This was another one that I picked up at random from Libby on a road trip. It was my first “Graphic Audio” audiobook and honestly the production quality FLOORED me. With a full cast and sound effects, it really was like watching a movie in my head.
But the story… um. It was like Harry Potter, but with brutal fae who only respond to power & taking what they want, with a really unhealthy frat culture, twisted bullying, and two girls who (knowingly) make very awful decisions about trusting the people who are legit torturing them because they’re super hot.
So this one wasn’t for me, but I’ll *definitely* be picking up more audiobooks by Graphic Audio.
Big mixed feelings on this story, but Graphic Audio was definitely cool.
What I liked: – Murderbot’s voice is hard not to love, man – Absolutely FABULOUS narration
What I didn’t like: – Honestly, I just wanted more. Murderbot kind of steals the whole show and I was hoping for a little more bonding between the characters. Totally in for book 2 though!
Recommended for anyone looking for short but engrossing and very character-driven sci-fi.
What I liked: – Cozy Romantasy Vibes – Likable protagonists – Fabulous Audiobook Narration – Magical forest hijinks – In general, just a sweet fun story – Nice tension throughout. I honestly found myself worrying (in a good way) if it would have a satisfying ending or if I’d have to wait for the sequel.
What I didn’t like – The pacing of the last 25% or so didn’t quite fit for me. In some ways, it feels like they’re having the same communication for a little too long.
Recommended for those looking for a fun romantasy with likable protagonists and a pinch of spice. And I’m totally game for book 2!
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Why yes, I’ll take a cute romance any day of the week, please and thanks.
I really enjoyed this read! It basically reminded me of a mix of Gundam Wing and a medieval joust.
What I liked: – Unique World Building – Strong emotions (all the righteous rage and grief) – Morality is in all shades of gray. – Multi-POVs from characters with very contrasting perspectives – Slowly unfurling political intrigue – Solid audiobook narration
What I didn’t like: – The relationship between Rax and Synali. While I like both Rax and Synali individually, their relationship felt a bit forced to me and rather stagnant. For some reason, I see this is listed in the romantasy genre and brahhh, that is inaccurate. This is a straight sci-fi. – Very plot-driven. In general, there’s not a lot of deep, evolving relationships between the characters but that may be because… (see next bullet) – This book doesn’t stand alone in any way. Most readers won’t mind this, but the end reads like we kind of dropped off in the middle of the book, and it’s a bit of a pet peeve of mine.
Recommended for those looking for an engrossing sci-fi with some interesting world building and intriguing political turmoil. (But definitely not a romantasy)
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
If we can compare it to Gundam Wing, you’ve probably got me already.
This was such a unique premise! Battle of the bands in space with some AI intrigue.
What I liked: – Top-notch world-building! The interplay between the music and the spaceships was well-thought out and described. – A quick, flowing writing style that is easy to get into – The original music?! whaaa! Dude, I’m always a fan of book playlists, but original music to go with the book is going the extra mile. – Naveen and Kindle definitely popped as characters and I enjoyed tagging along with them – Solid audiobook narration
What didn’t quite work for me: – I had a little trouble connecting to Jude as a character, and I wasn’t an Isley fan. Their dynamic wasn’t really there for me. And just in general, this story felt more plot-driven than character-driven.
Recommended for anyone looking for a unique, music-infused sci-fi with a fast-paced, plot-driven story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Definitely here for more YA science fiction in the world.
What I liked: The MCs were likable The premise was interesting
What I disliked: The pacing just felt a little too slow for me I didn’t feel like we got as much closure as I wanted I feel like the big twist was too heavily foreshadowed
Recommended for anyone looking with a YA thriller with an interesting premise.
⭐⭐⭐ ½
Foreshadowing is kind of like salt. We definitely need some… but it can definitely be too salty. And then I get the salty look. (as seen here.)
I picked up this one on the recommendation of a friend, and I would describe it as Sherlock meets a paranormal-flavored Doctor Who in the late 19th century. It’s a fun premise and was a quick read, but the characters just didn’t quite shine for me. This is one of my friend’s favorite though, so if the premise calls to you, I recommend you give it a look!
Wow. This book totally blew me away. The emotional journey Rayne goes through hooked me from the start, and I was totally entranced as I followed along with her journey of loss and acceptance. I also incredibly appreciated the insight from the author’s note on her own story, and the choices made to bring Rayne’s experience to the reader. The audiobook narration was amazing, and after being in a reading slump for most of the year, I devoured this one in two days. A fantastic middle-grade for all ages that I highly recommend.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Man, the middle-grade really hit me hard in the feels this year.
Duuuuddddeeee. This one is intense. Exactly what enemies to lovers fantasy is meant to be. I have been in a *serious* reading slump, and DNF’ed my last like 4 reads, but this one kept my attention from start to finish.
What I liked: – The darkness and intensity of this book are pitch-perfect – All the main characters are complex and interesting – The set-up for book 2 – An ACTUAL enemies to lovers (I feel like so many books these days are like dislike or annoyance-to-love, this one is no-kidding justified hatred.
What I am still mulling over: – So, I like Gideon and Rune as people, but for some reason their chemistry as a pair wasn’t quite right for me. Like, I don’t think I’m really rooting for them or against them, but I am *extremely* curious to see how it turns out. This could be the reading slump talking, or it could be that maybe, at the heart of it, I haven’t been converted yet from the “enemies” to “lovers” camp… Emphasis on the “yet.” Which also has me googling when book 2 is getting here, because I need it yesterday.
Also, a side note on the audiobook. This story has dual POVs (which I ADORE), but only one narrator. While the narration was amazing, I’m still hoping book 2 might have two narrators for the two POVs? Pretty please?
Which is all to say, you should definitely check out this read and then lemme know what you think, because it’s definitely one of my top reads this year so far.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 stars for being super curious where the sequel takes us. I really need more mortal enemies to lovers in my life.
So I enjoyed The Love Hypothesis, but wasn’t really into Love on the Brain, and it’s been a *long* time since I’ve read a vampire or werewolf book, but this was so fun! Definitely my favorite Ali Hazelwood book so far. Misery’s voice totally pops—both light and relatable, and I found the dynamics of this world to be super interesting. I also really liked Lowe’s character and enjoyed watching them grow together. Overall, just a light, fun read (with werewolf-flavored steam, so beware) that I would definitely recommend to romance fans, and I’m totally hoping for a sequel!
Hayley Reese Chow 