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after encountering THREE rainbows in the wild in the past week, felt inspired to add some color to your feed 🌈🌈

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Current reads!

Thoroughly enjoying both of them. The goal is to read 12-18 books this year, and I feel like I'm right on track. So far, I've read 5.

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Instagram credit: danielapardor

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I don't want a baby. Well, you have one.

Grey's anatomy (2005 - ) I 7.22

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Oakwood Island: The Awakening (Book Review)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5 Stars)

Information

Author: Angella Cormier & Pierre C. Arsenault

Genre: Horror

Length: 224 pages

Format: Paperback

Series: Oakwood Island #2

Summary

Five years after a series of mysterious deaths on Oakwood Island, life appears normal until a discovery forces the community to face its dark past. Scott Cudmore, a foster father, begins to suspect his twins may be hiding a dangerous secret passed down through generations. Detective Burke digs into the unresolved cold cases, but old wounds resurface as he seeks answers. Meanwhile, Jack Whitefeather struggles to reconcile his nature with the evil that plagues the island, seeking answers from his ancestors while trying to find the courage to confront the truth and save everyone.

Thoughts

What I loved about this book is how it portrays the rapid spread of fungi, which has escalated over the past five years. This new outbreak is linked to the direct transfer of those affected by the spores. The cliffhanger ending teases the possibility of a third book, leaving readers eager for more. Additionally, the gory descriptions are so vivid that they make you feel as if you're experiencing the events firsthand.

On the downside, the sheer number of characters in the Oakwood Island series can make it challenging to follow, and I would recommend reading the books consecutively for a more seamless experience. The ending, while dramatic, raises more questions than it answers, leaving some loose ends that may leave readers frustrated.

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Out Of Oz (Book Review)

Rating: ⭐⭐ (2 Stars)

Information

Author: Gregory Maguire

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 588 pages

Format: Hardcover

Series: The Wicked Years #4

Summary

Oz is in turmoil: The Emerald City is preparing to invade Munchkinland, Glinda is confined to her home, the Cowardly Lion is fleeing from the authorities, and Dorothy has returned. Amidst the chaos and conflict, Elphaba’s green granddaughter, introduced at the end of Son of a Witch, comes of age. Rain will take up her broom and bring the series to its conclusion.

Thoughts

The final book in the series drags on far longer than it needs to, leaving readers with a sense of exhaustion rather than satisfaction. The introduction of Elphaba’s granddaughter, Rain, feels like a misstep. Her character lacks the depth and intrigue that made the earlier characters so compelling. In fact, Rain can come across as utterly boring, even borderline unlikable at times, which makes it difficult to stay engaged with her storyline. This lack of connection with the protagonist only adds to the feeling that the book is dragging, causing the pages to feel longer and harder to get through. In hindsight, the book would have likely been more impactful and focused had it been condensed into a more concise narrative, making it the third book in the series. A Lion Among Men could have been reimagined as a novella, serving as an optional side story for those interested in a deeper exploration of the universe. The pacing would have benefited by reworking the structure, and the series could have ended on a stronger note, with a more satisfying and well-paced conclusion.

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This was such a peaceful bookstore

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“Book collecting is an obsession, an occupation, a disease, an addiction, a fascination, an absurdity, a fate. It is not a hobby. Those who do it must do it.”

― Jeanette Winterson

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Any fantasy book recommendations without major romance?

I am finaly back on tumblr 💕

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Burned (Book Review)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Stars)

Information

Author: Ellen Hopkins

Genre: YA Poetry

Length: 531 pages

Format: Paperback

Series: Burned #1

Summary

Pattyn Von Stratten has always followed the rules, raised in a strict religious but abusive home—until a simple dream sparks forbidden questions about love, God, and her worth. When a real boy leads to real trouble, she’s sent away to rural Nevada, where she finds love and acceptance for the first time. But escaping her past isn’t so easy, and as old demons resurface, Pattyn’s journey takes a dark turn.

Thoughts

One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is Aunt J’s farm, which serves as a sanctuary for Pattyn as she navigates her religious deconstruction and becomes disillusioned with the Mormon faith she was raised in. Aunt J herself is a nurturing and supportive figure—exactly the kind of adult presence Pattyn desperately needs at this point in her life. The novel’s ending, however, is heartbreaking, leaving a lasting emotional impact.

That said, there are aspects of the story that feel somewhat questionable. While the romance between Pattyn and a college sophomore may raise some ethical concerns, readers may still find themselves invested in their relationship as it unfolds. Additionally, the ending leaves a sense of unease, as Pattyn’s implied plan for vengeance lingers ominously—I can only hope she chooses a different path.

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How to support indie authors without spending money:

Spread the word about their books!

Leave a rating and review!

Whisper story ideas in their ear while they sleep!

Cast a spell to curse rival writers!

Summon a demon to protect them from typos!

Follow them on social media!

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A Lion Among Men (Book Review)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3 Stars)

Information

Author: Gregory Maguire

Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Length: 309 pages

Format: Hardcover

Series: The Wicked Years #3

Summary

As civil war looms, the irritable oracle Yackle prepares for her final moments. But before death takes her, Brrr—the Cowardly Lion—arrives seeking answers about Elphaba Thropp. Yackle is willing to share, but not without extracting truths of her own.

Thoughts

One of the things I loved most about this book was finally getting a clearer understanding of the prophecy tied to Elphaba’s lineage. Throughout the series, this aspect has been shrouded in mystery, so uncovering more details about her heritage added a layer of depth that I really appreciated. Another highlight was the insight we gained into Mother Yackle’s character. She has always been an enigmatic figure, and learning more about her origins and role in the grander scheme of things made for a fascinating read.

That being said, I found the sections from the Lion’s perspective to be underwhelming. His storyline felt tedious, and I often found myself disengaged while reading his chapters. Given how pivotal Mother Yackle is to the series as a whole, I think shifting the focus to her instead would have been far more compelling. Her character holds so much narrative weight that I couldn’t help but wish we had spent more time delving into her experiences instead.

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Son Of A Witch (Book Review)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Stars)

Information

Author: Gregory Maguire

Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Length: 329 pages

Format: Paperback

Series: The Wicked Years #2

Summary

Son of a Witch picks up the narrative in the aftermath of the Wizard's downfall and the tragic death of Elphaba, the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. The story shifts focus to Liir, Elphaba's enigmatic and often uncertain son, who must navigate a world reshaped by the Wizard's absence and his mother’s legacy. As Liir steps out of Elphaba's shadow, the novel chronicles his struggles to define his identity and purpose in a land rife with political instability, social upheaval, and lingering prejudices against those connected to the Witch.

Thoughts

One of the most compelling aspects of the story is the chance to accompany Liir on his transformative journey from a lost, uncertain boy to a young man searching for his place in the world. His struggles with identity and purpose in the complex and often unforgiving land of Oz are not only engaging but deeply human, making it easy for readers to empathize with his challenges and growth.

However, the narrative is not without its shortcomings. A particularly disturbing and contentious moment arises when Candle takes advantage of Liir while he is unconscious and vulnerable, recovering from a dragon attack. This scene feels both unnecessary and deeply unsettling, detracting from the story and leaving a sour note in an otherwise engrossing tale.

Adding to the frustration, the book concludes without resolving several key plot points, leaving readers in limbo. The fates of Candle, Liir, and their enigmatic green newborn remain unanswered, forcing readers to wait until the final installment for closure. While this cliffhanger adds an element of intrigue, it also risks alienating those who crave a more complete and satisfying resolution within each installment.