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Showing posts from December, 2023

Most Ardently: by Gabe Cole Novoa Narrated by Harrison Knights

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Most Ardently" is an absolute delight for any Jane Austen fan and literature enthusiasts alike! Gabe Cole Novoa's refreshing remix of the timeless classic "Pride and Prejudice" brings a modern twist to the beloved story, capturing the essence of the original while introducing innovative and captivating elements. The narrative is a seamless blend of wit, charm, and the timeless allure of Austen's characters. Novoa's writing style is masterful, maintaining the integrity of the source material while infusing it with a fresh perspective. The characters are vibrant, multi-dimensional, and wonderfully true to the spirit of the original work, making it a joy to revisit their world. Harrison Knights' narration is nothing short of brilliant. His expressive delivery and impeccable timing breathe life into each character, allowing listeners to immerse themselves fully in the story. Knights' voice is a perfect match for the elegant prose, making the a...

Seasick by Kristin Cast & Pintip Dunn

  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Seasick lures you in with an enticing premise of a killer loose on a high seas voyage with former friends turned sleuths hunting them down. The plot itself is gripping - bringing together ex-best friends Naya and Yana amidst classmates with privilege and microaggressions galore. When one of their own is murdered, they have to navigate choppy waters to unmask the killer before becoming victims themselves. The character dynamics and suspenseful storytelling are this book's strengths for sure. However, the confusing writing style sometimes unravels that good momentum. Scenes flip-flop suddenly at times in distracting ways. It requires rereading passages to follow the awkward transitions. This makes an otherwise exciting thriller a slower read than necessary. Most disappointing is the fact that clues give away the villain’s identity earlier than ideal. Subtle hints make it clear who the killer likely is, lessening the impact of the eventual reveal. Readers will figure ou...

The Curse of Eelgrass Bog by Mary Averling

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Curse of Eelgrass Bog is a spellbinding middle-grade fantasy that had me hooked from the first page! Twelve-year-old protagonist Kess Pedrock already lives in a delightfully weird world, residing in her family's Unnatural History Museum surrounded by fossils, skeletons, and a talking demon head. But when a mysterious new girl in town named Lilou asks for Kess's help breaking a strange curse, it sweeps them both into a thrilling and chilling adventure beyond anything Kess could have imagined. Despite ominous warnings, Kess bravely follows Lilou into the heart of the legendary Eelgrass Bog in search of answers. The atmospheric worldbuilding makes the bog come alive with subtle magic. Rich descriptions of dark secrets, odd creatures, and supernatural forces rising from the murky depths had my pulse racing even as the clever banter between the girls balanced the tension. As the riveting mystery deepens, author Mary Averling deftly explores themes of friendship and...