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dragoninwinterfell's reviews
97 reviews
Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Starling House is a beautifully written horror novel that both embraces the haunted house tropes while also subverting them. Interestingly enough, it walks the edge between creepy and cozy as the story explores generational trauma, poverty, racial discrimination, homophobia, and sexism alongside found family. The prose are vividly beautiful, painting clear pictures and thematic imagery.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
As my first experience with V.E. Schwab’s work, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue completely captivated me. The prose is nothing short of lovely, weaving a story that feels both ethereal and deeply human. The premise alone is fascinating—Addie’s wish for freedom to explore the world comes at the heartbreaking cost of being forgotten by everyone she meets. This tension between boundless freedom for as long as she wants it and profound isolation for centurie creates a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is poignant.
Addie’s struggles with morality and survival as she navigates a life without permanent connections or support systems are beautifully explored. Every moment of her existence is a fight, and the choices she’s forced to make add layers of complexity to her character. The dual timelines—Addie’s life in 2014 and the 300 years leading up to it—are masterfully balanced, offering both a historical journey through different eras and a deeply personal, present-day struggle.
The incorporation of art into the story was particularly powerful, adding a sense of permanence and legacy to a life that is otherwise fleeting. Schwab’s ability to tie Addie’s invisible existence to enduring creative expressions gave the story an emotional depth that lingered long after I finished reading.
This is a stunning, bittersweet tale of love, loss, and the human desire to leave a mark on the world. For readers who crave beautiful writing and rich, thematic storytelling, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is an unforgettable experience. Pun intended.
Addie’s struggles with morality and survival as she navigates a life without permanent connections or support systems are beautifully explored. Every moment of her existence is a fight, and the choices she’s forced to make add layers of complexity to her character. The dual timelines—Addie’s life in 2014 and the 300 years leading up to it—are masterfully balanced, offering both a historical journey through different eras and a deeply personal, present-day struggle.
The incorporation of art into the story was particularly powerful, adding a sense of permanence and legacy to a life that is otherwise fleeting. Schwab’s ability to tie Addie’s invisible existence to enduring creative expressions gave the story an emotional depth that lingered long after I finished reading.
This is a stunning, bittersweet tale of love, loss, and the human desire to leave a mark on the world. For readers who crave beautiful writing and rich, thematic storytelling, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is an unforgettable experience. Pun intended.
Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I regret waiting so long to read Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson. This steady, character-driven story pulled me in from the very beginning with its realistic characters, authentic dialogue, and its exploration of casual racism, microaggressions, fatphobia, and sexism.
Jade is a compelling protagonist who wrestles with the complexities of being a Black scholarship student—both resenting being singled out for her identity while recognizing the opportunities it provides. Her desire to give back rather than just receive adds depth to her journey.
I especially appreciated the mentor-mentee relationship in the novel. Jade’s mentor is far from perfect, yet her flaws contribute to Jade’s growth, making the story all the more real. Both Jade and the supporting cast are richly developed, with strengths and imperfections that make them feel authentic.
Renée Watson masterfully portrays the day-to-day struggles and triumphs of Jade’s journey, and I loved following her path of self-discovery and resilience. This is a beautifully written, thought-provoking novel that will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommended!
Jade is a compelling protagonist who wrestles with the complexities of being a Black scholarship student—both resenting being singled out for her identity while recognizing the opportunities it provides. Her desire to give back rather than just receive adds depth to her journey.
I especially appreciated the mentor-mentee relationship in the novel. Jade’s mentor is far from perfect, yet her flaws contribute to Jade’s growth, making the story all the more real. Both Jade and the supporting cast are richly developed, with strengths and imperfections that make them feel authentic.
Renée Watson masterfully portrays the day-to-day struggles and triumphs of Jade’s journey, and I loved following her path of self-discovery and resilience. This is a beautifully written, thought-provoking novel that will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommended!
More Than This by Krystal Marquis
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Krystal Marquis delivers a compelling exploration of friendships and individual goals in More Than This, showcasing the complex dynamics among the four protagonists. The depth of their bonds and the clarity of their ambitions make the story engaging and relatable. Each protagonist shines in their own right, navigating personal challenges and striving for growth within a richly drawn setting that feels immersive and vivid.
However, the novel falters with the introduction of new characters who lack sufficient development. The addition of new love interests, in particular, detracted from two of the protagonists’ stories, muddling their arcs and diluting the emotional stakes. A one-dimensional rival felt especially out of place and added little to the overall narrative. These elements disrupted the pacing and distracted from the stronger, more resonant aspects of the novel.
