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.

eARC Review: Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous by Autumn K. England

Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous
by Autumn K. England
Publication Date: May 26th 2026
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Find This Book: Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous
Source: NetGalley eARC
Rating: 2.5/5

When Oaklin Nettlewood accidentally joined an evil world-ending cult, mind control magic forced them to do unspeakable things. Years later, the realm's heroes have finally saved the day, defeated the villain, and shattered the last remnants of the spell...leaving destruction in their wake. And so, with a spell-damaged memory and whole bushel of trauma, Oaklin escapes to a small farm on the edge of Mossley's Rest and swears an After all the things they were forced to do with their magic, they will never use it again. Ever.

The no-nonsense ghost granny who lives in Oaklin's house has other ideas. As she coaxes Oaklin out of their shell and back into the world, they find companionship (a grumpy horse and a very good dog), friendship (a local bard and magical baker who should just kiss already), and tentative romance (a paladin-librarian who makes Oaklin's heart come alive for the first time in ages.) Magic even seems possible again—though strictly for foraging magical mushrooms and protecting the farm from bugs.

Healing comes in gentle waves, and Oaklin doesn't have to do it alone. So what does it mean when an inquisitor comes to town to hunt former cultists just as Oaklin begins to think that maybe, just maybe, they deserve a happy ending after all?

I went into Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous expecting a cozy fantasy, but it ended up being much quieter than I anticipated. The conflict is small-scale: the biggest question is whether Oaklin will be accepted by the town they've chosen to call home. The book explores themes of redemption, community-building, trauma recovery, and finding a place to belong, all of which sounded like they would make for a heartfelt story.

Unfortunately, the execution didn't work for me.

The biggest issue was that the book relied far too heavily on telling rather than showing. We're often told that Oaklin is making friends, settling into the community, or healing from their past, but we rarely get to experience those moments alongside them. Instead of watching relationships deepen through conversations, shared experiences, and vulnerable interactions, we're simply informed that those connections exist (especially with their baker and bard friends). As a result, I never felt emotionally invested in Oaklin or their relationships.

The pacing also felt slow. Cozy fantasy doesn't need high-stakes action to be engaging, but when a story intentionally keeps the external conflict minimal, the emotional journey has to carry the narrative. But as mentioned above, that emotional payoff really suffered from moments of "tell, don't show" when we're looking for moments of "show, don't tell." Without the emotional journey, the story lacked the momentum needed to keep me engaged.

I can appreciate what this book was trying to do. It offers a gentle story centered on healing and second chances rather than epic quests or dramatic battles, and I think readers who enjoy extremely slow-paced, slice-of-life fantasy may find comfort in it. For me, though, the combination of sluggish pacing and the persistent "tell, don't show" writing style kept me at arm's length from both the characters and the story, making it a miss for me.

eARC Review: Deathly Fates by Tesia Tsai

Deathly Fates
by Tesia Tsai
Publication Date: April 14th 2026
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Find This Book: Deathly Fates
Source: NetGalley eARC
Rating: 3/5

As a priestess paid to guide the deceased home, Kang Siying has never feared death. However, when her beloved father collapses, Siying realizes that even she is not free from the cruel grasp of mortality. Desperate to provide her father with the medical aid he needs, Siying accepts a dangerous job that promises a generous commission, and travels to a hostile state to retrieve the corpse of a missing prince.

But the moment Siying places her reanimation talisman on the dead prince's head, rather than make the corpse obedient to Siying's commands, the talisman brings the prince back to life. Worse, he won't stay alive for long—not unless he absorbs enough qi, or life force, to keep his soul anchored to his body.

In return for a reward worth twice her original commission, Siying agrees to aid the frustratingly handsome prince in finding and purifying evil spirits for their qi. As they journey across the countryside, encountering vengeful ghosts and enemy spies alike, they gradually uncover dark secrets about the prince's death—secrets that could endanger both Siying's father and their entire kingdom.

I was hoping this book would completely hook me and make it impossible to put down, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case. The execution felt lacking overall, and I found myself pushing through a story that never fully grabbed my attention.

I ended up loving Siying in the last few chapters, but for most of the book I struggled to feel invested in her goals or emotional journey. The dynamic between her and the back-from-the-dead prince had potential, but it needed far more development. I was told they were falling in love, but I never really felt that chemistry on the page. Their relationship lacked emotional depth, and both characters could have used stronger personalities.

