About Book Marks
Recent Reviews
Erin A. Craig
Rave The Nerd Daily Erin A. Craig is a master at creating the creepiest book atmospheres; I was sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading this book. Amity Falls is a masterfully crafted world where it’s not just about the monsters that might be hiding out in the woods, but the ones hiding within ourselves as well. You’ll find engaging and enigmatic characters that seem like friends, but might also be hiding some fiendish intent behind their easy smiles. And if you love The Village, you’re absolutely going to love this book ... This story will reel you in from the start ... it almost feels cinematic ... The monsters in this story are terribly wicked creatures, and I think readers will find them as fascinating as I did ... The ending of this story seems a bit ambiguous, a little ominous, and will definitely make you wonder. I’m not usually a fan of ambiguous endings, but it works in this story. Overall, Craig has created a creepy masterpiece that is going to look lovely sitting next to my copy of A House of Salt and Sorrows.
Sarah J. Maas
Positive The Nerd Daily ... I am really glad that this book series has been re-classified as adult and it allowed Sarah J. Maas to explore a depth of character in this story that I genuinely wasn’t expecting, and not only that, but to find a mirror reflected there, showing us some of the darkness that lurks within us as well was surprising. I’m glad I was forced to be home because of a winter storm as it allowed me to enjoy this under the cover of the snow and by the warmth of a fire. As this is part of the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, it’s best to read this book as part of the series ... I was ready to chuck this book a few chapters into it ... At a whopping 800 pages, I was hoping to see more of a conflict, but at the same time, this story was definitely more about healing. I think the bigger conflict is still to come, but this story certainly served to set up a new part of the series. There’s a new villain, and I’m dying to know more about this new enemy ... I definitely encourage people to pick this book up if they’re lovers of the series, and if you’ve read it and disagree, let me know, I’d love to discuss! It’s a 9/10 for me, and of course, I can’t wait to see where the next book will take us.
Lynda Lopez
Rave The Nerd Daily I encourage you to read this, especially if you want to know how meaningful it is to have this powerhouse of a woman leading where it counts the most ... These essays not only emphasise what an important figure she is, but just how important it is to continue to follow her journey. Please read this book, especially if you want to understand why AOC is so relevant and meaningful to the communities she’s a champion for.
Melissa Bashardoust
Rave The Nerd Daily Not only does this story combine some beautifully dark fairytales, but does so with such a talented hand. I finished this story and was desperate for more from Melissa Bashardoust. I cannot wait to be able to share this read with more people! I encourage you to add it to your TBR. Pre-order it if you can. This is a dark fairytale you won’t want to miss out on ... this story begins with such a delightful prologue ... Nothing is black and white in this story, and I loved that aspect of it ... The romance! Swoon worthy and so lovely. Each romantic scene is just stunningly crafted, glittering with beauty and potential betrayal. I loved trying to figure out where the loyalties truly were for these characters. I was definitely on my toes the whole time ... Curiously, there was one character that I truly wish I had seen much more of throughout the story and that is Laleh, Soraya’s childhood friend. I feel like there was so much to explore there, but at the same time, I do like what occurred between her and Soraya. I guess I just wanted more of her in the story. However, if I had to choose between her and the incredibly lush descriptions of this world, I’d likely go with world-building. Melissa Bashardoust’s world is lovingly crafted and gorgeous. It rings true to the Persian influences that this story stemmed from ... verything is woven together so well, that you would swear there was no other way that this story could be told. It makes it truly unforgettable. You’ll definitely want to have a copy of this on your shelf. I don’t often re-read stories (save fairytales), but this is definitely one that I’ll likely be coming back to in the years to come.
Isabel Ibañez
Rave The Nerd Daily I’m dying for more, not just because of the richness of the culture within the story, but those food descriptions will leave you hungry and wishing you were a citizen of La Ciudad. The story features some strong female characters that I couldn’t get enough of by the end, and a sweet love story to go alongside it ... you won’t want to miss out on Woven In Moonlight ... this story will pull you in…from the moment you start reading ... The magic system in this story is fascinating ... I did love the pacing in this story, it’s not too fast, but it keeps readers wanting to keep turning the page.
Emily Roberson
Rave The Nerd Daily ... [an] absolute delight of a story ... I was blown away by how Emily Roberson was able to create this hybrid world of a Kardashian-esque royal family while still observing the rules of the Gods ... I loved the exploration of sibling relationships despite fame and fortune, and the desperate lengths that one will go for the ultimate revenge. I don’t think I can recommend this story enough. If you like retellings in a *mostly* contemporary setting, I don’t think there’s a better story to pick up! ... starting this book feels like you’re stepping into an episode of reality TV. Ariadne’s voice has this acerbic wit to it that finds amusement and despair at her surroundings...Her relationships with people are the most fascinating though, and my favourite interactions are those she has with one of her sisters and the monster. The depths that you find between these conversations unearth bonds unlike any other ... funny, witty, and yet still left me thinking about things. I encourage you to add this to your shelves as soon as it’s out. I know I definitely will.
Kiersten White
Rave The Nerd Daily ... such a stunning read, rending the legend of Arthur back to life through the eyes of Guinevere herself. Never have I been more mesmerised by the way Kiersten White wove her words together and readers will fall in love with each and every character they encounter, even the villains. It’s a special quality that Kiersten has, loving our tenderly vicious villains ... Though her entire life is shrouded in secrets, even ones she doesn’t understand, I loved how Kiersten navigated each facet of Guinevere. Not only that, but it extended outside of Guinevere as Brangien and Dindrane were just as formidable female characters ... this is one of the few stories where I’ve loved most every character I’ve met, and I truly wished to have more time with them despite getting to spend over 300 pages with our character cast ... My favourite part of this story was the romances. They’re tender and sweet, and full of this swelling passion ... The story has a lyrical quality to it that I can’t quite explain, only that it flowed along so well that I couldn’t put it down. Though the story possesses the tendrils of darkness that are hoping to through Camelot into chaos, there’s definitely an overall tone of hope ... I can’t find anything to complain about. This story has laid out a solid foundation to continue, and Guinevere is a formidable young woman. I’m so excited to find out more about her in the next book.
Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite
Rave The Nerd Daily This book was a true delight to read, and one of my favorite books that dealt into cultural family relationships. I honestly felt that this book was transcultural, because I could see a lot of my own family dynamics playing out, showing that sometimes, families aren’t all that different after all. Also, if you’re a big fan of mother-daughter relationship arcs, then you’re definitely in for a touching, if albeit heart-rending story ... please read this book. It’s so heartwarming, and touches on some serious parental relationship themes. The story is fun and carefree and also very serious at the same time. I felt that despite some of the delicate topics, they were handled with grace and careful hands that shaped this novel into something truly wonderful to behold.
Leigh Bardugo
Rave The Nerd Daily You know that feeling you get when you’re first working on a puzzle, that nagging impulse that you’re close to an answer and yet you still can’t see the full picture? Ninth House is very much like that, except by the end, you’re no closer to a full picture, and there’s so many more questions than proper answers ... the writing was captivating, and really holds on to you. It has been a really, REALLY long time since I woke up with nightmares from reading something before bed…but this book managed to do it. It sneaks up on you, because it doesn’t seem as though anything expressly horrific is happening, until you’re sitting in the dark with your own thoughts. The world building is impeccable, Yale and New Haven are imbued with this life of both the living and undead. Everything is so vivid, and the grays even more so ... tackles gender issues with finesse, and some of my favourite lines of the book come from some of those interactions ... I’ll admit that the pacing of this book feels a little off, mostly in that it’s laying the groundwork for what’s to come...With the story being told in moments of past seasons as well as the present season in the story, sometimes, it could be a little confusing. Other than that though, I really can’t wait for the next book.
Jay Kristoff
Positive The Nerd Daily Kristoff definitely seems to like to play these games of chicken that make many throw books in frustration ... Jay Kristoff will use his words to carve out your heart and put it back together piece by miserable piece. Each moment you spend with Mia makes turning that page more difficult, knowing that the promise our dear narrator made to us at the beginning of the series is coming. It’s fast paced and answers all of the questions we had at the end of the book ... a satisfying read for me. I think it’s going to be unique for every reader though ... I couldn’t find anything in this book to complain about, except maybe the massive footnotes that sometimes followed certain pages of the book. However, I can’t complain about those too much either because they definitely contain bits and pieces of the world that help give us a more rounded outlook of Mia’s world, and I especially love the folklore that comes through. It doesn’t meld well with the story, but they make stunning (if a little essayish) footnotes. They also come with that acerbic wit that the narrator so loves to use. Having to close this book was difficult, I’m going to miss all of the characters.
Holly Black
Rave The Nerd Daily \"This book was dark, provocative, full of royal intrigue, and power plays galore ... The Wicked King will leave you on the edge of your seat, and ravage your emotions in the process ... After reading The Wicked King I was emotionally drained in the kind of way a book leaves you after becoming completely enraptured by the story, the characters, and the world. I live for books like this ... How could this book not receive a 10/10 from me? There wasn’t a thing that I didn’t love about the story.\