Synopsis: “The Darkest Minds” is a gripping dystopian novel that seamlessly blends action with themes of betrayal, friendship, and supernatural powers. Set in a world where a mysterious pandemic has left children with extraordinary abilities, the story follows protagonist Ruby Daly as she navigates a society that fears and hunts those with these powers.

As Ruby discovers her own abilities and escapes from a government-run “rehabilitation” camp, she forms an unlikely alliance with a group of fellow teens on the run. Together, they embark on a thrilling adventure, evading capture while uncovering the truth behind the government’s sinister agenda.

Throughout their journey, the bonds of friendship are tested as secrets are revealed and loyalties are questioned. Betrayal lurks around every corner, challenging Ruby and her companions to rely on each other like never before.

Against the backdrop of a dystopian world filled with danger and oppression, Ruby and her friends harness their supernatural powers to fight back against their oppressors. Their abilities, ranging from telekinesis to mind control, add an electrifying element to the story, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each thrilling encounter.

Overall, “The Darkest Minds” is a must-read for fans of action-packed dystopian adventures, offering a compelling blend of thrilling action, complex characters, and a richly imagined world filled with supernatural powers.

You can get this book from amazon here.

Speed: Fast paced
Spice: None
Rating I would give: 4.6 ⭐️
Additional notes: It is the first book in the Darkest Minds series!

Synopsis: “Shatter Me” by Tahereh Mafi is a compelling dystopian novel that immerses readers in a world of extraordinary powers, romance, and rebellion. Set in a society where the government wields absolute control, the story follows protagonist Juliette Ferrars, a young woman with a deadly touch that isolates her from society.

At the heart of the novel lies Juliette’s journey of self-discovery, as she grapples with the terrifying extent of her powers and the role she plays in the burgeoning rebellion against the oppressive regime. Along the way, she forms an unlikely connection with Adam Kent, a fellow rebel with his own secrets and struggles.

Their relationship begins as adversaries, but as they navigate the perilous landscape of the rebellion, their animosity transforms into something deeper—a forbidden love that defies the odds and fuels their determination to overthrow the regime.

Amidst the action-packed sequences and heart-pounding battles, Juliette and Adam uncover dark secrets that threaten to unravel everything they’ve fought for. As they delve into their shared history and the origins of their powers, they uncover shocking truths that shake the foundation of their beliefs and force them to question everything they thought they knew.

As the rebellion gains momentum, Juliette and Adam must forge alliances with unlikely allies, navigating a web of deceit and betrayal in order to achieve their goals. Along the way, they confront their own demons and come to terms with their identities, finding strength in each other and the bonds they’ve forged.

You can get this book from amazon here.

Speed: Fast paced
Spice: None
Rating I would give: 4.6 ⭐️
Additional notes: It is the first book in the Shatter Me series! This series may also be included in the romance genre.

Synopsis: “Once Upon a Broken Heart” by Stephanie Garber delivers a spellbinding tale that entwines the allure of love at first sight with the enchantment of fantasy, magic, and royal intrigue. Set in a mesmerizing world where prophecies shape destinies and kingdoms teeter on the edge of chaos, this novel takes readers on an unforgettable journey.

At its core, the story revolves around the timeless concept of finding love at first sight. Our protagonist, Evangeline Fox, is swept off her feet by Jacks, a man who seems to embody everything she’s ever dreamed of.

However, as Evangeline delves deeper into Jacks world, she discovers that he is not all that he seems. Beneath his charming facade lies a darkness that threatens to consume them both. Despite the warning signs, Evangeline finds herself falling for the villain, drawn to him by a magnetic pull she cannot resist.

As the plot unfolds, we are introduced to a world where magic reigns supreme and prophecies hold sway over the lives of mortals. Evangeline’s journey becomes intertwined with the fate of the kingdom, as she uncovers secrets that have been buried for centuries and faces challenges that will test her courage and determination.

Amidst the backdrop of royal intrigue and betrayal, “Once Upon a Broken Heart” delivers a rollercoaster ride of emotions, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each twist and turn. As Evangeline navigates the treacherous waters of love and loyalty, she must confront her own demons and make difficult choices that will shape the destiny of the realm.

You can get this book from amazon here.

Speed: Fast paced
Spice: None
Rating I would give: 4.6 ⭐️
Additional notes: It is part of a trilogy that takes place in the same world as the Carnaval series. If you would like to read about my review, recommendations and reading guide of this novel, I’ve written a blog that you can check out here.

Synopsis: “Cruel Prince” by Holly Black is a captivating fantasy novel that immerses readers in a world of intrigue, betrayal, and forbidden love. Set in the treacherous realm of Faerie, the story follows protagonist Jude Duarte, a mortal girl who finds herself thrust into a dangerous game of politics and power.

At the heart of the novel is the captivating dynamic between Jude and Prince Cardan, the titular cruel prince. Initially sworn enemies, Jude and Cardan’s relationship evolves from animosity to something much more complex. Their journey from adversaries to reluctant allies to lovers is a captivating and nuanced exploration of the complexities of love and loyalty.

Against the backdrop of a richly imagined fantasy world, “Cruel Prince” explores themes of royalty and power, as Jude navigates the treacherous court of the Faerie realm. As a mortal living among the fae, Jude must rely on her wits and cunning to survive, even as she finds herself drawn deeper into the machinations of the court.

Spies and betrayal abound in this intricate tale, as Jude uncovers secrets that threaten to tear the realm apart. In this dangerous world, Jude must rely on her strength and resilience to navigate the treacherous waters of Faerie politics.

At the center of it all is Jude herself—a strong, determined, and fiercely independent young woman who refuses to be defined by the circumstances of her birth. As she confronts the challenges and obstacles that stand in her way, Jude emerges as a formidable protagonist, capable of holding her own in a world where power is everything.

You can get this book from amazon here.

Speed: Slow paced
Spice: None (There was one scene but it faded into black)
Rating I would give: 4.5 ⭐️
Additional notes: This is the first instalment of the Cruel Prince series.

Synopsis: “Fault in Our Stars” by John Green is an emotionally charged novel that delves into the heart-wrenching journey of two teenagers, Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters, as they navigate the complexities of life, love, and loss in the face of terminal illness.

The story revolves around Hazel, a sixteen-year-old girl living with cancer, whose life is forever changed when she meets Augustus at a support group for cancer survivors. Despite their shared struggles, Hazel and Augustus forge a deep and meaningful connection, bound together by their shared experiences and unwavering determination to make the most of the time they have left.

As their relationship blossoms, Hazel and Augustus confront the harsh realities of their illness head-on, grappling with the fear and uncertainty that looms over their future. Yet amidst the pain and suffering, they find solace in each other’s company, cherishing every moment they have together and finding strength in their love for one another.

The novel’s poignant narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the fragility of life, drawing readers into the emotional journey of its protagonists. As Hazel and Augustus navigate the highs and lows of their relationship, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotion, feeling every heartache and triumph as if it were their own.

At its core, “Fault in Our Stars” is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as Hazel and Augustus overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles in their quest for happiness and fulfillment. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of living life to the fullest, even in the face of adversity.

In the end, “Fault in Our Stars” delivers a heartbreaking yet ultimately uplifting tale that leaves readers both devastated and inspired. With its raw emotion, relatable characters, and thought-provoking themes, this novel engages readers on a deeply personal level, inviting them to reflect on the beauty and tragedy of the human experience.

You can get this book from amazon here.

Speed: Fast paced
Spice: There is a tiny bit but overall its a no
Rating I would give: 5 ⭐️
Additional notes: This is a standalone novel, in addition to that I found the ending to be DEVASTATING and worth the read!

Synopsis: “Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood is a captivating romance novel that blends the allure of forbidden love with the intrigue of scientific discovery. Set in the hallowed halls of academia, the story follows protagonist Olive Smith, a dedicated graduate student with a passion for science and a penchant for skepticism when it comes to matters of the heart.

At the heart of the novel is Olive’s unexpected and undeniable attraction to her grumpy and reclusive professor, Dr. Adam Carlsen. Despite their glaring differences and the professional boundaries that separate them, Olive finds herself drawn to Adam in ways she never thought possible.

As Olive and Adam embark on a journey of scientific discovery, they find themselves grappling with their growing feelings for each other. Caught between the pursuit of knowledge and the allure of romance, Olive must confront the complexities of love and desire, even as she strives to maintain her professional integrity.

But as their research delves deeper into the mysteries of the human heart, Olive and Adam uncover more than they bargained for, stumbling upon a groundbreaking discovery that could change the course of medical history. As they work tirelessly to find a cure for cancer, they find themselves drawn closer together, their shared passion for science forging a bond that transcends the barriers of academia.

You can get this book from amazon here.

Speed: Fast paced
Spice: 🌶️
Rating I would give: 4 ⭐️
Additional notes: This is a standalone novel.

Synopsis: “Inheritance Games” by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a captivating mystery novel that plunges readers into a world of intrigue, puzzles, and unexpected twists. Set against the backdrop of a sprawling mansion and a vast fortune, the story follows protagonist Avery Grambs, a resourceful and determined young woman who finds herself thrust into a web of secrets and deception.

At the heart of the novel lies a tantalizing mystery surrounding the Hawthorne family and their vast fortune. When billionaire Tobias Hawthorne unexpectedly leaves his entire fortune to Avery, a complete stranger, she is drawn into a high-stakes game of puzzles and riddles designed to uncover the truth behind his decision.

