bookish_selkie's Reviews (2.14k)

Legend of the White Snake is a beautiful and queer retelling of a Chinese folk tale. Xian was once saved and doomed by a mysterious white snake. It pulled him from a lake, but swallowed the pearl that could have cured his mother. Zhen is a white snake who has been transformed into a snake spirit after swallowing the pearl. When the two meet, an instant connection forms and Zhen is recruited to help Xian hunt down the cure for his mother. When the truth is revealed, will their relationship crumble? 

Legend of the White Snake is a well-paced and captivating retelling. The stunning cover initially drew me in. I love reading LGBTQ+ retellings and also enjoyed learning about the original folktale. Xian and Zhen have a sweet and warm relationship. It was very interesting to see how Sher Lee wrote the magic of the snakes and what it means to be a snake spirit. Legend of the White Snake is an excellent re-imagining of an epic Chinese folktale. Readers who love queer retellings and magical folktales should check out Legend of the White Snake.    

Thank you to Sher Lee, Quill Tree Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

I Did Something Bad follows journalist Khin, who is assigned to report on world-famous actor Tyler Tun. While Khin is initially looking for a Vogue-worthy scoop, she soon learns that Tyler is holding something back.  After a late-night encounter with a stranger gone wrong, Tyler and Khin swear each other to secrecy. Is Tyler truly as golden as he seems or does he have a dark secret? 

I Did Something Bad is a lighthearted and fun rom-com with a touch of murder. Khin and Tyler have a hilarious and relatable banter between them. I enjoyed the deeper thread of Khin’s abortion story coverage, as this is an issue that women face all over the world. Tyler is very sweet and earnest. Tyler and Khin also both have strong connections with friends and family, which was beautifully portrayed. I liked learning about Myanmar as well! 

Readers who enjoyed Finlay Donovan Is Killing it (Elle Cosimano) and Dial A for Aunties (Jesse Q. Sutanto) will love I Did Something Bad. I’m looking forward to reading what Pyae Moe Thet War writes next! 

Thank you to Pyae Moe Thet War, St. Martin’s Press, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Gentlest of Wild Things is the story of a sister who will do anything to save her twin. In a small village, Eirene and her sister Phoebe live with their awful cousin. When Phoebe catches the eye of a mysterious and powerful man on the island, Eirene refuses to allow Phoebe to be stolen away. There’s something strange about Leandros, especially the circumstances under which his last wife died. To take Phoebe’s place, Eirene must complete four impossible tasks. Can she save her sister? 

Gentlest of Wildest Things is a sapphic retelling of the myth of Eros and Psyche, with the inclusion of empousa. This was so well done! The story was tightly paced and hard to put down. I really enjoyed  the exploration of what it means to be a monster, especially in ancient tales. I loved when Eirene and Lamia had to team up to complete the tasks. The storytelling uses well-known aspects of the tale, while including completely original ideas. The empousa storyline was fascinating and I wish more retellings included them.  

Readers who enjoy Greek mythology retellings, sapphic romance, and an unbreakable sisterhood will enjoy Gentlest of Wild Things. 

Thank you to Sarah Underwood, HarperCollins, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A Song to Drown Rivers follows Xishi, a beautiful village girl who is recruited for a dangerous plot. Xishi’s parents will be taken care of for life- but she will need to go undercover as a spy who must capture the heart of a cruel king. Fanli is the king’s advisor who will train her. When a connection blooms between them, there’s no way to act on it without sacrificing valuable battle plans. Does Xishi have what it takes to steal the king’s heart and bring his kingdom down? 

I loved this book so much and literally couldn’t put it down! Ann Liang’s beautiful prose was breathtaking. Every sentence feels written with care and deep intention. Liang does a wonderful job describing all the senses and building a vivid atmosphere. Xishi was my favorite character, with Fanli a close second. Xishi must make terrible sacrifices, but always stays true to the mission no matter the cost. Fanli is a principled character who is protective and swoonworthy. The poignant yearning between Xishi and Fanli is expertly written. Even the smallest touch is weighted with unbearable longing that leaps off the page. The ending was devastating in all the best ways!! 

A Song to Drown Rivers is a beautiful and memorable standalone. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys stunning prose, C-dramas, and a slow-burn romance of intense yearning.

Thank you to Ann Liang, St. Martin’s Press, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

How to Help A Hungry Werewolf is a hilarious and steamy book from Charlotte Stein. Cassandra returns to her hometown upon the death of her grandmother. What she doesn’t expect is to find her former best friend Seth exactly where she left him. When Seth starts acting strange, she learns that there is a magical world that was previously kept from her. Will Cassie embrace her new witchy powers or is it time to leave again? 

My favorite part of this book was the hilarious banter between Seth and Cassie. I also loved the sentient microwave and raccoon familiar. At times the plot danced a little too close to absurdity, but I think once the silliness is accepted then it works. The bullying explanation fell a little flat, though Seth being such a ding dong rang true in making it believable. Seth is the definition of a himbo who is down bad for Cassie. However, Cassie must fight some of her inner demons before she can think about accepting Seth’s love. They make a cute couple! 

Readers who enjoy banter, silliness paired with steaminess, and magical contemporary romance should check this book out. 

Thank you to Charlotte Stein, St. Martin’s Press, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.