At 20% I just did not care about this hateful man. I know there is a lot of trauma and suppressed grief there for him but I also tend to struggle with character centered stories instead of plot centered.
Thank you to Netgalley and RBmedia/Recorded Books for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: March 31, 2026
4.75 stars
This was an amazing YA horror. I was honestly only interested in this after reading The Jasad Heir by this author, Sara Hashem, a few years ago and decided I needed to read everything she has written. I was not disappointed in this even though I had a little trepidation. That ending...
The narrator did a great job and gave just the right amount of atmosphere to the book.
Pub Date: March 31, 2026
4.75 stars
This was an amazing YA horror. I was honestly only interested in this after reading The Jasad Heir by this author, Sara Hashem, a few years ago and decided I needed to read everything she has written. I was not disappointed in this even though I had a little trepidation. That ending...
The narrator did a great job and gave just the right amount of atmosphere to the book.
I think I would have liked it better if I read it instead of listening to the audio
Dolls and puppets really freak me out as it turns out. Also most of the characters in this book are awful and I didn't want to be around them more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the Audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: March 24, 2025
4.25 stars
I love T. Kingfisher's writing. However, if you have any squeamishness over insects I would suggest finding another book of hers; I don't and I still had some rough patches but it is listed as horror.
The narrator was excellent and had a great variety of voices and accents for the characters making it very easy to tell them apart. She certainly brought the story to life.
Pub Date: March 24, 2025
4.25 stars
I love T. Kingfisher's writing. However, if you have any squeamishness over insects I would suggest finding another book of hers; I don't and I still had some rough patches but it is listed as horror.
The narrator was excellent and had a great variety of voices and accents for the characters making it very easy to tell them apart. She certainly brought the story to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.
DNF at 7%
I love the concept and ideas but the writing didn't pull me in and I found myself not caring about the characters or what was going to happen. I struggled with the first book as well so I finally decided to throw in the towel.
DNF at 7%
I love the concept and ideas but the writing didn't pull me in and I found myself not caring about the characters or what was going to happen. I struggled with the first book as well so I finally decided to throw in the towel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: November 11, 2025
4.25 stars
While all of the Legends & Lattes book can be read as stand-alone books, I do feel like I missed a few jokes/meanings by not having read Bookshops & Bonedust first (I had read Legends & Lattes though). But overall it was good story with a lot of fun parts.
I love that Baldree reads his own book (which makes sense since he started out as a narrator before becoming an author). It's a really immersive experience because you know what is how he hears/means things.
Pub Date: November 11, 2025
4.25 stars
While all of the Legends & Lattes book can be read as stand-alone books, I do feel like I missed a few jokes/meanings by not having read Bookshops & Bonedust first (I had read Legends & Lattes though). But overall it was good story with a lot of fun parts.
I love that Baldree reads his own book (which makes sense since he started out as a narrator before becoming an author). It's a really immersive experience because you know what is how he hears/means things.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: October 28, 2025
4.75 stars
Oh, this was so so good, please go read this however you choose, just read it! I love Harrow's writing and mind. I had already pre-ordered this but I'm glad I got to listen to it as well. It's sword and sorcery but also time-travel and so many things all rolled into one but it works so well. I don't know how to talk about it much more than that without spoiling it.
Both of the narrators were very good as well.
Pub Date: October 28, 2025
4.75 stars
Oh, this was so so good, please go read this however you choose, just read it! I love Harrow's writing and mind. I had already pre-ordered this but I'm glad I got to listen to it as well. It's sword and sorcery but also time-travel and so many things all rolled into one but it works so well. I don't know how to talk about it much more than that without spoiling it.
Both of the narrators were very good as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: September 30, 2025
4.5 stars for the story
I love T. Kingfisher's writing. Even in a shorter story like this her characters still have so much depth and nothing gets missed. I have really grown to like more stories in the horror genre, especially if she writes them.
3 stars for the narrator
I would have preferred to read this. That was not a Boston accent (I am from Maine) and Scottish folks will probably feel similar about the Scottish accent but I could handle that better. The cadence was a little weird too. I eventually got used to things but there were plenty of times I thought "I would have heard that in my head differently" which definitely pulls me out of the story.
Pub Date: September 30, 2025
4.5 stars for the story
I love T. Kingfisher's writing. Even in a shorter story like this her characters still have so much depth and nothing gets missed. I have really grown to like more stories in the horror genre, especially if she writes them.
3 stars for the narrator
I would have preferred to read this. That was not a Boston accent (I am from Maine) and Scottish folks will probably feel similar about the Scottish accent but I could handle that better. The cadence was a little weird too. I eventually got used to things but there were plenty of times I thought "I would have heard that in my head differently" which definitely pulls me out of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: August 19, 2025
4.25 stars
I love Kingfisher's writing and fairytale retellings and this was no exception. A lot of great thoughts and reflections, character development, and characters in general.
I did enjoy the narrator though it took me a little bit to get used to. I will note that there was a creature called a "chime adder" (a type of snake) but it took me awhile to realize because the way the narrator said it, it sounded like "chai matter" and I was so confused.
Pub Date: August 19, 2025
4.25 stars
I love Kingfisher's writing and fairytale retellings and this was no exception. A lot of great thoughts and reflections, character development, and characters in general.
I did enjoy the narrator though it took me a little bit to get used to. I will note that there was a creature called a "chime adder" (a type of snake) but it took me awhile to realize because the way the narrator said it, it sounded like "chai matter" and I was so confused.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review
Pub Date: August 26, 2025
4.25 stars
I really enjoy both Susan Dennard's writing and Caitlin Davies audio work. I had already pre-ordered this book but wanted to hear Davies narration of it so I was grateful for the ARC.
A lot of great 90's nostalgia with Scooby-Doo vibes. It would be perfect to read/listen to at this time of year as fall is settling in (in New England at least).
Pub Date: August 26, 2025
4.25 stars
I really enjoy both Susan Dennard's writing and Caitlin Davies audio work. I had already pre-ordered this book but wanted to hear Davies narration of it so I was grateful for the ARC.
A lot of great 90's nostalgia with Scooby-Doo vibes. It would be perfect to read/listen to at this time of year as fall is settling in (in New England at least).
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date (for the 50th anniversary edition audio): September 2, 2025
4.5 stars
I read this book back in middle school and I think it was one of the books that really got me into reading fantasy. There are so many good lessons in here too and it is just a lovely book no matter the format.
The narrator did a great job bringing this amazing story to life.
Pub Date (for the 50th anniversary edition audio): September 2, 2025
4.5 stars
I read this book back in middle school and I think it was one of the books that really got me into reading fantasy. There are so many good lessons in here too and it is just a lovely book no matter the format.
The narrator did a great job bringing this amazing story to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: July 15, 2025
4 stars
Cozy and sweet but I thought it could have been a bit shorter; there was some repetition that got annoying but that might be what some folks need in a book. I love the idea of talking, sentient plants!
I love the narrator! I have listened to her narrate other books so there was some adjustment of reminding myself I was in a different world.
Pub Date: July 15, 2025
4 stars
Cozy and sweet but I thought it could have been a bit shorter; there was some repetition that got annoying but that might be what some folks need in a book. I love the idea of talking, sentient plants!
I love the narrator! I have listened to her narrate other books so there was some adjustment of reminding myself I was in a different world.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: April 29, 2025
4.25 stars
This dark academia romance was right up my alley! There was a mystery to solve, danger to avoid, and plenty of spice and romance.
While the narrators both did a great job I think I would have preferred this more if I read it, but that is just my (now known) preference for dark romance. Will certainly pick up RuNyx's books in the future.
Pub Date: April 29, 2025
4.25 stars
This dark academia romance was right up my alley! There was a mystery to solve, danger to avoid, and plenty of spice and romance.
While the narrators both did a great job I think I would have preferred this more if I read it, but that is just my (now known) preference for dark romance. Will certainly pick up RuNyx's books in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: May 13, 2025
3.75 stars
The premise was exactly up my alley - fantasy/dark academia with a late 30s FMC with no interest in having kids but loves teaching them; the execution could have been stronger though. What I thought would be the main issue/point of the story was resolved less than half way through. After that, since I wasn't sure what the main issue was going to be, I had a harder time with staying invested since I am the type of reader who needs a goal.
The narrator was pretty good though I didn't find a lot of distinction in the voices of her different characters which made following some of the dialogue difficult.
Pub Date: May 13, 2025
3.75 stars
The premise was exactly up my alley - fantasy/dark academia with a late 30s FMC with no interest in having kids but loves teaching them; the execution could have been stronger though. What I thought would be the main issue/point of the story was resolved less than half way through. After that, since I wasn't sure what the main issue was going to be, I had a harder time with staying invested since I am the type of reader who needs a goal.
The narrator was pretty good though I didn't find a lot of distinction in the voices of her different characters which made following some of the dialogue difficult.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: May 13, 2025
4 stars
A fun paranormal/fantasy romance. I like Asher's romance's, they are easy to get pulled into and while there are fantasy elements it isn't heavy on world building so it is easy to read and enjoy. There was some nice set-up for future books with side characters which I am looking forward to.
Pub Date: May 13, 2025
4 stars
A fun paranormal/fantasy romance. I like Asher's romance's, they are easy to get pulled into and while there are fantasy elements it isn't heavy on world building so it is easy to read and enjoy. There was some nice set-up for future books with side characters which I am looking forward to.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor/Bramble for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: March 11, 2025
4.25 stars
Another fun installment in the Uncharted Hearts series. Each can be read as a stand-alone as they focus on a different character but there is a common thread running through. This is a sci-fi romance (or science friction as the author put it) which is a lot of fun. A lot of great banter in this one which I love.
Pub Date: March 11, 2025
4.25 stars
Another fun installment in the Uncharted Hearts series. Each can be read as a stand-alone as they focus on a different character but there is a common thread running through. This is a sci-fi romance (or science friction as the author put it) which is a lot of fun. A lot of great banter in this one which I love.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: March 4, 2025
4 stars
I enjoyed this though I don't think I would have picked it up on my own if it hadn't been gifted to me so I am appreciative that I got to experience it. There was some really great character development and insights throughout the book and some twists I didn't see coming. I'm still not sure if I loved or hated the end; I guess a little of both.
I loved that there were multiple narrators, it really helps you get into each character and make the POV switch more easily as you are listening. All the narrators did a great job.
Pub Date: March 4, 2025
4 stars
I enjoyed this though I don't think I would have picked it up on my own if it hadn't been gifted to me so I am appreciative that I got to experience it. There was some really great character development and insights throughout the book and some twists I didn't see coming. I'm still not sure if I loved or hated the end; I guess a little of both.
I loved that there were multiple narrators, it really helps you get into each character and make the POV switch more easily as you are listening. All the narrators did a great job.
DNF at 12%
I want to try this as an audiobook. I struggled with the writing style in the first book too.
I want to try this as an audiobook. I struggled with the writing style in the first book too.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: April 1, 2025
4.75 stars
Emilia Hart's writing really draws you in and makes you feel for the characters. There are a few time-lines in this book that you follow and it deals with some of the struggles of being a woman. There is a historical fiction aspect with the sinking of a prison ship full of women as well.
The narrator for the audiobook is excellent and helps to separate the characters by having different accents.
Pub Date: April 1, 2025
4.75 stars
Emilia Hart's writing really draws you in and makes you feel for the characters. There are a few time-lines in this book that you follow and it deals with some of the struggles of being a woman. There is a historical fiction aspect with the sinking of a prison ship full of women as well.
The narrator for the audiobook is excellent and helps to separate the characters by having different accents.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: January 14, 2025
DNF at 29%
The book was well written it just didn't pull me in and I didn't find myself caring about the characters or where they went
Pub Date: January 14, 2025
DNF at 29%
The book was well written it just didn't pull me in and I didn't find myself caring about the characters or where they went
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: December 3, 2024
4 stars
Well I thought this was going to wrap up the series but I guess there is at least a book 4 coming out next year! This was a great continuation of the series. A lot of character growth and overall development. I'm excited for the next book!
