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bookish_selkie's reviews
2056 reviews
Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Immortal is the sweepingly romantic tale of Liyen and the infamous God of War, Zhangwei. Liyen was poisoned and made a miraculous recovery with the help of a magical lotus flower. When the Immortal Realms demand an audience of the ruler-to-be and an explanation of where the magical lotus flower went, Liyen encounters the God of War. As a connection sparks, the Immortal Realm is inundated with enemies. Can Liyen and Zhangwei work together to save the realms?
Immortal is a beautifully written book, with lush description and heartfelt characters. Sue Lynn Tan always writes gorgeous prose. Liyen was one of my favorite characters! I loved how Liyen always tried to make the best choices for her people, while also not letting herself be pushed around by the immortals. Zhangwei and Liyen have excellent chemistry! I was spellbound by the betrayals and twists that take place as their story continues. Immortal is a satisfying standalone, though I’m eager to read whatever Sue Lynn Tan writes next!
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Natalie Naudus, and absolutely loved her excellent narration. Readers who love romantic fantasy, strong heroines, and lyrical writing will adore Immortal.
Thank you to Sue Lynn Tan, HarperAudio, and Netgalley for a free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Immortal is a beautifully written book, with lush description and heartfelt characters. Sue Lynn Tan always writes gorgeous prose. Liyen was one of my favorite characters! I loved how Liyen always tried to make the best choices for her people, while also not letting herself be pushed around by the immortals. Zhangwei and Liyen have excellent chemistry! I was spellbound by the betrayals and twists that take place as their story continues. Immortal is a satisfying standalone, though I’m eager to read whatever Sue Lynn Tan writes next!
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Natalie Naudus, and absolutely loved her excellent narration. Readers who love romantic fantasy, strong heroines, and lyrical writing will adore Immortal.
Thank you to Sue Lynn Tan, HarperAudio, and Netgalley for a free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Ex Marks the Spot is an adventurous and action-packed story. When Gemma learns that her estranged grandfather passed away and left her a mysterious puzzle, she’s determined to follow the trail all the way to Taiwan. If the hunt ends in funds to pay for college, she needs it. But how will she get there? Gemma is forced to ask a favor from her sworn rival, the annoying Xander. As Gemma retraces her grandfather’s steps, what will she do when she starts to form a connection with Xander?
Ex Marks the Spot is such a fun book! Gemma and Xander have a great rivals-to-lovers arc and rebuild a solid friendship along the way. I loved how Gloria Chao also explored the importance of connection to your roots and how to find your place when you feel stuck in between two cultures. Through the puzzles, Gemma gains a deeper understanding of her Taiwanese heritage and the secrets her relatives held. Gemma and her mom have a loving relationship, reminiscent of Lorelai and Rory from Gilmore Girls. I really enjoyed the twist at the end with Gemma’s grandfather and the secrets that are uncovered. I feel like I went on a vacation to Taiwan and devoured all the delicious food that Gemma and her friends do! The descriptive writing is excellent and mouth-wateringly good when it comes to the food. The puzzles on the treasure hunt were so clever!
Readers who enjoy rivals-to-lovers, family secrets, and puzzles that lead to adventure will love Ex Marks the Spot.
Thank you to Gloria Chao, Viking Books for Young Readers, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ex Marks the Spot is such a fun book! Gemma and Xander have a great rivals-to-lovers arc and rebuild a solid friendship along the way. I loved how Gloria Chao also explored the importance of connection to your roots and how to find your place when you feel stuck in between two cultures. Through the puzzles, Gemma gains a deeper understanding of her Taiwanese heritage and the secrets her relatives held. Gemma and her mom have a loving relationship, reminiscent of Lorelai and Rory from Gilmore Girls. I really enjoyed the twist at the end with Gemma’s grandfather and the secrets that are uncovered. I feel like I went on a vacation to Taiwan and devoured all the delicious food that Gemma and her friends do! The descriptive writing is excellent and mouth-wateringly good when it comes to the food. The puzzles on the treasure hunt were so clever!
Readers who enjoy rivals-to-lovers, family secrets, and puzzles that lead to adventure will love Ex Marks the Spot.
