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Tag: ya fantasy

  • Sweet Reads: December Book Releases To Round Off The Year!

    Can you believe it’s already the last month of 2025? We’ve had so many great books come out so far this year, but these December book releases are not to be forgotten! With new releases from some of our favorite best-selling authors and exciting debut books, we’ve got both new and loved voices to read from. Do you want to end the year with a romantic fantasy? What about an intriguing mystery? Our December Sweet Reads list is here for you!

    Content warning: The Honey POP encourages mindful reading and always checking the author’s website for any additional content warnings.

    Better In Black: Ten Stories Of Shadowhunter Romance By Cassandra Clare

    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    If you’re a fan of the Shadowhunter Chronicles, then you need to pick up this anthology! Featuring ten love stories about ten of the series’ favorite couples, including Jace and Clary, Emma and Julian, and Will and Tessa, it’s the perfect way to revisit the Shadowhunter world. Plus, it’s just in time for a refresher before the final trilogy in the series, The Wicked Powers!

    Release Date: December 2
    Order Better in Black: Ten Stories of Shadowhunter Romance here!

    Content Warnings: mention of child death

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CASSANDRA CLARE:
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    Fallen Gods By Rachel Van Dyken

    December book: Fallen Gods by Rachel Van Dyken
    Image Source: Courtesy of Entangled Publishing

    Our next December book release is for all of our mythology lovers! Fallen Gods takes place in a world where the gods are trapped in mortal bodies around the world, waiting to be woken up. We follow the daughter of Odin, who is attending Endir University, to steal Mjolnir, or else death will come to all she loves. Except she wasn’t expecting Aric Erikson, the distant heir to the enemy that she’s tasked with befriending, to complicate her plans. Soon, she’ll have to decide between Aric and a war that could wake angry gods.

    Release Date: December 2
    Order Fallen Gods here!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RACHEL VAN DYKEN:
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    Dawn Of The Firebird By Sarah Mughal Rana

    Sweet reads: Dawn of the Firebird by Sarah Mughal Rana
    Image Source: Courtesy of HarperCollins

    Dawn of the Firebird follows Khamilla, the daughter of an emperor’s clan, who has been training her whole life to keep the throne. After the death of her clansmen, Khamilla must use her magic ability and hide her identity to attend her enemy’s army school. To succeed in her revenge plot, she must use the darkness hiding inside her. The longer she’s at the school, the more contradictory information she learns about what her father taught her. As a war is brewing, and a new magic emerges, Khamilla will be forced to make the difficult decision between vengeance and salvation.

    Release Date: December 2
    Order Dawn of the Firebird here!

    Content Warnings: violence, war, death, colonization, toxic relationship, mention of genocide

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SARAH MUGHAL RANA:
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    A Grave Deception By Connie Berry

    December book: A Grave Deception by Connie Berry
    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    Are you looking for your next mystery to cozy up with? A Grave Deception follows antiques expert Kate and her detective husband, Tom. When archaeologists discover the body of a murdered 14th-century pregnant woman, Kate works to identify her and who killed her. But things go from bad to worse when the lead archaeologist is found dead with fake pearls in his mouth. Meanwhile, when another body is found, Tom is busy finding another killer. Armed with old documents and research, Kate must work against time before more lives are lost.

    Release Date: December 9
    Order A Grave Deception here!

    Content Warnings: death, murder, violence, weapons, slight gore, bodies, corpses, mentions of sexual assault and blackmail, pregnancy

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CONNIE BERRY:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE

    Which of these December book releases is on your TBR? Let us know in the comments below or by tweeting us @TheHoneyPop! You can also visit us on Facebook and Instagram!

    Want more book recs? We’ve got just the thing!

    Paige Lobianco

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  • Immortal Dark: Eternal Ruin – A Vampire Saga Worth The Haunting?

    Book Overview: Immortal Dark: Eternal Ruin

    Content Warnings: violence, gore, dark themes, strong language

    Summary: Like all ruinous things, he came from the abyss.
     
    Kidan Adane has finally embraced her darkness. She’s killed without remorse, lied, and broken Uxlay University’s most sacred law by inviting elusive rogue vampires, the Nefrasi, into Uxlay.
     
    Trapped with a violently unstable vampire and reeling from her sister’s return, Kidan wields her anger like a weapon. She vows to master her house and protect the sacred artifact hidden inside, even if it means forging an alliance with the depraved leader of the Nefrasi, Samson Sagad–and betraying Susenyos.
     
    A dangerous new philosophical text seems to hold the answers and promises the very thing Kidan has lost: control. Even as the dark pages consume her, Kidan knows no soul at Uxlay is trustworthy—least of all Susenyos. For Kidan and Susenyos, the lines of loathing and attraction may blur, but the quest for power rules them both. And neither is willing to surrender.
     
    As devastating secrets resurface from the past, Kidan and her sister, June, must finally confront each other and take their rightful places in the looming war.

    Image Source: Courtesy of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

    Kidan’s Journey Into Darkness

    Kidan Adane is not the same eager student from before. In Eternal Ruin, she’s taken the helm of her own fate, and it feels electric. Imagine your favorite character leveling up into a darker version you still root for. From page one, the stakes are sky high as Kidan grapples with new powers and old mistakes. She’s killed without remorse and now faces the fallout. Every choice she makes clangs like a warning bell: will she save her world or watch it burn? You can practically feel the tension seep off the page.

    Vampires, Villains, And Wild Alliances

    Think vampire drama only happens in ancient castles? Think again. The Nefrasi vampire clan, led by the volatile Samson Sagad, crashes the party in a way that feels fresh and dangerous. This isn’t a typical fangs and moons story. Samson is dangerously charming in a twisted way, making you think “uh oh, here we go” on every page. Kidan has to make a deal with this wild card, which leads to backstabbing feints and power plays worthy of the coolest supernatural TV series. One moment, Kidan’s enemy Susenyos is on her side; the next, she’s out for blood. The tension is so thick you’ll want to rewash your hands!

    Love, Hate, And Everything In Between

    Okay, we all love a little romantic chaos, right? The chemistry between Kidan and Susenyos is a magnetic tug-of-war. These two swing from savage arguments to sizzling looks faster than you can say “vampire kiss.” It’s like their hearts and hate grow stronger with every chapter. Imagine your favorite Romeo and Juliet in a supernatural hustle: one minute they’re trading flame sparks, the next they’re leaning in for a fight or a kiss, and honestly, you’re here for it! Every twist is messy and affectionate without ever feeling syrupy; perfect for fans of slow burn enemies to lovers.

    Sister Spells And Savage Secrets

    Grab your tissue box, because family feuds get epic here. Kidan’s sister June returns with a bang, and their sibling bond is as twisted as it is tender. Think of it like a heated family game night gone wild: every move could hurt or heal. No spoilers, but secrets from Kidan and June’s past are leaking out, and it adds layers of suspense. There’s betrayal at the dinner table and then some. These sisters fight like hell and care like hell, and watching that pull between them is intense!

    Magic, Mayhem, And Ancient Mysteries

    If you like lore and hidden puzzles, you’re in luck. Uxlay University isn’t just a school; it’s practically a haunted mansion full of secrets. A creepy old philosophical text holds clues to Kidan’s lost control; imagine unlocking a secret app on your phone you didn’t know existed. Every chapter has something uncanny: a corridor that shouldn’t exist, a midnight monster hunt, or an artifact with a mind of its own. Reading this feels like stealing a flashlight to sneak through an old library… deliciously eerie yet oddly comforting.

    Why We Can’t Stop Turning Pages

    Finally, why does this book wring out our souls and leave them begging for more? Picture finishing your favorite late-night series on an absolute cliffhanger. Each chapter of Eternal Ruin makes you gasp, then flips the scene before you can catch your breath. The pacing is wild but controlled, driven by Kidan’s raw grit and determination. It’s polished in writing but feels chatty and urgent like a friend texting, “Wait, what happens next?!” You’ll stay glued to the pages with your heart in your throat. By the time the final scene ends, you’re salivating for the next book!

    In the shadows of Uxlay, Kidan’s journey becomes a wild ride through darkness and light.

    What are your thoughts on Immortal Dark: Eternal Ruin? You can get a copy here if you don’t have one already! Let us know all your thoughts in the comments below or over on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook!

    Want more book reviews? Check out our library!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TIGEST GIRMA:
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    Asia M.

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  • Sweet Reads: New November Book Releases For Chilly Nights!

    With the weather getting colder, and the days getting darker, there is nothing better than curling up with a good book! Are you in the mood for a fairytale story? What about a good old-fashioned rom-com? Then you’ve come to the right place! Our latest Sweet Reads roundup has got it all!

    Content warning: The Honey POP encourages mindful reading and always checking the author’s website for any additional content warnings.

    The Secret Astronomers By Jessica Walker

    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    Do you like mixed media books with unique methods of storytelling? Then you have to check out The Secret Astronomers! On the pages of a real ancient astrophysics textbook, the author Jessica Walker draws on the pages to tell her story. It follows two girls who communicate with each other through an old textbook at their high school. One is dealing with the sudden death of her mother and moving to a new town, and the other has dreams of being a first-generation college student. The unlikely duo team up to solve a mystery at their school, and they might just learn something about friendship along the way.

    Release Date: November 4
    Order The Secret Astronomers here!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JESSICA WALKER:
    WEBSITE

    Deadly Ever After By Brittany Johnson

    November book: Deadly Ever After by Brittany Johnson
    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    Who doesn’t love a good fairytale retelling? Brittany Johnson has you covered! In Deadly Ever After, we follow a murdered princess who has always strived for perfection, and a warrior princess who dies on a mission for her brother. When they meet each other in a cursed forest, they’re given another chance to live their lives. All they need to do is find true love’s kiss…easy, right? Turns out it’s even more difficult when they find out that the wrong kiss could kill them. Together, they will face their lives and deaths, and find out that maybe what they were searching for had been in front of them the whole time.

    Release Date: November 4
    Order Deadly Ever After here!

    Content Warnings: death, emotional abuse, physical abuse, child abuse, mention of suicide

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BRITTANY JOHNSON:
    INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    The Fangirl Project By Beth Reekles

    Sweet reads: The Fangirl Project by Beth Reekles
    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    Our next November book release is for fans of The Kissing Booth! Bestselling author Beth Reekles is back with another cute rom-com! Desperate to get out of the friendzone with her crush, Jake, Cerys decides to learn about his favorite fantasy fandom. But after meeting his new dedicated cosplaying friend, Max, Cerys realizes she’s in trouble. She’s determined to become the biggest fangirl of the series, but what she doesn’t anticipate is how much she’d actually like it, and might like DMing a familiar fandom guy.

    Release Date: November 4
    Order The Fangirl Project here!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BETH REEKLES:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE

    Leave It On The Track By Margot Fisher

    November book: Leave it on the track by Margot Fisher
    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    Our last November book release is all about Moose, who is struggling with survivor’s guilt after escaping a fire that killed her fathers in their roller rink. Now sent to live with her half-sister, Eden, the two are off to a rough start. But Moose finds solace in a group of new friends in roller derby. Her team is supportive of her grief and her queer imposter syndrome. And, against the rules, she might even be falling for a teammate.

    Release Date: November 18
    Order Leave It On the Track here!

    Content Warnings: panic attacks, death of a parent, medical trauma, mention of suicide

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MARGOT FISHER:
    INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | WEBSITE

    Which of these November book releases is on your TBR? Let us know in the comments below or by tweeting us @TheHoneyPop! You can also visit us on Facebook and Instagram!

    Want more book recs? We’ve got just the thing!

    Paige Lobianco

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  • Thirteen’s The Charm: Inside The Dark Enchantment Of Erin A. Craig’s The Thirteenth Child

    Book Overview: The Thirteenth Child

    Content Warnings: death, parent deaths, gore, war, violence, illness and plague, cheating

    Summary: Hazel Trépas has always known she wasn’t like the rest of her siblings. A thirteenth child, promised to one of the gods, she spends her childhood waiting for her godfather, Merrick, the Dreaded End and Death himself, to arrive. When he does, he lays out his plan for Hazel’s future. She will become a great healer, known throughout the kingdom for her precision and skill. To aid her endeavors, Merrick blesses Hazel with a gift, the ability to instantly deduce the exact cure needed to treat the sick.

    But all gifts come with a price. . . .

    Hazel can see when Death has claimed a patient—when all hope is gone—and is tasked with ending their suffering, permanently. Haunted by the ghosts of those she’s killed, Hazel longs to run. But destiny brings her to the royal court,where she meets Leo, a rakish prince, and against her better judgment, she falls in love. But Hazel faces her biggest dilemma yet when she is called to heal the king. Hazel knows what she is meant to do and knows what her heart is urging her toward, but what will happen if she goes against the will of Death for the sake of love?

    The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig

    Imagine being blessed at birth, not by a fairy godmother but by Death himself. That’s the haunting premise of Erin Craig’s The Thirteenth Child, a YA novel that spins a darkly enchanting tale from a Grimm fairy tale. It’s part epic fantasy, part romance, and it’s already topping bestseller lists. So what makes this gothic story stand out? Here are 7 reasons it’s casting a spell on young readers:

    1. A Grimm Inspiration Reborn

    Based on a Brothers Grimm tale, but far from a quaint fable. It draws inspiration from a lesser-known Grimm story called Godfather Death, but don’t expect a straight retelling. Craig uses that dark premise as a springboard for something much bigger! The novel nods to the original folktale’s themes of bargains and fate, then ups the ante with richer characters and higher stakes. It feels like a classic fairy tale at heart, but with far more twists and teeth.

    2. Hazel Trépas: A Heroine With A Dark Gift

    At the story’s heart is Hazel, a girl blessed (and cursed) by Death. Hazel Trépas is the thirteenth child of a poor family, promised from birth to the God of Death. When her eerie godfather finally shows up, he blesses Hazel with the power to heal any illness. The catch? She can also tell exactly when someone is beyond saving, and then she must end their suffering. Imagine the burden of that gift! Hazel is compassionate but haunted, determined to forge her own path despite the grim duty hanging over her. It’s impossible not to root for her as she fights for control of her life under Death’s shadow!

    3. Death As The Ultimate Godfather

    When Death becomes your mentor, expect the unexpected. Merrick, the god of Death himself, isn’t your typical hooded reaper. As Hazel’s godfather, he’s stern and otherworldly, yet oddly caring in his own way (more so than Hazel’s actual parents, frankly). He takes Hazel under his wing to mold her into the great healer he expects. Their bond is a fascinating push-pull of duty and affection. It’s not every day that Death plays dad, and here it’s equal parts chilling and touching.

    4. Gothic Atmosphere And Storybook Vibes

    Think candlelit castles, misty forests, and ghosts at the door. The book’s atmosphere is pure gothic goodness, from midnight chapel vigils to woodland spirits lurking by the road. Craig vividly renders a world where every blessing comes with a curse attached, making it feel like you’ve stepped into an eerie old storybook. Yet for all the dark, lush detail, the writing stays crisp and clear. It gives you goosebumps without ever getting you lost in the woods.

    5. Royal Intrigue And High-Stakes Twists

    Palace politics, family secrets, and fate hanging by a thread. When Hazel is summoned to the royal court to heal a dying king, the story kicks into high gear. Suddenly she’s navigating a den of vipers: scheming nobles, hidden agendas, and maybe even a murderous plot. In this kingdom, no one is entirely trustworthy, and danger lurks in every corridor. The novel delivers twist after twist as Hazel unravels what (or who) is behind the king’s illness. The stakes are sky-high, with Hazel’s own future tied to the fate of the realm, so by the climax you’ll be holding your breath hoping she can cheat Death itself!

    6. A ‘Romantasy’ Worth Swooning Over

    Amid the darkness is a swoon-worthy spark. Even in a dark tale, there’s room for love. Hazel’s chemistry with Prince Leo (the king’s younger son) brings a welcome glow to the gloom. Their banter is quick and witty (Leo’s cynicism meets its match in Hazel’s no-nonsense charm) and their reluctant alliance slowly blossoms into something more. Importantly, the romance never overshadows the main story; instead, it raises the emotional stakes. You’ll find yourself rooting for this couple to find a happily-ever-after, even as doom hangs over them. In a world so shadowed, their romance is a warm, defiant light.

    7. Haunting Themes With Heart

    A fairy tale that makes you think (and maybe cry). Beyond the magic and mayhem, this story tackles big questions about mortality and sacrifice. Hazel’s very role asks: What makes a life well-lived? How far should one go to save someone they love? There are definitely scenes that tug at the heartstrings (keep tissues handy), but there’s also a thread of hope shining through!

    The Thirteenth Child doesn’t just retell a fairy tale: it redefines it for a new generation, turning a morbid premise into a story about the fierce, fragile beauty of life!

    What are your thoughts on The Thirteenth Child? Let us know all your thoughts in the comments below or over on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook!

    Want more book reviews? Check out our library!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ERIN A. CRAIG:
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    Asia M.

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  • 3 Things We Love About Fortress Of Ambrose By J. Elle

    As we reach the last quarter of 2025, THP’s book team wants to acknowledge how many new books we’ve read and reviewed this year. From incredible series starters to jaw-dropping sequels, and now epic trilogy conclusions like Fortress of Ambrose by J. Elle.

    Fortress of Ambrose picks up shortly after Shadows of Perl, book two of the House of Marionne trilogy. If you remember, we were left on a huge cliffhanger that had us overthinking for months!

    Now we finally get to know what happens to Quell, Jordan, Nore, and Yagrin in this trilogy conclusion. Here are three things we enjoyed most about J. Elle’s Fortress of Ambrose!

    Fortress of Ambrose by J. Elle
    Image Source: Penguin Random House

    Book Overview: Fortress Of Ambrose

    Content warnings: death of loved ones, gore, bodies/corpses, mentions of child abuse and abandonment, serious injury, violence, warfare, weapons

    Summary: With the future of the Order clouded in uncertainty, and the evil within its ranks coming to the surface, Quell Marionne has nowhere left to turn.

    Everyone Quell cares about is gone and she still can’t escape the powerful legacy that wants to destroy her. But when she uncovers an earth-shattering revelation, she must choose: be the hero the magic world needs or save Jordan.

    Meanwhile, a darkness festers inside Dragunheart Jordan Wexton. His path to survival means becoming the monster he was bred to hate, if he can overcome the power rotting within himself.

    In a world where the line between proper and forbidden magic blurs, Quell and Jordan, along with two unlikely allies – bitter assassin Yagrin Wexton and magicless Heir Nore Ambrose, must navigate a treacherous path where freedom hangs by a thread. Can love tip the scales toward freedom? Or will rivalries and deadly betrayals shatter their hearts and destroy the world they once knew?

    Quell & Nore’s Leadership

    When it comes to diverse YA fantasies, Fortress of Ambrose and the rest of the House of Marionne trilogy has made it to the top of our list. Each House is led by women, and the line of succession passes from mother to daughter. Quell and Nore both assume the roles of Headmistresses for the House of Marionne and House of Ambrose, respectively. Though they were reluctant to lead at first, these young women endure and sacrifice so much in this book. We can’t help but feel proud of their growth!

