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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 💛

A Promised Vengeance by Sara B. Larson is a bold, fantasy-infused reimagining of The Count of Monte Cristo—and I absolutely loved how the author wove classic revenge elements into a world of forbidden magic, political oppression, and powerful relics.

The moment I realized Elodie Dantès was this story’s answer to Edmond Dantès? Hooked.

Thank you to Toppling Stacks Tours for sponsoring this book blog and Bookstagram tour. This book was gifted by the publisher for an honest review.

A Familiar Beginning — With a Magical Twist

Like its classic inspiration, the story begins with a farewell. Elodie Dantès says goodbye to her childhood love, Killian, before leaving on a journey connected to her apprenticeship in her uncle’s shipping business. There’s innocence here. Hope. A future that seems promising.

And just like in The Count of Monte Cristo, everything is ripped away.

Elodie returns home only to be falsely accused of murder. Betrayed. Imprisoned. Stripped of her freedom and future.

But this is where Larson’s fantasy twist elevates the story.

Instead of the Château d’If, Elodie is banished to Autremonde—an otherworldly prison poisoned by magic. Instead of hidden treasure maps, there are forbidden relics tied to a Goddess outlawed by a new regime. The artifact Elodie carries—gifted by her uncle and bound to ancient magic—adds a rich, mystical layer to the revenge narrative.

The parallels are intentional and brilliant.

The Old Priest and the Prison Escape

One of my favorite nods to the original comes in the form of an unexpected ally.

Just as Edmond Dantès meets the Abbé Faria in prison, Elodie encounters an older priest-like figure who digs into her cell in an attempt to escape. That moment felt like a love letter to the source material.

But it doesn’t feel copied.

It feels reimagined.

Larson honors the structure of Dumas’s classic while reshaping it for a new generation of fantasy readers. The prison scenes are tense and emotionally charged, and once the escape plan begins to unfold, the pacing sharpens dramatically.

While the book does start slower, that foundational build mirrors the original’s methodical setup—and once Elodie steps fully into her vengeance arc, I could not put it down.

Elodie Dantès: A Worthy Successor

Elodie is not Edmond—but she carries his spirit.

She is wronged. Betrayed by those she trusted most. Manipulated by political forces. Cast aside by a society that fears what it cannot control.

But she is also distinctly her own character.

Her journey is shaped by forbidden magic, internal conflict, and the burden of choice. The question isn’t just how she will enact revenge—but whether vengeance is worth what it will cost her.

That moral tension is where the story truly shines.

Revenge, Romance, and Relics

As someone who doesn’t gravitate toward overly mushy or overly spicy romance, I appreciated how balanced the relationship between Elodie and Killian felt. Their history adds emotional weight without overshadowing the central revenge plot.

The romance raises the stakes in the best way: Will vengeance cost Elodie the love of her life?

And layered beneath it all is the magical relic tied to the forbidden Goddess—a powerful addition that distinguishes this retelling from its predecessor. The suppressed religion, outlawed worship, and political control add depth to the worldbuilding and elevate the story beyond a simple revenge tale.

It becomes about power. Faith. Corruption. Justice.

Why This Retelling Works

Retellings can sometimes feel predictable—but knowing the bones of The Count of Monte Cristo actually enhanced my experience here.

I found myself recognizing character archetypes, anticipating certain twists, and then delighting in how Larson altered them within her fantasy framework. The similarities kept me invested. The differences kept me surprised.

That balance is difficult to achieve—and Larson does it beautifully.

If you love:

• Revenge arcs with emotional depth

• Classic literature retellings

• Forbidden magic and relics

• Political intrigue

• Prison escape stories

• Morally complex heroines

Then this book absolutely deserves your attention.

Final Thoughts

A Promised Vengeance is a smart, engaging fantasy retelling that honors The Count of Monte Cristo while forging its own magical path.

The slower beginning builds essential emotional weight. The prison arc intensifies the stakes. The revenge plot delivers satisfaction. And the internal struggle between vengeance and love gives the story heart.

This was an easy five-star read for me. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you’ve ever loved Edmond Dantès’ journey, you need to meet Elodie Dantès.

And trust me—you’ll want to follow her all the way to the end.

Have you read A Promised Vengeance yet? Do you love revenge-driven fantasies—or do you prefer redemption arcs? Let’s talk in the comments! 📖✨

Book Details:

Publisher: Jumelle Press
Genre: Adult, Fantasy
Publishing date: October 28, 2025

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Synopsis:

From the author of the DEFY trilogy, get ready to immerse yourself in this romantasy reimagining of The Count of Monte Cristo!

Falsely accused of murder, impoverished Elodie Dantès is torn from her childhood love, Killian, stripped of her most valuable possession—a forbidden artifact that wields ancient power—and banished to the otherworldly prison of Autremonde.

Awaiting certain death in a world poisoned by magic, Elodie meets an unexpected ally, and together they begin digging for an escape. However, once Elodie is finally free, she discovers that the very people who betrayed her are those she trusted the most. Consumed by vengeance, Elodie develops a plan to ruthlessly destroy them all.

But all too soon Elodie is forced to choose whether vengeance is worth the price, especially if it means losing the love of her life forever.

