bookish_selkie's Reviews (2.14k)

Snow White has woken from her coffin, but there’s no prince in sight. The forest animals who were once her beloved friends now sprout fangs and hiss. Danger lurks in the forest and Snow must find allies quickly to survive. As Snow tries to untangle what happened while she slept, she learns that the kingdom of Roanfrost has been taken over by the Evil Queen and her daughter. Can Snow harness the realm’s magic to take back her throne? 

The Wildest Things is a haunting fairy tale tinged with horror. I loved the sensory details of Snow breaking the glass coffin on her own and her adventures through the forest. Andrea Hannah has created a unique and compelling adventure. While there was definitely a sapphic connection, I am excited to see how it continues and is further developed in books to come. Andrea Hannah wrote in skillful twists and turns that took me by surprise! I really enjoyed the well-designed and rich magic system. I'm looking forward to seeing how the story continues! 

Thank you to Andrea Hannah, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Jenny Greenteeth is a name that has haunted stories for generations. But few know what it actually means to be a Jenny Greenteeth. I am so excited to see this lore being explored! When a witch is thrown into Jenny Greenteeth’s pond, they couldn’t be more surprised to see each other. As Jenny and Temperance talk, they realize they have more in common than they realized. The two must work together with a goblin merchant to defeat the terrible evil that has invaded their town.

Greenteeth is an atmospheric and unputdownable tale. Molly O’Neill has crafted a tale of lesser known fae, the fae whose stories may not have been told before. I loved the lore of the Jennys! Jenny and Temperance have a beautiful friendship. I enjoyed how they found connection in motherhood and being underestimated.  O’Neill’s writing is warm and charming. The witty banter between the characters is beautifully woven into the fae quest they undertake. Readers who enjoy T. Kingfisher, magical fae adventures, and found family will love this book. I can’t wait to read what Molly O’Neill writes next! 
 
Thank you to Molly O’Neill, Orbit Books, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

The Otherwhere Post is the latest from Emily J. Taylor and I was excited to pick it up after reading Hotel Magnifique. Maeve Abenthy has a dangerous secret- she’s the daughter of the man who destroyed worlds. In a magical time where worlds overlap, Maeve’s father once unleashed a terrible monstrosity of destruction. When Maeve receives a letter that promises to tell the truth about her father, she decides to investigate. This brings her to the prestigious Otherwhere Post where she tricks her way into an apprenticeship. As Maeve investigates, will she discover the truth about her father? 

I really enjoyed The Otherwhere Post! The magic of scriptomancy was truly enchanting and it’s the type of magic that you wish you could try. Taylor creates an immersive experience with sensory details as Maeve retraces her father’s steps. I loved how she described all the colors of the inks and the different effects from the ink. Maeve and Tristan have a sweet romance! Tristan is a great book boyfriend who readers will love. I liked the mystery of the voracious Aldervine, especially the final plot twist. 

Readers who enjoy dark academia with fascinating magic systems, sweet romance, and mysteries to untangle will love The Otherwhere Post. I hope we get to revisit this world in a future book! 

Thank you to Emily J. Taylor, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Our Infinite Fates is a romantic and lyrical tale from author Laura Steven. This story hooked me from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down! Evelyn and Arden are trapped in an endless cycle- one of them must always kill the other before they turn eighteen. They reincarnate in different bodies and different places throughout the world each time. Whenever a deviation is attempted, they are always thwarted. Evelyn doesn’t know why they are trapped in this cycle, but Arden is keeping secrets. Can Evelyn and Arden break the cycle or are they trapped forever? 

This heartbreaking and mysterious story completely took my breath away. The writing itself is stunning, filled with lush sensory details. I love how we travel with Evelyn through memories to long-forgotten lands and experiences as she tries to piece together why this must happen. Arden and Evelyn’s twisted and infinite love is a compelling mystery to unravel. I love the LGBTQ+ rep and how they find each other in any form. Evelyn’s relationship to her family in this world was charming, especially her bond with her sister Gracie. Laura Steven weaves in reflections on grief, the pain of loving, found family, and the idea of fate in a deeply beautiful way. 

Our Infinite Fates is a moving and atmospheric read, with certain scenes destined to live in my mind long after the last page. I already can’t wait to reread it! This book would be perfect for readers who loved V.E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. I can’t wait to see what Laura Steven writes next! 

Thank you to Laura Steven, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Swordheart further cements T. Kingfisher as one of my favorite authors! Kingfisher’s signature witty dialogue is hilariously woven into this cozy fantasy. Housekeeper Halla is shocked to discover that she is the sole recipient of everything in her former employer’s will. The fury of his family is swift and they attempt to pressure her into a marriage by locking her up. Halla despairs and concludes that her only option is to throw herself upon a sword- except when she unsheathes it a man appears from thin air. Absolute shenanigans ensue and I loved every minute of it! 

Halla is such a strong and smart character who has learned how to navigate a world that underestimates her. I loved how she uses her ability to small-talk someone into defeat! Halla and Sarkis’ romance is sweet to watch as it unfolds through their misadventures. The worldbuilding is rich and filled with interesting magical details. I absolutely loved the found family of Halla, Sarkis, Zale, and Brindle that is formed as they travel together. The dialogue is both clever and hilarious. I hope we get to read the stories of the other swords! I’d highly recommend this book to anyone. Readers who love The Princess Bride, witty dialogue, found family, and lovable characters need to read Swordheart. 

Thank you to T. Kingfisher, Bramble, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Cursebound is the excellent sequel to Faebound, in the Faebound trilogy. Sisters Lettle and Yeeran have been reunited, but Yeeran soon undertakes a quest to warn her tribe about the dangers encroaching on them. Lettle wrestles with prophecy and attempts to unravel the mysterious clues left for them. As Rayan and Lettle’s relationship deepens, it is tested by assassination attempts. Furi finds her reign challenged by a shadowy revolution. Can the four work together to break the curse that binds them? 

In Cursebound, Saara El-Arifi builds on the rich world of magic introduced in Faebound. This is a beautiful, yet dangerous, world where fae, elves, and legendary obeah exist. I love the strong bond of sisterhood between Yeeran and Lettle, even when tensions rise between them. Their relationships with Furi and Rayan are further explored and I can’t wait to see what happens next with them! El-Arifi excels at bringing lovable characters to life.  The plot twists, complex politics, and new characters make Cursebound impossible to put down. The obeah are my favorite companions (especially Pilah!). I'm looking forward to reading the next installment! I would highly recommend Cursebound for readers who seek lovable characters, rich magical worlds, and treacherous politics. 

Thank you to Saara El-Arifi, Del Rey, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is the latest installment in the fantastic Finlay Donovan series! I always enjoy returning to the world of Finlay Donovan. As the series has progressed, I love seeing Finlay’s bond with Vero deepen and seeing the kids grow up. It was very fun to see nosy Mrs. Haggerty become more involved in Finlay’s life and cause some good chaos. I loved her book club! Finlay’s relationship with police officer Nick had me gritting my teeth as he stumbles closer to uncovering some inconvenient truths. Elle Cosimano’s writing is incredibly witty and laugh-out-loud funny. Every book ends on a cliffhanger that makes you eager to read the next and this book is no exception. I listened to the audiobook and narrator Angela Dawe did an excellent job. Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave is perfect for readers who love chaotic crime, extremely lovable characters, and plot twists that you won’t see coming. 

Thank you to  Elle Cosimano, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for a free audioARC in exchange for an honest review.