The MMC especially frustrated me — he’s often an idiot and a coward, and while I appreciated that Siying actually calls him out on it, I couldn’t fully buy into her feelings for him. She spends so much of the book pining after him long before he shows meaningful character growth, which made the romance hard for me to invest in.

The most interesting part of the book was Siying’s role as a priestess of death, but ironically, the story barely explores that aspect. I kept wanting more of the worldbuilding, lore, and moral complexity tied to her position, and it felt like a missed opportunity.

Overall, this wasn’t a terrible read, but it never lived up to its premise for me. There were interesting ideas here, but the characters, romance, and execution didn’t fully deliver.

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: Most Eligible by Isabelle Engel

Most Eligible
by Isabelle Engel
Publication Date: January 13th 2026
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Find This Book: Most Eligible
Source: NetGalley eARC
Rating: 4/5

Georgia Rose is not going on the hit reality dating show Love Shack to find love. She’s there to write a killer exposé on the producers, which will guarantee the journalism job of her dreams. But when Georgia’s unforgettable one-night stand from the year before, country singer Rhett Auburn, steps into the Malibu mansion as the season’s new host, all of her carefully crafted plans unravel.

Caught up in the drama of backstabbing contestants, producer blackmail, and death-defying dates, Georgia must keep her identity—and history with Rhett—a secret. Despite the lies between them, it isn’t long before Georgia and Rhett’s heated behind-the-scenes moments start to feel more genuine than the romance Georgia’s faking for the cameras. But with her assignment unfinished and the executive producer on her tail, a second chance with Rhett could be her riskiest move of all.

Most Eligible is a fun, behind the scenes romp through a Bachelor-esque dating show, and the premise absolutely delivers. Engel builds the world of Love Shack so well. The producer drama, the over the top dates, even the in-universe country songs all make the setting feel vivid and believable.

Georgia was the standout for me. She’s layered, driven, and full of secrets, and watching her juggle her undercover mission with her unresolved chemistry with Rhett was a blast. Her motivations and regrets gave her a depth that some of the other cast members didn’t quite match.

My only real gripe was that both male love interests felt a bit underdeveloped, which kept the romance from fully landing. Still, the writing is engaging, the pacing is quick, and the whole thing is just plain fun.

A great pick for contemporary romance fans; especially anyone who loves reality TV drama!

eARC Review: The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss

The Escape Game
by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss
Publication Date: April 7th 2026
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Find This Book: The Escape Game
Source: NetGalley eARC
Rating: 4/5

It’s all fun and games until someone ends up dead.

Six months ago, season four of The Escape Game ended in horror when contestant Alicia Angelos was found murdered on set.

Now season five is underway, and new contestants are ready to put their skills to the test solving the show's trickiest escape rooms. There's Adi, the cryptographer; Carter, the math whiz; Beck, the wannabe game master, and . . . Sierra Angelos, the girl who got away with her sister’s murder. Or so everyone believes.

But Sierra’s not just here to win. She’s here for justice.

When the contestants begin uncovering clues that hint at the identity of Alicia’s true killer, it becomes clear that the stakes aren’t high in this competition, they’re deadly. If these teens want to win—and survive—the game, they must solve the biggest mystery of who killed Alicia Angelos?

The Escape Game is a fast-paced reality competition with a dark sub-plot: a murder mystery. The novel blends puzzles, high-stakes competition, and amateur detective work into an entertaining and suspenseful read. From the start, it hooks the reader with its eerie premise—after a contestant was murdered during a previous season, a new group of teens returns to the set, stepping closer to the truth behind that crime.

One of the book’s strongest aspects is its concept. The escape-room setting is creative and keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, as the contestants race not only to win the game but also to stay on set long enough to uncover more clues. The combination of challenges and mystery makes the setting feel fresh and engaging, and fans of thrillers and puzzle-based stories will likely find a lot to enjoy.

However, the book’s biggest weakness lies in its character development. With four main characters rotating through different POV chapters, it’s difficult to fully connect with any single one. While the multiple perspectives add variety, they also limit how deeply the story explores each character’s personality and motivations. As a result, the emotional stakes—especially surrounding Sierra and her murdered sister, Alicia—don’t always feel as impactful as they could have. This ultimately knocked the book down a star for me.

Still, I enjoyed the story overall, and with an open ending that clearly sets up another installment, I’m hopeful that future books will allow for a stronger connection to these characters.

