leandrathetbrzero's Reviews (412)

 *BOOK REVIEW CATCH UP #4/54 😳*

Everyone should be reading this book.

I read this over the course of a few weeks back in June and July, and I remember being so glad I took my time it. Each chapter is filled with unique locations and anecdotes, researched historical facts, and thought-provoking takeaways about the climate crisis, the people and governments at fault, and the amazing ways nature has licked its wounds in human's absences.

My favorite chapters are as follows:

⭐ "No Man's Land: the Buffer Zone, Cyprus"
⭐ "Old Fields: Harju, Estonia"
⭐ "Nuclear Winter: Chernobyl, Ukraine"
⭐ "Revelation: Plymouth, Montserrat"

I gave the above chapters 5 stars each, and every other chapter received 3-4 stars. A powerful collection of writings that is NOT designed to make humanity feel better about the wounds we have inflicted upon our earth. Instead, as Flyn explains, this catalogs how nature perseveres in spite of its scars. A redemption arc, indeed. 

*BOOK REVIEW CATCH UP #3/54 😳*

I bought this book as soon as I finished Ink, the first instalment in the 7th and Main romance series. I was so excited to follow this couple because there was some great scenes between them as the main couple in book 1 got together. And, overall, this was an enjoyable romance perfect for the summer! I loved that we had a plus-size love interest, an interracial couple, and realistic conflicts that kept the two characters at arm's length. More specifically, the dreaded "third act breakup" wasn't a thing. LOVE THAT.

The only element that I was disinterested in was Tayla's main reason for being a non-relationship kind of person. It annoyed me that it wasn't simply her choice to be independent, but instead we learn that

her parents' loveless marriage makes her genuinely afraid of commitment

. I mean, valid, but I feel as though that angle to her character doesn't match the overall flow and tone of the story. 

Still a a quick, light 4-star read that I thoroughly enjoyed!

 2025 Reread: This is a 5-star book the second-time around. I am just so impressed with how intricately woven this narrative is!! Perfect for a book club!

_________________________ 

*BOOK REVIEW CATCH UP #2/54 😳*

I read this book IMMEDIATELY after finishing Little Thieves, a book I rated five stars. I absolutely adore Vanja as our main protagonist. She is such an entertaining gray character who, in this second installment, is trying to become a better person in the eyes of Emeric...and this results in her starting a cult...unintentionally. 😂 Clearly, she is still a work in progress, but we love her anyway. 

One element that I loved in Little Thieves that carried over to Painted Devils is the brilliant dialogue and dynamic between characters. We see a few characters returning from book 1, and many are added to this band of odd, eccentric found family. The characters are humorous, flawed, loyal, and vulnerable with each other. I am especially invested in Vanja and Emeric's relationship, especially because Owen provides great Ace representation with Vanja and Emeric's patience and respect of her boundaries is just so great to see on the page.

It has been quite a few months since I finished this book, but I think I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 (like Little Thieves) is because I found the reveal at the end to be semi convenient but at the same time, I can 100% see it being so important for Vanja as a character to go through a trial like that and

gain some kind of closure.

I also devoured book 1, and I do think it would be difficult for Owen to top it! No matter what, hands down a favorite series!!!

A huge thank you to Henry Holt and Margaret Owen for sending my both Little Thieves and Painted Devils in exchange for this honest review. I have already preordered book #3 in the series, and I am so so sad I have to wait for its release!

*BOOK REVIEW CATCH UP #1/54 😳*

Finished this back in July as a buddy read with Danni! Since then, we completed the series in its entirety and had so much fun.  Of the three books in the Broken Earth Trilogy, this one is my favorite. NK Jemisin does a great job interweaving multiple perspectives from characters in very different environments and at different places in their lives...all while the world is literally shaking and crumbling around them.

If you are considering this series, but you are either on the fence or feeling a bit intimidated (because it IS a complex series), my advice is as follows: FIND A BUDDY. It's always more fun to enter a book in pairs anyway :)

The American Blind Detective

↓ Other American GADF on my TBR ↓
1. SS Van Dine’s The Benson Murder Case
2. Erle Stanley Gardner’s The Case of the Borrowed Brunette
3. Phoebe Atwood Taylor’s The Cape Cod Mystery

When a bank’s president falls eight stories to his death in the building’s lobby, blind detective Captain Duncan Maclain is asked to investigate. He shows little interest in the matter until it is revealed that the dead man, Blake Hadfield, was blind…

This was my first experience with Baynard Kendrick, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The introduction and forward in my Penzler Classic edition made all the difference. I loved learning about the inspiration behind Kendrick’s blind detective and his lifelong advocacy for blind veterans. Having that background knowledge, I was able to appreciate Captain Maclain’s demeanor and sleuthing abilities tenfold. Blinded during WWI, Maclain experienced blindness as one who must adapt to his new reality and train himself with a new set of skills and a new mindset. I also loved the inclusion of his guide dogs, Schnucke and Driest.

Prior to this, the only blind detective with which I was familiar was Max Carrados by the British writer, Ernest Bramah. This example of a blind protagonist acted as yet another influence for Kendrick to pick up his pen because he felt Bramah set unrealistic standards for blind people and failed to present an accurate and capable detective within the bounds of one’s actual abilities.

I fully intend on returning to this detective when the opportunity arises. So, The Odor of Violets, I have my eye on you!

I discuss this book in my July Wrap on Booktube. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/WYcazV8nbwg 

A Magical MiddleGrade Historical Fantasy!

↓ Similar Reads ↓
Brightstorm by Vashti Hardy
Wonderscape by Jennifer Bell
The Mapmakers by Tamzin Merchant (want-to-read)

Cordelia Hatmaker is the youngest in her family, and she still has much to learn before she is allowed to make a hat. From compassion to wisdom to anger, a hat’s purpose for its wearer is dependent on the ingredients and decorations added to it. Cordelia’s father is lost at sea on an expedition to retrieve one of these precious ingredients for a hat destined for the king himself. According to Cordelia, ‘lost’ doesn’t necessarily mean gone forever. As she focuses on finding her father, however, trouble brews throughout the kingdom as relations with France grow ever more frayed.

This was such an enchanting middlegrade historical fantasy, and I look forward to returning to this odd world in the series’ second installment: The Mapmakers. I laughed aloud numerous times at the shenanigans that Cordelia and her friends got up to. There were excellent uses of clever wordplay, silly and inventive scenarios, and heartwarming moments. The magical elements and the complexity of the world developed gradually, keeping pace with the action as it was happening. This would be a great read for any avid reader, ranging from middle grade to adulthood!

This book also includes a normalized LGBTQIA+ coupling, which naturally we love to see! 

Thank you so much Kensington for the gifted ARC in exchange for this honest review!

When Edwina and Beryl receive a mysterious invitation to return to their alma mater, Miss Dupont's Finishing School, from Miss Dupont herself, the sleuthing duo arrive for business rather than nostalgic purposes. The school is in serious financial trouble after the first world war as less English families are sending their daughters to finishing school. The thefts, bumps in the night, and rumors of a haunting aren't helping matters. Beryl and Edwina are tasked with solving who is behind these strange happenings before Miss Dupont must close her doors for good.

This was a light mystery with an excellent setting. I really liked the school and its sprawling grounds as the narrative's backdrop. Having started the series with this seventh instalment, I was worried I might feel lost in following the two women's trajectory toward performing investigative services. However, their return to the school where they met was actually perfect. I received lots of background not only regarding the series' past adventures but also how the school influenced Beryl and Edwina to become the women they are at present. I especially loved the adventurous, strong-willed Beryl (which shouldn't surprise anyone). Beryl's open disinterest in having children was a particularly refreshing perspective for the time period.

While there are many elements I appreciated, I didn't feel a heavy investment in following the mystery too closely. I also found the ending to be a bit too chaotic and conveniently wrapped up as various characters revealed their true intentions for being at the school. The sudden inclusion of espionage felt forced and out of left field as well.

With that said, I can recommend this to any avid cozy mystery reader, especially those who enjoy a historical setting. 

Rokan and Lila are super sweet, likeable characters on their own. I could totally see how Rokan mirrors his brother, Aehako, from book 3. The brothers are patient, supportive, and so certain of their love for their mates. Adorable! And Lila provided great representation as a deaf romantic lead. I was fascinated on ASL found its way into the plot, forcing the characters to adapt in order to fully understand each other.

With that said, the (incredibly slow) slow burn made the narrative drag for me. I understand why it was slow, and I do applaud Ruby Dixon for genuinely providing a series that has it all, every trope and plotting style under the sun, so that every kind of romance reader can find a favorite couple and book. But the romance and pacing of the spiciness felt off for me.

As far as storyline investment goes:
I think I am placing this book above books 4 and 6 (Harlow/Rukh and Josie/Haeden), but below books 1 and 5 (Georgie/Vektal and Tiffany/Salukh).