Click the link to skip to the book’s review:
- Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
- Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
- Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
- The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
- Vow of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
- Set on You by Amy Lea
- A Murder Most Agreeable by Julia Seales
- Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon
- The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer
- Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
- Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
SPOILERS THROUGHOUT! (Skip to my overall thoughts for my spoiler-free verdict)
Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
FANTASY | ROMANCE | ADVENTURE
It was his kindness that had broken me.
Kazi, a reformed thief, is sent to investigate crimes within the notorious Ballenger family’s territory. As unexpected events spiral out of control, she is brought intimately close to the young head of the family, Jase. The pair play a game of false moves and motives in order to fulfil their own secret missions.
This wasn’t the easiest fantasy novel to follow as I found the world-building to be rather unclear. It had a habit of dropping in names of places, people and customs without putting them into context first, so I was either confused about what was happening or struggling to remember whether it had been previously explained. Understanding the Ballenger family’s position within the kingdom and what power they possessed took way longer than it should have. I wish the author took time at the start of the novel to properly set the scene and ease the reader into this new world. This would have helped clarify the power hierarchy across and within the kingdoms, while also clearing up what exactly Kazi and Jase’s missions were, which often got difficult to track.
The magnetic dynamic between Kazi and Jase showed a lot of promise. I did think the evolution of their relationship was a bit “insta-lovey” – I would’ve preferred more of a slowburn in order to get some more angst – but their feelings for each other were still believable. This was due to the fact that it was obvious how much they cared for each other. They kept up their thieving and calculating ways but at their core, both Kazi and Jase were kind. They showed compassion and consideration throughout the book, but this didn’t compromise their strength or authority. Together, Kazi and Jase were a true power couple.
Surrounding the main characters were two different but similarly supportive families. Jase had his deeply loyal and surprisingly loving Ballenger clan, while Kazi had her found family of formidable female warriors. Even though I felt at times bombarded with too many characters, often playing catch up to figure out what each of their roles were, I did think that Kazi and Jase’s inner circles were great additions to the story. They added depth to the lead characters as their strong allegiances to their families helped explain the responsibilities they carried.
This novel was relatively long, packing in action, deception, betrayal and confessions, but surprisingly, it was never a slog to read. Instead, it felt like I was turning the pages of a legendary epic. The writing was immersive and the plot was skilfully paced. I was impressed by how much the author managed to fit into just one novel. It whisked through so much: surviving the wilderness chained to your ‘enemy’, keeping up the facade of a fake engagement, searching for a deadly fugitive, sniffing out traitors and delving into family mythology. Both its action sequences and more introspective moments revealed much about Kazi and Jase, particularly their loyalties, motives and feelings towards each other. It made me excited for each new scene. Hopefully, when I pick up the next instalment, my enjoyment won’t be bogged down by trying to orientate myself amongst the world-building.
OVERALL: After persevering through the novel’s confusing world-building, I found its magnetic main characters and fast-paced plot to be compelling. It read like a true epic.
Would I recommend?… Yes, but be prepared to be slightly confused throughout most of the book… just go with it
READ NEXT: Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
CONTEMPORARY | ROMANCE | FRIENDSHIP
Not everyone wants you to be someone else, Elsie.
To make up for her non-existent paycheck as an adjunct professor, theoretical physicist Elsie Hannaway offers her services as a fake girlfriend to hire. Sitting between her and her dream job at MIT is rival physicist Jack Smith, who happens to be the older brother of her favourite client.
While there were some original elements about this novel – its spin on fake dating, Jack’s unexpected honesty, showing the couple actually dating – this rom-com ended up falling flat for me.
Elsie was an extreme people pleaser, to the extent that she would mould her personality to fit whatever she thought the person she was interacting with would like. However, Jack seemed to be the only person she couldn’t read, and in turn the only person who saw her for who she really was. Despite this concept sounding swoony, I found the actual romance between Elsie and Jack to be weak. I thought it was refreshing that he told her exactly how he felt towards her so soon, but I didn’t like his attempt at ‘white-knighting’ her. Jack acted like he was so superior to Elsie and that she was the only one who needed fixing. I didn’t appreciate this imbalance in their relationship. I much prefer when a couple changes and grows together. Jack’s frequent ‘observations’ about Elsie’s personality-switching were less insightful and more condescending. This wasn’t redeemed by the couple’s chemistry as Jack’s attraction seemed to be purely based on the fact that he found her ‘fascinating’. Their banter was also lacking in spark, making for a rather bland romance.
