In a family of Atyipcals, people with powers, Rose has always been the odd one out. The Atkinsons don’t quite understand Rose’s culinary interests or her isolation. When Rose begins dangerously falling asleep, she learns that her power has manifested at a late age. Rose is a dream diver and can alter dreams. But no power comes without a cost and the dreamworld is not as safe as it appears.

This was my first story in the world of the Atypicals! I really look forward to reading more books in the series (particularly Damien’s book) and listening to The Bright Sessions podcast. I love the idea of people with powers going to therapy. Rose was a very lovable and real protagonist. Some Faraway Place has excellent LGBTQ+ rep, discussion of complicated family dynamics, the importance of therapy, and a family member being diagnosed with Alzheimers. I thought all of these topics were handled extremely well. I especially loved Rose’s meet-cute and relationship with her girlfriend Emily!

The storytelling format is told through Rose’s journal, mysterious letters, and her brother Aaron’s queries to a forum; this was a nice way to get perspectives other than Rose. You don’t need to have read the other books in the series to enjoy this book. I will definitely be going back and catching up on them, because I am very intrigued to learn more about this world! I would recommend Some Faraway Place for anyone looking for a coming-of-age story, a love story, and ultimately a story about people grappling with unimaginable powers. Thank you so much to Lauren Shippen, Tor Teen, and Netgalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Vespertine is the story of Artemisia, once possessed by a vengeful spirit and now doing her best to go unnoticed in the world. For someone with the Sight and the ability to sense unblessed spirits, this is a challenge. Artemisia’s plans are foiled when disaster strikes the convent that has been her refuge. Given a relic that contains a powerful spirit known as a revenant, Artemisia must quickly learn how to control and communicate with it. As she attempts to stop great evil from occurring, Artemisia’s beliefs about the revenants will be challenged. With unlikely alliances, Artemisia and the revenant must work together to discover why someone has been using forbidden magic.

Vespertine felt significantly different from Margaret Rogerson’s other books and is likely my favorite one yet. It is clear that she has an incredible storytelling range. The world-building is immersive and well designed. There are lots of intricate details about the hierarchy of spirits, the history of the relics, and the rules of revenants. The pacing was excellent; it felt like there was never a dull moment. Artemisia is a strong and brave heroine who has already faced many horrors in her life. It was captivating to watch her attempt to control the revenant and establish a wary connection with them. The revenant was my favorite character, they had such witty dialogue. I’m excited to learn even more about the revenant and what the future holds for their partnership in the sequel.

If you enjoyed Robin LaFevers’ Grave Mercy (minus the romance), you would love Vespertine! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves stories about brave heroines, vengeful spirits, and intricate world-building. I can’t wait for the sequel! Thank you so much to Margaret Rogerson, Margaret K. McElderberry Books, Simon & Schuster, and Netgalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

After the dramatic conclusion of Where Dreams Descend, I was eager to find out what happened next! When Kallia and Jack mysteriously vanish, Demarco is frantic to learn the truth of where they went. Kallia is forced to rely on Jack in the strange mirror-world, where any misstep could be their last. Demarco must attempt to crack the magic of the mirrors if he hopes to see Kallia again. Kallia must decide whether she can forgive Jack and fight her way back to the world they’ve left behind.

When Night Breaks is a triumphant and poignant sequel to Where Dreams Descend. As the facade of Glorian and the mirror-world crumbles, magic demands a vicious price. The descriptions are ethereal and paint a clear image of decrepit grandeur. I initially struggled a bit with the pacing, but this resolved itself as the final show came together. Janella Angeles creates enthralling characters and they are my favorite part of this duology! Kallia is such a brave and daring heroine. Jack is my problematic fave; I loved learning more about him! I also really enjoyed new characters Vain, Herald, and the Diamond Rings. The ending was heartbreaking, yet I can’t imagine a better conclusion for these characters and their story.

This is the perfect duology for fans of Phantom of the Opera, Hadestown, and all who wish there was a little more magic in the world. I hope we haven’t seen the last of Glorian and would love to revisit these characters in a novella or spin-off in the future! Thank you to Janella Angeles, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Once More Upon A Time is a charming novella featuring Imelda and Ambrose, two lovers cursed by a witch to fall out of love with each other. A year and a day after their curse is cast, the witch reappears and poses a quest to them. Can Imelda and Ambrose remember why they fell in love along the way? On their journey, they meet a hilarious cast of characters featuring a honey badger, cannibals, and an icy witch queen.

With threads from Twelve Dancing Princesses, this novella is a fairy tale all its own. Once More Upon A Time is so much fun and such a delightful journey! Ambrose is very well-meaning and tired of being the middle child, eager to finally have something for himself. Imelda is a powerful and strong princess, unwilling to give up her freedom. I loved her personality! Readers will be able to find something to relate to in both. Chokshi knows all the classic fairy tale tropes and how to poke fun at them. Traveling scenes are eschewed, a talking horse cloak is a loyal companion, and we finally hear things from the witch’s point of view. I loved how tongue in cheek it was, clearly showing a deep love for fairy tales and twists.

Roshani Chokshi writes incredibly sensory details and descriptions, painting a vivid picture in every scene. There is a good mix of funny and sweet scenes. I only wish it were longer, because I want to see more from these characters! I recommend Once More Upon A Time for when you are looking for a short, sweet, and hilarious fairy tale. It’s such a delightful treat! Once More Upon A Time releases on October 5, 2021. Thank you so much to Roshani Chokshi, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.