Official Comments: Look no further for your next favorite read, because SAM SYLVESTER has it all: a gripping murder mystery that will keep you turningOfficial Comments: Look no further for your next favorite read, because SAM SYLVESTER has it all: a gripping murder mystery that will keep you turning pages, ghosts, romance, and a treasure trove of queer characters with depth and heart. Here’s something rare—a suspenseful story that also feels like a hug.
Unofficial Comments: LOVE LOVE LOVE! The writing is gorgeous but so compulsively readable, and there's so much to enjoy here whether mysteries with a paranormal twist are your thing or not--the supportive relationship Sam has with their dad is something especially rare in YA, each character is distinctly drawn, and Sam is the sort of narrator you'll want to hang out with. Just read it so we can gush about it together!...more
A beautiful and triumphant debut; this trio of fierce yet loving queer teens boldly making their way in the world has won a place in my heart, just liA beautiful and triumphant debut; this trio of fierce yet loving queer teens boldly making their way in the world has won a place in my heart, just like they will yours!
More queerplatonic triads, please! I'm having some serious book hangover after finishing this--the characters were so lovingly rendered and easy to want to know! This book is everything. <3...more
"An intoxicating blend of fairytale and ghost story, of romance and sisterhood, A DRAGONBIRD IN THE FERN is a breath of fresh air with clever worldbui"An intoxicating blend of fairytale and ghost story, of romance and sisterhood, A DRAGONBIRD IN THE FERN is a breath of fresh air with clever worldbuilding and a compelling mystery. Don't miss this one!"
A stunning and unique fantasy. Beautiful writing and smart world building. I'm such a fan!...more
"Meet your new favorite zombie story: EAT YOUR HEART OUT is packed with nonstop thrills and chills, and a kickass leading lady you'd gladly follow int"Meet your new favorite zombie story: EAT YOUR HEART OUT is packed with nonstop thrills and chills, and a kickass leading lady you'd gladly follow into battle against the undead."
This was just my kind of book! Wonderful, much-needed fat rep and taut pacing. Loved every page!...more
Official Comments: Like a darkly compelling dream; I dare readers to try to put down this queer triumph of a book where myth, mystery, and death lurk Official Comments: Like a darkly compelling dream; I dare readers to try to put down this queer triumph of a book where myth, mystery, and death lurk around every corner of the Windy City.
Unofficial: Freaking fantastic book. Get ready!!!...more
Official comments: Refreshingly, wholly original, THE VALLEY AND THE FLOOD will haunt you long after you turn the final page. A beautiful triumph of aOfficial comments: Refreshingly, wholly original, THE VALLEY AND THE FLOOD will haunt you long after you turn the final page. A beautiful triumph of a debut.
Unofficial comments: This completely blew me away. There's some A+ queer rep in here (incl. gay and nonbinary) and every page simmers with emotion. As for the plot? It was all new to me, not predictable in the slightest. I couldn't put this book down, and I feel certain this is a reading experience I'll never forget. I can't wait for whatever Rebecca writes next!!!...more
Official comments: Unforgettable and full of hope, Agnes at the End of the World is at times beautiful, at others dark. The love that transcends theseOfficial comments: Unforgettable and full of hope, Agnes at the End of the World is at times beautiful, at others dark. The love that transcends these pages is a triumph.
Unofficial comments: This book has really solid Type I diabetes rep, so please read it, share it, boost it, etc.! It deserves all the love!...more
An utterly enchanting story of intrigue and romance that seamlessly blends magic into history. IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN casts a spell that makes the pAn utterly enchanting story of intrigue and romance that seamlessly blends magic into history. IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN casts a spell that makes the past come alive in breathtaking new ways.
Official Comments: From the first gasp of fear to the final, heart-pounding moments, Nell's story will take your breath away.
Unofficial Comments: ThisOfficial Comments: From the first gasp of fear to the final, heart-pounding moments, Nell's story will take your breath away.
Unofficial Comments: This story had everything I love. Chelsea took my favorite elements and combined them into a fresh new mystery that had me compulsively turning the pages. From the scares to the romance, this book really does have it all!...more
Official comments: A dark and utterly enthralling journey to an ancient land, Gravemaidens grabs you by your beating heart and refuses to let go untilOfficial comments: A dark and utterly enthralling journey to an ancient land, Gravemaidens grabs you by your beating heart and refuses to let go until the bitter, breathtaking end.
Unofficial comments: FREAKING AMAZING!!!!! I loved the cast of Gravemaidens so much, I'm not even sure who I ship! PLEASE JUST READ IT SO YOU CAN FANGIRL WITH ME!...more
Official comments: "A cinematic thrill ride brimming with murder, mayhem, and twists that will shock you, Four Dead Queens is sure to be your next booOfficial comments: "A cinematic thrill ride brimming with murder, mayhem, and twists that will shock you, Four Dead Queens is sure to be your next book obsession. Absolutely riveting."
Unofficial Comments: I JUST REALLY LOVED IT, OKAY? Please read it. For me. Do it!...more
Official comments: Nerds and fashionistas, rejoice: Natalie is the unapologetically awesome heroine we've all been waiting for! Fresh and fun, this stOfficial comments: Nerds and fashionistas, rejoice: Natalie is the unapologetically awesome heroine we've all been waiting for! Fresh and fun, this story is a love letter to paleontology, a great example of women in STEM, and a victory for anyone who's ever wanted to change what they see in the mirror. I can't say it enough: this book is a must-read!
