Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas | Book Review

“You gotta love people enough to let them go, especially when you’re the reason they’re gone.”

Rating: 5 where did this book come from stars!

Would I recommend it? If you’re looking for an addictive but insightful read then hell yes!

Some of you may have clicked on this blog because the name Angie Thomas rings some bells and if you’re reading this right now thinking, that’s me, then you’re in the right place. Angie Thomas’ New York Times Bestseller, The Hate U Give (THUG) absolutely blew not only my mind away but the minds of millions of readers around the world. While I haven’t been able to watch the movie adaptation just yet, I have managed to pick up another book by this bestselling author which I’ll give you a whistle stop tour of now…

Concrete Rose is a prequel story that takes place seventeen years before the events of THUG. It follows seventeen-year-old Maverick Carter whose father is an infamous former gang legend, currently serving a sentence in prison. Maverick’s mother is working two jobs to keep the household running and Maverick does his level best to help out by dealing for the King Lords. Maverick’s life is not one of complete ease and comfort but with his cousin and girlfriend by his side, there isn’t much that can send his world into disarray.

That is, until Maverick discovers that he is a father. Worse still, the mother of his baby has disappeared, leaving Maverick struggling to cope with school, a baby and struggling financially to fund both his own desires and the very expensive task of taking care of a baby.There a lot of complex themes that run through this book that need unpacking but let’s start with money and wanting more. Maverick, like pretty much every teenager ever, has an insane fear of missing out. Missing out on hanging with his friends, going to parties, buying the latest designer clothes and CDs but of course doing these things requires money that he scarcely has considering he now has to factor in buying diapers, formula, car seats and everything in between. It’s this desire to provide for his child, help out his mother whilst ensuring his own personal needs are met that pushes him further into the world of the King Lords. Maverick knows that walking away from the King Lords is seldom done; it almost always results in death, and that it isn’t something Maverick is interested in of course. Throughout the book we are faced with the very real dilemma of watching Maverick struggling to make ends meet and having to go back to a life of dealing that he desperately wants out of.

“I’m starting to think being a parent mean you don’t get to have much yourself. All my energy, my money, and my time go to him.“

This brings me on to arguably the most central theme of the book: manhood. There are a lot of insinuations from various characters in the book, namely Maverick’s friends, that caring for a child isn’t ‘manly,’ it isn’t ‘cool’ and somehow this makes him ‘tame.’ Ego and self-image are pretty big concepts for a lot of us, especially for Maverick who has grown up in the hood where your reputation and how others perceive you matters more than anything. Maverick knows that he should learn from the mistakes from his father, he should focus on providing for his child and building a better future for himself, even if that means sacrificing time with his friends and missing out on all the latest trends.

“Son, one of the biggest lies ever told is that black men don’t feel emotions. Guess it’s easier not to see us as human when you think we’re heartless. Fact of the matter is, we feel things. Hurt, pain, sadness, all of it. We got a right to show them feelings as much as anybody else.” 

I have to say, as a woman, I acknowledge that I will never be able to completely grasp the concept of manhood but Concrete Rose provided me with a pretty deep insight of what I can imagine is an ongoing struggle for a lot of fathers. The struggle between choosing to do what is right for your loved ones weighed against doing what is wrong but could provide them with the best life. Watching Maverick fight this battle not only to do right by his child but also not to repeat his father’s mistakes is hard to read but an important take-home.

One concept I haven’t seen a lot of in young adult books? Teenage pregnancy. There are multiple reasons for this of course, namely as this is something teenagers are deterred from however it is a stark reality for many teenagers around the world. Not only is there the financial component to consider as discussed above but suddenly the idea that as a teenager, there’s now the added pressure of finding your identity and doing your own thing as well as being responsible for a whole other human being. I hadn’t really considered how difficult this could be, especially managing school and work at the same time, and I completely appreciate the struggles I’m sure many go through during this period.

Concrete Rose is one of those rare, raw reads that comes along and pleasantly surprises you and leaves you reeling. I’ve tried to keep this review as spoiler-free as possible because I think going into this book with limited knowledge is possibly the best way to enjoy it. It does present important themes as I’ve explored above that I personally would like to see more of in young adult literature.

Bookishly yours,

Canbefoundfangirling x

Beach Read by Emily Henry | Book Review

“When I watch you sleep,” he said shakily, “I feel overwhelmed you exist.”

Rating: 4 sunny stars!

Would I recommend? Read on and find out…the answer has three letters though, just a little clue.

Welcome to yet another “bookstagram made me do it” blog post but for once, I’m glad bookstagram made me do it! Yes I hear you, it’s such a miracle for an extremely hyped book to actually live up to the hype, who would have thought it??

Beach Read follows 29-year-old January Andrews, a romance writer who is reeling after the unexpected loss of her father. January is faced not only with this traumatic loss but also the staggering revelation that her father had cheated on his mother, a fact January’s mother was more than aware of. Understandably, these events leave our usually carefree, optimistic heroine jaded and heartbroken. The story sees January struggling to find the inspiration to write a romance book with a happily ever after because she simply doesn’t believe in them anymore.

When January moves to the small town of North Bear Shores for the summer, determined to churn out a book to earn some cash, the last person she expects to see is her former college crush and rival, Augustus Everett. January and Gus find out that they are both neighbours for the summer and make a deal that will benefit them both: Gus will write a romance book with a happily ever after and January will write the antithesis of this.

