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828 reviews by:
olivialandryxo
”A determined young woman sets out to rescue her kidnapped girlfriend by stealing a dragon from the corrupt emperor”
If that doesn’t convince you to read this, I don’t know what will.
This was absolutely an impulse read. I saw it available on Libby and decided to check it out, not knowing what it was about and vaguely remembering it might be gay. Synopsis? I don’t know her. Apparently going in unaware is my new approach to books.
Anyway, I loved Shatter the Sky so much!!! This is a super quick read, made even quicker by the fact that I was hooked from the start. Plot? Intense and exciting. Characters? Complex. I love them. Dragons? Powerful and unique. Amazing. The kit is adorable. World-building? Extremely well-done. Romance? Adorable, passionate, added five years to my life.
In one of my status updates about halfway through the book, I theorized that Maren (the protagonist) and Sev (mysterious new guy) would kiss soon. I’ve never been happier to be wrong in my life. Maren and Kaia are the sapphic couple of my dreams* and they absolutely should be endgame. Also, they’re separated for most of the story and I still love them?! That’s definitely indicative of how good this book is, how good a writer Wells is.
There’s SO MUCH to love about this book, and I don’t think I have the words to describe it all. Wells’ debut is magical, exhilarating, intriguing, and all-around spectacular. I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel when it releases!!! And on this one, as I desperately need a physical copy of my own.
Representation:
• Bisexual protagonist of color
• Sapphic love interest of color
• Established f/f romance
• Numerous side characters of color
• Minor character that uses they/them pronouns (end of the novel)
CW: kidnapping
*Well, one of them.
If that doesn’t convince you to read this, I don’t know what will.
This was absolutely an impulse read. I saw it available on Libby and decided to check it out, not knowing what it was about and vaguely remembering it might be gay. Synopsis? I don’t know her. Apparently going in unaware is my new approach to books.
Anyway, I loved Shatter the Sky so much!!! This is a super quick read, made even quicker by the fact that I was hooked from the start. Plot? Intense and exciting. Characters? Complex. I love them. Dragons? Powerful and unique. Amazing. The kit is adorable. World-building? Extremely well-done. Romance? Adorable, passionate, added five years to my life.
In one of my status updates about halfway through the book, I theorized that Maren (the protagonist) and Sev (mysterious new guy) would kiss soon. I’ve never been happier to be wrong in my life. Maren and Kaia are the sapphic couple of my dreams* and they absolutely should be endgame. Also, they’re separated for most of the story and I still love them?! That’s definitely indicative of how good this book is, how good a writer Wells is.
There’s SO MUCH to love about this book, and I don’t think I have the words to describe it all. Wells’ debut is magical, exhilarating, intriguing, and all-around spectacular. I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel when it releases!!! And on this one, as I desperately need a physical copy of my own.
Representation:
• Bisexual protagonist of color
• Sapphic love interest of color
• Established f/f romance
• Numerous side characters of color
• Minor character that uses they/them pronouns (end of the novel)
CW: kidnapping
*Well, one of them.
I have a lot of thoughts regarding The Gallery of Unfinished Girls, but I’m not sure how to put most of them into words. This is a magical realism novel about growing up, figuring yourself and your future out, and the ups and downs of art and being an artist. Karcz did a good job balancing all of these themes alongside numerous sad events, and those are respected rather than used only for shock value. It’s especially good for a debut novel.
However, most of this book just...didn’t work for me. I liked Mercedes, Angela, and Victoria. Especially Victoria. Karcz nailed the uncertainty surrounding high school graduation (I still live that life) and the way that affects relationships. And the way Mercedes had a crush on her friend, unsure if said friend was queer? Relatable. Fair warning, if you’re going into this expecting a f/f romance the way I did: you aren’t going to get one. While personally I found that a bit disappointing, I will admit that such a choice fits better with the rest of the story.
As for everything else, I don’t know. I liked the way the Estate was written and the magic surrounding it, but parts of it didn’t make sense. The plot twist at the end of the book didn’t make much sense to me either, though that’s just as likely to be an issue with me as with the book. The sad events I mentioned earlier didn’t really have an effect on me; I recognized that they were sad, but I wasn’t bothered by them. I didn’t really care about any part of this book, if I’m being honest.
I’m not sure what else to say. I didn’t love or hate The Gallery of Unfinished Girls; it’s a book I read and that’s that. I’d recommend it to those interested in it, but I’ll likely forget about it in a few months.
Representation:
• Puerto Rican bisexual protagonist
• Potentially queer Italian-American prominent side character
• Queer minor side character
CW: death of a family member
However, most of this book just...didn’t work for me. I liked Mercedes, Angela, and Victoria. Especially Victoria. Karcz nailed the uncertainty surrounding high school graduation (I still live that life) and the way that affects relationships. And the way Mercedes had a crush on her friend, unsure if said friend was queer? Relatable. Fair warning, if you’re going into this expecting a f/f romance the way I did: you aren’t going to get one. While personally I found that a bit disappointing, I will admit that such a choice fits better with the rest of the story.
