REVIEW Persephone's Curse by Katrina Leno

Persephone's Curse by Katrina Leno
Rating: 4 Stars
Release: December 2, 2025
Format: eARC (NetGalley) + Audiobook (Library)
Publisher: Wednesday Books 

 When I originally picked up Persephone's Curse by Katrina Leno, I was expecting something more heavily rooted in fantasy and mythology. However, it was a pleasant surprise to learn that the book was closer in genre to magical realism, with only hints of mythology. Audiobook narrator Phoebe Strole did an excellent job bringing Winnie's perspective to life, along with that of the other Farthing sisters.

The Farthing sisters are said to be descended from the goddess Persephone, queen of the Underworld. Or at least, that's what their aunt tells them. The fact that all four sisters can see Henry, the ghost inhabiting their attic is pretty convincing though. At the heart of this story is the relationship between the sisters. There are romantic subplots, but they are secondary to the bond between each sister. A mistake committed in a moment of raw emotion and anger threatens that bond however, and the sisters have to work together to fix things before it's too late.

While it's not the highly involved worldbuilding one would expect with a fantasy novel, I really enjoyed the way the author wove the myth of Persephone (as well as Melinoe) into the story. There were just enough fantastical elements to make things believable, without making it feel like readers were being thrown into a Percy Jackson like adventure.

Overall, this was an excellent read and I'll definitely be checking out more by this author in the future. I highly recommend this book to fans of authors like Shea Ernshaw, Isabel Ibanez, or Adrienne Young. Thank you the author, the publisher, and the team at NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary review copy. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review the book immensely.

BLOG TOUR The Beasts We Raise (Broken Citadel Book 2) by D.L. Taylor

 
Hi friends! Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for The Beasts We Raise by D.L. Taylor, second book in the Broken Citadel series. Thank you to Toppling Stacks Tours for organizing the tour. Check out the post to learn more about the book, the author, and where you can get your own copy. Make sure you check out the other tour hosts' posts as well - the link to the schedule is below. 

Happy reading everyone!

The Beasts We Raise by D.L. Taylor (Toppling Stacks Tours)

About The Book

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publishing date: February 24, 2026

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Synopsis:

Marry her enemy. Save her realm. Forsake her heart. The heart-shattering conclusion to this dark romantasy duology is perfect for fans of Adrienne Young, Tricia Levenseller, and Brigid Kemmerer.

Newly-appointed Prime Mancella is desperate to keep the peace within her realm and within herself. Having recently acquired the power to physically split into separate versions of herself, her identity is beginning to fracture―along with her land, which is on the brink of war. The only semblance of normalcy in her life is her budding romance with thief-turned-confidant, Silver. . . at least until the mysterious Prime Reltas arrives at her doorstep asking, or rather demanding, her hand in marriage.

If Mance wants to avoid a fight that will devastate her realm, she’ll have to consider the proposal. Even if it destroys Silver. But Mance isn’t ready to give up just yet. Desperate to free herself from the betrothal, Mance must seek allyship from other Primes and learn to control her new magic. If she fails, her decision to refuse Reltas’s proposal will implode the delicate state of affairs across the realms, setting off a catastrophic war―and shatter two hearts in the process.

Content Warning: Some graphic death, grief, trauma

About the Author

D.L. Taylor is an attorney by trade. She’s worked in criminal defense and civil non-profit law, but writing has always had a special hold on her heart. Though she hails from the sunny lands of California, she married a Midwestern boy and ended up settling down outside Chicago. She has three kids, two cats, and minimal sanity, but in the quiet hours before dawn she likes to write about magic, mischief, and moral quandaries. The Beasts We Bury is her debut.

For more, you can follow her on Instagram or TikTok. Her handle is dltaylorbooks

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

REVIEW A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim

A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Format: eBook (Personal Library) + Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim is a new standalone fantasy romance that's filled with Lim's signature worldbuilding (and dragons!), slow burn romance, and lots of East-Asian inspired elements. Audiobook narrator Mirai did an excellent job bringing the story to life with her performance. While the book is marketed as a Beauty and the Beast reimagining, the story focuses more on the mission and the fantasy elements than the romance. That didn’t detract from the story at all, and helped add to the uniqueness.

