librarianlayla's reviews
937 reviews

3/3.5 stars.

This wasn't what I was expecting, I had really wanted a good Disney Villains story to get completely immersed in however I was left feeling a little ambivalent.

The juxtaposition of it being Disney but in the real world didn't really mesh for me, it didn't feel complete.

I enjoyed the murder mystery aspect but it was just a little lack luster with the characters and the world building. I wanted to feel more for the characters and the things at stake.

It does have some good nuggets in there but I'm just not sure it was for me.

3/3.5 stars.

Trigger warnings for rape, murder, body shaming and deep psychosis.

Although a well written, unnerving book - it's not really for me. I found that there was too much constant body shaming and found the book overall to be just terribly sad and uncomfortable. I wanted there to be more hope within the novel but the whole tone is morose.

However for those who love psychological thrillers that offer up an 'unhinged' female character and nauseating white middle class society interspersed with a mysterious air- this might be for you.

I adored this book, read it in one sitting, could not put it down.

To read another enby's experience and have it resonate so clearly with my own was validating.

Educational, thought provoking, witty and real. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone wanting to learn more about queer history, being non-binary and living ones authentic truth.

4.5/5 stars.

This book hurts. It hurt me so much. I adored it.

Slow to start but it does pick up pace and I found myself unable to put it down, finally finishing it at 2am.

It's raw and heartfelt and sad and tragic.

If you love stories based on familial bonds, on tackling environmental issues and discovering one's purpose in life - this book is for you. But prepare your heart to break.

Dark and fast paced.

Sometimes you just need a book that is easy reading and this was perfect for that.

Dark, delicious and a little magical. This erotic retelling of Peter Pan is perfect for those who love spicy books that have fantasy in them.

4/4.5 stars.

A twisted topsy-turvy world where you don't know who to root for.

I loved the originality of the story, the twists and turns, however I felt that some of the chemistry between characters needed a little more refining. But I did really love the story and I cannot wait for the sequel.

3.5/4 stars.

As usual Miriam aims to shock and delight.

Whilst this book is filled with interesting and at times, outrageous, tales - it didn't quite hit the 5 star mark for me.

Miriam is a fascinating woman who has lived a truly remarkable life, she has touched so many (quite a few physically!) people with her quick wit and cheeky charm.

However early on in the book she deadnames someone who she says she considered a friend and unfortunately that left a sour note in my mouth. There is also an almost constant theme of sexual molestation by others to her that seems almost celebrated when in quite a few of the cases should be abhorrent. Especially in such incidents when she was a minor.

I do love her journey of authenticity - her passion for the truth. Whatever it may be. And it's something I can relate to immensely.

Overall a wonderful and insightful read, but not for the faint of heart.

4/4.5 stars.

Filled with as much grief as there is adventure - this sequel really tackles generational trauma and the road to healing.

I adored the mythology and the characters development throughout.

I wanted more of a connection between Bri and Marie again, I just felt the depth wasn't there. But overall a beautiful story and fantastic ending.

4/4.5 stars

A dark academia murder game that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

You know a book is written well when you can both admire and loathe the characters within. There were some areas that were a little trudgy to get through but overall the high stakes pace of the story held throughout.

I cannot wait to see how this ends.

3.5/4 stars.

Although this is a good book, I didn't enjoy it as much as the first. I found some of the characters frustrating, even with their redemption arcs at the end.

The last quarter of the book was the most compelling and read very quickly. Still a good book but didn't quite live up to the first book for me.

Still would recommend this series though to anyone who enjoys slightly darker books that have strong female characters and meddling deities.