I jumped into When Among Crows head first, not knowing what to expect. I had read the synopsis, but it’s one of those that only truly—and purposefullyI jumped into When Among Crows head first, not knowing what to expect. I had read the synopsis, but it’s one of those that only truly—and purposefully—makes sense once you are a third of the way through. And it works for this book.
There is something deeply special about reading a book so ingrained into Polish folklore. No matter how gruesome the story was at times, it felt comforting.
Dymitr is such a peculiar character because although you might not understand him right from the beginning, you cannot help but root for him and find admiration in his harsh softness.
This is one of those novellas I hope turns into a series, à la Murderbot, because I simply want more. We got a glimpse of this world, of its magic, but I now want to spend more time with Dymitr, Ala and Niko. There’s so much left unsaid and undiscovered. (4.18)...more
Wake up, babe, there's a new F1 romance and not only is it accurate, but it'll also make you giggle and kick your feet:)Wake up, babe, there's a new F1 romance and not only is it accurate, but it'll also make you giggle and kick your feet:)...more
This book gave me so much serotonin! I did not think I would love reading a romance novel with only one point of view, but it somehow worked for this This book gave me so much serotonin! I did not think I would love reading a romance novel with only one point of view, but it somehow worked for this book! Sure, I would like to have Vincent's perspective, because I enjoyed his character that much, but it did not stop me from devouring the book.
It's such a fun romance, which plays on the usual tropes as our main character, Kendall, is an avid romance reader and thinks of her life as a novel. It was such a low-stake romance, with a puppy love interest and top-tier smut (!!!), and I'm just ready to consume more content about Kendall, Vincent, and their friends!...more
I had so much fun with these two! This book is the very definition of a slow burn, as most of the book is spent with Aiden and Summer dancing around I had so much fun with these two! This book is the very definition of a slow burn, as most of the book is spent with Aiden and Summer dancing around each other, testing the waters, and struggling with their own prejudice. Well, Summer does, Aiden just falls headfirst and never comes back. He fell both first and harder, and I respect him so much for this.
Can you tell by now I have a soft spot for Aiden? Because I truly do. Homeboy is a labrador trying to befriend a black cat. I simply loved how confident he was in himself and in Summer, never doubting her even when she fought her feelings, just content to wait for her.
It’s also one of those books where, yes the smut is 10/10 (we thank you for your service), but the overall plot is also so solid. I enjoyed following Summer trying to get into her master’s program, and watching Aiden and his friends spend time together. And yes, I’m hoping Eli gets his book:) ...more
this was so lovely! it screamed queer and Jewish joy, and sometimes (always), it's just what you need!this was so lovely! it screamed queer and Jewish joy, and sometimes (always), it's just what you need!...more
I have stopped myself from reading this book for so long because the idea of finishing this series was extremely painful to me. And yes, in a way, it I have stopped myself from reading this book for so long because the idea of finishing this series was extremely painful to me. And yes, in a way, it really was. But it also felt very cathartic, seeing all these characters I have spent so much time with being genuinely happy.
Viggo was the one brother I'd been wanting to read from since the very first time I met him. I could tell there was something about him I'd adore, and I was right. He is so invested in other people's lives that his sometimes takes a seat in the back. He is so caring that he's scared of being too much. And he's spent so long trying to find his path that he's scared of what the outcome might be. This is all so relatable, and reading from his point of view was both painful and hopeful.
I loved seeing him grow in confidence with Tallulah, and I loved seeing her opening up to him. I'd always wondered who romantic Viggo would end up with, and black cat Tallulah makes so much sense. I love them together. Thank you for having been an amazing conclusion to this series! (4.35)...more
*me offering my heart to Chloe Liese* just take it, and let's be done with this.
more seriously, Ziggy is so very dear to my heart. I see so much of my*me offering my heart to Chloe Liese* just take it, and let's be done with this.
more seriously, Ziggy is so very dear to my heart. I see so much of myself in her, with Axel she is probably the Bergamn sibling I relate to the most. I simply adore her. and Sebastian? I'm on the floor.
I think it's also so important to see queer people in f/m relationships. Ziggy is bisexual and Sebastian is pansexual, and their being in a relationship together doesn't make them any less queer. I'm just so glad I got to read about their story!...more
It's never easy to tell the story of someone suffering from an eating disorder, but the author did it here beautifully and with such care!It's never easy to tell the story of someone suffering from an eating disorder, but the author did it here beautifully and with such care!...more
unfortunately, this book did not work for me. the present tense writing style threw me off from the very beginning and the use of modern language at tunfortunately, this book did not work for me. the present tense writing style threw me off from the very beginning and the use of modern language at times simply kept taking me out of the story. I found the characters under-developed and their romance unconvincing. the concept of the book itself is interesting: how women have been robbed of their achievements throughout history, but the execution was poor. (2.10)
TW: ableism, rape, incest, racism (especially against Roma people), racial slurs, slavery, victim blaming...more
Misrule was completely different from what I’d expected it to be. I was expecting something that would resemble the first book, Malice, but this seconMisrule was completely different from what I’d expected it to be. I was expecting something that would resemble the first book, Malice, but this second book slapped me in the face (and I said thank you).
it’s been a hundred years since Aurora was cursed to sleep, waiting to be awakened. and a hundred years since Alyce has watched over her while building her Dark Court, rescuing other species that were either exiled or used as slaves in other fae courts.
this one book expands the world building so much more as we learn about other courts and about the history of this world, and creates a very intricate plotline. it kind of blew my mind at times because so much was happening and small plot twists kept happening and asking me to rethink my theories.
this was definitely a strong end to this duology. we get to see Alyce and Aurora becoming their own person outside of their relationship, understanding what they are willing or not to sacrifice, and how they now fit together. I was hooked from beginning to end, and ended up reading this book in two sittings. my online complaint really was the main couple, Alyce and Aurora, as I think there were some uncesserary back and forths, but overall, I was rooting for them! (3.65)...more
Hi, I'm starting a Levi Ward cult and you're all invited to join. We have pining, secret identities, out-of-this-world love declarations, and lots of Hi, I'm starting a Levi Ward cult and you're all invited to join. We have pining, secret identities, out-of-this-world love declarations, and lots of neuroscience talk:) (4.5)...more
I'm now taking applications for Sevas and Marlinchen's protection squad:)
Juniper & Thorn is one of those books that take you by surprise. You think yoI'm now taking applications for Sevas and Marlinchen's protection squad:)
Juniper & Thorn is one of those books that take you by surprise. You think you know what to expect, getting into it, but no matter how good your imagination, it’ll never live up to the actual story you’re about to read.
This is a book about monsters, any kind of monsters, the ones who claim to love you and that they are doing this for your own good, the ones who make you feel ashamed for even thinking they are monsters, the ones you see on the street and could never guess who they truly are behind the mask, and then ones that hide under your bed and are monsters only by name.
This is also a book about people who have been treated poorly their entire lives, made to believe they will never amount to anything, that their only worth is their beauty, their talent; people who have been abused, bent and reshaped to accommodate their monsters; people who despite it all deserve the world, kindness, empathy, and love.
Marlinchen and Sevas are some of my all-time favourite characters because of their softness, the kind of softness that has been tried by the world and yet still stands. They have both been abused by people who claimed to love them and know best, and the simple fact that they are alive, still breathing and happy? This is pure music to my ears.
Juniper & Thorn is a dark and intense gothic fantasy novel that not only discusses sexual and child abuse, but also trauma. It also explores subjects such as capitalism, the treatment of immigrants, scientific racism and antisemitism. I would also like to mention some important trigger warnings, such as cannibalism, eating disorder, explicit deaths, emotional abuse and body horror. ...more
Retelling Her World is a small collection of 11 short stories all about showing women through different angles, retelling some well-know stories with Retelling Her World is a small collection of 11 short stories all about showing women through different angles, retelling some well-know stories with a twist.
I recommend cosying up in bed with a warm cup of tea and read this in one sitting. that worked perfectly for me! I loved reading about all these women, seeing how each author interprets their story differently, trying to change the way we view women in fantasy. I want to read more about women (ghouls, vampires, humans, fairies), sapphic women, retelling and showing a different side of their stories....more
I feel extremely underwhelmed. it's not to say that I didn't enjoy this story, because in a way I did, but I enjoyed the atmosphere more than I enjoyeI feel extremely underwhelmed. it's not to say that I didn't enjoy this story, because in a way I did, but I enjoyed the atmosphere more than I enjoyed the actual plot. I think it's a story that would've benefited from being longer: I could not believe that all our characters were supposedly (best) friends, the bonds were non-existent, and the ending felt rushed (2.86)...more
this book was so quiet and yet so impactful! the way it dealt with being queer but not being fully accepted by your family, finding who you truly are,this book was so quiet and yet so impactful! the way it dealt with being queer but not being fully accepted by your family, finding who you truly are, and sibling relationship was just so touching! I also loved that a part of this book took place in Edinburgh (I'm very biased when it comes to my city) (4.22)...more
The sequel to Storm’s Child, Death’s Edge, did not disappoint. Although the book is short, it still packed quite a punch and left me once again exciteThe sequel to Storm’s Child, Death’s Edge, did not disappoint. Although the book is short, it still packed quite a punch and left me once again excited for another book.
The story starts three months after the first book has ended, when life has seemingly returned to normal, until a serial killer decides to say hi:) This book gives us even more background story when it comes to some characters we already loved in the first instalment, but it also answers some questions we might have had.
I would say, maybe there was one too many combat scenes for my personal liking, but I still think they were quite well-written and enjoyable to read, making the book fast-paced.
I’m excited to read the third book in the series as I’m intrigued to see if the Greek mythology aspect will play an even bigger part, and how Nathan and Silera’s relationship will evolve!...more