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themarginaliawriter's reviews
38 reviews
Funny Feelings by Tarah DeWitt
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The Awakening by Susanne Valenti, Caroline Peckham
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Zodiac Academy: The Awakening is my first 5-star read of 2025, and it completely captivated me. This fantasy novel follows twin sisters Tory and Darcy Vega as they discover their Fae heritage and are thrown into the brutal world of Solaria, where magic, star signs, and power define everything.
Despite its darker themes—like forced vampiric feedings and heavy bullying—I was hooked. The plot, world-building, and characters felt believable, and the dual POV writing style deepened my connection with the story. I especially loved Darcy’s growth and Orion’s mysterious, morally ambiguous role.
Themes of resilience and reclaiming power resonated with me. Tory and Darcy’s struggles felt raw and inspiring—they faced adversity, felt it deeply, and I believe they will rise again. While the bullying is harsh, it made their journey toward strength even more compelling.
I was strongly concerned as a victim of bullying myself when I was a child that it would make me not enjoy this book. I personally did not feel like it was an issue or trigger for me...I thought the authors captured what it's like to have this happen to you spot on...the feelings, emotions, thoughts, actions. I also know a lot of people have said this book contains SA....it doesn't. It's forced vampiric feedings, which happen in almost ALL vampiric based stories. Caroline & Damon, Elena & Stefan when they turn off their emotions, Jasper, etc. I don't understand how people can be so harsh on this book, yet love the above mentioned shows / books.
I was strongly concerned as a victim of bullying myself when I was a child that it would make me not enjoy this book. I personally did not feel like it was an issue or trigger for me...I thought the authors captured what it's like to have this happen to you spot on...the feelings, emotions, thoughts, actions. I also know a lot of people have said this book contains SA....it doesn't. It's forced vampiric feedings, which happen in almost ALL vampiric based stories. Caroline & Damon, Elena & Stefan when they turn off their emotions, Jasper, etc. I don't understand how people can be so harsh on this book, yet love the above mentioned shows / books.
If you love magic, academy settings, and emotionally charged stories, you’ll want to pick this one up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment
Minor: Abandonment
Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Lana Ferguson’s Under Loch and Key offers a unique take on monster romance, blending Loch Ness folklore with themes of forgiveness and self-discovery. The slow-burn romance between Keyanna "Key" and Lachlan is a refreshing departure from insta-love, allowing their journey from family-driven animosity to genuine connection, unfold naturally.
The audiobook shines with dual narrators who bring the protagonists’ voices to life, enhancing the emotional depth I was able to form with them. Supporting characters, like Key's grandmother Rhona, added a richness to the story with her own subtle arcs, showcasing quiet resilience and self-forgiveness.
While the monster elements in the romance scenes might not appeal to everyone, they elevate the story beyond a standard romance, making it unforgettable. I really applaud the author for taking it to this level as I could see others shying from it. The pacing lags slightly at times, and the Scottish setting could have been more immersive, but the engaging characters more than make up for it.
For fans of folklore and bold romances, Under Loch and Key is a standout read, balancing mystery, love, and the courage to grow.
Check out my blog for a fuller review: www.themarginaliawriter.com
Check out my blog for a fuller review: www.themarginaliawriter.com
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Bullying, Domestic abuse, Blood, Abandonment
Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s Squad, complemented by Lisa Sterle’s vibrant illustrations, offers a captivating YA graphic novel experience. Becca’s move to a new high school introduces her to Marley, Arianna, and Mandy—a pack of werewolves who target predatory boys . The pacing is perfect for a graphic novel, and the dialogue feels authentic and relatable. Lisa Sterle’s art is a standout, adding layers of emotion and depth to the story.
Marley’s character shines as the genuine, outgoing friend who sees beyond Becca’s awkwardness, challenging stereotypes about popularity. The pack’s rules—targeting harmful men and forbidding boyfriends —add tension and complexity, culminating in a dark twist where Becca and Marley must confront the consequences of their choices.
The novel’s central theme is impactful: “You aren’t normal because there’s no such thing,” a line delivered by Becca’s mom that encapsulates the struggle for self-acceptance. While some gaps in world-building leave questions, the story’s relatability and powerful themes make it memorable. Though not a universal recommendation, it’s a great pick for fans of YA graphic novels or supernatural themes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder
Moderate: Sexual assault, Violence, Toxic friendship
Mistress of Lies by K.M. Enright
dark
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
When I picked up Mistress of Lies by K. M. Enright, I was intrigued by its premise—Shan’s dual roles and the political turmoil of Aeravin—but the book ultimately left me disappointed. While the pacing and dialogue were handled well, so much happened off-page that I struggled to connect with the characters or their struggles.
The political intrigue was one of the few elements that kept me reading. I’m not typically drawn to politics in books, but I wanted to see what would happen to Aeravin and its citizens. However, even this element lacked depth. The stakes were there, but the execution didn’t fully deliver.
The political intrigue was one of the few elements that kept me reading. I’m not typically drawn to politics in books, but I wanted to see what would happen to Aeravin and its citizens. However, even this element lacked depth. The stakes were there, but the execution didn’t fully deliver.
The world-building was another area that fell short. I understood the structure of the world, but it wasn’t immersive—I couldn’t picture Aeravin or feel its atmosphere. The vampire lore tied to blood magic was an interesting twist, but it felt underdeveloped. Aside from one scene, I rarely thought, “This is vampiric.” Instead of sustaining life, blood magic enhanced strength and alertness, which could’ve been fascinating if explored further.
The plot’s logic was frustrating. The central twist was predictable—I figured it out long before the characters did. Shan’s preoccupation with maintaining her “demure” facade and Samuel's need to "not change" took up so much of the story that it detracted from the larger stakes. Months passed, four people were murdered, and yet their focus felt misaligned with the urgency of the situation.
By the end, the characters seemed to become the very things they were trying to avoid. There were no significant redemption arcs or moments of growth that made me feel invested in their journey.
There were also technical issues. Repetitive descriptions (the word “demure” was overused), misspellings, and scenes that felt heavily influenced by The Hunger Games pulled me out of the story. For example, Shan’s transformation into a figure the king wants her to be—paired with ominous warnings from her designer —immediately reminded me of Katniss Everdeen.
While I admired the diversity in the cast and their backgrounds, I didn’t enjoy the book. I struggled to finish it and even considered not finishing—a rare occurrence for me. I don’t plan to continue the series and am already planning to unhaul this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Hate crime, Racism, Sexual content, Violence, Murder
Minor: Rape, Torture, Police brutality, Trafficking, Death of parent, Abandonment, War
I really liked the diversity that the author brought, including people of various backgrounds, the separation of classes, different sexualities and sexual preferences, but something just felt off. I didn’t love the intimate scenes, I didn’t love the tension, I didn’t love who the characters became. There were also so many people and little backstory’s but nothing was taken to that next level. I didn’t connect with a single one of them.
The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Peter Swanson's The Christmas Guest is a compelling holiday novella that intertwines festive charm with chilling mystery. Novellas can feel rushed, but Swanson’s compressed storytelling enhances the impact of the twists, especially the shocking opening to Chapter Two. The unreliable narrator trope adds complexity, presenting dual perspectives of victim and murderer. Emma, as the narrator, is both fascinating and unsettling. Her evolution—from unquestioning loyalty to a semblance of moral questioning—makes her memorable, though unlikeable. The diary format is unconventional yet effective, keeping the story’s pace brisk. The seamless connection between the initial setup and Emma’s tether to Ashley adds depth, making the unfolding mystery all the more engaging. Themes of guilt, identity, and the past’s enduring impact stand out, with Emma’s journey offering a hint of redemption despite justice not being fully served. This novella is ideal for readers seeking a quick yet impactful holiday mystery, perfect for cozying up during the season.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Death, Violence
Minor: Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Alcohol