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In January, I read 7 books - a total of 2,202 pages! ✨

The Empty Grave (Jonathan Stroud)

The Deal (Elle Kennedy)

Sorcery of Thorns (Margaret Rogerson)

Mysteries of Thorn Manor (Margaret Rogerson)

I'm Glad My Mom Died (Jennette McCurdy)

letters from medea (Salma Deera)

Scout's Honor (Lily Anderson)

You can find my ratings and thoughts on these books below the cut!

The Empty Grave

Storygraph

My Rating: 5/5 ⭐

My Thoughts: great ending that left the world open for future additions. really wish there had been less comments about george’s weight.

The Deal

Storygraph

My Rating: 5/5 ⭐

My Thoughts: third re-read. loved it just as much as the last two times. even with all of it’s cheesy bits.

Sorcery of Thorns

Storygraph

My Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐

My Thoughts: really enjoyed the prose (especially in regards to the library), character growth, magic system, and world-building. had very mixed feelings about elisabeth’s age though.

Mysteries of Thorn Manor

Storygraph

My Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐

My Thoughts: the fact that in this world, books and libraries and houses are sentient beings because of all of the magic laid into them for centuries is one of the reasons i enjoyed it. seeing more of that in this novella was wonderful. also i have to make this known: silas is my favourite character.

I'm Glad My Mom Died

Storygraph

My Rating: 5/5 ⭐

My Thoughts: seeing the truth behind something that brought me joy and that i genuinely think shaped me, my personality, and my sense of humor was rough. i hate that something that was like this for me was like that for the actors that i looked up to when i was younger. jennette’s journey to healing was poignant and beautiful.

letters from medea

Storygraph

My Rating: 3/5 ⭐

My Thoughts: i was really looking forward to this collection but i was honestly a little disappointed by it. there were some parts that were really good, like hit you in the face, make your chest ache good. the rest were just okay. maybe i built it up too much in my head.

Scout's Honor

Storygraph

My Rating: 3/5 ⭐

My Thoughts: the whole girl-scout-meets-monster-slayer aspect was amazing, really drew me in and kept me hooked. the monsters were gross and creepy, the characters (mostly) loveable and relatable. i felt like there were some similarities to buffy the vampire slayer, mostly in the whole “why are young girls responsible for this?” aspect of it all. really great read!

You can read the full thread of my 2024 reads on Twitter!

#monthly round up #2024 reads #january 2024 #* #reviews #booklr #book blog #book tumblr #book blogger #yearly reads

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PLAYLIST FOR BOOK #1 IN ’THE GIRLS OF DOGWOOD VILLA’.

‘tolerate it’ by taylor swift //// ‘timing is everything’ by exes //// ‘everybody loves you’ by the chicks //// ‘just for now’ by maren morris //// ‘wondering’ by good charlotte //// ‘dance around’ by carobae //// ‘the movies’ by nightly + more

#my writing #the girls of dogwood villa #adfmsw #godwv #author playlist #my playlists

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My Rating: 5/5 ⭐

Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Published: 28 June 2022 | Wednesday Books

Content Warnings: death, gore, violence, murder, abandonment, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempt, child abuse, religious bigotry, war, alcohol consumption, physical injury, strangulation, isolation

Goodreads | Storygraph

          This Vicious Grace by Emily Thiede follows Alessa, a girl meant to be the savior of her island home, Saverio. As a Finestra, her duty is to protect her people from a swarm of demons that comes every couple of decades by amplifying the powers of people with magical abilities called Fontes. Unfortunately, Alessa keeps killing her Fontes when she touches them. There have been three weddings and three funerals in her time as Finestra and time is running out. 

          The people of Saverio are beginning to doubt her ability to protect them and she no longer trusts the guards who are meant to protect her. Alessa hires a brooding street fighter with a few secrets up his sleeve as her bodyguard and begins to train with the Fontes that remain on the island, the few that didn’t leave in fear, hoping to build a connection that will stop her from killing them. But will this be enough to stop the demons when they come?

