bookish_selkie's Reviews (2.14k)

I am a huge Tamora Pierce fan and especially love Kel! I was so excited to see that her story was being turned into a graphic novel. While of course some parts of the book don’t make it in, I think the most important parts of Kel’s story were kept. 

I really love how Kel’s first adventure is portrayed. Beloved lines of dialogue will be recognizable to readers who have read the original book. The art was beautiful and designed with care. I hope that this book brings even more readers into the Tamora Pierce world and creates even more accessibility. I loved First Test and would highly recommend it to anyone! 

Readers who enjoy strong characters determined to fight for what’s right, lovable characters, and adventure need to read this graphic novel. I can’t wait to see the story continue! 

Thank you to Tamora Pierce, Random House Graphic, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

The Villain Edit is the story of Jac, a reality show contestant who refuses to play by the producers’ rules. As a romance writer, Jac understands the power of story. And so does Marcus, the star of the show who is looking for love. Jac is simply one of his options. But as Jac gets to know Marcus and the manipulations of the show are revealed, she must decide whether she wants the fairytale or something real. 

The Villain Edit is a compulsive read that you won’t be able to put down! Similar to watching a reality show trainwreck, you can’t look away. Jac is a delightful and morally gray character who isn’t afraid to step on some toes. Her relationship with Henry was complex and both of them made mistakes. The ending was satisfying and I enjoyed the reveals along the way. If you like morally gray heroines, bingeable reality tv, and unputdownable stories then you need to check out The Villain Edit! 

Thank you to Laurie Devore, Avon, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Burning Crowns is the epic finale to the Twin Crowns trilogy. Rose and Wren are reunited and ruling the kingdom together at last- in theory. With their chaotic ancestor on the loose, things unfortunately aren’t looking so happily-ever-after. Rose and Wren will need to go on another adventure to free themselves of a dark curse and finally rule the kingdom together.  

Burning Crowns was a satisfying and delightful conclusion to the trilogy. I love Rose and Shen Lo’s love story! I really enjoyed how their relationship grew. In some ways, they give me Rapunzel/Flynn vibes and I love that. Wren has romantic dilemmas to deal with while she battles the deadly curse that binds her to Alarik. 

This installment really showcases how far Rose and Wren have come from the beginning and the conclusion was excellent. I love the large cast of characters, especially Anika, Celeste, and Lei Fan. I’m glad there will be more time spent in this world. I can’t wait to see who the spin-off novels are about! Readers who enjoy witty banter, lovable characters, and masterful use of classic fantasy & romance tropes will love this series. 

Thank you to Catherine Doyle, Katherine Webber, and Goodreads Giveaways for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

The Bound Worlds is the satisfying conclusion to the Devoured Worlds trilogy.  While Naira and Tarquin have found temporary peace, news soon comes to shatter it. The choices they make will preserve or destroy the worlds...and their future. 

The Bound Worlds is such a compelling and richly layered read! Naira is one of my favorite characters and I really enjoyed her adventures. Megan O’Keefe includes many thrilling twists and brilliant science. This series is so unbelievably clever and every new reveal feels genuine. Naira and Tarquin’s romance takes a bit of a backseat in this installment, which makes sense since they’re trying to save the worlds. 

One of my favorite parts is the found family and strong ensemble cast. O’Keefe writes great banter between the characters. Fletcher surprisingly grew on me in this book and I thought he was hilarious. The descriptive world-building is fantastic and feels vivid. Throughout the series, there is excellent LGBTQ+ rep. Naira also deals with chronic pain in a very realistic way. Readers who enjoy queer space operas, lovable characters, and action-packed adventures need to check out this series. I can’t wait to read what O’Keefe writes next! 

Thank you to Megan O’Keefe, Orbit Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

I was SO excited to read Tangled Up In You and it was incredible!! I could not put this book down. I loved the sweet relationship between Ren and Fitz. Individually, they also had excellent character growth. The banter between them was hilarious!

Christina Lauren incorporated moments from the original version of Tangled, yet still made it feel unique and contemporary. I thought it was very smart how they did the isolation of the tower and Mother Gothel behavior. It felt believable in a modern setting. 

Tangled Up In You is simply a joy to read and one of my favorite installments to the Meant to Be series. Readers who love Tangled, sweet romance, and hilarious banter need to read Tangled Up In You!  

Thank you to Christina Lauren, Hyperion Avenue, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.