And honestly? I loved this book.

Dead Girls is the kind of graphic novel that horror fans, mystery readers, queer readers, and anyone who has ever yelled “don’t go in there!” at a slasher movie will immediately understand. It has the missing girls, the eerie woods, the suspicious small town, the masked killer energy, and the “everyone thinks they know what happened” atmosphere. But instead of simply repeating the same familiar formula, Kubrick twists it into something sharper, funnier, and much more self-aware.

One of my favorite parts of the book is that Ash is the daughter of a serial killer, but the infamous killer is her mother, not her father. That detail adds such an interesting layer to the slasher satire. So often, stories about serial killers, legacy, and inherited darkness focus on violent fathers and the children left behind in their shadow. By making Ash’s mother the Clossdale Killer, the book immediately shifts the dynamic. It complicates the expectations around motherhood, monstrosity, femininity, and how girls are judged when violence enters the story. Ash is not just trying to prove she did not commit these murders; she is also trying to prove she is more than the worst thing people associate with her family.

That theme of identity is one of the strongest parts of the book. Ash is weird, guarded, funny, and understandably exhausted by the way people look at her. She is also a lesbian, and I loved seeing her queerness be part of her character without the story reducing her to only that. This was such a great read for Pride Month because the LGBTQ+ representation feels natural and meaningful. Ash’s lesbian foster mothers also bring a layer of found family to the story, which balances the bloodier, scarier elements with warmth and emotional grounding. In the middle of murder, suspicion, and chaos, the book still makes room for love, support, and chosen family.

The humor is another huge highlight. Dead Girls is genuinely funny, and not just in a “slasher characters make bad decisions” way. The dialogue is snappy, the timing is great, and the horror references are exactly the kind of thing that made me grin while reading. My personal favorite was the WWJLCD moment: “What Would Jamie Lee Curtis Do?” I am absolutely taking this acronym with me from now on. It feels like a perfect horror-fan spin on WWJD, but instead of asking what the traditionally righteous choice is, you are asking how to face danger with the fierce, practical, no-nonsense survival instincts of the ultimate scream queen and LGBTQ+ advocate. Honestly, in a crisis, calling the police or Jamie Lee Curtis feels like a solid plan.

I also really enjoyed the way Kubrick brings in the world of true crime podcasts and crime-thriller culture. The book taps into the current obsession with murder content, amateur investigation, and the way real tragedy can become entertainment. That adds another smart layer to the satire. Dead Girls is not only poking fun at slasher tropes; it is also looking at how people consume stories about dead girls, missing girls, and “fascinating” killers. It asks what happens when a town, a media culture, and even strangers decide they already know the villain before the truth is uncovered.

The artwork is fantastic. Kubrick’s illustrations create suspense, comedy, and thrills in every frame. The style has the energy of classic comic book storytelling mixed with touches that reminded me of anime techniques: expressive faces, dramatic reactions, sharp movement, and panels that know exactly when to go big and when to pull back. The scary moments have impact, but the funny moments land just as well. That balance is hard to pull off, especially in a story that is juggling murder mystery, satire, emotional trauma, queer identity, and friendship, but the visuals keep everything moving.

What really makes the book work, though, is the cast. Every character feels rounded, not just thrown in to be a trope or a body count. Ash’s friends have personality and purpose, and I loved following them through this chaotic, bloody, hilarious journey. The relationships give the story its heart. Yes, there are murders to solve and danger around every corner, but underneath that is a story about girls trying to protect each other in a world that keeps turning them into suspects, victims, or punchlines.

Dead Girls is fearless, funny, feminist, and full of horror-loving attitude. It is perfect for readers who enjoy Scream, Yellowjackets, campy slashers, queer YA, graphic novels with bite, and stories that can make you laugh right before they make you nervous. Beck Kubrick has created a debut graphic novel that is clever, stylish, suspenseful, and completely entertaining.

I had such a fun time reading this, and I will definitely be recommending it. For me, Dead Girls is a bloody good Pride Month read—and a killer addition to the YA graphic novel shelf.

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5

About the book:

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
On Sale: September 22, 2026

Buy Links: Simon & Schuster

Synopsis:

The teen daughter of an infamous serial killer must prove she isn’t the one behind recent copycat murders in this witty and laugh-out-loud funny graphic novel that’s a campy, feminist send-up of slashers that both celebrates and subverts classic tropes.

In the cozy town of Clossdale, a serial killer rampages! Five girls missing in as many weeks! Bodies turning up on the forest floor! And all fingers point to one vile fiend: Ash Hargreeves.

Except Ash didn’t do it. She may be the daughter of the infamous Clossdale Killer, and these copycat killings aren’t exactly convincing proof of her innocence—and okay, she’s kind of a weirdo who has two friends total, but when the murders strike a little too close to home, Ash decides to take a stand.

With the help of her besties, Ash is going to hunt down the killer, clear her mother’s name, and stop there from being any more dead girls—now and forever. After all, WWJLD: what would Jamie Lee do?

Resource: Simon & Schuster Guide to Using Graphic Novels in the Classroom

Meet the Author/Illustrator:

Beck Kubrick is an award-winning writer and cartoonist living in Manchester, UK. They like stories about terrible girls and thinking about the apocalypse. They have worked with Cartoon Network, Mad Cave Studios, Oni Press, and more. Dead Girls is their debut graphic novel as author-illustrator. You can visit them online at BeckKubrick.com or @BeckKubrick.

Giveaway:

One (1) physical copy of Dead Girls by Beck Kubrick. USA only. Giveaway ends on June 30, 2026, at midnight EST.

Enter here!

Their con is clever: Lola plays a tragic ghost haunting the mansions of the rich, while Lisandro takes on the role of the brave spiritualist who can help the restless spirit find peace. For the right price, of course. When they set their sights on The Coterie, the grand estate of newspaper tycoon Bixby Fairfax and his famous mistress Blythe Bell, the siblings know this could be the job that changes everything. A payout this big could finally give them a way out of the Midwest and into a life that feels more like freedom.

But this con comes with a twist. For the first time, Lola and Lisandro have to switch roles. Lola steps into the role of the medium Katrina, while Lisandro becomes the ghostly presence haunting the mansion. As they settle into The Coterie and begin working their act, strange things start happening that even they cannot explain. The deeper they go, the more the estate’s glittering surface begins to feel unstable, and the question becomes whether they can pull off the performance or whether this will be their final act.

One of my favorite parts of We Could Be Anyone was definitely the con itself. I loved seeing how Lola and Lisandro planned their performances, built their roles, and used theatrical tricks to manipulate the wealthy people around them. There is something so fun about a story centered on performers who are not just pretending for applause, but pretending for survival. Their scam has just enough theatrical flair to make it entertaining, and I enjoyed learning how they pulled off the “haunting” and spiritualist routine.

The premise is easily one of the strongest parts of the book. Two siblings using ghostly illusions and fake séances to scam rich people during Hollywood’s Golden Age? That is a fantastic setup. It has drama, style, danger, and a little bit of gothic weirdness. The Coterie itself also adds a lot of atmosphere. McLemore does a lovely job describing the mansion, the clothing, and the overall feeling of wealth and performance. The dresses Lola wears, especially when she is impersonating the medium Katrina, are easy to picture. The descriptions are lush without feeling overwhelming, and they help create that sense of old Hollywood glamour mixed with something darker hiding underneath.

I also really enjoyed the mystery and intrigue surrounding the characters. There is a lot of tension built around who everyone truly is versus who they are pretending to be. That fits beautifully with the book’s larger themes of identity, performance, and survival. Lola and Lisandro are constantly putting on masks, but they are not the only ones. The people inside The Coterie have secrets of their own, and that kept me turning the pages. Even when I was frustrated, I still wanted to know what was really going on.

That said, this was a three-star read for me because there were a few things that kept pulling me out of the story. My biggest issue was the dual point of view. Lola and Lisandro’s chapters sounded way too similar. I would be reading from Lola’s point of view, get up to do something, come back, and then have to double-check whose chapter I was in because the voices blended together so much. At first, I wondered if this was intentional. Since the book is so focused on performance, identity, and role-switching, I thought maybe the similar voices were building toward some kind of twist or reveal. But that twist never came.

Because of that, the POVs ended up feeling more confusing than meaningful. In a story about two siblings with different desires, different frustrations, and different relationships to the con, I wanted their voices to feel more distinct. I wanted to immediately know when I was in Lola’s head versus Lisandro’s. Instead, they often felt like the same person narrating slightly different scenes, and that made it harder for me to fully connect with either of them.

My other major frustration was the setting, specifically the lack of clarity around when and where the story takes place. The book is set during Hollywood’s Golden Age, but that period covers a wide span of time, roughly from the late 1920s into the 1960s. While I picked up on a few hints that made me think the story might be set in the 1920s or 1930s, such as the mention of a drink like “The Bee’s Knees”, I never felt fully grounded in the time period. The ghostly special effects used in the con also felt fairly rudimentary, almost Scooby-Doo-like, which made me wonder if maybe the story was set in the 1930s or 1940s. Then Lisandro’s longing to leave the Midwest and find a queer community in the city made me think perhaps the story was leaning more toward the 1940s or 1950s.

I found that lack of specificity frustrating. Historical fiction does not always need to spell out every single date, but I do need enough detail to feel anchored. Here, I kept asking myself: What year are we in? Where in the Midwest are we? What is the larger world around these characters like? Without a clearer sense of time and place, the historical setting felt blurry. For a book so rich in visual description, I wanted that same richness applied to the historical backdrop.

Still, We Could Be Anyone has a lot going for it. The mystery kept me reading, the con was entertaining, and the atmosphere had moments that really worked for me. McLemore’s descriptions of The Coterie, the costumes, and the performance elements were beautiful, and the premise had so much potential. I especially appreciated the queer and Latine representation woven into a story about survival, reinvention, and the desire to escape into a better life.

Overall, We Could Be Anyone is a stylish and intriguing YA historical fiction novel with a fantastic setup, but it did not fully come together for me. I loved the con, the mystery, and the glamorous descriptions, but the similar character voices and unclear historical setting made the reading experience more confusing than I wanted it to be. For readers who enjoy atmospheric stories about deception, identity, and old Hollywood-inspired drama, this may still be worth picking up. For me, it landed at a solid three stars.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ / 5

About the book:

Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Publishing date: May 26, 2026

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Rep: Queer, Latine, LGBT+

Synopsis:

True deception is a work of art.

Lola and Lisandro are actors during Hollywood’s Golden Age, but you won’t see them on any silver screen. Instead, these siblings use their talents to scam the rich and famous out of their ill-begotten cash. They have their act down to a science: Lola plays the tragic ghost who haunts the mansions of the wealthy, and Lisandro plays the brave spiritualist who will help her soul find peace. For a small fee, of course.

The siblings have their sights set on their next target: The Coterie, the opulent estate of newspaper tycoon Bixby Fairfax and his famous mistress Blythe Bell. A score this big will allow them to move… well, anywhere but here. But this job requires them to do something they’ve never done before: switch roles. And as strange things keep happening at The Coterie… things that even Lola and Lisandro can’t explain.

As they are drawn deeper into The Coterie’s gleaming façade and tensions rise between brother and sister, one question looms over them. Will they be able to pull off their act? Or will this be their last performance?

Meet the author:

Anna-Marie McLemore (they/them) is the author of William C. Morris Debut Award Finalist The Weight of Feathers; Wild Beauty; Blanca & Roja, one of Time Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Novels of All Time; Indie Next List title Dark and Deepest Red; Lakelore, an NECBA Windows & Mirrors title; Venom & Vow, co-authored with Elliott McLemore; Flawless Girls; and National Book Award longlist selections When the Moon Was Ours, which was also a Stonewall Honor Book; The Mirror Season; and Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix. Their latest release is their adult debut, The Influencers, and their next young adult novel is “We Could Be Anyone”, forthcoming in spring 2026.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

I received a gifted hardcover copy of The Last Best Quest Ever by F.T. Lukens from Margaret K. McElderry Books. This is not part of a book tour, and all thoughts are my own honest opinions. Scroll down to read my full review and enter the giveaway to win your copy of this fun YA romantasy!

The story follows seventeen-year-old Ellinore, who has the best questing record in the kingdom. She is famous, admired, and celebrated as a legendary hero. The only problem? Every single one of her heroic victories has been fake. The monsters were staged, the treasures were planted, and the danger was never quite what everyone believed it to be. Ellinore has been living inside a carefully maintained lie, and she is tired of it.

So, during a royal feast, she does the unthinkable: she retires.

Unfortunately for Ellinore, a quiet life is not in the cards. Her reckless twin brother, Zig, manages to bet his life on her ability to retrieve the horn of the mythical Elder Beast. The Elder Beast is the kind of creature most people believe is more legend than reality, which means Ellinore has to step back into the role she was so desperate to leave behind. This time, however, the quest might actually be real.

Joining her on this final adventure are Zig, who is eager to prove himself; Aven, the charming and brooding royal who has become Ellinore’s fiercest rival; and a chaotic group of unlikely questers who have big dreams, questionable abilities, and an impressive talent for creating trouble wherever they go.

The plot itself is not necessarily something completely new. We have seen fake heroes, reluctant quests, rivalries, magical creatures, and ragtag adventuring parties before. But honestly, that did not bother me at all. What makes this book work so well is not that it reinvents every piece of the fantasy genre, but that it takes familiar ingredients and makes them feel warm, funny, and full of personality. The story knows exactly what kind of book it wants to be: cozy, subversive, playful, romantic, and full of heart.

For me, the biggest strength of The Last Best Quest Ever is the characters. Ellinore is such a great protagonist because she is messy in a very human way. She is not the perfect hero everyone thinks she is, but she is also not heartless or cruel. She is someone who has been trapped by expectations, reputation, and fear. Watching her wrestle with who she has pretended to be versus who she actually wants to become was one of my favorite parts of the book.

Aven is also a delight. I loved the rivalry between Ellinore and Aven, especially because their dynamic has that perfect blend of irritation, competition, tension, and reluctant admiration. Their romance is sweet, fun, and very easy to root for. It never overwhelms the rest of the story, but it adds such a lovely emotional thread throughout the quest.

That said, Zig completely stole the show for me. His banter, his impulsiveness, and his chaotic little-brother energy made him my favorite human character in the book. He brings so much humor to the story, and every time he was on the page, I knew I was probably going to laugh. I loved the sibling dynamic between him and Ellinore, too. It felt affectionate, frustrating, ridiculous, and very real in the way siblings can be.

And then there is Dave.

Dave the gold dragon is my absolute favorite. I do not want to spoil too much, but I will say that the right dragon improves every fantasy adventure, and Dave is absolutely the right dragon. Funny, memorable, and completely charming, Dave adds so much personality to the story. I adored him.

One thing I also really appreciated was the use of the word “princet,” a non-gendered royal title that combines prince and princess. I know the term has been used before in LGBTQ+ books and literature, but this was my first time encountering it in a story, and I loved how naturally it fit into the world. Lukens always does a wonderful job creating inclusive fantasy spaces that feel welcoming without ever making the representation feel forced or overly explained.

The tone of this book is a big part of its charm. It has laugh-out-loud humor, but it also has real emotional growth. It pokes fun at classic quest narratives while still clearly loving the genre. There is adventure, danger, romance, found-family energy, magical chaos, and plenty of moments that feel perfect for readers who enjoy tabletop gaming or Dungeons & Dragons-inspired stories.

Overall, The Last Best Quest Ever is a fabulous read. It is funny, sweet, cozy, and full of characters I wanted to spend even more time with. The plot may use familiar fantasy elements, but Lukens makes them shine through humor, heart, and a cast that is impossible not to love. Ellinore and Aven are wonderful, Zig is hilarious, and Dave the gold dragon deserves all the praise.

This is a five-star read for me all the way! I truly cannot recommend this one more. Fans of F.T. Lukens, cozy YA romantasy, queer fantasy, chaotic quest parties, and stories that flip traditional hero narratives on their head should absolutely add this to their TBR.

And since the publisher kindly sent me two hardcovers, I’m planning to give one away so another reader can enjoy this delightful adventure too. Scroll to the end to enter the giveaway!

About the book:

Book: The Last Best Quest Ever
Author: F.T. Lukens
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Release Date: May 26, 2026
Source: Gifted by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis:

Dungeons and Dragons meets Gwen and Art Are Not In Love in this cozy, subversive YA romantasy that flips the classic quest narrative on its head. Following a fraudulent hero forced into one last high-stakes adventure with a brooding rival prince, the novel blends laugh-out-loud humor, heartfelt character growth, and a delightfully chaotic party dynamic that will resonate strongly with fantasy and tabletop gaming audiences.

Seventeen-year-old Ellinore has the best questing record in the kingdom. Not even Aven—the infuriatingly charming royal who’s become her fiercest rival—can compete. But every one of Ellinore’s triumphs is a lie. The monsters she’s slain? Staged. The treasures she’s claimed? Planted. Tired of the charade, she shocks the realm by retiring during a royal feast.

Her hopes for a quiet life vanish when her reckless twin brother, Zig, bets his life on her ability to retrieve the horn of the mythical Elder Beast—a creature no one believes is real. To save him, Ellinore must return to the spotlight for one final quest. She’s joined by Zig, eager to prove himself; Aven, determined to finally outshine her; and a ragtag crew of unlikely questers with big dreams, questionable skills, and a knack for trouble.

As the stakes rise, Ellinore must decide who she really wants to be: the fraud the kingdom celebrates, the hero it needs, or someone entirely new.

Meet the Author:

F.T. Lukens is a New York Times bestselling author of YA speculative fiction, including the novels Spell Bound, So This Is Ever After, Love at Second Sight, Otherworldly, and In Deeper Waters (2022 ALA Rainbow Booklist; Junior Library Guild Selection), as well as other science fiction and fantasy works. Their contemporary fantasy novel The Rules and Regulations for Mediating Myths & Magic was a 2017 Cybils Award finalist in YA Speculative Fiction and won the Bisexual Book Award for Speculative Fiction. F.T. resides in North Carolina with their spouse, three kids, three dogs, and three cats.

Learn more about F. T. Lukens by visiting their website ft-lukens.com or following them on Instagram @ftlukens.

Book Giveaway:

One hardcover of Last Best Quest Ever by F.T. Lukens. U.S.A residents only. Giveaway ends on June 15, 2026, at Midnight EST.

Enter Here!

Thank you to the author and publisher for the book and my honest review. This book tour is sponsored by Toppling Stacks Tours.

After several disappointing social seasons in London, Rosalin decides she has had enough of playing the part expected of her. Instead of focusing on finding a husband, she sets her sights on getting the education she has always wanted. The problem, of course, is that Trinity College, a sister college of Cambridge, is not open to women. So Rosalin comes up with a bold plan: to disguise herself as her cousin Ansel and attend in his place while he sneaks off on a secret Grand Tour through Europe.

Honestly, this was my favorite part of the book. I loved the premise of Rosalin dressing up as her cousin and taking his place at Trinity College. It immediately gives the story a playful, adventurous energy, and it was fun watching her try to navigate a world that was never meant to include her. There is something so satisfying about a heroine who refuses to accept the limits placed on her, especially when she is clever enough to outsmart the people around her.

Once Rosalin arrives at Trinity College, she meets Tarik St. Clair, a talented mathematics prodigy and her tutor. Their connection grows through their shared intelligence, witty exchanges, and mutual respect. For the first time, Rosalin meets someone whose mind feels like a true match for her own, and that adds a charming layer to the romance. Their relationship is sweet, cozy, and easy to root for.

The romance itself has a very light, fairytale quality. This is not a heavy or overly dramatic historical romance. It is more of a soft, swoony read with fun characters and a playful setup. The story has a young adult version of Bridgerton feel to it, with society expectations, family pressure, secret identities, and a heroine trying to carve out her own path. Readers who enjoy historical romance with modern-feeling heroines and a touch of fantasy-like wish fulfillment will probably have a great time with this one.

Rosalin is a lively and likable main character. I enjoyed that she was intelligent, determined, and tired of pretending to be less than she was. Her frustration with society’s expectations felt relatable, especially because she knows she is capable of so much more than being judged by her marriage prospects. Her decision to take control of her future makes her easy to cheer for, even when the plot itself stretches believability.

The side characters also add to the entertainment value. Ansel’s secret trip adds humor and mischief to the story, while Tarik brings warmth and charm to Rosalin’s college experience. The characters are fun rather than deeply complicated, which fits the overall tone of the book. This is the kind of romance that feels cozy, bright, and low-stress.

That said, I rated this one 3.5 stars because, while I enjoyed the story, it did not feel especially historically accurate or plausible. The premise is fun, but I had to suspend a lot of disbelief while reading. Rosalin disguising herself as her cousin and attending Trinity College in his place is entertaining, but it definitely leans more into romantic fairytale territory than realistic historical fiction. If you are looking for a deeply researched, historically grounded novel, this may not fully satisfy that craving.

For me, the book worked best when I treated it as a whimsical historical romance rather than a realistic one. The history is more of a backdrop than the main focus, and the plot is clearly designed to be charming and romantic rather than strictly believable. Once I accepted that, I was able to enjoy the book for what it was: a sweet, cozy, and imaginative romance about a young woman chasing both education and love.

I also think this book will appeal to readers who like their historical romance with a modern sensibility. Rosalin’s intelligence, independence, and refusal to settle make her feel very accessible to YA readers. The story celebrates ambition, self-worth, and finding someone who loves you for your mind as much as your heart. Those themes were lovely, even when the plot felt far-fetched.

Overall, Rebel Heiress is a fun and charming YA historical romance with a clever disguise plot, entertaining characters, and a sweet love story. It may not be the most historically accurate or believable read, but it has plenty of heart. If you enjoy romantic fairytales, secret identities, academic settings, and cozy historical romance with Bridgerton-style vibes, this could be your next delightful read.

It is light, swoony, and playful—the perfect choice for readers who want a sweet escape rather than a serious historical account. While I wanted a little more historical plausibility, I still had fun reading Rosalin’s story and enjoyed the warmth and whimsy of the romance.

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ 3.5 stars / 5

About the book:

Genre: YA Historical Romance
Publishing date: May 19, 2026

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Synopsis:

A young heiress must disguise herself to attend a prestigious, all-male university, where she unexpectedly falls for her handsome tutor, in this swoony historical romance by the USA Today bestselling author of Queen Bee.

Lady Rosalin Chen has a secret—she isn’t as vapid as she pretends to be. In fact, she’s a computing genius and smarter than most of her peers in the ton, including her own cousin, Ansel. It’s a secret she’s kept for years, not that hiding her intelligence has done her any favors in the marriage department.

In fact, after several dismal social seasons in London, she’s practically considered a spinster. With little to lose, she decides to set her sights on getting a proper education rather than finding a husband. Disguised as Ansel, who truly could be her twin, she attends Cambridge University while he galivants around Europe on a secret Grand Tour.

There Rosalin crosses quills with the Trinity College’s mathematics prodigy and her tutor Tarik St. Clair. For the first time in her life, Rosalin is genuinely intrigued by a boy. His mind seems to be as sharp as hers. Unfortunately, as a commoner, Tarik doesn’t fit her parents’ expectations. But what if he could? What if she concocted one more audacious plan that could raise his station and finally take her off the market? She just has to hope that her lies don’t catch up to her.

Meet the author:

AMALIE HOWARD is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling novelist. Always Be My Duchess was one of Cosmopolitan’s 30 Best Romance Books of 2022 and The Beast of Beswick was one of Oprah Daily’s 24 Best Historical Romance Novels to Read. She is also the author of several award-winning young adult novels. A Caribbean-born AAPI writer, her books have been featured in The Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Weekly, and Seventeen Magazine. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found reading, being the president of her one-woman Harley Davidson motorcycle club, or power-napping. She lives in Colorado with her family.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook

Thank you to the author for the book and my honest review. Be sure to scroll down to read my full review, find the book, and enter the book giveaway to win your copy of this historical gem!

As someone who studied history in college and has always been deeply fascinated by art history—especially Impressionism and post-Impressionist artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec—this book felt tailor-made for me. I’ve long admired Lautrec’s iconic Moulin Rouge prints, but I knew surprisingly little about the woman who inspired so much of his work: Jane Avril herself. After reading this novel, I can honestly say I’m completely captivated by her story.

Born into poverty as the illegitimate daughter of an aristocrat, Jane Avril rises from an abusive and traumatic childhood to become the queen of the Moulin Rouge during the famed “Gay 90s” in Paris. But this novel is so much more than a glamorous account of cabaret life. M. L. Malcolm dives deeply into Jane’s emotional struggles, resilience, wit, intelligence, and determination in a way that makes her feel incredibly real and human.

What impressed me most was how vividly Malcolm captured Jane’s personality. She’s sharp, independent, observant, and far ahead of her time. There’s a strength to her character that feels authentic rather than romanticized, and that made me admire her even more as the story unfolded. Jane isn’t written as some untouchable historical icon—she feels like a living, breathing woman trying to survive and carve out her place in a harsh world.

The historical accuracy in this novel deserves enormous praise. One thing I often struggle with in indie historical fiction is when the story starts feeling more like a textbook, overloaded with facts and historical events instead of an actual narrative. Thankfully, M. L. Malcolm avoids that completely. Rather than dumping information onto the reader, she seamlessly weaves the history of Belle Époque France into Jane Avril’s personal story and perspective. You experience the world through Jane’s eyes, learning about the art, culture, nightlife, and social struggles of the era naturally as her life unfolds. It made the history feel immersive, engaging, and incredibly alive instead of forced or overly academic.

The Moulin Rouge itself practically becomes a character in the story. The energy, artistry, decadence, and chaos of Parisian nightlife leap off the page. As an art history enthusiast, I especially loved seeing figures like Toulouse-Lautrec woven naturally into the narrative. The relationship between art and performance during this period was such an important cultural movement, and the author captured that beautifully.

I also appreciated how honestly the novel portrayed Jane’s difficult upbringing. Her mother’s abuse and the trauma she endured as a child are heartbreaking, but Malcolm handles these moments with care and realism rather than sensationalism. These experiences shape Jane into the woman she becomes, and understanding that journey makes her later success even more powerful.

Another wonderful touch was the inclusion of photographs throughout the book. I absolutely loved this addition. Seeing real images connected to Jane Avril and the world she inhabited added another layer of immersion that made the story feel even richer. For readers who enjoy historical fiction grounded in real people and places, this detail is such a treat.

What surprised me most, though, was just how emotionally invested I became. I expected to enjoy the historical elements because of my personal interests, but I didn’t expect to become so completely absorbed in Jane’s life. This wasn’t a dry historical account or a slow-moving literary piece. It was emotional, compelling, atmospheric, and impossible to put down.

Malcolm’s writing style flows beautifully, balancing historical detail with engaging storytelling. The pacing kept me turning pages late into the night because I constantly wanted to know what would happen next. Even though Jane Avril is a historical figure whose life is documented, the novel still feels suspenseful and emotionally gripping.

The book also does a fantastic job exploring themes of identity, survival, independence, art, and reinvention. Jane constantly has to navigate a world that wants to define her by her gender, social status, or past trauma, yet she refuses to let herself be confined by any of it. That aspect of her story felt surprisingly modern and deeply inspiring.

By the end of the novel, I felt both emotionally satisfied and genuinely moved. Jane Avril is a woman who deserves far more recognition in historical fiction, and M. L. Malcolm gives her the spotlight she deserves with compassion, intelligence, and extraordinary attention to detail.

If you love historical fiction rich in atmosphere, strong female protagonists, art history, Parisian culture, or stories centered around real historical figures, I strongly recommend Jane Avril: The Muse of the Moulin Rouge. This book exceeded every expectation I had and easily became one of my favorite historical fiction reads.

A mesmerizing, beautifully researched, and emotionally powerful novel that shines a long-overdue light on one of Belle Époque Paris’s most unforgettable women. Five stars without hesitation. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the book:

Publisher: A Good Read Publishing
Release date: February 2026

Synopsis:

Born the bastard daughter of an aristocrat, Jane Avril became the most famous dancer at the most famous dance hall in the world during the “Gay 90’s” in Paris: the Moulin Rouge. Beautiful, intelligent, and fiercely independent, she earned a place among the most famous artists, writers, and entertainers of her day, including Henri Toulouse Lautrec, who immortalized her in his paintings and posters. Immerse yourself in the turbulent and fascinating life of a Belle Epoque legend as she struggles out of poverty into the limelight, learning how to live and love as Queen of La Danse.

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Meet the author:

M.L. Malcolm loves readers! She has visited with over a hundred book clubs all over the country, and is happy to use Zoom or whatever technology is available to connect when a personal visit isn't possible. She's also a history geek, so she loves reading and writing historical fiction.

She began her professional career as an attorney in Atlanta, Georgia. After practicing law for three years, M.L. determined that "she and the law were not meant for each other," and is now a self-described "recovering attorney."

As part of her recovery strategy, M.L. yielded to her entrepreneurial inclinations and took over a struggling travel agency. She ran the business successfully for several years before selling it to a larger company, then retired from the labor force to spend more time with her children and pursue her life-long ambition to become a writer. She has also amassed an impressive hat collection (and yes, she does wear them).

M.L. has won several awards, including recognition in the prestigious Lorian Hemingway International Short Story Competition, and a silver medal from ForeWord magazine for Best Historical Fiction Book of the Year. "Heart of Lies" was chosen by the American Booksellers Association as an "Indie Pick" and a "Recommended Book Club Read" selection, and M.L. was selected by Target Stores as an "Author to Watch". She has also worked as a free-lance journalist for newspapers and magazines in Washington, DC and Los Angeles.

She and her family currently live in Washington, DC. M.L. is her nickname. Her full name is Mary Lee Malcolm

Connect with the author: goodreads

Giveaway:

Autographed copy of Jane Avril: The Muse of the Moulin Rouge by M. L. Malcolm (one winner) (USA and Canada) (ends June 19, 2026)

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Due to some current NetGalley access issues — the publisher didn’t send me my physical copy of the book — I unfortunately wasn’t able to receive a copy in time to read and review this one. So instead of posting a review, I’m sharing a spotlight for this eerie YA horror release because the premise sounds deliciously unsettling—in the “maybe don’t wander into that swamp after sunset” kind of way.

A cursed town. A man-eating swamp. A monster no one has managed to kill. And a girl determined to save everyone, even if saving them might cost her the chance to save herself.

Yes, please. I look forward to reading this one whenever I do get a copy.

Tour Note

Thank you to Toppling Stacks Tours and Page Street YA for including me on this tour. While I wasn’t able to read the book in time due to NetGalley access issues or get my physical copy, I’m happy to feature this intriguing YA horror release and help readers discover it.

About the Book:

Genre: YA Horror
Publishing date: May 12, 2026

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Synopsis:

I’m the only one left hunting the monster, the only one left with a chance of saving us all.

Raised in a town surrounded by a labyrinthian, man-eating swamp, Lili craves nothing more than to track down the monster lurking in its depths and kill it.

The monster’s curse claims the flesh and bone of every adult in town, stealing them away, piece by piece. For generations, people have tried to kill it or escape the town altogether, but every path out of town leads them right back in.

Caleb, a bookish boy with dreams of freedom, is hungry to escape. He thinks that with Lili’s help and knowledge of the swamp, he can make a map to freedom. And Lili hopes that with a better sense of its territory, she might finally find and kill the monster.

Together, they chart the swamp’s shifting terrain. Sharing in the danger and the beauty of the landscape sparks a friendship between them—and then something more. However, what they discover disrupts everything Lili thought she knew about the town, her father, the monster—even herself. The truth at the root of the curse could devour them all. And Lili must decide if risking her life to be the town’s savior is worth sacrificing her own chance of escape.

Meet the Author:

Brianna is obsessed with hunger both in life and in work. She writes strange things, and odd things, and unruly things. She also continues to accidentally write novels in verse. Most recently, about a carnivorous swamp.

In 2022, she graduated from the Vermont College of Fine Arts with an MFA in Writing, specifically for Children and Young Adults. She’s represented by Brent Taylor at Triada US Literary Agency.

When she’s not writing, you can find her binging tv, playing Legend of Zelda, or traveling. That, and probably taking too many pictures of flowers.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

Scroll down to read my full review and enter the giveaway to win an autographed copy of this book!

In this installment, Helen Clarke-Matheson believes she has finally moved beyond the painful shadows of her past. She has built a new life with Chris, but everything she thought she knew about her family history is shaken when her sister arrives with a DNA test. Suddenly, the story Helen grew up believing no longer makes sense. Her father may not have abandoned the family after all, and her mother may not have simply wandered away from her children.

With those revelations, Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad are pulled into a very personal investigation. The Geezer Squad, a fun and unusual team of retired sleuths who operate under the cover of a book club, must dig into decades of secrets, lies, and conflicting stories. As they uncover long-forgotten clues, the mystery becomes darker and more complicated. What really happened to Helen’s parents? Were their disappearances connected to murder? And can the truth finally bring closure to Helen and her siblings?

One of my favorite parts of this book was the cast of characters. I loved them all. Each person brought something interesting to the story, and the group dynamic gave the book a lot of personality. The Geezer Squad especially adds a fun twist to the investigation. There is something very entertaining about a group of retired seasoned sleuths working behind the scenes while pretending to be a simple book club. That setup gives the mystery a cozy and charming feel, even when the case itself deals with painful family history and possible murder.

I also absolutely loved the way Lauren Carr includes animals in the story. The dogs and even the rabbit were such a sweet part of the book. They were not just randomly mentioned in the background; they felt like part of the world and part of the characters’ lives. That detail added warmth and charm to the story and gave it the cozy mystery vibe I enjoy so much. Sometimes pets in mysteries can feel like an afterthought, but here they helped make the story feel more inviting and full of heart.

The mystery itself kept my attention throughout the book. There were plenty of questions to keep me curious, and I found myself wanting to know how all the pieces connected. The plot has that slow unraveling quality that works really well for a cold case mystery. Since the investigation reaches back into the past, there are layers of family history, old secrets, and hidden motives to uncover. I kept wondering about the mysterious “Peewee Herman” guy and how he fit into everything, which definitely made me want to keep turning the pages.

The family element also made the story feel more emotional. This is not just a random case for Chris and the Geezer Squad. It is deeply personal for Helen, and that gives the mystery more weight. The idea of discovering that your entire understanding of your parents’ disappearance may be wrong is heartbreaking and unsettling. The story explores how the past can resurface no matter how hard someone tries to move on, and how truth can be painful but still necessary.

My only real complaint is that I probably should have read the previous books in the series first. This is book five, and while the author does a good job filling in the background information, I still sometimes felt like I had walked into a room where everyone already knew each other. I could follow the story, but I felt a little like an outsider trying to catch up with established relationships and character histories. That did not ruin the book for me, but I do think readers may enjoy it even more if they start earlier in the series.

That being said, Shadows of the Missing still works as an enjoyable mystery on its own. Lauren Carr gives enough context to understand what is happening, and the mystery is strong enough to pull readers in. The characters are engaging, the pets add a lot of charm, and the plot has enough twists and secrets to keep things interesting.

Overall, Shadows of the Missing is a great mystery with wonderful characters, lovable animals, and a cozy feel that makes it a lovely book to pick up while on vacation or anytime you want to settle in with a cold case full of family secrets. It has suspense, heart, humor, and plenty of charm. Fans of cozy mysteries, cold case investigations, and stories with quirky sleuthing teams will likely find a lot to enjoy here.

Thank you to the author and iRead Book Tours for the copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

About the book:

Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: May 5, 2026

Synopsis:

In the shadows of the missing, the truth lies buried.

Helen Clarke-Matheson believed she had escaped the shadows of her past, building a new life with Chris. But the past has a way of resurfacing, and when her sister arrives with a DNA test, Helen’s world is once again turned upside down. Her sister shattered the family history Helen believed to be true. Her young father hadn’t abandoned his family, and her delusional mother didn’t wander away from her children.
Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad, a quirky team of retired seasoned sleuths working under the guise of a book club, are drawn into a deeply personal investigation. They must wade through decades of buried secrets and conflicting accounts to uncover the truth behind the parents’ disappearances. As they peel back the layers of deception to unravel long-forgotten clues, they confront the lingering specter of murder and long-hidden crimes. Can they piece together the fragments of the past to bring closure to Helen and her siblings, or will the truth remain buried forever?

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About the author:

Lauren Carr is the author of over thirty acclaimed mystery novels, with more than half a million copies sold worldwide. Her fast-paced series—the Mac Faraday Mysteries, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and more—blend twists, suspense, humor, and unforgettable characters (including clever German shepherds!).

It's Murder, My Son organically hit #1 in Mystery on Amazon, and her books consistently rank in the Top 20 Police Procedurals in the US and international markets.

A popular speaker and publishing consultant, Lauren lives on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV, with her husband and three spoiled rotten German shepherds.
Join the mystery at authorlaurencarr.com!

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ X/twitter ~ pinterest ~ goodreads

Giveaway:

Autographed hardback copy of SHADOWS OF THE MISSING, plus GEEZER SQUAD COLD CASES SOLVED BEFORE COFFEE mug (one winner) (USA only) (ends June 4)

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This story pulls you into a haunting world where survival depends on deception, loyalty is constantly tested, and the forest itself feels alive… and hungry. While I ultimately landed at a ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5 stars) rating, there’s a lot to appreciate here—especially if you love gothic vibes and morally messy characters.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC and my honest review. Here are five reasons to pick up this eerie tale:

🌿 1. The Gothic Atmosphere Is Absolutely Immersive

One of the strongest elements of this book is its mood. From the very beginning, the setting wraps around you like the vines that threaten the manor itself. The story takes place in a sprawling estate surrounded by a dark, oppressive forest—one that doesn’t just sit quietly in the background but actively creeps into the lives of the characters.

The imagery is vivid: tangled vines crawling over stone walls, a looming manor filled with tension, and a town overshadowed by something ancient and dangerous. The forest feels like a character in its own right, especially with the looming presence of the mysterious Redwood Man.

If you love books where the setting feels alive and almost suffocating in its intensity, this one delivers.

🔍 2. The Central Mystery Keeps You Guessing

At the heart of the story is a layered mystery that pulls you deeper the more you read. Why did Zaviera’s mother run off—and why with Katrien’s boyfriend, Lucca? Why didn’t Zaviera go with her? And what’s really going on behind the bargain with the Redwood Man?

These questions create a strong sense of intrigue that drives the narrative forward. Even when things get confusing (and they do at times), there’s an underlying pull to keep going, to uncover what’s really happening beneath the surface.

The book constantly hints that there’s more to the story than what’s being revealed, which adds to the tension and keeps readers engaged.

❤️ 3. The Romance Is Messy and Believable

The relationship between Zaviera and Katrien is one of the highlights of the book. It’s not neat or predictable—instead, it feels complicated, emotional, and very human.

Their dynamic develops naturally as they spend time together, starting from a place of necessity and evolving into something deeper. There’s tension, vulnerability, and a sense that both characters are trying to navigate their own fears and responsibilities while growing closer.

If you enjoy romances that feel authentic rather than idealized, this one stands out. It doesn’t shy away from the messiness of emotions, which makes it all the more compelling.

🌲 4. The Concept of the Redwood Man Is Intriguing

The idea of the Redwood Man—and the bargains tied to him—is one of the most fascinating aspects of the story. The notion that girls must impersonate Zaviera and face this mysterious forest lord is both eerie and compelling.

There’s a folkloric quality to it that adds depth to the worldbuilding. The bargains, the rules, and the consequences all hint at something ancient and powerful lurking beneath the surface.

That said, this is also where some confusion comes in. The twist involving Zaviera’s sister being able to communicate and bargain with the Redwood Man feels significant, but it isn’t fully explained in a way that feels satisfying. It’s clear there’s more going on—but the lack of clarity may leave some readers, like me, wanting more breadcrumbs along the way.

🤔 5. It’s a Thought-Provoking Read—Even When It’s Confusing

While I enjoyed many elements of this book, I’d be remiss not to mention that parts of the plot felt unclear. Certain developments—like the specifics of the bargain, the role of Zaviera’s sister, and even why Katrien’s cousin was in trouble—left me with questions.

At times, I found myself stopping and going back to re-read sections because I felt like I had missed something. This did slow down my reading experience and made it harder to stay fully immersed.

However, it’s worth noting that some readers may interpret this differently. The story gives the impression that everything might come together in the end, and the ambiguity could be intentional. For me, I just wish there had been a few more hints or clearer connections along the way.

Still, even with the confusion, the book kept me thinking—and that’s never a bad thing.

⭐ Final Thoughts

The Redwood Bargain is a moody, atmospheric YA fantasy that excels in its setting and emotional complexity. With its creeping vines, dangerous deals, and layered relationships, it offers a unique reading experience that will განსაკუთრებით appeal to fans of gothic storytelling.

While the plot can be a bit difficult to follow at times, the strong atmosphere, compelling romance, and intriguing mystery make it worth the journey—especially if you enjoy stories that lean into ambiguity and slow reveals.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5 stars)

If you’re drawn to dark forests, complicated characters, and stories where not everything is immediately clear, this might be one to add to your TBR.

About the book:

Genre: YA Fantasy
Publishing date: April 28, 2026

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Rep: Sapphic, LGBT+

Synopsis:

To free her cousin from an indentured contract, Katrien agrees to fulfill their lord’s bargain with the fabled “Redwood Man.” Three maids before her have posed as his stepdaughter, Lady Zaviera, and met this lord of the forest as promised. But Katrien means to be the first to fool him—and live.

Impersonating a Lady is no easy feat, especially one as beautiful and aloof as Zaviera. With one month before she’s sent off, Katrien is put through endless lessons, even as the Redwood Man’s suffocating vines overtake the manor and threaten its staff.

Zaviera takes a special interest in her training, and their shared interests grow into shared affections. But the Redwood Man awaits his prize. Caught between duty and desire, her future and her past, Katrien must navigate a tricky bargain—or risk failing those she holds dearest.

Meet the author:

Markelle Grabo started writing in 5th grade once she realized her squeamish nature wouldn’t lend itself well to a career in Marine Biology. After growing up in Wisconsin, she earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Loyola University Chicago and her master’s degree in creative writing for children and young adults from Hamline University, where she wrote the first draft of her debut YA novel, Call Forth a Fox.

When not writing, Markelle enjoys hiking, food adventures, and going to the movies. Whatever she’s doing, she’s usually listening to an audiobook or a podcast at the same time. She lives in the Greater Chicago Area with her husband and their two very fluffy cats, Matcha and Kava.

Markelle is the author of Call Forth a Fox and The Redwood Bargain (April 2026). She is represented by Tricia Lawrence of Aevitas Creative Management.

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Set in the quiet, unassuming town of Barren’s Peak, West Virginia, the story follows Thea LaGuerre, a high school dropout struggling to stay afloat after her mother’s death. Her life feels stuck—until a barn party spirals into chaos and opens the door (literally) to a dangerous, magical Labyrinth. Suddenly, Thea is thrust into a world of monsters, secrets, and survival alongside two boys who complicate everything: Callum and Oliver.

One of the standout strengths of this novel is its characters. Thea, Oliver, and Callum are easy to connect with from the start. Thea’s resilience and grounded upbringing in the Appalachian Mountains make her feel real and relatable. Compared to the boys, she almost seems like the “lucky” one, having grown up outside the trauma of the Sanctuary—a shadowy magical order that shaped both Callum and Oliver in ways that clearly still haunt them.

Oliver, in particular, evokes a lot of sympathy. His history with Callum and his outsider status create a sense of emotional depth that makes you root for him almost immediately. Watching him navigate both lingering feelings and the chaos of the Labyrinth adds a layer of tension that works really well.

Then there’s Callum… who might be the most frustrating part of the book.

The love triangle between Thea, Callum, and Oliver is undeniably compelling—but also messy in a way that sometimes feels more confusing than intentional. While the dynamic starts off intriguing, it becomes harder to follow emotionally as the story progresses. Oliver often feels like the third wheel, which makes certain moments—like Callum suddenly kissing him—feel jarring rather than meaningful.

This raises a lot of questions about Callum’s character. Is he a thrill seeker who chases intensity in both danger and relationships? Is he emotionally confused due to the trauma he and Oliver experienced growing up in the Sanctuary? Or is he simply written inconsistently? The story doesn’t fully explore these possibilities, leaving his motivations unclear and, at times, making him difficult to like.

That said, the emotional complexity isn’t entirely a drawback. The characters’ trauma and confusion—especially around identity and relationships—feel realistic, even if they aren’t always fully unpacked. There’s a lot of potential here, and it adds an edge of authenticity to the story.

Where the book truly shines is in its atmosphere and action. The Labyrinth itself is vividly described, filled with danger, mystery, and a constant sense of unease. The pacing during action scenes is strong, pulling readers into the urgency of survival as the trio faces monstrous threats and impossible choices. Kulwicki’s descriptive writing makes it easy to visualize both the eerie beauty and the terrifying aspects of this magical world.

However, one noticeable drawback is the lack of downtime. The story moves quickly from one intense moment to the next, which keeps the momentum high but doesn’t always allow space for character development or world-building clarity. There are moments where you just want to pause, breathe, and understand what’s happening—both in terms of the Labyrinth itself and the characters’ emotional states.

This leads to another frustration: there are still a lot of unanswered questions by the end of the book. And while some mystery is expected in a fantasy series, the lack of clarity combined with the nonstop pacing can feel overwhelming.

And then… there’s the ending.

Without spoiling anything, it’s a full-on cliffhanger—and not the gentle kind. The kind that makes you want to yell, “Wait, that’s it?!” It also doesn’t help that the book isn’t clearly labeled as part of a duology or series upfront. Knowing that going in might have softened the blow, but as it stands, the ending feels abrupt and slightly unfair to readers who weren’t expecting it.

Still, despite these frustrations, The Labyrinth of the Waking Dead succeeds in doing something important: it hooks you. The combination of compelling characters, high-stakes action, and emotional tension makes it hard to walk away from—even when it leaves you annoyed.

In fact, it’s the kind of book that makes you both eager and irritated for the next installment. You want answers. You want more development. And yes, you might even want resolution for that chaotic love triangle.

Overall, this is a strong start to what could be a very compelling series. With a bit more breathing room for character and world-building—and clearer emotional direction—it has the potential to become something truly standout in the YA fantasy genre.

Until then, consider yourself warned: this book will pull you in, mess with your emotions, and leave you hanging.

And somehow… you’ll still want more.

About the book:

Genre: YA Fantasy
Publishing date: April 21, 2026

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Rep: Queer, LGBT+

Synopsis:

In this adventure-packed portal fantasy, three teens discover a gateway to a mythical Labyrinth in the Appalachian Mountains

Barren’s Peak, West Virginia, is not a place anyone would call magical, but Thea
LaGuerre calls it home. A high school drop-out whose mother died in an accident, Thea is stuck working part-time jobs just to make ends meet. The most she has to look forward to are barn parties where she can make out with Callum, the one interesting boy who moved to town six months ago.

Thea doesn’t know it yet, but Callum was sent to Barren’s Peak to watch her. He was raised within the magicians’ order, a shadowy organization meant to keep humanity safe from an underworld of monsters. Callum would sacrifice anyone, including himself, to help their cause, but he still can’t help falling into Thea’s orbit. She’s the first person he’s felt seen by since his childhood sweetheart, Oliver—who he hasn’t seen since Oliver’s banishment from the order.

But Oliver hasn’t given up on Callum or on magic. Following a magical creature’s trail to Barren’s Peak, Oliver happens upon Callum and Thea at a barn party that turns into a monster-overrun massacre. To save Callum and the girl he’s protecting from a wave of deadly fairies, Oliver opens a portal for the three of them to flee into the Labyrinth.

To get home again, Thea, Oliver, and Callum will have to work together to survive the Labyrinth’s trials and discover the threads that brought them there.

Content Warning: death of a parent

Meet the author:

Michelle Kulwicki grew up in the Pacific Northwest overturning every rock and stick in an unending quest to find portals to worlds far more exciting than her own. After moving to the mountainless Midwest, she earned her bachelors and master’s degrees in music performance, and spent years in the symphony and musical theater pit circuit. She’s now a mom by day, musician by night, and writer in all the spaces in between—a life that is somewhat lacking in portals, but is still full of magic.

Her short fiction has been both Locus Recommended and Hugo nominated, and her novel work has been featured in a special edition Owlcrate box as well as been translated into Italian and French. She can be found on most socials as @kulwickiwrites, or online at michellekulwicki.com

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to the author and publisher for the book, including me on this tour, and my honest review. This book tour is sponsored by Toppling Stack Tours. Click the button below to follow the tour:

Tour Schedule

At its core, this story follows Catie, an unusual and quietly compelling protagonist whose oddness is not only accepted but becomes one of her most endearing traits. She’s not your typical heroine, and that’s exactly what makes her so memorable. Her perspective shapes the narrative in a way that feels intimate and immersive, drawing readers deeper into the unsettling yet fascinating world she inhabits.

One of the standout elements of this novel is its seamless blending of genres. There’s magic, ghosts, and even a story-within-a-story structure that adds layers of intrigue. The necromancy woven throughout the book is particularly captivating—not because it’s fully explained, but because it isn’t. Baguchinsky strikes a delicate balance, giving readers just enough information to understand the power Catie and Hunter share without over-explaining it. This restraint adds to the mystique, making their abilities feel more organic and, in some ways, more believable.

Speaking of Hunter—the romance between him and Catie is beautifully done. It’s not over-the-top or forced, but instead grows naturally out of their shared experiences and connection to the supernatural. Together, they form a partnership that feels both powerful and vulnerable. Their bond, rooted in necromancy, adds an extra layer of depth to their relationship, making it feel unique among typical YA or gothic romances.

The setting deserves special praise because it’s so much more than just a backdrop—it’s practically a character in its own right. Lockwood Heights, the eerie home nestled deep within the redwood forests of California, is dripping with atmosphere. Designed by an eccentric architect with a vision of creating a “forever home,” the house carries a dark, complicated history that seeps into every corner of the story. Its presence looms large, influencing the mood and tension in ways that feel almost alive.

Beyond the supernatural elements, what truly elevates this book is its exploration of complex relationships. Catie’s dynamic with her mother is layered and emotionally charged, while her relationship with her best friend—and ex-girlfriend—adds nuance and authenticity. Her bond with her brother Leigh is equally intricate, highlighting themes of loyalty, tension, and unspoken truths. These relationships ground the story, giving it emotional weight that resonates long after the final page.

The novel also doesn’t shy away from darker themes, particularly those surrounding male violence against female family members and cycles of abuse. These elements are handled thoughtfully, adding a layer of realism that contrasts sharply with the supernatural aspects of the story. It’s this balance—between the magical and the painfully real—that makes the narrative so compelling.

Fans of Wuthering Heights will find familiar echoes here, especially in the portrayal of intense, sometimes complicated love and relationships. There’s a similar sense of emotional turbulence and gothic atmosphere, but Baguchinsky makes it entirely her own.

And then there’s the ending.

Without giving anything away, the twist is deeply satisfying—one of those moments that makes you pause and reflect on everything that came before it. Even more impressive is the way the story concludes: not with neat resolution, but with just enough ambiguity to keep your mind turning long after you’ve finished. It’s the kind of ending that lingers, inviting you to revisit the story in your thoughts again and again.

Ultimately, May the Dead Keep You is a rare gem—a book where everything just works. The characters, the setting, the romance, the mystery, and the supernatural elements all come together seamlessly to create an unforgettable reading experience. It’s the kind of story that grabs hold of you and refuses to let go.

I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down—and I already can’t wait to see what Jill Baguchinsky does next. This might just be the start of a new favorite author for me.

If you’re looking for a gothic read filled with eerie atmosphere, complex relationships, and a touch of dark magic, this is one you won’t want to miss.

About the book:

Genre: YA Horror
Publishing date: April 21, 2026

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Synopsis:

Perfect for fans of Don’t Let the Forest In and Wuthering Heights. May the Dead Keep You is a gothic YA horror about the pasts that haunt us and the stories we decide to make for ourselves.

There’s nowhere Catie East would rather be than the redwood forest that surrounds her family’s unusual historic home, the Heights.

She prefers being alone in the forest. People are…complicated. But when a scientist and his son move into the estate’s cottage, planning to study the woods around them, the boy catches Catie’s eye. And when a dead woodpecker miraculously comes back to life in his precious hands…he captures her heart.

Necromancy isn’t the only strange thing happening in the Heights. There’s an unfamiliar face in the mirror. Blood on the floors. Eyes in the wallpaper. And the men around her—including her once-sweet nature boy—are becoming something else. Something possessive and frightening. Something violent.

As the Heights’s dark history starts to come to light, Catie discovers that the home she loves is imbued with pain. And even though the pain isn’t her own, it will corrupt her and the people around her all the same—unless she can stop it.

A story about breaking cycles of abuse and overcoming generational trauma, May the Dead Keep You is an edge-of-your-seat listen—equally horrifying, heart-wrenching, and hopeful.

Content Warning: enerational trauma, animal deaths and resurrections, stalking and related behaviors, drug references, underage drinking, blood and gore, violence including mentions of domestic abuse, miscarriage, parental loss, abandonment, character death, character injuries/ characters in peril.

Meet the author:

Jill Baguchinsky writes raw, accessible young adult fiction that resonates with teenagers navigating an increasingly dark and complicated world. Her most recent book, SO WITCHES WE BECAME (LBYR 2024), received a starred review from School Library Journal; the young adult horror novel tackles society’s toxic “boys will be boys” mentality with nuance and sensitivity, challenging women and girls to find strength in the shadows of their past trauma and fight back. MAY THE DEAD KEEP YOU (LBYR 2026), her next YA horror, turns some traditional romance tropes upside down to illustrate that themes like obsession, possessiveness, and stalking aren’t romantic at all. Jill’s debut novel, SPOOKYGIRL, won the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award for Young Adult Fiction.

Although Jill works mainly in the young adult realm, she has also been recognized as a notable voice in adult horror; her stories have appeared in the women-in-horror anthologies INTO THE FOREST: TALES OF THE BABA YAGA and MOTHER KNOWS BEST: TALES OF HANDMADE HORROR (both Black Spot Books). Her work has been adapted for audio on the popular NoSleep Podcast, and her post-apocalyptic short story “Green Thumb” won Uncharted Magazine’s Sci-Fi/Fantasy Short Story Award. Although Jill’s work is often dark and sometimes grim, she weaves hope, strength, and subtle humor throughout her stories, offering readers a bit of light in the shadows.

Jill’s storytelling abilities adapt seamlessly to other genres as well. For her 2018 young adult contemporary novel, MAMMOTH (Turner Publishing), Jill worked with real-life scientists and trained at the Waco Mammoth National Monument to deliver a story of finding one’s confidence and voice as a young female intern in the male-dominated field of paleontology.

Born in New York and raised in Florida, Jill spends most of her time writing with the help of her menagerie of rescued office assistants (currently cats and guinea pigs), giddily cross-stitching rude or political sentiments, and chilling at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT theme park.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

While it didn’t completely wow me, it still delivered a solid, meaningful reading experience with characters and moments that felt real and relatable.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the book and my honest review. This book tour is sponsored by Toppling Stacks Tours. Follow the tour and find out what others are saying about King Coyote.

🌿 What the Book Is About

After his parents’ divorce, King is sent away from Boston to spend the summer with relatives he barely knows in the Vermont woods. To him, it feels more like punishment than protection. There’s no Wi-Fi, barely anyone who looks like him, and the whole place feels isolating and uncomfortable.

The one bright spot is his cousin Nat, whose optimism and adventurous spirit balance out King’s hesitation and frustration.

Things begin to shift when King encounters a young coyote. Seeing himself reflected in the animal’s loneliness and vulnerability, King forms a bond with it. But when his uncle calls trappers, labeling the coyote a threat, King must make a choice—return to the life he knows or stay and fight for something (and someone) he’s come to care about.

💭 My Thoughts

This book sits comfortably in the “good but not unforgettable” category for me. It’s the kind of story that’s easy to read and emotionally grounded, but it doesn’t take many risks or deliver major surprises.

King as a character is definitely the highlight. His reactions to being thrown into country life—especially dealing with spiders, isolation, and unfamiliar family dynamics—felt incredibly relatable and often made me smile. His struggle with his parents’ divorce also added a layer of emotional authenticity that made his journey feel genuine.

Nat was another bright spot. Her positivity and adventurous personality brought energy to the story and helped balance out King’s more hesitant outlook. Their dynamic felt natural and added warmth to the narrative.

That said, the plot itself is very quiet and predictable. While the story flows nicely, it doesn’t offer many twists or moments that truly stand out. It’s more about internal growth than external excitement—which works, but also means it may not linger long after you finish.

🐾 Top 5 Reasons to Read King Coyote

1. Relatable Main Character
King’s feelings about family changes, being out of his comfort zone, and dealing with new environments are incredibly realistic and easy to connect with.

2. Honest Portrayal of Divorce and Family Dynamics
The emotional impact of King’s parents’ divorce is handled with care and authenticity, making it a strong point of the story.

3. Nature and Wilderness Elements
From encounters with wildlife to outdoor adventures, the Vermont setting adds a peaceful, immersive backdrop.

4. Strong Cousin Relationship
Nat’s character brings positivity, knowledge, and a sense of adventure that enhances the story and helps King grow.

5. Gentle, Character-Driven Storytelling
If you enjoy quieter books focused on emotional growth rather than action-packed plots, this one fits perfectly.

⚖️ Final Thoughts

Overall, King Coyote is a solid middle grade read that shines through its characters and emotional relatability rather than its plot. It’s a calm, introspective story that explores identity, belonging, and the challenges of growing up during difficult transitions.

While it didn’t completely stand out or linger long after finishing, it’s still a worthwhile read—especially for those who enjoy quieter, character-focused stories with a touch of nature and heart.

If you’re looking for something comforting, reflective, and easy to connect with, King Coyote is definitely worth picking up. 🌲🐺

About the book:

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Publishing date: April 14, 2026

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Rep: Black

Synopsis:

Twelve-year-old King has been banished to the Vermont woods for the summer, and there’s nothing he can do about it. As if his parents getting divorced wasn’t bad enough, they’ve shipped him off to his aunt and uncle’s house to protect him like he’s some baby. The only bright side is being reunited with his favorite cousin, Nat, who he hasn’t seen in years.

At first, King wants nothing more than to go home to Boston. There are barely any other Black people in Vermont, the townsfolk are mean to him, and his relatives don’t even have Wi-Fi to play games! But a late-night encounter with a young coyote changes his mind. King develops a bond with the creature, who seems just as lonely and misunderstood as he is. Then King’s uncle calls the local trappers, saying the coyote is a threat to their farm, and King is forced to decide: return home to Boston, or stay and save his new friend?
With the help of Nat, a veteran wilderness explorer and walking wildlife encyclopedia, King scales mountains, faces off against skunks, and sleeps under the stars to find a new home for the coyote—and just maybe, a home for himself, too.

Inspired by her own childhood traipsing through the Vermont wilderness, debut author Rachael MeyersJones brings a fresh take to the classic wilderness survival tale.

Content Warning: racism, mentions of putting an animal down, animal cruelty

Meet the author:

Rachael Meyers Jones is a neurospicy writer and nonprofit executive director based in Oakland, California, where she lives with her husband and anxious black cat Chi Chi. Oakland is also known as Huichin, the unceded territory of the Chochenyo-speaking Ohlone people who continue to steward and thrive on the land. Rachael grew up in both Boston, Massachusetts, and the Northeast Kingdom, Vermont, splitting her time between urban and rural environments. Her writing has been shaped by her experiences as a Mixed Black woman, and by the many amazing young people she’s known throughout her career. Rachael strives to build and protect consistent communities of care for Black & Brown youth. She loves cooking for her friends and family, making stained glass windows and other visual arts, Prince, and being outside by a lake somewhere. Rachael is the Executive Director of Youth on Root, a grassroots youth environmental justice leadership nonprofit based in California. Her debut novel, King Coyote, will be released on April 14th, 2026.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

The story follows Aisling, a princess who seems to have everything—loving parents, a clear future, and a defined identity. But everything changes the night before her 18th birthday when Forgive-Me-Not (or “Not”) crashes into her life with a vengeance. What unfolds is a journey that flips everything Aisling thought she knew about herself upside down. Themes of identity, belonging, and truth weave seamlessly into a narrative that is both adventurous and deeply personal.

Let’s talk about the artwork—because wow. Costa’s use of color is one of the most striking aspects of this graphic novel. The beginning of the story is filled with bright, vibrant hues that reflect Aisling’s sheltered and structured life as a princess. As the story transitions into the realm of Faerie, the palette shifts dramatically into deep blues and greens, creating an almost dreamlike, otherworldly atmosphere. This contrast not only enhances the visual storytelling but also mirrors Aisling’s internal transformation as she steps into the unknown.

The worldbuilding is another standout. From goblins to fae, pixies to other faerie folk, the setting feels rich and alive without becoming overwhelming. Costa strikes a great balance between introducing fantastical elements and keeping the story grounded in character-driven emotion. It’s the kind of world you want to get lost in—and I absolutely did.

Now, onto the characters—particularly the dynamic between Aisling and Not. Their relationship is a classic enemies-to-lovers arc, and if you’re a fan of that trope (like I am), this one delivers. Their journey from mistrust and resentment to understanding and connection feels earned and satisfying.

That said, one aspect that stood out to me was the portrayal of Not. Initially, I found the character’s design a bit confusing—I didn’t realize Not was meant to be female until it was explicitly stated in the second chapter. The more masculine presentation contrasted strongly with Aisling’s very feminine design, and while this may have been an intentional artistic or thematic choice, it did take me a moment to adjust. Still, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the story, and I appreciated the diversity in character representation.

At its core, Forgive Me Not is about identity—who we are, who we’re told we are, and who we choose to become. It explores these ideas through a queer lens in a way that feels natural and heartfelt. The emotional beats land well, and the pacing keeps you engaged from beginning to end.

If you’re looking for a graphic novel that combines stunning visuals, a richly imagined fantasy world, and a compelling romantic arc, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

🌟 Top 5 Reasons to Read Forgive Me Not

1. 🎨 Stunning Color Storytelling – The shift from bright royal tones to deep fae hues is visually captivating.

2. 💔➡️❤️ Enemies-to-Lovers Romance – A slow-burn dynamic that feels authentic and rewarding.

3. 🧚 Immersive Fantasy World – Filled with goblins, fae, pixies, and rich lore.

4. 🌈 Queer Representation – Thoughtful and naturally integrated into the story.

5. 🧠 Themes of Identity & Belonging – Emotionally resonant and relatable.

About the Book:

Publisher: First Second
Publishing date: April 14, 2026

Genre: YA Graphic Novel

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Rep: Rep: Queer, LGBT+

Synopsis:

A queer “enemies to lovers” journey of a lost princess and a changeling who was made to take the heir’s place as part of a fey scheme.

Aisling is many things to many people: princess, heir to the throne, teenage daughter of two loving parents… She’s also about to learn a lot more about herself: changeling. Fey creature. Hunted. Feared. Loved?

Forgive-Me-Not is the name given to the true princess — the lost teenage biological daughter to the king and queen, who’s grown up in the chaotic and untrustworthy realm of Faerie. When Forgive-Me-Not breaks into Aisling’s room the night before their 18 th birthday looking for revenge, the two embark on a long and arduous journey. And what starts as a confrontational and adversarial pairing grows into a bond of mutual understanding, friendship, and maybe something more…

Meet the Author:

Mari Costa is a Luso-Brazilian cartoonist with a bachelor’s degree in Character Animation. She’s in love with creating stories and populating them with people who have very messy interpersonal drama. Some of her works include Life of Melody, The Demon of Beausoleil, and Belle of the Ball.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

Published by Asa Bowers, Mancala Moon is a quietly mythic story centered on Micah Thorne, a young man grappling with loss, uncertainty, and the weight of expectations. What begins as a slow, almost frustrating introduction evolves into something unexpectedly profound—a transformation that mirrors Micah’s own journey.

Thank you to iRead Book Tours for including me on this tour and to Asa Bowers for the book and my honest review.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

🌲 A Slow Beginning That Tests Your Patience

Let’s be honest—the beginning of this book is not easy to get through.

Micah is introduced at a low point in his life, stuck in a cycle of grief and indecision. He complains about everyday responsibilities—finding a job, doing chores, paying bills—and at first, it’s hard to connect with him. In fact, I nearly stopped reading after the first chapter. He felt stuck, and honestly, a bit frustrated.

But here’s the thing: that discomfort is intentional.

Micah is meant to feel lost, burdened, and even unlikable at first. He’s at a crossroads, weighed down not just by grief, but by the mundane realities of adulthood. While the pacing in this section drags and takes longer than necessary to reach the heart of the story—the forest—it ultimately sets the stage for something much deeper.

Still, I do think the story took too long to get to the woods, where the real magic begins.

🌌 When the Story Opens Up, It Truly Shines

About halfway through the book, everything begins to click—and it’s absolutely worth the wait.

Once Micah enters the mysterious forest, the tone shifts dramatically. Time bends, memories take shape, and the story transforms into something almost dreamlike. The introduction of symbolic elements—like the silent fox and the ancient game waiting to be played—adds layers of meaning that elevate the narrative.

This is where Asa Bowers truly shines as a writer.

The metaphors and descriptions of the forest are beautifully crafted, immersive, and often haunting. You don’t just read about the forest—you feel it. The atmosphere is rich with quiet tension, mystery, and a sense of something greater at work.

🦊 A Journey of Grief, Growth, and Redemption

At its core, Mancala Moon is about grief—but it’s also about what comes after.

Micah’s journey is deeply personal, yet universally relatable. His encounters in the forest challenge him to confront not only his pain but also the legacy he carries. The idea of a generational burden—and the possibility of breaking it—is explored with subtlety and emotional depth.

What I appreciated most was how the story doesn’t offer easy answers.

Instead, it presents Micah with choices—choices that reflect the broader themes of faith, fear, and transformation. His odyssey through the forest becomes a metaphor for inner healing, and watching him grow into someone capable of facing his darkness is incredibly rewarding.

Even though I didn’t like him at first, I found myself rooting for him more and more with each chapter.

✨ A Story That Grows on You

This is not a book that reveals itself all at once.

There were moments, especially early on, where I felt lost—unsure of where the story was going or what certain elements meant. But as the narrative unfolds, those pieces begin to come together in a way that feels both organic and satisfying.

By the middle of the book, what once felt confusing starts to feel intentional.

And by the end?

It’s powerful.

🌕 An Ending That Stays With You

The final chapters of Mancala Moon are where everything culminates—and they do not disappoint.

Without giving too much away, the ending carries emotional weight and a sense of quiet resolution. It doesn’t tie everything up neatly, but it doesn’t need to. Instead, it leaves you with a feeling—one that lingers long after the last page.

This is the kind of ending that makes you pause, reflect, and maybe even reevaluate parts of your own life.

In fact, Micah’s journey made me think about something I’ve been afraid to pursue myself. That’s the power of this book—it doesn’t just tell a story; it sparks something within you.

💭 Final Thoughts

Mancala Moon is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel that rewards patience.

Yes, the pacing at the beginning may test some readers, and yes, Micah may not be immediately likeable—but if you stick with it, you’ll find a story that is deeply meaningful, richly symbolic, and ultimately inspiring.

It’s a modern spiritual folktale that explores loss, legacy, and the fragile courage required to heal. With its poetic prose, haunting imagery, and introspective themes, this book is perfect for readers who enjoy literary fiction with a touch of magical realism.

📚 Who Should Read This?

If you enjoy:

• Thoughtful, introspective storytelling

• Magical realism with symbolic depth

• Character-driven journeys of growth and healing

• Stories that linger long after you finish

Then Mancala Moon is absolutely worth your time.

🌟 Final Rating: 4 Stars

A slow start gives way to a powerful, unforgettable journey. Mancala Moon is a story that challenges, moves, and ultimately stays with you—like a whisper in the woods you can’t quite forget.

About the book:

Micah Thorne thought grief was the heaviest burden he would carry. But the forest waits, ancient and watching, offering visions he cannot explain—and a choice that could break the cycle of loss—or trap him forever.

Drawn into a mysterious forest where time bends and memory takes shape, Micah encounters a silent fox who seems to know his path and forces that test the boundaries of choice and inheritance.

Deep within the moonlit woods, an ancient game waits to be played. One decision may offer Micah a chance to break a generational burden—but only if he can face the darkness both around him and within.

Mancala Moon is a quietly mythic work of literary fiction infused with magical realism—a modern spiritual folktale that lingers between inner lives and ancient stories. Haunting and emotionally intimate, it explores loss, legacy, and the fragile courage required to heal.

Readers will discover:

• A poetic, mythic journey through grief, family, and self-discovery.

• A forest full of secrets where visions, trials, and ancient forces await.

• Literary fiction with magical realism for readers who love introspective, symbolic storytelling.

• A story that lingers long after the last page, rich with meaning and emotion.
  

Step into the forest. Follow the whispers. Discover a story that stays with you.

Buy the Book:
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Meet the Author:

Asa Bowers writes quiet, mythic fantasy that explores the intersection of spirituality, philosophy, and the healing power of story. He is fascinated by what different cultures consider sacred - their myths, rituals, symbols, and spiritual traditions - and how these shape the human experience.

Blending lyrical prose with psychological depth, his work draws on ancestry, folklore, and the emotional truths embedded in myth. His debut novel, Mancala Moon, is a haunting and emotionally intimate allegory that explores the universal journey of the human soul.

connect with the author: instagram~ goodreads

Giveaway:

Author-signed copy of Asa Bowers’ MANCALA MOON, Plus $25 Amazon Gift Card (one winner / USA only) (ends April 24)

Enter Here!

At its core, this novel explores what happens when one moment changes everything.

Freshmen Dayton and Farshid seem like complete opposites. But when a school assembly is disrupted by Dayton shouting a homophobic slur at a visiting author, the consequences ripple far beyond that single moment. What follows is a powerful exploration of growth, self-discovery, and the difficult path toward understanding.

Dayton is forced to confront the weight of his actions. What begins as a careless dare quickly unravels into something much bigger, pushing him to face the harm he’s caused—not just to others, but to himself. As his world shifts, he’s left questioning everything he thought he knew about friendship, identity, and responsibility.

Meanwhile, Farshid is navigating his own deeply personal journey. As he grapples with his queerness in a world shaped by heteronormativity, his story offers a moving and authentic look at self-acceptance. His perspective brings emotional depth and highlights the quiet, internal battles many teens face.

As their lives begin to intersect, both boys must decide what kind of people they want to become—and whether they’re willing to challenge the expectations placed on them.

This novel doesn’t shy away from tough topics. Tackling themes like toxic masculinity, homophobia, racism, and body image, One Word, Six Letters invites readers to reflect on the power of language and the importance of empathy. It’s the kind of story that encourages meaningful conversations long after the final page.

Perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Nic Stone, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a contemporary YA story that feels both relevant and impactful.

If you’re searching for a novel that is thought-provoking, emotionally resonant, and unafraid to address real-world issues, One Word, Six Letters deserves a spot on your radar.

📅 Release Date: March 17, 2026
🏳️‍🌈 Representation: LGBTQ, Queer

⚠️ Content Warning: bullying, homophobia, homophobic slur, racism, body dysmorphia, disordered eating, xenophobia

🎙️ Coming Soon: I’ll be diving deeper into my thoughts on this book in an upcoming podcast episode, including a discussion on the use of second-person POV—stay tuned!

About the Book

Genre: YA Contemporary
Publishing date: March 17, 2026

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Rep: LGBTQ, Queer

Synopsis:

Two teen boys grapple with identity and accountability and set off a ripple effect within their community after a school assembly is disrupted by a shouted slur.

Freshmen Dayton and Farshid couldn’t be more different—or so it seems.

When Dayton takes a dare and shouts the f-slur at a visiting author during a school event, it sets off a chain reaction that forces both boys to face parts of themselves they’d rather ignore.

Dayton, grappling with the fallout of his actions, faces rejection from his friends, disappointment from his parents, and a growing awareness of the harm he’s caused. Meanwhile, Farshid is left to untangle his own feelings—about himself and about the quiet struggle of coming to terms with his queerness in a world steeped in heteronormativity.

As their lives unexpectedly intersect, Dayton and Farshid must reckon with what kind of men they want to become and whether they have the courage to defy toxic masculinity and societal expectations.

Timely, raw, and deeply thought-provoking, this novel is perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Nic Stone.

Content Warning: bullying, homophobia, homophobic slur, racism, body dysmorphia, disordered eating, xenophobia

Meet the Author:

ADIB KHORRAM is a queer Iranian American author of fiction for all ages. His debut young adult novel DARIUS THE GREAT IS NOT OKAY earned the William C. Morris Debut Award, the Asian/Pacific American Award for Young Adult Literature, a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor, and was named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Greatest YA Novels of All Time. His other young adult novels DARIUS THE GREAT DESERVES BETTER, KISS & TELL, THE BREAKUP LISTS, and ONE WORD, SIX LETTERS have received critical acclaim, awards, and been bestsellers. His debut novel for adults, I’LL HAVE WHAT HE’S HAVING, was an instant USA Today Bestseller; he followed it up with IT HAD TO BE HIM, which also became a USA Today Bestseller and one of the New York Times’s best romances of 2025. He is also the author of the picture books SEVEN SPECIAL SOMETHINGS: A NOWRUZ STORY, BIJAN ALWAYS WINS (which represented Missouri in the Library of Congress’s Center for the Book’s 2025 Great Reads from Great Places), and TEA IS LOVE.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

This YA sci-fi romance follows college freshman Silas Turner, whose life is disrupted by a strange and uncontrollable phenomenon: he randomly travels back in time into his own past. During these episodes, Silas returns to his pre-transition body, reliving moments from earlier in his life without warning. Sometimes the jumps last only hours; other times they stretch into days. As an astrophysics major, Silas approaches the problem like any good scientist would—he studies it, tracks patterns, and searches for a logical explanation.

But the mystery only deepens when Silas meets Jude Forrester.

Jude is everything Silas isn’t: brash, artistic, and a little chaotic. He also claims something almost impossible—that a future version of Silas visited him and said they are meant to work together to stop the time trips. More surprising still, Jude experiences the same strange phenomenon.

From there, the story unfolds through dual perspectives, allowing readers to see both Silas’s analytical mindset and Jude’s emotional complexity. Together, they attempt to investigate the strange time-traveling events using their college’s lab resources, trying to understand what’s happening to their bodies and whether a cure is possible.

Thank you to the author and publisher for including me on this tour and for the ARC. Toppling Stacks Tours sponsors this book tour.

My Top 5 Reasons to Read Time-Tripping Over You by Brennon Lane

1. A Unique Twist on Time Travel

Instead of using a machine, the characters experience time travel through their own bodies, randomly jumping back into moments from their past. It’s a fresh take on the concept and adds emotional depth, especially when those moments aren’t always ones the characters want to revisit.

2. Meaningful LGBTQ+ Representation

The story features strong trans, gay, aromantic, and asexual representation, exploring identity, self-acceptance, and the importance of queer community. Silas’s experience as a trans man adds a particularly powerful layer to the time-travel concept.

3. Dual Perspectives That Add Depth

The story alternates between Silas and Jude’s perspectives, giving readers insight into both characters’ thoughts, struggles, and emotions. Their very different personalities—Silas the science-focused astrophysics major, and Jude the emotional musician—create a fun and engaging dynamic.

4. A Relationship-Focused Sci-Fi Story

While the book includes intriguing sci-fi elements, the heart of the story is the evolving relationship between Silas and Jude. Their journey explores love, grief, friendship, and learning what—and who—truly matters.

5. Themes About Identity, Growth, and Second Chance

The time travel element opens the door to bigger questions: What would you change if you could revisit your past? How might life be different if you had embraced your identity earlier? The story thoughtfully explores these ideas while following the characters as they shape the future they want.

What I Didn’t Like

I gave this book four stars because of the cover. In my opinion, this was a poor choice made by the publisher. It looks like a cover for a middle-grade novel or children’s book. I think there will be a lot of complaints about this, especially from a parent, grandparent, or great-auntie or uncle who accidentally purchases the book for their child/teen and discovers, oops, it is for older young adults. The main characters are in college, so it should be categorized for new adults, not YA, which is geared toward ages 18 to 25.

Final Thoughts

Time-Tripping Over You may not be a dense, technical science fiction novel, but it offers something equally meaningful: a heartfelt story about identity, relationships, and the strange ways life—and love—can reshape our timelines.

Readers looking for expansive sci-fi world-building may wish for a broader exploration of the time travel concept. But those interested in queer romance, emotional storytelling, and thoughtful representation will likely find a lot to enjoy here.

In the end, Silas and Jude’s journey isn’t just about fixing a scientific anomaly. It’s about figuring out what matters most, who belongs in their lives, and how the past shapes the future they hope to build together.

And sometimes, that’s the kind of story that resonates the most.

⭐ Perfect for readers who enjoy queer YA romance with a sci-fi twist and character-driven storytelling.

What is your favorite time-travel book? Please share in the comments below!

About the book:

Genre: YA Sci-fi
Publishing date: March 10, 2026

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Rep: trans, lgbt+

Synopsis:

“You’re not from here? Where are you from?”

“Your future. I know you, Jude. And I know you want control over the time traveling. I can fix it.”

College freshman Silas Turner is a scientific anomaly. Thrown back in time uncontrollably, he’s forced into his pre-transition body for hours to days at a time, reliving random events in his past. Why? Every cell in his astrophysics major brain is straining to figure it out. But the “time trips” just keep on coming, disrupting Silas’s life, and he’s certain he’s a one-of-a-kind phenomenon—until brash, guitar-playing Jude Forrester barges into his life, exhibiting the same symptoms.

He claims a future version of Silas visited him, and that, according to future-Silas, they’re meant to help each other stop the time trips. If working together can really lead to finding a cure, Silas can handle Jude’s tortured-artist attitude; Jude can humor Silas’s nerdy obsession with the stars.

As they get closer to a solution, they grow closer to each other. But Jude is still grieving an old connection that broke his heart, and he can’t help but wonder if changing the past might save himself and Silas a lot of heartache. Amidst cataclysmic consequences, Silas and Jude must face the cosmic circumstances that brought them together if they hope to protect their timeline—and the future they seem destined to share.

Meet the Author:

Brennon Lane is a Black, queer, trans author who can’t seem to stop creating characters whose stories beg to be told. Writing exclusively in the LGBTQ+ genre, he hopes to offer the younger queer community the diverse representation in media that he always sought. Time-Tripping Over You is his debut novel.

Please visit the contact page for inquiries on sensitivity reads, blurbs, reviews, or any other questions or comments.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

First, a heartfelt thank you to the publisher, Sarah Barley Books / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, and to Stacey Lee for providing a copy of this book and my honest review.

A Mystery on the Edge of the Sea

Lucy Nowhere has lived her entire life on Orcas Island. As a baby, she mysteriously washed ashore in a green canoe and was taken in by the eccentric shipbuilder Mr. Sanders. Now eighteen, Lucy has spent years working on his sprawling estate and dreaming of something more. She longs to leave the island, attend college, and explore the wider world—especially its natural wonders.

But everything changes when Lucy discovers something horrifying on the beach: Mr. Sanders’ severed head.

The shocking discovery sends the island into a panic. Some believe the killing is the work of a mischievous spirit and its mythical sea wolves—legends that have long haunted the island. Lucy, however, believes the truth is far more human and far more dangerous.

When she unexpectedly inherits Mr. Sanders’ estate, Lucy realizes that whoever killed him may now be coming after her.

Instead of fleeing the island, Lucy decides to uncover the truth behind the murder and the strange legends surrounding it. What follows is a suspenseful and atmospheric mystery that kept me guessing until the end.

A Setting That Feels Alive

One of the things I loved most about this book is the setting. Stacey Lee brings Orcas Island vividly to life. The foggy coastlines, dense forests, and mysterious waters create the perfect backdrop for a gothic-style mystery.

By the time I finished the book, I found myself thinking, Now I want to visit Orcas Island. The natural beauty and isolation of the setting play a huge role in the story’s atmosphere. It feels both magical and eerie at the same time.

The island is also filled with myths and folklore, particularly stories of sea wolves and mysterious spirits. These legends add another layer to the story, making readers question what is real and what might simply be island superstition.

Lucy Nowhere: A Brilliant and Curious Heroine

Lucy is such a wonderful character. I loved her curiosity and her passion for natural science. She observes the world carefully and tries to understand it logically, even when others around her believe in supernatural explanations.

Her love of science makes her stand out in a historical setting where women often weren’t encouraged to pursue such interests. Lucy dreams of studying nature in distant places—especially the South, where she imagines palm trees and entirely new ecosystems waiting to be explored.

I also found myself wishing we could actually see her drawings from the story. Her observations of plants, animals, and the world around her sound so vivid that it would be amazing to see them on the page.

Lucy is also on a journey of discovering who she truly is. Learning about her father—the mysterious “Can Man”—and her Chinese heritage adds another powerful layer to her story. Themes of identity and belonging run throughout the novel in meaningful ways.

Friendship, Loyalty, and a Hint of Romance

Another aspect of the story I really loved is Lucy’s relationship with Koa.

They have grown up together and share a deep bond. Koa serves as a guard for the estate and is fiercely protective of Lucy. Their friendship is strong and heartfelt, but there’s also a subtle spark between them that adds emotional depth to the story.

What makes their relationship especially interesting is Lucy’s inner conflict. She wonders if she might simply be settling for Koa because he’s the only life she has ever known. At the same time, she cares deeply for him and for the island community.

Lucy dreams of exploring the world beyond Orcas Island—but when she inherits the estate of Nowhere, she suddenly feels a strong responsibility to the people who live there. They have become her family.

This tension between duty and dreams makes Lucy’s journey incredibly compelling.

A Story Full of Mystery and Magic

The mystery surrounding Mr. Sanders’ death is gripping from beginning to end. There are twists, secrets, and hidden truths that slowly unfold as Lucy investigates.

At the same time, the story carries a magical, almost haunting quality. The island’s legends and eerie atmosphere give the novel a gothic tone that perfectly complements the mystery.

Stacey Lee does an incredible job weaving together folklore, history, and suspense. Everything feels carefully crafted and thoughtfully layered.

Final Thoughts

Heiress of Nowhere is a beautifully written historical mystery filled with heart, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. The blend of folklore, science, identity, and suspense makes it a truly unique reading experience.

Lucy is a heroine readers will root for from beginning to end, and the atmospheric setting of Orcas Island makes the story even more immersive.

If you enjoy historical mysteries with strong female protagonists, rich settings, and a touch of magical folklore, I highly recommend picking up this book.

⭐ Five stars from me! ⭐

It’s mysterious, magical, and wonderfully crafted—and I’m still thinking about Lucy Nowhere and her island long after finishing the final page.

For readers and book clubs, Simon & Schuster also offers great discussion questions and activities related to the book on their website.

About the book:

Publisher: Sarah Barley Books / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: March 17, 2026

Genre: YA Historical Mystery

Book Buy Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis:

An orphan races to uncover a killer—who may have come from the sea—when she and her beloved orcas fall under suspicion in this “atmospheric…beguiling” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) historical gothic mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of The Downstairs Girl, Stacey Lee.

1918. Orcas Island, Washington.

Lucy Nowhere has spent her eighteen years working on the vast estate of the eccentric shipbuilder who took her in after she washed ashore in a green canoe as a baby. But she has long wished for a life off the island, and in a matter of days, she is set to leave for college—and, for the first time, choose her own future.

Then she finds her employer’s severed head on the beach. Rumors swirl that a mischievous spirit and its minions, the sea wolves, have struck again. Lucy doesn’t believe in myths. She knows that a human—a human murderer—killed him. And when she is unexpectedly named heiress to the estate, she understands the next target is her.

Her closest friend, the estate’s vigilant young guard, begs her to escape while she can. But Lucy knows the only way she can discover who she is, and free the island of its curse, is to find the real killer—before she becomes the next victim.

Meet the author:

Stacey Lee is the New York Times bestselling author of historical young adult fiction, including The Downstairs Girl, a Reese’s Book Pick; Luck of the Titanic, which received five starred reviews; and Outrun the Moon, winner of the Asian Pacific Award for Literature. A native of southern California and fourth-generation Chinese American, she is a founder of the We Need Diverse Books movement and writes stories for all kids (even the ones who look like adults).

Website | Instagram | Tiktok | Facebook

Before you leave:

What is your favorite historical novel? Why? Please comment below.

Also, make sure to listen to my upcoming podcast, “Who Gets to Tell the Story? Heiress of Nowhere and Writing Across Identity,” as we discuss this book and why we need diverse books like “Heiress of Nowhere”.

At the center of the story is Charlie, a seventeen-year-old who lives with a terrifying ability: any physical contact with another person drains a piece of their life. For most people, touch is comfort, connection, and reassurance. For Charlie, it’s something dangerous—something that could literally kill someone.

If that burden weren’t enough, Charlie is also under the control of Lou, a ghost who demands that Charlie steal life energy for her survival. Lou maintains control with a chilling threat: if Charlie refuses, she will take life directly from Charlie’s twin sister, Sam.

The result is a tense, emotionally charged story where every choice comes with consequences.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the book and my honest review.

Plot Overview

Charlie has spent years living in fear—fear of their own power and fear of Lou’s manipulation. Lou has essentially trapped Charlie in a cycle of forced survival, using guilt and threats to ensure Charlie keeps draining life from others.

Everything changes when Lou targets Ravi, Charlie’s close friend and secret crush.

Unable to stand by and watch Ravi suffer, Charlie refuses to obey. Lou responds exactly as she promised: she begins draining Sam’s life instead.

As Sam’s health rapidly deteriorates, the stakes become painfully clear. Charlie can’t continue living under Lou’s control—but breaking free might come too late to save their sister.

Ravi soon uncovers a shocking possibility: Charlie might not be the only person born with this strange ability. That discovery leads Charlie, Ravi, and Sam on a desperate weekend road trip to find two mysterious individuals who claim to be “Death Gods.” If the rumors are true, they might hold the answers Charlie needs—not only to save Sam but also to finally understand the true nature of their power.

But the deeper Charlie digs into the truth, the more they realize that Lou’s connection to them may run far deeper—and darker—than they ever imagined.

Characters

Charlie is an emotionally complex protagonist who carries a constant sense of guilt and fear. Their power isolates them from the world in a way that feels both fantastical and painfully relatable. Physical touch—something most people take for granted—becomes a symbol of everything Charlie cannot have.

The story also thoughtfully explores Charlie’s transgender identity, weaving it naturally into their character rather than making it the sole focus of the narrative. Their struggles with self-understanding and belonging mirror the broader themes of identity and humanity present throughout the book.

Sam, Charlie’s twin sister, serves as the emotional heart of the story. Her vulnerability raises the stakes and constantly reminds readers of what Charlie is fighting for.

Ravi adds warmth and emotional grounding to the story. As Charlie’s friend and crush, Ravi brings curiosity, compassion, and determination to the group’s quest. Their dynamic with Charlie provides some of the story’s most tender moments.

Then there’s Lou—the ghost whose manipulative presence looms over the entire novel. She’s a fascinating antagonist because her motivations are layered. While she is undeniably cruel and controlling, the story gradually reveals the complex reasons behind her actions.

Themes and Representation

One of the most compelling aspects of I Was a Teenage Death God is how it blends supernatural elements with deeply personal themes.

The concept of life-draining touch works as both a literal and metaphorical device. Charlie’s power represents isolation, guilt, and the fear of hurting the people closest to you. The story repeatedly asks an important question: if your very existence harms others, can you still consider yourself a good person?

The book also features strong LGBTQ+ representation, particularly through Charlie’s transgender identity. Rather than existing as a separate storyline, Charlie’s identity is simply part of who they are—woven into their relationships, experiences, and emotional journey.

Themes of found family, self-acceptance, and moral ambiguity also play significant roles. Many of the characters are forced to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and about the nature of power.

What Worked Well

The premise is incredibly compelling. The idea of a teenager who accidentally steals life with a simple touch is immediately intriguing, and the added layer of a manipulative ghost creates a strong sense of tension from the very beginning.

The emotional stakes are also very effective. Charlie’s love for Sam drives much of the narrative, and that sibling bond gives the story real weight.

The road trip element brings an adventurous feel to the middle portion of the book, expanding the world and introducing new perspectives on Charlie’s abilities. It also allows the characters to grow closer and reveal more about themselves.

Representation is another strong point. The story treats LGBTQ+ identities with care and authenticity, allowing characters to exist fully within the fantasy world without reducing them to a single aspect of their identity.

What Didn’t Work as Well

While the premise and themes are strong, the pacing can feel uneven at times. Certain parts of the story move quickly, while others slow down enough that the tension occasionally loses momentum.

Some of the worldbuilding surrounding the “Death Gods” and the origin of Charlie’s abilities could also have been explored in greater depth. The ideas are fascinating, but readers may find themselves wanting a bit more explanation and development.

Additionally, some emotional beats—particularly around Lou’s history and motivations—might have benefited from more time on the page to fully land.

Final Thoughts

I Was a Teenage Death God is a dark, thoughtful YA fantasy that explores identity, power, and the emotional cost of survival. With its unique premise, compelling protagonist, and meaningful LGBTQ+ representation, the book offers a story that feels both supernatural and deeply human.

While some pacing and worldbuilding elements leave room for further development, the novel’s emotional core and complex characters make it a memorable read—especially for fans of character-driven YA fantasy with darker themes.

Readers who enjoy stories about morally complicated powers, found family, and self-discovery will likely find a lot to appreciate in Charlie’s journey.

⭐ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)

A unique and emotionally layered YA fantasy about dangerous abilities, identity, and the struggle to hold onto your humanity.

About the book:

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Publishing date: March 3, 2026

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Rep: Trans, LGBT+

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Charlie can’t touch anyone without stealing bits of their life away, which would be enough of a curse without Lou—a ghost—forcing them to steal that life for her own use.

Lou has kept Charlie in line for years by threatening to take life directly from their twin sister, Sam. But when Lou goes after their friend and secret crush Ravi, Charlie refuses, and Lou makes good on her threat.

As Sam’s health rapidly declines, Ravi discovers that Charlie may not be the only person born with their unusual power. The trio embark on a weekend road trip to meet a pair of self-proclaimed “Death Gods” who may be the key to saving Sam and understanding Charlie’s abilities . . . . But with all roads leading back to Lou, Charlie is forced to face a dark legacy—one that calls their humanity into question.

Meet the author:

M.J. Beasi is a YA author, songwriter, former singer, voice teacher, and the founder/director of a teen opera workshop in western Massachusetts. Born and raised in Michigan, M.J. moved to Pittsburgh to study vocal performance at Carnegie-Mellon University, then on to New York to make a career in music and theater. On tour, M.J. was known for scouting out each new city as a potential future home, but it was love that finally lured M.J. to New England and a new career blaspheming Handel with a group of brilliant teens. As a librettist/adapter, M.J. has written Il sogno d’Arianna, an English-language narrative adapted from the madrigals of Claudio Monteverdi, an expanded adaptation of Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, and a queer adaptation of Handel’s Rinaldo. Their own songwriting and vocals are featured on their 2002 album, Dorrie’s True Story. M.J.’s debut novel, I WAS A TEENAGE DEATH GOD, will be released in early 2026 from Page Street Publishing.

When not writing or nerding out over Baroque opera, M.J. can be found reading, gaming, obliviously lost in their own inner world, streaming on Twitch at the crack of dawn, or binging cartoons with their spouse and cat. Some of the many keys to M.J.’s heart include rambling takes on musical theater, Vernors ginger ale, oatmeal scotchies, and queer disasters in any setting.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

Tell me what you think!

I like to hear your thoughts! Have you read this book? What did you like or dislike?

or

How would you feel or do if you had Charlie’s power? Do you think that’s how people who are trans or LGBTQ feel about themselves - taking away something special from loved ones, such as memories?

I’m giving The Beasts We Raise ⭐⭐½ (2.5 stars) — but that rating comes with context. While the writing, worldbuilding, and romantic tension are strong, this is absolutely not a book you can jump into without reading book one first. Trust me — I tried.

My Reading Experience (And Why Order Matters)

Because I needed to review this book within a few weeks, I started with The Beasts We Raise before reading book one. That decision… did not go well.

I couldn’t get past the third chapter.

It wasn’t because the writing was bad — it wasn’t. The prose is vivid and emotionally layered. The characters are immediately presented as complex and fractured (in more ways than one). The tension is there from the start. But I felt completely unmoored in the world.

There are brief recaps woven throughout the opening chapters, but they weren’t enough for me. Instead of grounding me, they made me feel like I had walked into a room where everyone already knew a massive secret — and I was the only one left out. The emotional weight of certain reveals and character dynamics clearly relied on knowledge from the first book, and without that foundation, I found myself frustrated rather than intrigued.

So I pivoted.

I went back and started The Beasts We Bury. I only made it about halfway through before returning to book two for this review, but even that partial experience changed everything.

Once I Had Context, Everything Improved

Reading book one made the world sharper and more immersive. I became invested in the main character’s plight, understood the political fractures at play, and most importantly — I became emotionally attached.

That attachment is critical for The Beasts We Raise.

This sequel dives deep into consequences. It’s heavy with fallout, fractured identities, strained alliances, and painful choices. The stakes are intensely personal and political at the same time. But without the emotional groundwork from book one, those stakes don’t land the way they’re meant to.

Once I understood the history and motivations behind the characters, the sequel felt much stronger. The tension made sense. The betrayals hit harder. The emotional unraveling felt earned.

Enemies to Lovers Done Right

One of the strongest elements of this duology is the romance.

If you love enemies-to-lovers arcs with genuine emotional friction, this delivers. The dynamic isn’t soft or easy — it’s layered with mistrust, vulnerability, and longing. The chemistry builds through shared hardship rather than instant attraction, which makes it feel grounded in the world’s harsh realities.

In book one especially, I found myself fully invested in the slow burn. By the time book two intensifies the emotional stakes, you can feel how much history sits between these characters.

It’s messy. It’s painful. And it works.

Worldbuilding & Fantasy Elements

The fantasy elements are one of the series’ biggest strengths. The magic system feels symbolic as well as powerful, mirroring the internal fractures of the characters. Political unrest, divided realms, and looming war create a tense backdrop that constantly pushes the story forward.

The atmosphere is heavy — almost suffocating at times — but intentionally so. This isn’t a light romantasy with a sparkly happily-ever-after. It leans darker. The emotional weight is constant, and the ending is not traditionally comforting.

If you’re looking for a neatly wrapped conclusion, this duology may surprise you. But if you appreciate bittersweet endings that align with the story’s tone, it feels thematically consistent.

Why the 2.5-Star Rating?

Here’s where I landed:

• ⭐ Writing: Strong and emotionally layered

• ⭐ Characters: Likable, complex, and well-rounded

• ⭐ Romance: Compelling enemies-to-lovers arc

• ⚖️ Accessibility: Very difficult to enter without book one

My 2.5-star rating isn’t because the story lacks quality. It’s because, as a standalone reading experience, this sequel was frustrating and confusing at first. A sequel should build on its predecessor — and this one absolutely does — but it doesn’t provide quite enough grounding for readers who might be coming in rusty or out of order.

That said…

When I consider the duology as a whole, I would rate it 4 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The overall arc, romantic development, fantasy worldbuilding, and emotional payoff work beautifully when read in order. The problem wasn’t the story — it was my starting point.

Final Thoughts

The Beasts We Raise is a strong conclusion that demands prior investment. If you start with book one, I believe you’ll have a far richer, more immersive experience than I initially did.

This is for readers who love:

• Enemies-to-lovers romance

• Political fantasy with emotional stakes

• Morally gray choices

• Bittersweet endings

• High tension and fractured identities

Just don’t make my mistake.

Start with book one.

If you do, I think you’ll find a beautifully crafted, emotionally intense duology that rewards your patience — even if it doesn’t hand you a fairy-tale ending.

“The Beast We Raise” Rating: ⭐⭐½ (2.5 stars)
Duology Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)

About the Books:

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publishing date: February 24, 2026

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Synopsis:

Marry her enemy. Save her realm. Forsake her heart. The heart-shattering conclusion to this dark romantasy duology is perfect for fans of Adrienne Young, Tricia Levenseller, and Brigid Kemmerer.

Newly-appointed Prime Mancella is desperate to keep the peace within her realm and within herself. Having recently acquired the power to physically split into separate versions of herself, her identity is beginning to fracture―along with her land, which is on the brink of war. The only semblance of normalcy in her life is her budding romance with thief-turned-confidant, Silver. . . at least until the mysterious Prime Reltas arrives at her doorstep asking, or rather demanding, her hand in marriage.

If Mance wants to avoid a fight that will devastate her realm, she’ll have to consider the proposal. Even if it destroys Silver. But Mance isn’t ready to give up just yet. Desperate to free herself from the betrothal, Mance must seek allyship from other Primes and learn to control her new magic. If she fails, her decision to refuse Reltas’s proposal will implode the delicate state of affairs across the realms, setting off a catastrophic war―and shatter two hearts in the process.

Content Warning: Some graphic death, grief, trauma

Learn more and get Book 1 first (highly recommended), “The Beasts We Bury”:

Goodreads | Amazon

Meet the Author:

D.L. Taylor is an attorney by trade. She’s worked in criminal defense and civil non-profit law, but writing has always had a special hold on her heart. Though she hails from the sunny lands of California, she married a Midwestern boy and ended up settling down outside Chicago. She has three kids, two cats, and minimal sanity, but in the quiet hours before dawn she likes to write about magic, mischief, and moral quandaries. The Beasts We Bury is her debut.

For more, you can follow her on Instagram or TikTok. Her handle is dltaylorbooks

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

With the dreaminess of Lore Olympus and the magic of The Girl from the Sea, Glock crafts a romantic, paranormal story that explores grief, self-worth, and the longing to escape into something brighter.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the book and my honest review.

A Story Split Between Two Worlds

Alicia is haunted by a recurring dream—one that feels more vivid and alive than her waking life. Struggling under the weight of her father’s death, she moves through the real world in muted tones, emotionally guarded and unsure of herself. When she discovers a book about lucid dreaming, everything begins to shift. Alicia learns to take control of her dreams, and suddenly her nighttime world becomes a place of possibility, beauty, and unexpected romance.

When her best friend’s boyfriend appears in her dreamworld, sparks fly. But things take a complicated turn when he reveals—while awake—that he remembers everything that happened in their shared dreams.

From there, the story becomes a delicate balancing act between guilt, desire, grief, and self-discovery.

The Illustrations: A Masterclass in Visual Storytelling

One of the most remarkable aspects of Before We Wake is its intentional and emotionally driven color palette.

The waking world is rendered in blacks, whites, greys, and minimal color—visually echoing Alicia’s grief and emotional numbness. It feels quiet. Constrained. Heavy.

But the dream world? It bursts with soft, luminous, and vivid color. The contrast is breathtaking. The dream sequences glow with warmth and possibility, making them feel alive in a way that the waking world simply doesn’t. The shift between the two realms is seamless and powerful, reinforcing the emotional stakes of the story without needing excessive exposition.

I absolutely loved this artistic choice. It’s subtle, thoughtful, and incredibly effective.

Romance That Feels Real

The romance in this story is beautifully done. It’s tender and electric all at once. The dream setting gives their connection an almost surreal intensity, yet their emotional interactions feel grounded and authentic.

There’s tension—not just because of the circumstances (hello, best friend’s boyfriend!), but because Alicia herself is wrestling with insecurity and grief. The romance isn’t just about attraction; it’s about vulnerability.

Glock handles this dynamic thoughtfully, allowing the relationship to grow naturally rather than rushing it. Even when complicated, the feelings feel genuine. It’s messy in the way first love often is.

And honestly? I loved it.

Grief, Growth, and Self-Confidence

Alicia is a sympathetic and relatable protagonist. She’s navigating the trauma of losing her father, and that grief seeps into every part of her life. Her lack of self-confidence makes sense in context—she’s emotionally untethered, unsure of her place in the world.

That said, I did wish we saw more growth earlier on. It felt like it took a while for Alicia to step into her own strength. I found myself wanting her to believe in herself sooner, to recognize her worth beyond the dream world.

However, when that growth does come, it feels earned. It’s subtle rather than dramatic, but it aligns with the quieter emotional tone of the story.

The Magic of Dreams… or Something More?

The dream mechanics are intriguing. The idea of shared lucid dreams and mutual memory adds a fascinating layer to the story’s romantic tension. Still, I found myself wanting a bit more explanation or expansion of the magical elements.

Is this purely lucid dreaming? Is there something supernatural at play? The story leans into the emotional experience rather than fully unpacking the “how” behind it, which works thematically—but I wouldn’t have minded a little more depth or world-building in that area.

That said, the ambiguity does lend the story a dreamy, almost mythic quality. It keeps readers slightly off-balance, mirroring Alicia’s own uncertainty.

Final Thoughts

Before We Wake is an ethereal, emotionally layered graphic novel that blends romance and dreamlike magic with thoughtful storytelling and gorgeous art. Its exploration of grief and self-doubt feels authentic, and its romantic arc is heartfelt and compelling.

While I would have loved a bit more clarity around the dream elements and a faster arc of personal growth for Alicia, the overall experience was immersive and visually stunning.

This is a story about holding yourself back—and what it might take to finally let go.

If you love young adult romances with magical undertones, striking art, and emotional depth, this one deserves a spot on your shelf.

I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what Sophia Glock creates next.

About the Book:

Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novel
Publishing date: February 24, 2026

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Synopsis:

With the dreaminess of Lore Olympus and the magic of The Girl from the Sea, here is an ethereal, paranormal romance that plays out between a waking life that feels muted and a world of lucid dreams that sparkles in full color.

Haunted by a recurring dream, Alicia borrows a book about lucid dreaming, and soon learns to take control of her sleeping life. She welcomes the arrival of her best friend’s boyfriend in her dreamworld, and soon sparks start to fly. But then he admits, when they are both awake, that he remembers everything that happened while they were asleep. Suddenly, Alicia’s dream life has become as complicated as her waking one.

In this electrifying graphic novel, Glock whisks readers on a head‑spinning romantic dream odyssey, exploring the ways in which we hold ourselves back—and what it will take to let our wildest dreams come true.

Content Warning: grief and loss

Meet the Author:

Sophia Glock is a cartoonist and the author of the graphic memoir Passport. Her comics and cartoons have been published in The New York Times, The New Yorker, Buzzfeed, Narratively, and Time Out New York. Her work has also been featured in various anthologies including, Ink Brick, Digestate, and The Graphic Canon of Crime & Mystery, Vol. 1. Her collection of comics Born, Not Raised was selected to be included in The Society of Illustrators Cartoon and Comics Art Annual 2016 and her short comic The Secrets in My Mother’s Nightstand was shortlisted for The Cartoonist Studio Prize for Best Web Comic of the Year in 2016. She is also the author of The Lettuce Girl, SemiSolid, Over Ripe and Passport: Fig. She currently lives in Virginia.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

This five-star middle-grade contemporary novel blends grief, brotherhood, cryptography, rock climbing, and the beauty of Michigan’s landscape into a story that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. As someone who is not only a reader but also a parent—and someone who has spoken openly about grief on my Bravebookshelf podcast—this story resonated in ways I didn’t expect.

Thank you to the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book and my honest review.

Authentic Voices That Feel Real

Levi sounds exactly like a twelve-year-old boy. His voice is authentic, awkward in the best ways, tender beneath the surface, and wrestling with emotions he doesn’t always have words for. There were moments when he reminded me so much of my own sons that I had to pause and smile.

And then there’s Zack.

Zack, Levi’s younger brother, is on the autism spectrum, and the representation of ASD is beautifully handled. The behaviors, the thought patterns, the way he interacts with the world—it all feels respectful, nuanced, and genuine. Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw doesn’t reduce Zack to a diagnosis. Instead, she shows how his brain works differently and how that difference becomes part of the story's strength.

The coding system Zack creates is brilliant. It makes sense—not just to him, Levi, and their father—but to the reader as well. That’s no small feat. Crafting an original system of communication that feels believable and accessible takes serious skill, and Lipshaw executes it flawlessly.

Michigan Facts Throughout the Book

One of my absolute favorite elements of this book is how Michigan itself becomes part of the story. The car ride to the UP (Upper Peninsula) with dad, they discuss the Zilwaukee Bridge, the Mackinac Bridge, and various sites throughout the Upper Peninsula, adding such depth and realism. It’s like those car rides with your parents where they quiz you or talk about the sights and history on car trips.

You can tell the author is a native Michigander. The details aren’t surface-level. They’re layered with lived-in knowledge—parks, landscapes, geological features. I kept saying to myself, “I know that place!” and “I’ve been there!” For Michigan readers especially, that familiarity adds another layer of connection. For non-Michigan readers, it becomes an invitation to explore and learn.

The setting isn’t just a backdrop. It’s woven into the emotional arc of the story, too.

Cryptography, Coding, and Decoding the Moon

At the heart of the novel is the idea of decoding—both literally and metaphorically.

Lipshaw introduces readers to cryptography and does an excellent job explaining what it is in a way that’s accessible to middle-grade readers. Levi and Zack use cryptographic techniques to interpret what they believe is a message from their mom—connected to the moon.

The information about the moon’s phases—waxing moon, new moon, and more—isn’t just educational filler. It serves as foreshadowing and symbolic layering within the boys’ emotional journeys. The moon becomes a guidepost for grief, change, and renewal.

And I absolutely loved that the author includes a glossary in the back—explaining rock climbing terms and detailing the cryptographic systems used in the book. That thoughtful addition deepens reader engagement and makes the experience interactive.

Overcoming Fear and Climbing Toward Healing

Rock climbing plays a significant role in the story. Levi has a fear of heights after a fall, and watching him face that fear is powerful. He doesn’t magically become fearless. Instead, he chooses courage.

He climbs again—not just for himself, but to help decode the message from his mother. That act becomes symbolic of something bigger: choosing healing even when it’s hard.

The themes of overcoming fear and pushing past trauma are handled with care. This isn’t a story that dismisses pain. It acknowledges it fully—and then shows how you can move forward without leaving your loved one behind.

Grief, Loss, and a Full-Circle Ending

This book is a tearjerker. There’s no way around that.

The boys are navigating the loss of their mother, and grief is present on every page—sometimes loud, sometimes quiet, sometimes disguised as anger or obsession or avoidance.

As someone who has discussed grief openly on my Bravebookshelf podcast, I appreciated how honest this portrayal feels. Grief doesn’t follow a straight line, and neither does this story. It circles back—beautifully—to the new moon.

The final lines include one of my favorite quotes in the entire book:

“New moons are like classroom whiteboards.
At the end of each day, the board is wiped clean—a blank slate
ready for new lessons and adventures.”

I won’t reveal the context because it’s part of the emotional payoff, but that full-circle return to the new moon imagery perfectly captures the heart of the story: loss does not mean the end of possibility.

Brotherhood and Neurodiversity

Decoding the Moon is also about brotherhood.

It’s about loving someone whose brain works differently. It’s about frustration and loyalty and protection. It’s about learning how to communicate in ways that matter.

The representation of ASD isn’t just included—it’s central to the narrative. Zack’s way of thinking becomes essential to solving the mystery. His neurological differences are not obstacles to overcome; they are part of the strength that carries the story forward.

That kind of representation matters.

Content Note

While this is a middle-grade novel, it deals heavily with grief and loss. Readers who have recently lost a loved one or experienced trauma may find parts of this story emotionally intense. It’s beautiful—but tender.

Final Thoughts

Decoding the Moon is a deeply layered, emotionally resonant middle-grade novel that blends heart, intellect, and adventure. With authentic characters, respectful ASD representation, rich Michigan detail, and a powerful exploration of grief, this story lingers long after the final page.

Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw has created something special here—a book that honors loss while pointing readers toward hope.

And like a new moon, it reminds us that even in darkness, something new is waiting to begin. My rating is ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ all the way to the moon — and back!

About the book:

Pub. Date: Feb. 25, 2026

Publisher: Warren Publishing

Genre: Middle-grade/YA Contemporary

Book Buy Links: Warren Publishing | Goodreads | Amazon

Synopsis:

And that’s when lightning struck. Could he get Zack to climb?

Doing so could get him closer to the moon to say goodbye to Mom.

Twelve-year-old Levi’s family is fractured when his mom dies unexpectedly. To escape painful memories, his Dad moves their family from the Detroit suburbs to a small town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. There, Dad dives into work, leaving avid rock climber Levi stuck at home with his spy-code-obsessed brother Zack. When Zack tells Levi it’s like their mom went to the moon and never came back, a baffled Levi promises to take his autistic brother closer to the moon to say goodbye. Over the summer, Levi learns that facing his fears might just be what provides his family the closure they desperately need.

Winner of the 2024 Fictionary Book of the Year Award, Decoding the Moon explores how one family navigates loss with love, determination, hope, and just the right amount of grit.

Meet the Author:

Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw is a children's book author of THE SUPER VOLCANO, MIGHTY MAHI, I CAMPAIGNED FOR ICE CREAM, and her debut middle-grade novel, DECODING THE MOON. She is a former special education teacher who is passionate about growing young minds. Suzanne enjoys speaking at schools about writing, leadership, and how kids can make a difference in our world. The proud momma of two grown boys, Suzanne lives in Waterford, MI, with her husband and furry writing companion Ziggy. When she's not dreaming up new writing projects, you can find her kayaking on the lake, hiking a trail, practicing at the yoga studio, or dabbling in interior design.

Learn more about Suzanne at SuzanneJacobsLipshaw.com.

If the themes of grief in Decoding the Moon resonate with you, I share more of my personal journey with loss in my podcast/blog post, “When Hearts Hurt.” In it, I talk honestly about navigating heartbreak, healing, and finding hope after loss. You can read and listen to it here: When Hearts Hurt. 💛