    Two Core Romances

    We love when a fantasy also has a romance or two sprinkled in. Quell and Jordan’s enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies romance in book two brought them back to lovers in Fortress of Ambrose. But the Sphere’s magic in Jordan prevent them from getting close to each other, making it an angsty wait for the moment they could be fully together. Nore and Yagrin’s romance had just as much tension, given Yagrin’s past love with Red and current attraction to Nore without knowing their shared identity.

    Breaking Cycles Of Trauma

    Another thing we love about Fortress of Ambrose is seeing our main characters overcoming the trauma that all seem to stem from their parents and families. One of the most drastic developments we found in Jordan, whose upbringing made him believe himself to be undeserving of love. It took Quell’s love to make him start to unlearn this traumatic and toxic mindset. Nore also had a notable change once she started to acknowledge her strengths, despite not having magic (to her mother’s great regret).

    Themes of character growth, inner strength, and breaking cycles abound in J. Elle’s Fortress of Ambrose, making for a satisfying trilogy finale!

    Fortress of Ambrose by J. Elle comes out October 14th, and you can order a copy of it here!

    What do you think of the conclusion to the House of Marionne trilogy? Are you planning to read J. Elle’s latest novel, Fortress of Ambrose? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

    Want to hear some of our audiobook recommendations? Here’s the latest!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT J. ELLE:
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    Julie Dam

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  • Sweet Listens: Tune Into These October Audiobooks

    This month just started, but it already feels like it’s flying by so quickly! We’ve had to pleasure of reading and reviewing so many wonderful fantasies and contemporary novels. And our list of October audiobooks has just as much diversity.

    Are you in the mood for a queer sports romance? What about a quirky whodunit mystery? We’ve got it all in our newest Sweet Listens!

    Content warning: The Honey POP encourages mindful listening and checking the author’s website for any additional content warnings.

    For No Mortal Creature By Keshe Chow

    Image Source: Penguin Random House

    Kicking off our October audiobook recommendations is Kesha Chow’s dark romantasy, For No Mortal Creature! Inspired by the classic Gothic novel Wuthering Heights, this haunting and magical story follows Jia Yi, a girl with the power of resurrection. She can move between the realm of the living and the dead, an ability she must now use to retrieve a long-lost sword and save her grandma. The only ones who can help her are Lin, the boy she had loved before he betrayed her, and Prince Essien, her mortal enemy. Let’s just say we weren’t expecting the love triangle to steal our hearts as quickly as it did…

    Release date: October 7
    Order For No Mortal Creature here!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KESHE CHOW:
    INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE

    Most Valuable Player By A. M. Woody

    October audiobook: Most Valuable Player by A. M. Woody
    Image Source: Penguin Random House

    Next in our Sweet Listens roundup is A. M. Woody’s swoony YA romance, Most Valuable Player! To his great dismay, Cameron “Cam” Morelli, the school’s cocky star quarterback, gets rejected by the team’s sarcastic water boy, Mason Gray. As fate would have it, Mason is the only person who can help tutor him and get his grades up to go back on the field. The two of them grow closer, each one letting down his defenses and becoming each other’s safe spaces. Cam is so much more than what his jock persona presents. Mason must face an abusive ex and accept the reality that what happened to him was never his fault.

    Release date: October 21
    Preorder Most Valuable Player here!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT A. M. WOODY:
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    The Dysfunctional Family’s Guide To Murder By Kate Emery

    October audiobook: The Dysfunctional Family's Guide to Murder by Kate Emery
    Image Source: Penguin Random House

    Our final October audiobook is a quirky murder mystery with family drama around every corner. A family vacation turns into a crime scene when the family’s matriarch GG dies in The Dysfunctional Family’s Guide to Murder by Kate Emery. Fourteen-year-old Ruth has read enough mystery novels to get started on the case. And with the help of her newfound cousin Dylan, she starts to discover family secrets from everyone in the house that could’ve led to GG’s death. The plot twists and new clues were jaw-dropping, and we gripped the edge of our seats during the big reveal at the end! (We had a feeling but weren’t 100% sure.)

    Release date: October 21
    Preorder The Dysfunctional Family’s Guide to Murder here!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KATE EMERY:
    TWITTER | WEBSITE

    What do you think of this month’s audiobook recommendations? Which of these October audiobooks are you most interested in listening to? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

    If you want in-depth book coverage, we got you!

    Julie Dam

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  • 3 Things We Love About Zodiac Legacy By Katie Zhao

    The twelve Chinese zodiac signs undergo a major transformation in Katie Zhao‘s Descendants of the Zodiac fantasy duology. The Descendants have been cursed into supernatural creatures, unable to access their full powers until they can restore all twelve stone fountainheads to their rightful place.

    In Zhao’s new sequel, Zodiac Legacy, we pick up promptly after the chaotic ending of book one, Zodiac Rising. Evangeline Long and her crew search for the two remaining fountainheads. The person hiding them? None other than Evangeline’s brother, Julius, back to life from his (fake) death.

    With multiple perspectives and satisfying character arcs, this is a YA duology conclusion you can’t miss! Here are three things we love about Katie Zhao’s Zodiac Legacy!

    Zodiac Legacy by Katie Zhao
    Image Source: Penguin Random House

    Book Overview: Zodiac Legacy

    Content warnings: death of loved ones, graphic violence, gore, torture, forced captivity, hostages, bodies/corpses, warfare, weapons, poisoning (Read at your discretion!)

    Summary: After the heist of a lifetime to reclaim the source of their magic—the twelve Chinese zodiac statues—Evangeline Long and her crew of supernatural beings are on the run. Something—or someone—is working against the Descendants of the Zodiac from the shadows, and despite Evangeline’s efforts, her people remain cursed as creatures of darkness.

    However, not everyone wants to return to life before the curse. As factions begin to tear the Descendants apart, Evangeline must travel to London to finish her mission: break the curse and restore the Descendants to their former glory. But with one of her crew in enemy hands and longtime allies turning on her, Evangeline must barter with lives as she decides who to trust . . . and who to target.

    And she’ll have to do it soon. There are whispers of monsters on the loose—longtime foes of the Descendants who have returned for blood—and as long as the Descendants remain cursed, they don’t stand a chance. Now more than ever, Evangeline’s crew must finish their mission and reclaim their powers, before there is nothing left of the Descendants to save. . .

    Cat-And-Mouse Game

    Before the start of the Descendants of the Zodiac series, Evangeline and Julius were truly inseparable siblings. Evangeline admired and learned everything she could from Julius. Julius loved and had taken care of Evangeline since their parents died. That is, until he faked his own death in book one and came back to life having long betrayed Evangeline. Evangeline will stop at nothing for any clues on her brother’s whereabouts. Too bad Julius always seems to be three steps ahead of her.

    Character Growth

    The amount of character growth we see in Zodiac Legacy is truly incredible. Every character plays a role in restoring the Descendants to their full power, even the unlikely allies. Each point of view brings us up close and personal to some of our favorite characters, including the core four: Evangeline, Tristan, Nicholas, and Alice. Their journeys lead to much-needed emotional clarity as well as help leveling up their respective abilities. Our favorite arc has to be Cecil’s path from being Julius’s puppet to devoting herself to what she thinks is the right thing to do.

    Final Showdown

    The various POVs culminate into a face off between Julius and Evangeline’s forces, as well as between all the Descendants and the Wrathlings, which are cunning, vengeful, and powerful monsters that can take on the forms of the humans they kill. Now, we won’t spoil the results of either battle, but just be prepared for a ton of action and twists. A silver bullet here, a silver knife there. Each side uses their abilities and weapons to the fullest, and neither comes out unscathed. We’re still processing some things…

    Katie Zhao’s Zodiac Legacy pulls us straight into the action as the characters search for missing relics and prepare to battle an evil that has been festering far too long.

    Zodiac Legacy by Katie Zhao officially releases on October 7th, and you can order a copy of it here!

    What are your thoughts on Katie Zhao’s new sequel, Zodiac Legacy? Have you already read Zodiac Rising? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

    Want to hear some of our audiobook recommendations? Here’s the latest!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KATIE ZHAO:
    INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE

    Julie Dam

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  • Sweet Reads: Check Out These Thrilling October Book Releases!

    Looking for the perfect book to add to your TBR? These October book releases have got you covered! How about something spooky? Or maybe a fantasy that’ll whisk you away to a new world? We’ve even got a book for readers who just want it to be winter holidays already! It’s spooky out there. Take a book with you and let’s face our fears together!

    Content warning: The Honey POP encourages mindful reading and always checking the author’s website for any additional content warnings.

    Higher Magic By Courtney Floyd

    Image Source: Courtesy of HarperCollins

    Calling all dark academia fans! Our first October book release follows Dorothe, who has only one chance left to pass the Magic program’s qualifying exam, or else she’ll have to leave the university. Dealing with anxiety and an advisor who insists that she uses Digimancy, a combination of magic and technology, she accidentally creates Anne, a talking skull that narrates her inner thoughts. While trying to fix Anne with a mage candidate named James, they discover that magic students needing disability accommodations are disappearing. With no help from the school, Dorothe and James will have to rely on each other to find the missing students.

    Release Date: October 7
    Order here!

    Content Warnings: ableism, panic attacks, mentions of bullying and gaslighting

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COURTNEY FLOYD:
    INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

    Mint To Be By Katie Cicatelli-Kuc

    Mint to Be by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc
    Image Source: Courtesy of Scholastic Inc

    Is Halloween not your thing? Then Mint to Be will get you in the holiday spirit! This rom-com is about Emma, who, after leaving her small town for boarding school, has returned for the holidays with her new boyfriend, Sam. But things are a bit cold between Emma and her best friend Aiden, whom she left without a goodbye. They used to do everything together, that is, until Emma got her acceptance letter and Aiden decided not to confess his growing feelings. Will these two be able to overcome the time apart?

    Release Date: October 7
    Order here!

    Content Warnings: none

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KATIE CICATELLI-KUC:
    INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

    The Uninvited By Nancy Banks

    The Uninvited by Nancy Banks
    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    Vampire lovers, this is your time to shine! This October book release takes place in Paris, where Tosh is exploring a new city, along with a local named Nick, who shows her all the hidden gems. Finally in a place where she feels she belongs, Tosh will have to face the dark side of her new home after brutal vampire attacks impact her friends. This sounds like the perfect spooky read for the season!

    Release Date: October 16
    Order here!

    Content Warnings: sexism, sexual assault, murder

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NANCY BANKS:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE

    Right Where We Belong By Farrah Penn

    Right Where We Belong by Farrah Penn
    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    Delaney is feeling unsure of her future, both after the passing of her father and after discovering that her beloved boarding school is about to close down. In a bit of desperation, Delaney makes a wish to find a way to save her school, and ends up with William Cromwell, a boy from nineteenth-century London. Hopeful at first, Delaney thinks William might help solve her problem, but soon discovers that there are consequences when William is away from his time. Unfortunately, the only person who can help is her brother’s annoying best friend Sumner. But can they figure things out before time runs out and the present is changed forever?

    Release Date: October 28
    Order here!

    Content Warnings: grief, mention of cancer

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FARRAH PENN:
    INSTAGRAM | THREADS | WEBSITE

    Which of these October book releases is on your TBR? Let us know in the comments below or by tweeting us @TheHoneyPop! You can also visit us on Facebook and Instagram!

    Want more book recs? We’ve got just the thing!

    Paige Lobianco

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  • Sweet Reads: These September Book Releases Have Taken Over Our TBRs!

    As summer comes to a close, we can’t think of anything better than curling up with a good book as the weather gets colder! If you agree, then you need some new book recommendations. These September book releases are perfect for the season! We could easily picture reading these mysteries and spooky fantasies being great rainy-day reads.

    Content warning: The Honey POP encourages mindful reading and always checking the author’s website for any additional content warnings.

    Keep Your Friends Close By Cynthia Murphy

    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    Our first September book release is Keep Your Friends Close, which is perfect for fans of dark academia thrillers! It takes place in Morton Academy, where Chloe is at the top of student society. That is, until her best friend betrays her, and her life is changed forever. Things take a drastic turn when she discovers the Book of Crime and Punishment, which is a record of every time a student commits a misdeed and outlines their corresponding punishment. But when the book starts to match up with the murders of members from the school’s secret society, Chloe will need to use everything she has to stay ahead of the killer.

    Release Date: September 2
    Order here!