The themes and setting are still very strong, along with the nuanced portrayal of the core group. But as a follow-up to Marquis’s previous work, this installment feels like a missed opportunity. While it still captures moments of brilliance, it struggles to maintain the cohesion and emotional depth of the first novel. if there's a third installment, I hope the series gets back on track.
However, the novel falters with the introduction of new characters who lack sufficient development. The addition of new love interests, in particular, detracted from two of the protagonists’ stories, muddling their arcs and diluting the emotional stakes. A one-dimensional rival felt especially out of place and added little to the overall narrative. These elements disrupted the pacing and distracted from the stronger, more resonant aspects of the novel.
The themes and setting are still very strong, along with the nuanced portrayal of the core group. But as a follow-up to Marquis’s previous work, this installment feels like a missed opportunity. While it still captures moments of brilliance, it struggles to maintain the cohesion and emotional depth of the first novel. if there's a third installment, I hope the series gets back on track.
In the Shadow of the Fall by Tobi Ogundiran
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.0
The shorter a book is, the tighter and more succinct the plot should be. Unfortunately, In the Shadow of the Fall has the plot of a book that would need to be four times as long in order to do it justice. As it is, everything feels rushed. Since the story is too complex and there are far too many characters, there's no room to really get to know the characters or appreciate the plot twists. It felt like there was a rush from point to point without an organic build-up.
Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth by Natalie Haynes
adventurous
dark
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
As she has with her previous works, Natalie Haynes delivers a well-rounded look at the goddesses of Greek mythology in Divine Might. What sets this book apart is Haynes’s ability to show these goddesses as both powerful and flawed, presenting their complexities in a way that feels authentic and true to their origins. She doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of their stories while still celebrating their strength, influence, and importance.
Haynes’s attention to detail is impressive—she includes unique and often overlooked elements from the original myths that many modern retellings miss. This added depth makes each goddess feel more vivid and multifaceted. Beyond that, Haynes also explores how these figures are viewed today, offering fascinating insights into how modern culture interprets and often reimagines them.
I particularly appreciated how Haynes didn't shy away from Persephone's kidnapping and rape. It's popular now in supposedly "feminist" fiction to turn the kidnapping and race of a teen into a romantic love story. That misrepresentation of the myth undermines the intent of the myth and the experiences of real people in that situation. Thankfully, Haynes honors the story of Demeter and Persephone, along with the stories of several other goddesses.
This book strikes the perfect balance between honoring the past and examining its echoes in the present.
Haynes’s attention to detail is impressive—she includes unique and often overlooked elements from the original myths that many modern retellings miss. This added depth makes each goddess feel more vivid and multifaceted. Beyond that, Haynes also explores how these figures are viewed today, offering fascinating insights into how modern culture interprets and often reimagines them.
I particularly appreciated how Haynes didn't shy away from Persephone's kidnapping and rape. It's popular now in supposedly "feminist" fiction to turn the kidnapping and race of a teen into a romantic love story. That misrepresentation of the myth undermines the intent of the myth and the experiences of real people in that situation. Thankfully, Haynes honors the story of Demeter and Persephone, along with the stories of several other goddesses.
This book strikes the perfect balance between honoring the past and examining its echoes in the present.
The Scorpion Queen by Mina Fears
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Rarely does a book pull me in so completely that I lose sleep over it, but The Scorpion Queen by Mina Fears managed to do just that. This young adult fantasy, steeped in the rich texture of West African mythology, is more than just a tale of magic and intrigue—it’s a masterful exploration of power, betrayal, and the bonds between women.
The story follows Amie, a merchant’s daughter whose life unravels when her family is disgraced by a lie. Banished from her home, she is sent to the royal palace to serve the enigmatic princess alongside two other young women. It’s here that the book truly shines, as the relationships between these three girls unfold with startling complexity. Their dynamic is layered with tension, solidarity, and moments of quiet vulnerability, making them feel heartbreakingly real. These are not the neatly packaged friendships often found in YA novels; instead, they are messy, fragile, and filled with both love and resentment.
The worldbuilding is equally mesmerizing. Fears weaves a setting that feels alive—lush, dangerous, and brimming with history. From the grandeur of the palace to the whispers of rebellion in the streets, every detail immerses you deeper into the story. The mythology at the heart of the narrative is as captivating as it is original, lending an otherworldly yet grounded quality to the magical elements.
But what truly elevates The Scorpion Queen is the prose. Fears writes with a lyrical precision that makes even the quietest moments resonate. Her words linger, painting vivid images and evoking emotions that are both raw and beautiful. There’s a rhythm to her storytelling that mirrors the pulse of the world she’s created, drawing you in with every twist and revelation.
