I went into this expecting a cute space gays story, but got an intense space thriller instead. Eliot Schrefer is an absolute genius, because once the story got going, I never knew what to expect. I became immensely attached to Ambrose and Kodiak right away, and that never faded. These boys stole my heart and I don’t even mind. I love them so much!!!

Their relationship gave me Romitri vibes, which I’m totally cool with, considering that’s one of my all-time favorite ships from one of my all-time favorite series. If Rose was a boy and she and Dimitri were spacefarers, you’d get Ambrose and Kodiak, who’s even from a futuristic version of Russia. Don’t get me wrong, they’re their own people with their own adorable relationship, but in my eyes, the similarities are definitely there.

Science fiction is one of my least read genres, but I absolutely loved this book. I’m torn between wanting to devour all the sci-fi books because I’m craving something similar, and never touching another sci-fi again because nothing could possibly top this. I’m only slightly exaggerating.

While I don’t have any complaints, there was one thing I saw in multiple other reviews that I agree with: this book doesn’t feel like a YA. There wasn’t anything explicit by any means; I’m just talking about the general vibe of the book. Ambrose and Kodiak were 17 at the start, but that was the only thing that distinctly made it YA. They easily could’ve been 25 and this could’ve been a NA or adult novel. With how existential it can be at times, that probably would’ve been more fitting. (I’m not saying YA can’t be existential. I just think this book would’ve made more sense in another age category.)

I can’t say much else because spoilers, and honestly, I think it’s best to go into this story not knowing very much. It’s more impactful that way. What I will say is that, although I was highly concerned up until the last dozen or so pages (this book doesn’t have chapters), I found the ending highly satisfying. My last couple of questions were answered, my boys were mostly okay, and my heart is very happy. Also, I can finally take a deep breath now. I was gasping or holding my breath for most of the book after the first third, because it was just that freaking intense.

All in all, this book was phenomenal! 10/10 would recommend. I’ll be eagerly waiting for Schrefer’s next book, and in the meantime, I’m definitely adding this book to the ever-growing list of books that make up 95% of my personality.

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Ace of Spades is easily one of the most hyped YA books of the year, and all that hype had me very eager to read it. From the first page to the last, I was hooked. I sped through the entire book in less than a day because I so desperately wanted to know what the hell was going on.

All of the characters were complex and well-written. I really liked both Chiamaka and Devon, and I felt bad as more and more awful things kept happening to them. I found Chiamaka especially interesting, and as the story progressed, was rooting for her even though she wasn’t a typical nice or likable character.

This story goes in a lot of unexpected directions, and seriously messed with my head. I never knew who to trust, and quickly learned that I shouldn’t trust anyone except the two protagonists. I love books like this, where the stakes are high and nothing is certain. Not only are they completely engrossing, I find it fun to theorize who’s behind what and ultimately see if I guess correctly.

Another thing I liked was the slow but steady friendship that formed between Chi and Devon, and the fact that there wasn’t an ounce of any romantic feelings on either end. It would’ve been so typical for one of them to have a secret crush on the other, or grow attracted to each other as they worked together. Nope. Not only is Devon gay, thus making such scenarios impossible, but there’s hardly any romance in the book at all. Both protagonists have relationships on the side, but they’re mainly focused on uncovering Aces’ identity. While I do usually prefer romance in the books I read, it’s refreshing to read some occasionally where it’s on the back burner or not present at all. In this case, the emphasis on plot felt right, and I’m glad the author took that route.

The only reason I didn’t give this book five stars is because I was able to guess a few of the larger twists. Don’t get me wrong, there were still plenty of things I didn’t expect, and I still found the story gripping and enjoyable. There just wasn’t quite as much shock value as there could’ve been.

A couple of things: one, I was possibly too happy when I found out that Jamie was one of the three people that died in the Niveus fire. On one hand, he was a despicable person, but on the other, I don’t know if I should’ve been so thrilled at the news of a character’s death. 🌚

Two, I really liked the epilogue. I liked that Chi and Devon not only got the futures they wanted, but also co-founded an organization to prevent any students from suffering the way they did. It seemed very fitting. But I didn’t understand why it mentioned Headmaster Ward at the very end. It felt really random. Maybe I’m just missing something?? Who knows.