    Content Warnings: death, murder, toxic friendship, classism, mention of bullying

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CYNTHIA MURPHY:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | WEBSITE

    An Embroidery Of Souls By Ruby Martinez

    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    Next up, in An Embroidery of Souls, we follow Jade, a thread speaker like her mother, who can alter the fabric of a human being. When her mother disappears, Jade is ordered by the queen to find her. We also follow Lukas, who, in an attempt to take care of his family, makes a deal with a violent gang leader and begrudgingly needs a thread speaker’s help. The two team up to catch a killer, but they soon become closer than they expected. We can’t wait to read this book, especially because the world setting is inspired by German and Mexican lore!

    Release Date: September 9
    Order here!

    Content Warnings: body horror, confinement, gun violence, mention of animal cruelty

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RUBY MARTINEZ:
    INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

    Spellcaster By Jaymin Eve

    Image Source: Courtesy of HarperCollins

    Romantasy readers, run, don’t walk, to get your copy of Spellcaster! In it, Paisley feels the pressure from her family’s legacy at her witch college, especially because of her unpredictable magic. There, she meets Logan, the son of her father’s enemy, and as the two come closer, it’s a chaotic combination. Not to mention, the dark energy she senses in the school, which ends up with a monster attacking her, and it’s a problem she’ll need Logan’s help to solve.

    Release Date: September 23
    Order here!

    Content Warnings: gore, death

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JAYMIN EVE:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE

    The Thirteenth Child By Erin A. Craig

    Image Source: Courtesy of Penguin Random House

    Fans of Erin A. Craig will be ecstatic to read her newest fantasy! The Thirteenth Child is about Hazel, the thirteenth child, the one to be sacrificed to a god. When her godfather Merrick comes to get her, he explains that she will be a great healer and gives her the gift of knowing the exact cure to help her patients. But her gift is costly; Hazel can see when Death has claimed someone, and she must end their suffering. When she travels to the royal court, she must decide if she should save a doomed king and face the wrath of Death. 

    Release Date: September 30
    Order here!

    Content Warnings: death, death of a parent, war, murder, terminal illness, medical content, mention of alcoholism and self harm

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ERIN A. CRAIG:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | THREADS | WEBSITE

    Which of these September book releases is on your TBR? Let us know in the comments below or by tweeting us @TheHoneyPop! You can also visit us on Facebook and Instagram!

    Want more book recs? We’ve got just the thing!

    Paige Lobianco

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  • 3 Things We Love About Legend Of The White Snake By Sher Lee

    3 Things We Love About Legend Of The White Snake By Sher Lee

    If there’s one genre THP can never get tired of, it’s YA fantasy! So today, we’re reviewing Sher Lee’s newest novel, Legend of the White Snake.

    Legend of the White Snake by Sher Lee retells the Chinese legend of the same name, only it’s now an even more swoon-worthy, queer romance between two teenagers: a stubborn prince named Xian and a snake spirit named Zhen.

    We literally finished reading Legend of the White Snake in one sitting, and it may just be one of our favorite fantasies this year. So here are three things we love about it!

    Cover: Legend of the White Snake by Sher Lee
    Image Source: HarperCollins Publishers

    Book Overview: Legend Of The White Snake

    Content Warnings: death, attempted murder, violence, corporal punishment and blood, torture, poisoning, corpses, hunting

    Summary: When Prince Xian was a boy, a white snake bit his mother and condemned her to a slow, painful death. The only known cure is an elusive spirit pearl—or an antidote created from the rare white snake itself. Desperate and determined, Xian travels to the city of Changle, where an oracle predicted he would find and capture a white snake.

    Seven years ago, Zhen, a white snake in the West Lake, consumed a coveted spirit pearl, which gave him special powers—including the ability to change into human form.

    In Changle, Xian encounters an enigmatic but beautiful stable boy named Zhen. The two are immediately drawn to each other, but Zhen soon realizes that he is the white snake Xian is hunting. As their feelings grow deeper, will the truth about Zhen’s identity tear them apart? 

    Elements Of Chinese Culture

    In case you didn’t know, the Legend of the White Snake, also known as Madame White Snake, is one of China’s Four Great Folktales. It has been adapted into several movies, TV shows, and other media. And this retelling by Sher Lee gender-bends the female snake spirit from the original into a young man. We love the nods to Chinese culture, beliefs, and traditions throughout this novel. Recurring themes include the concept of yin and yang, filial piety, divine prophecies, proper temple etiquette, and so many others!

    The Pacing

    We really loved the pacing of Sher Lee’s Legend of the White Snake because the story flows so smoothly. We were so glad that Xian’s identity as the prince did not become a misunderstanding at the beginning. Xian and Zhen also took their time developing their relationship rather than rushing into the instant attraction. We laughed then cried when their romance takes a turn once the truth became known. It was truly such a happy medium, and we couldn’t ask for more.

    They Fight For Their Love

    One of the main things from Legend of the White Snake that we’ll keep in our hearts is that we need to work harder than any fate or destiny. Xian tells Zhen that destiny is for people who don’t fight for what they really want in life. (And we took that personally!) Xian and Zhen’s distant past complicates their blissful present. They fall into incredibly difficult positions because of duty. But they both sacrifice everything to be together in the end, even if it took a little longer than expected.

    Sher Lee’s Legend of the White Snake blesses us with a well-paced, queer retelling of a famous Chinese folktale, and we thoroughly enjoyed this tale from start to finish.

    Legend of the White Snake by Sher Lee will be available October 15th, and you can order a copy of it here!

    What do you think about Sher Lee’s new novel, Legend of the White Snake? Have you already added it to your fall TBR? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

    Want to hear some of our audiobook recommendations? Here’s the latest!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SHER LEE:
    INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE

    Julie Dam

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  • Why Heir By Sabaa Tahir Needs To Be Next On Your TBR!

    Why Heir By Sabaa Tahir Needs To Be Next On Your TBR!

    Buckle yourselves in for this one, folks! The iconic Sabaa Tahir is back with Heir, her latest fantasy novel and the first book in the Heir duology.

    Set in the same world as Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes quartet, Heir takes place 20 years later. It follows the lives of three young characters: a vengeful orphan named Aiz, an outcast and tracker named Sirsha, and the Empire’s Crown Prince Quil. They struggle with power, love, and greed in an adventure that had us on the edge of our seats.

    Sabaa Tahir takes our breath away yet again with Heir. Here are three reasons why you should read it as soon as possible!

    Cover: Heir by Sabaa Tahir
    Image Source: Penguin Random House

    Book Overview: Heir

    Content Warnings: murder, death, parent death, child deaths, decapitation, warfare, graphic violence, torture (Read at your discretion!)

    Summary: An orphan.
    An outcast.
    A prince.
    And a killer who will bring an empire to its knees.

    Growing up in the Kegari slums, AIZ has seen her share of suffering. An old tragedy fuels her need for vengeance, but the love of her people propels her until one hotheaded mistake lands her in an inescapable prison, where the embers of her wrath ignite.

    Banished from her people for an unforgivable crime, SIRSHA is a down-on-her-luck tracker who uses magic to trace her marks. Destitute, she agrees to hunt down a killer who has murdered children across the Martial Empire. All she has to do is carry out the job and get paid. But when a chance encounter leads to an unexpected attraction, Sirsha learns her mission might cost her far more than she’s willing to give up.  

    QUIL is the crown prince of the Empire and nephew of a venerated empress, but he’s loath to take the throne when his aunt steps down. As the son of a reviled emperor, he, better than anyone, understands that power corrupts. When a vicious new enemy threatens the survival of the Empire, Quil must ask himself if he can rise above his tragic lineage and be the heir his people need.

    It’s So Immersive

    Maybe it’s because we both read Heir and listened to its audiobook, but we were locked in! This fantasy world is everything, from the physical and political landscape to each character’s dark history. Aiz sails across the Southern Ocean and back to rule her people in the name of Mother Div. Sirsha races across sea and land in the hopes of tracking a killer. Meanwhile, Quil is forced out of his palace in search of safety. We fully lost ourselves in this story and even had to reread the ending to cope.

    The Intersection Of Characters

    With three alternating points of view, it can be difficult to keep track of the plot while learning the individual backstories. But Heir weaves everyone’s stories together so well. Not to mention those of the beloved characters from An Ember in the Ashes! There’s a point in the novel where we must stop and think, is this all happening simultaneously? (IYKYK) But once we figured out the twist, everything else came together. Aiz, Sirsha, and Quil all play their destined role in the final battle, and we’re interested in seeing the aftermath in the sequel.

    Of Course, The Romance

    We couldn’t write this review without mentioning the romance between Sirsha and Quil! From their first chance encounter to bantering while traveling together, we absolutely loved seeing their chemistry develop. Because who else would get fake engaged and bonded to someone just to save her from her sister’s wrath? Soulmates, that’s who! Honestly, that is one of the most romantic moments we’ve ever seen in a romantasy, and we’re not afraid to admit it. Here’s hoping Sirsha and Quil get their happily ever after!

    Sabaa Tahir reimagines a familiar world in Heir, a captivating tale with dark schemes, magic, and twists up until the final page!

    Heir by Sabaa Tahir will be released on October 1st, and you can preorder a copy of it here!

    What do you think about Sabaa Tahir’s Heir? Are you looking forward to this new duology? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

    Want to hear some of our audiobook recommendations? Here’s the latest!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SABAA TAHIR:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

    Julie Dam

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  • Sweet Listens: September Audiobooks To Kick Off A New Season

    Sweet Listens: September Audiobooks To Kick Off A New Season

    A new season calls for a change of pace in our monthly Sweet Listens column! We’re so ready for the weather to cool and for us to be able to cozy up with a new book or audiobook.

    This month’s book releases have given us both contemporary fiction and dark fantasies, so be sure to check out THP’s new book reviews. In the meantime, we’ll give you our top three September audiobook recommendations!

    Content warning: The Honey POP encourages mindful listening and checking the author’s website for any additional content warnings.

    Gita Desai Is Not Here To Shut Up By Sonia Patel

    Image Source: Penguin Random House

    For our first September audiobook, we recommend Sonia Patel’s Gita Desai is Not Here to Shut Up! This contemporary YA novel tells the story of Gita Desai, a South Asian first-year college student who plans to ace her way through undergrad and later med school. But the more Gita branches out, meeting new people and hooking up with strangers, the more she’s reminded of dark secrets from her childhood. Touching on topics of sexual assault and complex PTSD from childhood sexual abuse, this audiobook is a powerful and necessary addition to the YA space.

    Release date: September 10
    Order Gita Desai is Not Here to Shut Up here!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SONIA PATEL:
    INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

    The Thirteenth Child By Erin A. Craig

    September audiobook: The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig
    Image Source: Penguin Random House

    If you’re anything like us, then you like to celebrate the spooky season as early as possible. And we don’t know a better way to start the fall festivities than with a spooky September audiobook like The Thirteenth Child! Erin A. Craig‘s latest fantasy novel follows Hazel Trépas, a healer with the gift of finding the exact cure her patients need. But she’s also cursed with the responsibility to end the lives of the people who can’t be cured of an illness, even if it’s the king. Inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ “Godfather Death,” The Thirteenth Child is a wonderfully Gothic audiobook that’ll have you racing to the end.

    Release date: September 24
    Preorder The Thirteenth Child here!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ERIN A. CRAIG:
    FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE

    This Fatal Kiss By Alicia Jasinska

    Sweet Listens: This Fatal Kiss by Alicia Jasinska
    Image Source: Penguin Random House

    Our last September audiobook recommendation is Alicia Jasinska’s new novel, This Fatal Kiss! Inspired by Slavic folklore, this YA fantasy features a queer, polyamorous relationship between a water nymph named Gisela, a grumpy exorcist named Kazik, and a handsome young man named Aleksey. Gisela has her sights set on Aleksey and needs Kazik’s help to set them up. She wants to return to her human life and needs a kiss from a mortal to do that. But things get complicated when Kazik falls for Aleksey (and Gisela too). Not to mention Aleksey’s possible connection to Gisela’s past.

    Release date: September 24
    Preorder This Fatal Kiss here!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ALICIA JASINSKA:
    INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

    What do you think of this month’s Sweet Listens? Which of these September audiobooks are you most interested in? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

    If you want in-depth book coverage, we got you!

    Julie Dam

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  • Book Review: Of Jade And Dragons By Amber Chen

    Book Review: Of Jade And Dragons By Amber Chen

    On behalf of YA fantasy lovers everywhere, we are getting fed this year! We’ve gotten sequels like Sound the Gong and Blood & Fury, along with conclusions to trilogies like All This Twisted Glory and Burning Crowns. And today, we’re reviewing a YA fantasy series starter: Of Jade and Dragons, Amber Chen’s debut novel.

    Inspired by Qing Dynasty China, Of Jade and Dragons follows Aihui Ying, a girl who’s determined to find her father’s killer and avenge him. She disguises herself as her brother to infiltrate the Engineers Guild and even makes an unlikely ally of Aogiya Ye-yang, the eighth prince.

    Of Jade and Dragons is the first book of the Fall of the Dragon duology. Let’s just say we’re already eager to get our hands on the second book! But we’re willing to wait as long as it takes to see the conclusion to Ying and Ye-yang’s story. So until that time comes, we’ll share three of our favorite things about Amber Chen’s Of Jade and Dragons!

    Cover: Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen
    Image Source: Penguin Random House

    Book Overview: Of Jade And Dragons

    Content Warnings: parental death, murder, violence, blood, mentions of war, descriptions of weapons of war, misogyny as is typical of a society entrenched in patriarchy

    Summary: Eighteen-year-old Aihui Ying dreams of becoming a world-class engineer like her father, but after his sudden murder, her life falls apart. Left with only a journal of her father’s engineering secrets and a jade pendant snatched from the assassin, a heartbroken Ying follows the trail to the capital and the prestigious Engineers Guild—a place that harbors her father’s hidden past—determined to discover why anyone would threaten a man who ultimately chose a quiet life over fame and fortune. 

    Disguised as her brother, Ying manages to infiltrate the guild’s male-only apprenticeship trial with the help of an unlikely ally—Aogiya Ye-yang, the taciturn eighth prince of the High Command. With her father’s renown placing a target firmly on her back, Ying must stay one step ahead of her fellow competitors, the jealous guild masters, and the killer still hunting for her father’s journal. Complicating everything is her increasingly tangled relationship with the prince, who may have mysterious plans of his own. 

    The secrets concealed within the guild can be as deadly as the weapons they build—and with her life and the future of her homeland at stake, Ying doesn’t know who to trust. Can she avenge her father even if it means going against everything he stood for, or will she be next in the mastermind’s line of fire?

    C-Drama Vibes

    Part of our love of fantasy comes from our love of Chinese historical and fantasy dramas! And we can easily imagine Of Jade and Dragons as an action-packed C-Drama with plenty of palace intrigue. With the question of the High Commander’s heir apparent still undecided, all the princes must prove their worth. It even played like a TV show in our heads as we were reading. We can’t get enough of this book, and the writing fully immersed us in the story.

    Ying’s Courage

    There’s no denying that Ying has main character energy. She’s willing to bet her life by disguising herself as a boy in order to gain access to the Engineers Guild. Everything will be worth it, as long as she can find her father’s killer and take revenge. Granted, Ying completely goes against her father’s dying wishes to get here. But she barrels her way through the training and tests, surrounded by people who stop at nothing to bring her down. Ultimately, the cost of revenge may have been worth more than she expected.

    Good Ol’ Angst

    We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: we don’t want to make ourselves sad or frustrated all the time. But it’s hard to believe with all the angst we’ve read this year. The plot twists with Ye-yang’s true political role and arranged marriage had us punching the air. Ying and Ye-yang have crossed too many lines not to be fated together. Of course, everything is much easier said than done when the love interest is 1) royalty and 2) most favored to be the next ruler. We won’t give up on them yet!

    With an intricately woven plot and an ill-fated entanglement, Amber Chen’s Of Jade and Dragons has the makings of one of our favorite YA fantasy series openers yet!

    Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen releases June 18th, and you can preorder a copy of it here!

    What do you think of Amber Chen’s Of Jade and Dragons from our review? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AMBER CHEN:
    INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE

    Julie Dam

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  • Book Review: So Let Them Burn By Kamilah Cole

    Book Review: So Let Them Burn By Kamilah Cole

    Do you love dragons, magic, and mythical legends? Then you should add So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole to your TBR! We love diving into new fantasy worlds, and the one featured in So Let Them Burn is definitely immersive! Check out what we thought about it in our review below.

    So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole
    Image Source: Courtesy of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

    Book Overview

    Summary: Faron Vincent can channel the power of the gods. Five years ago, she used her divine magic to liberate her island from its enemies, the dragon-riding Langley Empire. But now, at seventeen, Faron is all powered up with no wars to fight. She’s a legend to her people and a nuisance to her neighbors.

    When she’s forced to attend an international peace summit, Faron expects that she will perform tricks like a trained pet and then go home. She doesn’t expect her older sister, Elara, forming an unprecedented bond with an enemy dragon—or the gods claiming the only way to break that bond is to kill her sister.
     
    As Faron’s desperation to find another solution takes her down a dark path, and Elara discovers the shocking secrets at the heart of the Langley Empire, both must make difficult choices that will shape each other’s lives, as well as the fate of their world.

    Content Warnings: death, violence, war, colonization, racism, PTSD

    Intriguing Magic And An Exciting Plot

    Epic fantasies with in-depth histories and backgrounds are a staple in the fantasy genre. That’s why we really enjoyed how So Let Them Burn was filled with rich world history and intriguing mythology. We felt immediately transported into the world through the vivid description of its past. We were drawn to how Elara and Faron’s magic was rooted in their ancestry and how the dragons came to be in the Langley Empire. The interconnectedness of all of these contrasting aspects made So Let Them Burn a dynamic read.

    Dynamic Relationships

    Do you love sister relationships in books? Then you’ll enjoy reading about Faron and Elara! Both sisters have very different personalities but they definitely have one mission in common, protect the other no matter the cost. We also enjoyed the romances in So Let Them Burn which will have something for everyone. Are you a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope? What about the childhood rivals-to-lovers trope? Then you’re in luck! We’re also excited to see how the relationships between both of the girls and the saints change in the next book.

    Character Growth

    We enjoyed watching how both of the main characters grew throughout the course of the book. Faron delved deeper into her relationships with the gods and their history. Meanwhile, Elara learned what it was truly like to be in the spotlight. They each persevered and fought tremendous challenges head-on. Seeing how they adapted and changed while sticking to their core values was inspiring and encouraging to see. We can’t wait to see how these characters continue to grow in the sequel!

    So Let Them Burn is a story of family, self-discovery, and magic that will leave you wanting more!

    Grab your copy of Kamilah Cole’s So Let Them Burn here!

    What’s your favorite magical creature? Let us know in the comments below or by tweeting us @TheHoneyPop! You can also visit us on Facebook and Instagram!

    Looking for more book reviews? Check this out!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KAMILAH COLE:
    INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE

    Paige Lobianco

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