#and Sarah! queen of female protagonists!

[incomingalbatross]

On the one hand I want to watch Amphibia S3 all together, especially since I have a WIP I've made good progress on.

On the other hand, the Sarah Jane Adventures ♥️

[fictionadventurer]

Hello

3,8,9,13,14,15,18,20,21,22,26,30,33,39,41,44,45,46,48,52,55,58,60, for the ask game !

(I recognize that i may have asked too many questions.....partly as an excuse to get more book recs!)

Okay, let's do this!

3. How many books have you read (this year) so far?

According to Goodreads, 77, but that counts a lot of short stories, novellas, and in one case, a serial story where each part counts as a single book.

8. A book you've always wanted to read but never got a chance?

Lots, but lately I've been thinking about how I've never gotten around to reading A Canticle for Leibowitz, despite being recommended it years ago.

9. A book you're never, ever gonna read?

Harry Potter.

13. A genre you aren't a fan of in particular?

Horror.

14. A genre you love?

One I've recently started to define as vintage fiction--cozy books that are old enough to be classics, but aren't high-brow enough or famous enough to be considered classic literature.

15. A reading habit you could get "canceled" for?

Leaving so many books unfinished for no good reason.

18. Recommend a book to the person who sent you this ask.

Roverandom by J.R.R. Tolkien--a very fun fairy tale fantasy he wrote for his kids.

20. A book series you can't wait to read.

Once a Queen by Sarah Arthur feels like a fantasy book that should have a minimum of four other books already available for me to read, and the sequel can't come fast enough.

21. A book series you're never going to read.

A Court of Thorns and Roses

22. A celebrity's book rec that you loved?

Jo Walton enthusiastically recommended Desire by Una Silberrad and introduced me to a new favorite obscure author.

26. Your favourite reading position?

Sitting?

30. If you could have access to anybody's bookshelf, dead or alive, which person would you pick?

I am sticking Manalive on Steven Moffat's bookshelf so he will write the adaptation (and read the rest of Chesterton and become Catholic).

33. Do you annotate as you read or prefer not to?

Absolutely not. When I read a book, I want to read it with fresh eyes, as the person I am now, without the person that I was last time chattering in the margins.

39. Favourite book to movie/TV show adaptation?

The 1995 Sense and Sensibility is one of my favorite movies of all time.

41. If you could read the first draft of any one book, which book would you pick and why?

I'd like to read the original version of Black as Night by Regina Doman, which apparently had an entirely different plot before major rewrites.

44. Favourite book protagonist?

I can't pick one favorite! I'll just mention that Wilkie Collins has written some of my favorite female characters in Victorian fiction--Marian Halcombe in The Woman in White is one of my favorite characters ever, and I loved The Law and the Lady mostly because of how much I loved the narrator.

45. Favourite book villain?

One of the reasons Little Town on the Prairie is my favorite Little House books is because of how well Wilder presents Nellie Oleson and Miss Wilder as villains.

46. Favourite literary quote?

How am I supposed to pick one?

Here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to go to Goodreads and find something that got highlighted in Kindle.

Okay, here's a quote I highlighted in Sylvia's Lovers by Elizabeth Gaskell that I had completely forgotten about.

He was just the kind of man that all his neighbours found fault with, and all his neighbours liked.

48. If you could be a part of any story you've read, which book would you pick?

I'm just going to live in the cottagecore atmosphere of your average Elizabeth Goudge book.

52. Do you like audiobooks? If yes, which is your favourite audiobook?

I adore audiobooks!

Probably the coolest one I've ever listened to was the full-cast audio recording of Fairest by Gail Carson Levine, because it takes place in a world where people often sing in their day-to-day lives, and this audio version has the characters sing all the songs!

As far as ones that are readily available, my favorite is the Jim Dale version of Around the World in 80 Days. That man's range of voices is astounding!

On Librivox, Vanity Fair (Version 2) has the best Librivox narrator I've ever heard. Most of the time, I'm just happy if the narrator pronounces everything correctly, with bonus points if they have a fitting accent. This woman was doing multiple accents!

55. If you could have any book related job in the world (librarian, editor, publisher, writer, etc), what job would you pick?

Writer.

58. A book that emotionally wrecked you?

I wept through large portions of In a Far-Off Land by Stephanie Landsem.

60. Talk about books! Anything you like, maybe share some more recs<3

I've just started Codename Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem, and I'm excited to try another book by the author, because I've heard even more good things about this one.

[imakemywings]

Sapphic Book Recs

Moving outside the realm of fanning out over characters we already know, here are a few book recommendations that feature or center F/F relationships. (Note: I am NOT including comprehensive trigger warnings--please mind your triggers if you choose to check any of these out!)

The Locked Tomb series by Tamsyn Muir - My personal favorite on the list. If you’re into the F/F lit scene at all, I’m sure you’ve heard of these. TLT is a masterpiece of modern fantasy and has enough moments where its glib tone gives way into something raw and real that it keeps the stakes high and the reader invested. The characters jump off the page and the worldbuilding is colorful and strange. However, if you’re easily squicked by gore, you might want to give these a pass--necromancy is a central pillar of the world and Muir does not hold back on the ick factor.

Recommend if you:

Like stories that keep you guessing

Like messy characters

Savor a bit of codependency in your F/F

The Burning Kingdoms trilogy by Tasha Suri - TBK is a fantasy series set in a fictional country inspired by ancient India. Suri weaves together the stories of several characters and does an excellent job of showing how her two main protagonists--Priya and Malini--are torn between their attraction to each other and the roles of responsibility they choose to take up. Suri also does an excellent job of allowing the female characters to drive the plot, even where they don’t exist in positions of power. (Longer review here)

Recommend if you:

Want female-focused fantasy

Enjoy the push and pull of “duty vs. love”

Enjoy multi-POV stories that unfold gradually

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters - Fingersmith is a period romance piece that involves deceit, heist plans, and falling in love with the mark. This is one of those books where re-reading it a second time will definitely feel different than the first go. Waters does a great job with the interplay of the characters’ motivations which are gradually revealed throughout the book.

Recommend if you:

Enjoy spy/heist stories

Love it when characters lie to each other

Are mostly looking for romance

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon - An epic high fantasy novel clocking in at over 800 pages, Priory covers a lot of ground and a lot of fantasy staples. Ead, an outsider to the court of Inys, has taken it upon herself to secretly guard the queen for reasons of her own--with the results you might hope for as she gets closer to Sabran.

Recommend if you:

Enjoy a romantic subplot but don't want it to take over the action

Enjoy multi-POV stories that unfold gradually

Like the tension of "duty vs. love”

Want an epic dragon-on-dragon fight

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston - If you just really want something lighthearted and if you’re a big reader of fanfiction, this might be your choice. OLS is a fluffy piece that relies heavily on the found family trope with just a dash of fantasy. The standout character is definitely love interest Jane, a suave, confident butch who sweeps protag August off her feet from day one. (Longer review here)

Recommend if you:

Are mostly looking for romance

Do not want lots of angst

Prefer a story where everyone gets along

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See - I debated including this one, because it is not explicitly F/F, which is going to be a deal-breaker for some people. But honestly the romantic and sexual undertones of Lily and Snow Flower’s relationship come across so strong I’m willing to put it up here. This book is set in 19th century China and centers around the intense friendship of two women, starting from childhood and through their adulthood. This one will take you on an emotional ride for sure. A film came out based on this, but in short my review on that is: the book is better!

Recommend if you:

Are okay with ambiguous relationships

Like looking at what women’s private lives looked like in the past

Are looking for something dramatic/emotional

[theroseandthebeast]

Yuletide Recs, Batch Five

16 recs for The Queen's Gambit, Red Eye, Sable, Severance, Sherlock Holmes, Silo, Singin' in the Rain, Some Like It Hot, SurrealEstate, Tenet, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Watchmen, and Worlds Beyond Number

something beautiful, Beth Harmon/Jolene

Jolene remembers the first time she looked at Beth and thought her best friend was pretty. No, not pretty. Beautiful.

Sunk Cost Fallacy, Lisa Reisert/Jackson Rippner

The Keefe job gets cancelled. What's a guy to do?

No Straight Roads, Gen, Sable + Original Characters

Five paths taken, six masks cast. Or: On a particularly windswept morning, a young girl comes a-knocking on Sable's door.

O, Lazarus!, Helena Eagan + Helly R.

Losing oxygen slowly as she hangs in the elevator up from the severed floor, Helly’s fractured mind confronts itself.

Double Tongued, Irving Bailiff/Burt Goodman + Burt Goodman/Burt Goodman's Husband + Irving Bailiff & Irving B.

Irving's falling asleep – he almost misses Burt leaving forever. Can his outie make it up to him by reuniting them, one last time? Or, MDR decide to test the Overtime Contigency Protocol on Irving before the Waffle Party, and the code detectors are only equipped to handle certain types of ink.

Indispensable, Gen, Sherlock Holmes + John Watson + Mrs. Hudson

Holmes' gift attempts have fallen through, so he offers a letter instead

her dust was very pretty, Gen, Original Female Character(s)Juliette Nichols

Dore was six when she told Missus Park that she wanted to be her shadow. “You want to work in recycling?” “I don’t want to shadow garbage,” Dore said, nose wrinkling at the thought. “Your art. Art that stays.” Missus Park repeated the words silently, then her mouth dropped open in understanding. “You mean tattoos.”

Working Honeymoon, Cosmo Brown/Don Lockwood/Kathy Selden

If you weren’t getting married, you didn’t get to go on the honeymoon. Wasn't that how it was supposed to go?

That Wondrous Thing, Cosmo Brown/Don Lockwood/Kathy Selden

2 + 2 + 2 = 3. This math works. Really it does.

Girl Talk, Gen, Jerry "Daphne" & Sugar Kane Kowalczyk + Jerry "Daphne" & Joe "Josephine" + Jerry "Daphne"/Osgood Fielding III + Joe "Josephine"/Sugar Kane Kowalczyk

Sugar wants to know if she should be saying "Jerry" or "Daphne" and, since Joe and Osgood don't seem to agree and can't be relied on to tell her which is right, she goes to get it right from the horse's mouth. The horse needs to think about this for a bit.

did we get there yet (somehow), Luke Roman/Susan Ireland

It shouldn’t be a surprise, is the thing. Luke’s always been attracted to smart, competent women. It just hadn’t occurred to him to look at Susan that way until now.

Coffee Meeting: 11 o'clock, Gen, Susan Ireland & Zooey L'Enfant

Susan has a mysterious coffee meeting on her schedule.

pull up if i pull up, Neil/The Protagonist

A safe house in the sea of time. (You’re trying to remember if Neil was smiling the last time your eyes met.)

and in the daylight, you're crossing all your wires, John Connor/Cameron Phillips + John Connor & Derek Reese & Kyle Reese + John Connor & Sarah Connor + John Connor & the Specter of His Future Self

No one’s ever died for him, here.

Across Vistas, Dan Dreiberg/Laurie Juspeczyk/Rorschach

Laurie and the boys take a roadtrip across the country to see her mom.

Charted, Gen, Ame & Suvirin "Suvi" Kedberiket & Eursulon Toma + Grandma Wren

All stories started somewhere, even if that somewhere is far from here.

[reluctanthurricane]

#24 for the end-of-year book meme, please!

Did you DNF anything? Why?

I sure did! I read a lot and I try not to make myself finish things if I could be reading a book I'd like more. I'm bad at it and I'm also bad at tracking but here are the ones I did track/can remember

Under a cut because apparently I have more than I realized

Queen of Sorrow, by Sarah Beth Durst -- I was enjoying this trilogy well enough. Like nothing ground breaking but I was having a good time. And I thought I knew where it was going! The premise of the world was that humans and these like, nature spirits shared the world and some female humans had the ability to control the nature spirits and each land has a queen that controls the nature spirits of the whole land and it was framed in a way that the nature spirits needed the human queen to control them and in the first book we find that some of the spirits are way smarter than the protagonist knew was possible, so I thought oh, I know where this is going, in the last book we're going to find out that this White Man's Burden style subjugation is actually bad, but then I picked it up and that didn't seem to be where it was going and I talked to some folks who read it and apparently that doesn't get addressed??? So that felt icky so I gave up on it.

Octavia's Brood, this is a short story collection that marries the themes of Octavia Butler's work with the imaginations of social justice activists, which is a cool concept! Except I read the first two stories and both of them were ... not good. I was told there was one really good story in there but I gave it back to the friend who lent it to me without reading it so that was on me, but yeah, not for me.

Nudge, I was reading this and then it seemed uh, internally inconsistent with its argument and then I remembered the executive level coworker who recommended it to me got fired and then If Books Could Kill did an episode on it while I was reading it and I was like "Okay, I don't need to finish this"

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, by Catherynne M. Valente. I just wasn't vibing with it. It was good but idk, I think I read it too close to Seanan McGuire (writing as A. Deborah Baker) doing a very similar concept and I needed more space between them. I may pick it up again. some other time

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett - oh my, okay. So. I know a lot of people adore this book, and I'm so happy for them and I wish I could be one of them. But the prose is excruciating and I say this as someone who loves flowery bullshit. I think my biggest problem with it is that it felt to me like it was supposed to read academic or even maybe bloviating academic, which makes sense! But instead it was overwrought in a way that did not match at all with Emily Wilde as a character. She is an old school anthropologist who is so focused on her work that she doesn't think to do anything to personalize her long-term-temporary home. This is her journal/field notes, I just cannot imagine her taking the time to describe the natural world around her in all that much detail, let alone describe the sky as a "cerulean canopy". If she were in the humanities, I'd be here for it, if she were especially extra as a person sure! But she is neither and I got mad about it.

Castles in Their Bones, by Laura Sebastian - Another book that I was having a perfectly fun time with, but I think I just didn't have patience for YA at the time and then my library loan lapsed and I didn't put any effort into getting it back.

The Terraformers, by Annalee Newitz. I am planning on picking this one up again! I have it on my list of books I am going to prioritize this year! But somehow again! Timing has conspired against me with finishing one of their books! This is the fourth time!!! I have started one of their books and through no fault of the book!!! I have failed to finish it!!!! :( I am going to break the pattern this year!!!!

How to Keep House While Drowning, by K C Davis. Listen I know this book helps a lot of people. It wasn't for me.

Stiff, by Mary Roach - loan lapsed, I'll pick it up again at some point maybe but I don't have any real plans to do so in the immediate future.

The School for Good Mothers, by Jessamine Chan. I heard good things about this book and I get why! But I am not like, invested in stories about parenthood, and the first bit of the book that I did read was rough (in a like, intentional way that was impressive from a craft perspective) and I wasn't able to get past that part.

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, by Benjamin Stevenson. I found this book boring, and I think that is entirely my fault. I am not a mystery reader and I got the vibe that this book was in conversation with the genre in a way that I just wasn't going to appreciate because I was missing all of it! I may pick it up again if I ever become more well versed in the genre or maybe I will try reading it with my ears some time.

The Soul of an Octopus, by Sy Montgomery - Montgomery started out the book framing how cool octopodes are through her own experience that was just so obnoxiously saccharine that, I, a person who already thinks cephalopods are cool as heck was rolling my eyes right out of my head. Another example of a book that's probably fine but just not for me

The Last Heir to Blackwood Library, by Hester Fox. I don't remember this book at all, it just had a cool concept and I felt like it kept falling short of how good it should have been.

Tesla, by Richard Munson - I would love to read a biography of Tesla but somehow all the ones I haven't really vibed with any of them. I mean I think biographies of dead genius men are frequently written in a way that is obnoxious. This one was the best of them so far but also my loan lapsed and I have not found my way to caring enough to check it out again.

And finally this is the year I discovered that most romance novels work for me for about 80-90% of the book but once we get to the third act breakup (annoying) or the resolution (even worse), I frequently cannot bring myself to care. And like, I read and finished romance novels I like! But I read 80-90% of probably half or slightly more of the romance novels I picked up. I do think this has to do with me being on the aromantic spectrum. I like romance, I just think that when we start to see the priorities of our protagonists change, the book loses me a little. And I think that's yet another example of not all art being for all people and that being okay.

[wondereads]

July Wrap-Up

Reviews and thoughts under the cut

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson (10/10)

I've been interested in this book for a while, but I was finally prompted to read it by the TV show announcement. And I can definitely say I wasn't disappointed. If you watch any sort of procedural show, this will be right up your alley. I loved how the actual investigation was laid out with Pip's notes and diagrams in the book. It made me feel like I was solving the mystery right alongside her. The focus is definitely on the murder, but I still got a good sense of Pip's personal life and how her obsession with the case was affecting her and her relationships. I won't lie, one of the most anxiety-inducing parts was her college applications, but maybe that's just me. I managed to predict who the killer was, but the actual story behind the whole thing made my jaw drop. I can't wait to read the rest of the series and see the show!

Guardians of Dawn: Zhara by S. Jae-Jones (5/10)

This book is not irredeemable. The plot is unoriginal but not nonsensical or boring, the magic is super interesting, and Zhara has a lot of potential as a character. However, most of the characters are one-dimensional and uncompelling and the writing is...not good. The unending focus on the romance when there were so many other interesting things going on was so frustrating. And then there was the unashamed insertion of what is clearly meant to be BTS (yes, worldwide kpop sensation BTS) that completely destroyed my immersion. Also, the disability rep is pretty dubious. I was pretty disappointed by this read, which sucks because I think it had a lot of potential.

Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater (10/10)

This book is like if Pride & Prejudice and Howl's Moving Castle had a baby, and I ate it up. This book perfectly blended a historical romance with engaging fantasy elements. Dora is a wonderful main character; she's lovable and engaging while still have a completely unique personality that really makes her stand out amongst a lot of fantasy romance protagonists. The love interest is suitably snarky while still being respectful and kind, especially to Dora. Their interactions are fun while still being incredibly romantic. The plot works well with the romance and characters, culminating in a very satisfying ending. Finally, I really appreciate the ending for Dora's issue in particular; it works well for her character and is, in my opinion, in good taste. I highly recommend this book, especially if you're looking for a light, quick read!

The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas (6/10)

This book was one I just read to move on to the next book. I was told to read this one before Queen of Shadows, so I did. I did find some parts interesting, such as Celaena's time in the desert, and Arobynn Hamel has to be one of the most interesting characters in the whole series. However, I do wish this were an optional installment as it was kind of boring. It didn't feel like we got any insight into Celaena's character, rather just rehashes of what has appeared in previous books, and towards the end I was skimming. Also, I'm sorry, but Sam doesn't really hold any appeal for me. The romantic plotline was rushed and he was acting so weird towards the end.

The Stolen Heir by Holly Black (10/10)

I was so nervous; as the successor to Folk of the Air, The Stolen Heir had a lot to live up to, and it did. I absolutely adored Wren; she is a complex main character who is still easy to root for, and Black has continued to write amazing, unhinged female main characters. As in Folk of the Air, the use of faerie rules to trick the audience along with the characters is done very well, and there's some great foreshadowing in there. Concerning Oak, I'd seen a lot of people online saying he was a Cardan carbon copy, but I really don't see it. He's polite, considerate, and well-raised, but he also has a shocking capacity for violence, which is incredibly interesting. The twist at the end was amazing, particularly concerning Wren and Oak's relationship going forward, and I can't wait to read the second book!

Neverseen by Shannon Messenger (8/10)

I have now officially reread all of the KotLC books I got through previously. Going into Lodestar will be uncharted territory for me, and wow am I glad I refreshed my memory. I forgot a lot of stuff, so it was almost like I was reading it for the first time. Like I predicted, this was a slower one, mostly filled with finding out more about the Black Swan and the Council, and there was a lot of Sophie and her friends wanting to do things that were "too dangerous." I won't lie, it dragged a bit, but it really picked up once Sophie started attending Exilium. I think the twins are a much-needed addition to the main cast to help shake things up and keep the dynamic from getting too worn out. Also, Calla is a particularly strong side character. While I could predict the broad strokes of the story, the actual method of getting there took me by surprise, and there's a huge twist at the end that totally restructures how the rest of the series is going to look. I'm very excited to start Lodestar!

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (8/10)

While this book isn't perfect and is somewhat dated by its use of certain tropes and plot points, The Infernal Devices is without a doubt much better than The Mortal Instruments. It definitely has its similarities (the premise and mystery of birth behind the main characters are notably alike), but it has also really improved. Tessa, while still a little passive and nondescript in terms of character, isn't just a cookie cutter protagonist, and it's actually really interesting to see how the time period affects her opinions. The plot is kind of slow, but it's much less predictable and more imaginative. Also, TID probably has one of the best-written (and best-resolved in Clockwork Princess) love triangles in YA. Both Will and Jem have their own appeal, and they are distinct from one another while still being close in a unique way. I'm enjoying my reread so far!

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir (10/10)

Oh, I just loved this book. Gideon is one of the best protagonists I've read in ages; she's snarky and stubborn and incredibly entertaining. Her dynamic with Harrow that is simultaneously filled with intense hatred and co-dependency is so interesting and provides all kinds of interpersonal tension not even factoring in the other Houses. Speaking of the other Houses, even if they aren't all the most likable, they are all strong characters in their own right and each bring something unique to the story. The worldbuilding, as is often said about this book, is a little confusing, but I actually really enjoyed it. It was like a puzzle to figure out, and it helped with the immersion so much since Gideon wasn't dwelling on explaining things she already knew. The plot, despite the characters being somewhat aimless for some periods, was never boring as tension between the characters kept things moving when they were stuck plot-wise. The twist at the end was amazing and shocking and horrifying, and I've already got Harrow checked out in my library.

Painted Scars by Neva Altaj (5/10)

I got this from KU on a whim since I wanted something I wouldn't really have to think about, something quick and easy, but I think it was far too quick. While I think the characters had some potential, everything in this book was way too fast, from the build of romantic feelings to the typical third act "break-up", if you could even call it that. For a book that was only 240 pages, it was trying to do way too much and really should've just focused on the romance.

The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang (10/10)

This book is pretty much perfect. The plot is engaging, the characters are all amazing, the writing style hits hard, and there’s really good social commentary that touches on, honestly, almost every issue out there. Rin has got to be one of my favorite protagonists of all time; she’s the underdog, she’s easy to root for, and our desire for her to succeed almost makes us overlook her glaring flaws. Kuang establishes Rin’s overwhelming need to succeed, to win, to be the last one standing from the very beginning, and it leads to her slow but steady downfall as she must decide how far she is willing to go for the sake of her nation. Rin’s time in Sinegard is an interesting and unique twist on the fantasy school setting, and the tone switch between the time at Sinegard and the time at war is done masterfully. Even the war takes an incredibly dark turn, goes farther than the reader would ever expect, as Kuang draws from real history to write horrors that should’ve been beyond anyone’s imagination. Perhaps the most technically amazing part of this book is that even when she has fallen so far, part of us agrees with Rin; which is the danger of it all, isn’t it?

Half Upon a Time by James Riley (8/10)

I loved this series as a kid, and rereading it was like returning home. It's actually so funny that this book has tons of tropes I love today just in a middle grade format. There's a pretty good level of intricacy to the plot, and the fairy tale elements are tons of fun. There are plenty of familiar characters that each have a unique twist to their story, often intertwining their stories with each other. For example, the Huntsman from Snow White is also the woodcutter/hunter from Little Red Riding Hood. This book also has a fun twist by being from the perspective of the character who guides someone who has fallen into another world. In most other books, May would be the main character, so having Jack tell the story subverts some expectations. The way Jack, May, and Philip interact is a little typical for the genre and time period, though I appreciate that it is heavily implied that Philip has no romantic interest in May. Finally, Jack's mysterious involvement with the Eye and his sword is one of my favorite parts of the book, and it's a pretty fresh concept.

Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce (9/10)

The reread of the Tortall books continues! I actually don't remember Wild Magic and Wolf Speaker all that well (unlike Emperor Mage, which I reread many many times), so this was a lovely trip of rediscovery. I think this may just be a side effect of Pierce's writing style, but Daine seems way older than thirteen. If I had to guess just based on how she acts, I'd guess closer to fifteen/sixteen. Regardless, she's a very fun main character and a little funny in that she's practically the only Pierce MC to advocate for politeness and etiquette. Her relationship with Cloud is a great one, very sibling-like, and I love how she gets closer to particularly Onua and Numair. The plot is interesting but, for me who has a lot of emotional connection to the series, is ultimately overshadowed by the characters.

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke (DNF @ 35%)

While I found the world of this book incredibly interesting and fairly unique, it was just boring. Literally nothing happened for all of parts one and two, and when something finally did happen it wasn't nearly interesting enough to make me want to continue. I know this book receives high praise, and I may come back to it some day, but my copy was due in the library and it didn't intrigue me enough to renew it.

The Lost Siren by Raven Storm (3/10, DNF @ 56%)

This was an interesting idea for a fantasy romance, but I hated most of the love interests and romantic/spicy scenes were just not good. There was very little chemistry between the main character and most of the love interests, and the constant threat of violence/sexual assault against in the main character totally turned me off. I got past the halfway mark, which is my threshold for a rating.

BONUS

Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor (CR, 27%)

I'm liking this book so far, but I'm getting a very precarious sense as I read it. The setup is done in a way that means very small details could ruin it for me, but so far this book is dodging them like a pro. It's been a while since I read a male main character, but I really like Lazlo! It's incredibly easy to be on his side, and I love that he's soft-spoken and academically focused. I'm not sure how I feel about the introduction of a whole new major POV with a new host of characters 20% of the way into the book, especially since I was under the impression this would be single POV, but it hasn't been too bad so far.

Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir (CR, 13%)

Similar to Gideon, this book is incredibly confusing, and I'm enjoying it. Harrow is a very different character and narrator from Gideon, and I feel like her sort of stagnancy is a pretty good depiction of depression. What I find most interesting is what appears to be this memory rewrite Harrow has gone through. She seems to have lost a lot of her memories from the first book and just after it, and it seems everyone knows what happened then except her. How interesting...

[mysticstarlightduck]

Hi! I just wanted to ask if your main character had a theme song or piece of music, what would it be and why? 💛

Hi, @conkers-theficwriter! Thanks for the Ask!

This is such a lovely question! Especially since I adore making character playlists for my WIP! For the sake of this answer, I'll only consider the main POV characters (who are the protagonists of their parts of the story, since this novel has a Multiple POV outlook) from The Last Wrath!

RAELEN ASHIREN (theme song) - Dance with Fire by Karliene and Sing of Manetheren by Wheel of Time (cover by Gustavo Steiner)

ELLINOR DALLANTES (theme song) - Noble Blood by Tomme Proffit ft Fleurie and Queen of The Kings by Alessandra

JULYAN ASHIREN (theme song) - Lightbringer by 2WEI ft Ali Christenhusz and Just a Man by Epic The Musical

DARIAN CAELESTIS (theme song) - Speechless (Aladdin Live Action Soundtrack) male cover by Caleb Hyles

JAMIE TELLIAN (theme song) - Protector by City Wolf and Open Arms by Epic the Musical

LUCIYA ANYNTH (theme song) - Over the Hills and Far Away cover by Hurdy Gurdy

And that's it for the main characters!

But since I love sharing my character playlist for this WIP, here are the (updated) songs for the supporting cast as well!

INNARA RENFELLI (theme song) - Touch the Sky - Merida (dark cover by Lydia the Bard) and Reflection - Mulan (cover by Anna Pantsu)

ORYON ZYNDOR (theme song) - Drown with Me by Falconshield

ANSELL KALLIK (theme song) - Higher Ground by Rasmussen

LORD NETHEN FAHRIS (theme song) - Hell to Your Doorstep by The Count of Monte Cristo Musical and All the Magic by Karliene

NYX FAESTORM (theme song) - Song of the Seven by Joey Batey (The Witcher Soundtrack)

KADEN RIHDEL (theme song) - Thus Always to Tyrants by The Oh Hellos and The Bard Song by The Blind Guardian

SYBIL RIHDEL (theme song) - Savage Daughter by Sarah Hester

SEIRA NIVAINE (theme song) - Broken Crown by Mumford and Sons and Just Around the Riverbend by Brittany J Smith

AZRA MOORSWORTH (theme song) - Dragon by Built By Titan

HELIOS MAEVEL (theme song) - Goodbye by Bo Burnham and Amen by Frankenstein the Musical

TANWIN LYRANDETH (theme song) - Heart of The Night by Divide Music and Perfect by Miracle of Sound

EMRYC THORNE (theme song) - Everybody Loves Me by One Republic

VALLERIUS ZYNDROSAR (theme song) - The Horror and The Wild by The Amazing Devil

MORWAN DESTRIN (theme song) - Kings of the Sea by Karliene and Calling by The Amazing Devil

NADDINE AHMIRAH (theme song) - Grace O'Malley by Kinnia and Wild Uncharted Waters cover by Anna Pantsu

BRYN SEPERI (theme song) - Psychosis by Michel Dae

CASSANDER FYNN (theme song) - The Halfman's Song by Miracle of Sound

PEREGRINE DUSKEBLOM (theme song) - The World We Made by Ruelle and Alone by Cami-Cat

ISOLDE KIERAH (theme song) - Loyal, Brave, and True by Christina Aguilera

ARAMMIS DOHRFAREN (theme song) - Dance to The Day by Prince of Egypt The Musical

YUNA THYREN (theme song) - Mary Read by Karliene

FABIAN ANYNTH (theme song) - Dynasty by MIIA and Hero by Jeff Williams ft Caleb Hyles

ZEPHYR TELLIAN (theme song) - Monster by Frozen The Musical and Which Witch By Florence+The Machine

MYRAH FARON (theme song) - Dear Fellow Traveler by Sea Wolf and On My Father's Wings cover by Brittany J Smith

GENERAL TRYSTAN GRAYSPEAR (theme song) - Woe to The People of Order by Cami-Cat and Ruthlessness by Epic the Musical

LUKAN VELTERIN (theme song) - Legends the Score and Coast of High Barbary by Topgallant Jack

ELAIN (theme song) - Teen Idle by Marina and The Diamonds and Heart Of Stone cover by Matt Bloyd

CIRIEN SEPERI (theme song) - Blow High, Blow Low by Karliene (Only imagine a gender-bent version of this song. In the original song, the character is female, but this character here is male. It's just that the lyrics match too well with his story otherwise!)

[littlereadsandteas]

March 2016

Paladin by Sally Slater is a fascinating and romantic young adult fantasy novel that will captivate readers who crave strong, complex female protagonists, morally ambiguous characters, and epic battles between good and evil, making it a perfect fit for fans of adventurous and suspenseful storytelling.

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas is a thrilling and emotionally charged read that will captivate fans of epic fantasy adventures, particularly those who crave stories of fierce female protagonists, high-stakes battles, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship and loyalty.

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas is a thrilling and emotionally charged read that will captivate fans of strong, complex heroines and fantasy adventures, particularly those who enjoy stories of self-discovery, empowerment, and the battle between light and darkness.

The Eternal Tide by Kirsten Beyer is a captivating read for fans of epic space exploration, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, as it probes the intricacies of identity, duty, and the human condition, set against the rich backdrop of the Star Trek universe.

