Nine children. One isolated lake house. What could go wrong?
This book is strange and unsettling in the best way, with growing horror that is slow and Nine children. One isolated lake house. What could go wrong?
This book is strange and unsettling in the best way, with growing horror that is slow and creeping (pun intended). It is told in an eerie "we" that reads like a whispered ghost story with the loss of childhood innocence, distorted bodies, and lingering legacies. As the forest closes in, the children change. This book is not just a story involving weird mushrooms and shadowy lake water; it's about control. You need to add this one to your shelf immediately.
Thank you, NetGalley and Creature Publishing, for the opportunity to review and provide my honest feedback....more
Big Dumb Eyes by Nate Bargatze is self-deprecating humor, absurd but true family stories (you can ask Pee-Pee), and a perspective that even the most mBig Dumb Eyes by Nate Bargatze is self-deprecating humor, absurd but true family stories (you can ask Pee-Pee), and a perspective that even the most mundane moments are hilarious. It's a collection of personal stories, recollections, and reflections on life as a "non-genius," delivered distinctly with a Southern flair.
"I used to be a genius," Nate Bargatze begins, "but then I fell off a cliff, and now I'm a comedian."
The book is structured more like a conversation than a memoir. It moves from tales of his first car (Old Blue, complete with a tennis ball for a gearshift), rats in his first apartment that move TVs, and growing up in a tiny town with a speed trap. There's something universally relatable about the chaos and affection in Bargatze's stories, especially if you grew up in the South. Listening to them felt like sitting around at a family reunion, hearing your funniest uncle tell stories you've technically heard before but still laugh every time.
The standout experience, however, is the audiobook version. Narrated by Bargatze himself, it feels more like an extended comedy set than a traditional reading. He leans into his natural timing and delivery in ways that make the listening experience feel even more intimate.
It will make you laugh and remind you of everyday life's ridiculous, wonderful, weirdness. And if you're going to read it, I recommend the audio version—you'll feel like you're sitting in the passenger seat of Old Blue on a long road trip with Nate himself telling you stories the whole way.
Thank you, NetGalley and Hachette Audio/ Grand Central Publishing, for the opportunity to review and provide my honest feedback. Hachette Audio/ Grand Central Publishing...more
In The Man Made of Smoke, we enter shadows of memory, grief, and long-buried horror. It’s a bleak, bone-chilling thriller that lingers and is not for In The Man Made of Smoke, we enter shadows of memory, grief, and long-buried horror. It’s a bleak, bone-chilling thriller that lingers and is not for the weak. Dan narrowly escaped the clutches of a serial killer as a child and has now built his life around understanding monsters as a criminal profiler. He has returned to his desolate island hometown after his father’s mysterious death. The killer Dan thought was long gone, but he may have returned or never left.
The author writes with a dark unease that hangs dread on every page. The isolation creates a feeling of claustrophobia and panic. As Dan searches for the truth, it takes the reader further into hazy memories, grief, and haunting possibilities of past deeds. This book is as much a psychological thriller as a mystery full of slow-burning tension, where each revelation cuts deeper than the last. It is a story about the monsters that wear faces we may know.
Thank you, NetGalley and Celadon Books, for the opportunity to review the ebook....more
Girl in the Creek is a slow-creeping, pulse-pounding dive into eco-horror that's a thrill ride. Erin is still haunted by her brother's mysterious disa
Girl in the Creek is a slow-creeping, pulse-pounding dive into eco-horror that's a thrill ride. Erin is still haunted by her brother's mysterious disappearance five years ago. Her return to the Pacific Northwest to uncover the truth brings with it more than just grief; it unleashes something ancient and something hungry. The character development is solid throughout, especially Erin's unraveling mix of grief, obsession, and resolve. The side characters in the novel bring out the camaraderie, highlight Erin's emotional depth, and even a little humor.
Where this book shines is with its botanical horror. The budging eyes, impossibly invasive growing spindles, grotesque transformations, and nature reclaiming bodies in ways that make your skin crawl. The body horror is visceral, just the way I like it. The tension builds like it's growing around you, and suddenly, you're trapped. There is an undeniable sense of doom threaded into the story. You feel the weight of societal collapse as an active, corrupting force pushes the story forward. It's the story where nature becomes the villain, or maybe it's a reckoning. Nature doesn't forgive and is always on the quest for new growth.
