RULES & REGULATIONS is a smart, fast-paced, high-stakes adventure that draws you in and takes you for a delightful ride into the world of myth and magRULES & REGULATIONS is a smart, fast-paced, high-stakes adventure that draws you in and takes you for a delightful ride into the world of myth and magic. Alongside worrying about AP classes and his crush, Bridger falls headfirst into the chaotic world of being an Intermediary’s assistant. With an awkward mentor and pixies as his guide, he has to learn how to be that bridge between the magical and mundane world (and escape a rampaging unicorn!).
Bridger’s sharp wit, sarcasm and resourcefulness absolutely shine on every single page, and he makes for a hilarious narrator, especially during the many WTF moments (and there are many. He meets a SASQUATCH. It’s amazing.) His relationship with his best friend Astrid is wonderfully dynamic and complex as Bridger starts having to lie about his magical new job, and then things get even more complicated with a potential boyfriend, and also a potentially end of the world.
Lukens delivers at every level, from the overwhelming awkwardness of a first crush, the complex dynamics of friendship, family relationships, and handles coming out in an authentic, clever, and hilarious way. I’m going to be quoting “I’m going to go be bisexual in my room” for a long time. RULES creates a fantastic new universe that I absolutely need more of. ...more
Forest of a Thousand Lanterns shines with rich characters, a fantastic and detailed worldbuilding thoughtfully written by an Asian American author, anForest of a Thousand Lanterns shines with rich characters, a fantastic and detailed worldbuilding thoughtfully written by an Asian American author, and a cunning protagonist who is the anti-hero you've been waiting for.
Xifeng wants more than anything to be more than her little village and get away from her overbearing aunt Guma, and takes a chance to travel to the heart of the city and meet the Emperor. As she enters court, she has to navigate the pit of vipers there; make friends and enemies and every step is filled with danger. Xifeng's embrace of her powers and the court intrigue makes for an enthralling read.
It is imperatively important that we can see all types of protagonists from different backgrounds in our media; the more characters of color there are, the less pressure there is for each character to have to represent every character in the community. We can see people as rich and complex when there are multiple characters; Forest of A Thousand Lanterns is important because Xifeng is fascinating as a person; she'll do anything she can to get ahead. Dao makes a bold move here and the book doesn't shy away from a descent-to-darkness arc that works incredibly well for Xifeng's character.
Haunting, magical, and dark, Forest of a Thousand Lanterns is the first in a series of a retelling of Snow White set in an Asian fantasy world. Avidly awaiting the next in the series....more
A thrilling, delicious ride from start to finish, The Better to Kiss You With is absolute fantastic fun that brings together geekery and the supernatuA thrilling, delicious ride from start to finish, The Better to Kiss You With is absolute fantastic fun that brings together geekery and the supernatural. Programmer Deanna works and plays in a Ingress-inspired game called Wolf's Run, where everyone plays as a fictional werewolf and tries to claim territories for their pack. The game combines MMORPG and LARPing elements and sounds super fun; and the worldbuilding Osgood does here is wonderful.
Deanna starts dating Jamie, who I adored immediately. They were both so cute together I couldn't stand it, and Osgood writes them with such chemistry. Every kiss and every touch is memorable; and the magic and magic reveal itself was everything I wanted.
There are some genuinely terrifying moments in the book, and Osgood handles them well. Fast paced and action packed, the book is both a wonderful romance and suspenseful thriller. ...more
Absolutely gorgeous prose, invigorating plot with spectacular characters and a rich landscape. Uprooted brings together unique worldbuilding, a truly Absolutely gorgeous prose, invigorating plot with spectacular characters and a rich landscape. Uprooted brings together unique worldbuilding, a truly terrifying seemingly formless antagonist of the Wood, and a wonderful and relatable heroine, Agnieszka, whose courage, determination and creativity really move the story forward. ...more
Combines mythology, teenage snark, diverse characters in a fascinating world. A thrilling read for anyone who loves adventure, horror, and fantasy, WaCombines mythology, teenage snark, diverse characters in a fascinating world. A thrilling read for anyone who loves adventure, horror, and fantasy, Wainwright crafts a compelling narrative. Looking forward to the rest in the series. ...more
Cinderella may be the most oft re-imagined fairy tale, and Mechanica takes the An advance reading copy was won through GoodRead's First Reads program.
Cinderella may be the most oft re-imagined fairy tale, and Mechanica takes the familiar tropes and runs away with it on a steam-powered horse. Wildly delightful and imaginative, this novel is a fast-paced and fun romp through a vividly described world.
Nicolette on her sixteenth birthday discovers her mother's legacy where she can practice her inventing prowess, a secret workshop that not only contains blueprints and memories of her beloved mother, but also Jules, a magical clockwork horse, her mother's invention, powered by the mysterious Ashes from Faerie, whose lands and magic are now under quarantine and shunned by the common populace. Determined to make enough money to live free from her stepmother and stepsisters, Nicolette works away at her inventions, selling helpful machines at the Market. She meets Caro and Fin and makes quick friends of them as they help her with her wares and her dream to present her inventions at the Exposition, held the night of a certain ball where the prince is looking for a bride.
A huge fan of steampunk and magic realism, I was enchanted at every turn with how cleverly Cornwell blends magic and machines in the world; the kingdom's strive with the land of Faerie, the outlawing of magic and the consequences for the the kingdom is endlessly fascinating. Romance takes a backseat in this novel, and it's beautifully done, with the focus on Nicolette's own journey, and her developing friendships.