The Change is the type of book that will grab you by the throat and hold on until the haunting end. I work in elementary education and read this in two days on school nights!! From the opening line, I was drawn into an idyllic beachfront town where nothing is quite as it seems. The story follows three very different women who find themselves working together when a murder is discovered in their community. The women decide to take justice into their own hands when the police are unwilling to help. As a gruesome pattern becomes clear, the women must unmask the murderer before they strike again.

This was such a fantastic book! I couldn’t put it down. This is a feminist, queer inclusive, story of vengeance about what happens when three powerful women discover that someone has been killing girls on their watch. It was very well-paced, with action interspersed with reflective moments. I loved all three of the characters, who all have specific roles to play in an ancient and protective magic. Together with Harriett’s garden, Jo’s protectiveness, and Nessa’s light they form a beautiful found family. The Change is filled with witty and poignant writing. I can’t wait to see what Kirsten Miller writes next! 

I loved The Change and highly recommend you check it out if you like thrillers, powerful women intent on seeking vengeance, and a hint of mysterious magic. Thank you so much to Kirsten Miller, William Morrow, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Siren Queen is the tale of a girl growing up in the shadow of stardom, who dared to reach for fame on her own terms. Luli Wei is a young girl who refuses to be cast in the stereotypical roles assigned to her, instead choosing to take a chance on embodying a monster. Is this what it will take for her star to rise? What does it really mean to be a monster? How far will she go to achieve her dreams? 

Luli is relentless in chasing her dreams and staying true to herself. I loved reading about her relationships, both with her lovers and her family. She is a fascinating and complex character. Siren Queen is my favorite Nghi Vo yet! It is ethereal, heartbreakingly real, and haunting. Nghi Vo writes with such vivid prose, every word is carefully selected to paint stunning pictures. 

While there is a strong touch of magic within, Vo also shines an unflinching light on the real-world racism and sexism that impacted women and people of color during this time period. Siren Queen is beautifully queer and inclusive, shining a light on the LGBTQ+ members of Hollywood who history might try to erase, but without whom the film world would not be the same. I loved how Vo wrote the magic system, it is the perfect blend of whimsical magic while staying accurate to the time period. 

Siren Queen would be perfect for fans of Last Night at the Telegraph Club and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I would highly recommend Siren Queen to anyone who enjoys reading about fierce heroines, the glamour and pain of stardom, and the complexities of Hollywood. Thank you to Nghi Vo, Macmillan-Tor/Forge, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Discord of the Gods is the triumphant finale to Jenn Lyons’ A Chorus of Dragons series. Having left the characters in an impossible situation at the end of book four, I was overjoyed to receive an ARC. I absolutely loved every second of this book- I still want more! While Jenn Lyons is often pitched as a perfect author for fans of Sanderson, Lord of the Rings, Rothfuss, and more- Lyons is truly in a high fantasy league all her own. She is unafraid to play with time, reincarnations, expansive magic systems, and creates a beautifully inclusive queer-norm world. The characters are so beloved, it would be fantastic to see even more about what happens to them after the final page. I hope she returns to the world one day, as I think there are many stories she could choose to continue. 

Throughout the past five books, Lyons has carefully crafted an intricate magical system and unique cast of characters. My favorite part about this series is the characters, their growth and change, but also the complex web of alliances and relationships. Seeing Kihrin’s growth and story arc is lovely, but so is the growth of characters like Senera and even Relos Var.  The world feels immersive and real; Lyons writes such strong world-building. I cannot wait to reread all of the books now, knowing that Lyons is a master storyteller and has no doubt known from the very beginning where she intended to take the story. She has an incredible ability to juggle so many story threads and somehow pull them all together into a cohesive and thrilling finale. 

I would highly recommend the series A Chorus of Dragons to anyone who enjoys high fantasy, LGBTQ+ rep in fantasy, or simply a stunning epic tale. Thank you so much to Jenn Lyons, Tor Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Harper is always in control. She has to be- that’s how she’s gotten this far in her career. When she literally runs into Dan, romance is the last thing on her mind. But as they get to know each other, she finds herself distracted by his companionship. To preserve her focus, she determines that there are rules they need to follow. As the school year goes on, what will she choose when those rules are broken?

A Brush With Love is a quirky, accepting, and joyful read. It had great anxiety representation. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed both of the narrators. I was simultaneously fascinated and blown away by the details about dentistry and what it takes to be a dentist. One of the scenes that stuck with me was where Harper has to deal with a sexist and angry patient. These scenes are all too common in the medical world, yet when was the last time a romance book highlighted these issues? I LOVE seeing more romance books include women in STEM and highlight their struggles and triumphs. The romance scenes were a bit of a miss for me, not exactly sure why, but I still found this to be a very solid read. I also enjoyed Harper’s friends a lot, I’m looking forward to Lizzie getting her own book!

Thank you so much to Mazey Eddings, Macmillan Audio, and Netgalley for a free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.