Acts of Contrition by Kirsten Beyer is a gripping and intriguing novel that will captivate fans of complex, morally nuanced science fiction, particularly those who enjoy exploring the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of past actions, as it investigates the complexities of redemption, forgiveness, and the weight of history.

Unworthy by Kirsten Beyer is a gripping and captivating novel that will captivate fans of science fiction and adventure, particularly those who enjoy complex, emotionally charged stories that explore the blurred lines between identity, humanity, and the consequences of technological advancements.

Children of the Storm by Kirsten Beyer is a exhilarating and absorbing novel that will captivate fans of science fiction and adventure, particularly those who enjoy complex, otherworldly mysteries and high-stakes space battles that challenge the boundaries of human understanding.

Kitty Bennet's Diary by Anna Elliott is a captivating read for anyone who adores Regency-era romance, second chances, and stories of hope and resilience, particularly those who have been touched by the timeless classic Pride and Prejudice.

Hades by Kamery Solomon is a thrilling and romantic page-turner that will captivate fans of adventurous and suspenseful tales of self-discovery, perfect for readers who crave a strong and feisty heroine navigating the complexities of identity, loyalty, and the blurred lines between fate and free will.

Love and Decay, Volume One by Rachel Higginson is a perfect fit for readers who crave a fascinating and romantic tale of survival, self-discovery, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship and love, set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world where the lines between life and death are constantly blurred.

[workingthetbile]

Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight and Heir of Fire by Sarah J Maas - spoilers

It’s been a while since I have binge read a series. Well three books in a 8 book series. I’m taking a pause because the end of Heir of Fire left me emotionally content and anxious at the same time. Although for Sarah J Maas not the worst cliff hanger to leave the reader wanting more. Aelin is the very thing I wanted in a female character that is on a path to become queen or legend with the damned ability to still be lethal. I love strong female leads but Aelin might ruin me for all others to be honest (well Bryce in Crescent City might change the in her next book).

The way Maas vividly writes and creates her worlds without shying away from the suffering that mirrors real world issues and how not just the protagonist but the other characters overcome those wounds is masterfully done across her works and even with the Throne of Glass series being fist still holds true to that even if one reads A Court of Thrones and Roses or Crescent City first.

As I continue on with Assassin’s Blade since I’m doing the reader recommended order (see here) I’m excited to see where Aelin made the decisions she did to get to the first book.

[acourtofthought]

I've seen a few Anti Jurian posts this week and they always leave me shaking my head.

One post claimed that nobody knows who Jurian is while Vassa is clearly more memorable.

The above are from pages 495 and 496 of ACOWAR. Those excerpts alone make Jurian someone memorable.

500 hundred years of being held prisoner, not caring what happened to himself so long as an entire land could be free. He was friends with Mor, fought back to back with her during the war, feels remorse over what happened and wants to beg forgiveness for his past.

Jurian was mentioned 34 times in book 1. Vassa 0 times

Jurian was mentioned 68 times in book 2 - Vassa 0 by actual name

Jurian was mentioned 172 times in book 3 - Vassa 34 times

Jurian was mentioned 15 times in 3.5 - Vassa 16 times

Jurian was mentioned 27 times in book 4 - Vassa 41 times

Jurian's name is in the series 316 times while Vassa's name is mentioned 91.

The lack of name mentions does not mean Vassa can't be someone important but claiming Jurian is someone others barely remember over Vassa is foolishness. He was an important part of the plot throughout the entire series, first as an antagonist then as a protagonist.

Vassa's role in the series prior to her being granted temporary freedom and helping them fight in the war was that of the girl who got kidnapped. That was her big contribution.

Also, thinking Jurian will betray them after he already pretended to betray them but proved he was the good guy? It's not happening. SJM having him as an eyeball for 500 years only to resurrect him only to kill him after all that? Not happening.

There was a blogger on TikTok the other day, Katie, and she made an excellent point.

There are so many who claim that Az won't have his own book because the female needs to be the one who shines yet they are the same people who claim Vassien are endgame. Exactly how would Vassa shine in a Vassien book? How could she take center stage to Lucien?

Once Vassa is free of Koschei, what's her big arc, becoming queen of the humans again? How exactly does Lucien fit into that?

When Lucien helps restore Spring, what will Vassa be doing? Considering she has absolutely no connection to the Spring lands and has not been given any hints as to being connected.

When Lucien learns who his real father is and travels to Day, what exactly is Vassa's role in that?

How is Vassa going to shine in a Vassa / Lucien book as Lucien learns that he's heir to a throne in the fae lands?

Once her curse is broken, will she have any powers? Right now the only thing she can do ties into her curse which she is trying to free herself from.

But she and Jurian make sense. They both have a desire to lead the humans. Lucien says the people would have crowned Jurian king by now if it weren't for Vassa, how they both share the same vision for the humans, how they are at one another's throats. Jurian tells us Vassa saw through his ruse right from the start.

Not to mention Vassa and Jurian are both humans who were once / were forced to become a different form by a villain.

I get people like the idea of certain ships but if we're being serious about how Sarah has laid out certain characters, I don't know how anyone can say with a straight face that Jurian isn't memorable and that Vassa and Lucien have more to build a future on than Vassa / Jurian and Lucien / Elain.

Ok so Elriels want Jurian to die now? Great great. They want Lucien to get rejected by his mate and then lose one of his best friends. Some romance. We'll be too busy crying in despair for Lucien to focus on the romance. PLUS Vassa is still human as far as we know, so she'll die soon. Triple tragedy for Lucien. Super romantic. Also what do you MEAN Jurian is not love interest worthy???? He's a freedom fighter???? He rizzed one of the High Fae to save his cause???? He outsmarted Hybern twice???? He's Lucien's bestie??? That last one alone makes him hotness personified, because Lucien only associates with hotties. Just saying.

[childrenslitbookreviews]

A Court of Mist and Fury

Title 15: A Court of Mist and Fury

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Banned Book

Target Age Group: 14 - 18

Summary: *Spoilers from here on out*

In book one of the series, Feyre had been trapped under a mountain by an evil fae and killed. But thanks to the seven lords of the high courts, she was reborn into an immortal fae body. She returned to become Tamlin’s queen of the Summer Court. But Tamlin was too controlling, so Feyre let herself be taken away by Rhysand, the lord of the Night Court, who encouraged her to learn how to read and fight, giving her choices of her destiny. Feyre decides to join the Night Court and fight alongside them to thwart the King of Hybern’s plans to take over the mortal world. 

Justification: This young adult book has been banned in some public school libraries. It has been deemed too sexually explicit for young adult readers. I wanted to see for myself and expand my horizons of what genres I typically read.

Evaluation:

First, in regards to why this book is often challenged, I did not find the sex scenes to be gratuitous. They were portrayed similar to many other popular romance novels by using metaphors and focusing on how Tamlin’s actions made Feyre feel. I can see an argument for why this shouldn’t be available in Middle School libraries, but it should certainly be allowed into high school libraries. Fiction novels let readers try out identities, see the repercussions of their actions, and see how power dynamics shift after intercourse. These are extremely important lessons for young adults to learn without the consequences of trying them first in real life. The format of the novel itself is meant for readers to be able to learn from others’ experiences and ideas without physical harm and teenagers learning about the adult world should be able to access these life lessons. 

Furthermore, the romance of the book is very empowering for the female protagonist. She leaves an unhealthy, controlling environment that she had with Tamlin to go choose her own destiny and it is this core value of consent and choosing your partners that I think is very valuable to have in a young adult novel. If a young woman can learn from this novel the courage and the knowhow to leave an unhealthy controlling partner, then it has earned its spot on the library shelf.

Second, I found the magic to be underexplained for my tastes. I come from a background of loving very hard science fiction so take this critique with a grain of salt, but I wish that there was some attempt at explaining the source of the magic, how it interacts with the physics of the world, some systematization of the magic, and how power levels compare. Instead, we get brief descriptions of what Feyre and Rhysand’s powers are. Rhysand can winnow or teleport into and out of certain areas. They both have superhuman strength and heightened senses. They also both have telepathy, which does involve some play of buffeting each others’ mental walls that I enjoyed. I would definitely not classify this as high fantasy, perhaps more of a soft fantasy. Sarah J. Maas focuses on how Feyre feels in response to winnowing, telepathy, and strength instead of how it affects the world. 

Third, this is a slow book! Very little happens in the first half of the book other than sex, Tamlin getting mad, Ianthe plans their wedding, and Rhysand takes Feyre to his castle. Maybe Maas is trying to make a slow burning book and give the characters time to process how they are feeling and fully explain why Feyre wants to leave Tamlin, but to me it felt like nothing was happening except brooding! However, once Feyre does decide to join Rhysand and the Dark Court, things start to get exciting. Feyre meets interesting characters like the bone carver, the weaver, Rhysand’s court of advisors, Amren, Cassian, Mor, and Azriel. 

Regardless of my personal criticisms, this book should be available for young adults to read and enjoy to their heart’s desires. It contains some very empowering messages that I believe would benefit any teenager to read. 

Note: I read this on my kindle and found the format rather pleasing. It was nice to not have to carry around a 600 page heavy book that takes up half my backpack or change hands to turn the page when I was reading it on the couch. The only downside was that the progress bar at the bottom felt like it was taunting me with how slow it took me to make progress in the book. 5/5 Would recommend reading on kindle.

References:

Mass, J. (2016). A Court of Mist and Fury. Bloomsbury Publishing

[thebookwormslair]

If you enjoyed "From Blood and Ash" by Jennifer L. Armentrout, you might enjoy these book recommendations that share similar themes of romance, adventure, and fantasy:

"A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas: This series follows a young woman named Feyre who is taken to the faerie world as punishment for killing a faerie. The series features complex characters, intricate world-building, and a fast-paced plot filled with romance, political intrigue, and action.

"Red Queen" by Victoria Aveyard: This series follows a young girl named Mare who discovers she has the power to control electricity and becomes embroiled in a battle between the ruling elite and the oppressed lower classes. The series features a complex world, a strong female protagonist, and a plot filled with action, romance, and political intrigue.

"The Black Witch" by Laurie Forest: This book follows a young girl named Elloren who is the granddaughter of a powerful mage and must navigate a world filled with prejudice and danger. The book features complex characters, intricate world-building, and a plot filled with romance, magic, and political intrigue.

"Shadow and Bone" by Leigh Bardugo: This series follows a young girl named Alina who discovers she has the power to manipulate light and is whisked away to a magical academy for Grisha, people with magical abilities. The series features a richly drawn world, complex characters, and a compelling plot filled with magic, romance, and political intrigue.

"An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir: This series follows a young girl named Laia who becomes a slave to the ruling elite in order to rescue her brother. The series features complex characters, an intricate world, and a plot filled with action, romance, and political intrigue.

These are just a few book recommendations that you might enjoy if you're a fan of "From Blood and Ash." Each of these books features similar themes of romance, adventure, and fantasy and will keep you engaged from beginning to end.

[yafantasycomic]

With great power comes the ability to still be just a teenager!

[yurimother]

The Owl House: Disney’s First LGBTQ Protagonist is a Bisexual Dominican-American

Dana Terrace’s Disney Channel animated series The Owl House appeared to confirm fan suspicion of LGBTQ+ characters in the August 8 episode “Enchanting Grom Fright.”

*contains spoilers*

The Owl House follows teenage girl Luz (Sarah-Nicole Robles), a Dominican-American teenager who does not fit in. When she meets an eccentric outlaw witch, Eda (Wendie Malick), and is transported to a magical realm, Luz sees her opportunity to have the fantasy adventure of her dreams and trains as a witch under Eda. As the series progresses, Luz enrolls at magic school Hexside, where she meets various young witches, including top student Amity Blight (Mae Whitman).

“Enchanting Grom Night” follows Luz as she attends “grom,” Hexside’s version of prom, with the added twist of prom queen fighting a monster that reveals your greatest fear. After being chosen as prom queen, Amity is mortified at her “embarrassing” greatest fear coming to light, so Luz takes her place. Unfortunately, things do not go quite as planned, and the monster escapes. Once Luz and Amity corner it, Amity’s greatest fear is revealed as being rejected for grom. Upon seeing this, Luz asks her to grom, and the girls dance together as they defeat the monster. As they walk away, a note falls from Amity’s pocket, revealing that the person she was afraid to ask out was, in fact, Luz, thus confirming that she has feelings for her.

Multiple hints and small moments throughout the series have suggested that Luz is bisexual. She showed attraction to male and female characters, including a muscular man who turned out to be an illusion and Amity’s older sister, Emira. Amity’s feelings were more explicitly directed towards Luz from very early on. Although the two started as rivals, they became friends throughout their misadventures. Scenes such as Amity’s diary, her blushing after holding Luz’s hand, and talking to herself about Luz hinted at the attraction. It is implied that Amity is also bisexual, as she drew fan art of herself being held by a male character from her and Luz’s favorite series, “the Good Witch Azura.”

Creator Dana Terrance, who is bisexual herself, took to Twitter after the episode aired to thank her team and express how she intended to put queer kids in the main cast. Although some Disney leadership pushed back, her stubbornness paid off, and she is now supported by current Disney leadership in representing LGBTQ identities.

“Enchanting Grom Fright” is written by Dana Terrace, Rachel Vine, and Molly Ostertag (wife of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power creator Noelle Stevenson). The episode premiered on August 8 on the Disney Channel. The Owl House airs on the Disney Channel on Saturdays. Disney greenlit a second season in 2019.

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb: The Princess Bride meets Game of Thrones in this commercial YA trilogy from acclaimed fantasy author Sarah Henning. Princess Amarande is finally on the verge of having everything she wants. To be with her true love Luca, no one nor law standing in the way. To rule Ardenia as queen outright, no marriage necessary, as Luca does the same with the reformed Torrence. To rebuild the continent of The Sand and Sky into a place not defined by archaic, patriarchal laws, but by the will of its people. However, threats await in the shadows of Amarande’s hoped-for happily ever after. One expected and deadly to both her love and every one of her objectives. The other, unexpected, and arising with a vicious aim: revenge at any cost. Against the princess who killed him, the boy whose love made her do it, and the continent cruel enough to deserve his rage. The King Will Kill You is the epic, pulse-pounding conclusion to Sarah Henning’s Kingdoms of Sand and Sky trilogy.

Review:

A princess now a Queen, her true love finally reunited, but an old enemy still seeks vengeance and with more people questioning her place as queen and her relationship... soon Princess Amarande will have to fight tooth and nail for what is hers. Having escaped a forced wedding, killing the man who would take everything from her, and rescuing her beloved Amarande has finally made it out alive and is back in her kingdom and has been named Queen. Yet her murderous mother still lives and the man she thought she killed has survived and both are intent on taking away her kingdom. It does not help that the other kings and rulers in The Sand and Sky are holding fast onto the patriarchal laws and are intent on dethroning Amarande and denying her relationship with Luca. With enemies gathering all around, war on the break, and the fact that both Amarande’s people and Luca’s people and the council would oppose their relationship and union, Amarande and Luca will do anything to protect their kingdoms and their vow of love to each other. This was a beautiful ending to the trilogy, filled with adventure, romance, complicated relationships, politics, and so much more. The relationship between all the characters was so well fleshed out and the romance and relationship between Amarande and Luca has been a shining star in the series, both of them love and support one another, they believe in each other and are pillars of strength for one another. I adored reading this trilogy and have been so lucky to get to read the arcs of these books. Thank you so much, I highly recommend this series for fans of romance and adventure, for fans of a story that would combine The Princess Bride and Game of Thrones, and for fans of stories with strong female protagonist and sweet love interests as well as complex villains.

*Thanks Netgalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Tor Teen for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[wondereads]

Weekly Reading Update (07/10/23)

Reviews and thoughts under the cut

The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas (6/10)

This book was one I just read to move on to the next book. I was told to read this one before Queen of Shadows, so I did. I did find some parts interesting, such as Celaena's time in the desert, and Arobynn Hamel has to be one of the most interesting characters in the whole series. However, I do wish this were an optional installment as it was kind of boring. It didn't feel like we got any insight into Celaena's character, rather just rehashes of what has appeared in previous books, and towards the end I was skimming. Also, I'm sorry, but Sam doesn't really hold any appeal for me. The romantic plotline was rushed and he was acting so weird towards the end.

The Stolen Heir by Holly Black (10/10)

I was so nervous; as the successor to Folk of the Air, The Stolen Heir had a lot to live up to, and it did. I absolutely adored Wren; she is a complex main character who is still easy to root for, and Black has continued to write amazing, unhinged female main characters. As in Folk of the Air, the use of faerie rules to trick the audience along with the characters is done very well, and there's some great foreshadowing in there. Concerning Oak, I'd seen a lot of people online saying he was a Cardan carbon copy, but I really don't see it. He's polite, considerate, and well-raised, but he also has a shocking capacity for violence, which is incredibly interesting. The twist at the end was amazing, particularly concerning Wren and Oak's relationship going forward, and I can't wait to read the second book!

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (8/10)

While this book isn't perfect and is somewhat dated by its use of certain tropes and plot points, The Infernal Devices is without a doubt much better than The Mortal Instruments. It definitely has its similarities (the premise and mystery of birth behind the main characters are notably alike), but it has also really improved. Tessa, while still a little passive and nondescript in terms of character, isn't just a cookie cutter protagonist, and it's actually really interesting to see how the time period affects her opinions. The plot is kind of slow, but it's much less predictable and more imaginative. Also, TID probably has one of the best-written (and best-resolved in Clockwork Princess) love triangles in YA. Both Will and Jem have their own appeal, and they are distinct from one another while still being close in a unique way. I'm enjoying my reread so far!

Neverseen by Shannon Messenger (CR, 23%)

Something I can tell about this book is that it's definitely going to be slower book. Now that Sophie and her friends are with the Black Swan, a lot of the focus is on Sophie's powers and their interpersonal relationships. I have a feeling there's going to be some actual development in the romance angle, but I think it will be ending some of those feelings rather than recognizing them, which is honestly long overdue. I really hope Biana gets some more attention in this book, as she's been kind of neglected in the last two.

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir (CR, 19%)

This book is so good so far. This book is funny, sarcastic, compelling, and very confusing, just the way I like them. I'm not super far in, but I already have a connection to the main character, Gideon, and her childhood friend/enemy/employer Harrowhark. I'm quite invested in their relationship, which seems very complicated. The worldbuilding is very interesting so far, especially politically, and the pacing is good. I can't wait to continue.

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Clarissa Broadbent (CR, 9%)

Finally, this book is kind of a side project to read whenever I'm in the mood for a fantasy romance. It's actually quite good so far, with a pretty good plot and interesting characters. The main character seems to break from the mold of the typical NA romantasy protagonist, and her surrogate father definitely has my attention.