pickAt first, I thought the book was okay and fairly derivative of Divergent and Hunger Games. I didn‘t like all the swearing either. But when Tairn joined the party, that made the book all worth it for me. So funny and wise. The attraction between Violet and Xaden got too sappy for me at times. The venin and wyvern were interesting, creepy villains.
pickThis was a great combination of science fiction and fantasy. Lunar Jones has grown up on Mars, struggling to survive and help the other kids he lives with. Then one day he stumbles into a secret bunker and learns more about the dragons that are paired with each planet and moon, and his life will never be the same. There are some great friendships that develop as well as interplanetary adventure.
#MiddleGrade
pickBook 2 in this series was more exciting than the first, in my opinion. Probably because our MC was more inclined to do as she pleased rather than what society dictated for a woman. I love how scientific it gets about the dragons, and the drama that unfolds as a result of the politics that intermingles with said science. At first I was disappointed that there wasn‘t an “enemies to lovers” trope that the story hinted at in the beginning, but… ⬇️
“Science is not separate from politics. As much as I would like it to be a pure thing, existing only in some intellectual realm unsullied by human struggle, it will always be entangled with the world we live in.”
My friend, coworker, and bookclub member @sabrinaslusher has joined Litsy! She‘s into fantasy, romantasy, and thrillers. Say hi, follow her, and offer any Litsy advice. Tag your romantasy pals for her to follow.
Welcome Sabrina!
“Sir Adam was deeply suspicious of my tale; he called in a doctor to examine me before anything else, so certain was he that I had lost my reason. (I blame the trousers.)”
Isabella is hilarious. This tale takes place in a different world and within a time similar to the Victorian era. Our MC only donned trousers during her scholarly adventures, but it was scandalous nonetheless lol.
pickI kicked the new year off with a real doorstopper but even at 877 pages, this book was a fast-paced pageturner that never felt too long. When Arthur gets in trouble, his friends rally around him and together they summon a dragon to eliminate the threat. Unfortunately, King Sorrow isn't done with them, and his assistance exacts a terrible price. An extraordinary tale of love, regret, grief, addiction and redemption--and a truly terrifying dragon.
My absolute favorite of Rachel Hartman‘s books.
Charl is a young boy trying to deal with a plague, protecting his mother, a dragon, and his sudden ability to see ghosts.
#MiddleGradeMonday @Karisimo @Daisey
so-so⭐️⭐️⭐️kicking off 2026 with a 900 page tome! I enjoyed the long awaited Joe Hill book but I didn‘t love it. It was over bloated yet had a great idea mixing Faustian lore with a dragon was genius. I would definitely recommend it but keep expectations in check.
pickWell, this was a hoot! All the wives of Henry VIII are alive, occupying strategically placed castles that ostensibly strengthen the bordweal established to protect the nation. Newly married, desperately in love, Boleyn learns that the actual power is held by the queens, and that Henry is consuming their lives to remain king. Boleyn sets out to rally the other queens, fomenting rebellion. First novel in a series; can‘t wait for the next.