          With beautiful, engaging and atmospheric writing, This Vicious Grace was a compelling debut with so many things that I adored, like the italian-inspired worldbuilding and mythology, the found family trope, a grumpy but sweet bodyguard, and endless batter. Thiede pairs divine magic and religious tension in the best way and crafts characters who grow with each page, who are deeply fascinating and loveable. If you love books with all of this, several scenes that will have you sobbing into the pages and more, This Vicious Grace is perfect for you.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

#this vicious grace #emily thiede #NetGalley #Netgalley ARC #book review #book reviews #book reviewer #booklr #bookblr #book tumblr #book blogger #books #bookish #* #5stars

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HAPPY MONDAY, Y’ALL!

Welcome to another It’s Monday! What are you reading? It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these. Or really any kind of post aside from random book reviews here and there. I’m hoping to get back into posting regularly so let’s start with what I’ve been reading lately!

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?

Right now, I’m trying to finish Wicked As You Wish by Rin Chupeco. I’ve been reading it with my book club and was supposed to finish it yesterday, in time for our Book Talk. I’ve had a pretty rough week though so I’m very behind on it. I should be finished reading it by Thursday though because that’s when we rescheduled the Book Talk for.

WHAT HAVE YOU READ RECENTLY?

To be honest, I haven’t been reading much of anything lately. Aside from fanfiction. I just haven’t been able to get into any of the books I’ve tried to pick up. I’m feeling a lot better though so hoping to just back into my TBR next week!

WHAT DO YOU PLAN ON READING NEXT?

I’m hoping to start reading Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik soon! I reallyreallyreally loved Uprooted by her and I’m excited to jump into more of her work! She’s a very talented author. I also have several other books I’d like to start next but we’ll see how it goes with how I’ve been feeling lately.

WHAT HAVE Y’ALL BEEN READING LATELY?

#booklr #bookblr #book tumblr #book blog #book blogger #Its monday what are you reading #imwayr #*

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My Rating: 3/5 ⭐

Genre(s): Fiction, Dystopian, Science Fiction

Published: 2022 | Interstellar Flight Press

Content Warnings: violence, guns, death, domestic abuse, child abuse, physical injury

Goodreads | Storygraph

          The Future Second by Second by Meridel Newton is a short novella about a small dystopian village. Osto is a thriving community where everyone supports each other.

          Led by Vasha, an older woman who has been around for many years, this utopia has shared resources and an organized way of living. When raiders come looking to take advantage of the community’s success, a bargain is struck between the leaders of either group - a contest of sorts that will last one day and will determine the fate of Osto. What can happen in a single day? You would be surprised.

          With a wide variety of characters thrust into unexpected situations, this novella is a quick and easy read with an uplifting message, different from other dystopian stories. The Future Second by Second shines hope and light on a bleak world, filled with violence, cruelty and death.

          I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

#book review #book reviews #book reviewer #booksbooksbooks #bookish #booklr #bookblr #book tumblr #book blog #book blogger #NetGalley #Netgalley ARC #3stars #*

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My Rating: 4/5 ⭐

Genre(s): Poetry

Published: 2022 | Guernica Editions

Content Warnings: death, abuse, miscarriage, body horror, ableism, menstruation, pregnancy, violence, sexism, misogyny

Goodreads | Storygraph

          While it certainly isn’t the first or the last of it’s kind, Erin Vance shines new light on themes of motherhood, misogyny and violence against women in A History of Touch. This vivid and haunting collection of poetry is about the women history would have you forget about - the ones labeled ‘difficult’ or ‘hysterical’. With poems focusing on those women, the ones who have been mistreated simply for existing in a world that holds men above all else, this collection is immersive and thought-provoking.

          Although I wasn’t familiar with many of the women mentioned in this collection of poetry, half the fun was in researching their stories and rereading the poems to connect the dots. I didn’t realize there was a reference sheet in the back of the book until I’d already finished but I’m certainly not going to complain about it. I truly enjoyed learning about these women from history that I hadn’t heard of before.

