The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni

The Puzzle Master is a race against time. It has its fair share of dramatic moments, atmosphere, action, and even creepy dolls.

Synopsis

After suffering a traumatic brain injury, Mike Brink’s life drastically changed. The injury resulted in a rare medical condition known as acquired savant syndrome. Now, Mike is known for solving and creating complex puzzles that leave others stumped.

His life changes again when he meets Jess Price, a woman convicted of murder who hasn’t spoken for five years since her arrest. When Price draws a perplexing puzzle with Brink’s name below, her psychiatrist invites him to visit Price to determine if it will shed some light on her case. But Price reveals to Brink that the puzzle is dangerous, and she fears who might be watching. Soon, Brink goes on a risky pursuit to solve this puzzle that carries religious intonations.

Review of The Puzzle Master

This story has multiple POVs and alternating timelines. It incorporates letters, journal entries, and transcriptions.

I really enjoyed the parts that showcased Brink’s mind at work as he tried to figure out this puzzle while trying to get out of sticky situations. Things became slightly muddled for me amidst all the lengthy religious and scientific discussions.

This was the first book I read by the author, and I think I’ll go back and read some of their backlist.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 13 June 2023

Thank you to Random House for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

The Blighted Stars by Megan E. O’Keefe

The Blighted Stars is an action-packed, character-driven space opera that hooked me from the first page.

Synopsis

Tarquin Mercator is the son of one of the most powerful families involved in space exploration. Tarquin has never been interested in ruling the family empire; he would much rather pursue studying geology and reading books. However, his father has assigned him to monitor the mining of a new planet.

Before they even land on the planet, things go sideways, leaving everyone stranded on this dying planet, scrambling to find a way to start communications and get the shuttle working again.

Naira is among those stuck with Tarquin. She’s a convicted spy disguised as Tarquin’s bodyguard and is prepared to keep him safe, at least, until she can free herself.

Review of The Blighted Stars

I’ve been meaning to read more sci-fi, but I find most of the genre intimidating. But when I found out that this space opera was character-driven, I decided to give it a go. And I’m happy I did. Tarquin and Naira are the most fully fleshed-out characters, as they should be. I loved their easy banter with each other.

On the subject of banter, there is a budding romance in this first instalment. It doesn’t overpower the story, but it is there. At times, it is cute, and at others, a bit cheesy, but fun nevertheless.

The sci-fi itself was fairly accessible. In this universe, people can extend their lifespans simply by printing into different bodies.

This book is action-packed right from the first chapter and, for the most part, keeps a consistent pace all the way through.

I believe that the author has already written the entire trilogy, so hopefully, there’s not too long of a wait for the next book.

If, like me, you want to dip your toes into sci-fi, I’d say this is a great place to start. If you’re a seasoned sci-fi reader who enjoys a sprinkle of romance, you might also enjoy this novel.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 23 May 2023

Thank you to Orbit for the physical and digital copies in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding

The Drowning Woman leans on the dramatic side but is still somewhat compelling despite its flaws.

Synopsis

Lee Gulliver is newly homeless and never could have predicted it. She owned a successful restaurant until Covid hit. Now, she’s working at a diner under the table while living in her car. One morning, she hears a woman sobbing near the ocean and saves her when she tries to drown herself. Initially, the woman Hazel is furious at being saved, but the two quickly become friends. Soon, Lee is drawn into the secrets of Hazel’s life and agrees to help her.

Review of The Drowning Woman

This thriller is fast-paced and offers twist after twist – not all of them are good. There are several unlikely scenarios, and the plot becomes super OTT, even for me.

I much preferred reading Lee’s pov over the second one. There was really no need for it, in my opinion, because it rehashes many of the same events and conversations. Surely, Lee could have deduced what was really going on herself.

As for Lee’s character, I thought she was too trusting and naive for someone with her type of experience.

Even though this story was pretty wild, it still compelled me to keep reading, so it has that going for it. It’s getting plenty of rave reviews from other early reviewers, so don’t let mine deter you from trying it out for yourself.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️.5

Expected Publication: 13 June 2023

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

Cousins by Aurora Venturini

Cousins by Aurora Venturini is a strange and candid work of translated fiction. It follows a dysfunctional family of women in Argentina as they experience abuse after abuse.

