emmreadsbooks's Reviews (1.28k)

This is an enchanting book surrounding Norse mythology, but with a different take. My discovery of Angrboda and seeing Loki characterized as more than just a trickster is just the beginning of the knowledge this book brought to me. The description of the setting is beautiful and the plot is diverse from other Norse inspired books that I've read, despite focusing on common stories. Overall I'm highly satisfied with how this book turned out and would recommend it to anyone who loves mythology and magic.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review*

This book was like nothing I've ever read before. Mixing an urban fantasy with a contemporary YA makes for a compelling plot from the get-go. However what stuck with me more were the recurring themes of the book - social justice, racism, and blaxk sisterhood. Effie and Tavia are facing down the world while they're coming into their own, and I loved how they stuck together no matter what. The worldbuilding was questionable at times, but I can't wait to read the next one!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Teen for the ARC in exchange for an honest review*

I mean it in the nicest way possible when I say that this book is CRAZY!!! The idea of a 100 million dollar inheritance for the first heir to have a child in wedlock is just nuts. But money is the easiest way to turn people cutthroat and that definitely succeeded in this book. I loved the idea of an identical twin replacing the other in an attempt to get this massive inheritance, and there were moments that surprised me throughout. Part of me couldn't get completely behind the cuckoo bananas premise, but it's still an enjoyable read.

This is a unique eco-thriller unlike anything that I've ever read. I found myself confused for most of the book, which was surely the intent. This combined elements of corporate espionage, government watchdogs, and ecoterrorism to create a truly compelling story. Despite all of this, I find myself conflicted about how I feel about the end result of this book and find myself left with more questions.

*Thank you to NetGalley and MCD books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

I had to wait so long to read this book and it was worth it. Rather than bless us with the Atticus Pund story at the beginning, we're left with a large section of it in the middle. This unfortunately dragged down the pace of the book, which is my only criticism of the book.

The rest of it is a dynamic whodunnit packed with lies and deceit. I found myself flipping the pages faster and faster and literally screaming out loud when we got to the big reveal. This book has red herrings unlike the last, and has Susan really coming into her own as an amateur detective. Definitely perfect for an armchair sleuth.

WOW!! The bar for YA thrillers just rose y'all.

This is a killer thriller and had everything I wanted - intrigue, drama, action, you name it! And with a blurb that summarizes it as Gossip Girl meets Get Out? You know I was into it. And even better, this book lives up to that blurb. This is a racially motivated thriller that touches on systemic racism, elitist institutions and gatekeeping, and homophobia within the Black community. I will continue to sing this book's praises because just... WOW!!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

This book had me squealing the entire time. Whether it was at the adorable improvisations, their lightning fast banter, or the **STEAMY** scenes, I had such a visceral reaction. That's when you know a romcom is good. This book paid homage to the romcoms of the past while still being a truly original story that I'll be rereading for ages. Adding in the Tourette's representation, which here chose to focus on it as an aspect of Hollyn rather than anything detrimental, helped me relate more to Hollyn as a character due to my own struggles with anxiety.

And it turns out this is a series? Sign me up for book 2.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

This was an immersive story focused more on the bond between 2 sisters and the stages of grief. And knowing that now, it was beautiful. However I came into this book thinking it would be a romantic comedy which changed my expectations of it.

That being said, we get to follow the uptight Marin and the free-spirited Sadie through this tale and their sisterly love shows. Add in the atmosphere of a tropical island and a handsome hotel owner? You've got a destination novel cruising for success.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

This book gave me the creeps! And given that was the intention, you gotta give it credit for that. I'm not a huge fan of horror movies, so I may not be the best reviewer for this book. However the ambiance created mixed with the characterizations of mental health were killer... literally? After all, history does repeat itself.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

I want to preface this review by saying that this is a beautiful book, but it wasn't for me. This book is perfect for fans of The Great Gatsby and written in a style that fits with the opulent story. I appreciated the twists of fantasy Vo inserted, but I did find myself confused more often than I was grasping everything.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*