natashaleighton_'s reviews
1103 reviews

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-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

4.5

The atmospheric, dark academia vibes of Atlas Six and the ethics of Babel meets the visceral gore of Grady Hendrix in this supernatural YA Fantasy — that pretty much eviscerated me emotionally!

With multiple POVs and a class of ambitious, morally grey students willing to do anything, I was literally on the edge of my seat.

The emotional depth we explore in each student, as they navigate the moral cost of their education and the benefits to their survival, was impressive too. And I loved how richly detailed the writing was, serving as an allegory to the elitist, debt-fuelled (and exploitative) nature of for-profit education.

And with a demon for a teacher that the class must kill to graduate, or risk dying; each page was a suspenseful, anxiety-inducing experience that made emotionally connecting with any of the students a little harrowing. So do stock up on tissues because you’ll be sobbing quite a bit.

It’s also quite difficult to talk about our POV characters (Fabian, Credence and Euphemia “Mia”, who I enjoyed getting to know) without spoilers. So I’ll try and keep it as brief as possible.

Fabian was my least favourite of our MCs, his ruthless ambition to get ahead was intriguing at times but his insincerity did start to become a bit off-putting.

Credence was the character I connected with the most (being the most optimistically naive, and shielded of the trio.) But, her conflicted emotions as the slow realisation (that survival isn’t guaranteed) sets in was heartbreakingly good —I was rooting for and wanting hug her the entire time.

Mia, though, was by far my favourite! She’s as ruthless as Fabian, but less interested at playing teacher’s pet or making friends. And her brutal honesty about what she’s willing to do (in her head if not out loud) was marvellous!

If you love plot twisty, dark academia—with demons, magic and the possibility of death, then you’re gonna love this! Just check TWs first.

Also, thanks to Book Rambler PR and Harper360YA for the amazing finished copy.

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Nightshade by Autumn Woods

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dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-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

4.5

An addictively suspenseful, dark academia romance that’s bursting with rich, atmospheric visuals (and a mysteriously menacing undercurrent) that had me on the edge of my seat!

Firstly, I adored Autumn Wood’s writing style. Which has a lush, sensory edge (think layered emotions and gothic yearning) that I found soo immersive. And, when paired with Ophelia’s revenge-driven arc and slow burn, enemies to lovers romance with Alex, there was no way I wouldn’t be obsessed.

Both emotionally complex and a little broken, Ophelia and Alex were amazing characters to explore. The grief, and vengeance-tinged fury that simmers in Ophelia (as she seeks to destroy the boy whose family she believes destroyed hers) was heartbreakingly compelling. But it was in watching her slowly get to know Alex, and unravel the truths of his own trauma that really made this such an unputdownable read.

Well that, the themes surrounding power and privilege, and the scorching chemistry she shares with Alex—who not only falls first, but falls HARD (in that protective “who hurt you” kind of way we all swoon at.)

I really liked Colette and Vincenzo, (who make up part of Ophelia and Alex’s found family-esque friend group) as well and found them surprisingly intriguing (Vincenzo’s humour filled antics were a particular highlight.) I just wish we got a more detailed exploration, as we didn’t see nearly enough of them (though I do have my fingers crossed we see a spin off in the future.)

Overall, this was a beautifully written, Dark Academia Romance full of deadly secrets, eerie stalkers, scorching chemistry and an ending that has me feral for the sequel already. But do check the TWs.

Also, thanks to Book Break UK / Pan Macmillan for the finished copy.

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The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley

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adventurous dark funny lighthearted mysterious tense medium-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

A refreshingly witty, enemies to lovers fantasy that I didn’t want to put down!

From the hilarious, banter-filled interactions (and dialogue) between MCs, Aurienne and Osric, (whose petty remarks, dirty jokes and lighthearted animosity had me absolutely cackling) to the chaotic field trips and eccentric side characters we meet along the way. There wasn’t anything I didn’t enjoy.

I loved Brigitte’s Knighley’s prose, which was entertaining in a fun, unputdownable way that had me hooked. Our MCs vocabulary during their interactions was pretty fun too, and had a Terry Pratchett-esque charm that (in my opinion) only added to the overall whimsy.

But of course, the main attraction was our grumpy x sunshine-esque duo, Aurienne (the scholarly healer who follows the rules) and Osric (the silver tongued assassin who loves to break them.)

They were both incredibly nuanced, flawed and in-depth characters who, (despite their very different moral views) can’t stop the slowburn and gorgeously intense chemistry that simmers between them.