This isn’t just a story about Amie’s journey; it’s also about the threads that connect her to others—her conflicted loyalty to her family, the delicate alliances she forms with her fellow servants, and the silent strength of her sister’s rebellion. It’s a story about what women endure, what they sacrifice, and what they fight for.
By the time I reached the final page, I was desperate for more. The Scorpion Queen is a striking start to a series that promises to be as complex and captivating as its heroines. If you’re looking for a story that blends sharp political intrigue, nuanced relationships, and a vibrant fantasy world, this one is not to be missed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier has lovely world building with an interesting magic system, but the story was just so-so. I did like the romance, which was very sweet. I just wish there had been more to the overall story.
Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Angeline Boulley's character work is flawless in Warrior Girl Unearthed, even better than in Firekeeper's Daughter. Every character in this series from the protagonists to the supporting cast to the tertiary characters all feel real. I'm particularly impressed by the depictions of teenagers and their interactions with each other.
Warrior Girl Unearthed takes place ten years after Firekeeper's Daughter and follows one of Daunis' nieces, Perry. On one hand, I love the choice to pick up that distance away and with a different heroine. At the same time, I wish we could have followed Daunis through the next stages of her life. Perry's story builds off of her aunt's in authentic ways while feeling completely unique at the same time.
Warrior Girl Unearthed takes place ten years after Firekeeper's Daughter and follows one of Daunis' nieces, Perry. On one hand, I love the choice to pick up that distance away and with a different heroine. At the same time, I wish we could have followed Daunis through the next stages of her life. Perry's story builds off of her aunt's in authentic ways while feeling completely unique at the same time.
Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Trigger Warnings: Drug Addiction, Suicide, Murder, Sexual Assault, Racism
While Firekeeper's Daughter was written for the young adult reading level, as the trigger Warnings indicate, the novel explores very mature themes. I won't say that the themes are too mature. These are all issues that impact people of all ages and were treated realistically in this work.
The overall realism is what made this novel extremely compelling. Readers are immediately immersed in the life of Daunis Fontaine, an 18 year old young woman whose father was Native American and her mother is white. Her mixed heritage plays a major part in her daily life as she is very close to both sides of her family despite the scandal of her birth. The way Angeline Boulley balances the impacts of her maternal and paternal sides perfectly.
As far as protagonists go, Daunis was extremely compelling. She's far from perfect as she has a temper and jumps to conclusions that aren't always right, even as she is shown to be competent and learning from her mistakes. She guided the story from start to finish, going through realistic struggles as well as earned triumphs.
While we follow Daunis through her tragedies and the overarching mystery, we're introduced to a wide variety of characters who make up the community around her. Every supporting character felt just as well fleshed out as Daunis with personalities and lives that felt like they extended beyond the story being told.
The female dynamics were exceptionally well done. Daunis' friendships and familial relationships felt so authentic. They tease each other, argue, lie for both good and bad reasons, and had each other's backs. I particularly loved how sex positive the novel was, which was reflected in how the women spoke to and supported each other.
This was a solid 5 stars. I'll be going directly into the sequel.
While Firekeeper's Daughter was written for the young adult reading level, as the trigger Warnings indicate, the novel explores very mature themes. I won't say that the themes are too mature. These are all issues that impact people of all ages and were treated realistically in this work.
The overall realism is what made this novel extremely compelling. Readers are immediately immersed in the life of Daunis Fontaine, an 18 year old young woman whose father was Native American and her mother is white. Her mixed heritage plays a major part in her daily life as she is very close to both sides of her family despite the scandal of her birth. The way Angeline Boulley balances the impacts of her maternal and paternal sides perfectly.
As far as protagonists go, Daunis was extremely compelling. She's far from perfect as she has a temper and jumps to conclusions that aren't always right, even as she is shown to be competent and learning from her mistakes. She guided the story from start to finish, going through realistic struggles as well as earned triumphs.
While we follow Daunis through her tragedies and the overarching mystery, we're introduced to a wide variety of characters who make up the community around her. Every supporting character felt just as well fleshed out as Daunis with personalities and lives that felt like they extended beyond the story being told.
The female dynamics were exceptionally well done. Daunis' friendships and familial relationships felt so authentic. They tease each other, argue, lie for both good and bad reasons, and had each other's backs. I particularly loved how sex positive the novel was, which was reflected in how the women spoke to and supported each other.
This was a solid 5 stars. I'll be going directly into the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Racism, Suicide, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual content