Hello there! As we begin to wrap up 2023, I'm admittedly a bit embarrassed that I've been so sporadically present here despite having a pretty positive reading year overall. There are so many titles I would have loved discussing and diving deeper into but 2023 has truly just flown by so quickly. 

With that in mind, as the year draws to a close, here's your reminder to continue educating yourself and spreading awareness about what is happening in Gaza, Sudan, and Congo (just to name a few). The Western world of politics has unfortunately displayed its horrific lack of human empathy but it's important to continue staying resilient and working together to break against the genocidal regimes. 

pages: 378  | source: physical/own
publication date: September 19th, 2023
genre: ya, dark academia, gothic romance
rating: 8.7/10

B O O K S H O P *    |    G O O D R E A D S    |    S T O R Y G R A P H    
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!

favorite line: If I had to make a gamble, I would bet on us Effy.

spages: 432  | source: netgalley, e-arc
publication date: October 3rd, 2023
genre: ya, historical fiction, fantasy
rating: 6.9/10

B O O K S H O P *    |    G O O D R E A D S    |    S T O R Y G R A P H    
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 digital ARC from the publisher -  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts are my own honest opinion.

The first thing that drew me to The Scarlet Alchemist was the cover - there's something incredibly captivating and fierce about the character that me instantly wanted to pick it up. Kylie Lee Baker introduces us to an alternate historical China where alchemists have discovered the key to eternal life through the creation of alchemical gold. The wealthy employ the alchemists to keep them young forever and our main character Zilan dreams of joining their ranks. 

This is my first Kylie Lee Baker novel and I could easily tell that world building and plot are her areas of expertise because I was incredibly fascinated from start to finish with this alternate China. Through alchemy, we got to see Zilan's resolve to prove her worth despite everything that is stacked against her. Being at a disadvantage from the start for not coming from a wealthy background to her mixed race, the alchemists she encounters on her journey to join the court is full of racism and misogyny. Zilan's abilities were not portrayed through a "she's just special" lens but rather we get to witness her struggle, sometimes fail, and persevere through all the trials.

While I am a more character-driven reader most of the time, I found myself struggling to connect with anyone beyond Zilan. The other members of the cast felt less fleshed out and their actions seemed less an extension of who they were and more so put into the story for dramatic effect. However, I was genuinely so intrigued by the world that I didn't find myself struggling to get through the story, it was more of an afterthought/realization that puts me a bit on the fence as to whether I will continue with the sequel or not. 

I received a digital ARC from the publisher -  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts are my own honest opinion.

favorite line: Nothing would last forever, including me. I didn't need something to be eternal for it to matter.

pages: 467  | source: netgalley, e-arc
publication date: March 7th, 2023
genre: adult, fantasy romance
rating: 7.6/10

B O O K S H O P *    |    G O O D R E A D S    |    S T O R Y G R A P H     
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 digital ARC from the publisher -  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts are my own honest opinion.

The Foxglove King is the a perfect example of an audiobook completely transforming the reading experience for me because I struggled to get into the ebook at first but ended up flying through it on audio. Lore is a poison runner with death magic who has been laying low. When she's asked to help with a run that ends up revealing her power, she finds herself forced to work for the Sainted King to spy on his own son while supervised by the Presque Mort, an order of warrior-monks with their own death magic.

The narration perfectly created an atmosphere that brought the story to life. I'll admit, I have a fascination with fantasy stories with magic systems linked around religion and the kingdom of Dellaire combines that with political corruption in a way that kept me hooked. I typically listen to audiobooks on my commute but I legit could not stop and sat in my car multiple days in a row because I needed to know what happened next.  Lore as a character is snarky in a way that could be a hit or miss, but I found myself feeling incredibly endeared to her. She has this great and horrible power that is incredibly coveted, but we also get to see her vulnerability that comes with becoming a pawn for the King. That paired with the budding romance between her and Gabriel alongside learning more about Prince Bastian and questioning what she was brought to believe created quite the iconic trio.

With this being my first Hannah Whitten work, The Foxglove King sets up an intriguing world with death magic and both political and romantic tension. While I admit the ending left me feeling a little wary about the trajectory of the characters' arcs moving forward, I'm still optimistic and excited to explore Dellaire's courts more.

I received a digital ARC from the publisher -  I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts are my own honest opinion.

favorite line: When humans become gods, they bring their natures with them.

I'm hoping to dive back into writing reviews in the upcoming months because I definitely felt a bit rusty sitting down and writing this review corner. With December in full swing, there are so many wrap ups and stats I want to share so fingers crossed I can get my act together and post a few more times before 2023 ends!