I am obsessed. Reading this was the closest I’ve come to the feeling I had when reading my favorite ever fantasy series, The Fifth Season, several years ago. Both are full of complex worlds, grounded and true to life characters, wit, and grit. Most of all both require complete trust of the author, that even though nothing makes sense for a while, they will take you where you need to go. I cannot wait to dive into the second book and return to this world and these people. Bound to be a new favorite. 

This was a fun new adult novel about friendship, coming out, coming of age, queer community, and navigating relationships. I expected all of that but did not expect for it to also deal so thoughtfully with sexual assault. Definitely recommend for fans of messy campus novels like Come and Get It. Also the audio was one of the best narrations I’ve heard in a long time. If you can make a dozen different college students sound distinct with one voice, I am impressed. Will definitely be looking for more from this author and narrator. 

Final book in the trilogy and it wasn’t my favorite but it wasn’t my least favorite. I liked getting to know the characters more and seeing their little magical found family come together. I liked the dynamics between the love interests as well but didn’t love the sex scenes in this one. It is by far the most explicit of the three but somehow also less steamy? Maybe just wasn’t for me. This one was also very slow at parts, but I couldn’t not finish the series after my complete adoration of the first book. All around definitely a worthwhile series if queer historical romantasy sounds like your jam.

Very cute, lots of fun explorations of different Asian cultures. I’ve never read a middle grade that dives into a tween starting and running a business. Pairs well with Ruby Lost and Found.