Ali The Hag

Someone You Can Build a Nest In is the sweetest, most disgusting book I've ever read. John Wiswell's story of a eldritch monster stumbling into a fantasy romance is, somehow, both heartwarming and foul.

The way Wiswell weaves romance into a human-eating monster's psyche is truly remarkable, and a testament to himself as a storyteller & character builder. I loved Shesheshen immediately, relating greatly to her repulsion of social courtesies & disregard to pointless societal standards. Following her into love & danger was a journey I'm so thankful I got to experience.

While this novel spends most of the time laughing at its own absurdity, there is also a deeper, bigger, gentler message about grief, abuse, & the uniquely human terror of Being Known. This story is moving, compassionate, & made with lots of love.

This was a reread, but I still love it all these years later. Sarah Kay was a huge inspiration to me in my college poetry days. It felt good to go back & read this book when I'm so much older.

Beautiful and down to earth poetry. Absolutely lovely.

I had to read this for class an it really did a great job on shedding light on PTSD, which is becoming more and more of a problem. I'm glad to see a book that puts a mental disease first.

Deeply cutting and amazing voice. Would definitely recommend.

If you're looking for a gothic, intense dystopian novel full of vivid worldbuilding, look no further than The Bone Season. I read a 2023 revision of Samantha Shannon's 2013 novel & was sucked in to the stark, dangerous world she paints. I loved the inner conflicts endured by the main character, Paige, & how they reflect the terrifying world she is forced to inhabit.

According to the cover sleeve, Shannon is working on revising the other novels in this series, set to come out this year. I await their release eagerly, desperate to learn Paige's next steps.

(better than Twilight)

One of my favorite reads of the year. A wonderful, fantastical story about magic books, love, loss, pain, time travel, & friendship. Truly such a joy to read, & definitely will be in my rotation of comfort reads.

Special thank you to my friend Atheena, who got me this book for my birthday this year. I wouldn't have gotten to experience it without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you

Not a very likeable main character but has great character developement

Excellent addition to the dystopian book trend!

What a heartwrenchingly beautiful book. Leigh Bardugo once again stuns me with her beautiful writing & complex characters.

Incredibly touching and just an all around great love story.