As for everything else, I don’t know. I liked the way the Estate was written and the magic surrounding it, but parts of it didn’t make sense. The plot twist at the end of the book didn’t make much sense to me either, though that’s just as likely to be an issue with me as with the book. The sad events I mentioned earlier didn’t really have an effect on me; I recognized that they were sad, but I wasn’t bothered by them. I didn’t really care about any part of this book, if I’m being honest.
I’m not sure what else to say. I didn’t love or hate The Gallery of Unfinished Girls; it’s a book I read and that’s that. I’d recommend it to those interested in it, but I’ll likely forget about it in a few months.
Representation:
• Puerto Rican bisexual protagonist
• Potentially queer Italian-American prominent side character
• Queer minor side character
CW: death of a family member
Pet is one of the most unique books I’ve ever read. Although it’s short, Emezi fills the pages with brilliant writing and strong, well-handled messages. The world of Lucille was fascinating, all the characters complex and interesting to read about. I don’t know what exactly I liked about Jam, the protagonist, but I really liked her.
I also really liked Pet, the strange creature that came out of Jam’s mother’s painting. It was very focused on its task, not bothered by “human” issues and emotions. But the way it promised Jam it wouldn’t hurt her family and reassured her when she was afraid? That warmed my heart.
I’m not sure what else to say about Pet, but I definitely want to buy my own copy and recommend it to everyone.
Representation:
• All characters are Black
• Trans girl protagonist
CW: discussions of child abuse
I also really liked Pet, the strange creature that came out of Jam’s mother’s painting. It was very focused on its task, not bothered by “human” issues and emotions. But the way it promised Jam it wouldn’t hurt her family and reassured her when she was afraid? That warmed my heart.
I’m not sure what else to say about Pet, but I definitely want to buy my own copy and recommend it to everyone.
Representation:
• All characters are Black
• Trans girl protagonist
CW: discussions of child abuse
I really liked We Unleash the Merciless Storm, but unfortunately, though it pains me to say so, I didn’t love it the way I loved We Set the Dark on Fire.
Let me preface the rest of my review by saying Mejia did such a good job with this sequel, truly. It’s about rebellion and revolution in all its forms, on large and small scales, personal and collective. It’s about balancing different parts of yourself so you can be your honest self. And on top of this are so many other themes I don’t think I can do justice describing—from oppression to poverty to bigotry in politics and more—all given equal attention and written seamlessly into a captivating story.
This novel allows readers to get to know who Carmen really is after the cliffhanger in We Set the Dark on Fire. We learn how she got to be where and who she is now, witness her inner struggle of family vs duty vs love. She’s such a complex character and I’m so glad she narrates this book. I think it’s fitting, too: we get one book from Dani and now one from Carmen. I love Carmen Santos SO MUCH, I can’t even explain.
And her romance with Dani? BE STILL MY GAY HEART. There’s so much passion between them and it shows, but more as well. They’ve each got a lot to deal with, physically and emotionally. They love and fight, but most importantly, they communicate. They support one another, and I love to see it. I knew I loved them in We Set the Dark on Fire, but after We Unleash the Merciless Storm I can confirm that I adore them and am 100% trash for them. If we’re being honest, it’s almost a guarantee I’ll end up trash for any well-written, mutually affectionate sapphic relationship. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Now, unfortunately, I have to say that I had a couple of issues with the book. Primarily, the pacing was severely uneven. The first half of the book can be summarized almost entirely by just the words “gay yearning”—and don’t get me wrong, I’m here for it—but it isn’t enough to support such a large portion of a story. The climax comes so close to the end of the story, leaving little time for much else to occur and even less for a truly satisfying ending. But more on that later.
My other issue isn’t as significant, but it was still noticeable to me: some events seemed a bit too convenient. Like they shouldn’t have worked, but they worked for Carmen and Dani. And in the final chapters, a couple of things seemed too easy. Of course, Mejia threw in some twists and one in particular had me terrified, but when you’ve only got a handful of chapters remaining and so much to cover, there isn’t time for anything spectacular, thus tying into my aforementioned problem with the story’s pacing.
Lastly—and this is more of a personal thing than an actual critique—I would’ve loved to see dual perspectives. I think switching between Carmen and Dani would’ve added an extra layer to the story that ultimately would’ve been beneficial to it as a whole. I love Daniela Vargas just as much as I love Carmen Santos, and I kind of missed her narration, even though I loved Carmen’s. I think the beginning, prior to their reunion, and the final battle would’ve especially benefitted from this. However, the story is still amazing with just Carmen, and I don’t want to mislead anyone in that regard.
As for the ending, I think it was left kind of open on purpose; I know we aren’t getting a third book, as this is only a duology. But maybe Mejia intends to write something else in this world, in the future? Or maybe I’m just a desperate lesbian reading into what isn’t there. I’m not sure. That aside, all my criticisms aside, Mejia did everything right with this ending. Would I have loved to see more? Absolutely. But I’m happy with what we got, as my queer queens are together and, for the most part, everything is okay. The girls’ off-page future has a lot of potential and I love that for them.