I have to say, it was the concept of two writers competing that drew me in initially as I’m sure it did for many other readers. There’s just something about two writers being able to connect about a shared passion that just makes me want to squeal and boy this book did not disappoint! What really impressed me about this book wasn’t the romance (shocker, I know) as much as it was how utterly dreary and honest it got at parts.

Let’s start with January. I found her to be quite a relatable character. After all, don’t we all read books to forget about the never-ending mindless fog that is our lives? In those hopeless moments, it is books and the magical words they contain that transport us to realms that our beyond your wildest imagination. January, like most readers, loses herself in these books and finds that reality, unfortunately, doesn’t quite compare. When her dad passes away and she comes face to face with his mistress, January is hit with the reality of her life. She’s spent years and years convincing others that her sacrifices meant nothing, that she could be the light in their lives, that everything would be okay in the end. Ultimately, it’s coming to terms with the realisation that this isn’t always the case that is January’s undoing and that struck a chord with me.

Gus is your typical broody, mysterious guy next door but what I liked particularly about Gus was that he was willing to break down the walls between himself and January. If you’ve ever watched 27 Dresses, which may or may not be my favourite rom-com of all time, you might find that Gus is quite similar to Kevin, the cynical love interest who has given up on love after a bitter experience. It would have been quite easy for Gus to shut January out and ruin a beautiful thing in the coming so it was refreshing to see his barriers crumble little by little.

Remember how I said I liked this book for reasons that went by the romance? Now don’t get me wrong. The romance was endearing and cute as expected but it was seeing January and Gus both come to terms with their respective trauma that was the true highlight.

Much like The Heart Principle, this is a book that is both realistic and heart-wrenching. It shows us that whilst relationships with others, whether they be a signing other, family or friends might hold a lot of value, the most important relationship we have is with ourselves. It is our ability to deal with the trauma and cards we’re dealt that ultimately allows us to accept the love we feel we deserve.

If you’re looking for a short, cute but touching read, Beach Read is the book for you!

Bookishly yours,

Canbefoundfangirling x

Bookstagram Made Me Do It: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover Book Review

“When life gives you lemons, make sure you know whose eyes you need to squeeze them in.”

Rating: 3.75 stars (I was having an existential crisis whilst rating this, mind your own business).

Would I recommend? I’ll let you read on and decide for yourself…

Dear reader,

Do you ever sit down, thumbs stretched and raring to go, ready to tap and scroll through the haven that is bookstagram? And then you see it, that one book that refuses to remove itself from your screen. This may enrage you, it may entice you, either way you know that you HAVE to see what it’s about. Ugly Love was that book for me. As an avid CoHo reader, I had high expectations… Read on to find if they were met.

Ugly Love follows Tate Collins, a nurse who is currently working to gain her masters degree which sees her moving into her brother’s apartment complex. It is here where twenty-three year old Tate comes across Miles Archer, an airline pilot who is broody and mysterious on the best of days. Tate and Miles are unable to fight their sizzling attraction for each other which leads to an agreement between the two: a friends with benefits situation which involves not asking questions about Miles’ past or future. Tate is hesitant about this but is unable to resist Miles so agrees to the arrangement which soon proves to be harder than she could have ever imagined, especially when her heart gets involved.

I know what you’re thinking after reading that book description, that’s a recipe for certain disaster. It is, there is no disputing it. Ugly Love is written in a dual perspective, Tate’s chapters follow the present day narrative whilst Miles’ tell the story of his eighteen-year-old self falling in love with a girl named Rachel, his soon-to-be step-sister.

There’s a healthy amount of forbidden love in this book and although it’s been a whole month, I still couldn’t tell you how it made me feel. Insta-lust or not, I found it quite disturbing that Miles and Rachel actively pursued a relationship and engaged in sexual encounters with the knowledge that they would be step siblings one day. It’s just…wrong. You may or may not feel the same and that’s perfectly fine but that’s where I stand with that one.

The main conflict of the book is almost self-inflicted. Tate wants something more than just sex and Miles isn’t willing to give that. Tate allows herself to be degraded and play second fiddle to a woman who shattered Miles’ heart six years ago. There’s even one scene when Rachel’s name is uttered when it most definitely shouldn’t have been and yet, Tate is willing to do whatever it takes to fight for Miles.

MAJOR SPOILER INCOMING!

It is revealed that Miles and Rachel have a baby despite the scandal of their love for one another. In a tragic turn of events, Miles chooses to save Rachel in a car accident as he believes his newborn is safe. Rachel is unable to forgive or see past this which leads to the inevitable doom of her and Miles relationship.

Now don’t get me wrong. This is all very sad and tragic and of course it would leave major unseen scars and trauma. I appreciate why Miles would then close down and refuse to ever allow someone in again. What I don’t understand is why he couldn’t share this with Tate. Instead, there’s a whole lot of ‘I can’t allow myself to be with you’ and ambiguity that could have just been cleared up. And yes I hear you, the plot of this very book hinges on Miles overcoming his past but if that’s the case then maybe a stronger plot conflict could have been used… just saying.

Despite all this drama and heartbreak, Tate and Miles do eventually receive their happily ever after and have a child of their own which is utterly adorable and definitely revives the book. I just couldn’t quite connect with the characters in the process. Others have criticised this but I did quite enjoy the unusual writing style of Miles’ chapters, I found it reflected the erratic and weightless feeling one feels when in the clutches of young and albeit forbidden love.

It is disappointing when a hyped book doesn’t quite live up to the expectations a bunch of random strangers have assigned it but perhaps there’s something to be said about expecting too much from a book that you have virtually have no idea about.

Bookishly yours,

Canbefoundfangirling x

The Return of the Vamps: King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair Review

“I do not pray,” he said. “But I begged for you.”

Rating: 3.5 stars.

Would I recommend? If you’re looking for all the vampire angst, yes. If you’re looking for a meaty fantasy book with an excellent plot, probably not.

I have to admit, when I first read A Touch of Darkness, I was instantly enamoured by Scarlett St Clair’s seductive writing style so you can imagine the pure joy I experienced upon the release of King of Battle and Blood.

King of Battle and Blood is an adult fantasy romance which follows our protagonist, Isolde de Lara, who bravely chooses to enter a union with feared vampire king, Adrian Vasiliev, in order to protect her people. The kingdom has been overrun by the vampire king and his subjects, the former who is on a quest to conquer all Nine Houses of… Isolde’s people look to her to do what no man has dared do before; kill the vampire king and free the people from his tyrannical reign. The only problem? Isolde doesn’t anticipate falling in love with the enemy along the way.

Let’s start with our fierce and loyal princess, Isolde. Isolde is a twenty-six year old single woman living in a land where men are seen as having complete power over women. She has no desire to submit or allow her fire to be tamed and simply wishes to rule as is her birthright. It’s refreshing to see a female protagonist who had her head screwed on right and was empowered enough to make choices without the influence of others. My only criticism of Isolde would be that because she was portrayed as strong-willed and fearless from the get go, it’s pitiful to see her weak attempts at resisting Adrian. I appreciate the concept of insta-lust and undeniable attraction she felt to Adrian (I mean, I can’t hold it against her, what a man) but I would have liked to have seen her at least try to resist, just a little.

To Isolde and her fellow mortals, the vampire king is a savage heathen and this is the impression we’re initially given as the reader until Isolde is taken into his palace where she learns that there is more to him than meets the eye. Adrian commits monstrosities such as a particularly enjoyable scene he wrenches someone’s eye straight from its socket (I am completely sane yes, why do you ask?) but there’s also a softness and patience to him that was so endearing to read. Isolde, and the reader, expect him to use and discard her but Adrian is attentive, caring and patient throughout the novel and that was definitely a highlight for me. More men like Adrian in fantasy romance please and thank you!

You may have seen that I started this review with a rating that doesn’t quite reflect what I’ve written thus far. The characters and the concept? Incredible. The plot and conflict of the book? Confusing and utterly predictable.

MAJOR SPOILERS INCOMING

I had a strong, sneaking suspicion Isolde’s memories had been tampered with as everyone around her was emitting major, as the kids would say, sus vibes. It was so damn obvious she wasn’t being told about something. Moreover, her so-called instant chemistry and attraction to Adrian belied the truth; Isolde was revealed to be Yesenia, a witch from the High Coven which was slaughtered for their witchcraft. Oh how I wish the plot hadn’t been so see-through because this book could have easily been a 4 or 4.5 star masterpiece.

Isolde, sorry, Yesenia’s, reaction to this revelation is so lackluster and had me skimming the last thirty pages of this book. I would have liked to see more of a build-up towards the climax of the novel but that’s the way the cookie crumbles folks.

My thirteen year old self cannot believe vampires are making a comeback after so long but you know what gentle folk? I’m SO here for it.

Bookishly yours,

Canbefoundfangirling x

The Sweetest Oblivion by Danielle Lori | Book Review

“I said I’ll never hurt you, Elena, but if I find out you’ve touched another man, there is nothing in this world that could save him.”

Rating: 4.5 stars.

Would I recommend? If you love a scintillating mafia romance with gore then hell yes.

This isn’t a first for this blog but it is quite rare; a review of a mafia romance of all things. Yes, I hear your gasps of surprise and I assure you, no bloggers were harmed in the making of this blog.

Warning: I can’t guarantee that there won’t be slight spoilers in this blog although I have tried to avoid them where possible. Please proceed with caution ⚠️

If you’ve ever stepped foot, or should I say thumb, on book twitter, bookstagram or booktok you may have come across The Sweetest Oblivion. This mafia romance is written in a dual person perspective and follows Elena Abelli, otherwise known as the Sweet Abelli. Elena’s reputation proceeds her. Though she was once known for being the sweet, good-natured Abelli daughter, a mistake made six months ago haunts her. Her past makes her unfit for marriage and this is how her sister, Adriana, comes to be engaged to Nicolas Russo, a Made Man, notorious for his brutality in the New York Underworld. Nico is one of five dons and is known for killing men for the slightest infraction.

When Elena first encounters Nico, their hatred for one another is so palatable it threatens to jump off the page and choke you. Elena despises Nico as she sees him as rude and arrogant. Similarly, Nico doesn’t see the obsession surrounding Elena and refuses to become one of the men who is infatuated with her infamous good looks and sweet nature. To make matters worse, Adriana herself doesn’t see a successful union with Nico as she is currently in love with the gardener.

Let’s start with Elena. Elena is made out to be the favourite daughter, a docile, sweet individual who could very easily be brushed to the aside and painted as shallow and one dimensional. As the story progresses, we learn that Elena’s past is a constant source of guilt for her and she yearns for a fulfilling and free life. She has spent her entire life under the control of her father and doesn’t wish to be passed off to another controlling man. Elena, despite her best intentions, finds herself drawn to Nico even though she’s more than aware of his jealous, vicious tendencies.

