syas's bookshelf: all en-US Wed, 02 Apr 2025 05:00:51 -0700 60 syas's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Maya Loves the Sun 228210010
Maya loves everything about the sun—its golden rays, comforting warmth, and how it makes her feel when she plays beneath it. She’s especially excited to celebrate her birthday outside at the park. But when Maya hears comments from family members about her skin darkening, her joy dims. Disheartened and confused, she begins to hide from the very thing that once made her shine.

Paired with vibrant illustrations, Maya Loves The Sun is a tender exploration of self-acceptance, encouraging readers to celebrate their own light and love the skin they’re in. This heartfelt story also opens the door to meaningful conversations about colorism, belonging, and creating change.

Includes an author’s note, discussion questions, and engaging back matter on colorism and sun safety.]]> 40 Disha Mathur 1964175003 syas 5 4.87 2025 Maya Loves the Sun
author: Disha Mathur
name: syas
average rating: 4.87
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/02
date added: 2025/04/02
shelves:
review:
This story feels so warm and comforting! Experiencing colorism has been a recurring challenge for me, even to this day, so seeing this issue portrayed in such a thoughtful way really resonated with me. This book does a great job of conveying the importance of self-love and confidence in a way that feels genuine and impactful. Plus, the illustrations are absolutely stunning! The vibrant colors and adorable font add so much charm. I also appreciate the extra section on sun safety, which is a great touch for kids. This is definitely a book worth picking up!
]]> <![CDATA[Empty and Me: A Tale of Friendship and Loss (English and Persian Edition)]]> 123381498 48 Azam Mahdavi 1643796224 syas 4 4.25 2023 Empty and Me: A Tale of Friendship and Loss (English and Persian Edition)
author: Azam Mahdavi
name: syas
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/30
date added: 2025/03/30
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[It's Tough to Lose Your Balloon]]> 23834606 From the author of National Book Award finalistĚýHey, Kiddo.Lost balloons. Melted ice cream. Babysitters. Life as a kid can be pretty daunting. But don’t let these troubles get you down. With the right attitude, a hurdle can become a hammock and an obstacle can become an opportunity! Ěý Veteran picture book creator Jarrett J. Krosoczka teaches kids to look on the bright side of things. With lively illustrations and spot-on humor, It’s Tough to Lose Your Balloon champions resilience and helps children navigate childhood indignities while making them laugh at the same time.]]> 40 Jarrett J. Krosoczka 0385754817 syas 3 3.77 2015 It's Tough to Lose Your Balloon
author: Jarrett J. Krosoczka
name: syas
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/29
date added: 2025/03/29
shelves:
review:

]]> The Thrashers 217387802 Either you're in or you're out.

Welcome to the Thrashers, the elite friend group at New Helvetia High.

They’re everything everyone wants to be.

Jodi Dillon was never meant to be one of them. Julian, Lucy, Paige, and the infamous Zack Thrasher are rich, sophisticated, and love attention. Jodi feels out of place, but Zack’s her childhood best friend, so she’s in.

Then Emily Mills, who desperately wanted to be a Thrasher, dies—and the whispers about the Thrashers begin. As Emily’s journal surfaces, detectives close in, and Jodi faces an impossible choice: betray her friends or protect herself.

But as eerie messages and strange occurrences escalate, it becomes clear—Emily isn’t done with them yet.

A twisty thrill-ride of unforgettable drama and suspense that "encapsulates the vulnerability of adolescents playing adult games" (Ali Hazelwood) from USA Today bestselling author Julie Soto, The Thrashers will keep you up at night desperate to read just one more page.

"A tour-de-force YA debut from Julie Soto." - Alexa Donne

"For fans of Karen McManus and Kara Thomas, The Thrashers had me holding my breath, sweaty-palming my e-reader, and dying to flip each page to see what would happen next." - Susan Lee

"Expertly plotted and full of flawed, morally gray characters you still can't help rooting for, The Thrashers is one of the best books I've read this year." - Evelyn Skye]]> 352 Julie Soto 125037717X syas 0 to-read 4.41 2025 The Thrashers
author: Julie Soto
name: syas
average rating: 4.41
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Cruel Is the Light 213197161 An epic new fantasy about a demon hunter and a foot soldier thrown together in a centuries-old war� and the forbidden love that could change the course of history.

A bloody war between demons and the Vatican has waged for more than a century, with two elite soldiers now at its center: Selene Alleva, a high-ranking exorcist running from a dark family legacy, and orphan Jules Lacroix, recruited by the Vatican and unrivalled on the battlefield.

When their paths cross over a series of unprecedented demon attacks, the distrust–and unwelcome attraction–they have for each other is immediate. But to get to the bottom of the breaches they strike an uneasy alliance to avoid suspicion. With Jules posing as Selene’s estranged fiance, they head to the Vatican in search of answers. But even as Selene questions who her most dangerous enemy is, Jules has begun to suspect that it’s him.

Now Jules� very existence challenges every truth Selene thought she knew, and suggests a terrible conspiracy at the heart of the Vatican. Unable to ignore their growing feelings, the two must make an impossible choice between love and duty.

They say love conquers all � but can it win in a war between demons and exorcists? Or will it tear them apart�]]> 496 Sophie Clark 0593810724 syas 0 currently-reading, arcs 3.60 2025 Cruel Is the Light
author: Sophie Clark
name: syas
average rating: 3.60
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/19
shelves: currently-reading, arcs
review:

]]> Wildcard (Warcross #2) 39633031
Determined to put a stop to Hideo's grim plans, Emika and the Phoenix Riders band together, only to find a new threat lurking on the neon-lit streets of Tokyo. Someone's put a bounty on Emika's head, and her sole chance for survival lies with Zero and the Blackcoats, his ruthless crew. But Emika soon learns that Zero isn't all that he seems--and his protection comes at a price.

Caught in a web of betrayal, with the future of free will at risk, just how far will Emika go to take down the man she loves?]]> 352 Marie Lu syas 5 favorites 4.07 2018 Wildcard (Warcross #2)
author: Marie Lu
name: syas
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2021/10/25
date added: 2025/03/18
shelves: favorites
review:

]]> The Ordeals 222444942 Ěý
Twenty-year-old Sophia De Winter has only known life bound to her cruel uncle, the Collector, thanks to a blood bond he exacted from her as a child. When she learns of Killmarth College, an elite academy for magic wielders outside of the Collector’s control, she knows it is her only chance to finally break free. But to gain entry, she will have to compete against other illusionists, masquiers, botanists and alchemists in a series of brutal trials that many hopefuls don’t survive—the Ordeals.
Ěý
Sophia knows her skills as an illusionist are weak; she only makes it through the first challenge by teaming up with a powerful (and insufferably sexy) botanist, Alden Hughes. To make it out alive, she will have to hone her magic, and learn to identify who is a rival, who could be an ally, and who is a murderer.
Ěý
Because now, not only does she have to protect her heart, but her very life. Hopefuls are being viciously picked off one-by-one between the challenges. In her haste to escape the Collector’s trap, Sophia may have fled straight towards her own death sentence.]]> Rachel Greenlaw 0008741271 syas 0 to-read 4.67 2025 The Ordeals
author: Rachel Greenlaw
name: syas
average rating: 4.67
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/17
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Love Unmasked 60757005 From the author of Hearts Overboard comes a swoony mystery-filled romance in which a girl on a school trip to Venice gets swept off her feet by a mask-wearing stranger...but does she know him already? Lose yourself in the masquerade—because sometimes, the greatest adventure begins when you unmask your heart.

People pleaser Evie Whitmore can’t believe her art and architecture class trip has brought her to Venice—home of gondolas and crumbling palazzos, and the inspiration for both her art and her hidden passion, Elven Realms, a series of novels set in the very city she’s about to explore.

Rumors about an underground Elven Realms fan club swirl, and Evie, wearing a costume and mask, sneaks out at night to find it. There’s no way she can tell anyone what she’s doing—not her friends, and certainly not Gabriel Martinez, the bad boy loner she’s been partnered with on the trip.

But Evie’s not the only one on this clandestine quest. She collides with someone else in disguise—a stranger whose eyes hold secrets. He calls himself Angelo, and he too loves the novels. Venice is a labyrinth, and as they unravel clues together, their connection deepens. Who is Angelo, really? And who does Evie want him to be?]]> Becky Dean syas 4 3.86 Love Unmasked
author: Becky Dean
name: syas
average rating: 3.86
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/10
date added: 2025/03/17
shelves:
review:
Grumpy x sunshine dynamics never fail to entertain me, and this book was no exception. The Venice setting, along with the secret underground club featuring masks and costumes, added a captivating touch. The slow-burn chemistry between Evie and Gabe was well done—their banter was fun, and they had some really adorable moments. What stood out to me was the message of self-acceptance, reminding us that perfection isn’t everything, and that’s something worth appreciating. However, the storyline was quite predictable, which took away some of the excitement. Still, if you're looking for a sweet, quick, and lighthearted read, this one is definitely worth considering!
]]> <![CDATA[Crying is Like the Rain: A Story of Mindfulness and Feelings]]> 55104615
Is it possible we’ve misunderstood crying all along? That’s the discovery one big sister sets out to share with her little brother as they walk to school and get caught in a storm. Along the way they explore sadness, loneliness, fear, frustration, anger and more, through gentle metaphor. Their journey examines our tears revealing how they begin, why they happen, and what to do with them. Throughout the book, the message received is that we are safe in our emotional experiences and that feelings, like the weather, come and go. This is an empowering story about navigating and understanding our feelings as a healthy, important, and very natural part of our lives. Have you ever noticed you feel differently after you cry? That’s because Crying is like the Rain.]]> 36 Heather Feinberg 0884487261 syas 5 favorites 4.43 2020 Crying is Like the Rain: A Story of Mindfulness and Feelings
author: Heather Feinberg
name: syas
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/12
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves: favorites
review:

]]> Why Are We Afraid? 62874207 34 Fran Pintadera 1525311298 syas 5 favorites 3.92 Why Are We Afraid?
author: Fran Pintadera
name: syas
average rating: 3.92
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/11
date added: 2025/03/11
shelves: favorites
review:

]]> Why Do We Cry? 52700746 34 Fran Pintadera 1525304771 syas 5 favorites 4.39 2019 Why Do We Cry?
author: Fran Pintadera
name: syas
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/11
date added: 2025/03/11
shelves: favorites
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Disappearances of Draco Malfoy]]> 58248000
A Deathly Hallows rewrite in which Draco accepts Dumbledore's offer to fake his death and go into hiding with the Order of the Phoenix]]> 1172 Speechwriter syas 0 to-read 4.43 2021 The Disappearances of Draco Malfoy
author: Speechwriter
name: syas
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Love and Other Historical Accidents]]> 182537199 As it turns out, history is just one damned accident after another.

For fans of Harry Potter, Jane Austen, and Connie Willis, a historical romantic comedy all about time, and getting the hell out of it.]]> 431 PacificRimbaud syas 3 4.10 2021 Love and Other Historical Accidents
author: PacificRimbaud
name: syas
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/03
date added: 2025/03/03
shelves:
review:

]]> The Enemy's Daughter 217290947 A stunning reimagining of Tristan and Isolde set in a dystopian world woven with magic. An addictive debut YA enemies-to-lovers romantasy—perfect for fans of Rebecca Ross and Sarah Underwood as well as books like Curious Tides, The Hurricane Wars, and Belladonna.

It’s been thirty-seven years since the Republic was destroyed. Now two settlements—the five clans and the Kingsland—fight for control of the untainted land. Though the five clans are outnumbered, they’ve finally struck, killing Kingsland’s brutal leader.

In the war that follows, Isadora, an eighteen-year-old healer, risks her life to help injured soldiers. But when she stops an attack from Tristan, a Kingsland assassin, his soldiers shoot her with a poisoned arrow. As Isadora lies dying, Tristan does the unimaginable: He offers to save her life using a rare magic.

In choosing to live, Isadora is unknowingly bound to the mysterious Tristan. Worse, even acknowledging the attraction between them allows him to glean fragments of her memories and the very knowledge he needs to destroy the five clans. But their magical connection works both ways. So to save her people, Isadora will have to open her heart to her most cunning enemy. Because in a race for ultimate survival, she’ll need to destroy Tristan and his people first.]]> 355 Melissa Poett 0063432552 syas 0 to-read 4.28 2025 The Enemy's Daughter
author: Melissa Poett
name: syas
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Fall Risk 223199392 Two good neighbors make the best of a bad Valentine’s Day in a funny and improbably romantic short story by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer.

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, and Charlotte and Seth are not looking for romance. Armed with emotional-support bear spray, Charlotte is in self-imposed isolation and on guard from men. Having a stalker can do that to a person’s nerves. Just across the hall and giving off woodsy vibes is Seth, a recently divorced arborist. As in today recently. Heights, he’s fine with. Trust? Not so much. But when disaster traps them one flight up and no way down, an outrageously precarious predicament forces a tree-loving guy and a rattled girl next door to embrace their captivity. Soon their defenses are breaking away. Considering how close they both are to the edge, Charlotte and Seth could be in danger of falling—in love.]]> 82 Abby Jimenez 1662529082 syas 3 arcs 4.13 2025 The Fall Risk
author: Abby Jimenez
name: syas
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/02
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: arcs
review:
This was a fun and quick read. I really liked how it touched on topics like stalking and even included some unique tree facts, which added an interesting touch. However, I do wish there had been a deeper discussion about Charlotte’s trauma and mental health. The romance between Seth and Charlotte also seemed rushed, likely due to the shorter length of the story, which made their relationship feel somewhat underdeveloped. While some parts fell flat for me, I still found moments I enjoyed and overall found it to be an entertaining read.
]]> Tiger Lily 13572546
Fifteen-year-old Tiger Lily doesn't believe in love stories or happy endings. Then she meets the alluring teenage Peter Pan in the forbidden woods of Neverland and immediately falls under his spell.

Peter is unlike anyone she's ever known. Impetuous and brave, he both scares and enthralls her. As the leader of the Lost Boys, the most fearsome of Neverland's inhabitants, Peter is an unthinkable match for Tiger Lily. Soon, she is risking everything—her family, her future—to be with him. When she is faced with marriage to a terrible man in her own tribe, she must choose between the life she's always known and running away to an uncertain future with Peter.

With enemies threatening to tear them apart, the lovers seem doomed. But it's the arrival of Wendy Darling, an English girl who's everything Tiger Lily is not, that leads Tiger Lily to discover that the most dangerous enemies can live inside even the most loyal and loving heart.

From the New York Times bestselling author of Peaches comes a magical and bewitching story of the romance between a fearless heroine and the boy who wouldn't grow up.]]> 309 Jodi Lynn Anderson syas 5 favorites 4.03 2012 Tiger Lily
author: Jodi Lynn Anderson
name: syas
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at: 2021/11/29
date added: 2025/03/01
shelves: favorites
review:

]]> Alone With You in the Ether 54208009
Everything else, however, is slightly different.

Both obsessive, eccentric personalities, Aldo Damiani and Charlotte Regan struggle to be without each other from the moment they meet. The truth—that he is a clinically depressed, anti-social theoretician and she is a manipulative liar with a history of self-sabotage—means the deeper they fall in love, the more troubling their reliance on each other becomes.

An intimate study of time and space, ALONE WITH YOU IN THE ETHER is a fantasy writer's magicless glimpse into the nature of love, what it means to be unwell, and how to face the fractures of yourself and still love as if you're not broken.]]> 248 Olivie Blake syas 5 favorites 4.00 2020 Alone With You in the Ether
author: Olivie Blake
name: syas
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2022/06/17
date added: 2025/03/01
shelves: favorites
review:

]]> To Sway A Soul 218627300
When Zhi Lan turned down the opportunity to become a nobleman’s concubine, she vowed to make her own fortune—not marry into it. But as a lowly farm girl, becoming a self-sustaining artist like her master Dan Li Chen is a lofty goal. Her meager fortune finally takes a turn when Master Dan’s recent masterpiece catches the attention of the city magistrate, who offers them both his esteemed patronage.

But when the prized painting is stolen, the magistrate issues an impossible ultimatum: paint a replica in three short days, or hang with the criminal who stole from him. Zhi Lan knows her only choice is to recover the masterpiece—even if it means joining forces with the uncommonly handsome thief who stole it.

It has been six years since Shao Qing made a foolish bargain with a lesser demon. The price? His soul. Since then, he has been traveling with a raucous band of art thieves, numb to everything but the thrill of their heists. But when an impassioned painter’s apprentice blackmails him into helping her retrieve her master's painting, his long dormant emotions begin to awaken. Compelled and unexpectedly intrigued, he accepts her bargain.

However, retrieving the stolen artwork proves more difficult than either of them anticipated. When the two are forced to conduct a heist of their own, Zhi Lan and Shao Qing must rely on one another despite their conflicting beliefs. Suddenly Zhi Lan is questioning the principles she’s always lived by, while Shao Qing begins to suspect he might have something left to lose.

As three days come to an end, the secrets they uncover will either bring them closer—or tear them apart.

Half a Soul meets your favorite historical C-drama in this Chinese folktale-inspired New Adult romantasy.

Tempting Thieves is a multi-author romantasy collection featuring cunning thieves who outsmart relentless hunters, steal forbidden treasures, and find love along the way. With enemies-to-lovers tension, slow-burn longing, forced proximity, secret identities, only one bed, and grumpy/sunshine dynamics, every story delivers an irresistible fantasy escape. Perfect for fans of forbidden romance, morally gray heroes, daring rogues, and clean yet sizzling chemistry. Each book in the collection is a standalone. Read in any order.]]> Ireen Chau 1962634051 syas 0 to-read 4.48 2025 To Sway A Soul
author: Ireen Chau
name: syas
average rating: 4.48
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Silver Elite 217245572 In the first book of a searing new dystopian trilogy, a young woman must conceal her psychic powers—and her attraction to her handsome, infuriating commanding officer—as she works undercover to take down a brutal government from within.

The world is divided. On the Continent, you’re either a Prime—immune to the biotoxin that nearly wiped out the Earth’s population 150 years ago—or a Modified, one who was enhanced by the toxin, developing powerful psychic gifts.

As conflict rages between the two sides, Wren Darlington lives in hiding. Occasionally running the odd op for the rebel Uprising against the Primes� oppressive rule, she must keep a low profile. After all, if the enemy finds out that she is a Mod with a staggering four psychic abilities, she won’t just be sent to the labor camps. She’ll be executed—immediately and without trial.

When a careless mistake puts Wren in the crosshairs of the Continent’s military, she is taken captive and forced to join their most elite Silver Block. Unwittingly, they’ve handed her the perfect opportunity for the Uprising to strike a devastating blow from inside their ranks. That is, if she can keep her powers hidden, survive training, and prove herself to Cross Redden, her maddeningly cocky commanding officer.

Despite the explosive chemistry between them, Cross doesn’t trust her—even as he seems determined to destroy the remaining shreds of Wren’s self-control. Yet as the war between Primes and Mods escalates, and as Wren and Cross find themselves unable to stay away from each other, they must decide how far they’re willing to go for their secrets—and how much of the Continent is worth saving.]]> 528 Dani Francis 059387546X syas 1 arcs
The premise itself had potential, a dystopian world ruled by an oppressive regime, where the protagonist, gifted with four hidden abilities, is given the opportunity to aid a rebellion in taking down the regime from within its elite military forces. It gave me strong 2000s dystopian vibes, which made me excited to dive in. But in the end, the execution just didn’t live up to its potential. The worldbuilding felt underdeveloped and needed more explanation. While the pacing was fast, not much actually happened, and the book could have been shorter since a lot of scenes felt repetitive and like filler.

There were several things that frustrated me, starting with the main character, Wren. Her entire character seemed to revolve around men—constantly thinking about them, obsessing over them, and even lusting after those tied to the very regime she’s supposed to be fighting. Her morals were all over the place, making her actions feel inconsistent. On top of that, she was insufferable. She came across as immature, impulsive, and prone to making incredibly reckless decisions, especially toward the end. [spoilers removed] Then, there were the side characters, who barely had any personality, including the love interest, Cross. Everyone in this book felt flat and one-dimensional, making them forgettable.

The romance didn’t help either. It wasn’t even romance. It was pure insta-lust with no emotional depth. Even when Wren and Cross declared their love for each other, it felt empty and unconvincing. [spoilers removed] To make matters worse, some of Cross’s actions felt straight-up problematic, bordering on sexual harassment, which made me extremely uncomfortable. On top of all that, the twists were very predictable, making the story feel even more underwhelming.

Overall, this book just wasn’t for me. It had the potential to be a great dystopian read, but the lack of depth, frustrating characters, and forced romance made it a letdown.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Worlds - Del Rey for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.]]> 4.38 2025 Silver Elite
author: Dani Francis
name: syas
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2025
rating: 1
read at: 2025/02/27
date added: 2025/03/01
shelves: arcs
review:
I had high hopes for this book after hearing so many great things, but unfortunately, I don’t think I was the right audience for it. There were several points where I wanted to put it down because I was completely exhausted by the main character and her love interest, but I kept pushing through just to see where it would go.

The premise itself had potential, a dystopian world ruled by an oppressive regime, where the protagonist, gifted with four hidden abilities, is given the opportunity to aid a rebellion in taking down the regime from within its elite military forces. It gave me strong 2000s dystopian vibes, which made me excited to dive in. But in the end, the execution just didn’t live up to its potential. The worldbuilding felt underdeveloped and needed more explanation. While the pacing was fast, not much actually happened, and the book could have been shorter since a lot of scenes felt repetitive and like filler.

There were several things that frustrated me, starting with the main character, Wren. Her entire character seemed to revolve around men—constantly thinking about them, obsessing over them, and even lusting after those tied to the very regime she’s supposed to be fighting. Her morals were all over the place, making her actions feel inconsistent. On top of that, she was insufferable. She came across as immature, impulsive, and prone to making incredibly reckless decisions, especially toward the end. [spoilers removed] Then, there were the side characters, who barely had any personality, including the love interest, Cross. Everyone in this book felt flat and one-dimensional, making them forgettable.

The romance didn’t help either. It wasn’t even romance. It was pure insta-lust with no emotional depth. Even when Wren and Cross declared their love for each other, it felt empty and unconvincing. [spoilers removed] To make matters worse, some of Cross’s actions felt straight-up problematic, bordering on sexual harassment, which made me extremely uncomfortable. On top of all that, the twists were very predictable, making the story feel even more underwhelming.

Overall, this book just wasn’t for me. It had the potential to be a great dystopian read, but the lack of depth, frustrating characters, and forced romance made it a letdown.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Worlds - Del Rey for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
]]> <![CDATA[Warrior Princess Assassin (Braided Fate, #1)]]> 223338534 Fates collide and passions ignite in New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer’s steamy adult fantasy debut about three characters torn between chasing, betraying, and craving each other: a princess caught between duty and desire, the fearsome warrior king she’s promised to, and the assassin now tasked with hunting them down.

WARRIOR. King Maddox Kyronan’s fire magic has earned him a ruthless reputation on the battlefield, but now his land is slowly burning. Ky’s only chance to save his people is to enter a marriage alliance with the neighboring nation of Astranza, and hope that their royal family’s power to manipulate the weather will help his kingdom flourish once more. He just needs to ensure no one finds out how this blaze began.

PRINCESS. With enemies advancing on Astranza, Princess Jory’s home needs the protection of the fearsome warrior king, but she is hiding a dangerous secret: her family’s magic is fading. Tempting as it is to reject her duties and run away with her childhood friend, Asher, Jory knows that she is the kingdom’s last hope. When she meets her intended, Jory is surprised to discover that beneath Ky’s daunting exterior is a compassionate and sharp-witted man who sets her heart aflame. But what will he do when he realizes she’s deceiving him?

ASSASSIN. Asher’s done what he must to survive, even if that means getting his hands dirty. Once a young nobleman in Astranza’s palace, where he and Jory caused mischief together, now he’s part of the Hunter’s Guild, employing much darker skills. When a lucrative job comes his way, Asher can’t say no—until he discovers the targets. Someone wants Ky and Jory dead. With the Guild watching, Asher must decide what he’s willing to do to protect the woman he loves.

A tale of three complex characters torn between chasing, betraying, and craving each other, Warrior Princess Assassin marks the beginning of a thrilling new fantasy trilogy filled with enchantment, adventure, and passionate romance.]]> 400 Brigid Kemmerer 0063450879 syas 0 to-read 4.23 2025 Warrior Princess Assassin (Braided Fate, #1)
author: Brigid Kemmerer
name: syas
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/26
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Fate Forged in Fire (Bonded to Beasts, #1)]]> 205722827 Born to rule. Blessed by fire. Broken by desire.

Gifted with fire magic from the Goddess Brigid, Aemyra has always known she is destined for more than the life she leads as a blacksmith's daughter.

Once a territory built on matriarchal rule and values, Tìr Teine has been without a female heir for a century. Recent kings have abandoned the matriarchy and allowed an oppressive and corrupt religion to infect the land.

Raised among the people, Aemyra has felt their struggles and witnessed the decline of the dragons. She has waited in anticipation for the king to die, biding her time until she can use her power to bond to his dragon - one of the last in existence - and save her territory.

However, Aemyra is thrust into a game of vicious politics and plots, one she finds herself woefully unprepared for. Her biggest adversary is Prince Fiorean, a dragon-rider. Cold, arrogant and without remorse, he is everything Aemyra despises.

When he commits an unthinkable act against her, she seeks her vengeance. Under the heavy gaze of the royal court, Aemyra begins to understand the true weight of the crown and she must decide what she is willing to sacrifice to claim her throne.]]> 0 Hazel McBride syas 1 arcs
What frustrated me the most was the main character, Aemyra. She was unbearably immature, impulsive, and constantly angry for no real reason, making it hard to connect with her. The side characters didn’t help much either, as their personalities were flat and one-dimensional, making them forgettable. The romance was another weak point. Aemyra and Fiorean’s relationship was built entirely on insta-lust, with no real emotional connection. Their chemistry felt forced, making their dynamic unconvincing.

On top of that, the pacing was all over the place, making it difficult to stay invested, and the so-called twist was anything but surprising. And for a book that seemed to promise dragons, they were barely present, which only added to my disappointment.

Overall, this book just didn’t work for me. It had all the right elements but failed to bring them together in a compelling way.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.]]> 4.46 2025 A Fate Forged in Fire (Bonded to Beasts, #1)
author: Hazel McBride
name: syas
average rating: 4.46
book published: 2025
rating: 1
read at: 2025/02/19
date added: 2025/02/24
shelves: arcs
review:
Unfortunately, while the premise had potential, the execution fell short. I liked the Celtic inspiration and was excited for the House of the Dragon vibes, but there were too many missing pieces that made it a struggle to get through. The worldbuilding lacked depth, relying on heavy info-dumping without proper explanations, and the magic system felt underdeveloped, making it hard to stay engaged.

What frustrated me the most was the main character, Aemyra. She was unbearably immature, impulsive, and constantly angry for no real reason, making it hard to connect with her. The side characters didn’t help much either, as their personalities were flat and one-dimensional, making them forgettable. The romance was another weak point. Aemyra and Fiorean’s relationship was built entirely on insta-lust, with no real emotional connection. Their chemistry felt forced, making their dynamic unconvincing.

On top of that, the pacing was all over the place, making it difficult to stay invested, and the so-called twist was anything but surprising. And for a book that seemed to promise dragons, they were barely present, which only added to my disappointment.

Overall, this book just didn’t work for me. It had all the right elements but failed to bring them together in a compelling way.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
]]> Not Safe for Work 218372272 Rival engineers dabble in personal chemistry while at a tropical company retreat in this smart, zippy romcom.

Engineer Trishara Malik once dreamed of being the first woman of color to smash the glass ceiling at WMC Purcell, but after years of dealing with white male privilege and blatant nepotism, she watches her hard-earned promotion go to her nemesis, Rafe Gallagher—the boss’s son. Teetering on the edge of burnout, Tris is stunned when she’s picked to attend WMC's corporate leadership retreat in Hawaii. It’s a chance to revive her stalled career and compete for a coveted spot in an executive training program—plus, three weeks in paradise! The only downside? Rafe is her co-attendee.

Tris plans to avoid Rafe entirely, but when she arrives in Maui, a booking error has them stuck sharing the honeymoon suite. Sure, it’s not all torture. Rafe is a smoldering ten—okay fine, an eleven—but after years of competition, they can barely stand being in the same time zone. As they vie against each other during aptitude tests and team-building exercises, Tris begins to realize Rafe might not be the villain after all. With her dreams at stake, can she learn to trust the man who might have been standing in her corner all along?]]> 352 Nisha J. Tuli 1538759268 syas 2 arcs
One of my biggest issues was how heavily the book relied on insta-lust without developing a deeper emotional connection. Because of that, their relationship felt flat and unconvincing. I also wish their rivalry had been explored more—since they were supposed to be rivals, it would have added more tension and build-up to the story.

Another thing that frustrated me was Trishara’s immaturity. Despite being an adult, some of her actions felt childish, which made it hard to fully connect with her. On top of that, the side characters lacked depth, so I never felt invested in them.

While the book had potential with its setting and themes, the execution just didn’t deliver what I was hoping for.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.]]> 4.28 Not Safe for Work
author: Nisha J. Tuli
name: syas
average rating: 4.28
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2025/02/16
date added: 2025/02/24
shelves: arcs
review:
Unfortunately, this book didn’t really work for me. I enjoyed the tropical island setting and appreciated the representation of women of color in STEM. The story also tackled important topics, like navigating a male-dominated workplace, which I found interesting. In the beginning, I liked the banter between Tris and Rafe, but after a while, it started feeling repetitive rather than engaging.

One of my biggest issues was how heavily the book relied on insta-lust without developing a deeper emotional connection. Because of that, their relationship felt flat and unconvincing. I also wish their rivalry had been explored more—since they were supposed to be rivals, it would have added more tension and build-up to the story.

Another thing that frustrated me was Trishara’s immaturity. Despite being an adult, some of her actions felt childish, which made it hard to fully connect with her. On top of that, the side characters lacked depth, so I never felt invested in them.

While the book had potential with its setting and themes, the execution just didn’t deliver what I was hoping for.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
]]> The Watergaw 58931961
With Draco Malfoy.

Without her friends, her magic, or her books, she has only her wits to rely on to survive her plight � to say nothing of her company. They've declared a truce, but somehow Draco keeps slipping past all her defenses.

Stranded together in the wilderness, Hermione and Draco are in for cold nights, endless snark, bad wine, and some interesting scars.]]> 165 smokybaltic syas 3 3.96 The Watergaw
author: smokybaltic
name: syas
average rating: 3.96
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/24
date added: 2025/02/24
shelves:
review:

]]> The Love Haters 217387810 It’s a thin line between love and love-hating.

Katie Vaughn has been burned by love in the past—now she may be lighting her career on fire. She has two choices: wait to get laid off from her job as a video producer or, at her coworker Cole’s request, take a career-making gig profiling Tom “Hutch� Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West.

The catch? Katie’s not exactly qualified. She can’t swim—but fakes it that she can.

Plus: Cole is Hutch’s brother. And they don’t get along. Next stop paradise!

But paradise is messier than it seems. As Katie gets entangled with Hutch (the most scientifically good looking man she has ever seen . . . but also a bit of a love hater), along with his colorful Aunt Rue and his rescue Great Dane, she gets trapped in a lie. Or two.

Swim lessons, helicopter flights, conga lines, drinking contests, hurricanes, and stolen kisses ensue—along with chances to tell the truth, to face old fears, and to be truly brave at last.]]> 320 Katherine Center 1250283825 syas 3 arcs
I appreciated how it touched on themes of body positivity and self-acceptance. The cozy setting was a highlight, and there were some genuinely funny moments that made me laugh.

However, I couldn’t bring myself to care much about the side characters since they weren’t given enough depth. The chemistry between the main characters also felt underwhelming. I liked their banter, but their emotional connection wasn’t developed enough, especially toward the end, which made their relationship feel flat. What frustrated me the most was the conflict. It could have been resolved so easily if they had just sat down and talked. [spoilers removed]

While I did enjoy certain aspects, especially the humor, I can’t say it fully delivered. It’s a quick read, but it left me wanting more.]]> 4.04 2025 The Love Haters
author: Katherine Center
name: syas
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/15
date added: 2025/02/23
shelves: arcs
review:
This was my first time reading a book by Katherine Center, and overall, it was a light read.

I appreciated how it touched on themes of body positivity and self-acceptance. The cozy setting was a highlight, and there were some genuinely funny moments that made me laugh.

However, I couldn’t bring myself to care much about the side characters since they weren’t given enough depth. The chemistry between the main characters also felt underwhelming. I liked their banter, but their emotional connection wasn’t developed enough, especially toward the end, which made their relationship feel flat. What frustrated me the most was the conflict. It could have been resolved so easily if they had just sat down and talked. [spoilers removed]

While I did enjoy certain aspects, especially the humor, I can’t say it fully delivered. It’s a quick read, but it left me wanting more.
]]> Thunder and Daisy 222883418 “A tender, relatable set of works on experiencing and overcoming heartbreak.”� Kirkus Reviews

thunder and daisy is mercedes paradiso’s debut poetry collection, a journey through the storms of life toward the beauty that follows. From heartbreak and adversity to self-empowerment and resilience, this collection speaks to the transformative power of pain and love. With each poem, paradiso invites readers to explore the raw intensity of love, the strength found in vulnerability, and the growth that comes from overcoming life's challenges.

In thunder and daisy, paradiso blends the timeless themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery with the modern realities of our digital age. The verses celebrate the beauty of growth, urging readers to embrace their struggles, find inspiration in their pain, and reclaim their power. Drawing on the emotional depth of contemporary poetry, paradiso crafts a space where vulnerability meets empowerment and where pain turns into power.

Whether you're seeking comfort, inspiration, or a way to navigate your own storms, this collection offers a heartfelt guide to finding beauty in adversity. With its heartfelt verses, thunder and daisy is for those who believe that even in the darkest of times, love, passion, and resilience can bloom.]]> 162 Mercedes Paradiso syas 0 to-read 4.16 Thunder and Daisy
author: Mercedes Paradiso
name: syas
average rating: 4.16
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Ash Trials (The Septerra Series, #1)]]> 221837323 The deadliest game is remembering who you are.

In the isolated prison of Ashguard where the kingdom’s most dangerous criminals await judgment, one yearly event offers both salvation and The Ash Trials.

Saffron Vale awakens in an Ashguard cell wearing a ruined wedding dress with no memory of who she is. As the only powerless human competing against murderous shifters and spellcasters, she must survive the six otherworldly trials that transform villains into legends—or she’ll die trying.

Her only allies? A childhood friend turned royal commander and a mysterious assassin who claims she’s the real monster in the prison. As competitors fall and ancient magic stirs, Saffron must uncover the was she truly an innocent bride, or something far more dangerous?]]> 528 Amy Suto syas 0 to-read 4.05 The Ash Trials (The Septerra Series, #1)
author: Amy Suto
name: syas
average rating: 4.05
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Raven Scholar (Eternal Path, #1)]]> 217218367 From an electrifying new voice in epic fantasy comes The Raven Scholar, a masterfully woven and playfully inventive tale of imperial intrigue, cutthroat competition, and one scholar’s quest to uncover the truth.

Let us fly now to the empire of Orrun, where after twenty-four years of peace, Bersun the Brusque must end his reign.ĚýIn the dizzying heat of mid-summer, seven contenders compete to replace him. They are exceptional warriors, thinkers, strategists—the best of the best.

Then one of them is murdered. We know who did it. We saw it happen. No one else did.

It falls to Neema Kraa, the emperor’s brilliant, idiosyncratic High Scholar, to find the killer before the trials end. To do so,Ěýshe must untangleĚýa web of deadly secrets that stretches back generations, all while competing against six warriors with their own dark histories and fierce ambitions. Neema believes she is alone. But we are here to help; all she has to do is let us in.

If she succeeds, she will win the throne. If she fails, death awaits her. But we won’t let that happen.

We are the Raven, and we are magnificent.]]> 667 Antonia Hodgson 0316577235 syas 0 to-read 4.60 2025 The Raven Scholar (Eternal Path, #1)
author: Antonia Hodgson
name: syas
average rating: 4.60
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of OrĂŻsha, #1)]]> 35917072 Tomi Adeyemi conjures a stunning world of dark magic and danger in her West African-inspired fantasy debut, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sabaa Tahir.

They killed my mother.
They took our magic.
They tried to bury us.

Now we rise.

Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.

But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving ZĂ©lie without a mother and her people without hope.

Now ZĂ©lie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, ZĂ©lie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.

Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers—and her growing feelings for an enemy.]]> 525 Tomi Adeyemi 1250170982 syas 0 to-read 4.27 2018 Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orïsha, #1)
author: Tomi Adeyemi
name: syas
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Light Locked (Light Locked, #1)]]> 224010316 An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.

A deadly forest, a world-ending relic, and two enemies forced into an alliance–will the sparks between them light their way, or burn their worlds to ash?

Clea Hart, a gifted healer and sheltered royal, becomes an outlaw the moment she steals the Deadlock Medallion—a dark relic intent on possessing anyone it touches. To protect mankind, she must destroy it, and that means returning home. The forest of Shambelin is the only obstacle standing in her way, but it’s a monster-infested labyrinth no human has crossed in years.

Ryson can change that. A haunted warrior with a past steeped in blood, he has his own reasons for being her guide, even if every instinct urges him to betray her. As they confront the deadly secrets of the forest–and the dangerous truths about themselves—Clea and Ryson must face a growing connection they can’t ignore.

The forest closes in, the Medallion’s power swells, and their bond only grows stronger. They have a chance at survival, but the truth is inescapable: they’re destined for each other, and destiny might be their greatest enemy yet.

* * *

Throughout the day, he couldn’t help but notice the contrasts between them. She soiled her hands to heal, and he’d soiled his to kill. Yet her hand had found his so gently among the crowd, and she’d asked him to stay with her. He wondered how she would treat him if she knew how different they truly were. What would she do if she discovered how many lives he’d destroyed?

* * *
“You claim to heal with your hands,� he whispered, “and you’d use them to wound me with such a tender gesture?�

She felt trapped between two intentions, no longer able to explain herself.

“I’m trying to save you,� she replied with a stifled breath.

The blade of his other hand traced over her collarbone and then her neck. She sucked in a breath and flattened her back against the column behind her. He’d only mimicked a version of her gesture, but she reacted as if it were his touch that caused pain.

“But who’s going to save you?� he asked, his eyes full of a pushing and pulling tide, yanking her forward and shoving her back as he whispered threats but kept his tone gentle.]]> 383 A.K. Chandler syas 0 to-read 4.00 2014 Light Locked (Light Locked, #1)
author: A.K. Chandler
name: syas
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Things We Leave Unfinished]]> 53137938
Noah is at the pinnacle of his career. With book and movie deals galore, there isn’t much the “golden boy� of modern fiction hasn’t accomplished. But he can’t walk away from what might be the best book of the century—the one his idol, Scarlett Stanton, left unfinished. Coming up with a fitting ending for the legendary author is one thing, but dealing with her beautiful, stubborn, cynical great-granddaughter, Georgia, is quite another.

But as they read Scarlett’s words in both the manuscript and her box of letters, they start to realize why Scarlett never finished the book—it’s based on her real-life romance with a World War II pilot, and the ending isn’t a happy one. Georgia knows all too well that love never works out, and while the chemistry and connection between her and Noah is undeniable, she’s as determined as ever to learn from her great-grandmother’s mistakes—even if it means destroying Noah’s career.]]> 400 Rebecca Yarros 1682815668 syas 0 to-read 4.26 2021 The Things We Leave Unfinished
author: Rebecca Yarros
name: syas
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/18
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Lionheart 127785771 1397 greenTeacup syas 5 all-time-favorites 4.77 Lionheart
author: greenTeacup
name: syas
average rating: 4.77
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/15
date added: 2025/02/15
shelves: all-time-favorites
review:
just finished book 1, and it’s an easy 5 stars for me. this story has already carved out a special place in my heart.
]]> The Book of Heartbreak 220480145 Heartbreak is always devastating, but for Sare it's life-threatening.

Sare Silverbirch has already had her heart broken four times, and a fifth heartbreak will stop her heart forever. Such is the nature of the curse she was born under, which forces her to live a life without letting anyone get too close.

Then her mother dies unexpectedly, and Sare begins to question the curse. Where did it come from? Why her? And rather than accept it, could there be a way to break it?

Her questions lead her to Istanbul where she meets Leon, a seer who helps her track down the mysteries of her mother's past. But Sare's heart is a fragile thing and their blossoming romance poses a great risk to her survival. Especially when she discovers that her fate is in the hands of celestials beyond this earthly realm. And now the heavens are stirring, for they have a stake in Sare's destiny and they don't like their plans being overturned.

Will Sare unravel the secrets of the past before the curse claims her forever?

A gorgeous, funny romantasy of angels and curses, which will break your heart and mend it again, perfect for fans of Laini Taylor and Stephanie Garber.]]> Ova Ceren 1471417867 syas 0 to-read 4.80 The Book of Heartbreak
author: Ova Ceren
name: syas
average rating: 4.80
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/12
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Rose Bargain 213106589 The Cruel Prince meets The Selection in this captivating duology opener brimming with heart-pounding romance, vicious competition, and beautiful, cruel fae, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch Haven, Sasha Peyton Smith.

Every citizen of England is granted one bargain from their immortal fae queen.

High society girls are expected to bargain for qualities that will win them a rare talent for piano in exchange for one’s happiest childhood memory. A perfect smile for one’s ability to taste.

But Ivy Benton’s debut season arrives with a shocking a competition to secure the heart of the Queen’s fae son, Prince Bram. A prize that could save Ivy’s family from ruin� and free her sister from the bargain that destroyed her.

Yet every glittering fae deal has a rotting heart—and at the center of this contest is a dark plot that could destroy everything Ivy knows.

Sweepingly romantic and deceptively enchanting, this alternate history romantasy will enthrall readers of Holly Black, Stephanie Garber, and Adalyn Grace.]]> 400 Sasha Peyton Smith 0063372541 syas 0 to-read 4.03 2025 The Rose Bargain
author: Sasha Peyton Smith
name: syas
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/12
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Osculum Annuum 220983563
He retaliates by stealing her first kiss.

Somehow it doesn't end there.]]> 170 MyDelphi syas 3 3.88 Osculum Annuum
author: MyDelphi
name: syas
average rating: 3.88
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/10
date added: 2025/02/10
shelves:
review:

]]> The Shadows Between Us 44670142
1) Woo the Shadow King.
2) Marry him.
3) Kill him and take his kingdom for herself.

No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves, and she’s going to do everything within her power to get it.

But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to kill the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart. After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen?]]> 333 Tricia Levenseller 1250189977 syas 0 to-read 3.92 2020 The Shadows Between Us
author: Tricia Levenseller
name: syas
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Heartless 58443261 Alternate cover edition can be found here

Long before she was the terror of Wonderland—the infamous Queen of Hearts—she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.

Long before she was the terror of Wonderland, she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love. Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next queen.

Then Cath meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the king and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship. Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

In her first stand-alone teen novel, the New York Times-bestselling author dazzles us with a prequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

]]> 464 Marissa Meyer syas 0 to-read 4.03 2016 Heartless
author: Marissa Meyer
name: syas
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Bone Deep 210174509
And there is nothing more alluring to Hermione Granger than the unknown.

A reintroduction beginning in eighth year and continuing into adulthood, told through a series of standout moments, stemming from the most unlikely of bonds.]]> 114 GingerBaggins syas 4 4.10 Bone Deep
author: GingerBaggins
name: syas
average rating: 4.10
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/07
date added: 2025/02/07
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[All the Wrong Things (Rights and Wrongs, #2)]]> 45213321
They’re murmuring again. Trying to keep their voices low so the prisoner can’t hear. But the prisoner is fifteen feet away, and they are failing.

I wish they would take me out of the room if they need to discuss. Bring me back to the small room I was in this morning. But, of course, they let me stand in this cage in the middle of them. On display.

I pick a spot four feet in front of me and maintain my gaze. I don’t want to look at them and I don’t want to fall asleep. I feel a yawn.

“Mr. Malfoy. Your next witness is here. Are you ready to proceed?�

I almost smile. Do I have a choice?]]> 533 LovesBitca8 syas 3 4.29 2019 All the Wrong Things (Rights and Wrongs, #2)
author: LovesBitca8
name: syas
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/06
date added: 2025/02/06
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Heir of Storms (Storm Weaver, #1)]]> 214438337 RED QUEEN meets SHADOW AND BONE in this explosive start to a YA romantasy trilogy about dangerous magic, forbidden love, and a cut-throat competition for the throne in an empire where crowns are not inherited -- they're won.

The very day Blaze came into the world, she almost drowned it. A Rain Singer born into one of the most powerful fire-wielding families in the empire, Blaze's birth summoned a devastating storm that left thousands dead. She's been hidden away ever since with a dark secret: the same torrential power that branded her an outcast disappeared that fateful day. And she’s not sure she wants it back.

When an unexpected invitation arrives for Blaze and her twin brother, Flint, to compete as future rulers of the empire, she’s suddenly thrust into the limelight again -- and into battle. Threats abound at the Golden Palace, where intrigue and romance await with not one but two handsome suitors: the enchanting Crown Prince and a dangerously alluring newcomer at court.

As Blaze explores her untapped power, she discovers the throne may be within her grasp. But in order to take it, she’ll have to leave behind the stories that others have told about her, and find the courage to write her own.]]> 416 Lauryn Hamilton Murray 1250348153 syas 4 arcs “Fate has many faces, my darling one. Make sure you look them all in the eye.�

I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, but it completely won me over.

The premise itself had me intrigued—a cutthroat competition for the throne in an empire where crowns aren’t inherited, they’re won. That alone set the stage for high-stakes conflict, and combined with elemental magic? I was sold. I've been craving a fantasy book with elemental magic for a while, so imagine my excitement when I found out that this book is centered around it. Elemental magic always has a special place in my heart, and this book did a great job bringing it to life.

Right from the start, the prologue set a strong tone. The writing drew me in immediately, and the immersive world-building combined with the unfolding mystery kept me invested. At one point, I was worried there would be a love triangle—something I can’t stand—but thankfully, that wasn't the case. Just trust the process, because everything falls into place as the story unfolds.

The protagonist, Blaze, the storm weaver, the last rain singer. She had the depth I was looking for. I appreciated her growth throughout the book as she became stronger and more mature. At first, she seemed naive, but considering her past and lack of close friends, it made sense.

[spoilers removed]

Then we have Fox, Haldyn’s half-brother, the boy who broke the world, the earth cleaver. Unlike Haldyn, he had that darker, more mysterious edge that immediately made him stand out. The way he was introduced was just right, not too soon and not too late, building up intrigue before he entered the picture. I wanted more of his backstory, more moments with him, because he completely stole the spotlight for me. And the fact that he’s a healer? That was such a refreshing touch. Male love interests in fantasy books rarely take on that role, and I loved seeing it. His dynamic with Blaze was another highlight. Their chemistry was strong, and their romance was perfectly balanced, never overshadowing the main plot.

Beyond the romance, what stood out the most for me was the sibling bond between Blaze and her brothers, Flint and Renly. Their relationship felt so genuine, and I loved how much they cared for each other. The side characters also had solid development, whether they were Blaze’s friends from the trials or her enemies.

Overall, I had a great time reading this. The plot kept me engaged, and I enjoyed the second half more than the first. The trials were intriguing, though I wish they had been longer with higher stakes. There were plenty of twists, some I saw coming, others completely caught me off guard. Now, I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel. This is definitely a series I’ll be continuing.

“Make no mistake, the real game begins when the winners take their thrones.� ]]> 4.30 2025 Heir of Storms (Storm Weaver, #1)
author: Lauryn Hamilton Murray
name: syas
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/03
date added: 2025/02/05
shelves: arcs
review:
“Fate has many faces, my darling one. Make sure you look them all in the eye.�

I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, but it completely won me over.

The premise itself had me intrigued—a cutthroat competition for the throne in an empire where crowns aren’t inherited, they’re won. That alone set the stage for high-stakes conflict, and combined with elemental magic? I was sold. I've been craving a fantasy book with elemental magic for a while, so imagine my excitement when I found out that this book is centered around it. Elemental magic always has a special place in my heart, and this book did a great job bringing it to life.

Right from the start, the prologue set a strong tone. The writing drew me in immediately, and the immersive world-building combined with the unfolding mystery kept me invested. At one point, I was worried there would be a love triangle—something I can’t stand—but thankfully, that wasn't the case. Just trust the process, because everything falls into place as the story unfolds.

The protagonist, Blaze, the storm weaver, the last rain singer. She had the depth I was looking for. I appreciated her growth throughout the book as she became stronger and more mature. At first, she seemed naive, but considering her past and lack of close friends, it made sense.

[spoilers removed]

Then we have Fox, Haldyn’s half-brother, the boy who broke the world, the earth cleaver. Unlike Haldyn, he had that darker, more mysterious edge that immediately made him stand out. The way he was introduced was just right, not too soon and not too late, building up intrigue before he entered the picture. I wanted more of his backstory, more moments with him, because he completely stole the spotlight for me. And the fact that he’s a healer? That was such a refreshing touch. Male love interests in fantasy books rarely take on that role, and I loved seeing it. His dynamic with Blaze was another highlight. Their chemistry was strong, and their romance was perfectly balanced, never overshadowing the main plot.

Beyond the romance, what stood out the most for me was the sibling bond between Blaze and her brothers, Flint and Renly. Their relationship felt so genuine, and I loved how much they cared for each other. The side characters also had solid development, whether they were Blaze’s friends from the trials or her enemies.

Overall, I had a great time reading this. The plot kept me engaged, and I enjoyed the second half more than the first. The trials were intriguing, though I wish they had been longer with higher stakes. There were plenty of twists, some I saw coming, others completely caught me off guard. Now, I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel. This is definitely a series I’ll be continuing.

“Make no mistake, the real game begins when the winners take their thrones.�
]]> <![CDATA[The Right Thing to Do (Rights and Wrongs, #1)]]> 39934465
Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairing: Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy
Words: 181,287]]> 660 LovesBitca8 syas 4 4.28 The Right Thing to Do (Rights and Wrongs, #1)
author: LovesBitca8
name: syas
average rating: 4.28
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/05
date added: 2025/02/05
shelves:
review:

]]> The Starlight Heir 212364043
“Be ready for a deadly contest for a bride, mistaken identities, hidden magic, and secrets that will keep you guessing until the end.� –NISHA J. TULI, internationally bestselling author of Trial of the Sun Queen

A bladesmith blessed by the stars. A prince with a dangerous secret. A god bound in shadows. From USA Today bestselling author Amalie Howard comes a scorching new romantasy that will leave you spellbound.

“His Imperial Majesty King Zarek requests your presence as his esteemed guest.�

When the gold-dusted court invitation arrives at Suraya Saab’s forge, she believes it’s a joke. Nobles might seek her skills as a bladesmith—one of few who can imbue her work with precious jadu, the last source of magic in the realm—but she has no qualifications as a potential bride for the crown prince. Still, the invitation is the chance at adventure, and the means to finally visit the capital city her late mother loved.

But what awaits her in Kaldari is nothing she could have imagined—and fraught with danger. It’s not the crown prince, but his impossibly handsome, illegitimate half-brother, Roshan, who captures her interest…and her ire. The invitation isn’t a quest to find a suitable bride, but a veiled hunt for the Starkeeper—a girl rumored to hold the magic of the stars in her blood. And across the city, unrest is brewing between the noble houses and the rebel militia.

