Lauren

Thank you to Flatiron Books for providing an e-arc of this fantastic Melissa Albert novel via Netgalley.

Wow.

Our Crooked Hearts is a rollercoaster. Part magic, part thriller, part coming of age.

The book follows Ivy, a teenager who feels there is something... off... in her life. As she unravels the mysteries of her past, she finds more than she bargains for that upends her entire life.

This is a dual timeline book. One part current, Ivy's timeline, one part her mother's timeline when she was a teenager. I loved reading the juxtaposition between Ivy's teenage interpretation of her mother and then reading her mother's teen years and how she became the way she is.

This is a must read for those who love creepy, magical, badass female characters coming into their own.

This book is plagiarized. Apparently it was a ghost writer who was hired to finish the book, which is an equal yuck. Read the original work, [b:Sunset Rising 17312777 Sunset Rising (Sunset Rising, #1) S.M. McEachern https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1553523644l/17312777.SX50.jpg 21818795] instead if the story interests you.

5 out of 5 stars for Gallant.

It does border on middle grade mixed with YA.

This is a story about Olivia, who is an orphan living at a girls boarding school. She is also mute. She can also see ghosts. She doesn't fit in with the other girls and longs to find a place in the world where she belongs. This is a story about discovering yourself, finding your place in the world, and finding your bravery.

Olivia gets a letter calling her away to Gallant, her family home. She meets a whole new cast of characters and her adventure starts.

I loved the way that Schwab captured the voice of a young girl in this novel. She captures the innocence while also showing the young girls growth throughout her journey.

Olivia is a clever, brave girl, and the conclusion of the novel was at both times heartbreaking and satisfying.

I highly recommend this novel.

Hmmmm not so sure about this one. Marketed as a Hunger Games-esque book.

There's really only one character I gave a shit about and it appears as though that character might die.
The final 25% Of the book was very interesting but I felt the first 75% lacking. I just couldn't get into it.

I want to know what happens to Alistair but that's probably the only reason I'll keep reading. Also he needs to end up with Gavin. That is all.

HUGE thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me an e-arc of one of my most anticipated releases of 2022.

Violet Made of Thorns is a dark fairytale filled with court politics, deception, harrowing battles, and difficult choices. Violet is morally grey all the way. She's selfish, knows it, and doesn't shy away from it. As Seer, she finds herself a pawn of the king, telling prophecies to help shape his story and build his empire, but also to help her own selfish gain.

Taken away to court at a young age, Violet and the kingdom are battling with a wicked prophecy foretold by the previous Seer. This weaves in a tale of enemies to lovers.

I'm excited to see what happens in the next installment of the duology.

This story is perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince, Kingdom of the Wicked. I believe it is listed as YA, but does border NA d/t language. No explicit spicy scenes.

Yep this is perfect sapphic horror.

Loved it. Devoured it. The pacing was spot on.

This is masterfully crafted. This is a story about Finch, a pianist who auditions for a prestigious boarding school (dark academia vibes incoming) and dies on her way home from the audition. Or does she?

She ultimately gets accepted to the school and on her first night there, a mysterious creature is summoned in the tunnels underneath the school. Finch and a fun cast of characters have to work together to discover what's going on to save the world.

I cannot WAIT To see what else Kayla Cottingham releases. She's an instabuy now.

TWs that I can think of?
death of a parent (on page), death, body horror, gore, human sacrifice, animal(?) death (on page)

WOW. 5 out of 5 stars.

I cannot WAIT to see what happens next in this story. I absolutely devoured this book. The writing was captivating. The story unfolded at the perfect pace.

This is about Faye, a half-human half-fae teen, as she discovers her true identity and her destiny. She is snarky, honest, true to herself, and funny. The supporting characters are well fleshed out and I also found myself invested in their stories.

Love triangles, destiny, human and fae friendships, magic, and a TRIAL. I'm a sucker for a good trial.

This is a MUST READ of 2022.

Lyndall Clipstone wrote one of my favorite books of last year: Lakesedge. A stunning, atmospheric, gothic story about a townsgirl named Leta and the monster in the woods.

I was ecstatic when I was able to get an e-arc of Forestfall, my most anticipated sequel of THIS year. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the chance to read this.

Forestfall picks up where Lakesedge left off, with Leta dealing with the decision/sacrifice she made to save those she loves and Rowan's grief over losing her. We get two POVs throughout this book from Leta and Rowan. Our supporting cast grows and new monsters/Gods get introduced to us, which I really enjoyed.

Leta is adjusting to her new live in the World Under and her the new dynamic in her relationship with the Lord Under. I really enjoyed seeing her relationship with the Lord Under grow and their dynamic shift as she comes to understand her feelings for him and his power. She continues to be the tough, headstrong, independent character she has been throughout Lakesedge, but we also see her struggle with the decision she's made and the ones she makes in this book to get back to her home.

I know he's the villain, but I love the Lord Under. He's such an interesting character and his dynamic with Leta I found charming.

Clipstone's rich, lush, atmospheric writing continues through this book as I hoped it would. It was overall a strong sequel and I look foward to seeing what else she writes.