Even though I don’t think We Unleash the Merciless Storm lived up to We Set the Dark on Fire, it was a great sequel. If you’ve read the first book, you don’t want to miss this one. And I know I don’t want to miss anything Tehlor Kay Mejia writes in the future.
Representation:
• Entirely Latinx cast of characters (as far as I know)
• Sapphic Latinx protagonists
• Sapphic romance (but we all know that already, come on)
CW: blood, some gore, death/murder, war
Let me preface the rest of my review by saying Mejia did such a good job with this sequel, truly. It’s about rebellion and revolution in all its forms, on large and small scales, personal and collective. It’s about balancing different parts of yourself so you can be your honest self. And on top of this are so many other themes I don’t think I can do justice describing—from oppression to poverty to bigotry in politics and more—all given equal attention and written seamlessly into a captivating story.
This novel allows readers to get to know who Carmen really is after the cliffhanger in We Set the Dark on Fire. We learn how she got to be where and who she is now, witness her inner struggle of family vs duty vs love. She’s such a complex character and I’m so glad she narrates this book. I think it’s fitting, too: we get one book from Dani and now one from Carmen. I love Carmen Santos SO MUCH, I can’t even explain.
And her romance with Dani? BE STILL MY GAY HEART. There’s so much passion between them and it shows, but more as well. They’ve each got a lot to deal with, physically and emotionally. They love and fight, but most importantly, they communicate. They support one another, and I love to see it. I knew I loved them in We Set the Dark on Fire, but after We Unleash the Merciless Storm I can confirm that I adore them and am 100% trash for them. If we’re being honest, it’s almost a guarantee I’ll end up trash for any well-written, mutually affectionate sapphic relationship. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Now, unfortunately, I have to say that I had a couple of issues with the book. Primarily, the pacing was severely uneven. The first half of the book can be summarized almost entirely by just the words “gay yearning”—and don’t get me wrong, I’m here for it—but it isn’t enough to support such a large portion of a story. The climax comes so close to the end of the story, leaving little time for much else to occur and even less for a truly satisfying ending. But more on that later.
My other issue isn’t as significant, but it was still noticeable to me: some events seemed a bit too convenient. Like they shouldn’t have worked, but they worked for Carmen and Dani. And in the final chapters, a couple of things seemed too easy. Of course, Mejia threw in some twists and one in particular had me terrified, but when you’ve only got a handful of chapters remaining and so much to cover, there isn’t time for anything spectacular, thus tying into my aforementioned problem with the story’s pacing.
Lastly—and this is more of a personal thing than an actual critique—I would’ve loved to see dual perspectives. I think switching between Carmen and Dani would’ve added an extra layer to the story that ultimately would’ve been beneficial to it as a whole. I love Daniela Vargas just as much as I love Carmen Santos, and I kind of missed her narration, even though I loved Carmen’s. I think the beginning, prior to their reunion, and the final battle would’ve especially benefitted from this. However, the story is still amazing with just Carmen, and I don’t want to mislead anyone in that regard.
As for the ending, I think it was left kind of open on purpose; I know we aren’t getting a third book, as this is only a duology. But maybe Mejia intends to write something else in this world, in the future? Or maybe I’m just a desperate lesbian reading into what isn’t there. I’m not sure. That aside, all my criticisms aside, Mejia did everything right with this ending. Would I have loved to see more? Absolutely. But I’m happy with what we got, as my queer queens are together and, for the most part, everything is okay. The girls’ off-page future has a lot of potential and I love that for them.
Even though I don’t think We Unleash the Merciless Storm lived up to We Set the Dark on Fire, it was a great sequel. If you’ve read the first book, you don’t want to miss this one. And I know I don’t want to miss anything Tehlor Kay Mejia writes in the future.
Representation:
• Entirely Latinx cast of characters (as far as I know)
• Sapphic Latinx protagonists
• Sapphic romance (but we all know that already, come on)
CW: blood, some gore, death/murder, war
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
[fifth read, July 2023]
Let’s see how long I can hold out before I reread again, I said. That was two years ago, and honestly, I’m surprised I went so long without another dose of Firstprince. This reread was extremely overdue, and as always, it made me so happy. Alex and Henry make everything better and no one can convince me otherwise.
This was also in preparation for the release of the movie next month, which I’m extremely worried about after seeing the trailer, but I’m trying not to think about that. So yeah. Lemme just go reread Henry’s bonus chapter and forget about everything else. 🫡
[fourth read, May 2021]
I’m so utterly in love and obsessed with Alex and Henry and this entire book. I could read it another hundred times and still laugh and swoon and cheer at all the same moments. I love June and Nora and Pez and Bea. I love the way reading this makes me feel. It’s the perfect read for a massive serotonin boost.
