Janine > Recent Status Updates

Seems like we have a rival for this human girl for her future. I'm really intrigued so far, and loving the grumpy vs. sunshine dynamic.

Mostly having fun, but a love triangle might be coming.

Anyone have any fantasy horror recs?

Luminescent Resolve by Dan Kenner
An older man finds himself in a precarious situation as the darkest day of the year is coming. Interesting world building and ending. 4/5

Interesting so far, I'm vibing with the story of a mysterious botany school...

To First Blood by Blake & Raven Penn
A member of a warrior race obsessed with honor finds his own path as his land is threatened. Loved the action scenes. 4/5

Yikes! These bosses are grade A jerks!

I've been discovering a general issue with some Young Adult books released as of late: They feel like the teenage characters could have been aged up 3-5 years (to be early 20's) and the story would have vibed better with me and felt a bit more realistic. Shame the New Adult label went underused in Trad publishing...

Now we've shifted things again.

I'm not sure about this latest plot development... I have questions.

The Edges of Honor by Herman Steuernagel
A former solder works in smuggling magic and has to explore his past and make hard choices to realize what it means to have honor. An intriguing storyline. 4/5

The Leacher by JL Odom
Covering a person who can communicate with the dirt, desiring to fight in an upcoming war to make himself useful. Loved the deep introspection and the twist! 5/5

For such a long book, I'm just devouring this one!

Really enjoying this one so far! Liked the fun shoutouts to the Braves earlier.

Liking the story so far. Very wintery vibes. Also, that's rough buddy.

And that's all my 2025 reviews (I think). On to 2026!

There will be reviews incoming over the next few days as I finally tackle four months of books that I've basically skipped due to other obligations. Get ready!

Finally getting back to this, switching to audiobook. I like the fast pace of this story so far and lots of secrets to be had.

Is it just me, or is every other YA Fantasy or female led Fantasy just slapped with a "Romantasy" label nowadays even if it's just a romance side plot?

Interesting, this is feeling more thriller like with fantastical elements. Enjoying it so far.

Finally making my way through this one. Liking it so far.

That sequence in chapter 23 reminded me a lot of The Secret World of Alex Mack.

The Liar is a great villain, very scary. This book is reminding me a little bit of Fortune's Kiss (which is a good thing).

Lots of magical mischief afoot and some surprise guests have come in!

Really excited to finally dive into the second half of this story after so long!

OOH, the stakes are going way up!

So we're on a time hopping adventure with the other boy this time... Interesting. Still not a fan of the "monster" designation for these time travelers.

That was quite the surprising opening to this sequel. And it seems like a road trip. Good thing I got a map from elsewhere since the audiobook doesn't supply one.

Interesting premise so far. A non-verbal with an interesting ability.

OOH, the pacing is really good and it's doing a jigsaw puzzle plot pretty well if I can put together the pieces without too much trouble.