When the rebels attack, Suraya and Roshan find themselves on the run, trying to deny their simmering attraction and the knowledge that Suraya herself might be the Starkeeper. But Roshan is guarding secrets of his own. And with no control over the power stirring within her, Suraya has drawn the attention of a dark god, an immortal whose interest might be the biggest threat of all.

“Consumes all your attention and leaves you longing for more!� —Jennifer L. Armentrout, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Stunning .� —Brigid Kemmerer, New York Times bestselling author

“Pure addictive delight." —Thea Guanzon, New York Times bestselling author

“Amalie Howard at her finest!� —Danielle L. Jensen, New York Times bestselling author]]> 368 Amalie Howard 0063355841 syas 0 did-not-finish 3.32 2025 The Starlight Heir
author: Amalie Howard
name: syas
average rating: 3.32
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/04
shelves: did-not-finish
review:

]]> I Am Not Jessica Chen 61374793
Now trapped inside Jessica’s body, with access to Jessica’s most private journals and secrets, Jenna soon discovers that being the top student at the elite, highly competitive Havenwood Private Academy isn’t quite what she imagined. Worse, as everyone—including her own parents—start having trouble remembering who Jenna Chen is, or if she ever even existed, Jenna must decide if playing the role of the perfect daughter and student is worth losing her true self forever.]]> 320 Ann Liang 133552312X syas 4 4.09 2025 I Am Not Jessica Chen
author: Ann Liang
name: syas
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/02
date added: 2025/02/02
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Knight and the Butcherbird]]> 224970641
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.]]> 36 Alix E. Harrow 1662527233 syas 4 arcs “Why do people change, Sir John? Because they are cursed, pursued, poisoned, trapped, under siege. Because they have to.�

This story is definitely one of a kind and impressively well-written. Despite its short length, it manages to feel just as complete and impactful as a full-length novel. The post-apocalyptic setting is immersive, the emotions hit hard, and the haunting atmosphere lingers even after finishing. The writing is top-tier, making this an unforgettable read that truly stands out. It’s definitely worth picking up if you're in the mood for a short story that leaves a lasting impression.]]> 4.08 2025 The Knight and the Butcherbird
author: Alix E. Harrow
name: syas
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/01
date added: 2025/02/01
shelves: arcs
review:
“Why do people change, Sir John? Because they are cursed, pursued, poisoned, trapped, under siege. Because they have to.�

This story is definitely one of a kind and impressively well-written. Despite its short length, it manages to feel just as complete and impactful as a full-length novel. The post-apocalyptic setting is immersive, the emotions hit hard, and the haunting atmosphere lingers even after finishing. The writing is top-tier, making this an unforgettable read that truly stands out. It’s definitely worth picking up if you're in the mood for a short story that leaves a lasting impression.
]]> <![CDATA[Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love]]> 60436694
Features hypercompetent, fiery Hermione and lazy, yet dangerous, Draco. Slow burn.]]> 593 isthisselfcare syas 0 to-read 4.57 2021 Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love
author: isthisselfcare
name: syas
average rating: 4.57
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/31
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Timeless 57210152
This story is very complicated and epic, but a fun read, especially if you like the complexity of time paradoxes and plot twists.�

Excerpt From
Timeless
alexandra_emerson
This material may be protected by copyright.]]> 1150 alexandra_emerson syas 0 to-read 4.35 Timeless
author: alexandra_emerson
name: syas
average rating: 4.35
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/30
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, #3) 209439446
Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him.

Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything. They need an army. They need power. They need magic. And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth. But a storm is coming...and not everyone can survive its wrath.]]> 527 Rebecca Yarros 1649374186 syas 3 4.19 2025 Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, #3)
author: Rebecca Yarros
name: syas
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/30
date added: 2025/01/30
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Knight and the Moth (The Stonewater Kingdom, #1)]]> 218422159 From NYT bestselling author Rachel Gillig comesĚýthe next big romantasy sensation, a gothic, mist-cloaked tale of a young prophetess who is forced on an impossible quest with the one infuriating knight whose future is beyond her sight. Perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout and Leigh Bardugo.

Sybil Delling has spent nine years dreaming of having no dreams at all. Like the other foundling girls who traded a decade of service for a home in the great cathedral, Sybil is a Diviner. In her dreams she receives visions from six unearthly figures known as Omens. From them, she can predict terrible things before they occur, and lords and common folk alike travel across the kingdom of Traum’s windswept moors to learn their futures by her dreams.

Just as she and her sister Diviners near the end of their service, a mysterious knight arrives at the cathedral. Rude, heretical, and devilishly handsome, the knight RodrickĚýhas no respect for Sybil's visions.ĚýBut when Sybil's fellow Diviners begin to vanish one by one, she has no choice but to seek his help in finding them. For the world outside the cathedral’s cloister is wrought with peril. Only theĚýgods have the answers she is seeking, and as much as she'd rather avoid Rodrick's dark eyes and sharp tongue, only a heretic can defeat a god.Ěý]]> 401 Rachel Gillig 0316573787 syas 0 to-read 4.61 2025 The Knight and the Moth (The Stonewater Kingdom, #1)
author: Rachel Gillig
name: syas
average rating: 4.61
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/29
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[In the Wake of the Wicked (The Veridian Empire, #1)]]> 211011789
An orphan with a tragic past and a penchant for wicked deeds, Rose Wolff has never been accepted by her people. She’s learned to live in the darkness, content with her Alchemy magic and her quiet apothecary.

When a terrible curse sweeping the land forces her to enter the Decemvirate, a magical tournament among the strongest of the empire, Rose is pulled from the shadows and thrown into a world of power games, deadly trials, and entanglements with a handsome, mysterious rebel.

With divisions in the empire worsening, there may be more at stake than becoming the champion. Secrets about her magic and encounters with the all-powerful emperor make Rose question everything, leading her down a path she may never come back from.

All magic has a price, and Rose must choose: truth, love, or power?

In the Wake of the Wicked is the first book in a series of interconnected fantasy standalones. This story follows a young woman who finds herself caught up in the glory of magic and unexpected love during a time of hardship and divisions among her empire. Perfect for lovers of Wicked, The Serpent and the Wings of Night, and The Hunger Games, this book is full of deadly trials, morally grey characters, mythical creatures and shifters, unique magic, witty banter, and no spice romance that will have you swooning.]]> 644 V.B. Lacey syas 0 on-hold 4.29 In the Wake of the Wicked (The Veridian Empire, #1)
author: V.B. Lacey
name: syas
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/29
shelves: on-hold
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Lucky Red Envelope: A lift-the-flap Lunar New Year Celebration: With over 140 flaps (Lift-The-Flap Celebrations)]]> 123204392
With non-fiction information about the significance of certain rituals, but told through the excited eyes of a child, this is a book to return to year after year in the run up to the biggest festival in the Chinese calendar.

Each of the 12 spreads will feature 12 lift flaps, 144 in total.

Spreads Ěý
- See the little girl decorate the house withĚýluckyĚýredĚýdecorations
- Tidy the house to welcome in the new year
- Watch a special firework display
- Discover which animal year it will be
- Make festive dumplings with Nainai (grandma)
- Read a story about the zodiac with Yeye (grandpa)
- Watch a lion and dragon dance in the town square
- Make offerings to her ancestors
- And on the very last spread, have a traditional family reunion new year on the eve of Lunar new year and exchangeĚýlucky redĚýenvelopes.]]> 24 Vikki Zhang 0711285926 syas 4 4.49 The Lucky Red Envelope: A lift-the-flap Lunar New Year Celebration: With over 140 flaps (Lift-The-Flap Celebrations)
author: Vikki Zhang
name: syas
average rating: 4.49
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/27
date added: 2025/01/27
shelves:
review:
This book is such a charming way to dive into the spirit of Chinese New Year! The illustrations are vibrant and packed with detail, making every page a treat to explore. Plus, the lift-the-flap sections add an interactive element that I think kids will absolutely enjoy. There are so many fun hidden details! It’s the kind of book that keeps kids engaged and coming back for more.
]]> Mistress of Bones 217420653 An epic and romantic debut adventure fantasy, where a necromancer trying to resurrect her sister gets embroiled in bigger, world-ending plans instead

It's been thousands of years since the gods lifted the continents into the air so humanity could thrive, chaining the lands down with their bones and turning them into Anchor.

Azul del Arroyo doesn't care about gods or Anchor; she cares about being responsible for her sister's death and getting her bones from the capital so she can bring her back to life. Again. But in her way stands the Emissary of the Lord Death, who will do anything in his power to stop her, because a necromancer like her shouldn’t exist—no matter how alluring.

As Azul and the Emissary's cat-and-mouse game leads them to the dangerous Court of Cienpuentes, their fate becomes entwined with a count who begrudgingly works for a child king, a faceless witch who transforms Anchor into dreams she can peddle, and a long-lost half-brother with a secret of his own. It's a time of enlightenment, of rapiers and scientific prowess, in a country where Anchor ceased to be something worth revering a long time ago, and people have forgotten the gods' sacrifice.

But the gods haven’t. Because the gods want their bones back, and they're not opposed to becoming players in their own game.

Swashbuckling, grand, and tragically romantic, Mistress of Bones is a can't-miss debut about love, about loss, and, of course, about death.]]> 336 Maria Z. Medina 1250888239 syas 0 to-read 3.67 2025 Mistress of Bones
author: Maria Z. Medina
name: syas
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/27
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #2) 90202302 “The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second year is when the rest of us lose our humanity.� —Xaden Riorson

Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College—Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky.

Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders� capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves.

Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits—and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules.

But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year.

Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College—and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.]]> 623 Rebecca Yarros 1649374178 syas 4 4.34 2023 Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #2)
author: Rebecca Yarros
name: syas
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/26
date added: 2025/01/26
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Auction (Rights and Wrongs, #3)]]> 53912089
Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairing: Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy
Words: 181,287]]> 724 LovesBitca8 syas 5 all-time-favorites 4.48 The Auction (Rights and Wrongs, #3)
author: LovesBitca8
name: syas
average rating: 4.48
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/22
date added: 2025/01/22
shelves: all-time-favorites
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1)]]> 61431922 Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders...

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don’t bond to “fragile� humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die]]> 498 Rebecca Yarros 1649374046 syas 4 favorites 4.56 2023 Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1)
author: Rebecca Yarros
name: syas
average rating: 4.56
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/22
date added: 2025/01/22
shelves: favorites
review:
it has flaws, but i'm obsessed.
]]> <![CDATA[A Fate So Cold (A Fate So Cold, #1)]]> 61237416 A Fate So Cold is the first of a new blockbuster duology from the New York Times bestselling authors of All of Us Villains, Amanda Foody & C. L. Herman.

For most of the year, Summer reigns peacefully over Alderland. Then, for six brutal weeks, Winter rages, obliterating towns and wreaking casualties. Magicians bond with powerful wands of Summer to defend the nation, a duty that costs many their lives.

Domenic Barrow never wanted such responsibility―but destiny hasn’t granted him a choice. The greatest Summer wand has awakened for the first time in a century, warning that an icy cataclysm looms on the horizon. And despite his reputation as the least suited of his classmates, the wand Chooses Domenic to wield it.

Ellery Caldwell spent years striving to be a perfect Summer magician―and burying her fears of her own power. But her worst suspicions are proven true when she accidentally creates the first ever Winter wand.

Now, as the unprecedented Chosen Two, Domenic and Ellery must thwart the oncoming cataclysm together. And in trying to fulfill their destinies, they wonder if they were brought together for a second fate: to fall in love.

Until they discover the unthinkable truth. The Chosen Two aren’t fated allies, but eternal rivals, and the only way to save their home is for one of them to slay the other.

This is no love story. It's a tragedy.]]> Amanda Foody syas 0 to-read 3.80 2025 A Fate So Cold (A Fate So Cold, #1)
author: Amanda Foody
name: syas
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Rose in Chains (The Evermore Trilogy, #1)]]> 221179254 This beautiful DELUXE EDITION hardcover featuring gorgeous sprayed edges with stenciled art is only available for a limited first print run and while supplies last. This is a stunning special edition you will want to add to your collection.

YOUR NEXT ROMANTASY OBSESSION!

The war is over, the dark forces have won, and the hero who was supposed to save them is dead.

Captured as her castle is overrun by the enemy, Briony Rosewood knows that the world as she knows it is changed forever. The dark forces of Bomard have won and her people, the Eversuns, face imminent servitude, imprisonment or death. Her brother, fated to be heir twice over and unite the warring kingdoms, is dead.

Stripped of her Mind Magic and her freedom, Briony and the other survivors are quickly auctioned off to the highest bidders in an auction � and as the heir-apparent’s sister, she fetches the highest price.

After a fierce bidding war, she’s sold to none other than Toven a high ranking Bomardsun � and her long-time and ill-fated infatuation. Scion of a family known for their cruel control of Heart Magic, the Hearsts are ruthlessly ambitious, and Briony knows they will use her however they can to further their own interests.

Yet despite the horrors of her new world and the role she must learn to play within it, all is not lost. Help � and hope � may yet arise in the most unlikely of places…]]> 464 Julie Soto 1538771225 syas 0 to-read 4.59 2025 Rose in Chains (The Evermore Trilogy, #1)
author: Julie Soto
name: syas
average rating: 4.59
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Unlock the Dark 213853635 Perfect for fans of Brigid Kemmerer and Lexi Ryan, this debut romantasy stand-alone novel blends an immersive world, unique magic system, and swoon-worthy romance to create an unputdownable read that explores the great and terrible lengths to which love compels us to go.

Elia Tallis’s key conjuring abilities, when used with her father’s magic, allow her to open a path to any location. But Papa is dying, and Elia has been forced to painfully tether him to life so she can siphon his magic to provide for her siblings. The god of death, angry to be denied his due, punishes her by claiming her youngest brother as a servant.

Desperate to save her brother, Elia accepts a potentially deadly commission from Trys, a kindhearted prince with his nose stuck in a book. Trys wants Elia to help him find a legendary scroll. In exchange, he’ll give her his hand in marriage, securing her and her siblings� futures and allowing her to release Papa to the afterlife.

Despite the danger of their quest, Elia and Trys find themselves increasingly drawn to each other. But when Trys finally reads the scroll, it transforms him into a monster beyond comprehension. Elia will have to wield her power in ways she never thought possible, braving a world of endless darkness and the nightmares dwelling within it to bring home the prince she’s growing to love.]]> 352 Sasa Hawk 0063335034 syas 3 arcs
One of my biggest disappointments was the romance between Elia and Trys. It felt like insta-love with no real buildup or convincing development. The chemistry between them at the start had promise, but then suddenly, they were all about each other. They needed more time to build a genuine connection for it to feel real. Their characters also felt a bit immature at times, lacking the depth I was hoping for. And Elia’s decision to leave Trys for weeks to protect her family didn’t really make sense to me.

Overall, I enjoyed the first half of the book, but the second half left me wanting more and felt like it could’ve been done better.]]> 3.89 2025 Unlock the Dark
author: Sasa Hawk
name: syas
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/16
date added: 2025/01/16
shelves: arcs
review:
The world-building and magic system in the early chapters were really intriguing and had a lot of potential, but as the story progressed, it felt like they weren’t explained enough. The pacing was also very off. It felt way too rushed for a standalone. I think it would’ve been much better if it had been slower, maybe even turned into a duology.

One of my biggest disappointments was the romance between Elia and Trys. It felt like insta-love with no real buildup or convincing development. The chemistry between them at the start had promise, but then suddenly, they were all about each other. They needed more time to build a genuine connection for it to feel real. Their characters also felt a bit immature at times, lacking the depth I was hoping for. And Elia’s decision to leave Trys for weeks to protect her family didn’t really make sense to me.

Overall, I enjoyed the first half of the book, but the second half left me wanting more and felt like it could’ve been done better.
]]> A Forgery of Fate 219446158 A breathtaking romantic fantasy inspired by Beauty and the Beast about a girl who paints the future and a cursed dragon lord, bound by love and deception in a plot to bring down the gods.

From the New York Times bestselling author of Six Crimson Cranes!

Truyan Saigas didn't choose to become a con artist, but after her father is lost at sea, it’s up to her to support her mother and two younger sisters. A gifted art forger, Tru has the unique ability to paint the future, but even such magic is not enough to put her family back together again, or stave off the gangsters demanding payment in blood for her mother’s gambling debts.

Left with few options, Tru agrees to a marriage contract with a mysterious dragon lord. He offers a fresh start for her mother and sisters and elusive answers about her father's disappearance, but in exchange, she must join him in his desolate undersea palace. And she must assist him in a plot to infiltrate the tyrannical Dragon King's inner circle, painting a future so treasonous, it could upend both the mortal and immortal realms. . . .]]> Elizabeth Lim 0593650638 syas 3 arcs
As for the relationship between Tru and Elang, it just didn’t feel convincing enough. They lacked the chemistry to make their connection compelling, and their character development fell short, making them feel a bit flat at times. On top of that, the plot was pretty predictable, which took away some of the excitement.

That said, there were still moments I enjoyed, and I appreciated the fairytale-like atmosphere the story created. While this book didn’t completely win me over, I’m still curious about Elizabeth Lim’s other works. She has a talent for creating enchanting concepts, and I’d love to see how her storytelling grows in future books.]]> 4.49 2025 A Forgery of Fate
author: Elizabeth Lim
name: syas
average rating: 4.49
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/14
date added: 2025/01/16
shelves: arcs
review:
Sadly, this book didn’t live up to my expectations. The premise was intriguing, and I loved the idea of a protagonist who’s an art forger with the ability to paint the future and gets involved in a fake marriage with a mysterious dragon lord. That concept had a lot of potential, especially for a story inspired by Beauty and the Beast. But the execution just didn’t hit the mark for me. The magical elements were cool, but the magic system itself felt underexplained, leaving a lot of questions.

As for the relationship between Tru and Elang, it just didn’t feel convincing enough. They lacked the chemistry to make their connection compelling, and their character development fell short, making them feel a bit flat at times. On top of that, the plot was pretty predictable, which took away some of the excitement.

That said, there were still moments I enjoyed, and I appreciated the fairytale-like atmosphere the story created. While this book didn’t completely win me over, I’m still curious about Elizabeth Lim’s other works. She has a talent for creating enchanting concepts, and I’d love to see how her storytelling grows in future books.
]]> House of the Beast 209098258 “As darkly whimsical as the most beloved fairy tales and soaked in gothic atmosphere. The gorgeous and evocative illustrations bring to life an unforgettably lush and hypnotically romantic story.� —Ava Reid, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Study in Drowning

Step into the House of the Beast in this dark fantasy debut from The Legend of Korra graphic novel illustrator Michelle Wong, about a young woman who strikes a deal with a mysterious and alluring god to seek revenge on her aristocratic family—featuring illustrations throughout by the author.

Born out of wedlock and shunned by society, Alma learned to make her peace with solitude, so long as she had her mother by her side. When her mother becomes gravely ill, Alma discovers a clue about her estranged father and writes a message begging for help. Little does she know that she is a bastard of House Avera, one of the four noble families that serve the gods and are imbued with their powers—and her father is a vessel of the Dread Beast, the most frightening god of all, a harbinger of death.

In a desperate exchange for her mother’s medicine, Alma agrees to sacrifice her left arm to the Beast in a ceremony that will bind her forever to the House and its deity. Regardless, her mother soon passes, leaving Alma trapped inside the Avera’s grand estate, despised by her relatives and nothing but a pawn in her father’s schemes.

Now vengeance is the only thing that keeps Alma going. That, and the strange connection she has with her god—a monster who is constantly by her side, an eldritch being taking the form of a beautiful prince with starlit hair that only she can see. He tells Alma that she has been chosen to bring change upon their world, and with his help, Alma plots a perilous journey to destroy the House that stole everything from her.

A gripping fantasy novel marked by divine rituals, intense combat, and twisted romance, House of the Beast is a tale of revenge, resilience, and the power of love to see us through the darkness.]]> 0 Michelle Wong 0008672520 syas 4 arcs
First off, the premise sounded amazing, the cover is absolutely stunning, and I was completely sold. I was hooked before even opening the book. The opening chapters were gripping and kept me turning the pages. Plus, the illustrations? Gorgeous. I honestly wanted more of them. But as the story went on, things started to lose momentum. The world-building, in particular, felt underdeveloped and left me confused at times, which was disappointing. Still, the dark fairy tale vibe worked really well, even if the pacing dragged in parts.

Now, let’s talk about Alma. She’s a fierce protagonist who’s also surprisingly relatable. Her mix of rage and compassion kept her character dynamic and interesting. And then there’s Aster, her imaginary friend who’s always by her side. I have to say, his starlit hair is the kind of magical detail I love in books (It's perfection). I really wanted more from his characterization, though. He felt a bit flat at times, which was disappointing because he had so much potential. If his character had more depth, I think the emotional impact of the story would’ve hit even harder. That said, the dynamic between Alma and Aster kept me invested. It’s messy, flawed, and toxic, but also raw and fascinating. Despite their imperfections, I couldn’t help liking them both.

What truly stands out is the ending. I had a feeling the twist was coming, but I didn’t expect it to hurt that much. It was cruel, heartbreaking, and left me feeling completely hollow. I couldn’t stop crying afterward because it hit me right in the heart. I kept holding onto hope that something magical might happen, but it never did. It’s the kind of ending that sticks with you, no matter how much you want to forget.

“I always knew this story wouldn't have a happy ending. But still, I wanted to dream, for a while.�

“You are the worst thing that's ever happened to me. But also, the best. In another world, maybe you and I would have been happy, living quiet lives and keeping each other company.�

It reminds me so much of the bridge of Electric Touch by Taylor Swift.

I was thinking just one time
Maybe the stars align
And maybe I call you mine
And you won't need space
Or string me along while you decide
And just one time
Maybe the moment's right
It's 8:05 and I see two headlights


“My sullen, cowardly, softhearted liar. You were the worst of the worst, Alma, and I loved you anyway.�

This confession is everything to me.

Overall, this is a solid debut. Despite its flaws, I enjoyed it, and if there’s ever a sequel, prequel, or another book from this author, I’m 100% reading it.]]> 4.33 2025 House of the Beast
author: Michelle Wong
name: syas
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/11
date added: 2025/01/15
shelves: arcs
review:
This book is going to stay with me for a long time, mainly because of that ending. It’s the kind that leaves a mark. It’s one of those “we’re doomed from the start� stories, and let me just say, I absolutely love that trope. It always gets me.

First off, the premise sounded amazing, the cover is absolutely stunning, and I was completely sold. I was hooked before even opening the book. The opening chapters were gripping and kept me turning the pages. Plus, the illustrations? Gorgeous. I honestly wanted more of them. But as the story went on, things started to lose momentum. The world-building, in particular, felt underdeveloped and left me confused at times, which was disappointing. Still, the dark fairy tale vibe worked really well, even if the pacing dragged in parts.

Now, let’s talk about Alma. She’s a fierce protagonist who’s also surprisingly relatable. Her mix of rage and compassion kept her character dynamic and interesting. And then there’s Aster, her imaginary friend who’s always by her side. I have to say, his starlit hair is the kind of magical detail I love in books (It's perfection). I really wanted more from his characterization, though. He felt a bit flat at times, which was disappointing because he had so much potential. If his character had more depth, I think the emotional impact of the story would’ve hit even harder. That said, the dynamic between Alma and Aster kept me invested. It’s messy, flawed, and toxic, but also raw and fascinating. Despite their imperfections, I couldn’t help liking them both.

What truly stands out is the ending. I had a feeling the twist was coming, but I didn’t expect it to hurt that much. It was cruel, heartbreaking, and left me feeling completely hollow. I couldn’t stop crying afterward because it hit me right in the heart. I kept holding onto hope that something magical might happen, but it never did. It’s the kind of ending that sticks with you, no matter how much you want to forget.

“I always knew this story wouldn't have a happy ending. But still, I wanted to dream, for a while.�

“You are the worst thing that's ever happened to me. But also, the best. In another world, maybe you and I would have been happy, living quiet lives and keeping each other company.�

It reminds me so much of the bridge of Electric Touch by Taylor Swift.

I was thinking just one time
Maybe the stars align
And maybe I call you mine
And you won't need space
Or string me along while you decide
And just one time
Maybe the moment's right
It's 8:05 and I see two headlights


“My sullen, cowardly, softhearted liar. You were the worst of the worst, Alma, and I loved you anyway.�

This confession is everything to me.

Overall, this is a solid debut. Despite its flaws, I enjoyed it, and if there’s ever a sequel, prequel, or another book from this author, I’m 100% reading it.
]]> <![CDATA[The Mortal Queen (The Aisling Trilogy, #1)]]> 220543340 Married to the savage fae king�

When Aisling hears that her father has promised her in marriage to the king of the fae, a cold terror washes over her. This marriage means peace for her people, but certain death for Aisling.

Everyone knows that the fae are monsters. That they murder and steal for sport. But when Aisling meets her new husband, he is not at all the beast she expected.

Lir is alluring, wild, and dangerously perfect. She is determined to hate him, but his sharp tongue and fierce loyalty to his people spark an attraction she cannot control.

He draws Aisling into a realm of deadly enchantments and mythical beasts. But she finds that the fae have monsters of their own—creatures of ancient evil that grow stronger by the day.

When Aisling finds herself fighting at Lir’s side, something new stirs inside something more than desire; something magical and untamed, ready to break free. She must learn to control her passion and her power, or watch as the mortal and fae worlds are torn apart.

An absolutely irresistible, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, The Mortal Queen will take you on an action-packed adventure in a world of fae and magic. With unforgettable characters, searing chemistry, action and shocking twists, it’s perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black and Callie Hart.

The Mortal Queen was previously published as Breath of the New Creature by A.E. JĂĽrgens.
]]> 462 Ashley Metzler 1836182066 syas 3 arcs 3.76 2022 The Mortal Queen (The Aisling Trilogy, #1)
author: Ashley Metzler
name: syas
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/30
date added: 2025/01/14
shelves: arcs
review:
The idea behind the story was interesting, but the execution just didn’t hit the mark for me. That said, the lyrical writing style really grabbed my attention. I also appreciated the world-building with its variety of creatures and the focus on politics, which added a nice touch. But honestly, I felt let down by the lack of emotional connection between the main characters, especially since this was supposed to be a romance fantasy. Moreover, hearing the phrase “the mortal queen� over and over again gets pretty exhausting. That said, I’m still curious about where the story’s headed. I’d love to see the romance between the leads get more attention and depth next time around. I’ll probably pick up the next book later.
]]> The Bear-Shaped Hole 215750535 Discover a heartwarming story that will help children understand and prepare for a loss.

Gerda and Orlo are bear best friends. When Gerda was there, Orlo always had time. For a game or a story, a joke or a rhyme. He was never too busy to listen, to talk. To help, or to share, or to go for a walk.

But slowly—at first—something starts to change and Orlo reveals he is sick and not going to get better. Gerda is filled with emotions that she cannot explain but Orlo is there to help her prepare and they spend their time together making memories that will last a lifetime. So, when the time comes, Gerda can fill up the Bear-Shaped hole in her life with the special memories she created with Orlo.

Another powerful and moving picture book from John Dougherty and Thomas Docherty, award-winning creators of the acclaimed The Hare-Shaped Hole, that sensitively explores the preparation before loss as well as the loss itself.Ěý

This poignant story is perfect for talking to children about the varying types of loss, from moving schools and losing a cherished toy, to the death of a beloved pet or family member.]]> 40 John Dougherty 0711296618 syas 5 arcs 4.75 The Bear-Shaped Hole
author: John Dougherty
name: syas
average rating: 4.75
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/13
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves: arcs
review:
This book had me in tears. It’s all about losing someone you love and handles it so beautifully. The heartfelt message really hits home, validating all the feelings that come with grief. The writing is absolutely beautiful, and the simple, charming illustrations just make it even more special. It's such an essential read for kids and a meaningful reminder for us grown-ups. It's that kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.
]]> <![CDATA[Nightshade (Sorrowsong University #1)]]> 221609337 *Book one of a duet*

When Ophelia Winters accepts a scholarship at a prestigious Scottish university to prove that her parents' death was the fault of Cain Green, an American aviation tycoon, her plan is simple; keep her grades up and her head down. The last thing she wants is to wind up in a mafia war or step on the toes of royalty.

Her plan gets off to a rocky start when the mysterious man that almost kills her on her first day turns out to be Cain's eldest son. As far as she’s concerned, Alex Corbeau-Green is a younger version of his billionaire father. A monster hiding beneath a beautiful facade.

Loneliness has been Ophelia’s only dependable companion for years, but when anonymous threats and mysterious occurrences start to haunt her time at Sorrowsong, she wonders if she really can survive there on her own.

Between being paired together for a project and ending up as each other’s alibi for a murder, avoiding Alex becomes increasingly impossible. She begins to fall for the soft heart that hides beneath his hard exterior.

Tormented by a malicious stalker and growing closer to Alex, Ophelia’s desperation for revenge wavers for the first time. Can she really bring herself to pull the trigger on Cain now that she knows the family it’ll split into two?
__________

Dark Academic Romance - Enemies to Lovers - Slow Burn - University Setting

This work is dark in places and contains several triggers throughout. Please heed the warnings before reading.]]> 359 Autumn Woods syas 0 to-read 4.21 Nightshade (Sorrowsong University #1)
author: Autumn Woods
name: syas
average rating: 4.21
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Behooved 216358271 A charming slow-burn romantasy featuring a duty-bound noblewoman with a chronic illness, a prince who would rather be in a library than on a throne, and a magical ride through a world of cozy enchantment

Bianca knows her duty comes before her heart. So when the threat of war looms, she agrees to marry the neighboring kingdom’s heir. But not all royal weddings are a fairytale, and Prince Aric, Bianca’s betrothed, is cold, aloof, and seems to hate her on sight.

To make matters worse, on their wedding night, an assassination attempt goes awry―leaving Aric magically transformed into a horse. Bianca does what any bride in this situation would do: she mounts her new husband and rides away to safety.

Sunset returns Aric to human form, but they soon discover the assassination attempt is part of a larger plot against the throne. Worse, Bianca has been framed for Aric’s murder, and she’s now saddled with a husband who is a horse by day and a frustratingly attractive man by night.

As an unexpected romance begins galloping away with their hearts, Bianca and Aric must rely on each other to unravel the curse and save the throne.]]> 352 M. Stevenson 139973850X syas 0 to-read 4.38 2025 Behooved
author: M. Stevenson
name: syas
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Vampire Castle in the Sky (Tales from the Faraway North, #2)]]> 223463833
Thea Valentia spent her entire life following the path others decided for her until an unexpected tragedy forced her to carve her own. After she abandons her life in the Faraway North, she embarks on a perilous journey in search of the whimsical and full-of-magic castle of her childhood memories and the little vampire prince she had once called a friend. Instead she finds a lethal man with an inescapable destiny and a haunted castle that is determined to bind them together.

Hector Aventine spent his entire life loving Thea from afar, and when she left him behind, he thought he would be finally free of this torment. But as tragedy thrusts them together once again, he finds that his longing is burning greater than ever and that there is nothing he won’t do to keep her safe from the dark and dangerous world he was born into—the world he is destined to rule.

As the two of them are left with no choice but to lie their way into vampire society, they fall deep into a world of deceit, betrayal, and the worst kind of bloodlust.

The Vampire Castle in the Sky is a standalone adult romantasy about the dark path of grief and the rare love that lights the way through it.

This book can be read as a standalone or as a part of the Tales from the Faraway North series.]]> Iris Lake syas 0 to-read 5.00 2025 The Vampire Castle in the Sky (Tales from the Faraway North, #2)
author: Iris Lake
name: syas
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> I Am Made of Death 212398691 From bestselling author Kelly Andrew comes the most electrifying dark romance of the decade...

Following the death of his father, Thomas Walsh had to grow up quickly, taking on odd-jobs to keep food on the table and help pay his gravely ill mother's medical bills. When he's offered a highly paid position as an interpreter for an heiress who exclusively signs, Thomas -- the hearing child of a Deaf adult -- jumps at the opportunity.

But the job is not without its challenges. Thomas is expected to accompany Vivienne wherever she goes, but from the start, she seems determined to shake him. To make matters worse, her parents keep her on an extremely short leash. She is not to go anywhere without express permission. She is not to deviate from her routine.

She is, most importantly, not to be out after dark.

A selective-mute, Vivienne Farrow hasn't said a word in years -- not since going missing in Red Rock Canyon when she was four years old. No one knows quite what happened to her out in the dark. They only know that the sound of her voice is now as deadly as a poison. Anyone who hears her speak suffers a horrible death.

Ever since that fatal family vacation, Vivienne has been desperately searching for a way to regain control of both her voice and her body. Because the face staring out of the mirror isn't hers. It's something with teeth.

Thankfully, Vivienne has a plan. She's finally found someone who claims to be able to perform a surgical exorcism. She just needs to find a way to get rid of Thomas first. But Thomas can't afford to walk away, nor is he willing to abandon the mysterious girl he's quickly falling for, no matter what dark powers threaten to swallow them both whole.]]> 368 Kelly Andrew 1546104488 syas 0 to-read 4.04 2025 I Am Made of Death
author: Kelly Andrew
name: syas
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy (Dearly Beloathed, #1)]]> 209753199 The first in a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romantasy duology featuring a scholarly healer and a gentleman assassin, set in an exquisite fantasy world, perfect for fans of The Love Hypothesis and Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries.

Osric Mordaunt, member of the Fyren Order of assassins, is in dire need of healing. Naturally � such is the grim comedy of fate � the only healer who can help is Aurienne Fairhrim, preeminent scientist, bastion of moral good, and member of an enemy Order.

Aurienne is desperate for funding to heal the sick - so desperate that, when Osric bribes her to help him, she accepts, even if she detests him and everything he stands for.

A forced collaboration ensues: the brilliant Woman in STEM is coerced into working with the PhD in Murders, much to Aurienne's disgust. As Osric and Aurienne work together to heal his illness and investigate the mysterious reoccurrence of a deadly pox, they find themselves ardently denying their attraction, which only fuels the heat between them.

Romance tropes
Enemies to lovers
High interaction slow burn
Hypercompetent idiots
He falls first and harder
Evisceration as a love language]]> 416 Brigitte Knightley 0356524736 syas 0 to-read 4.26 2025 The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy (Dearly Beloathed, #1)
author: Brigitte Knightley
name: syas
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Lady Knight (The Diamonds, #2)]]> 215807653 The daughter of a duke defies the rules of London high society with the help of the resident rake—who just so happens to be her brother’s best friend—in this fun teen historical romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Queen Bee.

“A ridiculously romantic, womanist, hilarious, and hugely entertaining romance that had me smiling and swooning from start to finish.� —Elizabeth Everett, USA Today bestselling author of the Damsels of Discovery series

Lady Zenobia “Zia� Osborn, a duke’s daughter, is frustrated that her entire life has been predetermined. What good is skill or intelligence if one is forced to suffocate it because of one’s sex? She’d much rather make her mark on the world than bat her eyelashes for the ton.

Zia only comes alive in the Lady Knights, a clandestine social club for rebellious girls. In it, she is free to compose music, fence, read controversial literature, and save orphans from destitution by any means necessary. Aside from her closest confidantes, no one knows about Zia’s indecorous other life. . . .

Until Mr. Rafi Nasser, a rogue with secrets of his own, finds out. Shocked yet intrigued by his best friend’s younger sister, he agrees to keep Zia’s secret—if only to help her avoid utter scandal.]]> 357 Amalie Howard 0593705084 syas 4 arcs
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's - Joy Revolution for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.]]> 4.31 2025 Lady Knight (The Diamonds, #2)
author: Amalie Howard
name: syas
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/22
date added: 2025/01/07
shelves: arcs
review:
This was my first time diving into Amalie Howard's books, and honestly, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. I’ve always had a soft spot for strong heroines, and Zia totally delivered. She’s fierce and determined, even if she has her naive moments here and there. And Rafi? His observant nature and the way he genuinely cares for Zia totally had me hooked. Their witty banter had me grinning and their chemistry feels natural. Plus, their character growth throughout the story was so well done. Overall, I had such a great time with this book that I’m definitely thinking about picking up the prequel since I haven’t read it yet, or maybe the sequel if one comes out in the future. If you're into a YA version of Bridgerton with a bold take on defying society's expectations, this one's for you. Packed with adventure, humor, and moments that'll make your heart flutter, it's definitely worth picking up!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's - Joy Revolution for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
]]> <![CDATA[Kid Christmas: Of The Claus Brothers Toy Shop]]> 62887966
Nicky Claus works with his three uncles in the Claus Brothers Toy Emporium. Uncle Hanz makes the toys, Uncle Louis checks them and Uncle Levi adds the� what's the scientific term for it? Ah, yes. The magic! For each toy made at the Emporium has a special sparkle that means it will find the child it is perfect for.

One day, Nicky notices a young girl with her face pressed up to the glass. When she disappears, he follows her and finds her living on the streets with lots of other children, none of whom can afford a toy. Nicky vows that for one night only, every child will have the toy of their dreams and � with the help of his uncles and some flying reindeer � the legend of Father Christmas is born.

This magical and heartwarming story from best-selling author-illustrator David Litchfield is a true festive treat centred on kindness, generosity and looking after each other.]]> 40 David Litchfield 0711262934 syas 4 4.37 2022 Kid Christmas: Of The Claus Brothers Toy Shop
author: David Litchfield
name: syas
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2024/12/27
date added: 2025/01/06
shelves:
review:
This story was an absolute delight and made for the perfect Christmas read. There’s something so enchanting about the magic woven into children’s books, and this one captures that charm beautifully. Nicky’s compassion and kindness shine through every page, making it a heartwarming experience from start to finish. Plus, the stunning illustrations beautifully complement the narrative, bringing every magical moment to life. It’s the kind of book that leaves you with a warm, cozy feeling long after you’ve turned the last page.
]]> <![CDATA[In the Veins of the Drowning (The Siren Mage, #1)]]> 221179150
Imogen Nel is in hiding. Hiding from a cruel kingdom that believes Sirens are monstrous, blood-hungry creatures. Hiding from a king and his captain who viciously hunt her kind. Hiding from her own alluring abilities. By keeping herself from the sea, Imogen’s bloodlust is dulled, and her black wings remain hidden beneath her skin.

When a neighboring king comes to visit, Imogen can no longer hide. He knows precisely what she is, and he believes she can save both their kingdoms from an even greater monster. But Imogen’s power threatens to violently reveal itself, and the two form a blood bond that protects them both. They flee the kingdom together, traversing waters teeming with the undead. As the lines between duty to their people and desire for each other begin to blur, Imogen worries her own ancestral powers may not be enough to kill what hunts her—the only way to defeat a monster may be to become one herself.]]> 384 Kalie Cassidy 0316587605 syas 0 to-read 4.12 2025 In the Veins of the Drowning (The Siren Mage, #1)
author: Kalie Cassidy
name: syas
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[To Poison a King (Heirs of Isla, #1)]]> 61288500 S.G. Prince's new standalone is a breathtaking fantasy about sacrifice, self-discovery, and a girl tasked with saving the very man she aimed to kill.

Selene is the youngest daughter in a gifted line of healers, born to serve as the king's royal physician. Yet when Selene's mother Persaphe embroils her in a plot to kill the king, Selene finds herself poisoning the very man she is sworn to protect.

Things seem bleak, but there is another problem—the poison doesn’t work, and the king doesn’t die. Rather, he awakes from his coma paralyzed, aware of the attempt on his life, and furious.

With the palace in a state of upheaval and everyone hunting the king's poisoner, Persaphe flees, leaving Selene the task of rehabilitating the man she aimed to kill, all while hiding her true role in his demise. What follows is a journey spanning years and continents, as a king and his servant develop into unlikely friends…and more. Yet the closer Selene grows to the king, the more her secret weighs on her, as does her growing fear that Persaphe—having failed to kill him once—might return to try again.

Author's Note: To Poison a King is an adult standalone fantasy romance featuring a brooding hero and a gifted yet self-conscious healer. The story is written for readers who want to know a character from the inside out, who are in it for the build, who like to watch a transformation take place over time, because that's how you really feel it. I wrote this book from the heart, as true as I could make it. I think it changed me to write it. I hope it changes you, too. - S.G.

Content Warning: This book contains reference to attempted suicide, attempted sexual assault, violence, gore, death of an infant, and sex.]]> 434 S.G. Prince syas 0 to-read 4.15 2023 To Poison a King (Heirs of Isla, #1)
author: S.G. Prince
name: syas
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/23
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Break Wide the Sea (Break Wide the Sea, #1)]]> 60388998 A young woman cursed with a fatal heartbreak-induced sickness must race against time to find a cure and protect her family legacy from the ancient finfolk that would destroy it, the fiancé that would kill her for it, and the boy who would love her if she forsook it.

The seafaring humans of Kirkrell have always been plagued by finfolk—bloodthirsty fae who haunt the seas, sinking ships and cursing bloodlines. Yet it’s only by hunting magical whales that Kirkrell can prosper. Nineteen-year-old Annie is heir to the Fairfax Whaling Company, but their family's success came at a cost: a curse by which heartbreak turns Fairfaxes slowly into monsters. And six years ago, the shipwreck that killed Annie’s parents left her with scales spreading up her arms, claws sprouting from her fingertips.

The love of her fiancé, August, salved her heart for a while—but when she learns August is maneuvering to take over the company, the curse worsens. Fearing her time is running out, she strikes a bargain with a disreputable young captain, half-finfolk and half-human Silas Price: on a voyage to hunt whales in the far north, Silas will take Annie to the finfolk queen, who can lift the curse in return for a promise to end whaling forever.

As Annie, August and Silas sail north, she is determined to uphold her family’s legacy, but the threat of the finfolk tests her resolve. Lies corrupt her relationship with August; meanwhile a dangerous connection with Silas blooms—but he’s keeping secrets too, and his might be the most dangerous of all.

As heiress, it’s Annie’s responsibility to deliver whale magic to her city. But as heartbreak looms, she must choose between saving herself and her family’s legacy—and hope it doesn’t cost her everyone she loves.]]> Sara Holland syas 0 to-read 3.83 2025 Break Wide the Sea (Break Wide the Sea, #1)
author: Sara Holland
name: syas
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/19
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Never a Hero (Monsters, #2) 53305764 This sequel to the contemporary fantasyĚýOnly a Monster will take Joan deeper into the monster world, where treacherous secrets and even more danger await.

Despite all of the odds, Joan achieved the impossible. She reset the timeline, saved her family –Ěýand destroyed the hero, Nick.

But her success has come at a terrible cost.

She alone remembers what happened. Now, Aaron, her hard-won friend â€� and maybe more –Ěýis an enemy, trying to kill her. And Nick, the boy she loved, is a stranger who doesn’t even know her name. Only Joan remembers that there is a ruthless and dangerous enemy still out there.

When a deadly attack forces Joan back into the monster world as a fugitive, she finds herself on the run with Nick � as Aaron closes in.

As the danger rises –Ěýand Nick gets perilously closer to discovering the truth of what Joan did to him –ĚýJoan discovers a secret of her own. One that threatens everyone she loves.

Torn between love and family and monstrous choices, Joan must find a way to re-gather her old allies to face down the deadliest of enemies, and to save the timeline itself.

Vanessa Len’s stunningĚýOnly a MonsterĚýtrilogy continues with this second instalment, a thrilling journey where a secret past threatens to unravel everyone's future.]]> 528 Vanessa Len 1529380146 syas 4 arcs 4.04 2023 Never a Hero (Monsters, #2)
author: Vanessa Len
name: syas
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/25
date added: 2024/12/19
shelves: arcs
review:
Honestly, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this sequel, way more than the first book. The pacing hit just right, and the emotional connections between the characters felt way deeper this time. The world-building still has me hooked, and the writing style is just as easy to dive into. Plus, that plot twist? Didn’t see it coming at all, which made everything way more exciting. That said, I really wish Aaron had more scenes because I seriously can’t get enough of him. And Joan? She still annoys me. I kept hoping for more growth from her character, but it felt like I didn’t get enough of that. But overall, this was such a fun read, I’m absolutely diving into the next sequel.
]]> A Dance of Lies 216420298 A debut fantasy romance filled with hope after heartbreak, secrets, and betrayal, as a dancer-turned-spy must decide how far she will go to secure her freedom

My protector is gone, revealed to be a monster. But I remind myself that I am not a damsel. I’m no princess bound within a tower.

I am a shadow.

Vasalie Moran was once a dancer in King Illian’s court, until he framed her for murder. Barely surviving her two years in the dungeons, she’s suddenly called to face her king. He offers her a deal: become his spy at the six-week royal Gathering and he’ll grant her freedom.

As Illian’s orders grow bloody and dangerous, forcing her to harm and betray those around her, Vasalie discovers that the monster she serves may be aligned with a bigger monster—one far closer to home. With her world threatened, Vasalie enlists the help of Illian’s brother and greatest adversary, the infamous King of the East.

As the rivalry between brothers escalates, with Vasalie caught in the middle, the horrifying truth of her past comes to light. If she wants to survive, she must decide who to trust, who to fight for, and how much of her soul she’s willing to damn in the process.]]> Brittney Arena syas 0 to-read 4.00 2025 A Dance of Lies
author: Brittney Arena
name: syas
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Golden Rose of Valenul (The Dhemon Wars, #1)]]> 182129125 Gold can tarnish, roses can wilt, but love can last forever.

Ariadne Harlow didn’t want to be the Golden Rose. With the prestigious title comes too much attention. But when the courting Season begins, she has eyes for only one the Valenul General. He cares for her, helped her recover after being abducted, and holds the power to keep the horrible monsters of her past at bay. A perfect match.

Azriel Tenebra didn’t want to be the personal guard of the Golden Rose. Yet despite his misgivings, he ends up at her estate at the start of the Season. Before long, his struggles, and the real reason for his avoidance, a fae bond connecting him to Ariadne. She’s all he can think of, and it risks the safety of himself and everyone who gets between them.

Night after night, Ariadne can’t help but be drawn to her quiet new guard, and Azriel’s resolve to leave her slowly cracks. For when the General’s intentions become evident, she must uphold her reputation, and that of her family, by accepting his hand. Anything less and the truth would be exposed, putting Azriel’s life on the line and opening her to the scandal of the ages.]]> 553 Enna Hawthorn syas 0 to-read 3.97 The Golden Rose of Valenul (The Dhemon Wars, #1)
author: Enna Hawthorn
name: syas
average rating: 3.97
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Scattered Bones 162728103 “I will love you until I am nothing but dust, and even then, I’ll still love you.�

When a mysterious man known only as The Stranger promises to return Kaid to her, Sellah is tasked with finding each one of her love’s scattered bones, his severed body hidden in the darkest corners of the realm. The quest is an impossible task, yet she must make the dangerous journey alone using only her own faith and fight. But the tasks at hand are brutal. They’re battles not easily won.

But Sellah doesn’t care how treacherous the challenges are. She’ll do whatever it takes because it was her fault Kaid was punished. Promised to the primordial goddess as a child, it was Sellah’s sacred duty to remain pure and untouched. To be chosen as the goddess� vessel was the highest honor, one Sellah devoted her life to until the handsome thief Kaid broke into the temple. He obliterated her world, rewriting her future, and despite her vows, she couldn’t resist the beautiful longing that ignited between them. Their forbidden friendship bloomed into a doomed romance, sending her and her beloved thief down a dark path of heartbreak, unspeakable danger, and a love that not even death could conquer.

The Scattered Bones is a Dark Fantasy Romance filled with epic quests, forbidden romance, fantasy gods, dangerous landscapes and beasts, and a love that gives the heroine the strength to survive. ]]> 278 Nicole Scarano syas 0 to-read 4.10 The Scattered Bones
author: Nicole Scarano
name: syas
average rating: 4.10
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/15
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Lady of Steel and Straw (Waking Hearts, #1)]]> 198509097
After ten years of exile, following regicide in the House of Tristain, an alarming royal edict is delivered to the immortal scarecrow Guardians who once defended the crown: surrender themselves to the church of the Silent Gods, or stand accused of further treason. But with a puppet prince set to take the throne and vengeful wraiths appearing with alarming frequency, something foul and sinister is at work in the kingdom of Niveaux.

Lady Charlotte Sand was born to calm the restless dead. A headstrong heroine, she refuses to relinquish her family’s lavender Guardian to the Cardinal’s Watch—a rash misstep that costs her brother his life and sets her on a path for revenge.

For pious and handsome Captain Luc de Montaigne, it’s an excruciating predicament. His long-lost, childhood love has triggered a faction war that could tear the realm asunder. Now Charlotte and Luc must choose between killing one another and stepping closer to victory—or yielding to the electricity between them.

Heartily inspired by The Three Musketeers, this multiple-perspective narrative features a unique system of bone and herbal magic, sultry banter, and a feisty cast of well-rounded supporting characters. This rousing first entry in a romantic fantasy duology is a gorgeous read and excellent pick for fans of Rin Chupeco and Margaret Rogerson.]]> 432 Erica Ivy Rodgers 1682636658 syas 0 to-read 3.88 2024 Lady of Steel and Straw (Waking Hearts, #1)
author: Erica Ivy Rodgers
name: syas
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/12
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Tale of Love and Curses (A Tale of Love and Curses Duology, #1)]]> 219541242 Princess Davina is locked in within the stone walls of her castle, cursed and destined to meet her demise on her 21st birthday.

Fate has different plans when Prince Cole arrives on that very day, insisting on whisking her away to his palace, claiming it will protect her from the curse.

Unaware of his intentions and wary of his notorious reputation, Princess Davina would rather face death than be taken away and locked up again.

Despite her reluctance, his message is clear—she has no choice.

Thrust into a world of secrets and revelations unknown to her, Davina discovers that Cole's mission is more than mere protection. He needs her help to defeat the very woman who cursed her.

As Davina struggles with her mistrust of Cole, he is haunted by his own demons and finds his growing feelings for Davina complicating his mission.

With danger looming and Cole’s initial plan unraveling, their courage, loyalty, and growing connection will be tested in ways neither could have foreseen�forcing them to discover if they can withstand the forces threatening to tear them apart.



*Please note: A Tale of Love and Curses contains depictions of graphic violence/adult situations and is therefore recommended for readers 17+]]> 409 Laura J. Robert syas 0 to-read 4.24 A Tale of Love and Curses (A Tale of Love and Curses Duology, #1)
author: Laura J. Robert
name: syas
average rating: 4.24
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Mad King and the False Queen (The Mad King and the False Queen, #1)]]> 205138255 One princess. One assassin. One switch that puts both their lives at stake.

Azurem is one of four kingdoms ruled by guardians of magic. On the day that Princess Magdalena is to be crowned, she discovers that she wields a different, more volatile power than her father, calling into question the legitimacy of her birthright. The crown she was born to wear now hangs in the balance � and her new magic must remain a secret or else risk igniting a battle for the throne.

Ever since she was a child, Dagmara served the royal family of Azurem. As the most lethal and covert royal assassin, her job is a means to provide a better life for her brother. However, when Princess Magdalena’s father is killed, Dagmara begins to suspect the infamous Mad King � a man known for his terrorizing reign in an enemy kingdom.

When Princess Magdalena receives a marriage proposal from the Mad King, the girls devise a plan to switch places. Princess Magdalena investigates her newfound powers on a quest full of romance, secrets, and espionage, while Dagmara goes undercover as the Mad King’s betrothed to bring him to justice once and for all. As Dagmara delves into the Mad King’s involvement in the murder, she catches the eye of his suspicious and handsome captain, a man that embodies danger and desire. Caught between her heart and her blade, Dagmara must navigate politics and ancient clues that bring her closer to the truth � a truth that could unravel the fabric of the kingdom she has bled to protect.]]> 510 Hope Abrom 1737999560 syas 0 to-read 3.94 The Mad King and the False Queen (The Mad King and the False Queen, #1)
author: Hope Abrom
name: syas
average rating: 3.94
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Winterfrost Market (Tales of Midwinter Haven, #1)]]> 212724630 A tea-loving mortal with a warm heart. A worldly fae prince in disguise. Midwinter is brewing something magical�

At the enchanting Winterfrost Market, renowned for its Midwinter celebrations, Elsie is run off her feet at her family’s cozy traveling tea house.

But the quaint town’s festivities lose their luster when her mother fails to return from her journey to Midwinter Haven—a fairytale land in the north, rumored to be inhabited by elves, witches, and fae.

With Elsie’s worry as dark as her strongest tea, she enlists the help of the captivating tracker, Kit, to guide her northward.

Stepping beyond her comfort zone, Elsie’s eyes are opened to magic she never thought possible. But she quickly discovers that Kit has secrets and suspects he may be one of the clever fae her sister warned her about.

Is Kit her dream prince, or an enemy in disguise? To find her mother, she must be willing to gamble her heart.

Grab a hot cup of tea, snuggle up, and embark on a magical journey to Midwinter Haven�

Winterfrost Market is a cozy fantasy with clean holiday romance and a generous sprinkling of magic!]]> 322 Jenny Sandiford 0645979635 syas 0 to-read 3.86 Winterfrost Market (Tales of Midwinter Haven, #1)
author: Jenny Sandiford
name: syas
average rating: 3.86
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/12/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> An Education in Malice 64414866 An Education in Malice is a dark academia tale of blood, secrets and insatiable hungers from Sunday Times bestselling author S.T. Gibson, author of the cult hit A Dowry of Blood.

Deep in the forgotten hills of Massachusetts stands Saint Perpetua's College. Isolated and ancient, it is not a place for timid girls. Here, secrets are currency, ambition is lifeblood, and strange ceremonies welcome students into the fold.

On her first day of class, Laura Sheridan is thrust into an intense academic rivalry with the beautiful and enigmatic Carmilla. Together, they are drawn into the confidence of their demanding poetry professor, De Lafontaine, who holds her own dark obsession with Carmilla.

But as their rivalry blossoms into something far more delicious, Laura must confront her own strange hungers. Tangled in a sinister game of politics, bloodthirsty professors and dark magic, Laura and Carmilla must decide how much they are willing to sacrifice in their ruthless pursuit of knowledge.]]> 352 S.T. Gibson 0356519325 syas 0 did-not-finish 3.51 2024 An Education in Malice
author: S.T. Gibson
name: syas
average rating: 3.51
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/23
shelves: did-not-finish
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Crimson Snow (A Realm of Chaos and Void, #1)]]> 220545407
Guided by enigmatic allies and pursued by ancient enemies, Seraphine ventures through the treacherous Weeping Forest and into the shadowy depths of the Shadow Market. Here, legendary creatures—mischievous Pookas, sinister hags, and the ominous Grim Wanderer—reveal a world of dark enchantments and hidden power.

As she delves deeper, Seraphine discovers a dark destiny intertwined with her lineage. The Grim Wanderer, an ethereal figure cloaked in shadows, pushes her towards a fate shrouded in mystery and danger. This is not a tale of heroes, but the genesis of a villain, forged from heartbreak and betrayal.

In a web of deceit and ancient prophecies, Seraphine's path is one of transformation and darkness. Will she succumb to the shadows that seek to consume her, or will she rise as a force of vengeance, altering the balance between realms forever?

The Crimson Snow is a dark, gripping fantasy of magic, resilience, and the birth of a new power in a world where heroes are myths and villains are made. Embrace the mystery and uncover the secrets beneath the snow.]]> 358 Laura Vega 9695692486 syas 0 to-read 4.28 The Crimson Snow (A Realm of Chaos and Void, #1)
author: Laura Vega
name: syas
average rating: 4.28
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Beg, Borrow, or Steal (When in Rome, #3)]]> 211164792 Two feuding second-grade teachers (and neighbors) find themselves teaming up in this rivals-to-lovers romance.

Emily Walker hates having her carefully crafted world disrupted by anyone, most of all her legendary nemesis, Jack Bennett. He's the opposite of the wonderful heroes she dreams up in her double life as a romance writer, which is why Emily was perfectly happy when Jack left Rome, Kentucky, mid-school year, with his fiancée. The last thing Emily saw coming was Jack’s return at the start of the summer after calling off the wedding and ending his relationship, but he’s here to stay—as her colleague and her neighbor.

Jackson Bennett is glad to be back, eager to renovate his house and work on the next mystery novel under his bestselling pen name. But when he realizes he’s now neighbors with the one woman who has always pushed his buttons, he discovers something he’s even more excited for—thwarting Emily and her petty plans to sabotage his return.

With their chemistry-fueled animosity at an all-time high, Emily accidentally sends an email to their school’s principal that could reveal her secret literary side hustle. She needs to steal back her manuscript, and Jack—she hates to admit—is just the man to help her. Surprisingly, Jack agrees. Will their unlikely alliance put an end to their rivalry? Or could it lead to a steamy plot twist they never saw coming?]]> 384 Sarah Adams 0593723694 syas 5
What I loved most was how real and relatable Emily and Jack felt. They’re flawed in all the best ways, and their growth throughout the story was so satisfying to watch. Add in the cozy small-town setting, the welcoming townsfolk, and the hilarious Walker siblings. Together, they give off cozy hug energy that I never wanted to end.

That said, the ending left me wanting a little more. It’s sweet, but it felt like it left out some critical emotional moments that could’ve made it perfect. Still, I had such a great time with this story, and I’m already planning to dive into more of Sarah Adams’s books. If you’re looking for a comfort read with depth and laughs, this one’s for you!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.]]> 4.08 2025 Beg, Borrow, or Steal (When in Rome, #3)
author: Sarah Adams
name: syas
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2024/11/16
date added: 2024/11/17
shelves:
review:
If you’re the oldest sister who always feels like you have to hold everything together for the family, this book will hit home for you. It’s my first time reading Sarah Adams's work, and wow, I’m hooked! The chemistry between Emily and Jack is chef’s kiss. Their long time rivals-to-lovers journey is packed with banter so good it had me grinning and giggling more times than I can count. I need more of them!

What I loved most was how real and relatable Emily and Jack felt. They’re flawed in all the best ways, and their growth throughout the story was so satisfying to watch. Add in the cozy small-town setting, the welcoming townsfolk, and the hilarious Walker siblings. Together, they give off cozy hug energy that I never wanted to end.

That said, the ending left me wanting a little more. It’s sweet, but it felt like it left out some critical emotional moments that could’ve made it perfect. Still, I had such a great time with this story, and I’m already planning to dive into more of Sarah Adams’s books. If you’re looking for a comfort read with depth and laughs, this one’s for you!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
]]> <![CDATA[Undying Lands (Unraveled Fate #2.5)]]> 213353672
Daimon has spent his life trying to climb the ranks of the empire to prove his worth, to become a companion fit for a certain princess. He’s garnered the attention of those in power with the strength of his shadows, beings both good and evil. But the higher he climbs, the more he’s trapped between duty and heart.

Set three hundred years before the events of Lunaria, Undying Lands is a forbidden love story between a girl forced to be queen and the man tasked to keep her safe. In the midst of deadly war and the duties they both bear, can they prove their love undying?

Would you sell your soul if it means saving your family?For fans of The Cruel Prince, the Witcher, and The Plated Prisoner Series. Undying Lands is novella in The Unraveled Fate Series. This can be read as standalone but is best read as book 2.5–between Illuminance and book 3. This novella is a harrowing tale of childhood friends-to-lovers, an empire on the brink of collapse, and perfect for fans of bodyguard/forbidden romance with touch spice and tension.]]> 484 Kara Douglas syas 3 4.52 Undying Lands (Unraveled Fate #2.5)
author: Kara Douglas
name: syas
average rating: 4.52
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/16
date added: 2024/11/16
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Cruel Winter with You (Under the Mistletoe Collection, #1)]]> 220389458 New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood.

All newly minted pediatrician Jamie Malek wants is to borrow a roasting pan for Christmas dinner. Unfortunately, that requires her to interact with Marc—her best friend’s troublemaking brother, who’s now a tech billionaire. He’s the one who got away. She’s the one who broke his heart. Outside, a howling blizzard. Inside, a crackling fire. Suddenly, being snowbound with the man she never expected to see again might not be such a bad way to spend a winter’s night.

Ali Hazelwood’s Cruel Winter with You is part of Under the Mistletoe, a stirring collection of December romances that thrill and tingle all the way. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.]]> 73 Ali Hazelwood 1662528396 syas 0 to-read 3.68 2024 Cruel Winter with You (Under the Mistletoe Collection, #1)
author: Ali Hazelwood
name: syas
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/10
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Embrace the Serpent 204288977 In this sweeping romantic fantasy, a dangerous deal binds a young jeweler's apprentice to the mysterious Serpent King in a marriage of convenience, thrusting her into a deadly game between the cunning, fearsome ruler and his rebellious huntsman. Perfect for fans of The Wrath & the Dawn and Once Upon a Broken Heart!

The Serpent King has come to find his bride, and with his arrival festivities sweep through the city. Inside and outside the Rose Palace await women from across the six kingdoms determined to become his new bride-to-be—all except for eighteen-year-old Saphira.

After escaping life as a palace ward under the cruel djinn Lady Incarnadine, Saphira now works as the apprentice to the unscrupulous jewelsmith Galen. Out of fear of being discovered, she hides her rare gift for harnessing the magic in gemstones and lets Galen take credit for her craft.

But when Galen makes a boast that ruffles the court, Lady Incarnadine punishes him with an impossible task—one that threatens to drag Saphira back into Incarnadine’s grasp. Desperate to avoid this fate, Saphira strikes a dangerous deal with Rane, the enigmatic huntsman sent by the Serpent King to find the best jewelsmith in the empire.

Rane promises that if Saphira crafts a mysterious piece for his master, the Serpent King will grant her a new identity and freedom. But when their plans go awry and the only way out is to marry the Serpent King, Saphira becomes entangled in the dangerous affairs of kingdoms and empires—caught between the cunning, handsome Rane and her cold, serpentine husband.]]> Sunya Mara syas 4 arcs
Saphira, the main character, is a jewelsmith, a distinctive profession that offers a refreshing perspective for a protagonist. I particularly admired her personality. She's strong, determined, and knows exactly what she wants, which makes her unforgettable. The romance was truly engaging, with the dynamic between the main characters being a highlight. While I did find the plot twist somewhat predictable, the story as a whole still delivered an enjoyable experience. I especially enjoyed following their journey and seeing how their relationship evolved. I only wish there had been a bit more depth to the magic system and a few extra moments between Saphira and the love interest after she learns the truth. Their interaction in those key moments could have added more depth and intensity to the story. Overall, this was a captivating read, and I’m looking forward to exploring more of this author’s work!

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.]]> 4.09 2025 Embrace the Serpent
author: Sunya Mara
name: syas
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/10
date added: 2024/11/10
shelves: arcs
review:
This was my first time reading a book by Sunya Mara, and I was genuinely thrilled by how much I enjoyed it. From the very first page, I was completely drawn in, and the intriguing plot kept me hooked, making it hard to put down.

Saphira, the main character, is a jewelsmith, a distinctive profession that offers a refreshing perspective for a protagonist. I particularly admired her personality. She's strong, determined, and knows exactly what she wants, which makes her unforgettable. The romance was truly engaging, with the dynamic between the main characters being a highlight. While I did find the plot twist somewhat predictable, the story as a whole still delivered an enjoyable experience. I especially enjoyed following their journey and seeing how their relationship evolved. I only wish there had been a bit more depth to the magic system and a few extra moments between Saphira and the love interest after she learns the truth. Their interaction in those key moments could have added more depth and intensity to the story. Overall, this was a captivating read, and I’m looking forward to exploring more of this author’s work!

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
]]> Bones (Bones, #1) 203694547
As a child, her older brother trained her to survive, and so survive she did. The blood on her hands will never wash off, she is broken and scarred in more ways than one, but she survived.

After finally escaping the ruthless raiders who imprisoned her for twelve long years, Bones is haunted by her past and desperate for atonement. Freedom is short-lived, however, as the rumors of her abilities catch up to her. Dragged to the northwest mountain stronghold known as the Vault, Bones finds herself involuntarily drawn to the tight-knit crew who captured her, and the feelings she begins to develop for Trey, the heart of the crew, scare her more than all the horrors of her past.

Bones struggles to maintain her distance, navigate her trauma, and deal with the new horrifying ways her healing powers are used to root out a budding revolution. As her defenses slowly break down, everything she believes about herself and the world is challenged, forcing her to confront the question: what are you surviving for?

**This is a post-apocalyptic romantasy that deals with dark themes. Check content warnings at author's website klspeer dot com slash content-warnings**]]> 391 K.L. Speer syas 0 to-read 4.24 Bones (Bones, #1)
author: K.L. Speer
name: syas
average rating: 4.24
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[NetGalley’s Social Media Handbook]]> 220480660 We Are Bookish syas 4 4.47 2024 NetGalley’s Social Media Handbook
author: We Are Bookish
name: syas
average rating: 4.47
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2024/11/04
date added: 2024/11/04
shelves:
review:
This guide is an absolute gem for anyone new to social media book reviewing. It's not only easy to follow but also impressively thorough, packed with valuable tips and insights that make stepping into the bookish world feel much more approachable. I can already tell it’s something I’ll be revisiting often to improve my engagement with the book community. For anyone looking to boost their online presence and engage with fellow readers, this guide is essential!
]]> <![CDATA[Dating and Dragons (Dungeons and Drama, #2)]]> 209997824 From the author of the nationally bestselling Dungeons and Drama comes another gaming romance that's sure to win you over!

Quinn Norton is starting over at a new high school and hopes that joining a D&D game will be the trick to making friends. The plan sounds even better when she’s invited into a group that includes Logan Weber, the cute and charming guy she met on her first day of class. But this isn’t your average D&D campaign� this group livestreams their games and enforces strict rules: no phones allowed, and no dating other group members.

Quinn is willing to accept the rules, even if it makes Logan off-limits. And she quickly learns that doing so won’t be a problem, since Logan goes from charismatic to insufferable as soon as she agrees to join. As their bickering—and bantering—intensifies inside and outside the game, Quinn can’t help wondering: Is Logan’s infuriating behavior a smokescreen for hidden feelings? Quinn is risking it all, and the twenty-sided dice are rolling!]]> Kristy Boyce syas 3 arcs
As someone who's never played D&D before, I was worried I might not connect with the story. But to my surprise, the D&D sessions and all the intricate details drew me right in. However, the romance between Quinn and Logan didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It relied on an insta-love connection, which is usually a challenge for me unless it develops further as the story progresses. Sadly, that build-up wasn’t there, and I struggled to feel much chemistry between them. Their relationship lacked the emotional depth that could have made their connection feel more meaningful to me. The plot itself was also quite predictable, and at times, it felt like not much was happening.

Yet despite these points, the found-family theme really stood out and made the story memorable. The supporting characters brought warmth and depth, especially the hilarious grandma, who added a lot of charm to the story. So, while it wasn’t a perfect read for me, there were moments I really enjoyed, and I’m still interested in reading Dungeons and Drama because so many people seem to love it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's - Delacorte Romance for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.]]> 4.03 2024 Dating and Dragons (Dungeons and Drama, #2)
author: Kristy Boyce
name: syas
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/02
date added: 2024/11/02
shelves: arcs
review:
I've heard so many wonderful things about Dungeons and Drama, so I was really excited to dive into this one.

As someone who's never played D&D before, I was worried I might not connect with the story. But to my surprise, the D&D sessions and all the intricate details drew me right in. However, the romance between Quinn and Logan didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It relied on an insta-love connection, which is usually a challenge for me unless it develops further as the story progresses. Sadly, that build-up wasn’t there, and I struggled to feel much chemistry between them. Their relationship lacked the emotional depth that could have made their connection feel more meaningful to me. The plot itself was also quite predictable, and at times, it felt like not much was happening.

Yet despite these points, the found-family theme really stood out and made the story memorable. The supporting characters brought warmth and depth, especially the hilarious grandma, who added a lot of charm to the story. So, while it wasn’t a perfect read for me, there were moments I really enjoyed, and I’m still interested in reading Dungeons and Drama because so many people seem to love it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's - Delacorte Romance for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
]]> <![CDATA[The Scorpion and the Night Blossom (The Three Realms, #1)]]> 210234399 In a world at war with demons, one girl will face the ultimate test when she is forced to enter into an ancient, deadly competition for the chance to save her mother's soul� before she loses her forever. From the New York Times bestselling author of Song of Silver, Flame Like Night comes the beginning of a dark and opulent fantasy duology, perfect for fans of Throne of Glass.

Nine years ago, the war between the Kingdom of Night and the Kingdom of Rivers tore Àn’yīng’s family apart, leaving her mother barely alive and a baby sister to fend for. Now the mortal realm is falling into eternal night, and mó—beautiful, ravenous demons—roam the land, feasting on the flesh of humans and drinking their souls.

Àn’yīng is no longer a helpless child, though. Armed with her crescent blades and trained in the ancient art of practitioning, she has decided to enter the Immortality Trials, which are open to any mortal who can survive the journey to the immortal realm. Those who complete the Trials are granted a pill of eternal life—the one thing Àn’yīng knows can heal her dying mother. But to attain the prize, she must survive the competition.

Death is common in the Trials. Yet oddly, Àn’yīng finds that someone is helping her stay alive. A rival contestant. Powerful and handsome, Yù’chén is as secretive about his past as he is about his motives for protecting Àn’yīng.

The longer she survives the Trials, the clearer it becomes that all is not right in the immortal realm. To save her mother and herself, Àn’yīng will need to figure out whether she can truly trust the stranger she’s falling for or if he’s the most dangerous player of all . . . for herself and for all the realms.]]> 400 Amélie Wen Zhao syas 4 arcs
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's - Delacorte Press for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.]]> 3.82 2025 The Scorpion and the Night Blossom (The Three Realms, #1)
author: Amélie Wen Zhao
name: syas
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/31
date added: 2024/11/02
shelves: arcs
review:
This was my first experience with Amélie Wen Zhao’s writing, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. From the first page, the story pulled me in, and its fast-paced plot made it nearly impossible to put down. The rich world-building, intense trials, and intricate murder mystery kept me hooked, and Àn’yīng's backstory added a depth to her character that made her truly compelling. Although I found some plot twists predictable and a few romantic moments a bit forced, I still enjoyed the character dynamics overall. One minor disappointment was the limited development of Àn’yīng’s friendships. These connections felt underexplored, which held back some of the emotional impact. Despite this, I genuinely enjoyed this book. It was an exciting read with just the right amount of angst to elevate the story. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the sequel!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's - Delacorte Press for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
]]> <![CDATA[I'll Find You Where the Timeline Ends]]> 220908971 A teen descendant of a Japanese dragon god must team up with a cute rogue agent to subvert a corrupt time travel organization and find out the truth of what happened to her missing sister in acclaimed author Kylie Lee Baker's magical new YA romance, I'll Find You Where the Timeline Ends.

When you’re ready, come find me. I will keep you safe. -Hana

Descended from a Japanese dragon god, Yang Mina was born with the power to travel through time, and has spent her life training to take her place in the Descendants, a secret organization whose purpose is to protect the timeline. Then Mina’s world is uprooted when she moves to Seoul and finds a note from her sister–a sister who no one remembers, as if she had been erased. The only people who could have made her sister vanish so completely are part of the very agency that she’s been working so hard to join. So now Mina has a new mission, infiltrate the agency as quickly as possible to find her lost sister.

And, as if things weren’t complicated enough, a strikingly handsome rogue agent has determined that Mina is the only person who can help him put an end to the Descendants' corruption. Placed in an impossible situation, Mina must decide how much she’s willing to risk to find the truth.]]> 304 Kylie Lee Baker 1250381983 syas 0 to-read 4.17 2025 I'll Find You Where the Timeline Ends
author: Kylie Lee Baker
name: syas
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/10/29
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Beasts We Bury (The Broken Citadel, #1)]]> 208840724 Deceit and betrayal abound in this dark YA romantasy about an heir to the throne who can summon an army of animals and a thief who plans to manipulate her to pull off a once-in-a-lifetime heist.

Will he steal her heart... or her chance at the throne?

Daughter and heir to the throne, Mancella Cliff yearns for a life without bloodshed. But as a child, she emerged from the Broken Citadel with the power to summon animals—only after killing them with her bare hands. Her magic is a constant reminder of the horrors her father, the ruler of the realm, has forced upon her to strengthen their power.

Silver is a charming thief struggling to survive in a world torn apart by Mancella’s father’s reign. When a mysterious benefactor recruits him for the heist of a lifetime, a chance to rob the castle, Silver relishes the opportunity for a real future—and revenge. But he'll have to manipulate Mance and earn her trust to pull it off.

As the deception and carnage mount, Mance must find a way to save her realm without becoming the ruthless monster she's been bred to be. And when Silver discovers that his actions are fueling the violence that Mance wants to prevent, he'll have to choose between his ambition and the girl he’s falling for.]]> 368 D.L. Taylor 1250331684 syas 0 to-read 3.83 2025 The Beasts We Bury (The Broken Citadel, #1)
author: D.L. Taylor
name: syas
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/10/17
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> I Hope This Doesn't Find You 124932739 I Hope This Doesn't Find You is Never Have I Ever meets To All the Boys if Lara Jean wrote hate emails instead of love letters.

Sadie Wen is perfect on paper: school captain, valedictorian, and a "pleasure to have in class." It’s not easy, but she has a trick to keep her model-student smile plastered on her face at all times: she channels all her frustrations into her email drafts. She'd never send them of course -- she'd rather die than hurt anyone's feelings -- but it's a relief to let loose on her power-hungry English teacher or a freeloading classmate taking credit for Sadie's work.

All her most vehemently worded emails are directed at her infuriating cocaptain, Julius Gong, whose arrogance and competitive streak have irked Sadie since they were kids. "You're attention starved and self-obsessed and unbearably vain . . . I really hope your comb breaks and you run out of whatever expensive hair products you've been using to make your hair appear deceptively soft..."

Sadie doesn't have to hold back in her emails, because nobody will ever read them... that is, until they're accidentally sent out.

Overnight, Sadie’s carefully crafted, conflict-free life is turned upside down. It's her worst nightmare -- now everyone at school knows what she really thinks of them, and they're not afraid to tell her what they really think of her either. But amidst the chaos, there's one person growing to appreciate the "real" Sadie -- Julius, the only boy she's sworn to hate...]]> 320 Ann Liang 1338827154 syas 5 all-time-favorites i need sadiejulius novella. 4.17 2024 I Hope This Doesn't Find You
author: Ann Liang
name: syas
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2024/10/12
date added: 2024/10/16
shelves: all-time-favorites
review:
i need sadiejulius novella.
]]> <![CDATA[The Herbwitch Princess (Witches of Olderea, #2)]]> 64416533
Lady Narcissa Greenwood has been haunted by her past since the disaster of last summer’s Season. The society she once reveled in now sees her as the traitor’s daughter. Narcissa fears she can never prove them wrong.

But when rising anti-witch riots lead to her betrothal to Crown Prince Bennett and a grand kingdom tour, Narcissa seizes the chance to atone her mistakes. She is determined to become the dutiful crown princess—even if her stoic fiancé is less than eager to play the loving couple.

However, the crown prince isn’t as unaffected as he seems. Amidst Olderea’s flax fields, bustling marketplaces, and whispers of rebellion, Narcissa must decide whether her past should hinder her future—and whether duty, love, and redemption are separate things after all.]]> 379 Ireen Chau syas 0 to-read 4.46 The Herbwitch Princess (Witches of Olderea, #2)
author: Ireen Chau
name: syas
average rating: 4.46
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/10/12
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Legend of the White Snake 122731864 A snake spirit transforms into a boy and must hide his true identity after falling for a headstrong prince in this lush, romantic retelling of the traditional Chinese folktale.

When Prince Xian was a boy, a white snake bit his mother and condemned her to a slow, painful death. The only known cure is an elusive spirit pearl—or an antidote created from the rare white snake itself. Desperate and determined, Xian travels to the city of Changle, where an oracle predicted he would find and capture a white snake.

Seven years ago, Zhen, a white snake in the West Lake, consumed a coveted spirit pearl, which gave him special powers—including the ability to change into human form.

In Changle, Xian encounters an enigmatic but beautiful stable boy named Zhen. The two are immediately drawn to each other, but Zhen soon realizes that he is the white snake Xian is hunting. As their feelings grow deeper, will the truth about Zhen’s identity tear them apart?


Coming October 15, 2024 from Quill Tree/HarperCollins (US) and Macmillan (UK)]]> 352 Sher Lee 0063327198 syas 0 to-read 3.95 2024 Legend of the White Snake
author: Sher Lee
name: syas
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/10/12
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Otherwhere Post 214268980 The New York Times bestselling author of Hotel Magnifique returns with another glittering dark fantasy about a deadly mystery that spans worlds and a teenage girl who must risk everything to uncover the truth.

Seven years ago, Maeve Abenthy lost her world, her father, even her name. Desperate to escape the stain of her father’s crimes, she lives under a fake name, never staying in one place long enough to put down roots.

Then she receives a mysterious letter with four impossible words Your father was innocent.

To uncover the truth, she poses as an apprentice for the Otherwhere Post, where she’ll be trained in the art of scriptomancy—the dangerous magic that allows couriers to enchant letters and deliver them to other worlds. But looking into her father’s past draws more attention than she’d planned.

Her secretive, infuriatingly handsome mentor knows she’s lying about her identity, and time is running out to convince him to trust her. Worse, she begins to receive threatening letters, warning her to drop her investigation�or else. For Maeve to unravel the mystery of what happened seven years ago, she may have to forfeit her life.]]> 400 Emily J. Taylor 0593404548 syas 4 arcs
The author’s writing style is wonderfully immersive, perfectly capturing the dark academia vibe, which made everything feel even more captivating. The mystery kept me on edge, and the twists were genuinely surprising. The slow-burn romance between Maeve and Tristan was so thoughtfully crafted, and their chemistry was everything I hoped for. Plus, the found family aspect added a heartwarming layer to the story, and I truly loved every character and their development.

Overall, this was a fantastic read, and I would eagerly pick up more works by this author. If you're a fan of young adult fantasy with a mix of magic, mystery, and heartfelt relationships, this book is a must-read!

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.]]> 4.12 2025 The Otherwhere Post
author: Emily J. Taylor
name: syas
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2024/10/06
date added: 2024/10/06
shelves: arcs
review:
This was an incredibly enjoyable read! From the very first page, I was completely absorbed by the story and couldn't put it down until the end. One of the standout elements for me was the magic system—it's refreshingly unique and added a breath of fresh air to the story. I especially wanted more of the fascinating scriptomancy!

The author’s writing style is wonderfully immersive, perfectly capturing the dark academia vibe, which made everything feel even more captivating. The mystery kept me on edge, and the twists were genuinely surprising. The slow-burn romance between Maeve and Tristan was so thoughtfully crafted, and their chemistry was everything I hoped for. Plus, the found family aspect added a heartwarming layer to the story, and I truly loved every character and their development.

Overall, this was a fantastic read, and I would eagerly pick up more works by this author. If you're a fan of young adult fantasy with a mix of magic, mystery, and heartfelt relationships, this book is a must-read!

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
]]> <![CDATA[House of Blight (The Threadmender Chronicles, #1)]]> 216405568 The first novel in an eerie, darkly creative, and romantic new gothic fantasy duology from Maxym M. Martineau, for readers of Sarah J. Maas and Rachel Gillig.

Edira Brillwyn is a threadmender. She holds a rare, lifesaving power that can cure disease and heal injuries in the blink of an eye. But magic always comes with a cost, and saving anyone sacrifices a sliver of her own life. She’s always kept her abilities hidden…until the powerful Fernglove family discovers her secret.

The Ferngloves are charming and beautiful, possess powerful magic, and don’t take no for an answer—especially Orin, the head of these ruling elites. When Edira’s brothers unexpectedly contract blight—an incurable virus killing people throughout the town, and an illness too strong for her to heal them both—Orin offers to help. Together at his estate they’ll research a cure while Orin slows their sickness and Edira hones her magic. His kindness and honesty surprises Edira, as does her undeniable attraction to him.

But the other Ferngloves are suspicious of her power and may be more dangerous than the ever-present disease. The longer Edira stays within the confines of the Manor, the more the family’s pristine exterior begins to crack—until Edira discovers a terrifying secret and must choose who she can save and at what cost…]]> 384 Maxym M. Martineau 0063391198 syas 0 arcs, did-not-finish
While it had an intriguing start and a promising premise, the story unfortunately began to drag, which made it difficult to stay engaged. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked the depth needed to make their interactions compelling—many of them were unnecessarily awful to one another, making it hard to connect with or root for anyone. The world-building, which had so much potential, also fell flat due to a lack of detailed explanation, leaving it feeling underdeveloped.

One of the major disappointments was the love triangle. Both relationships seemed driven purely by initial physical attraction, with no real chemistry between the characters, which made those dynamics feel forced and unconvincing.

That said, I did enjoy the gothic atmosphere and the concept of the threadmender, which added a unique element to the story. However, the pacing was too slow to keep my attention. Overall, this book didn’t work for me, though I can see it appealing to readers who prefer a more atmospheric story with insta-love.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.]]> 4.10 2025 House of Blight (The Threadmender Chronicles, #1)
author: Maxym M. Martineau
name: syas
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/28
shelves: arcs, did-not-finish
review:
I decided to stop reading this book at 56% after realizing I wasn't the right audience for it.

While it had an intriguing start and a promising premise, the story unfortunately began to drag, which made it difficult to stay engaged. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked the depth needed to make their interactions compelling—many of them were unnecessarily awful to one another, making it hard to connect with or root for anyone. The world-building, which had so much potential, also fell flat due to a lack of detailed explanation, leaving it feeling underdeveloped.

One of the major disappointments was the love triangle. Both relationships seemed driven purely by initial physical attraction, with no real chemistry between the characters, which made those dynamics feel forced and unconvincing.

That said, I did enjoy the gothic atmosphere and the concept of the threadmender, which added a unique element to the story. However, the pacing was too slow to keep my attention. Overall, this book didn’t work for me, though I can see it appealing to readers who prefer a more atmospheric story with insta-love.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
]]> <![CDATA[Ascend from the Shadows (Dark Perceptions, #1)]]> 180722520
But it didn’t involve fighting draxis or learning she was a descendant of a lineage of magical high priestesses.

It didn’t involve being partnered with an insufferable playboy from Pointedelle.

It didn’t involve fighting social injustices, uncovering government conspiracies, or navigating the deceptive politics of the corporate world.

And it certainly didn’t involve suppressing her power’s compulsion, which demanded she seduce the mysterious foreign ambassador.

And yet.

The only way Amaya can ascend from the shadows of self-doubt is to learn to harness her inner strength and powers.]]> 311 Alexandra Larson syas 0 to-read 4.15 Ascend from the Shadows (Dark Perceptions, #1)
author: Alexandra Larson
name: syas
average rating: 4.15
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/27
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Metal Slinger (Fire & Metal, #1)]]> 213309864
Neither is the encounter with an enemy soldier.

Returning home to Alaha, she’s confronted with the aftermath of the day’s events. The future is uncertain as the threat of hunger looms over the people. With rumors of a growing rebellion, Brynn and her closest friends promise to stick together.

When an unexpected visitor arrives, Brynn’s loyalty will be tested as she learns of a world of magic and treachery. Once her enemy, always her enemy, right? But the dark, knowing eyes of a stranger make her question everything�

…including her heart.]]> 497 Rachel Schneider syas 0 to-read 4.29 Metal Slinger (Fire & Metal, #1)
author: Rachel Schneider
name: syas
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/27
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Girl and the Ghost 54560105
A Malaysian folk tale comes to life in this emotionally layered, chilling middle grade debut, perfect for fans of The Book of Boy and The Jumbies.

I am a dark spirit, the ghost announced grandly. I am your inheritance, your grandmother’s legacy. I am yours to command.

Suraya is delighted when her witch grandmother gifts her a pelesit. She names her ghostly companion Pink, and the two quickly become inseparable.

But Suraya doesn’t know that pelesits have a dark side—and when Pink’s shadows threaten to consume them both, they must find enough light to survive . . . before they are both lost to the darkness.

Fans of Holly Black’s Doll Bones and Tahereh Mafi’s Furthermore series will love this ghostly middle grade debut that explores jealousy, love, and the extraordinary power of friendship.]]> 280 Hanna Alkaf 006294097X syas 0 on-hold 4.28 2020 The Girl and the Ghost
author: Hanna Alkaf
name: syas
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/23
shelves: on-hold
review:

]]> <![CDATA[I Am Quiet: A Story for the Introvert in All of Us]]> 60630733
Emile may seem timid and shy on the outside, but on the inside he is bustling with imagination. While grownups and even other kids may see Emile as the shy kid who doesn’t raise his hand in class, we know that Emile is actually a high-seas adventurer, a daring explorer, and a friend to wild beasts.

This story honors and encourages the beauty of knowing ourselves for exactly who we are. Emile’s world shows us that the mind of a quiet child can be as rich, expansive, and bold as that of any other (more extroverted) child.]]> 22 Andie Powers 083484415X syas 0 to-read 4.31 2022 I Am Quiet: A Story for the Introvert in All of Us
author: Andie Powers
name: syas
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/23
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Wolves of Flame 183790266 Embarking on a deadly conflict with the Fae overlords, Esmeray finds herself enmeshed in a far greater battle than first anticipated. She makes an unlikely ally in the mortal, Cicero, and along with her immortal partner, Reagan, and his most trusted friends, Gwilym and Callahan, they travel down a path that will change the course of history - with Esmeray at the helm.
As war looms against Berwyn, Esmeray fights to keep her new friends alive, sacrificing herself time and time again.
Will she live to see mortals treated equally by the Fae?
And will love endure?]]> 354 Annalise Healey 0645807400 syas 0 to-read 4.00 Wolves of Flame
author: Annalise Healey
name: syas
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/21
shelves: to-read
review:

]]>