Book Review: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

 

 

Title: Sunrise on the Reaping

Series: The Hunger Games #0.5

Author: Suzanne Collins

Release Date: 18 March 2025

Page Amount: 382 pages, Hardcover

 

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GoodReads Blurb:

Review:

Holy shit. I know I don't curse a lot in my blog posts, but this warrants it. I'll say it again. Holy shit. It was a brilliant, but brutal, book. As one would expect from a Hunger Games novel. 

Going into this, we know the basics of Haymitch's story. Especially if you've read the other books first (please do, by the way). But even reading the little bit about his background that I did in Mockingjay...nothing could have prepared me. I honestly think this was the most brutal of the Hunger Games novels. I knew President Snow was damn evil, but in this book? Again, holy shit. The things he did in this book...When this movie comes out, I think it might be the most difficult of the films to watch. Which is saying quite a lot. 

Something else Suzanne Collins does really well is calling out the behavior of the people in the Capitol while also acknowledging that some of them even try to, in their own way, be "good" to the tributes, and are even brainwashed, you could say. Like Effie Trinket, for example. And Suzanne Collins also calls attention to the people in the Capitol who want to revolt, but why they might not be doing so, or are being quiet about it. She shows the fear in even some of the Capitol citizens, not only the Districts, which I think is brilliant. 

There were a lot of appearances of familiar characters, as well, which were great to see. And all of the connections to the original trilogy? I am saying it again...Holy shit!! 

This is an easy five star book for me. Haymitch is also my favorite character (well, him and Cinna) so I knew this would be high up on my list of favorite books for this year (and in general) but also would emotionally drain me. Which it absolutely did. I have described it as "Soul shattering". That being said, if you are a Hunger Games fan, and you are prepared (as you can be) then yes, I highly recommend this. 

5 quills

Book Review: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab

 

 

Title: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Author: V.E. Schwab

Release Date: October 6, 2020

Page Amount: 448 pages, Hardcover, Barnes and Noble Exclusive Edition

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GoodReads Blurb:

A Life No One Will Remember. A Story You Will Never Forget.

France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever—and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.

Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.

But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.

Review:

Wow. This was amazing. The writing was lush, immersive, stunning. I am actually jealous of the beautiful writing in this book. V. E. Schwab is incredible. I need to go back and add so many more tabs to mark my favorite quotes. 

I was not expecting twists in this, but there were some twists. A couple (after the first twist) I suspected, but wasn't sure. They were great.

There were amazing characters, too. I love Addie. Her defiant joy is beautiful and inspiring. That's how V. E. Schwab described Addie's character, "defiant joy", and it is perfect. Henry was also great. And the Darkness was also a fascinating character. Several of the lines I already have tabbed are either about him or were said by him. So stunning. The dynamic with Addie was interesting. 

I just absolutely adore this book and would recommend it a thousand times over. 

5 quills

Book Review: Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes

 

 

Title: Stone Blind

Author: Natalie Haynes

Release Date: September 15, 2022

Page Amount: 371 pages, Paperback

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GoodReads Blurb:

The national bestselling author of A Thousand Ships and Pandora's Jar returns with a fresh and stunningly perceptive take on the story of Medusa, the original monstered woman.

They will fear you and flee you and call you a monster. 

The only mortal in a family of gods, Medusa is the youngest of the Gorgon sisters. Unlike her siblings, Medusa grows older, experiences change, feels weakness. Her mortal lifespan gives her an urgency that her family will never know.

When the sea god Poseidon assaults Medusa in Athene's temple, the goddess is enraged. Furious by the violation of her sacred space, Athene takes revenge--on the young woman. Punished for Poseidon's actions, Medusa is forever transformed. Writhing snakes replace her hair and her gaze will turn any living creature to stone. Cursed with the power to destroy all she loves with one look, Medusa condemns herself to a life of solitude.

Until Perseus embarks upon a fateful quest to fetch the head of a Gorgon . . .

In Stone Blind, classicist and comedian Natalie Haynes turns our understanding of this legendary myth on its head, bringing empathy and nuance to one of the earliest stories in which a woman--injured by a powerful man--is blamed, punished, and monstered for the assault. Delving into the origins of this mythic tale, Haynes revitalizes and reconstructs Medusa's story with her passion and fierce wit, offering a timely retelling of this classic myth that speaks to us today.

Review:

A fantastic retelling of Medusa. I loved all of the different perspectives we got. I also loved the questions this novel brought up about what a monster, who decides who is a monster, etc. That sort of theme has always deeply appealed to me. The second I read the first page of this, I knew I would love it. And I was absolutely right. The writing was wonderful, as was the characterization of everyone in the book. It was amazing, and I would highly recommend it. Especially if you are interested in Greek Mythology and retellings of Greek Mythology. I will certainly be reading more by Natalie Haynes in the future.

5 quills

Book Review: The Cabin by Natasha Preston

 

 

Title: The Cabin

Author: Natasha Preston

Release Date: 01 September 2016

Page Amount: 336 pages, Paperback

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GoodReads Blurb:

There may only be one killer, but no one is innocent in this thriller from Natasha Preston, the New York Times bestselling author of The Cellar and The Cabin

A weekend partying at a remote cabin is just what Mackenzie needs. She can't wait to let loose with her friends. But a crazy night of fun leaves two of them dead--murdered.

With no signs of a forced entry or struggle, suspicion turns to the five survivors. Someone isn't telling the truth. And Mackenzie's first mistake? Assuming the killing is over...

Review:

This was a very quick read. I got through it fast. It was definitely a page turner. There were times it did read a little too young for me, but that didn't deter me. I suspected almost everyone at one point or another, but I had a top two. I don't want to say whether I was right or not. The ending of this did bring the rating down for me. If not for the last two chapters, it would have been a pretty solid popcorn thriller. Unfortunately, the ending ruined it for me.

3 quills

Book Review: If You Tell a Lie by Lucinda Berry

 

 

Title: If You Tell a Lie

Author: Lucinda Berry

Release Date: 23 July 2024

Page Amount: 271 pages 

 

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GoodReads Blurb:

Bestselling author Lucinda Berry serves up a haunting thriller about four friends sworn to secrecy over the events of one fateful summer--and the dark truths that threaten to erupt years later.

They never considered how his wife might react, or that by the end of the summer a man would be dead. But Blakely always got her way, and the others followed her lead--even when they knew it was dead wrong.

The girls had been friends from day one at Camp Pendleton, a haven for gifted children. But their senior summer was different. When Mr. Crosby, the handsome tennis coach, wound up murdered after a reckless lie, Blakely, Grace, Meg, and Thera swore themselves to secrecy. And never spoke to each other again.

Until now. Twenty years later a sinister note claiming to know what they did brings them back together. And once again Blakely is pulling the strings.

Unfolding in a dual timeline, If You Tell a Lie is a disturbing journey into the dangerous, sometimes deadly consequences of peer pressure--with a bone-chilling twist you'll never see coming.

Review:

This was my first Lucinda Berry book. It was a very good thriller. The writing was good and there was definitely depth to the story. It certainly had some very disturbing things happen. It's hard to review thrillers, because I don't want to say a lot. 

There was a lot going on, but not in the action packed sort of way some thrillers are. There were things I did predict, but that didn't effect my enjoyment of the book at all. Overall, I thought it was a good thriller and I would recommend it. I would definitely read something by Lucinda Berry again.

4 quills

Book Review: The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen

 

 

Title: The Magic Fish

Author: Trung Le Nguyen

Release Date: 13 October 2020

Page Amount: 229 pages

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Blurb:

Tiến loves his family and his friends...but Tiến has a secret he's been keeping from them, and it might change everything. An amazing YA graphic novel that deals with the complexity of family and how stories can bring us together. 

Real life isn't a fairytale. 

But Tiến still enjoys reading his favorite stories with his parents from the books he borrows from the local library. It's hard enough trying to communicate with your parents as a kid, but for Tiến, he doesn't even have the right words because his parents are struggling with their English. Is there a Vietnamese word for what he's going through? 