Truyan is a gifted art forger who stepped up to take care of her family after her father's disappearance at sea and her mother's gambling habits worsened.. After a sale of a forgery went wrong, Truyan runs into the mysterious 'Demon Prince' Elang who offers her a deal. Protection for her family in exchange for her help (and the use of her gift in painting the future) with overthrowing the Dragon King. The only catch? To overthrow the Dragon King, they both must venture to his domain and underwater kingdom.

The worldbuilding and the chemistry between Tru and Elang were what kept me hooked throughout the story. The author painted such a vivid picture of the underwater kingdom that it was easy to envision in my mind. I didn’t expect to see turtles depicted as handmaidens and mermaids as queens, but it worked well for this book. There's also some major twists and unexpected reveals in Tru and Elang's relationship that I didn't expect. While there's a slow burn romance developing, they also treat each other like reluctant partners in crime a good portion of the time which was entertaining. And all the art metaphors, especially with the main theme of the book being art forgery, were particularly witty; my favorite line was "Gray is the color of truth. The same in art as it is in life, nothing is ever as black and white as it looks."

Overall, this was a great book and a very bingeable fantasy. It's currently listed as a standalone novel, and I liked how the author wrapped up the story threads at the end of the book. I recommend this novel to fans of Lim's earlier works, as well as dragons, fantasy romance, and books inspired by East Asian folklore.

BLOG TOUR Bitten by Jordan Stephanie Gray

Hi friends! Welcome to my stop on the tour for Bitten by Jordan Stephanie Gray, organized by Toppling Stacks Tours (formerly TBR and Beyond Tours). Please check out my post to learn more about the book, read my review, and learn more about this fabulous debut author too. If you want to pick up your own copy (since this book comes out tomorrow), I've included the links for you to be able to do so. Make sure you show some love to the other tour hosts too. The link to the schedule is below. Happy reading everyone!

Bitten by Jordan Stephanie Gray Tour Schedule (Toppling Stacks Tours)

About the Book

Check out the book's Goodreads page
Get the book on Amazon!
Get the book on Libro.fm!
Get the book on Barnes and Noble

Crescent City meets Fourth Wing in this fast-paced and romantic debut, in which a teenage girl must survive ruthless werewolves, a glittering court, and deadly politics to exact revenge on the monsters who destroyed her.

After a vicious werewolf attack on the night of her seventeenth birthday party, Vanessa Hart loses everything she loves in a split second. Her best friend, her father, and even her home.

Bitten and imprisoned without explanation, Vanessa endures an agonizing transformation into the very beast that maimed her, and her captors make it clear she cannot escape: she will either swear her life to the Wolf Queen’s Court, or she will die.

With no other choice, Vanessa joins their enchanted Castle Severi—where flowering vines grow through the walls, gifts are bestowed by the stars, and a claw can break through skin as easily as silk—but she hasn’t forgotten what they stole from her.

Vanessa still seeks vengeance, scheming in the shadows even as she finds herself mesmerized by the golden prince Sinclair Severi, who threatens to steal her heart though he is promised to her nemesis. And by his brooding, disgraced cousin, Calix, whose smoldering gaze hides even darker secrets. Immersed in the magic of their whimsical yet cruel society, Vanessa soon learns not all is as it seems.

The Court is at war, and she may simply be a pawn in its lethal game.

Content Warning: murder

Review of Bitten by Jordan Stephanie Gray
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: September 30th, 2025
Format: eARC (Courtesy of Publisher/NetGalley)
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

I've followed Jordan Gray (and her critique partner/best friend Shelby Mahurin) on Instagram for years, so it was so exciting to see all of her years of work come to fruition when she got her book deal. And when I finally got to read her debut novel, Bitten, it was an oh my god moment (in the best way possible). Bitten pulls no punches with vicious world building, and is probably one of the most memorable young adult paranormal romance/romantasy books I've read in a long time. So many twists and turns, heart wrenching moments, and that ending - I'm gonna be thinking about that for a while and I'm crossing all my fingers and toes that a sequel comes out soon (please please let there be a sequel).