Overall, this book is definitely worth the hype it’s gotten. I recommend it to those who can handle the content (as it’s a heavy read in more ways than one), and am looking forward to seeing what Àbíké-Íyímídé does next.

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I didn’t think I’d read anything else from Victoria Lee after DNFing The Fever King a couple of years ago, but this book’s synopsis intrigued me enough that I changed my mind. Though I haven’t read much dark academia, I definitely want to read more after this.

From the first page, I found Felicity and her story enthralling, and desperately wanted to know what happened to Alex and the Dalloway Five. Dalloway was such an interesting setting, with intense eerie vibes that drew me in each time I picked up the book. I rarely knew who to trust or what was real, and I love books that mess with my head that way. Kudos to Lee for that.

I will say, one of the biggest twists was fairly easy for me to guess, and that’s the main reason I didn’t give this book a higher rating. However, everything that came after that reveal threw me for a loop, which definitely makes up for that shred of predictability. I liked the epilogue because, even if it wasn’t a typical happy ending, it was unexpected.

Overall, A Lesson in Vengeance was much more enjoyable than I thought it would be. I look forward to seeing what Lee does in the future.

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For the most part, this was a good romance. I really liked the protagonist Annika and her best friend June and, despite a few hiccups in their relationship, Annika’s father. I enjoyed seeing her passion for Make Up—which is a really cool idea for an app, by the way—and the progress she and June made working on it. I appreciated that so much of the book actually featured them working on the app and brainstorming ideas and planning for the pitch conference, as opposed to those things being sidelined in favor of the romance.

Speaking of the romance, one of my biggest issues was with the love interest, Hudson. I didn’t like his attitude when he was introduced; it took nearly half of the book for him to start growing on me. Then he ruined the progress he’d made when he sabotaged Annika in two different ways that I think seriously crossed the line.

Unplugging her laptop right before a presentation so he could charge his phone, which was barely under 90%? Inviting himself to the table where she and another guy where on a date, just because he was already at the same restaurant for another reason, and ruining said date? She salvaged the presentation, but her date left because he thought that there was something between Annika and Hudson. How obnoxious can he be??? Very, apparently, and I was not a fan.

Things started to improve, and even though I saw none of the things in Hudson that Annika did, I liked the direction the story took. I saw most of it coming, but that didn’t bother me. The final chapters of this book were unexpectedly emotional in more ways than one, and I liked that as well. Annika and Hudson’s make-up scene (see what I did there?) did endear him to me a little bit, and I think, with the story ending how it did, he has potential to be better.

What disappointed me the most was how abrupt the ending was. The aforementioned make-up scene was literally on the last page of the book, so we get absolutely nothing else. I would’ve loved to see Annika and Hudson as an actual couple, what happened with Make Up, if June and her love interest stayed together… so much could’ve been done in an additional couple of chapters. I feel like Menon ending the book where and how she did was a missed opportunity.

Despite those issues, I did enjoy most of this story, and I think Menon has potential as a romance writer. I might read more from her in the future.

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[second read, August 2022]
All I feel is pain. Lots and lots of pain. I genuinely don’t think I’ll reread these books again until a third book has been confirmed; I don’t think I can handle the feels otherwise. I’m manifesting that we’ll get one. I’ll beg if I have to, I don’t even care. When Romina was asked about it, she didn’t say no, she said “not yet,” and that has to mean SOMETHING, right??? I’M DESPERATE HERE PLS GIVE ME SOMETHING. 😩😩😩

I finished reading two hours ago and all I’ve done since is listen to my Miago playlist and think about that very, very mean epilogue. So that’s how my evening is going. :’)))

“He’s spent every night in my room, tangled in the sheets of Manu’s cot.”
HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO READ THAT AND BE OKAY???? I ACTUALLY WANNA CRY. [SCREECHES] 😭😭😭

[first read, August 2021]
This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, and it didn’t disappoint. From the start, it was an exciting and intriguing story I could never predict the direction of. That, combined with the cast of complex characters, ever-changing character dynamics, and extremely relevant social commentary, kept me hooked for the entirety of the book. It was a quick read, as I always wanted to know what happened next and make sure my favorite characters were okay.

I love Manu, Tiago, Cata, and Saysa with my whole entire heart. They’d go to the ends of the earth for each other and I love to see it. They grow closer as the story progresses, and stay together even when they don’t see eye to eye. Their friendship is brilliant, they’re brilliant, and honestly, they’re just completely iconic. 🥹❤️

One of my favorite parts of the book was the progression of Manu and Tiago’s relationship. They’re absolutely adorable!! They read each other’s favorite books and quote books to express their love, and they’re so passionate. I don’t know if I believe in soulmates, but I think these two are as close to that as anyone can be. They just fit. I love them so much. Miago forever!!! 🥹❤️

And on that note…. what the HELL was that ending?! Romina Garber said there are no plans for a third book, even though before this came out I thought there were such plans. This book certainly doesn’t feel like a conclusion; it feels like there should be another book. And I’m not just saying that because I want more cute romantic moments. Genuinely, based on the plot, it feels unfinished. A book with a cliffhanger and a sequel on the horizon is bad enough, but this is the first time I’ve read a book with a cliffhanger and no resolution or continuation in sight. I’m stressed and a little bit upset and more than a little bit desperate for more. I need to know if my faves are okay!! I need my ship to sail across the sea, not just profess their love and then go down like the freaking Titanic!!! Please, publishing gods, whoever is in control of this stuff, GIVE ME ONE MORE BOOK. PLEASE. 😩🙏🏻

I need to say this somewhere so I’ll say it here. Some of the scenes in the last 50-100 pages really packed a fudging PUNCH. Tiago catching Manu and Cata as they leave to turn Manu in, at her insistence, and her hearing Tiago break down sobbing after they leave. The group’s last scene together after Manu’s trial was over, before her ruling was carried out, and Tiago, Cata, and Saysa wanted to see her one more time. Manu and Tiago’s telepathic conversation before she was sent through a portal back to Earth. The epilogue from Cata’s perspective where it’s revealed that she and Tiago are joining the Cazadores and getting married so they can get close to Manu again. Their friends figuring out what the plan is and pledging their support, because they’ve all grown to love Manu and she inspired them by persisting, even when it damned her. Like, who let Romina Garber just stomp on my heart like that?? Ma’am, with all due respect, STOP IT. I’M A MESS OF EMOTIONS AND I DON’T LIKE IT. 😭

I think I’ve ranted most of my feels. The less coherent ones will most likely end up on Twitter. If it wasn’t already obvious, I loved Cazadora, and I love the Wolves of No World series. I highly recommend it, even if this emotional state and all the uncertainty that comes with it isn’t a very fun time. Now time to plead with the universe and hopefully manifest a third book.

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I read Raybearer last year, and it was one of the most unique, immersive fantasies I’d come across, one that kept me interested despite the slower, character-driven story. I was so excited to dive back into this world with Redemptor, and it didn’t disappoint.

Ifueko did such a brilliant job further developing Tarisai, Dayo, Kirah, and Sanjeet, as well as all of the other characters and the world they live in. I was once again immersed in the story from the first chapter, and sped through it, eager to know what solutions there could possibly be to all of the new and old problems the characters faced.

Tar and Dayo and their council siblings really grew on me in the first book, and I enjoyed being back with them. I also grew to like many other, new characters, especially Min Ja, Adukeh, Ji Huan, and even Zuri. Although, I must say, my shipper heart was already quite set on Tar x Sanjeet, so I never did hop on the Tar x Zuri bandwagon. I’m not sure if I was supposed to or not, but I did not. My favorite new relationship, by far, was Tar and Min Ja. The latter basically adopted the former as her younger sister, and that was so sweet to see. (Also, I may or may not find Min Ja attractive. 🌚)

One smaller detail that I found refreshing was Tarisai’s disinterest in having children. Granted, there was some personal trauma tied to it, but even beyond that, she simply didn’t think it was for her. While I have absolutely no qualms about series ending with the protagonist and their love interest with or planning to have a kid or multiple—in fact, I’m quite obsessed with the idea of any of my ships as parents, whether it’s canon or not—it was nice to see Ifueko shake that standard up a bit.

I found the end of the book quite satisfying, too. There were some stressful and unexpected moments in the final chapters, even some unexpected moments in the very last chapter, but everything worked out. I’m happy with the way Ifueko wrapped things up, and I look forward to seeing what she does in the future.

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I really enjoyed A River of Royal Blood, and was excited to see the rest of Eva and Isa’s story. Unfortunately, I didn’t find A Queen of Gilded Horns nearly as exciting. While I liked seeing various relationships develop, especially Eva and Isa’s, and Eva and Aketo’s, the book was dreadfully slow. There was very little action in the first 250 pages, and at that point, only 105 pages from the end, I wasn’t sure if there was enough book left to properly wrap everything up. Although all loose ends were technically tied when I closed the book, I felt unsatisfied. The last couple of chapters were rather anticlimactic, and the epilogue sadly quite vague. Good, but vague. I liked the way it ended, but I wish there was more.

Also, I can’t be sure, maybe I’m reading too much into this, but… I think that Baccha and Falun are a couple in the epilogue?? Or are on the brink of becoming one?? If that’s the case, I’m completely on board. I absolutely ship it.

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I understand now why sapphics love Juliette Cai. As a sapphic with a tendency to love fictional girls with weapons, I also love Juliette Cai. Woah. 😍

Okay, got that out of my system. Let me just say that the hype for this book is absolutely deserved. The first 100 pages were kind of slow, but I loved the protagonists instantly and never stopped. I also grew to love most of the side characters, especially Kathleen, Benedikt, and Marshall. I do like Rosalind, but I’m not sure I trust her. I know that I definitely don’t like Tyler. If anyone does, I seriously question their tastes. I want to steal his socks and shoes and leave him with a pair of slippers made entirely out of Legos, duct taped to his feet so he can never take them off. (I’m not sure if duct tape existed in 1926, but whatever.)

Roma also really grew on me. I love that boy almost as much as I love Juliette, just in a different way. And the whole lovers to enemies to lovers thing he and Juliette had? Absolute GOLD. I loved the vibes between them from the start, and the more I read, the more I shipped them. Every chapter they didn’t kiss drove me a bit more up the wall, but it’s fine. I’m fine.

The ending was so intense and left me with more feelings than I know what to do with. I’m now part of the “desperate for but also terrified of the sequel” club. :))

I was so worried that Tyler was going to kill Alisa. I hate him so much. And I really thought Marshall was dead. I didn’t expect for Juliette to use that temporary death serum on him. I wonder if that’s going to come back into play in the sequel, given that something similar was in the original story. I also wonder how Juliette is going to use Marshall being alive to her advantage. Lastly, the last interaction between Juliette and Roma was quite painful. I don’t even know how to describe my feelings. I just have so FREAKING many of them. 😩

Favorite parts:

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[second read, October 2022]
Currently cackling at past me saying I was ‘uncomfortable with the smut.’ Oh, how things have changed. Throughout the year, I’ve been seeking out various Katee Robert books because I’ve wanted smut. I never, ever thought I’d say that, but here I am. I love it here. It’s fun. XD

It was so good to be back with Persephone and Hades. Fierce clever girl x soft simp boy will forever be a superior trope, and they deliver it in spades. I think this is my favorite retelling of their story—it’s new and unique while still bringing in some classic details, it’s cute and funny and spicy. It’s perfect. They’re perfect. 🖤

We might be getting 10 Dark Olympus books, but there’s no ‘saving the best for last’ here. Katee Robert really decided to start this series with a bang, and honestly, I don’t think she can top this. (No innuendos intended. ;))

[first read, January 2022]
I DNFed this book back in August 2021 because, while I really liked the characters, I was uncomfortable with the smut and BDSM elements. However, Neon Gods has been in the back of my mind since then, and finally I decided to give it a second chance and just skip the explicit scenes. I really wanted to finish it, and figured it deserved a fair chance.

