Tag: book review

book review, Genre: YA Historical

2.3. She Reads YA Historical Romance: The Davenports by Krystal Marquis

She Happily Reads Podcast

She remembered her mother’s words: to always rise above. Because her family was rare. Wealthy. Beautiful. Black.

–The Davenports by Krystal Marquis

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis is a charming YA romance following four women in the early 1900s Chicago: Olivia, the eldest Davenport daughter; Helena, the youngest Davenport daughter; Ruby, Olivia’s best friend; and Amy-Rose–the maid. All four of these women have dreams, ambitions, and a swoony love story unfolding in this historical fiction novel.

Hear more of my thoughts below by listening to the latest episode:

book review, Genre: Fantasy, Most Anticipated

1.19. She Reads Her Most Anticipated 2022 Release: Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

She Happily Reads Podcast

It is rage, expanding so fast and so hot that it fuels itself beneath your skin. Grief so deep you are only an open wound, only pain. Pain so fresh that the world itself feels like it should be burning.

–Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

My most anticipated release of 2022 is finally here, and I couldn’t be more excited to share my thoughts! Today’s episode is chokeful of spoilers, so if you haven’t read both of these books (and you care about spoilers), then I would wait to listen to this one! The Legendborn Cycle is definitely shaping up to be one of my favorite fantasy series, for sure…

Listen to the latest episode here:

book review, Genre: Sci Fi

1.18. She Reads Sci Fi: Machines Like Me by Ian McEwan

She Happily Reads Podcast

“Love wasn’t possible without a self, and nor was thinking.”

–Machines Like Me by Ian McEwan

Machines Like Me by Ian McEwan was a challenging read for one– not in the sense of it having difficult prose, but in the sense that it was frustrating. It follows the story of Charlie, Miranda, and a robot named Adam as they uncover Miranda’s secrets and become entangled in a pseudo-love triangle.

I hope if you listen to this episode, you understand that I was *not* looking for romance or a love story, but I was looking for an exploration of humanity through the subject of love, jealousy and intimacy in which a love triangle could have been a conduit for this conversation. At any rate, let me know what your thoughts are about this novel in the comments below!

Listen to the latest episode here:

book review, Genre: Historical Fiction

1.12. She Reads Historical Fiction: The Huntress by Kate Quinn

She Happily Reads Podcast

“For more than half a decade he’d thought of her every day, and here she was. Ian drank her in. He found her lovely. He found her obscene. He found her. “Here you are,” he said aloud, and smiled.”

–The Huntress by Kate Quinn

The Huntress by Kate Quinn is a force of a historical fiction novel, offering a triple POV, triple timeline story of a Huntress being hunted. Oftentimes, the story is brutal, with an incorporation of real life historical influences that make you cower, and at other times, the story is relatable, funny, and heartwarming. In typical Kate Quinn fashion, this novel is immersive, accessible, and romantic—a perfect read for someone in the mood for a historical and mysterious tale.

Listen to the latest episode here: