ARC Review: Fishbone Cinderella by Elizabeth Lim

Fishbone Cinderella
by Elizabeth Lim
Publication Date: July 23rd 2026
Publisher: Del Ray
Find This Book: Fishbone Cinderella
Source: Physical ARC
Rating: 6/5

A bracelet. A curse. And golden fishbones to be returned to the sea ...

Guangdong, 1940. When Ha Yut Ying narrowly escapes Japanese soldiers by turning invisible, she knows her new-found magic must be kept a secret. But her mother, whose dreams foretell the future, suspects her daughter has changed, and warns her of a curse upon their family. For her protection, she gives her a gold bracelet whose links are shaped like fishbones.

After the war, Ha Yut Ying is sent to live with her father and his second wife, who have become wealthy factory owners in Hong Kong. Her stepmother, jealous of her beauty, forces her to work in the family's shoe factory.

But when Yut Ying collides with a boy on a bicycle on her way to work, she loses her bracelet. The boy is Tommy Yeung, scion of a local soymilk tycoon. And their encounter will change both of their destinies forever...

Fishbone Cinderella is a multi-generational historical fiction novel infused with magical realism about a mother and daughter navigating family curses, the immigrant experience, and the long-lasting impacts of war. I only dabble in historical fiction, but I love magical realism, and I’m a huge fan of Elizabeth Lim’s work, so I knew I had to give this one a try. Lim absolutely delivered and knocked it out of the park.

Fishbone Cinderella primarily follows Yut Ying as she lives through the Japanese occupation of China, life in Hong Kong during the Chinese Civil War, and her eventual immigration to America. The novel’s structure perfectly complements the story. Throughout Yut Ying’s journey, we also get glimpses of her daughter Marigold in present-day (1960s-ish) San Francisco. As the novel progresses, Marigold’s chapters become more frequent, and watching their storylines gradually intertwine was incredibly satisfying.

The themes are the true heart of this novel. Through Yut Ying’s relationships with her mother, her stepmother, and eventually her own daughter, Lim explores the complexities of motherhood across generations. There are family secrets, sacrifices, betrayals, and enduring love woven throughout the story. The theme that resonated with me most was the universal desire to be truly seen and understood—whether by family, friends, or the people we love.

Another thing Lim never misses is setting and atmosphere. Every location feels vibrant and lived-in, and her descriptions immerse you completely in each moment. Whether she’s depicting the turmoil of wartime or the quieter moments of everyday life, every setting feels rich with life and emotion.

I also loved how seamlessly the magical realism aspects were woven into the story. It never overshadowed the historical backdrop but instead deepened the emotional weight of the novel, reinforcing its themes of family, inheritance, and the burdens we carry across generations.

This is a beautiful, emotional story about resilience, identity, and the complicated bonds between mothers and daughters. Even if historical fiction isn’t your usual genre, I think readers who enjoy character-driven stories with a touch of magic will find a lot to love here. It’s easily one of my favorite reads of the year and another reminder of why Elizabeth Lim is one of my auto-buy authors.

Review: Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley

Servant of Earth
by Sarah Hawley
Publication Date: November 12th 2024
Publisher: Ace
Find This Book: Servant of Earth
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5/5

In the underground Fae realm, only the strongest and most ruthless have power—but a young human woman forced into a life of servitude is about to change everything.

Kenna Heron is best known in her village for being a little wild—some say “half feral”—but she’ll need every ounce of that ferocity to survive captivity in the cruel Fae court.

Trapped as a servant in the faeries’ underground kingdom of Mistei, Kenna must help her new mistress undertake six deadly trials, one for each branch of Fire, Earth, Light, Void, Illusion, and Blood. If she succeeds, her mistress will gain immortality and become the heir to Earth House. If she doesn’t, the punishment is death—for both mistress and servant.

With no ally but a sentient dagger of mysterious origins, Kenna must face monsters, magic, and grueling physical tests. But worse dangers wait underground, and soon Kenna gets caught up in a secret rebellion against the inventively sadistic faerie king. When her feelings for the rebellion’s leader turn passionate, Kenna must decide if she’s willing to risk her life for a better world and a chance at happiness.

Surviving the trials and overthrowing a tyrant king will take cunning, courage, and an iron will... but even that may not be enough.

Loved loved loved!!!

Servant of Earth tells the story of a vicious fae court from the perspective of a kidnapped human. It’s definitely dark so be sure to check out the content warnings! That being said, I tore through this.

The world building and magic systems were easy to follow, the main character was fierce and fun to root for, the pacing keeps you entertained, and there was plenty of political court intrigue.

