Review: Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu

Review: Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu

Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu is a fast-paced thriller that kept me entertained from page one. While I was hesitant about the premise of a pop star turned secret agent at first, this one ended up being a lot of fun, and the main characters have such an entertaining dynamic. Fans of the spy genre, superstar characters, and the enemies to lovers trope will not want to miss this first instalment in Marie Lu’s latest series. Continue reading

Series Review: The Inheritance Games

Series Review: The Inheritance Games

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a twisty mystery series that kept me on the edge of my seat. Following a main character who finds herself as the unexpected heir of a billion-dollar fortune, these books contain puzzles, a clever narrator, and a hint of danger at every turn. As a series, this one kept me entertained the whole way through, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good riddle. Continue reading

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Holly Jackson

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, Holly Jackson

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is a fast-paced thriller that kept me hooked from page one. With a closed case that still has loose ends,  a trail of puzzling clues, and a clever main character who is willing to do some investigating of her own, this one has many of my favourite mystery elements. The multimedia format makes this story even more immersive, and it is the perfect read for fans of true crime. Continue reading

Review: Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li

Review: Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li

Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li combines literary fiction with the beloved heist genre in a story of five college students who plan to steal back Chinese art from western museums. I found the book’s premise and anti-colonial messaging engaging, but I had some issues with the one-dimensional characters and the lack of excitement to the heist itself. The execution may not have lived up to my expectations, but this is still a clever read that tackles some important topics. Continue reading