Lynz

The Savage Fae’s Mate

Bookstagram is overflowing with Fae enthusiasts, largely thanks to Maa’s ACOTR series (a review of the series is coming). I can’t recall the exact reason I decided to pick up this book. It might have been because I was in the mood for a chase trope or perhaps another captivating fae romance. All I can say for certain is that this book didn’t deliver on those expectations. With the sheer volume of recommendations flooding BookTok and Bookstagram, it’s often challenging to discern whether a book is a hidden gem or simply a dud. Ultimately, I’m uncertain where this one falls on that spectrum.

The Do-Over

Why is it that I can never seem to read books in their designated season? It’s as if I have a disorder where I simply cannot bring myself to read the synopsis; it’s there, but it might as well be invisible to me. If you’re a fan of the movie ‘Groundhog’s Day,’ or perhaps just a Bill Murray enthusiast, chances are you’ll enjoy this. This lively and cheerful young adult novel is perfect for capturing all the Valentine’s season feels, especially if you dive into it during February.

What Moves the Dead

I can’t even begin to express my excitement when I picked up this book. It’s a rarity for me to read reviews before diving into a novel, but this time I did, and they only heightened my anticipation. With its stunning cover, compelling synopsis, and a nomination for Best Horror in the 2022 Goodreads Awards, I couldn’t help but wonder, what could possibly go wrong?

Belladonna

With Death personified as our leading man, I was sold right from the start. This novel, a nominee for Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2022) in the Goodreads Awards, was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Additionally, the heroine is practically labeled as death-proof and a witch. “Yes, I volunteer as tribute,” I thought. However, as the plot unfolded…

Among the Beasts & Briars

With my current obsession being Ashley Poston, I’ve devoured anything I can get my hands on. When I saw that she had written a fairytale-esque story, I was sold from the start. But then I saw the cover… Are you kidding? Absolutely gorgeous—especially the embroidery. In my mind, nothing could go wrong.

Weyward

I must be honest here. What initially prompted me to pick up “Weyward” wasn’t the reviews or the synopsis; it was this stunning cover! This cover alone would entice me to return to this book repeatedly. Yet, when you delve into its pages, you stumble upon something I wasn’t entirely acquainted with but now cannot imagine my reading life without – “witcherature.”

From Blood and Ash

I’ve had a love-hate relationship with this book much like Hawk and Poppy. This isn’t my initial encounter with the story, nor will it be the final one. There’s an inexplicable allure in From Blood and Ash that continues to draw me in. I’d wager it’s largely due to the conclusion…

Bonded By Thorns

I first came across the book when the author shared about it on TikTok, and that moment ignited an immediate urge within me to dive into its pages. Admittedly, there might be a slight exaggeration in that statement, as my initial exposure to it happened through the frequent mentions on Booktok. The book had made its presence felt numerous times, and it was during one such instance that a particular quote about fated mates caught my attention. At that point, I couldn’t help but give in to the intrigue and declare, almost playfully, “FINE!” I’m going to read it.

Fourth Wing

Amidst the nonstop buzz surrounding this novel, I was uncertain about what to expect when I started reading it. Fourth Wing was everywhere online – you couldn’t scroll without bumping into something about it. Then people started stating this was the next Harry Potter, which only added to my intrigue. The allure of its eye-catching cover and the promise of dragons ultimately led me to take the plunge. Yet, as I began my quest, the book proved elusive, like a treasure just out of reach. Copies were scarce, and those lucky enough to have one were trying to sell it for a small fortune. But guess what? Luck was finally on my side during a recent trip, and I snagged a copy. Now, the question remains: Did the effort pay off?

Pachinko

To say that this book is emotionally profound would be an understatement. “Pachinko” delves deep into the human heart, depicting moments of intense turmoil that mirror the struggles endured by Korean families during this tumultuous era marked by warfare and upheaval. The narrative explores these trials in a poignant manner, capturing the profound impact of historical events on the family. An ensemble of characters confront the harsh realities of racism, discrimination, stereotyping, and the intricate tapestry of the 20th-century Korean experience in Japan.