scriptedsolstice's reviews
170 reviews

4.0

Okay this was so wholesome and a really fun fast read that was perfect for October! Ghost Squad has that cozy spooky feeling with chilling moments suitable for younger readers, but also with heart warming friendships and strong messages of the meaning family. Syd absolutely made this book for me, I thought she was hilarious and loved her witchy vibes! I also loved the concept of deceased family members as fireflies and the Dominican influence. Lucely’s Dad is also single and I don’t think we see this enough in fiction!

Of Thorns and Hexes by C.J. Canady

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3.0

White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson

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4.5

I enjoyed this so much! This book chilled me to the bone at times and Tiffany D Jackson handled difficult topics in here with so much care.

Marigold was a really captivating protagonist. She is a recovering drug addict suffering from anxiety and a phobia of bed bugs caused by a traumatic event. I enjoyed reading the story through her eyes and experiencing the supernatural events that go from unsettling to down right terrifying. I read through this so quickly because I just had to know what was going on.

I also love that Jackson seamlessly blended this haunting story with not only Mari’s own issues, but also a blended family dynamic. Mari, her mother and her younger brother Sam are black. Her mother is married to Alec, a white man, who has a white daughter named Piper. Mari is undecided on whether she can trust Alec and Piper throughout which in turn makes the reader feel the same way.

Jackson builds the mystery effortlessly. Don’t hesitate to dive into this if you’re looking for something scary!! Fair few trigger warnings in this one so do check them out below it you’re sensitive at all to any.

Buzzwords: haunted house, blended family, anxiety Rep, Black MC, lesbian side character, delusional parasitosis, mystery

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

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4.25

This was an incredible debut novel that left me with a massive smile on my face and a warm heart. Yadriel is such a sweet boy, the central gay romance made me so happy and I loved the Brujo/Bruja culture.

My thoughts are scattered on this so ama just make a list here:

- the relationships were messy (in a good way)
- The Trans and Gay rep was lovely to see. It was insightful to learn about Yadriel’s struggles with acceptance.
- I loved how the author included aspects of police brutality and fear of the police as a BIPOC individual. He brought in issues of deportation, and also the lack of care for missing BIPOC individuals on the police’s part.
- the Latinx culture was captivating, and hearing the food descriptions made my mouth water.
- ADORABLE romance. The love interest taught Yadriel a lot about being true to himself, and that he doesn’t need his family’s approval to be Brujo. Because he IS a Brujo.
- everything was so well written and there were some beautiful moments of acceptance

Buzzwords: murder mystery, Latinx culture, Brujo + Bruja’s, Trans and Gay MC, gay romance, ADHD

The Ravens by Danielle Paige, Kass Morgan

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4.5

I was NOT expecting to love this as much as I did. Contemporary fantasy isn’t usually my thing, and I tend to cringe at modern dialogue alongside a magical setting but I really enjoyed this! In The Ravens you’ll find a sorority full of powerful witches, fascinating Magic based on tarot cards, a fast paced writing style and strong friendships.

The relationships in here were wonderful, with a strong message of women supporting women. The magic was amazing and was such a fun idea having it based on tarot cards. I loved the characters. I really sympathised with Scarlett having so much pressure from her family to become the new sorority president. I also sympathised with Vivi just trying to find herself at this new college.

I honestly couldn’t put this down! I have an eARC of the sequel so I cannot wait to dive in👀

Buzzwords: witches, sorority, tarot magic, sisterhood, mystery, betrayals

We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal

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4.0

I adore this world so so much. Faizal’s writing is encapsulating, and you can’t help but become engrossed in these characters and their mission.

I ached for Zafira. Her need for Nasir, her sorrow in thinking her sister no longer looks up to her, her grief when she remembers Deen.
I loved the Maria’s - they were creepy and a fun edition to allow us more insight into this worlds horrors. Loved the strained conversation between The Lion and Altair and I was surprised how much I loved Lana! Faizal is the queen of slow burn, ouch 😭

“It was always a game, capturing the small displays of Nasir Ghameq’s emotions. A game she liked, she realised. One she could play forever and never tire of”

Content Warnings

Sword of Destiny by Andrzej Sapkowski

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2.5

I’m sad to say I didn’t enjoy this very much. I think it’s well written, but I just couldn’t invest myself at all. I read The Last Wish a couple of years ago (after playing the video game which I adored) and I loved it. My fiancé is a huge fan of The Witcher and suggested I read the short stories before continuing. However I honestly think I would have liked both The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny if I’d have read them after the novels. There’s also a fair bit of sexism in the writing, for example two female characters don’t eat anything because they’re watching their figures.

The humour between Geralt and Dandelion (if you didn’t know, Dandelion is also known as Jaskier, hence the candle!) was definitely a redeeming quality. I loved the relationship between Yen and Geralt, and also getting some context on Ciri being Geralt’s destiny. I really like Yennefer and her magic, and also enjoy the dark, gritty world.

Content Warnings