I really liked Aurienne, she’s smart and compassionate with an unwavering drive to do what’s right. But I loved seeing her grow and realise that people (and the choices they make) can’t always be neatly categorised.

I also adored Osric and found his charming, flirtatious personality soo joyfully infectious. Even his interactions with Aurienne’s Deofol and fellow assassin Leofric were hilarious. I’ll also never look at a fork the same way again!

There’s not much else I can say without spoilers. However, with its soft magic system and world-building that focuses heavily on its characters (rather than exposition heavy lore), this might not appeal to everyone.

But, if you’ve read (and loved) Olivia Atwater or Gabby Hutchinson Crouch’s work, then you’ll probably really enjoy this!

Also, a huge thank you to Nazia & Orbit books UK for this stunning finished copy.

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The Boyfriend Hypothesis by Susannah Nix

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

3.5

Short and satisfyingly sweet, the third book on the Chemistry Lessons series was a really enjoyable read.

Though not as nerdy and STEM focused as the first two instalments, I did love the plus sized rep we get in protagonist, Penny, who I felt was such a relatable character to explore.

A kind, outwardly confident, yet emotionally cautious patent reviewer; Penny inwardly struggles with the idea she’s not good enough. Especially after catching her second boyfriend (in as many years) cheating.

So her decision: to give up on dating (and her nice girl persona), and grant her fun loving, no strings attached alter ego a chance was a really incredibly intriguing.

The path to self acceptance and emotional development this leads to, which also sees Penny realise she doesn’t need to sacrifice her own happiness (or wellbeing) to make a relationship work was really good.

However, Barista Caleb (the sexy, friends-with-benefits-receiver in question) was emotionally standoffish at times, which did occasionally take away from his dynamics with Penny.

We do eventually explore why he’s distant and I have to say, even at his surliest he still seemed a 1000% better that any of Penny’s previous boyfriends. Plus THAT epilogue was just soo cute!

Overall, a cute, low stakes Contemporary Romance that fans of the friends to lovers trope should consider checking out.

Also, a huge thanks you to Pan Macmillan for the finished copy

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Of Flame and Fury by Mikayla Bridge

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious tense medium-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

4.5

Blending the high stakes intensity of F1 and the delicate dynamics of horse racing with a fiery, magical (Phoenix shaped) twist; Mikayla Bridge’s YA Fantasy debut was absolutely stunning!

The world-building was soo immersive with lush, sensory imagery that complimented the action beautifully. And those adrenaline fuelled race scenes?! They were visceral in the best, most emotional, and heart-poundingly deadly way that had me utterly hooked! (Seriously, I felt like I was on those race tracks with Savita, Kel, Coup and the rest of the Crimson Howlers.)

The emotional depth we explore in our characters was really good too, and I genuinely adored Kel. She comes off as quite harsh and distrustful at first (a product of the brutal world she’s learned to survive in.) But she quickly won me over with the fierce protectiveness she has for her phoenix, Savita, and her deep sense of loyalty for the found family esque group shes cultivated in the Howlers.

I also found her evolution; in letting down her walls and sharing the cautious, most vulnerable sides of herself such a satisfying experience. Particularly given struggles she faces, and the exploitation she inadvertently uncovers.

Plus, her chemistry with rival racer Coup (who opens up about his own emotional struggles as they get to know one another) and their delicious enemies to lovers / fake dating dynamics were really well explored. And was a great counterpoint to the sinister undercurrent that slowly weaves its way into the narrative.

Overall, a satisfying series starter (with a second act twist I really hadn’t expected) that’s perfect for fans character driven, underdog-style stories. Full of tension, high stakes action, plenty of emotion, and of course one sassy (slightly bloodthirsty) Phoenix I’d definitely risk my life for!

Also, a huge thank you to First Ink Books/ Book Break UK for the stunning proof!

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Den of Liars by Jessica S. Olson

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense medium-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

4.5

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The Crimson Moth by Kristen Ciccarelli

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad 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

With witches, witch hunters and plenty of enemies to lovers tension to go with the cat and mouse dynamics, this was such an incredible read. I honestly can’t believe it took me soo long to pick up!

The prose was decadently lush and the dual POV characters (Rune and Gideon) were fabulously complex in a flawed, morally grey kind of way that I found utterly unputdownable.