Synopsis

Yuna, our young narrator, observes the women in her family suffering these abuses, including miscarriages, illegal abortions, murder, and ableism. Nearly all of them have some form of a disability. Yuna struggles with articulating her thoughts and dreads using punctuation. She is an aspiring artist, but due to her disability, her family doesn’t take her seriously until a professor vouches for her.

Cousins by Aurora Venturini

Review of Cousins by Aurora Venturini

This translated novel is such an unusual story that I nearly DNF’d it, but I’m glad I didn’t. The writing style and the voice of Yuna are considerably odd and took a minute to get used to. Initially, the writing is akin to stream of consciousness. But as Yuna matures and starts reading the dictionary, the writing style becomes more traditional.

The topics discussed are dark, but Yuna’s unique narration and innocence keep it from feeling completely bleak. However, there is a noticeable shift when she realizes the weight of the injustices befalling her cousins.

This novel is brutal and bizarre and not for the faint of heart.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 16 May 2023

Thank you to Soft Skull for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

The Guest by Emma Cline

Reading The Guest by Emma Cline had me questioning the main character’s every decision, and yet I was completely captivated.

Synopsis

Alex is a twenty-two-year-old woman drifting from place to place and burning bridges along the way. Hiding from an ex, Alex is looking forward to spending the month leading up to Labor Day with her new beau Simon at his home on Long Island. She has observed what Simon does and doesn’t like and responds accordingly. But after one ill-advised decision, Alex finds herself thrust out of Simon’s house and left to her own devices.

In her mind, Simon didn’t explicitly say they were over, so she has hopes she can return to his good graces. Over the next week, she inserts herself into other people’s lives on the island with the aim of returning to Simon on the day of his big Labor Day party.

Review of The Guest by Emma Cline

This is a great novel to spend an afternoon reading. Alex is a wholly captivating character. She makes impulsive choices with little thought of the consequences for herself or others. She’ll test people’s boundaries, often going too far. But she does not do anything with a malicious intention. Essentially, she’s just trying to survive by using her looks to her advantage while under a haze of drugs and alcohol. And most of the people she comes across want something from her, so I didn’t judge her too harshly.

Emma Cline’s writing is immaculate. I felt like I was right there with Alex making one poor choice after another.

This novel looks at the insular world of the rich and those they employ to keep their lives running smoothly.

I haven’t read anything else by this author, but I’ll definitely check out The Girls next. Obviously, I highly recommend checking this book out.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 16 May 2023

Thank you to Random House for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

Dances by Nicole Cuffy

Dances by Nicole Cuffy is heavy on ballet’s technical terms but is still a captivating debut.

Synopsis

Cece Cordell has worked extremely hard to reach the New York City Ballet. After stepping in for an injured dancer and performing flawlessly, Cece gets promoted to principal, the first Black ballerina in the company. Overnight, she becomes a celebrity with all the perks. Meanwhile, Cece begins working even harder to prove to herself that she belongs at this prestigious dance company.

Internally, she also fiercely misses her older brother, who was her first supporter but disappeared years ago.

Review of Dances by Nicole Cuffy

This literary fiction novel is a quick and interesting read.

Dances by Nicole Cuffy

Usually, when I read a book that focuses on a particular skill, I enjoy it when the author describes it in a way that does not assume any prior knowledge. Here, Nicole Cuffy does not do that. There are oodles of technical ballet terminology and next to no explanation. Fortunately, it did not negatively impact my reading experience. I just visualized the dancers leaping and twirling. But it may be an issue for some readers.

It discusses the restrictive lifestyle many ballet dancers take up. It also touches on Cece’s experience as a Black woman in a historically white industry.

Overall, this was a compelling debut, and I will keep a lookout for future releases by the author.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 16 May 2023

Thank you to One World for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

The Chateau by Jaclyn Goldis

The Chateau by Jaclyn Goldis is a twisty and suspenseful novel set in the French countryside of Provence.

Synopsis

Séraphine Demargelasse has invited her granddaughter Darcy and her three friends to her family chateau. Twenty years ago, the four women used to visit Séraphine regularly while they were studying abroad. Now, they’re all in their forties and dealing with various personal issues, but head to France to learn why Séraphine has summoned them.

