Reviews for ARCS#1

The Unflinching Ash by Angela Armstrong

Thank you to BookSirens, the Publishers and Ms. Angela Armstrong for allowing me to read this and give it an honest review.

“In a world like ours, Mystics once ruled the night. Well, so long as they were men. On Ash’s day of naming, she chose the Mystic path nonetheless. The same illusions that garner gasps of awe from the lamp-lit crowds earn her scorn from the basilica. There is only one way forward: a perilous quest – earn the Queen’s Seal, a badge of honour, and immunity. She’ll simply have to avoid being hanged, burned or drowned first.” Synopsis on GoodReads.

The premise of the story intrigued me from the very beginning though I think...I may have misread it at first. When I started reading, I began to understand that I read the synopsis as them actually having magic. But I was surprisingly happy with magicians (essentially) donning the theme of the story instead. And let’s be fair, they have their own kind of magical flair. As a child, I always loved watching the act of illusions. But I also loved the show The Mentalist on CBS. This was a lovely blend of both. Overall, I definitely enjoyed the story as a whole.

I would say constructively, that near the middle and end of the book, it did seem at odds with the pacing (in regards to the actual final setting) but it didn’t necessarily take away from the story. That may just be my personal wish for it not to end. I did wish we could have seen a bit more of an overview of Odell’s story as well as Ash and Ren. But, like I said, I enjoyed this treasure of a story. I would highly recommend giving this a read and hope to read more from the author.

My Rating: 4 stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟 (also posted on BookSirens and GoodReads)

Dear Azula, I Have a Crush on Danny Phantom by Azura Tyabji and Jackson Neal

Thank You to NetGalley, the publishers and the authors for allowing me to read this and give it an honest review.


“Dear Azula, I Have a Crush on Danny Phantom is a crossover of our coming of age universes. Exploring the interplay of adolescence and media, Dear Azula is a masterclass on how Generation Z see themselves reflected on screen, how they find themselves in characters when the world does not grant them the possibility. These poems pay homage to the cartoon characters who made us the wicked lovestruck people that we are. These ubiquitous stories of teen ghost boys and water bending women gave wonder to a generation raised by recession. In illustrious villains we learned our own glamour. In chiseled chins and 2D teeth we learned desire. In Dear Azula, I Have a Crush on Danny Phantom we bring the early 2000s renaissance of animation into our modern lives to unpack, celebrate, revel, and remember.”


Being someone (still) growing up in that era, I found this idea endearing to see these characters center focused in poetry of all things. Reading fanfic in my past, I completely understand the appeal of showcasing inspiration from characters on the screen in this form and these two poets did an amazing job. I loved Raven’s and Danny Phantom was the reason I clicked to read it so fast. The Last Airbender is another treasure trove of lines that keeps you locked into the story.


My only issue was that while I did love the poems, there were moments of odd pacing or breaks with a line or two here and there. Nothing crazy. I still enjoyed them. My favorites: Marrow (the genius behind that) Beast/Boy, Yzma Dresses for the Llama Funeral (that was just wickedly fun) and Zuko’s Palinode.


Rating: 3.5 Stars Rounded up to 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟 (also posted on NetGalley and GoodReads)

Anne of Green Gables: Manga Classics by L.M. Montgomery

I've always had a notion to read Anne of Green Gables but have yet to. Reading this however has stirred to me to do so because I absolutely love this story. The Manga was done beautifully and I loved the way they captured wiles of Anne and her "imaginating" as well as the rivalary between her and Gilbert. Such a fun and lovely read.


Thank you so much to NetGalley, Manga Classics and the authors/artists for allowing me to read this and give it an honest review.


Rating: 5 Stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Overall, it was a good time with all 3. Happy Ghost. Happy Poltergist. 'Nough said.