Tag: fantasy

Review: Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

Emily Wilde is a Cambridge professor of Dryadology who surrounds herself with her books, her work, and the faeries she has built a life around studying. Deep in research for her first encyclopedia of faeries, Emily journeys to the remote village of Hrafnsvik, Scandinavia to learn about the local faerie lore and endeavor to uncover an age-old mystery. The last thing she expects when she arrives is having to win over the numerous townsfolk and appease unfriendly attitudes. Incidentally, her arrogant and charming colleague Wendell Bambleby has taken it upon himself to hijack her research and charm the very townsfolk who have given her the cold shoulder. Someone is abducting villagers in the night, and despite everything, Emily wants to find out why. Bambleby undoubtedly knows more than is letting on, and as they journey into the wilderness for answers, their combined knowledge may be what saves them both, and could possibly be what opens her heart for good.

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries surprised me with its cozy atmosphere and scholarly inquiry into the world of the fae. Combining fantasy, mystery, history, and romance elements, this is a one-of-a-kind story, unlike anything I’ve read concerning faerie so far. Written retrospectively through the form of an open diary, we journey into the strange corners of the Hrafnsvik wilderness as Emily conducts her research and befriends the fae folk both friend and foe. Settling into the story, the narrative structure takes some getting used to at the onset, but it’s ultimately an inventive way to visualize the world and portray character point of view. It’s unique to be able to read character reflection on a situation and see that situation being dictated all at the same time, and Fawcett delivers this flawlessly, interspersed with fae lore and the occasional Wendell journal entry. In town, Emily battles a much closer adversary, the wary townsfolk that deeply fear the fae on their borders. This core struggle joins with the slow build of the narrative, weaving in layers of whimsy and adventure as Emily’s reluctance to open up and make connections begins to thaw. Shifting between her fieldwork and time in the town seizes the humanity at the heart of academic research and the relationships we can close ourselves off to when we try to protect our hearts and peace above all else. The slow-burn romance between Emily and Wendell was on the lighter side, but much like the novel, it’s a quieter romance that takes hold like some kind of faerie spell. I really loved their romantic arc, which was obviously complete and utter chaos with a side of banter that was the epitome of sassy. Witty and delightful, I can only pray for more Emily Wilde, Wendell, and the fae world in the upcoming sequel. Fawcett debuts a delightful academic fantasy that bridges boundaries and leaves behind a yearning for love and an appreciation for the ostensibly insignificant details of the everyday.

Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing this review copy

Trigger warnings: blood, injury, self-inflicted amputation, murder, death, violence

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Review: The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

They had a seemingly happy marriage: he, a scholar of fantastical stories, and she, Indigo Maxwell-Casteñada, a wealthy heiress with a mysterious past. Despite their differences, the couple found solace with one another, and soon a bargain was struck in exchange for love – that the scholar could have her heart, provided he never inquire into her past. For a time, there was harmony, but when Indigo learns that her estranged aunt is on her deathbed, the couple return to the place where her story began, the House of Dreams. Within the manors walls, winding staircases, and dusty rooms, lie plenty of secrets far too seductive for the bridegroom to resist. As the house reveals the past of another girl, Azure, Indigo’s childhood friend long gone, he is willing to search between both reality and fantasy to learn the truth about his bride’s past, even at the expense of their binding promise.

The Last Tale of the Flower Bride is a luscious gothic feast, interlaced with fairytales, myth, and the treacherous secrets of a marriage. Wandering the halls of the crumbling House of Dreams, Chokshi spins her tale, interweaving fairy tales into the central narrative amidst broken promises and childhood dreams. Testament to everything I love about the gothic, this novel delivers a startling atmosphere, set around a crumbling manor and its ability to suspend the past. Chokshi absolutely dazzles, with poetic prose and the kind of fairytale spinning only she could bring to fruition. Everything inside me yearned to read this exquisite gothic debut from the moment it was announced, to step inside the House of Dreams and deconstruct the secrets hidden within its winding halls. The experience reading this was all the more mesmerizing, as I fell into Chokshi’s labyrinth of mystery, led deeper between the past of the house by Azure’s perspective, and the present day, with the bridegroom’s suspicions. There was quite the unsettling back and forth with these two, aided by the different tones employed – the shift from Azure’s childhood wonder, to the unfortunate realization that happened on both sides. I still can’t wrap my head around how beautifully written this novel is. Lush, dreamy writing is undoubtedly in Roshani’s wheelhouse, and this is my favorite of hers thus far. This book twisted my expectations up in knots until right at the very end, and each betrayal and exposed truth scored a little deeper. Infused with a kernel of romance, Roshani Chokshi breathes life into this resplendent and tragic gothic story. The Last Tale of the Flower Bride is everything I could possibly wish for in a gothic novel, and the way it slowly approaches the final act will leave you breathless in its downfall.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger warnings: blood, death, violence, murder

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Lets Talk: Novellas

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With a little over a month left in the reading year, and still no end in sight with my yearly goal, I thought It would be interesting to visit the mountain of novellas that have been piling up these past few months. I spent a whole weekend reading my backlog of various novellas, both published and unpublished, in the hopes of getting ahead of my reading and discovering some new favorites. Several of these titles are coming from authors that have read in the past and loved, but there are a few standouts that I was wanting to try. I mostly stuck to science fiction fantasy this way out the gate but did hit some of the horror novellas that I had missed from my October reading. This novella romp was so much fun, so without further ado, here are my thoughts on the eight novellas I read over the weekend!

Novellas I loved

Untethered Sky by Fonda Lee

“I wanted to be one. I wanted to be the monster that kills other monsters.”

It shall come as no surprise that Fonda Lee wrote another book I’m completely obsessed with. Her previous Green Bone Saga series launched her to the top of my favorite fantasy authors last year, and when I heard about her upcoming novella I knew it was going to hit just as hard. Untethered Sky follows a young woman consumed by vengeance, and her career path as a Ruhker, trainers of the giant predator rocs that are taught to hunt the very Manticores that destroyed her family. This extraordinary novella confronts the limitations of obsession and the one-sided love between man and predator. Through the partnership between Ruhker and fledgling, Lee tries the bounds of love and loyalty, against inner nature.

Trigger warnings: violence, blood, death, gore

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Even Though I Knew the End by C.L Polk

“I called to the devil, and the devil came to me.”

Angels, demons, and magic combine in this gorgeously queer novella tinged with romance and heartache. An insightful and entertaining romp through 1940s Chicago, following a Lesbian detective determined to get back the soul she bargained away years ago, and thus secure a future with her great love. When I heard about this sapphic historical fantasy novella by C.L Polk I knew that I was in for a wild ride. I loved their previous historical novel The Midnight Bargain, so naturally, I had high hopes for their newest novella. Even Though I Knew The End is a well-rounded story that managed to deliver on every possible front. Inquisitive, Sapphic, and fun. Give it a try!

Trigger warnings: death, misogyny, homophobia, forced institutionalization

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The Crane Husband by Kelly Barnhill

“Mothers fly away like migrating birds. And fathers die too young”

The Crane Husband is a peculiar story of a fifteen-year-old girl managing the affairs of her family after the death of her father. When her mother brings home a crane to stay with them, generations of family trauma and grievances are brought into the open as her mother begins to lose herself piece by piece in the crane’s menacing clutches. Barnhill composes an unsettling futuristic fable that is part retelling and part inquisition into abuse, abandonment, and children placed into parental roles far too young. The Crane Husband skillfully details a family slowly falling apart and a horror at the center of the household. The perfect novella for anyone looking to read a futuristic spin on Japanese folklore tangled up in a sinister family tragedy.

Trigger warnings: death, illness, domestic abuse, blood, violence,

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The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw

“Myths are full of lies. This is not one of them.”

The Salt Grows Heavy is a gruesome tale tracking a mermaid who destroyed her husband and his kingdom, and a plague doctor as they wander an entangled forest. They happen upon a strange village, where children compete in a brutal game for a chance at immortality and supposed saints safeguard the treacherous truth. Cassandra Khaw delivers easily the most horrific and violent novella I have ever read. There’s a dangerous underbelly to its language that slowly ensnares you at its surface, and once beneath, morphs into something truly terrifying. Seriously, the descriptions in this were bone-chilling and morbid to the point of needing to put the book down at times. The Salt Grows Heavy is the perfect novella for horror (and bloodthirsty mermaid) fans.

Trigger warnings: blood, violence, gore, murder, disembowelment, torture

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Into the Riverlands by Nghi Vo

“Singing Hills knew that the truth showed up in its own time, often late and entirely unlooked for”

Nghi Vo continues The Singing Hills Cycle, following the cleric Chih as they travel to the Riverlands to record the prominent tales of the martial artists that torment the area. Chih and Almost Brilliant journey with two young women and an older couple whom they quickly fall in with while navigating the changing landscape. Nghi Vo once again delivers a stellar addition to her Singing Hills Cycle series with Into the Riverlands, a novella that continues to emphasize the power of storytelling and the passing down of stories through the generations. Vo lets us peek behind the curtains of various fables and myths to view the kernel of truth at their center. This is a brilliant series that continues to delight year after year. Can’t recommend it enough!

Trigger warnings: violence, death

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The Scourge Between Stars by Ness Brown

“It sounded like the seismic breath of stars…It sounded like a conversation between gods”

The Scourge Between Stars is a thrilling science fiction horror novella about a temporary captain that confronts the threat of an alien intruder whilst trying to keep the crew alive on a ship approaching extinction. Everything about this was just incredible. It reads like a full-length science fiction novel from the amount of detail Ness Brown poured into the worldbuilding and the wide array of characters present. From start to finish I was on the edge of my seat as Jacklyn unearths the truth about this threat and deals with the pressures passed down by her absent father. An incredible story of perseverance and the deep manifestations of trauma contended within the wide expanse of space. Look no further for your next thrilling queer sci-fi horror, it’s here.

Trigger warnings: death, violence, blood, gore

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Novellas I Didn’t Love (as much)

The Two Doctors Gorski by Isaac Fellman

“If she had ever thought of herself as a rose, it would be a withered one -crisp, dry, delicate”

Annae is a graduate student focused on psychiatric magic, but she harbors the uncanny ability to read the minds of the people around her. Her abilities allow her to protect herself and provide her colleagues and superiors with exactly what they expect. With a premise as amazing as this one, the actual story was very much a letdown. The Two Doctors Gorski is the perfect example of a novella that was attempting too much and was confronted with its own limitations. I appreciated the conversation this was trying to have with academic abuse and women starting a career in a male-dominated field, but its short page count left more to be addressed, and there was simply too much going on that I was left pondering over many unanswered questions.

Trigger warnings: death

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Spear by Nicola Griffith

“A name, she thinks, is what makes a person who they are. A name is how they know themself”

I had high hopes for Spear, a novella twisting Arthurian legend and chronicling the journey of a young woman disguised as a man trying to find her place among knights and kings. The beautiful prose sharply hit its mark and I fell easily into the flow of the ever-shifting narrative. This feels like the type of story read by the fire on a cold winter night, that warms your bones and brings comfort in times of need. Spear is a fantastic queer fantasy novella, but there were several things that held it back. The prose, while stunning, weaved a dense web that made it hard to navigate the events that occurred, and the last half was very slow going. Not my least favorite novella, but not worth contending with my other favorites.

Trigger warnings: death, violence, infertility, blood

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So ends my weekend journey into my various novellas of the past year. Many of these have an expected publication in the coming year, so be advised that most of the quotations above are coming from a proof and are subject to change. I had such a fun time with this. I’d been feeling a bit behind on my reading goal and uninspired as to what to read next so this helped me a whole lot! I will definitely be keeping up with any new novellas in the upcoming year and looking out for any new ones to read that are already published. If any of these sound interesting, please consider pre-ordering a copy through the links provided, and do let me know what you think when you get around to reading!

Review: Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

Decades of fighting have left Viv the orc barbarian tired of bloodshed. One last mission makes her the owner of Scalvert’s Stone, a mythical artifact with untested power that paves the road to her next adventure, opening a coffee shop in the city of Thune. Viv’s fresh start doesn’t come easy after a life of battle, and renovating the cafe space may be the least of her problems. Convincing the residents of Thune to give her unfamiliar drinks a try, facing the uncontested powers within the city, and the return of old enemies could quickly crumble the life of peace she is desperate to maintain. To successfully pull off her plan, Viv will need to enlist the help of her new partners in order to get the cafe back on track, which just may provide her with the perspective that she has been missing all along.

Legends & Lattes is easily the coziest fantasy novel I have ever read, centered around an orc barbarian turned entrepreneur Viv and her trials and tribulations in opening a coffee shop. Debut author Travis Baldree serves up a lighthearted and easygoing tale that feels like being wrapped up in a warm blanket with a piping hot cup of coffee. Following Viv, as she journeys to the city of Thune to start her new adventure, I was instantly carried away by the sights of the city, and the mouthwatering pastries and food described in ever-expanding detail. This is definitely a feast for the senses, combined with an incredible attention to detail. My favorite moments in particular were the chalkboard menu updates that were described after each new morning pastry addition. They all sounded so delectable I wished for nothing more than to jump into the page and enjoy a steaming cinnamon bun myself. As the cafe expands and takes on new upgrades, so are we introduced to our lovely cast of characters Viv, Cal, Thimble, and Tandri. I adored them all, especially Thimble and his careful attention to his breakfast pastry creations, and Viv and Tandri who had such a heartwarming love story. Every passing addition to the cafe team imparted such a strong sense of coming together, along with that found family component I was hoping for. Legends and Lattes is, at its heart, about community and friendship, and how personal quests for transformation cannot be accomplished alone. Look no further for a fantasy that doesn’t forgo a warm atmosphere and layers heavily on all things cozy. Legends and Lattes is the perfect book for anyone that has ever dreamed of ditching their responsibilities to open up a cafe or bookstore, or is in need of a well-earned escape. 

Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing this arc

Trigger warnings: fire, violence, sexual harassment

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Review: The Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

On the outskirts of England lies a secret society, a line of supernatural beings known as book eaters that consume books as food, retaining all of their content and knowledge. Threatened by their ever dwindling numbers, book eater women are raised into a life of marriage contracts and childbearing. In spite of this, Devon Fairweather, the sole daughter of an old clan, has grown up curious, but with the birth and subsequent seizure of her firstborn daughter, Devon realizes the truth of her circumstance. When her second son is born a mind eater, a darker subset of book eaters with a hunger for human minds, Devon vows not to make the same mistake and flees with him. Freedom is not all it is cut out to be, and as Devon and her son Cai attempt to live among humans, she is forced to do horrifying things for them to survive. Against her will, Devon is drawn deeper into the inner workings of her kind, until remaining free becomes a matter of unspeakable sacrifice.

The Book Eaters is a decadent dark fantasy novel alight with imagination and a fierce kind of devotion. Debut author Sunyi Dean draws together a contemporary gothic horror narrative centered around the power of stories and breaking free from a restrictive upbringing. It’s an altogether fitting title for a book that I aptly devoured in just one evening. With a striking atmosphere that evolved with Devon’s recount of her past, I fell in love with the imagery presented and the progressing themes of loss, patriarchy, and control. I wholly admire the emotional journey this book guided me on, quietly leading me through Devon’s descent into disillusion and ferocious fight for her and her son’s freedom. Narrative structure, in turn, is what really set this up for success. The flip between the past and the present was delicately done, slowly revealing Devon’s history and its influences on her current thoughts and actions. Dean’s use of epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter worked in the same fashion, lending themselves to the larger issue of how the stories we are exposed to can shape our capacity for possibility. How love lends itself to sacrifice and restricting imagination becomes control. The topic of motherhood is subtly investigated on behalf of Dean, as Devon comes to accept that love doesn’t have to be another form of control and she becomes more ruthless in the face of her son’s survival. While it was a smaller subplot, Devon’s evolving relationship with Hester and her own sexuality really sealed the deal for me on this one. Book eaters may consume texts to survive, but at the center of this debut is a testament to the role of stories in shaping our minds. Devon’s character arc illustrates beautifully the impact of new experiences on broadening our opportunities and view of ourselves. Beautifully constructed and deeply moving, The Book Eaters is a feast of a novel, interlocked with a quest for agency, transformation, and ultimately identity. 

Thank you to Edelweiss for providing this arc to review

Trigger warnings: Body horror, gore, explicit violence, domestic abuse, violence against children

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Pride Month Wrap: Recommended Reads for the Rest of the Year

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Old and new favorites, and upcoming releases

We’re only halfway through the year and already there have been some fantastic queer books released. With pride month now past, I’d like to take the time to discuss some of my favorite LGBTQ+ reads, a few of which have already been featured on the blog, some underrated favorites, and a retrospect for the rest of the year – with an emphasis on sapphic reads. June has already been an incredible month of reading for me, and I cant wait to see what I’ll be able to get to over the next six months. As usual, I’m always looking for recommendations, specifically any LGBTQ+ reads, so be sure to share some of your favorites or new releases you are looking forward to. Happy reading!

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake

An incredible romance from debut author Ashley Herring Blake, following a New York City photographer finally gaining success after leaving her hometown, only to be dragged back on the eve of her stepsister’s wedding. Delilah Green Doesn’t Care is a charming romance with an emotional depth surprisingly astonishing to experience. Come for the situational small-town antics, and stay for incredible characters, complicated relationships, and perfectly executed sapphic relationship.

Trigger warnings: bullying, emotional abuse, parental abandonment, cancer, cheating, loneliness.

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Count Your Lucky Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

A second chance queer romance worthy of all the attention this month. Alexandria Bellefleur is the romance god in my mind, and Count Your Lucky Stars is her best work to date. With a beloved cast of characters, pining, and rekindled love, this is both an emotional and passionate romance and the perfect way to close out the series. If you’re looking for a contemporary romance with an incredible backdrop and queer characters, look no further.

Trigger warnings: infidelity, death of a parent, alcohol consumption

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A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall

Alexis Hall has written one of my favorite queer historical romances in existence, centering around a trans heroine after fleeing waterloo in order to become her true self, and the friend she left behind. This romance is so heartwarming, filled with exquisite pining and the tenderness of newfound love. Not only did the main leads completely steal my heart, but the side characters were absolutely hilarious. Armed with an epilogue that made me misty-eyed, this is one romance I’ll be slow to forget.

Trigger warnings: death, violence, guns, PTSD, child abuse (mentioned), abduction, suicidal ideation (side character), deadnaming 

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Siren Queen by Nghi Vo

It’s no surprise that there is a Nghi Vo novel on here, seeing as they are one of my favorite authors of all time. Through the eyes of a young Chinese American woman seeking fame, Siren Queen explores the dark truth behind the movie industry willing to exploit her soul. Monstrous and oh so alluring, Siren Queen will drag you down into its murky depths, leaving you entirely wrecked. This novel is perfect for fans of historical fiction and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, with a fantasy twist to top it off.

Trigger warnings: racism, sexism, homophobia, death 

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Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Aidan Thomas’s Cemetery Boys is an incredible coming-of-age contemporary debut surrounding a young trans boy’s search for acceptance and the accidental ghost he summoned in the process. It’s certainly been at the top of a lot of pride month lists, and for good reason. This story has the perfect balance of heartfelt moments, hilarious banter, and wholesome friend dynamics. With the recent announcement of an upcoming sequel, Cemetery Boys should be at the top of everyone’s tbr.

Trigger warnings: transphobia, death, blood, violence, deadnaming

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Tripping Arcadia by Kit Mayquist

Tripping Arcadia is easily one of my favorite debuts of this year by far, altogether poisonous and opulent. This modern gothic novel follows a young med school dropout who becomes embroiled in the lives of her wealthy employers and the harrowing secrets they hide. From the first sentence, Tripping Arcadia had me in its never-ceasing grip, as Lena begins a poisonous gamble that has deadly consequences. If you liked A Dowry of Blood or Mexican Gothic, this intoxicating story may be the perfect next read.

Trigger warnings: drug use, drug abuse, attempted suicide, death, addiction

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The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

The Jasmine Throne is the first installment in a new fantasy trilogy, where a captive princess and a maidservant with forbidden power team up to save their empire. Tasha Suri crafts an intricate narrative, with evocative language, an incredible magic system, and a slow-burn romance that completely changed me. This first installment is a triumphant start to The Burning Kingdoms series, which is sure to take the world by storm in the next few years. Highly recommend this to anyone looking to read more fantasy this year.

Trigger warnings:  blood, gore, violence, murder, poisoning, torture, public execution, homophobia, forced drug use, body horror, suicidal thoughts, self-mutilation, abusive family member

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This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

When Briseis inherits a rundown estate from an aunt she’s never met before, she and her family leave Brooklyn behind and discover behind its walls a dangerous legacy. Kaylynn Bayron’s sophomore novel has everything I could want in a fantasy story, incredible characters, queer rep, and an atmosphere fraught and deadly. This book was spectacular, and with the next book out this past month, a completed duology. Literally the perfect book for any plant and Greek myth stans.

Trigger warnings: blood, violence, death, murder, grief

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I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston

Casey McQuiston delights with a young adult debut altogether messy and queer. When her longtime academic rival Shara Wheeler kisses her a month out from graduation and then disappears, Chloe Green is drawn into a hunt for her whereabouts between herself and the two other people Shara kissed. A story surrounding home and where we choose to set roots, this debut is spitful, witty, and poignant at its heart. Casey McQuiston writes the queer stories you can’t help but hold close, and this story is an absolute dream.

Trigger warnings: racism, homophobia, bullying, outing of a past character (mentioned)

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She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick

The college romance we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. She Gets the Girl, is a poignant slow-burn story between two women struggling to overcome their own obstacles amidst their growing love connection and navigating freshman year of college. Written by two different authors, both characters harnesses such a distinct voice and palpable chemistry that I immediately connected to. Add in a few tropes, and this kept me engaged from start to finish. She Gets the Girl is such a fresh take on college romances and the kind of story I could see be eventually adapted to screen.

Trigger warnings: alcoholism, car crash, parental abandonment

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She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen

The 80’s romantic comedy gets reinvented in this queer contemporary about a basketball player who fake dates her enemy to get back at her ex. Whenever I’m in search for a queer contemporary echoing some of my favorite tropes, Kelly Quindlen is certainly an author who comes to mind. Not only is this one accompanied by an emotional deep dive into harmful relationships and self-worth, but a call back worthy of dirty dancing and other classics.

Trigger warnings: bullying, homophobia

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Well, that’s a wrap folks! I hope you enjoyed reading just a sliver of my queer favorites from the past year or so. June as a whole was definitely a success for me with what I had planned to read, and I hope to continue off of that for the remainder of the year. You can expect to see full reviews for a variety of books that were not initially included in this list later on in the year. Additionally, this month has given me the opportunity to examine my standing tbr, and any additions I would like to get to before the year is out. I’d love to hear about how your pride month reading went or of any books you are looking forward to below!

Review: The Oleander Sword by Tasha Suri

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

Declared the rightful empress of Parijatdvipa by the prophecy of the nameless god, Malini embarks on a vengeful path to usurp her brother and lay claim to her throne. Meanwhile, Priya, now an elder of Ahiranya and thrice-born priestess, gambles the extent of her power to eradicate the rot taking hold in her country. Set apart by their respective roles, Priya and Malini’s destinies remain forever entwined, but as Malini’s campaign to depose her brother takes a brutal turn, coming together may be the only option to truly achieve what they both desire. War wages and the deeper Priya reaches into her power to turn the tide, and Malini turns to pent-up rage, the cost of their advance blooms into something truly deadly.

The Oleander Sword is a sequel of such brutal reckoning that I was completely unprepared to venture into. After the astonishing start to the series that was The Jasmine Throne, its sequel quickly lept to the forefront of my anticipated upcoming reads for 2022. An expansive and otherwise ambitious addition to the series, The Oleander Sword stole my heart and destroyed my soul with a slow and delicate grace. Tasha Suri elevates everything previously contended in the first installment, focusing more heavily on battle strategy, and examining the temple of Ahiranya and the Yaska. Everything about this sequel is awe-inspiring, from the intensely romantic and tender moments between Priya and Malini to the gradual undertaking of a stolen empire. Once again, Suri provides a staggering amount of character perspectives to wade through, woven together in an intricate tapestry that renders itself to the overarching themes of power, loyalty, and love. One character that really stood out to me this time around was Bhumika, who carries the weight of what is happening with Ahiranya towards a sacrifice that was absolutely heart-wrenching. Alongside the ongoing war, and the unsettling shift back at Ahiranya’s temple, there was not a moment in this book where I was not caught in its unforgiving clutches. The political tension underpinning the actions of every character, and the divided loyalties threatening to fracture the established alliances only made this sequel all the more disconcerting. Like its former, The Oleander Sword elicits a slow pace, that culminates in an ending that left me thoroughly anguished. Intensely ruthless and brutal at its core, The Oleander Sword is an astonishing sequel that blooms with betrayal, romance, and unintended sacrifice. Tasha Suri’s Burning Kingdoms is an exemplary fantasy series, and I’ll be waiting patiently for its finale in the coming year.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger warnings: death, violence, war, suicide

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Review: A Mirror Mended by Alix E. Harrow

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

Professional rescuer and part-time substitute Zinnia Gray has spent the last five years traversing the multiverse, saving every damsel in distress that she possibly can. After a dozen or so rescues, weddings, and burned spindles, Zinnia has begun to grow tired of her role in rewriting the narrative, yet duty awaits her hand on the spindle. At an afterparty one rescue later, when Zinnia glances into a mirror, she sees another woman staring back at her, and falls into the last fairytale she ever expected, Snow White. Coming face to face with the fabled Evil Queen, desperate to escape her own fate, Zinnia is tasked once again with saving someone trapped by their story. Eva is convinced that Zinnia is the way out of her predestined ending, and is willing to do anything to change her future, that is if Zinnia can be convinced to save the last person in this world she would want to.

The Fractured Fables novellas draw to a close with A Mirror Mended, a sequel that ups the ante that A Spindle Splintered had previously left to be amended. Alix E. Harrow is back at it, drawing together an adventurous narrative crammed full of meaningful prose, and tied in with an expanded critique on storytelling and their villains. Where A Spindle Splintered previously intersected a conversation surrounding damsels in distress in folklore and their saviors, Harrow turns her attention to the villainization of women in her continuation of the series. More closely, The Evil Queen, a figure that has consistently captivated audiences with her jealousy and enacted rage against her stepdaughter for her supposed beauty. As a huge fan of evil women in the fantasy genre, the examined motivations, and background of a classic fairytale villain intrigued me, to say the least. Eva is a layered character, well-written and trapped by her own situation and predetermined role. Narrative agency is an issue that Zinnia has constantly battled, even from book one, and it was nice to see that transferred over to an iconic villain like the Evil Queen. Eva’s situation is very closely mirrored in Zinnia’s, as they both are trapped by their role in the narrative of their story. The bond that grew between the two characters, as a result, made a lot of sense and was really satisfying to witness (falling for the hot villain was absolutely on-brand for Zinnia). I delighted in Eva and Zinnia’s back and forth snark alongside the deeper moments of multiverse chaos. The added tension from the multiverse fracturing and blending into one another propelled this installment to an entirely new level from the previous one in my mind. Once again I am left awed by Harrow’s storytelling ability and the complex twist in traditional fairytales. A Mirror Mended is a razor-sharp exploration of feminist agency and the weight of the roles we carry.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc to review.

Trigger warnings: terminal illness, violence

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Review: Juniper & Thorn by Ava Reid

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Rating: 5 out of 5.

Marlinchen is a witch, youngest of three daughters to a cursed wizard, living out her days in a city transforming from magic to industry. Last of the true witches in all of Oblya, she and her sisters cling to their gifts, which are little more than entertainment to the general populace and an asset to their father. Sequestered within the walls of their home, Marlinchen spends much of her free time placating the unending appetites of their authoritative father and utilizing her gifts to discern the truth from her clientele. The evening brings escape, as Marlinchen and her sisters creep into the city to partake in its revels and observe the captivating ballet theatre. These nighttime escapades offer salvation, but when Marlinchen captures the attention of a ballet dancer just as lost and isolated, her visits to the outside world become less uncommon. Entangled between the rage and hunger of her father, and her own desires, Marlinchen is caught in a snare, and the cost of freedom may be far more monstrous than she ever imagined.

When I heard that Ava Reid had written a gothic horror retelling of The Juniper Tree, there was nothing I wouldn’t do to read it at the soonest possible chance. Having absolutely worshiped her adult debut, The Wolf and the Woodsman, this novel promised to ruin me without remorse as much as its precursor. True to the fact, Juniper & Thorn is utterly gruesome, vividly capturing a darkness and horror that lingers down dark halls and underneath floorboards waiting for the prime moment to sink in its teeth. Reid is masterful at their craft, seamlessly blending horror and fantasy together in a story completely grotesque and illustrative of a blooming rose clouded among thorny brambles. Every sentence in this novel is striking, with imagery and prose that threatened to devour me whole. In time with the story, lore and fairytales play an important part in the main narrative, intersecting the vein of Marlinchen’s character development and the understanding of her own situation. These sporadic fairytales were definitely some of my favorite parts of the whole book, getting after the core themes and relationships between the main characters. At this point, Reid’s capability for writing complex relationships is unquestionable, particularly ones that are nuanced and not simply good or bad, yet those you cannot help but love all the more. Three characters that come to mind are Marlinchen and her sisters Undine and Rose, as they endured years of abuse at the hands of their father, and impacted one another in continuously damaging ways. In turn, Marlinchen’s love interest Sevas was entirely endearing and latched on to my heart as the two attempted to escape their situations. A captivating gothic horror with a brutal design, Juniper & Thorn is imbued with memory, an examination of abuse, and survivorhood in all forms.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc to review.

Trigger warnings: violence, emotional abuse, gore, blood, death, murder, body horror, cannibalism, eating disorder (bulimia), vomiting (graphic), sexual assault, antisemitism, xenophobia, drug use 

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Fantasy Regency Romance; Exploring a New Series

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Exploring Regency Fairy Tales,

For the past three weeks, I’ve been embarking on what many have coined as the post-Bridgerton romance binge, which has literally just been me reading as many historical romances as I possibly can in my limited free time. It’s been an overall enjoyable experience as I’ve found new historical romances, tropes, and authors to adore. In my most recent blog post I discussed some of my favorites, so be sure to check that out here if you haven’t already. Alongside this deep dive into historical romance, I came across the regency faerie tales series by Olivia Atwater. Picking the first book up was largely due to my bookish bestie Robin, over at @cozyinthenook on Instagram who hyped it up in a recent post. This series truly cured me of the ache left by Bridgerton, and I hope that these mini-reviews will convince some of you to read the series upon its release in June.

It’s difficult to find a husband in Regency England when you’re a young lady with only half a soul.

– Olivia atwater

It’s been many years since Theodora Ettings lost half of her soul in an unfortunate meeting with a faerie in the woods as a child. Ever since that moment, she has lost any sense of fear or embarrassment, which, in regency era England, spells scandal. Entering the upcoming London Season, Dora attempts to remain on the sidelines, but when she draws the attention of the mysterious and irritable Lord Sorcier, she inevitably becomes entangled with the world of the fae she has tried her whole life to ignore. As Dora and Elias continue to work together to uncover the mystery of her past, the two are at risk of falling in love, regardless of the circumstance of her soul.

The first thing that came to mind when I started this series was how much it reminded me of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. There’s nothing I love more than a snarky love interest and a heroine determined to make a way for herself. Dora and Elias were truly serving grumpy sunshine trope and my romance-obsessed heart was along for the whole ride. Between the search for the clues to her past and figuring out the cause of the mysterious plague inflicting children across the city, these two form a connection that is truly genuine. When the final act of the book hit, there was nothing left for me to do but become completely enamored with our main couple and immediately embark on a read of the rest of the series. Along with an epilogue that made my heart yearn, Half a Soul is a historical romance debut I’m unlikely to forget for quite some time.

Trigger warnings: violence, war, death, kidnapping, emotional abuse

Regency housemaid Euphemia Reeves has acquired a faerie godfather. Unfortunately, he has no idea what he’s doing.

Ten thousand stitches by olivia atwater

Euphemia Reeves has encountered quite the inconvenient problem in that she has fallen in love with the son of a gentleman. As a housemaid for the gentleman in question, Effie is out of luck on how to proceed, but when she finds herself drawn into the faerie realm of Lord Blackthorn, she finds an unexpected solution. Lord Blackthorn is a benefactor, more than willing to help Effie in her venture, for a trade of one thousand stitches sewn into his favorite jacket. With just one hundred days to convince Benedict Ashbrooke to propose, Effie is on the clock. Her mind made up, nothing will stop her in her quest for love, not even Lord Blackthorns’ insistent meddling.

Ten Thousand Stitches is a Cinderella retelling with a twist of regency romance in the best way possible. With an underlying air of kindness and charm grounding the entire story, Atwater infuses such heart into the second installment of her regency faerie tales. Unlike its predecessor, Ten Thousand Stitches focuses more heavily on class structure and the lives of servants working behind the scenes for the great families of England. Effie is one of my favorite historical romance heroines thus far, seriously stubborn and determined to find love no matter the cost. Jubilee/Lord Blackthorn made this romance all the more amusing, and his constant need to meddle eventually worked its way into my heart. Ten Thousand Stitches is a romance that carries as much depth in the commentary, as it excels at being incredibly heartwarming, and it made me fall in love with retellings all over again.

Trigger warnings: domestic abuse

Proper Regency ladies are not supposed to become magicians – but Miss Abigail Wilder is far from proper.

Longshadow by olivia atwater

All over London, the available young ladies of the season are turning up dead, and no one knows why. Thrown headfirst into the mystery is Abigail Wilder, daughter of the illustrious Lord Sorcier of England, desperate to uncover the truth. Her father Elias believes that a dark lord of faerie is behind the deaths, and though her family doubts her capability, Abigail is willing to use her magic against the threat no matter the personal cost. Joining the investigation into the deaths is Mercy, a loner magician, the last person Abigail wants derailing her mission. Though the two are no more than unlikely allies, Mercy may be the very person that Abigail cannot live without.

Longshadow is a conclusion that centers around a sapphic romance and the daughter of Elias and Theodora. These two components made me all the more excited for this one, but unfortunately, this is probably my least favorite out of the three. I liked that there was an emphasis on the Sorcier family and Abigail and Hugh, as adopted siblings, but I think the main relationship kind of got lost in the weeds. Longshadow certainly has the charm textbook to Atwater, and I adored the dynamic between Abigail and Mercy. I think just knowing that this was the conclusive book of the series, I wanted more substance on the romance side of things. Besides that, the mystery plot took up a lot more content than I expected, and personally, I wasn’t as engaged with it as I’d have liked. The little moments between the family were everything though, and Abigail and Mercy had a really wonderful connection that I would have liked to see more of.

Trigger warnings: death

Having reached the end of my exploration into Olivia Atwater’s Regency Faerie Tales, it’s safe to say I will be looking out for more books like this soon. Atwater has crafted the perfect blend of regency and fantasy elements together, and given a cast of characters that I would do anything to read more of. Fantasy and regency is a combination I didn’t expect to read from, but as a lover of both genres, I would love to see this take off as a potential subgenre. If you’ve read this series I would love to hear your thoughts below, or any recommendations you think I should try. This entire trilogy will be released on June 28th, 2022!