bookish_selkie's Reviews (2.14k)

Heir is one of my favorite books that I’ve read so far this year! Heir is a much-longed for return to the world of An Ember in the Ashes, but this time following Helene’s nephew Quill. It is finally time for Quill to assume the crown, but disaster strikes the empire before he can. To save the empire and his family, Quill must work with an unlikely ally and retrace the history that brought them to this point. 

Even though I just finished Heir, I already can’t wait to reread it! Sabaa Tahir is one of my favorite writers and I was thrilled to be going back to the world of An Ember in the Ashes. It was a joy to see familiar characters make appearances and see what happened after the last page of the quartet. 

From the beginning, I was swept away by Sabaa’s rich worldbuilding. Heir is an exploration into different areas of the world not explored in the original quartet. One of my favorite things about Sabaa’s writing is the poignant sensory details that make you feel as if you walk alongside the characters. The descriptions of the food, smells, magic, and locations are excellent. 

Sabaa Tahir is a writer who will make you shriek out loud at the incredible twists that she pulls off. Her beautiful prose and witty dialogue make you want to highlight every word. I loved the characters so much, especially Sirsha and Quill. Sirsha was such a compelling character with deep secrets and fascinating magic. I loved the romance that sprung up between Sirsha and another character (no spoilers!); I can’t wait to see how it continues. 

I would highly recommend Heir to anyone! I truly can’t wait to see how Sabaa continues the story and am so happy she returned to the world of An Ember in the Ashes. 

Thank you to Sabaa Tahir, Penguin Teen, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Two Can Play is the latest captivating romance from Ali Hazelwood. Viola and Jessie both work as indie game developers, though at very different companies. When the companies join together on a special game pitch, they must overcome their rivalry or risk losing the contract. Will Viola finally learn why Jessie can’t seem to stand her?

Two Can Play is a sweet and satisfying romance. It has all the classic Hazelwood tropes! Viola and Jessie are an enemies-to-lovers romance, with a sprinkle of misunderstandings. He’s tall; she’s small. Readers who enjoy workplace romance and forced proximity will love this. Even in such a short format, the storyline about the game Limerence felt realistic. I wish that we could see more of Viola and Jessie’s story (and play the game!), but it was still very fun. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did an excellent job.

Thank you to Ali Hazelwood, Spotify Audiobooks, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Slowest Burn is a stunningly beautiful romance. Widowed at a young age, Ellie is struggling to keep herself afloat. With so many people depending on her help, Ellie simply can’t take on one more project. Unfortunately for her, she is paired with celebrity chef Kieran to help him write a cookbook. While Kieran excels in the kitchen, he doesn’t in planning and certainly not writing. Ellie is frustrated as she begins their ghost-writing journey together. As the tensions between them rise, will they be able to work together? 

The Slowest Burn is achingly sweet and tinged with the complex grief that Ellie feels. Not only does she miss her husband, but she also feels a responsibility to look after his parents. This aspect felt so realistic. Kieran also has challenges he’s overcome and a difficult childhood that he still deals with. Ellie and Kieran are a swoonworthy couple- Ellie grounds him, while Kieran invites her to step out of her comfort zone. It was very fun when they had to work on recipes together for a week and grew closer than they anticipated.

 The Slowest Burn is a fantastic contemporary romance debut from Sarah Chamberlain and I can’t wait to read what she writes next! Readers who love cooking, slow-burn romance, and delightfully real characters will devour this book. 

Thank you to Sarah Chamberlain, St. Martin’s Griffin, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

The Thirteenth Child is an enchanting retelling. Hazel has known her whole life that she has been promised to a god. A god who would come for her and change her life. But when no god appears, Hazel and her family are forced to make difficult choices to survive. As she grows up, Hazel is finally claimed by the formidable god known as The Dreaded End. Hazel’s new godfather has a gift for her- she will become a healer. As she learns how to give and take life, Hazel must decide when to use her power and when she is meddling with fate. 

The Thirteenth Child was mesmerizing! I couldn’t put it down. This is a dark fairy tale retelling and there are no simple happy endings here. Hazel had such a unique healing power gifted to her and I appreciated her strong desire to help as many people as possible. Every piece of power that Hazel is given or seeks demands a price in return. The romance felt a little rushed at the end, but I enjoyed how the focus of this story was always on Hazel and her choices. The Thirteenth Child is an atmospheric and enchanting retelling that I would recommend to anyone. 

Thank you to Erin A. Craig, Delacorte Press, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

The Worst Duke in London follows Effie, who is content to never marry as long as it means she doesn’t need to compromise on her animal rescue efforts. Effie can’t stand the ballrooms of London, but will happily ruin her dresses to save animals in need. Duke Gage is almost done paying back his late brother’s debts, when he is presented with a deal he can’t refuse. All the debt will disappear, but he has to convince Effie to go to London. As Gage gets to know the strong-willed and passionate Effie, feelings between them start to become real.

Effie and Gage have a passionate and hilarious romance. Effie will never ignore an animal in need and convinces Gage to help in some truly comedic ways. While they initially are not impressed with each other, Effie soon shows Gage her ingenious designs that range from farming to animal welfare. I enjoyed that because of their experiences, neither Gage or Effie find themselves too bound by the rigid expectations of society. Both of them have been betrayed by the arbitrary rules that guide society and find solace in each other instead. I appreciate the historical research that was included and which illustrated that actual Victorian ladies sought pleasure and education. 

The Worst Duke in London is the charming story of the worst spinster and the worst duke in London and what happens when they meet. It is passionate, hilarious, and filled with excellent characters. I’m looking forward to reading more romances from Amalie Howard! 

Thank you to Amalie Howard, Forever, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Nightstrider is an adventurous adult fantasy from Sophia Slade. This was my first time reading her work but definitely won’t be the last! Wren is the Nightstrider, a fearsome terror of the night who is bound to a villainous ruler. When Wren becomes involved in a rebellious plot, she meets Alaric. Alaric is a nightmare who was once thought to be dead. As Wren and Alaric race to outwit the ruler, where will their journey take them?

Nightstrider is an engaging and fast-paced read. The four main characters are intriguing, with dangerous hidden secrets. I’m excited to see how the relationships progress, both friendship-wise and romantically. The world-building of weavers, nightmares, and luminae was beautifully designed. The writing is accessible and would be a great entry-level adult fantasy for readers who are new to the genre. 

Nightstrider is ideal for readers who love fantasy, unlikely allies to lovers, and fast-paced adventure. I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next! 
 
Thank you to Sophia Slade, Orbit, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.