themoodylibrary's reviews
250 reviews

CAMILA NUÑEZ'S YEAR OF DISASTERS follows camila who has always struggled with anxiety, and a tarot reading warning of upcoming disasters doesn’t help. as family drama, friendship issues, and a new crush stir up her fears, camila must confront how her anxiety is holding her back, and what it will take to move forward.

it's called her year of disasters and, honestly, our girl goes through it. camila, a queer cuban teenager, is navigating anxiety (sometimes to the point of not being able to get out of bed), toxic relationships, body image issues, family struggles, and all the messiness that comes with being a teenager trying to figure themselves out.

first off, the anxiety representation? spot on. there were moments when i had to pause because i’ve had those exact same thoughts. it felt raw and real in a way that i think will resonate with a lot of readers.

this book also doesn’t shy away from showing toxic relationships and gaslighting in a way that’s age-appropriate but still hits hard. relationships are not always fun, and it's so important for teens to see these dynamics handled realistically. plus, it highlights body image struggles that so many teens (and adults tbh) deal with, and it does so with a lot of care.

one of my favorite parts was seeing camila and her best friend so deeply connected to their local queer community. it was seriously heartwarming and added a layer of hope and support that balanced out some of the heavier moments.

by the way, there was so much delicious cuban food described in this book! i need a plate of pastelitos asap!

now, while I’m rating this book highly, i wouldn’t say it’s for everyone. this is definitely for teens or readers who enjoy a true YA coming-of-age story. camila and her friends are young teens who act like young teens. so if that’s not your vibe, fair warning. but if you’re looking for something that feels real, messy, and hopeful (with queer rep and cuban culture!), this one’s worth picking up.

thank you so much to netgalley and page street YA for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

in HOMEGROWN MAGIC yael clauneck (they/them), heir to a powerful banking family, runs from their high-society life and unexpectedly reunites with margot greenwillow (she/her), a plant witch struggling to keep her family's magic business alive. as yael takes refuge working in margot's greenhouses, their old friendship rekindles into something more. but with meddling parents in power and complicated feelings in the mix, both yael and margot must navigate growing attraction and the pressures threatening to pull them apart.

i haven’t read a ton of cozy fantasy, so i’m not sure how this stacks up against others in the genre, but overall, this was a sweet and easy read! it’s definitely one of those stories where you mostly follow the day-to-day activities of the characters. think lots of gardening, some potion making, descriptions of gowns and finery, and even a ball or two (because what’s a whimsical fantasy without a good party, right?)

the stakes felt pretty low throughout, which made it a very chill read. there are some conflicts and challenges, but nothing that ever felt too heavy or intense, so if you’re looking for something to ease into, this might be a good pick!

the writing is whimsical in a way that really reminded me of stephanie garber’s caraval universe, but make it more cottagecore... and add a little spice. honestly, the vibes were there, i just wish there had been a bit more magic woven into the story. like, give me more enchanted gardens! more spells! more potion mishaps! i was craving that extra sprinkle of magic to fully pull me into the world.

also, while i enjoyed most of the story, the ending left me wanting a bit more. i would’ve loved a more satisfying wrap-up, especially for yael's character.

if you’re into cozy queer stories with low stakes, fluffy writing, a dash of magical realism, and lots of time spent in gardens or moving about the town,  check this one out!

thank you to netgalley and delrey for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

in THEY BLOOM AT NIGHT a red algae bloom has overtaken mercy, louisiana, bringing with it mutated wildlife and rising waters. noon is trapped in a town full of monsters, both literal and emotional, while navigating her strained relationship with her mom, who believes their deceased family has reincarnated as sea creatures. as a new storm looms, noon must face the traumatic past tied to a party at the cove and decide whether to confront the monster within her.

like in her debut, SHE IS A HAUNTING, tran creates an emotional and atmospheric setting with clear and accessible prose. this is a unique story with insightful commentary on identity, trauma, and family dynamics. that said, the book is short, and unfortunately, that brevity shows. i really wanted more depth, especially on the family lore and sông specifically. what we got felt half-baked and underdeveloped.

i also struggled to connect with the characters, as we learn very little about anyone except noon, which made it hard to root for them. that said, noon’s journey of forming bonds with both old and new friends creates a sense of found family which i’m a total sucker for, so she won points from me there.

i didn’t become fully invested in the story until i was more than halfway through, and even then there wasn't much going on to keep me hooked. the concept was strong, but the execution fell a bit flat for me this time.

although this wasn't my favorite, i will continue to pick up tran's works in the future.

thank you so much colored pages book tours for sending me this beautiful copy of trang thanh tran’s newest novel!

in LOVE POINTS TO YOU, sixteen-year-old lynda fan is eager to attend her dream school, RISD. since she's lacking financial support, she accepts a job designing characters for a choose-your-adventure love story video game, which leads to her to discovering more about herself and unexpectedly finding love along the way.

i absolutely loved this book! the premise is so unique, and i can't get enough of the otome game world. especially how everyone is obsessed with a trending new game. it's such a fun, relatable detail that adds a refreshing twist to the story.

lynda is flawed and filled with that teenage realness we all know too well. from making dramatic decisions to dealing with jealousy, insecurities, and all the confusion that comes with the pressure of figuring out the future. i know you made silly decisions in high school too, okay? she sometimes lashes out at those closest to her before she can find the right words, but seeing everything come together in the end made it all worth it.

the sibling dynamic between lynda and josie was another highlight! it was heartwarming to see how their relationship evolved throughout the book. and then there's bora. can i get some commotion for the best friend? everyone needs a bora in their life, especially during the chaos of teenage years. she's supportive, understanding, and always there when needed, but she's also not afraid to tell lynda like it is.

loved the asexual representation with lynda and demisexual rep for angela. it's so refreshing to see this kind of diversity in a YA story.

i highly recommend this book if you're an artist, a fan of video games, enjoy messy coming-of-age stories (where teenagers act like teenagers), or are looking for ace representation in a young adult novel. i don't think think this will scratch an enemies to lovers itch if that's what you're looking for. it's definitely more rivals to lovers, and even that's pushing it! it's more "i wasn't sure about you when we first met" to lovers. that's a thing, right???????? even if it's not, it worked for me in this one!

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

SAY A LITTLE PRAYER offers a sharp take on organized religion, so don’t go into this expecting a romance. this is more of a literary/coming-of-age story, full of self-discovery with a lot of emotional depth and growth. oh, and it made me laugh out loud multiple times.

riley left her church a year ago after realizing it wasn't a safe space for a bisexual girl, but when her pastor shuns her sister for getting an abortion, she becomes determined to challenge the system. now, to avoid suspension, she's sent to the church camp run by her best friend julia's dad, the pastor of pleasant hills. instead of following the camp’s teachings, riley plans to rebel by embracing the seven deadly sins, hoping to spark a revolution, all while unexpectedly falling for her best friend.

this book stands out as an insightful commentary on organized religion, shedding light on the complexities and contradictions within its institutions. jenna voris does an outstanding job of exploring how faith plays a unique role in each person’s life, while challenging established church norms and encouraging deeper reflection on personal beliefs and societal structures. she doesn’t shy away from asking tough questions, or broaching divisive topics.

voris comes in hot with the commentary, but keep in mind we're following a teenager who has been hurt. i feel like a lot of people could get scared away from the beginning, and feel like they're being attacked (i mean, if the shoe fits....). however, the story evolves and becomes so much more. that said: pastor young can eat dirt!!!! he's definitely a character you won’t forget, and his audacity literally left me speechless and furious at times.

i really loved all of the characters. the side characters were developed enough for me to be rooting for them (or disappointed in them), but not so much that it felt overwhelming. riley's anger was palpable. she cares so deeply for those around her, and she's just trying to work through how to show that and get her true feelings across. i want to give julia a big ol hug. i just know she would have "good luck, babe!" on repeat in her earbuds if camp allowed phones.

their time at camp felt so real. if you've ever been to church camp, this story is for you. period. you will feel seen, and maybe (strangely????) reminiscent. while we're at camp, a few chapters seemed to follow a repetitive structure, jumping between present-day events and random flashbacks that serve as metaphors. i can see what voris was going for, but sometimes it felt a bit choppy.

that ending, though? perfect. no notes. i really wasn't sure how things would go, and it ended up being powerful. it wrapped everything up in such a satisfying way, and put me back together after feeling broken for a little bit.

i ablsolutely loved the clever chapter titles. here are a few of my favs:  it's not gossip if it's in a prayer request, god gives his toughest battles (surviving church camp) to his gayest soldiers (me), jesus might have been a carpenter, but i most certainly am not, and pov: you're watching me have a proper, full on gay crisis. *chefs kiss*

overall, this is a compelling read that digs deep into religion and personal growth, with an ending that really hits the mark. definitely worth picking up!!

thank you so much to netgalley and viking books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

jaylen jones, a superstitious hockey player, believes a one night stand with lucy is the key to his newfound luck when he secures a spot on the seattle rainiers. lucy, a black-cat, aspiring tattoo artist, reluctantly agrees to help him by sending good luck texts before each game, but their arrangement soon turns into sizzling chemistry, complicating their feelings as they both navigate emotions from their past, career struggles, and personal attachment.

this debut novel was an enjoyable read. the humor was a hit most of the time, though a few jokes did feel a little cringe. if you like rom-coms and sports romance, i'd recommend this book for you as it's a mashup of both with a little bit of spice.

the audiobook was engaging and easy to follow. i really liked that each point of view had its own narrator, and it was helpful that they spoke at similar paces, allowing me to maintain a consistent listening speed throughout the book. this may be a personal preference, but hearing jaylen’s narrator speak for lucy, especially during spicy scenes, really pulled me out of the story and ruined the moment. i’ve noticed this issue in other audiobooks with both male and female narrators, so if it doesn't usually bother you, you should be fine!

i loved seeing lucy and jaylen's individual growth and development, but i did wish for a bit more chemistry between them as a couple. while their conversations showed an undeniable connection, it would’ve been great to see more of that spark evolve. i especially appreciated the bisexual representation from lucy, which truly felt authentic. her best friends are also queer and their personalities added depth, humor, and realness to the story. i LOVE friends who want nothing but the best for their bestie!

it's clear that lexi genuinely understands hockey, which made jaylen's perspective refreshing and well-executed. it was a good backdrop for the romance, rather than just being there to fit the "sports romance" genre.

i would read from lexi again, for sure!

3.5

thank you to HTP and the hive for the eARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.

this! book! was! so! good!

BAT EATER AND OTHER NAMES FOR CORA ZENG is a haunting, multifaceted horror novel that was my perfect blend of thought-provoking themes and grotesque body horror. it had me hooked from start to finish, and natalie naudus truly brought this story to life. she is becoming one of my favorite narrators. i listened to the whole novel on my way home to visit family, and i never got bored or distracted.

BAT EATER evokes a variety of emotions like fear, disgust, sympathy, and awe. the story balances dark, suspenseful moments with horrifying, nasty body horror. there’s an unsettling sense of tension throughout, and the prose creates a vivid picture in your head.

what really elevated this book is its emotional depth. it’s not just about the fear or the grotesque imagery, but also the characters’ emotional journeys, especially cora's, which are raw and relatable.

given the setting, you can expect sharp social commentary. BAT EATER discusses a variety of pressing issues surrounding the covid pandemic, but also ranges from chinese culture and religion to racism, the fetishization of asian girls, trauma, and grief. these topics are seamlessly interwoven into the eerie narrative.

on top of all of that, the prose is absolutely STUNNING!! there is a beauty to the language that makes the horror feel immersive and poetic even in the most repulsive moments.

this is a book that will stick with you long after you finish it. it’s a perfect example of how horror can be used as a lens to explore complex human experiences and societal issues, while also delivering a chilling and satisfying narrative from the first page to the author's note.

thank you so much to netgalley and HTP. i received an eARC and an ALC to review for y'all!