Reviews
I cannot claim to be a writer without also being a reader. Here is a collection of reader reviews of the books I’ve binged. To stay even more up-to-date with what I’m currently reading, add me on Goodreads.
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“Witchy” by Ariel Slamet Ries • Book Review
★★★ (3 / 5 stars) This was a cute story with fun fantasy elements and refreshing diversity. Some of the writing felt a little lackluster for me, but I would still recommend for fans of witchy fantasies, quirky animal companions, and colorful art styles.
“Girls of Paper and Fire” by Natasha Ngan • Book Review
“I don't want an easy life. I want a meaningful one.”
★★★★ (3.8 / 5 stars) I want to start off by saying this is an important novel. The levels of emotion and passion written into the pages of this story are so potent and so high, I could practically taste it while I read.
Not only does this novel tackle sensitive issues with a raw openness worthy of all our respect, but also it presents what I think we need more of: development of strong female friendships, and a variety of them!
“Caraval” by Stephanie Garber • Book Review
“Every person has the power to change their fate if they are brave enough to fight for what they desire more than anything.”
★★★★ (4/5) While Caraval couldn't hold a candle to The Night Circus, this was a fun story with mystery, magic, and a great carnival setting that kept me hooked page after page. I look forward to reading the sequel Legendary as soon as I can get my hands on it!
“Mirage” by Somaiya Daud • Book Review
“The blood never dies.
The blood never forgets.”
★★★★★ (4.7 / 5) This was such a great work of fiction. I am extremely attached to our two leading ladies, and I can’t wait for the sequel(s).
I read the whole book in one sitting, and honestly, my biggest complaint is that I wish it were longer. There’s just so much story, action, and growth just waiting to happen, and I wish I could gulp it all in at once.
“The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black • Book Review
“Every day that I don't beg Cardan for forgiveness over a feud he started is a day I win.”
★★★ (3.7 / 5) The opening scene and overall premise of The Cruel Prince is grim yet mystifying. Our narrator Jude can be irritating and a bit unrelatable at times, but her ambition is captivating.
There is magic and mystery, tension and resolve, puzzle pieces and plot twists. I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel to see how the story continues.
“The Upside of Unrequited” by Becky Albertalli • Book Review
“I have to admit: there's something really badass about truly, honestly not caring what people think about you.”
★★★ (3.3 / 5) Don't be fooled. This is not your average teen romance. In fact, I'd say the romance takes a backseat in a coming-of-age story more about Molly's maturing relationship with her sister—and with herself.
While a few elements lacked the depth I was hoping for, Molly's spunk kept me entertained page after page, and the story opened a window into a beautiful family that is worth looking at. I would recommend this for a light, summer read.
“Flawed” by Cecelia Ahern • Book Review
“To be courageous is to feel fear within, every step of the way...It takes courage to overcome, but it takes extreme fear to be courageous.”
★★★ (2.8 / 5 stars) Maybe because dystopian novels are my favorite, I'm more critical of them. I am hoping the sequel, Perfect, redeems this duology, but to put it bluntly, Flawed left me bored and disappointed.
Celestine North, our main character and narrator, was hard for me to connect with from the start, and while she suffered traumatically, she did very little for me to like her.
“Eliza and Her Monsters” by Francesca Zappia • Book Review
“You found me in a constellation.”
★★★★ (4.5 / 5 stars ) I'm usually the type of person who says she devours books. But this book devoured me. To me, this was a whole new contemporary novel.
Basic plot structure felt familiar but everything about the characters and the experiences they went through felt entirely fresh. Here's a breakdown of how this novel made me feel…