          While I wish there had been a bit more warning about the contents of this book, I truly enjoyed this collection of poems and can’t wait to read more of Erin Vance’s work in the future.

          I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

#booklr #bookblr #book tumblr #book blog #book blogger #book review #book reviewer #book reviews #a history of touch #Netgalley ARC #netgalley #booksbooksbooks #bookish #erin vance #4stars #*

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My Rating: 5/5 ⭐

Genre(s): New Adult, Fantasy, Fiction, Magic

Published: 2015 | Del Rey

Content Warnings: sexual assault, violence, gore, body horror, death, sexual content, animal death, war, confinement, death of a parent, murder, grief

Goodreads | Storygraph

In Uprooted by Naomi Novik, a dark fairy tale with Polish roots, the most powerful wizard in the nation chooses one girl to serve him every ten years. In return, the Dragon protects the villages from the rotting corruption of the Wood that spreads its roots further and further every year. Agnieszka has always known that her best friend, Kasia, would be chosen, just as everyone else in their village has always known it. But when the Dragon comes, it isn’t Kasia that he takes away to his tower.

What I loved:

• The magic system in this book has to be one of my favourites that I’ve read.

• The main character, Agnieszka, was full of determination, never hesitated to help those in need, and held an emotional connection to her magic that I truly loved. She was stubborn as hell and I adored that about her. Every scene where she used magic held me captivated in a way I haven’t experienced in quite a while.

• The side characters were well-rounded and fleshed out. The love interest was mysterious, brooding, sulky and powerful. Exactly what I’m most weak for. I also adored Kasia, the main character’s best friend. She was just as determined as Agnieszka, as well as strong and caring and funny and beautiful.

• The writing, while a bit wordy at times, was full of beautiful imagery that drew you into the world the author created and put down roots. The vibe of the entire novel was immaculate, to be honest. It was dark and tense and perfect.

What I wish were different:

• I wish the book had been a bit longer because the pacing of the third act of the book felt rushed. There was definitely a lot of information crammed in there towards the end and it made it a little difficult to keep up at times.

• There were many characters that I wanted more closure with, including Agnieszka, Kasia and the Dragon. I don’t normally enjoy side stories but for this book, I would have gobbled those stories right up if they existed. I want to know how the prince turns out with Kasia’s influence. I want to know how Kasia’s life turns out. I want to see Agnieszka and the Dragon a few years down the road.

• My biggest complaint was the lack of maps. I didn’t understand the location of most places and didn’t understand the layout of the Tower. It would have helped with visualizing quite a bit.

Despite my complaints about this book, I truly adored and thoroughly enjoyed it. With a lush magic system, well-written characters and breathtaking imagery, Uprooted is most definitely getting added to my favourites list.

#booklr #bookblr #book tumblr #book blog #book blogger #book review #book reviews #book reviewer #book cult club #bcc readalong #* #5stars

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bcc read along // day 9 - an open book

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#booklr #bookblr #book tumblr #book blog #book blogger #books #bookish #book cult club #bcc readalong #my book photos #my book photography #book photography #book photos

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My Rating: 3/5 ⭐

Genre(s): Young Adult, Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

Published: 2022 | Disney

Content Warnings: main character with low self esteem, bullying, harassment, anxiety, emotional abuse, death of a parent (in the past)

Goodreads | Storygraph

          Once Upon a K-Prom by Kat Cho is a cutesy YA novel following Elena Soo, an anxious teenager who feels like she’ll never be out of her sibling’s shadows and her childhood best friend who is a K-Pop idol now. With overzealous fans, band mates with secrets, and stylish pink hair, Robbie Choi definitely isn’t the kid that Elena remembers. What will happen when Robbie shows up at her door to keep a promise he made to Elena years ago?

What I loved:

• Elena was incredibly relatable. I grew up with a mother who favored my younger brother (most of the time if not all) so I understand the struggle she has with feeling like she’s stuck in the shadow of her sisters and her twin brother.  • I loved Robbie and Elena’s friendship! I loved that they picked up where they left off but also still had to learn one another and how they would fit into each other’s lives. I loved their chemistry and their inside jokes. • This was a quick and easy read that made my heart feel all soft. • All of the references to Korean culture and language, especially as a K-Pop fan!

What I wish were different:

• There were a few storylines that didn’t feel like they had been finished or wrapped up enough, like everything with Elena’s mom still felt like a frayed edge. Their relationship definitely needed more work.

• I wish there hadn’t been any miscommunication between the two main characters but they’re teenagers so maybe I’m not entirely mad about it.

Overall, Once Upon a K-Prom was a cute story with cute characters! I definitely would recommend it to anyone who enjoys K-Pop or K-Dramas, friends-to-lovers or overly sweet, cheesy romance novels!

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

#booklr #bookblr #book tumblr #book blog #book blogger #book review #book reviewer #book reviews #books #bookish #once upon a kprom #kat cho #3stars #*

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bcc read along // day 7 - book + bookmark

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#booklr #bookblr #book tumblr #book blog #book blogger #book photography #book photos #my book photos #my book photography #books #bookish #bcc readalong #book cult club #uprooted #naomi novik #currently reading

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bcc read along // day 5 - book + drink

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#booklr #bookblr #book tumblr #book blog #book blogger #book photos #book photography #my book photos #my book photography #books #bookish #bcc readalong #book cult club #uprooted #naomi novik #currently reading

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bcc read along // day 3 - your book + nature

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#booklr #bookblr #book tumblr #book blogger #books #bookish #book photos #book photography #my book photography #my book photos #book cult club #bcc readalong #currently reading #uprooted #naomi novik

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currently reading

today is the first day of the Book Cult Club’s March Read Along. The prompt for today’s photo was you + your book.

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#booklr #bookblr #book tumblr #book blog #book blogger #book photos #books #bookish #book photography #my book photos #my book photography #book cult club #bcc readalong #currently reading #uprooted #naomi novik #me

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My Rating: 5/5 ⭐

Genre(s): Poetry

Published: 2022 | Andrews McMeel Publishing

Content Warnings: racism, xenophobia, sexism, misogyny, eating disorder, trauma, suicide, depression, mental health

Goodreads | Storygraph

          With words that flow like waves on a shore, More Salt Than Diamond by Aline Mello is an intimate look into the life of an undocumented Brazilian immigrant. With themes of heartbreak, yearning, loss, personal discovery and love, this collection illuminates the author’s experience in an anti-immigrant political climate. 

          Mello doesn’t sugarcoat the fact that the “American Dream” is a lie. In fact, she uses her powerful writing to shed light on just how much immigrants give up for safety - language, culture, family, a sense of belonging. With a poem about the ideology of the “grateful immigrant”, Mello makes it known how much Americans expect immigrants to give up in return for safe harbor.

          Mello reaches into her roots, laying them bare for the readers with each poem. She pulls you into not only her story but that of her parents and their parents and their parents, on and on. The vulnerability she shows with each word and line and verse captures emotions that readers have never been able to capture themselves.

          Overall, More Salt Than Diamond is a beautiful, heartbreaking debut collection that I believe is a must-read.

          I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

#booklr #bookblr #book tumblr #book blog #book blogger #book review #book reviewer #books #bookish #booksbooksbooks #poetry #netgalley #netgalley arc #book reviews #* #5stars #aline mello #more salt than diamond

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My Rating: 4/5 ⭐

Genre(s): Poetry

Published: 2022 | Interstellar Flight Press

Content Warnings: sexual assault, death, sexual content, body horror (nails/skin/veins/broken fingers/bruises), grief, loss, trauma

Goodreads | Storygraph

          Although this is not Chloe N. Clark’s first poetry collection, Escaping the Body is the first of her work that I have consumed. With diverse themes such as trauma, loss and the body, this collection left me with a nostalgic feeling, verging on melancholy. 