Content Warning: violence

Meet the Author:

Sara B. Larson is the author of the acclaimed YA fantasy DEFY trilogy (DEFY, IGNITE, and ENDURE), the DARK BREAKS THE DAWN duology (DARK BREAKS THE DAWN and BRIGHT BURNS THE NIGHT), and SISTERS OF SHADOW AND LIGHT DUOLOGY. Her new releases include a YA fantasy coming Fall 2025, and EVERY BEAT AFTER (adult debut) coming spring 2026. She can’t remember a time when she didn’t write books—although she now uses a computer instead of a Little Mermaid notebook. Sara lives in Utah with her husband, their four children, and their dogs, Loki the Maltese and Bindi the English Cream Retriever. She writes in brief snippets throughout the day and the quiet hours when most people are sleeping. Her husband claims she should have a degree in “the art of multitasking.” When she’s not mothering or writing, you can often find her at the gym repenting for her sugar addiction.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Thank you to the author, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, and Toppling Stacks Tours for including me on this book tour and for my honest review!

Back in Thristwood (and Back to What Works)

One of the things I appreciated right away is that this sequel doesn’t abandon what made book one so enjoyable. Thristwood is still steeped in that gloomy, enchanted energy—like the forest itself is always listening. The setting continues to be one of the strongest parts of the series for me. There’s something about the way Blake blends courtly fantasy drama with something darker and more primal underneath it that makes the world feel both romantic and a little dangerous.

And speaking of romantic… I kept thinking of this series as a dark fantasy cousin of Bridgerton. Not in the sense that it’s witty Regency drawing-room banter (though I wouldn’t complain if it were), but in the structure and intent: it really does feel like the author is planning to find a love story for each daughter in this world. That “family-forward” format—where characters continue to exist and matter even when they’re no longer the main focus—creates a cozy sense of continuity. You’re not just getting one contained romance; you’re getting a larger tapestry of relationships, loyalties, and lingering consequences that carry from book to book.

A Plot That’s Familiar… Almost Too Familiar

Here’s the big caveat: this book is, in many ways, the same plot as book one—just with different characters stepping into the spotlight.

Now, to be clear, this wasn’t a dealbreaker for me. I still enjoyed the reading experience and I still needed to know what happened next (the ultimate test of whether something is working). But the similarities were noticeable enough that I couldn’t ignore them. There were moments where I had a strong sense of déjà vu, like I could see the shape of the story beats before they landed.

If you’re the kind of reader who loves returning to a familiar romance structure (especially in a series), you may find that comforting. If you’re hoping each installment will drastically switch things up, this might feel a little repetitive. Personally, I’m landing somewhere in the middle: I enjoyed the ride, but I’m also really hoping the next book leans into a more original plot framework.

Thea: Awkward, Relatable, and Surprisingly Charming

The heart of this book for me was Thea.

She has this awkwardness that could have easily veered into frustrating, but instead it felt human—like a genuine character trait rather than a quirk pasted on for “relatability.” Thea’s discomfort in certain situations, her prickly reactions, and the way she navigates tension made her feel distinct even when the story structure felt familiar. I found myself rooting for her not because she’s effortlessly cool or naturally powerful, but because she feels like someone trying to survive the emotional chaos around her.

And in romantasy, I love a heroine who isn’t just “the chosen one” walking into danger with perfect eyeliner and a perfect plan. Thea’s awkwardness adds texture. It creates moments of humor, discomfort, and vulnerability that make the romance beats hit a little harder.

Enemies-to-Lovers Tension That Actually Works

I’m a sucker for enemies-to-lovers when it’s done with the right balance of tension and payoff, and that’s where The Cursed Queen’s Daughter shines.

The antagonism in this romance has bite. You can feel the distrust and the push-pull dynamic building through their scenes together. There’s a satisfying awkwardness to the interactions, too—like both characters are aware they’re teetering on the edge of something, and neither wants to be the first to admit it. That slow burn energy kept me invested even when I could predict some of the story beats.

That said… the love interest in this one didn’t fully work for me.

The Prince of the Shadow Realm: A Vibe I Didn’t Love

Let’s talk about the Prince of the Shadow Realm.

I wanted to like him. I really did. On paper, he should have been perfect for me—mysterious, shadowy, powerful, morally complicated. But in practice, he gave off creepy, stalker-ish vibes throughout the book, and it kept pulling me out of the romance.

There’s a fine line between “dark and intriguing” and “sir, please stop lurking,” and for me, he crossed it more than once. I never reached the point where I felt fully comfortable with him as the romantic lead, even when the story clearly wanted me to swoon.

However—and this is important—it wasn’t enough to make me stop reading. It was more like a persistent “hmm” in the back of my mind. I kept going because I cared about Thea and because I genuinely wanted to see how things would unravel. The plot momentum and worldbuilding did their job, even if the romantic vibe wasn’t my favorite flavor in this installment.

A Sequel That Respects Its Characters

One of my favorite choices Blake made here was incorporating Cassie and Zeru and allowing their story to continue.

So many series introduce a couple, give them their book, and then essentially shove them offstage like they never mattered. That drives me crazy. I love when authors let previous protagonists live on as secondary characters—still relevant, still impacted by events, still part of the emotional fabric of the story.

This is another reason the Bridgerton comparison kept coming up for me. It has that continuing-family feel, where your investment doesn’t reset with each book. Cassie and Zeru’s presence added warmth and continuity, and it made Thristwood feel more lived-in—like the world doesn’t revolve around whichever couple happens to be falling in love at the moment.

Final Thoughts

Overall, The Cursed Queen’s Daughter was a solid 4-star read for me. It delivered the dark fantasy atmosphere, romantic tension, and immersive setting I wanted—and Thea is a heroine I genuinely enjoyed spending time with. The biggest drawback is that the plot structure felt a little too similar to The Forest King’s Daughter, and the Prince of the Shadow Realm wasn’t my favorite romantic lead due to the creepy vibes.

Still, I didn’t want to put it down. I had to know what happened next, and that says a lot.

If the next book brings a fresher plot while keeping this same moody, romantic Thristwood energy (and the ongoing-family storytelling), I’ll absolutely be there—ready to fall back into the forest again.

Who I’d Recommend This To

If you like:

• dark fantasy romance with fairy-tale vibes

• enemies-to-lovers tension

• awkward-but-lovable heroines

• “family series” structures where past couples remain involved

• moody forests, curses, and court intrigue

…then The Cursed Queen’s Daughter is worth picking up.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

About the book:

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Publishing date: February 10, 2026

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Synopsis:

A warrior princess falls for a shadow prince in this darkly romantic companion to The Forest King’s Daughter.

Fearless Thea has never known life outside of war. As the favorite daughter of the Sylvan King, she’s a relentless fighter who longs to lead his army as First Huntsman, ignoring the pretty clothes and fanciful notions others enjoy. But when a mysterious dress full of dark magic appears on her hearth one evening, Thea doesn’t know how to fight an enemy she can’t see or touch. Still, her curiosity builds as a new gown appears each night—until she gives in to temptation and is whisked to a forgotten land of shadows.

The prince of the shadow realm is a handsome host, and while Thea does all she can to resist his charms, it’s clear he knows something about the long-ago disappearance of Thea’s mother. All he asks in return is for Thea to dance with him, their dangerous attraction growing each time she returns for more information. Meanwhile, shadows are seeping into the living realm, and Thea may have to embrace her own darkness if she has any chance of saving her beloved sisters and home from an otherworldly threat.

From the author of the Frostblood Saga comes the second book in a spellbinding series about the daughters of the powerful forest king, with simmering romance and plot twists that will leave readers desperate to enter the Thirstwood themselves.

Content Warning: Blood, war, death, violence

Meet the author:

Elly Blake is the NYT bestselling author of the Frostblood Saga and the Thirstwood series. After earning a BA in English literature, she held a series of seemingly random jobs, including project manager, customs clerk, graphic designer, reporter for a local business magazine, and library assistant. She lives in Southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids, and rescue dogs.

Her work is represented by Suzie Townsend of New Leaf Literary & Media.

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Thank you to the author and Page Street YA for the book and my honest review. Book tour sponsor is Toppling Stacks Tours. Scroll down to read more!

Our heroine, fourteen-year-old Sylvie, is determined to follow in her mother’s enchanted footsteps—combining the art of baking with the power of spells. It’s a premise that immediately hooked me. I mean, who wouldn’t love magical desserts with a purpose beyond satisfying your sweet tooth?

From the start, the tone is whimsical and inviting. Churchill clearly knows how to create a world that feels warm and lived-in, full of curious shops, enchanted ingredients, and rival students. While the magic system intrigued me, I’ll admit I wished for a little more clarity on its rules and boundaries. It often felt like the spells worked when the story needed them to—but left me wondering what their actual limits were.

As a fan of baking shows and cozy reads, I was excited to sink into the cooking portions of the novel. But here’s where the book lost a few sprinkles for me. While the idea of magical baking was front and center, the execution didn’t always satisfy. The culinary moments didn’t feel as immersive or detailed as I’d hoped—especially for a book so rooted in the concept of magical recipes and tests.

The same goes for the magical school setting. While I understand the need to keep things tight for pacing—especially in YA or upper-MG titles—I would’ve loved to spend more time in class with Sylvie and see how this magical world functions day to day. A few extra scenes of school life or background worldbuilding could’ve really elevated the cozy, academic atmosphere.

Now let’s talk plot. The second half of the book takes off—and I mean that in both a good and slightly dizzying way. Twists, betrayals, big reveals… they come at you hard and fast. At times, I found myself scrambling to keep up, and some major developments felt like they could’ve used a bit more breathing room. If the book had been a bit longer, it could’ve spaced these moments out and really let the emotional arcs land—especially when it came to Sylvie’s relationship with Georgia, a dynamic that had real potential but didn’t get quite enough time to bloom.

The jump to a new setting later in the story is where the pacing started to wobble. It felt simultaneously rushed and drawn out—a tricky feat, but one that left me a little off balance as a reader. And while the final test (which had been built up throughout the entire book) was meant to be the climax, it wrapped up far too quickly for my taste. I was ready for something intense, nerve-wracking, and spellbinding… and instead, it blinked by in a few pages.

