It’s been 11 days since I finished The Block and I’m still not over it. HOW DO YOU END A BOOK LIKE THAT?

Has Ben Oliver been in contact with Elizabeth May? Because god damn these two are like the iconic duo of cliffhangers in their books. Not to mention they both have made me cry over character deaths. Why did I cry at 12am over a drone? I have no clue, couldn’t produce an answer.

I need book 3 now. This was a mistake reading The Loop and The Block before book 3 is released. I NEED IT FFS.

Oh my god, this book has easily taken a spot in my favourite historical fantasies. There is just something that I love about historical fantasies, especially those set in London, that just pull me in. And Dark Rise is no exception. It grabbed my attention straight from the beginning, in chapter 1.

Sixteen-year-old dock boy Will is on the run, pursued by the murders of his mother. When an old servant of his mothers tells him of his destiny to fight beside the Stewards, Will is ushered into a world of magic, where he must train to play a vital role in the upcoming battle against the Dark.
As London is threatened by the Dark King's return, the reborn heroes and villains of a long-forgotten war begin to draw battle lines. But as the young descendants of Light and Dark step into their destined roles, old allegiances and old flames are awakened. Will must stand with the last heroes of the Light to prevent the Dark from returning to destroy his world.

This is my first CS Pacat book, and I already bought The Captive Prince ebook as I was in the middle of this, because their writing style just captivated me. I never felt lost, I never felt bored, there were SO many twists and turns that I just had to keep reading even when I should not have been. These plot twists honestly feel like ones that even people who CAN guess plot twists won't guess because there is always one bit of vital information out of reach that makes you keep reading.

Also, Will is bisexual, which we love seeing representation (and not to mention that this is a HISTORICAL fantasy which makes it even better!)

Dark Rise in a nutshell is basically gay magic wielders, historical fantasy, London, and dark themes, what else could you want? It is a perfect read for the season with Halloween next month.

If you are looking for well-developed characters, interesting dynamics, powerful friendships, and a book that will give you whiplash from all the twists and turns, Dark Rise is the perfect book for you.

So cute and wholesome before I continue chapter 1 of Our Violent Ends :’)

*Thank you to HCCfrenzy for a copy in exchange for an honest review*

VE Schwab is one of my favourite authors, so I went into this with my expectations high. And it did not disappoint. The way that VE Schwab can create a world in a standalone like Gallant is phenomenal.

Gallant follows Olivia, who has grown up in the Merilance School for Girls, and the only relic she has of her past is her mother's journal, which seems to unravel into madness. Only she receives a letter from her uncle at Gallant, where her mother's journal says to stay away from Gallant to be safe. Yet when Olivia arrives at Gallant, no one is expecting her. But Olivia knows Gallant is hiding secrets, and she is determined to uncover them. When she crosses the ruined wall, she finds herself in a place that is Gallant, but not.
Olivia has always wanted to belong somewhere, but will she take her place as a Prior, protecting our world against the Master of the House? Or will she take her place beside him?

I loved Gallant. I love Schwab's writing style, and this didn't disappoint. It's so easy to sit down and read, not realizing you just read 50 pages. Schwab creates this spooky world full of ghosts, mysteries, and questions that you are figuring out as you read the book.

The illustrations brought so much to the story, and I love how well thought out they are. They are placed perfectly, and without them, Gallant would not be the same.

Olivia is nonverbal, and to read a book where the main character doesn't speak is a whole different experience. I was curious at how Schwab would write Olivia, especially since she doesn't speak, but it was done so well. It was a new experience for me, and I loved it.

Gallant is the perfect book for October, just like Schwab's middle-grade series City of Ghosts. Gallant is filled with ghosts, and I want to reread this when it hits October 1st.

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for a review*

The Temperature of You and Me follows 16 year old Dylan Highmark during the winter which he thought would be full of Dairy Queen shifts, homework, and painting with his 2 best friends. Until he finds himself in love with a boy too hot to handle, literally. Jordan has a constant 110°F fever, and when the two boys start spending more time together, Dylan suddenly feels all sorts of ways, with his own 110°F fever and floating. Jordan wants him to keep his symptoms a secret, but the pressure is too much for Dylan and he pushes for answers. Those answers from Jordan leave Dylan realizing things about first love.

I was pleasantly surprised with this. I had a feeling I was going to enjoy it, maybe a 4 star read, but I was wrong! I love being wrong when it comes to my enjoyment of books.

Dylan is 16 years old, so obviously this book has a few cringe lines and actions that are stupid. But really, if you were Dylan at 16, would you not make those mistakes? You would totally make them, don’t lie to me.

The romance in this is definitely more fast paced than others, since this story takes place over a few months. However, I think it was done well! Sometimes you just have an immediate connection with someone and it blossoms into love quickly. And that’s how it is with Dylan and Jordan.

If you are wanting a cute gay romance with some sci fi elements in the real world, pick up The Temperature of Me and You on January 25th!

*4.5 rounded down*