A Magic Steeped in Poison | Book Review

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About The Book
Desperate to save her sister from a deadly poison, Ning enters a competition to become the kingdom’s top shennong-shi, a master of magical tea-making. The winner gets a favor from the princess, which may be her only chance. But as Ning navigates ruthless competitors, deadly politics, and a mysterious boy with a dangerous secret, she may be the one in the most danger.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3N25DM0

My Rating

In my opinion, this book is a hidden gem in the fantasy world, and I’m excited to see how the duology wraps up. What grabbed me right away was the unique and captivating plot. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before and follows a determined main character on a high-stakes mission to cure her sister from a mysterious poison. The urgency of the quest and all the twists and turns kept me hooked from beginning to end.

As for our main character, Ning, she was likable, though I’ve seen stronger female leads in other books. I felt there wasn’t a ton of character growth throughout the story. That said, her devotion to her sister and willingness to do whatever it takes for her family made her easy to root for.

The writing was excellent. Judy I. Lin’s style is vivid and really pulls you in. While I’m not usually a fan of a lot of world-building, I get that it’s needed for the first book in a fantasy series. The author handled it well, giving a solid base for what’s to come in the next book.

“There is a difference between living the suffering and reading about it.”

Now, let’s talk about the romance subplot. I was really glad it didn’t take over the story but still played an important role. We didn’t get to know the love interest very deeply, but I’m happy it wasn’t one of those insta-love situations. Ning felt a connection to him, but her priority stayed on saving her sister.

The plot twists definitely caught me off guard, and the last few chapters were super fast-paced and full of action. The ending left me completely shocked, and now I have to know what happens next. I have no idea where the story is going from here, but I can’t wait to find out.

Overall, I think this book deserves more attention. It’s got so many things I love in a fantasy series, including a unique plot, likable characters, a well-balanced romance, and an ending that sticks with you. I’d totally recommend it to anyone looking for an underrated fantasy read.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve read this book. Don’t forget to like and share this post with fellow book lovers. And if you want to get notified when there’s a new post, follow my blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

3 Banned Books To Add To Your TBR

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
Happy Banned Books Week! I want to start by saying that I don’t support banning or challenging books in any way. Just because a book touches on a sensitive topic or doesn’t end with a happily ever after doesn’t mean it should be banned. There’s definitely a place for those stories in literature, and no reader should miss out on them. Everyone deserves the freedom to choose what they want to read, and no author should face silencing.

Thanks for letting me hop on my little soapbox for Banned Books Week! Now, I’d love to share a few banned and challenged books that are on my TBR.

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
I have both this book and the prequel, ‘The First to Die at the End‘, on my TBR. It combines sci-fi and dystopian elements in a world where you receive a call the day before you die. An app called Last Friend helps you find someone to spend your last day with. I believe it also features an LGBTQ+ romance. Just from the title, I can tell this book is going to break my heart.

Scythe by Neal Shusterman
This dystopian novel hasn’t been banned, but people have challenged it because its main theme revolves around death. The story takes place in a world where people no longer die naturally, so Scythes train to control the population by deciding who lives and who dies. I might be a bit off on the synopsis, but that’s the general idea. It sounds like a fascinating series, and I know it’s hugely popular.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
I’ve had this one on my TBR for years, so I’m not sure when I’ll actually get to it, and I don’t know the full plot. From what I gather, it follows two teenagers in the 1980s, and I think it’s a love story. I’ve heard it’s a YA contemporary that explores love and coming-of-age, and people really hyped it up when it first came out.

So, there you have it three banned and challenged books that I’m excited to read! The great news is that you can find all of these books on Everand. I know I sound like a broken record, but you can use my link (click here) to get a free trial, which I really recommend.

As readers, we need to stand up against those who try to silence authors by supporting their work and sharing why banning books is wrong. One of my favorite books, ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D. Salinger, is banned, and I think that’s absolutely ridiculous. If you haven’t read it yet, you’re missing out on an amazing story!

