ARC Book Review: The Enemy’s Daughter by Melissa Poett

May 15, 2025May 5, 2025 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy Romance
Length: 368 pages
Author: Melissa Poett
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Release Date: May 6th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A stunning reimagining of Tristan and Isolde set in a dystopian world woven with magic. An addictive debut YA enemies-to-lovers romantasy—perfect for fans of Rebecca Ross and Sarah Underwood as well as books like Curious Tides, The Hurricane Wars, and Belladonna.

It’s been thirty-seven years since the Republic was destroyed. Now two settlements—the five clans and the Kingsland—fight for control of the untainted land. Though the five clans are outnumbered, they’ve finally struck, killing Kingsland’s brutal leader.

In the war that follows, Isadora, an eighteen-year-old healer, risks her life to help injured soldiers. But when she stops an attack from Tristan, a Kingsland assassin, his soldiers shoot her with a poisoned arrow. As Isadora lies dying, Tristan does the unimaginable: He offers to save her life using a rare magic.

In choosing to live, Isadora is unknowingly bound to the mysterious Tristan. Worse, even acknowledging the attraction between them allows him to glean fragments of her memories and the very knowledge he needs to destroy the five clans. But their magical connection works both ways. So to save her people, Isadora will have to open her heart to her most cunning enemy. Because in a race for ultimate survival, she’ll need to destroy Tristan and his people first.

Thank you Book Sparks and Quill Tree Books for a gifted copy.

OOOMPH.

The first half of this? Good. I liked the bones of the plot, I liked the romantic twists and I thought the world building was easy to follow. The dystopian edge with a hint of fantasy was distinct and worked well. It is a standalone and does wrap up main storylines okay enough.

I think this was missing a lot. With love confessions before even the halfway point hit, my interest immediately tanked. The exploration of feelings and chemistry wasn’t all the way there and my investment level waned because I was behind on all the things they were apparently feeling.

Everything plot wise is very easy. I can’t say that one thing wasn’t highly forecasted or was the only option to move the pages forward. Had this been a duology with an expansion of the world and relationship I truly think this could have been grand.

I’d be curious to see what the author writes next though.

Overall audience notes:

YA Dystopian Fantasy Romance
Language: low
Romance: closed door
Violence: moderate

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Book Review: Asking for a Friend by Kara H.L. Chen

August 27, 2024July 28, 2024 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★.75
Audience: YA Contemporary Romance
Length: 336 pages
Author: Kara H.L. Chen
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Release Date: July 23rd, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

This charming YA rom-com follows a strong-willed, ambitious teen as she teams up with her childhood frenemy to start a dating-advice column, perfect for fans of Emma Lord and Gloria Chao.

Juliana Zhao is absolutely certain of a few things:

1. She is the world’s foremost expert on love.

2. She is going to win the nationally renowned Asian Americans in Business Competition.

When Juliana is unceremoniously dropped by her partner and she’s forced to pair with her nonconformist and annoying frenemy, Garrett Tsai, everything seems less clear. Their joint dating advice column must be good enough to win and secure bragging rights within her small Taiwanese American community, where her family’s reputation has been in the pits since her older sister was disowned a few years prior. Juliana always thought prestige mattered above all else. But as she argues with Garrett over how to best solve everyone else’s love problems and faces failure for the first time, she starts to see fractures in this privileged, sheltered worldview. With the competition heating up, Juliana must reckon with the sacrifices she’s made to be a perfect daughter—and whether winning is something she even wants anymore.

WELL.

I’m of two minds. On the one hand, I think this has some great themes, is good for a younger audience and is a quick read. I liked the messages about staying true to yourself and making mistakes and learning from them. On the other hand, this is the same YA contemporary I’ve read at least 10 times. Which led me to having a harder time moving through this because nothing felt new. And since that’s entirely a me thing, it could easily be a book for others.

There is a little bit of language, but the romantic content is kisses only with no innuendo. It’s definitely a true to young adult book and that is its biggest strength. I did like the character growth from Juliana (even though it came a bit late). She stood up for herself and made the tough decisions facing a lot of nuanced aspects in her life.

Overall audience notes:

YA Contemporary + Romance
Language: low
Romance: kisses
Content Warnings: loss of a father (cancer, recounted)

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Book Review: Dreams Lie Beneath by Rebecca Ross

October 28, 2022December 14, 2021 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: YA Fantasy + Romance
Length: 496 pages
Author: Rebecca Ross
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Release Date: November 2nd, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Perfect for readers of The Hazel Wood and The Night Circus, this lush and layered story about magic and the captivating power of dreams is delivered with acclaimed author Rebecca Ross’s signature exquisite style.

A curse plagues the realm of Azenor—during each new moon, magic flows from the nearby mountain and brings nightmares to life. Only magicians, who serve as territory wardens, stand between people and their worst dreams.

Clementine Madigan is ready to take over as the warden of her small town, but when two magicians challenge her, she is unwittingly drawn into a century-old conflict. She seeks revenge, but as she secretly gets closer to Phelan, one of the handsome young magicians, secrets begin to rise. Clementine must unite with her rival to fight the realm’s curse, which seems to be haunting her every turn.

FANTASTIC AND DREAMY.

Full of puns today.

ANYWAYS.

Honestly though, this was a great YA standalone fantasy. Adored it whole heartedly. The audio book is a great route and I love how the time flew by because of how much I was enjoying this. Some good quotable moments and an interesting plot that kept things moving.

I was smitten with this quiet romance that slowly built over time. I consider it a rivals/enemies to lovers scenario. You know when you’re bent on revenge and fall for that person instead? YUP, it’s here. Clementine was the best kind of young adult main character. She made some poor and unwise choices, but also rallied and grew over the book. That character growth I’m always looking for is here and she learns much in a short amount of time.

The story was unique for me and I loved the dream concept interwoven with a curse. I was even surprised by some of the reveals because I had my eyes on someone else the entire time. Great writing, well built story, likeable characters and more. Highly recommend this one!

Overall audience notes: