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An Encantadora's Guide to Monstros and Magic by Sarah J. Mendonca

  Rating: 4 out of 5 stars An Encantadora’s Guide to Monstros and Magic by Sarah J. Mendonça is an action-packed, magical adventure set in a Portuguese-inspired world, blending the charm of Encanto with the intrigue of Ocean’s 8. The story follows Rosa Coelho, a young girl who has spent her life hunting monstros with her best friend, Tiago, and dreaming of a better future for herself and her grandmother. When her family’s shop is threatened by the Ministry of Monsters, Rosa sees an opportunity to change her fate by tricking her way into a notorious thief crew as their magical safecracker. Mendonça’s worldbuilding is rich and immersive, with a vibrant city full of magic, danger, and high-stakes heists. Rosa’s journey into the world of luxury and betrayal is filled with twists and turns as she navigates a dangerous mission to steal from the Ministry itself. With her magical abilities and newfound allies, Rosa must trust herself and her crew to pull off the heist, knowing that failure...
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Georgie Summers and the Scribes of Scatterplot by Isaac Rudansky

  Rating: 5 out of 5 stars Georgie Summers and the Scribes of Scatterplot by Isaac Rudansky is an exhilarating middle-grade adventure that blends magic, mystery, and the power of friendship. Twelve-year-old Georgie Summers lives an ordinary life until a terrifying man kidnaps his father, leading Georgie on a journey to uncover secrets about his dad’s past. Along with two unlikely allies—Apurva, an aspiring astronomer, and Roscoe, a YouTuber—they discover Scatterplot, a hidden realm where Scribes record everyone’s memories. As Georgie races to stop the villainous Flint Eldritch from erasing the world’s memories, the story becomes a heart-pounding quest filled with danger, courage, and unexpected twists. Rudansky’s writing is fast-paced and engaging, with a great balance of humor and suspense. The characters are relatable and well-developed, and the theme of friendship and belief is woven beautifully throughout. A unique feature of the book is its interactive “CRACK THE CODE” challe...

The Gorgon's Fury by Brandon Mull

  Rating: 4 out of 5 stars The Gorgon’s Fury by Brandon Mull takes readers on a fun and humorous adventure with Newel and Doren, two satyrs who are grappling with the thought of growing up. After their role in the dragon rebellion, the two are facing a crisis of maturity, and their reluctance to leave their childhood behind becomes a central theme. When several Fablehaven inhabitants, including fellow satyrs, are turned to stone, Newel and Doren set off to investigate, suspecting the work of a gorgon. Their journey leads them to the Florida swamplands, where they search for a legendary Listening Doll, said to hold the key to curing magical ailments—possibly even reversing the process of aging. Along the way, they also gear up for the Satyr Games, hoping to defend their title as champions, while also being drawn to the lure of acquiring a smartphone. The quest is packed with the usual adventure, magical creatures, and plenty of humor. What stands out most in The Gorgon’s Fury is M...

No One Was Supposed To Die at This Wedding By Catherine Mack

Rating: (5/5 stars) Catherine Mack's second installment in her gripping mystery series, *No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding*, exceeds expectations, delivering an enthralling tale of secrets, betrayal, and murder. With her signature style, Mack expertly weaves a web of suspense that will keep readers hooked until the very last page.   The story begins with what should be a joyous occasion—a grand wedding at a picturesque venue. But as the vows are exchanged, the carefully curated celebration unravels into chaos when a shocking murder shatters the event. The narrative follows the sharp and resourceful detective protagonist as they uncover dark truths hidden beneath the surface of a seemingly perfect family. Mack’s talent for character development shines through, as each suspect is fleshed out with believable motives and compelling backstories.   One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its setting. Mack's vivid descriptions immerse the reader in the wedding’s o...

A Theroy Of Dreaming by Ava Reid

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) Ava Reid’s *A Theory of Dreaming* is an exquisite masterpiece that beautifully captures the elusive and enchanting nature of dreams. With her signature lyrical prose and a profound grasp of human emotion, Reid takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through the blurred lines of memory, imagination, and reality. This book is not just a story—it’s an experience, one that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.   Reid’s ability to craft imagery is unparalleled. Every scene is painted with words so vivid and poetic that it feels like stepping into a dreamscape. Her exploration of the subconscious is both thought-provoking and emotionally evocative, skillfully unraveling themes of trauma, desire, and the tender vulnerability of human connection.   The characters are achingly real, their struggles and fears woven seamlessly into the dreamlike narrative. Reid invites readers to see themselves in her characters, to reflect on their own dreams ...

How To Stop Trying By Kate Williams

  Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) Kate Williams delivers a refreshingly honest and deeply insightful guide in *How to Stop Trying*. The book speaks directly to overachievers, perfectionists, and anyone who has ever felt the pressure of constantly striving to do more, be more, and achieve more. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, practical advice, and well-researched psychological insights, Williams invites readers to question the relentless pursuit of external validation and redefine their relationships with success, failure, and self-worth. One of the book’s greatest strengths is its relatability. Williams has a knack for capturing the inner monologue of an overachiever with raw authenticity. Her stories of burnout, imposter syndrome, and the never-ending “to-do list” resonate deeply. At the same time, she doesn’t dwell in negativity; her humor and humility make the journey toward self-acceptance feel both attainable and uplifting.   The book is well-structured, with each chapt...

The Bones Beneath My Skin by T J Klune

  5/5 stars T.J. Klune’s* *The Bones Beneath My Skin* is a beautifully heartfelt story about healing, self-acceptance, and the power of love. As always, Klune’s writing is rich with warmth and emotion, capturing the complexities of grief and personal growth with both tenderness and honesty. The protagonist’s journey toward understanding and embracing themselves is deeply moving, and the evolving romance is touching and authentic. While the emotional depth of the story is compelling, there are moments where the pacing slows down, and the narrative takes introspective detours that may feel a bit drawn out. The blend of magical realism with the book’s more grounded themes can also feel uneven at times, but for many readers, this combination adds a layer of whimsy that enhances the story’s charm.  At its core, this book is about finding hope in the darkest times. It’s a cozy mystery with all the feels and just a touch of magic. Even if the pacing isn’t always perfect. It’s a beaut...