【 CLAP WHEN YOU LAND 】 ★★★ A very powerful story, but haltingly written as poetry. Genre: Contemporary, PoetryAuthor: Elizabeth AcevdeoPublished: May 2020Publisher: HarperTeenPages: 417 (paperback) In sum, what didn't work for me was solely the form of writing. I thought the story itself was actually very compelling and beautiful – and touching on really … Continue reading Serious Poetry in Clap When You Land | Book Review
【 LUMINOUS 】 ★★★★ Another delightful fantasy story from Mara Rutherford. Genre: Young Adult, FantasyAuthor: Mara RutherfordPublished: October 2021Publisher: Inkyard PressPages: 368 (paperback) I'm a big fan of the simple yet enthralling way Rutherford pens a fantasy tale. Having thoroughly enjoyed the Crown of Coral and Pearl duology, I was so excited to see what … Continue reading Star Magic in Luminous | Review
【 RAYBEARER 】 ★★★★★ The next best thing in YA fantasy. Genre: Fantasy, Young AdultAuthor: Jordan IfuekoPublished: August 2020Publisher: Hot Key BooksPages: 496 (paperback) Quick thoughtsThis was an utterly captivating, African-inspired fantasy that I cannot get enough of. Tarisai was a wonderful character with a perfect blend of internal conflict. The wrought tensions between all … Continue reading Found Family in Raybearer | Book Review
【 DRESSED BY IRIS 】 ★★★★ A beautiful love story set in the backdrop of the Great Depression in Australia. Genre: Historical Fiction, RomanceAuthor: Mary-Anne O'ConnorPublished: February 2022Publisher: HarlequinPages: 480 (paperback) Thank you to Harlequin for a copy of this for review Content warning (click to see) sexual assault – death – violence – grief … Continue reading Family Strength in Dressed by Iris | Book Review
【 THE NOBLEMAN'S GUIDE TO SCANDAL AND SHIPWRECKS 】 ★★★★★ We will never get enough of the Montague siblings. Genre: Historical Fiction, Young AdultAuthor: Mackenzi LeePublished: November 2021Publisher: Katherine Tegen BooksPages: 580 (hardback) Content warning (click to see) generalised anxiety – OCD – amputations – serious injuries This was such a bonus to have a … Continue reading Anxious Adventures in The Nobleman’s Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks | Review
【 DAUGHTER OF THE MOON GODDESS 】 ★★★★★ This was brilliant, and I can't stop thinking about it. Genre: Fantasy, MythologyAuthor: Sue Lynn TanPublished: January 2022Publisher: Harper VoyagerPages: 512 (hardback) Ever since finishing this book a week or so ago, I've just been mulling over the events in my mind and unable to leave it … Continue reading Female Warrior in Daughter of the Moon Goddess | Book Review
【 THE VERIFIERS 】 ★★★★ A quirky, fun mystery that'll make you think differently about data collection. Genre: MysteryAuthor: Jane PekPublished: February 2022Publisher: Vintage Books & Anchor Books Pages: 368 (ebook) Thanks to Vintage Books & Anchor Books for a copy of this for review Oooh this was an interesting ride, and I loved it. I … Continue reading Data Scandals in The Verifiers | Book Review
【 WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART'S BLOOD 】 Outlander #8 ★★★★★ Genre: Historical FictionAuthor: Diana GabaldonPublished: June 2014Publisher: OrionPages: 1,296 (paperback) 😭😭 So good. I don't know how Gabaldon writes such masterpieces every time. This was by far the most traumatic book in the series yet but OH MY GOD the ending 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 There were … Continue reading A Tiny (non-spoiler) Review of Written in My Own Heart’s Blood
【 LITTLE WOMBAT'S EASTER SURPRISE 】 ★★★★★ A bouncy, cheerful Australian story to put a smile on your face. Genre: Picture Book, Children's FictionAuthor: Charles FugePublished: February 2022Publisher: Walker Books AustraliaPages: 28 (hardback) Thank you to Walker Books for providing me a copy for review This was super adorable! This is actually my first time … Continue reading Egg-Hunting in Little Wombat’s Easter Surprise | Picture Book Review
【 LEVIATHAN 】 ★★★★ A steampunk reimagining of WWI? What more could you want. Genre: Alternate Historical Fiction, SteampunkAuthor: Scott WesterfeldPublished: October 2009Publisher: Simon & SchusterPages: 440 (hardback) This was so much fun and I'm so glad I read it. I wasn't expecting this to have such young main characters – it's firmly within the … Continue reading Steampunk WWI in Leviathan | Book Review
Upside-Down Books 