Everything really shines in this book: the setting, the coming of age trials, the class systems, and all of the characters were so well developed!

eARC Review: A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim

A Forgery of Fate
by Elizabeth Lim
Publication Date: June 3rd 2025
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Find This Book: A Forgery of Fate
Source: NetGalley eARC
Rating: 5/5

A breathtaking romantic fantasy inspired by Beauty and the Beast about a girl who paints the future and a cursed dragon lord, bound by love and deception in a plot to bring down the gods.

Truyan Saigas didn't choose to become a con artist, but after her father is lost at sea, it’s up to her to support her mother and two younger sisters. A gifted art forger, Tru has the unique ability to paint the future, but even such magic is not enough to put her family back together again, or stave off the gangsters demanding payment in blood for her mother’s gambling debts.

Left with few options, Tru agrees to a marriage contract with a mysterious dragon lord. He offers a fresh start for her mother and sisters and elusive answers about her father's disappearance, but in exchange, she must join him in his desolate undersea palace. And she must assist him in a plot to infiltrate the tyrannical Dragon King's inner circle, painting a future so treasonous, it could upend both the mortal and immortal realms. . . .

A Forgery of Fate has cemented Elizabeth Lim as a favorite author of mine. Inside you’ll find a fake marriage, scheming, an underwater palace, a brooding dragon, budding friendships, and drool-worthy food descriptions. I’d say this is Beauty and the Beast inspired, but not a retelling. It retains the cursed love interest vibes while offering a wholly new experience!

What I Loved:
-The character building
-Focus on family and friendships
-The Magic System (painting the future still leaves room for trickery and surprises)
-Fake Marriage (and the slow burn genuine yearning that goes with it!)
-The descriptions, Lim is a master at settings and visuals
-The final showdown was awesome
-This book made me cry

I can’t finish my review without expanding upon the characters in this, especially the main characters Truyan and Elang. Tru knows her strengths and she stands by her convictions. She’s fierce yet compassionate and her empathy and cleverness are aspects that I adore and respect most about her. As she gets transported to the undersea realm of magic and dragons and has to start her life anew, she forges new friendships and inspires the people around her to do their best.

I also enjoyed the agency Lim gave Tru, considering the retelling vibes. Unlike Belle who essentially gets kidnapped and is held prisoner; Tru is instead a willing participant in a fake marriage where she uses her painting skills to help Elang’s mission while Elang helps Tru find her missing father.

In summary, I devoured this book and highly recommend it!

ALC Review: Brighter Than Scale, Swifter Than Flame by Neon Yang

Brighter Than Scale, Swifter Than Flame
by Neon Yang
Publication Date: May 6th 2025
Publisher: Tor.com
Find This Book: Brighter Than Scale, Swifter Than Flame
Source: NetGalley ALC
Rating: 5/5

The fiercely independent nation of Quanbao is isolated, reclusive, and something of a mystery to the rest of the world. It is rumored that there, dragons are not feared as is right and proper but instead loved and worshiped.

Yeva is perhaps a strange emissary to these people. Not only because their face has never been seen in public, but because they are a hero born to a birthright that makes them suited for their task—hunting dragons.

And so the dragon hunter must woo Quanbao's queen—the Lady Sookhee—to understand what secrets she is hiding. A woman reasonably suspicious of Yeva's intentions, and the imperial might of the throne she represents, Sookhee bears the burden of the safety of her entire people. How can she trust this stranger newly arrived to her court, a weapon forged in blood and fire, to understand what her people need and how best to safeguard their future?

Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame is an entertaining queer novella set in an Asian-inspired fantasy world. The worldbuilding was the best part! It was so well developed with national relations, lore, and food descriptions.

Yeva, a disabled sapphic dragon slayer, being sent to the neighboring kingdom to root out the deadly dragon they are harboring was such a cool plot idea, and Neon Yang is such a mesmerizing writer. I wish it was longer! I adored Yeva as she navigated her past and her growing feelings for the girl-king all during her ongoing investigation into the dragon. I’d definitely recommend this one to dragon lovers, and folks who enjoyed queer fantasy like Bookshops & Bonedust. It’s such a treat!

Also, how gorgeous is this cover?!?!

ARC Review: My Salty Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows

My Salty Mary
by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows
Publication Date: August 20th 2024
Publisher: HarperTeen
Find This Book: My Salty Mary
Source: NetGalley eARC
Rating: 5/5

Mary is in love with the so-called prince of Charles Town, except he doesn't love her back. Which is inconvenient. Since she's a mermaid, being brokenhearted means she'll—poof!—turn into sea-foam.

But instead, Mary finds herself pulled out of the sea and up onto a pirate ship. To survive, she joins them. But Mary isn't willing to just sing the yo-ho-hos. She wants the pirate life, all of it, and she's ready to make a splash . . . by becoming captain. But when Blackbeard dies suddenly, Mary has a chance to become so much more: Pirate King . . . or Queen. She won't let anyone stop her—not Blackbeard's cute son, not her best friend from back under the sea who's having a bit too much fun with his new legs, and certainly not everyone who says she can't be a pirate just because she's a girl.

She may not be the best man for the job, but she'll definitely prove that she's worth her salt.

It’s no secret that I love a good retelling and Hand, Ashton, and Meadows are masters of marrying alternative history with comedy. Mixing The Little Mermaid with the life and times of the infamous lady pirate Mary Read means the reader is in for quite a tail er… tale. The strength of this series is the witty, sassy narration and dialogue, and My Salty Mary does not disappoint. This book is hilarious!

The POV’s rotate between Mary Read aka “Littlest,” her partner in crime Tobias Teach, and her cousin Calico Jack. With lots of “ahoys” and “yo-hos” Mary and her crew try navigating pirate life in the Caribbean.

Unfortunately for them, they must escape the perils of the high seas (aka notorious pirates and pirate hunters) if they want to succeed in their quest to make Mary the new pirate king, or queen in her case. The captain who returns with the most treasure will claim Blackbeard’s title and define the future of piracy. If Mary where to win, she could stop hiding her gender and declare that women are allowed to be pirates, The narrative is whimsical and adventurous, while still driving at themes of feminism and equality. This book is an instant new favorite!

ARC Review: Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier

Dragonfruit
by Makiia Lucier
Publication Date: April 9th 2024
Publisher: Clarion Books
Find This Book: Dragonfruit
Source: NetGalley eARC
Rating: 5/5

Hanalei of Tamarind is the cherished daughter of an old island family. But when her father steals a seadragon egg meant for an ailing princess, she is forced into a life of exile. In the years that follow, Hanalei finds solace in studying the majestic seadragons that roam the Nominomi Sea. Until, one day, an encounter with a female dragon offers her what she desires most. A chance to return home, and to right a terrible wrong.

Samahtitamahenele, Sam, is the last remaining prince of Tamarind. But he can never inherit the throne, for Tamarind is a matriarchal society. With his mother ill and his grandmother nearing the end of her reign. Sam is left with two options: marry, or find a cure for the sickness that has plagued his mother for ten long years. When a childhood companion returns from exile, she brings with her something he has not felt in a very long time - hope.

But Hanalei and Sam are not the only ones searching for the dragonfruit. And as they battle enemies both near and far, there is another danger they cannot escape… that of the dragonfruit itself.

Dragonfruit is a lush fantasy steeped in Pacific Island mythology. Once I picked it up, I could not put it down! Right out of the gate we are introduced to Hanalei and the beautiful yet dangerous sea dragons that inhabit her world. The magical elements were straightforward with obvious narrative conflict: it is written that the egg of a sea dragon, dragonfruit, holds within it the power to undo a person’s wish but every wish demands a price. Hanalei, the victim of a poisoning that landed her in an indefinite coma was saved by a sea dragon egg and saw the consequences first-hand. Several healthy people around her died in quick succession after the egg was used on her, including her father who stole and fed the egg to her.

If Sam sucessfully beats the cutthroat pirates and sucessfully steals the sea dragon egg for his ailing mother, he will die just like Hanalei’s father died to save Hanalei. Can Hanalei prevent Sam’s self-destruction?

One of my favorite aspects of Dragonfruit was the world-building. We see several different islands and catch glimpses of how life differs on each of them. The reader also gets insights into political allies and tensions across the Nominomi sea that really brought this book to life. The two main characters were also so well developed! I’d quickly pick up a companion novel containing Hanalei’s future adventures if Lucier ever decided to write more. This book was so well-crafted it’s a must-read for fantasy lovers! The dragons, magic, and quest were a perfect adventure, and it has a light dash of romance as well.

ARC Review: All That Consumes Us by Erica Waters

All That Consumes Us
by Erica Waters
Publication Date: October 17th 2023
Publisher: HarperTeen
Find This Book: All That Consumes Us
Source: NetGalley eARC
Rating: 5/5

The students in Corbin College’s elite academic society, Magni Viri, have it all—free tuition, inspirational professors, and dream jobs once they graduate. When first-gen college student Tara is offered a chance to enroll, she doesn’t hesitate.

Except once she’s settled into the gorgeous Victorian dormitory, something strange starts to happen. She’s finally writing, but her stories are dark and twisted. Her dreams feel as if they could bury her alive. An unseen presence seems to stalk her through the halls.

And a chilling secret awaits Tara at the heart of Magni Viri—one that just might turn her nightmares into reality; one that might destroy her before she has a chance to escape.

Tara’s adventure at Corbin College should be on everyone’s TBR this fall! Get ready for queer gothic spooks set in the Appalachian Mountains. This dark academia novel follows Tara’s freshman year of college. When the elite organization of Magni Viri loses a member, Tara is offered the dead girl’s place and her scholarship. An offer impossible to refuse, Tara starts living the life that Meredith used to have. But is Meredith really gone? With time to finally write and become the author she’s always dreamed of; Tara wakes up to work she can’t remember scribbling down.

Erica Waters’ prose will suck you in, her setting will charm you, and her atmosphere will captivate you. If you’re looking for the lines of reality to blur in an old Victorian dormitory, I’d highly recommend this new YA horror book.

We still have two months left in the year, but I think this might be my favorite book of 2023! All That Consumes us has got it all: old Appalachian college grounds, an MC who dreams of being an author, a secretive academic society that parties in a cemetery, possession by ghosts, and queer characters galore. What more could a reader want?

Review: The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera

The First to Die at the End
by Adam Silvera
Publication Date: October 4th 2022
Publisher:Quill Tree Books
Find This Book: The First to Die at the End
Rating: 5/5

**An early finalized copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**

The First to Die at the End recreates the magic of Adam Silvera’s highly acclaimed 2017 publication They Both Die at the End (TBDITE). Death-Cast comes calling, and it’s someone’s End Day. When you know it’s your last day to live, what would you do? In this prequel, Silvera takes us back to Death-Cast’s very first day in service and reminds us to enjoy every day to the fullest.

On Death-Cast Eve, two strangers, Valentino Prince and Orion Pagan, have a chance meeting in Times Square. At the stroke of midnight, one of them receives a call from Death-Cast, and the other doesn’t. As they live that last day to their hearts content is becomes clear: if Death-Cast is real, their day will end in heartbreak. Filled with life’s first and some of life’s lasts, this novel is both earth-shattering and utterly charming. Silvera highlights and romanticizes the power of 24 hours and the lasting impact we have on the people we meet.

This story makes use of multiple POV’s (primarily Valentino and Orion, but others when impactful as well). As expected, this 500+ page book mainly covers a 24-hour time period, bringing magical prose to every beautiful moment. While similar in concept to TBDITE, this still tells a fresh story. In TBDITE , Death-Cast is normal, even mundane. Of course you get a warning before you die, and there are expectations that come with being a “decker.” In this prequel it is Death-Cast’s first day which comes with new rules and policies being figured out on the fly. Does Death-Cast work? How should flights and hospitals function with people slated for death? The new turmoil made for a fascinating change pace to a world we've visited before.

This will be an emotional read for anyone how picks it up, I don’t think anyone has learned their lesson there, but the titles did warned you! The best part? Either book can be read as a standalone or in tandem. For those who read both, you will be rewarded. Silvera ties the two together in magical, yet subtle, ways.

ALC Review: All of Our Demise by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman

All of Our Demise
by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman
Publication Date: August 30th 2022
Publisher: Tor Teen
Find This Book: All of Our Demise
Rating: 5/5

**An ALC of this book was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

All of Our Demise is the epic conclusion to All of Us Villains, a fantasy duology and a 2021 favorite of mine. Long story short, it did NOT disappoint.

All of Our Demise picks up pretty much right where All of Us Villains ended: the familial champions of each house are caught in a tournament curse, destined to fight to the death. But what if the curse could be broken? The novel opens up with newly drawn and fragile alliances being formed between those who want to break the curse and those who want to win the tournament the old-fashioned way (i.e. by killing all of the champions).

With the tournament’s curse weakened from the events of book one, our champions find themselves faced with new benefits and new challenges. The tournament boundary has effectively dissolved, allowing the champions to re-enter town to gain information and new spells while non-champions can enter the arena and complicate matters to their hearts content. This evolves into news and PR quotes at the beginning of each chapter, conveying what the public is seeing and hearing as the tournament continues. It makes for a fascinating and compelling development to book one’s world-building foundation, to be sure!

My favorite aspect? The multiple POV’s! They are all so well-developed! The audiobook narrators did a fantastic job individualizing the voices as well. I connected with each tournament champion, and loved seeing events from each of their eyes, especially Isobel and Alistair. They are each so unique and complex, and they each brought something to the table as the narrative developed. Without getting to spoiler-y, a character has been resurrected and a new champion unexpectedly joins the tournament, allowing for even crazier dynamics across the board. Plus, we get budding romances and we get to see how it develops from both sides!

