Book Review: The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon

By Meghan Mazzaferro

Content warnings: death, fire, fire injury, violence, transphobia, deadnaming, sexual assault, child abuse, body horror, genocide, cannibalism, racism, animal cruelty

H.E. Edgmon’s Witch King duology follows Wyatt, a trans witch desperate to be free of the expectations and prejudices of fae society. Two years after fleeing into the human world, Eymr, Wyatt’s mate and prince of one of the fae kingdoms, finally catches up with him. With people questioning Emyr’s right to rule and fae society trying to slip back into the old ways, Emyr needs his mate if he has any hope of keeping the kingdom together. But Wyatt knows what it’s like to be a witch in one of the fae kingdoms, and he knows that this world is rotten at its core. Now Wyatt has to decide whether to protect himself and his freedom or face his past and work to make the fae world a better place.

This duology is spectacular. It’s been on my radar for years, but I finally got the chance to read both books for the Trans Rights Readathon in March, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about them since. I struggle with fae books because the concept of fated mates isn’t my particular cup of tea, and I find fae books can fall into tropes I don’t prefer, but this book turned everything I expected about a fae book on its head and gave me a story about tearing down corrupt systems, fighting for equality, finding queer community, and developing healthy relationships with the people you love. I need to say it again—I’m obsessed.

Wyatt is an incredible main character. He’s snarky and self-deprecating, self-aware, and struggles with trauma and PTSD, and H.E. Edgmon is so gentle with him. Wyatt deals with so much in this book, he makes bad decisions and is put into incredibly challenging positions, and we couldn’t have this story from anyone else’s perspective. Wyatt’s unique voice keeps the book moving and sheds the perfect light on fae society, the choices other characters make, and Wyatt’s own actions.

The side characters in this book all feel fleshed out and real, and two months later, I can still visualize each of them clearly and hear their distinct voices. These characters leap off the page and make you love them (or hate them, the villains in this book suuuuck in the best way), and the community these characters build with each other has a grip on my heart that will stay with me for a long time.

I can’t go into too much detail about the actual plot as this review covers both books in the duology, but I will say that these books deal with corrupt systems, long-hidden mysteries and legacies, oppressed communities, and the weight on young people to change the world. Each of these points are hit so well, and I feel like the pacing of the duology is spectacular. Things keep building and building, while still having moments to allow the characters to breathe, and I was so invested in the mysteries and the work these characters were doing to tear down this mess of a system and rebuild something better. It deconstructs things like the fated mates trope and explores the concepts of love and destiny from a queer lens, which brought me to tears several times.

This duology is one of the best stories I’ve read so far this year, and I highly recommend checking it out if you’re a fan of fantasy, queer fiction, or revolutionary stories with snarky main characters. It is so good.

Book Review: Escape to Witch City by E. Latimer

By Kaylie Seed

Emmaline (Emma to most) can hear the rhythm of heartbeats, which only means one thing: she is a witch. When children reach the age of thirteen, their blood is tested to see if they carry witch blood, something that Emma will try to hide. When it’s time for test day, Emma finds herself being paired up with odd new friends as they set out to find the fabled Witch City. Along the way, Emma challenges everything she has ever known while also discovering secret cities, untapped powers, and missing family members.

While Escape to Witch City is marketed as a middle grade novel, older readers will find joy in this fantastically written story that follows themes like the values of forgiveness, mother-daughter relationships, friendships, and the beginnings of a coming-of-age story. This story is action-packed and filled with interesting characters.

Readers who enjoy worldbuilding will find that Escape to Witch City is one filled with rich imagery and a vividness that truly feels like each page is coming to life. The plot is not only easy to follow but throws readers many twists and turns that are bound to keep them entertained. There are slower parts to this read but the action scenes certainly make up for these slower parts of the story. At this time there are no plans for a sequel; however, it certainly is set up for one. If that is the case then readers who fall in love with this story will be looking forward to more from Emma and her friends.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Do-Over by Lynn Painter

By Christine McFaul

The Do-Over is a fun and frothy new YA rom-com by bestselling author Lynn Painter (see also, Better Than the Movies).

Sixteen-year-old Emilie Hornsby had the perfect Valentine’s Day planned, down to the perfect outfit, perfect gift, and perfect moment to finally tell her perfect boyfriend, Josh, that she loves him. But what is it they say about best-laid plans...? Instead of the perfectly dreamy Valentine’s Day Emilie had imagined, the day ends up a complete and total nightmare. By the end, all she wants to do is fall into bed and forget it ever happened. But that proves impossible when she wakes up to realize it’s somehow still February 14th.

Emilie soon finds herself stuck in the same heart-bedecked twenty-four-hour time-loop, trying to figure out what possible reason the universe could have for making her re-live the worst moments of her life. But as she continuously experiences different versions of her divorced parents’ ambivalence, the discovery that Josh has been cheating on her (probably), and the crash that has her literally running into her surly, but oh-so-swoony, lab partner Nick over and over again, she begins to realize that maybe she had Valentine’s Day all wrong the first time around. Which begs the question, how many more repeats will it take for Emilie to realize what she’s missed? And what happens if she runs out of do-overs before she finally gets the day right?

In my opinion, this type of Groundhog Day-style plot, where the same twenty-four-hour time period forms the majority of a narrative, must be well-executed or risk the whole story becoming stale. I am happy to report that in The Do-Over, Painter had me hooked from page one and I stayed that way until the end. From its candy-heart-coloured cover, to its larger-than-life plot (with the perfect little twist at the end), reading this book felt like falling into a giddy romp. Painter packs the book with fun, from the hilarious secret confessions that kick-start each chapter through to the recommended playlist at the end. And I would be remiss not to mention the lovely dedication that Painter includes, which can’t help but make her readers feel appreciated and seen (I won’t spoil it, but it couldn’t be a more perfect Valentine’s message).

