Hotel Magnifique is an enchanting, thrilling tale begging to be set loose on the world. From the start, readers will be charmed by sisters Jani and Zosa before being pulled into the mysterious and magnificent Hotel Magnifique. Here, an entire cast of curious characters take center stage as a world bigger than the sisters’ own unfurls before them. This world and the magic system it hinges upon is completely original, brimming with intrigue and dazzling with wonder. Paired with a whimsical tone that darkens the further individuals read, Hotel Magnifique sets itself up as a promising and delightful debt from author Emily J. Taylor. If you are a fan of books like Caraval or tv series like Hotel del Luna, this book is sure to become a new favorite. I’m so happy I got the opportunity to read it when I did and am very eager to see what Emily J. Taylor surprises readers with next!

This is a stunning, STUNNING debut! I expected this to actually lean more on the side of romance, but it is so much more than that! It is true YA novel: a coming of age story focusing on a character on the path to discovering who she is versus who people expect her to be. Readers will absolutely fall in love with Ophelia, quirks and all, as she finds herself throughout this story! I specifically loved her journey because Ophelia not only tackles who she is in relation to romantic relationships, but also who she is in her friendships and in her family. This element really elevated the story for me because it showcased that while Ophelia's self-discovery is especially relevant to future romantic relationships (obviously), it is most important to her as an individual. She is who she is regardless of who she's with or likes. The emphasis the author gave to this fact absolutely made the book for me since its surprisingly lacking in other coming-of-age contemporaries I've read within the past few years. Overall, this is an affirming, heart-warming story that everyone is sure to enjoy!

When I say Dark and Shallow Lies is one of the most amazing debuts I've ever read, I'm not joking. Not even a little bit. Readers, get ready to sink into this entrancing and exciting novel. Full of lush description and intriguing premise, it is sure to engross you to such a degree that, if you are anything like me, you will struggle trying to put it down. The characters will entice you, the setting will grip you, and the slew of secrets building around La Cachette's small community may even haunt your dreams.

Dark and Shallow Lies follows seventeen-year-old Grey as she returns to her birthplace and summer home, La Cachette, after the disappearance of her bestfriend Elora. Despite acting as the psychic capital of the world, the small tourist town is confounded by the young girl's disappearance and possible death, either chalking it up to legend, tragedy, or even that too sinister to say aloud. Despite it all, Grey vows to uncover the truth behind her twin flame's death, no matter how many secrets she has to unbury to do so.

I think one of the most extraordinary parts of this novel is the setting. From the first page, you are surrounded by swamp, mud between your toes and thick heat flush against your skin. You can hear the water beside you, the crawl of insects around, and the thrum of magic as it drifts through the air. It's enough to make a girl want to plan a roadtrip to Louisiana herself, just to see if she can catch even the smallest glimpse in the real world of what show more this story showcases. The characters easily fit into the setting, almost as if they are inseparable from it. They are as much of the town and its legends as the buildings or its Cajun culture, creating a fascinating interdependence that I really enjoyed exploring.

However, the setting was not the only high point of this novel though. The mystery at the heart of the story is absolutely gripping. While I did predict certain plot points early on, there were other plot twists that took me completely by surprise. You'll be thinking you've got it all figured out until you're proven wrong time and time again. Hey, even if you've deciphered all the plot twists before you ever really even sink your teeth into the story, you're still guaranteed a fun ride. Consider yourself a psychic and watch the journey all unfold. I promise it's a great one.

Basically, buy the book. show less

From the first page of this book, I knew I was going to love it. However, what I really didn’t anticipate was how dark it would get. I mean, I anticipated some darkness given the description of the book, but I didn’t really understand what that darkness would be or just how scary of a reality it could portray. Actual numbing fear gripped me throughout this story, rooting me in place and sending chills down my spine as more and more plot was unveiled. I can definitely see where the comparisons to gossip girl and get out come from, but make no mistake, Ace of Spades is it’s own beast. I would actually love to see it developed as a television series (or movie) in the future, just so this amazing story can be given the star treatment like so many of its other YA counterparts. It really gets readers thinking, putting two dynamic characters at the front of the story, full of flaws yet realistic and easy to root for. And this is only a debut from the author!!!! So excited to see what comes next!

This was actually one of my most anticipated books of the year. As soon as I saw the cover and read the synopsis, I knew it was going to be a book that was right up my alley. When it finally arrived in the mail, I couldn't wait to begin the suspenseful mystery.

Surprisingly, I loved it even more than I anticipated. I listened to its audiobook while reading and absolutely fell in love with the narration. The story sent me falling into a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of some of my favorite series from when I was younger like Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars. I think fans of either series would really love this book, since its evokes the teenage mystery of PLL and the life of the rich, upper-class of Gossip Girl. While I do think the big reveal was a bit obvious throughout, I still really enjoyed the journey getting there!

So excited for what Jessica Goodman publishes next!

The Taking of Jake Livingston was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. The second I saw its glorious cover, I knew I had to read it as soon as I possibly could. Thankfully, I got the opportunity to read it earlier via a giveaway from BookishFirst.

While I definitely enjoyed the overall story, especially the representation for black, queer teen boys, I couldn't help but feel a tad disappointed. While Jake is at the center of this story, it felt like he wasn't necessarily developed at all. In fact, more characterization and development was given to the story's villain, an actual school shooter and all around psychopath, which felt like an odd choice. Additionally, certain plot choices felt very out of left field and distracted from the main story rather than help add to it. While I believe that trauma was represented well and is definitely a great attribute to the overall message of the book, it was especially effected by such choices.

Overall, while I may have had some issues with it, The Taking of Jake Livingston is a solid debut novel. I look forward to reading more from Ryan Douglass!

It's official: Kate Alice Marshall has become an auto-buy author. After reading Rules for Vanishing in 2019, she was definitely on my radar. However, after finishing Our Last Echoes, I am thrilled to say she's becoming a new favorite. Each of her stories are carefully crafted, eerie in nature but exciting with every turn of the page. I have no hesitancy in stating that her stories are completely unique, and with every additional published piece, she seems to be shaping a personal brand for herself that I am falling in absolute love with.

Our Last Echoes follows Sophia, a foster child just aged out of the system. When a mysterious tip suggests the circumstances of her mother's death are questionable, she finds herself traveling to Alaska for answers at Bitter Rock, her mother's last known location. The spot is near abandoned, its eerie history driving everyone but a small team of researchers away. With an internship as her cover, Sophia begins to secretly investigate not only the disappearance of her mother, but Bitter Rock's string of disappearances across history. With their intricate link to a dangerous mist that falls over the island, Sophia soon uncovers not just the truth behind the disappearances but the truth of herself.

This was a definite page-turner. Easy to read and exciting, the story sucks in readers right away and does not let go until the end. If you are a fan of horror or spine-tingling legends, this one is definitely for you. I found myself floored with show more terror yet still eager to continue. Marshall truly fashions a unique story, sprinkled with some classic horror tropes yet still wonderfully fresh. I'll definitely be sleeping with the lights on tonight! show less

This was gripping, and despite the fact that I could quickly feel horror creeping over and sinking into my limbs from the first chapter, I could not set it down. The addictive tale follows three sisters, once missing but since returned... that is until the eldest sister, Grey, goes missing once more. What follows is an eerie, fairytale-esque journey to uncover what happened to Grey as circumstances relate to what happened to the sisters in their childhood. Overall, the story’s tone, paired with masterful writing, is sure to captivate readers—hooking them and keeping them reading despite the trepidation of what inevitably is sure to come.

Basically, I’m sure I’ll be having nightmares for weeks after reading this one. If you’re a fan of eerie, fairytale horror, this one is definitely for you (though perhaps not so close to bedtime).

I'm a little ashamed to say that I had no idea Maria Anna "Nannerl" Mozart existed prior to this book. I'm not big on classical music, so there really wasn't a way for me to know of her, but I'm nonetheless sad that I had never heard of her before this. I mean, I'd heard of Wolfgang Mozart plenty before, but never her which is terribly sad.