As both a character- and plot-driven narrative, you’ll be rooting alongside all these morally grey narrators as this fast-paced and action-packed tournament of death comes to a close. Isobel, Briony, Finley, Alistair and Gavin will take you on a dark, atmospheric, adventure in this latest and final installment!

ALC Review: I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston

I Kissed Shara Wheeler
by Casey McQuiston
Publication Date: May 3rd 2022
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Find This Book: I Kissed Shara Wheeler
Rating: 5/5

**An ALC of this book was provided to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

High school senior Chloe Green is just weeks away from being named valedictorian, graduating, and leaving her southern hometown as fast as possible when Shara Wheeler kisses her and disappears without a trace. Without a trace until little pink envelops start cropping up, leading Chloe to put the pieces together: two others were also kissed by Shara and all three of them will have to work together if they want to find all the envelopes. I Kissed Shara Wheeler braids the stories of the star jock, the edgy stoner next-door, and the academic rival as they take on a scavenger hunt for the ages.

This book was messily complex in the best of ways. Chloe, Rory, and Smith all had charmingly realistic flaws paired with individual reasons they were toxically obsessed with Shara Wheeler. The magic that Casey McQuiston brings to her books is that even through the mess there is compassion and care between her characters that make them such a joy to read. The 'side-characters' in Chloe's life each lead such interesting and fulfilling lives that additionally add vibrance to McQuiston's narrative. When Chloe ditches her friends to hunt down an envelope and misses the Mozzarella Stick bracket to decide the best mozz sticks in town, it was the little moments like that that filled the pages with life.

The most impressive part of this novel was the author's creation of Shara as a character. As the object of the scavenger hunt, she is barely ever physically on the page, yet she lives and breaths in the pages. The other characters fixate, create, and manifest her before the reader's eyes. Shara is all-encompassing, even when missing. I don't mean to imply that Share's a malicious character, just that there's an perfect-girl enigma about her that seems to draw the town's attention. How this obsession gets weaved into their everyday lives was fascinating to see, and it was so entertaining to see Shara and Chloe collide through letters and flashbacks.

In a homophobic bible-belt town, McQuiston spins a story of hope for queer voices. What will they learn about their classmates, their town, and themselves along the way?

ARC Review: Boys I Know by Anna Gracia

Boys I Know
by Anna Gracia
Publication Date: July 5th 2022
Publisher: Peachtree Teen
Find This Book: Boys I Know
Rating: 5/5

**An ARC of this book was provided to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Boys I Know tells the story of June Chu, a taiwanese-american girl living in the midwest. Starting her senior year of high school, she’s navigating boys, friendships, family and college applications. June learns three lessons from three very different boys along the way, and tries to figure out what she wants for her life after she graduates high school.

This was the kind of book I wish I’d had in my own high school years. June makes mistakes many of us have also had to learn the hard way, and it’s a relief to know that some of us can learn from June instead of finding out first-hand. June was such a compelling character, I couldn’t help but root for her. Rhys, Brad, and Gang all had their qualities to entice June while all having their red flags that had me yelling at the page trying to come to her aid, I was completely pulled into the story!

Theme-wise, the two most beautiful themes in this book come hand-in-hand: that June is the second child, following after her sister, and that June is the “just good enough” always-landing-in-third-place girl at everything she does.

June grows up in her sister’s shadow, leading her to pick up the violin just like Wendy. Her mother expects her to get a full ride scholarship to Northwestern’s music program so that her violin will fund her studies to be a doctor, just like her sister. But what if June never wants to pick up a violin again, never wants to go to Northwestern University, and never wants to become a doctor? A beautiful facet of June’s story is her discovery of what she likes, and what she does simply because it is expected of her (and I almost teared up when she falls back in love with music after years of contention).

The contention comes not only from parental expectations to follow her sister, but also in June’s self-perceived failure when she keeps finding herself in third place. Fearing to fully apply herself in case even her absolute best will still come up short, June never seems to give anything her all. This book beautifully explores June's own mental block and this really struck a chord with me. I felt truly seen on the page. After a reality check (that will remain vague for spoiler reasons), June finally kicks it into high gear and starts applying in earnest to college programs and her character growth in realizing what she deserves was so heart-warming to see. For the contemporary reader, Boys I Know is a definite must-read!

ARC Review: The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea by Axie Oh

The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea
by Axie Oh
Publication Date: February 22nd 2022
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends 
Find This Book: The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea
Rating: 5/5

**An ARC of this book was provided to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is a stunning new fantasy standalone from Axie Oh.With Mina's world devastated by storms from the spirit realm, she can't bear to see the love of her brother's life sacrificed to the Sea God and jumps into the sea herself.

