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Ninth House

Bibliophile, Blog, Goodreads Choice Award / By

Everyone has that one author whose books they avidly collect. The author for whom they would brave the cold rain to secure an advanced signed copy – or perhaps that’s just me? In my case, Leigh Bardugo fits this role for me. I had the incredible chance to meet her, and yes, I must admit, it felt like a small part of me died from excitement. “Ninth House” marked a striking departure from her previous works, making it an exceptional standout in her bibliography. This distinction held true until the recent release of the sequel, “Hellbent,” which has once again redefined her oeuvre. Returning to the hallowed halls of Yale University alongside Alex Stern, I prepared to plunge into the depths of “Hellbent.” Let’s discuss my thoughts on my recent reread.

The Love Wager

Audiophile, Blog / By

When was the last time you read a book in one sitting? I mean cover to cover, it was so good you just couldn’t put it down. The Love Wager just did this for me. When I tell you I could not stop laughing a the hilarious dialogue between these two, it was magnetic. Hallie and Jack and by far one of my favorite couples of the year. Let’s dive into why.

King of Battle and Blood

Blog, Kindle Unlimited / By

This isn’t my initial encounter with a Scarlett St. Clair book. I was previously introduced to the author through “A Touch of Darkness” a Hades and Persephone retelling. While I wouldn’t say I had strong negative feelings about it, I also didn’t fall head over heels for it. Truth be told, I never managed to reach the series’ conclusion, a circumstance perpetuated by my ever-expanding to-be-read list. Yet, when scrolling Goodreads and seeing the author was embarking upon the realm of vampires, a thought along the lines of “Oh, this could be good” flitted through my mind. Armed with this curiosity, I embarked on this new journey and, oh boy, it was bloody.

The Lost and the Chosen

Audiophile, Blog, Kindle Unlimited / By

As young adult, romance, and fantasy genres continue to sweep the bookish world by storm, we have witnessed a significant surge in influence from BookTok creators, who are introducing fresh and intriguing twists to their audiences. While paranormal romances and urban fantasies may not be new to some, there’s no denying that reverse harem stories have been making a splash on many “for you” pages. So, let’s delve into this thrilling addition to the spicy genre and explore what makes it so enticing.

The Seven Year Slip

Bibliophile, Blog / By

Following the success of “The Dead Romantics,” Ashley Poston once again delivers an emotionally resonant novella. Featuring a chef in NYC and a publisher, I was already captivated even before delving into the pages of the book. However, as the narrative unfolds and its layers are revealed, it becomes clear that this story is no sour lemon; it’s deliciously sweet.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Audiophile, Blog, Goodreads Choice Nominee / By

I’m not shy about broadcasting my immense love for “The Hunger Games.” I’ve re-read the whole series countless times and make it a regular ritual to re-watch the movies. So, you can imagine my excitement when Suzanne Collins announced a prequel. I mean, could our beloved universe, complete with its intricate political dynamics and grim dystopian backdrop, actually be expanding? Was there a chance we’d get a glimpse into the backstory of the Hunger Games? Then the reviews started flooding in, and I’ll admit, my enthusiasm took a hit. However, this year, I decided to take the plunge and read it, especially with the upcoming movie on the horizon. Oh, if only I could turn back time.

all the Dead Lie Down

Audiophile, Blog / By

With the surge in popularity of gothic romances in mainstream media, it comes as no surprise that we are witnessing a resurgence of these timeless novellas within the bookish community. McCauley’s debut in this genre is a hauntingly beautiful knockout, guaranteed to evoke both tears and bone-chilling terror. The phrase, “it all comes back to Lovelace,” becomes a haunting refrain that will linger in your mind long after you finish reading. So, just as the story circles back to Lovelace, be prepared to find yourself drawn back to this captivating tale again and again.

To Bleed and Crystal Bloom

Blog, Kindle Unlimited / By

Amidst the influx of recent New Adult fantasy releases, “To Bleed a Crystal Bloom” finds itself inevitably compared to the works of literary giants like Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout. For avid fans of their writing, this novel is likely to be a delightful read, yet Sarah A. Parker undeniably possesses her own distinct and captivating voice. As her debut work, the book showcases her potential while acknowledging some minor imperfections. Nonetheless, the narrative remains incredibly intriguing, making it a compelling topic for discussion. Let’s delve into its captivating world!