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11/19/2025

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You can now subscribe to our Rapunzel Reads Newsletter to get a monthly roundup of reviews, interviews, and more delivered directly to your inbox! 

​We're so excited to finally launch this newsletter, and we really appreciate the feedback we got from you all about what format you'd prefer. 
We'll never share your email or spam you - we just want to find new ways to share our favorite stories! 
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Scarlet Morning by ND Stevenson (2025)

11/17/2025

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Viola and Wilmur have been waiting for their parents for fifteen boring years in the colorless town of Caveat. Their lives are a drudge of salt, trash, pirate stories, and what-ifs . . . until one very stormy night, when Captain Cadence Chase breaks down their door. They cut a deal with the Chase can take their most prized possession, a mysterious book, but only if she takes them, too. After all, if their parents aren’t coming, Viola and Wilmur might as well have a grand adventure to find them.

Setting sail into the treacherous and beautiful world beyond Caveat, the two inseparable friends must uncover the facts behind legend—and the key to saving all of Dickerson’s Sea from obliteration—before the truth tears them apart.

Wickedly funny, deeply emotional, and sharply incisive, Scarlet Morning is a tale of love, betrayal, and the extraordinary lengths we’d go to save a world broken beyond repair.
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​I loved this book too much to articulate! I am a huge fan of ND Stevensons’ book Nimona, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from Scarlet Morning; after all, graphic novels and novels are very different formats. I wasn’t expecting to fall utterly in love with this tale with the wholehearted joy of some of my favorite series from when I was a middle schooler. Whimsical and fast-paced, I can’t recommend this book highly enough. 

Scarlet Morning is a series opener in the tradition of favorites like Septimus Heap, Sir Callie, Wilderlore, Strangeworlds Travel Agency, and The Dark is Rising, with characters I’d follow anywhere and a delicious, absorbing setting. This is a book I would’ve reread over and over as a middle schooler until I knew every detail of the colorful worldbuilding, every character memory, every scrap of foreshadowing backward and forward. 

The world of Scarlet Morning creates an almost science fiction-tinged fantasy world where the layers of past and present are woven into an elaborate and riveting narrative, and the layers of secret and reality keep this story moving forward at an electric pace. Viola and Chase in particular thoroughly won my heart, with just the right blend of fierceness and vulnerability. The character relationships are incredible; by the end of this book, I felt as though I’d known everyone in Scarlet Morning for years, and I can’t wait to dive into the sequel. 

I couldn’t finish my review of Scarlet Morning without mentioning the illustrations, too. Stevenson’s art brings Viola, Wilmur, and the entire world to vivid life, and I love the detail and whimsy that it brings to the tale. I also love how the illustrations often blend text and art, allowing you to truly step into the world. 

I truly can’t recommend Scarlet Morning enough—this is a must-read for fans of middle-grade fantasy and anyone who wants to become absorbed by a pirate adventure! 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own. 

​Book description credited to the publisher. ​
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11/13/2025

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Hello all! 

Over the past eleven years of Rapunzel Reads, we often hear from readers who ask if we have a newsletter so they can easily stay on top of our book recommendations. 

We're thrilled to say we've finally created one! 

Before we officially launch, though, we want to know what kind of newsletter you'd prefer. Would you rather receive an email every time we post a new review (4x a month), or a 'wrap-up' newsletter once a month with links to all of our reviews? 

Ready to subscribe now? Subscribe to our newsletter at rapunzelreads.beehiiv.com, and you'll receive our first newsletter before the end of November! 

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An Archive of Romance (companion to A Study in Drowning) by Ava Reid (2025)

11/10/2025

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The enchanting world of A Study in Drowning comes to life through letters, poems, art, and more in this beautifully illustrated full-color novella from #1 New York Times bestselling author Ava Reid, featuring over forty illustrations, expanded and new text, stunning endpapers, and romantic rose gold foil for a jaw-dropping addition to the beloved dark academia series.

