Oh so very good, and a worthy sequel! I enjoyed every minute of it, except right in the middle when I got soooo worried about the characters. O.o. CalOh so very good, and a worthy sequel! I enjoyed every minute of it, except right in the middle when I got soooo worried about the characters. O.o. Call me INVESTED. The Game aspect was really fun, and I liked how that was just one element of the craziness that is Amari's life. The character development and the mystery, though....more
This book was so cozy! I'm not usually a fan of Gothic literature, but somehow combined with a plucky (JEWISH, y'all should have told me!) heroine, coThis book was so cozy! I'm not usually a fan of Gothic literature, but somehow combined with a plucky (JEWISH, y'all should have told me!) heroine, complicated characters who surprised me, and a smol, puppy-like baby creature, and a hefty mystery was the perfect recipe for a Kate book. I highly enjoyed it! It did go darker than I was expecting, but never too dark for me.
I almost gave it five stars, but there were two things that took away from my enjoyment. One, the pacing felt a little bit off, and two, the issue of the Abbey passing into private property from belonging to the Catholic church (as mentioned in this review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...). There were some other positive portrayals of Catholicism that I believe were meant to balance this out, but it's worth mentioning....more
That was absolutely delightful. It had more Hagrid and Neville and Quidditch (my three favorite things) than the movies, so definitely enjoyable for mThat was absolutely delightful. It had more Hagrid and Neville and Quidditch (my three favorite things) than the movies, so definitely enjoyable for me. ...more
Enemies-to-lovers is not my thing. Enemies to lovers is not my thing. Enemies to lovers is-- I'm cut off by the sudden appearance of this book, ginormoEnemies-to-lovers is not my thing. Enemies to lovers is not my thing. Enemies to lovers is-- I'm cut off by the sudden appearance of this book, ginormous and beautiful and perfect.
I was so tempted to buy a copy of this, and I'm even more so now having read it on KU. I do recommend your first read-through (because there will be others) happening on Kindle if you struggle with Ye Old Big Book Fear since this one does look rather intimidating. Short chapters though, so it's easy to read.
This is my first book by this author, and I've been told to try more so if you see me screeching again soon, that's why. Because this book turned me into someone I don't recognize and I was quite metaphorically giggling and kicking my feet.
The characters right off the bat felt so real, Lennox in his tortured nobleness and Annika in her resourceful strength. I was truly rooting for both of them.
BUT THEIR CHEMISTRY, y'all. Enemies to lovers is usually not my thing because it often feels contrived and petty, but apparently, I like it when they are actual enemies. Like on opposite sides of a war enemies. ...more
This book has the unique distinction of being the only one I've pulled a true all-nighter with. I'm not sure what had me awake, but the book certainlyThis book has the unique distinction of being the only one I've pulled a true all-nighter with. I'm not sure what had me awake, but the book certainly didn't put me to sleep. ;)
The worldbuilding, y'all! It was absolutely beautiful, and I perked up each time even the most minor of powers was mentioned. (I think the one that surprised me most was the megaphone one, that was so cool and practical! I liked that almost everyone in the kingdom had powers, not just the elite.) I especially enjoyed the family relationships--Mama's forbidding yet gentle strength, Papa's soft spot for his little girl, and Cosmo's enigmatic care. (Sidenote: I would take an entire book about the Donatos!) And I ended up loving Laude!
Don't get me started on how cool this vintage setting mixed with fantasy elements is! Don't get me started on how cool this vintage setting mixed with fantasy elements is! ...more
I picked up this because the author is a PHENOMAL marketer so I was seeing it literally everywhere (kudos to her!) and the cover is adorable (he so...
I picked up this because the author is a PHENOMAL marketer so I was seeing it literally everywhere (kudos to her!) and the cover is adorable (he looks like Eddie Redmayne) and I need more Star Wars-inspired stuff in my life and yep. *grins sheepishly*
In the end, I had mixed feelings about it (and a smidge annoyance it's a series, though this ended more satisfactorily than some reviews said) so apologies if the review is confusing.
The enemies-to-lovers bit was enemies-to-loversing, and I found it believable, amusing, and 80% less toxic than I usually find such. Great fun. ...more
I spied this book in a bookstore earlier this month and knew immediately I'd have read it. Library + ghost story + a favorite author = Kate must read.I spied this book in a bookstore earlier this month and knew immediately I'd have read it. Library + ghost story + a favorite author = Kate must read. ...more
This is exactly what I was hoping for… a deeper exploration of Anna and Elsa's sisterhood, their healing from childhood, and filling in the gaps betweThis is exactly what I was hoping for… a deeper exploration of Anna and Elsa's sisterhood, their healing from childhood, and filling in the gaps between the first and second movies. The themes of feeling shut out or useless especially rang true, and I loved the resolution. ...more
How do I even begin to review this fabulous book? Do I focus on the fact it was so good it sent me into a reading slump, or the gorgeous illustrations How do I even begin to review this fabulous book? Do I focus on the fact it was so good it sent me into a reading slump, or the gorgeous illustrations that made me feel like a happy kid inside, or the strong female friendships, or the deep themes hidden in such an adorable read?
*pauses to metaphorically catch breath*
I’ve been seeing this book around the indie book world for some time now, and the hype (and following the author as she illustrated it) finally got to me, and I added it to my TBR. In the end, I received a copy for my birthday, which I think makes it all the more special. <3
This book, y’all. It’s perfect for fans of (ILLUSTRATIONS!) Princess Academy or fairytales by Gail Carson Levine, soft yet deep stories, and whimsical, magical reads.
The characters absolutely shone. Amarante was relatable and cool, Olivia’s character arc was my favorite, and I’m quite curious to see more from Narcissa. I also really loved Ash (of course, how could you not?) and the quirky side characters from the witch world.
A word about the magic, since I know personally I don’t read a lot of books with magic in them. This was about on the level of a fairytale with potion-making like cooking, magic like inherent special powers and not incantations, and powers used for good and for evil. I was personally comfortable with this portrayal of it, and it brought out some really interesting allegories about fear and prejudice.
It gets pretty intense near the end, and there’s some delicious plot twists. I highly recommend it. <3
CW: magic, abuse, slavery, prejudice, and bullying....more
I enjoyed the combination of fairytales and the twist of both characters needing to work together. This wasn't the most revolutionary retelling, but iI enjoyed the combination of fairytales and the twist of both characters needing to work together. This wasn't the most revolutionary retelling, but it was an enjoyable jaunt. ...more
I know I'm late to the party, but I AM IN LOVE. My first five-star read of this year, and I already have the whole series added to my wishlist. I know I'm late to the party, but I AM IN LOVE. My first five-star read of this year, and I already have the whole series added to my wishlist. ...more
(This book was originally published in Ireland under the title The Wordsmith.)
My husband took me to Barnes and Noble for my birthday, and this is one (This book was originally published in Ireland under the title The Wordsmith.)
My husband took me to Barnes and Noble for my birthday, and this is one of the books I got. (Thanks, love!) I was 60% drawn in by the cover, and 40% fascinated by the word/art-related concept which is always my jam in dystopians. (Hi Fahrenheit 451, Matched, and Gathering Blue....more
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