In this volume, we get to see how Yuriko and Gakurouta first met and eventuallly came to their arrangement. I liked getting the history behind it, and it overall added complexity to their characters. While I didn't like this volume as much as I liked the first volume, I'm loving the fact that they're exploring a platonic marriage. Because there is very little represetnation of that in literature, at all.

I wasn't a huge fan of the communication thing and the suspicion of possibly of another partner. I did enjoy the introduction of a new character, though, and the way that character helped Gaku understand some things about Yuriko. But dang, that cliffhanger! I should have waited until more volumes were out.

I still think that Graceling and Fire are two of Cashore's best works, and I haven't felt that from these recent installments in the Graceling universe. Don't get me wrong, I love this world and I think it's fascinating. We get back to some of the politics towards the end of this book, which is when I think Cashore is at her strongest. Political intrigue, great characters. That's the magic for her.

Hava, the main character in this one, isn't the most likeable at the beginning, but her journey is one of reckoning with the abuse and neglect she faced as a child. Throughout, she's able to work through that, to allow herself to trust once again. It's a character arc that really works, and the addition of the foxes does wonders. The foxes were honestly my favorite part of this book!

However, I would love if Cashore focused on a different aspect of this world if she wants to keep writing Graceling books. Show me a different set of characters, with maybe a mention of those we already know. It would help build the world even more, and the world is one of the best parts of this series.

All in all, I enjoyed this, but not as much as the early Cashore books.

This was adorable! It hits on some heavier issues without becoming too bogged down with them. This first volume is mostly introducing us to the characters and giving us a little background to why they're in the situation they're in. There is an emphasis put on platonic love, and we always love to see that. After all, it's just as important as romantic love!

Sure, there are some bumpy moments in this, but I'm curious to see where it goes after this initial introduction. The characters are extremely likeable, and they have great chemistry together. Can't wait to see where this goes next!

Clark is stuck in a time loop. He has been for 309 days now, and he can’t figure out how to get out of it.  But on day 310, something different happens. His math class is interrupted by a boy he’s never seen before. A boy that Clark finds himself wanting to follow.

As Clark follows this new boy, Beau, in errands around Chicago, he learns new things about himself. He also realizes that he might be falling for him. But how can you form a relationship with someone when you’re stuck in the same day? Will Clark ever be able escape his time loop and get back to his regular life? And what will happen if he can't?

Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an advanced copy of If I See You Again Tomorrow by Robbie Couch to review! It’s Robbie Couch, so you know I had to pick this one up! So far, none of his books have been a disappointment.

As per usual, Couch’s characters are what really drive his story. You may think because Clark is stuck in a time loop that the side characters aren’t as developed, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Clark makes friendships throughout the story, forming relationships even when they completely forget about him until the next time they see him. It’s really some masterful character writing!

Clark’s emotional journey in this book is also so well done. Yes, he is stuck in a time loop, which isn’t something anyone can necessarily relate to. But ultimately, the book is about Clark learning how to make new connections and become less lonely. To deal with his parents’ divorce and his best friend moving away. That loneliness is something a lot of teens, queer teens especially, can relate to. 

I still love The Sky Blues, but I think this book might be Couch’s best writing yet. Plus, I guarantee you’ll want to try to figure out how to make blue velvet brownies once you finish it.

Definitely pick this one up when it comes out in April!

This book is very much a character-driven story, mostly about the ways that teenagers lives can get messy. And the fact that they make mistakes, and it's okay. It's not world ending. This is Turner's debut novel, but she's got a talent for writing authentic teenage voices. I will happily read another book by her, if and when it happens.

So many teenagers will likely to relate to Aaliyah's story, whether they're struggling with similar things at home, trying to figure out dating/their sexuality, and still trying to maintain friendships when everything else seems like it's falling apart. Aaliyah is a strong protagonist for this book, with an authentic voice, surrounded by characters who are just as fleshed out as her. It's one of the main reasons I was so drawn into the story. Character-driven books are my jam.

Overall, this is definitely a strong debut, and I can't wait to see what Erika Turner comes up with next.

I think the concept of this was unique and interesting, and I really found the entire concept facsinating. The idea of spiders spreading curses is something I haven't seen in YA fantasy before, and Hardinge has a sort of whimsy about her writing that feels like a fairy tale. Objectively, the book is well written and fans of Hardinge's other books will definitely enjoy this one.

However, I just didn't really connect with the overall story. I don't know if it was the characters or the main conflict or what. It was enjoyable while I was listening to it, but it's likely not a book that I'll visit again. 

These books may be short, but I feel like they have so much to say. They are just thoroughly enjoyable as novellas, packed with so much character and heart. Between this and In the Lives of Puppets, who knew that you could care so much about robot characters? Trust me, you'll realize that when In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune comes out in April.

One of the things that resonated the most with me in this book was towards the end, when Dex was talking about how they believed that other people deserved to just exist and didn't need to work for their comfort, but they didn't believe that about themselves. There are so many people that I know that also think the way Dex does, and we should be more like Mosscap. You don't need to earn your comfort! If you need a book that's just going to be a comfort to read, I definitely recommend these.

Such a lovely little book, quite in nature and just a good book to read on a cold night with a cup of tea. It really does embody the idea of coziness, and I thoroughly enjoyed the characters. Though it is Becky Chambers, so you shouldn't be surprised that it has a great cast of characters. While I've only read one of her other books, I can tell you the characters stood out in that book, too.

I think one of my favorite aspects of this book was the ending, where Mosscap and Dex are having a conversation about doing things that matter. It's something I think a lot of people feel, needing to do something that lasts, that makes a difference. But Mosscap thinks differently; what's the harm in just existing? Definitely something that humanity needs to get better at.

All of the tea ceremonies, and just the interactions between Mosscap and Dex were great throughout. It was a calm, happy book, and if you're looking for something lovely to get lost in for a little while, I definitely recommend this.

 Thanks to NetGalley and Balzer + Bray for an advanced copy of Nic Blake and the Remarkables by Angie Thomas to review! It’s Angie Thomas’s first middle grade, so I obviously had to see what it was all about. This book is funny, full of heart and magic, but isn’t afraid to still tackle tough issues. Middle grade readers are going to eat it up!

There’s a lot about this book that reminded me of Percy Jackson, from the tone to the kids having to go on an epic quest. Fans of those books will definitely enjoy this one. The world that Thomas creates is a fun one; the concept of Remarkables was a fun way to introduce magic. There’s also a bit of a twist on the classic chosen one trope, and I can’t wait to see how it gets played out in future books.

Even though Thomas is known for her YA books, it’s clear she knows how to also write for a middle grade audience. The action keeps the story moving quickly, and there’s a lot of humor throughout. Plus, the characters are just overall fun and relatable. Not only is Nic well-developed, but there is a colorful cast of side characters that just makes the book great.

For Thomas’s first middle grade, I’d classify this as a huge success! 

This book was just...too long. Personally, I think there was a lot of drama included at the beginning that probably could have been cut out. Let's do some editing, people. Get rid of unnecessary plot points! I would also say that this isn't Clare's best finale. But I finished it! We'll see if she does another Shadowhunter series after this.

Also, there's a lot of hiding things and miscommunication in this book, adding to a love triangle and in my opinion, creating unnecssary drama. Some of the characters also made some strange decisions in this, not really matching with the first two books in the series. For me, James was the most frustrating, since he didn't want to be straight forward with Cordelia. You're married! You both love each other! Just tell her what had been going on!

Anyway, if you're a fan of the Shadowhunter books, you'll probably enjoy this one. It just wasn't my favorite of the Shadowhunter books.