While I didn’t dislike Elsie’s character, I did find myself getting quite annoyed with her a few times. I initially couldn’t understand why she didn’t just tell Jack that she wasn’t actually dating his brother Greg. It wasn’t made clear till much later that she didn’t want to out Greg. I wish her reasoning was made more explicit to the reader, while still keeping Jack in the dark. Elsie also often acted frustratingly naive, especially when it concerned Jack’s obvious feelings towards her. Her naivety fuelled the third act conflict as she was way too trusting of her lech of a mentor. This made the drama towards the end feel predictable, foolish and unnecessary.
OVERALL: I was unconvinced by the central romance – mainly due to the disappointing love interest and lack of chemistry – so this book ended up falling flat for me.
Would I recommend?… Unfortunately no, there are more engaging rom-coms out there
READ INSTEAD: The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
HISTORICAL | FAMILY | MYSTERY
Most of the time, everyone deserves more than one chance. We all do things we regret now and then. You just have to carry them with you.
When Mia Warren and her daughter Pearl arrive in Shaker Heights, they rent a house from Elena Richardson. Soon all four of Elena’s children are drawn to the enigmatic mother-daughter pair. Suspicious of Mia and her motives, Elena is determined to uncover the secrets in Mia’s past.
This was a masterclass in empathetic writing. The author skilfully slid into different perspectives without causing confusion or disrupting the propulsive flow of the story. This allowed me to better understand the motivations behind each character’s actions and decisions. While the characters could vary widely in what they believed, the author somehow made me sympathise with each one. She showed empathy to them by devoting time to their backstories and psyche, even for those on the periphery who only appeared in a single chapter. Notably, characters that could have easily come across as one-note – like Elena – were afforded nuance. Their mistakes were turned into misunderstandings.
Each character felt so individual and intentionally crafted. They each had their weaker moments, some more than others, but all were at least partly redeemable. The dynamics between Mia, Pearl, Elena and her children – Lexie, Trip, Moody and Izzy – were captivating. The relationships between each character were complicated and given space to evolve.
At its core, this novel examined motherhood, what it means to be a mother and what a mother is meant to do. It explored this not just through Mia and Elena’s own relationships with their children, but also the custody battle for the Chinese-American baby May Ling/Mirabelle between her biological mother, Bebe (Mia’s friend), and her prospective adoptive parents, the McCulloughs (Elena’s friends). This was a complex moral dilemma which the author handled with care and consideration for both arguments. It was such a brutal decision to make, especially after learning about both Bebe and the McCulloughs’ backstories, that I flitted between who I believed should get to keep the baby. This highlighted just how skilled the author was at writing through a sympathetic lens.
The novel’s sense of compassion was most personified by Mia. She was definitely not without her faults, making some EXTREMELY selfish decisions along the way, but she seemed to find room in her heart to sympathise with those around her. It was endearing to watch her take Izzy, and later Lexie, under her wing. Mia’s parting gift to the Richardson family exemplified her compassionate nature, as the photos she left them showed that she had hope for each of them, even after Elena’s accusations. Much like Mia, despite each of the characters’ mistakes, I honestly finished the novel wanting the best for all of them.
OVERALL: This deeply empathetic and observant novel made me feel for every character, regardless of their flaws. I raced through the pages, gripped by the complicated dynamic they had with each other.
Would I recommend?… Yes, if you want to read a book that’ll will leave you thinking about it long after
READ NEXT: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
CONTEMPORARY | ROMANCE | MAGICAL REALISM
It’s never a matter of time, but a matter of timing.
After the sudden death of her beloved aunt, hard-working book publicist Clementine inherits an apartment with a peculiar trait – it can jump in time. So, one day when she opens her door, Clementine is faced with a strange man standing in her kitchen who is living seven years in the past.
This quietly whimsical novel had an intriguing premise but I couldn’t help but feel like it didn’t entirely live up to it. All of its intended surprises were easily predictable. This meant that turning the page was less of a matter of “what’s going to happen next” and more of a “when is it going to happen”. It was so obvious who Iwan, the mysterious man magically sharing Clementine’s apartment, was in the present timeline that it took away from some of the potential magic. It was also easy to guess that Iwan was going to be revealed as the son of Clementine’s Aunt Analea’s former lover. Due to this, the story wasn’t as compelling as I wanted it to be.
I appreciated how both Clementine and Iwan grew over the course of the novel, highlighting how change isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, their romantic relationship wasn’t afforded the same kind of development. Their first weekend together, while admittedly containing some cute moments, was way too insta-lovey for my liking. Clementine had literally just found a stranger in her apartment, courtesy of an unexpected time slip, but was soon spilling her heart to him over some home-cooked food. Even though this was all too sudden, I did like how their relationship was built on talking and sharing the truest parts of themselves. I actually preferred the evolution of their relationship in the current timeline as it featured a lot more yearning and angst. Clementine had to come to grips with the difference seven years had made on Iwan and figure out if and how they could fit together as a couple. So, while the romance didn’t have the strongest roots, it did grow on me the more Clementine and Iwan actually spent time together outside of the time slip.
There was a warmth and sensitivity to the novel, in large part due to Clementine and her endearing set of friends. This meant that when it handled Clementine’s grief over the loss of her Aunt Analea, it didn’t dwell on the end of her life, rather the emboldening effect she had on her niece. Still, I did wish that Clementine’s final moment with Analea during the time slip could have been properly described.
OVERALL: This whimsical novel focused on the personal development of its main characters, partially sidelining the sweet romantic storyline, yet I appreciated its message of embracing change.
Would I recommend?… Yes, if you like your romances with a touch of magical realism and don’t mind insta-love
READ NEXT: The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
Vow of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
FANTASY | ROMANCE | ADVENTURE
We wove our dreams together like armour.
Kazi and Jase are looking forward to their new life together, one where they will meet challenges side by side. But an ominous warning mars their journey back home, and they soon find themselves captured in a tangled web of deceit woven by unexpected enemies and unlikely allies.
Diving headfirst for the second time into this fantasy realm of betrayal and duplicity was a lot harder than I thought it’d be. The author definitely didn’t ease me back into the story. She would drop a name in and expect me to immediately remember who or what they were. This gave the novel a sense of disorientation, especially in the beginning. It also didn’t help that there were way too many characters cramped in.
Aside from the the lack of context for most of the characters, places and customs, the plot itself was compelling. It kept up a propulsive pace, with new obstacles and revelations popping up every few pages. As always, I loved how protective Kazi’s friends and fellow warriors, Wren and Synové, were. I also appreciated when characters surprised me. The villainous King Montegue was un unexpected twist. The gradual unveiling of the extent of his wickedness was well done. Similarly, I liked how Paxton, the Ballenger blacksheep and troublemaker, was revealed to be a double agent. He was feigning his allegiance to Montegue, while trying to end the evil king’s rule. Paxton and Kazi’s alliance was surprising but welcome. Unfortunately, my connection to side characters like Paxton were tempered by first struggling to remember who they actually were and then contending with the sheer quantity of them. More characters could have shone if there were less of them in total.
Kazi and Jase’s relationship definitely grew between this novel and its predecessor. They were utterly besotted with each other. As the pair were soon separated, a lot of this development occurred in flashbacks that were drip fed throughout the book. It was obvious by their actions apart that they cared about each other, but I still wished the author took a more ‘show’ rather than ‘tell’ approach to their relationship. This would have made me feel more comfortable with their quick and somewhat melodramatic marriage – they were both still teenagers!? Nevertheless, I did like the change in their dynamic. Kazi and Jase were no longer untrusting and guarded. Instead, they allowed themselves to be fully open and honest, building a strong and equal partnership. They still kept up their teasing banter, but didn’t show any hesitancy when helping each other. I was truly rooting for them to overthrow Montegue and reestablish Ballenger rule.
OVERALL: Unfortunately the world-building didn’t get any less confusing but the plot was as engaging as ever. The novel packed in action and intrigue, with perilous obstacles popping up every few pages.
Would I recommend?… Yes, but definitely don’t leave too long between books in this series because the author doesn’t ease you back in
READ NEXT: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Set on You by Amy Lea
CONTEMPORARY | ROMANCE | FAMILY
I want everyone who doesn’t conform to mainstream beauty standards to know that they are worthy of an epic love story too. We all are.
Fitness influencer Crystal Chen has built her career shattering gym stereotypes. When a smug new gym patron begins to routinely steal her favorite squat rack, an ultra-competitive rivalry is set off. The last thing Crystal expects is to run into her gym nemesis at her grandmother’s engagement party.
This was an adorable rom-com with a relatable heroine at its heart. I immediately liked Crystal. I admired her body positivity (and later body respect) mission. She still had her own insecurities to face but that made her character all the more accessible. Crystal had so much inner strength and resilience but she was also bolstered up by Tara and Mel, her wonderful sister and friend.
The romance between Crystal and her gym nemesis Scott Ritchie was cute. I enjoyed watching it unfold, seeing them maneuverer self-imposed boundaries and overcome internet bullies. It started off with Scott playfully negging her because he didn’t know how else to interact with his gym crush. Their initial bickering evolved into effortless banter. They definitely had some charged scenes before officially becoming a couple, but I appreciated how they became proper friends first. I liked how kind and attentive Scott was to Crystal, giving her the love story she deserved.
Crystal’s insecurities held the couple back in the third act. Some may say that she overreacted by completely blocking Scott out after she was cruelly trolled on social media but her actions made sense to me. She had to deal with it on her own and not have someone save the day for her. Luckily, it ended with a perfectly sappy grand gesture and the couple were happily back together.
OVERALL: With an inspiring yet relatable heroine taking the lead, this rom-com packed in so much fun. It delivered easy banter and a heart-fluttering romance.
Would I recommend?… Yes, if you want to have an unashamedly fun time reading
READ NEXT: Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales
HISTORICAL | CRIME | MYSTERY
Let go of what everyone is supposed to be, and you shall see who they truly are. Let people be who they truly are, and they shall reach their greatest potential.
When a wealthy bachelor drops dead at a ball, true crime-obsessed Beatrice Steele takes on the decidedly improper role of uncovering the murderer with the help of disgraced detective Vivek Drake. She must wade through family secrets and hidden motives before someone else is killed.
I was definitely not expecting to have as much fun as I did while reading a historical crime novel. It featured a dynamic cast and the mystery was genuinely compelling. The writing sparkled with wit and an irreverence for the customs of the time period that helped make the book as entertaining as it was. I also enjoyed the short excerpts between the chapters that incorporated various letters, articles and play scripts. They added detail to the characters and made it more interesting to turn the page.
Beatrice was a great heroine. She was intelligent, brave and full of determination. Despite the restrictions put in place by society of what a lady should and should not do, Beatrice still pursued her passion for solving crimes. There was instant chemistry between Beatrice and the mysterious Mr. Drake. They had an easy repartee and the hints at romance were believable. I liked how the pair worked together, albeit somewhat begrudgingly, to put the pieces of the murder of Edmund Croaksworth together.
I liked the dynamic between the sisters – Beatrice, Louisa and Mary – as each were wholly different yet still cared deeply about one another. Louisa seemed like a simple character on the surface, so I liked how it was made increasingly clear that she was harbouring a secret. While Louisa was the focal point of the family, Mary was typically ignored and overlooked. I felt bad for her but I knew she would have her own hidden depths. It was satisfying when she finally got a chance to share her wisdom with Beatrice. However, Mary’s furry secret (is she or is she not a werewolf?) was completely wacky and ended up not being necessary to the plot.
The mystery itself was truly gripping, especially as it ramped up in the final third. I got whiplash towards the end from guessing who the murderer actually was. I knew Louisa was hiding something, but I didn’t think that her secret pregnancy and engagement with Frank Fàn, the flirty Frenchman, could really mean that they were entwined in Edmund’s murder. As much as I liked Drake by the end, I was glad that Beatrice was the one who figured it all out. Daniel Ashbrook – Beatrice’s longtime friend – married Edmund’s sister, Alice, to gain her inheritance. While everyone had thought she was missing, he had actually been keeping her locked up in his attic. In order to secure the Croaksworth fortune, Daniel killed Edmund. Then to cover his tracks, he murdered his own father to have someone to pin it on.
Aside from the main murder investigation, there were many other revelations. The ‘perfect’ socialite, Caroline Wynn, turned out to be a notorious con woman who Drake had once correctly accused of murder and theft. The snooty Arabella Ashbrook showed an unexpected side to herself by being a loyal friend to Louisa and secretly in love with a French seamstress. The disgusting and fortune-grabbing Mr Grub revealed his somehow even uglier colours by trying (and failing) to kill Beatrice when she refused his marriage proposal. The eccentric yet unassuming Miss Bolton got her well-deserved hero moment towards the end by helping to save Beatrice, Drake and Alice from the fire Daniel started in his attempt to burn and bury all of his secrets. Beatrice was able to have a heartfelt moment with Louisa that helped both see each other for who they really were.
The novel ended with a bang of action and drama, wrapping up in a satisfying way. I loved how it set up Beatrice’s future of crime-solving with Drake as I definitely want to read about the crazy adventures that surely await her.
OVERALL: Featuring a cast of characters that leapt off the page, this mystery was as compelling as it was entertaining. I enjoyed following the heroine’s investigation, truly not knowing where the story would take me.
Would I recommend?… Yes, if you want a novel that will surprise you in the best way
READ NEXT: The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman
Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon
CONTEMPORARY | ROMANCE | MENTAL HEALTH
I’m going to figure out what you like.
Struggling writer Chandler Cohen meets a charming man and immediately connects with him, only for their night to culminate in a spectacularly awkward hookup. Unfortunately, her next project is ghostwriting a memoir for former TV heartthrob Finn Walsh, who just so happens to be the man from last night.
This steamy rom-com was unexpectedly charming, thanks in large part to its two endearing main characters. Chandler and Finn were both charismatic but were still relatable in the insecurities their harboured. They had an instant yet believable connection from their very first encounter. The flirting was effortless! However, I was glad that their initial time together didn’t go too smoothly. The awkwardness made the story more realistic and kept me interested in seeing how their relationship would unfold.
In true rom-com fashion, Chandler ended up having to ghostwrite Finn’s memoir, but I didn’t find this plot device to be too contrived. I enjoyed getting the glimpses into Finn’s not quite A-List celebrity life, as it conjured up feelings of fandom and nostalgia.
I appreciated the book’s discussion of mental health. Its inclusion didn’t seem gimmicky or like just another box to tick. Instead, Chandler and Finn’s honesty about their mental health struggles remained true to their characters and was another way the author made them multi-layered.
While the main couple got intimate pretty quickly, their romance was teased out slowly and believably. Nothing felt gratuitous, making for a nice surprise. Instead, each intimate scene developed the characters’ relationship in similar way to their many heart-to-hearts. Chandler and Finn were allowed to be both sexy and sentimental, silly and serious. Their relationship was rooted in kindness, honesty and trying to be better for the other person. It was refreshing to see.
Despite their mutual hesitancy to admit to their feelings, I was glad that the third act drama didn’t revolve around miscommunication. In its place, the couple’s obstacle to overcome was whether their relationship could practically work once the memoir was finished. I was so glad that Chandler and Finn were able to come to a solution, with the compromises not being one-sided, because together they just made sense.
OVERALL: Featuring a romance built on kindness, honesty and a willingness to become better for the other person, this novel was surprisingly sweet and felt refreshing.
Would I recommend?… Yes, if you want a book that delivers both sweetness and spice
READ NEXT: Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer
CONTEMPORARY | GRIEF | FRIENDSHIP
Don’t let the best parts of life pass you by because you’re too scared of the unknown.
After her beloved grandfather dies alone, Clover Brooks becomes a death doula. She dedicates herself to caring for others at the end of their life, but has forgotten how to live her own. That is, until an old woman’s final wishes sends Clover on a cross-country trip to uncover a forgotten love story.
