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Just a girl, living her life through books

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Remain
Remain
by Nicholas Sparks
tagged: arcs and currently-reading

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Emma has read 1 book toward her goal of 50 books.
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Professional Reader Camp NetGalley 2025

10 Book Reviews
Read and Release at BookCrossing.com...

  • February Book Club Pick & A Fantasy I’d Have Got To… Eventually

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    So before we get into the very exciting February book club news, can we just acknowledge that I’ve been a lot MIA lately?

    Between Christmas, New Year, and then my birthday (yes another year older, sadly not wiser), everything went a bit feral. I’ve blinked and suddenly realised I’m still not fully caught up and my blog to-do list is looking at me like “bestie… explain yourself.”

    I promised myself, I will catch up. I’ve currently got about eight reviews I need to write up (oops), two of which are book club books, plus I still need to:

    • wrap up December’s reading
    • do a proper 2025 reading wrap-up
    • and crown my favourite book of 2025

    It’s a lot. I’m a bit overwhelmed. But I am determined to get back on track. I should really sit and learn to schedule posts a bit better. Smarter, not harder… Right?

    Now. On to the good stuff.

    📘 February Book Club Pick

    Paper + Word have announced their February Book Club read, and it’s one I probably would have picked up on my own… just not until about 2036. You know how it is. Fantasy readers collect intentions 😅

    The pick is Of Blood and Fire by Ryan Cahill, an epic fantasy that’s new to me but absolutely my kind of thing. Big world, high stakes, magic, danger… Yes Please!

    And as if that wasn’t enough:

    • it’s a signed hardback edition
    • there’s an online author chat
    • and the book club itself now has a wait list of over 1,000 people, which still blows my mind

    Honestly, it’s one of those reminders of how special indie bookshops and reading communities really are.

    So support local where you can!

    📚 Why I’m Genuinely Excited

    Fantasy is my comfort genre, but it’s also where my TBR becomes wildly aspirational. This feels like the perfect nudge to read something sooner rather than eventually, and I love going into it with fresh eyes and no long-built expectations at having been sat on a shelf for 5 years… Waiting.

    I’ll be reading along properly and will share my thoughts once I’ve finished, hopefully in a much more consistent, less-chaotic posting rhythm, but we’ll see how the next couple of weeks pan out first 😅

    📖 What I’m Reading Right Now

    In case you’re curious what I’m juggling at the moment:

    • The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue — which I am absolutely loving. Fully enchanted. Zero notes and a perfect slip into after The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, which I finished a couple of days ago.
    • January’s book club pick, The Grace of Kings — which I’m enjoying, but wow… the number of characters is a lot. Slightly overwhelming at times, but the book club group chat keeps reassuring me that everything clicks into place around the halfway mark, so I’m trusting the process.
    • And of course, still squeezing in a chapter here and there of The Fellowship of the Ring on audiobook, currently 70% in! But with hour long chapters (Book Two, Chapter 3 I’m looking at you!) it can sometimes feel like a bit of an effort.

    So yes — I’m behind, a bit overwhelmed, but very much still here and very excited about what I’m reading. Thank you for sticking with me while I get everything back into some kind of order 😅

    Have you read Of Blood and Fire, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, or The Grace of Kings? Or are they living in your own future-TBR pile?

    Until next time… 🖤

    Dead Girl Reads

    2 comments on February Book Club Pick & A Fantasy I’d Have Got To… Eventually
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  • A Little Life Update… and a Lot of Books Ahead

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    I feel like I’ve been a bit MIA lately, so I wanted to pop on and give a little update 👋🏻
    I have still been reading (when am I not?), but life has been… well, hectic. Illness struck yet AGAIN 🙄 — because apparently it’s my whole personality now — and work has been full-on with projects that just don’t quit, but we powered through and completed it, mate! 💪🏻😅

    So let’s grab a brew and have a catch up on life recently….

    November Rollercoaster

    November threw me a proper curveball, which wasn’t on my 2025 Bingo Card! I was wrapped up in an “internal promotion” for a couple of weeks… or, you know, the idea of one. Long story short: I was offered a “role” (using that term loosely here), had a long hard think about it, weighed up every pro and con and then politely said “thanks, but no thanks.” Honestly? I feel great about it. Empowered, even. Sometimes the right choice isn’t the one everyone expects, and that’s okay. Also remembering your worth in these situations is key. Money isn’t everything.

