I really wanted to like this more than I did, or at least as much as I enjoyed the first book.
The concept had promise, and I definitely appreciated thI really wanted to like this more than I did, or at least as much as I enjoyed the first book.
The concept had promise, and I definitely appreciated the queer elements, the hints of adventure, and, let’s be honest, especially the gryphons and dragons. I just wish there had been more of that adventure, or more of the deeper character insights that book one delivered so well.
This book feels like it wants to be a fun, cozy romp with a group of quirky women getting into (and hopefully out of) trouble. But instead of feeling like a gripping fantasy tale, it plays more like a girls’ weekend with occasional plot thrown in.
The stakes are low, which I’m totally fine with, if other elements carry the story, but the pacing is uneven, and most conflicts are either undercooked or resolved so quickly they barely register. There’s very little tension. Things just… happen, and then they’re over, while the characters sort of drift through it all.
Speaking of the characters, they’re meant to be distinct and lovable, but in this installment they mostly come off as different shades of the same “quirky and stubborn” archetype. They felt more three-dimensional, and had actual agency, in book one.
Bobbie is supposed to be the investigative one, but her methods are just purely ineffective. Serina is a pirate, but barely. And Reyna and Kianthe, who were once sharp and capable, seem to have forgotten the stakes and mostly just bumble from moment to moment.
I kept waiting for the story to push them into deeper territory or challenge them meaningfully, but it never really gets there. Instead of watching the characters grow, A Pirate’s Life for Tea made them feel like less than they were. I didn’t find a real hook, neither in the plot nor in their development. The thing that carried me through mostly was the banter and quibbles, which are entertaining enough to make it to the end. I'll not continue the series though.
That said, if you're in the mood for something light and undemanding, this could still work. It has some fun banter, a low-stakes tone, and a few creative flourishes. And again, gryphons. Always a win.
Overall, it’s a fine pick for a cozy filler read, especially if you don’t mind your fantasy leaning more toward fluff than depth. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that this could’ve been a much tighter, more engaging book if it had just committed to its own potential.
There’s also a bonus steamy short story at the end, which didn’t work for me, but that’s expected, me being asexual and rarely finding a sex scene that doesn't bore me. The short is mostly about recreating the thrill of a fresh relationship, with the characters doing their best to tease and torment each other into one big explosive night. If you’re here for the steam, you’ll probably absolutely love it. If not, it’s easily skipped. ...more
Painted Devils by Margaret Owen is a wild and unexpected sequel that shifts gears from clever thievery to accidental prophecy, with mixed results. ThePainted Devils by Margaret Owen is a wild and unexpected sequel that shifts gears from clever thievery to accidental prophecy, with mixed results. The standout premise, what happens when you accidentally start a cult?, is as hilarious and compelling as it sounds, and Owen handles it with her usual blend of sharp wit and heartfelt stakes.
The mystery element was well done and kept me engaged throughout. I enjoyed trying to piece together what was real, what was manipulation, and what was divine intervention (if any). The world continues to expand in interesting ways, with stakes that are both deeply personal and quietly epic.
However, I did find this installment more repetitive than Little Thieves. There’s a pattern of ultimatums and time constraints that crops up a bit too often, making parts of the plot feel a little formulaic.
What took over the story, though, was the romance. While I appreciated the slow build in the first book, here it steps into the spotlight and stays there. For me, it crowded out some of the aspects I loved most about the original, namely Vanja’s morally grey chaos and the more layered character dynamics. As much as I like the demisexual representation, and as rare as that still is in fantasy, I wish the relationship development had kept the same careful pace instead of jumping ahead so fast.
Still, there’s a lot to enjoy here. The dynamics between the gods, the cult’s unintended growth, and Vanja’s ever-evolving relationship with power and consequence make Painted Devils a worthwhile read, even if it wasn’t quite the sequel I expected. ...more
I went into The Perfect Assassin by K.A. Doore expecting queer assassins in a fantasy setting, and that is, broadly speaking, what I got. This book isI went into The Perfect Assassin by K.A. Doore expecting queer assassins in a fantasy setting, and that is, broadly speaking, what I got. This book is less about action and assassinations, and more about what happens when someone trained to kill is unsure if he's up to it, and instead stumbles into a murder mystery.
Amastan has spent years preparing to become an assassin like the rest of his family, though he’s always preferred books to blades. He’s relieved to learn there are no current contracts once he finishes his training. Unfortunately, a body turns up, and he’s the one who finds it, so he’s quickly swept up in a city-wide investigation and political secrets buried beneath the sand.
The strongest part of the book is its setting. Ghadid, a desert city built on stilts above shifting sands, runs on water, old tech, and a complex code of conduct. Doore builds a vibrant world without relying on the usual medieval-European fantasy template. It’s a place where people cover their faces and speak with their eyes, where water is currency. This isn't always worked out perfectly. I found a few quibbles with the worldbuilding along the way, but queer identity is unremarkable and normalized in this world. That quiet normalization of queerness was refreshing and one of the most compelling aspects of the book.
