Y’all, I was genuinely expecting that Exo would effortlessly become a new favorite of mine, but I guess not even my author queen Fonda Lee’s phenomenal writing can overcome my complete lack of interest in alien colonization stories.

Yes, there were a lot of nuances in this story that numerous science fiction involving alien invasions tend to overlook. And yes, Fonda demonstrated her skills in world-building and in writing tension. And yes, I think that objectively speaking, Exo is a masterfully written sci-fi book. But by the end of the day, the only alien invasion stories I’m interested in are found within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Exo just isn’t for me.

Recommended*

i will rise,
my fists full of flowers
and my soul full of light.
isn't it the gentlest of things
that show the most strength?
where the blossoms push through dirt
and the sun illuminates the dark—
there, you will find me.

— Excerpt from fists full of flowers

This poetry collection overflows with lightheartedness, optimism, and hope. It’s probably a good read for someone who simply wants to clear their mind and refocus on sunshine and nice, pretty things — or something to that effect.

Unfortunately, maroon daydreams isn’t my cup of tea. Although it’s refreshing to encounter a poetry book that explores healing, experience, and empowerment in a way that is really soft, grateful, and positive (as most modern poetry books I’ve read tend to lean towards darker tones and themes), none of the pieces were particularly memorable (except for “fists full of flowers”). In terms of structure and substance, I thought maroon daydreams was sorely lacking in both departments. I really would have appreciated more depth.

This one will probably resonate more with someone else.

Recommended! For readers looking for a lighthearted distraction or breather.

This was one of the rare times where I was extremely excited about a debut novel written by a white author. At the back of my mind, I did have reservations but I was nonetheless thrilled to come across a very sex-positive YA contemporary and hopeful that it would illustrate its themes effectively.

The Birds, The Bees, and You and Me is a very well-meaning novel with wonderfully excellent messages about safe sex and consent, but the feminism it advocates... made me feel uncomfortable. Although several good points were made, I observed some... inconsistencies, especially with respect to intersectionality. A lot of elements still screamed THIS IS WHITE FEMINISM. And don’t think I didn’t notice that none of the characters were explicitly described as people of color.

Full review to follow.

I’m not even going to try to compare Empire of Sand and Realm of Ash because I love them equally for different reasons. Anyway, much like Arwa, my researcher heart HUNGERS for pretty boy scholars who are soft and curious and kind.

From the brilliant exploration of themes to the empowerment I felt in Arwa’s character growth to the delicious burn of her romance with Zahir, Realm of Ash slaps and IT SLAPS HARD. Full review to follow.

5 stars

Female solidarity, vigilante justice, and found families. Ultimately enjoyable! Review to follow.

At its heart, this is a story about redemption and forgiveness. It tackles a number of themes that are rarely discussed within YA.

The middle part drags on a little bit, but the story really picks up towards the end. I have a lot of thoughts. Full review to follow.

[ Trigger/Content warnings & on-page representation ]

Highlights:

This dragged so much, especially in the middle. But I thought this was semi-enjoyable, with its last 20% being really satisfactory.

Review to follow.

After writing two brilliant, page-turning books, I was a little bit worried about how Helen was going to raise the bar even higher. But all my worries were unnecessary because War of Mist definitely delivered with nail-biting tension, solid writing, and a very satisfying conclusion. Seriously, just pick this series up.

Full review to follow.