Reading this now and seeing all the subtle hints that my boys like each other? Absolute gold.
Also, I’d like to see more of Pez, June and Nora, please. I know they hooked up in that hotel room after their epic drunk karaoke party with Alex, Henry, and Bea. Imagine how much more iconic this book would be—if that’s even possible—if there were not one but two queer power couples.
Let’s see how long I can hold out before I reread again, I said. That was two years ago, and honestly, I’m surprised I went so long without another dose of Firstprince. This reread was extremely overdue, and as always, it made me so happy. Alex and Henry make everything better and no one can convince me otherwise.
This was also in preparation for the release of the movie next month, which I’m extremely worried about after seeing the trailer, but I’m trying not to think about that. So yeah. Lemme just go reread Henry’s bonus chapter and forget about everything else. 🫡
[fourth read, May 2021]
I’m so utterly in love and obsessed with Alex and Henry and this entire book. I could read it another hundred times and still laugh and swoon and cheer at all the same moments. I love June and Nora and Pez and Bea. I love the way reading this makes me feel. It’s the perfect read for a massive serotonin boost.
Reading this now and seeing all the subtle hints that my boys like each other? Absolute gold.
Also, I’d like to see more of Pez, June and Nora, please. I know they hooked up in that hotel room after their epic drunk karaoke party with Alex, Henry, and Bea. Imagine how much more iconic this book would be—if that’s even possible—if there were not one but two queer power couples.
And then I was a careless fool, and I fell in love with you anyway. When you rang me at truly shocking hours of the night, I loved you. When you kissed me in disgusting public toilets and pouted in hotel bars and made me happy in ways in which it had never even occurred to me that a mangled-up, locked-up person like me could be happy, I loved you.
And then, inexplicably, you had the absolute audacity to love me back. Can you believe it?
Sometimes, even now, I still can’t.
—My absolute favorite quote in this book. Henry is such a poetic cinnamon roll and he must be protected at all costs.
Also, I can’t stop thinking about this quote:
Also, I can’t stop thinking about this quote:
‘I was alright letting everything happen to me. I honestly never thought I deserved to choose. But you treat me like I do.’
—Henry being a vulnerable bean desperately in need of a hug (Let’s be real, he and Alex are always in need of hugs. 10/10 would give them hugs and be their friends, if only I could.)
Or this scene:when Henry breaks down after his fake date with June because the whole situation is so unfair, and Alex feels so bad but can’t do anything, and “You and me and history, remember?” MY HEART.
So yeah, Alex and Henry live in my mind rent free—if that wasn’t already abundantly clear—and I absolutely adore them. Let’s see how long I can hold out before I reread again. 🌚
Or this scene:
So yeah, Alex and Henry live in my mind rent free—if that wasn’t already abundantly clear—and I absolutely adore them. Let’s see how long I can hold out before I reread again. 🌚
[third read, February 2020]
I don’t have anything new to say. I love this book so, so much, and it’s one of my all-time favorites. I see myself coming back to this again and again, no matter how many books I have on my shelves that I could/should read instead.
[second read, October 2019]
If anything, rereading Red, White and Royal Blue has made me love it even more. I picked this up on a whim while feeling down and can confirm that not only is this one of my favorite books of all time, it’s also a great pick-me-up.
My original review thoroughly and more eloquently expresses my thoughts, but to put it simply, I absolutely adore this book. The relationships, the banter, the characters, the themes... Every part of the story is just so fantastic, and I can’t believe I almost didn’t read it. I’m so glad I did, and I’m pretty sure I’ll revisit it sooner rather than later.
[first read, June 2019]
It’s been a while since I read a book I loved so much, it’s hard to review. I’ve seen just about everyone singing this book’s praises, and now that I’ve finally hopped on this bandwagon, I can absolutely see why. In addition to possibly being the first queer NA romantic comedy I’ve read, Red, White and Royal Blue is a phenomenal debut that balances love and humor with politics and a whirlwind of emotions I was in no way prepared for.
Alex and Henry are flawed but amazing characters. I loved their arcs as individuals and as a couple, and although I don’t really have anything to compare it to, I firmly believe McQuiston has mastered queer hate to love stories.
In addition to the wonderful romance, this novel also has platonic and familial relationships that made me ridiculously happy. The Claremont-Diaz family, particularly Alex’s older sister June and mom Ellen, conveys their love in teasing jabs and ample expletives, yet it’s still abundantly clear how much they really do love one another. Alex and Henry each have their own little trio of close friends, but as the two of them grow closer, so does everyone else. The end result was the best six pack to ever exist, and their bar party scene might be one of the best scenes I’ve ever read. (I’m not sure if calling them a six pack is brilliant or horrible, but I’m sticking with it.)
Now back to the star couple. I ship Alex and Henry with every fiber of my being, and from the beginning, their dynamic made me so unbelievably happy. If anyone saw my update saying something along the lines of “my gay heart is about to explode,” that’s still fully applicable. They had to deal with so much emotional baggage and other complications they didn’t deserve, but they ended up an even stronger, cuter couple because of it.
Though I’ve failed to mention it before now, there were aspects aside from the relationships that I really liked about this novel. One that was more prominent in my eyes was that, as the story progressed, Alex only began to question his identity. An entire chapter was dedicated to that, before he finally claimed and came to terms with his bisexuality. I’ve seen a few people complain about this being unrealistic, and firstly, I’m not sure how anyone can complain about this queer masterpiece. Secondly, such is reality for many people. Alex might be five years older than me, give or take, but even after realizing I was queer, it took a year for me to figure out what labels best suited me. I’m not bisexual, and can’t relate to all aspects of the representation, but I appreciate that McQuiston wrote Alex this way.
Another element that stood out to me was the refreshing alternate timeline this story took place in. Though it’s set in 2019-2020, it’s set in an America where Alex’s mom won the 2016 election, became the first woman president, and in general kept the US from turning into the disaster we know it to be. Politics are a significant part of the story, with one protagonist the president’s son, interested in going down a similar path, and the other a European prince. It was interesting without being overbearing.
Usually, when I read a book in a remarkably short amount of time, it’s a fantasy or otherwise fantastical story with a fast-paced plot that I simply can’t fathom putting down. In this case, though, that isn’t what happened. My love for Alex and Henry fueled me, so I ended up reading this in two sittings. I started reading at 11:30 p.m., against my better judgement, and by the time I went to sleep four hours later, I was nearly half done. Then, after a few hours of sleep and some small distractions, I got my earbuds and my paperback and prepared myself to do nothing else until I finished. Overall, I think this took me approximately eight hours to read from cover to cover. My only regret is not marking my favorite quips and quotes, but hey, that gives me an excuse to reread.
Finally, I want to say that one specific line in the acknowledgments made me smile: “What I hoped to do, and what I hope I have done with this book by the time you’ve finished it, my dear reader, is to be a spark of joy and hope you needed.” In this, McQuiston certainly succeeded. Red, White and Royal Blue was a fabulously queer and unbelievably fun debut, and it deserves every bit of hype. It’s incredibly likely that I’ll reread this at least once while waiting for McQuiston’s next novel to come out.
Representation:
- biracial (Mexican-American), bisexual protagonist with ADHD
- gay love interest with anxiety and depression
- queer side characters (includes bisexual, pansexual, and trans rep)
- queer side characters of color (a gay Latine man, a queer Black man)
- side characters of color (includes Latine, Black, and Indian rep)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Grief, Outing
Minor: Addiction, Drug use, Sexual assault, Death of parent
All topics tagged as minor occurred prior to the story, in relation to non-POV characters. Henry’s father died of cancer, his sister struggled with addiction, and another side character experienced grooming and attempted assault.
I’ve seen nothing but glowing reviews of this book, so I was ecstatic when my library hold was ready. I knew I’d like it almost instantly upon starting, but the more I read, the more I loved it.
I wasn’t planning to finish this until sometime in the afternoon, but once I hit 60% I could not put it down. I didn’t care that it was after midnight, I didn’t care that I needed to wake up early. At this point, I’ll only get a few hours of sleep, but I don’t care. I finished this book and I’m so freaking glad I did.
Felix Ever After is absolutely brilliant. I loved Felix and Ezra and Leah. I loved the focus on art, on being worthy of love, on making mistakes and learning from them. I loved the emotion present on every page. I loved how real each character and dynamic felt, good or bad. I loved the romance, once it finally happened. I honestly can say that I loved every single thing about this novel.
I turned the last page—not knowing it was the last page, as I was reading a digital copy—and was truly dismayed to find the story over. I understand that all stories come to an end, but so help me, I would’ve happily read another 100 pages about Felix and Ezra. Heck, I’d read an entire second book about them.
Maybe I’d have more to say if it wasn’t 2 a.m., maybe not. I’m not sure of much else aside from how tired I am, but staying up to read this was completely worth it. I’ll definitely be buying my own, physical copy of this book, and reading more from Callender in the future.
Oh, and in the very end, I figured out what the title meant. Very clever. Very sweet. I approve.
Representation:
• Felix is Black, queer, trans and a demiboy
• Ezra is Black, Bengali, and queer
• Multiple queer side characters & side characters of color
CW: transphobia, bullying & cyber-bullying
I wasn’t planning to finish this until sometime in the afternoon, but once I hit 60% I could not put it down. I didn’t care that it was after midnight, I didn’t care that I needed to wake up early. At this point, I’ll only get a few hours of sleep, but I don’t care. I finished this book and I’m so freaking glad I did.
Felix Ever After is absolutely brilliant. I loved Felix and Ezra and Leah. I loved the focus on art, on being worthy of love, on making mistakes and learning from them. I loved the emotion present on every page. I loved how real each character and dynamic felt, good or bad. I loved the romance, once it finally happened. I honestly can say that I loved every single thing about this novel.