The mystery, unfortunately, isn’t quite as strong. The plot moves quickly, and there’s a lot happening. Ghosts, politics, family dynamics, but the central whodunit is fairly obvious, and the tension never fully builds. There’s a sense that the book keeps brushing up against bigger ideas (religion, history, the ethics of assassination) without ever really digging in. I kept waiting for a twist or complication that didn’t come.
Character-wise, Amastan is thoughtful, anxious, and endearingly bookish, but he often feels like he’s reacting more than acting. Most of the supporting cast blends together, though there are a few standouts.
In the end, The Perfect Assassin is a solid first entry with a lot of promise: an original setting, a distinct narrative voice, and a world that feels like it has plenty more stories to tell. I just wish this particular one had gone a bit deeper....more
Little Thieves is a fun and layered story, even if some parts worked better for me than others. What stood out most was the demisexual rep, which 3,5*
Little Thieves is a fun and layered story, even if some parts worked better for me than others. What stood out most was the demisexual rep, which felt refreshing and genuine, something we still don’t see often enough. I just wish the romance arc had taken more time to breathe. For a character coded as demi, the emotional progression moved a bit too fast, especially considering how much trauma both leads are carrying.
That said, I loved the dynamic between the two godmothers (who are literal goddesses) and their stubborn, sharp, very damaged goddaughter. The blend of myth, magic, and messy family feelings worked really well.
The introduction of the second main character was another highlight, initially played as a bit of a fool, only to later reveal he was using that persona strategically to be underestimated. That slow reveal was satisfying and made me like him a lot more as the story progressed.
The trauma and its lingering effects were also handled with surprising care. Vanja’s backstory is heavy, and the way she navigates guilt, fear, and self-preservation felt grounded and believable.
Where the story stumbled a bit for me was the actual thieving. We’re told Vanja is an expert, but she makes a lot of questionable choices for someone supposedly that skilled. I found myself wanting a bit more competence to match the reputation.
Still, despite a few pacing issues and a romance that got too front-and-center too quickly for my taste, I enjoyed the ride. Gritty fairytale vibes, thorny moral questions, and some really great queer rep made this one worth picking up....more
Felix Yz by Lisa Bunker is a weird read, in the best possible way. It left me with some mixed feelings, especially toward the end, but I thoroughly enFelix Yz by Lisa Bunker is a weird read, in the best possible way. It left me with some mixed feelings, especially toward the end, but I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, thanks to its wild, genre-defying blend of sci-fi, family drama, queerness, and coming-of-age introspection.
The book is refreshingly inclusive. Felix, the main character, was fused with a fourth-dimensional alien named Zyx during a freak lab accident when he was three, an accident that also claimed his father's life. Now, as a teenager, Felix is falling in love with a boy at school while preparing for a dangerous procedure to separate him from the alien. The stakes are real, but so are the awkward crushes, emotional growth, and chaotic family moments.
Felix's family is delightfully unique and loving. His mother has had both boyfriends and girlfriends. His grandparent, called Grandy, is gender-fluid and uses neo-pronouns: vo/ven/veir. Grandy's gender expression is scheduled: female (Vera) from Sunday to Tuesday, male (Vern) from Thursday to Saturday, and nonbinary on Wednesdays, when vo stays in veir room, wears no clothes, and avoids outside contact.
While I know and (and at least partly) understand gender-fluid people, this highly structured expression felt a bit unusual to me. That might be because I’m more familiar with the “it changes as it feels right” approach, rather than something so pre-set.
As a non-native English speaker, I often struggle a bit with neo-pronouns, not because I dislike them (I actually *wish* we had viable gender-neutral pronouns in German!), but simply because my brain isn’t yet used to seeing them often enough for them to feel fluent. Many books use different sets, so I haven’t had a chance to normalize them in my reading flow. That said, the pronouns in Felix Yz felt close enough to familiar English ones, that I adjusted quickly. Which should make it easily accessible for a middle grade audience. I think they were thoughtfully chosen to match the reading level, while still honoring identity. Of course, pronouns aren't there to make reading easier, they're to reflect the person, and I’m always happy to adapt.
Plot-wise, the book is more about character and connection than high-stakes twists. The focus is on Felix’s family, his internal thoughts, and his evolving relationship with Zyx, the alien who shares his body. Their banter is quirky, often philosophical, and occasionally funny in that offbeat, surreal kind of way. Yes, the science is over-the-top and not remotely realistic, but I didn’t mind. The emotional core more than made up for it.
What gave me pause, though, was the ending. It wrapped things up a little too neatly, solving every major point in a way that felt slightly too convenient. Most disappointing to me was the way Grandy's gender was ultimately treated. Without spoiling specifics, I would have much preferred if veir fluidity had remained as it was. It felt like a step back from affirming gender nonconformity as equally valid, not something that needed to be "resolved."
Still, Felix Yz is a warm, thoughtful, and unusual book that balances sadness and fear of death with hope, humor, and love. It’s a story about being different, being loved for it, and embracing all the messy, undefinable parts of who we are. Even when it didn’t always quite hit the mark for me, I still enjoyed it a lot overall. ...more
This novella pulls off more in under 200 pages than many full-length novels manage in twice the time. Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire is a briThis novella pulls off more in under 200 pages than many full-length novels manage in twice the time. Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire is a brilliant blend of portal fantasy, magical realism, coming-of-age tale, found family, trauma narrative, and murder mystery, with a beautifully inclusive cast at its core.
The premise is deceptively simple and deeply compelling: What happens after you go through the wardrobe, the rabbit hole, the underworld and then come back? How do you fit into the “real” world again when you've already found the one that felt like home?
“Going back” had two distinct meanings at the school, depending on how it was said. It was the best thing in the world. It was also the worst thing that could happen to anybody. It was returning to a place that understood you so well that it had reached across realities to find you, claiming you as its own and only; it was being sent to a family that wanted to love you, wanted to keep you safe and sound, but didn’t know you well enough to do anything but hurt you.”
The characters are kids and teens who’ve all crossed into strange and magical lands that reflected their inner selves, and who’ve now been expelled from those worlds, willingly or not. They're misfits not just in our world, but sometimes even among each other. Some crave silence and stillness, others chaos and noise. The boarding school where they gather is meant to offer comfort and compromise, but it’s no utopia, especially when students start turning up dead.
The murder mystery thread is tight and engaging, but it never overshadows the emotional heart of the story. McGuire balances darkness and whimsy, horror and hope, with remarkable skill. There are lines that cut straight through, like this one:
“Hope is a knife that can cut through the foundations of the world… Hope means you keep on holding to things that won't ever be so again, and so you bleed an inch at a time until there's nothing left.”
The cast is richly diverse, and the queer representation is handled with respect and care. One of the central characters is a trans boy, another is asexual a detail that resonated deeply with me as a demisexual reader. I especially appreciated this moment:
“I don't want to go on dates with anyone. People are pretty, sure, and I like to look at pretty things, but I don't want to go on a date with a painting.”
That line so closely mirrors the way I’ve tried to explain my own experience. Representation like this, where queerness is simply part of who someone is, not a lesson or conflict, is still too rare and incredibly meaningful.
Each character’s magical world reflects their personality and deepest longings, from lands of logic and death to candy-colored chaos. These portals are metaphors, yes, but they’re also wonderfully imaginative and specific. The longing to return to a world that fits you is treated with sincerity, not as a childish fantasy. And the way parents or family often just can't understand.
“Their love wanted to fix her, and refused to see that she wasn’t broken.”
Despite the pain, grief, and darkness at its center, the story is also filled with warmth, humor, and strange joy. The banter between characters, especially the unapologetically morbid twins Jack and Jill, brings levity even in the darkest moments:
“Corpses are incapable of offering informed consent, and are hence no better than vibrators.” “I wish that didn’t make so much sense.”
McGuire’s writing is lyrical and sharp, full of small truths wrapped in fantasy. The story never over-explains; it trusts the reader to find their way. It’s a story about not fitting in, about refusing to be “fixed,” about finding family in the unlikeliest of places, and choosing your own ending.
“You're nobody's princess. "You're nobody's doorway but your own, and the only one who gets to tell you how your story ends is you.”
Every Heart a Doorway is equal parts cozy and unsettling, tender and terrifying. It’s about grief, identity, longing, and self-acceptance. It's a murder mystery, a love letter to weird kids, and a meditation on the doors we wish we could open, or reopen. A beautiful, brutal little gem of a book....more
I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about That Inevitable Victorian Thing by E.K. Johnston. It’s a book that took me quite a while to get into. NeaI'm still not entirely sure how I feel about That Inevitable Victorian Thing by E.K. Johnston. It’s a book that took me quite a while to get into. Nearly the first third felt slow, with little happening plot-wise. It also took some time for me to connect with the characters. But once I found my footing, I genuinely enjoyed spending time with them and seeing how their relationships developed.
The alternate history premise is bold: a future where the British Empire never fell, but instead made the right decisions. Valuing diversity, embracing intermarriage, and building a peaceful, inclusive society. Colonization still happened, but in this version of history, it led to a utopia (mostly) free from racism and hate for anything queer or otherwise different. It's a bit jarring at first, but the author addresses this directly in the afterword. Johnston makes it clear this isn’t an attempt to erase or excuse the very real harms of colonialism, but rather an imaginative exploration of what could have been, if we had centered inclusion, respect, and joy instead of domination.
On one hand, it’s refreshing to spend time in a world without hate. In the current climate, it felt like a much-needed mental break. On the other hand, something about it still felt a little off. Cultural elements like saris, hijabs, and other global traditions are visible, but the societal structure still leans heavily British. The monarchy remains intact, debutante balls still happen, and despite the diversity on the surface, the power structures haven't shifted all that much. That contradiction gave me pause.
The queer representation in the book is both lovely and slightly uneven. In this society, queerness is normalized, so there's no bigotry, and even the church is now following “God” who is an AI-based computer, offering a matchmaking service that pairs people based on genetic compatibility. That setup includes manual overrides for things the computer can’t detect, like being trans, Two-Spirit, or intersex. Those identities are fully respected and accommodated, which is great in theory. But it also raises some strange questions: if this society is so informed and inclusive, why would a character discovering they are intersex be so shocked, so unaware that this was even a possibility? That moment felt discordant in a world that otherwise claims deep awareness and acceptance of identity diversity.
