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“Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
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Mini Reviews 📖✨
Wrapping up the month and planning my October reads so swipe for a few of my recent reviews 👉🏼

Grim Tidings 4⭐️
I think I liked this more than Good Spirits, it took a little bit of time for me to get into. I wish it wasn’t so insta lovey right out of the gate, so maybe that’s why? I love a good slow burn and it was too quick for me 😅

That said, I was entertained and intrigued. I liked Darcy and the glimpses of her life (and death). A book that evokes quite an emotional response. The side characters were fun and added new layers to the little town. There wasn’t enough of paranormal elements for my taste (there can never be too many) but I liked what the author created with the world overall. #grimtidings

Muñeca 4⭐️
Muñeca scratched a witchy itch for me to start off the season. I liked the gothic vibes, both Natalia and Violeta. The magic and witchcraft were unique and interesting. A little female rage and sapphic romance to tie it off. The author put in a lot of emotion and history in this short book. The note at the end mentioned some of her inspiration and it adds infuriating layers into the story. #munecabook

The Sleeping Sisters 5⭐️
Keeping it simple and giving this 5 stars. I had no idea what I was getting myself into with this book. It was beautiful and tragic. This is true magical realism and some of the elements made me stop and think. Like is this really happening? Adding to the whole, both narrators were extremely unreliable, I loved the mental notes I had to keep. Whether there was something sinister to Fortuna, and if Detective Jeanette was compromising her case with a too close relationship.

The conclusion was very creative and I can’t say I saw all of it coming. The author did a great job balancing out the magic and true crime themes. I liked Jeanette’s drive to find her primas killer, knowing the tragic truth of missing indigenous women and girls. There were many dark themes but the symbolism with flowers and motherly love were really beautiful.

I enjoyed the New Mexico setting and folklore, mixed with a serial killer, lots of secrets and meddling, it had good pacing throughout. I liked the audiobook narration by EJ La by @whenimreading

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8 hours ago

Book review✨
EMPIRE by Sabaa Tahir
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First thing out of the way - this was a good follow up to HEIR, I can’t put my finger on exactly why, but the first book was a little better. Maybe it was the change in stakes? I feel like Mother Div wasn’t as strong of a villain here? I really can’t say anything bad because there is so much I like about this world, the magic and characters.

The characters are my first favorite thing about this series. A diverse cast with complicated emotions and journeys that merge together in the finale. I liked the new POVs of Karinna and Cero. I think I looked forward to their chapters the most. Every character has some sort of magical ability, hidden or otherwise, Karinna and Cero’s really balanced out each other and I liked their banter a lot. Telepathy with animals is really cool - Abzi the little magical cat was so cute, I liked that she called Karinna Two-legs. Cero, on the other hand, has a redemption arc that was very natural in progression. Coming into his own power and to terms with the destruction Aiz’s monstrosity has caused.

My second favorite of this series is the setting and world building. I have a great visual in my head of this land and its people. I find that fiction which follows similarities to the real world can say so much about humanity. It is political. There are more details here about the genocide and suffering of multiple minorities vying for basic survival like food. It’s the driving force that brings the characters together, to finally stop Div and bring peace to each land.

Overall, I still recommend this series as a whole. I believe Sabaa said she’ll take a break from this universe for a while, so I’m curious to read anything she writes next.

#bookrecs #heirduology #sabaatahir #fantasybooks by @whenimreading

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4 days ago

Book review 📖
Dead but Dreaming of Electric Sheep By Paul Tremblay
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

So. WTF did I read?

I don’t even know how to articulate my thoughts on this book. I liked it in a strange creative writing futuristic horror way?

Out of all the movies mentioned in this book, the ending was really something. I saw the The Langoliers 1995 movie growing up (especially that movie’s ending) and it really brought that whole feeling back for me. The dread and hopelessness.

But anyway, most of the book was a literary sci fi mystery, and that was a powerful motivator to continue. The audiobook is a trip in itself. A fantastic production, the different voices and effects were really cool and added to the weirdness (complimentary).

Almost like a locked room feeling, the characters are stuck together. I want to say the whole plot was a metaphor for something. I liked Julia and being in her mind was interesting, her approach to Bernie gave this book humanity. Philosophical thoughts and the chapters from Bernie’s mind kept me guessing. The background reveal of Bernie/Art’s history was an emotional gut punch, and sort of why my metaphor big picture reasonings come in.

I liked the ending and the book overall, even if now I’m lost because I have so many questions!! Apple TV needs to pick this up for the screen tbh. #deadbutdreamingofelectricsheep #paultremblay #bookrecs by @whenimreading

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7 days ago

Two for Tuesday & a book review ✨
Say hello to my new frennn aka my new favorite series - The Silvercloak Saga

You know when you pick a book based off vibes, then hope for the best but it actually delivers? This is how I feel right now. It’s been a hot minute since a fantasy series has surprised me so, feeling on top of the world with it.

