The Deep & Dark Blue by Niki Smith

3 stars When the Solstice Blessing turns into a violent political coup, twins Grayson and Hawke must flee their home. They find refuge in the Communion of Blue where girls and women learn to spin the threads of reality. While Hawke (now Hanna) feels stifled and wants nothing more than to avenge the family and…

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Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki

4 stars A fascinating blend of science fiction and the supernatural paired with romance, music, found family, and questions of what makes a legacy. I really enjoyed the genre mixing. Donut-making aliens, deals with the Devil, and passion for music collide in such a unique way. Like the Béla Bartók piece that plays such a…

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The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman

Illustrated by Marcin Minor Narrated by Marisa Calin 4 stars Follow the tale of Clare, an undead fox who ushers animals into one of the four realms of the afterlife: Peace, Pleasure, Progress, or Pain. Clare loves his undeath as an usher, his cozy home, and his garden of mushrooms. But when the spirit of…

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Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 5 by Suol

Original Story by Gwon Gyeoeul Translated by Ah Cho 3 stars So conflicted about this volume. I absolutely loved the trial sequence. Great tension and some fun twists as Penelope figures out how to get herself out of the main episode’s current predicament. We also finish up the royal hunting tournament. I don’t love the…

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Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 4 by Suol

Original Story by Gwon Gyeoeul Translated by Ah Cho 3 stars The Eckharts join the hunting tournament on the palace grounds. Not to be left behind, Penelope heads off into the small-game area only to lose her way and come face-to-face with a dangerous foe. An unexpected acquaintance comes to her aid, but there is…

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A Most Unusual Princess (Cursed Princess Club #1)

by Michelle Knudsen 5 stars I absolutely love the Cursed Princess Club graphic novels. Because of that, I was a little nervous to read the novelization of the series, but Knudsen did not disappoint. She perfectly captures the characters and provides humorous descriptions and narration that matches the original imagery. I haven’t read the first…

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Suitor Armor, Vol. 3 by Purpah

4 stars Things have certainly gotten complicated for fairy-in-hiding Lucia. After learning some dark truths about the world around her, Lucia can’t go back to her normal life. Everything has changed, straining her relationship with Lady Kirsi and the others in the castle. Memories, mysteries, and secrets will unravel in this continuation of the story….

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Lu and Ren’s Guide to Geozoology by Angela Hsieh

5 stars A beautiful story of family, friendship, and adventure. When Ah-ma doesn’t return from her latest geozoological adventure, Lu sets out to find her in time to see the sunfish eclipse together. Along the way, she’ll use what she’s learned from her grandmother to identify the fascinating geofauna she encounters and help restore balance…

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Suitor Armor, Vol. 2 by Purpah

4 stars Another fascinating collection. In the second volume, Lucia starts her mage apprenticeship, Modeus learns more about the complicated world of humans, and Lady Kirsi makes a breakthrough in her relationship with King Reimund. But recent events have opened Lucia’s eyes and she makes her question whether what she thought she knew of the…

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