bookish_selkie's Reviews (2.14k)

A Dark and Drowning Tide is a beautiful and enthralling fairy tale adventure. Saft does such an incredible job building the lore of her worlds- from politics, religion, to the magical creatures. I was fascinated with the creatures and the magic the group possessed. The locked-room murder mystery at the heart of the story was extremely compelling. I love Saft’s writing style and how descriptive it is, yet every word feels like it was chosen with care. 

I really enjoyed the relationship and banter between Lorelei and Sylvia. While Lorelei initially feels like they’re closer to enemies, Sylvia is relentless in her optimism. Lorelei is not the easiest character to like, especially at first. I appreciated the reveal of how she has hidden depth and traumatic experiences that influence how she interacts with the team. One of my favorite parts was when Sylvia and Lorelei must work together and their true feelings gradually surface. 

Readers who enjoy slow-burn sapphic romance, magical creatures, and locked-room mysteries will devour A Dark and Drowning Tide. 

Thank you to Allison Saft, Del Rey, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

This Ravenous Fate is a sapphic fantasy set in Jazz Age Harlem. The regal world-building is intertwined with the threat of vampires and a mysterious affliction that haunts them. Elise and Layla have a very complicated relationship that is slowly revealed. The chemistry between them is intense, especially as the truth of their connection is rekindled. The pacing felt a little off at times, with some reveals being glossed over too quickly or at times lacking momentum. Still, this was an intriguing debut and I’m excited to see what happens in the sequel!   

That Prince is Mine is a lighthearted and sweet romance. Emma is a Korean royal court cuisine instructor who runs into Professor Michael. Little does she know, Michael is actually a prince. As the two get to know each other after Michael witnesses Emma’s failed blind dates, the connection between them strengthens. 

That Prince is Mine is a fluffy and formulaic romance. I didn’t love it as much as I have other books from Jayci Lee. The keeping of certain secrets went on much longer than I wanted it to. I also struggled to connect with some of the characters. However, I do think readers who love the classic prince/commoner trope will enjoy this lighthearted romance. 

Thank you to Jayci Lee, St. Martin’s Griffin, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear is a fantastic return to The Wayward Children series. In this installment we get Nadya’s story and her journey in Belyrreka, the Land Beneath the Lake. It’s a world filled with turtles, amphibians, and a strong community that is familiar with “the door-swept.” 

I love how Seanan McGuire includes so much representation in her books, from LGBTQ+ rep to disability rep. Nadya has a limb difference and is fine with this. Yet her adoptive parents get her an uncomfortable prosthetic arm, without bothering to seek her input. So much of Nadya’s story is about her lack of agency and inability to choose what she wants for herself. As a Drowned Girl in Belyrreka, she is finally able to make her own choices and go on her own adventures. The descriptions of the underwater world are imaginative, with a strong sense of found family. 

Nadya is a caring and kind character. In the orphanage, she wants the other kids to be adopted before her and takes care of a little pet tortoise. When Nadya gains a turtle companion of her own, it is a heartwarming and satisfying moment. I liked learning more about the Drowned Worlds and how different this world was compared to Cora’s world. I enjoyed Nadya's story and can't wait to read whichever story comes next! 

Thank you to Seanan McGuire, Tordotcom, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Ne’er Duke Well is the story of Peter, a man desperate to gain custody of his siblings, and Selina, a lady with a secret. A plan is hatched that Peter may be able to gain custody if he gets married. Is this possible with his unintentionally scandalous reputation? Selina will have to work overtime to help Peter succeed while keeping her own secrets close. 

Ne’er Duke Well is a fun and fast-paced regency romance. The banter between Selina and Peter was excellent. There are lots of hilariously failed encounters as Selina tries to find a match for Peter. Selina also has an important secret that takes her out of the running, at least in her mind (I loved her library!). When Peter and Selina finally give in to the attraction between them, the chemistry is fantastic. I absolutely loved the scene with the dog in the river! Georgiana was a particularly hilarious side character and I hope that we get to see her story as well. 

This is my first book from Alexandra Vasti but definitely not my last! Ne’er Duke Well is perfect for readers who enjoy witty banter, hilarious shenanigans, and regency romance. 

Thank you to Alexandra Vasti, St. Martin’s Griffin, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.