Because this was my first introduction to her, despite the fact that it was fictional, I became very invested in her story. I found myself entranced by this unique and fantastical take on her life, and her relationship with her brother. It is inherently a very fragile thing, given the nature of how society treated her versus her brother, but it was handled very well in my opinion. Truthfully, this style of book was a little unexpected from Marie Lu (who I only know of from her dystopian work), but she clearly knew what she was doing. So far, its my favorite work from her yet!

I absolutely adored Frankly in Love. The first time I heard about this book was through its killer marketing campaign. The publisher sent copies of the book to booktubers but instead of "Frankly," it would read the booktubers name. I thought that was such a unique and fun way to market the book, and it definitely caught my interest. So I knew I had to check it out.

I'm so pleased that I did because Frankly in Love is a rich story. Though I'm a sucker for romance, my absolute favorite part was the voice. It felt authentic and real, like I was hearing a story from one of my actual friends. From the get-go, I felt excited to learn more and root for Frank. While this premise is inherently sad, the voice gave the story the boost it needed to ever get to low.

Overall, I really enjoyed it and would recommend this book to anyone. After all, May is Asian Heritage month. Given the premise of the novel, it could be a very fun read that's on theme!

I decided to give The Vanishing Deep a go after thoroughly enjoying Scholte's Four Dead Queens. Though the premise of this novel is very different, it still definitely intrigued me and made me want to learn more. I've read stories with similar plots to this before, but I was definitely the most captivated by this one. The world-building was so cool and intricate, it had me itching to learn more about everything. I also really liked the characters and the sisters at the heart of the story. Overall, it made for a very lovely read.

The only thing I really don't like about is the cover. I don't think I'm going to purchase a physical copy unless the publisher creates an alternate dust jacket. I don't think this cover really does the book justice.

Rules for Vanishing was one of my most anticipated books of the year. I have such a love for the spooky season and, as soon as I first heard about it, I knew this release would be the perfect first read for the fall season. As soon as I began, I could not stop. It was like my own mind disappeared when the book began, and I just completely forget about everything else unrelated to it. When I went to lecture hall a college, I had become so addicted that I had it tucked behind my textbook so the professor wouldn’t see I could not care less about what he was talking about. I had essentially given my mind over to the narrative of Kate Alice Marshall from page one until the last. I think it’s something everyone will enjoy as it never gets too scary, but still maintains a chilling and suspenseful nature. If you like those types of books, or are just looking a little spooky something for the Halloween season, I cannot recommend this enough!!!

The Beautiful was my most anticipated book of 2019. I know the bulk of society decided they were done with vampires after Twilight, but that was something that I definitely never agreed to. Twilight was just getting me started on the vampire trend. The lack of these mythic creatures in seemingly most of recent releases has been disappointing, which means that as soon as The Beautiful was announced, it was at the top of my TBR.

Going in, I was entranced. The setting and atmosphere of the story is extraordinary. The attention to detail paints an image that is unfamiliar but addictive. It left me wanting to know and learn more. In addition, I absolutely loved the dynamics that were set up early in the story, such as that of Celine and Pippa. The relationships amongst the characters were the stabilizing force in the story and, truthfully, what actually ending up keeping me interested.

The only word I can think of to describe the second half of the book is “murky.” Its narrative and development felt very unclear to me. I found myself re-reading but still failing to comprehend the events that were taking place. The initial set up seemed to drift away. Revelations and plot twists seemed to come out of left-field. My least favorite trope of all time occurred. While the ending set up a very interesting thread to be continued in book 2, I couldn’t help but feel devastated at the turn the narrative and writing took. I’m crossing my fingers that book 2 will capture my heart the show more way that the beginning of this story did. Here’s to waiting another whole year for the answers I need! show less

This story was equal parts horrifying and gripping. I don’t typically read anything horror because I’m a bit of a scaredy-cat, but the Grimm element of the story intrigued me so I decided to give it a go. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. Even in spite of my fear, I knew I had to continue to see where the story led. The atmospheric writing creates an unforgettable tale, one that is sure to make the hair on the back of one’s neck stand up. The characters were a definite highlight, each unique and clearly fleshed out. It was easy to become attached to both Lauren and Harper. I loved every second of getting to follow their individual paths as they became intertwined in the same mystery.

I would say this book is a definite must-read, especially if you’re a fan of all things Grimm and horror. I hear there is going to be a motion-picture in the future so I definitely look forward to that!

P.S. You probably don’t want to read this if you’re pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or have recently had a child. I know that if I was any of the three previously mentioned, I likely would have a hard attack reading this book.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration if I said that this book has literally garnered all the hype in the world. Almost anywhere you turn, no matter what social media site you're using, it seems as though everyone is talking about this book. At times, such hype can be alarming since it can lead to disappointment if something doesn't live up to your expectations. However, Furyborn is a book which definitely withstood the hype test in my eyes and is deserving of all the commotion it has been making.

First and foremost, I have to say that this was a very unique book to read. Not only was the premise and style inventive (I really love the world this story is taking place in), but the fashion of jumping between separate-but-connected timelines was refreshing. Such a unique style of story-telling is uncommon for my reading taste so it was strange at first but also very fun to jump into.

Furyborn's cast of characters were also very fun. For the first half of the book, I didn't particularly care for Eliana but I really liked Rielle. However, as the story continued and readers were given further perspective into character's backstories and characterization, I began to quickly warm up to Eliana. Then, by the end of the book, she was undoubtedly my favorite character! Though she has a long journey to take in terms of growth, she is a character whose character arc I immensely look forward to. I am likewise intrigued by Rielle and her character arc, especially since the various time frames show more this story is told through hints at multiple directions that have yet to be realized. I'm very interested in seeing how such paths come into play, and if they are as good/bad as the future makes them out to be.

Overall, I thought this was a great first book in the series. I look forward to reading the sequel! show less

About half-way through this book, I realized that the author was the same woman who wrote Famous in Love (which I shamelessly adored). This felt like a huge revelation, since this particular book seemed like a huge deviation from her former releases. The writing style and mature story line are almost unrecognizable, and I really appreciated this aspect. It showed me the diversity of her skills as a writer, which makes me even more excited for her future releases!

But onto the actual book review...

Though this book is short, there is a lot of info and emotion packed into the 288 pages that are given. Rather than reading a story from start to finish, the book's short chapters made me feel like I was taking brief sneak peeks into Sabrina's life. The timeline is as befuddled as her emotions, and though it seems as though it would be confusing to understand, it somehow works. I felt the emotions of the characters in all their anger, resentment, and denial. Audrey Hepburn's inclusion on the dinner list is truthfully what initially drew me in, but I definitely stayed for the characters and their tangled relationships. While there were some relationships that I felt deserved more of a spot light, I did feel like everything was successfully wrapped up by the story's end. Though the ending did feel slightly depressing, the book delivers a nice message that will leave an impression on readers. All in all, a good read that feels memorable! 3.5 stars!

This book is one clever, clever page-turner. From the first page, I found myself drawn to the story and its characters, yearning to understand how their lives would intertwine and, if not, what connection they shared that would make them co-narrators of this story. My desire to find out what would happen next was so strong that it felt almost physically impossible to put this book down. I can't put my finger on what it was exactly, but something about the writing really drew me in. Both narrator's voices were very strong and distinctive. Not only that, they felt like the realistic thoughts and reactions of the teenagers they belonged to and their circumstances. Its been far too often that the books I've read have featured teenage protagonist with voices that were either too mature or too immature. I think Lies You Never Told Me hit the perfect middle-ground, in which the narrators' voices were perfectly reflective of their age and mindset, which I greatly appreciated.

That being said, I also have to say that there were several instances in the story where I was looking for more than what I was given. If I'm honest, Sasha's story-line felt a bit off at times. The character is vital to story, but a huge part of her arc seemed almost unnecessary in a larger context, with little motivation seemingly being given for her actions. Certain aspects of the story likewise didn't seem to meet full closure by the story's end, which was a bit disappointing.

Overall, this book is totally show more worth the read if only for that one plot twist. I can't say it or even hint at it since its so good, but I gasped out loud once I put two and two together. The author did a truly fantastic job. show less

This is one of those books where I decided would take my time while reading because I knew I would love it. What I didn’t anticipate is how much I would love it, even though I loved the first book as well. Those last couple of chapters completely blew my mind. I don’t know how Shusterman managed to create his universe, but I’m incredibly grateful he decided to share this idea and story with the world. This review doesn’t make sense, but I can’t formulate thoughts currently. 5/5 Stars!

Book: 2.5 stars
Audiobook: 4 stars

I started this story reading it from the physical copy and, unfortunately, I didn't enjoy myself. Personally, I felt as though the story started in a really bad place and, combined with the writing style, I nearly set it down for good. The narrative itself really focuses on the emotions of its characters. However, it does so in a manner that told readers about the characters rather than showing the readers. There were chapters dedicated to characters telling what they felt but never allowing them to show it through their actions. Andi was supposedly conflicted about the murders she had committed as the Bloody Baroness, yet had nothing concrete to show it for it. When it came to actual murder, she instead seemed to thrive and enjoy it. Because there was these types of contradictions between what each character supposedly felt and what they did, the story felt very weak in terms of authenticity and characterization.

About 30% of the way through I decided to switch to the audiobook and it was definitely worth it. The cast of voice actors really brought the story to life. I was able to focus less on the technical faults of the writing and more on the intended vision of the writers. The plot additionally really picked up as the story continued. I slowly became more invested in the story instead of feeling a simple necessity to continue in order to get my money's worth. If you plan on reading this story, then I definitely recommend listening to show more or reading along to it via audiobook. show less

I'm not going to lie, I bought this book because of its stunning book cover. Its been sitting on my book shelf for almost two years now because I never bothered to even read what the book was about until a couple of days ago when I was going through books in my TBR pile. Perhaps its the anticipation that has built over these past two years, but I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed in the story when I finally got around to reading it. Generally, the plot of this book is something that would typically be right up my alley, but I just couldn't get into the story in the same way I normally would. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. Overall, 3 stars.

I actually feel pretty devastated that this series is over, and I don't say that lightly. I never expected to love it this much, but it just works so well. Not only is it creative, it is also cleverly thought-out and organized so that everything feels as though it has a purpose. I'm so thrilled that this finale did justice to the series as a whole. I'm really hoping the authors collaborate again in the future because they seem to be an absolute dream team!

Loved, loved, loved it!

This book has been on my to-read list from what seems like the dawn of time. Every time I would pass it in the bookstore, I would tell myself "next time". Then, "next time" extended into what was only could've been eight years but felt like an eternity. I've read and loved much of Maureen Johnson's other pieces of work, so I was very excited when I finally decided to sit down and read this popular story.

However, I was left very disappointed. To be honest, it felt like I was walking through the steps of a story rather than actually reading one. The entire first half of the book is essentially the protagonist traveling to different locations, but that's it. We don't learn about her backstory, her ambitions, her personality... nothing. It wasn't until I was essentially three-quarters through the book that I felt like I was actually getting to know Ginny.

Don't get me wrong, this is a cute story and I can understand why people loved it when they first read it. However, Maureen Johnson's current work is an extreme improvement from the beginning of her writing career. Its interesting to see how her writing style must've changed throughout the years. Though this definitely wasn't my favorite book from her, I can definitely appreciate the journey that she is taken from here to be where she is today.

2.5-3 stars

I wasn't exactly sure what I would be getting myself into when I picked up this book, but it ended up being a very beautiful story. The leading character, Danny, is where the focus of the story lies but there are a multitude of stories within his own. Even if the story is technically about him, I feel like its meaning extended beyond more than just the one individual. The narrative was beautifully written and I was definitely intrigued. However, I do have to admit that it didn't feel like anything was happening until I was more than half-way through the book. The first 200 or so pages essentially functioned as backstory. While this payed off in the long-run, it did initially make me feel like I had to push my way through the first half of the book to get to the good stuff.

Overall, I would rate this book around 3.5 stars!

I feel like I can't even breathe. This book was such a rollercoaster from start to finish. I picked up reading this book, at the 44% mark, today around midnight, just to get in a chapter or two before I went to bed. It is now currently 5 A.M. and I have finished this masterpiece because I simply couldn't put the book down.

I don't even know how to articulate myself. I had heard the second book was better than the first but I didn't understand the magnitude of it. I'm trying to find the words but they keep escaping me.

But that might be because it's 5 A.M. I'll return to better articulate and organize my thoughts later.

I read along while listening to the audiobook and it was completely entrancing. While I'm sure reading the print version of this story alone would be just as amazing, I think listening to the audiobook brought the story and its musical element to another level. I truly think that this is a book that anyone of any age can enjoy. 5/5 stars!

There's really no need to review this book since everyone already pretty much knows how great it and the series are but I really just wanted to add a little bit of additional love. This book is what started it all and the very foundation upon which the series is laid. If, for whatever reason, you haven't read this book yet, add it to your TBR immediately!

I honestly hate it when people compare new books to popular shows or movies, but in this one instance, I have to point out how much this story reminds me of Avatar: The Last Airbender. It wasn't necessarily the plot, though there are certain similarities, but it was more of the emotion I felt develop throughout the story as the main characters continue on their journey together. It felt refreshing, with each character taking a journey of their own that tied together in a common thread and bound them together. Though Zélie is the main character of this story, it wasn't just her story that the story was telling. It was likewise her comrades' and their enemies' story, which helped to create a more round perspective of the entire conflict rather than simply Zélie's perspective.

At the beginning of this story, our protagonist is a ball of anger. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that Zélie's rage is palpable, bloody, and seemingly unending. As a reader, it occasionally grated on my nerves, as it kept resurfacing at every turn and seemed an all-consuming thought, but its inclusion was absolutely necessary in this story. It not only played a fundamental role in the underlying meaning of this book but it was likewise integral to Zélie's character arc. What is particularly wonderful about this story is that the author understands that a powerful, independent character doesn't necessarily equal a strongly written character, even if those particular characteristics are what show more audiences want and need. Instead, Zélie is made a powerful and strong character because the author wasn't afraid to highlight her flaws. In fact, its some of those flaws that later play into her greatest strengths. I really appreciated this protagonist, and actually felt as though she was the one who was taking me on a journey, rather than the plot.

Since the book is fantasy, I feel like I should talk about the magic system. Though I still have many questions for book 2, I believe it was well-developed and intriguing. It wouldn't be a stretch for me to personally say that its unlike anything I've ever read before.

On another note, I know very little about the Yoruba religion, so I can't say much of its portrayal in this book. However, it informed me about more than I already knew (though I'll have to look into how accurate it all is and what parts are fictional).

Overall, 4.5 stars! show less

I don't often read book from the cozy-mystery genre, but this book makes me want to look into further, starting with the next book in this series. I felt as though it was a very cute, light-hearted read that charmingly introduced readers into a new series of mysteries. While there wasn't anything substantially unique about this book, and I did have a couple things that occasionally irked me, it was still a nice book to sit down and relax with. Overall, 3.5 stars.

I knew from reading the synopsis of this book that I would immediately love it. The concept and plot of this story is superb, while its development is slow and steady. We meet our main character, Camellia, immediately and it’s through her naïve eyes that we are carried through the story. Since Camellia is essentially an outsider and separate from the bulk of society on account of her gifts, she worked as a great protagonist since readers are able to accurately and realistically learn about this creative universe through her perspective. Her slow character development led readers in a natural direction that was easy to follow. I absolutely fell in love with the mystery behind the true nature of this magical, fictional New Orleans.

My only complaint concerning this story is its writing style, which is technically only a matter of taste. I spent the first several chapters forcing myself to read rather than enjoying myself. However, once I became used to the writing style, I eventually came to love and enjoy it.

Overall, this is a completely original and thoroughly unique story which conveys a clear message that the author skillfully intertwines with the plot and heart of the story. Such a message is not thrust down reader’s throats, but told in a fashion that allows readers to develop their own perspective of the matter. The story works almost as an interpretative, symbolic piece representative of the struggles each and every individual likely feels each time they look show more in a mirror. I’m definitely anticipating book 2 of this series!

Overall, 4.5 - 5 stars! show less