Book Review: The Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

 


Title: Glass Sword

By: Victoria Aveyard

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 444

Release Date: February 9th, 2016

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

Summary from Goodreads:

Mare Barrow's blood is red—the color of common folk—but her Silver ability, the power to control lightning, has turned her into a weapon that the royal court tries to control. The crown calls her an impossibility, a fake, but as she makes her escape from Maven, the prince—the friend—who betrayed her, Mare uncovers something startling: she is not the only one of her kind.

Pursued by Maven, now a vindictive king, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join in the struggle against her oppressors. But Mare finds herself on a deadly path, at risk of becoming exactly the kind of monster she is trying to defeat. Will she shatter under the weight of the lives that are the cost of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?

 

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Review:

An enjoyable continuance to the Red Queen series, Glass Sword keeps the momentum going with fast paced action, new alliances, and deepening conflicts. While it carries the weight of being a middle book, it still delivers plenty of intrigue and character growth to keep readers hooked and eager for what comes next.

ARC Review: Revolve by Bal Khabra

 


Title: Revolve

By: Bal Khabra

Genre: Romance

Pages: 416

Release Date: October 14th, 2025

Rating: ★★★

 

Summary from Goodreads:

The road to redemption is far from smooth as ice in this sweeping romance between a figure skater and hockey player from the USA Today bestselling author of Collide.

Sierra Romanova was an Olympian figure skater before a life-altering accident on the ice left her with panic attacks every time she enters the rink. Now, back for her final year at Dalton University, she’s ready to reclaim the spotlight, with all eyes on her…including those of hockey player Dylan Donovan, whose audacious words goad her back into her skates to prove him wrong.

After getting kicked off his hockey team for his reckless behavior, Dylan is left with slim chances of making it to the NHL draft. But Dylan’s whole world revolves around the ice, and if hockey is forbidden, well at least there’s figure skating. Even better, it means more time at the rink with Sierra. Sure, he’s helping her rebuild her confidence, but pushing her buttons along the way? That’s just a bonus.

As the figure skating world awaits Sierra's comeback, she finds herself in need for a new pairs partner. The only person she knows who can match her skill on the ice is none other than the cocky hockey player who refuses to cut her any slack. Dylan's a wildcard, Sierra's a seasoned pro, but together, they might just be the perfect match on the ice.

 

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Review:

While I found it a bit unrealistic that Dylan could return to ice skating after so many years away and still perform at such a high level, especially considering he was never a pro to begin with, I still really enjoyed Revolve. The story was engaging, emotional, and entertaining from start to finish. Bal Khabra delivers a heartfelt narrative with strong character chemistry and plenty of charm, making it an overall enjoyable read despite a few stretches in believability.

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

Weekly Menu #630 And The Book Of The Week

 


There’s something deeply comforting about Polish food. The way it fills your kitchen with the aroma of simmering soups, roasted vegetables, and smoky sausage. This week, I’m taking a culinary trip to Poland, where hearty dishes meet wholesome ingredients. From bigos to beet soup, this menu celebrates protein-packed meals brimming with fresh veggies and Old World flavor. Whether you’re craving cozy comfort or looking to explore new tastes, this week’s Polish inspired menu brings a little rustic warmth to your table.

WEEKLY MENU

Monday

Bigos (Hunter’s Stew)

Kids - Polish Chicken & Potato Bowls

 

Tuesday

Zupa Ogórkowa (Polish Dill Pickle Soup)

Kids - Chicken Soup

 

Wednesday

Polish Perogies

Kids - Cheesy Perogies

 

Thursday

Kielbasa with Cabbage and Potato Skillet

Kids - Kielbasa & Veggie Tray

 

Friday

Kotlet schabowy

Kids - Pork Chops and Mashed Potatoes

 

Saturday

Kurczak Paprykowy

Kids - Chicken and Butter Noodles

 

Sunday

Leftovers Night

Sunday Confessions #327

 


Welcome back to Sunday Confessions, where I spill a few truths from my week, bookish or otherwise. Sometimes it’s a reading slump, sometimes it’s a new obsession, and sometimes it’s just the chaos of trying to balance it all. This week’s confessions are a mix of cozy reflections and honest admissions, because Sundays are the perfect time to unwind, reset, and share what’s really been on my mind.


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Weekly Menu #630 And The Book Of The Week
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ARC Review: Revolve by Bal Khabra
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Book Review: The Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard
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Memoir Review: Home Work by Julie Andrews Edwards
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4 Star Friday
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Sunday Confessions #328





★★★☆☆

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.









332/100 2025 Reading Challenge



And that wraps up this week’s Sunday Confessions. As always, thank you for stopping by and sharing a little slice of Sunday with me. Whether you’re spending the rest of the day reading, relaxing, or just catching your breath before the new week begins, I hope it’s exactly what you need. Until next time. May your coffee be strong, your books be good, and your confessions be cathartic.

4 Star Friday

 


It’s time for another 4 Star Friday! This week’s picks were all solid, satisfying reads that struck that sweet spot between good and great. Each story had something special. Whether it was clever writing, memorable characters, or a plot that kept me turning the pages late into the night. These are the books that didn’t quite hit perfection, but absolutely earned their place in my favorites list for the week.

Jane and Dan at the End of the World

Colleen Oakley

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.




Reading through the Star Wars Universe Part 21

 


Welcome back to my Reading Through the Star Wars Universe series part 21! It’s been quite the intergalactic journey so far, full of Jedi wisdom, Sith scheming, and everything in between. Each book continues to expand the galaxy in ways I never expected, adding new layers to characters I thought I already knew. This week’s reads brought a mix of nostalgia, adventure, and a few surprises that reminded me why I love exploring this universe one story at a time.

Aftermath

Chuck Wendig

★★★☆☆

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.