    November was also really tough emotionally for me. The 17th marked the one-year anniversary of losing my favourite boy, Alfred. My 16 year old soul cat. The one that got me through life in more ways than anyone could ever imagine. Grief hit hard (still is), as it tends to do, and life has been completely overwhelming lately. I’ve been trying to be a bit kinder to myself and I plan to keep that going for the rest of 2025.

    Festive Fun & Family

    On a more positive side. November was a real mix of festive joy and family moments too. At the end of November, I put up the Christmas tree with the help of my daughter, who would normally avoid it like the plague. So it was really nice to have her there, amidst the Christmas chaos… even if she dramatically “checked out” at having to put 300 baubles on the tree! 🤣

    In other news, my daughter also picked up her brand new car. 21 years old and already smashing life in the balls. Proud mama right here!

    We also managed to get out and about a bit (in and around the lurgy):

    • York Christmas Markets – Not quite as magical as last year (maybe because we didn’t get there until dark), but we mooched the stalls, ate ALL the treats, and came home with cakes and sweet goodies galore.
    • Shiverpool, Liverpool ghost tour. – Absolutely amazing! If you’re ever in the area, go. Seriously.

    Reading Update

    November was slow for reading and I only managed to finish:

    • The Bookbinder’s Secret – Review here
    • I, Medusa Review here

    I didn’t even get my book club pick done until last week. But sometimes that’s just the way the cookie crumbles.

    December has already started stronger though, with a couple of completed reads under the belt:

    • Daughter Of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor – 4⭐ Enjoyed it that much that I have just treated myself to the second book in the trilogy (review incoming)
    • The First Witch of Boston by Andrea Catalano – 4⭐ Loved the mix of history, magic, and intrigue. (review incoming)
    • The Summer War by Naomi Novik – 3⭐ Short and sweet; the start felt a bit rushed, but the ending really delivered. (review incoming)

    December TBR

    My December TBR is absolutely packed as I try to squeeze in a few more for my Goodreads Challenges, but 43 books of my 25 Reading Book Challenge is pretty impressive, even if I do say so myself.


    Here’s my hopefuls for the weeks ahead:

    • Midnight in Everwood (Book Club) – A dark retelling of The Nutcracker, small town, big secrets, and twisty, spooky vibes.
    • The Will of Many (Community Picks) – 640 pages of epic fantasy, rebellion, politics, and magic. Big, immersive, and perfect for a longer read.
    • Listen for The Lie (Hispanic Heritage Month) – Twist-filled thriller about secrets and lies. Excited for the rollercoaster.
    • Witchcraft for Wayward Girls (Spinetinglers) – Teen witches, rebellion, and dark humor. Can’t wait!
    • Weyward (Fiction Faves) – Historical fiction with folklore and romance. Curious to see how it all threads together.
    • The Salt Path (Memorable Memoirs) – Reflective memoir about resilience and walking the South West Coast Path. Slower, but a nice genre break.
    • On The Savage Side (Native Voices) – Intense & emotional. Deep dive into family and heritage.

    No ARCs until January, so I have a bit of room to breathe and actually catch up on reviews.
    I think 2024-me definitely planned the year ahead well!

    Christmas Break & Exciting Plans

    December is going to be all go, go, go, but in the best way. I officially finish work for Christmas on the 17th, and then I have a lovely long stretch off. More reading, more blogging, more relaxing, some movies and a bit of gaming thrown in for good measure… yes please!

    For now though, I’ve got some of your blogs to catch up on.

    Until next time… keep turning pages and surviving the madness 📖🖤

    Dead Girl Reads

    4 comments on A Little Life Update… and a Lot of Books Ahead
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  • I, Medusa – ARC Review

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    📆 Publication Date: 20th November 2025
    ⭐️4/5 stars
    📖 Length: 336 pages
    📱 Format: ePUB
    ⏳ Read Time: 10 days

    Synopsis

    Meddy has spent her whole life as a footnote in someone else’s story. Out of place next to her beautiful, immortal sisters and her parents-both gods, albeit minor ones-she dreams of leaving her family’s island for a life of adventure. So when she catches the eye of the goddess Athena, who invites her to train as an esteemed priestess in her temple, Meddy leaps at the chance to see the world beyond her home.