The worldbuilding I think was my favorite part of the book. After Vanessa's brutal transition and introduction to the Wolf Queen's courts, she's metaphorically thrown into the deep end as she must learn the hierarchy or be killed in the process. Between the hierarchy (going from the ruling Kings and Queens down to deltas and omegas), along with the nobility structure, there was a lot to learn but I was all here for it. It was engaging and fast paced along with a little bit of political intrigue.

The romance was also entertaining. There's a palpable tension between Vanessa and Crown Prince Sinclair, but of course the aformentioned hierachies and nobility make things complicated. Especially when Vanessa is an anomaly as a Bitten werewolf who carves out her own place in the hierarchy. There were just enough moments of them giving into the tension to be satisfying, so I'm excited to see where the author will take their relationship in the future.

Overall, an amazing book and I'm so glad I had the chance to read it early (even if it means I have to wait longer for the sequel). I highly recommend it to fans of paranormal romance or romantasy books, especially if you love werewolves. Thank you to the author, the publiser Little, Brown Childrens, the team at Toppling Stacks Tours and Netgalley for providing me with a complimentary review copy of the book as part of my participation in the tour. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review the book immensely. Please note - all opinions expressed in the review are my own, and not influenced in any way.

About the Author 

Jordan Stephanie Gray is the debut author of the young adult werewolf romantasy, Bitten, and the adult mermaid romantasy, The Wicked Sea.

When she isn’t dreaming up the fantastical and romantic, she is likely cuddling her two pugs and two chihuahuas in sunny Florida.

You can follow her journey through up-to-date newsletters on Substack and on Instagram.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

REVIEW That Self-Same Metal (The Forge and Fracture Saga #1) by Brittany N. Williams

That Self-Same Metal (The Forge and Fracture Saga #1) by Brittany N. Williams
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Release Date: April 25, 2023
Format: Paperback (Giveaway Win from Abrams Books, YALLWest 2025) + Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Amulet Books

Brittany N. Williams’ young adult debut novel That Self Same Metal, first book in The Forge and Fracture Saga, was an excellent blend of historical fiction based on fact and fantasy. The premise is really cool; an Orisha blessed Black girl taking on the fae in Shakespearean London is epic and very enticing to readers such as myself. I want to applaud audiobook narrator Patricia Allison who did a good job bringing the story to life with her performance. 

The author has obviously done their homework with Shakespeare’s plays, as the scenes where the King's Men were performing were incredibly immersive. She also highlighted the sexism and racism that a young black female would have experienced in that time period in a way that made sense with the story. While the story is based on historical fact, it's a fictitious representation of ‘the Bard’ and I wasn’t used to seeing him as an actual character on the page. I also didn’t realize that Shakespeare’s plays had so much offensive language (from euphemisms to slurs), as the last time I read them they were a version adjusted to be more appropriate for high schoolers. 

The action takes a bit to pick up, but once the main players (major fae) are introduced it’s full steam ahead. I’m intrigued to see where the author goes with the (possibly) polyamorous love triangle in future books of the series. 

I recommend this book to young adult fantasy readers who enjoy West African mythology, Shakespeare, and anything related to the fae. Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a paperback copy of the book as part of a giveaway win from YALLWest 2025. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review the book immensely. 

REVIEW Promchanted by Morgan Matson

Promchanted by Morgan Matson
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: March 5, 2024
Format: eBook (Personal Libary, Kindle) + Audiobook (Borrowed from Libary)
Publisher:  Disney Hyperion

"Because when you love a story, you want to stay in that world. Really live in it."

I was first introduced to Morgan Matson's Promchanted after watching her "Putting a Spin on the Recipe" panel at YallWest 2025, and I had to read it because it sounded like so much fun. Main characters Stella and Reece (who have been dealing with their own frustrations and heartbreak) are thrown into the story of Sleeping Beauty together after visiting Disneyland the night of prom.

It's a little Back to the Future-esque and zany, as Stella and Reece quickly realize their presence is messing with the original story and they have to make sure things go right (otherwise they won't get home). The two of them have very different experiences (with Reece staying with Phil, aka the prince, and Stella staying with Rose and her aunts the fairies). I really enjoyed watching them both grow and become invested in the story. I felt for Stella's heartbreak after getting dumped a short time before prom, and struggling to believe in love and happily ever afters from fairy tales anymore. While Reece isn't dealing with heartbreak, he has his own familoy issues at home to contend with.