Is there a way to tell them he's gay? 

A beautifully illustrated story by Trung Le Nguyen that follows a young boy as he tries to navigate life through fairytales, an instant classic that shows us how we are all connected. The Magic Fish tackles tough subjects in a way that accessible with readers of all ages, and teaches us that no matter what--we can all have our own happy endings.

Review:

I love a graphic novel. I also love fairy tales, and I thought the concept of this one sounded very interesting. There were parts of this that got a lot darker than I thought it would be; the fairy tale part, that is. Not at all a bad thing, just something to maybe keep in mind. 

I liked the art and that it had a color language to it. Each of the storylines, so to speak, were in a mostly monochromatic tone, and I thought that was very cool. For example. the when Tiến is reading the fairy tales, they are in a purple color scheme.
I always think it's interesting to see different versions of fairy tales so I liked that aspect to this. I thought the ending was very good, as well, but don't want to say why as that would give it away. ;) 

3.75 quills

Book Review: Once Upon a Time: The Shadow of the Queen

 

 

Title: Once Upon A Time: Shadow Of The Queen

Series: Once Upon A Time #2

Author: Daniel T. Thompson, Corinna Bechko with Vasilis Lolos (Illustrator), Stephanie Hans (Illustrator), Mike Henderson (Illustrator), Mike Del Mundo (Illustrator)

Release Date:  03 September 2013

Page Amount: 112 pages

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Blurb:

The Evil Queen has, quite literally, captured the Huntsman's heart -- and now he's her slave. Based on the world of ABC's hit primetime series ONCE UPON A TIME, this is the never-before-told tale behind their twisted relationship -- and what happens when a good man is forced to do bad. When Regina cooks up yet another devious plan to capture Snow White -- this time by allying with a pack of power-hungry werewolves -- the Huntsman comes face-to-face with his past...and an independent spirit in Red Riding Hood that just may match his own. Can these two break free of the forces that bind them and save Snow White? When put to the test, where will the Huntsman's loyalties lie? Has the Evil Queen stolen his heart in more ways than one?

Review:

I love Once Upon a Time, I love graphic novels, and I love the Huntsman from Once Upon a Time, so I was very excited to get this in a collection of birthday gifts from one of my best friends and fellow author, Rebekah Palmer. 

I was excited to see more of the Huntsman in this as I wish we had more of him in the show. It took one turn in particular that I was definitely not expecting. The art styles were different with each chapter (there was a different artist for each), which I really liked a lot. 

A good story, with great art that I really enjoyed reading. I would definitely recommend this if you are a fan of the show Once Upon a Time. 

I'm looking forward to reading the other that I got. <3 

4 quills

Book Review: Loki: Where Mischief Lies by Mackenzi Lee with Stephanie Hans (Illustrator)

 

 

Title: Loki: Where Mischief Lies

Series: Marvel Universe

Author: Mackenzi Lee with Stephanie Hans (Illustrator)

Release Date: 03 September 2019

Page Amount: 416 pages 

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Blurb:

An instant New York Times best seller

*"This deft, nuanced examination of identity, destiny, and agency is a surprisingly tender addition to the Marvel canon."-Kirkus Reviews, starred review

*"This mischievous origin story is sure to satisfy fans of this popular character."-Booklist, starred review

Selected for the ILA-CBC 2020 Young Adults' Choices reading list.

This is the first of three young adult novels from New York Times best-selling author Mackenzi Lee that explores the untapped potential and duality of heroism of popular characters in the Marvel Universe.

Before the days of going toe-to-toe with the Avengers, a younger Loki is desperate to prove himself heroic and capable, while it seems everyone around him suspects him of inevitable villainy and depravity . . . except for Amora. Asgard's resident sorceress-in-training feels like a kindred spirit-someone who values magic and knowledge, who might even see the best in him. 

But when Loki and Amora cause the destruction of one of Asgard's most prized possessions, Amora is banished to Earth, where her powers will slowly and excruciatingly fade to nothing. Without the only person who ever looked at his magic as a gift instead of a threat, Loki slips further into anguish and the shadow of his universally adored brother, Thor. 

When Asgardian magic is detected in relation to a string of mysterious murders on Earth, Odin sends Loki to investigate. As he descends upon nineteenth-century London, Loki embarks on a journey that leads him to more than just a murder suspect, putting him on a path to discover the source of his power-and who he's meant to be.

Review:

I think the thoughts in my reading journal mostly have spoilers, so I'm going to see what I can say here. 

I really enjoyed this book. The thing is, if you have watched the MCU, you have a general idea of where things are going in regards to Loki's character, since it is set before the events of the MCU. Which for me made the whole read have a sad tone running through it because I love Loki and it is sad to see him on the arc to where he he will be in the beginning/the middle of the first three phases of the MCU. 

That being said, it had a lot that I really liked. The tone and sarcasm of Loki was there, which I loved. Seeing the relationship between Thor and Loki was at times fun, and at times sad. I always loved Frigga and Loki. I actually think I would have liked a bit more of Frigga and Loki. Amora was interesting, to say the least. I loved that Loki ended up in 1800s London. And I enjoyed the characters Mrs. Sharpe and Theo. I especially loved the interactions between Theo and Loki.

I also have to say it: I feel like this book gave me something I felt I was missing in the Loki series, which would be showing a bit more of Loki's bisexuality. It wasn't at all the main point of the plot, which wasn't even what I wanted, but in the series there was one line that some people didn't even get. Here we explore it a bit more, but it wasn't the only thing going on or what entirely defined Loki as a person, so I appreciated both of those things. 

Also, there were several MCU references throughout, which were  a joy to read and pock up on. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this and I would highly recommend it to any Loki or Marvel fan.

4.5 quills

Book Review: The Knight and the Butcherbird by Alix E. Harrow

 

Title: The Knight and the Butcherbird

Author: Alix E. Harrow

Release Date: 11 March 2025

Page Amount: 36 pages

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Blurb:

New York Times bestselling author Alix E. Harrow weaves a dystopian fairy tale that follows the town storyteller as she struggles to protect a local demon from the knight hired to kill it.

In this gritty, haunting tale about doing whatever it takes for love, a small-town storyteller resolves to keep the local monster—and her own secrets—safe from a legendary knight.

Nestled deep in the steep hills, valleys, and surrounding woodlands lies Iron Hollow, a rural community beset by demons. Such horrors are common in the outlands, where most folks die young, if they don’t turn into monsters first. But what’s causing these transformations?

No one has the answer, not even the town’s oral historian, seventeen-year-old Shrike. And when a legendary knight is summoned to hunt down the latest beast to haunt their woods, Shrike has more reason than most to be concerned. Because that demon was her wife. And while Shrike is certain that May still recognizes her—that May is still human, somewhere beneath it all—she can’t prove it.

Determined to keep May safe, Shrike stalks the knight and his demon-hunting hawk through the recesses of the forest. But as they creep through toxic creeks and overgrown kudzu, Shrike realizes the knight has a secret of his own. And he’ll do anything to protect it.

Review:

A dystopian fairy tale isn't something I had heard before, so I was intrigued. Plus, I love short stories. And I really liked this one. I'm finding that I quite like Alix E. Harrow. I'll have to read more of her work. This was definitely fairy tale like, but in a dark way, which I like. There was a lot of metaphor and social commentary in this. I'm sure some of it went right over my head. The religious commentary stood out to me. I feel like it was more about the institutionalization of religion, which is a topic I find interesting and have some thoughts on myself. But even if you go in just to enjoy the dystopian fairy tale side and not focus on the commentary as much, I think this is a great story. I would definitely recommend it, 

4.25 quills

Book Review: Stealing Snow by Danielle Paige

 

Title: Stealing Snow

Author: Danielle Paige

Release Date: 20 September 2016

Page Amount: 375 pages

 

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Blurb:

From Danielle Paige, the New York Times bestselling author of Dorothy Must Die, comes a re-imagining of "The Snow Queen" fairy tale.

Seventeen-year-old Snow has spent the majority of her life within the walls of the Whittaker Institute, a high security mental hospital in upstate New York. Deep down, she knows she's not crazy and doesn't belong there. When she meets a mysterious, handsome new orderly and dreams about a strange twisted tree she realizes she must escape and figure out who she really is.

Using her trusting friend Bale as a distraction, Snow breaks free and races into the nearby woods. Suddenly, everything isn't what it seems, the line between reality and fantasy begins to blur, and she finds herself in icy Algid--her true home--with witches, thieves, and a strangely alluring boy named Kai, none of whom she's sure she can trust. As secret after secret is revealed, Snow discovers that she is on the run from a royal lineage she's destined to inherit, a father more powerful and ruthless than she could have imagined, and choices of the heart that could change the fate of everything . . . including Snow's return to the world she once knew.

This breathtaking first volume begins the story of how Snow becomes a villain, a queen, and ultimately a hero.

Review:

I really want to like every book I read, but that just doesn't happen. This was one of those books. I also really wanted to like it (or love it) because it says it is a retelling of "The Snow Queen", which is my favorite fairytale. 

I think there were cliches of mental illness in here, for sure. I felt like Snow was too immature for me, and it read a bit too young for me, Snow seemed to get control of her powers far too quickly, and she did not seem to question much, either, And of course, there is the love quandrangle. Which was too much for me. I also did not recognize much of "The Snow Queen" in here. There was a little bit, maybe, but not much. And there was some parts that could have been interesting, but just did not get there for me. I did like Gird, though. 

One thing that does frustrate me about some of the reviews I saw is that they saw it was not like "Snow White" or that they didn't realize it was based on "The Snow Queen". I may not have liked the book, but the blurb does clearly say it is a retelling of "The Snow Queen", even if I feel it barely is. (I checked the online blurb and it was right on the flap of the hardcover. I don't know about the paperback, or if there was a paperback edition. Maybe some did not say it? I don't know...)

Unfortunately, this was not for me at all. 

2 quills

Book Review: The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow

 

 

Title: The Ten Thousand Doors of January

Author: Alix E. Harrow

Release Date: 10 September 2019

Page Amount: 374 pages

 

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Blurb:

LOS ANGELES TIMES BESTSELLER Finalist for the 2020 Hugo, Nebula, Locus, and World Fantasy Awards.

In the early 1900s, a young woman embarks on a fantastical journey of self-discovery after finding a mysterious book in this captivating and lyrical debut.

In a sprawling mansion filled with peculiar treasures, January Scaller is a curiosity herself. As the ward of the wealthy Mr. Locke, she feels little different from the artifacts that decorate the halls: carefully maintained, largely ignored, and utterly out of place.

Then she finds a strange book. A book that carries the scent of other worlds, and tells a tale of secret doors, of love, adventure and danger. Each page turn reveals impossible truths about the world and January discovers a story increasingly entwined with her own.

Lush and richly imagined, a tale of impossible journeys, unforgettable love, and the enduring power of stories awaits in Alix E. Harrow's spellbinding debut--step inside and discover its magic. 

Review:

This was so good. I am so glad that I read this. I think it was easily earn a place in my top ten books of the year. I love the concept of this. Some of it was hard to read (as in the content, not the quality of the writing.) But it was so worth it. There was some social commentary on history, as well. The Doors were so cool to read about it. I like January, Jane, and Samuel. I was surprised a few times, too. The writing was absolutely beautiful. I loved it. I would highly recommend it!! 

5 quills 

Book Review: Batman Year One by Frank Miller with David Mazzuchelli

 

Title: Batman: Year One

Author: Frank Miller with David Mazzucchelli (Illustrator), Richmond Lewis (Illustrator)

Release Date: 

Series: Batman (1940) #404-407

Page Amount: 144 pages

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Blurb:

In 1986, Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli produced this groundbreaking reinterpretation of the origin of Batman--who he is, and how he came to be. Sometimes careless and naive, this Dark Knight is far from the flawless vigilante he is today. 

In his first year on the job, Batman feels his way around a Gotham City far darker than the one he left. His solemn vow to extinguish the town's criminal element is only half the battle; along with Lieutenant James Gordon, the Dark Knight must also fight a police force more corrupt than the scum in the streets. 

Batman: Year One stands next to Batman: The Dark Knight Returns on the mantle of greatest Batman graphic novels of all time. Timeless in its appeal, Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli's masterpiece would stand apart from the crowded comics field even today. 

This edition includes the complete graphic novel, a new introduction by writer Frank Miller and a new illustrated afterword by artist David Mazzucchelli. Completing this collection are over 40 pages of never-before-seen developmental material such as character and layout sketches, sample script pages, sketches, and more that pro-vide a glimpse into the making of this contemporary classic. 

This volume collects Batman #404-407.

Review:

I stumbled upon this at my library and knew it was a well known Batman story. I also know that Frank Miller is very well known in the comic book world. I decided to pick it up. 

It was more internal monologue than I thought it would be. Also, I feel like it was more focused on James Gordon than Bruce Wayne/Batman. Which is fine, I like James Gordon, just not what I was expecting. And I found his story interesting to read about. It did indeed go through and chronicle the first year of Batman.  

The art was great. There were some very cool behind-the-scenes bits in the back of the book with some good insight that I enjoyed seeing. There were also references to things I know from the Dark Knight trilogy (well, obviously that came after this...) which was cool to see. And a couple of references to another DC character which were exciting to me. 

4 quills

Book Review: Blue Horses by Mary Oliver

 

 

Title: Blue Horses

Author: Mary Oliver 

Release Date: October 14, 2014

Page Amount: 96 pages 

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Blurb:

In this stunning collection of new poems, Mary Oliver returns to the imagery that has defined her life's work, describing with wonder both the everyday and the unaffected beauty of nature.

Herons, sparrows, owls, and kingfishers flit across the page in meditations on love, artistry, and impermanence. Whether considering a bird's nest, the seeming patience of oak trees, or the artworks of Franz Marc, Oliver reminds us of the transformative power of attention and how much can be contained within the smallest moments.

At its heart, Blue Horses asks what it means to truly belong to this world, to live in it attuned to all its changes. Humorous, gentle, and always honest, Oliver is a visionary of the natural world.

Review:

I picked this up because I knew I just had to read a Mary Oliver collection. She is such a celebrated modern poet and I adore poetry. There were two at my library and I picked this one up first. 

I enjoyed this collection. I also listened to the audiobook for some of the poems and enjoyed the narration. 

I wasn't expecting this collection to also be funny in some places, but I liked it. I particularly enjoyed all of the depictions of nature. The imagery was lovely, and you felt the tribute to the natural world throughout. 

4 quills

Book Review: 2am Thoughts by Makenzie Cambell

Title: 2am Thoughts

Author: Makenzie Campbell

Release Date: 2019

Page Amount: 152 pages  

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Blurb:

You are holding my heart in your hands. My emotions have bled out on each and every page with the ink of my pen. Your eyes will discover my soul. Your fingers casually flipping through my mind. I hope you find each delicate word as captivating as the stars. And I hope a piece of you feels the things I felt when creating this art. - 2:00 am This modern poetry book is an exploration of love, heartache, relationships, loss, finding one's self, and learning to love the life you've been given. 2am Thoughts is a poetry book similar to some titles such as milk and honey by Rupi Kaur and Buried Light by Beau Taplin.

Review:

I found this at a library book sale. There was a Bob Ross bookmark in it. I love Bob Ross, so I took it as a sign to pick this up. 

I also tabbed a fair amount of poems in this collection. It seems very relatable for someone who has just gone through a break up, particularly younger audiences - in their late teens and twenties, for instance. I liked the poems (some stood out more than others, of course), and the way the book was split up into sections. It was also interesting how each poem had a time under it - it made it a bit like reading a diary, and it helped in seeing the progression of the poems and person writing them.

