Book Review: A Magic steeped in poison

“Grief has a taste, bitter and lingering, but so soft it sometimes disguises itself as sweetness.”

Nig couldn’t imagine things get any worse but unfortunately, they’re gonna get worse before they get better. Haunted and grief stricken over being responsible fro the death of her mother, an unfortunate accident that occurred with Nig brewing tea for her without knowing that it was poison. Now, her sister has succumbed to to the same tea and Nig must do something fast as time is running out. When she hears about an upcoming tournament held in the imperial city, she realizes this is the only chance to save her sister as the winner will receive a favor from the princess.

This was on such a fun book! The entire novel was full of surprises, twists, angst and heart warming moments that made it difficult to put down. But, one of the things that I absolutely loved about it was how their magic system was based on different types of tea, it was so beautifully done. I think Lin wrote is so well that you couldn’t help but be interested in this aspect and I’ve never seen that done before. I really hope this becomes a thing because as a tea lover, it was so fun to read about mixed in with different fantasy elements. The other parts of the book were fantastic and I really loved the dynamics between the characters and especially Nig as I felt for her during the journey as she was dealing with so many different emotions and haunted by the things she’d done. The only thing I didn’t like was the cliffhanger but at least its not one that will keep me up at night wondering what will come next. I really enjoyed this and highly recommend it!

Book Review #1

“I think I might fetch you the moon if only to spare your tears again.”

To many, Alizeh is just a servant and a disposable one at that. But, what they don’t know is that she is really a heir to Jinn dynasty forced to hide in plain sight. She is also the one person no would especially Prince Karman would expect to uproot his kingdom and the world. The Crown Prince has heard of the prophecies foretelling his grandfather’s death but he can’t bring himself to believe that Alizeh, the servant girl who hasn’t left his mind to be the one to bring down his kingdom.

This Woven Kingdom by Tarereh Mafi was such a thrilling and wild ride from beginning to end! This is one of the best books I’ve read this year and I’m glad it lived up to the hype because it’s always so disappointing when books don’t live up to it but this was a real treat. There was so much about this novel that I loved as everything felt so connected as Mafi developed a beautifully written world that felt so real. The characters especially Alizeh and Karman were equally flawed and developed and their chemistry was so so good. The romance felt very real within their dynamics. That’s always a good thing because there’s nothing worse when the romance is under developed and/or feels forced because that just ruins it for me. I can’t stay invested in the story when I feel like it’s forced but gladly I feel that here. Even on their own, Alizeh and Karman were interesting characters as Alizeh proved that she is no mere servant girl and her actions felt genuine, honest, and true to how she presented herself as a compassionate and selfless warrior who was bad ass at the same time. Then, we have Karman who is very confident and bold and know what he truly wants in life and Mafi did such a great job with their dynamics that it was hard not to root for them.

Lastly, I really enjoyed how Mafi mixed Persian Mythology and Cinderella that made it so unique and interesting.It didn’t feel overdone and really helped with developing the romance between Karman and Alizeh. Overall, I really enjoyed the tale and how it unfolded so I would highly recommend it!!

Fantasy WRAP UP

Here we go!

What a fun ride! This plot was super interesting and I do like how the it developed from the beginning to end. While I did enjoy the plot, I did have a bit of a hard time with characters as I don’t feel like they were full fleshed out to where I felt completely invested in them. Some of their decisions and choices seemed a bit odd and the reasons for the decisions didn’t convince me completely. That was really the only problem I had with the book because I loved everything else especially the writing so I am hoping in the next book the character building will improve as I’m dying to know what will happen next. This book was full of adventure with twists and turns that made it thrilling from beginning to end.

What a beautifully written debut! I’m still shocked that it’s a debut because it had everything a fantasy novel needed and the writing elevated it to another level.Not only was the writing so well done, it really helped with development of characters throughout the story especially Xingyin as I felt like I knew the so well. The characters will really leave an impression on you just as much as the writing. The plot developed nicely and I didn’t feel as though it was rushed and that’s always a good thing cause there’s nothing worse than a rushed plot. Another part of the story I loved was the representation as the author used women not just as plot devices and they were key characters throughout the story so that’s nice to see especially with a fantasy book. I loved all of it, this story was so good and I can’t wait for the sequel coming out later this year!

Well it’s always good when a book delivers and I was actually surprised with how much I enjoyed it as her books are hit and miss with me. But, this was a real treat even if the beginning was a little slow as it picked up and I didn’t want to put it down. One thing about Schwab that I’ve always liked regardless of whether I enjoyed her books as a whole is her writing. It’s so beautifully done and I envy how she can weave words together so well that makes you invested in the story. The writing definitely helped with getting into story and understanding the characters who were unique, flawed and interesting. As I mentioned, the beginning of it was a bit hard to get into and I do appreciate that she includes an author’s note with how and why she chose to write a story like this.

Holy shit! This is going to end up in my top 5 list of best books of 2022 because I loved everything about it! Mythology retellings are always hit and miss with me but the premise sounded interesting and unique. The plot wasn’t something that I’d read before and a lot of myth retellings are usually about Hades and Persephone, there are so many other stories that are just as interesting. So, when i saw this book on goodreads while looking for new recs, I decided to check it out and I was glad that I did because wow.

While it start off slow, I actually think it worked out well that way because it really did set up for the rest of the story. I thought the characters especially Hanne, were all multifaceted, interesting, and unique in their own ways. This was such a thrilling ride from beginning to end and learning about Finnish mythology as a real treat.

There’s nothing more disappointing when the second half of a book completely falls apart but that’s what happened here. The book started off strong even with a predictable plot but I’m a sucker for books like this so I didn’t really care that it was a plot that I’ve read before. The world-building was stunning and so well written and that’s something that will always get my attention. I’m a sucker for excellent world-building and Harper does a very good job at that. As for the characters and romance, the first half of the book was good and it did show development not only with the two main characters but others.

But sadly, the second half completely undid the first as the main love interest went back and forth with either being too controlling or too protective and it was so bad that I honestly wanted the main character to either find someone else or come to her senses and be find on her own. Plus, the writing got choppy and it felt forced at some parts. I’m bummed because I did like the beginning but the second half just sunk everything for me.

MARCH TBR

Wow, I can’t believe it’s March already! Excited for everyone to see what I have picked for this month, it’s gonna be a good one!

Ashes Of Gold by J. Elle
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, YA

The Circus Infinite by Khan Wong
Genre: Adult, LGBT, Sci-Fi

Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tann
Genre: Fantasy, Retellings, Romance

Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
Genre: Adult, Fiction, Mystery

Flames Of Chaos by Amelia Hutchins
Genre:Adult, Fantasy, Romance

The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian
Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

Gallant by V.E.Schwab
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, YA

The Goddess of Nothing At All by Cat Rector
Genre: Adult, Fiction, Fantasy

Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Romance

How High We Go In The Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Sci-Fi

A Hunt of Shadows by Elise Kova
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, YA

Hunt The Stars by Jessie Mihalik
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Sci-Fi

The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

The Quarter Storm by Veronica G. Henry
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Mystery

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction, Romance

The Reunion by Meghan Quinn
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

River of Shadows by Karina Halle
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Star Mother by Charlie N. Holmerg
Genre: Adult, Fiction, Romance

Second Star To The Left by Megan Van Dyke
Genre: Fantasy, Retellings, Romance

Seven Devils by Laura Lam & Elizabeth May
Genre: Adult, LGBT, Romance

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

What Lies Beyond The Veil by Harper L. Woods
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

The Winding by Avi Datta
Genre: Adult, Fiction, Sci-Fi

The Woman In The Window by A.J. Finn
Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

Yes and I Love You by Roni Loren
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

FEBRUARY TBR

I can’t believe it’s February! Very excited to share my tbr for this month, I have some good ones picked out.

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, & YA

Deliah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, LGBT

Don’t Overthink It by Anne Bogel
Genre: Mental Health, Non-Fiction, Self-Help

Digging Up Love by Chandra Blumberg
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Group Therapy by BB Easton
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

House of Earth & Blood by Sarah J. Maas
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

House of Sky & Breath by Sarah J. Maas
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

How To Fail At Flirting by Denise Williams
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

John & Hazel’s Guide To Not Dating by Christina Lauren
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Make It Sweet by Kristen Callihan
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Not The Witch You Met by April Asher
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

The One Night by Meghan Quinn
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Novella

Opposites Attract by Camilla Isley
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

One True Loves by Elise Bryant
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Rosaline Palmer Takes The Cake by Alexis Hall
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, LGBT

Sincerely Confusingly, Yours by Hailey Gonzales
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction, YA

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

When You Get The Chance by Emma Lord
Genre: Adult,Contemporary, Romance

Yes & I Love You by Roni Loren
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Fiction WRAP UP

Hey everyone! I can’t wait to share my fictions reads with you so let’s get started.

Having just moved back to his old home in London to settle down and take up work as a school teacher. But, Tom has a very dark secret as he’s not who people think he is as he might look a young forty one year old high school teacher but in reality, he’s been alive for centuries as a result of a rate condition. He has lived through some of the most important dates in history but now he just wants a normal life. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen as shortly after the beginning of the school year, he breaks a rule that could potentially ruin everything that he’s ever wanted.

I wasn’t quite sure if I would like this book as sometimes historical fiction is hit or miss with me but I ended up liking it more than I thought. The plot was what got me interested as it something unique yet interesting.While I did like the plot, I wasn’t crazy about Tom as their were parts in the story where he really annoyed me and I feel like he wasn’t as compelling as I thought he would be. But, the other parts of the book helped make up for that so if you’re into fantasy and time travel stories, you would like this book!

Paige has always been scared to be herself. The real Paige who is proud to be a nerd and stick out in the crowd, who has no problem making friends, talking about books, and losing her virginity. But, no one knows who the Paige as only quiet Paige exists. But, with a new opportunities arriving as Paige will be starting at a new school, it could be the perfect time to embrace who really is and stop hiding behind a mask.

Absolutely loved this book and not only because the lead was asexual but because it was a super cute and fun book to read through. I found Paige very relatable as she struggled to embrace her real self and not hide. That’s something that still sticks with me even as an adult who has now accepted her flaws and all and I felt like it was written very well. Not only did I love Paige but the other characters especially the friendship between Paige and Shawn, the boy she becomes very close with. The asexuality aspect of the book made me very happy because it’s super hard to find asexual characters written well so I was happy that I found this book. I will reading the second book for February so stay tuned!

Romance WRAP Up

A little change up as I feel like is more easy to do, I’m going to combine all my genre reads into one post so I don’t feel like it’s a chore to make separate posts for them.

Rosie Taft and Jane Breslin couldn’t be more different as books are Rosie’s life as she owns a bookstore that was originally her mother’s. With living in Manhattan, the young girl seems to have it all except for one thing: a love life. While Rosie is wishing her love life to take shape, Jane Breslin operates as a real estate owner by day and a streamer by night where she uses the alias of Brie and spends her time flirting with a mysterious person who happens to be Rosie. When Rosie finds out that Jane’s family business has terminated the lease to her beloved bookstore, romance is on the back burner but there is no denying the sparks between them, will the two find a way to meet in the middle or is it another heartbreak for the young women?”

What a super cute book with a fun and engaging plot! I loved the relationship between Rosie and Jane as it developed throughout the book. It had everything you could want and I found myself relating to both characters as they had their own quirks and flaws that made them feel so real. The plot was cute and although I’ve read books with this similar plot, the author does of a good job of changing up a few things so it’s not so familiar. Overall, a super cute and fun book and I can’t wait fro the second installment of this series.

For the last year, Jo Stewart has been working on a bucket list while working as a yacht stewardess and she’s been excelling with her list while enjoying her time before her birthday. Jo is feeling good and on track with her bucket list when tragedy strikes and Jo”s world comes crashing down as she’s forced to confront painful memories from her past and process through difficult emotions. While trying to stay on track with her list, she finds herself developing feelings for a young man, Alex Hayes and this further complicates her relationships and she must make a choice to stop playing it safe and embrace her past or she will lose what matters the most.

I really enjoyed this book as it touched upon serious issues like grief, mental health, emotions, and family issues in a way that wasn’t over the top but still very real. I loved Jo, I thought she was a very relatable character and I felt for her throughout the book as she struggled to come to terms with her past in order to embrace the present and choose what matters most to her rather than playing it safe. That struck a cord with me as I went through similar changes so I was rooting for her the entire time. The romance was very cute and I did enjoy the plot! I would totally recommend this book to others! A fun, interesting, and heartwarming read about embracing the past so you can live the life you’ve always wanted for yourself.

If there was one person Catalina Martin couldn’t stand, it was Aaron Blackford and the feeling is mutual. But, desperate times call for desperate measures as she needs to bring someone to her sister’s wedding or else she’ll never live it down. It’s just a simple trip with the most obnoxious, aggravating, and nosiest man she’s ever met. Or is it?

Ahhhhh, this book was so much fun!! I loved it from beginning to end. The enemies to lovers trope is my favorite and it was so well done and felt very real! I love their relationship and how it developed through the book. The plot, characters, and how the story developed were fleshed out together so that it made a very fun read.

To everyone who knows them, best friends Meil and Sam as are strange as they are inseparable.The pair has magical abilities that are on opposites sides of the spectrum as roses grow out of Miel’s wrist and Sam is known for the moons he paints and hangs out in tree’s and while not much is know about him or his mother before they moved here, even they know to stay away from the Bonner girls, who are witches. But, when Miel and Sam discover that the witches want Miel’s roses that grow out her skin as they believe the scent can make anyone fall in love, the two must do what they can to not only protect Meil and every secret she’s sworn to protect but their loved ones.

Oh Anna-Marie McLemore, you really have a way with words. This was such a heartwarming and beautiful read as I was hooked from beginning to end. I’ve been a huge fan of her writing and she never fails to disappoint with how she develops her characters and I always feel like I know them. The struggles of the characters are what drive this particular story as it follows, Latina Miel and Samir, an Italian-Pakistani trans boy and McLemore does an excellent job with tackling these serious issues in a way that feels real. A truly beautiful tale of friendship, belonging, and finding your inner voice.

The Crossing Gate

“A moment passed before he peeked at my necklace, and his eyes became tender. “You know, Leen love isn’t always a crazy, obsessive emotion. Love is understanding and respecting each other, and giving space to grow and sacrifice and compromise. It’s about being there for each other, not running away. And it certainly isn’t treason.”

In the kingdom of Elpax, juveniles must walk through crossing gate to become adults. Seems very simple doesn’t it? For a young woman named Lenore it would be anything but as when the time comes her to cross through the gate, it goes horribly wrong. The young woman who was hoping to have to finally have success with crossing the gate is now being accused of trying to start a revolution and she must follows the rules if she wants to stay alive. But, following the rules is never easy and Lenore is going to find herself being tested in ways she didn’t imagine especially when a young handsome stranger shows up and she starts to feel emotions that she’s never felt before. But, juveniles aren’t allowed to fall in love so Lenore is finding herself at a crossing point as she wants to follow the laws and keep her family safe but more and more secrets come out about her kingdom that she realizes, fighting against the system and saving her family and loved ones might be the only way she will survive.

Wow! This was a truly beautiful story and the plot was so unique and that’s what caught my attention when I was looking for new books coming out. Someone called this a mash up between The Handmaiden’s Tale and Hunger Games and they couldn’t be more right as there were moments of terror, rage and anger but also heartwarming moments that made you feel for the characters and Lenore. There were so many times that I wanted to rage with her and I’m glad that she finally got to rage herself. This is so true for many of us as there are reasons why we have to keep certain emotions suppressed but all that does it create more problems especially if we longer have room to suppress them. Not only did I enjoy and relate to Lenore, I enjoyed all the characters and their dynamics with each other so I highly recommend it!

MOst anticipated books FOR FEBRUARY

Didn’t plan on doing this originally but I thought it would be fun to share my most anticipated books for each month of the year! I was going to do it all in one but that would go on forever!

Lockdown on London Lane by Beth Reekles
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: 2/1/2022

Hunt The Stars by Jessie Mihalik
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Release Date: 2/1/22

Theses Deadly Games by Diane Urban
Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Thrillers
Release Date: 2/1/2022

Not The Witch You Wed by April Asher
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Release Date: 2/8/2022

Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: 2/8/2022

House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Release Date: 2/15/2022

Second Star To The Left by Megan Van Dyke
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Retelling
Release Date: 2/15/2022

League Of Liars by Astrid Scholte
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery
Release Date: 2/22/2022

Deliah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: 2/22/2022

Tripping Arcadia by Kit Mayquist
Genre: Adult, LGBT, Horror
Release Date: 2/22/2022

Fake by Erica Katz
Genre: Adult, Mystery, Thriller
Release Date: 2/22/2022

The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
Genre: Adult, Mystery, Thriller
Release Date: 2/22/2022

Sisters of The Forsaken Stars by Lina Rather
Genre: Adult, LGBT, Sci-Fi
Release Date: 2/22/2022