Effy and Preston have been torn apart by the wars of men, the power of words, and the specter of magic—but it was through stories that they found each other. Relive Effy and Preston’s love story through their own pens in this immersive collection of mementos, illustrations, maps, blueprints, diary entries, and more. Read Angharad with Effy's annotations; sneak excerpts of Preston's diary; see the architectural sketches that brought Effy to Hiraeth; get your own ticket to Saltney; and experience the never-before-seen epilogue to Effy and Preston’s romance. 
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An Archive of Romance will be released on December 9, 2025. 

I loved A Study in Drowning and A Theory of Dreaming, and this installment reads exactly how I hoped it would: like a scrapbook Effie and Preston might have put together, or simply a bound-up version of what might be lying on their desks. Separated into three sections—two containing documents from the books of the duology, and another containing a short story that takes place afterward—it very much feels like an archive that sits perfectly alongside the previous books, and I enjoyed every moment of it. 

I read an e-ARC, and I have a feeling the finished book for this one is going to be absolutely gorgeous; I already felt like I was paging through a scrapbook of Effie and Preston’s collected recollections, and I just know that it’s going to be an even more beautiful finished product. I also loved seeing Effie’s drawings. I’m always a fan of illustrations in books, and these ones truly felt like a peek into Effie’s mind at different points during the duology. Possibly the highlight of this volume for me, though, was the excerpts from Angharad, which were every bit as beautiful and immersive as I guessed from the scraps throughout the duology. While I know it’s unlikely, I would love to see Ava Reid’s take on the entire story of Angharad out in the world one day. 

Highly recommended! 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own. 

Book description credited to the publisher.


ages 15+ / ARC / fantasy / fiction / romance / sequels / young adult
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The Love Curse of Melody McIntyre by Robin Talley (2020)

11/3/2025

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By Nico

High school senior Melody McIntyre has finally achieved her dream: she’s stage managing her school’s production of Les Misérables. She has the organization, the passion, the talent. What Melody doesn’t have is a history of successful relation-ships, particularly not during shows…but that was never part of the job description, anyway.

But when her fellow tech crew members point out that her every breakup has preceded theatrical disaster, Melody realizes the only way to keep Les Mis safe might be to swear off love. It’ll be easy, surely—she’s got more than enough on her plate.

But then theater protegee Odile Rose auditions for the show. And despite Melody’s best intentions, she finds herself doing exactly what she swore not to: falling in love.

​I truly loved The Love Curse of Melody McIntyre! This is the perfect lesbian rom-com for anyone who’s ever even dabbled in theater—or someone simply looking for a fun contemporary story in their life. Melody is such a fabulous character—scattered and also unconfident while also having the authority and dreams she needs to be stage manager, I absolutely adore her sharp voice and hilarious insecurities. Every detail of this show and process absolutely shines, and the wider cast sparkles with realism and quirkiness. I highly recommend The Love Curse of Melody McIntyre to readers ages thirteen and up who like rom-coms or theater. 

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Gloam by Jack Mackay (2025)

10/20/2025

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In a house on Gloam island, there is a rot growing, there is a monster feeding and a girl fighting.
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Thirteen-year-old Gwen doesn't want to admit anything is wrong. Nor that everything feels different after her mum's passing – especially now it’s just her, her three younger siblings and their kind yet hopeless stepdad, Henry.

When the family relocate to the remote island of Gloam to take over their grandmother’s house, Gwen believes things can’t get any worse. Until Esme Laverne arrives.

Despite her perfect appearance, Gwen can’t shake the feeling there is something seriously wrong with their new childminder. As horrors unfold, Gwen must face everything she’s been running from to defeat the monster infesting her home…

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Gloam was released on August 12, 2025. 

Gloam is a spot-on creepy middle-grade read, with the perfect balance of horror and heart. Mackay nails the unsettling atmosphere; all the details of The House’s odd decor and strange memories set the stage immediately, and it only becomes better developed as the story progresses and more horrors unravel from the shadows. Gloam takes a familiar situation and makes it its own, and this story dug into me as I read and didn’t want to let go. 

I really liked Gwen, and she was a compelling heroine to follow through this story. I did want a little more from her relationships with her family members, especially Roger; there were several moments in the story that felt like they would be more impactful if I had a stronger understanding of him. Esme is an incredibly chilling character and powerful villain, and grounds the tale in that which feels far too close to home. I definitely recommend Gloam to lovers of horror ages ten and up, particularly those who like stories that center sibling bonds. 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own. 

​Book description credited to the publisher. ​
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Sir Callie and the Final Stand by Esme Symes-Smith (2025)

10/13/2025

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Helston and its champions have been torn apart by war. Finally reunited after being scattered across the realm fighting personal battles, Callie, Elowen, Edwyn and Willow must prepare to step into the roles they've been training Champion, Witch, Knight and King.

Even if it feels like their best will never be enough to conquer the infection of hate that has spread across Wyndebrel, even when their numbers seem so small compared to the might of their enemies, they must hold true to their to create a better and safer realm for everyone. 

With the aid of Eyrewood, Fairkeep, and the dragons, they are as ready as they’ll ever be to ride on Helston and Dumoor, to confront the newly crowned King Peran and the Witch Queen, and finally define what peace truly means. And there is a single truth Callie and friends must cling The battle is still worth fighting even when victory seems impossible. 
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Sir Callie and the Final Stand, the fourth and final book in the Sir Callie series, will be released on October 14, 2025. Read our reviews on Sir Callie and the Champions of Heleston (book one), Sir Callie and the Dragon's Roost (book two), and Sir Callie and the Witch's War (book four), as well as our interview with author Esme Symes-Smith. 

I’ve read hundreds of middle-grade novels in the past few years alone, and I’ve never encountered a story quite like the Sir Callie series. Fierce and funny and achingly real, this series is dark in all the right ways: not dark for darkness’s sake but because nothing else can quite reflect the reality that kids, especially queer and trans kids, have to live through every day. Symes-Smith proves here that it is possible to write a middle-grade story that has it all, with the kind of emotional resonance that literally changes lives: deftly drawn character relationships, high stakes, an ensemble cast, vibrant worldbuilding, and a heartbreaking but incredibly satisfying ending. 

This is now the fourth book in this series I’ve read, loved, and reviewed, and I still find myself utterly lost for words to describe how much Callie and their friends mean to me. Willow, Edwyn, Elowen, and Callie are four of the best characters I’ve ever encountered; there’s so much reality bound up in their conflicts, struggles, and relationships, and I found it impossible not to see parts of myself in every one of them. Their defiant hope made me believe that we truly can do better, 

Too often the final book in a series will fall flat, but Sir Callie and the Final Stand lived up to my extremely high expectations. Every plotline and character is treated with care and depth as they are wrapped up, and while I would love to read more in this world, I trust that all the characters are in the best of hands - their own. I struggle to think of another recent MG series so flawlessly executed from beginning to end. Sir Callie and the Final Stand is truly unputdownable, and I'm incredibly excited for whatever Symes-Smith writes next! 

If you're looking for a spot of joy that doesn't shy away from the reality and hardship of being a queer young person today, this series will change your life. 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own. 

​Book description credited to the publisher. ​
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Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid (2025)

10/6/2025

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By encouraging massive accumulations of debt from its underclass, a single corporation, Caerus, controls all aspects of society.

Inesa lives with her brother in a half-sunken town where they scrape by running a taxidermy shop. Unbeknownst to Inesa, their cruel and indolent mother has accrued an enormous debt—enough to qualify her children for Caerus’s livestreamed assassination spectacle: the Lamb’s Gauntlet.

Melinoë is a Caerus assassin, trained to track and kill the sacrificial Lambs. The product of neural reconditioning and physiological alteration, she is a living weapon, known for her cold brutality and deadly beauty. She has never failed to assassinate one of her marks.

When Inesa learns that her mother has offered her as a sacrifice, at first she despairs. But she’s had years of practice surviving in the apocalyptic wastes, and with the help of her hunter brother, she might stand a chance of staying alive.
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For Melinoë, this is a game she can’t afford to lose. Despite her reputation for mercilessness, she is haunted by painful flashbacks. After her last Gauntlet, where she broke down on livestream, she desperately needs redemption.

As Mel pursues Inesa across the wasteland, both girls begin to question everything: Inesa wonders if there’s more to life than survival, while Mel wonders if she’s capable of more than killing.

And both wonder if, against all odds, they might be falling in love.
​Fable for the End of the World was released on March 4, 2025. 

I truly loved Fable for the End of the World! I was a huge fan of A Study in Drowning, so I leaped at the chance to read Ava Reid’s newest book, and it didn’t disappoint. 

The dystopian book is so infamous its very existence has become a trope, a set of plot points that can easily become too predictable to be engaging. Fable for the End of the World isn't afraid of these tropes, and I think that's why it pulls them off so well: rather than trying too hard to come up with something completely different from genre conventions, Reid allows herself to explore a completely new story within their bounds. It makes Fable for the End of the World at once a love letter to the dystopian stories you fell in love with when you were younger - and an entirely new book that never feels as though it's trying too hard while reminding the reader why they loved this genre in the first place. 

Reid calls out The Hunger Games ​as one of her biggest influences in the acknowledgements for this book, and in some ways it absolutely feels like a homage to the series that shaped so much of the YA genre. Perhaps the biggest shout-out, though, lies in Inesa and Melinoë's relationship, with the blend of hatred and survival that made Katniss and Peeta such an infamous couple. If you loved that series but wished for some queer rep...this is the book for you to check out! 

Fable for the End of the World is set in the future - one where climate change has gotten out of control, genetically modified creatures have driven out natural animal life, seeing a sunrise is unheard of through the air pollution, and Inesa's town exists around a layer of ungovernable water. Although presented as a background element to the story itself, there is something fascinating about seeing a world that has gone so far in the wrong direction - which leaves the reader wondering how to prevent that same future for themselves. 

I’ve read dozens of YA dystopian novels, but none is quite the same as Fable for the End of the World. Highly recommended to readers ages fifteen and up who love character-driven, immersive dystopian fiction! 

Thank you to TBR Beyond Tours and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own. I first read this book as part of a tour with TBR Beyond in March; you can read my post Top 5 Reasons to Read Fable for the End of the World here!

​Book description adapted from the publisher's description. 

​ages 14+ / ARC / futuristic / fiction / LGBTQ+ / romance / science fiction / standalone / young adult
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Muted: Volume 2 by Miranda Mundt (2025)

9/29/2025

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One week into her month-long respite from her controlling Aunt Athalie, Camille receives an unsettling call blindsiding her with news of her arranged marriage. But when she stands up for herself and her freedom, she creates a rift with her beloved cousin Avaline and gains an uncontrollable new ability triggered by overwhelming emotions. Luckily, Camille has Dendro, the plant demon she summoned, to help her come to terms with her past trauma and fully embrace the beauty of her magic. But when Camille suspects that Avaline may be in danger under Aunt Athalie’s influence, she finds herself in a difficult position. With a plan to save Avaline, Camille and the increasingly charming Nyra embark on a mission to face the unpredictable dangers and painful secrets that await in New Orleans.

Muted is a lush, magical coming-of-age story, with joyful streaks of found family and polyamorous sapphic romance. 
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Muted: Volume 2 will be released on October 14, 2025. 

I loved the first volume of Muted, so when I saw the second one on NetGalley, I leaped at the chance to check it out. It didn’t disappoint. Muted: Volume 2 has everything that made me love the first book, complete with an eerie cliff-hanger at the conclusion. Camille’s story continues to unfold at a fast, expert pace, as full as ever of unexpected twists and vivid storytelling. Once more, I adore the artwork; it feels as though it perfectly encapsulates the world and tone of this story, and adds so much to the characters, which is the best sort of graphic novel! On the character side, Mundt continues to develop Camille and the supporting cast in a way that feels organic and vibrant, guided always by their choices and history rather than an artificial construction of what they ‘should’ do next. I truly can’t wait to read Volume 3—this is an enthralling story and a fast read, and I’m so curious about where Mundt will take it next! 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own. 

​Book description credited to the publisher. ​


ages 14+ / ARC / fairy tales / fantasy / fiction / graphic novel / LGBTQ+ / romance / series / young adult
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The Grimoire of Grave Fates created by Hanna Alkaf and Margaret Owen (2023)

9/22/2025

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By Nico

At the Galileo Academy for the Extraordinary, magic is for everyone. Or, at least, that's how it's supposed to be since Galileo recently went through an intensive reorganization to change its discriminatory stance on magic, but while it has a more global and diverse student body than ever before, the dust is yet to settle on the changes. And some people, like Professor Septimius Dropwort, make it known that they aren't thrilled with the updates.

So when Dropwort turns up dead, the potential motives are numerous...whereas evidence for the truth is far less widespread.

With twenty chapters, each narrated by a different student searching for answers, The Grimoire of Grave Fates brings to life a vibrant, detailed magical academy where murder might be only one of several crimes that have been taking place within its walls.

​The format of this book—essentially interconnected short stories written by a wide range of authors that give life to a wider plot and idea—has always been one that fascinates me, so I knew as soon as I encountered The Grimoire of Grave Fates that I had to read it. Each chapter brings a different and quirky perspective to the main plot, and I loved getting to know so many characters and their unique forms of magic, struggles, relationships, and more. Since there are so many threads and characters in this story—and it delights in debunking many common tropes—I particularly recommend it to readers who read widely in the fantasy genre. If you’re someone who enjoys short stories or just likes a good ensemble cast, I recommend The Grimoire of Grave Fates to readers ages fourteen and up. 

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On Starlit Shores by Bex Glendining (2025)

9/15/2025

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In this YA urban fantasy graphic novel, Alex must return to the town where she was born to unravel the magical mysteries her late grandmother left behind

Alex Wilson hasn’t been back to Indigo Harbor, the seaside village where she grew up, in years. In fact, she can barely remember anything about it. But when her grandmother dies unexpectedly, Alex will have to return to her childhood home to say goodbye.

Accompanied by her best friend, Grim, Alex travels back to her hometown and begins cleaning out her grandmother’s house, but the longer they stay, the stranger things get. Indigo Harbor isn’t your average town—there are falling stars, witches running tea shops, and a name that comes up again and again: Elizabeth. Who was this woman, and how did she know Alex’s grandmother?
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On Starlit Shores will be released on September 30, 2025.

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On Starlit Shores can only be described as luminous. There’s a sense of gorgeous completeness to this story that left me fully immersed in it from beginning to end. I loved the threads of magic and belonging that weave through this story. The worldbuilding is fantastic - there’s such a strong sense of place from the very first page, and the thin line between what’s real and what’s remembered caught my attention and refused to let it go.

Alex is a strong protagonist, with the right blend of drive and grief, and I was more than glad to follow her through the beats of On Starlit Shores. The way her grandmother and Elizabeth are characterized is also more than worth a shout-out; Glendining does a fantastic job of giving characters depth and rendering them relatable even without their physical presence on the page, which helped give this book the feel of something between a mystery, a coming-of-age novel, a fantasy story, and a story of grief.

I love the illustrations, which are the perfect blend of vibrant and otherworldly, grounding the reader while having the fanciful edge that perfectly captures the tone and arc of the story.

