Picked this up on impulse at the recommendation of a friend who was also reading it.
What I liked: – A fun, paranormal flavor
What I didn’t like: – I just felt like there wasn’t a whole lot else that stood out for me here. I don’t even feel like I disliked anything in particular, but more like that it just didn’t stand out for me, and to me, a few of the plot points felt contrived.
Recommended for those looking for a light paranormal with friendly enemies-to-lovers and some spice.
⭐⭐⭐½
Eh, not really for me, but my friend liked it enough to recommend it, so it might be for you!
This may be my favorite series of all time, and though I read them a long time ago, when I saw that there were graphic novels and graphic audio adaptions, I knew I had to reread them.
Friends, here is my confession: I NEVER reread books. Honestly, I don’t think I have ever reread a book (other than to edit or revise it.) Judge me as you will, that’s just a fact.
But I absolutely LOVED diving into these again. I loved the graphic novels. Loved the graphic audio. However, please be aware that the graphic audiobooks are abridged, so they’re better for a reread than for your first read. Same with the graphic novels. Though they are wonderful, I don’t think they quite capture everything in the books. As a whole though, I found the series even better than I remembered, and I was so excited to learn the authors are planning on continuing it! I honestly cannot recommend these enough. Seriously one of my all time favorites.
Six glowing stars. The highest rating I can bestow, and I will absolutely consume every adaption of them in the future. TV SHOW PLEASE?!?!?!?
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Honestly, more people need to read these! I can’t believe they don’t get more attention!
Oh my goodddddd, I LOVED this book. Legitimately made me happy to be driving so that I could listen to it. Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year so far, and I will be recommending it so hard. If you want a cozy paranormal, whimsical magic, SO MUCH FOUND FAMILY (like, maybe one of the best executions of found family I’ve read ever? I’ll have to think about it), a brilliantly sweet & swoony Sunshine/Grump couple, and a lovable ensemble cast, dude, read this book. And the audiobook narration was absolutely delightful. I will definitely be looking to read more by Mandanna!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
So good. Definitely going to be a top read of the year.
What I liked: – The premise. I love the idea of paranormals hanging out at (essentially) a reform school with monsters in the basement. – I liked the idea of Clementine, Jude, & all of their paranormal friends – I’m usually a sucker for monsters, time travel, & tons of action
What I didn’t like – I think my main issue was that I felt like none of the elements I liked were fleshed out as much as I needed them to be. I feel like we barely scraped the surface of Jude & Clementine. And there was so much intense stuff going on (like their classmates dying) but we kind of breezed past it without giving them time to react. – Also, at times, I found Clementine a little frustrating in what she was or was not sharing with others
Overall I really liked the concept and found this an entertaining paranormal YA read, but I’m not sure I’ll grab the sequel.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’ve heard this is like a spin-off of the author’s more popular series, so I might check that out and see what it’s all about.
What I liked: – Lots of vampire killing vampire action – Bones. He is pretty much everything you’d want in a vampire trainer / love interest – Fun banter
What I didn’t like: – Kat sometimes drove me a little crazy about her mom – Not a huge fan of the ending. Definitely depends on a book 2 to be satisfying, and I didn’t feel like it was a great choice from Kat.
Still, I think I’m game to see what book 2 is all about! Recommended for those looking for a vampire romance with action and spice.
Update: I tried book 2, but it was produced by a different narrator and I could not *stand* Bones’s voice. Had to DNF.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I do wish Graphic Audio had also produced the sequel, so I could give it a solid shake, but what can you do?
I’m pretty much always down for a heist in a magical world. The narration was fantastic, it had a quick pace to it and a satisfying end… but the characters didn’t quite pop for me. Not quite for me, but if you’re looking for a fast-paced magical heist, this one might be for you !
I picked this audiobook up from Audible because it was included in my subscription and it was produced by Graphic Audiobooks. (They include sound effects and a full cast and legit sound like a movie.)
And it was basically everything I could ever want from an urban fantasy. Bamf FMC, excellent chemistry with the MMC, a magical world that keeps you guessing, and some excellent fast-paced action. I am SO here for book 2 and recommend to basically everyone. *chef’s kiss*
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yep – this was perfectly for me. Highly recommend.
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!
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!
Since these audiobook books were bundled together (along with book 3), I’ve combined the reviews into one post.
Book One’s Review:
This was a cozy mystery with all your usual flavors of paranormal in a magical library.
What I liked: – The premise. I mean, who wouldn’t love to find out you’re a witch and go live in a magical library? – Easy read, very short, and super chill vibes.
What I didn’t like: – The tension and character depth just weren’t there for me. Though they’re dealing with a murder, everyone seems to take it rather in stride, and I didn’t feel like we really cracked the surface of most of the characters.
So no quite for me, however, if you like your mysteries with MAXIMUM cozy, this might be for you!
Book Two’s Review:
I read this one because the first three audiobooks were bundled together. I could probably copy and paste my review for the first book for this one. Super cozy mystery. Quick easy read. But not quite enough tension or character development for me. However, book 1 and book 2 are so consistent in formula and tone, I definitely think if you enjoyed the first book, you would enjoy the second. As for me, I think I’m going to stop myself here since these aren’t super up my alley.
⭐⭐⭐¼
Me trying to figure out what genre is going to get me out of this reading slump.
Hayley Reese Chow 