As Avery navigates the labyrinthine halls of Hawthorne Manor, she encounters the enigmatic Hawthorne brothers—Jameson, Grayson, and Nash—each with their own motives and secrets. Together, they must unravel the mysteries of Tobias Hawthorne’s past and the true nature of his fortune, all while contending with rival heirs and a world that seems determined to tear them apart.

Amidst the puzzles and riddles, Avery emerges as a strong and resilient protagonist, unafraid to confront the challenges that lie ahead. With her sharp wit and unwavering determination, she delves into the secrets of Hawthorne Manor, uncovering clues that lead to shocking revelations and unexpected alliances.

But as Avery delves deeper into the mystery, she discovers that the answers she seeks only lead to more questions. With each new revelation, she finds herself drawn further into the tangled web of deceit and betrayal that surrounds the Hawthorne family, unsure of who she can trust or where her loyalties lie.

You can get this book from amazon here.

Speed: Fast paced
Spice: None
Rating I would give: 4.9 ⭐️
Additional notes: This is the first instalment of The Inheritance Games series.

Carnaval by Stephanie Garber takes place in the same world as Once Upon a Broken Heart. The novel is said to be filled with mystery as two sisters, Scarlett and Tella, are finally invited to to a Carnaval that promises participants a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

While at the Carnaval Scarlett (main female lead) tries to save her sister as she has been kidnapped, although she has been assured that it is part of the act, Scarlett can’t help but think it’s a lie. 

This novel is known for the unpredictable plot twists, as a reader who loves plot twists that makes the novel more intriguing! However, I have also heard that this novel is not as good as Once upon a broken heart.

If you have read once upon a broken heart series, Jacks will be in the Carnaval series as well. And another important thing to note is that because their set in the same world and the last book of the Carnaval series and Once Upon a Broken Heart are in the same time frame.

Those that have read Once Upon a Broken Heart before Carnaval I am sorry to say but we made the same mistake and now know the ending of Carnaval. You can get Carnaval from amazon here.

You can check out my review, recommendations and reading guide of Once Upon a Broken Heart over here.

Update: Here is the Carnaval review!

From Blood to Ash is an intriguing novel, that has captured the hearts of many readers. The novel is centred around Poppy, whom exists in a world that’s coloured with darkness and drenched with blood. As she learns the dark truth that builds the foundation of her entire world, she is shook and unsure who to trust as her understanding of her own identity and feelings quickly waver.

It’s the unexpected twists and turns that truly captivate, ensuring that the journey through “From Blood and Ash” is anything but predictable. Ancient prophecies and hidden adversaries lurk around every corner, challenging characters and readers alike.

If you’re interested in reading more about this novel and my opinions of it, here is a blog that may be able to assist you 😁!

Note: I have read the second novel and it is so much more interesting than the first novel!

Here is a quote from the second novel (#2 A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire) in the From Blood and Ash series:

In “The Final Gambit,” readers are drawn deeper into the captivating mystery first introduced in “The Hawthorne Legacy.” As the story unfolds, secrets buried within the family’s history come to light, unraveling long-held mysteries and revealing hidden truths. With each page turn, readers are immersed in a suspenseful journey, eagerly uncovering the intricacies of the Hawthorne family’s dark past. From clandestine affairs to long-buried scandals.

You can get this book from amazon here.

I’ve recently finished the novel, whilst I write a blog post for it, check out my favourite quotes over in instagram.

“Before the Coffee Gets Cold” has been on my TBR for quite a while now, I’ve just never gotten round to it. The novel is set in a small underground coffee shop in Tokyo, as the story goes, the coffee shop is able to take its customers through time back to the day they wish to visit.

Though, with every story about time travel there are lot of rules to be followed, wether you return back to the present depends on you.

The novel has integrated 4 mini stories within the novel, each character wanting to return to the past for their own reasons, be it heart break, regret or simply to find the answer to unanswered questions.

Apparently, this novel is supposed to take readers on an emotional ride… well there is only one way to find out.

You can get this book from amazon here.

Update: I have finished reading this novel, finally I can take tick it off my TBR lists! Check out my blog about this novel here.

This novel delves deep into the human mind, exploring the methods that one can take to enhance their thought process and in turn their lives. Through this novel, you may be able to find yourself or understand yourself even more, from the actions you take to the thoughts that lay behind it. The novel seeks to enhance your subconscious mind and show you the power that it holds. A power that anyone can learn to wield.

If you’re interested in reading the novel you can grab it from amazon here.

Note: I’ve read the novel and it has been so interesting, it left me pondering about the subconscious mind, allowing me to better understand myself and my thought processes.

I rate the novel 4.3 ⭐️

I won’t be writing a review for this novel, however here are some quotes that intrigued me: