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apagetoturn's reviews
1352 reviews
Meant for Gabriel by Natasha Madison
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Dead & Lovely by J.M. Miller
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"Dead & Lovely" by JM Miller was exactly the spellbinding adventure I needed as a mood reader preparing for spooky season! From its inventive magic system to its intricately woven mystery, this YA fantasy captivated me from the first page. The world-building is rich and imaginative, with a magic structure unlike anything I've encountered in a long time. The concept of the "Lovelies" — individuals whose lives are defined by their connection to the Realm — was particularly fascinating. I loved how being a Lovely carried a sort of social status, making it both a privilege and a burden.
Olean, our tenacious and insightful main character, made for a remarkably reliable narrator. Experiencing this complex world through her eyes added an extra layer of authenticity as she navigated new truths and dangerous secrets. Her journey from eager candidate for the Queen's Garden to someone questioning everything she'd ever known felt genuine and compelling. The story's unfolding mirrored her growth beautifully, and I admired her courage in the face of uncertainty.
Croft was irresistible from the moment he was introduced — I fell for him immediately. His fierce loyalty and protectiveness toward Olean made their partnership dynamic and heartfelt. The chemistry between them simmered subtly, adding emotional stakes to the tension-filled plot.
One of the book's standout elements was the underlying murder mystery, which added a pulse-pounding urgency to the narrative. Twists and revelations kept me guessing, and I genuinely couldn’t predict the outcome. This unpredictability was refreshing in a genre where tropes can sometimes be formulaic.
Finally, I have to applaud the narration — absolute perfection! The voice work truly brought the characters to life and heightened the atmospheric tension throughout the story.
If you’re looking for a bewitching read that blends fantasy, intrigue, and unforgettable characters, "Dead & Lovely" should be at the top of your list. It left me eager for more and thrilled to have discovered such a gem just in time for the season of magic and mystery.