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!

Review: Fate Breaker by Victoria Aveyard

Fate Breaker
by Victoria Aveyard
Publication Date: February 27th 2024
Publisher: HarperCollins
Find This Book: Fate Breaker
Source: Publisher Final Copy
Rating: 4/5

A dark fate descends. A shattered alliance must rise.

The Companions are torn apart and the realm hangs in the balance, at the edge of ruin. Taristan and Queen Erida rise triumphant from the battlefield, while Corayne barely escapes with her life; her Companions left behind to uncertain fates.

But not all hope was lost: Corayne managed to steal Taristan's Spindleblade. Without it, Taristan can’t rip open any more Spindles. Without it, he can’t end the world.

Now, from every corner of the realm, the Companions race to reunite while they rally old allies and seek unexpected new ones, in one final push against darkness.

But Taristan and Erida are all but invincible. With their cruel god, What Waits, on their side, they will sacrifice anything and anyone to his hunger.

Everything has come to this. In the final clash between good and evil, a ragged alliance makes its bravest stand against a ruthless enemy . . . and the demon god who would consume the realm entire.

I really enjoyed this series! This book covers a lot of bases, it pretty much has it all! You've got a band of heroes, a villain power couple with an undead army, immortals, knights, assassins, bounty hunters, pirates, dragons, and even magical swords that create portals to other worlds. This series has a lot of really fun and fresh takes on several fantasy tropes, and I love characters with whit, angst, and snark which Aveyard does really well.

The world-building was especially well done, and each book takes its time to develop the ensemble cast of characters, even the ‘bad guys’. There are several different romance side-plots so you get a little taste of everything in this series. My favorite was the slow burn couple, followed by the villain romance. The action scenes were awesome and I really enjoyed the development of all of the character arcs in this last book.

I can’t give Fate Breaker five stars because the ending didn’t provide the plot closure I was looking for. The epilogue gave only 2-3 paragraphs per person and it was all a bit too vague for me to feel satisfied. After dedicating the time to read 1,779 pages (for all three books) I should feel satisfied! But all in all I would still recommend this series for fantasy buffs. It is such a fun journey!

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: Where Shadows Bloom by Catherine Bakewell

Where Shadows Bloom
by Catherine Bakewell
Publication Date: February 11th 2025
Publisher: HarperCollins
Find This Book: Where Shadows Bloom
Source: NetGalley eARC
Rating: 4/5

Ofelia has lived her life dreaming of entering Le Château Enchanté — the mysterious court of the gods-blessed King Léo, where the shadow monsters that roam Ofelia’s home never trespass.

Lope has lived her life as a knight, defending Ofelia and her home from Shadows even as she dreams of escaping with Ofelia by her side.

When the Shadows venture too close, Lope and Ofelia are thrust into a journey that will lead them to the heart of the darkness haunting their the dazzling and deceptive Château Enchanté itself.

Where Shadows Bloom is a high fantasy book inspired from French and Spanish nobility. It has cozy, dreamy prose perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli. Ofelia and her brave knight Lope travel from the countryside to Le Chateau to escape the dangers of the Shadows: monsters that haunt the night and steal the breath and life of those who foolishly venture outside. While Ofelia adjusts to their new life at court, Lope still sees danger around every corner. Can their love overcome the monsters, secrets, gods, and the growing distance between them?

Things I Loved:

• The yearning (with dual POV). Where Shadows Bloom is perfect for readers who want some action but want the focus of the book to be on the main character’s inner monologue. This is a medium-paced book that centers on the yearning on both sides of a sapphic romance.
• The main theme. What makes this book so strong is its exploration of its main theme: what it means to be human. Experiencing love, experiencing grief, one of Ofelia’s tasks is to teach humanity to a lonely god. The evolution of the god’s character was just as compelling as the main characters’ character developments.
• While the flaws of the characters are definitely showcased, there is strong character development, and the ending redeemed my frustration with Ofelia throughout the book (see first bullet point below on my gripe with Ofelia).

Things I Didn’t Love:

• Ofelia’s cheerful outlook started off inspiring and understandable but became annoyingly obtuse as the novel went on. 
• As in many fairy tales, there is a god to bargain with and it just felt like they bargained with them too many times.

ARC Review: Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce

Dating and Dragons
by Kristy Boyce
Publication Date: December 31st 2024
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Find This Book: Dating and Dragons
Source: NetGalley eARC
Rating: 4/5

Quinn Norton is starting over at a new high school and hopes that joining a D&D game will be the trick to making friends. The plan sounds even better when she’s invited into a group that includes Logan Weber, the cute and charming guy she met on her first day of class. But this isn’t your average D&D campaign— this group livestreams their games and enforces strict rules: no phones allowed, and no dating other group members.

Quinn is willing to accept the rules, even if it makes Logan off-limits. And she quickly learns that doing so won’t be a problem, since Logan goes from charismatic to insufferable as soon as she agrees to join. As their bickering—and bantering—intensifies inside and outside the game, Quinn can’t help wondering: Is Logan’s infuriating behavior a smokescreen for hidden feelings? Quinn is risking it all, and the twenty-sided dice are rolling!

This book is such a cute high school first-love story, and it delivered on the D&D aspects. Dating and Dragons follows Quinn Norton as she transfers schools halfway through junior year. Struggling to make friends, she joins a D&D group that streams their sessions (an aspiring Critical Role/Dimension 20-esque group). As Quinn navigates her new world and her heartbreaking betrayal that made her leave her old school, she’s also confronted with her grandma who is not-so-subtly trying to set Quinn up with her crush, Logan. The only problem? He’s part of her new D&D party and the group has a strict no-dating policy.

What I really loved about this book was the balance. The romance didn’t hoard the spotlight, and so many different aspects were allowed to shine. Some of my favorites? Grandma. Grandma was absolutely fantastic in this book, and her relationship with Quinn and her coming to terms with herself aging were powerful side plots to this novel! I also loved seeing Quinn’s relationship with her brother and her blossoming new friendship with Kashvi.

Because of the group’s no-dating rule, Quinn and Logan’s relationship is a very sweet slow burn. It was so cute watching them navigate their feelings and young love butterflies for each other, it reminded me of my high school relationships. It was exactly that a YA Romance should be.

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: The Medici Heist by Caitlin Schneiderhan

Medici Heist
by Caitlin Schneiderhan
Publication Date: August 6th 2024
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Find This Book: Medici Heist
Source: NetGalley eARC
Rating: 4/5

Welcome to Florence, 1517, a world of intrigue, opulence, secrets, and murder. The Medici family rules the city from their seat of wealth, but the people of Florence remember the few decades they spent as a Republic, free from the Medicis and their puppet Pope, Leo X.

Sharp-witted seventeen-year-old con-woman Rosa Cellini has plans for the Pope and the Medicis - and, more specifically, the mountain of indulgence money they've been extorting from the people of Tuscany. To pull off the Renaissance's greatest robbery, she'll recruit a team of capable Sarra the tinkerer, Khalid the fighter, and Giacomo, the irrepressible master of disguise. To top it all off, and to smooth their entrance into the fortress-like Palazzo Medici, Rosa even enlists the reluctant help of famed artist and local misanthrope, Michelangelo.

Old secrets resurface and tensions in the gang flare as the authorities draw closer and the Medicis' noose pulls tighter around Tuscany itself. What began as a robbery becomes a bid to save Florence from certain destruction - if Rosa and company don't destroy each other first.

Get ready for an absolute swashbuckling riot, beginning with a 'mud' pie to the Pope's face, and ending with a climatic heist that would give Danny Ocean a run for his money. Bursting with snark, innuendo and action, Medici Heist is your next un-put-downable obsession.

The scene is renaissance Florence, 1517, and the Medici family rules the city with a puppet Pope at their side. Extorting the people of Tuscany, the Medici’s sit upon an exorbitant pile of indulgence money. Con-woman Rosa Cellini hopes to steal it right from under their noses, *if* she can pull off the greatest heist of all time.

Medici Heist introduces us to a diverse cast of characters, each getting their individual times to shine. Rosa will need to rope the best of the best into her crew if she wants to steal a mountain of money and live to tell the tale. Her team consists of Sarra the tinkerer, Agata the apothecary, Khalid the fighter, and Giacomo the master of disguise. To top it all off, Rosa even enlists the reluctant help of Michelangelo (yes, THAT Michelangelo).

This was a super fun read that solidly sets the scene in historic Italy. It does a fantastic job of incorporating the setting into the story and has beautiful descriptions, great scheming, and entertaining action scenes. This was truly the foundation of a terrific book. What knocks this down a star is the lack of dimension. I’d liken the experience to reading a play. The play loses something in the written form without actors adding in the depth and emotion. Actors bring a lifeless script to life by adding emotions and tone to the text. My favorite authors craft characters that jump off the page and while Medici Heist was descriptive, cinematic even, the characters fell flat. I was not surprised to find out after reading that Schneiderhan is a script writer.

Let’s dive into the character work more specifically. The characters were funny, they had their roles to play, and I enjoyed the story they had to tell. Yet, they were all just too shallow and underdeveloped. Some further revision of the novel could have massaged a bit more life and personality into them. While I could suspend my disbelief and still enjoy the ride (it is a great heist), the POV’s were just too weak for me to give this book five stars.

If you love a good setting with a great atmosphere, I’d still recommend this read! It has great vibes but could have benefitted from deeper character work.

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?

ARC Review: Champion of Fate by Kendare Blake

Champion of Fate
by Kendare Blake
Publication Date: September 19th 2023
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Find This Book: Champion of Fate
Source: NetGalley eARC
Rating: 4/5

Behind every great hero is an Aristene.

Aristene are mythical female warriors, part of a legendary order. Though heroes might be immortalized in stories, it’s the Aristene who guide them to victory. They are the Heromakers.

Ever since she was an orphan taken in by the order, Reed has wanted to be an Aristene. Now, as an initiate, just one challenge stands in her way: she must shepherd her first hero to glory on the battlefield. Succeed, and Reed will take her place beside her sisters. Fail, and she’ll be cast from the only home she’s ever known.

Nothing is going to stop Reed--until she meets her hero. Hestion is fiery and infuriating, but what begins as an alliance becomes more, and as secrets of the order come to light Reed begins to understand what becoming an Aristene may truly cost. Battle looming, she must choose: the order and the life she had planned, or Hestion, and the one she never expected.

Blake showcases her world-class world-building yet again in her latest book Champion of Fate. Get ready for swords, horses, and fast-paced action in this new fantasy world steeped in magic. As I've come to expect from Blake, this book has well-crafted character backstories, kingdom politics, collective history, and in this case, mythos surrounding the Aristene. All without info-dumping the reader, so it’s easy to get immersed.

Reed, our main character, is an initiate for the Aristene, an all-female warrior cult worshipping a goddess of glory. The immortal members of the Aristene order are sent out into the world to make heroes of mortal men and women. Through their heroes' guided actions, the Aristene create glory that honors and sustains their goddess, Kleia Gloria. Reed's last test as an initiate? Her first hero. As she and her fellow initiates embark on their trials, relationships both old and new are put to the test. And as Reed starts to grow feelings for her mortal hero, she also realizes her soon-to-be-family of warrior women are keeping secrets from her. This trial's outcome doesn't just impact Reed's future, her failure could endanger the entire Aristene order.

Overall, I thought this was a fantastic start to the series, and I would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy magic and medieval fantasy worlds.

ARC Review: Her Radiant Curse by Elizabeth Lim

Her Radiant Curse
by Elizabeth Lim
Publication Date: August 29th 2023
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Find This Book: Her Radiant Curse
Source: NetGalley eARC
Rating: 4/5

One sister must fall for the other to rise.

Channi was not born a monster. But when her own father offers her in sacrifice to the Demon Witch, she is forever changed. Cursed with a serpent’s face, Channi is the exact opposite of her beautiful sister, Vanna—the only person in the village who looks at Channi and doesn’t see a monster. The only person she loves and trusts.

Now seventeen, Vanna is to be married off in a vulgar contest that will enrich the coffers of the village leaders. Only Channi, who’s had to rely on her strength and cunning all these years, can defend her sister against the cruelest of the suitors. But in doing so, she becomes the target of his wrath—launching a grisly battle royale, a quest over land and sea, a romance between sworn enemies, and a choice that will strain Channi’s heart to its breaking point.

Weaving together elements of The Selection and Ember in the Ashes with classic tales like Beauty and the Beast, Helen of Troy, and Asian folklore, Elizabeth Lim is at the absolute top of her game in this thrilling yet heart-wrenching fantasy that explores the dark side of beauty and the deepest bonds of sisterhood.