There’s also some thematic tension around queerness and tradition. Being queer is no big deal, unless you're a royal, where producing heirs is still a core expectation. The story seems to want to challenge that idea, but it doesn’t go quite far enough in questioning whether the monarchy's outdated values can truly coexist with queer liberation.
That said, I really appreciated the variety of LGBTQIA+ representation: there's a sweet sapphic romance, an intersex character, bi characters, possibly a polyamorous dynamic, and more. The normalization of all these identities is one of the book’s strengths, even if some moments didn’t quite land for me.
My biggest complaint is the ending, which felt rushed and overly tidy. Problems that were set up as potentially complex were resolved in just a few pages, some with little to no explanation. Others through major decisions handed down by other characters, without discussion or compromise. The characters accept life-altering changes far too easily, with no sign of inner conflict or emotional processing. I wanted more: more time to wrestle with the implications, more space to explore how those resolutions might play out.
That Inevitable Victorian Thing is far from a perfect read, but it’s an intriguing and unique one. It presents a hopeful, inclusive future that’s rare in fiction, especially one where queerness and cultural diversity are both celebrated. While some aspects felt underdeveloped or too idealized, I still appreciated the time I spent in this world. It gave me things to think about, characters to root for, and a glimpse of what could be, if we centered empathy, inclusion, and love. ...more
The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy is the second book in Mackenzi Lee’s Montague Siblings series. While it can technically be read as a standal The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy is the second book in Mackenzi Lee’s Montague Siblings series. While it can technically be read as a standalone, I highly recommend starting with The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue. Not only does it introduce the trio of characters,Felicity, Monty, and Percy, but it also deepens your emotional investment in their journeys. While the first book focuses on the young men, the sequel switches to Felicity as the main character.
What I loved most is how unapologetically character-driven this story is. Felicity begins the novel somewhat self-centered, though she doesn’t entirely realize it. Watching her come to terms with her own flaws and assumptions, especially as others challenge her, is a satisfying and realistic journey. I have a soft spot for characters who take criticism, not immediately, not perfectly, but who wrestle with it and change. Growth is messy, and Lee captures that beautifully.
The real heart of the story, though, lies in the female friendships that unfold. Felicity finds herself forming an uneasy alliance with two other young women. A former best friend, who might now be an enemy, and a mysterious stranger who looks shady, but who offers what she needs.
Each one of the three is complex, capable, and resisting the narrow roles society has assigned to them. Their dynamic isn’t smooth from the start, which makes the eventual bond they form feel all the more earned.
A brilliant aspiring doctor who has no interest in marriage or romance.
The fierce daughter of a pirate, determined to inherit her father's legacy.
And the third, a delightfully rare character, is someone who embraces femininity, pretty dresses, and the dream of love, while also being scientific, unafraid of mud or animal slobber. I adored this reminder that you don’t have to choose between intellect and softness, you can be both.
There’s adventure, sass, heartfelt banter, and a sense of independence and defiance that runs through it all. The plot is a bit meandering at times, but it’s the characters that linger after you close the book.
This book delivers a delightful blend of adventure, feminism, and heartfelt character work, while offering thoughtful representation for identities often overlooked in fiction. Felicity’s story is full of wit, courage, and quiet defiance, and her journey, both outward and inward, is one enjoyed all the way through.
If you’re craving a historical seeing with a strong, flawed, growing female lead and beautifully complex friendships (and pirates!), this one’s absolutely worth your time.
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A Note on Asexuality Representation
One of the great aspects of this book for me was the rare and welcome asexual representation. Felicity has no interest in sex, and the narrative doesn’t make a grand spectacle of it, which is exactly what felt right. As someone who is demisexual, I found this quiet, normalized portrayal incredibly validating.
Often romance and sexual attraction are presented as universal or inevitable, and characters are portrayed as incomplete without them. But for many of us, that just isn’t our lived experience. I’ve often heard people insist, “Sex drives humanity,” or question why someone would want to read books that don't include it (as a main theme). But honestly? That’s not true for everyone. I don’t find sex off-putting, and I’m not repelled by romance, but it’s not something that dominates my thoughts or shapes my day-to-day perspective. So when I read books where characters are immediately lovestruck just from seeing someone attractive, I feel… alienated.
Felicity’s experience felt more like my own. Her disinterest in romance and intimacy isn’t treated as a problem to be solved, it’s simply part of who she is. It's just a non topic, unless society seems to force it on her. And that felt so comforting in its quietness. I saw some reviews criticizing the asexuality as underdeveloped or too subtle. But to me, that is the point. For many of us, it's just not a dramatic or central theme of our identity.
I especially appreciated how Felicity’s bond with others is shown through mutual respect, loyalty, and intellectual connection. That, for me, is a more meaningful portrayal of love and partnership than forced romantic subplots. And while I personally connect more with demisexuality, I appreciate the lack of steam. That sometimes you don’t feel attraction at all, or not until something deeply emotional happens. That’s not "weird." That’s valid. ...more
A short, cute & fun gay novella about finally getting that first time out of the way. Or not. There are some darker bits, and honest conversation, butA short, cute & fun gay novella about finally getting that first time out of the way. Or not. There are some darker bits, and honest conversation, but overall cozy, with plenty of banter & hilarious fails....more
Awakened by Osworth is a story about (mostly) middle-aged trans witches fighting an AI? You’ve absolutely got my attention. That premise alone felt liAwakened by Osworth is a story about (mostly) middle-aged trans witches fighting an AI? You’ve absolutely got my attention. That premise alone felt like something fresh, weird, and wonderful, and I was all in.
While the book didn’t fully deliver on all its promises for me, I still quite enjoyed my time with it. That said, I didn’t end up loving it as much as I expected. It’s a strange blend of genres and tones, sometimes gloriously so, sometimes confusingly so, and that made it a bit hard to pin down what exactly did and didn’t work. But I’ll try.
First off, I really appreciated the diverse cast. The trans characters aren’t just there for representation. They’re distinct individuals, each with their own motivations, personalities, preferences and flaws. That level of character work was a breath of fresh air, especially compared to how often LGBTQ+ or neurodivergent characters end up written as slight variations of a single “acceptable” mold. In Awakened, they all have agency, and the story allows them to be complex, messy, loving, and powerful in their own ways.
That said, the audiobook version didn’t do the character work many favors. The narration felt a bit too... similar? Not quite over-dramatic, but lacking nuance, especially in dialogue. The writing itself gave each character a clear voice, but the performance blurred those distinctions, with all of them sounding pretty similar in their tone, making it harder to stay immersed.
Among the characters, I especially loved Wilder, and how they slowly came into their own, learning to trust themselves and their desires. Artemis was another standout: her complicated, tender dynamic with her found-family daughter, and her deep affection for Quibble, were both moving and grounded. Seeing her struggle with being a parent, while also willing to do anything for those she cares for felt absolutely real. Quibble, too, was a delight, charming, curious, and a quiet scene-stealer.
On the other hand, Mary Margaret, the teen witch, didn’t land as well for me. She read more like an adult’s idea of what a modern teen might sound like, rather than an authentically teenage voice. That might be a nitpick, but as someone who’s spent over two decades surrounded by teens as a bookseller in the YA section, I’ve developed a pretty fine-tuned radar for what does and doesn’t feel real. And in this case, it didn’t quite hit the mark.
I also had mixed feelings about some of the more “vulgar” or explicit elements. The portrayal of the best queer bar in the world, including its glory holes, didn’t quite sit right with me. Similarly, the few sex scenes didn’t particularly appeal to me, though I want to be clear that this is more about my personal taste than any objective flaw in the writing. As someone who’s demisexual, I often struggle to find sex scenes in books that resonate or feel meaningful. That said, one particular threesome scene was surprisingly fresh and memorable, so credit where it’s due, your mileage may vary, of course.
The plot itself was probably my biggest issue. It often felt like it meandered rather than built toward anything with real momentum. The evil AI antagonist was especially underwhelming. His dialogue frequently came across as gibberish, less menacing, more confusing, and he embodied the classic “evil just because” trope. I kept waiting for some deeper motivation, some reason for his behavior beyond sheer maliciousness, but it never quite came.
That said, I did enjoy his origin story! It was genuinely unique and entertaining. I just wish there had been a clearer explanation of how he made the leap from his starting point to becoming an existential threat in the real world.
Despite all these critiques, I still had a good time with Awakened. It’s strange and chaotic and doesn’t always hang together, but its heart is in the right place, and its commitment to queer magic, found family, and complex characters made it well worth reading. I just wish it had been a bit more cohesive, and a bit more sure of what kind of story it wanted to tell....more
Moontangled by Stephanie Burgis is another cute and comfy novella on the Hardwood Spell book series. It can technically be read on its own, but I thinMoontangled by Stephanie Burgis is another cute and comfy novella on the Hardwood Spell book series. It can technically be read on its own, but I think you'll get more out of it, if you read it in order.
Short but sweet, this offers a sapphic romance, some misunderstandings, friendship and the mysterious fae, who might be allies but are also very dangerous...
The amount of possible peril and cosy feelings was just right to make this a delightful read for a summer afternoon with a big mug of iced coffee....more
Starling House is marketed as Gothic horror, but for me, it leaned more toward contemporary fantasy with gothic elements. There are monsters, and a haStarling House is marketed as Gothic horror, but for me, it leaned more toward contemporary fantasy with gothic elements. There are monsters, and a haunted house, but the true horror is more rooted in history and legacy than in scares or suspense.
The central concept is strong: a sentient, mysterious house that’s as likely to protect you as it is to destroy you. That ambiguity, along with the house’s eerie charm, was one of my favorite parts of the book. The monsters, too, are compelling: dangerous and unsettling, yet not clearly evil. I’m always drawn to stories where good and evil isn’t clearly defined, and Starling House explores that space with nuance.
The novel touches on heavy themes, slavery, generational trauma, systemic racism, and does so with varying degrees of depth. The town’s past is ugly, its sins far from buried, and I appreciated the slow unraveling of that history. People may be sorry, but they still look away. That quiet complicity felt all too real.
Found family plays a quiet but powerful role in the story. I enjoyed watching the characters, especially the protagonist, who’s fiercely protective of her younger brother, realize they don’t have to carry everything alone. The support comes from unexpected places, which added a nice layer of emotional payoff.
That said, Starling House didn’t fully land for me. The romance felt predictable and leaned heavily into Beauty and the Beast territory, which isn’t a trope I enjoy. The characters, while likable, follow familiar patterns: the tough-but-traumatized sister, the dead mum who wasn't good with men, the absent father and of course the brooding rich man with a tragic past. I found myself wishing for a bit more originality in their arcs.
As for the queer representation, it’s there, but mostly in the background. A side f/f couple, a line or two about past relationships with both women and men, but the central romance remains the classic "gritty girl softens guarded rich guy" story. For a book tagged as LGBT, I hoped for more central representation.
In the end, Starling House is a solid read with a strong sense of atmosphere and some thoughtful themes. While it didn’t break new ground for me, it offered a haunting setting and moments of emotional depth that made it worth the time. ...more
The Descent of Monsters by Neon Yang is, so far, my favorite installment in the Tensorate series.
Shifting away from the monster-hunting, this entry taThe Descent of Monsters by Neon Yang is, so far, my favorite installment in the Tensorate series.
Shifting away from the monster-hunting, this entry takes the form of a murder mystery wrapped in layers of institutional secrecy and personal obsession, and it works beautifully.
From the outset, The Descent of Monsters sets itself apart with its narrative structure. Told through a dossier of official reports, private correspondence, interrogation transcripts, and journal entries, the story unfolds with a fragmented intensity that feels both inventive and perfectly suited to the world Yang has built. This epistolary style lends the novella a raw immediacy, immersing the reader in the mystery through shifting voices and perspectives. It also cleverly underscores the themes of truth, censorship, and the selective nature of memory and documentation, especially powerful in a world where control of knowledge is political currency.
For once, the length of the novella didn’t feel like a limitation. The format and pacing are so well-matched that the story felt exactly as long as it needed to be. Taut, atmospheric, and emotionally sharp. I was hooked from the very first page, and the mystery kept me fully engaged throughout. While I won’t spoil any details, I will say that the ending struck the right balance of resolution and ambiguity. It delivered emotional impact without tidy closure, which felt entirely appropriate for a story about hidden atrocities and the lingering echoes of trauma.
What makes this entry particularly compelling is how it peels back the layers of previous novellas. We gain deeper insight into the events that occurred off-page in earlier books, and those revelations add both context and emotional weight to the larger narrative.
The novella also introduces new voices and perspectives while continuing to explore familiar themes of identity, autonomy, and resistance. Though it moves away from the gender identity focus of the earlier entries, it remains consistent in its inclusive ethos. The Tensorate world continues to feel rich, lived-in, and unapologetically queer, and this commitment to inclusive storytelling remains one of the series’ greatest strengths.
It is bold in both form and content, a sharp turn in style that deepens the mythos of the universe while standing strong on its own. It’s a powerful exploration of corruption, accountability, and what it means to bear witness. With this novella, Yang not only expands the scope of their world but also shows how versatile and experimental speculative fiction can be....more
The Red Threads of Fortune by Neon Yang, the second novella in the Tensorate series, builds meaningfully on the foundation laid in The Black Tides of The Red Threads of Fortune by Neon Yang, the second novella in the Tensorate series, builds meaningfully on the foundation laid in The Black Tides of Heaven, and I found myself enjoying it even more. Perhaps it was the familiarity with the world and the returning characters, but this installment felt more grounded, more cohesive, and more emotionally resonant from the outset.
One of the strengths of this novella is its tighter focus and more linear structure. Unlike its predecessor, which spanned decades and leaned heavily on time jumps, The Red Threads of Fortune unfolds over a shorter period, allowing for deeper emotional continuity and character development. The story follows Mokoya in the aftermath of immense personal loss, and much of the novella grapples with grief, healing, and the weight of memory. These themes are handled with subtlety and compassion, giving the narrative a quiet, aching power beneath the monster-hunting adventure.
Speaking of monsters, this book brings us thrilling encounters with fascinating beasts, particularly the naga. But more than just spectacle, the monsters here are deeply tied to Mokoya's inner turmoil, making the battles feel metaphorically rich as well as narratively engaging.
Once again, Yang’s worldbuilding is a standout feature. The Tensorate universe continues to impress with its blend of magic, spirituality, and technology. In this entry, we learn more about the Machinists, a radical faction with their own vision for society, and their ideology adds compelling layers to the world’s political landscape. I was especially delighted to see more of the raptors, used f Both as mounts or for the hunt. They’re a visually striking and conceptually cool element that adds texture and a sense of wonder to the setting.
Yang's commitment to inclusive storytelling remains one of the series’ greatest strengths. Gender identity is treated with the same thoughtful nuance as in the first book. The societal norm of raising children with gender neutrality is expanded upon here through the character of Rider, an adult who continues to use they/them pronouns without having chosen a gender, and this choice is accepted without question. It's refreshing and affirming to see a world where personal identity is respected as fluid, evolving, and self-determined.
That said, I still found myself wishing for more: more pages, more depth, more space to breathe. While this novella felt more cohesive and emotionally satisfying than the first, the brevity still leaves certain ideas and relationships underdeveloped. Characters like Rider and the Machinists are intriguing, but they only get a fraction of the exploration they deserve. As with The Black Tides of Heaven, I couldn’t help but imagine how powerful this story might be as a full-length novel.
Despite its short length, this is a rich and engaging entry in the Tensorate series. It deepens the emotional and political stakes of the world, while delivering action, introspection, and continued innovation in worldbuilding and representation. I breezed through it, but it lingered in my mind afterward, a sure sign that Yang's vision is as compelling as ever....more
The Black Tides of Heaven by Neon Yang is a novella full of promise, brimming with fascinating ideas and a unique setting that captivated me from the The Black Tides of Heaven by Neon Yang is a novella full of promise, brimming with fascinating ideas and a unique setting that captivated me from the start, though ultimately, it didn’t fully deliver on all fronts.
What stood out most to me was the worldbuilding. Yang crafts a richly imagined, Asian-inspired fantasy world that weaves together magic, religion, political intrigue, and touches of technology in a way that feels fresh and unique. The Tensorate universe is one where the mystical and mechanical coexist, and the way it unfolds in the story is often beautiful, if sometimes fleeting.
One of the most compelling elements is the treatment of gender. In this world, children are raised with gender neutrality, and individuals choose their gender when they are ready. A choice that may include undergoing medical transition, or not. This concept is handled with nuance and care, and it offers a vision of gender identity that feels both radical and deeply humane. I especially appreciated how the narrative normalizes the use of they/them pronouns and presents gender as something deeply personal rather than societally imposed.
However, the novella format was a limitation for me. While I understand that brevity can be a strength, in this case, it felt more like a constraint. The worldbuilding, though compelling, comes to the reader in fragments. Glimpses and moments that suggest a much larger tapestry we never quite get to see. I often found myself wishing for more space to explore the political dynamics, the mechanics of the magic, and the broader cultural landscape. It felt like being given a piece of an intricate puzzle without the rest of the picture.
Character development also suffered somewhat from the novella’s brevity and structure. The relationship between the twin protagonists, Akeha and Mokoya, is the emotional core of the story and is handled with depth early on. But as the story progresses and large time jumps occur, their relationship begins to feel disjointed. Secondary characters come and go with little time for deeper engagement, making some of the emotional beats feel less impactful than they could have been.
Despite these shortcomings, The Black Tides of Heaven remains a worthwhile and intriguing read. It’s a quick journey into a vibrant, thought-provoking world, and Yang’s vision is bold and distinctive. While I ended the book feeling somewhat unsatisfied, not because of what was there, but because of how much more I wanted, that’s also a testament to how compelling this world and its ideas truly are....more
The Wicked Bargain is a swashbuckling adventure that blends Latinx pirates, magic, and a heartfelt quest to rescue family and crew. All anchored by a The Wicked Bargain is a swashbuckling adventure that blends Latinx pirates, magic, and a heartfelt quest to rescue family and crew. All anchored by a charming cast and a deeply compelling, transmasc nonbinary protagonist.
One of the highlights for me was how thoughtfully the book handles queerness. Mar, the main character, uses they/them pronouns. They make it clear that “woman” doesn’t fit them at all, while being okay with “man” and preferring “boy.” Their identity feels authentic and nuanced, never reduced to a token or plot device.
"What are you?" Mar blinks at the question. There are so many answers, each of them as true as the last. They're a person—mostly a boy, but not entirely. They're a crew member, a sailor, an explorer. They're an only child. A friend."
I’m usually not a fan of magical healing tropes, but even that aspect was handled with care and sensitivity here and it worked within the story’s emotional arc.
The world Mar inhabits is mostly accepting, but their internal struggle with their body, always wearing a binder and worrying that it might show, adds depth. These moments aren’t sensationalized. They’re woven naturally into the story and character development and show Mar’s journey toward self-confidence, which is intimately tied to their relationship with yheirmagic.
Also worth mentioning is Dami, a genderfluid demonio, who is both infuriating and irresistibly charming. You can’t help but love Dami, even while rolling your eyes.
Beyond the action and sword fights, the book also offers a sweet, slow-burn romance that’s delightfully normal and endearing. It doesn’t overshadow the plot, but rather it complements it.
Overall, The Wicked Bargain is a vibrant, queer, magical adventure full of heart and authenticity. Highly recommended for readers looking for fantasy with diverse representation and emotional depth....more
I really enjoyed the wonderfully weird and lovable main cast in Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune. The dialogue is charming and the humor is consisI really enjoyed the wonderfully weird and lovable main cast in Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune. The dialogue is charming and the humor is consistently cute and entertaining. It gave me that warm, cozy feeling that Klune does so well.
One of the standout strengths of the book is its inclusive cast. The found family dynamic is full of heart, and everyone is allowed to be fully and unapologetically themselves. I appreciated the underlying message that even when we mean well, we might still try to mold others into what we think is best. However the story gently reminds us that it's okay to make mistakes, as long as we learn, apologize, and move forward.
That said, I did find the main conflict and villains a little too over the top, and the "epic showdown" wrapped up much too quickly for my liking. I would have appreciated a bit more depth and buildup in that area.
Still, with characters I adore and a safe haven for children at its heart, this story was an absolute joy to read. Klune continues to balance whimsy, warmth, and real emotional insight in a way that feels both magical and grounding.
Oh, and I especially enjoyed the anti TERF message in the authors own words as well!...more
To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose is a wonderful historical fantasy that will appeal to both older teens and adults alike.
While it haTo Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose is a wonderful historical fantasy that will appeal to both older teens and adults alike.
While it has dragons and an academy, it really is mostly a story about colonisation, racism and the way western society tends to destroy cultures wherever it goes, while actually believing they are doing those “savages” a favour.
If you're looking for fight scenes and adventures, this is not the book for you. However I was hooked from beginning to end. The story kept me enthralled and its pace and my interest never flagged.
I would really love to read a book where the indigenous people don't have to scrape by to survive living close to those who have intruded on their land, and instead actually manage to fight back. However, To Shape a Dragon’s Breath, is sadly much more in line with our real world history.
It can be painfully true to life to read the condescending and arrogant way some characters talk about - and to - people that they consider to be not just other than them, but less than them. Blackgoose effectively captures the oppressors’ conviction that their superiority is somehow an entitlement and that a society where the rich don't dominate the poor can't be worthwhile. From all out hateful racism, to the small belittlements by those who mean well, the narrative at times just feels way too close to home.
However, the book is quite nuanced in the attitudes it portrays. Some of the characters want everything to stay exactly the same, while others do see the benefits in some of the technological innovations and aspire to become innovators who tinker to make even better machines.
Our main character is a young woman who has a very strong moral compass, and while she might be a bit too perfect at times, I absolutely loved spending time with her. Seeing her just standing her ground was a welcome sign of resistance in this well drawn but prejudiced society. While she does realize how dangerous it all could be, and tries to protect her people, she mostly says what she thinks and won't bow to rules she often just finds stupid.
For example with the approach to romance and relationships. In her community it is absolutely fine to be non binary, trans, or just not fitting any “mold”. It doesn't matter if you love men, women, or both. You can also marry more than one person, as long as all are consenting adults. Her people are way more open about it all as well, with children being asked to play away from home the day after their fathers come home from months spent whaling, so they have time to catch up with their wives.
The difference in cultures was very well depicted, and also the way those cultural differences shape people, as we get to see many different perspectives. Black, neurodivergent, indigenous, LGBTQIA2S - all those people exist in this world, even if they shouldn't do so, according to the colonizers. That inclusive cast was a main draw for me, and I really enjoyed seeing how normal it is in the indigenous community, while the Anglish gasp and shush those topics, or make them go away by killing off whoever they deem unfit for their society.
This is not always an easy read, leaning so heavily on hard topics, and featuring quite a few deaths. While the book itself is not graphic in how it disposes of characters, this doesn't make the punches feel any lighter. There is a certain detachment in how we discover the details of people’s pasts - for example why someone is an orphan, or other relevant information delivered in the newspaper reports. However, that also makes it feel more real, a bit like how we are reading all the horrible things going on right now in our own newspapers and media reports.
This is balanced out by a very cute dragon and a good bond between her and her human, as well as a good, almost slice of life look into village life.
I also really enjoyed the deep dive into the magic system, which is strongly bound to chemistry, and I enjoyed learning how it all works. Some might find these bits a bit boring or tedious, but I've always enjoyed the learning aspect, if done well.
To Shape a Dragon is an engrossing read that robustly and convincingly tackles some real world issues in a fantastic setting. In so doing, like the best of literature, it holds up a mirror for us to view ourselves in - and to take heed of....more
Can't Spell Treason without Tea by Rebecca Thorne is a cosy fantasy with a few dark moments thrown in. If you're looking for pure comofrt, like Becky CCan't Spell Treason without Tea by Rebecca Thorne is a cosy fantasy with a few dark moments thrown in. If you're looking for pure comofrt, like Becky Chambers, this might not be to your liking, as there are some high stakes moments, but if you're just looking for something more easy going and comfy, not epic or dark, and yet still have some action and adventure, plus evil queens - then this is a great choice.
The (sapphic) romance was cute enough to bother me, and I did enjoy the banter and puns.
An easy and quick read that was perfect for me when work was really stressful and my brain not on full capacity....more
Swordheart by T. Kingfisher is yet anothe rbrilliant cosy-dark story that caught me off guard.
We have an older feamle main character, who is intelligeSwordheart by T. Kingfisher is yet anothe rbrilliant cosy-dark story that caught me off guard.
We have an older feamle main character, who is intelligent, but never had any read education. she also learned to play dumb to be save in a world were women aren't really taken seriously, and can ask the most impossible questions at the most inconvenient times. May that's a mark of genius though, not being unable to read a situation.
Her good heart and trust in people are perfectly balanced by a scowling warrior who lives in a sword she finds in her uncles house. I loved the back and forth between these two very different characters, and while I could have done with a bit less romance (as usual) it was funny and realistic for older characters at least.
The book also balances being cute and fun with seriously dark bits and the occasional bloody murder or horrific backstory, which works so very well for me. This specific blend is just exactly what I need lately. Not too fluffy, but also still cosy and comfy in a way, with good freindships and loyalties.
I loved the non binary rat priest they pick up along the way, and just adored the whole banter and tone of the story....more