niftyreads's reviews
161 reviews

Excellent debut! I don't think everyone will love THE LONGEST AUTUMN, but it genuinely captivated me. I like being surrounded by hope and melancholia, and Amy Avery ensured I felt every emotion Tirne felt. She also did an exceptional job of writing about Tirne's migraines, and as a chronic migraineur, I felt so seen in this book. I only wish I could get some of those potions to help me! 

The reason why I thought this would be a book for specific audiences was that it's not your typical fantasy novel, i.e., the romantic leads meet, there's a problem or a villain, the hero/ine fixes it, smushy kissy faces for the romance, all was well. THE LONGEST AUTUMN does not follow that pattern. Some people would not be happy with it veering the typical off-course, which makes Tirne's story fascinating. 

It has female empowerment, magic, romance, mythology, and the theme of pushing through pain to survive daily life. It was a winner for me. 

Also, Zura Johnson is an excellent narrator who brings Tirne to life. 

Thanks, Macmillian Audio, for the gifted audiobook!

Content Warnings: toxic relationship, familial death, death, blood, chronic illness, ableism, grief, addiction

Was it needed? No. Did I love it? Yes.

Dec 23/Jan 24 second read:
Audiobook was absolutely exquisite. Perfect cast. I didn’t think the book could get better. 


Dec 22/Jan 23 first read:
To me, this is a perfect book. Magic, mystery, romance, murder, boarding school, and suspense. Plus, different points of view. I loved every single second. I’m so excited to see what happens next! 


Content Warnings: death, suicide, violence, toxic friendship, emotional abuse, gun violence, kidnapping, gaslighting, grief

Dec 23/Jan 24 second read:
Audiobook was absolutely exquisite. Perfect cast. I didn’t think the book could get better. 


Dec 22/Jan 23 first read:
To me, this is a perfect book. Magic, mystery, romance, murder, boarding school, and suspense. Plus, different points of view. I loved every single second. I’m so excited to see what happens next! 


Content Warnings: death, suicide, violence, toxic friendship, emotional abuse, gun violence, kidnapping, gaslighting, grief

I know I’m really late to the game with reading THE UNMAKING OF JUNE FARROW, especially since Adrienne Young is one of my favorite authors, but it was well worth the wait. What a gorgeous book—the first book that has brought me to tears in a while, and I am filled with emotion. 

I’ve never listened to one of Young’s books before. I’ve always read them with eyes, but I saw Brittany Pressley narrated this book, who is a favorite narrator of mine. I made the right choice by listening. Pressley’s narration is fantastic - I mean, when is it not? - but it seemed the combination of Young’s prose and her vocal talent made the perfect combination. I can’t wait to listen to this book again! 

Young always writes books with interesting characters who live complex lives in lush settings, and I’m never bored with the scenic description. THE UNMAKING OF JUNE FARROW falls right into that category. I also loved the deep-seated magical mystery in June’s life that she needed to figure out throughout the book. 

And yes, there is a magical mystery or curse, as the Farrows call it, but I recommend this to fantasy and non-fantasy readers because it’s not a fantasy book. It’s a book about family, secrets, love, and figuring out who you are. It’s a definite must-read and must-recommend from me! 

Content warnings: murder, abandonment, suicide, familial death, mental illness, grief

2024 reread:
I don’t think I could write a better review than my OG review...

2021 OG review:
Raise your hand if words you have spoken have been misinterpreted? 🙋🏻‍♀️ 

Raise your hand if those words got you hired as a contract killer? 🙋🏻‍♀️

Now, raise your hand if you have ever been personally victimized by Regina George? 🙋🏻‍♀️

Oh, wait, wrong story🤦🏻‍♀️ At least the book cover to FINLAY DONOVAN IS KILLING IT is pink - it’s Wednesday, we wear pink on Wednesday. 💕🔪

But, please, answer me, why did I not read Elle Cosimano’s book sooner? I mean seriously y’all. This book is everything - mystery, comedy, romance, and a great big whodunit - all wrapped in a perfect little bow with a fantastic little cliffhanger at the end that makes you so excited for what comes next! 

(I can’t believe I just wrote the words, “fantastic little cliffhanger,” 😮 I hate cliffhangers, but this one was brilliant. It doesn’t take away from this story, but it makes you want the next book!)

Finlay might not have her life together, but she and her nanny/sidekick, Vero, are people I want to be friends with. The hijinks the two of them get into kept me intrigued and brought me joy. Plus, the overall mystery made me never want to put the book down. This is a book I recommend to anyone—readers, authors, contract killers—it’s that fun of a read!

Content Warnings: infidelity, divorce, kidnapping, gun violence, murder

I was very entertained. 

Ugh I hate when the female narrator is excellent and the male narrator is terrible. Even worse when I waited forever for this library hold 😩 Definitely will be reading with my eyes.