Despite the morbid subject matter, this novel was truly life-affirming. It was written in a quiet, tender way, yet its introspection was still thought-provoking.
Clover was a wonderful heroine. She was characterised by her intrinsic kindness and unwavering morality. She was so giving and considerate, dedicating her life to helping others leave theirs with dignity and compassion. This made the beginning of the story all the more sad, because at that point, loneliness was routine for Clover. I deeply sympathised with the isolation Clover must have felt, desperately wanting to watch her form lasting connections. She couldn’t let herself move on from her grief and guilt over her beloved grandpa’s death. Their relationship was so sweet and Clover clearly adored him. As he died alone while she was off travelling, she devoted her life to being a death doula and forgot how to live in the process.
Each time Clover encountered a new person, I thought of them as some kind of angel sent to help her, but of course they soon showed themselves to be the layered and flawed people that they were. Sebastian – the death café first-timer who enlisted Clover into helping his dying grandmother Claudia – was one such character. He turned out to not be as great as I had hoped him to be. Sebastian was completely incompatible with Clover but at least he provided the kickstart she needed. Thankfully, Clover’s new neighbour and eventual friend, Slyvie, was a true lifeline. Slyvie’s bubbly and confident personality made her different to Clover but her encouraging and non-judgemental attitude meant that she was a real friend, one that Clover desperately needed.
Clover also found a friend in Claudia. The old lady was warm and witty. Even though she was nearing the end of her life, her outlook on life was inspirational: be cautiously reckless. I liked how Claudia’s decades-old love story led to Clover’s own with Hugo – the grandson of Claudia’s former lover. Hugo was absolutely perfect for Clover. Like her, he was kind and thoughtful. What made Hugo really special was how attentive he was of Clover and how he effortlessly seemed to understand her.
I thought the story ended perfectly. Of course, it was truly sad when Clover’s lovely longtime neighbour and friend Leo died as he was such a light in her life. However, the novel ensured that neither Clover nor the reader was left wallowing for too long. Spurred on by both Claudia and Leo’s powerful final words, Clover went off travelling the world and filling her life with adventures. I appreciated how, despite her promising romance with Hugo, she didn’t feel obligated to stay in the city for him. The story ended with the feeling of possibility and hope.
OVERALL: This unassuming yet powerful novel was led by such a kind heroine who can’t help but root for. It took me on a journey through all the emotions, ending with a feeling of hope.
Would I recommend?… Yes, if you want to read something that might change your outlook on life
READ NEXT: The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
FANTASY | FAMILY | ADVENTURE
I would wish your strand knotted to mine, always.
On the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Princess Shiori loses control of her forbidden magic and catches the attention of her stepmother Raikama. With her own dark magic, Raikama banishes Shiori, turns her brothers into cranes and warns her that with every word she speaks, one of her brothers will die.
Thanks to its enchanting world and plucky heroine, I was instantly intrigued by where this story would take me. It kept up a fast pace, as each page seemed to propel the plot forward. There was an enticing element of mystery as I honestly didn’t know how Shiori was going to break the curse and protect her kingdom. It was slightly weird that she had a bowl permanently stuck on her head (in order to hide her identity) but it was weaved naturally into the story.
Shirori was a great main character. She started off quite self-centred and immature but she had an impressive character arc. With all the trials she faced in this book, I expected Shiori to constantly complain. Instead, she showed immense resilience and persevered through whatever hardship to get the work done. She was fearlessly loyal to her brothers. Their sibling dynamic seemed wonderfully, and sometimes annoyingly, real. I admired Shiori’s tenacity and the growth she showed, making her an easy heroine to root for.
As much as I loved Shiori, her magical paper crane Kiki was vying for MVP. She was a great addition to the novel especially as it gave Shirori someone to bounce off from while she couldn’t speak. I don’t think she could’ve accomplished all she did without Kiki’s unwavering support.
Shirori’s relationship with Takkan – her intended betrothed who she ran away from in the first chapter but later becomes her friend – thankfully felt natural. I liked how when they first met, neither of them actually knew each others’ true identity. This made their connection seem genuine. Shiori and Takkan’s relationship was gradually and organically built. It was obvious they cared for each other. I wasn’t surprised when Shiori realised she had fallen in love with Takkan. Being the dreamy romantic hero that he was, Takkan was already sure of his feelings for her, even guessing that she was the missing princess despite the bowl stuck on her head.
There were some other great supporting characters. Takkan’s sister Megari was sweet. Zairena (who turned out to be an evil priestess) wasn’t nice but her character did keep me on my toes as to her true motive. Shiori’s dragon friend, Seryu, was a fun addition but he was reduced to a few cameos. A love triangle involving him, Shirori and Takkan was hinted at so it’d be interesting to see where the sequel will take these characters. I got the feeling that Seryu won’t be as helpful as he initially appeared.
I really appreciated that the villain of this novel wasn’t clear cut. It could have been easy to relegate Raikama to the role of evil stepmother so I liked how she was afforded more nuance. As the story progressed and she learnt more, Shiori hoped that Raikama had a well-intentioned ulterior motive for cursing her family. I’m glad that she was proven right – she was trying to protect Shiori from those who wished to take advantage of her magic. Nevertheless, I did wish more groundwork was done to offer extra hints that Raikama was actually trying to help. Likewise, I thought the transition between Shiori not having control over her magic to suddenly being a powerful sorceress was too sudden. I wish these two areas were given slightly more attention.
The ending primed the reader for more daring adventures, as Shiori is off to confront the dragon king, so I’m definitely excited for the next instalment.
OVERALL: This fast-paced fantasy pulled me into its enchanting world of magic and mystery. Thanks to her well-developed character arc, the heroine went on a journey in more ways than one.
Would I recommend?… Yes, if you want to read a fairytale that’s sure to surprise
READ NEXT: Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
CONTEMPORARY | ROMANCE | FAMILY
Betrayals don’t cancel each other out. They just hurt more.
Over the course of six summers spent at the lake, Percy and Sam’s friendship turns into something more, but as they part ways for college, it all falls apart. Twelve years later, Percy returns for Sam’s mother’s funeral. Her connection to him is still undeniable but she must first confront her past mistakes.
This book perfectly encapsulated the feeling of summer. I loved the ‘Then’ timeline following Percy and Sam’s early days of their will-they-won’t-they friends to lovers romance. Their connection evolved naturally over the years, with their friendship feeling genuinely believable. While the comedy didn’t usually land, these chapters were full of just the right amount of teenage longing and angst to make for a compelling read.
In the ‘Now’ timeline, I desperately wanted to find out what mistake Percy made to end their budding romance. I couldn’t believe that it had taken them twelve years and the death of Sam’s mother for the pair to reunite. This timeline built up the tension slowly and to great effect. At some points, I didn’t even care if Percy ever confessed to what she had done wrong, as I just wanted them to get together. When it was revealed that she willingly cheated on Sam with his brother Charlie just because she wasn’t feeling validated in their relationship, I was shocked. She did a truly terrible thing, yet Sam forgave her so easily. In fact, he apologised to her for making her feel unwanted. Personally, I thought Percy got let off too easy. I felt like she should have at least done some grovelling or something else to redeem herself. This meant that when the couple did officially get back together, the relationship felt slightly off.
Percy as an 18-year-old really wasn’t a great character. She knowingly betrayed Sam, broke his heart and callously cast aside her best friend Delilah. Her and Delilah had initially had a rocky friendship when they were younger but were finally on solid ground. Delilah gradually proved herself to be dependable, loyal and supportive, yet Percy accused her of encouraging Sam’s advances when he hit on her months after Percy broke up with him. The fact that Percy never apologised or reached out to Delilah in the twelve years since their friendship ended was disappointing. What was even worse was that when she eventually did, Delilah forgave her without any push back or reprimand. This storyline was a bit of a cop out.
OVERALL: Perfectly capturing the feeling of summer, this novel was full of just the right amount of longing and angst. Unfortunately, the build-up didn’t quite pay off because I was hoping for a redemption arc.
Would I recommend?… Yes, if you’re willing to forgive characters’ major mistakes
READ NEXT: Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
Wishful Thinking 
6 thoughts on “Reading Wrap Up: June 2023”