Sahra Mahtâb
“Behind the Net” by Stephanie Archer brings us Jamie, another leading man in a romance novel with a penchant for excessive grunting – a familiar trope. While not anticipating a world-altering experience, especially from a romance novel by a white author, the book pleasantly surprised me. It's a solid three-star read, providing a welcome change of scenery from darker books I read before. Considering the possibility of checking out the sequel, there's no rush, but overall, it was an enjoyable escape.
“As Good As Dead” by Holly Jackson concludes the series with unexpected twists that kept me hooked. Initially unsure of the direction in the beginning of the third book, the moment Pip realizes she has a stalker becomes a riveting turning point, making it impossible to put the book down.
The justice served in the story felt satisfying, a stark contrast to the shortcomings often seen in the real world. Pip, with her intelligence and courage, emerges as a likable and admirable character. Sweet Ravi adds charm to their dynamic duo, and their teamwork is truly enjoyable. The theme of friendships and found family throughout the series is heartwarming and adds depth to the narrative.
The ending, while confusing, doesn't diminish the overall enjoyment. The decision to cut everyone out of Pip's life felt unnecessary given the lack of evidence against her. Regardless, the book is a compelling read, and the series as a whole is a testament to Jackson's storytelling prowess. I look forward to Holly Jackson's future projects.
“Good Girl, Bad Blood” by Holly Jackson delivers a gut-wrenching ending that left me reeling and heartbroken. The last few chapters were an emotional rollercoaster, and finding words to describe the impact feels nearly impossible. The unexpected turn at the conclusion took me by surprise, defying all initial expectations.
The character development, especially regarding Stanley Forbes, was masterfully executed. Jackson skillfully made me feel for his character within just a few pages, transforming my indifference into genuine emotional investment. His death, difficult to read, left a lasting impact, and I secretly hoped for a miraculous survival that never came to pass.
The evolution of Holly Jackson's writing in this sequel impressed me, and the anticipation for the third book is palpable. While the ending was a bitter pill to swallow, it speaks to the author's ability to evoke deep emotions. A break from the intense feelings might be necessary, but the prospect of what the next installment holds is equally compelling.
“A Good Girl's Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson not only rescued me from a reading slump but turned out to be a thrilling escape. The multitude of theories I formed about the murderer kept me engaged, but the unexpected plot twist in the last few chapters had me glued to the pages well into the early morning hours.
Pip and Ravi, the main characters, felt likable and realistic, navigating their roles with authenticity. Despite the author being white, the representation of People of Color in the book was well done. I'm eager to delve into the next book in the series, anticipating what's next for Pippa's investigative journey.
“A Sky Beyond the Storm” by Sabaa Tahir marks the bittersweet end of a beautiful series, leaving me with a lingering sense of sadness. Accidentally spoiling myself through fanart didn't diminish the impact of the heart-wrenching moments, each one still carrying its painful weight.
While I cherished every second with the characters, I yearned for more happy endings for those we grew to love. The final book, although a gripping conclusion, left me wishing for additional Elias and Laia moments instead of Elias grappling with those trying to aid him.
Sabaa Tahir's skillful writing captivated me throughout the series, and even as this chapter closes, I eagerly anticipate discovering more of her work in the future. The Ember Quartet will undoubtedly hold a special place in my literary heart.
“A Torch Against the Night” by Sabaa Tahir is a total heartbreaker. I accidentally spoiled myself with fanart, but that didn't make the emotional punches any less powerful. Helene's journey, which had me torn in the first book, now has me rooting for her with all my heart. Elias, my poor baby, deserves the freedom he yearns for after everything he's been through and I hope gets it in the end.
Now, Laia... I love her, but girl, why so naive at times? Letting a certain someone (Keenan, I knew something was off about that scoundrel) manipulate her had me shouting at the pages. It's 3 a.m., I should be sleeping, but nope, I'm diving into the third book right away. Tahir's storytelling is relentless, and I can't resist finding out what happens next.
Sabaa Tahir's “An Ember in the Ashes” is a poignant journey that managed to draw tears — something that very few books manage to achieve. The story is a tapestry of characters, with Laia and Elias at the forefront, each layering complexity to the narrative. Their authenticity makes it impossible not to invest emotionally, and I found myself eagerly rooting for their struggles and triumphs. The desire for interactions between them kept me turning page after page. The supporting characters add depth to the story, although Helene's actions left me perplexed, creating a sense of frustration. Keenan's intentions remain shrouded in mystery, adding an intriguing layer that begs further exploration. Yet, the unresolved mysteries have me hooked, and without a doubt, I'm sprinting to grab the sequel.
In Tina Montford's ‘The Last Minute First Lady,' I found an unexpectedly enjoyable escape, even though romance isn't usually my go-to genre. Jolie, the main character, is this fierce woman you can't help but cheer for, hoping she finds the peace she deserves. Cassian, though likable initially, sparked frustration in the third act and made me want to shake some sense into him. Of course, the happy ending was there, as expected. While not a standout, the book piqued my interest sufficiently to explore more of Montford's work in the future.
In Gabi Burton's ‘Sing Me to Sleep,' the characters you can't help but root for the main characters. The promise of a kind love interest in Hayes is not only met but exceeded. Soarsie's growth adds depth to the story, and the seamless worldbuilding captivates from the start. Her journey feels like watching someone you care about evolve and grow. While the book didn't completely blow me away, it was like spending time with good company—thoroughly enjoyable, leaving me excited for what comes next in the sequel.
In ‘Ace of Spades,' Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé paints an emotional masterpiece, pulling you into the raw reality of BiPOCs. It's not just a book; it's a journey that makes your heart ache with the characters' pain and frustration. You find yourself cheering for their strength amid adversities, and the beautifully crafted ending is like a warm hug after a storm, leaving you with a sense of hope and understanding. Àbíké-Íyímídé doesn't just tell a story; she invites you to feel it deeply.
What sets this book apart is its ability to not only shed light on the challenges but also to portray resilience and strength. The beautifully crafted ending serves as a ray of hope, offering a poignant counterbalance to the earlier tension and hardship. Overall, ‘Ace of Spades' is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant work that leaves a lasting impact on its readers.
Joelle Wellington's ‘Their Vicious Games' is a gripping page-turner that kept me hooked from start to finish. The suspenseful plot, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding the main character's fate, made it an intense read. The narrative's exploration of racism, misogyny, and classism adds depth to the story, creating a brutally beautiful portrayal of societal issues. Despite the challenges, the satisfying sliver of justice in the end provides a poignant closure.
Cute little romance with okay representation/diversity. It bothered me that despite being brown, Summer‘s heritage wasn't discussed much. She could‘ve passed for a white character if it wasn't for the occasion mention of chai and gulab jamun. Still, it was an overall enjoyable read with likeable characters.