“For the first time in my life, I felt free to be me. To curse if I wanted, to keep my smiles for who deserved them, to be bad at something, to fall in love. Nico didn’t treat me like glass. He shattered the reflection of an empty life staring back at me. He taught me how to soar.”

My initial reaction to Nico was a mixed one. Did I find him overbearing and controlling? Hell yes. Did I also start to thaw towards him and find him to be sweet, caring and fiercely protective? Surprisingly, yes. A surprising turn of events sees Elena and Nico betrothed to one another and it is here that we see more to Nico. He doesn’t control her like her father did but rather he attends to her every need. Yes, I may have gushed a little when he brought her a coffeemaker pretty much as soon as they moved in together *insert swooning here*

“I swear to God, Elena, if I find out you’ve let some man touch you, I will deliver his hands to you in a box.” I swallowed. “And I do not. Fucking. Bluff.”

I was pleasantly surprised at how Elena and Nico went from hating one another’s guts to being heartbroken at the prospect of being apart. That, my friends, is the beauty of the enemies-to-lovers trope. I told myself this book wouldn’t be receiving a high rating if I wasn’t convinced by the change in their relationship but I’m happy to announce I was wrong (not something you hear often huh?)

Elena and Nico’s story isn’t as simple as it seems and I liked how they both had pasts that weighed them down and molded them into the characters we meet in the book. Nico is bloodthirsty and possessive yet operates by a strict set of moral rules that see him protecting the women in his life, especially Elena. Elena isn’t ashamed to admit that she craves the darkness Nico encompasses and despite this attraction, she hasn’t forgotten the amends she needs to make to someone she hurt in the past.

The story also introduced a wide variety of side characters who all had interesting stories that had me intrigued, namely the introduction of the icy Christian and charismatic Gianna. Their involvement in this novel was the perfect segue for the following novel, The Maddest Obsession, which will be reviewed shortly…watch this space.

Bookishly yours,

Canbefoundfangirling x

The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang | Book Review.

“How much of what people say is genuine and how much is politeness? Is anyone really living their life or are we all reading lines from a giant script written by other people?”

Rating: 5 stars

Would I recommend: a thousand times yes.

Greetings fellow book enthusiasts, it’s been a while since I’ve written a book review and of course I had to return with one of my most highly anticipated releases of 2021.

Warning: before you proceed, please beware of spoilers and mentions of suicidal ideation and depression.

The Heart Principle follows the demise of Anna Sun, a violinist who gains fame when she accidentally goes viral on YouTube. Almost overnight, Anna’s career soars and she soon finds herself buckling under the pressure of her fame. Due to this pressure to hit perfection everytime she performs, she finds herself unable to complete a whole piece and for all intents and purposes, stuck in a rut with no end in sight. The novel picks up with Anna conversing with her therapist, Jennifer Aniston (yes, I was extremely amused by this pun too).

In an uncharacteristic move by Helen Hoang, The Heart Principle is the only book that is told in first person dual perspective unlike its predecessors The Kiss Quotient and The Bride Test which are both told in third person. This enables the reader to become fully immersed in Anna and Quan’s mind. Here, we learn that Anna has spent a large portion of her life imitating the behaviour of others in social situations. Anna soon discovers this is known as ‘masking’ and is informed by her therapist that she presents as having characteristics similar to those of someone on the autism spectrum. To make matters worse, Anna’s seemingly perfect for her boyfriend announces he wants to enter an open relationship before he decides if she is the one he wants to settle down with. Bewildered and frustrated by this news, Anna seeks vengeance by initially vowing to embark on an one night stand.

Enter Quan. If, like me, you’ve obsessively binged The Kiss Quotient and The Bride Test, you’ll be more than familiar with Quan, a rugged, tattooed specimen who I was extremely excited to read more about. I genuinely didn’t think anyone could dethrone my love for Michael but Quan exceeded all my expectations. Where we may have been previously used to seeing Quan as a confident, cocky individual, we now meet Quan after he has undergone surgery as a result of cancer. This has significantly impacted his self-esteem and view of himself and thus upon meeting Anna, Quan has plenty of his own reservations about a relationship between the two.

“The only good thing this broken heart of mine can feel is love for you.”

It’ll surprise no-one to learn that Anna and Quan’s attempts at a one night stand fail miserably however what does develop is utterly heart-warming. Quan accepts Anna even when she is convinced her diagnosis will push him away. Quan sticks by Anna when her father suffers from a life threatening stroke and refuses to leave her side as her father’s deteriorating condition takes her to rock bottom. I’ll be the first to admit it, their relationship is not, in my mind, all sunshine and roses like one would expect in a typical romance novel. Both Anna and Quan come with considerable emotional baggage but the manner in which they forge their bond only makes them stronger.

Reading a romance book comes with a few expected responses from the reader. Frustration at misunderstandings and the gushing at cute moments but I did not expect to feel an overwhelming surge of personal of pain when reading this book. Anna crumbles under the pressure of the opinions of others and unfortunately, the opinions of the ones she loves the most. Being the youngest daughter, her opinion is discarded and seldom heard, she is seldom regarded except to be criticised. Reading about the tense relationship with her elder sister and family struck a chord for me and to see some of this unresolved left a bitter taste in my mouth.

“They’d tell me to quit indulging myself and snap out of it. Tough love is our way. Being tough on myself isn’t working now, though. I can’t try harder than I already am.”

The phenomenon of autistic burnout and masking were new ones for me therefore this was once again a highly educational book. A recurring theme of the book is how Anna struggles to share her diagnosis with her family as they blatantly brush aside this notion. Hoang excellently showcases the struggles someone with a recent diagnosis may deal with and how this can deeply impact their closest relationships and day-to-day life.

I’ve seen quite a bit of criticism surrounding this book and claiming it isn’t a “romance book” however I personally found there was the perfect balance of a healthy romantic relationship and real life issues that can coincide with this.

I genuinely cannot recommend this book enough. Reading it felt like swallowing a shot of pain but I’ve found it’s books that reflect real life experiences and personal tragedies that are buried deep down which tend to leave the deepest scores on our hearts as readers.

There are very little trigger warnings coming into this book so I would advise against picking it up if suicidal ideation, depression, tense relations with family members and caring for a member of family is something that would trigger you.

Bookishly yours,

Canbefoundfangirling x

The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni | Book Review

“Hope was a drug and Kiva, an addict.”

Rating: 4 stars.

Would I recommend? Hell yes. Especially if you lean towards darker aspects of YA literature.

Warning: This review will contain some major spoilers!

Welcome to the first edition of ‘bookstagram made me do it.’ You know those books that you’ve never heard of and probably never would have heard of if it weren’t for the wonderful strangers on the web? The Prison Healer is a classic example of this and for once, I can say I’m glad I listened.

The Prison Healer follows seventeen-year-old Kiva Meridan, a prisoner who has spent the past ten years of her life imprisoned in the stone walls of the notorious prison known as Zalindov.

The Heartless Carver. Healer Whore.

These are just a few examples of the malicious nicknames the other prisoners attribute to Kiva, a tenacious individual who has spent the past ten years serving her sentence as submissively as possible. Kiva acts as the Warden’s spy and thus is hated by rebels and inmates alike. Unknown to those around her, Kiva has spent the past ten years waiting for her remaining family to rescue her through a coded note system. When the infamous Rebel Queen arrives at Zalindov, Kiva receives a note that changes everything:

Don’t let her die.

We are coming. 

Kiva soon finds herself with only one option; in order to keep the Rebel Queen alive, she must undergo the Trial by Ordeal in a bid to keep both the queen and herself alive. The trials contain tasks pertaining to the four elements; air, fire, water and earth and the stakes become perilously higher with each task that passes…

Told in a third person perspective, The Prison Healer is a completely unique and daring take on young adult fantasy. The inner workings and descriptions of Zalindov had me imagining the darkest, most depraved prison known to man. Noni possesses the perfect ability to hint at some of the very real threats of assault and abuse without ever divulging the details of this. As I was reading I experienced something I rarely do; a palatable fear on behalf of the prisoners who are forced to work to their deaths in gruelling conditions whilst fighting against an illness that even Kiva can’t decode. I personally struggle with third person as I struggle to connect with the characters but Noni made up for this with writing that was equal parts descriptive but teasing and was incredibly easy to get invested in.

Young adult fantasy can tend to lean heavily towards some extremely overused cliches (‘I’m not like other girls,’ I’m looking at you) and focus heavily on romantic notions but in The Prison Healer we’re provided a deeper insight into side characters like eleven-year-old Tipp, stoic prison guard Naari and the enigmatic and alluring Jaren. Each of these characters become dear to Kiva who is understandably hesitant to form everlasting bonds given the tragedy that landed her in Zalindov to begin with. Noni explores the familial, platonic and romantic bonds we can build with those around us and each of these was presented beautifully.

The trials themselves were high stakes and kept the plot fresh even if I did find it slightly perplexing that Kiva didn’t really get through them on her own. Don’t get me wrong, Noni’s exquisite writing had me siphoning the anxiety and trepidation the characters in the book felt as Kiva was forced to undergo tasks like jump thirty feet in the air and hold her breath underwater for fifteen minutes but Kiva did not complete these herself. The revelation that Jaren, sorry I meant Prince Deverick, had provided her with assistance all along didn’t provide the excitement and satisfaction I thought it did. Instead, I felt like the build up to the infamous trials was immense and the results were a tad disappointing.

Let’s touch on those plot twists shall we? The Prison Healer has more twists than the world’s most thrilling rollercoaster. We find out that Jaren isn’t any ordinary prisoner, he is the Crown Prince who possesses elemental magic encompassing all four elements. The mysterious plague sweeping through the prison is not a plague but rather the result of mass poisoning at the hands of the nefarious Warden. I can’t forget the best plot twist can I? It is revealed that Kiva Meridan is in fact Kiva Corentine, the daughter of the recently deceased Tilda Corentine, the Rebel Queen.

You might be questioning why I gave this book such a high rating but stopped just short of the magical five stars. My reasoning for this is simple: whilst the concept was fresh and invigorating, the characters complex and well-developed and the twists never-ending, I simply couldn’t forge a complete connection with the characters. Some of the plot twists were slightly predictable. Sure, I didn’t anticipate that Jaren would turn out to be the one and only Crown Prince but it was incredibly obvious that there was something more to him. Even the revelation that Kiva possesses healing abilities and was in fact the long lost rebel princess felt flat after I had put this book down.

Despite my qualms regarding the nature of some of the plot twists and my inability to form a deeper connection to these characters, I have to applaud Noni for creating characters who were fierce, loyal and strong in the face of the horrors they continually faced. I was also immensely awed to see a young adult book addressing topics like self-harm and suicide which is something that I find only adds to the appeal of books like this. Please do heed the trigger warnings before you pick this up if you’re not comfortable reading about these topics.