3.75 quills

Book Review: To Drink Coffee with a Ghost by Amanda Lovelace

 

Title: To Drink Coffee with a Ghost

Series: Things That H(a)unt #2

Author: Amanda Lovelace

Release Date: September 17th, 2019

Page Amount: 160 pages, Hardcover

 

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GoodReads Blurb:

"You cannot have a funeral for your mother without also having a funeral for yourself."  This book poses the ever-lingering question: What happens when someone dies before they're able to redeem themselves?

From the bestselling & award-winning poetess, amanda lovelace, comes the finale of her illustrated duology, "things that h(a)unt." In the first installment, to make monsters out of girls,  lovelace explored the memory of being in a toxic romantic relationship. In to drink coffee with a ghost, lovelace unravels the memory of the complicated relationship she had with her now-deceased mother.

Review:

I read this book for the first time in 2020/2021. I loved and gave it five stars then, and I gave it five stars this time. I saw it on my shelf and just had the urge to pick it up again, so I did. I had post-it tabs in it from the last time I read it, and I used a different color to mark poems in it this time. It was interesting to see which poems I marked this time; which ones were the same and which ones were different. I'm glad I re-read this and I will keep this one for a long time. I am a big fan of Amanda Lovelace. Her poetry is very simple but effective. I love all types of poetry, and I think Amanda Lovelace could be a good entry point if you are intimidated by poetry. 

5 quills

Book Review | Eternal (Tantalize #2) by Cynthia Leitich Smith

 

 

Title: Eternal (Tantalize #2)

Series: Tantalize Series

Author: Cynthia Leitich Smith

Release Date: February 10th, 2009

Page Amount: 307 pages, Hardcover

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GoodReads Blurb:

With diabolical wit, the author of Tantalize revisits a deliciously dark world where vampires vie with angels -- and girls just want to have fangs.

At last, Miranda is the life of the party: all she had to do was die. Elevated and adopted by none other than the reigning King of the Mantle of Dracul, Miranda goes from high-school theater wannabe to glamorous royal fiend overnight. Meanwhile, her reckless and adoring guardian angel, Zachary, demoted to human guise as the princess's personal assistant, has his work cut out for him trying to save his girl's soul and plan the Master's fast-approaching Death Day gala. In alternating points of view, Miranda and Zachary navigate a cut-throat eternal aristocracy as they play out a dangerous and darkly hilarious love story for the ages.

Review:

I read the first book in this series when I was in 10th grade, which was over ten years ago. I've e-mailed back and forth a bit with the author, which is amazing!! I remember the day she followed me on Twitter, and sent me a card when I published my first book!! Two of the most amazing things!!

Back to the book. I thought that I would pick up on the series when this book was available in audio. I do actually own the hardcover, but I've really into audiobooks lately. This book follows two completely different characters. Zachary and Miranda, and brings in the concept of guardian angels. The two characters have strong, distinctive voices. The humor was dark!! Which, I am not against at all haha. The world was elaborate and well thought out. I did like the first book a bit better. I am looking forward to the third book because the two main characters from book one are in that one. But if you ejoy vampire stories with a great deal of dark humor, then I would definitely give this a try, but I would definitely say to read book one (Tantalize)n first. 

Book Review | Blooming in the Dark by Jenniffer LeBlanc and Kirsten McNeill

Title: Blooming in the Dark

Authors: Jennifer LeBlanc, Kirsten McNeill

Release Date: March 31st, 2021

Page Amount: 170 pages, Kindle edition 

GoodReads

GoodReads Blurb:

In this collection of poetry, co-writers Jennifer LeBlanc and Kirsten McNeill explore what it means to thrive in the absence of light. There is beauty in the darkness. Open your heart and let in the night.

Review:

A very deep poetry collection. Serious and, deep, some sad. It covers some serious issues. I understand the bit at the beginning of the book to practice self care while reading. But there are several poems that have a theme of hope, where things are looking up. Giving the message to keep on going. A few favorites of mine are Blooming in the Dark, Colours, Mosaic Me, Sunflower, and Dark Passenger. I love poetry and enjoyed this collection. I recommend it if you also love poetry, or even if you aren&#039;t into it as of yet. I think this would be a good place to start.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Book Review | Kissing Under the Fireworks by Christina Herrara

 

 

 Title: Kissing Under the Fireworks

Author: Christina Herrara

Release Date: November 4th 2019

Page Amount: 69 pages, Kindle edition

GoodReads

GoodReads Blurb:

She would like nothing more than for him to make the move from British Columbia to Tennessee.

But he has to decide if the chemistry they have will blossom into something that will last long enough for him to rationalize moving across the continent.

Will they allow distance to separate them, or let their hearts speak louder than their circumstances as they kiss under the New Year’s Eve fireworks?

Review:

This was a very cute and quick read. A good read if you want a quick, sweet, clean romance. I could picture things well through the writing, as well. If you want a feel good, short, clean romance, then give this a shot. I think... three and a half stars for this one. 

Book Review | Born, Madly by Trisha Wolfe!!

 

Title: Born, Darkly (Darkly, Madly Duet: Book One)

Author: Trisha Wolfe

Release Date: September 19th 2017

Page Amount: 185 pages, Kindle Edition

GoodReads

GoodReads Blurb:

Duet: a performance by two.

But who is acting, and who is devolving?

A buried past is unearthed, and Grayson Sullivan—AKA The Angel of Maine—retaliates against the system who made him, deploying psychological warfare on the woman who initially set him free. Dr. London Noble probes deep into the mind of the killer she’s fallen for, searching for answers, as a copycat killer threatens their unity. Are they partners, lovers, or enemies? One final trap will reveal all.

Review: 

Oh my God!! Amazing!! Yet again!!

If you follow me at all, you know I ADORE Trisha's books. Her writing is amazing. So dark and beautiful. I just can not get enough of it.

This one was just as amazing. It's always so difficult to review her books because it's so easy to go into too much and spoil the plot. Which I do not want to do.

Anyway, I love Grayson. I probably shouldn't but hey, I do. He is a fascination character. I could read about him all the time. The dark but beautiful relationship between him and London is fascinating as well. I love reading about their dynamics. A dark, messy, but loyal love.

There were definitely some things I did not see coming at all in this one. I expected as much, but still. I was ready to scream and cry and yell at Trisha to no end a couple of times.

What to say? Do you like psychological thrillers? Do you like dark romance? You NEED to check this duet out!! It's incredible. Dark, beautiful, twisty, poignant. Indescribable. I'll never get enough. Really, this is one of my favorites. 5 quills!!

Book Review | Born, Darkly by Trisha Wolfe!!

 

Title: Born, Darkly (Darkly, Madly Duet: Book One)

Author: Trisha Wolfe

Release Date: September 19th 2017

Page Amount: 185 pages, Kindle Edition

GoodReads Blurb:

He challenged her sanity.

She shattered his reality.

They dared each other...to the brink of madness.

A dark and twisted maze awaits criminal psychologist London Noble when she falls for her patient, convicted serial killer, Grayson Pierce Sullivan. As she unravels the traps, her sanity tested with each game, she's forced to acknowledge the true evil in the world around her.

GoodReads

Review:

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. Where to begin? I've been procrastinating on writing this review for a long time even though I finished this book about a day after it released. This book was fantastic!! I'm already a HUGE Trisha Wolfe fan. I've loved everything of hers that I've read. I think I've given it all five stars. Let's just say, that if I could give this book six stars, I would.

This book was deliciously twisted and I loved every second of it. As usual with Trisha's books, it's hard to write a review without giving too much away. I know Grayson is a serial killer, but I found myself empathizing with him. I wanted to see how things between him and London would play out, and they were also beautifully, deliciously, dark and twisted. I f*cking loved it. I'm not sure what else to say... If you love dark romance and/or psychological thriller, I HIGHLY recommend that you check out this book!! I can't wait to see what happens. This book even brought me close to tears even though it's so gorgeously dark.

And those last few lines? They have replaying in my head since the second I finished this book (at 4:00 a.m. one morning.) 5 quills!! 6 if I could. Read it!!