I loved the sharp tongued Rune, who uses her flirtatious socialite persona to hide her blood soaked alter ego, The Crimson Moth. An infamous vigilante (and resistance fighter) using her magic to save fellow witches from imprisonment and execution.

However, it was her emotional complexity as she tries to overcome the guilt surrounding her (witch) grandmother’s execution (and the role she played in it) that kept me soo invested.

Well that, and the sizzlingly addictive, slow-burn chemistry she has with witch hunter, Gideon. Our morally grey (and brooding) second POV character whose lethal precision at detecting (and capturing) witches took me a while to warm to. But peering behind his callous mask, (to the loss that has shaped him) really helped me to understand him (and his need for vengeance) a little better.

Plus the scorching intensity of their enemies to lovers dynamics—and the conflicted feelings they both face was soo deliciously swoon worthy! And THAT ending! I need to grab a copy of Rebel Witch immediately 🔥

There’s not much else I can add without spoilers. So I’ll just say, this was a nuanced, plot twisty and politically charged tale of identity, grief, vengeance, survival and love. That fans of witchy Romantasy or the Serpent & Dove series should definitely consider checking out.

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Rose in Chains by Julie Soto

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-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

4.5

Emotionally charged and hauntingly addictive, Julie Soto’s first foray into Dark Romantasy was as high stakes and tension filled as they come!

The opening scenes (and aftermath of the war) were quite brutal to read through, with protagonist, Briony (and many others) captured and put up for auction. As such, I definitely advise checking the TWs beforehand.

That being said, Soto explores them in as grounded and serious a manner as possible, never glorifying the abuse or trauma our characters face— something I’m very grateful for.

I also really liked protagonist, Briony. As our sole POV character, she’s the only viewpoint we have in exploring this world and I found her perspective such a nuanced and emotionally evocative one. She’s not as outwardly rebellious as other FMCs in this genre. But the internalising of her fears, hopes and secret longings (of survivor’s guilt, shame, grief and even attraction) really made her feel soo real.

And of course, I can’t not mention the slow burn and deliciously intense romance! Love interest, Toven was the ultimate brooding, Byron-esque figure, whose secretive nature intrigued me. And the glimmers of mutual attraction he and Briony share, (long before the war) was really great. It felt almost too delicate to explore, but I held an anticipatory breath through each and every scene!

However, the skill with which Soto navigates the power dynamics (and budding relationship) was what I found the most impressive. I won’t go into any specifics (in case of spoilers) but Briony’s autonomy and growing sense of agency was absolutely divine.

I just wish we’d explored the heart and mind-based magic system in a bit more depth. Overall, this was a gorgeously compelling read with a morally grey romance at its heart, and an ending that’ll be living rent free in my head until the sequel is released.

Also, thanks to Harper Voyager UK for the proof.

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And They Were Roommates by Page Powars

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-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

4.5

This was the first Page Powars book I’ve ever read and it was such a fun, heartfelt and beautifully queer read that I absolutely adored!

The coming-of-age-style premise, endearing MC and cast of vibrant, quirky characters who (embraced our protagonist in the sweetest, most found family of ways) stole my heart almost instantly.

But it was Powars’ blend of humour, introspective (teenage) angst and character driven storytelling that really made And They Were Roommates such a satisfying read.

Capturing the awkward teenage emotions of Charlie, and really touching on the struggles he faces as a trans person navigating a rigid, tradition-based setting. Powars gives us an insightful, compelling and joyfully affirming look into how gender identity intersects with the day to day experiences of trans teens.

And I really liked Charlie. When we first meet him, he’s so afraid of judgement he chooses to isolate himself from the other students than risk getting hurt. But after being drawn into the (secretly rebellious) student group STRIP, we finally see him let down his walls and begin to trust the supportive, and slightly chaotic group who take him under their wing.

Their banter and witty dialogue was wonderful too, and I loved delving into both the platonic and romantic relationships that Charlie begins to build. But of course, it was his romance with Jasper (who really comes into his own in the last half of the book), and the subtle exploration of their mutual history that really made this a stand out to me, (along with the swoony loaded silences and chemistry-filled stolen glances.)

So, if you enjoy YA romances filled with emotion, gentle (realistic) portrayals of intimacy, or endearingly awkward MCs. Then you definitely have to consider checking this out.

Also, thanks to Hodder Children’s/ Team Bookmark for the PB copy.

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A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon

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adventurous emotional tense medium-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

4.0

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natashaleighton_'s reviews 1103 reviews

natashaleighton_'s reviews
1103 reviews