Banned Bibliophile

Rating: 4/5  Genre: Sci-Fi (Dystopian) and Fantasy Themes: Power Imbalance, Sacrificial Lambs, Making Your Own Destiny, Gods vs. Worshippers Premise: In a supposed utopia, traditional people and anthropomorphic creatures toil together to survive, believing they owe their existence to a pantheon of demanding gods who mandate their worshippers sacrifice five children every 20 years as payment for services rendered. What becomes of the ill-fated tributes is entirely unknown to their families. The only certainty is the relentless foreboding trailing the children as they're paraded throughout the lands, shackled and broken, shambling toward an unknown location. Pigeon is one such “sacrificer” abused by his kin and surrendered as the obligatory tithe, while a daughter of the gods named Soluna is determined to end the cruel sacrifice cycle she's recently become privy to.  My Thoughts: The Sacrificers  is a story ripe with imbalance to the point where it's almost uncomfortable to...

Rating: 3.5/5 Genre:  Fantasy, Fiction, Cozy Themes:  Fables, Life Lessons, Reflection Premise: A charming book of linked stories with a sprinkling of cozy fantasy and a fable-like touch . . . The Amberglow Candy Store  introduces the reader to half-fox shopkeeper Kogetsu, whose magical  wagashi  sweets from his shop on Gloaming Lane promise to change his customers' lives for the better. We follow an array of characters from various walks of life through their encounters with Kogetsu, who himself learns some major life lessons along the way, and reveals his own backstory in the process. My Thoughts: This year, I want to branch out when it comes to exploring different books and genres. One goal in particular is to expand my shelves by obtaining more translated literature. I saw this beautiful cover whilst browsing and couldn't resist picking it up. The art screams "cozy" and the konpeitō illustrations are very reminiscent of  Spirited Away , hence I had...

   Rating: 3.5/5 Genre : Adult Horror (Graphic Novel) Themes : Science Gone Wrong, Rival Siblings, Dangerous Ambition  Premise : The Nightmare Keeper presides over a mysterious library, but instead of books, he collects strange, macabre items and the stories associated with them. Eager to share sordid details with his audience (the reader), he's currently showcasing a small, mummified corpse and discussing the Cameron brothers' tale. In the same vein as  Frankenstein , Jordan and Isaac Cameron are scientists inspired to generate life using body parts from animals and the deceased, and as with the original narrative, the creators get more than they bargained for when their creations react in ways they could've never expected.  My Thoughts : A lot of people my age have nostalgic memories associated with R.L. Stine, whether it be from his  Goosebumps  or  Fear Street  series, but I regrettably got into his work long after I aged o...

  Rating: 4/5 Genre : YA Contemporary with a Dash of Romance Themes : Living for Yourself, Small Town Life, Working in a Coffee Shop, Cozy Autumn Experiences Premise: Highschooler Lucy works in her mom's independent coffee shop located in a cozy New England town. It's the ideal spot for townspeople and tourists alike to grab mouthwatering beverages and baked goods, except the shop refuses to make what it deems the most cliché drink imaginable: pumpkin spice lattes. Lucy's world turns upside down when Java Junction, a multinational chain, opens across the street during leaf peeping season, a.k.a. the busiest time of year. Former dependable customers flock to the new establishment eager to drink Java Junction's famed PSLs. Fearful of what the competition means for her family's livelihood, and ruffled by the idea that her mom's shop is being threatened by a concoction that doesn't contain even an ounce of genuine pumpkin, Lucy dedicates every bit of her free ti...

There are so many books out there eagerly waiting to be read. Unfortunately, many are sitting on shelves and collecting dust. It's impossible to get to them all, but there are definitely some that deserve more exposure. In the past few years, I've been branching out and reading books from lesser known publishers and works that have been self-published. Undoubtedly, there are hidden gems I wish more people knew about.  Thus, I've decided to share some books that I personally enjoyed and that I hope someone else out there will love, too. So, without further ado, welcome to Banned Bibliophiles' new segment:  Books That Need More Love . Best, The Curious Quill Official Summary: The slow collapse of the British Empire in the nineteenth century meant opportunity for anyone with ammunition and wit. Now the Wildensterns are by far the most powerful family--and the most ruthless. Trained from childhood in the arts of assassination and cons...

Rating: 3.5/5 Premise: Kill the  Babysitter   takes place in 2019 yet promises the fun of a retro horror film set 40 years ago. High schooler Jane never aspired to be a  babysitter , but when she sees the dollar signs that can come with the job, she takes her inexperienced tush and hikes it over to the Harker house, where she's introduced to three headstrong, semi-disturbing children. Among Ms. Harker's laundry list of rules is her explicit refusal to allow her kids to play with the Ouija board, but Jane's broken down by continuously bad behavior and allows the children to pull the spirit board off the shelf. While it seems harmless enough, the Harker brood introduces her to Zed, a mischievous "spirit" who grants your every wish if you let him have a little fun. With all Jane's dreams coming true, our protagonist feels on top of the world until Zed's next game is all about unaliving the  babysitter . The only way to survive the night might require Jane to ...