I have been following Plum Lockhart since she fled cold, unfriendly New York City and arrived on the paradise island of Paraiso. In this travel/transportation mystery, the amateur sleuth must solve a murder as a guest on a yacht with the rich and famous. I really liked that Carrie Doyle switched things up in the series and added a boat mystery to the longlist that already exists, including classics like Death on the Nile and Murder on 'B' Deck. I still have a soft spot for brash yet also insecure Plum as she navigates a community that is so foreign to her but is slowly becoming her home. And, since the beginning, my favorite aspect is the island itself. I first picked up the series because the setting reminded me of the TV series Death in Paradise, and it remains a perfect fictional escape.

With that said, compared to the first two installments, this book wasn't as compelling for me. I attribute this to the fact that Plum was mostly on her own for this one. She was away from Lucia, Juan Kevin, the police chief, and her on-again-off-again best friend Gerald for much of the narrative. Understandably, she was on a yacht island-hopping, but one of my favorite aspects is the collaborative sleuthing experience even if it is Plum who puts the final pieces together in the end. I definitely grew attached to Plum's dynamic with Gerald especially in book 2 as well. I think the brief loss of this sense of community left the narrative with most unlikable and 2-D characters since no one on the boat had been in the books before and all of them were suspects. My least favorite in the series so far but still a solid 3-star read, and a super fun, recommended series overall!

Combined review for volumes I and II: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/d8fbb26b-fb32-4d24-b4a3-269e89cbc429

 An Ancient Love Modernized: Persephone X Hades Reimagined


↓ Similar Reads ↓
1. Rachel Smythe’s Lore Olympus vol. II
2. Jennifer Dugan’s Coven (YA GN)
3. Katee Robert’s Neon Gods (want-to-read)

What can I say about this widely popular adult graphic novel series that hasn’t already been said? The hype is worth it, the graphics are beautiful, and I am genuinely so invested in this Persephone x Hades reimagining.

At this point I’ve read volumes I and II actually. Both were read in one sitting, meaning I stayed up until around 1 or 2am in the morning each time! Graphic novels are very new to me, but I do want to get more familiar with them, and I think this series is a great starting point for adults who adore mythology (but also those who may not be huge experts in these legends), romance, humor but also a good dose of serious, relatable trauma.

The author is upfront about the content warnings, but I certainly recommend that you investigate more for specifics if you feel it necessary. Another criticism that exists is the age difference between Hades and Persphone. This is valid because while the story involves gods, and it’s based on a very old tale forged from very old and archaic customs, the author does infuse many modern-day elements: attending college, using cellphones and social media, etc. I personally was able to separate these volumes from reality, but if you don’t think you can, then this might be one hype parade that you opt out of participating in.

I found the first three volumes available at my local library (vol. III is currently on my TBR pile!), so if you want to check them out without investing money in collecting them just yet, then be sure to visit your own library to see if they have them!! 

I honestly adored the couple in this one. Their dynamic was super unique to those featured in books #1 and #2. Aehako as a romantic interest won my heart and soul. The reason this one is getting 3 stars from me, even though the couple is my favorite so far, is because the story arc for this one just wasn't as compelling as it was in book #2 (which reads as a Beauty and the Beast retelling). I also was a bit disappointed with one aspect of the book's conclusion, and I'll explain it for those who don't mind spoilers:

One of the major conflicts in the story is that Kira is infertile due to medical issues from her childhood. As a childfree person by choice, I really liked how much depth Kira's character added to the series since the world that Dixon built is very much mating/childbearing-centric. So, I was really disappointed when Dixon threw in a "miracle" at the end in which Kira's infertility has been healed so she and Aehako now resonate for each other. As someone who chooses to be childfree, as opposed to someone who is childless without a choice in the matter, I can only speak from my perspective. But I did find it a bit insensitive.

 

 

↓ Similar Reading Experiences ↓

Bricky is a partner-for-hire at a dancehall whose dream to become an actress died long ago. She feels trapped by New York City with only a distant clock tower to call her friend when she first meets Quinn. He’s a man whose bad luck led him to make certain decisions that he wishes he could take back…if only he’d met Bricky 24 hours earlier. With nothing else to lose, and a midwest-bound bus scheduled to leave in the morning, the two young innocents join forces to correct Quinn’s wrongs. Before they know it, the duo finds themselves running all across the city to solve a murder before the cops arrest them for it. They have 5 hours and 25 minutes before dawn, before that bus departs. Will they find the real killer in time?

This romance-turned-nightmare is so beautifully written, it is no wonder that Cornell Woolrich, a writer who also wrote under the pseudonym of William Irish, was inspired by the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald. This novel blends hardboiled elements with a narrative voice reminiscent of The Great Gatsby or The Last Tycoon. As someone who’s wary of hardboiled mysteries, I adored this! Much of that has to do with the relationship dynamic shared between Bricky and Quinn. The former is such a strong woman character, beaten down by the harsh realities of NYC but also methodical and determined to stop the city from licking her one last time. Oppositely, Quinn is refreshingly sensitive and loyal to Bricky, often following her lead as they investigate this murder together. 

What made this narrative even more fascinating was the introduction included in the Penzler Classics edition. I was intrigued by Woolrich’s life and how it clearly influenced certain elements found in Deadline at Dawn. A twisty, breathless suspense novel that I could definitely see myself reading numerous times in my life. And I look forward to reading more by this author. 

*Book received through my subscription with the Mysterious Bookshop 

Austenland meets Bridgerton meets Shakespeare? ❤️

↓ Similar Reads ↓
1. Sayantani Dasgupta’s Debating Darcy
2. Shannon Hale’s Austenland
3. Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility

Eila Das is furious with her younger sister, Mallika, when she learns that she not only applied to Regency Camp on Eila’s behalf but the two sisters have also been accepted. Hosted by the hit Bridgerton-meets-Murder-She-Wrote TV series, Rosewood, the camp offers the opportunity for attendees to get cast as background extras and, for a lucky few, even a dead body! Naturally, in this very loose reimagining of Sense & Sensibility, our Elinor-inspired protagonist struggles to give into her emotions and relieve herself of the many responsibilities she has adopted after the passing of their father. Will Regency Camp and the chance to be on Rosewood finally help Eila let loose and have a little fun?

Dasgupta makes this reimagining her own while still including a lovely variety of hints and nods to Jane Austen as well as William Shakespeare, since Eila is a character who adores Shakespearean theater. The diverse cast of characters is complemented by their open dialogue about the ongoing struggle to include storylines with BIPOC and/or LGBT+ leading protagonists in the entertainment industry. I particularly appreciated the indirect commentary on the very popular TV series Bridgerton which is praised for its inclusivity, but the main family we follow are white heteronormative characters…so the central coupling for each season seems destined to be mixed at best, always featuring at least one white romantic lead, and probably a straight happily ever after. It’s exciting to know that these critical discussions will be absorbed by teens who hopefully can continue pushing the industry toward more progress.

Incidentally, I am taking a Shakespeare course during my final semester in graduate school, studying the playwright’s histories and comedies. It definitely helped me gain a higher level of enjoyment and connection with the book having read Austen and, just recently, Shakespeare. Full disclosure: I’ve only read a few Austen titles, and fortunately Sense & Sensibility is one of them (and it’s my favorite thus far!). And I only have read/watched Much Ado About Nothing a mere week before reading this book, which I suppose proves that Fate exists. This Shakespearean comedy, among others, is referenced quite a bit, and I can attest that my background knowledge enhanced my reading experience. With that said, I think this would be an enjoyable read for anyone who adores modern takes on Regency themes and culture. It is just all the more fun when you are in on the jokes and nods to these classic works!

Silly at times and heartwarming at others, this YA contemporary romance gave me the swoons, the giggles, and the feminist feels. A lovely read, for sure! 

An insightful, quick read that blends essay elements with poetry prose. Claudia Rankine forces the reader to consider the various forms of racism, oppression, and prejudice that a black person must endure, from micro aggressions to physical violence. I read this as an academic reading requirement, and I am so grateful. It was such a thought-provoking read for me. Highly recommended! 

An Environmentalist Middle Grade Fantasy!

↓ Similar Reads ↓
1. Vashti Hardy’s Brightstorm (book 1)
2. BB Alston’s Amari and the Night Brothers (on my TBR!)
3. Jennifer Bell’s Wonderscape

Twins Arthur and Maudie Brightstorm continue their adventures on the Aurora, a sky-ship captained by the brave, brilliant explorer Captain Harriet Culpepper. When Ermitage Wrigglesworth, a well-known explorer and scholar, is reported missing, Lontown’s most famous explorer families board their sky-ships in a group effort to find him. As the mystery thickens, and the twins get closer to discovering what exactly happened to the missing scholar, they realize there are far greater mysteries in the world, some to uncover and others best left unanswered.

It has been a long-time coming for me to finally write a review for this book! I finished it a few months back, and I am still obsessed with just how brilliant the storyline, themes, and character development are. This was a gripping sequel to the already amazing first book in the series, Brightstorm. The cast of characters are unique, loveable, and so heartwarming. This series features themes of found family, environmentalism, preserving indigenous flora and fauna, and Hardy criticizes destructive exploration in a way that all can appreciate.

I cannot express enough how important this book is to help conceptualize crucial topical issues that society has experienced throughout history and still today. Hardy does all of this while transporting us to an entirely different, vibrant world with Arthur and Maudie–two dynamic, brilliant young protagonists–to guide us.

I am desperate to read book 3, Firesong, and then proceed to reread this series over and over again. 

A Steamy Romance Between the Shelves

↓ Similar Reads ↓
1. Elizabeth Hunter’s Hooked (book 2) want-to-read
2. Tessa Bailey’s Hook, Line, and Sinker
3. Jasmine Guillory’s The Wedding Date want-to-read

When Emmie inherits her grandmother’s old bookstore, she has absolutely no intention of uprooting her life in San Francisco to return to her hometown and run the bookstore herself. Nor does she plan on renting out the other half of the building to a tattoo artist named Ox…

Ox makes one rule when he agrees to go into business with Emmie and open their combined store called Ink: he and Emmie cannot get involved. Yet somehow she gets under his skin, and he’s never been great with following the rules…

THIS. BOOK. It is a perfect example of how rewarding it can be to dive into a story headfirst without any knowledge, planning, or expectations. I started Ink on a whim back in February, and now I am fighting the urge to buy the other 3 books in this romance series right away. I loved the chemistry between romantic interests Emmie and Ox. The two have a great balance of similarities and differences, and the physical attraction is almost instant. Naturally, I lived vicariously through Emmie as she navigated owning her own bookstore, but I really enjoyed the details surrounding Ox’s tattooing business as well. The dreaded third-act breakup was actually not as aggravating as it usually is for me, and I think that is because Elizabeth Hunter writes these characters with mature, thoughtful dialogue. Their communication styles, while not perfect, were far more believable than I’ve seen in other books, and I rooted for the couple’s success from beginning to end!

If you are a fan of Tessa Bailey, then I would say this book is for you. What are you waiting for??