dearrivarie: 2022

A Broken Blade is a classic fantasy story that checks off all the boxes to become a beloved internet tale. In an era where TikTok has quickly and easily become the dominant social media platform, this is a perfect example of how its influence has impacted this niche of fantasy. With Melissa Blair also having a BookTok platform dedicated to sharing her favorite reads, this truly read as a love letter to TikTok's bookish community.

b o o k s h o p * | g o o d r e a d s | a m a z o n
links with an (*) are affiliate where, when used to purchase gives me a small commission to support my blog at no extra cost to you!

I received a copy from Union Square & Co. in exchange for an honest review - all thoughts shared below reflect my personal opinion.

If you spend any amount of time on bookish social media, you'll easily come across videos, graphics, posts, etc. that describe books using tropes - at this point it's almost become a guaranteed way to pitch or review a story. For her debut, Melissa Blair essentially took the top tropes and blended them all together. From a kickass heroine with an unknown past, a dark and mysterious love interest, political intrigue, and of course "there was only one bed," A Broken Blade takes what is familiar to many YA fantasy fans and ages the story up to a NA audience to tackle darker themes of colonialism and addiction.

From the beginning, Keera is presented to us as a character abiding by her tropes but with the potential to reveal more about herself as time passes. While she falls into some stereotypes, such as reminding the reader on multiple occasions that she's that much stronger than xyz character, I appreciated that she didn't sit idly in her role as the skilled assassin. We got to see her in combat and use strategy to stay one step ahead of her opponents as well as her healing process as she fights her dependency on alcohol. There was room to grow and the author leaned into that, taking a character arc that's so widely used and molding it for Keera herself.

That same could be said for the plot and the rest of the cast - I could have easily read and dismissed this book as "every other fantasy novel involving fae" and I admit to having fallen into that headspace at first. But it's admirable to note that the story doesn't rely on its tropes to carry readers through all 400+ pages and instead uses the familiar to present and highlight commentary on systemic violence and colonialism. With the premise of the world based on the eradication of the Elves and the enslavement of Halflings, there's a conversation started surrounding the unfair claim of land and erasure of culture based on one race's superior savior complex.

As the first book in a projected duology, A Broken Blade sets the scene for a new fantasy world that is easily accessible to a wide audience due to its usage of familiar characters and plot arcs and begins an adventure that leaves room for lots of development in its sequel.

Thank you again to Union Square & Co. for a copy of A Broken Blade in exchange for an honest review - all thoughts shared reflect my personal opinion.

8:00 AM No Comments

Hello there, I hope you've been well as the seasons start to change and the weather becomes colder. I've definitely hit a rough patch over the past couple of months when it comes to feeling a sense of disillusionment about my internet presence and contribution (which honestly came out of the blue). After taking a couple months to clear my head, I'm finally starting to miss the routine of blogging and feel a little more centered about continuing to share on this small corner of the internet.

This rough patch affected pretty much every single hobby of mine and my reading pace fell drastically. But I recently finished some books and it's gotten me thinking about my next read so here's a little list of hopefuls that I'd like to get to before the end of 2022.

all covers are linked to a bookshop affiliate link - when used to purchase gives me a small commission to support my blog at no extra cost to you!

heart of the sun warrior
by sue lynn tan
This should come as no surprise if you've been around since the start of the year. The sequel to Sue Lynn Tan's Daughter of the Moon Goddess comes out (in exactly 10 days!!) and I'm more than ready to jump back into the world of the Celestial Kingdoms. I fell in love with everything about book one, from the complex characters to beautiful storytelling, and cannot wait to see where the next chapter of Xingyin's journey takes her.

the atlas six
by olivie blake
I don't think you can mention 'dark academia' without someone bringing up The Atlas Six. While I originally wasn't interested in the premise and admittedly felt intimidated by the whole dark academia aesthetic, I recently read R.F. Kuang's Babel and have been 100% converted so now I just want to read about another cohort of academics who may very well break my heart.

foul lady fortune
by chloe gong
Here's another book that I was originally on the fence after finding myself enjoying These Violent Delights and Our Violent Ends but feeling like I missed something because I didn't love them like the rest of the internet. However, the longer I sit on the fence, the more my curiosity is piqued and reading Michelle's (@magicalreads7) review sealed my fate and now a copy sits on my shelves.

all covers are linked to a bookshop affiliate link - when used to purchase gives me a small commission to support my blog at no extra cost to you!

the silence that binds us
by joanna ho
I could make an entire post of books that I picked up and ended up 'pausing' for no reason and The Silence That Binds Us would be on that list. Easily one of my more anticipated releases of the year, I could not tell you why I read 20-some pages and then stopped. I'm finally tackling it again and this time am fully dedicated to follow through from start to finish.

the bear and the nightingale
by katherine arden
Another title that should be familiar to you if you're a frequent visitor - I adore Katherine Arden's Winternight trilogy and have been itching to reread them for years. My friend Mari (@macnbooks) recently finished the entire trilogy and hearing her thoughts has made me miss the characters and world so much which solidified the decision to finally start my reread.

the night circus
by erin morgenstern
According to Goodreads, I read The Night Circus in 2016 and in the six years that have passed since then, I can recall absolutely nothing about the story other than the magical vibes and what the synopsis tells me. I have also had this book in my room for the past six months with the intention to reread it and have just never followed through so I'm putting it into words now with the hopes that it'll give me that final push to pick this up.

I'm feeling a bit rusty after being away for so long but it is nice to feel that buzz of excitement to create once again. I would love to know what you have been up to, if you've read anything good and what books are on your end of year tbr - please share them with me down below ♡

7:00 PM 2 Comments

"I loved weaving, but the fabrics I made weren't my only measures of worth. I was more than a bolt of silk."

A M A Z O N | G O O D R E A D S | B O O K S H O P *
B O O K D E P O S I T O R Y | B A R N E S A N D N O B L E S
links with an (*) are affiliate where, when used to purchase gives me a small commission to support my blog at no extra cost to you!

the power of fairytales
Celtic folklore is hands down one of my buzzwords and I'll always have a soft spot for the whims of the fae. The world is immersive and fun that only comes with the air of mystery and danger of bargains with magic.

determination and survival
Ella's story throughout is a testament to her desire to survive and succeed. She eventually has to face the consequences of her actions and seeing her realization of her worth and power was so satisfying.

the portrayal of relationships
It's not a YA fantasy without some romantic tension and this one took a surprisingly different turn. Ella and Callum's relationship highlighted the push and pull that come from toxic relationships reflecting the fickle nature of bargains and their outcomes.

there's always an unexpected
There can't be too much said without giving something away but there are certainly many twists and turns that I wasn't expecting which only heightened the excitement and tension.

the magic of weaving
The vivid descriptions of Ella's creations were so detailed and immersive that I could paint a crystal clear image in my head of each one.

thank you to TBR and Beyond Tours, Cyla Panin, and Amulet Books for the opportunity to participate on this tour - click the banner to see the rest of the stops!

m o o d b o a r d

images from unsplash: field / silk / shells / mannequin

a b o u t t h e a u t h o r

website | twitter | instagram | goodreads

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"We all believe we are the center of the universe, but we forget that we are merely specks among the stars. Moving through the streams of possible futures, sometimes colliding."

Please note, this review may contain spoilers for Book One - A Magic Steeped in Poison.
Check out my review here for more information!

the power of the serpent
A Venom Dark and Sweet is the conclusion to Judy I. Lin's The Book of Tea duology where the kingdom of Dàxī finds itself on the brink of turmoil following the return of The Banished Prince. After the chancellor's betrayal, Lin has been reunited with her sister but is forced on the run with the princess as the ancient serpent sinks its fangs deeper into the palace and heart of the kingdom. Told with dual POVs following Ning and Kang, the story unfolds and offers both sides of the battle as history, magic, and reality begin to blend itself together.

While I had enjoyed A Magic Steeped in Poison, there was a small spark that was missing and I hoped the sequel would draw that conclusion, but it's hard to pinpoint what exactly didn't hit the spot. I enjoyed Kang's perspective and being able to finally learn more about his character which was one of my hopes for this sequel since he felt very distant in book one. Where I struggled a bit was the writing within Lin's portion of the story feeling a lot more telling than showing in regards to her journey. Despite that, I did love being back in the world and learning alongside Lin the extent of her magic as well as discovering more about the abilities of shénnóng-shī.

While Lin's storyline might have read younger to me, I've realized that I don't need to connect 100% with a character in order to admire them. Lin has the power of ambition and strength and she wields those alongside her gentleness and hope which is admirable as her story progresses. Her love for her sister drives each action and her struggles with her role in the tapestry of the world are heartfelt and easily relatable as well.

a new dynasty
My criticisms seem to line up with a couple other reviews I've read wherein the pacing of this book just felt so condensed that I wouldn't have minded the extension of a third book to fully flesh out the plot. I simply wish we could have gotten more time especially to discover more deeply the amazing world that July I. Lin has created. There's so much history and culture that is incredibly fascinating that the second half feels like a time bomb with all the events coming together for the finale.

This duology in it of itself feels like a warm blanket of comfort from the exploration of tea culture to the vivid descriptions of food and architecture. There's a feeling of familiarity that has made it easy to bond with the characters even if parts of the writing didn't click perfectly in place for me personally. I now want to curl up with a large tome all about the different types of tea and their medicinal or magical properties because even a small step into Lin's world feels like a glimpse of her adventure.

thank you so much to TBR & Beyond Tours, Judy I. Lin, and Feiwel and Friends for the opportunity to participate on this tour - check out the other stops by clicking the banner above!

m o o d b o a r d

images links: pouring tea / bamboo forest / a tale of twin cities poster / mountain

a b o u t t h e a u t h o r

website / twitter / instagram / goodreads

8:00 AM 2 Comments

"Words are beyond precious. We think we trade in gold and silver but words are the true currency of our lives. Words are what connect us through time and distance, whether expressing troubles or joy."

family and dreams
Alliana, Girl of Dragons is the sweetest boost of serotonin I didn't expect to read and was the perfect balance of magic, adventure, and family. Alliana is slowly saving up to join the Royal Academy and leave behind her cruel stepmother and her father's inn. But for every bit she saves, another strike goes on her long list of dues. Her only highlights are spending time with Grandmother Mari and her stories which tell of the adventures of Queen Natsumi. However, adventure is just around the corner when Alliana meets Nela and her nightdragon and is enlisted to help them explore the abyss. From its first line, Julia Abe creates a world that's full of stories and it's reminiscent of Studio Ghibli.

My dreams may be great, but my resolve is greater.

This story had absolutely everything I adored in middle grade from its themes to the sense of wonder that comes with self-identity. Alliana's journey is more than just the physical adventure with Nela and the other witches but also follows the exploration of finding herself after spending years of conforming with her stepmother's demands. Her friendship with the witches and their support of her dreams and ambitions allow her to take agency of her own story.

Alliana's adventure is my first foray into Julia Abe's work and it definitely won't be my last. This novel has left me with all the warm feelings of friendship and a sense of hope for the future.

thank you so much to TBR & Beyond Tours, Julia Abe, and Little Brown Books for a chance to participate on the tour! be sure to check out the rest of the amazing stops by clicking the banner above!

images from pexels and unsplash: fields | clouds | tapestry | kimono

website | twitter | instagram | goodreads | facebook

9:00 PM No Comments

"But your heart is full of wind and stories. You are the best pieces of us."

a story of adventure and sacrifice
Wind Daughter is a companion novel to Joanna Ruth Meyer's Echo North which takes place in a fairytale-esque world of Winter Lords and Wolf Queens, where bargains come with unexpected consequences and unreluctant individuals must journey across time to fix an unraveling world. Satu is the daughter of the North Wind and a weaver who would much rather stay on her mountain tending to her bees than interacting with the townspeople below. When her father's wild magic begins to unravel her family and her home, Satu has to embark on a journey to collect the fragmented pieces while haunted by the Winter Lord who wants the magic for himself.

Joanna Ruth Meyer truly decided to create the softest character ever and subject her to all the pain and loss possible. Satu is described as being easily overstimulated by people and sounds and has a heart that feels every bit of wrong in the world. Putting her on this journey pushes her outside her comfort zone but also causes her to be forced to make decisions that hurt her again and again. While her journey was far from easy, Satu is incredibly easy to root for and witnessing her slowly come into herself and fulfilling her potential was both incredibly empowering and satisfying. If anything, Satu exemplifies that even if you don't believe in yourself 100%, sometimes you just need to that little extra boost from the world who believes in your possibilities.

a love that is unlimited by time
While the atmosphere and writing were so incredibly immersive, I do need to dedicate a paragraph to the relationships. I jotted down a note towards the end that if we didn't get a somewhat happy conclusion for Satu I would riot. Satu deserves her family, her friends, and her world after giving up and losing so much along the way. There's no other way to describe the absolute magic that the latter half of the book was and I found myself going back to rereading moments. It has made me realize that I do have a soft spot for a love that is written into the threads of time and I mean that in all the relational aspects.

This would be a perfect story to revisit when the nights start to become longer or when you just want a little bit of magic and adventure and definitely leaves me wanting more from this author in the future!

thank you so much to TBR & Beyond Tours, Joanna Ruth Meyer, and Page Street Publishing for a change to participate on the tour! be sure to check out the rest of the amazing stops by clicking the banner above!

images from unsplash/pexels: mountain / loom / piece of glass / bee

website | twitter | instagram | goodreads | facebook

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"Difference, children, is not monstrous. It is nature at work."

isbn: 978-1250833662 | pages: 672
publication date: June 07, 2022 | source: e-book, publisher
genre: adult, historical fiction, urban fantasy

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are 100% my own.

1. familiar but new
For a whopping 600+ pages, Ordinary Monsters manages to create a storyline that feels strangely familiar with a cast of characters that is brand new to the reader. The premise of a school for magical youth is one that's been done multiple times but the author takes the world-building to another scope that feels grand and leaves a lasting impression.

2. a race against time
The length of this book made it incredibly daunting at first and it was truly the pacing that pulled through and I just couldn't stop turning (clicking) the pages. The sense of urgency and gradual climax of tension within the characters' journeys. For the first book in a trilogy, the author did a fantastic job setting up the premise that will launch us into the rest of the series.

3. an unexpected family
You can't go into this novel and not feel enveloped by the found family within the pages. The characters learn to trust each other through their newly shared experience at Cairndale Institute. There's a focus on finding one's purpose and a place to belong but it isn't presented as all sunshine and rainbows but on a grayscale spectrum that reflects the personal experiences of each of the characters.

4. an exploration of heartache and trauma
As all the gifted children come to the sprawling mansion without a family, there's a lot to uncover regarding their past experiences which have shaped them before their arrival. While the story takes us all across the world from Edinburgh, the US, Tokyo, and more - the characters are able to reflect on their past and grow into their full potential.

5. a story to immerse yourself
The mysterious school trope is probably one of my favorites and it's so well done in this novel. The Institute is this place where the world of the living and dead come dangerously close to colliding and the consequences are ones that the characters must fight against. There is a lot going on in a book this size and at times it felt like there was just so much happening it was hard to wrap my mind around it all. But at the end, it's a book that I cannot stop thinking about because of all its intricacies and makes me all the more excited for its sequel.

8:00 AM 3 Comments

"When I think of prom, I picture aching feet, overpriced decorations, and unrealistic expectations. Obviously, I was in the minority though."

a promise to be kept
Once Upon a Kprom is the ray of sunshine that this month needed to remind the East Coast that spring is very much happening. This book is full of butterflies and giant smiles because the characters are just so darn cute. Elena Soo is trying to convince her classmates to donate their prom budgets to saving the community center which leaves her ostracized by her classmates. While she isn't anti-prom exactly, she has no interest in attending - until her childhood best friend turned K-pop superstar shows up to ask her to prom.

I've been on an absolute roll with reading K-pop related stories and this one is another that just indulges its readers in the forbidden romance between a K-pop idol and a non-celebrity individual. Elena and Robbie have a lot of memories together as children and with his sudden shot to stardom, their friendship has slowly withered away. His return into Elena's life prompts her to realize her own inhibitions towards her relationships with those around her as she has to figure out what her feelings for Robbie entail.

Their reuniting also gives Elena insight into the world of the Korean entertainment industry which admittedly was portrayed in a very stereotypical manner that has become popular over the years. While I do wish we could have delved more into the injustices of idol life, Kat Cho managed to maintain a perfect balance of glamour with reality without jeopardizing the main rom-com plot through Robbie's POVs and it allowed readers to understand both characters' motivations without being too over the top.

childhood loves
This book also made me realize how fun it can be to read a diaspora Asian story where the main character is sure of her identity. Many times, diaspora stories are made to feel like they need to focus on self-discovery and cultural balance which are themes that I adore, but it's also comforting to see Elena navigate her world as Korean American being comfortable with who she is beyond her ethnic and cultural backgrounds. This allows for the novel to be that lighthearted rom-com that we all fantasize about, but this time with Asian American leads.

By taking this route, Kat Cho was able to explore more about the relationships between each of the characters from Robbie and Elena's budding romance to Elena's friendship with Josie to her strained relationship with her twin brother. It gave the characters space to grow amidst the bigger plot point of childhood friends to lovers, allowing the story to be easily relatable while playing into every fangirl's dreams.

thank you to Rock Star Book Tours, Disney Hyperion, and Kat Cho for the opportunity to participate on this tour! be sure to click the banner above for the full tour schedule and click here for more information on Rock Star Book Tours!