Book Review: The Break Up Tour by Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley ‘The Break Up Tour’ was released in 2024, and is known to be inspired by Taylor Swift amalgamating her discography and going on tour with ‘The Eras Tour’. To celebrate the first anniversary of the end of her tour, I could think ofContinueContinue reading
Author Archives: imogenlsmiley
Book Review: Tina The Dog Who Changed The World by Niall Harbison ‘Tina The Dog Who Changed The World’ is a non-fiction book by Niall Harbison. It was published in 2025 and was his second book, which reflects semi-chronologically on the rescue of a golden retriever he named Tina from the Thai island of KohContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn The Legendborn Cycle series by Tracy Deonn currently consists of three books: ‘Legendborn’ (2020), ‘Bloodmarked’ (2022) and the highly-anticipated ‘Oathbound’ (2025). Following on, almost immediately from the events of ‘Legendborn’, ‘Bloodmarked’ explores the levels of control that the Order of the Round Table and its Regents have upon theContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Fearless by Lauren Roberts ‘Fearless’ by Lauren Roberts is the final book in her ‘Powerless’ trilogy. It was released in 2025, and follows on in the immediate fallout of the cliffhanger in ‘Reckless’, that despite murdering the late king, Paedyn Grey was going to marry Kit, and become the queen of Ilya. And,ContinueContinue reading
Book Review: These Infinite Threads by Tahereh Mafi ‘These Infinite Threads’ by Tahereh Mafi was published in 2023. It is the second book in the series, the events of which proceeded immediately after the cliffhanger from ‘This Woven Kingdom’, addressing the fallout from Alizeh’s escape from Ardunia to Toulan with King Cyrus. I was underContinueContinue reading
Book Review: The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley ‘The Midnight Feast’ by Lucy Foley was published in 2024. It was Waterstones’ Thriller Book of the Month in June 2025 upon the paperback release. Prior to ‘The Midnight Feast’, I hadn’t read any of Foley’s books before, primarily, because I have never leaned much into thriller,ContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Fire and Blood by George R. R. Martin ‘Fire and Blood’ by George R. R. Martin was published in 2018, after the ending of the ‘Game Of Thrones’ TV series, which boosted the popularity of the series exponentially. While I was aware of the acclaim of the series, it took me years toContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Pine by Francine Toon ‘Pine’ by Francine Toon was published in YEAR. It is a creepy thriller novel which follows a young girl called Lauren, whose mum went missing when she was a baby. I am not the most avid of thriller readers, but a friend bought this book for me years agoContinueContinue reading
Book Review: The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones ‘The Only Good Indians’ by Stephen Graham Jones was released in 2020. It is one of his more recent works of fiction. The book is Own Voices, and follows a group of men who killed a group of elk in the lead-up to Thanksgiving tenContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw ‘Nothing But Blackened Teeth’ by Cassandra Khaw was released in 2021. It is a short story which follows a group of friends who have trespassed on a haunted mansion in Japan to look for ghosts. The story follows Cat and her friends, who decided that theyContinueContinue reading
‘A Dowry Of Blood’ by S. T. Gibson was released in 2021. It was her third book. The novel is vaguely epistolary, a long, poetic love letter to the late Count Dracula, written after his untimely demise. It explored the complex feelings of Count Dracula’s first bride, Constanta, from her first death and rebirth into vampirism in Romania, and how her immortal life was, living under his thumb.
Book Review: Sour Candy by Kealan Patrick Burke ‘Sour Candy’ by Kealan Patrick Burke was released in 2015. It is a short supernatural horror novella. It follows Phil Pendleton, who, after being faced by a bedraggled woman and her screaming child in the candy aisle of ‘Walmart’, was rear-ended by the very same woman, withContinueContinue reading
‘The Mist’ is one of Stephen King’s novellas, first published 1980. This short story delves into a more eldritch take on horror, whilst also delving into what makes a monster. It looks at one of my favourite areas of niche media; ones that delve into the possibilities of deep, horrific, government orchestrated creations being inadvertently unleashed, and the horrible atrocities that could commence.
Book Review: Guillotine by Delilah S. Dawson ‘Guillotine’ by Delilah S. Dawson was published in 2024. It is a short story that explores the super-rich and exclusivity of it through grotesque and visceral horror. The horror in this book was harrowing and intimate in a variety of ways and was incredibly interesting to look into.ContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Gentlest of Wild Things by Sarah Underwood ‘Gentlest of Wild Things’ by Sarah Underwood was released in 2024. It is her second novel and happens during the same universe as her debut, ‘Lies We Sing To The Sea’, which is set on Ithaca, Odysseus’ homeland, generations after his passing, where the Isle isContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Burn Our Bodies Down by Rory Power Version 1.0.0 ‘Burn Our Bodies Down’ by Rory Power was published in YEAR. It is a YA horror novel which depicts generational trauma as a creature that is festering underground. This book follows Margot, a seventeen-year-old girl who lives with her single mother, estranged from theContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Reckless by Lauren Roberts ‘Reckless’ by Lauren Roberts is the second book of the ‘Powerless’ trilogy. It was published in 2024, and follows promptly after Paedyn killed the king of Ilya. In my opinion, this book was essentially a really long-winded way to achieve three imperative plot points, all of which are acknowledgedContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Human Rites by Juno Dawson ‘Human Rites’ by Juno Dawson was released in 2025. It is the final book in Dawson’s ‘Her Majesty’s Royal Coven’ series. It was one of my most highly-anticipated reads of 2025, and I was so excited to get into it.
Book Review: This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi ‘This Woven Kingdom’ by Tahereh Mafi was published in 2022. It is the first book in the series of the same name, following a world where a race of Jinn was punished for the wrongdoings of the devil himself, segregated from the human race, known as Clay.ContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Legendborn by Tracy Deonn The Legendborn Cycle series by Tracy Deonn currently consists of three books: ‘Legendborn’ (2020), ‘Bloodmarked’ (2022) and the highly-anticipated ‘Oathbound’ (2025). The series follows Briana ‘Bree’ Matthews, a sixteen year old black girl that lived in a small town with a meagre black population. An academic superstar, she managesContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Daydream by Hannah Grace ‘Daydream’ by Hannah Grace was released in 2024. It is the third book in Grace’s Maple Hills series, which follows an ice hockey team and their respective love stories. This book was highly anticipated by Grace’s readers. It follows Henry Turner, the delightful best friend from ‘Icebreaker’ and ‘Wildfire’,ContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Babel by R. F. Kuang ‘Babel’ also known as ‘Babel, Or the Necessity Of Violence’ or ‘Babel: An Arcane History’ is a novel by R. F. Kuang. It was published in 2022 and is her fourth book. It is what she describes as a piece of speculative fiction, however, this alternative history novelContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Katabasis by R. F. Kuang ‘Katabasis’ by R. F. Kuang is due to be published in August 2025. I was fortunate enough to receive an Advance Reader Copy through a random lottery draw I put my name in at work. Oh, the perks of being a Bookseller! I was absolutely elated to beContinueContinue reading
Reading Like A Writer: Examining ‘Powerless’ by Lauren Roberts
Reading Like A Writer: Examining ‘Powerless’ by Lauren Roberts A wise university lecturer once told us that writers learn more about their craft from reading books they didn’t like, than from the ones we do. At the time, I didn’t necessarily appreciate the sentiment behind the phrase, and struggled to apply this teaching to myContinueContinue reading “Reading Like A Writer: Examining ‘Powerless’ by Lauren Roberts”
Book Review: If You’ll Have Me by Eunnie ‘If You’ll Have Me’ by Eunnie is a stand-alone graphic novel that came out in 2023. It follows Momo and PG, two girls attending university, whose paths cross in the funniest of ways. I loved this book. It had me laughing my head off. I loved howContinueContinue reading
‘The Passing Playbook’ by Isaac Fitzsimons was released in 2021. It was his first novel and tells the story of a transgender teen, Spencer, who moved to an expensive private school after a threat was made to his life due to his identity at a previous school. When he joins Oakley, he declares that for his own safety, he will “go stealth” and rely on his ability to pass as cisgender to stay under the radar.
‘Café Con Lychee’ by Emery Lee (e/em) was released in 2022 and is Lee’s second book. It follows the story of Theo Mori and Gabi Moreno, as their rival family restaurants are forced to acknowledge a common enemy: World Fusion Café, an establishment with mediocre food, but vibrant, Instagrammable drinks.
‘Felix Ever After’ by Kacen Callender was their second young-adult novel, and was released in 2020. The story follows seventeen-year-old Felix Love’s life after he is the victim of a malicious hate-crime, where old photos from his Instagram, pre-transition, were blown up and put on display in the foyer and gallery space at the art school he and his best friend Ezra attend: Saint Catherine’s.
Book Review: All About Romance by Daniel Tawse ‘All About Romance’ by Daniel Tawse was released in 2023. It tells the story of Roman Bright and their final year at secondary school, after a tumultuous end of Year Ten. As a young, queer student, Roman Bright is being treated horribly by their classmates. After beingContinueContinue reading
Book Review: I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy ‘I’m Glad My Mom Died’ by Jennette McCurdy was released in 2022, and was a NYT bestseller. The autobiography was inherently very controversial due to its title and thus highly sought-after book upon its release due to the name alone. Saying that, McCurdy’s book alsoContinueContinue reading
Book Review: The Lamb by Lucy Rose ‘The Lamb’ by Lucy Rose was published in 2025. It is Rose’s debut novel and explores the idea of love through the lens of cannibalism thematically. This book can be rather grotesque, and while, in my opinion, this gruesome description could have been used more consistently throughout theContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Faithbreaker by Hannah Kaner ‘Faithbreaker’ by Hannah Kaner came out in 2025. It is the final instalment of Kaner’s ‘Godkiller’ series and follows Kissen, Elo, and Inara as they try and save their homeland from the threat of the malignant God, Hseth, and the people that have been manipulated by her. This bookContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Butter by Asako Yuzuki Version 1.0.0 Butter by Asako Yuzuki was originally published in 2017, in Japanese, it was translated by Polly Barton, and published in the UK in 2024, where it won Waterstones Book Of The Year, and is the company’s Book Of The Month for May 2025. The story follows Rika,ContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Sunrise On The Reaping by Suzanne Collins ‘Sunrise On The Reaping’ by Suzanne Collins was released in 2025. It is the second of Collins’ ‘The Hunger Games’ prequels. This book follows sixteen-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, and the events of the 50th Hunger Games, the Second Quarter Quell, where there were double the amount ofContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Self-Made Boys by Anna-Marie McLemore ‘Self-Made Boys’ by Marie McLemore is a reimagining of a classic novel, in this instance, ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This book tells the story of Nick Carraway and Jay Gatsby in a completely different light and it almost instantly became one of my favourite readsContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Powerless by Lauren Roberts ‘Powerless’ by Lauren Roberts was published in 2023. It is the first book in a series with the same name and consists of ‘Powerless’ (2023), ‘Reckless’ (2024) and ‘Fearless’ which was published earlier this month. There is also a novella that accompanies this series called ‘Powerful’, (2024) which followsContinueContinue reading
Book Review: I Was Born For This by Alice Oseman ‘I Was Born For This’ by Alice Oseman was released in 2018. It is one of her novels, as opposed to her comics. This particular story explores fan culture and friendship. It follows Fereshteh, or as she’s better known, Angel Rahemi, a superfan of aContinueContinue reading
From ‘Sunrise On The Reaping’ to ‘Of Mice And Men’ to ‘Get A Life, Chloe Brown’, Reading Is A Political Act
From ‘Sunrise On The Reaping’ to ‘Of Mice And Men’ to ‘Get A Life, Chloe Brown’, Reading Is A Political Act When prospective readers are young and first introduced to fairytales, they are often provided with books with clear moral messages at the end: ‘Alice In Wonderland’ (1865) by Lewis Caroll encourages curiosity and toContinueContinue reading “From ‘Sunrise On The Reaping’ to ‘Of Mice And Men’ to ‘Get A Life, Chloe Brown’, Reading Is A Political Act”
Book Review: The Bloodsworn Saga by John Gwynne Version 1.0.0 ‘The Bloodsworn Saga’ is a trilogy by John Gwynne that consists of ‘The Shadow of the Gods’ (2021), ‘The Hunger of the Gods’ (2022) and ‘The Fury of the Gods’ (2024). It is a Norse-inspired epic fantasy novel that had me in a vice-like grip.ContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White ‘Hell Followed With Us’ by Andrew Joseph White was released in 2022. It was his debut novel and it took the world by storm, telling a compelling, visceral story about trauma, anguish, repression, religion, and queerness. The story follows Benji, a trans man who hasContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Drop Dead by Lily Chu ‘Drop Dead’ by Lily Chu is an Audible Original story that was released in 2024. It is a split narrative rivals-to-lovers romance novel with fade-to-black bedroom scenes. The events of the book focus on two journalists who are both esteemed in their individual careers, whose lives keep crashingContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross ‘Ruthless Vows’ by Rebecca Ross was released in 2023, and is the sequel to ‘Divine Rivals’, the bestselling fantasy novel about two young people that fall in love amidst times of war, through the sharing of letters via magical typewriters. This book is prompt in its following ofContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Wildfire by Hannah Grace ‘Wildfire’ by Hannah Grace was released in 2023. It is the second book in her Maple Hills series, and is preceded by ‘Icebreaker’ which was a smash hit on Booktok and definitely helped put hockey romance on the map. This book takes place during the summer following ‘Icebreaker’ andContinueContinue reading
Taylor Swift’s ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ Was A Long Time Coming
The above is a screenshot from Taylor Swift’s ‘Fortnight’ music video, and can be found via YouTube Taylor Swift is one of the most influential artists in the music industry. On top of that, she is also one of the most prevalent poets and lyricists I can think of. She has a way with wordsContinueContinue reading “Taylor Swift’s ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ Was A Long Time Coming”
Book Review: Mickey Chambers Shakes It Up by Charish Reid ‘Mickey Chambers Shakes It Up’ by Charish Reid was released in 2023. I happened across it when I was browsing recommended romance novels after finishing another romcom. I was immediately enamoured with the idea of older characters finding love, since it seemed that most ofContinueContinue reading
Book Review: That Time I Got Drunk And Saved A Human by Kimberly Lemming ‘That Time I Got Drunk And Saved A Human’ is the third book in Kimberly Lemming’s Mead Mishaps Series, which is available to read via Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited subscription. It was published in 2023 and follows the love story between DanteContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Lore Of The Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana / ‘Lore Of The Wilds’ by Analeigh Sbrana was released in 2023. It was Sbrana’s debut novel and the first in a duology, which is to be succeeded by ‘Lore Of The Tides’, a book that is due to be released this year. The story hasContinueContinue reading
Book Review: D’vaughn And Kris Plan A Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins ‘D’Vaughn And Kris Plan A Wedding’ by Chencia C. Higgins was published in 2022. I read this as an audiobook as part of Spotify Premium’s audiobook service, and I absolutely loved how immersive it made this reading experience. ‘D’Vaughn And Kris Plan AContinueContinue reading
Why A Character-Driven Story Was The Best Move For ‘Squid Game’ Season 2
Promotional Poster for ‘Squid Game 2’ Credit: Netflix .com ‘Squid Game’ was initially released in 2021, with its second season, released on 26th December 2024, achieving a whopping 68 million views during its premiere week. The first season was fantastic, leaving fans on the edges of their seats, desperate to know what would happen toContinueContinue reading “Why A Character-Driven Story Was The Best Move For ‘Squid Game’ Season 2”
Book Review: Bingsu For Two by Sujin Witherspoon ‘Bingsu For Two’ by Sujin Witherspoon was released in 2025. It is Witherspoon’s debut novel. I have been excited to read it since she was originally pitching it on social media. I really enjoyed this book. Witherspoon was able to convey a lot of serious and hard-hittingContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Love At First Set by Jennifer Dugan ‘Love At First Set’ by Jennifer Dugan was released in 2023. It drew my eye thanks to TikTok, where it was promoted as a love story between two women who meet in the bathroom, and one encourages the other to leave her fiance at the altar.ContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Dungeons And Drama by Kirsty Boyce ‘Dungeons and Drama’ by Kristy Boyce is a Young Adult romance novel that was published in 2024. It follows Riley, a High Schooler and theatre buff, who stole her mother’s car and drove it to Columbus, Ohio, without a license with her best friend Hoshiko to seeContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Hate Mail by Donna Marchetti ‘Hate Mail’ by Donna Marchetti is a romantic comedy that was released in 2024. The book tells the story of former pen pals, Naomi Light and Luca Pichler, who, throughout the years have been sending mean letters to each other, while also being the other’s closest confidante. Until,ContinueContinue reading
Language, Literature, and Accessibility: Are You Isolating Your Audience?
Reading should always be for pleasure – but when you’re in education, you don’t have the option to choose what texts you study. John Webster’s ‘The White Devil’ is a play from the 1600s. It is a pre-gothic text and one I studied in 2016. I was expected to memorise quotes from this book andContinueContinue reading “Language, Literature, and Accessibility: Are You Isolating Your Audience?”
Book Review: The Reappearance Of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson ‘The Reappearance Of Rachel Price’ by Holly Jackson was released in 2024. It is another one of Jackson’s stand-alone novels. This story follows Bel Price, the eighteen-year-old daughter of a woman who mysteriously vanished, abandoning her toddler in the backseat of her car. Sixteen yearsContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Make The Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake ‘Make The Season Bright’ is a holiday romance novel by Ashley Herring Blake. It was released in 2024 and follows the second-chance romance between Charlotte and Brighton, two queer women in their late twenties, who, once-upon-a-time had been engaged, only for Brighton to leave CharlotteContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Only For The Holidays by Abiola Bello ‘Only For The Holidays’ by Abiola Bello was released in 2023. It is a New Adult romance novel that follows Quincy and Tia, two teenagers, whose paths cross when Tia’s family book a holiday at Quincy’s family’s rural farm and lodge. Quincy Parker is well-off. HisContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Worst In Show by Anna E. Collins ‘Worst In Show’ by Anna E. Collins was published in 2024. It is a rivals-to-lovers romance novel that follows Cora and Leo, rival pet store owners. While Cora works for a family business, Leo is a swanky, former Wall Street worker, who moved into the emptyContinueContinue reading
Book Review: The Boy In The Tower by Polly Ho-Yen ‘The Boy In The Tower’ by Polly Ho-Yen was published in 2014. It was her debut children’s novel. The story follows Ade, a young boy, living with his mum in a tower block in London. When a series of peculiar events begin to take placeContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Darn Knit All by Evie Mitchell ‘Darn Knit All’ by Evie Mitchell is the third book in her All Access Series: a romance series that puts a spotlight on showcasing relationships starring people with an array of disabilities. This book, which was released in 2024, the best part of three years after itsContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Finn Rhodes, Forever by Stephanie Archer ‘Finn Rhodes, Forever’ is the last book of Stephanie Archer’s series following the Rhodes brothers and explores the relationship between baby of the family Finn Rhodes and his childhood sweetheart, Olivia Morgan. It was released in 2023 and is available to read via Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited subscription.ContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Icebreaker by Hannah Grace ‘Icebreaker’ by Hannah Grace was published in 2022. It was Grace’s debut novel. The story is a great introduction to her Maple Hills Series, a hockey romance series, which seemed to catapult hockey to the precipice of sports romance. I am very late to the game when it comesContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Queen B by Juno Dawson ‘Queen B’ by Juno Dawson was released in 2024. It is a prequel novella which predates the events of Dawson’s ‘Her Majesty’s Royal Coven’ series, which is due to conclude with the final book, ‘Human Rites’ due to come out in 2025. This book was a surprise toContinueContinue reading
Book Review: That Time I Got Drunk And Yeeted A Love Potion At A Werewolf ‘That Time I Got Drunk And Yeeted A Love Potion At A Werewolf’ is the second book in Kimberly Lemming’s Mead Mishaps series. It was released in 2022 and is available to read via Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited subscription. This isContinueContinue reading
Book Review: I Feed Her To The Beast And The Beast Is Me by Jamison Shea Version 1.0.0 ‘I Feed Her To The Beast And The Beast Is Me’ by Jamison Shea was released in 2023. It was a heartbreaking, powerful story about institutionalised racism, ambition and determination. The story follows seventeen-year-old Laure, a ballerinaContinueContinue reading
Book Review: The Changing Man by Tomi Oyemakinde ‘The Changing Man’ was released in 2023, it was author, Tomi Oyemakinde’s debut novel and explores the truth behind an urban legend, and the importance of having friends to support you through hard times. The story follows Ife, who has been at her new prestigious boarding schoolContinueContinue reading
Book Review: You Aren’t Supposed To Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron ‘You’re Not Supposed To Die Tonight’ by Kalynn Bayron is a YA thriller that has a strong slasher motif. It was released in 2023, and is Bayron’s sixth novel. The story follows seventeen-year-old Charity, who has been working at an immersive theatre experience calledContinueContinue reading
Book Review: The City Of Nightmares Duology by Rebecca Schaeffer ‘The City of Nightmares Duology’ by Rebecca Schaeffer consists of two novels: ‘City of Nightmares’ and ‘Cage of Dreams’, a profound science fiction novel that explores the concept of potentially being transferred into your worst nightmare whenever you dream. The first novel was released inContinueContinue reading
Book Review: The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw ‘The Salt Grows Heavy’ by Cassandra Khaw was released in 2023. It is a unique blend of horror and dark fantasy, exploring darker themes through supernatural entities and grotesque violence. There are two main characters, neither of whom are named, The Plague Doctor and The Mermaid,ContinueContinue reading
Book Review: The Break-Up Artist by Erin Clark and Laura Lovely ‘The Break-Up Artist’ by Erin Clark and Laura Lovely was an audible original novella, and is only available to listen to with an Audible subscription. It tells a compelling story of grief, jealousy, miscommunications, imposter syndrome and all the nuanced issues with falling inContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa ‘Most Ardently’ by Gabe Cole Novoa was released in 2024. It is part of the Remixed Classics series, where authors of diverse backgrounds rewrite classic fiction. Authors who have contributed to this collection include Novoa, Cherie Dimaline, Caleb Roehrig, Kalynn Bayron, Anna-Marie McLemore, Tasha Suri, Aminah MaeContinueContinue reading
Book Review: In Your Dreams, Holden Rhodes by Stephanie Archer ‘In Your Dreams, Holden Rhodes’ is the third of Stephanie Archer’s Queen’s Cove series, it was released in 2022. It is available to read, along with the rest of the series via Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited subscription. This book follows Holden, the second-born Rhodes, reclusive, reserved,ContinueContinue reading
Book Review: No Ballet Shoes In Syria by Catherine Bruton ‘No Ballet Shoes In Syria’ by Catherine Bruton was released in 2019. It was her seventh attributed release. This is a beautiful children’s book which explores the universal language of dance and the bonds you can forge through the craft. When eleven-year-old Aya arrives inContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Playing For Keeps by Jennifer Dugan ‘Playing For Keeps’ by Jennifer Dugan was released in 2024. It follows the story of Ivy and June, two queer teenagers who absolutely love sport – while June is the only girl on a boys’ baseball team, and their star pitcher, Ivy dreams of a career onContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Sunbringer by Hannah Kaner ‘Sunbringer’ is the second book in Hannah Kaner’s Godkiller trilogy. This installment was released in February 2024 and was a book that I absolutely couldn’t wait to read from the second I finished the first book. I wasn’t sure what to expect from ‘Sunbringer’ when I was waiting forContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Take A Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert ‘Take A Hint, Dani Brown’ by Talia Hibbert is the second book in her Brown Sisters trilogy, following the three Brown sisters, Chloe Brown, Dani Brown, and Eve Brown. My review of the first book in the series, ‘Get A Life, Chloe Brown’ went liveContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Life On The Refrigerator Door by Alice Kuipers ‘Life On The Refrigerator Door’ by Alice Kuipers was originally published in 2007. It was her debut novel. It is written in epistolary style, and explores the relationship between a mother and daughter, when they don’t realise their time together is running out. Claire isContinueContinue reading
Book Review: As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson ‘As Good As Dead’ by Holly Jackson is the last book in her ‘A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder’ trilogy, preceded by ‘A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder’ and ‘Good Girl, Bad Blood’. I reviewed each book individually and the reviews went live in January andContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Medea by Rosie Hewlett ‘Medea’ by Rosie Hewlett was released in 2024. It tells the story of Medea, the tragic heroine who married Jason of the Argonauts, killed her brother and then subsequently murdered both of the sons she had with Jason to punish him for leaving her. She is often seen asContinueContinue reading
‘The Henna Wars’ by Adiba Jaigirdar was released in 2020. It was a huge milestone in the development of young adult queer literature. If readers were lucky enough to read about sapphic relationships prior to the release of The Henna Wars, it was a struggle to find ones that weren’t about white girls.
Book Review: Told You So by Leeanne Slade ‘Told You So’ by Leeanne Slade is an Audible Original story. It is a romantic comedy that follows a woman called Lucy Redway, who has experienced more than her fair share of heartbreak in her past. The story catalogues her experience during the week leading up toContinueContinue reading
I finally got my hands on what I consider a significant relic of queer literature’s past. ‘Kiss’ by Jacqueline Wilson was published in 2007, and after sixteen years (oh my GOD!) I’m finally going to talk about it.
‘She Gets The Girl’ is a novel co-written by Alyson Derrick, Rachael Lippincott and was published in 2022. It follows two girls, Alex and Molly, in their first month of college. Despite being in the same classes, Alex and Molly are worlds apart, and when they meet at a house party on their first day, both make an impression.
‘The Gravity Of Us’ was Phil Stamper’s first novel, released back in 2019. This insightful story shouts hard-hitting truths from the rafters; a primary theme of this book is communication, whether among friends, family, or the media.
Book Review: Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail by Ashley Herring Blake ‘Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail’ by Ashley Herring Blake was released in 2021. It is the second of her series set in Bright Falls. However, it can be read as a standalone. I reviewed the first book in the series last year, you can read myContinueContinue reading
Book Review: The Weiner Across The Way by Amy Award ‘The Wiener Across The Way’ by Amy Award is the second book of the Cocky Kingmans’ series. It was released in early 2024, and is preceded by ‘The Cock Down The Block’, which I reviewed back in March. I cannot even begin to say howContinueContinue reading
Book Review: The Wrong Mr. Right by Stephanie Archer ‘The Wrong Mr. Right’ is the second book in Stephanie Archer’s Queen’s Cove series. It was published in 2022 and is available to read via Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited Subscription. I read the first book in the series, ‘That Kind Of Guy’ in a few hours, andContinueContinue reading
Somewhere In The Crowd by Katrina Logan was released in April 2023, less than a month before the UK hosted the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine. The novel follows a group of friends who meet twelve years prior in 2010, at the Eurovision Grand Final in Oslo, and make a pact to meet for the contest each year.
Book Review: My Sister Lives On The Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher ‘My Sister Lives On The Mantelpiece’ by Annabel Pitcher was released in 2011, it was her debut novel, and is a hard-hitting, emotional story about grief, family, racism and friendship. The story was incredibly powerful and my eyes were welling up at the end!ContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert ‘Get A Life, Chloe Brown’ was published in 2019. It is the first book in Talia Hibbert’s Brown Sisters Series, a romance trilogy following the three Brown sisters, Chloe, Danika and Eve. All three of these books are available to read via Amazon’s Kindle UnlimitedContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Rescue Me by Sarra Manning ‘Rescue Me’ by Sarra Manning was released in 2021, it is one of a vast catalogue of published books Manning has released in her career. This novel follows the story of Margot and Will, two strangers who meet by chance at an animal rescue centre and fall headContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson ‘Good Girl, Bad Blood’ is the second book in Holly Jackson’s ‘A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder’ trilogy. It was released in YEAR and is concluded by ‘As Good As Dead’. Due to the episodic nature of each of these books, I felt it was bestContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Once A Monster by Robert Dinsdale ‘Once A Monster’ by Robert Dinsdale was released in 2023. It was his seventh release. It retells the story of the mythic monster, the minotaur, supposedly slain by Theseus, with the help of Ariadne, as he walks the line between man and monster. I felt that thisContinueContinue reading
Book Review: That Time I Got Drunk And Saved A Demon by Kimberly Lemming ‘That One Time I Got Drunk And Saved A Demon’ by Kimberly Lemming was originally published in 2021. It is the first book of her ‘Mead Mishaps’ series, which follows the stories of multiple characters at different points in time withContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Win, Lose, Kill, Die by Cynthia Murphy ‘Win, Lose, Kill, Die’ by Cynthia Murphy was released in 2022. It was a booktok sensation, after videos the first page circulated online. It certainly piqued my interest. Something that is mentioned toward the end of the novel, a lie, could have posed a much moreContinueContinue reading
Book Review: We Hunt The Flame by Hafsah Faizal ‘We Hunt The Flame’ is the first of author Hafsah Faizal’s ‘The Sands of Arawiya Duology’. ‘We Hunt The Flame’ was published in 2019, while the sequel, ‘We Free The Stars’, was published in 2021. The first book was incredibly rich in lore and immersive toContinueContinue reading
‘Queen Charlotte’ is a novel set in the ‘Bridgerton’ universe, following the life of King George III and his wife, Queen Charlotte. The book was released in 2023 in the wake of the successful spin-off season of Netflix’s ‘Bridgerton’, with the same name.
Book Review: A Kind Of Spark by Elle McNicoll ‘A Kind Of Spark’ by Elle McNicoll was released in 2020 and was her debut children’s fiction novel. It follows Addie, an eleven year old girl, entering her final year of primary school. She also happens to be autistic. Firstly, shout-out to McNicoll for having herContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Happy Place by Emily Henry ‘Happy Place’ by Emily Henry was released in 2023, and follows the story of Harriet, when she attends a summer trip to her friend Sabrina’s beach house for their annual reunion, and finds out her ex-fiancé has also been invited, because neither of them thought it prudent toContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Love Flushed by Evie Mitchell ‘Love Flushed’ is the second book of Evie Mitchell’s ‘All Acess’ series, and was released in 2021. It is preceded by ‘Knot My Type’, which I reviewed previously, and will be followed by ‘Darn Knit All’, which, unfortunately, doesn’t yet have a release date. You can read myContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Sit, Stay, Love by Amy Hutton ‘Sit, Stay, Love’ by Amy Hutton was released in 2023. It is a friends-to-lovers romcom set in Australia, and follows Sera, a young woman who runs an animal rescue, who has inadvertently found herself caught with two men interested in her. Anyone who knows me knows thatContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Under The Rainbow by Celia Laskey ‘Under The Rainbow’ was released in 2020, it was the author, Celia Laskey’s debut novel. The book offers a lot of insight into the change that can come when a LGBTQ+ organisation comes to reform the most homophobic town in the United States, Big Burr, Kansas. IContinueContinue reading
Book Review: That Kind Of Guy by Stephanie Archer ‘That Kind Of Guy’ by Stephanie Archer was published in 2021. It is the first book of her Queen’s Cove series, all of which are available to read via Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited subscription. This was a book that I kept seeing all over social media, andContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Masters Of Death by Olivie Blake ‘Masters Of Death’ by Olivie Blake was published in 2023. It is a contemporary fantasy novel, which follows the godson of Death, Fox D’Mora as he goes on to “best [Death]”. I really enjoyed ‘Masters of Death’, and while I had a few issues with it, mostContinueContinue reading
Book Review: The Cock Down The Block by Amy Award ‘The Cock Down The Block’ by Amy Award was released in 2023, it is a short, immersive romcom with a plus-sized female lead, and is available to read with Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited service, as is the sequel, ‘The Weiner Across The Way’. It is theContinueContinue reading
‘Fresh’ by Margot Wood was released in 2021 and follows the story of Elliot McHugh as she begins the next stage of life: Freshman Year at Emerson College. Before she left Cincinnati for Boston, having lived with her seemingly perfect sister, Izzy, who is studying medicine, and her younger sister, Remy, who has an eclectic obsession with dryer sheets, Elliot was betrayed by the people she held closest to her. Her ex-boyfriend cheated on her for months, and her three best friends knew and didn’t tell her. Vulnerable, alone, and seeking fun, sex, and freedom, Elliot is ready for a new adventure.
Book Review: Pig Heart Boy by Malorie Blackman ‘Pig Heart Boy’ by Malorie Blackman was published in 1997. It was her twenty-second novel. The story followed thirteen-year-old Cameron, who, after contracting a viral infection when he was eleven, found himself with a heart condition, and his quality of life was deteriorating, and quickly. So whenContinueContinue reading
Book Review: The Situationship by Taylor-Dior Rumble ‘The Situationship’ by Taylor-Dior Rumble was published in 2023. It’s an empowering story of navigating the corporate world and the realm of dating apps. It is Rumble’s first novel. The story follows Tia, a woman in her twenties living at home with her family in London. She’s strugglingContinueContinue reading
‘Friday I’m In Love’ was released in 2023, and was Camryn Garret’s fourth novel. The book tells the story of Mahalia Harris, a sixteen year old girl, who, having missed out on her chance at a Sweet Sixteen, opts to celebrate her sexuality in a similar stead, declaring she will save up for, and host a coming out party, where she will share her sexuality with her peers.
Book Review: Zora Books Her Happy Ever After by Taj McCoy ‘Zora Books Her Happy Ever After’ by Taj McCoy was released in 2023. It was her second novel, and is available to read via Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited service. The story follows Zora, a small-business and home owner, who runs a bookstore. After an authorContinueContinue reading
Book Review: With The Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo ‘With The Fire On High’ by Elizabeth Acevedo is a novel in verse. It was her second release, preceded by ‘The Poet X’ and followed by ‘Clap When You Land’. This book follows Emoni Santiago. a teen mum from Philadelphia, who is starting her seniorContinueContinue reading
Book Review: This Poison Heart Duology The ‘This Poison Heart’ duology by Kalynn Bayron consists of two urban fantasy novels, grounded in Greek mythology. The first book, ‘This Poison Heart’ was released in 2021, and the sequel came out the following year. The story follows Briseis, a teenager being raised in Brooklyn, New York byContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson ‘Another Brooklyn’ by Jacqueline Woodson was released in 2016 and tells a moving story of girlhood, of friendship and grief. I loved how grief and loss manifested for these characters in multiple ways. August, our protagonist is an anthropologist and has studied the culture of death across theContinueContinue reading
Book Review: The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kann The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kann was released in 2022 and tells a poignant story of love, self-acceptance, heartbreak, and empowerment. We follow Joy, a black woman in her thirties who looks like she has her shit together. She is beautiful, confident and has a successful career,ContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Fight Back by A. M Dassu ‘Fight Back’ by A. M. Dassu was released in 2022. It is an incredibly powerful children’s book which explores the theme of racism and discrimination in an easy-to-digest manner. The book explores the fallout of a terror attack in the Midlands, where a bomb went off atContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Knot My Type by Evie Mitchell ‘Knot My Type’ by Evie Mitchell is the first book of Mitchell’s ‘All Access Series’, and was released in 2021. It is available to read via Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited Subscription. The story follows Frankie and Jay, who live in the small town of Capricorn Cove. Frankie isContinueContinue reading
Book Review: A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder by Holly Jackson ‘A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder’ by Holly Jackson was released in 2019. It is the first book in a trilogy of the same name, followed by ‘Good Girl, Bad Blood’ and ‘As Good As Dead’. These books follow the story of Pippa, orContinueContinue reading
Book Review: If You Still Recognise Me by Cynthia So ‘If You Still Recognise Me’ by Cynthia So (they/them) was released in 2022, and tells the story of eighteen year old Elsie, and the summer before she leaves for university at Cambridge. Having grown up in Oxford, which doesn’t have the same queer spaces thatContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Fair Rosaline by Natasha Solomons ‘Fair Rosaline’ is a historical fiction novel inspired by the events of the Shakespearian classic, Romeo and Juliet. The book, by Natasha Solomons was released in 2023 and was her ninth release. Her name may be familiar because she’s the author behind ‘I, Mona Lisa’. This is theContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Mindwalker by Kate Dylan ‘Mindwalker’ by Kate Dylan was released in 2022, it was her third book, but her first piece published in English. It was a gripping, fast-paced, sci-fi dystopia. The book is set on Earth in a distant future, where the planet has suffered from humanity’s negligence and greed, and succumbedContinueContinue reading
‘Shadow and Bone’ was an interesting story that shows multiple layers and levels to a world at war, comparing the life of the standard footsoldier, to the magically gifted Grisha, who want for nothing.
‘Meet Cute Diary’ was author, Emery Lee (ey/em)’s debut novel. It was released in 2021. The story follows sixteen-year-old Noah as he spends the summer with his older brother, Brian in Denver, Colorado. Noah utilises a cross-country move to California to be his true self after coming out as transgender, inspired by a trans girl who came out at his school.
Book Review: The Nicest Girl by Sophie Jo ‘The Nicest Girl’ was author, Sophie Jo’s debut novel. The book was released in 2022 and told an important story of why setting boundaries and putting yourself first is imperative. The story follows seventeen-year-old Anna Campbell, who seems to have a big arrow pointing to her, callingContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Heartstopper Volume Five by Alice Oseman ‘Heartstopper’ is a series of graphic novels by Alice Oseman. The fifth installment of the series was released earlier this month and continues to follow Nick and Charlie, a young queer couple from Kent, UK, finding their way in the world, while grappling with external issues, notContinueContinue reading
Book Review: The Shite Before Christmas by Serena Terry ‘The Shite Before Christmas’ is a hilarious story by Serena Terry that was released in 2022. The book follows a family in the lead-up to Christmas, detailing the mundane and ridiculous events that happen in a household with young kids. Although I doubt that I amContinueContinue reading
Book Review: How To Excavate A Heart by Jake Maia Arlow ‘How To Excavate A Heart’ by Jake Maia Arlow came out in 2022 and was a Christmas rom-com. It follows Shani, a Jewish college student, on Winter Break, and taking on an internship. On the drive to DC, Shani and her mum end upContinueContinue reading
Book Review: A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers ‘A Certain Hunger’ by Chelsea G. Summers was released in 2020. It was her debut novel. The book follows the life of serial killer, Dorothy Daniels, a famous food writer, who happens to be a cannibal. The book was alarming, stomach-churning and gripping. I was captivatedContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross ‘Divine Rivals’ by Rebecca Ross was released in early 2023. It is the first book in the Letters of Enchantment duology. The second book, ‘Ruthless Vows’ is due to be released in the latter end of the month. The story followed two characters, Roman Kitt and Iris Winnow,ContinueContinue reading
‘How To Kill Your Family’ was a smash-hit debut by Bella Mackie that was released in the summer of 2021. It is a popular thriller and is both a New York Times bestseller, and a Sunday Times bestseller.
Book Review: Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston ‘Red, White, And Royal Blue’ was Casey McQuiston’s debut novel. It was released in 2019, and was recently adapted into a movie on Amazon Prime. The story follows an alternate version of international history, where instead of Donald Trump, a fictional Democrat, Ellen Claremont, wonContinueContinue reading
‘Lessons In Chemistry’ by Bonnie Garmus was released in 2022. It was her debut novel, and received great acclaim due to its frank nature, and upfront depictions of sexual violence and misogyny. It wasn’t a book I would have necessarily bought, but I was swayed by BookTok, which praised the novel, and decided it was worth a punt.
‘Five Survive’ is a young adult thriller novel by Holly Jackson, author of the ‘A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder Trilogy’. This novel was released in 2022 and was her fifth release since her debut in 2019.
Book Review: The Bridgerton Series by Julia Quinn Julia Quinn’s ‘Bridgerton’ series consists of eight novels, each of which tell the story of one of the late Viscount Bridgerton’s eight children. The books were released between 2000 and 2006, and are the subject of the Netflix series, Bridgerton, which has been ongoing since 2020. TheContinueContinue reading
Book Review: An Emotion of Great Delight by Tahereh Mafi ‘An Emotion of Great Delight’ by Tahereh Mafi was published in 2021. It is her sixteenth novel, and one of few stand alone stories amidst her popular series, Shatter Me (2011-2021). Due to the nature of the events in this story it is worth acknowledgingContinueContinue reading
Book Review: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes by Suzanne Collins ‘The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes’ by Suzanne Collins was released in 2020. The book is a prequel to her series ‘The Hunger Games’, the original trilogy came out between 2008 and 2010. This book follows the early life of President Snow, and theContinueContinue reading
This was my first conscious venture into the sub genre of cosy fantasy. I knew it consisted on characters going through their heroes journeys in significantly less stressful scenarios. However, I’d argue that Isobel ought to have been more stressed out about the circumstances she was in…
I enjoyed this book, but I hated Frances’ character, I think that made it easier to relate to the other character’s opinions of her. Her narration, which started off witty and wistful quickly became snippy and snide as she came to terms with the emotions she felt. I didn’t like being in her head, she was quick to try and reassure herself that she was above other people because she and Bobbi were so astute and theoretical and critical of the world around them.
‘Lady MacBethad’ by Isabelle Schuler was published in 2023 and tells the story of Gruoch, or Groa, to those who knew her closely. A direct descendant of Pagan king, King Coinneach, Groa is imbued with ambitions of greatness, far beyond her station. This book blends fiction, the classic Shakespearian character, and the historical details of the figure that inspired her together, through a distinctly feminist perspective.
‘Medusa’ is a novella by Jessie Burton that was published by Bloomsbury in 2021. It follows the story of mythological figure, Medusa, and offers a take on her encounter with Perseus, one of the demigod sons of Zeus.
Book Review: Broken Hearts and Zombie Parts by William Hussey ‘Broken Hearts and Zombie Parts’ by William Hussey was released in 2023. It was his eleventh novel. It follows seventeen-year-old Jesse, who collapsed at his Year Twelve Prom, after encountering his best friend, Cas, cheating on his girlfriend, with her best friend. After collapsing, heContinueContinue reading
‘Tender Is The Flesh’ by Augustina Bazterrica was originally published in Spanish in 2017. Pushkin Press released an English translated edition, with a translation provided by Sarah Moses in 2020.
‘Gallant’ by V.E. Schwab was released in 2022 and is a fascinating, gothic novel that leaves you reeling, mulling over those same repeated phrases, images, and the sheer scope of meanings they may have. I read it in a day, and couldn’t put it down!
Book Review: Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby ‘Razorblade Tears’ by S. A. Cosby was released in 2021. It is a complex tale of grief and violence, and revenge. I really enjoyed it. When Buddy-Lee Jenkins found out his estranged son, Derek had been murdered, along with his husband, he wanted revenge. Immediately. Ike RandolphContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Our Wives Under The Sea by Julia Armfield ‘Our Wives Under The Sea’ by Julia Armfield was released in 2022. It was her debut novel and follows the story of Miri and her wife, Leah, a marine biologist, whose voyage beneath the waves that was expected to take three weeks lasted six months.ContinueContinue reading
Book Review: White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson ‘White Smoke’ by Tiffany D. Jackson was released in 2021, and tells the story of Marigold and her family, who move cross-country to move into a new home as part of a competition, where artists could apply to move to a town in the process of beingContinueContinue reading
‘The Shining’ is arguably one of the most iconic titles by horror writer, Stephen King. I had initially been apprehensive of reading it, having seen the scene with the twin girls in blue dresses a long time ago, and its uncanniness chilled me to the core.
‘House Of Hunger’ by Alexis Henderson was released in 2022. It is a horror novel that dabbles in the idea of vampirism without explicitly stating that the nobility in question in the North’s bloodlust relates to vampirism. Although the idea of bloodletting for medicinal purposes can be traced back to Galen and Humourism back in Ancient Rome, the idea of drinking blood, without mentioning the other three humours, black bile, urine, and phlegm being let or consumed heavily implies the need for blood to be consumed for nutritional value instead, since the Countess Lisavet consumes it in tea, wine, and straight from the source.
Book Review: Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison ‘Such Sharp Teeth’ by Rachel Harrison was published in 2022. It was her fourth novel. This is a piece of powerful, feminist literature within the horror genre. It is a moving, emotional story of bodily autonomy, trauma. The book follows sisters, Aurora or Rory as she’s betterContinueContinue reading
Book Review: Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati ‘Clytemnestra’ by Constanza Casati was released in 2023. It was her debut novel. The story, follows Clytemnestra, known as Agamemnon’s wife and Helen of Troy’s sister. Having absolutely eaten up the trend of mythological retellings, I was elated to get my hands on this book. I loved reading manyContinueContinue reading
‘The Darkest Evening Of The Year’, was written by Dean Koontz and published in 2007. It follows the story of Amy Redwing and her partner Brian McCarthy, who rescue and golden retriever called Nickie from a drunk, violent and abusive owner. The presence of this particular golden retriever seems to send long buried traumas and fears bubbling up to the surface.
‘Diary of a Void’ is a feminist novel by Emi Yagi, which was published in 2022. It follows the life of Ms Shibata, the only woman in her office, who is subconsciously obligated to do menial tasks for her male colleagues such as make coffees, prepare snacks that clients have gifted the firm and clear meeting rooms of the coffee cups left behind by her colleagues.
‘How The King Of Elfhame Learned To Hate Stories’ was released in 2020. It is an accompanying novella that provides episodic glimpses into the life of King Cardan of Elfhame, and his life prior to, during, and post the events of ‘The Folk Of The Air’ Trilogy, it has brilliant illustrations throughout, provided by Rovina Cai.
Book Review: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas ‘The Hate U Give’ by Angie Thomas was released in 2017. It was later adapted into a film, which came out in 2018. It was her debut novel, and thrust her into acclaim, her work becoming a staple among popular authors in the mid-to-late 2010s. ThisContinueContinue reading
‘One To Watch’ was a novel by Kate Stayman-London and was released in 2020. It follows Beatrice, known as Bea, a plus sized fashion blogger and influencer on her thirties *gasp*, who has been unlucky in love.
‘How High We Go In The Dark’ is a series of interconnected short stories by Sequoia Nagamatsu. It was published in 2022, in the wake of the Covid19 pandemic, and follows an alternative version of this world, in which a prehistoric pathogen is unearthed in the body of a young girl, who is preserved in ice and excavated from a site in Siberia.
‘Lightlark’ by Alex Aster was released in 2022 and is the first book of a duopoly, the sequel to which is due to be released in late 2023. The concept for her book was a hit on TikTok, her viral video pitching the concept in 2021 amassing over 400,000 likes.
‘The Vision’ is an early novella by Dean Koontz that follows a psychic, haunted by traumas, long-repressed from her childhood. Due to the nature of the story, this story could prove deeply triggering, and contains rather explicit depictions of animal abuse, sexual assault, sexual abuse, molestation and manipulation. If you do intend to read this, please tread carefully, and be mindful of your limits.
‘The Women of Troy’ by Pat Barker was released in 2021. Although it can be read as a standalone novel, the events of the story follow almost directly from her book ‘The Silence Of The Girls’, which I’ve reviewed previously.
‘Thistlefoot’ by GennaRose Nethercott was released in 2022. It follows estranged siblings Isaac and Bellatine Yaga, who reunite to stake their claim on their inheritance, promised by their Great-Great-Grandmother: a house… on legs!
‘Godkiller’ by Hannah Kaner was released in 2022 and follows an ensemble cast of four characters: a Godkiller, Kissen, who roams the land, striking down Gods, supposedly in the name of King Aaron, for money, a former royal knight, and now baker, Elogast, or Elo to friends, and a young noble-born girl, called Inara, who has inadvertently found herself bound to a minor God, Skedi.
‘Last Violent Call’ by Chloe Gong was released in early 2023. It contains two novellas that offer insight into the lives of Roma Montagov and Juliette Cai, as well as Marshall Seo and Benedikt Montagov from her original duology: ‘These Violent Delights’ and ‘Our Violent Ends’ in the four years that follow the conclusion of ‘Our Violent Ends’ to the conclusion of ‘Foul Lady Fortune’, these two novellas provide what can only be assumed as an essential bridge between the original duology and Gong’s second duology, where these characters are likely to make another appearance.
‘Kaikeyi’ was Vaishnavi Patel’s debut novel and was published in 2022. It was recommended to me whilst browsing online for other mythology related books. Despite knowing nothing about the original source material, Ramayana, I was excited to read it.
‘Love Is A Revolution’ is a novel by Renee Watson that was published in 2021. It follows Nala in the summer before her senior year of high school as she navigates surges of change in her community now her cousin, Imani, and friend, Sadie are involved in a youth group called Inspire Harlem.
‘The Folk of the Air’ Series by Holly Black consists of three books: ‘The Cruel Prince’, ‘The Wicked King’, ‘The Queen of Nothing’, and an accompanying illustrated novella, ‘How The King Of Elfhame Learned To Hate Stories’. An affiliated duology ‘The Stolen Heir’ is in the works.
‘Circe’ is Madeline Miller’s second novel, and was released in 2019, it follows the immortal life of the nymph, Circe, daughter of Helios, one of the few Titans who sided with Zeus in wartimes. The book begins in her childhood, lingering significantly on a meeting with Prometheus upon the declaration of his punishment for giving mortals fire to wield as their own. While Helios and his people observe the spectacle of the fury, Alecto, whipping Prometheus, the event eventually loses its gravitas, and thus the interest of the people. All Helios’ courts, except Circe, leave him.
Book Review: Deep Roots by Vanessa Roades ‘Deep Roots’ was Vanessa Roades’ third book, and was released in June 2023. I’ve been eagerly looking forward to this book since the cover reveal appeared on my TikTok a few months before the release. This book follows multiple characters, including an inventor, Roheme, her friend Eirjatal, andContinueContinue reading
‘The Ten Thousand Doors of January’ by Alix E. Harrow was published in 2019, followed several connected narratives, one following a young woman called January, from childhood who was raised by her foster father in a grand estate while her biological father hunted for treasures across the world.
‘Clap When You Land’ by Elizabeth Acevedo is a novel-in-verse, told from the perspective of half-sisters, Camino and Yahaira. It was released in 2020 and is Acevedo’s fifth project.
Ariadne’ is a novel by Jennifer Saint and was published in 2021. It follows the Cretian sisters, Ariadne and Phaedra during their youth, growing up above the lair of the Minotaur, and their fates after Ariadne’s coil of thread aids Theseus in his escape from the labyrinth.
Book Review: The Dos And Donuts Of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar ‘The Dos and Donuts of Love’ by Adiba Jaigirdar was released in May 2023, and is her fourth novel. This book follows a similar rivals-to-lovers arc that is present in some of her previous books, such as her debut, ‘The Henna Wars’, and thatContinueContinue reading
‘Foul Lady Fortune’ by Chloe Gong is a second series set in the same timeline as her previous works, ‘These Violent Delights’ and ‘Our Violent Ends’. It was published in 2022 and follows the story of Rosalind Lang, a supporting character in her previous books, as she embarks on her own journey, having been branded a traitor to the Scarlet Gang.
‘The Shadow Cabinet’ by Juno Dawson was released in May 2023, and was a highly-anticipated sequel to the sensational ‘Her Majesty’s Royal Coven’. I was worried that ‘The Shadow Cabinet’ may suffer the infamous second book slump that affects many series’, where the second merely exists as a segway from Point A to Point B – but I had nothing to fear!
‘Six Crimson Cranes’, and ‘The Dragon’s Promise’ are a duology by author, Elizabeth Lim, with the first book coming out in 2021, and its sequel being released in 2022. Now a prequel novel, ‘Her Radiant Curse’, is due to be released later this year.
‘Gwen And Art Are Not In Love’ by Lex Croucher was released in May 2023, and explores the idea of queer relationships in post-Arthurian Britain, where there are little-to-no historical records. Due to this, Croucher is able to take significant artistic license and offer a story that is delightfully funny, and devastating.
‘Straight Expectations’ by Calum McSwiggan is a romantic comedy that was released in May 2023. It offers an insightful glimpse into privilege, and how, even though things may be objectively easier for straight kids at school, Max, is still privileged. When he, an out-and-proud gay, wishes for an easy life like the straight kids, he wakes up straight!
‘Loveless’ by Alice Oseman was released in 2020. It is her sixth novel, and follows eighteen-year-old Georgia Warr during her first year at the University of Durham to study English Literature.
‘Imogen, Obviously’ is Becky Albertalli’s sixth solo release, and ninth, including collaborations. It came out in May 2023, and follows a one-week window where Imogen Scott realises she’s bisexual.
‘Delilah Green Doesn’t Care’ by Ashley Herring Blake is the first book of three that explores several young women residing in Bright Falls, Oregon. It was released in early 2022, with its sequel coming out just months later, toward the end of the year. The third book, ‘Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date’, will be released in October 2023.
Dean Atta’s debut novel in verse, ‘The Black Flamingo’ was released in 2019. It tells the story of Michael Angeli from childhood through to the Christmas after he turned nineteen.
‘If I Was Your Girl’ by Meredith Russo is one of the older LGBTQ+ stories you may find in your local chain bookstore. It was released in 2016 and tells the story of a young trans woman, Amanda, who is attending a new school after a tumultuous social transition.
‘I Kissed Shara Wheeler’ was Casey McQuiston’s most recent release, which follows the fallout of the jewel of the school, Shara Wheeler disappearing from Senior Prom just moments before being crowned the Class of 2021’s Prom Queen. Nobody knows where and why she’s vanished but Chloe Green believed she knew why she’d run away. Because, Shara Wheeler kissed her before prom, and as the daughter of the Principal of Willowgrave Christian Academy, Shara shouldn’t have been kissing girls.
‘Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow’ by Gabrielle Zevin was published in 2022. It was well-praised by reviewers and Amazon named it as the best book of 2022.
‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’, shortened to ACOTAR, is an ongoing fantasy series by Sarah J Maas, which started back in 2015. This series of what is currently five books has been a sensation among readers on BookTok’s literary community.
Book Review: Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson ‘Her Majesty’s Royal Coven’ is a novel by Juno Dawson, which follows an ensemble cast of middle aged witches living in the UK. These witches are, or were once, affiliated with the nation’s primary coven for witches: Her Majesty’s Royal Coven, (shortened to HMRC) and servedContinueContinue reading
‘56 Days’ is a crime novel by Catherine Ryan Howard, set in Dublin, Ireland in and around the dates of the original Covid19 lockdown. It is, in essence, a theoretical locked-door murder, with an assumed adherence to the lockdown rules as they came into place at the time.
‘Good Omens’ was written by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, and was published in 1990. Due to its age some of the humour in this novel is outdated, such as the use of the f-slur.
‘One Last Stop’ was Casey McQuiston’s second novel and was published in 2021. The book follows August, who has moved to New York City to finish college, after a tumultuous relationship with her mother left her needing space.
‘Juniper and Thorn’ was Ava Reid’s second novel and was published in 2022. It is a dark fantasy which leans into gothic traditions. The novel follows the story of Marlinchen, the youngest of three sisters living under her father, the last wizard of Oblya’s roof.
‘On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous’ is a memoir with blended fictional elements entwined by Ocean Vuong that was published in 2019.
‘Ghosts’ by Dolly Alderton was her second novel and was published in 2020. It followed the story of Nina, a thirty two year old single woman living in London and coming to terms with her friends entering the next stage of their lives, getting married and having children while she remains single.
‘Heartstopper’ by Alice Oseman is a series of graphic novels. The first volume was published in 2019 and the series remains ongoing. It is now the subject of a live-action adaptation by Netflix.
‘The Silence of the Girls’ by Pat Barker was published in 2018 and retells events that take place during the siege of Troy from the perspective of Briseis, one of Achilles’ war prizes and former Queen of Lyrnessus. Breisis tells the story of her enslavement throughout the years of war on her land.
‘Carrie’ is one of Stephen King’s most iconic works. It was released in 1974 and since, as modern pop-culture has latched onto it, even people who haven’t read or seen ‘Carrie’, know what happened to her. Or, at least to an extent.
‘Opposite of Always’ was Justin A Reynolds’ 2019 debut novel. It follows the story of Jack King, a high school senior, who falls in love with a first year college student called Kate when they meet at a party during his college campus tour. But when Kate dies due to complications with her sickle cell anemia, a condition Jack didn’t know she even had, he finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving the past four months in a bid to keep her from meeting the same fate. Again and again and again.
Lifesaving For Beginners’ is Josie Lloyd’s 2022 novel. It is a split-narrative, told in the first person and following the stories of several women who bond over wild swimming in the sea on the coast of Brighton.
‘Verity’ by Colleen Hoover was published in 2018 and is a domestic thriller which follows Lowen, a writer on the verge of financial ruin after moving into an apartment out of her budget to offer her mother with dignity whilst also providing end of life care, but then receives a job offer she can’t turn down – as a ghostwriter for esteemed author Verity Crawford!
‘These Violent Delights’ and ‘Our Violent Ends’ are Chloe Gong’s duology which retells the story of Romeo and Juliet through the lens of rival gangs in 1920s Shanghai. The first book, ‘These Violent Delights’ was published in 2020, while the sequel was released a year later in 2021.
‘Melt My Heart’ is a young adult coming of age story by Bethany Rutter. It was published in 2020 and follows the story of Lily Rose, an eighteen year old girl striving to try something new every day in anticipation of leaving for university in September, miles away from her twin sister, Daisy.
‘The Silent Patient’ was author, Alex Michaelides’ debut novel, released in 2019. It was a well-received, popular crime-thriller and has since sold over a million copies.
‘Beach Read’ was Emily Henry’s 2020 contemporary romance novel – a hit on TikTok and filled with popular tropes it’s personable and upbeat tone made it an easy and delightful read.
‘The Doll Factory’ is Elizabeth MacNeal’s 2019 debut novel. It is a gripping historical fiction book which toys the lines of daydreams and obsession, making readers reflect on their past fantasies and the extent to which they manifested.
‘Only On The Weekends’ is Dean Atta’s second novel in verse, which was released in 2022. The story follows Mackintosh Fadayomi, a fifteen-year-old boy navigating his first relationship, except Karim doesn’t think he can come out yet, and Mack’s father has to move the family to Glasgow for a few months for his upcoming film, starring Finn, a proud LGBT activist, who has also caught Mack’s eye. What’s a boy to do?
‘The Kite Runner’ was Khaled Hosseini’s 2003 debut novel. It follows Amir, a young boy living comfortably in Afghanistan during peacetime, alongside his friend Hassan, the son of his father’s servant, Ali. From the start of the book, Hosseini navigates the topics of internalised racism and jealousy, Amir is regarded as timid and cowardly, however, Hassan, whose “first word was Amir’s name”, is deeply loyal to his own detriment. Amir feels great frustration and jealousy toward Hassan, as, despite his lower social status, his playmate could do no wrong in the eyes of Amir’s father.
‘The Beekeeper of Aleppo’ was released in 2019, and was author, Christy Lefteri’s second novel. Although ‘The Beekeeper Of Aleppo’ is not a true story, it was heavily inspired by her own experiences over two summers in Athens, where she aided refugees seeking asylum. The influence of anecdotes she would have been privy to added gravitas to the novel.
‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ is Taylor Jenkins Reid’s fifth novel, and was released in 2017. Although she had released several books in the past, it was The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo which progressed her career and made her an acclaimed novelist: it was a hit among the readers of TikTok, and made its way onto hundreds if not thousands of TBR piles since its initial release.
‘The Lesser Bohemians’ is a novel by Eimear McBride, released in 2016. It tells the story of Eilis, or Eily, an eighteen-year-old drama student who moved from Ireland to the hustle and bustle of Kentish Town in London during the 1990s.
I have a reasonable amount of knowledge of Greek Mythology from watching my copy of Disney’s ‘Hercules’ on VHS, to a fleeting ‘Percy Jackson’ phase, to attending university, where we dedicated several weeks to studying myths like Eros and Psyche, Apollo and Daphne, Oedipus Wrecked, and other tales from the Iliad. I even played ‘Hades’, which was how I knew vaguely of the characters in The Song of Achilles.
‘Earth’ is the first book of debut novelist, AC Holloway’s Magic Rediscovered series. This story follows Jon, a young teen that lives in a barren wasteland, who stumbles upon a wizard after a nasty fall in a junkyard near his home…
Imogen L. Smiley 