Before you go, it would mean the world to me if you left a comment and liked this post. If you want to support my little blog even more, please share this post and hit the follow button!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Finally Fall | Book Tag

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Hi friends,
Today, I’m kicking off the autumn season with the Finally Fall Book Tag! From what I’ve found, this tag was originally created by Alina Milena on Booktube. There are just ten bookish questions, all relating to fall. I’m a huge fan of fall and winter—let’s just say those are the seasons where I thrive and feel the happiest. So, this time of year always lifts my spirits. These questions were so much fun to answer, and they’ve made me even more excited that fall has finally begun!


My go-to for a book with a vivid setting has lately been the Belladonna series by Adalyn Grace. But to change things up a bit since I always talk about those books, I’m going to mention The Shepherd King duology by Rachel Gillig. I’ve only read the first book, ‘One Dark Window‘, but this gothic fantasy has such a vivid and interesting world.
Related Post: Belladonna | Book Review
Related Post: One Dark Window | Book Review


A book I recently read was ‘In an Instant‘ by Suzanne Redfearn. It was both heartbreaking and powerful. The story deals with loss, grief, and tragedy in such a raw, realistic way. The writing was fantastic, but it was definitely a tough book to get through.


I’m going to out myself here and admit that I don’t typically read non-fiction books. However, I ended up reading ‘It All Began with a Scream‘ by Padraic Maroney, which might be a weird choice. It’s a non-fiction book about the successful Scream horror movie franchise. I found it interesting to hear from the actors and learn about all the behind-the-scenes drama. I discovered a lot of things about the movies that I didn’t know before, and as a horror movie lover, it was definitely a good read.


The first group that came to mind was the friend group in the Maple Hills series by Hannah Grace. While reading ‘Icebreaker‘, I found myself falling in love with them and adoring the personalities of all the hockey guys. They’re such a great group of people who would be fun to hang out with and would always have your back.


While looking at my bookshelf, I noticed that every single book in The Stalking Jack the Ripper series by Kerri Maniscalco has very fall-colored spines. This makes sense, considering the series is quite eerie and gothic. I personally think these books make great fall reads, and I love how the color scheme fits perfectly with the autumn season.


This is one of those instances when I read the question, and a book popped into my mind immediately. The book is ‘What Once was Mine: A Twisted Tale‘ by Liz Braswell. This is a reimagining of Tangled and one of the only Twisted Tale books that I truly enjoyed. The premise is very much like *The Princess Bride*, where the story is being told to someone, and I loved that aspect of it.
Related Post: What Once Was Mine | Book Review


I found ‘House Of Hollow‘ to be creepy and dark. While it’s not too intense since it’s a YA novel, it definitely leans into horror. I thought the plot was really interesting and quite spine-chilling. I’ve heard it compared to the Brothers Grimm books, and I agree with that comparison. I don’t think this book gets enough hype.
Related Post: House Of Hollow | Book Review


I believe that ‘Pumpkinheads‘ by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks is the perfect answer to this question. This is such a cute, cozy fall graphic novel. It takes place on Halloween night at a pumpkin farm, featuring games, train rides, and food stands. The book is a quick read that not only gets you into the fall mood but also makes you smile. This is one of those stories I read every year simply because it’s so good and heartwarming. Plus, the artwork is stunning!


I hate to say this because I feel like I mention it all the time, but I’m always honest in my answers. The book I go back to every year is ‘A Christmas Carol‘ by Charles Dickens. It’s my favorite book and a timeless story. That said, I’d really like to reread ‘Little Women‘ this year, so I hope I can get to that soon.
Related Post: Little Women | Book Review


I’m not sure if this is necessarily an accessory, but I love having a cozy ambiance video playing in the background while I read. It really helps set the mood for the season. To make things even cozier, I like to have a warm beverage as well.

I hope you enjoyed this tag, and please let me know your answers in the comments below! In case you want to read these books, you can find some on Everand, which offers a free trial when you use my link (click here). Sadly, they don’t have all the books I mentioned, but it’s still a service I love to recommend. If you’re a fan of tags, please like and share this post. Your support means a lot to me, so don’t forget to hit the follow button before you go!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Final Draft | Book Review

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About The Book
Laila Piedra only takes risks in the sci-fi worlds she writes about. When her supportive creative writing teacher is replaced by Pulitzer Prize-winning Nadiya Nazarenko, who is harsh and unimpressed, Laila becomes obsessed with earning her approval. She begins to feel like she has to choose between perfection and sanity, but deep down, Laila wonders if letting go of her mentor is the only way to truly find herself.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Zw5gRy

My Rating

This book left me with mixed feelings. While there weren’t any major issues with the plot or characters, I just didn’t feel a strong connection to either. It follows Laila, a sci-fi fan who wants to be a writer, and her life changes when a new teacher takes over her creative writing class. The teacher becomes a big influence in Laila’s life, causing her to question both her writing abilities and her identity.

A key theme in the book is about losing yourself while trying to please others. The new teacher, even though they’re a successful writer, doesn’t really teach, which leaves Laila and her classmates feeling uncertain about their work. This really hit home for me—it reminded me that creativity is personal, and trying to get others’ approval can make you lose your own voice.

Redgate hints at Laila’s mental health struggles throughout the story, which become clearer halfway through. These hints add depth to her struggles with writing, friendships, and her sexuality, making her feel more real and layered.

That said, the event that triggered Laila’s mental health decline didn’t quite make sense to me, and I often found myself wondering why it had such a big impact on her. However, I believe the author used it to symbolize how a single event can deeply affect someone who is already struggling mentally—it was about losing stability and support in her life.

“Let’s short circuit in the rain.”

The romance in the book was okay, but I didn’t feel very connected to the love interest since the other characters weren’t fleshed out enough, in my opinion. The focus is mainly on Laila throughout the book, so we don’t get much insight into her other relationships, which made it hard for me to fully invest in her romantic storyline.

What stood out the most for me was Riley Redgate’s writing style. It’s engaging and kept me reading, even when I wasn’t totally sure where the story was going. While I probably wouldn’t read this book again or strongly recommend it, I do think it’s well-written and touches on some important themes.

Overall, the story explores finding your identity and the risks of looking for validation from others. It didn’t totally click with me, but its strengths lie in its writing and thoughtful approach, which could appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven stories.

Let me know your thoughts on the book in comments! You can also listen to this audiobook and many others with an Everand subscription. Sign up for a free trial using my link (click here). If you liked this review, please consider following my blog before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Tea Dragon Society | Book Review

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About The Book
The Tea Dragon Society trilogy is a heartwarming, magical, and inclusive story by the award-winning author of ‘Princess Princess Ever After’. It follows Greta, a blacksmith apprentice, who discovers a lost tea dragon and is introduced to the enchanting world of tea dragons. She learns the delicate, fading art of tea dragon care from kind tea shop owners Hesekiel and Erik. As Greta grows closer to them and their shy ward, Minette, she sees how the craft of caring for tea dragons brings warmth and meaning to their lives—and her own. This beloved, all-ages trilogy is full of charm and wonder.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4db5b91

My Rating

This graphic novel series charmed me right from the start with its unique concept. The world of tea dragons—small creatures that grow tea leaves from their horns—is both imaginative and heartwarming.

The books are quick and easy to read, making them perfect for a cozy escape. Each volume introduces new characters while keeping the main storyline connected, creating a sense of depth. The final book ties everything together nicely, providing a satisfying conclusion, though I was sad to see the series end.

While the stories may not be the most thrilling or complex, they are undeniably charming and heartwarming. The artwork is stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed illustrations that match the gentle narrative perfectly.

“People seem to live at a different pace now. Tea Dragon tea is a wonderful thing, but it takes a long time to make. Back when everything took a long time, perhaps that didn’t matter.”

Overall, I recommend this series to readers of all ages. It’s a comforting, joyful read that brings happiness with every page. While these books may not stay with me forever, they’re my go-to for cozy, feel-good reading that I will surely be rereading for years to come.

Please let me know in the comments if you’ve read this graphic novel series or heard of it. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others. Before you leave, hit the follow button to turn on post notifications.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Little Monsters | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Kacey, the new girl in Broken Falls, moves in with her father and stepfamily, finding her new life eerily charming compared to her tumultuous past. She’s welcomed into a tight circle of friends, but things turn strange when her closest friends, Bailey and Jade, start acting distant. When Bailey disappears after a party, Kacey is left to navigate the town’s suspicions. Suddenly, Broken Falls isn’t so welcoming, and Kacey is at the center of the mystery.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Ry7tXE

My Rating

Kara Thomas has a way of writing that always keeps me engaged, and this book is no exception. The story centers on a high school senior, Kacey, as she tries to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of one of her closest friends, all while grappling with her troubled past. She had a difficult childhood, and works to conceal her anger issues while living with her dad, stepmom, stepbrother, and half-sister.

What I liked most was how the story had many layers, not just the mystery. It made everything more interesting and complicated. The mystery itself moves really fast, and even though I didn’t always agree with what the main character did, it felt real. She made mistakes like any teenager would in that situation.

In the book, we mostly follow Kacey’s perspective, but we also get short chapters that are journal entries from her missing friend, Bailey. These were an unexpected, but pleasant, surprise. Furthermore, they really did enhance the story. Bailey’s chapters give us more insight into her character, and provide important details leading up to her disappearance.

“Hope is the most dangerous thing you can give someone.”

I kept changing my mind about who might be behind everything, which I loved. The author really makes you doubt everyone and throws in lots of surprises. Some twists totally caught me off guard, though I did figure out part of the ending eventually. But when everything was revealed, it was shocking and way darker than I expected—in a good way.

Overall, the writing is fantastic, and the ending is gripping. I could easily see this book being one that many readers finish in a single sitting. If you enjoy young adult mysteries, this is a must-read. Just a heads-up, though: it tackles some heavy stuff, so check for trigger warnings if you need to.

Let me know in the comments if you enjoy YA mysteries! For more book-related content, check out my Instagram where I share book photos and reels. Don’t forget to hit follow to stay updated on all my bookish posts.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

Currently Reading | Update & Thoughts (September 9, 2024)

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Hi Friends,
Today, I thought I’d give a quick reading update and chat about the books I’m currently diving into. I used to be so good at sticking to just one book at a time, but now I can’t help but read multiple books at once. I think it’s because I’m such a mood reader—I always need a book from a different genre on hand so I can pick up whatever fits my mood in the moment.

A Touch Of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
I’m about 50% into this one, and I’m absolutely loving it. It took me a bit to get into, but once it hooked me, I couldn’t put it down! Honestly, right now it’s giving me 5-star feels, and I can’t wait to see how it ends.

We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
I’m also 50% into this one, but I’ve got mixed feelings. I know this is a super popular thriller that a lot of people are raving about—it’s fast-paced with an interesting premise—but I’m just not that invested in the plot. The writing style isn’t my favorite, and it hasn’t captivated me yet. I’m hoping by the end I’ll understand all the hype!

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
I’m slowly making my way through this book and I’m only 35% in, but I’m really enjoying it so far. I can definitely see why it’s gotten so much attention. It’s giving me ‘Divergent’ and old-school YA fantasy vibes, and I’m living for the enemies-to-lovers romance. I can’t wait for the plot to pick up even more!
Related Post: Divergent｜Book Review

Let me know in the comments what you’re reading, or if you’ve read any of these books—feel free to share your spoiler-free thoughts! And don’t forget to follow the blog for more updates!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Gilmore Girls 2024 Readathon

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Hi Friends,
I’m so excited to announce that I’ll be hosting a Gilmore Girls Readathon from October 7th – October 21st! October felt like the perfect month to celebrate all things Gilmore, especially since the show premiered in October 2000 and Rory’s birthday is on October 8th!

Whether you’re a die-hard Gilmore fan or just looking for a cozy, fall-themed challenge, you can join in on the fun! You can participate bingo-style, using the prompts on the bingo board, or, if you’re like me, challenge yourself to complete all the prompts!

To make things even more exciting, I’ve included a few non-reading prompts to give this readathon a fun, cozy vibe. Think coffee breaks, movie nights, and more! It’s going to be such a great way to dive into fall and celebrate the world of Stars Hollow.

I’d love for you to join me in this Gilmore-inspired adventure—stay tuned for more details and let me know if you’re participating! If you’d like to follow me on other platforms, I’ve become very active on Instagram. As always, show the blog some love by giving it a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

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Pumpkin Spice & Poltergeist | Book Review

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About The Book
In the spooky town of Maple Hollow, apothecary witch Jordyn accidentally conjures the ghost of her ex-girlfriend. The snarky specter haunts her until she finds new love. Enter Harlow, the new girl in town, who’s just trying to survive working in her sister’s cafe. As romance brews between them, Jordyn’s ghostly ex threatens to ruin it all.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3ANfBOx

My Rating

I want to give a big thank you to the authors for granting me an eARC of this book. The first chapter dives right into the story, which I usually love, but I felt this book needed a prologue or an intro chapter. Still, I knew from the start that I was going to enjoy the story and its characters.

The book is told from dual perspectives: Jordan, who is haunted by the ghost of her ex-girlfriend, and Harlow, a new resident of Maple Hollow. Both girls are very likable, though somewhat similar. I never found myself preferring one perspective over the other, and I was sold on their relationship from their first interaction.

I loved the Halloweentown vibes in this book. Maple Hollow is literally a town where supernatural beings live, and the concept is amazing—it’s a place I’d want to visit and maybe even live in. I enjoyed seeing the different supernatural creatures interacting with each other and humans.

“We’re all different here. Maybe you just needed a little more magic in your life.”

While I loved the main characters and the town, the side characters were also likable, especially Harlow and her sister Willow. Their relationship felt real, like true sisters who love each other but sometimes lash out at one another. Willow cherished her life in this unique town, so she was hesitant about Harlow moving in with her, but she did love her sister. However, she could be a bit stuck in her ways and harsh at times.

This is a magical queer romance at its core, made even more complicated by the ghost of Jordan’s ex-girlfriend lingering around. However, I appreciated that the story was more than just a cute paranormal romance. The mystery plot was intriguing, and I wanted to find out what really happened to Jordan’s ex.

Overall, I enjoyed the plot, characters, and setting. While the ending wasn’t surprising, as I had a sense of where the story was heading, I could still see myself picking up more books by the authors. However, I felt the book was missing something extra to make it truly outstanding, but it was an enjoyable read nonetheless. Thanks again to the authors for the ARC!

In the comments, let me know if you watch Halloweentown every fall. Don’t forget to like and share this post with other book lovers, and give my blog a follow before you go!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

September 2024 | To Be Read

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
Today, I’m sharing my September TBR! Throughout the year, I’ve been changing up how I choose my monthly TBR, but for September, I decided to let some of my favorite book content creators pick my books. I’m nervous about some of their choices, but I hope I enjoy them all.

Witch Of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

Legend goes that long ago a Flores woman offended the old gods, and their family was cursed as a result. Now, every woman born to the family has a touch of magic.

In An Instant by Suzanne Redfearn

Heartrending yet ultimately redemptive, In an Instant is a story about the power of love, the meaning of family, and carrying on…even when it seems impossible.

We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

Get Out meets Parasite in this eerily haunting debut and Reddit hit about two homeowners whose lives are turned upside down when the house’s previous residents unexpectedly visit.

A Touch Of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair

From bestselling author Scarlett St. Clair comes a dark and enthralling reimagining of the Hades and Persephone Greek myth.

“Let me worship you,” he said.

She remembered the words she had whispered to him in the back of the limo after La Rose. “You will worship me, and I won’t even have to order you.” His request felt sinful and devious, and she reveled in it.

She answered, “Yes.”

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

Icebreaker is a swoonworthy college romance about an ice skater and the hockey captain she hates as they’re forced to share a rink.

A Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson

You should never talk to strangers. With his flight delayed, Ted Severson meets Lily Kintner, a magnetic stranger, in an airport bar. In the netherworld of international travel and too many martinis, he confesses his darkest secrets, about his wife’s infidelity and how he wishes her dead. Without missing a beat Lily offers to help him carry out the task.

So, that’s my September TBR, but of course, I’ll try to read more books throughout the month. Also, feel free to follow me on Bookstagram (@Books.With.Bunny) and BookTok (@BooksWithBunny) for more content. If you enjoy TBR posts and bookish content, follow the blog to get updates whenever a new post goes up.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny