adrihean's reviews
2069 reviews

 

“The Empress,” by Kristin Cast 

 

Reminded me a little like Alice in Wonderland when she falls through a hole into a new world. It’s a really good book if you like a lot of tension between FMC and MMC in a relationship. This book had a good plot that had action and romance in a balanced way. Not much to say about it that won’t spoil too much but it was pretty good. Can’t wait until book 2 comes out. 4 out of 5 stars. 

 

-Hidden Identity 

-Portal Fantasy 

-Romantic Tension 

 

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley. 

 

“I won’t base my happiness on maybe.” 

 

“Stone and Spellbound,” by Quinn LeFae 

 

A prince cursed to be stone at night and an exiled witch who is willing to help break the curse meet up on an adventure they both needed in their lives. 

 

I liked the cursed to be stone aspect of the plot. It was a little too “cozy” for me and the FMC was a little too cheery. It felt like it lacked some depth and maybe if it was longer, it could have been developed a little bit more. Despite all that, it was an interesting book. It was too much of something happened and then it worked out and then another thing happened and it worked out, etc. without too much tension, internally or physically. 3 out of 5 stars. 

 

-Forbidden Love 

-Fae, Witches, Vampires, Dragons, Elves 

-Magic, Sorcery 

-Enemies To Lovers 

 

Thank you for the ARC, Booksprout. 

 

“Winter Academy- Heiress of the Moonstone,” by Karolyn Ciseau 

 

I liked the kidnapped by winter king story plot mixed with demons and magic. I couldn’t really get into the story the way I wanted to and I’m not sure why, it wasn’t overly exciting and was a little too predictable, but it was still a good read. I didn’t feel bored or anything, just wasn’t surprising. 3 out of 5 stars. 

 

-Magic 

-Kidnapped 

-Demons 

 

Thank you for the free copy, Hiddengems. 

 

“No One Will Save Us” by Julie L. Brown 

 

Julie L. Brown's No One Will Save Us is a thought-provoking exploration of a society ruled by women, whose lives are turned upside down when members of their community are abducted by another country to be sold into slavery. At the heart of the story is Chibuike, who must navigate her growing responsibilities and fight to save those she loves—or risk losing them forever. 

 

This book captivated me with its exploration of themes such as gender roles, the value of family and friendship, cultural identity, religious extremism, becoming an adult and finding your place, and colonization. While the story feels rooted in Africa, its universal relevance shines through; this could easily represent how various cultures experienced colonization across the globe. The setting’s ambiguity reflects shared histories of oppression and resilience throughout all of history. 

 

One of the standout elements of the book is its a queendom, which adds depth and complexity to the plot. It was refreshing to read a story centered on societal issues and moral dilemmas, without  romance being the focus. This absence of romance amplifies the weight of the characters’ decisions and the societal challenges they face. 

 

I think for me reading an alternative history to the slave trade with very little to no romance was a great change of pace from the other books being published lately. Plus, I think the cover looks so good and fits perfectly on my bookshelf. 

 

It’s a solid 4 out of 5 stars, and I can’t wait for Julie L. Brown’s future books. Definitely a book I will be rereading again. 

 

-Colonization 

-Alternative History 

-Race and Gender Issues 

-Queendom 

-Slavery 

-Coming-of-age 

Thank you, Julie L. Brown, for providing me with a complimentary copy of your book to read and review. 

 

 

“The Bond That Burns,” by Briar Boleyn 

 

This was a really good book. I have read a bunch of Briar Boleyn’s books and all of them have been so worth reading that I can’t believe she isn’t more popular (like SJM popular). This book checked all the marked from the first one did… dragons, vampires, academy, enemies to lovers, political intrigue, forced mates, and a cliff hanger. If you like the first book in the series, then you will like this book too. If you haven’t then you need to read it if you like fourth wing but with vampires. 4 out of 5 stars. 

 

-Dragons, Vampires 

-Magic 

-Academy 

-Multi POV 

-Political Intrigue 

-Enemies To Lovers 

 

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley. 

 

 

 

“Beyond the Summer,” by Ezra Dao 

 

This was a cute coming-of-age story about M/M relationship. The book is heavy on the trans and LGBTQIA+ issues and the characters growing and overcoming the hardship of these things. I would call this a more cozy style of book despite the trouble the characters go through. There was a bunch of spicy content too so it’s not a YA type of coming-of-age which was nice. 4 out of 5 stars, glad I read it. 

 

-M/M 

-Trans Topics 

-Summer Camp Counselors 

-Coming-of-age 

 

Thank you for the ARC, Booksprout.