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pagebypaigebks's reviews
133 reviews
The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder by C.L. Miller
3.0
"We begin the hunt at the site of the crime.”
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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Content Warnings: death, murder, violence, mention of death of parent, fire, confinement
I really liked the premise of this book! As someone who loves watching Antique’s Roadshow, I enjoyed entering the world of antiques with Freya and her Aunt Carole. Speaking of, Aunt Carole was definitely my favourite character, she was eccentric and fun, even if she didn’t always know what was going on. Unfortunately, in terms of the plot, I found the pacing to be a bit off. I also wish that we had more time to focus on each of the side characters. However, the cozy mystery vibes were definitely on point. With forged antiques, hidden codes, and a mysterious hidden past, I had a lot of fun following along as clues were uncovered and plot twists unfolded. I’m intrigued to see what will happen in the sequel.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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Content Warnings: death, murder, violence, mention of death of parent, fire, confinement
I really liked the premise of this book! As someone who loves watching Antique’s Roadshow, I enjoyed entering the world of antiques with Freya and her Aunt Carole. Speaking of, Aunt Carole was definitely my favourite character, she was eccentric and fun, even if she didn’t always know what was going on. Unfortunately, in terms of the plot, I found the pacing to be a bit off. I also wish that we had more time to focus on each of the side characters. However, the cozy mystery vibes were definitely on point. With forged antiques, hidden codes, and a mysterious hidden past, I had a lot of fun following along as clues were uncovered and plot twists unfolded. I’m intrigued to see what will happen in the sequel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Confinement, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
Theodora Hendrix and the Curious Case of the Cursed Beetle by Jordan Kopy
3.0
“The world is full of monsters.”
I'd like to thank Beth Parker PR and Simon & Schuster for sending me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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A great addition to the Theodora Hendrix series! This sequel was filled with perfect spooky vibes, from the monster characters to the exciting action scenes. There was a great balance between the serious, suspenseful scenes and the light-hearted jokes. Theodora is a lovely main character; she’s headstrong, determined and brave, always standing up for what she believes in. All of the other side characters were fun to read about. The mystery was intriguing and had multiple layers of complexity. Another aspect I enjoyed was the narrator and how he integrates the reader into the story as if they were working together on the case. Like in book 1, the illustrations were whimsical and perfectly matched the aesthetic of the story. I’m excited to continue the series!
I'd like to thank Beth Parker PR and Simon & Schuster for sending me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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A great addition to the Theodora Hendrix series! This sequel was filled with perfect spooky vibes, from the monster characters to the exciting action scenes. There was a great balance between the serious, suspenseful scenes and the light-hearted jokes. Theodora is a lovely main character; she’s headstrong, determined and brave, always standing up for what she believes in. All of the other side characters were fun to read about. The mystery was intriguing and had multiple layers of complexity. Another aspect I enjoyed was the narrator and how he integrates the reader into the story as if they were working together on the case. Like in book 1, the illustrations were whimsical and perfectly matched the aesthetic of the story. I’m excited to continue the series!
When Grumpy Met Sunshine by Charlotte Stein
2.0
“I like [rom-coms] because sometimes things are really bad in them. Things are bad and wrong and so lonely your heart could crack in two over it. But even when they are, you know all of it is gonna turn out all right... deeply loved in a way that just never happens in real life."
I'd like to thank St. Martin's Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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Content Warnings: fatphobia, alcoholism, past child abuse
I'd like to thank St. Martin's Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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Content Warnings: fatphobia, alcoholism, past child abuse
Unfortunately, this just wasn’t for me. My main concern was the narration. I felt that the book was mainly dialogue and because of that, I couldn’t really get into the story. There was also a lot of miscommunication and it seemed that most of the characters’ problems could have been solved by talking to each other. Speaking of the characters, I wish we got to know their backstories a bit more. All in all, I was intrigued by the premise but was disappointed with the execution.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, and Fatphobia
Till There Was You by Lindsay Hameroff
3.0
“Mise en place. A place for everything, and everything in its place.”
I'd like to thank St. Martin's Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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Content Warnings: death of a parent (past), grief, cancer (mention)
This was an interesting read. It definitely delivered on the celebrity dating trope with insights into Jake's life as a world famous musician. There's everything from Jake working on new songs and preparing for his upcoming tour to dealing with the overbearing media. Lexi's culinary background and job at her restaurant were interesting to read about. However, I wish we got to see more of this side of her life. Additionally, I enjoyed Lexi's overall character growth and her journey towards prioritizing her dreams. In terms of the romance it was cute but I found it to be a bit too much like insta-love which took away from my enjoyment. Unfortunately, the pacing also felt a bit off in terms of plot points and how fast their relationship progressed. All in all, I enjoyed my time reading this book but would have liked the relationship and plot to be a bit more developed.
I'd like to thank St. Martin's Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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Content Warnings: death of a parent (past), grief, cancer (mention)
This was an interesting read. It definitely delivered on the celebrity dating trope with insights into Jake's life as a world famous musician. There's everything from Jake working on new songs and preparing for his upcoming tour to dealing with the overbearing media. Lexi's culinary background and job at her restaurant were interesting to read about. However, I wish we got to see more of this side of her life. Additionally, I enjoyed Lexi's overall character growth and her journey towards prioritizing her dreams. In terms of the romance it was cute but I found it to be a bit too much like insta-love which took away from my enjoyment. Unfortunately, the pacing also felt a bit off in terms of plot points and how fast their relationship progressed. All in all, I enjoyed my time reading this book but would have liked the relationship and plot to be a bit more developed.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Cancer and Death of parent
Theodora Hendrix and the Monstrous League of Monsters by Jordan Kopy
3.0
“The fact of the matter is, monsters live among us.”
I'd like to thank Beth Parker PR and Simon & Schuster for sending me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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This was a fun read! The backstory of how Theodora came to live with her family grabbed my attention from the beginning. The current day mystery added another element of intrigue to the story that really helped to develop Theodora's character. Speaking of characters, there were a lot of different monsters and a complex network within the monster world we got to explore. In terms of the writing, it was simple and easy to follow while keeping an overall fun and upbeat vibe. I enjoyed the narration style, with the narrator speaking directly to the reader. It made for an intriguing read! One of my favourite aspects of this book was the adorable illustrations! Chris Jevons did a great job bringing these whimsical characters to life. I loved how expressive they were! Overall a fun and spooky read that is perfect for fall!
I'd like to thank Beth Parker PR and Simon & Schuster for sending me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
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This was a fun read! The backstory of how Theodora came to live with her family grabbed my attention from the beginning. The current day mystery added another element of intrigue to the story that really helped to develop Theodora's character. Speaking of characters, there were a lot of different monsters and a complex network within the monster world we got to explore. In terms of the writing, it was simple and easy to follow while keeping an overall fun and upbeat vibe. I enjoyed the narration style, with the narrator speaking directly to the reader. It made for an intriguing read! One of my favourite aspects of this book was the adorable illustrations! Chris Jevons did a great job bringing these whimsical characters to life. I loved how expressive they were! Overall a fun and spooky read that is perfect for fall!
The Groundworld Heroes by Adrian So
3.0
“There was never a bright day in Soiland for it was thousands of bunny-hops below the humans’ feet."
I'd like to thank the author for sending me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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The Groundworld Heroes is filled with all different kinds of animal characters, from moles to rabbits, to armadillos! They live in a whimsical world underground where they hide from humans. This story tackles the problem of habitat destruction through the eyes of the wildlife it impacts which was well done. I also appreciated the author's play on words and puns throughout the story which added a light-hearted tone. The chaos of the setting gave whimsy to the characters who were fun to read about. All in all, a fun and quick read.
I'd like to thank the author for sending me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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The Groundworld Heroes is filled with all different kinds of animal characters, from moles to rabbits, to armadillos! They live in a whimsical world underground where they hide from humans. This story tackles the problem of habitat destruction through the eyes of the wildlife it impacts which was well done. I also appreciated the author's play on words and puns throughout the story which added a light-hearted tone. The chaos of the setting gave whimsy to the characters who were fun to read about. All in all, a fun and quick read.
Morgana and Oz Volume One: A WEBTOON Unscrolled Graphic Novel by Miyuli
4.0
“I just think forming friendships can go a long way, don’t you think?”
I'd like to thank The Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for sending me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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This was a really cute read! I loved the art style and thought it matched the vibe of the book perfectly. The storyline was intriguing and I enjoyed learning more about the coven of witches and the vampire clan. All of the characters were interesting but my favourites were definitely Morgana and Oz, their scenes together were really fun! The ending left me wanting more and I'm excited to read the next volume!
I'd like to thank The Wattpad WEBTOON Book Group for sending me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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This was a really cute read! I loved the art style and thought it matched the vibe of the book perfectly. The storyline was intriguing and I enjoyed learning more about the coven of witches and the vampire clan. All of the characters were interesting but my favourites were definitely Morgana and Oz, their scenes together were really fun! The ending left me wanting more and I'm excited to read the next volume!
Prelude of Fire by Christine E. Schulze
“It’s okay to be selfish sometimes. Sometimes you have to be selfish, in order to survive.”
I'd like to thank the author for sending me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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Content Warnings: violence, death, grief, torture, death of a parent
Prelude of Fire has a lot of rich world-building and initial buildup to the main quest. The world felt fleshed out as if it could be a real place. There was also a wide variety of characters and different kinds of magical creatures that were interesting to learn about. The characters were my favourite aspect of the book, I enjoyed learning about their backstories and how they came together to be part of the team. Unfortunately, the plot was a bit repetitive which took away from my enjoyment. However, the writing style utilized imagery very well and instantly transported me into the settings.
I'd like to thank the author for sending me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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Content Warnings: violence, death, grief, torture, death of a parent
Prelude of Fire has a lot of rich world-building and initial buildup to the main quest. The world felt fleshed out as if it could be a real place. There was also a wide variety of characters and different kinds of magical creatures that were interesting to learn about. The characters were my favourite aspect of the book, I enjoyed learning about their backstories and how they came together to be part of the team. Unfortunately, the plot was a bit repetitive which took away from my enjoyment. However, the writing style utilized imagery very well and instantly transported me into the settings.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Torture, Violence, and Grief
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
4.0
“And I’ll save your life again and again, aimlessly hoping you will allow me to stay in it.”
I'd like to thank Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
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Content Warnings: violence, death, gore, torture, grief, panic attacks
This book is romantasy in full force! The world-building was intriguing and immediately transported me into a dark and dangerous kingdom. The idea of a trial involving subjects from different areas of the kingdom reminded me of The Hunger Games and the intensity of the trials did not disappoint. There was a lot of action and interesting fight scenes that were nicely balanced with slower character developing scenes. I liked how we followed Paedyn, one of the few magicless people in this world where magic is everything. That said, the magical powers of each of the main and side characters were intriguing to learn about and seemed to fit their personalities perfectly. I enjoyed how Paedyn and Kai each grew and developed throughout this first book. I only wish that we got to see their relationships with the side characters develop more. Before reading this book I had heard a lot about the great enemies-to-lovers romance and it did not disappoint! It was one of the few romantasies I've read lately where the main characters are actually enemies in terms of politics and worldviews. The banter and tension were great and the slow-burn romance was paced perfectly. We're left with an intense cliffhanger ending so I am very intrigued to see what will happen next and to explore other parts of the kingdom. I recommend Powerless to fans of The Hunger Games and the enemies-to-lovers trope!
I'd like to thank Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
Content Warnings: violence, death, gore, torture, grief, panic attacks
This book is romantasy in full force! The world-building was intriguing and immediately transported me into a dark and dangerous kingdom. The idea of a trial involving subjects from different areas of the kingdom reminded me of The Hunger Games and the intensity of the trials did not disappoint. There was a lot of action and interesting fight scenes that were nicely balanced with slower character developing scenes. I liked how we followed Paedyn, one of the few magicless people in this world where magic is everything. That said, the magical powers of each of the main and side characters were intriguing to learn about and seemed to fit their personalities perfectly. I enjoyed how Paedyn and Kai each grew and developed throughout this first book. I only wish that we got to see their relationships with the side characters develop more. Before reading this book I had heard a lot about the great enemies-to-lovers romance and it did not disappoint! It was one of the few romantasies I've read lately where the main characters are actually enemies in terms of politics and worldviews. The banter and tension were great and the slow-burn romance was paced perfectly. We're left with an intense cliffhanger ending so I am very intrigued to see what will happen next and to explore other parts of the kingdom. I recommend Powerless to fans of The Hunger Games and the enemies-to-lovers trope!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, Violence, and Grief