Thank you to Gloria Chao, Viking Books for Young Readers, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Cruel Winter with You by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
What the Woods Took by Courtney Gould
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
What the Woods Took is a haunting and atmospheric thriller. When Devin is kidnapped from her bed, she can’t believe that her foster parents condone this. Yet to her shock, they’ve agreed and enrolled her in a wilderness therapy program. Devin soon finds herself hiking through the woods, with a strange team. The person she can’t stand the most is Sheridan, who ruthlessly gets under her skin. Soon, it starts to feel like there’s something else in the woods with them. Can the group work together to survive what lurks in the shadows?
What the Woods Took is very difficult to put down after a certain point! Readers who seek the thrill of a creature stalking your steps into the woods will love this book. I enjoyed the emotional journey that Devin, Sheridan, and Oli went on (along with the others). They truly had to face their fears and worst case scenarios before the woods would relinquish their grasp on them. The idea of the “mimics” was very creepy and definitely gave me chills. There is some heavy content, as the teens have gone through a lot, but I thought it was all written with care.
Readers who want a thrilling journey through woods filled with horrors will devour this book. There was excellent LGBTQ+ rep in two of the main characters and I appreciated how they were allowed to be such complex characters. What the Woods took is an emotional journey filled with anger and hope alike. It’s a powerful story and I'm looking forward to what Courtney Gould writes next!
Thank you to Courtney Gould, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What the Woods Took is very difficult to put down after a certain point! Readers who seek the thrill of a creature stalking your steps into the woods will love this book. I enjoyed the emotional journey that Devin, Sheridan, and Oli went on (along with the others). They truly had to face their fears and worst case scenarios before the woods would relinquish their grasp on them. The idea of the “mimics” was very creepy and definitely gave me chills. There is some heavy content, as the teens have gone through a lot, but I thought it was all written with care.
Readers who want a thrilling journey through woods filled with horrors will devour this book. There was excellent LGBTQ+ rep in two of the main characters and I appreciated how they were allowed to be such complex characters. What the Woods took is an emotional journey filled with anger and hope alike. It’s a powerful story and I'm looking forward to what Courtney Gould writes next!
Thank you to Courtney Gould, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dust by Alison Stine
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Dust is the compelling and unputdownable latest from Alison Stine. I was completely swept away by this tale of a girl whose family has decided to go off the grid. Thea is heartbroken when her father moves their family from Ohio to Colorado. Her dad wants to keep the family safe, even when there doesn’t seem to be any danger. Thea is hard of hearing, but her father is determined to ignore it. Thea often misses words when someone is on her “deaf side” or they turn away and she can’t see their lips. As strange weather haunts their town, with swaths of dust sweeping over them, Thea tries to find connection in the town. Can her family survive when a dust storm threatens everything they have?
Dust is a well-written and important story. Alison Stine brings up real concerns about climate change and the potential for environmental disaster if changes are not made. I loved how she handled Thea’s deafness and how her difficulty with hearing was portrayed. When Thea doesn’t hear a word, a blank space is left. I thought this was so clever because it really helps readers take on Thea’s point of view. Even though we can make a guess for what word fills the gap, we won’t know exactly which word was used. Thea is stuck in between the hearing world and the Deaf world, with a foot in both and neither. Stine portrayed this so well and with deep care. I was so happy when Thea met Ray and was exposed to someone who used sign language and who could relate to her. Thea’s bond with her little sister Amelia was also very special. As their father’s ideas get stricter, the two of them rely on each other.
Dust is a book that will stay with me long after the final page. Stine writes so atmospherically about the dust and unforgiving heat. The dust finds its way into everything, from a coffee cup to lungs. The dust goes from innocent and easily brushed away to something that is life threatening. I loved how the townspeople banded together and always took care of each other. The library being a safe refuge and the librarian trying to sign everyone up for library cards was the best!
Readers who enjoy stories about strong heroines, community, and overcoming unforgiving environments will love Dust. Even readers who think this may not be their thing should give this a chance and let it sweep you away!
Thank you to Alison Stine, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dust is a well-written and important story. Alison Stine brings up real concerns about climate change and the potential for environmental disaster if changes are not made. I loved how she handled Thea’s deafness and how her difficulty with hearing was portrayed. When Thea doesn’t hear a word, a blank space is left. I thought this was so clever because it really helps readers take on Thea’s point of view. Even though we can make a guess for what word fills the gap, we won’t know exactly which word was used. Thea is stuck in between the hearing world and the Deaf world, with a foot in both and neither. Stine portrayed this so well and with deep care. I was so happy when Thea met Ray and was exposed to someone who used sign language and who could relate to her. Thea’s bond with her little sister Amelia was also very special. As their father’s ideas get stricter, the two of them rely on each other.
Dust is a book that will stay with me long after the final page. Stine writes so atmospherically about the dust and unforgiving heat. The dust finds its way into everything, from a coffee cup to lungs. The dust goes from innocent and easily brushed away to something that is life threatening. I loved how the townspeople banded together and always took care of each other. The library being a safe refuge and the librarian trying to sign everyone up for library cards was the best!
Readers who enjoy stories about strong heroines, community, and overcoming unforgiving environments will love Dust. Even readers who think this may not be their thing should give this a chance and let it sweep you away!
Thank you to Alison Stine, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Rules of Royalty by Cale Dietrich
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The Rules of Royalty is such a sweet queer romance! Readers who loved the Princess Diaries, but wished there was more LGBTQ+ rep absolutely must read this book. Jamie Johnson learns that he is actually the son of a king on his birthday. Unprepared to be a prince, Jamie is relieved to be assigned a friend and tutor in Prince Erik. Erik has been raised as a prince from birth, so he is more than able to teach Jamie. As the two spend more time together, they start to fall for eachother...but will they be allowed to pursue their connection?
The Rules of Royalty is a lighthearted and enjoyable queer YA romance. Jamie and Erik are adorable and I enjoyed how they learned to fight for their relationship. I think this book will mean so much to readers who have longed to see themselves reflected in this classic tale of secret royalty and handsome princes. The boys are surrounded by a supportive cast of characters, from family and friends to a world where LGBTQ+ rights are not controversial but accepted.
Readers who love a sweet fairytale romance, fantastic LGBTQ+ rep, and The Princess Diaries will love The Rules of Royalty!
Thank you to Cale Dietrich, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Rules of Royalty is a lighthearted and enjoyable queer YA romance. Jamie and Erik are adorable and I enjoyed how they learned to fight for their relationship. I think this book will mean so much to readers who have longed to see themselves reflected in this classic tale of secret royalty and handsome princes. The boys are surrounded by a supportive cast of characters, from family and friends to a world where LGBTQ+ rights are not controversial but accepted.
Readers who love a sweet fairytale romance, fantastic LGBTQ+ rep, and The Princess Diaries will love The Rules of Royalty!
Thank you to Cale Dietrich, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Not for the Faint of Heart by Lex Croucher
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Not for the Faint of Heart literally made me laugh out loud! It is a witty and hilarious take on what would happen if the granddaughter of Robin Hood (Mariel) sort of accidentally kidnapped a healer (Clem). The world of the Merry Men has changed since Robin Hood retired and not necessarily for the better. As Clem and Mariel adventure through the woods, Mariel starts to see that something is wrong with the structure of the Merry Men. As the Sheriff cracks down, can Mariel and Clem work together to change the woods for the better?
I absolutely loved this book! Clem was one of my favorite characters; she was so committed to healing anyone that she could help. I loved how she fit into the found family of the Merry Men, much to Mariel’s confusion. Mariel is another strong character who desperately wants to do the right thing and make her family proud. I appreciated how she learned to think for herself, with the help of Clem and her friends. I also loved the side characters! Clem and Mariel’s relationship has fantastic growth as they start to see that they are more than the assumptions they first made about each other. I can’t wait to read whatever Lex Croucher writes next!
Readers who love found family, enemies-to-lovers, and hilarious dialogue need to read Not for the Faint of Heart!
Thank you to Lex Croucher, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book! Clem was one of my favorite characters; she was so committed to healing anyone that she could help. I loved how she fit into the found family of the Merry Men, much to Mariel’s confusion. Mariel is another strong character who desperately wants to do the right thing and make her family proud. I appreciated how she learned to think for herself, with the help of Clem and her friends. I also loved the side characters! Clem and Mariel’s relationship has fantastic growth as they start to see that they are more than the assumptions they first made about each other. I can’t wait to read whatever Lex Croucher writes next!
Readers who love found family, enemies-to-lovers, and hilarious dialogue need to read Not for the Faint of Heart!
Thank you to Lex Croucher, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibañez
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0