Tag: young adult fantasy

Recent, current, and future reads | WWW Wednesday [1-17-24]

Recent, current, and future reads | WWW Wednesday [1-17-24]

by louisereads ♥ 1 Comment

This is a tag hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words that asks us to answer the three Ws:

  • What are you currently reading?
  • What did you recently finish reading?
  • What do you think you’ll read next?

Happy Wednesday! This has been a stressful week (hence the lack of posts), so I haven’t done a TON of reading since I last updated. I had an important work meeting that I was stressed about and I’ve also been preparing for my first professional conference this weekend! And on top of that, my old lady dog got a back injury 😦 so I’ve been spending a lot of time cuddling her and trying to help her feel better. But! I have been reading every day, so I feel pretty good about that despite everything else that has come up!

I’m still listening to I’m Glad My Mom Died! I’ve been working through it during my workouts, so I’m slowly but surely getting there. This is a tough read! I’ve also been reading Heir of Fire on my Kindle which is so amazing. It’s a little slower than Crown of Midnight, but still so amazing. I’m getting a lot more out of my read than I did the first time.

The last book I finished was Ruthless Vows! What an amazing duology this was. I cannot recommend it enough. I need to look into more of Rebecca Ross’s books–her writing is so gorgeous!

So I’m definitely going to keep moving through the TOG series with Queen of Shadows. Without a doubt. But, I’ve also been wanting to pick up an easy contemporary romance. I’ve been seeing a lot of Abby Jimenez recently, and I’ve only read one of her books which I liked enough. Should I try more of hers? I’m not sure!

What are you currently reading? Any cute contemporary romance suggestions?

Recent, current, and future reads | WWW Wednesday [1.10.24]

Recent, current, and future reads | WWW Wednesday [1.10.24]

by louisereads ♥ 2 Comments

This is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words that asks us to answer the three Ws:

  • What are you currently reading?
  • What did you recently finish reading?
  • What do you think you’ll read next?

Happy Wednesday! This week started off excellent for reading–I’ve already finished two books so far! I have five meetings in the office today, so won’t be getting much read at work, but I’m excited to get into my next read tonight!

I’m in between physical books right now, but I’m slowly working through the audiobook of I’m Glad My Mom Died. This one is a tough listen, but so far I’m glad her mom died, too! No surprise there.

I finished Divine Rivals the other day, and I’m still blown away by how amazing it was! That ending tore me apart. I didn’t have the sequel yet, so I moved onto my reread that had been sitting on the back-burner for a while of Crown of Midnight. I finished it last night, and oh my god, the ending was even better the second time around. I forgot how much I love this series!

Unsurprisingly, I am going to start both Ruthless Vows and Heir of Fire today. I’m not sure when due to how many meetings I have today, but I’m going to make it happen because I need both immediately!

What are you reading today? Hopefully your day isn’t as busy as mine is!

Most anticipated book releases for the first half of 2024 | Top Ten Tuesday [1-9-24]

Most anticipated book releases for the first half of 2024 | Top Ten Tuesday [1-9-24]

by louisereads ♥ 1 Comment

Happy Tuesday! This week’s Top Ten Tuesday (hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl) is most anticipated releases for the first half of 2024! This is the first Top Ten Tuesday I’ve done since returning to book blogging, and I’m super excited about it. This is a good one for me because I’m just now throwing myself back into the bookish world after a long hiatus, so I need to catch myself up on everything releasing this year!

BRIDE BY ALI HAZELWOOD

Release date: February 6th

Oh my god. Ali Hazelwood and vampires???? When I learned about this one, I honest to god yelled. I have such high hopes for this one. Ali Hazelwood is my absolute favorite. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’ll read your grocery lists, Ali!!!

FUNNY STORY BY EMILY HENRY

Release date: April 23rd

Everyone knows by now that Emily Henry is the contemporary romance queen. I’ve read a lot of romance authors, tried to read their entire list of works, but no one has a portfolio as excellent as Emily Henry’s. Maybe Sarah Dessen, but Sarah Dessen is kind of a legend in that way. I digress. I have no doubts this book will be amazing.

A FRAGILE ENCHANTMENT BY ALLISON SAFT

Release date: January 2nd

This one is fortunately already out! I don’t know too much about it aside from what I’ve seen on others’ blogs, but give me a good fantasy romance and I’ll read it. I do not need to know anything else, thank you.

NOT IN LOVE BY ALI HAZELWOOD

Release date: June 11th

I don’t need to go on my Ali Hazelwood spiel again, but just know that this is coming out in June and when it comes out, I will be BUSY.

SO LET THEM BURN BY KAMILAH COLE

Release date: January 16th

I only learned about this one recently, but it’s a Jamaican-inspired queer fantasy with dragons. Guys. This sounds incredible. And that cover?? SO gorgeous.

FAEBOUND BY SAARA EL-ARIFI

Release date: January 18th

ANOTHER queer fantasy coming out!! I don’t know much about this one, but the vibes are there. And another sexy cover. Good work, team.

THE POISONS WE DRINK BY BETHANY BAPTISTE

Release date: March 5th

I haven’t read a good urban fantasy in a reeeeally long time. Witches and illegal love potions? Say less. I’m there.

AN EDUCATION IN MALICE BY S. T. GIBSON

Release date: February 13th

I’m not usually super into dark academia, but this one is lesbians in a Massachusetts college. It may as well be about my college experience, except just slightly more cult-y. This one sounds incredible.

A FATE INKED IN BLOOD BY DANIELLE L. JENSEN

Release date: February 27th

Forbidden fantasy romance. This one sounds so unbelievably hot. I don’t want to get my hopes up, but they’re already so high. Please don’t disappoint, Danielle!!

LORE OF THE WILDS BY ANALEIGH SBRANA

Release date: February 27th

I’m going to be honest, I saw the words romantasy, library, and fae in the synopsis for this one, and that was enough for me. It seems like it might also have a bit of enemies-to-lovers in it. I’m sold. I’m there.

What books are you looking forward to releasing in the first half of 2024?

Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday [1-3-24]

Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday [1-3-24]

by louisereads ♥ 1 Comment

This is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words that asks us to answer the three Ws:

  • What are you currently reading?
  • What did you recently finish reading?
  • What do you think you’ll read next?

Happy first Wednesday of the year, everyone! I’m feeling really good book-wise about this year! I took a sick day today just to fully recover from a cold I had last week, and I’m hoping to get a lot of reading done today. There shouldn’t be much going on at the library since students are still on their winter break, so I’m hoping to get a lot of reading done in-office as well.

I’ve been reading Prodigal Summer for a few months now. I started in October around my birthday and then took a break when some mental health stuff came up, but now I’m back on it! It’s my first Kingsolver novel, and it’s just absolutely beautiful. I love nature imagery.

I also needed a fantasy romance to read at night now that I’m trying to slow down on my smoking (someone help me, lol), so I picked up The Serpent and The Wings of Night last night. It’s a little slow to begin, but I think it will really pick up speed now that the tournament is about to begin!

I just finished A Deal with the Devil a few nights ago, which I already reviewed! I am absolutely obsessed with Tali and Hayes’s love story. I think I’m a bit hard to impress when it comes to romances, so I was surprised by this!

Ok, this is so embarrassing, but I just realized today that I already own Divine Rivals! Last year, there was a time when I kept forgetting to cancel both my Illumicrate and Owlcrate subscriptions (they kinda just pile up for me, especially because my mental health was so bad at the time). It must have come in sometime last year, but now I’m so excited to pick it up! I also am really intrigued by the premise of The Jasad Heir, but haven’t heard too much about it. If you’ve read it, let me know what you thought!

What are you reading today?

Top Ten Cozy Reads | Top Ten Tuesday [11.28.22]

Top Ten Cozy Reads | Top Ten Tuesday [11.28.22]

by louisereads ♥ 4 Comments

Happy Tuesday! This is the first Top Ten Tuesday I’ve done since the summer, and it’s a fun one for me. This week’s Top Ten Tuesday (hosted by Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl) is Cozy Reads! Some of these might not seem like obvious choices, but they’re cozy to ME.

LAST NIGHT AT THE TELEGRAPH CLUB BY MALINDA LO

I’m not sure if it’s because the two girls are always sneaking out at night or if it’s because the story is just so sweet, but this book is cozy to me. It just feels warm and lovely overall.

LITTLE THIEVES BY MARGARET OWEN

For some reason, fairytale retellings are just inherently cozy to me. Especially when they take place in cold settings. Because of these two factors, this one is doubly cozy.

TWICE SHY BY SARAH HOGLE

Pretty much everything Sarah Hogle writes has cozy vibes, but this one is especially cozy because it involves renovating a home. Making a home livable and comfortable–what’s more cozy than that??

ASH BY MALINDA LO

Some might say I shouldn’t include Malinda Lo twice, but I am going to say that those people are wrong. Maybe Malindo Lo just writes really cozy books, or maybe she just writes books that my young queer self would have loved. Regardless, this little gay fae tale is cozy.

LOVE AND OTHER WORDS BY CHRISTINA LAUREN

This one is just so sweet and tender that it can’t NOT be cozy. That’s all.

THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE BY KATHERINE ARDEN

Again, something about fairy tales and cold climates. SO cozy. Someone needs to do a study on this.

THE SHADOW OF THE WIND BY CARLOS RUIZ ZAFÓN

I’ve put this on so many lists, probably because it’s one of my all-time favorites, but this one has that sneaking-out-at-night aspect. It’s also a gothic romance, so those are just inherently cozy as much as they are creepy, right?

SPINNING SILVER BY NAOMI NOVIK

Fairytale, cold, need I say more?

ALONG FOR THE RIDE BY SARAH DESSEN

Seriously, why do I think sneaking out at night = cozy? I think summer nights for me are just cozy, and that is what this novel reminds me of. Another one of my all-time favorites. Sneaking out + romance = COZY

TO THE BRIGHT EDGE OF THE WORLD BY EOWYN IVEY

Another cold climate one, but this time involving more of a nature theme which is also super cozy to me.

What do you think of my requirements for a cozy book? What’s your favorite cozy read?

Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday [11.16.22]

Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday [11.16.22]

by louisereads ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

This is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words that asks us to answer the three Ws:

  • What are you currently reading?
  • What did you recently finish reading?
  • What do you think you’ll read next?

Let’s all pretend I haven’t been gone for 3 months, and this isn’t the first time I’m posting since then. Nope, let’s ignore that. Work and school have been so busy. We got a new head for our library. She’s been great, but so so different than our old Head. Now that fall break is next week, I have a bit more time to read and to write. So, here goes!

Currently reading: I’ve been listening to the audio version of Jeff Zentner’s In the Wild Light. I found this one while doing a Collection Development assignment and am so glad I picked it up. I really love that Appalachian setting. Please let me know if you have any recs with this setting!! I also just started an eARC I have of Winterland by Rae Meadows. I’m not very far at all since I just started it last night, but I’m really enjoying the writing. As for my physical read, I’ve been in the middle of The Whispering Dark by Kelly Andrew. I love the disability rep, but it’s been a bit confusing so far. I really need to push through to see where it goes.

Recently finished: The last book I read was Julia Alvarez’s In the Time of Butterflies. Wow. What a beautiful book. Cannot recommend this one enough.

Reading next: I saw the cover for Everything Sad is Untrue at the bookstore this weekend, but I’m on a hardcover buying ban and left without it. The cover really grabbed my attention, so I immediately looked for it on Libby. I plan on borrowing the audiobook next because there are some really good reviews for it on Goodreads.

What are you reading this week?

Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday [8.24.22]

Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday [8.24.22]

by louisereads ♥ 1 Comment

This is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words that asks us to answer the three Ws:

  • What are you currently reading?
  • What did you recently finish reading?
  • What do you think you’ll read next?

I am going to very honest today. I did not want to make this post. I’ve been dealing with a lot of anxiety and depression for the past few weeks, and I barely have the motivation to do the work I’m actually payed for.😂 HOWEVER, I know that if I leave my blog for too long I will never come back to it, so here I am! Powering through!

Currently reading: I ran out to Barnes & Noble yesterday to pick up Love on the Brain, and of course I’m already loving it. Ali Hazelwood is absolutely one of my favorite authors now. I want to take this one slow though because I’ll be devastated when I finish and have none of her novels left to read.

Recently finished: I JUST finished my audiobook of The Last Olympian today because it was the last day of my library loan. I love this series to death. It’s not listed here, but I plan to go onto the Heroes of Olympus series next.

Reading next: I have a review copy of A Dreadful Splendor to read. I think this has some romance in it which is what I’m really in the mood for, so hopefully that goes well. I’ll get started on this one this weekend when I’m on my flight to visit some friends.

What are you reading this week?

Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday [8.3.22]

Recent, Current, and Future Reads | WWW Wednesday [8.3.22]

by louisereads ♥ 1 Comment

This is a meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words that asks us to answer the three Ws:

  • What are you currently reading?
  • What did you recently finish reading?
  • What do you think you’ll read next?

Happy Wednesday! I’m going to the bookstore in a bit with my dad to pick up a copy of the book I just finished (I’ll get to it!), and I plan on going to read on the porch for a while. So its shaping up to be a good bookish day for me!

Recently finished: I just finished my audiobook of John Green’s The Anthropocene Reviewed today. I teared up a few times listening to this. I know the Green brothers are very polarizing people, but I have always been more on the side of loving them. I’ve always enjoyed John Green’s voice, so this one was just a lot of really enjoyable essays.

Currently reading: I’m working on my ARC of Bend Toward the Sun right now. I love when STEM is incorporated into novels, especially biology or horticulture. I’m still undecided on how I feel about the actual romance, but I hope to finish this one in the next couple days.

Reading next: Bend Toward the Sun and Bronze Drum are both releasing next week, so I need to get Bronze Drum in as well once I finish the former. I don’t know too much about it, but I love a good tale of sisters. I’ve never read anything set in Ancient Vietnam before either, so that should be exciting.

What are you reading today?

Books I Read in July | Wrap-Up

Books I Read in July | Wrap-Up

by louisereads ♥ 2 Comments

COVID hit me hard this month! I’m still having breathing issues 4 weeks later! On top of that, my best friend from college came to visit this week. Both of these made for a not-so great reading month. But! I am looking forward to a relaxing August (aside from having to go back to school and work) filled with lots of reading!

I read five books this month, so not too bad. Not great, but not bad at all.

Emotional, adventurous, and lighthearted were my top moods. I don’t usually go for lighthearted, but I think those mostly correspond to Percy Jackson books which I’m really enjoying reading through! Emotional and adventurous are much more my speed, so those make sense.

Historical isn’t something I pick up too often–I didn’t realize I had two historical books this month. I really enjoyed them both, so maybe it’s a sign I need to start reading more historical fiction.

Here are the books I read! Click the covers to see my reviews 🙂

What’s the best book you read in July?

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia | Book Review

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia | Book Review

by louisereads ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Carlota Moreau: a young woman, growing up in a distant and luxuriant estate, safe from the conflict and strife of the Yucatán peninsula. The only daughter of either a genius, or a madman.

Montgomery Laughton: a melancholic overseer with a tragic past and a propensity for alcohol. An outcast who assists Dr. Moreau with his scientific experiments, which are financed by the Lizaldes, owners of magnificent haciendas and plentiful coffers.

The hybrids: the fruits of the Doctor’s labor, destined to blindly obey their creator and remain in the shadows. A motley group of part human, part animal monstrosities.

All of them living in a perfectly balanced and static world, which is jolted by the abrupt arrival of Eduardo Lizalde, the charming and careless son of Doctor Moreau’s patron, who will unwittingly begin a dangerous chain reaction.

I’m struggling with COVID brain fog as I write this, so apologies if it’s not coherent!

I’ve never read The Island of Doctor Moreau, so I have no basis of that for this review, just so we’re all clear lol

Silvia Moreno-Garcia is on track to be one of my favorite writers. I just love how concise yet detailed her writing is. It feels lush and rich somehow without being too flowery. Her characters always feel real and charming, too. She does gothic so well. I was very disturbed by parts of this, but it wasn’t horror, and I could still enjoy Carlota’s and Montgomery’s story.

I also loved her inclusion of Maya and settler colonial conflict within the story. I always appreciate a story where whiteness can be decentered, especially in historical colonial contexts.

I think I would have preferred if the ending were a little faster. There was a period of time while reading where I was just kind of confused about what was going on and how it would work out. But this was really the only time I struggled with reading the novel.

This was such an exciting read, and I actually liked it better than Mexican Gothic (which I also really enjoyed).

Thank you to NetGalley for providing the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.