natashaleighton_'s reviews
1032 reviews

Murder and VR collide in Triona Campbell’s pacy (and plot twisty) YA Thriller debut, that literally had me on the edge of my seat!

After her sister and sole guardian, Maya, suddenly drops dead, sixteen year old Asha is certain the secretive (and powerful) tech company Maya worked for is somehow involved. 

With help from some hacker friends (including the brooding Dark) she slowly begins piecing together what happened. But, in order to uncover the full picture, she has to infiltrate the company— by entering as a contestant in an E-Sports tournament they’re hosting for their upcoming game, SHACKLE. The very same game Maya had been working on before her death…

I loved this! The writing was deliciously suspenseful, and the characters really well written —particularly our endearing protagonist, Asha. Whose fierce determination and fearlessness (spurred on by her love for her sister) in spite of all the risks— had me rooting for her (and wanting to give her a big hug) from the very start.

The tension was deliciously high too (which I also loved) and The Black Mirror meets Ready Player One-esque vibes had me utterly, nail bitingly addicted!

Delving into themes of power and corruption, grief, love and the dangers of technology (when used unethically), Campbell certainly manages to pack quite an emotional punch that, paired with the vividly descriptive action sequences and rather timely message made for quite an immersive read. And one I feel readers will definitely want to finish in one sitting. 

I was a bit nervous at first as I’m not really a gamer but, the gaming aspect was really easy to grasp and (maybe due to the VR aspect) felt just like the sweeping, epic action scenes in all my fave sci-fi /fantasy novels. 

 

I’m also a bit of a sucker for the found family trope, so adored the dynamics we see Asha build with the rest of her tournament team. Though, it was the dynamics between Asha and Dark that I was emotionally invested in the most. The history they share and the trust they have in one another was just skilfully explored and really brought depth to both characters.

Overall, an addictively high stakes and plot twisty, YA Thriller that explores Virtual Reality and AI technology in such a thought provoking and compelling manner that’s perfect for starting further discussions around the topic. 

Also, a huge thank you to Scholastic UK & Lorraine Keating PR for the physical copy. 

A wonderfully cosy, fantasy romance with a low stakes, slice of life premise that (along with all the baby dragons) literally stole my heart.

I really enjoyed this one! I’ve been reading a lot of intense, epic fantasy lately so this was the perfect palate cleanser to keep me from slipping into a book slump. The stakes are low, the dragon content is high (and absolutely addictive in its cuteness.)

And our protagonists, Saphira (the sunshiny owner of The Baby Dragon Cafe) and Aiden (resident recluse & reluctant baby dragon owner) were both incredibly endearing.

I really liked Saphira, whose joy at getting to be around baby dragons was wonderfully infectious. With no family left, and having used her inheritance from her grandmother (Nani-Ma), to make her dream (of owning a baby dragon cafe) come true. It was soo heartening to see the found family-esque community she inadvertently builds. 

Plus her ability to coax Aiden out of his shy, reclusive (and grief stricken) shell was soo satisfying— as was the sweet, slow burn relationship that blossoms between them. 

But I have to admit, it was Sparky (Aiden’s chaotically inquisitive baby dragon) who stole the spotlight (and my heart) with his toddler-like antics and general cuteness.  I do also want to highlight A. T. Qureshi’s nuanced (and emotional) portrayal of rider/ dragon bonding which I found soo fascinating. And seeing how important this stage of development is for a baby dragon was really enlightening.

I’m genuinely super excited for the sequel (which will follow Saphira’s co-worker/bestie, Lavinia) and will be eagerly counting down the days until its release (which I believe is later this year.)

Overall, a cute, cosy and unputdownable read that I’m desperate to see turned into a TV show! 

Also, I have to say a massive thank you to Mel for sending me this, you’re the absolute best! 

A beautifully lyrical novel from Laini Taylor whose exquisitely endearing characters and intricately crafted narrative was really captivating. My only complaint is that the pacing was a bit slow and it took a while for me to really loose myself in Weep. 

Also, given some of the themes and subject material, I do recommend checking TWs before picking up. 

Action packed and gloriously intense; Kamilah Cole’s jaw dropping, dragon filled conclusion to the Divine Traitors series, was everything I had hoped it would be and more! 

Following on from the shocking events of So Let Them Burn, we once again follow sisters and POV characters, Faron and Elara, who (for the first time ever) find themselves caught on opposite sides of an upcoming, and all consuming war. One that threatens to tear their very world (and everything they love) apart. 

The worldbuilding was still as gorgeously vivid, and the writing just as beautifully evocative as the first book. With rich prose that delved into the lore and magic surrounding San Irie (especially involving the first Empyrean), which I felt really added a layer of complexity and depth to this high stakes (and dangerously fraught) world.

If you enjoyed the evocative, Jamaican-inspired setting of So Let Them Burn and getting to witness the rebuilding of a nation (along with the pieceing together of its surviving culture and identity) in the aftermath of colonialist rule. Then you definitely won’t want to miss this, as Cole poignantly explores themes of anti-colonialism, genocide, trauma and war; by examining the true cost of oppression and the toll (both physical and psychological) that war can have. 

I can’t say too much as I don’t want to spoil the plot. But I can say the emotional trauma that Faron and Elara endure, and the challenges they find themselves facing had me in a literal chokehold until that very last page. 

I did love that we got to delve into Faron’s POV a bit more, something we didn’t get as much of in book 1. Exploring her inner conflicts and attempts to stop the violence escalating, (in hopes of saving both her sister and the boy she has feelings for— whilst also navigating the blurred lines between hero and villain) was pretty intense—I was on the edge of my seat for every one of her scenes. And though I had no idea how (or even if) she’d manage to save everyone, I couldn’t help but root for her to find a way.

 

Overall, this was a fast paced and emotional read about sisterhood and survival —that fans of timely, epic fantasy (or dragons) definitely need to consider checking out.

Also a huge thank you to Shalini & Atom Books for the finished copies. 

Beautifully swoon-worthy and bursting with whimsy, Wooing The Witch Queen was such a cosy, humorous read that I’m glad to say, I loved every magically chaotic second of!

The setting itself was wonderfully vivid and wove a quirky, fairy tale inspired backdrop that reminded me a little of (at least in vibes if not in plot) The 10th Kingdom— which, given how much I was obsessed with that show as a kid made me very happy. 

But where Stephanie Burgis truly shines, is in her characters, most of whom were brilliantly well written and soo compelling. Be it the found family dynamics between Mrs. Haglitz, Morlokk and Queen Saskia, to the delicious theatrics of the Queens of Villainy (who enthusiastically take Saskia under their wing) I was completely hooked! 

Our protagonists, Saskia and Felix, were utterly amazing too! Both born into power that was taken from them; for Saskia that was the brutal murder of her family and imprisonment by her uncle (before finding freedom, and leading a rebellion that restored her to her rightful position.) 

And for Felix, it was his father’s manipulative advisor, who used Felix as a political pawn since his parents died fifteen years prior. Yet, the way in which they both navigate these situations were quite fascinating, and really highlighted the very different but complimentary demeanours that I found soo wonderfully complex.

Saskia, in upholding her fearsome Witch Queen reputation (which she uses to protect her people from tyranny) sacrifices the chance to make actual emotional connections with people, which clearly affects her more than she lets on. So I loved that, in getting to know Felix, she began to see the positives in opening up emotionally. And to believe in herself the same way everyone around her already does. 

Likewise, I loved seeing Felix (even if in disguise as a dark wizard due to a misunderstanding) finally getting the chance to choose his own path and make his own decisions for the first time. His gentle, cinnamon roll nature didn’t just win over me and our protagonist, Saskia either, as we see several characters (animal companion, Oskar the crow) fall for his compassionate (and adorably genuine) disposition too. 

And I loved just how swoon-worthy and sweet the romance between them was! Their dynamics did have a hint of Beauty and The Beast about it (Felix being more like the bookish Belle and Saskia’s temperament aligning more with Beast) and their scenes together were incredible—I can’t imagine anyone NOT rooting for them!  

Overall, this was a satisfying, (character driven) read that’s perfect for anyone craving the cosy vibes of Legends & Lattes, but with more politics and mistaken identity based romance. I literally cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel!

Also, thanks to BookBreak and Bramble/Pan Macmillan for the stunning proof. 

Just as fast paced and fabulously entertaining as My Roommate Is A Vampire, I literally couldn’t put it down! 