I didn’t expect to absolutely adore the book, or for it to be my first five-star read of 2022. I didn’t expect to find an adorable couple on the other side of the smut, one that delivered both grumpy/sunshine and obsessed boy, or for Persephone and Hades to completely steal my heart. I certainly didn’t expect the final quarter of the book to be so damn intense and make my emotions skyrocket as I sped through the final chapters even faster than I had the rest of the story.

I found the fraught politics of Olympus both disgusting and fascinating. I don’t entirely understand how Olympus fits into the modern world or where it is, but whatever. I can overlook that.

Also, I’d like to take a moment to say I freaking love Persephone’s sisters. I especially love Callisto and Psyche; I’m very excited for the latter’s book, and lowkey disappointed we’re not getting one for the former. This is absolutely me projecting, but I could see the eldest Dimitriou as an angry lesbian and getting a cute, soft girlfriend. Just saying, Ms. Robert. Just saying….. (Update: we are, in fact, getting a Callisto book, and even if it’s not going to be what I imagined, I’m very excited for it.)

So, overall, this book majorly surprised me. I stayed up all night to marathon it in its entirety and don’t regret a single thing. I’m glad Katee Robert has an extensive backlog and several upcoming releases, because I’m now insatiably curious. Although I have a feeling that none of her other books can top this one, because Persephone, Hades and their adorable puppies have stolen my heart. 🖤 (No, “puppies” isn’t a euphemism. It’s not one I’ve heard of, but just clarifying, just in case, hahah.)

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I gave the first book in this series only three stars, because I thought the characters and world-building were good but too many other things were off. I feel like a clown now, because I was enthralled as soon as I started this book and that never stopped. Now I’m obsessed with the characters and the story, and I’d go as far as saying that this is one of my favorite books of all time. Any book that makes me feel so many emotions deserves a spot on that list.

And dear god, there were emotions. There still are. I love the zumra, but they put me through more crap than I was prepared for. This especially applies to Zafira and Nasir. I ship them so hard!!! And the number of times I nearly lost it because of something sweet he said to her… I don’t think I’ve ever seen a love interest as reverent of their lover as he is. I’m pretty sure he’s the most romantic love interest ever. Very few ships make me swoon and screech and lose my mind as much as these two did, which says a lot, honestly. I’m a hopeless romantic and there are dozens of ships I’ll go down with, but something about these characters just affects me. I think it’s the slow-burn. Those usually hit me hard.

Romance aside, the friendships and family dynamics were also phenomenal. Zafira, Nasir, Altair, and Kifah are all iconic, and I love the dynamic between the four of them. I especially loved all the banter. I also really liked Zafira and Kifah’s friendship, and Zafira’s bond with her younger sister Lana, and Nasir and Altair’s friendship. It was really sweet to see Lana grow up, and how she loved her sister so much. I appreciate that she wasn’t sidelined in the midst of everything, and instead was just as complex and important to the story. As for my boys, they’re like the grumpy one and sunshine one, friend edition, and I’m totally here for it. They’re great on their own, and an absolutely hilarious duo.

They’re my favorite brothers, I think. I loved seeing them get used to that part of their relationship, and love and support each other.

The entirety of act three had me STRESSED. (I mean, the whole book did, if I’m being honest.) The final showdown was handled in a way I didn’t expect, so props to Faizal for that. Even after everything was wrapped up in terms of plot, I was still stressed because of how two specific characters were acting.

Part of me was worried that Zafira would just run away from Nasir and her feelings for him, and he would let it happen. Thank every god that Yasmine talked some sense into Zafira, and everything worked out in the end. I thought it was really sweet how she came to the throne room, and he ran to her, scattering papers everywhere, and just kissed her. I legit felt like cheering at that moment.

Luckily, when I closed the book, my shipper heart was very happy. It was all perfect. I do kind of wish we’d gotten another chapter or two, since this happy ending felt slightly vague, but it was still very much a happy ending. And that’s enough to satisfy me. ❤️

I loved this book. I can definitely see myself rereading this duology in the future. I know I’ll certainly be anticipating A Tempest of Tea, and everything else Hafsah Faizal has up her sleeve.

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