natashaleighton_'s reviews
1017 reviews

Every Time You Go Away by Abigail Johnson

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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

5.0

A beautifully written and poignant coming of age YA, that draws on author Abigail Johnson’s own experiences as a wheelchair user, weaving a heartfelt story of strength, resilience, love and hope that literally stole my heart!

The prose was beautiful l and brought Ethan and Rebecca to life so well, I honestly didn’t want it to leave them after that fabulous (and satisfyingly sweet) ending.

Following their childhood friendship over the years, from their first meeting to their reunion and all the complicated struggles and feelings in between.

And was blown away by just how vividly in-depth our both Ethan and Rebecca were; in their grief, joy, and guilt they felt for every moment of happiness. I don’t often find myself this fully invested in characters, but Ethan and Rebecca felt so real. And watching them overcome some pretty large personal struggles (which had me sobbing quite a few times) made me feel soo proud of them.

Rebecca’s story was especially impactful as she adjusts to life in a wheelchair after a car accident (that also resulted in the death of her father) and the grief she still endures in losing him.

Her relationship with her mother was a little fraught too and I really wanted to give her soo many hugs after every interaction. But she does eventually open up and finally communicate her feelings — which again, did have me sobbing uncontrollably.

Ethan’s experiences as an only child of a parent struggling with addiction (and being constantly uprooted) was just as poignant, and Johnson’s sensitive approach to the subject material incredibly well done.

If you love books that explore complex issues alongside the teen angst and romance, or want something that’s guaranteed to hit you in the feels, then you’re gonna want to add this to your TBRs ASAP!

Also a huge thank you to Harper360YA for the proof.

Content Warnings

Lies We Sing to the Sea by Sarah Underwood

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adventurous emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Loosely inspired by Penelope’s twelve hanged maids immortalised in The Odyssey. Sarah Underwood’s Greek myth-infused debut was a surprisingly relevant and pacy, character driven read that brings female rage and resilience to the forefront of the narrative.

Not a retelling as such, but a creative reinterpretation (that uses the original as a starting point), I had been a little nervous to start this one as I’d seen a few mixed reviews. But I’m soo glad I finally did, as I really enjoyed it!

The prose was wonderfully immersive, and I enjoyed delving into the lives (and alternating perspectives) of our three protagonists — all of whom are trying to break the Curse that has plagued Ithaca for centuries. It can get angsty at, but I really enjoyed that tension.

Leto-compassionate, fiercely determined and strong willed, is the first character we meet and she was incredible! It’s her rage and need for vengeance that initially propels the plot, but her dynamics with fellow hanged maid Melantho, Prince Matthias and her endearing capacity for empathy (despite all she’s endured), is what really kept me invested.

Melantho (along with Leto) were my absolute favourite characters and I loved seeing their growing relationship develop. Their past experiences and emotional complexity was phenomenal. And really focuses on the difficult choices that they must make —in a world that sees them (and other women like them) as easily replaceable/ disposable.

Matthias, was an interesting and somewhat endearing character too, but his complicity in the hangings (which he had to oversee) and slow start in actively trying to break the curse, meant I did kind of dislike him at the start. He does eventually begin to make up for it as the story unfolds, but I feel his character not being as developed as Leto and Melantho did hinder him a little.

Nevertheless, his actions speak louder than any words ever could, and had me absolutely sobbing by the end.

Given the current climate (and attacks on women’s personal freedoms) worldwide, this felt like a very relevant and topical read. In which the previously silenced voices of women (subjected, objectified or victimised) can use their new power to finally get justice for all the pain they (and others like them) have suffered.

Overall, a perfect introduction to Greek Mythology for readers eager for more female centric reimaginings. Especially, if they’re already fans of Madeline Miller or Jennifer Saint.

Also, thank you to Electric Monkey books for the PB copy.

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Things We Hide From The Light by Lucy Score

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Heartbreak Is the National Anthem: How Taylor Swift Reinvented Pop Music by Rob Sheffield

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informative lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.5

This biographical exploration of Taylor Swift’s career, which delves into the genre defying pop star’s own Mythos and meteoric rise to fame (via her songs and live performances), is an absolute must read for Swifties.

Written by Rollingstone Journalist, Rob Sheffield (who has documented her career from the very start), we explore his personal experiences, anecdotes and music analysis of Taylor’s work. Which is just as much an exploration into his own love and personal history with Swift’s music as it is about Swift herself.

As someone who’s been a fan of Taylor since I was 15 (I’m 31 now), I found this a wonderfully nostalgic trip through her career (and music repertoire), that really gave me a new appreciation for the unique way she has handled her career. In an industry that has historically loved to put a shelf life on female pop stars, I loved seeing the ways Taylor has “broken” the rules and paved the way for a new whole generation of starlets (who have begun to sweep the charts themselves.)

The fact that Rob Sheffield writes so passionately and enthusiastically about Taylor’s music makes this all the more enjoyable. And, with comparisons and references as eclectic as Emily Dickinson, Madonna and (surprising of all) Morrissey —there’s a lot of interesting tidbits and music history for fans to consume.

Spanning every era of Taylor’s music career, the inspiration that may have inspired her songs and the musical greats that came before. This was a fun and rather nostalgic read that Swifties (or the loved ones of a Swiftie) should definitely consider picking up.

And, a huge thank you to Rachel Quin and HQ/ HarperCollins UK for the finished copy.

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Red Flags by Sophie Jo

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emotional funny hopeful reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Holly Bourne meets Dolly Alderton in this witty, escapist YA Rom-Com that deftly (and entertainingly) explores the nuances of relationships, and the differences between red flags, annoyances-turned-icks, and the flaws of being human.

Given the misinformation and confusion that sometimes surrounds the term ‘Red Flag’, Sophie Jo brings a much needed dose of humour and clarity to a highly relevant topic. That I’m sure readers are will find just as entertaining and informative as I did.

Told from the dual POVs of two commitment shy teens, and the “How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days” style premise they inadvertently find themselves in— Rom com lovers should prepare to be utterly hooked.

Poppy and Cam, (our MCs) were both incredibly endearing and fascinating characters. Who despite their initial, opposing personalities and enemies to lovers-esque dynamics, really have more in common than they first realise. Their chemistry and banter was off the charts, and when compared with some of the other relationships we see, their rocky start doesn’t seem nearly soo bad.

I adored the The Bookshop Date scene and Gnome conversation Poppy and Cam have, both of which gave me a good chuckle. But some of the most memorable scenes were actually ones where Poppy and Cam aren’t together.

It’s these quiet, more introspective scenes that really brought a sense of poignancy and depth to their characters; allowing us to delve a little into their thoughts and feelings, and learn why they’re both so against giving relationships a chance.

If you love 90s/ 00s Rom-coms, then you’ll be pleased to know those vibes were fabulously strong. And the character interactions (particularly Poppy’s narrative voice) felt very Georgia Nicholson-adjacent, (though with less snark and more kindness and inclusivity) that I know readers will very much appreciate.

I don’t want to spoil anything plot wise, but I will say Sophie Jo captures the realities of teenage feelings and relationships really well. So if you have any teen readers in your life, I throughly recommend gifting them a copy of this as soon as possible— ‘cause it’s absolutely AMAZING!

And, a huge thank you to Tina Mories & Scholastic UK for the physical proof.

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Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

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adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Emotionally intense and utterly romantic, I couldn’t put it down!

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Tenderly, I am Devoured by Lyndall Clipstone

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Breathtakingly atmospheric and vividly enchanting! Lyndall Clipstone’s fourth published novel was a beautifully haunting, gothic romantasy. Bursting with dark and deliciously foreboding, (cottagecore-horror) vibes that had me in a literal chokehold.

Firstly, I have to talk about Clipstone’s prose, which was gorgeously lyrical with lush, evocative imagery that I found utterly immersive. I truly felt transported to Verse, and could practically feel the sea spray— alongside the suffocating sense of dread and anticipation as Lark uncovers startling secrets and the ethereal, chthonic based powers that seem to be at play.

I also loved the depth and complexity that we explore in our cast of characters, all of whom are trying to overcome their own individual struggles and trauma. For Lark, our protagonist, it’s the desperate desire to find a place (and people) to truly belong to. Having grown up an orphan with only her brothers to raise her.

And for Alastair and Camille, (Lark’s childhood friends and neighbours) it’s their conflicted feelings towards family expectations (their duty and their loss of autonomy) at the expense of their own happiness.

We learn soo much from their interactions with Lark, giving us a glimpse into their inner thoughts and emotions — which were as equally as intense and chemistry laden as they were compelling.

It can be a bit of a slow-burn at times. But with such incredible writing, worldbuilding and lore to discover (particularly when it involved the God, Therion) I really didn’t mind the slightly slower pace. As it gave me a chance to soak up all the setting’s lush ambience.

Though, the most compelling and emotionally endearing part for me, had to be the journey of sacrifice, self discovery and love (in all its many forms) that we get to watch unfold. With Lark and Co. delving ever deeper into a terrifying world of monstrous gods, ritualistic (salt based) practices and dark forces that threaten to upend the very lives they seek to preserve.

I don’t think I can say anything else without spoilers, but fans of House of Hollow, For The Wolf or Erin A. Craig really need to consider adding this to their TBRs. Especially if, like me, you’re a sucker for a gorgeously written (plot twisty) gothic fantasy.

Also, a huge thank you to Lyndall Clipstone for the e-arc.

Content Warnings

Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley

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adventurous 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? Yes

5.0

A sizzlingly delicious, Fae-filled Romantasy that’s dripping in political intrigue, sinfully sexy (morally grey) fae love interests, and a fast paced (but no less epic) plot that I thoroughly enjoyed.

As an epic fantasy fan who adored Sarah Hawley’s previous series, I practically jumped at the chance to review this. And I’m pleased to report it was just as marvellous as I hoped it would be!

The worldbuilding was beautifully well executed, with a detailed magic system (and lore) that I found utterly fascinating. Both rich and immersive, Hawley’s atmospheric prose captures an intensity to the kingdom of Mistei that—along with the political intrigue and shady machinations of its inhabitants (magical and monstrous alike)— had me glued to my seat.

This isn’t a short book by any stretch (It’s 400+ pages) but I honestly flew through this soo quickly! Thanks in part to Hawley’s exquisitely endearing, and emotionally complex (and occasionally brutal) characters. My favourite of which has to be protagonist, Kenna. She’s fiercely cynical of life but her courage, resilience and unrelenting loyalty to her friends (and the people she cares about most) had me rooting for her almost instantly.

With nothing to lose (except her own life), a pent up rage aimed at her magical oppressors, and a need to exact revenge — I was utterly invested Kenna’s journey. But especially in the multilayered and emotional bonds we see her form with several characters, including the Fae king’s executioner, a flirtatious(Fae) Prince, the daughter of a noble Fae house and a magically sentient dagger (yes, you read that correctly, and its name is Caedo.)

The steamy romantic scenes were really good too, (even if I was rooting for Kenna to get with a different Fae character) and should come as no surprise if you’ve read Hawley’s previous books. But if you’re new to her work then just be aware they can get pretty spicy (so do take into consideration if that’s not your thing.)

Overall, this was plot twisty and richly imagined story (exploring the meaning of friendship) that I absolutely loved! And anyone itching for a new Fae-filled fantasy series to be obsessed with, should definitely consider checking this out! But do be sure to check the TWs first.

And a huge thank you to Javerya over at Gollancz for the finished copy

Content Warnings

The Kingdom of Sweets by Erika Johansen

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious 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

4.5

Themes of jealousy, betrayal and vengeance abound in this dark and deliciously atmospheric, gothic retelling of The Nutcracker —that I found both eerie and compelling in equal measure.

Firstly, I didn’t realise this was written by the same author as The Tearling trilogy until I was halfway through. But I should’ve guessed, as I adored Erika Johansen’s vividly descriptive prose in that series soo much (particularly for a lot of the dream/ flashback sequences.)

Her almost effortless ability to weave such intricate details into pacy, plot twisty narratives; whilst retaining the depth and emotion that makes her writing soo compelling is simply breathtaking.

And worked perfectly for this dark (and beautifully immersive) Grimm’s fairytale-like setting. With its eerie cast of mysterious, yet sinister characters (Drosselmeyer and The Sugar Plum Fairy)— readers are almost guaranteed to be on the edge of their seats for the majority of the story.

However, the complex and juxtaposing dynamics between Twin sisters, Clara and Natasha (pitted against one another at birth) is what really captivated me the most. Told entirely from the POV of Natasha, the “bad/cursed” twin —I couldn’t help but find her perspective endearing.

Slighted and neglected by everyone around her (including her own parents), and forced to live in the shadow of her twin, it’s not surprising that she finally acts upon the resentment and jealousy she’s bottled up her whole life. And everything that happens after that was deliciously intense!

It’s definitely the darkest take on The Nutcracker I’ve ever read, but has easily become my new favourite. I finished this in November and must say the gothic, horror-like tone pared perfectly with the dark and chilly weather the UK is having. As such, I highly suggest reading this during the colder months, as the lush world-building and atmospheric descriptions will feel waay more immersive.

And, if like me you love a dark fairytale retelling or have been eager to delve into a spookier, less saccharine take on The Nutcracker— then this is definitely one you don’t want to miss! Though do check TWs first.

Also, a huge thank you to Chloe Rose and Penguin for this absolutely stunning (Micaela Alcaino designed) PB copy.

Content Warnings

Filthy Rich Vampire by Geneva Lee

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Content Warnings

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natashaleighton_'s reviews 1017 reviews

natashaleighton_'s reviews
1017 reviews