Travelers Along the Way: A Robin Hood Remix was a compelling and action-packed read. My historical knowledge about The Crusades is limited to the basics, but Safi effortlessly brings readers up to speed. I love the sibling relationship between Zeena and Rahma, it was so realistic. Sometimes having a sibling means you would do anything to protect them, but that also includes a good bit of fighting (but no one else can fight them-only you!). 

Rahma and her sister pick up a motley crew along the way, which was a joy to experience as they became found family. I loved how Safi explained how she dealt with history and what we know and don’t know. Women have always been strong, LGBTQ+ relationships have always occurred, and there is always another side to a conflict. Safi handles incredibly complex subject material with empathy and compassion. This book is hilarious, while creating strong emotional moments between the crew. My favorite strategy is: “Please Good Sir, I’ve Lost My Camel.” It felt reminiscent of Marvel’s Thor and Loki’s iconic “Get Help” strategy. 

This was a fantastic and much-needed retelling. I was really moved by the author’s acknowledgements at the end and was very impressed with all that she overcame to bring this book to publication. I look forward to reading more of her work! Travelers Along the Way is my new favorite version of Robin Hood! I would recommend it to readers who enjoy found family, action-packed plot, and retellings. Thank you so much to Aminah Mae Safi, Feiwel & Friends, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 
 

All My Rage is a book that is so raw and blazing that it demands all your attention. I read it in two sittings. Sabaa Tahir is one of my favorite authors to begin with, so I couldn’t wait to read her latest contemporary. She absolutely blew me away, with lines of prose that brought me to tears and then made me laugh aloud. Some lines were so beautiful that I paused to reread. I was struck by the unique joy that there are others in the world whom we may never meet, but who have felt the exact way we have. There is such pain, grief, beauty, and joy within these pages.

Salahudin and Noor are such lovable characters. You’ll find yourself rooting for them, wishing you could hang out with them, and witnessing their incredible character growth. Intertwined with Salahudin and Noor is Toufiq and Misbah’s story. Their story is equally as visceral as the present, unveiling important moments and memories. I already can’t wait to reread this book and experience the journey again. It makes sense to me that this is a book that took Sabaa fifteen years to write. It is a gift- filled with loss, pain, metamorphosis, resiliency, and the joy of being alive. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Thank you so much to Sabaa Tahir, Penguin Teen, and Bookish First for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Daughters of a Dead Empire is a fast-paced and gritty story of two girls who initially couldn’t seem more different. In this alternate history, Anna and Evgenia find themselves on opposite sides during the Russian Revolution. When they are forced to work together for mutual survival, they learn some universal things that bind together. But Anna is keeping a very important secret- one that will be devastating if it gets out.

I’m always interested in stories that relate to Anastasia, I think because for so long people really believed that there was a possibility she could be alive. While sadly this was proven not to be true in 2007, there’s still something that makes one wonder “What if?” This is a well-paced and action-packed story that considers some of the very real obstacles that the real Anastasia would have had to face. In addition, O’Neill tackles the inequality and systemic issues that were problems during the Russian Revolution.

Daughters of a Dead Empire would be the perfect book for anyone interested in learning more about the Russian Revolution, Anastasia, and thrilling historical fiction. I’m looking forward to seeing what Carolyn Tara O’Neill writes next! Thank you so much to Carolyn Tara O’Neill, Roaring Brook Press, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

*Do check the TWs or message me, as there are some brutal and violent (historically accurate) scenes. 

The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea was a highly anticipated book for me and it did not disappoint. The cover is simply breathtaking and the story is filled with stunning imagery and sensory details. Axie Oh’s writing is lyrical and poetic. Readers will find themselves rooting for Mina against insurmountable odds as she attempts to save her family and village from the whims of capricious gods. The characters are mysterious and carefully unveil what is truly happening in the strange new spirit world that Mina has found herself in. 

Mina’s journey is an atmospheric and captivating story. I loved the twists and reveals that were thoughtfully built into the story. I can’t wait to reread and look for all the clues that I may have missed on my initial reading. The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea is a romantic, moving, and dreamy tale. I hope we see more from this world one day! Maybe a novella to follow up on these characters? I’m looking forward to reading more from Axie Oh. I would recommend this for fans of Spirited Away, Daughter of the Moon Goddess, and Roshani Chokshi. Thank you so much to Axie Oh, Feiwel & Friends, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.