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Showing posts from April, 2021

Review: Kingdom of Embers by Tricia Copeland

 This title was definitely an enjoyable read - with our main character trying to navigate the world of cheerleading and high-school ontop of being a half-witch-half-vampire.  I loved how the worlds intertwined, and I did enjoy how both sides of the world were just as catty. I often felt bad for poor Alena. I want more Orm though, definitely a character that had potential for a story arc, honestly. Rating: 3.75/5 I received a copy of this title for review from Voracious Readers Only.

Review: A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth

 Hot damn this book was good.  I loved it all - Nausicaa, Arlo, fae and furies in a human world. The everyday references. It was perfect. I hated how protective Celadon was but that's just me I guess.  I loved the whole philospher's stone and accusing the feared Dark Star.  I don't have much else to add but Arlo is such a sweetie in my opinion *pleading eyes*. 5/5 stars. 

Review: When We Are Invisible by Claire Zorn

 Looking for a dystopian series, set in Australia? Look no further than The Sky So Heavy, and its sequel When We Are Invisible! I enjoyed the sequel a lot - it had a post-apocalyptic vibe to it, and it had a controlling compound. Both things I absolutely adore. Diving in, it was great to settle into the story and follow Lucy and the crew learning survival skills, including horseback riding, and first aid. The compound they came across and its benevolent leader definitely gave me the chills, which is perfect, honestly! I also adore how gung-ho Lucy is, and it really makes the book well rounded. Rating: 4.5/5 Thanks to UQP for supplying me with a copy of this book for review!

Review: Being Black 'n Chicken, & Chips by Matt Okine

 I found this one to be a humourous take on a pre-pubsecent boy who's been hit by a tragic circumstance. It had its sad bits, it had cringey bits, but it had its heart centred around family - and that's what I liked best about Being Black 'n Chicken, & Chips.  The story was well formed, and this teen adapted version is definitely something that could be chosen as a book to read in school, given its content and a lot of meaning that I'm sure English teachers would like to see written about in essays. I also found that the questions provided with the Tandem readalong made me think more deeply about the happenings of this one, and therefore I definitely felt more invested into it! Overall, I believe this to be an excellent book to read, whether you're 12 or 112, and looking for a tragic story with a humourous twist. Rating: 4/5 Note: I received a copy of the TEEN adaption for the Tandem Global Collective readalong thanks to Hachette Australia.

Review: A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J Maas

Preface: Please don't @ me, SJM stans - I'm just sharing my opinion ty <3  Okay so it's been a while since I've read this one but I my sentiments remain - there was so much seed that it could rival a cabbage farm.  Okay I enjoyed Nesta and her relationship with Emrie and Gwyn, but that's really the only thing that I found good in this one. Also a +1 for pegasi entertainment too. The word seed was mentioned more times than mate was in ACOFAS (A Court of Frost and Starlight), and geniunely I didn't need to hear the word everytime someone had some sort of sex. *shrugs* Cassian's roaring rates a mention because I think we get it by now. There was definitely plenty of trigger warnings in this one, including suicidal ideation, torture porn, and graphic sex, gore, and rape. Overall, it was a meh read to me, but if you loved it, I'm glad for you! :) Rating: 3/5

Review: The Crowns of Croswald by D. E. Night

When I started reading The Crown of Croswald, I found it to be such a easy, fun, and magical read - full of adventure and mischief! This is definitely a fun and easy to read alternative to that other series, and the characters were fun! Especially the main character, Ivy. I enjoyed reading about the forgetful room, and I could imagine how chaotic it would've been to be in the same world as this was written in! Rating: 3.5/5 Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this title for review!

Review: The Curie Society by Janet Harvey

 I found this a fun graphic novel, empowering females in STEM fields.  I love the concept, and I definitely enjoyed the execution. Some of the characters were definitely more likeable than others. I was definitely drawn in by the spy missions, even as an adult, because there is nothing better than a undercover society.  As a scientist, I loved the themes and explorations of science, and it is definitely something I want in MORE literature.  Rating: 4/5 Thanks to MIT Press via NetGalley for the eARC for this title!

Review: The Girl in the Sunflower Dress by Katie Montinaro

 Looking for a young adult contemporary that is heavy hitting, but also part coming-of-age? Look no further, Katie Montinaro’s debut, The Girl in the Sunflower Dress is one to look for. Focusing on Chelsea Roberts, who just finished high school, and her family and friends. There’s a stakeout of sorts, a crazed ex, and scandals that rocks Chelsea’s world - what more could you want?!  When I was Chelsea’s age, I was also in a mess because life was about to be changed up. Whilst mine was a positive, starting uni at somewhere I knew noone, Chelsea’s summer before starting uni was changing way too fast for her, that even I felt the whiplash in my mind! I loved Chelsea as a character, and her best friend was also a whirlwind of activity. Chelsea hit me as a worldy, curious young person, and someone I could have seen myself being friends with - if she was a real person. Another character, Noah was interesting to read about - depicted as Chelsea’s crush, finished at the same high school a few