I turned the last page—not knowing it was the last page, as I was reading a digital copy—and was truly dismayed to find the story over. I understand that all stories come to an end, but so help me, I would’ve happily read another 100 pages about Felix and Ezra. Heck, I’d read an entire second book about them.
Maybe I’d have more to say if it wasn’t 2 a.m., maybe not. I’m not sure of much else aside from how tired I am, but staying up to read this was completely worth it. I’ll definitely be buying my own, physical copy of this book, and reading more from Callender in the future.
Oh, and in the very end, I figured out what the title meant. Very clever. Very sweet. I approve.
Representation:
• Felix is Black, queer, trans and a demiboy
• Ezra is Black, Bengali, and queer
• Multiple queer side characters & side characters of color
CW: transphobia, bullying & cyber-bullying
Even though I was seriously doubting this book when I started it and feel that the first 100 pages dragged, I wholeheartedly believe it’s the best of the trilogy. Once the story picked up, I didn’t want to put this down—and reading as much as I did on a Sunday? That rarely happens. I was invested, although if we’re being honest, it lowkey felt like I blinked and suddenly I cared 10x more. So that happened.
I liked most of the characters, even Julian, who I found quite obnoxious at first. But he’s really just a big marshmallow and he’s fine. You know who I don’t like? Legend. I don’t understand the hype, y’all!!! He’s the epitome of tall, dark and handsome guys that should’ve been left in 2017, just with magic. Am I missing something here? Am I too gay for this?
Maybe the problem is that I’m too busy suddenly loving Jacks, the apple-sucking demon* that came out of nowhere and stole my heart. He’s so not my type (and no, this isn’t a gay joke) but I just....love him?! And now I understand why people say he deserves better! I’m upset on his behalf!!! Seriously though, despite everything, he’s a disheveled boy with slight gambling issues that needs a hug and also a reminder that apples aren’t the only fruit in the world. Don’t fight me on this.
Anyway, characters aside, this was good. I would’ve liked more details regarding the world-building; the information we got was intriguing and I’d have loved to know more. The magic was eerie in some ways, while fun and whimsical in others. The story, though vastly different from either Caraval or Legendary, was quite entertaining, even if the angst was sometimes excessive.
I definitely wish that the ending had given more insight regarding Jacks—or, to be frank, just more insight in general. It was satisfying, yes, but rather vague. After everything that happened, only a handful of pages are spared to wrap up an entire trilogy? :(( It’s a tiny bit disappointing, not gonna lie.
Overall, despite Jacks getting the shortest end of the stick, Finale was a good conclusion to a magical, one-of-a-kind trilogy. I’m curious to see what Garber does next.
*This is a legitimate phrase in the book. You can really feel Tella’s love for Jacks. I might borrow this phrase in the future.
CW: blood, death & murder, death of a parent, kidnapping, grief
I liked most of the characters, even Julian, who I found quite obnoxious at first. But he’s really just a big marshmallow and he’s fine. You know who I don’t like? Legend. I don’t understand the hype, y’all!!! He’s the epitome of tall, dark and handsome guys that should’ve been left in 2017, just with magic. Am I missing something here? Am I too gay for this?
Maybe the problem is that I’m too busy suddenly loving Jacks, the apple-sucking demon* that came out of nowhere and stole my heart. He’s so not my type (and no, this isn’t a gay joke) but I just....love him?! And now I understand why people say he deserves better! I’m upset on his behalf!!! Seriously though, despite everything, he’s a disheveled boy with slight gambling issues that needs a hug and also a reminder that apples aren’t the only fruit in the world. Don’t fight me on this.
Anyway, characters aside, this was good. I would’ve liked more details regarding the world-building; the information we got was intriguing and I’d have loved to know more. The magic was eerie in some ways, while fun and whimsical in others. The story, though vastly different from either Caraval or Legendary, was quite entertaining, even if the angst was sometimes excessive.
I definitely wish that the ending had given more insight regarding Jacks—or, to be frank, just more insight in general. It was satisfying, yes, but rather vague. After everything that happened, only a handful of pages are spared to wrap up an entire trilogy? :(( It’s a tiny bit disappointing, not gonna lie.
Overall, despite Jacks getting the shortest end of the stick, Finale was a good conclusion to a magical, one-of-a-kind trilogy. I’m curious to see what Garber does next.
*This is a legitimate phrase in the book. You can really feel Tella’s love for Jacks. I might borrow this phrase in the future.
CW: blood, death & murder, death of a parent, kidnapping, grief
The Beautiful might not have been a new favorite, but it was close. The Damned absolutely is a new favorite. I’m in so deep and I don’t even care. While this didn’t have a murder mystery, it had plenty of other elements in lieu of one: intriguing exploration of a world hidden inside and alongside our own, paranormal feuds, and SO MUCH romantic tension, almost too much to handle.
Celine Rousseau and Sébastien Saint Germain are now two of my favorite characters. The dynamic they had, even when they were, frustratingly, trying to move past their feelings for one another, was exquisite. They had me feeling all sorts of things, and that scene at the 87% mark? HECK YES. AMAZING.
Of course, after that, everything went to crap. The last few chapters were so much more intense than I expected them to be. One event in particular hurt. It hurt a lot. And the ending wasn’t exactly a cliffhanger, but I refuse to believe this is the true end of the series. I don’t care if it’s listed here on Goodreads as a duology. THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE. I NEED MORE.
I’m not sure what else to say. I’m emotional with my cat way too late at night. Read these books. They’re Ahdieh’s best work and top-tier YA vampire content.
Representation:
• Biracial protagonist
• Numerous characters of color in significant and supporting roles
• Sapphic side character
CW: blood, gore, violence, death
Celine Rousseau and Sébastien Saint Germain are now two of my favorite characters. The dynamic they had, even when they were, frustratingly, trying to move past their feelings for one another, was exquisite. They had me feeling all sorts of things, and that scene at the 87% mark? HECK YES. AMAZING.
Of course, after that, everything went to crap. The last few chapters were so much more intense than I expected them to be. One event in particular hurt. It hurt a lot. And the ending wasn’t exactly a cliffhanger, but I refuse to believe this is the true end of the series. I don’t care if it’s listed here on Goodreads as a duology. THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE. I NEED MORE.
I’m not sure what else to say. I’m emotional with my cat way too late at night. Read these books. They’re Ahdieh’s best work and top-tier YA vampire content.
Representation:
• Biracial protagonist
• Numerous characters of color in significant and supporting roles
• Sapphic side character
CW: blood, gore, violence, death
I loved Girls of Paper and Fire, and was eager to finally pick up the second book. Girls of Storm and Shadow was brilliant, as delightfully queer and utterly emotional as its predecessor.
All of the characters, main and side alike, were complex and the dynamics among them were well-developed. I especially liked the main ensemble, as their conflicting personalities made for some top-tier banter.
My favorite part of the novel, hands down, was Lei and Wren’s relationship. They’re adorable and perfect for each other and so help me, I love them so much!!! The first half of the book was full of cuddles and pet names and general soft sapphic content that I’m absolutely here for.
Unfortunately, in the second half there’s some conflict between them. Arguably, it’s better for the plot that way, blah blah blah, and Ngan did handle it all well, but I’d like my girls to just be happy together, please and thank you. One thing I will say is that the ex drama felt unnecessary; I liked said ex as a character, truly I did, but I was annoyed literally the moment that tidbit of information was revealed. Props to Ngan for not dragging it out, but also.....did it really need to be there in the first place??
Moving past that, I enjoyed seeing more of the world of Ikhara. The clans and their territories were fascinating to me, as each was so unique. I liked the Cloud Palace even though the White Wing was a bit standoffish. The Cat Clan’s desert home was plainer in comparison, but I enjoyed the brief peek into their hearty, close-knit lifestyle.
I‘ll keep this brief, as it’s out of my lane, but Ngan did a great job tying certain events from book one into book two’s narrative. By that, I mean that Lei and Wren’s trauma, as well as the themes of sexual assault so prevalent in Girls of Paper and Fire, were not brushed aside or forgotten. Each girl carries her trauma in a different way, and there are several scenes that discuss the effects of it on them.
Oh, and that ending? When Girls of Fate and Fury isn’t out yet? Cruel. I’ll be eagerly (read: desperately) waiting for the final book, that’s for sure.
All in all, I really enjoyed Girls of Storm and Shadow. It was just as spectacular as the first book in the series, even though I did rate that one higher. I’m not entirely sure why, except that between January 2019 and now my review style and personal rating methods have changed significantly. Anyway, if you liked Girls of Paper and Fire and are in the right headspace for this book, I highly recommend it.
Representation:
• Both protagonists are sapphic girls of color
• Said protagonists are in a relationship (love that for them and me)
• All other human characters are POC and there are some queer side characters (among both humans and demons)
• Two side queer relationships
CW: discussions of sexual assault & trauma, blood, violence, war, death & murder, grief
To conclude, here’s one of my favorite quotes:
”Wren, being vulnerable isn’t a flaw. It’s the most beautiful thing in the world. If you were invincible, being brave would be easy. It’s the fact that it isn’t easy, that we have to constantly work and work at it, make ourselves believe in our own strength even when it feels like we’re worth nothing, have nothing, can do nothing... that’s power. That’s resilience. [...] There is nothing stronger than people who endure the worst hardships in the world, and still raise their fists at the start of a new day to fight all over again.”
(Directly after the above quote Wren says, ”You do realize you’ve just described why I love you?” and my heart might’ve exploded because they’re SO CUTE I CAN’T HANDLE IT.)
All of the characters, main and side alike, were complex and the dynamics among them were well-developed. I especially liked the main ensemble, as their conflicting personalities made for some top-tier banter.
