Before I begin my review, I would like to discuss some grievances I have with the publishers of this book. This has nothing to do with the author or bBefore I begin my review, I would like to discuss some grievances I have with the publishers of this book. This has nothing to do with the author or book, as this is out of their control. I take issue with the poor distribution of ARCs to Jewish reviewers. This book was promoted heavily as a Jewish OwnVoices story, so it was disappointing to see so many gentile reviewers and an absence of Jewish voices. I am Jewish, and upon requesting this book months prior, I was declined, only to suddenly be approved the day before the book was published? This is a widespread problem in publishing, despite the rise in more diverse stories. OwnVoices reviewers should always be prioritized, but the opposite could be said for the distribution of this book.
Now, with that out of the way, let's talk about this book! Because-- wow. This book was amazing.
This book gave me everything I was promised, amazing Jewish folklore and even more amazing characters. This book was truly a character driven story. Though that's not to say the plot wasn't equally as engrossing. The world was complex, yet I felt like I could simply step into the world during the author's wonderful worldbuilding. This book truly is one of the most beautiful depictions of Jewish culture that I've ever seen. Reading about the Purim celebration felt like a warm hug.
The main character was so complex, but I found myself resonating with her motivations and emotions throughout the story. None of these characters felt underdeveloped, each of their stories felt completely authentic. While the romance definitely takes a back burner in much of the story, that is not to say it isn't compelling. I really enjoyed the character's dynamics, and really felt like I got to know them through the author's writing.
This book was nothing short of enthralling, and I have nothing but praise for the author....more
This book instantly became one of my new favorite young adult contemporaries, it was absolutely amazing. Perfect on Paper follows Darcy Phillips, a hiThis book instantly became one of my new favorite young adult contemporaries, it was absolutely amazing. Perfect on Paper follows Darcy Phillips, a high schooler who also happens to run an anonymous relationship advice business out of a vacant locker. Despite the advice she gives to others, Darcy's love life is less than desirable, she's hopelessly in love with her best-friend Brooke. Darcy's life is turned upside down when Alexander Brougham discovers her in the act of opening the vacant locker. Does she help him get his ex back? Or let the whole school find out that she's the one who's been giving out advice?
I completely adored our main character Darcy, and she was extremely relatable. She was a very flawed and imperfect character, but that's what made me love her even more. This book also had amazing representation, the main character was bisexual and many of the side characters were also LGBTQ+, but it didn't come off as tokenization in the slightest. These side characters were very complex, and had their own unique personalities separate from their identities. Many bisexual reviewers have raved on how Darcy's bisexuality was written, and I suggest you listen to their opinions over mine-- though I agree completely.
This book does have a love triangle, which I usually despise. But honestly? This book pulled it off. I honestly forgot it was a love triangle while reading, despite me not knowing who I was supposed to be rooting for until about halfway. I recommend this book to everyone, even the devout love triangle haters, trust me, you'll love it....more
“Must be nice. To be able to be weak. I wouldn’t know.”
This book honestly made me really emotional so I don't want to write a review, but I will leave“Must be nice. To be able to be weak. I wouldn’t know.”
This book honestly made me really emotional so I don't want to write a review, but I will leave you with a memorable quote and my strong recommendation to read this book....more
Before I begin my review, I would like to discuss some grievances I have with the publishers of this book. This has nothing to do with the author or bBefore I begin my review, I would like to discuss some grievances I have with the publishers of this book. This has nothing to do with the author or book, as this is out of their control. I take issue with the poor distribution of ARCs to Jewish reviewers. This book was promoted heavily as a Jewish OwnVoices story, so it was disappointing to see so many gentile reviewers and an absence of Jewish voices. I am Jewish, and upon requesting this book months prior, I was declined, only to suddenly be approved the day before the book was published? This is a widespread problem in publishing, despite the rise in more diverse stories. OwnVoices reviewers should always be prioritized, but the opposite could be said for the distribution of this book.
Now, with that out of the way, let's talk about this book! Because-- wow. This book was amazing.
This book gave me everything I was promised, amazing Jewish folklore and even more amazing characters. This book was truly a character driven story. Though that's not to say the plot wasn't equally as engrossing. The world was complex, yet I felt like I could simply step into the world during the author's wonderful worldbuilding. This book truly is one of the most beautiful depictions of Jewish culture that I've ever seen. Reading about the Purim celebration felt like a warm hug.
The main character was so complex, but I found myself resonating with her motivations and emotions throughout the story. None of these characters felt underdeveloped, each of their stories felt completely authentic. While the romance definitely takes a back burner in much of the story, that is not to say it isn't compelling. I really enjoyed the character's dynamics, and really felt like I got to know them through the author's writing.
This book was nothing short of enthralling, and I have nothing but praise for the author. ...more
I fell so hard for this entire book. I loved the relationship and the intricacies of the world and it’s magic. This book really makes the reader questI fell so hard for this entire book. I loved the relationship and the intricacies of the world and it’s magic. This book really makes the reader question who they’re rooting for in the best way possible.
First off, the world and magic. The world building was super well done and was rather simple to understand despite its complexities. I thought it was really creative and included nods to Indian mythology and culture, which is always super cool to see in any book. I think fantasy books with references to underrepresented mythology is super cool to see, especially when so many of the retellings are dominated by the same white washed stories.
The characters and romance were equally as intriguing. I thought that the characters unique perspectives was enhanced by the changing point of views. Despite the amount of POVs, it was still easy to understand. The morally grey lesbians were just *chefs kiss*. This romance is slow burn, and I mean SLOW burn. But it has you on the edge of your seat regardless just yelling at the book “KISS ALREADY”. This buildup makes it all the more satisfying when they finally do.
Definitely recommend you preorder this book (I already have as well!) It comes out on June 8th and is own voices. I recommend supporting own voices reviewers and their opinions regarding this book as opposed to me. ...more
This book was phenomenal. The unique narrative and storytelling had me hooked from the first page. The beautiful portrayal of love, both true and maniThis book was phenomenal. The unique narrative and storytelling had me hooked from the first page. The beautiful portrayal of love, both true and manipulative was enlightening. The progression of each character was eye opening. I completely adored this book....more
This book is a work of art. The depiction of mental health really resonated to me and was really relatable to my own experience. The complexities of eThis book is a work of art. The depiction of mental health really resonated to me and was really relatable to my own experience. The complexities of each of the characters was so refreshing. Each character had flaws, which really relates to the motif of perfectionism in the book. I also loved that while the main character struggled due to their queer identity, the whole “coming-out” thing wasn’t the main conflict. I will recommend Honey Girl with my last dying breath. I’m completely, and utterly enamored with this book. I look forward to seeing what Morgan Rogers does next!...more
**spoiler alert** I was nervous going in because I never finished The Invisible Life of Addie Larue (might try to go back and finish because of how mu**spoiler alert** I was nervous going in because I never finished The Invisible Life of Addie Larue (might try to go back and finish because of how much I loved this book). I’m glad I read this book anyway, it was wonderful and is definitely one of my new favorites.
Let’s talk about the magic system (would you call it that?) because oh my god I loved it. The way that the ExtraOrdinaries’ powers were based on their thoughts and feelings when they ‘died’ was so neat to me. Took a spin on the average super power book.
The characters were so dramatic in the best way. I’m a sucker for morally grey characters and Victor Vale quenched that thirst. I loved his narration so much. I also enjoyed the change of point of views quite a bit. Sometimes a book with this many POVs gets confusing, but I thought it made a lot of sense in the context of Vicious. We see a lot of different perspectives in this book, and the abundance of POVs explores these complexities.
I’d recommend this book for anyone looking to get more into adult fantasy, or literally anyone because this book is amazing, duh. I cannot wait to see how Schwab continued this rich story in the sequel Vengeance. ...more
Clap When You Land is a stunning examination of grief and how familial ties prevail even in betrayal. I urge everyone to read this boo(4.5 rounded up)
Clap When You Land is a stunning examination of grief and how familial ties prevail even in betrayal. I urge everyone to read this book, both because it touches on important issues, and that it’s just simply a very good read....more