Overall, this was a great modern rom-com mixed with fairy tale. I was really impresed with all the research the author did to make things feel more real. Audiobook narrator Shaina Summerville did a great job bringing the emotion and action of the story to life with her peformance. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy humorous heartfelt romance reads with a little bit of Disney magic thrown in.

REVIEW Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins

Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Format: Audiobook (Libro.fm)
Publisher: Scholastic Press

While it's been 5 years since the last Hunger Games book release, the series is no less impactful. Suzanne Collins did not pull any punches with Sunrise on the Reaping, which follows Haymitch's origin story and features the fiftieth Hunger Games. Haymitch's history is impactful and heartbreaking, and the author puts a major highlight on the power and impact of propaganda with the aftermath of the games. 

The amount of cameos and previous characters that make an appearance in this book is astonishing. Many of them also make an appearance in Catching Fire, but this book gives a background on why they are the way they are and how they become part of the eventual rebellion. I didn't realize how on the nose Haymitch's statement of there being no true victors of the Hunger Games, just survivors was. It's also curious how Ms. Collins has told the story exclusively through the lens of the four District 12 victors. While I think she’s done writing books (for now), there are definitely other victors I’d like to learn more about (such as Mags, Beetee, and Finnick).

Witnessing the horrors of the different arenas on the page was particularly impactful. The tidbits we see of how Wiress won her games were shocking (though also vindicating). And while readers have gotten teasers of Haymitch's arena, there was nothing like reading about the real thing (especially since perspectives are skewed much later on). As a reader, it was also particularly heart wrenching to put faces to the tributes who fans of the series know are destined to die.

Overall, this was an emotional and gripping read. The movie was announced the same time as the book, and I'm curious to see what the cast and crew will do with the source material. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy dystopian fiction reads that aren't afraid of social and political commentary.

BLOG TOUR Nightweaver (Nightweaver #1) by RM Gray

 

Hi friends! Welcome to my stop on the tour organized by TBR and Beyond Tours for Nightweaver, the first book in the Nightweaver series by R.M. Gray. Check out my post to learn more about the book, my thoughts on the book, the author, and learn how you can get your own copy. Make sure you show the other tour hosts some love as well. The link to the tour schedule is below. Happy reading everyone!

Nightweaver by R.M. Gray Tour Schedule (TBR and Beyond Tours)

About the Book

Violet Oberon had never stepped foot on land.

Six hundred years after the Nightweavers claimed human lands for their own, the ocean is a haven for seventeen-year-old Violet and her family. Notorious pirates of the Western Sea, the Oberon clan are undefeated in battle—until an Underling murders Violet’s brother, and she discovers there are monsters more fearsome than the Nightweavers that have taken them captive.

When the son of a wealthy Nightweaver shows Violet and her family mercy, offering employment at his estate rather than enslavement, Violet vows not to forget that he is everything she hates. But as she adjusts to her new role as a kitchen maid at Bludgrave Manor, she finds that hatred is a curious thing. Arrogant, entitled, right hand to the wicked prince, William Castor might be the key to avenging her brother-and reclaiming her freedom.

But mercy always comes with a price. As Violet hunts the Underling responsible for her brother’s death, dark secrets threaten to unravel everything she thought she knew about the Nightweavers, herself, and her world. Torn between family loyalty and a chance at revenge, the cost of learning the truth about her brother’s murder could be her life.

Content Warning: murder, blood and gore, death

Genre: YA Fantasy
Publishing date: October 13, 2023

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

BOOK REVIEW
Rating: 4 Stars

Nightweaver by R.M. Gray was a very intriguing read. With a Pirates of the Carribean vibe (very Curse of the Black Pearl), its an intriguing fantasy novel and a great debut. There's also hints of romance throughout the story, but the lore and the emphasis on family loyalty are two big themes in this novel.  

The worldbuilding in this book is fantastic. Readers are thrown straight into the action of the story, with Violet and her family's ship being attacked by the feared Nightweavers. After they (unsurprisingly) lose the battle and are brought to shore, Violet is shocked to learn that all the stories she's heard for years are not as they seem on land. While they are spared by the generosity of a Nightweaver noble, Violet's loathe to trust him since "Kindness is the great deceiver". They are forced to work together, however, when humans on the estate keep getting attacked by monsters out of myths and legends. 

The characters were also great. You could feel Violet's resentment towards her family towards settling in as servants to the Nightweaver so easily, while also recognizing that they'd been fighting for a very long time. Will was an enigma of a character whose motivations were unclear during parts of the book. And the mystery of Captain Shade's identity was a fun one to unravel, as I guessed wrong multiple times before the big reveal. 

Overall, this was a fun read. I'm excited to see what's next in the series. This book is a great read for young adult fantasy enthusiasts who enjoy adventure, mystery and romance. If you enjoyed Pirates of the Carribean or The 100, this would be a great option for you. 

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and the team at TBR and Beyond Tours for providing me with a complimentary review copy of this book as part of my participation in the tour. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review the book immensely. Please note - I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All opinions expressed in the review are my own and not influenced in any way. 

About the Author

R.M. Gray lives in Texas with her husband and two giant dogs, where she enjoys writing stories about pirates, magic, mystery, and all things fantastical. A self-proclaimed expert at whistling and a dedicated collector of lightsabers, she spends her days drinking too much Earl Grey tea, re-watching old cartoons, and thinking up new ways to break readers’ hearts. She invites you to visit her online at rmgraybooks.com or @rmgrayauthor.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

BLOG TOUR Liar's Kingdom by Christine Callela

Hi friends! Welcome to my stop on the tour organized by TBR and Beyond Tours for Liar's Kingdom by Christine Callela. Check out my post to learn more about the book, the author and where you can get yourself a copy. Make sure you show the other hosts some love as well. The link to the tour schedule is below. Happy reading everyone!

Liar's Kingdom by Christine Callela Tour Schedule (TBR and Beyond Tours) 

About the Book

Ell has spent years slaving away for her cruel stepfamily. So when Prince Bayard—who seems to have difficulty recognizing faces—shows up at her door with a glass slipper, Ell allows him to believe she danced with him at the ball. There’s just one problem: Ell didn’t attend the ball and she’s never met the prince before in her life. But if it’s a choice between moving to the royal palace or staying home, Ell is willing to say anything to escape.

However, Ell finds that being royalty comes with its own problems. Bayard’s sister, the princess, has gone missing. The king is preparing for war against the fae. And Maxim, Bayard’s treacherous (and handsome) best friend, appears to know Ell is lying.

If Ell wants to keep this life she’s stolen, she’s going to have to roll up her sleeves and rescue herself.

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publishing date: January 14, 2025

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Review of Liar's Kingdom by Christine Callela 

Rating: 4 Stars

Format: eARC (Courtesy of TBR and Beyond Tours and Publisher)

Christine Callela's new young adult fantasy, Liar's Kingdom, was an innovative and exciting spin on the Cinderella fairy tale. The prince of the kingdom is on a hunt for the girl he met at the ball, and all he has to find her is the glass slipper she left behind. But little does the prince know, the first girl he meets whose foot fits the slipper (Ell) never actually went to the ball. 

I loved the twists in this book. The prince's face blindness in particular was so unique, and I appreciated how it honored the original tale without parroting it exactly. The incorporation of the fae into the story was also excellent, and it added another layer of magic and intrigue to the tale. 

The characters were excellent. Ell is not the whimsical and naive girl from the Disney fairytale. She's been living a hard life subject to the whims of her step-family for years, and is desperate to do whatever she can to escape. Seeing the opportunity, she jumps at the chance to leave with the prince. Maxim was another interesting character, and I loved the verbal sparring matches that the two got into. 

Overall, this was a great read and I'm excited to see more from this author in the future. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy fairytale retellings complete with unique twists, thought provoking themes, and morally grey heroines. 

Favorite Quotes

• A nice pinch is sometimes what you need to remind yourself the good things around you aren't a dream. 
• ...don't ever want to be so evil someone would rather shatter than forgive me. 
• I love you because, from the first moment our hands touched, it was like lightning. I felt like we were made for each other. Like you were my other half. 

