Deborah Harkness returns with The Black Bird Oracle, the fifth entry in the All Souls universe. While the first trilogy gave us magic, history, and an unforgettable romance, this new installment tries to push the story forward by digging deeper into Diana Bishop’s family and her dark magical heritage. But does this latest chapter justify extending the series, or does it feel like setup for something bigger?
Equinox is a slow, strange mix of magical realism, spirituality, and MMM romance set in Vienna, uneven, but fascinating enough to keep me turning the pages.
The Flatshare surprised me in the best way, what starts as a quirky roommate arrangement quickly becomes a heartfelt story of healing, connection, and maybe even love. It’s funny, warm, and unexpectedly grounded. This one’s for fans of slow-burn romance and genuinely flawed characters. Come for the Post-its, stay for the feelings.
Disney’s live-action Snow White sticks closer to the original fairytale than you might think, but does that make it good? With a stunning (yet inconsistent) Gal Gadot, a strong fairytale aesthetic, and a few odd choices along the way, this remake is a mixed bag of magic. Read the full review here.
The Necromancer’s Light offers a fascinating world and emotionally rich characters like Shae Nightven, the lonely necromancer. While the story kept me in a steady state of flow rather than excitement, a powerful emotional gut punch shifted my experience and left me curious for more.
The opening chapter of *A Court of Thorns and Roses* promised a rich, atmospheric tale of magic and romance. But as the pages turned, the spark fizzled. Slow pacing, a lack of originality, and weak chemistry between the leads left me disenchanted.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre de la Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte is a visually stunning and emotionally gripping adaptation of Dumas' classic. Pierre Niney shines as Edmond Dantès, delivering a performance that balances raw emotion with the cool calculation of revenge. The production value is exquisite, with grand sets and rich details that immerse you in 19th-century France. The film explores timeless themes of betrayal, redemption, and justice, all while keeping the audience hooked with its well-paced narrative and captivating character arcs.
"Semantic Error" presents a heartfelt Boys' Love story, gracefully exploring the connection between two contrasting characters. It balances familiar tropes without feeling clichéd and emphasizes emotional depth over explicit scenes. The exceptional chemistry between the main characters brings authenticity to their evolving romance, making it a compelling narrative that challenges preconceived notions.
Every road must come to an end. Some kinds of love weren't meant to burn out but to rage like starfire. Author Hailey Turner has revealed the gorgeous cover for The Queen's Starfire Throne! Releasing May 10, 2024.
"Love Springs Eternal" by Sheena Jolie (SJ Himes) is the fifth book in the Beacon Hill Sorcerer series, continuing the romantic and magical journey of Daniel and Rory. The story focuses on their growing love, balanced with danger and political intrigue. While some action scenes shine, the emphasis on romance and hints of future plots overshadow the current story.
Worn Out Spines 