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bookish_selkie's reviews
2057 reviews
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
Duchess Material by Emily Sullivan
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Duchess Material is the story of Phoebe and Will. Growing up together, Phoebe dreamed of Will returning her feelings for him. Then he is unexpectedly thrust into dukedom. Not only does class now divide them, but Phoebe is against everything Will stands for in his new position. Years later, Phoebe is now a teacher and Will remains a duke. When Phoebe is forced to ask Will for help, can they reconnect and see past their assumptions?
Duchess Material is a fast-paced and enjoyable romance. Phoebe has a lot of agency, strong opinions, and a loving family (even though she doesn’t always appreciate their meddling!). Will is very concerned with what it means to be a duke, even when the people in his life care less than he might think. I enjoyed how Will and Phoebe slowly fall for each other as they race to uncover where Phoebe’s student might have gone. Will and Phoebe have some swoon-worthy moments as they unravel the series of clues. Phoebe’s sisters were my favorite side characters and I enjoyed her interactions with her family. Duchess Material is a light-hearted romance perfect for fans of Bridgerton. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
Thank you to Emily Sullivan, Forever, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Duchess Material is a fast-paced and enjoyable romance. Phoebe has a lot of agency, strong opinions, and a loving family (even though she doesn’t always appreciate their meddling!). Will is very concerned with what it means to be a duke, even when the people in his life care less than he might think. I enjoyed how Will and Phoebe slowly fall for each other as they race to uncover where Phoebe’s student might have gone. Will and Phoebe have some swoon-worthy moments as they unravel the series of clues. Phoebe’s sisters were my favorite side characters and I enjoyed her interactions with her family. Duchess Material is a light-hearted romance perfect for fans of Bridgerton. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
Thank you to Emily Sullivan, Forever, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Lotus Empire by Tasha Suri
adventurous
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
The Lotus Empire is the majestic finale of the Burning Kingdoms trilogy. This series is so intricately complex and a must-read for fantasy fans. It has incredible LGBTQ+ rep, a rich magic system, and complicated politics. As this is the third book, every story thread from previous books is wrapped up beautifully.
Tasha Suri is such an imaginative writer; she creates worlds that feel deeply real. I love how she handled the relationship between Priya and Malini. From the very beginning, Priya and Malini have had a conflicting and nuanced connection. This is all brought to a crescendo in The Lotus Empire, when Priya and Malini must decide how far they are willing to go for power and love. The romance between Malini and Priya is both ethereal and scorchingly hot.
The yaksa and magic system are also creatively done; Suri’s prose is atmospheric and haunting. There is a creeping sense of dread as the rot slowly takes over more and more, while the priests wish to see Malini burn once and for all. It’s so good! I also enjoyed how we got to see the perspective of side characters who became entwined with the yaksa. Readers who seek fantasies about fiercely strong women, excellent LGBTQ+ rep, and epic magic systems will devour this series. I can’t wait to read what Tasha Suri writes next!
Thank you to Tasha Suri, Orbit Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tasha Suri is such an imaginative writer; she creates worlds that feel deeply real. I love how she handled the relationship between Priya and Malini. From the very beginning, Priya and Malini have had a conflicting and nuanced connection. This is all brought to a crescendo in The Lotus Empire, when Priya and Malini must decide how far they are willing to go for power and love. The romance between Malini and Priya is both ethereal and scorchingly hot.
The yaksa and magic system are also creatively done; Suri’s prose is atmospheric and haunting. There is a creeping sense of dread as the rot slowly takes over more and more, while the priests wish to see Malini burn once and for all. It’s so good! I also enjoyed how we got to see the perspective of side characters who became entwined with the yaksa. Readers who seek fantasies about fiercely strong women, excellent LGBTQ+ rep, and epic magic systems will devour this series. I can’t wait to read what Tasha Suri writes next!
Thank you to Tasha Suri, Orbit Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch
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? Yes
5.0
Spectacular by Stephanie Garber
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Road to Ruin by Hana Lee
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
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
Triple-Duty Bodyguards by Lily Gold
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
For She is Wrath by Emily Varga
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
Dania will get out of prison and have her revenge if it’s the absolute last thing she does. Betrayed by someone she once loved, Dania is determined to save her family and take everything from those who took everything from her. Along the way, she is faced with mysterious djinn magic and new friendships. Is revenge all that matters or can she find a new way to go on?
What an incredible read! The writing was beautifully descriptive and used strong sensory details. You can feel the warmth of the sun, heat of the desert, and tasty food. Dania is hilarious and bitingly funny even in her darkest moments. Maz is stunning and readers will fall for him alongside Dania. I loved the heat and tension of the moments between them, particularly when Dania is in disguise. The friendship between Noor and Dania was also excellent. Magic comes with a serious price in this book and I loved how Emily Varga refused to let her characters off easily.
For She is Wrath has fantastic tropes, strong characters, and a romance to swoon for. I would highly recommend it to anyone and am excited to see what Emily Varga writes next!
Thank you to Emily Varga, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What an incredible read! The writing was beautifully descriptive and used strong sensory details. You can feel the warmth of the sun, heat of the desert, and tasty food. Dania is hilarious and bitingly funny even in her darkest moments. Maz is stunning and readers will fall for him alongside Dania. I loved the heat and tension of the moments between them, particularly when Dania is in disguise. The friendship between Noor and Dania was also excellent. Magic comes with a serious price in this book and I loved how Emily Varga refused to let her characters off easily.
For She is Wrath has fantastic tropes, strong characters, and a romance to swoon for. I would highly recommend it to anyone and am excited to see what Emily Varga writes next!
Thank you to Emily Varga, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.