Finding herself surprisingly not dead, Mina wakes up to an unwelcoming Spirit World that she initially struggles to navigate. This is where I really see the comparison to Spirited Away, but Axie Oh really takes the 'mortal in the spirit world' concept and makes it her own! This new world and the spirits, gods, and demons that live there are both obstacles and friends to help her find her voice, her path, and her resolution. While the magical and dangerous surrounds her on all sides, her supposedly powerful Sea God appears to be a peaceful sleeping boy. Can she wake him out of his curse to stop the storms threatening her family?

What makes this novel so special is Mina as a character. She's so compassionate and empathetic, and cares so much for her family and her mortal world. The way she handles not only her friends but also her enemies really speaks to her nature and made me love her and her story all the more.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea will be a gem of an addition of every bookshelf in 2022. Join Mina as she navigates her red string of fate, powerful spirits, a lost god, and her heart.

ALC Review: All of Us Villains by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman

All of Us Villains
by Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman
Publication Date: November 9th 2021
Publisher: Tor Teen
Find This Book: All of Us Villains
Rating: 5/5

**An ALC of this book was provided to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

All of Us Villains is a new fantasy duology that you’d have to pay me to shut up about. It was action-packed yet still had a well developed world and well developed characters. Every 20 years, seven families send a family champion to compete in a magical fight to the death. The winner’s family get sole access to the town stores of high magic until the next tournament. This tournament is a magical curse upon the town, and any families that fail to send a champion get a member of their family killed by the curse at random. Foody and Herman took the ‘games’ trope and made it totally unique. I love the concept that a curse is what forces and maintains the games and their violence. It makes for an exceptionally eerie and tragic backdrop to the plot and to the character’s motivations.

Other perks?

-Amanda Foody and Christine Lynn Herman co-wrote. I’d be curious to know the breakdown of who wrote what because the entire book felt so cohesive. This writing duo was meant to be!

-Multiple POV’s that are all well-developed! I feel like most books always have thaaat character that you’re struggling to get through when it’s their turn to POV but that was not the case with All of Us Villains. I was excited for every single POV change and to listen to all their unique perspectives.

-Book within a book. I love when books have some internal literature and lore! In this case, an in-universe book was written about the cursed tournament and a quote from the book started each chapter.

-Only one bed trope. Without getting into detail I loved forced-proximity tropes and it was so good in this book!

Review: The Box in the Woods by Maureen Johnson

The Box in the Woods 

by Maureen Johnson 

Publication Date: June 15th 2021 

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books 

Find This Book: The Box in the Woods 

Rating: 5/5

I was given an early finalized copy in by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Box in The Woods is a standalone companion novel to Maureen Johnson's Truly Devious trilogy. The best part is? You can 100% read this without reading the original trilogy first! I know, because I did. Maureen is a fantastic writer who made me feel right at home with these new-to-me characters. Standalones are such a great way to include new readers into a fandom-- they're a great way to 'sample' the characters and world building before diving into the original trilogy! All of the Truly Devious books are certainly on my TBR now!

The book itself is about amateur sleuth Stevie Bell who heads to summer camp at Sunny Pines where four gruesome murders happened back in the 70's. Can she solve this cold-case and prove she's not a one-hit-wonder???

This book is set in Massachusetts and it made me feel both homesick and nostalgic for my childhood (minus the murders). Stevie and her friends have really grown on me and the writting and clues are so well paced. Honestly, I hope Maureen Johnson starts writing more mystery standalone with Stevie (in the vein of a modern Nancy Drew series!)

ARC Review: XOXO by Axie Oh

XOXO
by Axie Oh
Publication Date: July 13^th 2021
Publisher: HarperTeen
Find This Book: XOXO
Rating: 5/5

I was given an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Jenny, a cello prodigy, finds herself suddenly (though temporarily) moving to Korea when the grandmother that she's never met before is diagnosed with cancer. Jenny and her mother move from LA to Seoul for 6 months while her grandmother undergoes treatment, and Jenny gets into the prestigious Seoul Arts Academy for the semester.

Her one goal? To use SAA's end of term showcase to get into her dream conservatory school: the Manhattan School of Music. The only problem? The hot boy she had a meet-cute with in LA turns out to be a student at her new school and he can be... distracting!

In XOXO, Axie Oh perfectly portrays the hurdles and stresses of being an art student, as well as the tensions and love in parent/child dynamics, AND the unique position one finds themselves in when returning to their motherland. The plot hinges on Jenny not knowing much about K-pop, when she accidentally meets a member of one of the most famous K-pop bands in the world and sparks fly. Only after she moves to Korea where K-pop and Korean Idol Culture is everywhere, does she see a poster for the band XOXO and realize that Jaewoo isn't just another student, he's a popular idol. When having a relationship means throwing both of their lives off the paths they've carefully mapped out, how much are they willing to risk for love?

Axie Oh breaks down Idol Culture in order to create this dramatic yet sweet love story that tests what Jenny and Jaewoo really want and need. Additionally, it's set almost entirely in Korea, so get ready for the wanderlust! This was the perfect mini-vacation to enjoy from the comfort of my couch. Last but certainly not least, if you consider yourself a foodie and love yummy food descriptions, this is the book for you. Axie Oh describes so much delicious food, I was practically drooling.

XOXO is definitely a must-read for contemporary romance readers.

ARC Review: Take Me Home Tonight by Morgan Matson

Take Me Home Tonight
by Morgan Matson
Publication Date: May 4^th 2021
Publisher: Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
Find This Book: Take Me Home Tonight
Rating: 5/5

I was given an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Morgan Matson’s Take Me Home Tonight was utterly charming. I absolutely loved the book’s message about expanding your horizons and trying new things. I think it’s a really common storyline for high school seniors to freak out about not knowing what they want to do and then “find” themselves, and it was refreshing to see the exact opposite happen in this book. Stevie and Kat start out so sure of themselves and their world until it shatters around them. These two best friends realize how big the world truly is and how many opportunities they truly have available to them. This is such an important message to be sending, and it’s what I would go back and tell my younger self if I could. Maybe you love something you haven’t even considered yet. Before one thing becomes THE THING that pays all of your bills, try as many things as you can and find out what makes you happy. What makes you happy doesn’t have to be one thing, it can be lots of things, and just because you don’t think you can “make it” professionally doesn’t mean that you should cut whatever that is out of your life. You don’t have to be the best, you don’t have to do everything professionally, you just have to enjoy your hobbies and your free time.

Another component that made Take Me Home Tonight so special, was that it centered Stevie and Kat’s friendship and highlighted important platonic and familial relationships that they have and/or struggle with. It was especially endearing to watch Stevie navigate interacting with her step-siblings. Whether ‘traditional’ or ‘blended,’ families are complicated. Suddenly having three older siblings can be daunting and there are good and bad ways to cope with that change. Stevie isn’t perfect, well, really none of the characters are perfect, but their faults don’t define them. Their faults show them where they need to grow. 

Lastly, The Teri Timeline, as I like to call it, was such an unexpected and fantastic twist and I can’t wait to be able to talk about it with others!

ARC Review: My Contrary Mary by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows

My Contrary Mary

by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows

Publication Date: June 22^nd 2021

Publisher: HarperTeen

Find This Book: My Contrary Mary

Rating: 5/5

An ARC of this audiobook was provided to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This series as a concept had me so unbelievably excited. After completing a trilogy of historical Jane retellings, Hand, Ashton, and Meadows have set their sights on Marys. The very first, My Contrary Mary, is a Mary Queen of Scots retelling. Get ready to be transported to Renaissance France where Mary is a ward of the French Court! 

The book's narration comes from several shifting POV's (primarily Mary), as well as some third-person narrator comments. The narrator's are really what makes this book so special. They are absolutely hilarious, providing a 'so-here-is-the-scoop' tone. They are terrible gossips, but charmingly witty at the same time. They are that friend in college/high school that you always turned to when you wanted to hear about the latest scandals without going through the effort of snooping things out for yourself. Before the book even properly started I was cry-laughing at the dedication: "For the people who feel like they have to be perfect; and for France. We're sorry for what we're about to do to your history, but it was your turn."

I found myself enjoying the return to the Eðian/Verity dynamic (shapeshifter/pure humans) as a metaphor for the disparity and tensions between Catholics and Protestants at the time. It is a cool way to reframe this time period, and was pretty genius! 

On top of the comedy, the characters were so well developed. I truly felt for Mary and Francis, and even the side characters like Mary Livingston and Ari. Their actions and motivations felt real, and the stakes and betrayals in court were gutting. While of course this is a series of Marys, in a sense each book is also a stand alone, which I think is a boon to the work. Readers don't necessarily have to read The Lady Janies series to enjoy this latest work. Comedy and Historical Fiction blend together effortlessly in this gem of a book. Bonus points? Bonus points! On top of everything, I actually feel like I learned a lot reading this book. The plot was surprisingly historically accurate, if we overlook the whole fantasy shapeshifting element haha.

All in all, My Contrary Mary is a must-read, and I impatiently await the additions of Mary Shelley and Mary Read to the new Mary series!

ARC Review: The Initial Insult by Mindy McGinnis

The Initial Insult 

by Mindy McGinnis

Publication Date: February 23^rd 2021

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Find This Book: The Initial Insult

Rating: 5/5

An ARC of this audiobook was provided to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Wow, and can I say it again? WOW. I have read This Darkness Mine, so I had an idea of what I'd signed up for with a Mindy McGinnis book but my mind was still blown by her impressive prose. McGinnis has crafted two amazing main characters, Tress and Felicity, that switch POV's throughout the book. This creates an interesting dynamic of perspectives as we settle into a Cask of Amontillado type situation. That's right, someone is getting entombed behind a brick wall Edgar-Allan-Poe-Style! I absolutely loved this premise, and I found the flashbacks to their friendship falling apart (told by both sides) to be completely fascinating.

McGinnis has perfectly crafted yet another psycho-thriller and I can't wait for the second half of this duology. I thought I knew where this was going but was so intrigued by the flashback stories that I didn't care too much, and then BAM! My expected ending did NOT happen. I was so shocked I had to re-listen to the last couple of chapters to confirm I wasn't dreaming! The ending was so abrupt it left me reeling, and it would have been a perfect ending point to the entire story, no second half needed, if I wasn't left with so many unresolved flashback questions. You could say I'm 'dying' to find out what happens next!

**The one thing that I do have to warn about is that there is some sexual content, so this might not be the 'young adult' book for everyone!

ARC Review: Lore by Alexandra Bracken

Lore
by Alexandra Bracken
Publication Date: January 5^th 2021
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Find This Book: Lore
Rating: 5/5

I was given an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Bracken opens strong with an intriguing overview of this book's world building presenting greek mythology in a brand new way. Zeus, always known for his complex punishments, have sentenced the greek pantheon to become mortal every seven years, where the lineages of greek heroes have the opportunity to kill them and become gods themselves. An ancestor and one of the last remaining original gods team up for a fascinating revenge story!

Lore is a refreshing stand alone book about ancient bloodlines hunting the Greek gods that is great for novice and dedicated lovers of greek mythology alike. I eat up everything involving Greek mythology, but this was truly something special! There is edge-of-your-seat action and betrayals, and a fun new way to look at New York City. This is another must-read from Bracken!

ARC Review: This Is Kind Of an Epic Love Story by Cheryl Callender

This Is Kind Of An Epic Love Story  

by Kheryn Callender 

Publication Date: October 30^th 2018 

Publisher: Balzer + Bray 

Find This Book: This Is Kind Of An Epic Love Story  

Rating: 5/5

I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

You know that special kind of magic that happens when you read a book at the perfect moment for you? This is what happened for me with This is Kind Of An Epic Love Story. It’s not EPIC-epic, but cherishes the great and fabulous occurrences in normal relationships. If you’re looking for a meet-cute couple that struggles a bit with navigating physical intimacy and potential long-distance, this is the book for you!

Nate is a junior in high school, trying to figure out his relationship with his ex-girlfriend and best friend, while also realizing he has feelings for the new guy in school that Nate already has a bit of history with. As someone who’s tried staying friends with their ex, I really felt what Nate was going through. I’d recommend this for anyone who’s experienced similarly, and/or have been in a complicated romantic dynamic. 

An added layer to the story is that Nate is interested in the creative arts as a career path- Screenwriting in particular. This needs extra work (projects, summer classes, etc.) to get into any good colleges, and it was so nostalgic to read his experiences prepping for summer applications and pulling all-nighters to get his script ready in time. Many of my friends had gone through similar process while we were in high school, and I could easily place myself in Nate’s shoes.

The most emotional part of the story was Nate’s views on relationships. He’s a bit of a pessimist, and thinks happy endings only happen in movies. Watching him being scared to commit to multiple relationships, and struggling between expressing his emotions and trying to avoid getting hurt, was so powerful. He was so caught up in the future, that he wasn;t paying attention to how happy he could be in the moment, and that no matter what the future was perhaps the present would be worth it. As someone who is about to leave my home for 6 months and am about to enter a ling-distance relationship myself, this book couldn’t be more inspiring. 

But the book doesn’t simply revolve around Nate’s romantic relationships! We are also given dramatic scenes where he discovers how to be more emotionally available to his friends and his family, and honestly is was so cute.

Book Rep: Deaf (elaborate ASL use and detailed descriptions of signing), POC, LGBT+ (obvious via relationships but no labels are used)