Thank you, NetGalley and Tor Publish Group / Tor Nightfire, for the opportunity to review the ebook....more
The book is an absolute knockout, delivering everything a fantasy reader craves. Ivy Pomeroy is a heroine who refuses to be caged, even as she’s forceThe book is an absolute knockout, delivering everything a fantasy reader craves. Ivy Pomeroy is a heroine who refuses to be caged, even as she’s forced to wear an enchanted collar and play the part of an obedient pet to a ruthless king. Her sharp mind, cunning illusions, and determination make her unforgettable. She doesn’t just survive but schemes, fights, and burns everything down in her path, and I am here for it.
The banter is top-tier, with wit and tension, making every conversation a battle of wills. When the mysterious reaper, Thorne, arrives, their interactions spark with danger and intrigue. Their reluctant alliance is electric, filled with mistrust and undeniable attraction. Every stolen glance and cutting remark only builds the tension, making their dynamic an absolute slow-burn delight.
Beyond the characters, the magic system is creative, well-developed, and seamlessly integrated into the story. Ivy’s ability to weave illusions is both a weapon and a survival tool, forcing her to rely on her intelligence as much as her powers. The worldbuilding is immersive and layered with secrets and unexpected plot twists. When you think you know where the story is headed, it takes a turn. The power plays to keep the stakes sky-high. And that ending? Wow! This book delivers on all fronts.
Thank you, @thenerdfam, for the gifted ebook and the opportunity to review it....more
This book is a thrilling YA romantasy based on a high-stakes competition. Magic is a weapon, not a gift. Blaze is grappling with her family, keeping hThis book is a thrilling YA romantasy based on a high-stakes competition. Magic is a weapon, not a gift. Blaze is grappling with her family, keeping her hidden because of assassination attempts, and failing to learn her magic. She believes she is not worthy of any magic even though she was born able to summon storms despite her fire-wielding lineage. A royal competition forces her back into the world that once feared her. She must now learn to use her powers or suffer defeat.
The characters are well-developed and engaging, each with their motivations and secrets. Fox, in particular, stood out as a favorite. He added depth and unexpected layers to the story. And just when you think you have it all figured out, the book throws in a shocking twist ending that leaves you desperate for the sequel.
Thank you, NetGalley and MacMillan Children's Publishing Group, Roaring Brook Press, for an opportunity to review the ebook....more
The Cut sets up an eerie and unsettling premise: a woman escaping an abusive relationship finds herself in a deteriorating hotel where guests go missiThe Cut sets up an eerie and unsettling premise: a woman escaping an abusive relationship finds herself in a deteriorating hotel where guests go missing, shadows slither in the halls and trash, and the manager seems to be hiding something sinister.
The story moves at a crawl, and feels sluggish. The mystery is intriguing, and the elements of horror can be chilling. Sadie’s struggle as a survivor is compelling, and her situation is heartbreaking. Her choices often feel frustrating, and her internal monologue can be exhausting. I think there could be more action to engage the reader.
That said, one thing that shines is the audio narration. The narrator’s performance adds atmosphere and tension that the book sometimes fails to maintain. The eerie whispers, subtle voice shifts, and emotional delivery bring some much-needed depth to Sadie’s character. I highly recommend the audiobook, as the narration elevates the material significantly.
Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the opportunity to review and provide my honest feedback....more
Enchantra is an intoxicating blend of deadly intrigue, forbidden romance, and a game where the price of losing is death. This is the second book in th Enchantra is an intoxicating blend of deadly intrigue, forbidden romance, and a game where the price of losing is death. This is the second book in the Wicked Game series. This time, we follow Genevieve Grimm, Ophelia's sister, who has disappeared. Genevieve Grimm is determined, clever, and unwilling to back down. When her mother's death leaves her searching for answers, she finds herself at the gates of Enchantra, a cursed palace.
From the moment Genevieve forces her way inside, the story twists into a deadly game of deception, power, survival, and spice...plenty of spice. The palace is a labyrinth of illusions and secrets, where Rowin's family is forever trapped in a brutal contest. Rowin is everything you want in a MMC. With no choice but to play, Genevieve strikes a deal with Rowin and pretends to be madly in love to outwit their enemies.
The romance sizzles with slow-burn intensity, sharp banter, and the delicious torment of longing. Genevieve knows she can't trust Rowin, but their forced alliance keeps pushing them closer. The chemistry is electric, the stakes are high, and every story twist has you guessing what will happen next. With gorgeous writing and a gothic atmosphere, the book will grip you and never let you go. Enchantra is a must-read for all fans of delicious dark romance.
Thank you, NetGalley and Second Sky, Forever, for the opportunity to review and provide my honest feedback....more
The Rebel Witch is a high-octane conclusion to The Crimson Moth duology that masterfully blends suspense, near-captures, and a tension-filled romance The Rebel Witch is a high-octane conclusion to The Crimson Moth duology that masterfully blends suspense, near-captures, and a tension-filled romance into a narrative that will leave you breathless.
Rune Winters is on the run and caught between the man she once loved and the ruthless forces who all want something from her. She must navigate a world where loyalties shift as quickly as the wind. The close calls amplify the stakes, creating a pulse-pounding narrative in which survival is never guaranteed and ensuring that every page crackles with tension.
The relationship between Rune and Gideon Sharpe continues but is scarred by past betrayal and regret, but an undeniable connection between them refuses to fade. Gideon struggles between duty and his feelings for Rune. Their complex relationship is complicated by Cressida, whose ambitions to restore the witches to power force decisions for Rune and Gideon that blur the lines and explore the high price of love.
Overall, this book delivers a finale that is full of double-crosses, forbidden romance, and adventure. It was like a race from the beginning to the last page, never letting up. I could not put the book down. The book was a satisfying end to the storyline. With high-stakes romance and suspenseful adventures, this book is a chef's kiss.
Thank you, Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books, for the opportunity to review this book honestly....more
The Prince Without Sorrow has a unique premise that intertwines the power struggle of the session, morality, and justice. One of the novel's greatest The Prince Without Sorrow has a unique premise that intertwines the power struggle of the session, morality, and justice. One of the novel's greatest strengths is its world-building. The Empire's detailed descriptions and fantasy elements of witches and magic create a rich and immersive setting. The oppressive rule of Emperor Adil Maurya is now teetering on new fears as his oldest son is set to take over. He wants to continue conquering new lands like his father and persecuting mayakari. The younger brother, Ashoka, is exiled and wants to break from his family's tyrannical rule. Shakti is a mayakari whose family has been wiped out by Emperor Adil Maurya. She is now on a mission to dismantle the monarchy and create strife between the royal family.
While the story is compelling, the pacing is uneven. The novel leans towards a medium to slow pace, which allows for rich world-building but sometimes drags in key moments, particularly in Ashoka's political maneuvering. However, the book stumbles in the area of character development. Ashoka's internal struggle is present but lacks the dynamic depth that could have made it more engaging. On the other hand, Shakti's character is captivating, and her powerful motive is a driving force. Her desire for revenge and infiltration of the palace create fantastic scenes for the book, especially as she gets closer to her enemies.
Overall, The Prince Without Sorrow was a thought-provoking experience that delved into intriguing themes of legacy and vengeance. The power struggles are compelling, while the pacing may test your patience. As the author's first novel, it was a commendable effort. The minor issues, particularly pacing and character development, will be refined in the author's future works.
Thank you, Netgalley, Avon, and HarperVoyager, for the opportunity to honestly review this book....more
Lady or the Tiger is not your usual Western; it's an anti-hero origin story with the weight of abuse and the undeniable pulse of female rage driving tLady or the Tiger is not your usual Western; it's an anti-hero origin story with the weight of abuse and the undeniable pulse of female rage driving the events forward. Belle isn't here to charm you. She's here to burn the world down if she has to. She has been mistreated and underestimated for years. When she is arrested in Dodge City and confesses to the murder of her violent, possessive husband just to have him show up alive, that is where the real fight begins.
This story is soaked in blood, grit, and the eerie hush before a storm. The author's prose is lyrical but laced with the dusty realism of the West. Belle's voice is fierce and unapologetic. You see, when she decides not to be a victim of her circumstances anymore. This novel stands out because of its unwavering commitment to its heroine's female rage. She's dangerous, deliberate, and horrifyingly brilliant. Each twist of her story has you rooting for her, even though she walks a morally gray path full of ruthlessness and frontier justice.
Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group, Nancy Paulson Books, for the opportunity to review the ebook....more
Best friends Mazzy and Nora sneak down to the beach one night to cast a spell. They are not prepared to find a mutilated body washed ashore, missing hBest friends Mazzy and Nora sneak down to the beach one night to cast a spell. They are not prepared to find a mutilated body washed ashore, missing hands and teeth. This grisly murder is something that wouldn't happen in their small town. The girls can't shake the eerie, supernatural pull they feel to the victim; they turn to spells and divination to uncover the truth.
They unravel a series of disappearances spanning years and start experiencing disturbing occult visions and ghostly whispers. Nora finds a second body and starts receiving eerie directions to more. The girls are caught in a race against time to discover the killer's identity before the police or before they become the next victims.
The gloomy, claustrophobic atmosphere of foggy nights and dark woods enhances the sense of danger lurking at every turn. The supernatural and occult elements create suspense and eerieness. This YA book blends dark magic and a murder mystery to keep you on your toes. It had some genuinely unsettling moments that were exciting. The friendship between Mazzy and Nora is fiercely loyal, but dangerous secrets surface, which strained their relationship. The pacing is fast, making it impossible to stop reading. Some key revelations dropped so quickly that the ending lacked some emotional impact that the rest of the story builds toward. A few more chapters to unpack the aftermath for the friends would have made for a more satisfying conclusion.
The characters and story created a bewitching thriller that had a grip on me that just never let up. The supernatural elements were witchy and creepy, which I am 100% here for. I loved the story of friendship between the two girls and the weight of it. It made the relationship more real. The twisty plot made it a satisfying journey overall.
Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Group, Young Readers Group, and G.P. Putnam's Son for Young Readers, for the opportunity to review the ebook and provide my honest feedback....more
The book is an honest, raw portrayal of a young woman trying to navigate sobriety and the trials of friendship, family, and romance. Emma is flawed buThe book is an honest, raw portrayal of a young woman trying to navigate sobriety and the trials of friendship, family, and romance. Emma is flawed but working on rebuilding her life. Encouraged by her mother and work friends, she attempts to enter the dating scene, which is cringy and sweet. Her affection for Ben, the IT manager at work, feels authentic and charming.
Emma has a complicated relationship with her father, who also has alcoholism. Her mother, her safety net, decides to move in with her boyfriend. Emma must balance the push-and-pull of setting boundaries while yearning for connection and closure. Despite the serious themes of addiction and recovery, the book never feels heavy-handed. Emma is a mix of awkward, sharp humor and deep vulnerability that makes her instantly relatable.
It is a bittersweet and heartfelt read that captured my heart completely with its message of learning to embrace imperfection and facing real-life challenges.
Murder by Memory is a classic, cozy mystery with sci-fi. Dorothy Gentleman wakes up in a body that isn't hers. She is on an interstellar passenger linMurder by Memory is a classic, cozy mystery with sci-fi. Dorothy Gentleman wakes up in a body that isn't hers. She is on an interstellar passenger liner where minds are stored and bodies are interchangeable. Dorothy is working on a murder investigation with a deeper thread she can't stop pulling. For a novella, it was a fun story with a mix of lively characters that kept the story engaging and fun with a whodunit blended with space exploration. Dorothy Gentleman is a detective with a dry wit that you'll want to follow through many more mysteries. I can't wait for the next installment!
Thank you, NetGalley and MacMillan Audio, for the gifted audiobook....more
**spoiler alert** This book provided commentary on the sacrifices of women and how we stamper our ambitions and wishes for the ones we love. It was a **spoiler alert** This book provided commentary on the sacrifices of women and how we stamper our ambitions and wishes for the ones we love. It was a powerful novella that was thought-provoking and deeply resonated with me. I appreciate the realizations throughout the story of what she wanted only to have given up so much of herself for her husband and compromised her wants and behavior to please him. I will think about this book for months and how it emotionally rocked me. Superbly done!
Thank you, NetGalley and Creature Publishing for the opportunity to review and provide my feedback....more
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