‘A Lesson in Vengeance’ review: Victoria Lee’s dark academia YA is spooky and sapphic

A Lesson in Vengeance, Victoria Lee’s new boarding school young adult novel, is an eerie, absorbing thriller about ghosts, history, and mental illness.

‘Fresh’ review: Margot Wood retells ‘Emma’ with a new spin

Fun and earnest, Fresh by Margot Wood is a coming of age story with a very big heart. It retells Jane Austen’s Emma and updates it for the modern audience–adding crisp dimension to an already iconic story.  Fresh follows college…

August 2021 New Book Releases: Sapphic romances and heartwarming reads

August is bittersweet. With the end of Summer and the start of Fall (arguably the best season), the month is perfect for enjoying the last bits of poolside, beach, or porch reading before the cooler weather makes an appearance. This…

July 2021 New Book Releases: Thrilling and dark fantasies and compelling romances

Hello July! Hello Summer! This is a month for thrilling releases and dark fantasies, books with delectable romance, high stakes, and breathtaking twists. Whether you’re reading by the pool or inside where it’s nice and cool, you’ll be able to…

‘The Tragedy of Dane Riley’ review: Kat Spears introduces a study of grief and mental health

I would like to extend a bit of a trigger warning for The Tragedy of Dane Riley: this book delves deeply into a grieving teenager’s mind, and there are parts of this book that introduce topics such as self-harm, suicidal…

‘Ace of Spades’ review: Faridah Àbíké Íyímídé’s phenomenal debut highlights the insidiousness of anti-Blackness in a brilliant thriller

Ace of Spades has been pitched as “Get Out meets Gossip Girl”. And while the description is accurate, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé’s debut is incredibly well-done in a refreshingly unique way. The dark academia thriller centers queer Black characters, dedicated to “all…

‘One Last Stop’ review: Casey McQuiston’s romantic and inclusive sophomore novel

A warning: this book will make you crave pancakes.  This book will also make you crave other things: from strawberry milkshake pop-tarts to specialty diner specials to owning plants with adorable names and listening to the radio late at night…