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alexreadsabook's reviews
51 reviews
The (Fake) Dating Game by Timothy Janovsky
5.0
very unique plot that was done really well. the main characters were lovable and relatable, and while i don’t usually like the insta-love/connection, it actually worked here and I enjoyed it more than I expected to. there were some lighthearted yet open talks about grief and what it does to a person that really resonated with me and have stuck with me since reading this.
The Spells We Cast by Jason June
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-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
4.5
If you’re looking for a book to replace that really popular fantasy series with the crappy author, The Spells We Cast by Jason June is the one for the job. It was truly a magical adventure from beginning to end, and I can not wait for the next book.
Firstly, it features a gay, magic-wielding cowboy. If that’s not enough to convince you to read it, I don’t know what is.
The world-building is extraordinary. It featured a fairly unique magic system but was explained in ways that made it easy to understand and related it back to some classic magic systems. I loved the different types of magic and the unique ways in which they were used by the characters.
The main characters, Nigel and Ori, were an interesting pair. I loved the opposites attract, rivals to lovers aspect. The tension and angst and “will they won’t they” had me hooked. I had accidentally left this book at work over the weekend and literally could not stop thinking about it to the point where I considered breaking and entering just so I could finish reading it.
All of the side characters, even the ones that you’re supposed to dislike, made the story so much better. Not only did they let us see the magic types that our main characters didn’t have, but they also added so much depth and contrast to the story. This is a very fast-paced book, yet every character felt well-rounded and had a personality that made them stand out from the others.
Side note: I couldn’t help but picture Meema as Meema from Young Sheldon and it honestly made her character even better.
The queer representation throughout this book was really well done. Not only were the main characters queer, but a lot of the side characters were as well. There was also a lot of discussion around what it’s like to be queer in places where it’s not widely acceptable (like in the South, specifically Texas in this case). I love seeing this rep in YA books especially.
I don’t want to spoil the plot twist at the end, but I was shocked yet pleased with the message and how close to home it hits with the society we currently live in. I genuinely can not wait for the second book.
Overall, I adored this book. There were a few things that could be improved, but I think it was a super fun read, and will be recommending it to anyone who loves fantasy.
Heart, Haunt, Havoc by Freydís Moon
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? N/A
5.0
Heart Haunt Havoc was short and to the point and I devoured every minute of it. I read this in one sitting and was pleasantly surprised how much I loved it considering it’s a horror book (a genre I never thought I would read).
The two main characters were probably some of my favorite characters ever. I am constantly searching for trans rep; these characters were some of the best rep I’ve read yet. Their stories were beautiful and heart breaking and I want nothing but good things for them both. I’d love to read several more books about their adventures together.
The story itself was horrifying in all the best ways. I’m not a huge fan of gore, and the author did an amazing job of having gore that made an impact but was bearable for those us of that don’t love it. The mystery and the honestly terrifying imagery made this a book I simply could not put down.
This was for sure a 5 star read and a reminder that queer and trans people belong in all genres. Even if you’re not a horror fan I highly suggest giving this a read.