authorsamantha's reviews
67 reviews

Anyone looking to get in the Halloween spirit should pick up this horrifying anthology. Many of the stories include and briefly mention/explore the origins of Halloween and Halloween-related traditions such as jack-o-lanterns.

I loved how some of the stories had monsters who inspired sympathy, though I won’t spoil how. I loved some stories more than others but I loved all of them, and thought each one was a page-turner.

Anthologies are fun because there are multiple short stories. I recommend adding this to your fall TBR list.

I finished the ARC of "Rot" by G.H. Fryer in one day; that’s how captivating it was. The book follows an artistic teen girl who is sucked into a painting and must battle to survive a world with a creepy house, strange governess and children, and get back home to her mother.

The author has a gorgeous writing style and a creative plot. The descriptions are so good the places seem like they have personalities or emotions. Books in which artistic talent is connected to powers has always intrigued me. Violet is both a strong and vulnerable girl the reader will root for as she tries to take care of her mother and try to get back to her. The other characters are nuanced and sympathetic, even some of the villains. There are many heartbreaking moments that are also balanced with hope and determination to survive.

G.H. Fryer is talented at creating suspense, twists, and strong main characters.

This imaginative take on the Nine Circles of Hell was a page-turner. Bea, an influencer, has to literally go through Hell to win her freedom and find her twin Dante along the way. The author adds a modern twist by having Bea’s journey being broadcast as a game show for the denizens of Hell.

As can be expected in a book taking place in Hell, themes of morality and atonement are explored. The author did a wonderful job exploring the potential harmful effects of social media through the broadcast of Bea’s adventure as well as Bea’s influencer job in life. Although there is horror and heartbreak, there is also hope and determination.

I recommend this dark fantasy if you enjoy:
• Redemption themes
• Great world-building and how certain sins and Circles of Hell have become modernized
• books about siblings saving siblings
• hope

We need more books like this.

The plot itself drew me in because the main character had a goal and was determined to succeed. What was even better was seeing so many teen characters come together to achieve goals and build meaningful connections while finding a place to belong.

Merged review:

We need more books like this.

The plot itself drew me in because the main character had a goal and was determined to succeed. What was even better was seeing so many teen characters come together to achieve goals and build meaningful connections while finding a place to belong.

I was left breathless by Bound Island. There were twists and turns I genuinely did not see coming. As someone close to her siblings, I was excited to read a book about three sisters – Lenna, Brye, and Tara – discover and grow powers on their hidden, isolated island of Avalon. The author did a fantastic job of showing how magic, and power itself, can be a blessing and a curse, namely when everyone expects so much from someone gifted.

The sisters are different in personality and power but are undeniably close and loyal, although they learn to stand on their own too. All the characters were complex, even the unlikeable ones, and the island itself was complex in both its magic and its founding. The themes are not only applicable to individuals but societies, such as isolation, and whether or not Avalon should reveal itself or remain hidden.

The reader will cheer on the sisters as they protect their family as well as the island.

I really loved this story and the characters!

Highlights:

• Avery is a funny, sarcastic narrator
• I did not expect the twist on who K was (no spoilers)
• I love the idea of suggesting bad movies because people – in real life and in books – usually recommend movies they perceive to be good
• Some romantic tropes are present and others are broken. I won’t reveal details; you’ll have to read the book to find out what these tropes are
• This is great for anyone who is a fan of pen pals
• Themes include moving forward, not judging people before you know them, and practicing self-compassion

ARC Review for Enchanted by Emilie Ocean
Star Rating: 4 stars

What I liked about this book:
• Modern world, which is refreshing when a fantasy doesn’t take place in a medieval-like world or in a world where the supernatural characters have to hide from humans
• main female character forced to stay in palace by her parents and wants to explore the world and learns to stand up to her parents
• Main characters had goals and issues besides marriage and falling in love
• Many cultures and languages; interesting to learn about the language and culture of Reunion, a place I admit I was not aware of before reading this book
• Interracial couples
• Sharks seen as protectors instead of a threat or a nuisance
• No “save the world” plot

I normally read YA but this novel is for adults, and contains spice.

I was intrigued by this novel! I loved the powers related to crystals, salt, and the atmosphere and how both Loxy and Elodie had complicated feelings regarding their powers, religion, and their absent mother. The author used gorgeous descriptions to describe both the physical and the emotional. There were many times I wanted to tell off a character for being mean to the sisters and many times I wanted to hug them for what they experienced with the exile and Elodie coming to terms with her powers.

I adored the following elements and I think readers will too:
-focus on sister relationship
-survival
-questioning teachings
-healing from emotional trauma
-looking for a family member
-protagonists with powers
-strong female protagonists
-flawed yet relatable protagonists