💬 What book surprised you?

Swipe for my review of Turncloak 👉🏼 #bookrecs #thesilvercloaksaga

Turncloak by L. K. Steven
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

And what exactly am I supposed to do until the third book comes out?!

I thought Silvercloak was good, but this book just solidified it as my new favorite series. I should have reread (next time?) but with my notes I was able to catch back on fairly quickly.

Turncloak immediately continues the events from the first book. I’m super impressed at the world building and magical system. It’s completely immersive and engaging. I love these characters and story. Saffron and Levan have such a beautiful connection after losing their parents in a tragic way, their fragile trust keeps crumbling, I’m curious how if at all they will overcome that. I lowkey loved Auria and Nissa working together, their friendship and shared secrets fit really well into the plot, dying to know if a certain bloodline will have a bigger part in the next book. My other favorite character is the spoiler reveal, those chapters shattered me.

My ability to predict the outcomes is tested and found lacking!? This is adult magic wand fantasy and it makes me happy to my bones. I will repeat it forever- I LOVE a prophecy plot. I’m obsessed with the scheming, the backstabbing and turncloaking(??), political machinations, magical curses and spells, emotional backstory and forbidden love. Lots of different POVs and timelines merged together with the author casually dropping a bombshell reveal that had me second guessing everrrythingg from the first book.

I’m extremely invested in what will happen next and can’t wait to find out!

#turncloak #silvercloak #fivestarreview by @whenimreading

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8 days ago

Book review 📖🎬
Mazywood by Tananarive Due
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Mazywood turned out to be completely unexpected. The progression of the story with dual timelines, at first made no sense to me, but it was all worth it in the end.

I loved the historical aspects, a small glimpse into the unglamorous rise of Black cinema. Besides Scout, the characters are what stand out to me the most. We get to know Mazelle from a young girl to a woman working in Hollywood. The layers in her story are creative and totally understandable given the circumstances. Her legacy lives on in her grandson Johnny, his wife Tasha and two young daughters. I loved Imani, probably my most liked character in the whole book. Her survival instincts and smart demeanor were very likable. The undeniable connection to the unknown monster actually gave this book a cozy theme? I found Scout so endearing?? Was this on purpose?

A whole different vibe going in and coming out, I really enjoyed this overall. I applaud Tananarive Due’s creativity and storytelling. It’s innovative and engaging.

Thanks to @sagapressbooks for the advance review copy #sagasayscrew #mazywood #tananarivedue by @whenimreading

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10 days ago

Maybe a review 📖🦉
Dead Beat by Leigh Bardugo

Maybe not a full review of this last book alone, but the three book series. I didn’t do a full reread this time around, but checking my notes and internal vibes against the whole - this is easily a five star series ✨

The dark academia atmosphere is the perfect setting and Bardugo crafted it masterfully. From the occult magic and gritty topics, all three books stand well by themselves. The addition of journal entries and other text excerpts continues this archeological theme I liked in the previous book. The characters, however, are the soul of this series, and this aspect will be my favorite to reminisce.

I liked the developments between Alex and Darlington, as well as the messier fallout between Alex and Mercy, and the emotional connection between them all. Alex, Darlington, Dawes, Tripp, and in some way Turner, make an awesome crew. Their interactions are engaging and fun, I like how they bounce ideas off each other. I wish I could have a Dawes meal to savor, and Tripp to make me laugh, it’s the little things that made me connect to the story and its heroes.

It’s a little hard to part with this world, I think the story overall has great re-readability, it’s mysterious, raw, and emotional in a realistic way. A big part of me hopes Bardugo will continue this in a spin off, wouldn’t be the first (or second) time. The epilogue gave me a small hope in that, if wishes were fishes? 👀

#leighbardugo #deadbeat #ninthhouse #hellbent #bookrecs by @whenimreading

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11 days ago

Book review 🍃
The House of Gardenias by Isabel Cañas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Welcome to La Casa de las Gardenias, haunted and cursed not only by the family living there, but ghosts buried within.

Starting from the slums with no food or familial love, Minerva Treviño takes a chance on becoming the maid for Encarnación del Valle, from the wealthy and infamous del Valle family known for its political power. Señora Encarnación teaches Minerva how to steel herself and shows her more love and care than her own father. When the president is overthrown and fighting shows on their doorstep, Minerva and Señora del Valle travel to the House of Gardenias, the family’s secluded mountain escape. Something lurks in the shadows of the house, tension heats and soldiers clash, armed with Señora’s teachings, Minerva will try to save her brother and ghosts long trapped inside.

Isabel Cañas’ writing is so rich in culture, this hardly feels like a YA novel, I loved everything from the setting to the characters. The atmosphere is gothic, old world Mexico on the brink of civil war and fight for control, danger and violence make the third act of the book powerful and bittersweet.

I enjoyed the pacing and the length of the book. However, the ending felt a little bit rushed. The overall mood of the story is gritty and dark, I liked the many brighter moments like sparks of the chisma magic mentioned throughout. I loved Minerva. The book has strong girl power vibes, even with all the obstacles in her way, she never backed down from doing what was right. The romance angle between her and Ygnacio was so reminiscent of earlier 2000s novels and it worked so well. There was tension and beauty in their connection, dark meeting light, it felt wonderful.

I think Cañas’ fans will like this book just as much as her adult ones.

Out September 29, 2026

Thank you to @penguinteen / Dutton Books for Young Readers for the advance review copy.

#thehouseofgardenias #isabelcañas #bookrecs #gothicbooks #yafantasybooks by @whenimreading

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13 days ago

Book review 💕
She’s a Doll by Barbara Truelove
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A surprisingly emotional story, by the second time it made me cry, I knew this will be a top favorite book of mine this year!

The emotion!!! Fear, grief, anger, rage.

so. much. rage.

Well deserved. I immediately connected to Lucy and her tragic murder. Left with nothing but questions of why this happened to her. Killed by a man she knew. The parallels to real life were not lost on me. I kept imagining that many women would never have the chance to get justice, let alone revenge, for their murders. Ugh, it just hit a nerve inside me.

But, this is fiction. Horror with humor, and I did both laugh and cry, almost consecutively. These characters and their interactions were so great. Lucy and Nicola found a friendship and kinship in their supernatural pairing, I adored them together. I loved this story, it was entertaining and had my complete attention. Full of funny quips, jokes and smart banter. The ending was quite satisfying after Lucy’s whole sordid tale, and multiple body modifications 😅

Thanks so much to @dreamscape_media / Recorded Books for the free audiobook. I thoroughly enjoyed the narration by Tegan Bourke, her accent and voice cadence made Lucy so real. I loved her personality and must mention the range of emotions yet again, from the smallest saddest whisper to the angriest revenge filled yell. I finished this in one day.

#bookrecs #shesadoll #barbaratruelove #fivestarreview by @whenimreading

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14 days ago

Bday book haul 📚
Another trip around the sun ☀️ Treated myself to new books today, Dead Beat is in the mail and I can’t wait to read it.

💬 What are you reading?

#bookhaul #thewitchesofcambridge #grimtidings #turncloak #bookrecs

More grays, more wrinkles, and less fucks to give. Here’s to 39 🥳 by @whenimreading

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14 days ago

Audiobook review 🎧🪰
Fruit Fly by Josh Silver
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you can get your hands on this book, do! Somehow I got lucky with Libby audio 🙃 and I think the synopsis doesn’t reveal anything that goes on in this book, so go in blind if you can.

Provocative, to say the least! I really enjoyed this book and binged it in a couple days, a testament to all the books I did not finish as of late 😅

Audiobook was great, I liked the back and forth of Mallory’s and Leo’s chapters. The events that lead Mallory on her path are really unhinged. A big mix of emotions, the author did a great job blending the impossible. The second half had me very annoyed, we hate Ronan big time, but that just shows the reality of an abusive relationship. It really seeps into your marrow and keeps drilling. Leo is a very complex character, his background and subsequent drug use make him out to be the bad guy, but I felt a lot of sympathy for him either way. Even if he was trying to take advantage of the circumstances. It was a bit crazy there and the ending even better? I’m very pleased with reading this story. It’s dark but definitely thoughtful. Use of Dune quote “Fear is the mindkiller” A+

#fruitfly #joshsilver #bookrecs #audiobookstagram by @whenimreading

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22 days ago

Mid-week Library Haul 📚
I only had one book to pick up but two others grabbed my attention.

She’s a Doll doesn’t technically come out until next week, and I was a little surprised to see it out on the shelf! All of these books were Aardvark picks so I have certain expectations going in. When? No idea but vibes are vibing 😜

💬 Have you read any, which one should I start with?

#deadbutdreamingofelectricsheep #fivebook #shesadoll #bookrecs #libraryhaul by @whenimreading

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a month ago

Mini review 😈
I Hope This Email Finds You in Hell by Mackenzie Reed
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Brie and Luke take a roadtrip in hell 😂 I was entertained. I sincerely hope paranormal books are back because it’s my favorite genre. I liked Brie, and as far as opening chapters go, this is pretty memorable! I loved the corporate take on hell and bringing it back full circle with a choice plot twist. The banter and chemistry between Brie and Luke was very believable. The shenanigans were plenty and sprinkled in with an emotional backstory. Very Millennial coded and fans of Supernatural or the Hunger Games will appreciate!

Thank you to @berkleypub for the advance review copy - out today #ihopethisemailfindsyouinhell #bookrecs #paranormalbooks #urbanfantasy by @whenimreading

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a month ago