I’m more than ready for all the enemies-to-lovers angst and plot twists Noni has in store for us in the sequel!

Bookishly yours,

Canbefoundfangirling x

Kindle Unlimited Recs: A List of Must-Read Books!

“Fear is a prison, and in prison you played by different rules to survive.” | Sparrow, L.J. Shen.

Any reader who has come across the wonders of Kindle Unlimited has most likely never wanted to look back. KU is the bookworm’s equivalent of Netflix, readers can borrow unlimited titles for a small monthly price and it’s a subscription that I’m so glad I came across. Below are some spoiler free recs that you need in your life! (Source for this emphatic statement: me).

The Risk by S.T. Abby (Book One of The Mindfuck series):

Kicking off the list with a gory and utterly dark book that will have your inner villian completely satisfied. What happens when an appraised FBI profiler comes across the infamous serial killer he’s been hunting down? He falls in love of course. The Risk follows a protagonist who is hell bent on revenge after a traumatic, brutal attack left her irrevocably broken. Lana vows to seek vengeance for this act and thus embarks on a one man revenge mission which I was fully behind. If you’re a fan of dark contemporary fiction with graphic descriptions of gore and horror, this book is for you. If by any chance you’re also a fan of the Hannibal tv series, you’ll definitely adore this series! Did I mention that each book is roughly 100 pages each? You’ll be devouring this series in no time 😉

Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas:

If childhood penpals-to-enemies-to lovers sounds appealing to you then you will love Punk 57. Punk 57 is a new adult book which is told in a dual perspective of two pen pals, Misha and Ryen, who have been writing to each other non-stop since the fifth grade until a tragic event sees the letters coming to an abrupt stop. Unknown to Ryen, Misha has suffered a personal tragedy which has led to him completely forsaking everything he has worked for and once held dear, including his bond with the girl he’s never met. Misha finds himself in Ryen’s life which leads to some top tier angst and sizzling scenes that left scorch marks in their wake. More than that, Punk 57 focuses on self-hatred and acceptance which makes for an incredible read.

Sparrow by L.J. Shen:

Mob romance with major Peaky Blinders vibes anyone? Was that a yes? Well then let me introduce you to Sparrow, a contemporary dark romance which finds our protagonist Sparrow forced into an arranged marriage with ruthless gang leader, Troy Brennan. Sparrow has the perfect mix of marriage of convenience, enemies-to-lovers and a delicious slow-burn that just makes your heart ache. My fellow mafia/mob lovers, this one’s for you!

Feather by Olivia Wildenstien:

You might be familiar with series like Hush Hush and Angelfall (if you haven’t, I simply insist you read them!) which have focused on fallen angels and the angel hierarchy. Feather is unique as it’s a loose retelling of Romeo and Juliet. The book’s tenacious protagonist, Leigh, embarks on a mission to transform sinner Jarod Adler in an attempt to gain missing feathers to complete her wings. Jarod isn’t any ordinary sinner, he’s a Triple, one of the most notorious sinners whose list of sins are longer than his arm. Feather is yet another new adult paranormal fantasy which is dark, gritty and offers a fresh perspective on the concept of angels and humanity. If you love dramatic, unexpected endings, Romeo and Juliet retellings and angels then you will love this book!

Church by Stylo Fantome:

Do you ever crave the darkest, most depraved, insane book you’ve ever read in your life? Stylo Fantome fulfills that criteria and then some. Emma Hartley has suffered some of the most unimaginable horrors and abuse in her short life which has led to her perspective of life becoming extremely skewed. Enter Church Logan, a silent enigma who Emma is instantly infatuated with. Church is a diagnosed sociopath which both the reader and Emma are aware of. Despite this, Emma finds herself yearning to become a part of Church, to do anything and everything he asks her to. Church is a manipulative, intelligent character who wields this trust as a weapon in an attempt to get Emma to complete his dark and nefarious deeds.

Are you still with me? Honestly, it’s hard to rave about this book any further without venturing into spoiler territory but if unreliable and extremely unhinged narrators are your thing, the Church duology might be the perfect fit for you. I must warn that this book has some pretty intense triggers including self-harm, blood play and graphic descriptions.

These are just a few Kindle Unlimited books that have stuck with me which I will keep recommending until the end of time. Please do check trigger warnings for each book if you do intend to pick them up!

Bookishly yours,

Canbefoundfangirling x

Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas: A spoiler-free review but mostly me gushing about the utter brilliance of this book.

“We’re all ugly, Ryen. The only difference is, some hide it and some wear it.”

Punk 57 follows Misha and Ryen, two individuals who were paired together as pen pals seven years ago in the seventh grade. Ever since the first letter, the two have been inseparable and have been writing non-stop until a tragedy occurs which sees Misha withdrawing completely from Ryen. Misha and Ryen only had three rules: no social media, no phone numbers and no pictures. Except, when Misha finally comes across Ryen and discovers that she is the girl he’s been writing to for the past seven years, he can’t resist and get closer to her.

I’m going to keep this blog spoiler free, this, my dear reader, is my solemn vow to you. I would trade my own mother to experience this book again for the first time so I’m going to keep this as spoiler free as possible so that you can exit this blog and go find a copy right away.

Punk 57 is told in a dual perspective, some chapters begin with letters sent by both Ryen and Misha and we are initially introduced to the incident that leads to fracture in their relationship. The dual narrative in this book is weaved intricately into the tale and it’s almost painful to see how both characters are experiencing the same emotions yet choose to convey them in completely opposing manners.

