Mini-Reviews: A Song Below Water & Newt’s Emerald
Bethany C. Morrow’s A Song Below Water is a YA urban fantasy with a great concept that unfortunately suffers from poor execution. Tavia and Effie are sisters in all but […]
Review: Toil & Trouble edited by Jessica Spotswood & Tess Sharpe
With stories set in the past and present, in world real and imagined, the short stories in Toil & Trouble: 15 Tales of Women & Witchcraft are linked by their […]
Review: Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
One of the things that I like best about Xiran Jay Zhao’s debut, Iron Widow, is that it truly defies categorization. A YA dystopian novel inspired by figures and cultural […]
Mini Reviews: The Eclectic Edition
In today’s Mini Reviews post, I discuss Miriam McNamara’s THE UNBINDING OF MARY READE, Tade Thompson’s THE MURDERS OF MOLLY SOUTHBOURNE, and A PERILOUS UNDERTAKING by Deanna Raybourn.
Review: The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw
THE WICKED DEEP is an accomplished story of murder, revenge, and a small town cursed for its sins that’s sure to leave you with chills.
Review: Web of Frost by Lindsay Smith
Lindsay Smith’s WEB OF FROST is a character-driven, atmospheric YA fantasy novel inspired by the events of the Russian Revolution.
Review: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Brimming with heart-stopping action, court intrigue, and characters you love and hate in equal measure, THE CRUEL PRINCE is Holly Black at her finest.
Mini Reviews: Fantastical Mixed Bag Edition
In today’s Mini Reviews post, I discuss Melissa Caruso’s THE TETHERED MAGE, Irene Radford’s A SPOONFUL OF MAGIC, and SEA OF STRANGERS by Erica Cameron.
Review: Murder, Magic, and What We Wore by Kelly Jones
MURDER, MAGIC, AND WHAT WE WORE is a Regency romp featuring a young lady with many opinions about lies, spies, and fashions. This delightful tale is chock-full of wit and verve, and while readers may not be blown away by it, they’ll certainly find themselves charmed.
Series Review: The Hawkweed Prophecy by Irena Brignull
The Hawkweed Prophecy series tells the lyrical tale of two young women each thrust into a world they don’t understand. Witchcraft, destiny, and true love figure prominently in this slow-moving YA series.
5 Reasons to Read: The Epic Crush of Genie Lo by F.C. Yee
Combining Chinese mythology and the hallmarks of YA contemporary novels, THE EPIC CRUSH OF GENIE LO is sure to be a cult classic in no time.
Review: A School for Unusual Girls by Kathleen Baldwin
A SCHOOL FOR UNUSUAL GIRLS combines classic elements of Regency era historical fiction with action-adventure tropes to create a unique alt-history story full of twists and turns.
Review: Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier
Juliet Marillier’s HEART’S BLOOD stands out among the crowd of Beauty and the Beast retellings and proves that talented writers can make even the oldest and most familiar stories feel new again.
5 Reasons to Read: The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
Mackenzi Lee’s historical YA romp THE GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE is sure to be one of the biggest books of the summer. With action, wit, and heart, this tale has something for everyone!
Review: The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima
THE CRIMSON CROWN is the finale to one of my favourite YA fantasy series of all time; to say that my expectations were high is an understatement. I’m very pleased to say that it completely lived up to my expectations, and I unreservedly recommend the series.
Review: The Dark Days Pact by Alison Goodman
Alison Goodman has outdone herself with THE DARK DAYS PACT, an action-packed sequel that’s full of magic, manners, and the ill use of both.
Review: Starflight by Melissa Landers
If you’re in the market for a fun, funny, and fast space adventure, then Melissa Landers’ YA novel STARFLIGHT is for you.
Graphic Novel Review: Joyride Vol. 1 by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly
JOYRIDE VOL. 1 is exactly what it says it is: a fun, intergalactic space romp about a bunch of young people who just want their first taste of freedom.
Review: The Valiant by Lesley Livingston
Do you love historical fiction but want a break from the Regency and Victorian eras? Are you a fan of badass lady types and “training school” stories? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then THE VALIANT is for you.
Review: Duels and Deception by Cindy Anstey
Whether you’re a diehard fan of historical romance or you’re just looking to try something new, DUELS AND DECEPTIONS is a charming read that’s guaranteed to leave you smiling.
Review: Huntress by Malinda Lo
Malinda Lo’s HUNTRESS is great if you’re looking for a slight twist on more traditional YA fantasy fare, but don’t expect too much in the way of world building.
Graphic Novel Review: Jonesy Vol. 1 by Sam Humphries & Caitlin Rose Boyle
JONESY VOL. 1 is a clever, diverse graphic novel that’s full of heart and humour. Fans of comics and newcomers alike will find something to love here.
Review: Conspiracy of Ravens by Lila Bowen
If the phrase “weird western” makes your ears perk up, or if you’re interested in reading YA fantasy featuring a trans character, then Lila Bowen’s The Shadow series is for you.
5 Reasons to Read: Island of Exiles by Erica Cameron
ISLAND OF EXILES introduces a new, wholly original YA fantasy series set in the desert. With diverse characters, complex world building, and adorable romances, what’s not to love?