The Do-Over is a fresh and frothy modern YA romance. Whether you are the type that loves or hates the sugary-sweet holiday that is Valentine’s Day, this book has something for you. For rom-com readers young or old this book would be the perfect sweet treat this upcoming February 14th.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Seasparrow by Kristin Cashore

By Meghan Mazzaferro

Content warning: grief, animal death, child abuse, confinement, sexual violence, death of a parent

Seasparrow is the fifth book in Kristin Cashore’s Graceling series. It follows Hava as she, Bitterblue, and the Monsean delegation sail home from Winterkeep through dangerous northern storms. Hava is working hard to translate top secret information that will govern the fate of the entire world, and after discovering a conspiracy on board and realizing that the ship is further north than it should be, Hava and the crew have to contend with the dangers of the North as they struggle to get home. Faced with new dangers outside of anything she’s ever experienced, Hava is forced for the first time to figure out who she is and what she wants outside of her Grace and her identity as Bitterblue’s spy.

Unlike previous books in the series, this book focuses less on the complex politics of the Graceling universe and more on Hava’s individual struggle for identity. While slightly different in tone, Seasparrow still fits seamlessly into the established world. Cashore has a unique writing style that is immersive and feels timeless and complex; and yet she also has the ability to alter her writing style to suit each story she tells while still maintaining a consistent voice that allows the expansion of the Graceling universe to feel connected and unified. It’s such a difficult skill, and I can’t think of any other series that has such a varied writing style while still feeling so cohesive. This is also the first book in the series told in first person, bringing the reader into Hava’s mind and really allowing us to explore how this incredibly closed off character thinks.

Hava is one of the most interesting characters in the Graceling series and getting to be inside her mind was a delight. Her whole life has been based around her ability to disappear, so I really appreciated how this book’s plot was more simplistic, allowing the focus to be on Hava’s personal journey. That being said, I did find myself looking for a bit of a more complex story at the beginning of the book, but once I settled into the story I really enjoyed the plot we were given and loved how it complemented Hava’s journey. While there is an undercurrent of political scheming, the main premise of this book is the journey Hava and the crew take to return home from Winterkeep, and the struggles they face as they get trapped in the North and have to survive. I really enjoyed the way this plot let not just Hava but all of the characters in this story breathe and stand out. The foxes in particular were vivid and interesting to read, and they added both stakes and humour to the story. 

Seasparrow is the third book in the Graceling series that I have read, and each book so far has stood out for me in a different way. That is part of what makes this series so appealing to me, and why I love reviewing these books. With Seasparrow, long-time fans of the series will love returning to this world, exploring Hava’s past, and getting insight into her character. New readers who enjoy character-driven stories will really enjoy the exploration into the complicated psyche of a girl who was raised to disappear. I would definitely recommend this book to existing Graceling fans and fans of character-driven stories alike.

Book Review: Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

By Meghan Mazzaferro

Content warning: racism, violence, forced institutionalization, rape (off page), slavery, sexism, death of a parent, animal cruelty 

Bloodmarked is the second book in the Legendborn Cycle, and it follows Bree Matthews as she struggles to deal with the consequences of battle. The Table is awakened, but separated, the Regents are coming, and Bree has to wrestle with the heavy weight of everything she’s learned while preparing for the battle to come. This book starts a few weeks after the first book ends, and it takes Bree to new locations and reveals a much wider world of magic users and monsters.

It’s difficult to talk about a sequel without discussing the events of book one, especially for a book as incredibly written as Legendborn, which weaves together several magic systems and mysteries beautifully, and which tells an incredibly complex and powerful story. I’ll avoid discussing book one in this review, but please know that Legendborn is an absolute masterpiece, and if you haven’t read it yet, you definitely should.

Bloodmarked has very big shoes to fill, and overall, I feel like it is a worthy successor. While I do feel like the pacing is a bit off and there is a lot of exposition and information given in this book, I really appreciate the ways in which the world is expanded. Bree and the other characters are forced to explore not only new locations but new types of magic, and they realize that the laws the Order lives under are not universal. I enjoyed all the new information we got. It feels like the world was expanded, and I’m intrigued by how this opens up future books to a lot more characters and different types of magic.

The characterization in this book is excellent, and Bree is one of the best YA protagonists I’ve ever read. She is strong and powerful while also being vulnerable and emotional, and she feels real and grounded in a way that’s difficult to achieve. This book takes some of the characters from book one and really focuses on them, so we don’t get to spend time with all our favourites from the first book, but I enjoyed each of the characters that were featured, and the book introduced some new characters that I found really interesting to follow as well.

The plot of this book is definitely different from the first one. Where the first story had a lot of mystery components, this book felt much more political, and while I did enjoy the political elements, that tonal change made the book a little hard to get into and connect with at first. I think the biggest criticism I have with this book is that it is so different from the first and that it feels a bit jarring at times, but I think that knowing there is that difference going into the story will improve your reading experience. I really enjoy where the story seems to be going and I was definitely emotionally invested in the political scheming and manipulations that went on.

While I do feel like this book is very exposition-heavy and the pacing was a bit off, every piece of information we got felt necessary and I appreciate the time that was taken to develop this world. Lots of character work and foreshadowing sets the stage for something that I’m confident will be explosive in book three. Overall, the Legendborn Cycle is, in my opinion, one of the best series coming out in YA at the moment, and the second book cannot be missed.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is not the finished copy of the book, and the final copy may be slightly changed.

Book Review: Youngblood by Sasha Laurens

By Meghan Mazzaferro

Content warning: blood/gore, violence, murder, homophobia, racism, lesbophobia, death of a parent

In a world where feeding from humans can be deadly, vampires have had to come together in order to survive. For Kat, a young vampire on the outskirts of Vampirdom, there is nothing she wants more in her immortal life than to attend Harcote, a prestigious, all-vampire boarding school. The connections she could cultivate with the vampire elite would be life changing. Taylor, on the other hand, is fed up with Harcote and everything it represents. As Harcote’s only out lesbian student, Taylor is constantly ostracized by her ultra-conservative teachers and classmates. But the two girls quickly realize that more than just their high school experiences are at stake; the entire future of Vampirdom hangs in the balance of what happens at Harcote.

I have very mixed feelings about this book, and it was incredibly difficult to review. While reading, I felt like Youngblood was a breath of fresh air, harkening back to the supernatural vampire trend of the early 2010s, but modernized. Kat and Taylor are definitely the stars of this story, each of them distinct, unique, and fleshed out. Even when I didn’t agree with the things they were doing, their actions made sense, and the romance between them felt really organic. I found the world of Vampirdom created in this novel to be interesting, and while the ultra-conservative vampires of Harcote made me uncomfortable, I felt like that was the intention. Laurens definitely succeeded at creating a toxic and conservative culture for Vampirdom and Harcote, and while I definitely didn’t enjoy the vampire culture, I feel like it was developed well.

That being said, there were some things about this book that didn’t work for me, and upon further reflection I started to notice things that didn’t sit well. The pacing was off, and the mystery component didn’t get enough page time. The book spent much more time on the high school drama side of things, and while I enjoyed that, a lot of larger scale issues were brought up but never fully addressed or explored in the level of detail I feel those topics deserved.

On that note, my biggest criticism of this book is the ways in which racism and homophobia were used and handled. While I understand what Laurens was going for—that the new generation can unlearn negative and harmful behaviours and make room for a healthier, more progressive society—I feel like this message fell flat on execution.

I appreciate the attempts to bring these discussions to light, but there were instances in this book where Laurens, a white author, used racist and homophobic opinions and observations only to show the reader how progressive Kat is in comparison to the rest of vampire society. Likewise, real world issues of colonization, slavery, and assault were brought up and used within the story casually and were explained away in ways that felt harmful and unnecessary. While I cannot speak to all the ways in which this book used harmful stereotypes and tropes, I do encourage you to read reviews written by people within the communities affected by them to see the ways in which this story failed to achieve its aims when it comes to addressing the dangers of a conservative culture.

While I had fun on my initial read of this book, there were things that made me uncomfortable while reading, and upon further reflection I find there are too many things in this book that could be harmful. I understand what Laurens was attempting, and I can only speak to my experience as a reader, but overall, I don’t think the story managed the nuance and sensitivity it needed to tackle all the topics it tried to address.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Rave by Jessica Campbell

By Kaylie Seed

Content warning: homophobia/internalized homophobia

Jessica Campbell’s Rave is a graphic novel that follows soft-spoken Lauren in the early 2000s as she struggles to find her identity when her sexuality and faith are no longer on the same page. Lauren’s family are devoutly religious, to the point where they do not allow Lauren to bring home her textbook on evolution. When Lauren has to complete an assignment using that very textbook, she ends up at Mariah's house, a Wiccan who is unapologetically herself. Lauren and Mariah begin to have a secretive queer relationship that leaves Lauren swirling in Christian guilt and an internalized homophobia that leaves Lauren with an identity crisis.

Readers may find that this short graphic novel wasn’t fleshed out in the way they may have been hoping. The characters are quite one-dimensional with quite a few stereotypes and cliches present throughout. They lacked personality and uniqueness, and I felt like I had already read about these characters before. Campbell allows the illustrations to tell the story more than her writing, so readers will find that this is a quick read if they are not taking their time to analyze each illustration.

The ending is quite abrupt and ends with little questions being answered, leaving readers wondering if that truly was the end of the novel. The narrative felt rushed and underdeveloped, and maybe that was due to the illustrations telling the story more than the words. Rave would be a great read for those interested in coming-of-age stories and would appreciate a quick, to-the-point graphic novel.

Thank you, Drawn & Quarterly, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Beasts of Ruin by Ayana Gray

By Meghan Mazzaferro

Content warning: violence, gore, racial discrimination, prejudice

For a review of Beasts of Prey, click here.

Beasts of Ruin is Ayana Gray’s second novel, and it kicks off right where Beasts of Prey left off. Secrets have been revealed, the world has been turned upside down, and Koffi and Ekon are separated. Each isolated and dealing with their own dangers, the two must do what they can to stay alive, make it back to each other, and protect the world from a dark god’s evil plans.

Beasts of Prey was one of my favourite books of last year, and a large part of that is the world of Lkossa and the Greater Jungle, and the relationship between Koffi and Ekon. This book took both of those away, setting our two main characters in new settings and with new people, and I’ll admit I was nervous that it might not work. But I really enjoyed the new characters that were introduced and the way both Koffi and Ekon’s stories broadened the world of Eshōza. While the first book had a set goal, its resolution really opened up the story and this book did a great job of setting the tone for the rest of the trilogy.

I do feel like the pacing of the book wasn’t perfect, and Koffi’s story didn’t keep me quite as engaged as I might have liked, but I am very intrigued by where the story is going. Koffi’s story in this book did an excellent job of exploring the magic system in this world, and what she went through in this book will play a major part in what is to come. Ekon’s story, on the other hand, I found very interesting; I loved the characters that he met along the way, and I found this book really deepened his story and forced him to grow and change in a way that was really compelling. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Ekon is one of my favourite male main characters in a YA fantasy book. He’s complicated and flawed and incredibly compelling to read about. I also really enjoyed the third perspective we got in this book. While I can’t say much about it, I feel like it did a really good job of developing the politics of Lkossa and the struggles of Daraja leading up to the events of book one. This perspective really helped explain the choices of some of the characters in the previous book and laid the groundwork for a lot of character motivations in this series that weren’t explored in book one.

Beasts of Ruin does in some ways suffer from the second book slump, in the sense that there’s lots of travelling and things being explained, but the book does an excellent job of setting up what I believe will be an explosive conclusion to the series. As I said previously, the first book in this series had a particular plot that was concluded at the end of that book, and Beasts of Ruin had the unique struggle of massively broadening the world and magic system of this series. With that particular struggle in mind, the book did a very good job of giving the reader all the information we’ll need for the rest of the series while still being engaging and fun. The groundwork has been laid, and I trust Ayana Gray to bring it all home in book three.

While it didn’t grip me quite as much as the first book, I still really enjoyed Beasts of Ruin. Ayana Gray has created a compelling world and magic system, and it’s impossible not to care about our main characters and the things they are fighting to protect. If you’re a YA fantasy fan, this series cannot be missed!

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: A Wilderness of Stars by Shea Ernshaw

By Kaylie Seed

A Wilderness of Stars is Shea Ernshaw’s latest YA fiction novel that is bound to charm teenage and adult readers alike. The reader follows Vega, a young woman who has spent her entire life secluded in the valley she was born in learning about the stars from her mother. Vega is The Last Astronomer, a title that has been passed down through generations. Only she knows the knowledge of the stars and how to find the key to saving everyone. In this unique coming-of-age story, Vega must decide whether to keep her knowledge of the stars to herself or save everyone from a sickness ravaging the world.

Ernshaw tends to repeat the same descriptions of characters and the plot numerous times throughout the novel. While reminders sprinkled here and there can be helpful to readers, having a bombardment of repeated descriptions can be overwhelming and may lose their power after a while. The pace felt inconsistent as most of the plot felt slow and as the end of the story nears, it picks up and the ending feels rushed. However, the way A Wilderness of Stars ends hints at a continuation of some kind, so I can forgive the feeling of an abrupt ending. Despite this, A Wilderness of Stars was a delectable read bound to enchant readers from beginning to end. Perhaps this will be a duology, and I am looking forward to the worldbuilding that Ernshaw could bring forth in a continuation of Vega’s story.

Ernshaw’s prose is both dark and ethereal, weaving together a story that captivates the reader while also bringing forth emotions of joy and sadness. The elements of science fiction should be noted as well, as Ernshaw has twisted together contemporary fantasy with science fiction to create a unique plot with elements of a coming-of-age story. Readers who have enjoyed Ernshaw’s previous novels will find delight in A Wilderness of Stars.

Thank you, Simon and Schuster Canada, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: This Wicked Fate by Kalynn Bayron

By Meghan Mazzaferro

Content warnings: death, death of parent, grief, violence, gore, murder, child abuse, emotional abuse, vomit

This Wicked Fate by Kalynn Bayron is the sequel to This Poison Heart, which follows Briseis, a young girl with a mysterious power over plants—and their poisons. When Briseis receives word that her last remaining biological relative is dead and that she has inherited a large estate, she and her mothers decide to travel to the country to allow Bri to explore her heritage and powers. But things are not what they appear to be, and Bri learns quickly that both her family and their power are  tied to something dark. Something others are willing to kill for.

I can’t go into any details about what this sequel is about without spoiling book one—and trust me, you do not want book one spoiled for you—but this book dives right in where This Poison Heart left off. This was one of my most anticipated sequels of the year, and overall, I was really happy with it. This book, like the first, is full of queer love, the power of family, and the cost of generational trauma and how that trauma can be healed. While darker in tone than the first, the book addresses all these themes beautifully.

Most of the characters we grew to love in the first book are back, and I was pleased with how most of them were fleshed out. Briseis in particular is a great lead and being in her mind on this journey was emotional and impactful all at once. The first book had some slight romance, and this book explores some romances a bit more. The relationships developed are tender and lovely while still feeling very grounded. This story takes place in a very short time span, and the characters have a lot on their plates, and I appreciate that it never felt like the weight of the plot had to be paused or put down in order to spend some time developing a relationship. The same goes for the platonic and familial relationships that are explored in this book. Everything felt very natural and organic while still respecting the headspaces and mindsets of the main characters.

This book definitely amps up the mythology of the first book, so if you’re a fan of Greek myths in particular or mythology retellings in general, you’ll be very pleased with where this story goes. I enjoyed how this story explored and put an interesting spin on myths, gods, immortality, and powerful objects, and I especially loved how the characters reacted to these types of plot elements. Magical plants are one thing, gods and goddesses quite another, and I appreciated the level of shock and distrust the characters sometimes felt as this world was expanded.

While I did enjoy the plot of this book, and overall, I feel like the story never forgot the urgency of the mission, I do feel like the pacing at times failed to really stress just how much was at stake for our characters. That being said, I still devoured this book. The writing style is great, Bri has a distinct voice and each character leaps off the page. Even though the tone is different, dealing with heavier themes and lacking a bit of what I considered the plant-y wonder of the first book, that distinct voice helped bridge the gap between the two books and make things feel cohesive.

Overall, while not perfectly paced, I found this a satisfying conclusion to a duology that has captivated my attention for the last year. This is a series that definitely can’t be missed if you like urban fantasy stories, mythology, female-driven narratives, and all the plants!

Book Review: The Last Time I Saw Her by Alexandra Harrington

By Larissa Page

It’s been ten months since Charlotte fled her small town of River John, Nova Scotia without telling anyone where she was going, including her best friend Sophie, who has just been in a brutal and debilitating car accident. Upon her return, she discovers Sophie and her other peers have been struggling in her absence and are not pleased to see her back—as she expected—except for Sophie’s ex-boyfriend Max. As Charlotte and Max reconnect, they discover a lot more has been going on in River John, including on that night a year ago that led to the car accident.

This young adult novel was a great small town thriller. In a town where everyone knows everyone and rumours are endless, it’s hard to believe there are nefarious forces at play—maybe it’s easier to believe when the clues don’t line up. I found the plot relatively believable, which I love in a thriller. While this thriller wasn’t flashy or exciting, I was still hooked and sped through once I got to about the halfway mark.

I really enjoyed the development of the relationships within this novel between Charlotte and Max, Sean, and Sophie. I think the author timed the developments well, just as she timed the small plot twists well. The different clues or surprises that built up the mystery part of the thriller were evenly spaced enough to keep me reading.

I do wish this novel had had just that little bit more, that perhaps it was a little bit deeper, but I find I feel this way about many young adult novels so I feel this may be more a reflection of my feelings on the genre versus this particular novel.

I am from Nova Scotia and therefore always love a locally set story. I felt like this one gave that to me. It was a well-described Nova Scotian small town and that gave me a thrill. The local story, believable plot, relationships I wanted to cheer for, and the well-timed hooks made this a perfect light read for leading into my summer reading time.

Thank you to Nimbus Publishing for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin

By Meghan Mazzaferro

Content warning: violence, grief, death of a parent, medical trauma, torture, blood, vomit

Judy I. Lin’s YA fantasy debut is set in a world where magic is practiced by shénnóng-shī, masters of the ancient and magical art of tea making. Ning’s mother was a powerful shénnóng-shī, and the tea leaves speak to Ning as well, though it is her sister who is to study the magical art. After Ning brews a cup of poisoned tea that takes her mother’s life and leaves her sister’s body failing, Ning must enter a competition in the imperial city for the chance to win a favour from the princess if she has any hope of saving her sister’s life. But things in the capital are not all that they seem; Ning must face bloodthirsty competitors, nefarious court politics, a mysterious boy and scheming princess, and a country on the brink of disaster.

A Magic Steeped in Poison is an absolute masterpiece. Beautifully written, with a vibrant magic system, a complex plot full of twisting politics, and at the centre of it all, an imperfect girl desperate to save the life of her sister. What more could you ask for? Lin’s writing style is lyrical and emotional, and her descriptions of tea preparation are absolutely mesmerizing. The story surrounding this incredible magic system is complicated and captivating in the best way.

I don’t have a single negative thing to say about this book. From the excellently developed characters to the winding politics and the magic competition, everything about this book pulls you in and refuses to let you go. The story takes its time, weaving its way through the numerous plot threads and fleshing out Ning as a character. Though the plot moves slowly, the magic of Lin’s writing and the beauty of the world and magic system kept me engaged the entire time. I was so immersed in the story, so moved and drawn in, that I made a point to brew a cup of tea whenever I sat down to read, just to feel more connected with what I was reading. Even the one relationship that I felt developed quicker than I would normally like had a beauty and simplicity to it, complicated and corrupted by the world in which these characters find themselves, so it was impossible to hold that against the story.

The characters in this book are beautifully fleshed out, and Ning is one of my favourite YA protagonists in some time. She is imperfect and flawed, but also vibrant and strong and easy to relate to. She is driven by the love of her family and is thrust into a world she does not understand; I think we can all relate to that in some way or another. The side characters in this story are not all fleshed out to the same degree, but their roles in the story help propel the plot and we learn enough about them to get invested in how they will figure into the plot of book two. The most interesting side characters are definitely Bo and the princess, who will each play a major role in the story going forward.

I am intrigued by how this story will progress in the sequel, which is coming in August! It looks like things will be expanding within both the political and magical conflicts, and I can’t wait to see where things go.

Book Review: Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas

By Christine McFaul

Content warning: death of children, trauma

Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas (whose debut, Cemetery Boys, was a New York Times Bestseller) is a deliciously dark YA retelling of the classic children’s story Peter Pan.

When yet another child goes missing in the small town of Astoria, Oregon, it sends eighteen-year-old Wendy Darling into a tailspin. The current events dredge up memories from five years earlier when Wendy and her two younger brothers disappeared under eerie circumstances from the woods behind their home. In what feels like a bad case of deja vu, the police are once again questioning Wendy and asking things like “why she returned from the forest while her brothers did not” and “can she really not remember anything about the six months she was gone.”

Wendy wishes she had the right answers. Ones that might bring her brothers, and all the lost children of Astoria, home safely. But like she has already told the police time and time again, she has no new information to share about what happened all those years ago—or at least none they would believe if she told them. Because how could it be possible that a boy with no shadow, who Wendy thought existed only in stories, has mysteriously come into her life. Peter says he knows who has taken the lost children and all he needs is her help to bring them home. But helping Peter means Wendy must first find the courage to remember—and to do that, she will have to return to the never woods to confront the darkness that waits for her there.

What a stellar set-up! If you follow my reviews here at Cloud Lake Literary, you probably know by now that I am always down to read a modern twist on an old classic. That said, when an author chooses to riff on an iconic story, it sets the bar high for my reading expectations. To land, the finished product must be flawlessly conceived as well as executed, borrowing just the right amount from the original tale while simultaneously creating something that feels completely new. And Thomas does not disappoint. Lost in the Never Woods delivers something that feels at once familiar and completely strange. The plot moves, shadowed and twisty, with plenty of reveals and just the right amount of dark pixie dust to have readers racing to flip the pages. 

In a story like this that is very plot-driven, I often enjoy the literary sprint but am left unsatisfied by an ending. I’m sure we could all point to some thrillers that left us with this exact hollow feeling. Thomas ensures that Lost In the Never Woods avoids that fate by grounding the plot with well-developed characters and a meticulously crafted setting. But, in my opinion, the real meat in this retelling reveals itself in how Thomas handles the story’s messaging. In my opinion, what has given the OG Peter Pan its lasting appeal is, in large part, its themes—longing for lost things, the poignancy of growing up, and the haunting nature of a forever childhood. These same themes are expertly threaded through Thomas’s retelling but explored from new angles and fresh perspectives, making the book itself a layered metaphor for growing up—beginning in the wild sweet ambience of early spring before Wendy’s childhood ultimately fades into the lush darkness of late summer and early adulthood.

Lost in the Never Woods is a smash. The strange elements of the book are fascinating, unique, and handled in a way that feels believable within its contemporary setting. Darker plot points are age-appropriate while not sacrificing the least on delivering thrills. A delicious shivery read for YA readers (as well as grown-ups who aspire to a Peter Pan approved reading philosophy—never grow up!). Pick up this book and save it for a dark summer night when you can binge in one sit. 

Thank you, Raincoast Books and Feiwel & Friends, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Hunting by Stars by Cherie Dimaline

By Larissa Page

Hunting by Stars is Cherie Dimaline’s long-awaited and long-requested follow up to her hit The Marrow Thieves. Despite being published four years after The Marrow Thieves, Hunting by Stars picks up right where the previous book left off. During the joyful reunion of two of his chosen family members after years apart on the run from the “schools” (which drain Indigenous people of their marrow in order to dream again), French himself is snatched by school Recruiters. He is taken to a school, where he runs into an important person from his past. In an effort to find him again, his girl Rose sets off with a sidekick to trek to one of the schools to help him escape. They face challenges in the woods they never expected to find and have to form new alliances to survive. Meanwhile, the rest of his family works other leads to get him back, leading all of them to new places with new enemies.

The Marrow Thieves swept through awards, reading groups, and schools when it was first released in 2017, and has continued to throughout the past few years. It is no surprise to me at all that Dimaline was often asked for a “what happened next” and felt the need to write a sequel. If you are a fan of The Marrow Thieves, as I am, I think you’ll be very satisfied with Hunting by Stars as the next installment. It gave me more adventure, more glimpses into French’s past, and more insight into his character—a strong young man with fierce loyalty and incredible grit. It gave me more family and more hope and more absolute resilience. It is not light on the suffering, and it is heavy on the heart to think of the ways we treat other humans. The parallels you can draw between this dystopian landscape and our real everyday world right now are stark but also needed.

Dimaline is not one to shy away from the truth in her novels; she is very poignant in her points about the world, society, and more. For this reason, among others, she gives us novels that make us think harder and more critically than we otherwise might, while still giving us characters to root for and stories to get invested in. Her novels, especially The Marrow Thieves and Hunting by Stars, make great discussion books for classes, book clubs, and buddy reads. She gives us a story of a dystopian future landscape that is somehow also a story for right now.

I was absolutely thrilled to get my hands on Hunting by Stars last year and read further into French’s story. I also believe I would have enjoyed the book just as much had I picked it up as a standalone. It is one that is worth your time and, even more so, worth your attention. 

Thank you to Penguin Random House for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Elements of the Earth by Ella Moore

By Cassandra Navratil

In today’s society, dystopian and fantasy novels are often popular due to the way they echo current conflicts, global situations (hello, pandemic, looking at you), and general feelings of unrest and distrust in authority or government. Ella Moore’s upcoming YA novel, Elements of the Earth, is a perfect example of a blend of fantasy and dystopia. 

Not your typical teenager, Raya has been living a double life for thirteen years. The Revolution, a violent, cult-like following led by none other than Raya’s estranged father, is poised to take control of the majority of the world’s countries via fear. Raya has spent her formative years dutifully training to physically protect herself, her family, and the other members of Hideaway—a group determined to stop The Revolution—while still attending school and trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy. Through storytelling on Raya’s part, flashbacks, and vivid dreams, we begin to see a deeper underlying story unfold; one that has roots in long-forgotten mystical powers and familial connections. 

Moore’s casual tone in her writing will undoubtedly be appealing to the YA audience, as will the character development we see in her protagonist, Raya. As an adult reader, I did find Moore’s style to be a bit more difficult to follow. The resounding theme recurring throughout Raya’s storyline is that of a young woman’s journey and struggle to find out who she truly is, and what her place is in the world. Outside of any fantasy or dystopian elements, this is the part of the story that I found most endearing and relatable. We all go through those pivotal moments and experiences in our youth and having characters we can relate to and empathize with is the foundation of what makes YA fiction a success. 

I am excited to see if Ella Moore takes this Elements universe she has created and turns it into a series. She is definitely a new Canadian author to take note of and follow as she continues to develop her writing skills and style. 

Thank you to Ella Moore for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

By Megan Amato

Content warning: violence, murder, parental death

Once in a while comes a book, usually in a series, that you know as soon as you finish reading it will be placed upon the shelf with those other volumes you turn to when you need a familiar friend to see you out of a reading slump. Something you can count on. Comfort reads. Kalynn Bayron’s YA contemporary fantasy The Poison Heart has very firmly been placed on that shelf.

When Briseis inherits a house from an unknown birth aunt, she and her two moms trial spending their summer there so Briseis can explore her gift and learn more about her heritage—one where plants bloom and grow at her touch and allow her to handle the deadliest plants without dire consequences. As Briseis settles into this town filled with strange inhabitants, newfound freedom settles over her, she begins a budding romance with a mysterious girl, and she reveals her magic to a friend for the first time. Soon, that sense of safety is ripped away when it’s revealed that the garden out back holds an even deadlier secret than the plants grown there. Kept under lock and key is a plant that her ancestors have kept safe for generations. One that others would kill to get their hands on. 

After I read Bayron’s debut sapphic YA fantasy novel, Cinderella is Dead, she became an instant-buy author. She has a way of creating incredibly likeable characters—teenage ones at that!—and Briseis was no different. As she works through the labyrinth that is her heritage, it is easy to sympathize with the mistakes she makes from the sense of loneliness that comes with her gift, her desperation to keep her remarkable family from fearing her, and the weariness resulting from protecting deadly secrets. One of my pet peeves in young adult fantasy is when protagonists barely react to traumatic events, especially murder or death, and quickly move on with their lives. However, writers like Bayron ensure that you feel every emotion of Briseis’s as she is confronted with traumatic events: new love, impulsive curiosity, primal fear, blinding anger, and paralyzing grief. It reminds you that even with her magic, she’s still human. 

One of my favourite elements in the novel was Briseis’s moms and their unconditional support of their daughter through everything. Adoption always comes with its share of trials and traumas, and when birth families are suddenly involved, it can be painful for both the adoptee and adoptive parents. However, Briseis’s parents are open and honest with her while encouraging her to learn about her heritage at her own pace. Even as the plot develops and unbelievable circumstances come to light, they trust that Briseis was telling the truth and that she could make the right decisions—it contrasted nicely with another less-than-appealing parental relationship in the novel. 

Contemporary/urban fantasy is one of my favourite genres. I love the blend of myth and folklore with the real world. Bayron does it beautifully, layering Greek mythology into this small modern town full of big characters and even bigger stakes. Many of my favourite tropes are found in this novel, including nature-based magic, a small town filled with colourful characters, and a powerful love interest who’s a softie for the protagonist. This book was easy to read, bursting with beautiful botanical descriptions, and full of humour that had me giggling out loud. I will leave you with these final words: if a mysterious kind lady tells you not to grow oleander, for the love of the Greek gods, listen to her!

Book Review: Blood Scion by Deborah Falaye

By Shantell Powell

Content warning: extremely graphic depictions of violence against Black people, including sexual violence, genocide, murder, and enslavement of children

Blood Scion is the powerful debut novel by Nigerian-Canadian author Deborah Falaye. It is the first book of a forthcoming young adult series, and it ends on a cliff-hanger. Blood Scion does not shy away from the awful realities of colonialism. It is an unforgiving and action-packed examination of what it means to be colonized, and what it means to be exterminated like vermin for the colour of your skin or for following the “wrong” religion.  It is relentless, dire, and ultraviolent—by far the most violent YA novel I have ever read. It is also the first YA book I’ve ever read which takes the reader through the ancient military practice/punishment of decimation. The story has a basis in the current and historical colonial contexts of genocide, slavery, and child soldiers. Using Yoruba-Nigerian mythology as a foundation, Blood Scion takes place in the land of Nagea, a land which has been brutalised by the invading Lucis for generations.

The Lucis are running a campaign of genocide to slaughter all descendants of the Orisha.  To do so, they conscript Nagean teenagers to do the dirty work. During basic training, the children are brainwashed and tortured both physically and mentally. They are forced to commit acts of unspeakable violence against their own friends and family, exchanging their humanity for their survival. Those who live through the process become soldiers in the Lucis army. 

Sloane is the protagonist, a fifteen-year old girl and descendant of the Orisha. The Orisha are deities of the Yoruba religion, and their descendants have powerful magic coursing through their veins. The descendants of the Orisha are called Scions, and it is almost impossible for them to hide from their oppressors. Their magical abilities cannot be hidden for long because not only are they difficult to control, but they are blatant when they manifest. Sloane is brimming with fire magic and does not know how to keep it under wraps. With the slaughter of so many Scions, survivors do not have the knowledge needed to control their powers. 

Blood Scion is a revenge fantasy, but it is also the story of resilience and friendship in the face of overwhelming oppression. The pacing of this book is as fast and hard-hitting as machine gun fire. I found it to be a very quick read once I got past the first couple of chapters. Although there are moments of tenderness in the book, they are few and far between. I would like to have seen some comic relief to break up the gut-wrenching trauma.  Reading this book is like speeding through an abattoir with your eyes and mouth wide open.

Blood Scion will appeal to fans of Nnedi Okorafor’s Who Fears Death and Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone.  

Thank you, Harper Collins, for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Sisters of the Snake by Sarena and Sasha Nanua

By Megan Amato

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a simple girl in possession of a pair of eyes and ears must be in want of a Prince and the Pauper retelling. Ever since I watched Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper—at an embarrassing age—I’ve loved any piece of media featuring this trope (that includes The Princess Switch, Mary Kate and Ashley’s It Takes Two, Beethoven’s 4th, and The Parent Trap). Penned by real-life twins Sarena and Sasha Nanua, Sisters of the Snake is a brilliant addition to add to my collection of retellings and adaptions. 

In an Indian-inspired world, sheltered Princess Rani is desperate to prove to her ruthless father that she has what it takes to rule. Orphan and street thief Ria’s only concern is stealing enough to survive. When Ria discovers her name on a conscription list, she and her best friend Amir plan to rob the castle of its jewels to pay their way out of the oppressive kingdom. When Ria is caught by the princess who shares her face, Rani promises to give her enough jewels to escape if she agrees to temporarily switch places. As Ria wrestles with acting like she’s been born royal and trying not to fall in love with the princess’s fiancé Saeed, Rani bears witness to the destructive nature of her father’s regime. When the existence of a dangerous mythic stone is discovered, Rani and Ria must look outside their own desires to find the bloodstone before the king, and save their kingdom.

The shining beacon of this novel is its characters. The protagonists are fleshed out with their own desires and goals that are realistic to their situations. I liked that despite being confronted with the reality of the world outside her privileged life, Rani’s views and goals shift slowly as they adapt to each new situation she’s faced with before her blinders are fully taken off. On the other hand, Ria has always known the struggle of existing in the kingdom outside of the elite. Now, as she temporarily lives the life stolen from her due to a cataclysmic prophecy, she undergoes the emotional turmoil and feelings of rejection that come with any adoptee/orphan discovering their birth family. Both undergo journeys of self-discovery that are precariously placed in the midst of saving their world—and I love it.

The romances are also very well done. Rani’s relationship with the sweet Saeed had been one of duty and disappointment, while Ria’s with Amir had been one of pure friendship, almost familial. While the chemistry between each pair is palpable through the page, the history of each relationship, along with the lies told to maintain their illusion, has to be overcome first. Saeed is my absolute favourite, and I’m looking forward to watching him becoming even more fleshed out and solid in the next book as he is given more agency out of the shadow of his mother.

The only real issue I had was that we didn’t see much interaction between the sisters because they were parted most of the book. Their relationship at the end felt slightly rushed, but I’m hoping that because this book mainly focused on their individual journeys, the next one will centre around their growing relationship.

The Nanua sisters have written an imaginative debut and a fun twist to one of my favourite tropes. I will be keeping both eyes peeled for the sequel that undoubtedly will have increased stakes for my favourite characters. 

Book Review: Winterkeep by Kristin Cashore

By Meghan Mazzaferro

Content warning: violence, gore, murder, emotional manipulation, child neglect, child abuse, forced starvation, torture, animal abuse

Note: While categorized as young adult fantasy, this book features sexual content and explores sexual relationships between younger people in both positive and negative ways. 

Winterkeep is the fourth book in the Graceling universe and it follows a number of returning characters, as well as new faces, into a new era. The Seven Kingdoms have changed since the Graceling series began, and the world is much vaster. Bitterblue, Queen of Monsea, seeks to establish diplomatic relations with the countries on the other side of the world. The two sides of the globe have only recently met, and Bitterblue is one of the first monarchs on the Royal Continent to express her interest in learning from Winterkeep and its neighbours’ new forms of government, education, and technology. 

However, after Bitterblue discovers that two of her advisors were murdered while attempting to provide her with information about a valuable resource that Winterkeep and its neighbours have an interest in, she journeys across the sea to investigate. At the same time, Lovisa, the daughter of Winterkeep’s president and the leader of the opposition, makes it her mission to spy on all those around her, especially her parents. When her parents start acting strangely, Lovisa’s curiosity puts her right into Bitterblue’s path and thrusts them both into a controversy far bigger than either of them could imagine. 

This book feels drastically different from Graceling. The writing style is quicker and more modern, the narrator seems to be closer to the minds of each of the characters, and the world no longer feels like the fantastical, medieval world of Katsa’s day. Instead, the story is rife with complicated politics and industrial technologies. While it took me a second to adjust to this new tone and pace, I commend Kristin Cashore; her ability to adapt her writing style to meet the settings of her books while still making the world feel familiar and cohesive is astonishing. The inclusion of familiar characters like Giddon and Bitterblue help bridge the gap as the reader gets to experience the new, more modern world through their eyes and experience their astonishment. 

The plot of this book takes its time to get going, as characters slowly notice the subtle hints and clues that something might not be right. And yet, much like with Graceling, the book never feels slow. The reader is presented with just enough information to leave them wanting more, and the pacing of the book works perfectly to allow for a gradual reveal of just enough truths to keep the reader engaged. Once things get moving, the twists and turns don’t stop, and the second half of the book is impossible to put down. 

While the plot of this story had me hooked from the very first chapter, the reason this book stands out to me is the characters. Lovisa is incredibly compelling: a complicated, nosy, angry girl whose world is completely shattered and pieced back together. Her struggles in this book are impossible to resist, and they help ground the story in the personal. Bitterblue is another incredibly compelling character, and it was moving to see her growth from the character she was in Graceling to who she is in this book, and to see her work to be to Lovisa what Katsa was to her. All the side characters in the story are strongly developed and unique, and they give the new setting of Winterkeep a life and vibrancy that sets it apart from the other settings in the series. 

While this book is vastly different from Graceling, it is not something that can be read alone. Winterkeep is strong on its own, but it exists on a foundation of the rest of the series, whose worldbuilding and characters work to both complement and contrast with this newest installment. But do not be daunted! Yes, there are four books in the series, but each is unique and stunning in its own way and all four can be bought in paperback with matching covers! Which, as we all know, is almost as important as what the book’s actually about. 

Joking aside, Kristin Cashore is one of the most unique young adult writers I have ever encountered. Her entire Graceling series is a work of art, with this newest installment takes the series to vaster, more intricate and stunning heights than I ever could have imagined. If you are a fan of rich, immersive fantasy worlds with a wide cast of complex characters and winding, scheme-filled plots, this is the series for you. 

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Graceling by Kristin Cashore

By Meghan Mazzaferro

Content warning: violence, gore, emotional manipulation

Graceling is set in a world where a small group of people have Graces: special gifts and abilities that are often used and manipulated by the ruling governments of the seven kingdoms. Katsa has been Graced with killing, and as such, she is the king’s most prized assassin. But Katsa is more than just a weapon. She believes in a world free of dictatorship, and when she meets Po, a mysterious prince with a Grace that allows him to understand her in ways no one else can, she realizes that there is someone out there with a Grace that could put the entire world at risk. Now Katsa must use her evolving gift to save all seven kingdoms while opening herself up to experiences she’s always kept at a distance. 

This book is the first in a series set within the Graceling universe, and Katsa’s story is rich, immersive, and mesmerizing. This book is incredibly unique; I don’t think I’ve ever read a story that was told in quite this way, and it was a thrill to read. The story takes its time, and the prose is rich and captivating while still capturing Katsa’s unique voice. The plot never lulls, but it takes its time developing the characters and the conflicts and really letting Katsa shine. This book is about overcoming dictatorship, yes, but it is also about a young woman discovering who she is and who she wants to be, and that is just as beautiful. 

This book is written really uniquely. While the writing style has the same rich writing as classic fantasy, the perspective is unique. Many young adult novels place the reader directly in the mind of the main character, whether in first person or third person; this book, however, keeps the characters at a distance. Rather than jumping into the mind of the characters, we observe them from the outside, and the story focuses more on the characters’ actions and thoughts than their feelings. This style really compliments Katsa’s character; she is a person who relates to the world in a black and white, direct way, and she struggles with the intricacies of emotion in those around her. Much in that way, the reader is shown the actions of the characters without being told their emotional motivations. While the reader is placed closer to Katsa than the rest of the cast of characters, Katsa struggles to understand her own emotions, and so they are not always explained to the reader. This distancing, however, makes the characters no less relatable. In fact, this makes the story stand out and makes the characters’ struggles feel unique and compelling since they are presented in a unique way for the genre. 

As I previously mentioned, this book is an investigation of Katsa’s emotional journey into herself. Thus, it would be impossible for me to talk about this book without discussing the romance as Katsa’s relationship with Po is one of the driving forces that pushes her to learn about her Grace and herself. The development of Katsa and Po’s relationship is grounded and moving; they push each other to grow and be better, and they see the best and worst parts of each other. It is through their relationship that each character becomes the version of themselves readers can fall in love with, and it is only together that they can succeed in their mission. While this story is not entirely a romance, the romance is a crucial part of what makes the book so unique and so moving. 

Graceling is a fantastic novel. It has everything: morally complex characters, a rich, unique fantasy world with a compelling magic system, a moving and emotional romance, and a personal story that resonates with readers. If you’re a fan of well-written fantasy with a unique voice and beautiful story, this is definitely the book for you.