bookish_selkie's Reviews (2.14k)

We Can Never Leave is the latest from H.E. Edgmon and Edgmon’s books never fail to steal a piece of my heart. When the teen members of the Caravan wake up to find themselves abandoned by their adults, they must band together to figure out what happened. Members of the Caravan are a group of magical people who stay hidden from humans. Bird, Hugo, Felix, Eamon, and Cal couldn’t be more different. Secrets, magic, and their connection to the Caravan are all that bind them together. Will they discover what truly happened and finally be able to leave? 

I read this book in one sitting because I had to find out what happened next! Every member of the group felt relatable in a different way. I loved all the characters, but especially Felix and Bird. H.E. Edgmon writes themes of belonging so well: what it means to belong, to want to leave, what it means to return. The sense of spookiness and that something is wrong with the adults’ disappearance haunts the teens as they untangle the secrets that connect them. The ending was both bittersweet and perfect. I can’t wait to read what H.E. Edgmon writes next! 

Thank you to H.E. Edgmon, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

A Dance of Lies is the enchanting debut from Brittney Arena. Vasalie is a dancer who has lost much of her skills after a long imprisonment. When she is freed, she enters a deal for her life that relies on her ability to dance and infiltrate a court. Vasalie must obey her cruel king’s commands, until she starts to question whether he is truly the protector she always thought he was. Glittering court dances, whispered conversations, and buried secrets come to life in A Dance of Lies. 

One of my favorite things about A Dance of Lies was the disability rep that comes from Vasalie having to deal with the aftereffects of her imprisonment, which are similar to the author’s experience with chronic illness. This seemed realistic and thoughtfully done. I also loved the beautifully described dance sequences. I enjoyed how Vasalie thought creatively about how to improvise for moves she could no longer physically do. There are many great side characters, though I did have some trouble deciding which couple I was going to ship! I’m looking forward to seeing how the story continues in the sequel after that ending. 

Readers who love court politics, slow-burn romance, and disability rep in fantasy will want to read A Dance of Lies. 

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

Absolutely loved it, can't wait to get swept away to Faerie again soon!  

Heir of Storms is a fast-paced and action-packed adventure. When Blaze was born, disaster struck her people. Years later, she is forced to compete in a competition to prove that she has her magic under control and that she is a contender for a crown. But keeping magic locked away and using it with intention are very different and Blaze must rely on a wide cast of characters to help her master her magic once and for all. 

I enjoyed Heir of Storms! There is good magical world-building and once that was established, the story flowed smoothly. I enjoyed the side characters and look forward to seeing how the romance plays out. Readers who seek magical competitions, elemental magic, and YA romantasy should check out Heir of Storms. I’m excited to see what happens next in the sequel! 

Thank you to Lauryn Hamilton Murray, Roaring Brook Press, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sophie Gonzales is one of my go-to authors when it comes to LGBTQ+ young adult stories. I love how she creates lovable characters and compelling plots. When Danni enters a prestigious boarding school, the last person she expects to get close to is Princess Rose. As Rose and Danni navigate the difficulties of friendship and fame, what happens when sparks fly between them? 

Nobody in Particular is a lighthearted and sweet sapphic romance. Rose and Danni go from unlikely friends to more and their progression is very sweet. I didn’t love the plot line behind why Rose and Molly’s friendship changed, but it worked out in the end. Nobody in Particular is perfect for YA readers who love sapphic romance and royalty.  

Thank you to Sophie Gonzales, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Francesca and Jade are rivals from the jump. They are both high school teachers who care deeply about football. Jade and Franny clash as they both compete to be a part of a high school football coaching team. As they get to know each other, they realize that they have a lot in common. Can Franny and Jade’s relationship survive when the coaching roster hangs in the balance between them?

Jodie Slaughter writes sizzling hot sapphic romance, with a solid background plot of breaking into football coaching. Franny and Jade have excellent chemistry and their interactions (especially in the beginning) are hilarious. I enjoyed the side characters and love that both Franny and Jade have solid family/friendship ties. Jodie Slaughter writes excellent character growth and romance. 

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

Ten Incarnations of Rebellion is a powerful and well-paced story from Vaishnavi Patel. Once I started, I could not put this heartbreaking and clever book down. Kalki is the daughter of a freedom fighter, who now resides in Kingston. Kingston is an alternate 1960s version of India where the British reign and cloying oppression haunts the streets. Ten Incarnations of Rebellion follows Kalki through a decade of her life. When Kalki decides to try and make a difference, she recruits her friends Fauzia and Yashu. Yet the stakes are life or death and one mistake ends it all. Can the women make a difference in the fight for freedom? 

Ten Incarnations of Rebellion is an incredibly compelling read. It is clearly well-researched and written with a deep understanding of India. While some of the source material was new to me, readers will not have a difficult time following this alternate version of India that Kalki traverses. Patel weaves a story that is full of heart, rage, sadness, grief, and depicts the unending desire for freedom. I loved Kalki’s friendship and relationship with Yashu and Fauzia. Readers seeking a book that will make them think and feel deeply should read this book. Kalki’s grueling fight for freedom feels more relevant than ever and I would highly encourage you to pick up this book! 

Thank you to Vaishnavi Patel, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.