Let’s start with Ryen, our heroine. Word of warning, Ryen is nothing like the plain Jane, sensible, somewhat likeable main character we’re all accustomed to. In fact, Ryen is downright spiteful and you can’t help but to loathe her actions and how she treats others around. Ever since she was a child, Ryen has yearned to fit in at school and become a popular kid that everyone gravitates towards. She has gone from someone is often isolated and mocked to someone that fits the popular, mean cheerleader stereotype to a T. Let’s be honest here, none of us enjoy the shallow, conniving Queen B who is out to make everyone’s life a living hell. We all know, we all hate her but usually it’s bearable because she isn’t the main character and we have a heroine we can admire instead.

Please bear with me when I tell you that this very character we love to hate (or hate to hate in this case) is someone whose mind and perspective we see a lot. Ryen is silent and passive when her so-called friends make homophobic and hateful remarks towards other students, she is aware that her own ‘friends’ despise her yet she plays along with the fickle, ‘I don’t have a single thought in my head’ persona.

When Misha first meets Ryen, he realises that this Ryen is worlds apart from the Ryen he knows. The Ryen who is wise, caring and not afraid to take a stand for those around her. The main conflict in the book arises from the fact that whilst Misha knows that this Ryen is in fact his beloved penpal, Ryen has no idea that the mysterious new student, Masen Laurent, is actually her best friend, Misha Lare. Both characters behave and act in ways that threatens the image they have built of themselves in their letters and thus this leads to hostility and animosity between the two of them.

Through their individual perspectives, we learn that Ryen has a lot more depth than she lets on. She is aware that her actions and the actions of those she chooses to affiliate with are hurtful and spiteful yet the fear of being the isolated, secluded child from her past hinders her from making a change. It’s this realisation, for me anyway, that makes Ryen a relatable and intriguing romantic heroine. She openly acknowledges that, like most of us, she simply wants to be able to fit in and feel like she is an equal. It is, after all, a universal human need to feel liked and adored by those around us, and for some individuals such as Ryen, this need can lead to someone compromising their morals and values to keep chasing the high of ‘fitting in.’

Enter Misha (or as Ryen knows him, Masen) who sees that Ryen is not the same girl he’s been confiding in for the past seven years and realises that her actions are both disgusting and an affront to everything she led him to believe she is. If Ryen assumes the role of the stereotypical cheerleader, then the role Misha plays is that of the mysterious, sexy lone wolf whose sole purpose in life is not to fit in. With tattoos, a lip piercing and being a brooding musician, it’s hard not to fall head over heels for him.

Misha has his reasons for enrolling in Ryen’s school and being around her; we learn very early on that his sister, Annie, passed away tragically and this has lead to the previously fractured relationship with his father to dismantle completely. Misha chooses to leave home and live in abandoned theme park and the impact of his sister’s death also means that he no longer writes to Ryen. When he meets her in person, he realises that the girl he idolised is simply a product of fiction and that adoration he once held morphs into hostility.

I don’t know about you but I personally love me a great big helping of enemies-to-lovers. Even more so when there’s a shared history between the characters that has caused them to become enemies. Both Ryen and Misha hold each other in very low regard despite their attraction to one another which is complicated by the fact that Misha knows who Ryen really is. You’ve heard of love at first but this book is the perfect embodiment of lust at first sight as both characters despise everything about one another. Over the course of the book, as Ryen battles with the loss of her pen pal and the person she wants to be, she comes to realise that Masen is actually someone she aspires to become like. He helps her to realise that her so-called friends are shallow, spiteful and embody everything that she hates about herself.

Whilst writing this review, I’ve questioned why this has become an instant favourite of mine and I believe that’s purely because Punk 57 isn’t just a solid love story, it’s an exploration of something we all face or have faced; the desire to fit in. As I mentioned quite early on, this desire causes Ryen to behave in despicable manners however by the end of the book we see a major change in her character development. Even Misha, to some extent, is able to open up and trust Ryen as well as acknowledging that shutting out those who care about you isn’t the best decision in the long run. For me, the added element of their relationship transforming from being pen pals to best friends to lovers is something that is divinely wholesome and is a fresh take on the contemporary romance genre.

I should mention that this is a new adult contemporary and honestly, as soon as you meet Misha, you’ll realise that this book perhaps isn’t suitable for younger readers so please do make sure you’re comfortable before you dive in.

Did I mention that this book has a frickin playlist? My fellow music lovers will understand how amazing it is to read a book that comes with a complete playlist of songs that makes the reading experience much more interesting. Misha being the icon also writes his own music which we get to see snippets of throughout the book. Have I won you over yet?

If, like me, you do read this and suddenly crave more penpal love stories, I would strongly recommend Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer as well as the semi-sequel More Than We Can Tell. Whilst both of these books have considerable less steam and angst than Punk 57, they are books which explore the beauty of connecting via letters and how this is often the most simple and pure method of connecting with someone else.

Bookishly yours,

Canbefoundfangirling x

Books that would make epic tv shows and movies.

“These pictures are my heart. And if my heart was a canvas, every square inch of it would be painted over with you.” | Lady Midnight, Cassandra Clare.

Before I get started with this blog, I have to mention that this post marks a whole year of blogging about all things bookish. I started this blog in a moment of despair and I’m so grateful to anyone who takes a moment to give it a read. Here’s to more ranting, fangirling and A Level English Lit level analysis!