    In Athens’ colourful market streets and the clandestine chambers of the temple, Meddy flourishes in her role as Athena’s favoured acolyte, getting her first tastes of purpose and power. But when she is noticed by another Olympian, Poseidon, a drunken night between girl and god ends in violence, and the course of Meddy’s promising future is suddenly and irrevocably altered.

    Her locs transformed into snakes as punishment for a crime she did not commit, Medusa must embrace a new identity-not as a victim, but as a vigilante-and with it, the chance to write her own story as mortal, martyr, and myth.

    Exploding with rage, heartbreak, and love, I, Medusa portrays a young woman caught in the cross currents between her heart’s deepest desires and the cruel, careless games the Olympian gods play.

    What I thought

    I, Medusa is a really strong retelling of one of Greek mythology’s most famous “monsters,” and I loved the way Ayana Gray approached Medusa’s story. One thing that really worked well for me was how the book opens almost at the end, before jumping back into everything that led Meddy to that moment. It instantly hooked me and made me want to know how it all unfolded.

    The pacing throughout the beginning is great, and I was fully invested in Medusa as “Meddy.” Her voice feels real, emotional, and grounded in a way we don’t often get with this myth. It’s also clear that Gray did her research; the world-building and mythological touches feel thoughtful and intentional without ever overwhelming the story.

    I thought everything flowed really well, up until the moment Meddy is punished and her hair is transformed into snakes for a crime she didn’t commit. After that, the story suddenly speeds up, and it almost felt like a sprint to the finish. Still enjoyable, but definitely a noticeable shift after such a strong, well-developed first half.

    Gray choosing not to fully name Medusa’s killer was the best. He’s referred to in the book as “a favoured champion” and only gets a fleeting presence in the epilogue. It felt incredibly powerful, shifting the weight of the myth back onto Meddy and keeping the focus entirely on her story. Here, he is not the hero.

    Overall, this is a good, engaging retelling that gives Medusa far more depth than the typical “monster” label and I really enjoyed seeing a more human, nuanced side to her.

    You can grab your copy of I, Medusa by Ayana Gray from trusted retailers:

    On Amazon – here
    Bookshop.Org – here

    Thanks to NetGalley, Bonnier Books UK and the author for this ARC in return for an honest review.

    Until next time… 🐍🦉

    Dead Girl Reads

    No comments on I, Medusa – ARC Review
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  • The Bookbinder’s Secret – ARC Review

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    📆 Publication Date: 6th November 2025
    ⭐️4/5 stars
    📖 Length: 442 pages
    📱 Format: ePUB
    ⏳ Read Time: 10 days

    Synopsis

    What danger could lie within a book?

    ‘I wish you had not killed him.’

    Lilian Delaney, apprentice to a master bookbinder in Oxford in 1901, chafes at the confines of her life, caught between the oppressive walls of her father’s bookshop and the limitations of being a woman in a man’s profession. But when a burned book comes into her possession, she finds hidden beneath the binding a fifty-year-old letter speaking of love, fortune and murder.

    Lily is drawn into the mystery, which hints at a forbidden romance between young lovers, and learns there are other books which conceal more of the story. Lily becomes obsessed with finding them, but she is not the only one looking, and what began as a simple intrigue quickly turns dangerous.

    Her journey takes her across the country, to the eccentric booksellers of London, private libraries of unscrupulous collectors and the dusty archives of society papers, as she delves further into the heart of the secret. But with sinister forces closing in, willing to do anything to obtain the books, Lily’s world begins to fall apart, and she must decide if uncovering the truth is worth losing everything.

    What I thought

    Okay, I’m very late with this review, again! Illness has been keeping me off my usual schedule, but I finally managed to get this one down.

    The Bookbinder’s Secret by A.D. Bell pulled me in quietly but surely from the very first page. I’m always a sucker for anything that gives a peek behind the scenes of books, libraries, and binders, so getting a glimpse into a bookbinder’s world was such a treat. There’s something really romantic about the craft, and Bell captures that mix of ink, glue, and nostalgia beautifully.

    The story hits a lovely balance of mystery, romance, and intrigue. I’ll admit though, I worked out the twist a bit earlier than expected. But honestly? That didn’t take away from my enjoyment. I still loved the journey, the atmosphere, and the way the story unfolded.
    It’s cosy, clever, and satisfying.

    What I loved most was how it made me think of all those second-hand books I’ve picked up with inscriptions in the first few pages. There’s something quietly magical about those little notes, tiny echoes of someone else’s life, and this book really captured that feeling for me.

    All in all, it’s a well-constructed, enjoyable read. If you like cosy mysteries with a literary twist, this one’s definitely worth picking up.

    If you’re curious to check it out yourself, you can grab a copy:

    On Amazon – here
    Bookshop.Org – here

    Thanks to NetGalley, HQ and the author for this ARC in return for an honest review.

    Until next time… ✨

    Dead Girl Reads

    No comments on The Bookbinder’s Secret – ARC Review
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  • A Night In The Lonesome October – Book Review

    ⭐️ 2/5 stars
    📖 Length: 290 pages
    📱 Format: Kindle
    ⏳ Read Time: 31 days

    Synopsis

    In the murky London gloom, a knife-wielding gentleman named Jack prowls the midnight streets with his faithful watchdog Snuff – gathering together the grisly ingredients they will need for an ancient and unearthly rite. For soon after the death of the moon, black magic will summon the Elder Gods back into the world. And all manner of Players, both human and undead, are preparing to participate.

    Some have come to open the gates. Some have come to slam them shut. And now the dread night approaches – so let the Game begin.

    What I thought

    I picked this one up after a recommendation from a fellow book club member, and honestly, the first few chapters had me thinking I was in for a clever October read. The premise is great, and I loved the idea of reading one chapter per day throughout the month, especially since each chapter is dated. Such a fun way to turn a book into a seasonal ritual.

    Anyway, there were definitely elements that worked for me. The nods to classic Gothic/Horror characters; Jack the Ripper (as the hero, somehow), Dracula, Frankenstein I thought were clever, and I really liked that the entire story is told through the perspectives of their animal companions. It’s unusual and gives the book a personality of its own.

    Unfortunately though, that is all I enjoyed.

    The writing style felt oddly childish, almost like listening to a group of kids narrate a spooky school performance. What started as intriguing soon became something I struggled to stay invested in. As the chapters (or days) got longer, I found myself zoning out more and more. The charm wore off very quickly and I did struggle to finish it.

    In fairness to the book, I don’t think I was in the best reading headspace, we’ve all been there right? Juggling different genres at the time probably didn’t help either so I think this might just be one of those “wrong book, wrong moment” situations.

    So for now, A Night in the Lonesome October sits at 2 stars for me.

    I might give it another go next October when I’m feeling more seasonal and can try the day-by-day reading experience properly, but we’ll see what happens in 2026.

    You can grab your copy of A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny from trusted retailers:

    Until next time…

    Dead Girl Reads

    4 comments on A Night In The Lonesome October – Book Review
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  • October 2025 Reading Wrap-Up: 6 Books, 2,247 Pages & 1 DNF

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    October was… a bit of a sickly blur and I spent most of it feeling rough (yay for autumn germs 🫠🤧), so there were a lot of days curled up with tea, a blanket, and books that I was too tired to properly focus on.

    I didn’t quite beat September’s record of 9 books, but I still managed 6 books (7 if you include my DNF), totalling 2,247 pages, with an average rating of 3.67⭐. Which I’m still counting as a win, especially since I was sick for half the month! Plus, five of those were ARCs, so the backlog is finally shrinking (slowly).

    Here are the StoryGraph stats to prove it (minus my DNF) 👇

    So without further ado, let’s recap on what I managed to get through in October:

    1. The Book Reader by Astrid Rose – DNF – ★★☆☆☆

    The premise hooked me, but unfortunately, it just didn’t deliver. The book does need a lot of editing to make it readable, IMO. And I think the team may be working on this before it’s delayed release. Still, a beautiful idea, but with very slow execution. DNF @ 63%.

    Why you’ll like it: if you’re patient with slow burns and enjoy introspective magical realism this might be for you, but I’d hold off until the author comes through with some big fixes.

    🔗 Check out my full ARC review of The Book Reader here

    2. Limerence by L.S. Delorme – ★★★★☆

    Limerence is weird, emotional, and kind of beautiful in that haunting, cosmic way. Don’t make the same mistake I did though – This is book 5 of The Limerent Series, so do your research.

    Why you’ll like it: it’s not a light read, but if you’re into lyrical fantasy with mythic vibes and a love story that literally breaks reality, then this might be for you.

    🔗 Check out my full ARC review of Limerence here

    3. The House Witch and the Enchanting of the Hearth by Delemhach – ★★★★☆

    An absolute comfort read. A hug in a book. It’s charming, low-stakes fantasy with a heart as big as its kitchen (and a cat POV!!). Some plots don’t wrap up in this book, but this is a trilogy (I also own the 2nd book) so I would hope for some closure eventually 🤞🏻

    Why you’ll like it: if you want cosy domestic magic, found family, cat Mafia and a main character who proves that gentle doesn’t mean weak.

    🔗 Check out my full review of The House Witch here

    4. Flesh & Bone by H.R. Leigh – ★★★☆☆

    Creepy, atmospheric, and full of haunting imagery. I loved the eerie setting and gothic tone, but it left me wanting a little more story and less prose. Still, it hit the October mood and I’d be interested to see how book two shapes up.

    Why you’ll like it: if you’re into gothic tension, dark secrets, and slow-burning unease. Just be warned, it’s very descriptive.

    🔗 Check out my full ARC review of Flesh & Bone here

    5. Fatewoken by Juliet Lockwood – ★★★★☆

    Fatewoken kicks off the Fates Trilogy with a bang. Clever, chaotic, and full of morally grey characters, it’s a wild ride through fate, free will, and big, messy magic. Honestly, it sometimes felt like the mortals were pawns in one very intense game of chess, and I loved that concept.

    Why you’ll like it: if you enjoy morally grey characters, fate vs. free will drama, and a fantasy world that keeps you guessing the next move.

    🔗 Check out my full ARC review of Fatewoken here

    6. The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow – ★★★★★

    Completely spellbinding. This book broke my heart and then lovingly stitched it back together. Harrow blends history, myth, and yearning into something utterly unforgettable. I finished it feeling both hollow and complete. Think Sliding Doors meets The Truman Show meets Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children all with a Medieval balance.

    Why you’ll like it: if you love myth, timeless love stories, and writing that feels like poetry, this one definitely belongs to you.

    🔗 Check out my full review of The Everlasting here

    7. A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny – ★★☆☆☆

    I’m still gathering my thoughts and feelings on this one. I rated it 2-star initially, but that could change as I recap the chapters for my review, which I’ll try and get finished over the next day or two.

    ✨ Faves of the Month

    No surprise here; The Everlasting completely stole my heart. It’s one of those rare reads that reminds me why I love stories in the first place.

    I’m still thinking about it now, and honestly? It’s a top contender for my Book of the Year 🥇

    Alix E. Harrow, bravo! 👏🏻

    💭 October Thoughts

    Being ill this month definitely slowed me down, but reading became a bit of a lifeline. Something to focus on between naps and tea refills. I’m calling it a win: six books finished, one DNF, five ARCs cleared, and one new all-time favourite (The Everlasting, obviously).

    Not everything was a hit, but that’s part of the fun. My average rating of 3.67 feels fair. A real mix of magic, melancholy, and a few “meh” moments.

    📚 November: What’s Next?


    November’s already off to a strong start! I’m hoping to mix things up a bit with some genre variety. After all, October was supposed to be spooky season, but somehow it ended up being equal parts smooching (the protagonists, not me!) and ARC backlogs.

    So here’s what’s currently on my definite reading list this month:

    • Daughter of Smoke & Bone – I’m diving into this one for the first time with the Book Club. I’ve heard so many good things, and I’m excited to see if it lives up to the hype! I’m a few pages in already and I’m enjoying the writing style.
    • The Book Binders Secret (ARC) – Which is due for release on the 6th November – because I’m apparently incapable of saying no to bookish mysteries and tight deadlines. Secret societies, hidden knowledge, and a little bit of danger? Count me in. 😅
    • I, Medusa (ARC) – myth retelling + vengeance = sign me up immediately! I’m here for all the epic, dramatic, and slightly terrifying twists that come with ancient gods and monsters. Due for release 20th November.

    🎧 Still listening to The Fellowship of the Ring… because nothing says autumn like a little trip to Middle-earth for a sing-song. 🧙🏻‍♂️

    👋🏻So that’s it for October!

    What were your highlights, and what’s on your TBR for November? I’m always on the lookout for recommendations so link me to your recaps below!

    Until next time, happy reading… 🕯️📖🖤

    Dead Girl Reads

    1 comment on October 2025 Reading Wrap-Up: 6 Books, 2,247 Pages & 1 DNF
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  • The Everlasting – ARC Review

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    📆 Publication Date: 30th October 2025
    ⭐️5/5 stars
    📖 Length: 320 pages
    📱 Format: ePUB
    ⏳ Read Time: 3 days

    Synopsis

    A lady-knight whose legend built a nation meets a retiring historian in awe of her fame. He’s sent back through time to make sure she plays her part . . . even if it breaks his heart.

    Sir Una Everlasting was Dominion’s greatest hero: the orphaned girl who became a knight, who died for queen and country. Her legend lives on in songs and stories, in children’s books and recruiting posters – but her life as it truly happened has been forgotten. Centuries later, Owen Mallory – failed soldier, struggling scholar – falls in love with the tale of Una Everlasting. Her story takes him to war, to the archives, and then into the past itself. Una and Owen are tangled together in time, bound to retell the same story over and over again, no matter what it costs. But that story always ends the same way.

    If they want to rewrite Una’s legend, and finally tell a different story, they’ll have to rewrite history itself – and change their lives in the process.

    What I thought

    Wow. Just… wow. The Everlasting completely blew me away. From the first page, I was hooked, and I dished out 5 stars within a couple of pages… and that rating never wavered. This is hands-down a top contender for my favourites of 2025. Without. A. Doubt.

    I loved The Everlasting for so many reasons. Think Sliding Doors meets The Truman Show meets Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, all with a Medieval balance. A brilliant mix of historical fiction, fantasy, and romantasy that hits all my literary sweet spots. I laughed, I cried, I sobbed, I winced, I cringed, I gasped. The emotional range in this book is staggering, and it kept me completely invested from start to finish.

    Harrow’s writing is nothing short of magical here, which makes the book deliver and then some. The way she weaves history and legend together, creating a story that feels both epic and deeply intimate, is masterful. Una and Owen’s journey is heartbreaking, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable. I loved that it’s a standalone, though I will admit I selfishly wish the story never ended.
    In my head and my heart, Una and Owen’s story is infinite.

    I’ve never read anything by Alix E. Harrow before, but after this, you can bet her other books are firmly on my wishlist. Santa, take note!

    If you love historical fiction with a sprinkle of fantasy and romantasy, The Everlasting is your dream book. I read it in three days, unable to put it down, and it’s a story that will take pride of place on the bookshelf. Honestly, truly amazing.

    They say it ends where it began; beneath the yew tree.

    If you’re curious to check it out yourself, you can grab a copy here.

    Thanks to NetGalley, Pan Macmillan and the author for this ARC in return for an honest review.

    Until next time… ✨

    Dead Girl Reads

    3 comments on The Everlasting – ARC Review
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  • Fatewoken – ARC Review

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    📆 Publication Date: 28th October 2025
    ⭐️ 4/5 stars
    📖 Length: 466 pages
    📱 Format: Kindle
    ⏳ Read Time: 4 days

    Synopsis

    “Over here, trespasser.”

    “I am no trespasser,” I replied, crossing my arms around myself as if they could shield me from this dream.

    “No?” he mused. “If not a trespasser, then a thief?” He took my palm, brutally cold fingers tracing across the sigil. The feeling was searing and throbbing all at once. Dangerous. “I don’t remember giving this away freely.”

    ********************************************************

    There is no greater privilege than to wear the title of FATEWOKEN—a mortal who serves as a divine mouthpiece for one of the Gods living across the veil.

    As the only Fatewoken to Alistair, Lord of the Sun, Gemma Fowler knows her place: perform her devotions, keep her village temple in good order, and act in whatever capacity her God sees fit. She’s the only human who can see or touch him, and the entire kingdom is counting on her to keep him happy.

    Her life is unspooling exactly how Fate ordained it.

    Until a vengeful God poisons her little brother. Until she vows to join the royal hunt and win the favour of the Goddess of Healing. Until she starts losing time and memories. Until a near-death experience at sea throws her directly into the path of Killian, the brooding and reclusive God of the Depths who has never once taken a Fatewoken.

    Until she enters into a second, impossible fated bond with him.

    Suddenly, Gemma’s perfect life is in tatters. After learning that Killian considers Alistair his immortal enemy, she vows to keep him a secret until she can find a way to fix things—but the bond between them is not only igniting a whirlwind of feelings, it’s also pulling them together in the secret spaces of her dreams.

    As the hunt turns deadly and the clock to save her brother ticks down, Gemma is torn between the God she’s always loved and the one whose waters she might just drown in.

    What I thought

    I’ll start by saying I’m a little late with this review because Fatewoken was released yesterday. And whilst I tried desperately to get this finished on time, tiredness had other ideas. Yes, I’m still dealing with this lurgy, and at this stage, I know I’m beginning to sound like a broken record! 😕

    Anyway, I’m hoping some of the small continuity and spelling issues I noticed in my copy were tidied up for the final version. A few instances of wrong word usage or minor errors cropped up, but nothing major enough to break immersion, but definitely something to note.

    Now, onto the story. I absolutely loved the pacing. At 466 pages, not once did it drag. Juliet Lockwood keeps the tension tight, layering worldbuilding and emotion in a way that never feels overwhelming. The mythology is fascinating. Complex without being confusing, and I really appreciated how the Gods felt tangible, flawed, and dangerously human in their interactions with mortals. Almost like the humans were pawns in a very intense game of chess.

    Gemma makes for a great protagonist: earnest, loyal, and occasionally frustrating. Around the halfway mark, I did find myself questioning her focus though. Her determination to save her brother seemed to fade as her attention shifted toward the mysterious gem, pleasing her God and her growing connection with Killian. It felt like the urgency dropped off a little, though it does come back in later chapters. Still, if my sibling were dying and I had a direct line to a God, I’d be checking in every chance I got!

    That said, I can understand why Lockwood chose to pull back. Constantly looping the same motivation might have stalled the story. Instead, the narrative pivots into exploring Gemma’s inner conflict, her faith in Alistair, her forbidden bond with Killian, and that murky moral grey area between devotion and desire.

    And then there’s a twist. I won’t spoil it, but it genuinely made me shout “WHAT?!” out loud. It’s the kind of moment that redefines everything you thought you knew and sets up huge emotional stakes for what’s to come. 🤯

    The book also closes on a massive cliff-hanger, paving the way for book two in The Fates Trilogy. So if you’re a reader who loves high-stakes divine drama and doesn’t mind being left desperate for the next instalment, this one’s going to hook you.

    Despite a few small imperfections, Fatewoken is a solid, captivating start to what promises to be a powerful fantasy trilogy. The writing is lovely, the characters are rich with depth, and the world feels both ancient and new.

    A strong 4-star read from me, and I’ll absolutely be diving straight into book two the moment it’s released.

    If you’re curious to check it out yourself, you can grab a copy here.

    Thanks to the author for this ARC in return for an honest review.

    Until next time… Kindness where possible, cunning where necessary. 🖤

    Dead Girl Reads

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  • 📚 Getting Back Into a Series (AKA My Throne of Glass Comeback)

    You know when you start a series, fall completely in love with it, and then… stop? Not because you don’t care anymore, but because life does its thing and suddenly months (if not years) have passed?

    Yeah. That’s exactly where I’m at with Throne of Glass.

    I started the series earlier this year and absolutely devoured the first few books. I finished Queen of Shadows back in August, emotionally drained, swearing I’d pick up Empire of Storms right away. Flash forward to the end of October and *spoiler* I still haven’t 😅.
    And, rather embarrassingly, I’d set myself the goal of finishing the entire series by the end of October.
    Yep. Failed. That. Spectacularly 🙄.

    But November’s my redemption arc, because I’ve decided to finally dive back in… and this time, I’m doing the tandem read of Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn.

    I’ve heard it’s the way to experience the story, so I’m both nervous and weirdly excited to juggle two books at once like some kind of fantasy-reading acrobat.

    So if you’ve ever started a series, taken a “short break” (that turned into two months or two years), and now have no idea where to start again, I feel you bestie. Here’s how I’m getting back into it.

    💭 Step 1: Revisit Your Own Thoughts (Thanks, Past Me)

    The first thing I did was re-read my Queen of Shadows review, and honestly, past me really came through. Reading my old notes reminded me exactly why I fell in love with the story, which characters I loved and which were on my not-so-love list.

    If you write reviews, journal, or even leave chaotic Goodreads updates, revisit them. You’ll instantly reconnect with the emotions, theories, and rants you had last time around.

    📖 Step 2: Recap Before You Dive

    Let’s be real, I don’t remember half of what happened in the earlier books. Bless the internet for existing, because Book Series Recaps and fandom wikis are absolute lifesavers.

    A quick scroll through a summary and suddenly I’m like, “Ah yes, THAT betrayal,” and “Right, that’s why everyone hates that guy.” Ten minutes later, I’m ready to jump back in like I never left.

    🔁 Step 3: Re-Read the Ending (Optional, but Powerful)

    If you’ve got time, re-read the final few chapters of the last book you finished. Queen of Shadows ends in such a wild, emotional way that it’s the perfect warm-up before Empire of Storms.

    It just gets you back in the right headspace and in tune with the authors style of writing.

    📺 Step 4: Watch a Spoiler Chat

    When I’m being lazy (read: always), I’ll watch a YouTube recap or spoiler-filled discussion. It’s like chatting with a bookish friend who remembers everything you forgot. You get the highlights, the emotional reminders, and the hype to start reading it again.

    🌙 Step 5: Let Yourself Rediscover It

    Here’s the big thing: don’t stress about forgetting details. It happens. You’re not failing as a reader because you took a break, or your memory’s foggy. Reading isn’t supposed to feel like homework.

    Sometimes, though, you don’t need recaps at all. You can just dive straight into the next book. Your brain does this funny thing where little flashbacks pop up as you read, and suddenly your mind is stitching together its own recap as you go along. It’s almost like the series is refreshing itself in real time!

    So when I start my Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn tandem read this November, I’m not going to panic about what I’ve forgotten. I’m just going to let myself fall back into that world and ready myself for chaos, heartbreak, and (hopefully) healing.

    ✨ Final Thoughts

    There’s no “right” way to return to a series after time away. Maybe you re-read. Maybe you just read a synopsis and jump right in. Whatever gets you excited again, that’s the right way.

    So if there’s a half-finished series collecting dust on your shelf, consider this your gentle nudge to pick it back up. The story will wait for you, and so will the characters, but there’s no time like the present to dive back in!

    Now wish me luck… I’m mentally preparing to juggle Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn like a true bookworm daredevil.

    Until next time… 🖤

    Dead Girl Reads

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  • 📖 Hello, Finder! — Local Girl Missing by Claire Douglas

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    Hey there! 👋

    If you’ve stumbled across this book, you’ve found one of my BookCrossing releases — Local Girl Missing by Claire Douglas. I left it at Bebington train station on the Wirral, inside the shelter on the Liverpool to Chester/Ellesmere Port line.

    Bebington Station is close to home for me, and one of my favourite local spots to leave books. Every so often I’ll drop one off there and hope it finds its way to a new reader.

    Maybe you’ve come across one of my books there before? If so, welcome back!

    💬 About the Book

    Twenty years ago
    21-year-old Sophie Collier vanishes one night.
    She leaves nothing behind but a trainer on the old pier –
    and a hole in the heart of her best friend Francesca.

    Now
    A body’s been found.
    And Francesca’s drawn back to the seaside town she’s tried to forget.
    Perhaps the truth of what happened to Sophie will finally come out.
    Yet Francesca is beginning to wish she hadn’t returned.

    Everywhere she turns, ghosts from her past appear. The same old faces that always haunted her. But if someone knows what really happened to Sophie that night, then now’s the time to find out . . . Isn’t it?

    Except sometimes discovering the truth can cost you everything you hold dear – your family, your sanity and even your life . . .

    🚉 Why Bebington Station?

    There’s something I really like about leaving books at train stations. They’re such in-between places, aren’t they? Full of movement, and people heading in different directions. Local Girl Missing felt like it belonged there somehow.

    I’ve left a few titles around Bebington before, and it’s always lovely to think they might be keeping someone company on their commute.

    💻 Track Its Journey

    If you’ve found this one, you can log it at BookCrossing.com using the BCID number inside the cover. It lets me (and other readers) see where it’s been and where it ends up next.

    Wherever you’re off to I hope you enjoy the read, and thanks for helping this book on its way!

    Until next time….

    Dead Girl Reads

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