Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina

Title: Glass Sword

By: Victoria Aveyard

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 444

Release Date: February 9th, 2016

Rating: ★★★★☆

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Review:

Title: Revolve

By: Bal Khabra

Genre: Romance

Pages: 416

Release Date: October 14th, 2025

Rating: ★★★★☆

Summary from Goodreads:

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Review:

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. 

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Tilt by Emma Pattee was a book I picked up because it’s set in a city I used to live in, and I was curious to see how the place I knew would come alive on the page. While it started off fine, I quickly found the main character to be rather bland, which made it hard to stay invested. There were also several intriguing side plots that never seemed to fully develop, leaving me wishing for more depth and resolution. By the end, the story came to an abrupt stop, which left me feeling more disappointed than satisfied. Overall, this one was just okay for me. An average read that didn’t quite deliver on its potential.

Jane and Dan at the End of the World

Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley was a fun, unique read with a great premise. I really enjoyed the quirky dynamic between Jane and Dan and the way their story unfolded against such high stakes circumstances. That said, the pacing felt a little slow at times, which kept it from being a full five star read for me. Still, it’s an engaging and entertaining story that blends heart, humor, and the question of what really matters when the world is falling apart.

The Black Bird Oracle

Deborah Harkness

I went into this one a little hesitant after the disappointment of the last book, but I’m glad I gave it a chance. The Black Bird Oracle pulled me right back into Harkness’s world with strong writing, a rich sense of atmosphere, and characters that felt alive again. While not without its slower moments, the story carried an energy and depth that reminded me why I loved this series in the first place. A definite step up from its predecessor and a solid 4 star read.

Dating After the End of the World

Jeneva Rose

Dating After the End of the World by Jeneva Rose was pure fun from start to finish. It’s not the kind of story I usually expect from her, but she brings the same effortless storytelling style that makes all her books so enjoyable. Lighthearted, clever, and engaging, this book was an easy read that kept me smiling. While it may not be groundbreaking, it’s exactly the kind of comfort read you want when you just need something entertaining and gritty.

We Shall Be Monsters

Alyssa Wees

We Shall Be Monsters by Alyssa Wees is a book that demands your full attention. Dark, layered, and haunting, it’s the kind of story that pulls you into its depths but can be challenging to follow at times. Still, the payoff is worth it. Wees crafts a world so intricate and beautifully detailed that it lingers long after the last page. It’s a heavy, atmospheric read, but one that rewards readers willing to dive in fully.

The Bluest Eye

Toni Morrison

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison is a classic for a reason. Morrison’s writing is powerful and poetic, weaving together themes of beauty, identity, and trauma in a way that lingers long after you’ve closed the book. While it’s not always an easy read, it’s an essential one, challenging, heartbreaking, and beautifully told.

Aftermath

Aftermath by Chuck Wendig wasn’t my favorite Star Wars read, but it still had its bright spots. The pacing and style didn’t fully click for me, yet I really enjoyed seeing some of the old, familiar characters return. A mixed experience overall, but worth it for the nostalgia factor.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Alexander Freed

★★★★★

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story by Alexander Freed is a stellar novelization that truly captures the heart of the film while adding even more depth to the characters and story. Freed takes the familiar plot and enriches it with powerful inner monologues, emotional nuance, and a sense of grit that makes the stakes feel even higher. I loved how the book gave us greater insight into Jyn, Cassian, and the rest of the crew, making their sacrifices hit that much harder. A fantastic portrayal of the movie and an absolute must read for any Star Wars fan.

Shadow Fall

Alexander Freed

★★★★☆

Shadow Fall by Alexander Freed is another solid entry in the Alphabet Squadron series, and I have to say this author is really starting to grow on me. His command of Star Wars lore shines through on every page, weaving together space battles, political tension, and character driven drama in a way that feels both authentic and fresh. The pacing can be a little dense at times, but the payoff is worth it, especially with the depth he gives to the characters and the moral gray areas they navigate. A strong 4 star read that proves Freed knows exactly how to expand the galaxy we all love.

Crimson Climb

E.K. Johnston

★★★★★

Crimson Climb by E.K. Johnston is a standout Star Wars novel and a reminder of why Johnston is one of my favorite authors in the galaxy far, far away. She breathes life into a mostly forgotten character from Han Solo’s early days, giving depth, voice, and agency to someone who deserved the spotlight. The writing is sharp, the pacing smooth, and the emotional beats hit perfectly. I absolutely loved it. An easy 5 stars and a must read for any Star Wars fan.

Star Wars: Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor

Matthew Woodring Stover

★★★★☆

Another great read in the Star Wars universe, this book delivers a fast paced adventure that captures the spirit of the original trilogy while exploring Luke’s struggles with leadership, responsibility, and the lingering shadows of the Empire. Stover balances action, humor, and character depth in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. While a few parts get a bit heavy on detail, the overall story is exciting, cinematic, and a solid addition to the expanded universe.