Having loved Frederick’s roguishly eccentric vampire friend, Reginald soo much in Jenna Levine’s debut, I was soo glad to see him get his own book. It was even better than I had anticipated! Reginald “Reggie” was as hilariously charming and chaotic as I hoped he’d be, but it was his romantic chemistry with human accountant, Amelia Collins (and his adorably bizarre demeanour that Amelia just rolls with) that truly stole my heart. 

There is some build up, as Amelia and Reggie get to know one another. How the glimpses of emotion and vulnerability they share as they get to know each other and the sweetness of virtually all of their interactions more than made up for the slightly slow start. 

I definitely recommend to readers who a romance dripping with love Grumpy x Sunshine-esque dynamics, plenty of humour, the fake dating trope and tons swoon-worthy, cinnamon roll-energy from the world’s most eccentrically dressed vampire. Though do check TWs first. 

Decadently vivid and deliciously atmospheric—I couldn’t put down! Unhallowed Halls by Lili Wilkinson read like the Dark Academia, YA fantasy love child of The Secret History and Ninth House, which I absolutely loved! It genuinely kept me on my toes (and glued to my seat) until the very last page. 

I was in awe at just how suspenseful (and brimming with the supernatural) this was! Drawing on Gaelic myth, and blending themes of friendship, identity and belonging into the intense, academic setting (complete with a crumbling gothic castle for a school, and misty Scottish moors to brood on); Wilkinson has crafted a gorgeously immersive and haunting novel (with prose to die for) that fans of gothic, dark academia are gonna enjoy. 

I loved the found family-esque cast of characters (Cyrus, Oak, Gideon and Ren especially, but I did warm up to Lacey by the end) who were all as emotionally in-depth and intriguing as they were inclusive. Their banter was also top notch and the nuggets of kindness and connection they bestow Page, did help endear them to me. 

Of all the characters though, it was Page I loved the most. As someone who grew up suffering from fairly painful menstrual cramps, I loved that endometriosis (which Page has) is not only highlighted but realistically portrayed too. Plus seeing her explain her symptoms and then experience them, will go a long way in helping to normalise how vey not normal severely painful periods actually are. 

I also loved that she was a complex and endearing character, whose longing to belong (and finally find acceptance in a friend group) had me eager to see her succeed. Though, with the mystery surrounding her past, there was an edge of unreliability to her that did keep me guessing for a while.

And once that mystery begins to unravel, everything really starts to click into place. Yet, it was her resilience and self acceptance (in the face of such jaw dropping revelations) that really cemented her as my fave. I’m still impressed with her restraint, as know I would’ve been a complete mess in her shoes! 

There’s soo much I want to say, but it’s wrapped up in the plot twists (which I don’t want to spoil.) So all I’ll say is, if you’re looking for an LGBTQIA inclusive novel: full of secrets, betrayals, friendship, a hint of romance and tons of magic (both plant based and dark) —then this is definitely the book for you. Though, I do suggest checking the TWs beforehand. 

Also, a huge thank you to Titan Books UK for the stunning proof (and my spot on the tour.)

Holy Annorath Mor, this was absolutely breathtaking! I was soo nervous this wouldn’t live up to the hype but it completely surpassed all my expectations. 

The chemistry between our MCs, Saeris and Kingfisher, was gorgeously intense and the prose beautifully atmospheric. The pacing was pretty good too, though Kingfisher didn’t show up nearly as quickly as I hoped (he doesn’t make an appearance until about the 60 page mark, and his interactions with don’t properly start until about 100ish pages in.) 

The depth and personality we get to explore in soo many of the characters was phenomenal too! And the band of misfits/ found family vibes that develop between them and Saeris was soo heartwarmingly endearing (honestly by the end I felt like I knew them all, and just wanted to give each and every one of them a big hug.) 

Though, of them all, I definitely had the biggest soft spot for Carrion-whose flirtatious banter and general antics really helped defuse some of the most tense moments. 

The plot twists were jaw dropping also and I honestly wasn’t expecting the ending to have quite that many.

This is an adult Romantasy, so there are several steamy, open door scenes — if that’s not your kind of thing then you’re probably not gonna enjoy this.

I also suggest checking TWs beforehand too, as it does delve into themes, situations and issues that some readers may not find enjoyable. 

Overall, a fantastic Romantasy series starter whose sequel I’m already desperate to get my hands on! 

Pretty Little Liars meets A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder in Ravena Guron’s compelling new YA Thriller. In which protagonist Kay—after vowing never to return (due to the grieving memories of losing her best friend, Ivy and aunt Sandra a year prior) finds herself back in her hometown…

And caught in the centre of a sinister plot by an anonymous blackmailer whose threatening letters promise a week of tragic events. That will culminate in Kay’s murder on Monday, unless she can work out their identity.

At first, Kay thinks it’s a prank. But as each grim pledge comes true, she finds herself delving ever deeper into mysteries and secrets that even Kay hadn’t expected to uncover. All pointing to Ivy’s death being not quite as accidental as it first appears.

It’s deliciously twisted (I really couldn’t work out who was masterminding it all) and incredibly well plotted, with an array of suspects and intriguing side characters that really brought the small town setting to life.  

And I really liked our endearing protagonist, Kay. An amateur sleuth, prone to getting caught up in the details (and red herrings.) I found Kaye soo refreshingly relatable, with a level of self awareness we don’t often explore in YA Thriller MCs—especially when it came to identifying her own flaws.

I also loved just how enthusiastic she was in her role as investigator and her willingness to suspect everyone, even if it pained her to do so. From former friends, family and even some pretty influential community figures, no one escapes scrutiny — and I absolutely loved that! 

The anonymous “Monday” definitely felt like an homage to Pretty Little Liars’ notorious blackmailer “A”. Even the atmospheric twists we see Kay (and the investigative gang she forms) undergo had that heart-pounding, PLL feel of them. And had me on the edge of my seat (in full detective mode) until the very end. 

This is the third Guron’s YA Thrillers I’ve read now, and I’m absolutely obsessed with her writing. Gorgeously compelling, utterly immersive and so very moreish! She explores grief and trauma in such a powerfully emotive manner which really added nuance and depth to the characters —I’m certain readers are gonna really resonate with this one. 

If you love Holly Jackson, Pretty Little Liars-esque plot twists, or deadly mysteries that will have you feeling rollercoaster of emotions. Then you should definitely consider adding this to your TBRs.

Also, massive thanks to Usborne UK for the physical proof.

A decadently lush, slow-burn romantasy with plenty of high stakes action that kept me on the edge of my seat —and feeling ALL the emotions, ‘til the very end.

This is actually the first of Helen Scheuerer’s books I’ve read. But with vividly immersive prose, an endearing found family-esque cast of characters (Kipp and Cal were particular faves) and simmering romantic tension between protagonists, Wren and Torj —she’s completely won me over.

I was especially impressed with just how much depth we explore in each of our MCs. Particularly Wren, who was such quick witted and determined character, with a heartbreaking backstory that’s really taken her to some dark places emotionally (and alchemically.) But watching her work through that trauma, and come out the other side stronger and ready to embrace her abilites was amazing. 

Likewise, I really adored Torj, our brooding Warsword who uses his rough physical exterior and battle hardened reputation to hide his vulnerabilities from the world. But inside he’s a gooey (and unrelentingly loyal) cinnamon roll who’s willing to risk everything (and anything) for the people he cares for most. Which I found super fun to explore, even if it resulted in some heartbreakingly emotional scenes. 

Not to mention their swoon-worthy chemistry! I waited with bated breath through every one of their interactions just so I could bask in that deliciously romantic intensity. We do get some poignant moments too, a few of which very nearly broke me— so do be sure to stock up on tissues! 

It is technically a sexier, more adult spin off to the YA The Legends of Thezmarr series (being set after the Shadow War that Wren and Torj were heavily involved in.) 

But was incredibly enjoyable, even without prior knowledge of that series, as Scheuerer weaves the backstory and lore so skilfully into the plot—bringing soo much depth (and dimension) without slowing the pace or getting too exposition-y (which I loved!) 

If you’re planning to read The Legends of Thezmarr, however, I definitely suggest waiting to pick this up until after you’ve finished, so as not to spoil that series’ ending. 

Overall, a phenomenal series starter that’s perfect for anyone craving a slow-burn romance with a side of epic fantasy, political intrigue, or high stakes (poison based) plots (Just be sure to check the TWs.) I honestly don’t know how I’m gonna survive the wait ‘til book 2! 

Also, a huge thank you to Tor Bramble UK / BookBreak UK for the incredible proof