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2.14k reviews by:
bookish_selkie
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Namesake is the stunning conclusion to the Fable duology. I could not wait to return to Fable’s world and continue her journey! As Fable retraces her parents’ steps in a desperate race to pay off a steep debt, Fable and West are tested like never before. When family secrets are revealed, the stakes rise, and Fable must make difficult choices about her family and future. I found myself completely spellbound, unable to put the book down until it reached its enthralling conclusion.
One of my favorite things about Adrienne Young’s writing is how vivid and clear each scene is that she paints. You can taste the salt from the ocean, feel the sway of the boat as it cuts over the waves, and bask in the warmth of the sun. Her characters feel real and complex, with deeply compelling motivations. As a reader, an instinctive connection is formed with them, which makes the story that much more captivating.
Namesake is an immersive story, which pulls you in and doesn’t let go until the very last page. It is the gripping story of a strong heroine determined to save her family, friends, and outwit a host of shadowy enemies. The world-building is exquisite and I didn’t want the story to end. If you haven’t read Fable, you should read it first before diving into Namesake. This is one of my favorite duologies and I’m so glad that I had the chance to experience Fable’s story! Namesake releases March 16, 2021. Thank you so very much to Adrienne Young, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
One of my favorite things about Adrienne Young’s writing is how vivid and clear each scene is that she paints. You can taste the salt from the ocean, feel the sway of the boat as it cuts over the waves, and bask in the warmth of the sun. Her characters feel real and complex, with deeply compelling motivations. As a reader, an instinctive connection is formed with them, which makes the story that much more captivating.
Namesake is an immersive story, which pulls you in and doesn’t let go until the very last page. It is the gripping story of a strong heroine determined to save her family, friends, and outwit a host of shadowy enemies. The world-building is exquisite and I didn’t want the story to end. If you haven’t read Fable, you should read it first before diving into Namesake. This is one of my favorite duologies and I’m so glad that I had the chance to experience Fable’s story! Namesake releases March 16, 2021. Thank you so very much to Adrienne Young, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Faye thought that the most difficult choice she’d need to make would be about college applications. Instead, her world changes overnight when a mysterious new student appears. Faye learns that there’s a world called the Ether, filled with mythological creatures. When the new student is revealed to be a magical protector searching for her, Faye discovers that she has a place in this magical world. But before she can adjust, Faye must quickly learn to use magic before a power-hungry villain causes chaos.
In Faye and the Ether, well-known myths and creatures we assume we know are creatively re-imagined. Mythological politics, power plays, and magical lessons create a compelling story. Faye’s struggle to adapt to the magical world was very relatable and I enjoyed seeing her form connections with a wide cast of characters! I absolutely love that there were selkies in this story; I hope we see more of them. I would recommend this if you’re seeking YA featuring magical adventures, mythological creatures, and LGBTQ rep. This was a very fun adventure and I’m looking forward to seeing how it continues! Faye and the Ether is out now! Thank you to Nicole Bailey, BooksGoSocial, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In Faye and the Ether, well-known myths and creatures we assume we know are creatively re-imagined. Mythological politics, power plays, and magical lessons create a compelling story. Faye’s struggle to adapt to the magical world was very relatable and I enjoyed seeing her form connections with a wide cast of characters! I absolutely love that there were selkies in this story; I hope we see more of them. I would recommend this if you’re seeking YA featuring magical adventures, mythological creatures, and LGBTQ rep. This was a very fun adventure and I’m looking forward to seeing how it continues! Faye and the Ether is out now! Thank you to Nicole Bailey, BooksGoSocial, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Touraine is a soldier, returning to the land she was stolen from as a child. Luca is an unproven princess, sent to a deal with rebels that are ready to overthrow the empire that has long ruled them. If Luca is successful in quelling the uprising, will she be able to take the throne back from her scheming uncle? Will Touraine find her biological family and will it be at the cost of her found family? The Unbroken follows both Luca and Touraine when they are forced to collaborate. As a web of familial ties and convoluted loyalties pull taunt, Touraine must decide who and what she will fight for.
The Unbroken by C.L. Clark is a gritty and action-packed adventure. Clark has serious writing talent and slowly builds tension and conflicting motivations for all the characters. The writing style is detailed and descriptive; you’ll feel like you’re standing next to Touraine in the sweltering heat of the desert. The world-building is incredibly good and Clark creates a fully-developed world. Initially, I found myself struggling to understand all the intricacies and history of the world, but once that clicked I was swept up in a thrilling and heartbreaking story.
With excellent foreshadowing and complex sapphic romance, at a certain point it becomes very difficult to put this book down! I absolutely loved the LGBTQ rep and queernorm world-building. Clark effortlessly handles topics of racism and colonialism, weaving them into a vibrant fantasy world. It’s clear that C.L. Clark will be an author to watch and I can’t wait for book two to see what happens next! I would highly recommend you pick up a copy! The Unbroken releases on March 23, 2021. Thank you so much to C.L. Clark, Orbit Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Unbroken by C.L. Clark is a gritty and action-packed adventure. Clark has serious writing talent and slowly builds tension and conflicting motivations for all the characters. The writing style is detailed and descriptive; you’ll feel like you’re standing next to Touraine in the sweltering heat of the desert. The world-building is incredibly good and Clark creates a fully-developed world. Initially, I found myself struggling to understand all the intricacies and history of the world, but once that clicked I was swept up in a thrilling and heartbreaking story.
With excellent foreshadowing and complex sapphic romance, at a certain point it becomes very difficult to put this book down! I absolutely loved the LGBTQ rep and queernorm world-building. Clark effortlessly handles topics of racism and colonialism, weaving them into a vibrant fantasy world. It’s clear that C.L. Clark will be an author to watch and I can’t wait for book two to see what happens next! I would highly recommend you pick up a copy! The Unbroken releases on March 23, 2021. Thank you so much to C.L. Clark, Orbit Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
She’s Too Pretty to Burn immediately caught my eye with the premise of a sapphic thriller, inspired by The Picture of Dorian Gray. When Mick and Veronica meet for the first time, Veronica is fascinated by how Mick hates being photographed. Mick is focused on the swim team and helping her mom pay the rent, while Veronica is focused on her photography and art. A photo that was never supposed to be taken goes viral, creating very different consequences for Veronica and Mick. The photo sends both girls down dangerous paths and they’ll need to fight for their lives before the last page...
Wendy Heard does a fantastic job with incorporating elements from Dorian Gray, along with a murderous stalker and twisty social media exploits. The plot builds until you feel that you can’t possibly look away. She’s Too Pretty to Burn addresses what it means to be a muse, image ownership in a digital age, jealousy, and falling in love! This book was a breath of fresh air. I loved the LGBTQ rep, clever side characters, and masterful unraveling of the menacing climax. Both Veronica and Mick were compelling characters, together and apart, so to see their love story unfold was beautiful.
She’s Too Pretty to Burn is the perfect book for those looking for a thriller and intense romance in one story. A glorious and fast-paced adventure, this is not one to miss. This is my first book by Wendy Heard, but it won’t be my last! You do not need to have read The Picture of Dorian Gray to enjoy this book. Thank you to Wendy Heard, Henry Holt and Co., and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wendy Heard does a fantastic job with incorporating elements from Dorian Gray, along with a murderous stalker and twisty social media exploits. The plot builds until you feel that you can’t possibly look away. She’s Too Pretty to Burn addresses what it means to be a muse, image ownership in a digital age, jealousy, and falling in love! This book was a breath of fresh air. I loved the LGBTQ rep, clever side characters, and masterful unraveling of the menacing climax. Both Veronica and Mick were compelling characters, together and apart, so to see their love story unfold was beautiful.
She’s Too Pretty to Burn is the perfect book for those looking for a thriller and intense romance in one story. A glorious and fast-paced adventure, this is not one to miss. This is my first book by Wendy Heard, but it won’t be my last! You do not need to have read The Picture of Dorian Gray to enjoy this book. Thank you to Wendy Heard, Henry Holt and Co., and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.