I highly recommend On Starlit Shores to readers who want to immerse themself in a layered, vibrant town where memory is not an easily categorized thing.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own. 

Book description credited to the publisher.

ages 14+ / ARC / family / fantasy / fiction / graphic novel / magic / standalone / young adult
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​Costumes for Time Travelers by A. R. Capetta (2025)

9/8/2025

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Anyone who has hiked through time knows the town of Pocket. It’s the place travelers first reach after they stumble away from their hometime, passing through on their way to any other when. To Calisto, Pocket is home. They love their grandmother’s shop, which is filled with clothes from every era that are used to make costumes for time travelers. Calisto has no intention of traveling—it’s too dangerous.

For Fawkes, traveling is life. He put on time boots when he was young and has been stumbling through eras ever since. When he floats into Pocket, Calisto meets him for the first time, though Fawkes has seen Calisto—in glimpses of what hasn’t happened yet. He’s also seen the villains chasing them both.

​Now Calisto and Fawkes must rush—from Shakespeare’s London to ancient Crete to California on the eve of a millennium—to save Pocket, and travelers, from being erased. 
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Costumes for Time Travelers was released on May 27, 2025. 

I’ve loved several of A. R. Capetta’s previous books, and so when I saw this one, I knew I had to check it out. I absolutely loved it! The world of Pocket is fascinating; the idea of a waystation for time travelers immediately grabbed my attention, and it doesn’t disappoint. The descriptions throughout are so vivid, and I felt incredibly grounded throughout the twisting plot of this story. Calisto and Fawkes’s relationship is fascinating and engrossing, even as someone who doesn’t typically like romance. For fans of YA stories that play with time, space, and your very conceptions of what a queer, romantic fantasy novel can be, I’d highly recommend Costumes for Time Travelers! 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own. 

​​Book description credited to the publisher. ​

ages 14+ / ARC / fantasy / fiction / historical fantasy / LGBTQ+ / romance / standalone / young adult
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The Importance of Being Earnest: The Graphic Novel (Original Text Edition) by Oscar Wilde (2014)

9/1/2025

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By Lina

When friends John Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff discover that they have  separately created a fake identity (John’s invented younger brother, “Ernest”) and fabricated an ailing friend to dodge the tiresome social engagements gentlemen such as themselves are expected to attend, Algernon is thoroughly amused. John, however, resolves to clear up the deception as soon as he becomes engaged to Algernon’s cousin Gwendolyn. Surely she won’t mind that his name is really John—or will she? Perhaps, he decides, it would be for the best to simply change his name to Ernest for good.

But as John is scrambling to alter his identity before Gwendolyn can discover his deception, Algernon decides to secretly assume the persona of Ernest for his own ends. As their plans go increasingly awry, the friends must decide - is it better to be earnest or Ernest?
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This highly enjoyable edition of The Importance of Being Earnest presents Wilde’s original play in graphic novel format, preserving the original dialogue while providing illustrations in place of the originally intended performance, resulting in a fun, fast, twisty read. The writing is eloquent and replete with snark and wit, and the plot is fast-paced and thoroughly entertaining, featuring ever-increasing layers of absurdity. Wilde cheerfully lampoons the British upper class of the late nineteenth century to great humorous effect; the characters are without exception amusingly self-absorbed and ironic, and their fast-paced dialogue is utterly delightful. I was laughing throughout! Overall, I would highly recommend The Importance of Being Earnest to readers ages twelve and up.

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The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon by Grace Lin (2025)

8/25/2025

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Jin is a Stone Lion—one of the guardians of the Old City Gate who is charged to watch over humans and protect the Sacred Sphere. But to Jin, those boring duties feel like a waste of time.

What isn’t a waste of time? Perfecting his zuqiu kick, scoring a Golden Goal, and becoming the most legendary player of all the spirit world.

But when Jin’s perfect kick accidentally knocks the Sacred Sphere out through the gate, he has no choice but to run after it, tumbling out of the realm he calls home and into the human world as the gate closes behind him.

Stuck outside the gate, Jin must find help from unlikely allies, including a girl who can hear a mysterious voice and a worm who claims he is a dragon. Together, they must find the sphere and return it to the world beyond the gate…or risk losing everything.
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The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon is the sort of book I might’ve picked up when I was younger and utterly loved. Grace Lin crafts a story with the feel of—and elements of—a myth, but with all the fixings of a modern world. It makes it feel as though you can truly step into this story from your doorstep, and as though folktales are as relevant and mysterious as they ever were. 

If you haven’t yet read one of Grace Lin’s books, you’re in for a treat here. Every one of her stories is full of vibrant illustrations, atmospheric prose, and a multilayered storyline that blends myths while feeling half like a myth itself. The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon is certainly different from Lin’s earlier books—for example, it’s the first of her fantasy novels set in modern times—but if you like this one, you’ll definitely want to read her other books, starting with When the Mountain Meets the Moon. 

One of my favorite aspects of Grace Lin’s books is the beautiful artwork, and this book is no exception. I love Lin’s vivid artwork that truly brings the characters to life, and if you haven’t yet had a chance to check it out, this is definitely a good book to start with! 

​Highly recommended! 

Thank you to TBR Beyond Tours and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own. I first read this book as part of a tour with TBR Beyond in March; you can read my post Top 5 Reasons to Read The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon here!

​Book description adapted from the publisher's description. 

ages 10+ / ARC / fairy tales / fantasy / fiction / friends / illustrated / magic / middle grade / myths & legends / standalone
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I Am the Swarm by Hayley Chewins (2025)

8/18/2025

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As far back as anyone can remember, the women of the Strand family have been magical. Their gifts manifest when they each turn fifteen, always in different ways. But Nell Strand knows that her family's magic is a curse. Her mother’s age changes every day; she's often too young to be the mother Nell needs. Her older sister bleeds music and will do anything to release the songs inside her. Nell sees the way magic rips her family apart again and again.

When Nell’s own magic arrives in the form of ladybugs alighting on the keys of her beloved piano, the first thing she feels is joy. The ladybugs are a piece of her, a harmless and delicate manifestation of her creativity. But soon enough, the rest come. Thick-shelled glossy beetles that creep along her collarbone when her piano teacher stares at her. Soft gray moths that appear and die alongside a rush of disappointment. Worst of all are the wasps. It doesn’t matter how deep she buries her rage, the wasps always come. Nell will have to decide just how much of herself she’s willing to lock away to stop them—or if she can find the strength to feel, no matter the consequences.
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I Am the Swarm was released on March 25, 2025. 

I first encountered Hayley Chewins's gorgeous prose in The Turnaway Girls; I thoroughly fell in love with it while reading The Sisters of Straygarden Place. Chewins is that rare writer whose prose possesses the rhythmic, uncanny quality of dark fantasy poetry, and so when I learned she was coming out with a novel in verse, I knew immediately that I had to read it. I Am the Swarm was every bit the evocative, powerful, razor-sharp story I hoped it would be. 

Chewins's command of language and rhythm is impeccable. Every line break, every turn of phrase, every evocative word, feels chosen by some unseeable algorithm that blends into something truly remarkable. Nell’s character is impeccable, as wild and relatable as the creatures she conjures, and her emotions leap out from the page as fiercely as any butterfly. 

Although set within the confines of the real world, I Am the Swarm contains some of the most unique magic I’ve ever read. I can’t recall a secondary-world fantasy that was more original and uncanny than the magic contained by the Strand family. Insects, music contained inside one’s body, age ephemerality…every beat of this story, every character, and every word thrums with individuality, authenticity, and mystery. I truly can’t recommend I Am the Swarm enough! 

​Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own. 

​Book description credited to the publisher. ​


ages 14+ / ARC / book group pick / family / fantasy / fiction / in verse / magic / standalone / young adult
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