Zena Bates-Zellers

Even better than I remembered

Reviewed: 12-05-24

This book was so great when I read it back in June of last year, but it was even better hearing it out loud. The narrator was fantastic. She really brought so much life to the characters and all of the voices were fantastic, especially Paisley's. I loved it from start to finish and I can't wait to listen to Against the Current next.

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Absolutely phenomenal

Reviewed: 09-26-24

I love Aiden's writing. The way he sets scenes and describes emotions and sensations is beautiful. But this book is above and beyond what I've come to expect from them. The way Xio's point of view was incorporated throughout the book is so interesting and really helps the reader understand the end of The Sunbearer Trials and what Xio was actually trying to accomplish. Meanwhile, the hell Teo, Aurélio, and Niya go through is so emotional and compelling, I could hardly put the book down. I loved all of the creatures they ran into and I especially loved the little village they encountered near the end of the story. Such a great book, I loved every last second of it.

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Deserved a massive trigger warning but otherwise good

Reviewed: 09-04-24

The story was compelling and unique. It was very well written. The performance was great, though the man lilting his way through the women's songs in the opera near the end was a little odd. But this book should have had trigger warnings for suicidal thoughts and ideation, as well as time spent in a mental hospital and medical trauma all over it. Sexual assault and rape mentions, too. There's a brief mention in the description of Kathleen's "breakdown" but nothing warning readers not to proceed if they are heavily triggered by what I mentioned above. Medical trauma like this is not some trivial thing to throw in for shock value. Trigger warnings exist to warn people with serious mental health conditions that they may suffer if they proceed. I would never have purchased this if I'd known how badly it would trigger my ptsd. If any of the above trigger you, please buy something else because the story is filled to the brim with them.

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A thrilling mis(fit)adventure

Reviewed: 06-05-24

I absolutely loved this band of misfits and all of their adventures. I'm a huge mythology fan and the valkyries are some of my all-time favorites. When I heard there was a lesbian romance book about valkyries, I picked it up immediately, and I was not disappointed in any way. I loved the twists and turns the story took, the danger, the heroism, the loss, the devastation, the love... This book was so great and I absolutely cannot wait to start the second one.

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So much queer joy

Reviewed: 02-07-24

I was hooked when I heard "queer and trans Pride and Prejudice retelling" but I had no idea just how wonderful this book would be. The whole book gave me so much to smile and laugh about, the rejections were incredibly satisfying, and all of the reveals towards the end of the book were absolute perfection, especially when Oliver told Darcy his given name. Easy five stars, can't recommend this book highly enough.

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I am obsessed with this book

Reviewed: 09-20-23

I read the opening chapter of this book and loved it so much, I immediately ordered a signed copy. I was in no way disappointed as the book went on. The history of magic in the book is so rich and robust, the prose is gorgeously lyrical and wraps you in vivid descriptions, and the story had me hanging on every last word. The world Quell immerses herself in is truly dark academia mixed with Bridgerton and I loved everything about it. I seriously can't understate how much I loved this book, it was truly one of my favorite things I've ever read. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

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Beautiful story, beautiful music, fantastic book

Reviewed: 08-29-23

I absolutely loved every second of this book. The music composed by Hayley for the audiobook is so beautiful. I loved hearing it pop up throughout the story and at the start of each chapter. The story was wonderful - compelling, uplifting, heartwarming, and heartwrenching in equal measure. I couldn't get enough of the love stories throughout the book - especially the one involving a certain king (not to give too many spoilers lol). I really enjoyed the writing style and have already raved about this book to multiple friends. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

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Nostalgia Fest

Reviewed: 08-04-23

I absolutely loved Good Fortune. It took me back to my high school days in so many ways. The dark room photo processing, cell phones as a rare commodity, the Fashion Bug clothing... It was a complete nostalgia fest and I loved every minute I spent losing myself in this audiobook. Elizabeth and Darcy's love story is such a fun ride, too. From LB's initial (completely off-base) terrible first impression of Darcy, to the revelation about Ray and beyond, I was completely hooked. I truly can't recommend this book enough, and I can't wait to see more from this author.

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1 person found this helpful

Nicky YES!!

Reviewed: 02-13-23

This book is absolutely hilarious. I loved following the absolutely clueless Nick Bell through his idiotic adventures trying to become an extraordinary (and failing spectacularly)... All while writing fan fiction, of course. Nick is the ultimate unreliable narrator because he's just *that* clueless 😂 It's amazing. The audible narration is phenomenal, too. I absolutely loved every second of it, especially the modulated superhero voices and sheer volume of irritated queers 😂

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Even better than the first book

Reviewed: 02-07-23

The end had me *fuming* but the epilogue(s) made up for it in a big way. Ugh these books are so good! Absolutely hilarious, so heartwarming and fantastically queer. I can't wait to see what happens to Nick and his friends next.

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