That said, I do appreciate how the ending leaves room for a sequel. Despite its flaws, this world still has a lot of charm and potential. And with stronger pacing and deeper character arcs, a follow-up could absolutely deliver more of what worked—and expand on what didn’t get enough time to shine here.

Final Thoughts 🌟

Secrets, Spells, and Chocolate is a sweet, light fantasy with cozy vibes and a heartwarming core. It’s ideal for readers looking for something that blends magical school settings with culinary flair, without diving too deep into darker themes. It’s fun, imaginative, and brimming with potential, even if some parts felt undercooked.

Would I read a sequel? Absolutely. I’m still rooting for Sylvie and her journey—and who can resist a little more magic and chocolate?

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the book:

Genre: Young Adult

Publishing date: December 9, 2025

Publisher: Page Street YA

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Synopsis:

The culinary world is full of secrets. For one, recipes can become powerful spells. Of course, fourteen-year-old Sylvie Jones knows this. Sylvie has been dreaming of attending her mom’s alma mater, Brindille School of Culinary Arts and Magic, since she was old enough to reach the stove. Unfortunately, the last name Jones has a horrible stain on it—something that could destroy her dream. So, when Sylvie is given the opportunity to prove that she’s got the skills to be a great chef and put an end to the rumors that her famous chef mother cheated her way to victory at the world’s greatest magical cooking competition, The Golden Whisk, she takes it.

But the opportunity she’s been given may not be all that it’s cracked up to be. If Sylvie truly wants to make her own mark and earn a place at Brindille, she needs to uncover the truth about what happened all those years ago. But some will go to great lengths to ensure Sylvie fails, and she soon finds herself tangled in a web of deceit.

With the unlikely help of frenemy Georgia Shaw and rising-star-student Flora Jackson, Sylvie must find a way to get to The Golden Whisk All-Star competition and uncover the past before time runs out. Will she be able to redeem her family’s name and save her future, or will it all end in burned butter and broken dreams?

Meet the author:

I graduated from the California Culinary Academy and embarked on a 10-year adventure, working in some of San Francisco’s most notable restaurants: Rubicon, The Slanted Door, Ame, LuLu and Yoshi’s, where I was named “one of the city’s top pastry chefs,” by the San Francisco Chronicle’s head food critic, Michael Bauer.

My culinary adventures have taken me to some places I never imagined: competing on the cooking/reality show Top Chef, building cities out of chocolate and Rice Krispies on Food Network, and eventually across the globe, to Greece, where I had my own cooking show on Alpha.

I’m also the author of two cookbooks. My recipes have been featured in Food & Wine, Oprah.com, The Talk on CBS, Access Hollywood, and more. For the full list, check out my press page.

Stepping Out of the Kitchen

After meeting my husband and having kids, I began to wonder, what’s next? I knew my days of slaving in a hot kitchen, no matter how much I loved the creative push and adrenaline rush, were over. Trying to do that work, day-in and day-out, when you’re no longer twenty something takes its toll. More importantly, I wanted to be at home to put my girls to bed and have dinner with my family. Life was great. But my creative mind started to grow restless. At that point, I was writing about food for multiple national platforms. Then, an agent asked me a question that helped an idea grow. Have you ever considered writing a story with a magical cooking angle? With one simple question, my life’s purpose changed.

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Thank you to the author for the book and my honest review. Be sure to scroll down to read my full review!

A Striking Premise with Strong Early Momentum

The book introduces us to Johnny, a boy born with striking features—green eyes, fluffy white hair, and wing-like ridges on his back. As he grows, these ridges sprout feathers, making his difference impossible to hide. His mother, desperate to protect him in a world that won’t understand, fakes his death and disappears with him. This early part of the novel is poignant, tense, and evocative. It captured my full attention and had me emotionally invested. The imagery, the mystery surrounding Johnny’s condition, and the powerful mother-son bond had all the makings of a compelling literary journey.

Life After Escape: A Shift in Tone

Following his mother’s death, Johnny is taken in by a caring group of former slaves who embrace his uniqueness with compassion. This segment of the book felt tender and hopeful, adding new layers to Johnny’s story. Unfortunately, not long after, the narrative takes a sharp turn when Johnny is captured and forced into a freak show—a setting ripe with potential for metaphor and tension, but one that ultimately felt underdeveloped and emotionally distant.

Losing Connection Along the Way

For me, the middle and latter sections of Boy With Wings didn’t carry the emotional resonance or narrative clarity of the beginning. The pacing became inconsistent, and the plot started to feel disjointed. I found myself struggling to connect with the characters, especially Johnny, whose emotional arc felt increasingly murky as the story progressed. While the first third of the book created a strong foundation, that connection fizzled as the plot wandered in too many directions without a clear focus.

The Ending That Didn’t Take Flight

Endings are tough—and this one just didn’t land for me. Without spoiling anything, I’ll just say I was left unsatisfied and even a bit confused. The emotional payoff that I hoped for never arrived. The story concluded, but not in a way that felt earned or impactful. I was left with more questions than closure, which might be intentional on the author’s part, but it didn’t resonate with me as a reader.

Final Thoughts

Boy With Wings is not without merit. The premise is unique, the writing has moments of lyrical beauty, and the themes of difference, identity, and belonging are important ones. But the execution didn’t quite match the promise. The first few chapters had me hopeful for a deeply moving and imaginative narrative, but as the plot unfolded, that early momentum faded.

If you’re drawn to stories that explore the metaphorical weight of physical difference, or if you’re intrigued by the genre-bending premise and gorgeous cover, you may still want to give this book a try. But for me, Boy With Wings hovered on the edge of greatness, never quite taking off.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

A strong beginning and imaginative premise, but ultimately a story that didn’t deliver the depth or cohesion I was hoping for.

About the Book:

Publisher: Koehler Books

Pub. Date: March 2025

Genre: Magic Realism, Historical

Synopsis:

What does it mean to be different?

When Johnny Cruel is born with strange appendages on his back in the 1930s South, the locals think he’s a devil. Determined to protect him, his mother fakes his death, and they flee. Thus begins Johnny’s yearslong struggle to find a place he belongs. From a turpentine camp of former slaves to a freak show run by a dwarf who calls herself Tiny Tot and on to the Florida capitol building, Johnny finds himself working alongside other outcasts, struggling to answer the question of his existence.

Is he a horror, a wonder, or an angel? Should he hide himself to live his life? Accompanying Johnny’s journey through love, betrayal, heartbreak, and several murders, Boy with Wings is a story of the sacrifices and freedom inherent in making one’s own special way—and of love and the miracles that give our lives meaning.​

BUY THE BOOK:

Midtown Reader (signed copy) ~ Amazon ~ B&N ~ Google ~ Bookshop.org

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Meet the Author:

Mark Mustian is the author of the novel The Gendarme, an international bestseller shortlisted for the Saroyan International Award for Writing and published in ten languages, and the new novel Boy With Wings, winner of the 2025 Grand Prize for Fiction from Next Generation Indie Book Awards. He’s the founder of the Word of South Festival of Literature and Music in Tallahassee, Florida, and lives in Florida and Michigan.

Connect with the author: website ~ substack ~ facebook ~ bluesky ~ goodreads

Set in a richly imagined city ruled by a web of power-hungry elites, The Thieves’ Carousel introduces us to Lyo and Jasper—two street-smart teens who’ve been thrust into a dangerous scheme involving a mysterious artifact known as the Mago’s ring. Their bond is the emotional core of the story, and honestly? It’s the best part of the book.

Thank you to the author for the book and my honest review. Be sure to scroll down to learn more and enter the giveaway!

🤝 A Duo Worth Rooting For

Lyo is bold, daring, and full of schemes, while Jasper is more introspective, preferring books over street-level politics. Their personalities clash and complement each other in ways that feel authentic and endearing. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their banter keeps the story afloat during slower sections. The fact that each chapter begins with an excerpt from Jasper’s journal is a particularly brilliant touch—it adds emotional depth and gives readers a dual lens into their relationship and the world around them.

🌍 World-Building Overload?

That said, the world of The Thieves’ Carousel is intricate—maybe too intricate for its own good. Briana Chen clearly put thought into the political structure and societal hierarchies, but as a reader, it was hard to keep up. There were too many factions, too much unexplained lore, and not enough grounding. For a story that’s supposed to revolve around a high-stakes heist, I found myself constantly trying to piece together how the world functioned rather than enjoying the plot.

🐌 A Slow Burn (Too Slow?)

This book promised fast-paced thrills and daring escapades, but the pacing didn’t deliver. While I appreciated the attempt to build tension and suspense, a large chunk of the book felt like buildup without payoff. Much of the narrative is dedicated to Lyo and Jasper navigating high society, gathering information, and learning about their enemies—but it drags. The climactic “heist” happens so late and is resolved so quickly, it left me feeling underwhelmed. In fact, the whole novel reads more like a prequel than a standalone adventure.

✨ What Worked

• The Lyo–Jasper friendship is incredibly strong and layered.

• The journal entries add a fresh narrative touch.

• The central premise (two young men forced to work for corrupt elites to survive) is genuinely compelling.

• The world has potential—I can see a lot of readers enjoying the detail if they’re in it for a long-haul series.

😕 What Didn’t

• The pacing—especially for a heist-centered book—was a major letdown.

• Political systems and city structure were confusing.

• The plot involving Mago’s ring barely develops in this volume.

• Action sequences, when they finally appear, are brief and lack impact.

🎭 Final Thoughts

The Thieves’ Carousel is a book that feels like it’s setting the stage for a much bigger story—unfortunately, it spends so much time laying groundwork that it forgets to entertain along the way. If you’re someone who enjoys deep world-building and character-driven storytelling, you may still find plenty to appreciate here. But if you’re looking for edge-of-your-seat heists and fast-paced thrills, this one might test your patience.

Still, I’m curious to see where Briana Chen takes the series from here. With a tighter plot and more action, Lyo and Jasper’s next adventure could really shine.

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐

About the Book:

Publisher: Z-Choice International

Pub. Date: August 2025

Genre: Fantasy, magic

Synopsis:

What price would you pay to undo a death?

In the shadowed streets of Aspizia, two thieves—Lyo Morandi and Jasper Bray—risk everything to rewrite the past. Haunted by the death of their friend Milo, they set their sights on a forbidden prize: a ring reputed to alter time.

To steal it, they must infiltrate the Thieves’ Carousel, a ruthless exhibition where the city’s most dangerous criminals flaunt their treasures—and fight to keep them. But as Lyo and Jasper descend deeper into the catacombs beneath Aspizia, they uncover a truth far more dangerous than they imagined: the ring’s power comes at a devastating cost.

Loyalties splinter. Betrayal lurks around every corner. Loyalties splinter. As the game turns deadly, they must ask themselves: How far will they go to rescue the past and save the future—and how much of themselves are they willing to lose?

The Thieves’ Carousel is a gripping tale of ambition, sacrifice, and the haunting price of second chances.

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Meet the Author:

BRIANA CHEN is an award-winning fantasy author and repeat offender when it comes to falling headfirst into fandoms. She loves morally gray characters, unpredictable plot twists, and books that make her stare at a wall for hours afterward.

She is also a digital artist, gamer, and graduate of Carnegie Mellon University. She currently spends her time battling artist’s and writer’s block—sometimes simultaneously—and pursuing more adventures to add to her hoard of treasure.

connect with the author: website ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads

Giveaway:

Author-signed copy of The Thieves’ Carousel plus merchandise, courtesy of author Briana Chen. (one winner) (USA only) (ends Dec 13)

Enter Here

First, I want to thank the author for the book and for my honest review. This book tour is sponsored by iRead Book Tours. Now, let’s break it down.

A Detective with Grit and History

Rosemaria is no rookie. Raised by a cop father and an actress mother, her childhood straddled fantasy and harsh reality. From a young age, she was drawn to the adrenaline-fueled world of law enforcement. That childhood fascination clearly shaped her future, as she became a homicide detective known for her tenacity and instincts.

The book gives us glimpses of that background—how a childhood tragedy sharpened her focus, how a college incident forced her to risk everything to save her father—but it often does so with a sense of brevity. Instead of feeling like we’re living inside Rosemaria’s head, it often feels like we’re watching her from a distance.

And for mystery readers who love to connect with the protagonist’s internal world (especially those who prefer books to screen for this very reason), that distance can be a little frustrating.

Fast-Paced but Almost Too Fast

With only 118 pages, Lind keeps the plot moving at a brisk pace. There’s no filler here—the story dives into Rosemaria’s world and pulls us through a whirlwind of crime-solving, family dynamics, and emotional beats. But as much as I appreciate a lean, action-driven mystery, I found myself wishing the author had given the story—and especially Rosemaria—more room to breathe.

The book touches on some emotionally rich content: family loyalty, loss, identity, duty—but just when you want to go deeper, the scene changes or the plot moves forward. It’s the kind of book where you turn the last page and think, “Wait, that’s it?”

Especially if you’re new to the series or haven’t read any of the previous Hollywood Mystery books, you might feel like you’ve walked into a story already in progress. While it’s not exactly disorienting, it does make you crave more character development than the pages allow.

Strong Concept, Solid Writing

Lind’s writing is clean and to the point. The dialogue feels authentic, and she brings just enough Hollywood flair to make the setting pop without overdoing it. The balance of mystery and personal backstory works well, and there are moments of real tension and emotion that show Lind’s skill in pacing and plotting.

Rosemaria’s upbringing—between an emotionally imaginative mother and a reality-grounded father—adds a unique angle to her worldview, and the book wisely uses that duality to shape her reactions and decision-making. I just wish we had spent more time in those moments instead of skimming past them.

What Worked:

• ✅ A smart, capable female detective with a rich backstory

• ✅ Fast pacing and a crime storyline that moves quickly

• ✅ Interesting blend of Hollywood glamor and gritty crime

• ✅ Clean writing with a professional tone and emotional beats

What Didn’t:

• ❌ Too short to fully develop Rosemaria or her inner life

• ❌ Lacks the immersive depth many mystery readers crave

• ❌ New readers may feel like they’ve missed an intro

Final Thoughts

A FATE WORSE THAN DEATH has the bones of a strong mystery thriller, and Rosemaria Baker is a character I’d love to spend more time with—preferably in a longer novel where her emotions, thoughts, and motivations can take center stage. If you’re already familiar with Lind’s work or the Hollywood Mystery series, this might feel like a satisfying continuation. But if you’re a newcomer, be prepared to fill in some gaps and want more by the end.

Still, for readers who appreciate a quick read with high stakes and a smart, brave woman at the helm, this one might scratch that mystery itch.

📚 My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 stars)

A solid setup with an intriguing detective, but the short length limits its emotional and narrative depth. Worth a read—but I wanted more.

About the book:

Publisher: Bublish

Pub. Date: August 2021

Genre: Adult Crime Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

As a homicide detective, Rosemaria Baker is known for her street smarts, her feisty personality and her ability to nail the bad guys.

Being the daughter of a cop and an actress gave little Rosemaria a dichotomous view of life. Her mother was inclined to get lost in her fantasies while her father had to face the harsh realities of a world filled with murder and mayhem. Nine-year-old Rosemaria loved both her parents and admired her mother’s talent but even at a young age she felt drawn to her father’s work as a detective, constantly begging him to share with her every detailed description of the dangerous criminals and close calls he survived while chasing the bad guys.

Whatever Rosemaria did she did it well; be it hitting baseballs, shooting baskets, writing school papers, she put her all into every endeavor. When tragedy invaded her world at the tender age of ten, she survived because of her innate ability to compartmentalize her feelings and move forward.

While still in college she was faced with a terrifying situation where she had to use all of her mental and physical capabilities in an effort to save her father’s life. Ignoring what would have been safe and expected of her and asking no one’s advice, she risked everything to find him and bring him home alive.

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Meet the Author:

Britt found out she had a passion for acting, singing, and writing as early as grade school. While attending junior college in Monterey she was discovered by Clint Eastwood when she was playing the lead in a dinner theatre play in Carmel and was cast in Clint’s first directorial effort Play Misty for Me. A few years later, Britt headed for L.A. to attend UCLA and to start her acting career. She obtained featured roles in dramatic series and worked her way up to guest starring roles in shows like Vegas, Columbo, Crazy Like a Fox, the miniseries How the West Was Won and worked on the daytime dramas General Hospital, Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless. She moved to New York where she sang with a gospel group in venues such as Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, Town Hall, and Carnegie Hall. Family matters forced her to head back to her hometown of Seattle for what she thought was a temporary move and there was cast in an independent movie Family Hayes. She was also featured in a Showtime movie shot in Seattle, Nowheresville, played the lead in two Equity plays, Someone’s Knocking, and The Good Doctor, and worked in Vancouver, BC on U.S. Productions, Sliders and For Hope. Her memoir Learning How to Fly recounts her journey from Norway to Hollywood and from animal lover to animal activist and anti-vivisectionist. She has written four Hollywood Mysteries: Deception, Malevolence, A Fate Worse Than Death, and Avarice.

Britt is president of the non-profit group Kindness and Science in Action. She can be reached at britt@kindnessandscience.org For animal lovers, Britt asks that you check out www.kindnessandscience.org and sign up for the mailing list. Her website is brittlind.com

Connect with the author: Website ~ Goodreads

Giveaway:

Enter to win a signed copy of Britt Lind’s memoir, LEARNING HOW TO FLY:
A Speed Reel Journey Toward Life’s Purpose (one winner)(open USA only)

Enter Here!

If you're into high-stakes drama, suspiciously wealthy characters, and a romantic duo that can’t seem to catch a break (or a date night), this might just be your next weekend binge.

Thank you to the author for the book and my honest review. This book tour is brought to you by iRead Book Tours. Be sure to read my full review and enter the giveaway below!

In Avarice, we return to the world of Rosemaria Baker—a tough, no-nonsense ex-cop turned prosecutor whose idea of a vacation apparently includes dodging bullets. Her partner-in-danger (and love interest), Josh Sibley, a singer-songwriter with a murdery past (no big deal), is back as well. Together, they try to enjoy a getaway in sunny Pacific Beach. Spoiler alert: they don’t. Instead, Rosemaria ends up the target of an attempted hit, lands in the hospital, and the entire tone shifts from beach-read to high-octane thriller real quick.

And you know what? It works—mostly.

🎯 The Stakes Are Higher (And So Are the Hills)

The book opens with the couple finally trying to take a break, but someone forgot to tell the gunmen. After an attack that lands Rosemaria in the hospital, Josh is ready to drop everything—including an upcoming European tour with a world-famous singer—to stay by her side. He’s dramatic in all the right ways, and it’s honestly kind of endearing.

With Josh temporarily out of the picture, Rosemaria ends up under the protection of her former partner Larry’s ultra-rich family in a mansion in Holmby Hills. Think Beverly Hills, but gated, guarded, and dripping in “you can’t sit with us” wealth. This setting shift injects a welcome layer of opulence and power dynamics into the already tangled web of crime and romance.

🧩 Mystery Meets Melodrama

The heart of Avarice is still a solid mystery. Rosemaria can’t help but investigate who wants her dead—even from her so-called “safe” gilded cage. The tension ratchets up as clues start pointing inwards, suggesting the threat may be someone close to her.

This is where the story really shines. The pacing is tight, the suspense keeps you guessing, and the Hollywood setting feels fresh rather than overdone. Britt Lind paints a world where power and corruption hold hands under designer sheets, and our heroine has no intention of being anyone’s victim.

There’s a certain cinematic quality to how Lind writes action—gritty without being grotesque, dramatic without being campy. If you love courtroom procedurals, detective grit, and a smattering of Hollywood sparkle, this one delivers.

💕 About That Romance…

Now, let’s talk about Rosemaria and Josh.

Their relationship has always had a love-it-or-raise-an-eyebrow quality, and Avarice doesn’t totally fix that. Sure, the emotional stakes are higher—Josh’s panic and protectiveness after the attack feel sincere—but the chemistry still doesn’t flow as naturally as it could.

It feels like Lind is trying to sell a soulmate romance while also juggling a gritty crime plot, and sometimes the two threads tangle instead of tie neatly together. The good news? The added pressure of life-or-death danger makes their bond feel a little more believable this time around. The bad news? Some moments still feel a touch too scripted, like Josh is auditioning for The Bachelor: Criminal Minds Edition.

That said, fans of the series will likely be satisfied with how their dynamic evolves—and hey, sometimes a little forced romance is better than no romance at all.

🌴 Hollywood Glitz Done Right

One of the unexpected delights of Avarice is its vivid sense of place. From sleazy back alleys to palatial Beverly Hills mansions, Lind nails the geography and vibe of a city that thrives on secrets. The setting adds both style and substance, creating a believable backdrop for all the noir-worthy drama unfolding.

And let’s be honest: reading about Rosemaria navigating a criminal investigation while holed up in a literal fortress of wealth? That’s entertaining on multiple levels.

📝 Final Thoughts

Avarice might not be a flawless gem, but it’s certainly shiny. With its fast pace, escalating tension, and return of familiar characters, it delivers exactly what fans of the series want—danger, heart, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.

If you’re okay with a romance that occasionally feels like it’s trying a bit too hard (but still makes you root for them anyway), you’ll have a great time. The glitz of Hollywood meets the grit of crime fiction, and the result is a satisfying, twisty ride.

Would I recommend it? Sure—especially if you’re already invested in Rosemaria’s journey or you’re looking for a crime thriller that doesn’t shy away from melodrama or mansions.

Just don’t expect a quiet vacation read. Rosemaria doesn’t do quiet.

⭐ Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5 stars]

About the book:

Publisher: Bublish

Release Date: September 2025

Amazon • B&N • BAM • Goodreads

Synopsis:

“An awesome read that should be made into a film!” --Readers’ Favorite

​Rosemaria Baker loved being a cop even though at times she had to chase down pimps, drug dealers, and killers who inhabited the sleazy dark world and back alleys of Hollywood. She decided to become a prosecutor because she enjoys putting the bad guys away even more than arresting them.

When she met Josh Sibley, a down and out singer songwriter, she had no intention of falling in love with a man with whom she had nothing in common and, even worse, he was a murder suspect in a case she was investigating. But life had other ideas and after a few ups and downs, most of them involving dangerous criminals, they discovered they were soulmates, and their differences became the reason why they fell in love.

Taking a long-awaited holiday in Pacific Beach, California, Rosemaria and Josh are enjoying the sun and each other, anticipating a few days of focusing on the good things in life. Josh is also looking forward to touring Europe with Joell, who is a world-famous singer, as well as being Josh’s friend and mentor. But rain clouds blow in from the ocean and bring a raging storm and an attempt on Rosemaria’s life. She escapes the two gunmen who come after her but is injured in the attack and hospitalized. Josh is adamant that he will not leave for Europe until the shooters are caught. Fortunately, Rosemaria’s former partner, Larry Coleman, whose parents are obscenely wealthy, comes to the rescue.

After much persuasion, Josh agrees that Rosemaria will stay with Larry’s parents in their heavily guarded mansion in Holmby Hills, the most exclusive area in the city, until he returns. Rosemaria, of course, cannot be convinced by her friends to stay out of the investigation. She gets deeply involved in the case from the safety of her gilded cage in the mansion and later, after Josh comes back, amongst the wealthy denizens of Beverly Hills.

Working with her ex-homicide-detective father, and her former partners, she helps track down the suspects as they flee California while all her instincts tell her that the person who wants her dead is much closer to home.

Meet the author:

Britt found out she had a passion for acting, singing, and writing as early as grade school. While attending junior college in Monterey she was discovered by Clint Eastwood when she was playing the lead in a dinner theatre play in Carmel and was cast in Clint’s first directorial effort Play Misty for Me. A few years later, Britt headed for L.A. to attend UCLA and to start her acting career. She obtained featured roles in dramatic series and worked her way up to guest starring roles in shows like Vegas, Columbo, Crazy Like a Fox, the miniseries How the West Was Won and worked on the daytime dramas General Hospital, Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless. She moved to New York where she sang with a gospel group in venues such as Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, Town Hall, and Carnegie Hall. Family matters forced her to head back to her hometown of Seattle for what she thought was a temporary move and there was cast in an independent movie Family Hayes. She was also featured in a Showtime movie shot in Seattle, Nowheresville, played the lead in two Equity plays, Someone’s Knocking, and The Good Doctor, and worked in Vancouver, BC on U.S. Productions, Sliders and For Hope. Her memoir Learning How to Fly recounts her journey from Norway to Hollywood and from animal lover to animal activist and anti-vivisectionist. She has written four Hollywood Mysteries: Deception, Malevolence, A Fate Worse Than Death, and Avarice.

Britt is president of the non-profit group Kindness and Science in Action. She can be reached at britt@kindnessandscience.org For animal lovers, Britt asks that you check out www.kindnessandscience.org and sign up for the mailing list. Her website is brittlind.com

Connect with the author: Website ~ goodreads

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