She has something to tell them, but after a night of partying, one of the girls finds Séraphine brutally murdered in her bed. Suddenly, the girls realize they don’t trust each other as much as they thought. They begin to be suspicious of one another, especially when a creepy Instagram account starts posting pictures of them with ominous captions.

Review of The Chateau by Jaclyn Goldis

This suspenseful thriller follows multiple perspectives. It touches on different topics, including antisemitism, infertility, class, queer relationships, and art.

The writing is slightly repetitive. In the beginning, the same bits get regurgitated with each pov. And there is not much distinction between each character’s voice. They all sound similar, even with their distinct descriptions.

Despite those issues, I still gobbled up this story. The French countryside, the secrets, and the themes all created an intriguing atmosphere that kept me glued to the pages.

I’ll definitely keep an eye out for future books by this author.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 23 May 2023

Thank you to Atria Books for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune

I enjoyed Meet Me at the Lake, but it didn’t have the same appeal as Every Summer After. Fortunately, there is no cheating trope in sight.

Synopsis

Fern Brookbanks has moved back home after her mother’s tragic passing to take over her lakeside resort. At thirty-two, it’s not the path Fern expected her life to take. Fern is still deciding whether to sell the resort or continue running it herself.

Her world gets shaken up again when Will, a man from her past, shows up, offering his services to help improve the resort’s business.

Ten years ago, Will and Fern met and spent a whirlwind day together, telling each other their hopes and dreams. They promised to meet again one year later at the resort. Fern showed up. Will did not.

Review of Meet Me at the Lake

This contemporary romance follows Fern’s perspective and alternates between the past and present.

As with her debut, Carley Fortune deftly draws the reader in and makes them feel like they’re right there with the characters.

I enjoyed this one, but I didn’t feel like it had the same magic as Every Summer After. Too much of the story hinged on the single day they spent together ten years ago. It’s hard to believe that they would form such a strong connection in one day, and a decade later, still expect them to be the same person with the same wants and needs.

Thus, I much preferred reading the present over the past timeline. It made me feel the feels, even though Will was pretty secretive about his personal life.

If you enjoy second-chance romances, then I think you’ll thoroughly enjoy this book.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Expected Publication: 02 May 2023

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

We Are a Haunting by Tyriek White

We Are a Haunting is a lyrical literary debut with a sprinkling of magical realism.

Synopsis

It follows three generations of New Yorkers over thirty years. Grandma Audrey lives in Brooklyn and is on the verge of losing her apartment. Before she passed, her daughter Key could speak to the dead. Key’s son Colly grieves his mother’s death and learns he has a similar gift, all while navigating a world filled with injustices.

Review of We Are a Haunting

The writing in this debut novel is poetic. It’s more slice-of-life and focuses on moments of these characters’ lives. The timeline skips around with each character’s pov.

It discusses a range of topics, including systemic issues and generational trauma.

At times, I struggled with this book’s lack of a plot. I normally prefer character-driven fiction, but this one meandered quite a bit and was difficult for me to follow.

Although, I can see this book resonating with many readers.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Expected Publication: 25 April 2023

Thank you to Astra House for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.

Greek Lessons by Han Kang

I liked The Vegetarian when I read it years ago, so when I saw Han Kang’s latest offering, I snatched it up. Unfortunately, Greek Lessons went mostly over my head. Even though it’s quite short, it’s one you may want to take your time with.

Synopsis

This story follows a young woman who signs up for Ancient Greek Language lessons after losing her voice. Meanwhile, her Greek Language instructor is losing his sight.

Review of Greek Lessons

As the title suggests, this book examines language and the variety of ways people communicate. It is very introspective and philosophical-leaning.

The writing is stunning, as you’d expect from this author. Deborah Smith and Emily Yae Won translated it beautifully.

Even though the writing was exceptional, it felt detached. I don’t need to connect or relate to characters, but if I feel there is any distance, or detachment in the writing style, then it’s hard for me to become invested in the story, which was the case here.

If you enjoy philosophy and languages, you may enjoy this novel. It’s been years since I’ve studied Greek, so bumbling my way through the few bits in this book was fun.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Expected Publication: 18 April 2023

Thank you to Random House for providing an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For regular reading updates, check out my Goodreads profile.

For past reviews, click here.