Book Review: Spell Bound by F.T. Lukens

October 14, 2023October 8, 2023 Dini @ dinipandareads7 Comments

Spell Bound
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s UK
Pub Date: 13 April 2023
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Panda Rating:

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📖 SYNOPSIS

Magic rivals. A deadly secret. An inconvenient crush. What could possibly go wrong? A perfect LGBT+ romantic fantasy for fans of Rainbow Rowell, Margaret Rogerson and Adam Silvera!

Edison Rooker is determined to gain access to the magical world. Problem is, he doesn’t have magic. But he does have a plan: get a job as apprentice to powerful sorceress Antonia Hex. He also has an illegal Spell Binder device, which he must keep hidden from the Magical Consortium, at all costs…

With his new job, Edison is given a new name – Rook – which he happily accepts. He’s less happy about working alongside Sun , the grumpy but annoyingly cute apprentice to Antonia’s big rival.

When the Consortium gets wind of Rook’s Spell Binder, they come for Antonia. Rook turns to the only other magical person he knows: Sun. The two must team up to save Antonia… or face losing their magic forever. Funny, subversive, romantic fantasy from New York Times bestselling author F. T. Lukens. Look out for So This is Ever After and In Deeper Waters.

TL;DR: Spell Bound was an incredibly wholesome and magical urban fantasy. This has everything from moments of coming-of-age, self-acceptance and finding your place, to adorably cursed singing mice, cataloguing cursed items in extremely haunted houses, and being tried in court for “small acts of rebellion”. With a quirkily charming but no less loveable cast of characters that will have you giggling at their adorable awkwardness, laughing at their antics, and cheering for them to defeat the baddies, this book proves that the found family trope is superior. Obviously, I loved it!

Book Review: The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

October 5, 2023October 8, 2023 Dini @ dinipandareads14 Comments

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Pub Date: 23 August 2022
Genre: Cosy Paranormal Romance

Panda Rating:

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📖 SYNOPSIS

She found magic in the most unlikely of places.

Mika Moon follows three rules: hide your magic, keep your head down, and stay away from other witches. Mika is good at being alone, and she doesn’t mind it . . . mostly.

But when an unexpected invitation arrives to teach three young witches at the mysterious Nowhere House, Mika jumps at the chance for a different life. As she comes to care for its quirky inhabitants – and Jamie, the handsome but prickly librarian – finally belonging somewhere feels like a real possibility.

But magic isn’t the only danger in the world – is it worth risking everything to protect the found family Mika didn’t know she was looking for?

A warm and uplifting novel about an isolated witch whose opportunity to embrace a new family – and a new love – changes the course of her life.

TL;DR: If you’re looking for a cosy, heartwarming, and touching story about discovering your place, finding a family, and creating a home, then this is absolutely the book for you. If you want your heart to burst with all the feel-goodness this has to offer and if you love to read about endearing characters with giant hearts, a couple of secrets, and their share of trauma to work through, this is it. It honestly felt like I was reading The House in the Cerulean Sea but make it more diverse, inclusive, whimsical, cheekily sexy and romantic! 😍 If you’re a fan of cosy witchy goodness then what are you waiting for? Read this ASAP!

Blog Tour Review: Alex Wise vs. the End of the World by Terry J. Benton-Walker

September 28, 2023 Dini @ dinipandareads7 Comments

Hello, friends! I’m back with a blog tour review + my favourite quotes for Alex Wise vs. the End of the World by Terry J. Benton-Walker. Special thanks to the TBR & Beyond Tours team for organising the tour and including me in it!

Thanks to Labyrinth Road for providing a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Click here or on the banner above to check out the rest of the fantastic bloggers on tour!

Alex Wise vs. the End of the Road
Publisher: Labyrinth Road
Publication Date: 26 September 2023
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Rep: Queer, Black, Non-binary

Panda Rating:

_{(4.5 pandas)}

📖 SYNOPSIS

Welcome to the summer of the apocalypse. One 12-year-old boy is up against the forces of evil as he tries to stop the Four Horsemen from taking over the world in the start to a wildly funny and addictive fantasy series about accepting yourself and finding your inner hero.

Alex Wise feels like his world is ending. His best friend Loren is leaving town for the summer, his former friend and maybe sort of crush Sky hasn’t spoken to him since he ditched Alex on first day of sixth grade, and now his mom is sending him and his annoying younger sister, Mags, on a cruise with the dad who abandoned them. And, as if things couldn’t get worse, a creepy shadow monster may or may not be stalking him.

But none of this could prepare Alex for the actual end of the world. Too bad that is exactly what’s coming, after the definitely-real Shadow Man kidnaps Mags and she is possessed by the ancient spirit of Death–one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Luckily (depending on who you ask), Alex is possessed as well by a powerful god who imbues Alex with their powers in an effort to stop the Horsemen…if he can figure out how to use them. So begins an epic battle between good and evil: Alex, Loren, a grumpy demi-god and Alex’s fourth grade teacher vs. Death, Pestilence, Famine, War, and the waves of chaos and destruction they bring to LA and soon the rest of the globe. Just your average summer vacation.

Alex is more used to being left behind than leading the way, but now he’s the only one who can save his sister–and the world. That is, if he can unlock his new powers and and see himself as the hero he is.

⚠️ CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS

Divorce (recounted), abandonment (by parent and friend), queerphobia, bullying (off-page), trauma, death, mild violence

📚 BUY A COPY!

TL;DR: Alex Wise vs. the End of the World was an emotional, action-packed and engaging MG fantasy. From start to finish, I didn’t want to put it down. I loved the exploration of difficult family relationships, sibling bonds, and best friendships. The found family vibes were great and I also adored how the author explored identity and self-love. Alex’s journey toward loving and accepting himself made me feel sad at times but ultimately, so happy for him. For those kids who never saw themselves in books, especially being the heroes of said books, this one is definitely for you. A great read and recommendation for young readers but also readers of all ages!

Blog Tour Review: A Prayer for Vengeance by Leanne Schwartz

September 21, 2023 Dini @ dinipandareads5 Comments

Hello, friends! I’m back with a blog tour review for A Prayer for Vengeance by Leanne Schwartz. Special thanks to the TBR & Beyond Tours team for organising the tour and including me in it!

Thanks to Page Street YA for providing a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Click here or on the banner above to check out the rest of the fantastic bloggers on tour!

A Prayer for Vengeance
Publisher: Page Street YA
Publication Date: 19 September 2023
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Rep: Neurodiverse, plus-sized, LGBTQIA+ (side characters)

Panda Rating:

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📖 SYNOPSIS

An orphan out to find the truth within a warped religion turns his poetry into prayer―a prayer that awakens a cursed girl hungry for revenge.

Centuries after a miracle vanquished Tresttato’s monsters and turned the soldiers fighting them to stone, Milo lovingly tends to the statues of those who protected the city. Raised with devout templars and scholars, autistic temple ward Milo wants nothing more than to be accepted into their ranks. When his prayers admiring her heroic sacrifice accidentally free Gia from stone, she wakes with a fury to kill the man Milo owes his life to, Primo Sanct Ennio.

Gia claims that the immortal holy leader Milo lives to serve is the same man who betrayed her and transformed her into a statue―and what Milo always believed was a miracle was actually a curse that Gia will stop at nothing to break. Even if she has to kill his followers to do it. Even if she must kill the boy who woke her.

📚 BUY A COPY!

TL;DR: A Prayer for Vengeance was a historical fantasy that had an interesting premise that delivered on some of it and fell short on some of it. The world was interesting and the characters had great moments that had me rooting for their success in overthrowing this “first saint” megalomaniac. I also really appreciated the representation of Gia’s and Milo’s characters! Ultimately, while I liked enough of it to want to keep reading, I also wished that the writing had been stronger and we had more character development.

Blog Tour Review: Wrapped with a Beau by Lillie Vale

September 14, 2023September 14, 2023 Dini @ dinipandareads10 Comments

Hello, friends! I’m back with a blog tour and I’m excited to share a review for Wrapped with a Beau by Lillie Vale. Special thanks to the TBR & Beyond Tours team for organising the tour and including me in it!

Thanks to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for providing a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Click here or on the banner above to check out the rest of the fantastic bloggers on tour!

Wrapped with a Beau
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Publication Date: 26 September 2023
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Rep: Indian American Rep, LGBTQIA+ (side characters)

Panda Rating:

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📖 SYNOPSIS

In its heyday, Piney Peaks and its beloved Christmas House were made famous by Sleighbells, a romantic holiday movie. 50 years later, the small town is ready for a new love story.

As a successful film liaison, Elisha Rowe has her heart set on one thing and one thing only: putting her hometown back on the map. So, when she gets the chance to secure a sequel to Sleighbells, she’s willing to do whatever it takes to make sure everything goes smoothly. Unfortunately, that includes claiming to have already secured permission to film at the historic Christmas house—permission she was very much denied by the gorgeous new owner.

Ves Hollins is only back in Piney Peaks long enough to sell the house he inherited from his great-aunt. The holidays have always been tough for Ves, and it’s not any easier when he’s distracted by memories of a Christmas long, long ago, and the undeniable charm of neighbor Elisha. Ready to return home to New York as quickly as possible, he has no plans to put down roots or fall in love…even if Elisha unravels his hesitations like a bad Christmas sweater.

There’s no question the two are oppposites in every way. Ves is unquestionably frosty. Elisha is brimming with warmth. He doesn’t do commitment. She never runs from a challenge. But as the two grow closer, they quickly realize that the growing spark between them may be just what the season calls for.

📚 BUY A COPY!

TL;DR: If you’re a fan of holiday romances with small-town settings, quirky residents, loveable big families and all the warm fuzzy feel-good vibes, then you’re bound to enjoy Wrapped with a Beau. If you want a book that will give you the same cosy and joyous feelings that you get when watching your favourite holiday movie, look no further because this book will make you wish it was Christmas right now or like, every day. The romance was sweet, the main characters were easy to love and they were accompanied by supporting characters who made the story even better.

Book Review: Role Playing by Cathy Yardley

August 31, 2023September 1, 2023 Dini @ dinipandareads19 Comments

Role Playing
Publisher: Montlake
Pub Date: 1 July 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Panda Rating:

_{(4.5 pandas)}

📖 SYNOPSIS

Maggie is an unapologetically grumpy forty-eight-year-old hermit. But when her college-aged son makes her a deal―he’ll be more social if she does the same―she can’t refuse. She joins a new online gaming guild led by a friendly healer named Otter. So that nobody gets the wrong idea, she calls herself Bogwitch.

Otter is Aiden, a fifty-year-old optimist using the guild as an emotional outlet from his family drama caring for his aging mother while his brother plays house with Aiden’s ex-fiancée.

Bogwitch and Otter become fast virtual friends, but there’s a catch. Bogwitch thinks Otter is a college student. Otter assumes Bogwitch is an octogenarian.

When they finally meet face to face―after a rocky, shocking start―the unlikely pair of sunshine and stormy personalities grow tentatively closer. But Maggie’s previous relationships have left her bitter, and Aiden’s got a complicated past of his own.

Everything’s easier online. Can they make it work in real life?

⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS

Homophobia, racism, bigotry, forced outing, toxic family, parental death

TL;DR: If you’re looking for a cosy, heartwarming and hopeful story about older characters finding their people and being accepted just as they are; for a story where people find joy and comfort in gaming and online connections; and for a story that’s equally entertaining but that’s not without it’s heavier moments, I would 100% recommend this book!

ARC Review: Shucked by Kate Canterbary

August 27, 2023September 1, 2023 Dini @ dinipandareads15 Comments

Hi friends, I’m so excited to share my review of Shucked by Kate Canterbary! Special thanks to the author for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Shucked (The Loew Brothers #1)
Publisher: Vesper Press
Pub Date: 22 August 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Panda Rating:

_{(4.5 stars)}

📖 SYNOPSIS

His best friend’s little sister is not an option.

No one ever accused Beckett Loew of being the nice Loew brother, especially not Sunny duJardin. Stuck back home in the quirky town of Friendship, Rhode Island, Beckett is scrambling to save his family’s oyster bar and take care of his teenage brother. He doesn’t have time to deal with the beautiful, sunshine-y owner of the new vegan cafe next door too. His best friend’s little sister may be all grown up, but Sunny’s still a distracting pain in his side.

No one expects much from Sunny duJardin, especially not Beckett Loew. She’s not worried about her older brother’s tall, dark, and broody best friend or battles he insists on waging with her everyday. She’s not the same kid he teased years ago. Now, she composts his type for breakfast.

They’re all wrong for each other.
Bitter rivals.
Complete opposites.
Off limits.

Except they can’t keep their hands off each other.

They tell themselves it’s nothing more than a steamy summer fling until secrets spill and real trouble comes their way.

⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS

chronic illness (epilepsy), mention of childhood bullying, putting the fun in dysfunctional families, parents who turn into accidental criminals, incarceration, open door spice, suspense and moments of peril, happily ever after, no cliffhanger.

TL;DR: Shucked had me feeling all the lovely chaotic emotions, which was perfect because these characters were exactly that: lovely and chaotic, lol. Sunny and Beckett were the perfect combination of grumpy sunshine with a bit of age-gap and brother’s best friend/childhood nemesis sprinkled in. The tension was exquisite and their hate-to-love banter and button-pushing was hilarious! Let’s just say I am so ready for the next book in this series and I need it now, please~!

ARC Review: How to Win a Breakup by Farah Heron

August 3, 2023September 1, 2023 Dini @ dinipandareads16 Comments

Special thanks to Skyscape for providing a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

How to Win a Breakup
Publisher: Skyscape
Publication Date: 21 March 2023
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance

Panda Rating:

_{(3.5 pandas)}

📖 SYNOPSIS

An “it” couple’s breakup becomes a sporting event in a deliciously charming novel about the games people play in the name of love.

First, math genius and gamer-nerd Samaya gets dumped by her boyfriend. Then he sabotages her job and hooks up with her frenemy. What could be worse? Clearly, her golden-boy ex is winning the breakup. The only way Samaya can get some rebound cred is to find someone new. Even if she has to fake it.

At a volunteer bake sale, Samaya meets a sweet opportunity. Daniel is a handsome hockey jock and a whiz when it comes to lemon squares and brownies. And he agrees to play along. Quid pro quo. He’ll pretend to be the boyfriend of her dreams if Samaya helps him pass calculus.

This may well be the recipe for the best revenge, but Samaya has no idea how complicated it will get. As they whip up an imitation romance, and a bumbleberry pie, resisting each other’s very real charms proves impossible. Samaya finds herself on an unexpected journey of secrets, self-discovery, and the true meaning of moving on.

⚠️ CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS

Bullying/Cyberbullying, Racist slurs, Harrassment, Homelessness, Catfishing, Domestic Abuse (mentioned)

TL;DR: How to Win a Breakup is a fun and fairly angsty YA contemporary romance featuring the fake-dating trope, exes out to best each other, plenty of gaming geeks and an athlete himbo who loves to bake and has a heart of gold. Samaya had a lot of learning and growing to do and although it took a while for her to get there, she does make strides in the end. I loved the friendship she forms with Daniel, who is without a doubt my favourite character in this story! There were some parts that could’ve been stronger and less scattered but overall, this was enjoyable and a perfect summer beach read.

Blog Tour Review: The Third Daughter by Adrienne Tooley

July 17, 2023September 1, 2023 Dini @ dinipandareads7 Comments

Hello, friends! I’m back and diving straight in with a blog tour review for The Third Daughter by Adrienne Tooley. Special thanks to the TBR & Beyond Tours team for organising the tour and including me in it!

Thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Click here or on the banner above to check out the rest of the fantastic bloggers on tour!

The Third Daughter
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: 18 July 2023
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Rep: Lesbian, Queer, Bi, Gay

Panda Rating:

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📖 SYNOPSIS

A sweeping YA fantasy about legacy, betrayal, sisterhood, and politicizing emotion in the quest for power—all balanced by a slow-burn LGBTQ romance.

For centuries, the citizens of Velle have waited for their New Maiden to return. The prophecy states she will appear as the third daughter of a third daughter. When the fabled child is finally born to Velle’s reigning queen all rejoice except for Elodie, the queen’s eldest child, who has lost her claim to the crown. The only way for Elodie to protect Velle is to retake the throne. To do so, she must debilitate the Third Daughter—her youngest sister, Brianne.

Desperate, Elodie purchases a sleeping potion from Sabine, who sells sadness. But the apothecary mistakenly sends the princess away with a vial of tears instead of a harmless sleeping brew. Sabine’s sadness is dangerously powerful, and Brianne slips into a slumber from which she will not wake. With the fates of their families and country hanging in the balance, Sabine and Elodie hurry to revive the Third Daughter while a slow-burning attraction between the two girls erupts in full force.

A must-read for fans of the BookTok sensations Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson, and These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong.

📚 BUY A COPY!

TL;DR: The Third Daughter is an interesting start to a new duology(?) that I think holds a lot of potential. Tooley’s prose is compelling and it’s easy to become absorbed in the world she has created. Elodie and Sabine are complex, morally grey and not always the easiest to like or even empathise with at times but it makes their arcs even more engaging to follow and their characters feel more realistic. The book takes on a surprisingly darker tone that I wasn’t really expecting, especially in regard to faith and politics and how often and easily those two are mixed to the detriment of society. While I think there were elements that could’ve been written better to make the story even stronger, I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where it goes next.

Blog Tour Spotlight: The Alchemy of Moonlight by Dave Ferarro

June 1, 2023 Dini @ dinipandareads3 Comments

Hi friends, as part of the blog tour hosted by TBR & Beyond Tours I’m shining a spotlight on The Alchemy of Moonlight by Dave Ferarro. The cover is definitely what caught my eye first—I love it!

Click the banner above or here to check out the other incredible bloggers on the blog tour!

The Alchemy of Moonlight
Publisher: Page Street Kids
Publication Date: 30 May 2023
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Rep: LGBTQIA+, Black

📖 SYNOPSIS

When Emile’s aunt declares he must marry or be disowned for being gay—he runs away to hide as a servant in Count Montoni’s mansion. In their service, Emile tends to the family who all suffer a strange affliction on the full moon. And after overhearing suspicious family arguments, he finds a body on the estate, drawing the attention of a handsome doctor as well as the count’s charismatic nephew, Henri.

Before Emile can sort out his affections or unravel the growing Montoni family mystery, his identity is revealed and his aunt comes to collect him.

When she arrives, Count Montoni forces everyone to depart to the remote Udolpho Castle—where there are no witnesses and no chance for escape. There, Emile realizes that he will have to risk his life to find the love he deserves—and survive the Montoni family.

⚠️ CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS

Mentions of dead bodies, dismemberment, blood, homophobia

📚 BUY A COPY

David Ferraro grew up in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, where he was raised on a steady diet of comic books, horror movies and YA novels. He graduated with a B.A. in English and creative writing from St. Cloud State University, and currently resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his boyfriend and a very spoiled tortoise. He is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. His debut “The Alchemy of Moonlight” is set to be published from Page Street Kids in Spring 2023.

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