          The imagery was vivid and vulnerable, each poem beautifully written and relatable. There were some parts that felt repetitive, especially toward the middle, but with a style more narrative than descriptive, this collection was able to hold my attention to the very last word. The references to science fiction and horror as well as the homages to Houdini helped with that. 

          Overall, I truly enjoyed this poetry collection and can’t wait to pick up more of Chloe N. Clark’s work.

          I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

#booklr #bookblr #book tumblr #book blog #book blogger #book review #book reviewer #book reviews #books #bookish #booksbooksbooks #netgalley #Netgalley ARC #poetry #escaping the body #chloe n clark

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My Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐

Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Published: 2022 | Wednesday Books

Content Warnings: xenophobia, religious bigotry, antisemitism, violence, animal death, blood/gore, bullying, grief, sexual content, child death, child abuse, parental neglect, emotional abuse, abandonment, gun violence, panic attacks, ableism

Goodreads | Storygraph

          A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft follows Margaret Welty who has been living in the rotting, isolated home of her family on the outskirts of town, longing for her mother to return. One evening, she spots the legendary Hala, the last living mythical creature, regarding her from the woods with it’s eerie eyes and white fur. The Halfmoon Hunt is sure to follow and whoever wins by killing the Hala will receive it’s power, the knowledge that comes from it and riches beyond belief. Margaret thinks winning the hunt is exactly what she needs to bring her mother home for good. The problem is that only teams of two can enter - one hunter and one alchemist.

          When Weston Winters appears on her doorstep, desperate for an apprenticeship from her mother, Margaret soon realizes that Wes is exactly what she needs. They are an unlikely duo. Margaret is a lonely outcast and excellent sharpshooter, enduring all that life has dealt her until it hardens her through and through. Wes, while the biggest flirt Margaret has ever encountered, is uneducated and has his mother and sister’s to take care of. What will happen when these two pair up to take on a centuries old fox?

What I loved:

• The magic system was truly intriguing. I loved the all around vibes of it. I loved the incorporation of alchemy and science, the existence of mythical creatures, the use of religion paired with some of the different aspects of magic. It was brilliant!

• The dual POVs with distinctive voices for each main character. This is something that I really struggle with as a writer and seeing it play out so well is inspiring.

• I’m a sucker for well done world building, especially when it isn’t a massive info dump all at once. Saft did an excellent job of peppering information throughout the story in a way that wasn’t overwhelming. I truly adored the historical aspects of everything even though that isn’t something I typically enjoy.

• The characters were well-rounded and written beautifully. Even the side characters were intriguing and played their roles. Of course, my favourite characters were Margaret and Wes. Their depths, their growth, their journey together - all of it was wonderful!

• The themes of religious persecution and reverence, loneliness, finding a sense of belonging, found family, and the many facets of love.

What I wish were different:

• The hunt was clearly something that played a big part in society, in each culture and in the story in general. The hala too as both are directly connected. It seemed like these parts were glossed over or rushed. The hunt was crammed into the last part of the book with preparation for it taking up more time. I believe Saft could have done a better job with it.

• I loved the relationship between Margaret and Wes and truly enjoyed witnessing it unfold (hello, slow burn!). However, I wish there had been more scenes with them getting to know one another and spending time together. It would have made everything all the more believable.

           Overall, A Far Wilder Magic is a must read! It was beautifully written, captivating and heart-pounding. If you enjoy slow burn relationships, found family, magical fox hunts and alchemy, this book is definitely for you.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

#booklr #bookblr #book blogger #book blog #book review #book reviews #book reviewer #a far wilder magic #allison saft #netgalley #* #4stars

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Book Cult Club is reading Uprooted by Naomi Novik for our March read along! Come join us on Discord y’all!

#bookcultclub #read along calendar #booklr #bookblr #book tumblr #book blog #book blogger #uprooted #book read along #read along #bcc readalong