Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Heir of Storms

This was an engaging YA high fantasy that feels like Avatar: The Last Airbender meets Hunger Games in an interesting world with a likable MC and a fabulous audiobook narrator. I’ve been in a reading slump for SO long, but this one grabbed me right out of the gate and kept my attention throughout. Definitely recommend.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What can I say? I’m a sucker for some good elemental magic.

(Full disclosure, I did try to read book 2 this summer, and while I enjoyed the multi-POV, the characters and plot progress didn’t grab me in quite the same way, and I didn’t finish.)

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – The Goddess Games

This was such a fun audiobook listen! It reminded me of a sci-fi version of The Selection. Though the world here firmly carries us into the far future with spaceships and a prince from another planet, the tech and language come off as very accessible with the narrative emphasis on The-Bachelor-style competition and the relationships between the characters. Though it doesn’t read as a stand-alone, the story is fast-paced and ends on a satisfying note. Recommended for fans of the Selection who want to travel to the stars. Thanks to the author for the audiobook copy, and you can grab your own here!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’m always here for some gameshow dating shenanigans.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Beautiful Creatures

This one had a strong start with creepy gothic vibe and lots of mystery to untangle. But then in the second half of the book, it felt like we delved more into high school boyfriend / girlfriend / popularity drama, and started hitting some artificial road blocks on information sharing. The audiobook is great, but I probably should’ve DNF’d around the 75% mark when it started to lose me. But though I wasn’t a fan of the high school drama part, a younger teen might be, and I definitely wouldn’t be surprised if my 12-year-old niece got into this.

⭐⭐⭐½

My face when I should’ve DNF’d a book, but didn’t

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Charting Stars

This was such a sweet, cozy portal fantasy! Written in a more classical fantasy style, and filled with magic, fun characters, and animal companions, this is the type of whimsical adventure perfect for both kids and adults looking for an escape with a new world to explore. With a budding romance, this is a book one that promises more, and that’d I recommend to anyone looking for a light, quick read with a cute, fantastical band of heroes. Personally, I’d say this book would be great for 9+, and the audiobook narration was fantastic! Thanks to the publisher for the ARC!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you’re looking for a super sweet lower YA fantasy, this one is for you!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Fortune of Emerald and Salt

Great narration, the pirate adventure vibes were definitely here in force, and I enjoyed the idea of sibling captains, but the characters didn’t quite grab me. Recommended for those looking for a plot-driven pirate adventure.

⭐⭐⭐½

It’s been a long time since I’ve fallen in love with a pirate adventure. I think those might be a tough sell for me.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – I Hope This Doesn’t Find You

Aww this was such a strong YA romance. The YA voice feels authentic here, and I was totally able to connect with Sadie’s struggle with image, perfectionism, & people-pleasing. She was easy to like, and I enjoyed her development throughout the book. The story does a wonderful job of balancing sincerity & humor, and I thought the relationship between the leads seemed to grow naturally over time. Though I had mixed feelings about Julius at the beginning, he won me over with the little ways that his feelings for Sadie would pop through, and his genuine-feeling exchanges with her.

Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a sweet academic rivals to lovers that reads authentically YA.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Absolutely adorable! Definitely recommend.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – This Cruel Design (This Mortal Coil Book 2)

I really enjoyed book one, but book 2 wasn’t for me. I felt it was extremely plot driven, and I would’ve enjoyed more character and relationship development. I also felt like the post-apocalyptic virus/zombie vibes weren’t as strong here, and in general, I didn’t feel as invested in the story. Of course that’s just my subjective 2 cents, so if you loved the first one, I’d still give this a try. Though be warned, while I felt like the romance subplot was significant in book one, it is barely there in this one. (no rating.)

H

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Book Content Guide: the Odriel’s Heirs Series

The number one question I get is about my books is: “Are you books ‘clean’?” That is a super hard question to answer, because everyone’s definition of ‘clean’ is different. So I’ve made these *very* specific content guides to help readers and parents determine if my books are right for them. Of course, if you have more specific questions, please be sure to reach out!

This post is specifically about my Odriel’s Heirs series, but you can find the content guide for my Into the Churn series here and my upper-middle-grade stand-alone, The Gatekeeper of Pericael is coming next week. Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Book Content Guide: Into the Churn Series

The number one question I get is about my books is: “Are you books ‘clean’?” That is a super hard question to answer, because everyone’s definition of ‘clean’ is different. So I’ve made these *very* specific content guides to help readers and parents determine if my books are right for them. Of course, if you have more specific questions, please be sure to reach out!

This post is specifically about my Into the Churn series, but I will also make posts for my Odriel’s Heirs series and my upper-middle-grade stand-alone, The Gatekeeper of Pericael. Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Sunrise on the Reaping

Loved getting Haymitch’s point of view, but just as a rule, I’m not a huge fan of prequels since we pretty much know how it all turns out, and this one’s definitely not a feel-good sort of story. For that reason too, I don’t think I’d go see the movie. In general though, I’d recommend this for Hunger Games fans who are a still looking for more!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Prequels and Villain origin stories just aren’t for me I guess. But they might be for you!

Thanks for reading!