Wintersong: score 4.5
Recommended if you like Goblin Kings & dark fairytales that are lyrical & poetic! (the storyline is similar to A Cruel Beauty)
This is full of magic & even though there’s not much action it’s still seductive! The vivid story, while slow paced, is character driven & full of raging emotions & passion. It’s fresh, original & breaks a lot of stereotypes. Also it reads more like an adult novel rather than YA, because there are sex scenes.
However the music lingo, may be hard to get through if you’re not musically inclined.
The Forbidden Wish: Score 4.5 Recommended for those who like Aladdin retellings, powerful Jinni’s, adventure & fantasy. With all the retellings that have been coming out, this one stands above the rest!
It’s lush & vividly written & full of exciting myths. With refreshing female friendships & a slow burn romance. Although there’s a lot going on & not a lot of world building, it’s an enchanting, captivating & fascinating fantasy!
For some the ending was a bit confusing, but for me it’s subtle, beautiful & satisfying.
Recommended if you need a break from YA. This is not a story with a singular narrative arc, it doesn’t have action or romance & it isn’t a page turner. (So if you’re in a hurry you won’t like this).
Instead, this novel demands that you take your time to absorb the raw emotions of several different characters who’s lives are altered when tragedy strikes. It takes a daring & deep look into the minds of the perpetrators & the victims. It’s a brilliant, thought provoking & slow moving examination of how people can either devolve or evolve after devastation.
