Previously, I renamed ‘Weekly’ Wrap-Ups to Recent Reads, as I feel like that reflects the timescale between posts more accurately!

As ever, today I will briefly reviewing all the books I’ve read since my last post in approximately fifty words. The previous post also explains my concept of ‘The Chosen Ones’ to highlight my favourite books in each post!

1 and 2. Hunting Prince Dracula and Escaping From Houdini by Kerri Maniscalco 🧠🏳️‍🌈💙

I binge-read the first three books in this series and absolutely loved them. Maniscalco’s writing is utterly captivating and the mysteries just keep getting better and better. I adore the character development of Audrey and Thomas, adding more complexity and depth to their stories. The mystery in Escaping from Houdini really highlighted this development and Maniscalco’s deft plotting, making me demand Capturing The Devil immediately! Four stars.

3. That Asian Kid by Savita Kalhan 🧠⭐️

The way Kalhan built suspense over the course of this book was excellent and how she created a character whose actions were questionable and flawed, making Jeevan more realistic. I really liked Kalhan’s exploration of the power imbalance between a student and their teacher, as well as the disgusting racial bias shown, which is sadly all too easy to believe. Four stars.

4. Nevernight by Jay Kristoff 🧠🏳️‍🌈

It took me a while to get into this brilliant tale, but once I did, I was fully sold. Kristoff’s style of writing is unique and dark and all-consuming, with this ability to completely pull the rug out from under your feet at any time. This is a book where you must never think that you know what is going to happen. Four stars.

5. The Places I’ve Cried In Public by Holly Bourne 🧠

TW: emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse

I seem to be picking up quite a few books about abusive relationships recently and this was a fantastic, intense and necessary read. It taught me a lot about some of the subtler signs of an abusive relationships and more about emotional abuse, which is so important as this is a topic that isn’t spoken about enough. Four and a half stars.

6. Slay by Brittany Morris 🧠⭐️

The whole concept of SLAY is absolutely incredible and I knew from the first page that I was going to love Kiera. From then on, I raced through the pages, discovering Morris’ nuanced discussion of race, identity and feminism that was thought-provoking, educational and engaging. It’s primarily character-driven, which I always love. Four stars.

7. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier 🧠

I’m currently studying Gothic literature, so I decided to savour this masterpiece of the genre and I absolutely loved it. The atmosphere is so tangible and I loved that eerie sense of foreboding that you have with you throughout the book. The way that du Maurier slowly erode the main character is such excellent writing, subtle yet unnerving. Four stars.

8. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo 🧠

This was such a deliciously dark and atmospheric book that took a while to grow on me, but the second half of the book completely convinced me. Alex Stern is such a complex character and the whole world that Bardugo has created is beautifully intricate. The mystery was rather compelling and I will definitely be checking out the sequel. Four stars.

9. All Eyes on Us by Kit Frick 🧠🏳️‍🌈

This book really took me by surprise! Having picked it up at YALC with only the knowledge that it was a YA mystery, I really liked the characters and their growth over the course of the book. In particular, I was moved by Rosalie’s story, with her horrendous experience of conversion therapy. A solid mystery that delved into deeper issues with care and heart. Four stars.

The Chosen Ones: