bookish_selkie's Reviews (2.14k)

I really enjoy Naomi Novik’s work, so I was very excited to read this anthology.  I enjoyed the opening tale, which focused on a noblewoman who must use all her wits to survive a pirate attack. I love pirate stories and the role reversal was excellent. I liked the shortened version of Spinning Silver and hope it draws new readers into that world. Another story that I particularly enjoyed was “Blessings.” I love the theme that blessings can have a twist to them and what one views as a curse, another views as a strength. 

One of my favorite stories was the re-imagining of Elizabeth Bennet as a dragon rider. I loved her interactions with the dragon, the agency it gave her, and how parts of the beloved story still shone through. Another story that will haunt my thoughts long after the last page is “Seven.” In this creative and atmospheric tale, a young woman is forced to accept a deadly gift. She must sculpt a new statue for the city, but it will inevitably shorten her lifespan. With three young children, she is determined to make the most of her time. This story did an excellent job of reminding us that no one knows how much time they have and that all power comes with a price. That price may or may not be worth it, depending on your perspective. 

The final tale is a peek into a new world, which promises to be spectacular. I love ocean adventures and was intrigued by the mysteries the crew found as they ventured off the map. The sibling relationship was so relatable! Buried Deep and Other Stories has something for everyone; I would highly recommend it. I can’t wait to read what Naomi Novik writes next! 

Thank you to Naomi Novik, Del Rey, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Can’t Help Falling in Love is a lighthearted romance that follows strangers Lexi and Will. Will steps in to save Lexi from an awkward encounter and the two form a connection. As they stumble into a fake engagement, what will they do when they start to form real feelings? 

Sophie Sullivan writes a lighthearted and accessible romance in Can’t Help Falling In Love. I didn’t enjoy this as much as I hoped to, but I do think other readers will love it. I liked reading about Lexi’s relationship with her mom and their bittersweet shared grief over her father’s passing. 

The writing style felt simplistic at times, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, just not what I was looking for. There is very low spice. Can’t Help Falling in Love is perfect for readers who love Hallmark movies and guaranteed happily ever afters. 

Readers who love fake engagements and lighthearted romances will enjoy Can’t Help Falling in Love.  

The Scarlet Throne is an engaging and unputdownable read! Binsa is a “living goddess” who serves as a vessel. For almost ten years, Binsa has sacrificed for her role. Yet Binsa has served far longer than most and soon faces tricky politics within the temple. How far will Binsa go to maintain her role as the living goddess? 

As the living goddess, Binsa experiences a slow and compelling descent into blood magic. Binsa is so used to doing whatever it takes to survive that she is able to rationalize away whatever sacrifices she must make. I appreciated that Binsa has several close relationships, including her brother and the young girl who will replace her, though she risks them in her pursuit of power. Ilam is a mercurial and intriguing demon who offers Binsa power at a price. I really enjoyed the interactions between Ilam and Binsa, particularly as they learned more about the magic. The reveals about the goddess were so creative and I can’t wait to see what happens next!  

Readers who love a slow descent into villany, revenge, and an unreliable narrator will devour The Scarlet Throne! 

Thank you to Amy Leow, Orbit, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Lucy Undying is the Dracula reimagining I didn’t know I needed! The book flips between memories and present day. In today’s world, Iris is the heir to a creepy multi-level marketing cult that is obsessed with her blood. In the past, Lucy juggles a strange trio of suitors and is targeted by a predator who steals her life as she knows it. As Iris uncovers the secrets of the house she inherited, she meets Lucy. Can Lucy and Iris team up to take down the shadowy predator who stalks their nights? 

Lucy Undying is a much-needed sapphic take on an overlooked character from the tale of Dracula. I enjoyed how Iris got to know Lucy through her journal entries. Kiersten White weaves in powerful themes of agency, sapphic romance, and the downfall of a nightmarish monster. But in Lucy Undying, some of the scariest monsters are the humans. The pacing felt a little slow at first, but at a certain point I was hooked. The side characters of the Queen, the Lover, and the Doctor were very interesting and I enjoyed learning about their history with Lucy. 

Lucy Undying is a clever re-imagining of Dracula. Perfect for spooky season!  

Thank you to Kiersten White, Del Rey, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

The Ending Fire is the outstanding finale to the trilogy. It begins right where The Battle Drum left off and Sylah is desperate to find out what happened to Anoor. Was Anoor kidnapped or did she leave willingly? Hassa is left to untangle the mysteries that concern the Ghostings. As war approaches, all of the characters must choose where they stand once and for all.

The Ending Fire trilogy is one of my favorites! I love the rich world-building and complex politics. The characters leap off the page and absolutely steal your heart. While their fates have always been intertwined, Hassa, Sylah, and Anoor all go on their own epic journeys in this finale. Each of their character arcs feel fulfilling and heartfelt. Saara El-Arifi does an incredible job of balancing the side characters’ journeys along with the main trio. 

Readers seeking a satisfying fantasy trilogy should read this series. The characters will steal your heart, the battle sequences are epic, and the politics are intricately constructed. I loved my time with Sylah, Anoor, and Hassa. I can’t wait to see what Saara El-Arifi writes next! 

Thank you to Saara El-Arifi, Del Rey, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.