About the Author

When not writing, Christine Calella spends her spare time singing showtunes in the shower, drinking more chai lattes than is strictly necessary, and either over- or under-watering an unfortunate string of houseplants named after sitcom characters. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University, and she lives in New York City.

As her romance alter ego, Madeline Bell, Christine also pens adult rom-coms with a bookish twist. For more information, check out the Books section, under the “By Madeline Bell” drop-down.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

REVIEW Celestial Monsters (The Sunbearer Duology #2) by Aiden Thomas

Celestial Monsters (The Sunbearer Duology #2) by Aiden Thomas

Rating: 4 Stars

Release Date: September 3, 2024

Format: eBook (Personal Library) + Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

 “He cursed the universe for giving him the ability to talk to birds but not boys”

Aiden Thomas’ second book in The Sunbearer Trials duology, Celestial Monsters, was an amazing sequel filled with fantasy adventure, found family and even a bit of romance. After the failed sacrifice at the end of the last book, the Obsidians have been released and it’s up to Teo and his friends Niya and Aurelio to get the sun stone back before it’s too late. 

The characters were quite compelling, and it played well with the overarching storyline and themes. Xio was the catalyst for the Obsidians being released, but they are quite conflicted. They always wanted to find somewhere where they belonged, but realized too late that their ‘birth’ family might not be the answer to that dilemma. Teo refused to fill the same role that so many Sunbearers in the past had, acknowledging his ‘mistake’ and called out the Golds and Jades for allowing so many semidioses to lose their lives when it wasn’t necessary. They both were underestimated by those around them, but it ultimately ends up working in their favor. Without spoilers, I liked how some of the major players in this conflict were not the most flashy or the most powerful (on paper), but rather silent and strong figures content to be background players until their intervention was necessary. 

The representation in these books was excellent. There are all sorts of backgrounds and romantic preferences in the book. Transgender characters are widely accepted, as are those of different sexualities. There was also freedom for the characters to explore their identities; Xio transitions from using he/him pronouns to they/them pronouns part way through the book. When they announce this change to some of the other characters, they are thanked for sharing (and said characters promptly switch back to harassing them for their poor decisions immediately after). I really appreciate the opportunity to learn more about different backgrounds and groups. 

Overall, an excellent book from Aiden Thomas. Narrator Andre Santana did an excellent job bringing the perspectives of the various characters to life with their performance in the audiobook. While I’m sad Teo’s story is over, I’m very happy with the ending (it was well written and satisfying). I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy reads that celebrate LGBTQ+ backgrounds, complete with Mexican-mythology inspired worldbuilding, found family, and romance. 

REVIEW Spectacular: A Caraval Holiday Novella by Stephanie Garber

Spectacular: A Caraval Holiday Novella by Stephanie Garber (Illustrated by Rosie Fowinkle)

Rating: 3.5 Stars
Release Date: October 22, 2024
Format: eBook (Personal Library)
Publisher: Flatiron Books

Stephanie Garber’s newest release, Spectacular: A Caraval Holiday Novella, was a fun return into the world of the original trilogy. It’s Scarlett’s first holiday season as Empress, and her sister Donatella has no idea of what to get her love Legend for the event. Her quest to find the perfect gift is a fun and quick adventure that will leave fans of the original books enchanted. 

As expected from a novella, it’s a rather short story. A quick taste of the different characters, the whimsical aspect of the story was elevated by the illustrations interspersed throughout the pages done by Rosie Fowinkle (@/rosiethorns88 on IG). Overall, I enjoyed the read and I think it’s designed for fans of the original books (not so much those new to the series). 

REVIEW Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier

Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: April 9, 2024
Format: Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Clarion Books 

Makiia Lucier’s newest young adult fantasy novel, Dragonfruit, is one of the most unique books I’ve read in a long time. Inspired by Pacific Islander folktales and mythology, the author weaves together an engaging storyline and well developed characters to make an entertaining read. 

Hanalei of Tamarind has spent most of her life away from her homeland, after her father made a decision to steal a priceless treasure from the crown in the name of saving her life (and died shortly after). She originally had no intentions to ever return home (feeling she would not be welcomed), but fate had other plans when it offered a chance to make things right and all but dropped her into the arms of her childhood best friend, Prince Samahtitamahenele (or ‘Sam’). When they reunite, Hanalei reveals the chance to save the Princess (Sam’s mother) and right the wrong that happened so many years ago in the form of a pregnant dragon bearing ‘dragonfruit’. However, they are not the only ones looking for it, and using dragonfruit may come with more of a cost then they realize…

The worldbuilding in this book is awesome. I really liked getting to visit the different islands, and learn about the sea dragons and the pantheon that rules over the Nomi Nomi sea. I also really loved the bits of magic included; for example, many of the noble residents of Tamarind have magical companions that can reside in the form of tattoos, or come off of their skin to help serve a purpose (i.e. carry messages, defend others). The characters were a highlight too. I loved getting to see Sam and Hanalei’s growth over the course of the book. I also loved the scenes with Sam’s grandmother, the Queen. She struck me as a very fair and balanced ruler who considers the whole of a situation rather than ruling on emotion; she is also not afraid to get down and dirty if it means saving her people, and she’s totally a badass grandma in my opinion. While those characters are the main players in the story, there are a lot of other characters in the cast. I appreciate how easy the author made it to remember everyone, and how every character served a purpose (and wasn’t thrown in ‘just because’). 

Overall, I’m really impressed by this book. The narrator Mapuana Makia did a great job bringing the story to life with her performance in the audiobook. It seems like it was designed to be standalone, but I would love to see more in this world and get to explore Hanalei and Sam’s budding romance a bit more. If you love books with dragons and diverse mythology, this would be a great choice. 

BLOG TOUR This Book Won't Burn by Samira Ahmed

Hi friends! Welcome to my stop on the tour organized by TBR and Beyond Tours for This Book Won't Burn by Samira Ahmed. Check out my post to learn more about the book, the author, and where you can get a copy of the book. Make sure you check out the posts of the other stops as well, and show the hosts some love. The link to the tour schedule is below. 

Happy reading everyone!

This Book Won't Burn by Samira Ahmed Tour Schedule (TBR and Beyond Tours)

About the Book 

From the New York Times bestselling author of Internment comes a timely and gripping social-suspense novel about book banning, activism, and standing up for what you believe. 

After her dad abruptly abandons her family and her mom moves them a million miles from their Chicago home, Noor Khan is forced to start the last quarter of her senior year at a new school, away from everything and everyone she knows and loves. Reeling from being uprooted and deserted, Noor is certain the key to survival is to keep her head down and make it to graduation.  But things aren’t so simple. At school, Noor discovers hundreds of books have been labeled “obscene” or “pornographic” and are being removed from the library in accordance with a new school board policy. Even worse, virtually all the banned books are by queer and BIPOC authors.  Noor can’t sit back and do nothing, because that goes against everything she believes in, but challenging the status quo just might put a target on her back. Can she effect change by speaking up? Or will small-town politics—and small-town love—be her downfall? 

Genre: Young Adult Realistic Contemporary
Publishing date: May 7th, 2024

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

About the Author

Samira Ahmed is the bestselling author of Love, Hate & Other Filters, Internment, Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know, Hollow Fires, and the Amira & Hamza middle-grade duology, as well as a Ms. Marvel comic book mini-series.  Her poetry, essays, and short stories have appeared in numerous publications and anthologies including the New York Times, Take the Mic, Color Outside the Lines, Vampires Never Get Old and A Universe of Wishes.

She was born in Bombay, India, and grew up in Batavia, Illinois, in a house that smelled like fried onions, spices, and potpourri. A graduate of the University of Chicago, Samira has taught high school English in both the suburbs of Chicago and New York City, worked in education non-profits, and spent time on the road for political campaigns.

Website | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads

BLOG TOUR Deep is the Fen by Lili Wilkinson

Hi friends! Welcome to tour organized by TBR and Beyond Tours for Deep is the Fen by Lili Wilkinson. Check out the post to learn more about the book and the author as well as where you can get a copy of the book. Make sure you show the other tour hosts some love as well. The link to the tour schedule is below. 

Happy reading everyone!

Deep is the Fen by Lili Wilkinson Tour Schedule (TBR and Beyond Tours)

About the Book

Merry doesn’t need a happily-ever-after. Her life in the charming, idyllic town of Candlecott is fine just as it is. Simple, happy, and with absolutely no magic. Magic only ever leads to trouble.

But Merry’s best friend, Teddy, is joining the Toadmen—a secret society who specialize in backward thinking and suspiciously supernatural traditions—and Merry is determined to stop him. Even if it means teaming up with the person she hates most: her academic archnemesis, Caraway Boswell, an ice-cold snob who hides his true face under a glamour.

An ancient Toad ritual is being held in the sinister Deeping Fen, and if Merry doesn’t rescue Teddy before it’s finished, she’ll lose him forever. But the Toadmen have been keeping dangerous secrets, and so has Caraway. The farther Merry travels into Deeping Fen’s foul waters, the more she wonders if she’s truly come to save her friend . . . or if she’s walking straight into a trap.

There’s nothing the Toadmen love more than a damsel in distress.

Genre: YA Fantasy
Publishing date: April 16th, 2024

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

REVIEW of Deep is the Fen by Lili Wilkinson

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Format: eARC (Courtesy of Publisher and TBR and Beyond Tours) and Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Lili Wilkinson’s newest young adult fantasy novel, Deep is the Fen, was a surprisingly gripping read. Mixing bits of fantasy and fairy tale with romance and mystery, I was hooked rather quickly after starting. At times, I thought I knew where the story was going but the author kept me on my toes. 

Merriweather Morgan, usually referred to as ‘Merry’ or ‘Morgan’ enjoys life with her best friends Teddy and Sol while also keeping her ability to see magic (or “mettle”) a secret from everyone she knows. When Teddy decides he wants to join the same male only group her father is a part of, the ‘Toadmen’, Merry is desperate to stop him and not lose one of her only friends. When she teams up with rival Caraway Boswell, however, they discover there’s a lot more to the Toadmen than meets the eye. 

Worldbuilding caught my attention in this book fairly quickly. I really loved the secret society nature of the Toadmen, as well as the magic system in place in the world. Magic is controlled by powerful corporations, and they’ve made it taboo for anyone to practice it outside of what they produce. Rogue witches are locked away for “rehabilitation”, and the practices of groups like the Toadmen are ignored in the name of power. There are some darker elements in the book (bordering on horror), but I think it all blended together very well to create a narrative I found myself very invested in.

The characters were compelling too. I really liked Caraway and Merry’s dynamic, and it was fun to see their progression from rivals to lovers. As a secondary relationship, it was also nice to see Teddy and Sol’s love story too, especially since it’s a queer romance (Sol is described to be transgender early in the story). The various side characters were compelling too, and I appreciated how they added to the overall narrative. 

My only complaint about the book was the setting. It was really hard to envision at times, what with the seemingly fairy tale village esque references mixed with more contemporary references (i.e. prom, conventions, cars, etc.) Once we got to the Fen, it was easier but everything outside of that was almost mismatched in my head at times. 

Overall, this was a great read and I’m happy I took the time to pick it up after the blog tour. I would recommend this book to young adult fantasy readers who enjoy unique worldbuilding, innovative magic systems, and a “rivals to lovers” romance subplot. Narrator Imogen Wilde did an excellent job with her performance in the audiobook. While this book is standalone (and wraps up nicely), I will definitely be checking out more of Ms. Wilkinson’s books in the future (especially her debut novel, A Hunger of Thorns which I learned is set in the same world as this book). 

Thank you to the author, the publisher Delacorte Press, the team at TBR and Beyond Tours, and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary review copy of the book as part of my participation in the blog tour. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review Deep is the Fen immensely. Please note - I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All opinions expressed in the review are my own and not influenced in any way. 

About the Author

Lili Wilkinson is the award-winning author of eighteen books for young people, including The Erasure Initiative and After the Lights Go Out. Lili has a PhD from the University of Melbourne, and is a passionate advocate for YA and the young people who read it, establishing the Inky Awards at the Centre for Youth Literature, State Library of Victoria. Her latest book is Deep is the Fen.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook