Book Reviews
Honest Book Reviews & Recommendations
There’s no reason to feel lost in a sea of unread books or miss out on discovering your next favorite story. I’ll give you the good, the bad, and the ugly about the books I read. So you’ll know if they are “for you” and can stop suffering the frustration of uninformed choices.
The Berry Pickers Review: Quiet, Haunting Story That Lingers
A thoughtful review of The Berry Pickers—a quiet, multi-generational story of grief, identity, and family that’s slightly overhyped but worth discussing.
Ignore All Previous Instructions: When Storytelling, Identity, and AI Collide
A thoughtful review of Ignore All Previous Instructions—a queer, AI-driven sci-fi exploring identity, storytelling, and the cost of control.
Book Review: Five by Ilona Bannister
Five strangers wait for a train—and one won’t make it home. This thought-provoking thriller explores judgment, forgiveness, and the hidden stories we all carry.
The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark: Beautiful Design, Subtle Suspense, and Secrets That Simmer
A thoughtful review of The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark—exploring its design, slow-burn suspense, and why it’s slightly overhyped but still worth reading.
The Library of Flowers Review: Perfume, Power & the Weight of Legacy
Review of The Library of Flowers, a multi-generational story blending perfume, magical realism, and family legacy. Explore themes of family legacy, duty, and craftsmanship.
The City of Brass Review: Lush World-building, Layered Politics, and a Dizzying Series Start
A thoughtful review of The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty, exploring its rich worldbuilding, complex characters, and why this popular fantasy is slightly overhyped—but still worth reading.
The Secret History Review: Dark Academia, Unlikable Characters & Moral Obsession
An in-depth review of The Secret History, exploring dark academia themes, unlikable characters, and moral ambiguity. Is it a good book—even if you don’t enjoy it?
Sun, Scams & Shaky Stakes: A Review of The Long Con by Jenna Voris
A thoughtful review of The Long Con by Jenna Voris, exploring its heist premise, queer representation, character development, and why the stakes didn’t quite land despite a compelling setup.
The Princess Diarist: The Woman Behind Princess Leia
A thoughtful review of The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher, exploring its cover design, memoir style, themes of fame and identity, and its bittersweet look behind Star Wars.
Cat’s Cradle Review: Brilliant Satire or Slightly Over-Hyped Classic?
A thoughtful review of Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut, analyzing its satirical themes, unique writing style, cover design, and whether this classic novel lives up to the hype.
Book Review: Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth
Sally Hepworth’s Mad Mabel blends humor, heart, and mystery in a dual-timeline story about a woman with a dark past and a neighborhood full of secrets. Read my full review for insights into its characters, themes, and unforgettable charm.
Not Quite Dead Yet Review: A Thriller That Gets the Cover (and the Mystery) Exactly Right
A detailed review of Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson, exploring its striking cover design, emotional thriller plot, character depth, and whether the story lives up to the hype.
Dungeon Crawler Carl: Aliens, Game Mechanics, and One Extremely Opinionated Cat
A fun and honest review of Dungeon Crawler Carl, the wildly popular LitRPG about aliens, dungeon survival, and a sarcastic cat. Includes cover design critique.
I Thought You Said This Would Work Review: A Road Trip, Rekindled Friendship, and a Surprisingly Cozy Adventure
A thoughtful review of I Thought You Said This Would Work by Ann Garvin, exploring the cover design, character development, and themes of friendship, healing, and second chances.
The Portrait Book Review: Victorian Secrets, Art, and the Stories Hidden in Plain Sight
A thoughtful review of The Portrait, a Victorian historical mystery exploring art, love, and secrets. Includes cover analysis and design critique.
Oyster Review: A Satirical Family Drama That Left Me Cold
A spoiler-free Oyster review analyzing its striking cover design, satirical publishing themes, family drama, and slow pacing. Is this quiet literary novel worth the hype? Honest thoughts inside.
200 Monas by Jan Saenz: Sexuality, Grief & 48 Hours to Sell 200 Orgasm Pills
A spoiler-free 200 Monas review exploring its bold cover design, feminist themes, grief narrative, and chaotic 48-hour plot. Full analysis inside.
Lady Tremaine: Rewriting the Wicked Stepmother, One Fierce Choice at a Time
A feminist Cinderella retelling told from the stepmother’s perspective, Lady Tremaine explores motherhood, female agency, and patriarchal power. Read a full review, cover design analysis, character breakdown, and why this gritty fairytale reimagining is one of 2026’s most anticipated releases.
More Than a Beach Read: Love, Lists & Fancy Ships and the Depth Beneath the Sunshine
A spoiler-free review of Love, Lists & Fancy Ships, a character-driven, no-spice romance about grief, friendship, bucket lists, and slow-burn love set against summer yacht vibes.
Villain POV, Forced Marriage, and Feelings: Why The Dark Lord’s Guide to Dating Works (Mostly)
A spoiler-free review of The Dark Lord’s Guide to Dating, a dark romantasy packed with forced marriage, sharp humor, sizzling spice, and villain POV chaos. Out March 2026.