Title: Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up A Wizard

Author: Tom Felton

Age Group: Adult

Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography/Memoir

Series: Standalone

Star Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

I borrowed this book from my local library and reviewed it.

Trigger Warnings: Drinking, drug use. If any of these topics trigger you, I would suggest not reading this book. Your mental health always matters!

I’ve always been obsessed with Harry Potter, from the time I was a child; it is one of the first series I ever read as a child. So when I found out about Tom Felton’s new book, the actor known for the infamous, sneering Slytherin Draco Malfoy, I was so excited. I pushed it up to the top of my library stack as soon as I was finished with Ninth House. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I got warmth, honesty, and a whole lot of humor. I laughed, I cried, and I was torn apart and made whole once more. Autobiographies and the like always make me nervous; often they can come across as trite or sentimental, or false or pretentious. Felton avoids this trap by never taking himself seriously. Tom is Draco Malfoy’s complete opposite, raised by a perfectly normal and loving family. He explains his career as an actor, and how his family wholeheartedly supported him in that endeavor. This book is one of my favorites of 2023, and I’m so glad I read it!

Tom Felton’s name is synonymous with the villain; he is most known for playing one of the minor antagonists of the Harry Potter series, the sneering and spoiled Draco Malfoy. Tom himself, however, is the complete opposite. Funny, honest, warm, and full of appreciation for his life and the blessings he was awarded for it, he recounts his life with refreshing honesty, and not just about the Harry Potter films that launched him into superstardom. He speaks of the people in his life with pure love, and honestly, this book was so refreshing. Biographies and memoirs make me leery; all too often, they come across as preachy or sentimental. But Tom casts light on all the different parts of himself, all of his mistakes, shortcomings, and successes. I really liked this book; it might be one of my favorites of 2023. I hope Tom writes more about his experiences because I loved this behind the scenes at his life, and the movies he starred in. I was especially moved by his struggle for authenticity and for joy in the wake of mental illness. I wish everyone was as honest about their mental health struggles. Full of joy, honesty, and more than a dollop of humor, I absolutely adored Beyond The Wand!

Title: Ninth House

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Age Group: Adult

Genre: Fantasy/Horror

Series: Alex Stern, book one

Star Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars

I borrowed this book from my local library and reviewed it.

Trigger Warnings: Violence, rape, sexual assault, murder, gore, drug addiction, overdosing, death, suicide, blackmail, self-harm, and forced consumption of human waste. If any of these topics trigger you, I would suggest not reading this book. Your mental health always matters!

I’ll start this review by being totally honest: I initially put down this book when it first came out because I went into it blind and there were a lot of triggers. But I was curious about its sequel, Hell Bent, so I decided to try again. This book was really hard to get through; the magic system wasn’t very well explained, there was a lot of adult content, and there was more than one occasion where I had to put the book down. I was glad I was reading something alongside it, because if I hadn’t, I would have gotten very depressed. Not to say that this book wasn’t enjoyable, because it was, there was just a lot of stuff to wade through to get to the meat of the story. This is Bardugo’s adult debut, and to say it was weird is a gross understatement. I wanted to love it: Ghosts! Secret magical societies! Hot gentlemen scholars! I did like some parts of it, but it was very dark and very strange and honestly, I didn’t care much of Alex as a main character. I love Leigh Bardugo, I’d follow her anywhere, but the only reason I read this through was to go into Hell Bent fully informed. It was a good book, it just wasn’t for me.

Galaxy ‘Alex’ Stern knows that the last place she would ever belong is Yale. But after a tragic accident that nearly cost her her life, she is tapped by the House of Lethe to work magic. Because she can see Grays, or ghosts, Lethe is eager to provide her a scholarship. When she meets Daniel Talbot Arlington III, affectionately called Darlington, she is his partner in magic and scholarship. But when a young woman turns up murdered, Alex and Darlington are soon caught up in a web of lies, secrets, and dangerous magic. But someone has something to hide, and not everybody will make it out alive…

I love Leigh Bardugo; I wanted to love this book. But it was just so dark and heavy and depressing. If I hadn’t been reading another, much lighter book alongside it, I would have been very depressed. I wish I’d looked the triggers up beforehand; nobody should have to go into this dark, magical thrill-ride blind. I admit, the only reason I even finished it all the way was because I had Hell Bent on hold at my local library. The pacing stuttered, there were a lot of characters to keep straight, and it was also extremely difficult to remember what society did what sort of magic. The only real redeeming part of the novel was the ending. I’m fully invested because of that ending.  The bottom line: Dark, terrifying, and more than a little confusing, Ninth House is just as much of an enigma as its protagonist, Alex Stern. Next on deck: Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard by Tom Felton!

 Title: Anatomy: A Love Story

Author: Dana Schwartz

Age Group: Teen/Young Adult

Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery/Romance

Series: Anatomy Duology, book one

Star Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

I borrowed this book from my local library and reviewed it.

TW: Gore, body horror, murder, death, misogyny, amputation. If any of these topics trigger you, I would not recommend reading this book. Your mental health always matters!

Anatomy: A Love Story has long been on my to-read list; I’ve had to return it several times. So, when I was browsing one of my libraries and saw it, I snatched it up. As soon as I was finished with This Wicked Fate, I started this gruesome, heartfelt romance. This book is unlike any I’ve ever read; it took me a while to sort my thoughts enough to put them to paper. This is the first book I’ve read by Schwartz, and I doubt it will be my last! This strange story, full of heart, forbidden love, and desire, captured my heart. But I’ll be honest; there were times when the story faltered, and the pacing stuttered. And the ending, now that I think about it, was a little obvious, even if I didn’t figure it out right away. Regardless of these little quibbles, I enjoyed this book! It was so different. I don’t regret reading it!

Hazel Sinnett, in 1800s Scotland, has always wanted to be a surgeon. But her mother, and society, want her to be a proper lady and marry. She is betrothed to her cousin, Bernard Almont, and her mother lavishes all of her attention on her little brother, Percy. After the death of her older brother, George, Hazel is that much more determined to live out her dream, proprietary be damned. Her life changes forever when she meets Jack Currer, a resurrection man, or a graverobber. They strike up a strange friendship that deepens into something more. But things are further complicated by the Roman fever, the sickness sweeping the city and killing the poor. But people are disappearing from the streets, and Hazel and Jack must work together to solve the mystery. But uncovering these secrets may be the end of them both…

I really liked this book, despite its flaws! The pacing was breakneck, and I was immediately immersed in Hazel’s world, treacherous in more ways than one. I adored Hazel, a fierce believer in her dreams, even while society tells her it is not proper. I loved Jack as well, and his chemistry with Hazel was totally electric. I also really liked how Hazel fought against the odds and society to achieve her dreams and a life with which she is happy. I really liked Hazel, Jack, and the patients she worked with; most of the men in the book I did not care for. The pacing stuttered slightly in places, but I was fully invested in the mystery that Hazel and Jack raced to solve. And that ending! Honestly, the ending made up for all the book’s flaws. I love this story, as strange and unique and gory as it was. This was the first book I’ve ever read by Dana Schwartz, but I doubt it will be my last! The bottom line: A medical thriller with a romantic love story at its center, I loved Anatomy! One of my favorite books of 2022!

https://literatureobsessed.blogspot.com/2022/11/anatomy-love-story-by-dana-schwartz.html

 Title: This Wicked Fate

Author: Kalynn Bayron

Age Group: Teen/Young Adult

Genre: Fantasy

Series: This Poison Heart, book two

Star Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

I borrowed this book from my local library and reviewed it.

TW: Murder, death, gore, parental loss, emotional and physical abuse. If any of these topics trigger you, I would suggest not reading this book. Your mental health always matters!

This Poison Heart was one of my favorite books this year, so, when I found the sequel browsing at one of my libraries, I snatched it up at once. As soon as I was finished with King of Scars, I started this, and I’m happy to report that this sequel did not disappoint! I loved it so much; this was the spin on Greek mythology that I’ve been waiting for my whole life! Full of secrets, surprises, and love in all of its forms, I loved This Wicked Fate! I can’t wait to read more of Bayron’s work!

Bri Greene is racing against the clock to save her mother from the Underworld, kept there by Hecate, the goddess of magic and witchcraft. Bri must team up with Marie, and newfound family members, crossing the globe to set things right. But more than one person, mortal and otherwise, doesn’t want her to reach her goal. Will Briseis be able to reunite her family and make it whole again? Or will she fail in her dangerous quest?

I really liked this book! It picked up right where This Poison Heart left off, and the pacing was breakneck. As it has been a while since I read the first book, it took a few chapters for the story to come back to me. Nonetheless, I loved this sequel! It brings back and introduces a variety of different characters, mortal and otherwise. This book was a thrilling, nail-biting adventure, and I devoured it in less than a week. And the ending! It made me so happy and sad at the same time! This Black Girl Magic spin on Greek mythology duo will forever be a favorite for me; I cannot wait to read more of Bayron’s work! The bottom line: Dark, funny, thrilling, and satisfying, I loved This Wicked Fate! Next on deck: Anatomy: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz!

https://literatureobsessed.blogspot.com/2022/11/this-wicked-fate-by-kalynn-bayron-review.html

 Title: King of Scars

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Age Group: Teen/Young Adult

Genre: Fantasy

Series: King of Scars, book one

Star Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

I borrowed this book from my local library and reviewed it.

TW: Gore, death, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, war. If any of these topics trigger you, I would suggest not reading this book; your mental health always matters! 

I read the Shadow and Bone series in full this year, finally, and it is one of my very favorite fantasy series; so much so, that I bought the trilogy for my own personal library. I’d follow Leigh Bardugo anywhere. Ever since I’ve been hurting badly for some more stories from The Grishaverse. So, as soon as I was finished reading the trilogy, I ordered it from my local library. I’ve had to return it several times, but as soon as I was finished with The Weight of Blood, I picked this book up. And I don’t regret it one bit! 

This new series opener takes place three years after the Ravkan civil war, with Nikolai  Lantsov taking the throne at last. But the ramifications of the war are many, especially for him. He must keep a dangerous secret safe, known only to those close to him. His general, Zoya Nazalenksy, is tasked with keeping him safe. Nina Zenik, still deep in mourning after the events of Six of Crows, is in the icy country of Fjerda, spying for her king. When Nikolai and Zoya receive word of a possible cure for Nikolai’s dark problem, they set out for the Unsea, where The Fold used to be. But not everything is as it seems, with mysterious miracles popping up all over Ravka, and whispers about making The Darkling a Saint. Will Nikolai triumph at last over his demons? Or will the monster within this heart devour all he holds dear?

I absolutely adored this book; it filled the Grishaverse-shaped hole in my heart. Nikolai was one of my favorite characters in Shadow and Bone, so I was super excited that he finally got his own book! The pacing was breakneck, with the narrative going between Nikolai, cold, beautiful Zoya, grief-stricken Nina, and Issak, a guard loyal to the crown. I loved this book so much; I’d often wondered about Zoya’s origins, and King of Scars delivered in spades. I loved this deep dive into these beloved characters, but Zoya and Nikolai were my favorites! And that ending! I finished the book last week and I’m still reeling from it! I absolutely cannot wait for Rule of Wolves! The bottom line: Rich, detailed, and shocking, I loved King of Scars! One of my favorite books of the year! Next on deck: This Wicked Fate by Kalynn Bayron!

https://literatureobsessed.blogspot.com/2022/11/king-of-scars-by-leigh-bardugo-review.html

 Title: The Weight of Blood

Author: Tiffany D. Jackson

Age Group: Teen/Young Adult

Genre: Horror

Series: Standalone

Star Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

I borrowed this book from my local library and reviewed it.

Trigger warnings: Physical abuse, mental abuse, emotional abuse, racism, microaggressions, language, blood, gore, death. If any of these topics trigger you, I would suggest not reading this book. Your mental health always matters!

I love reading horror as the weather gets colder; it is one of my favorite genres to snuggle up with under a blanket. I’ve never read any of Jackson’s books before this one, but I can promise that it will not be my last! In this modern, smartly told spin of Carrie by Stephen King, Maddy Washington has been hiding a shameful secret her entire life: She is biracial. When the rain comes along and reveals her secret, the white students at her high school begin to bully her. But when the quarterback asks her out to Springville’s very first mixed prom, she begins to wonder if a normal life, indeed, is within her reach. But one more family secret turns out to be deadly, and not everyone will leave the prom alive…

I really, really loved this book! The prose was scalpel-sharp, cutting me to the quick. I felt like I was holding my breath the entire novel; even when I knew it was coming, the big twist still took my breath away! At times, I had to put the book down and read something happy. The abuse was triggering at times. But still, I absolutely adored this book, even at its most gory. It put a spotlight on one of America’s oldest sins: racism. I loved Maddy, most of all; the only other character I really cared for in the book was Kendrick Scott, the quarterback who tried to make Maddy’s lonely life better. Honestly, by the time the big event happened, I didn’t really feel sorry for anyone. Even with all the death, blood, gore, and horror, I was rooting for Maddy the whole way. And that twist! I was in complete shock! (I don’t want to give it away for those who haven’t read it yet.) I will say the only thing that bothered me about The Weight of Blood was the ending; it was a little too ambiguous for my taste. Regardless, I absolutely adored this book; I’d really like a copy for my own collection! The bottom line: Deliciously dark and creepy, full of blood and gore, I absolutely adored The Weight of Blood! One of my favorites of 2022 for sure! Next on deck: King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo!

 Title: My Dearest Darkest

Author: Kayla Cottingham

Age Group: Teen/Young Adult

Genre: Horror

Series: Standalone

Star Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

I borrowed this book from my local library and reviewed it.

Happy Halloween, my friends! Hiorror is one of my favorite genres leading up to Halloween; I love to binge scary books and movies to get into the spooky mood! As soon as I was finished with Hocus Pocus, I picked up My Dearest Darkest, and this creepy, dark debut fit the bill perfectly! This is Kayla Cottingham’s very first novel, and I hope that it’s not her last! Terrifying, dark, and more than a little gory, My Dearest Darkest spins a monster tale unlike any other; I loved every moment of it, even while it scared the pants off of me! I knew I would love this book as soon as I saw the Jennifer’s Body epigraph! I loved this debut novel; I will not soon forget the girls of Ulameme Academy!

Finch Chamberlain is the newest transfer student to the prestigious all-girls academy, Ulameme. But before school started, she and her parents got in a car accident and drowned. Only something dark and ancient saved her life, leaching the color from her skin and hair. Selena St. Clair is the It Girl at the school, and when they are partnered up for a school project, they go into the old tunnels beneath the school. Finch accidentally wakes a creature of ancient, unknowable power, named Nerosi. Nerosi offers Finch and her friends favors in exchange for something gruesome: body parts. Selena and Finch must join forces to stop Nerosi in her quest to consume the entire island. But one of their own betrays them, and not everyone will make it out alive…

I absolutely adored this book! It was so creepy and scary! The pacing was breakneck; even days later, I’m still thinking about this novel. I love horror stories, especially as Halloween creeps closer! I loved Finch and Selena’s narration of the novel; I finished this book in little more than a week. It was creepy, dark, and dare I say gory? I love monster stories, and Nerosi ranks up there as one of the most original I’ve ever encountered. I suspected what was going on, and I was right, but I certainly didn’t want to be! As Nerosi’s demands grow, so does the depravity of one of their own, until the unthinkable happens. During the last half of the book, I was gasping, desperate to know what was going to happen. And that ending! I loved it so much! This book may be one of my favorites of this year; I cannot wait for Kayla Cottingham’s next work! A great new author to watch!

 Title: Hocus Pocus: The Illustrated Novelization

Author, Illustrator: A.W. Jantha, Gris Grimly

Age Group: Teen/Young Adult

Genre: Fantasy/Horror

Series: Standalone

Star Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

I borrowed this book from my local library and reviewed it.

Hocus Pocus is a classic with a cult following, so when I found out there was an illustrated novel coming out, I reserved it at my library immediately. Using the script from the film and stunning, full-color illustrations from the immensely talented Gris Grimly, I loved this book! Easily one of my very favorite spooky Halloween reads of the year! Max Dennison has moved from LA to Salem, and he just doesn’t believe in the parts of Salem’s history that revolves around witches. But on Halloween night, when he lights The Black Flame Candle, he summons the evil Sanderson sisters back from the dead. The resurrected witches will stop at nothing to consume the lives of children to make themselves young. With the help of the cat named Thackery Binx, Max, Allison, and his little sister, Dani, must find a way to stop the Sanderson sisters, or all of Salem will be consumed by their greed…

I really loved this novelization; to be quite honest, I liked this version better! I loved the colorful, stark illustrations added by Grimly, and the chapters were kind of long. I liked the previous novelization I read, but this one is definitely my favorite. The pacing was snappy, and I loved the dialogue; this was the perfect book to read in preparation for Halloween! Binx, as always, was my favorite character in the entire book. Even though I’ve seen the movie dozens of times, I still teared up a little at the end. I really loved this illustrated take on a classic; it was the perfect shot of nostalgia to prepare for Halloween! A hilarious, dark, and exciting romp through an enchanted Salem Halloween! The bottom line: Funny, beautifully illustrated, and full of soul, I loved Hocus Pocus: The Illustrated Novelization! Next on deck: My Dearest Darkest by Kayla Cottingham!

 Title: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

Author: Kwame Mbalia

Age Group: Teen/Young Adult

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Tristan Strong, book one

Star Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

I borrowed this book from my local library and reviewed it.

One of my very favorite authors, Rick Riordian, came out with his own publishing imprint, Rick Riordan Presents, and this is one of the books that he published that I was most looking forward to. So many different panthenons get the spotlight, but very rarely does African-American folklore get that treatment. Tristan Strong may have punched a hole in the sky, but he also punched a huge hole in my expectations! I absolutely adored this novel! I didn’t know much about African-American legends, but that quickly changed after reading this book! Plus, honestly, it was just cool to see a black boy on the page! Diverse reads for the win, always! I absolutely adored this killer series opener; Tristan Strong is a protagonist I won’t soon forget!

Tristan Strong is a young man who is always sure of his position in life; his dad and granddad are both famous boxers. But he is left bereft after he loses his first fight. To top it all off, his best friend, Eddie, was killed, and the guilt weighs heavy on his shoulders. Tasked with going to his grandparents’ farm in Alabama, away from his hometown of Chicago, he finds his best friend’s journal abducted by a little sticky lady. When he accidentally punches a hole in his grandmother’s beloved bottle tree, he unleashes an evil haint that is intent on destroying everything. Faced with a dangerous quest, complete with gods and heroes, Tristan must fix the hole he’s punched in the sky, or risk losing everything…

I absolutely loved this book! Tristan’s voice was fresh and funny, and the pacing was breakneck; this book held me by the throat and didn’t let go until long after the last page. I loved this deep-dive into African folklore; I knew very little of those legends before this book. I also loved all the other characters, especially Brer Rabbit, Ayanna, Chestnutt, and of course, Gum Baby! I loved the assortment of gods and heroes that graced these pages, especially John Henry! Uncle C was a terrifying villain, menacing and full of old-school charm. By the end, I was crying for Tristan and cheering for him! I absolutely cannot wait for Tristan Strong Destroys the World! Easily one of the best books I’ve read this year, if not ever! The bottom line: Brimming with humor, danger, and wit, I loved Tristan Punches a Hole in the Sky! Next on deck: Hocus Pocus by A.W. Jantha and Gris Grimly!

 Title: Wicked Beauty

Author: Katee Robert

Age Group: Adult

Genre: Romance

Series: Dark Olympus, book three

Star Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

I borrowed this book from my local library and reviewed it.

Katee Robert won my heart with her first two books in the Dark Olympus series, so I just had to order the latest, Wicked Beauty. Lush with detail, decadent, and brutal, this might be my favorite of the three; I can’t wait for Radiant Sin! This book puts a modern, sexy spin on the myths of Helen of Troy, Achilles, and Patroclus; I loved it so much! Told from the point of view of Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus, this white-hot romance novel captivated me totally. I devoured it in less than a week; it was so good! I absolutely cannot wait for Radiant Sin!

Helen Kaisos has always been more than a pretty face, and she knows better than anyone how to navigate the dangerous political waters of Olympus. But when her brother, the new Zeus, announces a contest to determine who will be the new Ares, she sees her chance to determine her own destiny. Unfortunately for her, there are many others vying for the title, especially the legendary warrior who works for Athena, Achilles, and his partner and lover, Patroclus. The three trials slowly become more dangerous, and Helen realizes that her life is in danger. When the two men promise to protect her, the line between protection, friendship, and lust begins to blur. Helen wonders if she will escape the contest with her heart intact…

I really adored this book! I’ve always loved Greek mythology, and I loved the way Robert put a modern spin on them. The pacing was breakneck, and I loved the way the point of view shifted from Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus, and back again. I also adored all three characters, three different people, all with one goal in mind: to become the new Ares. The tension, sexual and otherwise, had me sweating on more than one occasion! I really loved this book and the way that this partnership turned to lust to love! And that ending! It couldn’t have been any more perfect! Easily my favorite in the Dark Olympus series! I can’t wait for Radiant Sin! The bottom line: Sexy, romantic, and atmospheric, I loved Wicked Beauty! Next on deck: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia!