the trauma Trish has been through. Her memory sort of comes back in pieces, like her brain tried to block out what has happened because of the shock. She starts to realize things slowly, but whenever she brings anything up, she's shot back down in fear by her mom or her neighbour Pammy, or her Aunt K. The soucouyant parts were actually really creepy and I'm assuming were used to show the state Trish's mental health is in and not necessarily that her mom is actually a witch. But it's hard to tell because the narrator is unreliable sometimes.

Besides that, the biggest issue I had was the abuse. Trish's dad abuses her mom, and Trish's mom abuses her too, physically and emotionally. (This book needs a lot of trigger warnings because there are quite a few scenes that just made me sit there in shock.) The abuse isn't ever questioned though. Trish recognizes that her mom has been through a lot with her dad and her new boyfriend, but the entire time she says how the abuse she faces at her mom's hands is okay because it's her mom's job to raise her this way, and how she never tries to block her mom because her mom needs to hit her. The end is even worse because instead of Trish realizing that all these lies are not right, that this abuse from her mom, her neighbour and her aunt are wrong, she goes along with the story they've come up and continues living this lie. It's just...I don't know. I finished reading this book and I don't know what to say. I didn't love it, but it was definitely an engaging book, I just don't know if it was done that well.

I was drawn to this book because of the synopsis (after Gretal told me to read it), but then, only two chapters into the arc, I was completely hooked.

This book is about revenge and justice. It's about four girls who form a pact against the wolves who targeted one of them. It's about friendship and loyalty. It's about guilt. And it's about what people let happen behind closed doors. It's dark and creepy and powerful. The writing is magical and ethereal, and it creates such a haunted atmosphere for this book. Despite this being a contemporary, there is something otherworldly about the way Hannah Capin words her sentences. It's done so well and really left me on the edge of my seat.

I love the message behind this book, though I probably wouldn't suggest going about revenge this way. Jade is such a strong, but also terrifying character. Watching her get into Mack's head and make him do what she wanted done was scary. Every interaction she has with the boys and Piper, left me in awe at her power. She is a witch, and her deception and her twisted way with words are perfect.

Mads was probably my second favourite of the girls. She's just so supportive of Jade, and while she speaks her mind and reminds Jade to stick to the plan, I didn't find her to be annoying like Jenny. I really didn't like Jenny at all, and while I get Summer has feelings for her, I think Summer could totally do better. Jenny just came off as argumentative and stubborn, and it just made me angry whenever she was arguing with Jade. Jade and Mads dynamic was so much more interesting to read for me.

Lilia was a bit of a surprise for me at the end there.

Spoiler

I'm surprised the coven took her in so easily, considering she was aware of what the boys said and didn't do anything either. I guess because of the way Duncan treated her, made them more sympathetic?
I do wish there was more though. I really want to see how things pan out at the end. There are things hinted at, but I really want to see how it all came to be.

Overall, highly recommend. It was such a quick and engrossing read! Thank you to NetGalley for the arc!!

This was such a fun contemporary read! I don't think I've smiled so much while reading a book in a while. The writing was beautiful and I loved the little snippets we get of Kit's past. And I loved the setting so much! For someone who doesn't usually read contemporary, I liked how this story takes place in a medieval-themed restaurant, but we still have the everyday contemporary aspect of life. Kit's little middle ages facts were a nice touch too.

This book also deals with a lot of serious topics. We see how Kit, her brother Chris, and her mom live after Kit's dad left them. How they have to set aside their dreams in order to survive. How they don't always have food in their fridge, no electricity, and how Kit has to scrounge up some napkins from restaurants to use as toilet paper. It's real and raw and sad how much they struggle, but their love for each other really gets them through anything. I loved Kit and Chris' relationship. It's the perfect mix of teasing and annoying but also so much love. Chris is the best older brother. He cares so much for Kit and encourages her and is always on her side and she is exactly the same to him. It's so precious and tbh made me emotional. That's the kind of relationship I like to see in books.

The romance in this book started off good. I don't mind friends to lovers all that much. It's nice having that foundation, knowing you already have similar interests etc. But I was a bit confused about how things were resolved in the end. I really wish we could have seen Jett's side of everything because we have no idea what's going on in his head, and his excuse is that he was shocked and didn't know how to react, but at the same time he had always wanted this to happen. I just didn't get why they made the Unbreakable Rules. I know worrying about messing up a friendship is a decent reason, but it didn't make sense to me why they were keeping it up when it's so obvious to everything that they're both into each other lol

Also, I will admit that I hated Lens for most of this book. He's so selfish and doesn't really care about making changes at the Castle until the end and it's because it'll benefit him more than anyone else. He annoys me, but at the same time he did try to help out Chris. Lars, Kit's dad is awful, and I felt like he kind of came off easy near the end of this book. I guess I was expecting a bigger confrontation and for him to not give up so easily.

Overall, a really fun read. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a contemporary book to pick up at some point!

This manga series will always make me happy no matter what. Is it time for a Barakamon rewatch? I think so

Beautiful, poignant, powerful.

I have no words to describe this masterpiece. I haven't read many books written in verse, but this one captured the entire story so well–the emotions, the pain, the anger. This book made me realize that while there have been some changes over the last few centuries, it still isn't enough. I felt seen and heard in this book in a way I haven't in others. And not because I've gone through what Artemisia went through, but the feeling of being powerless and trapped and ignored is universal, especially for women.

Cannot recommend this one enough. Wish I could see the play

Time to be controversial yay

The one good thing about this book is that the writing didn't annoy me like it did in The Star-Touched Queen. I'm not a fan of overly flowery and poetic prose, and this book didn't do that and made it a lot more readable. I do have a bone to pick with the dialogue and banter. It felt stilted and awkward, as if the author was trying too hard. I remember feeling this way too when I read Aru Shah and the End of Time. The aim is to make the readers laugh and fall in love with the characters and the group dynamic but it just doesn't work. We're sort of thrown into this world and there isn't much lead up to how Severin and his friends became a thing. Then Hypnos is thrown in and he goes back and forth between acting like a child to being super flirty and it's a bit jarring? I mean he stomps his foot and pouts a lot and I can't believe he's actually a patriarch of a whole house. I do see some moments that were kind of nice between the characters. Especially how observant Laila is and how she tries to make everyone comfortable, especially Zophia. Also little things with Enrique and Tristan. I preferred them plotting to bantering though.

The entire plot and so many moments were way too similar to Six of Crows. To the point where I was rolling my eyes. Heist books are great. We all love Six of Crows. But what's the point of copying key parts of another series and just changing a few things. Severin and Laila's relationship mirrored Kaz and Inej's too much. I also didn't get Severin and Laila's thing?? It just didn't make me feel anything at all, which is probably mostly me, but maybe because a lot of stuff happened before the book started, we're sort of just told they have a past, and a bunch of angst and chemistry is written in. Laila mirrored Inej in her abilities to dance and be super graceful and quiet. Severin even has a walking stick at one point and I'm pretty sure it's to emulate the whole Kaz Brekker aesthetic. I saw similarities between Wylan and Tristan, and also Wylan and Zophia. Enrique and Jesper too. And while I understand that Leigh Bardugo hasn't patented certain characteristics and behaviours, it was just too similar for me to ignore.

I do appreciate the diversity and the look into how difficult it is being of mixed race, or having a different skin tone, or religion. The setting was also interesting and not one I usually read. The magic system was unique and the history surrounding the Order was really fascinating to read and I loved how it connected so much to history.

But the ending annoyed me. The whole scene with Severin and Laila and the classic "Because I saved you, someone else got hurt, so now I will push you away with horrible words and insults rather than come to terms with how I feel" moment. And then the second to last scene where Laila felt really out of character...

Just not a huge fan overall. Don't think I will be reading the second book.

I have nothing but great things to say. I love Immortals so much!! Just every aspect of it. From our tol, goofy mage who is equal parts sweet and absentminded...to our headstrong main female lead, Daine...to all the animal friends and the new and old characters we get to see! This book has so many moments that made me want to cry. It’s just ahhjskdkd perfection

Reread 2020!

I don’t know if it’s just the mess our world is in right now, but I did have a little trouble making my way through this book. My concentration hasn’t been the best and Gretal told me it was her least favourite of the series, and I might have to agree. It’s still really good, but it’s kind of slow and not a lot happens until the very end. It’s just a lot of talking to different animals and observing etc. But the end was nice to read. I’m excited to get to the third book, which might be my favourite

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If you guys love animals this is definitely a series you should read! One quote that really stood out to me:

"It seemed as if, ever since she had come here, someone was telling her that because she didn't like a creature's looks, it didn't mean that creature was bad."

Such an important message of tolerance vs. racism.

Hi, I love this book! It was exactly what I needed to get out of this weird book slump. And I wish it was out for everyone else to read since I think it's a perfect distraction when you're social distancing. I will say though, this book is STRESSFUL. It actually gave me anxiety, but in a good way. I loved the feeling, yet also didn't at the same time, but that's one of the wonderful things about books. The fact that they can make you feel this way, and just totally immerse you into a story, is amazing!

I definitely got major Eliza and Her Monsters vibes from this book. I think there was even a little reference, though I'm not sure. It's a lot more painful for the reader though since both Halle and Nash have an established relationship online when they actually meet irl. But it's great, and intense, and also full of really sweet moments.

I loved Halle and Ollie's relationship so much! I wish there were more great sibling relationships in YA. Ollie is honestly the best brother ever. He's always there for Halle, even when she isn't always there for him. He's understanding and supportive and cares so much, yet he also tells her how it is and doesn't excuse her for her bad decisions.

I also really enjoyed all the Jewish aspects of this book. It's not something I've seen a lot in books? Though I also very rarely read YA contemporary. But it was nice to see Halle and Ollie going along to Shabbat and the other Jewish celebrations and holidays. I like how it was just a part of their regular lives, and even though they aren't super practicing, seeing them attend services and become a part of the community was just a nice touch. I like reading about characters who have that other part to their lives just because it's something I can relate to more as a Muslim.

While this book is a YA contemporary romance, I did like the focus on friendship and how difficult it can be maintaining a friendship, especially when life is a mess. I grew to love Molly and Amanda a lot. They're great friends to Halle, and I liked seeing the journey Halle goes on discovering who she is and how she can become a better friend to others.

As for Halle and Nash. They were super cute and I did love all their moments and interactions. The whole build up to the reveal was terrifying and so stressful though, and Nash's reaction was honestly perfect, but I will admit that I was a little disappointed with how things were resolved. I just felt like we needed a bit more. Halle explaining things in more detail, Nash finally listening, but also super hesitant and needing time. I wasn't expecting things to jump back to normal right away. And I honestly wanted more even after that? I wanted to see Halle graduate, maybe get a scene of her settling into college, and I wanted more backstory on how Nash convinced his parents to let him go away for college.

But overall, it was a really great read. I loved the format of this book especially. The texts and tweets and emails were a nice way to tell the story and broke up the regular prose really well. I love books with unique formats and honestly want more of them just because of how quick and easy they are to read, plus also super relatable.

Overall: 4 stars!