When April Fischer was five, the voice from the well told her to fly. Ever since April survived the strange and brutal massacre at the Copperton mine twelve years ago, she has been in the spotlight. At first, as the subject of internet urban legend. Then, as a horror movie inspiration. And most frighteningly, as the darling of a cult that believes that on her seventeenth birthday she will come into universe-altering power. April has unanswered questions about what really went down at the mine—most of all, what happened to her father, the foreman on the drill site, who disappeared on that day. Until the week before her birthday, when she is given a collection of documents and the words He’s alive. As April uncovers more about her childhood at the mine, the cultists’ beliefs don’t feel as impossible as she once thought, and she begins to hope that she truly can bring her father back. But even though she never wants to go near the edge of the open-pit mine again, there are forces in Copperton who want to see her fail . . . or watch her fly. - Bookshop.org

Mateo Borrero has 99 problems—and all of them hinge on his missing bruja mother and the demon she trapped inside his body. Mateo's mother forbade him from ever using magic, but now that she’s gone, magic’s his only marketable skill, and he’d really like an exorcism—which costs money he doesn’t have. What’s the harm in making a quick buck by calling himself an Occult Specialist and chanting a few half-remembered spells in his crappy Spanish? Enter Topher, a naive nepo baby with a curse that keeps killing people around him. Most importantly, he’s rich and too clueless to clock that Mateo—and his (absolutely-not-the-assistant) astral projecting best friend Ophelia—have never actually had a client before. Lifting Topher’s bad luck curse should be simple, but as luck would have it, nothing is simple, and Topher–who Mateo sort of, kind of likes–might be at the center of a deadly magical conspiracy. To make matters worse, the more magic Mateo does, the stronger the demon inside him grows and the more he wants to eat people. But would caving to the urges of an ancient evil really be that bad if it helps him get a payday? - Bookshop.org

In this conversation, I’m reviewing Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven. I was influenced to read this book after watching her interview on Kristen and Maddie’s YouTube channel (linked below). Diving into the numbers, I explain how I was able to binge this book in a day, why it reminded me of the greats from the mid-2010s, and why I wouldn’t consider this to be a true YA book. Plus so much more. Maybe I can influence you to also give it a try. I might have forced my friend to buy her own copy the other night. 

In this conversation, I’m reviewing 'This is How You Lose the Time War' by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone, which I have no idea how it ended up on my TBR. Diving into the numbers, I explain why the story wasn’t for me and why I wish they had delved deeper into the story. I also discuss who might enjoy this story. 

In this conversation, I’m reviewing the new release  In Deadly Company by L. S. Stratton, a book that finally taught me the meaning of beach read. I get it now and I’m on the bandwagon. I go into my new definition of beach read, why I loved this book so much, and how the publicist convinced me to read it. I follow it up with my usual rating system.  Want to discuss the book with me? Comment “Spoiler” below or DM me on Instagram. I would love chat with other readers. 

In this conversation, I review the Toman Boys series. I cover my emotional journey through the books, character development, and the impact of the writing style, while also sharing my thoughts on the themes of love, trauma, and the complexities of young adult relationships. I address the cultural context of the story and the author's self-publishing journey. I hope more readers will enjoy the series so we can discuss it. I need some book sisters. Before reading, though, I encourage you to look up the trigger warnings since this book covers some sensitive topics. 

In this review, I share my 20-year journey to finally completing The Fellowship of the Ring. I reflect on my personal connection to the book, the impact of my grandfather's gift, and how my understanding of literature has evolved over the years. I discuss the influence of the Rings of Power series for my renewed passion for Middle-earth and offer insights into Tolkien's writing style, the importance of pacing in reading, and the challenges faced by autistic readers. This conversation is a blend of personal narrative and literary analysis, celebrating the enduring legacy of Tolkien's work.

In this episode, I discuss Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb, providing insights into the book's themes, characters, and writing style. I share my real-time reactions to the reading experience, critique the narrative structure and dialogue, and express my excitement for the series ahead. The review is both personal and analytical, offering a comprehensive look at the book's strengths and weaknesses.