librarianlayla's Reviews (954)


A compelling cat and mouse mystery wrapped in a mathematical/geometric fantasy alternative world.

I was worried within the first few chapters that I wasn't going to enjoy the story as it's entire magic system is heavily based in maths/geometry but there is so much more to this story that that and I found it difficult to put down.

Slow to start with but filled with intrigue it really is a fantastic story and I cannot wait for the sequel.

A story of self discovery, recovery and love. I adored every minute of it.

Perfect for other Queer POC's who feel boxed in. There is hope. Just breathe.

4/4.5 star.

Going into this story it seems like you're being dropped into the middle of a series. It reads as if the reader should already know/have the background to everything that's happening. It read like a sequel rather than a first in the series. This made it a little of a slow struggle to begin with but once I got into the world I really enjoyed it.

The world is dark, and gritty. It's a political game of survival, with no way out for several years apart from death. And I appreciated the twists and turns and struggle.

El is so relatable to me. I felt as if Naomi had been watching me my entire life and then written me as a character. I felt it all.

I am very much looking forward to the sequel.

4.5 stars.

An epic conclusion to the Cursebreakers Trilogy.

Such an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish, I smiled, I cried and I felt so much anger. The only reason this doesn't get the full five stars is because I am a bitter/petty reader and have been a Harper/Grey stan since the beginning and wanted them to be together as I found Rhen toxic and Lia to be a little dull and overall an underdeveloped character in contrast to those around her. The book is amazing, I am ridiculous.

I do adore this series and I loved how most of the characters had fantastic development, and the ending has left it open for the next series.

I received an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Often when people are working through their grief, they look for answers and more often than not those answers are overwhelming. This beautiful condensed book gives those who are looking for comfort, a quick and concise way to feel seen.

A great book for anyone working through a loss.

Some of your favourite fairy tales brought to life and spun anew to bring forth a fantastic magical story that is very hard hard put down.

Three young people from across Thrynne are gifted with magical items that bring forth their unique talents, and have to find their way to one another to bring about peace to a land that is falling into cruelty.

I adored the stunning accompanying illustrations as well, they really tie in the magic of the world. I really hope that a sequel is not too far away.

I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 stars.

I was really excited to read this book, the entire premise behind the story excited me and we need more Filipino own voices fantasy out in the world.

However, I was left feeling a little let down by the writing. I feel that it read like a first draft and needed a lot of work on the timeline, as well as the characters and the dialogue. It has so much rich history and lore to work with, which is why it's a 2.5 star for me. If I only judged this book on the writing alone, it would have been lower. You didn't really get a good grip on the characters and there are plenty of emotionally charged moments, that fell a little flat because you hadn't a real feel for the character, nor time to get attached enough to immerse yourself into their feelings.

Really great concept, I just think it needs more work on it. It has the essence of something really great, and I could easily see it adapted for TV.

I feel seen.

An emotional rollercoaster filled with wit, love and a good dash of the supernatural. I honestly am feeling so much after finishing this book.

Living with a chronic illness is hard, and at times so lonely. But this beautiful book made me feel so seen, I adored all the characters, they had so much depth to them. I enjoyed their interactions and they're growth throughout.

If you suffer from any illness, especially a chronic one, or have multiple illnesses and want a book that discusses that whilst also having an aspect of fiction to it - to still give you the escapism you crave from literature - this is 100% for you.

3/3.5 stars.

I was really excited about this book as it had everything I was looking for- magic, mystery, adventure, ff romance. However I found it a little lacking.

I struggled to really feel and connect with the characters, I wanted a little more from them, to really feel for them. I found parts a little rushed and lacking emotion where emotion should be. And yes, I know one of the characters is cursed not to feel anything, but the reader should feel something about the fact that they don't feel.

It did have some really good moments and some very descriptive paragraphs but overall I just wanted more.

We've been missing some good vampire books for a while now and this collection was so perfect for any lover of the fanged fiend.

I adored all the different versions of vampires, their lore and outlooks. I enjoyed the twists and turns, the varying writing styles. It was a fantastic anthology and I struggled to put it down.