My favorite part of the novel, hands down, was Lei and Wren’s relationship. They’re adorable and perfect for each other and so help me, I love them so much!!! The first half of the book was full of cuddles and pet names and general soft sapphic content that I’m absolutely here for.
Unfortunately, in the second half there’s some conflict between them. Arguably, it’s better for the plot that way, blah blah blah, and Ngan did handle it all well, but I’d like my girls to just be happy together, please and thank you. One thing I will say is that the ex drama felt unnecessary; I liked said ex as a character, truly I did, but I was annoyed literally the moment that tidbit of information was revealed. Props to Ngan for not dragging it out, but also.....did it really need to be there in the first place??
Moving past that, I enjoyed seeing more of the world of Ikhara. The clans and their territories were fascinating to me, as each was so unique. I liked the Cloud Palace even though the White Wing was a bit standoffish. The Cat Clan’s desert home was plainer in comparison, but I enjoyed the brief peek into their hearty, close-knit lifestyle.
I‘ll keep this brief, as it’s out of my lane, but Ngan did a great job tying certain events from book one into book two’s narrative. By that, I mean that Lei and Wren’s trauma, as well as the themes of sexual assault so prevalent in Girls of Paper and Fire, were not brushed aside or forgotten. Each girl carries her trauma in a different way, and there are several scenes that discuss the effects of it on them.
Oh, and that ending? When Girls of Fate and Fury isn’t out yet? Cruel. I’ll be eagerly (read: desperately) waiting for the final book, that’s for sure.
All in all, I really enjoyed Girls of Storm and Shadow. It was just as spectacular as the first book in the series, even though I did rate that one higher. I’m not entirely sure why, except that between January 2019 and now my review style and personal rating methods have changed significantly. Anyway, if you liked Girls of Paper and Fire and are in the right headspace for this book, I highly recommend it.
Representation:
• Both protagonists are sapphic girls of color
• Said protagonists are in a relationship (love that for them and me)
• All other human characters are POC and there are some queer side characters (among both humans and demons)
• Two side queer relationships
CW: discussions of sexual assault & trauma, blood, violence, war, death & murder, grief
To conclude, here’s one of my favorite quotes:
”Wren, being vulnerable isn’t a flaw. It’s the most beautiful thing in the world. If you were invincible, being brave would be easy. It’s the fact that it isn’t easy, that we have to constantly work and work at it, make ourselves believe in our own strength even when it feels like we’re worth nothing, have nothing, can do nothing... that’s power. That’s resilience. [...] There is nothing stronger than people who endure the worst hardships in the world, and still raise their fists at the start of a new day to fight all over again.”
(Directly after the above quote Wren says, ”You do realize you’ve just described why I love you?” and my heart might’ve exploded because they’re SO CUTE I CAN’T HANDLE IT.)
This was such a great sequel to The Devouring Gray and a satisfying conclusion to the duology.
The Deck of Omens was just as atmospheric yet, in my opinion, much creepier than its predecessor. I personally found the first quarter of the book to be a bit slow, but once the slime and secrets were spilled, I was hooked. So many good twists and a climax I never expected.
Also, I love the Four Paths disaster kids and I would like to adopt Harper, Violet, and Isaac, or at the very least give them all hugs. Nothing against the Hawthornes, but the others are just better. I said what I said.
Oh, and that romance? Even though I accidentally read one of the author’s spoiler tweets and thus knew it was coming, I was so invested in their dynamic. The progression from allies to friends to lovers? I’m emotional. I ship it so much. 10/10 would read more about them. Props to Herman for that.
To be honest, every relationship in this book, of every variety, was just so well-written. These characters are complex and messy and so are their relationships, and Herman did it all brilliantly. A+ banter, too.
Overall, I really liked this. I’m looking forward to both recommending these books to everyone and reading more from the author in the future.
Representation:
• Two bisexual protagonists
• One protagonist is an amputee
• Two queer side characters
The Deck of Omens was just as atmospheric yet, in my opinion, much creepier than its predecessor. I personally found the first quarter of the book to be a bit slow, but once the slime and secrets were spilled, I was hooked. So many good twists and a climax I never expected.
Also, I love the Four Paths disaster kids and I would like to adopt Harper, Violet, and Isaac, or at the very least give them all hugs. Nothing against the Hawthornes, but the others are just better. I said what I said.
Oh, and that romance? Even though I accidentally read one of the author’s spoiler tweets and thus knew it was coming, I was so invested in their dynamic. The progression from allies to friends to lovers? I’m emotional. I ship it so much. 10/10 would read more about them. Props to Herman for that.
To be honest, every relationship in this book, of every variety, was just so well-written. These characters are complex and messy and so are their relationships, and Herman did it all brilliantly. A+ banter, too.
Overall, I really liked this. I’m looking forward to both recommending these books to everyone and reading more from the author in the future.
Representation:
• Two bisexual protagonists
• One protagonist is an amputee
• Two queer side characters