Unofficial comments: I fell hard and fast for this book. I was so excited to read it early thanks to the premise alone (hello, dino-loving nerd here!), but what made me love it so much more than I can describe was Natalie. Her voice, her determination, her insecurities, her talents--I felt like I really knew her, and I hope we get to see more of her in another book, because I'd gladly read about whatever she decides to do next! The mere fact that she's there narrating would make it interesting.
I'm sure all authors gush about the books we blurb to some extent, but this truly is such a special book. I don't know how else to say it. The characters are all nuanced, and you will love them. The story takes some unexpected twists. You'll worry for, question, empathize, and cheer with Natalie throughout her adventure!
Official comments: "A tale of intrigue, love, and sisterhood as dazzling as a sunny day at sea, you're sure to be swept away by A CROWN OF CORAL AND POfficial comments: "A tale of intrigue, love, and sisterhood as dazzling as a sunny day at sea, you're sure to be swept away by A CROWN OF CORAL AND PEARL."
Unofficial comments: WOW. Talk about a clever heroine who shows some real grit. I loved every page!...more
Official Comments: In a richly imagined world plagued by darkness and demons, Sera and her friends shine. Dark Goddess is utterly enthralling, a wickeOfficial Comments: In a richly imagined world plagued by darkness and demons, Sera and her friends shine. Dark Goddess is utterly enthralling, a wicked fun tale sure to captivate fans of the paranormal and fantasy alike!
Unofficial Comments: I had so much fun reading this book and its predecessor, ALPHA GODDESS, back to back over the recent holiday. There's a complex world full of fascinating mythology to sink into here, as well as plenty of (demon) ass-kicking action!...more
"Maybe we can't appreciate the beauty without the sadness, maybe we can't love without suffering loss." -Erin Cashman, UNCHARTED
Official Comments: Jou"Maybe we can't appreciate the beauty without the sadness, maybe we can't love without suffering loss." -Erin Cashman, UNCHARTED
Official Comments: Journey through the fog into the atmospheric world of UNCHARTED, a stunning new fantasy where legend and reality come together in the form of a deadly mystery, where every page simmers with danger, magic, myth, and romance. Readers are sure to fall in love with this dark, gripping story that brings ancient Ireland to life on the misty shores of modern-day Maine.
Unofficial Comments: GRIFFIN, GRIFFIN, GRIFFIN. *Ahem* Let me try that again: Once you start this book, I think you'll fall as much in love with Annabeth and her family--and, you guessed it, Griffin--as I did. UNCHARTED grabs you by the hand from page one and pulls you through a series of intense events (about which I'm saying nothing, to avoid spoilers!) as clever, determined artist Annabeth begins to unravel a dangerous mystery steeped in Irish folklore. There is literally *everything* to like about this book: the setting, the characters, the romance, the myths. It checked every box for me, and I'm so thrilled that I was able to read it early. As soon as you read it, I bet you'll join me in wishing for a sequel. (Please? Pleeeeease?!) Erin Cashman is a master of her craft, and I cannot wait for everyone else to get their hands on this gem!...more
Smart, stunning, and swoonworthy, Dark of the West completely swept me off my feet!!!
This is a story I feel like I could re-read several times and stiSmart, stunning, and swoonworthy, Dark of the West completely swept me off my feet!!!
This is a story I feel like I could re-read several times and still catch new details. It's bold, complex, and one-of-a-kind--in other words, a treasure.
Equal parts beautiful and chilling, Shannon Parker's sophomore novel will sweep you away to the icy waters and small coastal towns of Maine, where theEqual parts beautiful and chilling, Shannon Parker's sophomore novel will sweep you away to the icy waters and small coastal towns of Maine, where the past refuses to be ignored and family secrets are dredged to the surface with the day's catch. Unputdownable, and like the roar of the sea once you've heard it, unforgettable.
*And if the blurb above isn't enough incentive for you to read this beauty, let me tell you some of the things that make this one of my all-time top reads, starting with:
--The haunting. This book has some creepy moments that make your skin crawl, and I'm a ghost story junkie, so I'm nearly uncreepable! I consider scaring me a hallmark of great storytelling.
--The characters. From warm, wise Gram to smart, headstrong Rilla to adorable archaeology student Sam, I've rarely read a story where I felt so connected to all the characters. They're all fully realized, with believable desires and motives, which makes connecting to them so easy.
--The romance. I say this not because there's a lot of romance, but rather, because what's there is extremely light and tasteful. If you're looking for an eerie read more focused on an awesome mystery and richly drawn characters than it is on kissing, then this book is for you!
--The mystery and history (see what I did there?). This book is clearly well-researched, and the historical narrative woven throughout Rilla's story is extremely compelling (though tragic). After reading, I was so intrigued that I had to research the island setting's heartbreaking history for myself. Parker has drawn from a real piece of lesser-known history for this tale, and her vivid descriptions bring a long-gone era to life for her readers.
--Strong, beautiful writing. The descriptions in this book make you feel like you're really at sea, sitting beside Rilla in her lobster boat (even if you are, like me, reading it on the couch in your landlocked town!).
--The ending! The story's end is uplifting and satisfying...though I'll admit I was bummed that I wouldn't be spending any more time with Rilla and Sam.
In short, I think everyone should read this!...more