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bookwitchgwen's reviews
380 reviews
The Herbwitch Princess by Ireen Chau
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I absolutely loved this book! I immediately went out to pick up the second because I couldn’t wait to continue the journey.
This read was magical, mysterious, poetic, with dark forest vibes. I was immediately sucked into the story and loved the characters! The way their personalities and history slowly unfolded was excellent and well paced.
I will be recommending this duology to everyone who enjoys fantasy, forest vibes, unique magic systems, and strong if unlikely female characters.
This read was magical, mysterious, poetic, with dark forest vibes. I was immediately sucked into the story and loved the characters! The way their personalities and history slowly unfolded was excellent and well paced.
I will be recommending this duology to everyone who enjoys fantasy, forest vibes, unique magic systems, and strong if unlikely female characters.
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Death in the Desert: A Miss Adventure Misadventure by S.G. Tasz
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is the second book in the Miss Adventure series. I absolutely love that they are fast engaging reads. There’s a fantastic balance of characters and plot, while you can see a bit of overarching problems that will tie the series together. While I have read both books I think you could get by jumping into this one if you wanted to. There are some bits that might be confusing at first, but there is definitely enough context to figure things out as you go. BUT they’re both great and you should just read them both anyway. 😅
This installment gave us more into all of the characters, which was just so satisfying. I feel like Adina’s relationship with her sister is on the mend, and I really enjoyed reading their interactions. The tension that brewed in the first book, continued here and it was ugh, brutal but perfect. The world really expanded in this book, as well as the cast of characters. I can not wait to continue reading this series!
“Between the black suit, the desert landscape, and what awaits at the bottom of the hill, the effect is a little too Dark Tower for my taste.” -SG Tasz
Okay, okay. That quote isn’t super epic, but gosh my little Dark Tower loving heart was all a flutter. 🤣 This book has a little of everything, fantasy, adventure, comedy, romance, it’s a great blend!
There is some light spice. 😉🌶️🌶️
I am SO thankful to have received an e-arc of this from Sunny Babe PR! I just love these Miss Adventure books!
This installment gave us more into all of the characters, which was just so satisfying. I feel like Adina’s relationship with her sister is on the mend, and I really enjoyed reading their interactions. The tension that brewed in the first book, continued here and it was ugh, brutal but perfect. The world really expanded in this book, as well as the cast of characters. I can not wait to continue reading this series!
“Between the black suit, the desert landscape, and what awaits at the bottom of the hill, the effect is a little too Dark Tower for my taste.” -SG Tasz
Okay, okay. That quote isn’t super epic, but gosh my little Dark Tower loving heart was all a flutter. 🤣 This book has a little of everything, fantasy, adventure, comedy, romance, it’s a great blend!
There is some light spice. 😉🌶️🌶️
I am SO thankful to have received an e-arc of this from Sunny Babe PR! I just love these Miss Adventure books!
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
The Fiancée Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
These ladies were fantastic. I don’t know why I took so long to pick this one up off of my shelf. They had me at sapphic fake dating. I enjoy the fake dating trope, and this had a little “billionaire romance” vibe to it as well. It was an easy read which was exactly what I was looking for.
Some spice but it fit well with the story.
Some spice but it fit well with the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent
After the Forest by Kell Woods
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was so much better than I expected! I can’t believe I let it sit on my shelf for so long. This story picks up where the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel leaves off.
I loved the magical elements. Witches, and well, more! I don’t want to spoil anything. If you enjoy retellings, slow burn romance, YA fantasy, magic, and shifters, then this read may just be for you!
I loved the magical elements. Witches, and well, more! I don’t want to spoil anything. If you enjoy retellings, slow burn romance, YA fantasy, magic, and shifters, then this read may just be for you!
A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking is a super cute ya fantasy read! Seriously, it is perfect for you if you loved the Shrek movies. I craved baked goods the entire time I listened to it too. 😅 It was such a fun listen and would be a fun read as well. It was perfectly paced, and a fast read/listen. If you’re looking for a light fantasy read without the romance, this is a perfect fit.
Prelude of Fire by Christine E. Schulze
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
“We really don’t have long on this earth, do we? We never know when it’s time for us to leave. “
This is a good stand alone ya fantasy story, that is done well without romance. I enjoyed the adventure and plot line. There was a large cast of characters in the party, and yet it was not at all overwhelming. They were each unique, and the way their stories unfolded it kept me guessing.
There was heavy world building, which was necessary because each new location we visited was different from the last. This slowed the story down at times, and made it a lengthier read. I appreciated that the maturity of the characters matched their ages, and we didn’t have an “all powerful hero.” For instance the MC is 15, and it showed. Hah 🙄
I appreciated the character growth throughout the book, but there was a point where a particular character’s personality seemed to suddenly change. I imagine battle can do that to someone, but without ever being in their head, or reading from their perspective, it seemed sudden and clunky. Once I accepted that change everything read well.
There was a scene where I got lost in the action. What I mean is, I could NOT picture the steps we were taking. It just wasn’t making sense. Knowing that this was an arc copy, I’m hoping that will change before release.
Over all I would recommend this if you enjoy
YA fantasy
Upper Middle Grade reads
Elemental magic
True villains
and no romance
This is a good stand alone ya fantasy story, that is done well without romance. I enjoyed the adventure and plot line. There was a large cast of characters in the party, and yet it was not at all overwhelming. They were each unique, and the way their stories unfolded it kept me guessing.
There was heavy world building, which was necessary because each new location we visited was different from the last. This slowed the story down at times, and made it a lengthier read. I appreciated that the maturity of the characters matched their ages, and we didn’t have an “all powerful hero.” For instance the MC is 15, and it showed. Hah 🙄
I appreciated the character growth throughout the book, but there was a point where a particular character’s personality seemed to suddenly change. I imagine battle can do that to someone, but without ever being in their head, or reading from their perspective, it seemed sudden and clunky. Once I accepted that change everything read well.
There was a scene where I got lost in the action. What I mean is, I could NOT picture the steps we were taking. It just wasn’t making sense. Knowing that this was an arc copy, I’m hoping that will change before release.
Over all I would recommend this if you enjoy
YA fantasy
Upper Middle Grade reads
Elemental magic
True villains
and no romance
Rules of Convenience by H. L. Munn
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was fantastic! If you love contemporary romance, witty banter, or fake dating… add it to your tbr NOW! This book was SO fun. I kicked my feet like a little school girl, and was smiling so hard while reading this.
It was light. It was fluffy. It was low stakes, and just the right read for me. Definitely a fantastic beach read this summer.
This story is told from dual POV, and takes place in Charlotte, NC. The characters are just perfect. They make the mistakes we all do! I just couldn’t get enough. The writing was well paced and kept the pages turning. While I did find some things restated unnecessarily, it didn’t take away from the reading experience. Munn had me rooting for these characters the whole time.
A bit of slow burn, a bit of forbidden love, and a perfect melt your heart romance. 💚
Highly recommend if you need a pallet cleanser or quick read.
It was light. It was fluffy. It was low stakes, and just the right read for me. Definitely a fantastic beach read this summer.
This story is told from dual POV, and takes place in Charlotte, NC. The characters are just perfect. They make the mistakes we all do! I just couldn’t get enough. The writing was well paced and kept the pages turning. While I did find some things restated unnecessarily, it didn’t take away from the reading experience. Munn had me rooting for these characters the whole time.
A bit of slow burn, a bit of forbidden love, and a perfect melt your heart romance. 💚
Highly recommend if you need a pallet cleanser or quick read.