Review: “These Infinite Threads” is an epic follow up to Tahereh Mafi’s fantasy debut! 

 

Mafi allows the reader to explore Tulan, the empire that rivals Ardunia, through Alizeh’s point-of-view. Her magical prose and meticulous world-building immerses the reader in Alizeh’s new environment with Cyrus as her captor. Despite being there against her will, Alizeh can’t help but find beauty in the royal city of Mesti’s blended people, delicious food, and colorful architecture. We see her disdain for the king slowly melt away the more she learns about his dealings with Iblees. 

 

Alizeh’s growing feelings for Cyrus present a problem for her relationship with Kamran, who is still reeling over her supposed betrayal back in Ardunia. Chapters written from his perspective reveal his inner turmoil, adding depth to his character. While readers know the truth behind Alizeh and Cyrus’ first meeting, Kamran does not. As a result, he does not know whether he should rescue Alizeh or eliminate her as a threat to his kingdom, which successfully evoked strong feelings from me (code for: I screamed often). 

 

Alizeh and Kamran’s inner conflicts are carefully crafted by Mafi and keep the reader engaged to the novel’s explosive end! 

Two kings have a hold on Alizeh’s heart. I cannot wait to see how this plays out in the final installment of the “This Woven Kingdom” series! 

Review: “Secretly Yours” is a swoonworthy start to a steamy duology! 

 

Bailey’s romantic comedy is told from the perspectives of Hallie Welch, a bubbly gardener, and Julian Vos, an uptight professor. Their starkly different personalities is what made switching between both of their viewpoints such an enjoyable reading experience! Bailey does a fantastic job capturing the humorous ways in which the two butt heads and how they ultimately learn to love each other for their differences. 

 

Additionally, Bailey’s alternating points-of-view allows the reader to get to know the inner-workings and struggles of each character, which is an aspect of “Secretly Yours” that I appreciated. As someone who has been diagnosed with anxiety, I especially related to Julian’s characterization and loved the mental health representation. Bailey takes great care in writing the panic attacks that he experiences and detailing why he needs to feel in control over every part of his day to be at peace with himself. Likewise, she does a great job shedding light on how Hallie’s past is directly related to her lack of control and structure in life. 

 

I loved watching their relationship develop once they began to open up to each other. Their chemistry leapt off the page and gripped my heart! I hope they make an appearance in “Unfortunately Yours”!

Review: Ryan’s fantasy debut left my jaw on the floor! 

 

I enjoyed reading from Brie’s perspective! Though I knew what was going to happen to her before she did because of the predictability of the novel’s major plot points, I found her relationships with Prince Finnian and Prince Ronan intriguing. I don’t normally reach for books with love triangles, but Ryan breathes new life into this old trope by having her main character use both love interests to achieve her own hidden agenda. The more she gets to know both of the fae males, the more she grows attached to them, making her backstabbing that much more worse. 

 

Another aspect of the novel I appreciated is Ryan’s world-building! She does a great job making the Unseelie Court distinct from the Seelie Court in her descriptions. Additionally, she dives into the history of the rift between the two courts and showcases their unique customs and traditions. 

 

Ryan’s magic system is easy to follow and further showcases the differences between the two fae courts. Those who live in the Seelie Court, otherwise known as the Court of the Sun, have the power to manipulate light. Those who live in the Unseelie Court, otherwise known as the Court of the Moon, have the power to manipulate darkness. Brie discovers that she has power of her own when she crosses over from the human realm and the mystery surrounding its origins kept me on my toes. 

 

The end of “These Hollow Vows” left me reeling! Up until that point I was able to anticipate every plot twist, but nothing could have prepared me for the ultimate betrayal. Ryan’s masterful end makes it impossible not to pick up book two. I can’t wait to see how Brie gets her revenge. 

Review: The much anticipated sequel to “Ninth House” is well worth the wait! 

 

For the first time, beloved characters that made brief appearances in the first novel like Mercy Zhao and Tripp Helmuth play much larger roles in “Hell Bent.” Though brief, Bardugo writes flashbacks from the perspectives of Tripp, Turner, and Dawes, allowing the reader to gain much needed insight into the root of their character motivations and fears. 

 

Like the previous novel, Alex’s point-of-view shifts between her past life in California and her present one in New Haven, allowing for even more revelations about how she came to be the unapologetic badass we know and love. 

 

Not only do we learn more about the ghosts from her past that have come back to haunt her, but we discover the extent of Alex’s power as a wheelwalker. Being the only one of her kind to survive Daisy Fanning Whitlock, Bardugo establishes that there are still abilities unknown to Alex that she possesses. With Darlington trapped in Hell, Alex tests the bounds of her magic to ensure his safe return and learns that she is not limited to amplifying her strength with the dead. 