Channi first makes her appearance in Lim's duology, Six Crimson Cranes. Following in its footsteps, Her Radiant Curse spins a lush tale steeped in beautiful world-building and Asian mythology. I don't think you will have to have read anything else by Lim to enjoy this one. While it is connected to Six Crimson Cranes, it is a prequel and a standalone. Perfect for testing out the waters! 

The sisterly love and friendships depicted in this book were so special, the magic system is well-developed, and the action sequences were fun. Channi and Vanna's bond is the main crux of the story, and it was so touching to see how these two girls are willing to do anything for the other, and how their relationship is shaped from childhood into adulthood. 

This did not quite get five stars from me because the plot wasn't woven together as tightly as I expected. I absolutely devoured Six Crimson Cranes, even the soft 'fluffier' scenes really added to and developed that story more, and Her Radiant Curse did not quite live up to that. I think the abundance of travel sequences took some of the sense of urgency out of this for me, which is why I have given it four instead of five stars.

ARC Review: Julieta and the Romeos by Maria E. Andreu

Julieta and the Romeos
by Maria E. Andreu
Publication Date: May 16th 2023
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Find This Book: Julieta and the Romeos
Rating: 4/5

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

The summer between junior and senior year, Julieta is accepted into an elite writing course in New York City — taught by her favorite author. Having always dreamed of becoming a writer, this mentorship could drastically shape her future. Add on top of that helping out at her family restaurant and three potential love interests, and you’ve got the recipe for a great contemporary romance!

Our Romeos Include:

-Ryan, her rival, and her best friend’s twin brother

-Lucas, her childhood best friend that could be something more

-Calvin, the new boy next door (or really, Abuela’s next door neighbor)

 As the summer goes on, Julieta commutes to class with Ryan, works at her family restaurant with Lucas, watches soaps with her Abuela and Calvin, and struggles with receiving writing critiques from her idol. All of these scenarios bring out different aspects of Julieta’s personality that she both cherishes and is in conflict with.

When Julieta publishes a writing assignment for class on a Wattpad equivalent, it evolves into a piece being co-written with an anonymous author. A local reference is included and Julieta realizes that they might know each other in real life. Could they be the man of her dreams? Could they be one of her Romeos?? If only she could get them to confess…

Reflecting on her love life predicament with her aunt, one of the best quotes in the book occurs:
“The question isn’t which boy is right for you. The question is which boy helps you be the best version of yourself. Or, an even bigger question, what version of yourself do you want to be, independent of them all?”

All in all, I quickly got sucked into Julieta’s life and I enjoyed how the plot pulled in her family dynamics and friendship with Ivy on top of the romances. If you’re looking for a sweet, fun contemporary romance, with a lesson in discovering yourself along the way, this is the book for you!

Review: This Woven Kingdom

This Woven Kingdom
by Tahereh Mafi
Publication Date: February 1st 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins
Find This Book: This Woven Kingdom
Rating: 3/5

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

This Woven Kingdom contains beautiful prose and descriptions, but unfortunately very little plot. It comes with the territory of an almost 500-page book that spans about 3 days of in-book time. 60% of This Woven Kingdom is the main characters’ inner monologue, 20% is setting/food/clothing description, 10% is verbal dialogue, and the last 10% is where the actual occurring events happen. I prefer to be shown actions to back up character motivations and thoughts, but this book heavily relies upon the reader being told what to think. The whole experience made it hard to connect with, or even like, either of the two main protagonists.

I was hoping for a lush Persian mythology read, but This Woven Kingdom is essentially a Cinderella retelling with cosmetic Middle Eastern inspirations regarding food and clothing. A dual-POV read, we alternate between Alizeh a long-lost princess of the Jinn who is currently hiding as a lowly servant, and Kamran the heir to the human empire of Ardunia. Their lots in life place them at odds, for Alizeh was prophesized to end the reign of the current king of Ardunia, Kamran’s grandfather. Of course, Alizeh and Kamran happen to cross paths on the street and become an insta-love forbidden romance. As I mentioned, this book is about 10% plot. Over the course of about 3 days, Kamran and Alizeh think about the other non-stop and their inner thoughts take up the majority of the writing of this book. All of this builds up to a ball, (Yay, an event is finally occurring!) so you have that to look forward to in the last 100 pages or so. Check out my book recap for a more thorough summary.

If you come into this with the right mindset, I think it can certainly be an enjoyable read, but it was very different than how it was marketed and you have to be ready for it to be a slow-paced read, very trope-heavy and descriptor-heavy.

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.