Belladonna is the story of Signa, an orphan who is set to inherit wealth when she comes of age. When her current guardian suffers an unfortunate fate, she is placed into the care of a new guardian. Yet unbeknownst to them, Signa can see Death himself. And Death has an interest in Signa. For she has a secret…she cannot die.

Belladonna was an enjoyable and fantasy-filled read. My favorite part was the stunning descriptions and attention paid to the sensory details. The setting and aesthetic felt perfect. However, at times there is a focus on over-elaboration of plot points that seems to show a lack of trust in readers to come to the conclusions on their own. Signa must go over the same idea multiple times before the plot can progress, leading to awkward pacing.

Signa herself has so much potential, but she felt underwhelming to me. For example, Signa spends a great deal of time obsessed with the “proper” way to do things, despite living an unconventional life with magical powers. I can appreciate that this is a way to show character growth, but it felt tedious at times. As the characters resolve the mystery, the pacing of the conclusion seemed rushed, although I did think the answer to the mystery was satisfying.

I love the idea behind this book and am curious to see if the story continues! I think Grace has left the door open for a continuation of the series. Grace imparts several poignant lessons through Signa which deal with grief, confidence, and knowing your own power. I would recommend Belladonna to those who enjoy a murder mystery, fantasy aesthetics, and writing filled with beautiful details. Thank you to Adalyn Grace, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In this stunning queer fantasy, Prince Kadou has recently fallen out of the good graces of the sultan. He is reassigned a new bodyguard (who comes with a useful habit for impersonating a stone wall) and is tasked with investigating a counterfeiting scheme. This is a world where metal can be found impure if one possesses a touch-talent, which makes counterfeits particularly chaotic to stability. As if that weren’t enough, the humiliation and anxiety Kadou feels is at times incapacitating. Kadou must work together with his recalcitrant bodyguard and exuberant armsman to unmask a conspiracy with the potential to destroy the kingdom...and fall in love along the way? 

A Taste of Gold and Iron is one of my favorite books of the year so far!! I want ALL the queer fantasy and A Taste of Gold and Iron is a beautiful addition to the genre. Sometimes you find a book and it just feels perfect for you- that’s how I felt about this story. I loved that the characters had the ability to make mistakes and come back from them. The world-building was thoughtful and queer inclusive. And the tropes…Rowland incorporates so many favorites from: there’s only one bed, found family, kissing to avert suspicion, bodyguard, slowburn and the list continues!! A character also suffers from chronic anxiety and this was handled with intention and care. 

A Taste of Gold and Iron is a standalone, but I hope we see more stories in this world or get to return to these characters!! I loved it and already plan to reread! I can’t wait to see what Rowland writes next. I would recommend this book to anyone but especially for readers who enjoy political schemes, queer inclusive fantasy worlds, and truly lovable characters. 

Thank you to Alexandra Rowland, Macmillan-Tor/Forge, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Nothing More to Tell is the thrilling story of three high school students who find their teacher dead in the woods. Yet is that what truly happened? Why did one student have fingerprints on the murder weapon? Was Mr. Larkin as beloved as he appeared? Brynn is determined to use her journalistic instincts to uncover the truth of what really happened that day in the woods. With the help of her ex-friend Tripp, Brynn learns that haunting secrets surround that day in the woods. And whoever did it might just still be out there… 

This was my first Karen M. McManus book, but definitely won’t be my last! This was a fast-paced, exciting mystery. I found it really hard to put this down! Brynn is a great heroine, determined to uncover the truth no matter how many obstacles are thrown in her way. I found there were a lot of red herrings and the ending felt a little rushed. However, this did not diminish my overall enjoyment of the story. I’m looking forward to reading more of these mysteries! I would recommend Nothing More to Tell for those who love unsolved mysteries, high school sleuths, and a mountain of clues to untangle. 

Thank you to Karen M. McManus, Delacorte Press, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Every one hundred years in the town of Moon Ridge, the lady of the town descends to walk amongst them. This year, a masquerade to celebrate is being thrown at Onny’s house. Along with her friends Ash and True, all of them will have a brush with magic and the lady of Moon Ridge. Can all three friends find what they’re looking for before the clock strikes midnight? 

Three Kisses, One Midnight is such a joyful, warm love letter of a book. It’s perfect for the people who love fall best of all the seasons and who seek a community like the one on Gilmore Girls. Needless to say, I loved it!! All three of the characters felt complex and they went on independent journeys while remaining connected. If I had to pick, my favorite character was Onny, who has Roshani Chokshi’s trademark humor. I truly loved all the characters though and they all brought something special to the story. I also loved the inhabitants of the town, especially the mayor and his husband who epitomize the sunshine and grump trope. And of course, Igor the cat! 

Moon Ridge is a beautiful escape for dreamers, romance lovers, and believers in magic. It is the perfect book for fall and spooky season! If you’ve ever wanted to live in an idyllic town like Stars Hollow but with a magical twist- you’ll love Three Kisses, One Midnight. 

Thank you so much to Roshani Chokshi, Evelyn Skye, Sandhya Menon, Wednesday Books and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.