 

Darlington also comes into otherworldly power as a result of his time in hell. For the first time, readers are able to see his character exist in the present timeline after his rescue. Chapters written from his viewpoint reveal his internal struggle: reconciling who he once was with who the demon he became in hell. His every interaction with Alex made my heart race and it likely will not rest until they finally act on what they feel for one another. 

 

There is a lot at stake for Galaxy Stern. I cannot wait to see her raise hell in the books to come!

Review: “The House Across the Lake” is a wild ride from start to finish! 

 

Sager is the master of misdirection. Several times throughout the book I thought I had solved the mystery only for the rug to be pulled out right from under me. The breadcrumbs I followed that I thought led to the murderer’s true identity in reality led to nowhere, Sager cleverly throwing me off track. 

 

Additionally, I appreciated Sager’s organization of the novel’s timeline. The reader jumps back and forth between the “before” and the “now,” thrown off guard by the jaw-dropping revelations about Casey’s past and the cliffhangers that deepened the mystery. 

 

Though “The House Across the Lake” is primarily a mystery, its paranormal elements make it unique. At the same time, those elements made it a bit difficult for me to remain immersed in the storyline. In general, I have trouble embracing the absurd, but I appreciate “The House Across the Lake” for pushing me outside my comfort zone. It is for that reason that I look forward to reading more of Sager’s backlist to get my mystery-thriller fix!

Thanks to Scholastic Press and Ann Liang for providing me with an ARC at yallfest in exchange for an honest review.

Review: It did not take long for Ann Liang’s rom-dram “This Time It’s Real” to win over my heart! 

 

The novel centers on Eliza Lim, an aspiring writer, and Caz Song, a famous actor. Their worlds collide when Eliza’s essay about her relationship with her boyfriend goes viral…only she doesn’t really have one. Caz agrees to play the part in exchange for receiving Eliza’s help with his college applications. From the outside looking in, the two could not be more different, but Liang shows that there is more than meets the eye. 

 

Both characters struggle to grasp their identities and feel a sense of belonging. Though Eliza was born in China, she does not feel at home there when her family returns because she is not fluent in the language and familiar with their customs. Liang creates tension in having Eliza up and move every few years due to her mother’s line of work. As a result of her inability to take root and hold on to the friends she meets in each city, she believes she is unlovable. Eliza’s pain surrounding the memory of her past lives in Los Angeles, New Zealand, London, and Singapore feels real because of the way in which Liang captures her complex emotions on the page. 

 

The reader is able to empathize with Caz’s fear of vulnerability. Because of his public image, Caz puts on a mask to cope with the pressure he experiences. Before Eliza became his fake girlfriend, he never felt like he could ask for help when he needed it or let his true self shine through. 

 

I loved watching their fake relationship turn into something real because they helped each other grow and confront their insecurities. 

 

I experienced a full range of emotions while reading this book! I cried during the 3rd act breakup, swooned over Caz and Eliza’s experimental dates around Beijing, and laughed when their differing personalities clashed. This novel truly mimics a c-drama and I could not recommend it enough!

Review: Black brings readers back to the world of Faerie with “The Stolen Heir,” her most magical release yet! 

 

The novel is told from the perspective of Suren (Wren), the changeling queen who once ruled the Court of Teeth under her parent’s influence. I appreciate how Black is slow and deliberate in revealing the details surrounding the years of abuse that Wren suffered at the citadel. Layers of her character are peeled back in chapters written from the past, Black taking her time to familiarize readers with Wren’s deepest insecurities (that people will always view her as a monster) and motivations (to keep her human family safe). 

 

Her character is complex and is made even more so by Oak Greenbriar’s sudden reappearance in her life. Through Suren’s perspective, the reader gains access to her memories of their shared past. We learn that she is hesitant to let Oak back into her life, but he slowly gains her trust, and in turn the reader’s, by showing glimpses of his true self. With time, he lets down his walls and proves that he is not the spoiled, playboy prince that Wren thought he was. 

 

My favorite aspect of the novel was watching the love Wren and Oak felt for each other as children grow into something more as they set out on their quest. Their mutual pining truly tugs at the heartstrings and creates tension as the novel progresses. 

 

Additionally, I enjoyed venturing beyond Elfhame and exploring the mortal lands where the courts of Faerie are located. 

 

As always, Black’s lyrical writing is full of secrets, schemes, betrayal, and adventure. If I was not in clutches before, I am now! That jaw dropping ending will torture me until “The Prisoner’s Throne” is released.