z_bookfluencer's reviews
897 reviews

Embarking on a journey through grief, loss of autonomy, and the quest for self-discovery, When the Moon Hatched echoes the poignant words of Sarah A. Parker: "For those who feel small and quiet, spread those wings and roar." This inscription embodies the essence of the book's explorations within an epic fantasy realm.

Within this meticulously crafted world, three species of dragons and numerous imaginative fantastical creatures are an integral part of the world building. The unique magic system is centered around elemental songs, each belonging to a distinct Creator. Elementals are those gifted with the ability to hear these songs. The Nulls are those who lack this connection. There is a distinct separation between the Elementals and the Nulls, which adds conflict to the rich narrative.

Compelling characters emerge with rich backstories, including the protagonist Raeve, whose journey through trauma and self-discovery forms the emotional core of the narrative. As she grapples with her past, Raeve's path intertwines with other characters and despicable villains, adding layers of complexity to her quest for empowerment and voice.

When the Moon Hatched weaves a multi-perspective tale with a nonlinear plot, offering a medium-paced journey with staggered reveals and a satisfying plot arc. This first installment of The Moonfall Series not only propels the narrative forward but also delves deep into themes of grief and empowerment.

When the Moon Hatched deeply resonated with me, and I enjoyed my reading experience. The open-ended conclusion, marked by a significant reveal, left me eagerly anticipating the next installment, with the promise of further character development and story exploration.

I would highly recommend When the Moon Hatched to other new adult and adult romantasy readers.

There is a content guide provided by the author, which I would highly recommend for sensitive readers to peruse before reading the story.

What the River Knows was a fascinating story and an enjoyable reading experience. I didn't want to put it down.

The author skillfully blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, crafting a narrative that is both authentic and imaginative. The world of What the River Knows was written with meticulous detail. 

Through the perspective of protagonist Inez, the narrative unfolds a thrilling treasure hunt while uncovering the mysteries surrounding her parents. Whit's perspective is also included in small sections. The inclusion of historical figures such as Cleopatra adds depth and intrigue to the narrative. There are more historical figures and events included that are important to the story. 

All of the characters were distinct and offered value to the story, enriching the narrative with their unique personalities and contributions.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its incorporation of multiple languages and Egyptian mythology, adding layers of complexity to the story. While prior knowledge of these elements isn't necessary, it enhances the reading experience for those familiar with them. The gradual introduction of these cultural aspects complemented rather than overshadowed the plot, which maintained a perfect balance between engagement and accessibility.

It's important to note that the novel contains depictions of gun violence and graphic murder. Short scenes depicting misogyny are also in the story, albeit brief and conveyed through dialogue.

What the River Knows was left open, with an intriguing reveal, for the next installment, Where the Library Hides.

Looking for Smoke is a YA missing persons and murder mystery inspired by real-world events. The story itself is fictional. Looking for Smoke was told through multiple perspectives with sections of a radio show, a podcast, officer dispatch, and some text messages. The opening scene was colorful and set the tone of Looking for Smoke well. The overall plot was on the slower side, and the way the story was told was mainly through characterization. Interesting facts were given about the characters, which complimented the plot and moved it along. The conclusion gave answers and tied all the plotlines together.

Content Guide: grief, violence, missing persons, murder, familial discord, use of firearms, mentions of drug usage and abandonment 

I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy through Epic Reads. I give my honest review voluntarily. 

"And no story ever truly ends as long as it is told." -Erin Morgenstern, The Starless Sea 

The Starless Sea was bibliomancy. It was poignant and had these beautiful passages of prose. The Starless Sea was notably written by a lover of literature for lovers of literature. 

"Far beneath the surface of the earth, hidden from the sun and the moon, upon the shores of the Starless Sea, there is a labyrinthine collection of tunnels and rooms filled with stories." -Erin Morgenstern, The Starless Sea

The Starless Sea has 6 parts, or as it is in the novel, VI Books and an afterward. Within and between the parts/books, there are interludes. The Starless Sea was told through stories and stories, rotating between the perspective of the main character Zachary, in the seemingly present timeline, and the perspectives of the other characters in broken timeline as well other notable forms of story. 

"a paper star that has been unfolded and refolded 
into a tiny unicorn but the unicorn remembers the time 
when it was a star and an earlier time when it was part of
a book and sometimes the unicorn dreams of the time before 
it was a book when it was a tree and the time even longer
before that when it was a different sort of star" -Erin Morgenstern, The Starless Sea

The plot was nonlinear, and the breaks between the plotlines consisted of world building, magic, and meaningful nonsensical-esque prose. 

The world building was told through the narration of the stories within the novel, most often during the breaks of Zachary's perspective, though that was not the only time the world building was present. 

The symbols of The Starless Sea and magic felt unique and were interesting. 

"Symbols are for interpretation, not definition." -Erin Morgenstern, The Starless Sea 

The Starless Sea is very open to interpretation; it is a story within stories that would read differently to each individual. The Starless Sea has very strong symbolism and could be taken as an allegory or simply a love story.

Answers given throughout The Starless Sea were unreliable or not fully formed when given. Everything that I wanted answered was answered upon reaching the conclusion of the story. I really enjoyed seeing how everything within The Starless Sea came together. The Starless Sea has a resolved ending.

Overall, The Starless Sea was an experience, and I'm satisfied with the time I afforded in reading it. I would recommend The Starless Sea to other readers who enjoy very whimsical and magical stories told through prose.

Hunting November was a great addition and conclusion to this series. There was action, adventure, and mystery. The story is told through present timeline and flashbacks, all of which are from November's perspective. I found the reveals interesting. The ending tied the story up with a nice little bow. Overall, I felt Hunting November was well written. I could see myself rereading the series.

Wolf Children: Ame & Yuki is a beautifully written story featuring love and loss, motherhood, growing up, the joy, and grief of life, finding oneself, and more. It's truly a must-read and a story that will stay with me. I can definitely see myself rereading Wolf Children: Ame & Yuki, and it is a favorite.

Heir, Apparently was a fun and entertaining high-stakes romantic comedy [ sequel to The Prince & The Apocolypse ]! There were characters from the previous story and new ones. The story pacing was steady. There were some interesting reveals. The conclusion was satisfying. Overall, I enjoyed my reading experience and would recommend The Heir, Apparently to other readers who enjoy YA romance with high stakes. 

I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy through Wednesday Books. I give my honest review voluntarily. My review is my own thoughts and opinion; my experience in reading this story.

The Prince & The Apocolypse was a delightful and entertaining YA high-stakes romantic comedy! I liked the banter between Theo and Wren. I felt each of their characters had relatable qualities. The story pacing was steady. The end had a big reveal, setting up the story for the next installment, Heir Apparently. Overall, I enjoyed my reading experience and would recommend The Prince & The Apocolypse to other YA romance readers. I will be continuing the series.

I enjoyed my reading experience, and I am satisfied with the time I afforded in reading Sword Art Online, Vol. 1: Aincrad. I found the sci-fi elements and world building intriguing. There were a few things that didn't work for me. I did see the anime [ years ago ] before reading this light novel, which helped me picture the settings. I would recommend Sword Art Online, Vol. 1: Aincrad to other readers who enjoy sci-fi romance with high-stakes.

"Choice is the most powerful force in existence." -Aiden Thomas, The Sunbearer Trials 

The Sunbearer Trials was a very well written and engaging fantasy with some modern elements, containing a dangerous and magical competition, a likable main character, an inclusive cast, lush world building, and an epic ending.

Detailed Review:
The Sunbearer Trials is told through Teo's perspective. Teo was really easy to read for, and he had a very distinct and likable personality. The diverse cast had well-rounded and compelling characters. There was a hint of romance, though this was more of affectionate thoughts and a few actions, more than an established relationship. A notable trope pertaining to the chemistry between two of the potential love interests was 'he trains him'.

"Aw, we're gonna have our own little misfit gang." -Aiden Thomas, The Sunbearer Trials 

I was fascinated by the rich world building. There was some magic, and it was on the softer side. The Sunbearer Trials was an engaging read, and the writing style worked very well for me. The tone and settings for each scene were set up nicely, and the character descriptions were very picturesque. The story pacing was quick. 

"Every temple in Reino del Sol was U-shaped with a large set of exterior steps that led to an observatory where the main altar stood. They look different, depending on the god and the city, but each housed a Sun Stone-the piece of Sol that provided light and protection from the dangers locked away among the stars. At night, the beams from Sun Stones could be seen from several miles away." -Aiden Thomas, The Sunbearer Trials 

Contend Guide: includes [ not excluded to ] conversations and mentions of: dysphoria [ gender and body ], hormone therapy, gender identity, violence, brief profanity 

I really enjoyed my reading experience of The Sunbearer Trials, and it is a favorite. I can see myself rereading The Sunbearer Trials and continuing the series with the next installment, Celestial Monsters. I would highly recommend The Sunbearer Trials to other YA readers who enjoy dangerous and magical competitions and a misfit group of friends.