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anabel_unker's Reviews (1.16k)
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
In WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU VAMPIRES, token 'fat friend' Lily Baines is suddenly thrust into the paranormal world after accidentally becoming a vampire after meeting one. This book primarily focuses on Lily's journey of accepting her new vampire body (which is the same as her human, but with more advanced skills), fighting the growing attraction between herself and her 'master', and avoiding being killed for her status as an unsanctioned newborn.
Like I mentioned, this book is (arguably mostly) centered around Lily's journey into body acceptance. She, similarly to many fat women, has struggled with her weight for most of her life-- and joining the undead makes her look at herself with a new lens. If you personally struggle with your body, and could be triggered by the subject, this book is not for you.
Personally, I struggled most with following the romance. Tristan (the love interest and master vampire) felt simultaneously too controlling and too subservient (an interesting mix that I'm still not sure how it happened). The relationship felt too insta-love/insta-hate, and was mostly physical attraction until they started confessing love.
Overall, this book is a fun, easy read with vampires and romance-- perfect to curl up with during Halloween!
In WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU VAMPIRES, token 'fat friend' Lily Baines is suddenly thrust into the paranormal world after accidentally becoming a vampire after meeting one. This book primarily focuses on Lily's journey of accepting her new vampire body (which is the same as her human, but with more advanced skills), fighting the growing attraction between herself and her 'master', and avoiding being killed for her status as an unsanctioned newborn.
Like I mentioned, this book is (arguably mostly) centered around Lily's journey into body acceptance. She, similarly to many fat women, has struggled with her weight for most of her life-- and joining the undead makes her look at herself with a new lens. If you personally struggle with your body, and could be triggered by the subject, this book is not for you.
Personally, I struggled most with following the romance. Tristan (the love interest and master vampire) felt simultaneously too controlling and too subservient (an interesting mix that I'm still not sure how it happened). The relationship felt too insta-love/insta-hate, and was mostly physical attraction until they started confessing love.
Overall, this book is a fun, easy read with vampires and romance-- perfect to curl up with during Halloween!
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
The First Daughter is for the Throne
The Second Daughter is for the Wolf
The final book in the Wilderwood Duology, FOR THE THRONE primarily follows the story of Neve-- the sister left behind in the first novel-- as she battles to find truth (yes, battles) in the Shadowlands. Accompanied by a sometime-friend-sometimes-foe love interest and former King, Solimir, Neve struggles to fulfill her role as her sister's darker foil.
As in FOR THE WOLF (the first book in the series), the world building is so incredibly rich. There are fleshed out religions, kingdoms, rituals, customs, and cultures-- both 'current' and 'historic'. The Shadowland almost acts as its own character in the book; a world falling apart as the gods who live in it are slaughtered and suspended in the space between time. Neve is a much more complex character compared to her sister, Red, and her acceptance of the role as Shadow Queen required growth and acceptance. And who doesn't love a morally grey character? It's so difficult to truly love and accept them, but Whitten did a wonderful job of explaining the reasoning and logic behind each choice and action-- proving that, at least to the character, they honestly believe they're doing the right thing.
All that said, the book felt a little too slow paced for me. As much as I wanted to enjoy the journeys of the separate groups, I found myself just wanting to skip to the end!
The crowning jewel of FOR THE THRONE was Neve and Red. Their relationship and sisterly love towards one another was so powerful and beautifully depicted, and their unwavering devotion to one another was so clear and realistic. Whitten has a true talent for world and character creation, and this duology was a wonderful read.
The First Daughter is for the Throne
The Second Daughter is for the Wolf
The final book in the Wilderwood Duology, FOR THE THRONE primarily follows the story of Neve-- the sister left behind in the first novel-- as she battles to find truth (yes, battles) in the Shadowlands. Accompanied by a sometime-friend-sometimes-foe love interest and former King, Solimir, Neve struggles to fulfill her role as her sister's darker foil.
As in FOR THE WOLF (the first book in the series), the world building is so incredibly rich. There are fleshed out religions, kingdoms, rituals, customs, and cultures-- both 'current' and 'historic'. The Shadowland almost acts as its own character in the book; a world falling apart as the gods who live in it are slaughtered and suspended in the space between time. Neve is a much more complex character compared to her sister, Red, and her acceptance of the role as Shadow Queen required growth and acceptance. And who doesn't love a morally grey character? It's so difficult to truly love and accept them, but Whitten did a wonderful job of explaining the reasoning and logic behind each choice and action-- proving that, at least to the character, they honestly believe they're doing the right thing.
All that said, the book felt a little too slow paced for me. As much as I wanted to enjoy the journeys of the separate groups, I found myself just wanting to skip to the end!
The crowning jewel of FOR THE THRONE was Neve and Red. Their relationship and sisterly love towards one another was so powerful and beautifully depicted, and their unwavering devotion to one another was so clear and realistic. Whitten has a true talent for world and character creation, and this duology was a wonderful read.
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
At its heart, ON ROTATION– a perfect example of the burgeoning New Adult genre– is the story of someone growing up. Angie Appiah prides herself on her “perfect” eldest daughter and med school student status, and tries to ignore her bad luck in love. At 25, she’s facing entering one of the hardest years in med school with a breakup and poor test result looming over her.
This story follows Angie’s growth during that third year of med school– the ups and downs of her friendships, the hard work and dedication she puts forth in her trials and rounds, the redefining of her relationship with family, and (of course) the love interest Ricky.
While there was a fair amount of insta-love– the author, Obuobi, does a masterful job of making Angie and Ricky’s relationship feel real. There was SO much angst, a healthy amount of “will they won’t they”, and the general awkwardness that is dating today. There were so many wonderful aspects of this book: the inclusion of Ghanaian culture, LGBTQ+ representation, medical bias pertaining to black people, the overall horror of medical school… I can confidently say that everyone will find something in this book that speaks to them.
At its heart, ON ROTATION– a perfect example of the burgeoning New Adult genre– is the story of someone growing up. Angie Appiah prides herself on her “perfect” eldest daughter and med school student status, and tries to ignore her bad luck in love. At 25, she’s facing entering one of the hardest years in med school with a breakup and poor test result looming over her.
This story follows Angie’s growth during that third year of med school– the ups and downs of her friendships, the hard work and dedication she puts forth in her trials and rounds, the redefining of her relationship with family, and (of course) the love interest Ricky.
While there was a fair amount of insta-love– the author, Obuobi, does a masterful job of making Angie and Ricky’s relationship feel real. There was SO much angst, a healthy amount of “will they won’t they”, and the general awkwardness that is dating today. There were so many wonderful aspects of this book: the inclusion of Ghanaian culture, LGBTQ+ representation, medical bias pertaining to black people, the overall horror of medical school… I can confidently say that everyone will find something in this book that speaks to them.
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
THE BOOK OF GOTHEL follows Haelewise– the daughter of the local midwife and an unimportant fisherman– and her journey to becoming the famed witch in Rapunzel. Set in twelfth century Germany, GOTHEL weaves elements of folklore, herbalism, Christianity, and in paganism into an incredibly rich tapestry. Haelewise is born into a family with a deep magic history– both her mother and grandmother practiced under the guidance of a mother goddess, and in GOTHEL she struggles to fit together all the pieces of her history and future.
The amount of research that has gone into this book is evident, there was so much care and attention to the details of the story that make it feel vibrant. There was the use of several different languages, customs, and religions– and each aspect felt intentional and purposeful.
Most of the book took place during the childhood and adolescence of Haelewise, with the majority of the story we know taking place in the final chapters. I personally loved the inclusion of different fairytales, specifically Snow White, if you’re looking. THE BOOK OF GOTHEL Perfect for fans of Circe and Hamnet, or anyone who enjoys fantastical retellings.
THE BOOK OF GOTHEL follows Haelewise– the daughter of the local midwife and an unimportant fisherman– and her journey to becoming the famed witch in Rapunzel. Set in twelfth century Germany, GOTHEL weaves elements of folklore, herbalism, Christianity, and in paganism into an incredibly rich tapestry. Haelewise is born into a family with a deep magic history– both her mother and grandmother practiced under the guidance of a mother goddess, and in GOTHEL she struggles to fit together all the pieces of her history and future.
The amount of research that has gone into this book is evident, there was so much care and attention to the details of the story that make it feel vibrant. There was the use of several different languages, customs, and religions– and each aspect felt intentional and purposeful.
Most of the book took place during the childhood and adolescence of Haelewise, with the majority of the story we know taking place in the final chapters. I personally loved the inclusion of different fairytales, specifically Snow White, if you’re looking. THE BOOK OF GOTHEL Perfect for fans of Circe and Hamnet, or anyone who enjoys fantastical retellings.
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
A masterful modern gothic, THEY DROWN OUR DAUGHTERS follows five generations of women driven to the brink of sanity (and sometimes beyond) by a shadow in the depths, calling their name and pulling them towards the frothy waves. They say the family line is cursed, and who can blame them based on history? Mother after mother, abandoning daughter after daughter for something beyond the shallows.
Told by five generations of women, DAUGHTERS is a twisty, atmospheric read that explores not only what the curse actually is, but the mother-daughter relations between each victim. The first 2/3 of the book is gripping, while the last 1/3 (until the last few chapters) slows down a bit. But the read is worth it.
Heartbreaking and otherworldly, DAUGHTERS is perfect for anyone who enjoys supernatural, horror, thriller or gothic stories with a twist.
A masterful modern gothic, THEY DROWN OUR DAUGHTERS follows five generations of women driven to the brink of sanity (and sometimes beyond) by a shadow in the depths, calling their name and pulling them towards the frothy waves. They say the family line is cursed, and who can blame them based on history? Mother after mother, abandoning daughter after daughter for something beyond the shallows.
Told by five generations of women, DAUGHTERS is a twisty, atmospheric read that explores not only what the curse actually is, but the mother-daughter relations between each victim. The first 2/3 of the book is gripping, while the last 1/3 (until the last few chapters) slows down a bit. But the read is worth it.
Heartbreaking and otherworldly, DAUGHTERS is perfect for anyone who enjoys supernatural, horror, thriller or gothic stories with a twist.
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
An adorable and hilarious collection of comics featuring common (and uncommon) crytids! They live, they laugh, they love-- and it's utterly charming. Sarah Anderson is easily one of the most recognizable comics of the millenial generation, and she certainly did not fail with this newest collection. I found myself laughing out loud several times, and (at the very least) smiling the rest of the time.
If you're looking for a quick and funny read full of bit sized comics, go on an join the CRYPTID CLUB.
An adorable and hilarious collection of comics featuring common (and uncommon) crytids! They live, they laugh, they love-- and it's utterly charming. Sarah Anderson is easily one of the most recognizable comics of the millenial generation, and she certainly did not fail with this newest collection. I found myself laughing out loud several times, and (at the very least) smiling the rest of the time.
If you're looking for a quick and funny read full of bit sized comics, go on an join the CRYPTID CLUB.
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
Lydia Grey is stuck. At almost forty, she's stuck in a seperation from her husband. She's stuck living with her parents. She's stuck in a job she hates. She's stuck going on awful date after awful date. When she finds Lily Benentt's bucket list in the bottom of her shopping cart-- she figures she doesn't have a lot to lose. So Lydia becomes Lily (at least to the knowledge of her handsome new Bucket-List buddy), and tries to become someone ... if not better, then different.
A delightful rom-com inspired novel, this book is equal parts romance and self-growth-- a balance not always acheived. There's humor, romance, bromance, heartache, and laughter. And who knows, LILY BENNETT"S BUCKET LIST may just inspire you to make a bucket list of your own!
Lydia Grey is stuck. At almost forty, she's stuck in a seperation from her husband. She's stuck living with her parents. She's stuck in a job she hates. She's stuck going on awful date after awful date. When she finds Lily Benentt's bucket list in the bottom of her shopping cart-- she figures she doesn't have a lot to lose. So Lydia becomes Lily (at least to the knowledge of her handsome new Bucket-List buddy), and tries to become someone ... if not better, then different.
A delightful rom-com inspired novel, this book is equal parts romance and self-growth-- a balance not always acheived. There's humor, romance, bromance, heartache, and laughter. And who knows, LILY BENNETT"S BUCKET LIST may just inspire you to make a bucket list of your own!