Pub Date: December 3, 2024
4 stars
Well I thought this was going to wrap up the series but I guess there is at least a book 4 coming out next year! This was a great continuation of the series. A lot of character growth and overall development. I'm excited for the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the Audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: November 19, 2024
5 stars
I just loved this YA trilogy and it wrapped up so well! There is fantasy, tension, mystery, and character growth and reflection. I have recommended it a bunch of folks and plan on reading whatever Dennard puts out next (and reading her back-list).
The narrator was also excellent through the trilogy. She was able to bring a lot of emotion and tension when needed and I get excited to see her as a narrator knowing it will be a great performance.
Pub Date: November 19, 2024
5 stars
I just loved this YA trilogy and it wrapped up so well! There is fantasy, tension, mystery, and character growth and reflection. I have recommended it a bunch of folks and plan on reading whatever Dennard puts out next (and reading her back-list).
The narrator was also excellent through the trilogy. She was able to bring a lot of emotion and tension when needed and I get excited to see her as a narrator knowing it will be a great performance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: November 12, 2024
DNF 20%
To be honest, I really struggled through the first 2 books in this trilogy. I enjoyed the world and the characters but the writing just didn't hook me and keep my attention. I have been getting better at not forcing myself through books this year so I decided to DNF it. But since it was a writing style issue, which is personal, anyone who thinks the premise sounds interesting should try it as it might work well for them!
Pub Date: November 12, 2024
DNF 20%
To be honest, I really struggled through the first 2 books in this trilogy. I enjoyed the world and the characters but the writing just didn't hook me and keep my attention. I have been getting better at not forcing myself through books this year so I decided to DNF it. But since it was a writing style issue, which is personal, anyone who thinks the premise sounds interesting should try it as it might work well for them!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: October 29, 2024
4 stars
I'm not really sure what I read, which is what the author was going for. I do know I liked it even if it was pretty different from typical genres, which was to be expected. There is a little bit of a What Moves the Dead vibe aimed a little more at YA readers.
Pub Date: October 29, 2024
4 stars
I'm not really sure what I read, which is what the author was going for. I do know I liked it even if it was pretty different from typical genres, which was to be expected. There is a little bit of a What Moves the Dead vibe aimed a little more at YA readers.
Thank you NetGalley and Second Sky for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review
Pub Date: October 4, 2024
4.25 stars
This series keeps getting better and better! I am so excited for the final book to see how everything wraps up. Plenty of action, plenty of character growth, and plenty of spice!
I think the narrator does a good job with this series and I think it is important to keep the same one for a series where possible. Not my favorite narrator but I still enjoy the audio.
Pub Date: October 4, 2024
4.25 stars
This series keeps getting better and better! I am so excited for the final book to see how everything wraps up. Plenty of action, plenty of character growth, and plenty of spice!
I think the narrator does a good job with this series and I think it is important to keep the same one for a series where possible. Not my favorite narrator but I still enjoy the audio.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the Audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: October 15, 2024
5 stars (listen to the audiobook!)
I normally struggle with books of short stories as there just isn't enough time for me to get invested and understand the characters but Blake is magic. I can somehow understand and feel more connection to characters in her short stories than I can to other authors characters in entire novels.
And the narrators...they were all different for each story (a few narrators had a few stories they read) but totally amazing and just right for their respective stories. I think having different narrators also really helped with the breaks between the different stories; this is the way a book of short stories needs to be done. And Alex Palting ("Monsterlove" and "Chaos Theory") needs to win awards. I don't think I would have liked/appreciated/understood "Monsterlove" (or at least not as much) if I read it.
Pub Date: October 15, 2024
5 stars (listen to the audiobook!)
I normally struggle with books of short stories as there just isn't enough time for me to get invested and understand the characters but Blake is magic. I can somehow understand and feel more connection to characters in her short stories than I can to other authors characters in entire novels.
And the narrators...they were all different for each story (a few narrators had a few stories they read) but totally amazing and just right for their respective stories. I think having different narrators also really helped with the breaks between the different stories; this is the way a book of short stories needs to be done. And Alex Palting ("Monsterlove" and "Chaos Theory") needs to win awards. I don't think I would have liked/appreciated/understood "Monsterlove" (or at least not as much) if I read it.