As a devoted bookworm, the mere thought of our favourite books being adapted for the big screen by the powers that be is a catch-22 situation. On the one hand we experience undulated glee, the rush of adrenaline at the idea of the worlds imagined entirely in our minds finally being brought to life. On the other hand, there’s the chilling fear that grips us at the idea of these beautiful and magical worlds and characters being butchered before our very own eyes. In this blog, I’m going to touch on some books that I sincerely believe have a good chance of success if they were translated accurately on to the big screen.

• The Dark Artifices by Cassandra Clare:

We’re all more than familiar with Cassandra Clare’s bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments, which has gone on to see international success through a movie adaptation as well as a tv series. Now don’t get me wrong. The Mortal Instruments is the reason we all got to encounter the demon slaying Nephillim known as Shadowhunters and the inner workings of Downworlders. Without it, we wouldn’t have the brilliance that is The Infernal Devices or the series that I’m about to mention. The Dark Artifices is a sequel to The Mortal Instruments and focuses on the aftermath of the events in TMI. Readers are introduced to the fierce Emma Carstairs, the Blackthorn siblings and a deeper insight into the lands of the Seelie and Unseelie. Where TMI focussed on the New York institute, TDA is centred around the residents of the Los Angeles institute and how the consequences of the war affected them individually and as a unit.

There’s a number of reasons why I feel that The Dark Artifices would be a more suitable and perhaps appealing option to be adapted into a series. To begin with, it offers a fresh perspective and a new backdrop to the usual New York dealings we’ve become accustomed to. Movie and show watchers alike have probably have more than they can take of vampires and werewolves (Twilight, I’m looking at you). The Dark Artifices provides us with a deeper look into both the Seelie and Unseelie courts which is something viewers might find enlightening. Whilst there’s a number of solid romances in the series including Emma and Julian’s forbidden tryst, there’s a strong emphasis on the theme of family and bonding. It’s a fair observation to make when I say that a lot of the tv shows and movies geared towards young adults place heavy emphasis on star-crossed lovers and very little focus on other, platonic forms of love. Done right, The Dark Artifices could have some epic fantasy, action-packed series under its belt.

• Relentless by Karen Lynch:

I only very recently read this thanks to a recommendation from a trusted bookstagrammer. Relentless follows seventeen-year-old Sara, a gifted teenage girl who has the power to heal wounded animals and secretly dabbles in the world of dark magic. Sara learns she is not entirely human; her mother belonged to a warrior race known as the Mohiri, individuals who are half human and half demon with the sole purpose of destroying vampires. Sara meets Nikolas, an esteemed warrior in his own right who introduces her to the inner workings of his elusive people. Who doesn’t love a sword-wielding, broody vampire slayer? Lovers of Buffy would instantly swoon at the very suggestion of a series or movie, am I right or am I right? Not to mention that Lynch’s series is an incredible mix of every mythical creature imaginable: vampires, demons, werewolves, sylphs, trolls and hellhounds. Name it, this series has it!

• The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang:

So I may have seen rumours that this book is allegedly in talks of being adapted but being the cynic I am, I’ve never placed much trust in rumours like that and I’m not about to start now. The Kiss Quotient is actually the first contemporary on this list and when I first read it, I could instantly see it receiving the same praise as romantic dramas like The Notebook, The Vow and pretty every Nicholas Sparks adaptation ever. This book offers an incredibly informative insight into the live of economitration Stella who hires an escort in an attempt to become better at seducing the opposite sex. Dating and socialising in general is something Stella has struggled with as she has Asperger’s which has lead to situations where she has unknowingly broken social conventions. What Stella doesn’t expect in her rigid and fixed lifestyle is to fall in love with Michael who by his own admission has more than his fair share of baggage. The Kiss Quotient is a tale of love and loss which I believe would break the hearts of millions everywhere if it ever did make it on to the big screen.

• Angelfall by Susan Ee:

If you were around in the young adult dystopian craze that roughly occurred between 2011-2016, you would have most likely been infatuated with or heard of the Hush Hush saga by Becca Fitzpatrick. Sadly, this series has already been given the green light so I’ve decided to focus my efforts on another similar but perhaps more deserving book. Angelfall is a young adult post-apocalyptic novel which follows a world which has fallen to the depravity of angels. Seventeen-year-old Penryn has learnt to survive in this world by any means necessary until her younger sister is taken which finds her seeking the help of her sworn enemy; a bruised and battered warrior angel who goes by the name Raffe. With only each other to rely on, the two find themselves drawn to one another despite the consequences.

Angelfall would make a great movie purely because we rarely get the chance to see badass angels wreaking havoc on mankind. I mean, how good does that sound? With a strong, iron-willed female lead and a love interest who has more to his personality wheel than just being a world-class asshole, Angelfall would make for an action-packed, gripping survival blockbuster.

• Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller:

Did you love Pirates of the Caribbean as much as I did and then never found anything that could compare? Let me introduce you to the young adult swashbuckling adventure that is Daughter of the Pirate King. This book has everything that would make for a perfect movie: high stakes action, sizzling angst and complex characters. This book instantly filled the pirate shaped hole in my chest after I had finished rewatching the entirety of the Pirates of the Caribbean. Daughter of the Pirate King also offers a unique insight into mythical creatures we seldom get to see on our screens; the elusive creatures that are known as sirens. Jack Sparrow, eat your heart out.

Bookishly yours,

Canbefoundfangirling x