The Shamshine Blind is the story of a world where emotions have been weaponized- your emotions can be altered with the press of a trigger. When Argentina succeeded in weaponizing emotions, the US lost power and struggled to thrive. Set in 2009, Kay Curtida is working as a small-town agent who has never seen a big case come through before. When two important cases materialize Curtida is sent down a dangerous rabbit hole. She will need the help of her rookie, her chief, and old friend to crack the case- before she is taken off it or taken out. 

Paz Padro has created an intricate and horrifying world that is fascinating to read about. The creativity was mind-blowing. The world-building was incredible, with terrifying details and realistic consequences to deadly actions. The idea of the Hope Count was so clever and I enjoyed learning about all of the different color pigments. I think my favorite part of The Shamshine Blind was the focus on the strengths of neurodivergent people and the strengths of being neurodivergent.

I found it hard to connect with the main character, Kay Curtida. This was mainly due to the difficulty she had with  emotions, it made it challenging for me to relate to her choices. It could be painful to see as she ignored or rejected emotions and instead threw all her energy into the case. I thought the pacing was good when it came to solving the case and slowed when it came to Curtida dealing with her thoughts and emotions. I would have appreciated more character growth from Curtida, though maybe we will return to her in another novel! This is definitely an author to watch; I’m looking forward to seeing what Paz Pardo writes next! 

Thank you to Paz Pardo, Atria Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Long Run follows Bash (Sebastian) and Dro (Sandro), two jocks who shouldn’t have anything in common. Until one night at a party, they kiss. After that, a friendship is born. As Bash and Sandro become friends, they find themselves unexpectedly attracted to each other. In a world that seems designed to keep them apart as anything more than friends, will they be able to persevere? Bash and Dro will need to examine their personal relationships, friends, and what they’ve always believed to be true about themselves. 

The Long Run had fantastic queer rep (specifically gay/bisexual). The bisexual rep felt very realistic to me, especially how Bash experienced confusion determining his identity after primarily dating girls. I also loved how he sort of didn’t feel attached to labels and instead described his attraction, which is relatable! Meanwhile, Sandro has always known that he is attracted to boys and has struggled with how to come to terms with it in his busy Italian Catholic family. 

Sandro must deal with a complex and abusive family situation, while Bash must reconcile whether his deceased mom’s college plans are more important than his current dreams. These are heavy issues that are heartbreaking to read about. The beginning of this book definitely took a bit of time for me to get into. I was hooked around the halfway point, when more reflection and change was occurring. Bash and Dro were a very cute, loving couple who had to overcome stigma, casual homophobia, and mental health challenges. I enjoyed the ending of this book a lot, especially the revelations from Sandro’s mom and Bash’s stepdad. The Long Run feels like an incredibly important book, while being difficult to read at times. I’m looking forward to reading what James Acker writes next! 

Thank you to James Acker, Inkyard Press, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sweep of the Heart is the new installment in the fantastical world of the Innkeepers Chronicles. It was such a joy to be back with Dina and Sean! Before long, they are in a precarious situation with the fate of Gertrude Hunt on the line. Dina and Sean must work together to balance the needs of their guests with the political demands of the galaxy. However, none of their new guests are what they seem and the dangers facing them may come from inside the inn itself.

I absolutely love this series! It is action-packed, hilarious, and always manages to surprise me with a good plot twist. Ilona Andrews has such an expansive imagination, yet also keeps the intricate world-building consistent. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator (Nora Sofyan) did a great job of creating distinct voices for all the different guests. The tangled politics, new species, and tricky diplomatic situations made this book an exciting tournament adventure. For readers returning to the series, familiar characters have hidden depths that are deeply compelling. I couldn’t put Sweep of the Heart down!

I would highly recommend this series to anyone who loves sci-fi, action, and hilarious banter. While you could in theory read this book as a standalone (there is a character guide included), I would definitely recommend starting from the beginning for more context- plus it is such a delightful series. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

The audiobook of Sweep of the Heart releases January 13, 2023. Thank you to Ilona Andrews, Dreamscape Media, and Netgalley for a free audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Seven Faceless Saints is a dark and action-packed adventure. It follows Rossana and Damian, once childhood sweethearts and now mortal enemies. Everyone knows Damian’s father gave the order to kill Rossana’s father, a deserter. When Damian returns from the front lines, he realizes that the girl he once loved is lost to him forever. But all is not well in the Palazzo, as a murder stalks and kills without warning. As Roz and Damian race to find the murderer, mysterious clues indicate that an ominous magic lurks nearby…

What a fantastic debut! M.K. Lobb navigates a murder mystery, failed romance, and burgeoning friendship with ease. Roz and Damian have deep scars between them and only the most dire circumstances can force them to reconcile. As the story unravels, both must make heartbreaking choices. Roz is bisexual and I may have read into it, but Damian might identify as demisexual or demiromantic. As promised, Roz is very stabby and Damian is very soft, which I loved!!

The story had excellent pacing; it felt like there was never a dull moment. The magic system was well-designed and filled with interesting details. I was truly stunned by the twist when the murderer was revealed!! I would recommend this book especially for fans of Emily Thiede (This Vicious Grace) and Jay Kristoff (Nevernight). I am really looking forward to the sequel after that thrilling conclusion!! 

Thank you to M.K. Lobb, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
 

Wildblood is the story of a girl from the jungle. Victoria was kidnapped when she was six by cruel bosses at the Exotic Lands Touring Company. She is forced to take tourists through the dangerous jungle- lethal to everyone except her and those with magic in their blood. When a gold-miner books the company to go to the heart of the jungle, Victoria instantly knows it is a bad idea. The jungle does not allow itself to be invaded. With her ex as the tour leader, Victoria will need to work harder than ever to keep her found family and the gold-miner safe as she decides what she truly wants. 

Lauren Blackwood has done it again! Wildblood is her second book and it is just as enchanting as her debut. In the sentient jungle, lost souls roam, and the jungle punishes those who invade. River Mumma was such a mysterious and vigilant presence in the jungle. I loved learning about her enigmatic relationship with Victoria. Outside of the jungle and its creatures that love her, Victoria is surrounded with found family who she will do anything to protect. Dean, Victoria’s ex, is a volatile and demanding presence who once betrayed Victoria unimaginably. Even so, I appreciated how thoughtfully Blackwood navigated their tense and toxic relationship. 

My favorite character (besides Victoria) was undoubtedly the sentient jungle!! Blackwood describes it with spine-chilling horror and beauty. The perfect example is the Bloody Lady: a pretty and poisonous butterfly. As the tour group processes further into the jungle, every instinct in readers will be to flee in the opposite direction. I wish I could see visual art of some of the spooky creatures that haunt the trees, especially Biggsy! 

Wildblood is a haunting, atmospheric, and vivid adventure. I would highly recommend it! I can’t wait to see what Lauren Blackwood writes next. Thank you to Lauren Blackwood, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
 

Begin Again follows Andie Rose, an intrepid college student who is thrilled to finally be at her mom’s alma mater. To her dismay, her boyfriend has transferred schools and the stats class she needs for her major is super difficult. With the help of her roommate, her tutor, and her RA, can Andie get her plan back on track? Or will she choose to create a different plan- maybe even a better one? 

I devoured Begin Again! Andie Rose is a charming character with lots of empathy and determination. She is always focused on helping as many people as she can. I think Andie is someone who many readers will relate to, as she has grown up finding immense satisfaction in helping others but then also must learn to choose to make herself a priority. The writing is friendly, filled with humor, and feels as relaxing as rewatching an old episode of Gilmore Girls. Andie has to balance the memory of her mom and familiar friends with the new adventure of being at Blue Ridge State and meeting people she couldn’t have predicted. I especially loved the found family and beautiful friendships between Andie, Milo, Shay and Val.

I love Emma Lord’s writing; it is fun and lighthearted but then manages to sneak in a deeper meaning along the way. As a former barista, I loved how Milo created a blend called Eternal Darkness and then Andie accidentally decaffeinated the campus! Begin Again is filled with tons of fun, joyful moments along with reflections on grief and loss. Andie has to come to terms with her memories of her mom, grief about the time stolen from them, and how she will choose what is best for her future without her mom there to help.  

Begin Again is the perfect book for readers who enjoy sunshine/grump pairings, slow burn romance, and fans of Gilmore Girls (season three). Thank you to Emma Lord, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
 

Spice Road follows Imani, a gifted Shield for her people. When Imani learns her presumed dead brother may still be alive, she is determined to bring him back to their people alive. She sets out on a dangerous journey with a motley crew including the mysterious Qayn and annoying Taha. As disasters strike, secrets are revealed and all of them will have their magic tested. It soon becomes clear that the rules Imani has known her whole life are not the full truth. How far will Imani go to rescue her beloved brother, if it means abandoning the principles that have always kept her safe? 

I was immediately hooked from the opening line! Imani is a fierce and determined heroine. Her love for her people, her family, and especially her brother make her a very compelling character. As she journeyed across the treacherous desert, I enjoyed how she learned about the depth of her love for her siblings. Yet Imani still has plenty of room to grow, which Maiya Ibrahim expertly navigates, as Imani must decide whether she trusts those she loves to make their own choices. 

Maiya Ibrahim writes with all the senses in mind- you’ll feel the heat of the desert, the scorch of the sun, and the smells of the misra tea. The world-building is vivid and impressively designed. I didn’t want to leave this world! Taha is such an interesting character and his interactions with Imani were intense. I absolutely cackled at her response to him at the end of the book. At the same time, Imani has a mesmerizing relationship with Qayn, a once powerful djinni with veiled motives. I’m really looking forward to learning more about Qayn and his past. 

 I’m so happy this book is not a standalone because I absolutely need to see what happens next!! Spice Road would be perfect for readers who enjoy Amélie Wen Zhao, Hafsah Faizal, and Chelsea Abdullah. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys sibling adventures, vivid magic, and compelling heroines. 
 

I read Missing Clarissa in a single day!! I couldn’t put down this engrossing mystery once I had started. When passionate Cam and her more cautious best friend Blair are assigned a journalism project, they choose to research an unsolved mystery in their town that is more urban legend. Cheerleader Clarissa went missing twenty years ago and seemed to vanish into thin air. Oreville is a small town, not a dangerous place. So why didn’t Clarissa make it home? Cam and Blair make waves as they investigate the truth behind what really happened to Clarissa. But are they right in their suspicions or has their podcast fervor taken over? 

As the girls investigate, they find themselves asking: why does the world only care about pretty, dead white girls? And how come the most interesting thing a girl can be is dead? I really appreciated how these serious questions were framed and explored within the mystery. Readers familiar with true crime will find many truths mixed in with the fictional case, such as the real victims of murder and unpacking why the public cares about certain violent crimes and not others. Missing Clarissa would be a great book club pick; it could provoke excellent discussions about these issues and more. 

With that said, I found myself really frustrated with Cam. It felt like she was making the same impulsive mistakes over and over again, when I would have appreciated seeing more character growth from her. I also would have enjoyed seeing Blair demonstrate more agency sooner in the plot and stand up for herself more. My favorite character was Mr. Park, their journalism teacher, who does his best to teach journalistic ethics and provides the girls with context about the emotional cost of stirring up old cases. It was very cool to hear his side of the story and learn how he was related to the case. 

I was definitely blown away by the ending and reveal of who the killer is! Missing Clarissa would be perfect for fans of Karen M. McManus and readers who enjoy true crime. Missing Clarissa ( which is such a good title!) will make you want to listen to a true crime podcast and go out and start solving cold cases (with only the best journalism ethics, of course!). It’s clear that Ripley Jones is a talented writer and I can’t wait to see what they write next! 

Thank you to Ripley Jones, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.