Book: Redemptor by Jordan Ifueko

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ / 5

Format: Audiobook

Highlights: Intense fantasy world, POC representation, strong female MC, mental health representation

Review: The world Jordan Ifueko created in this book and the first is phenomenal. I love the creativity and the way that she's interpreted this world. I was looking forward to the second one after I finished the first and bought it on Audible because I enjoyed the narration and how the first one was performed. This second book was a lot heavier plot-wise than the first, and it seemed like there was much more going on with everything that Tarisai was going through. Once I started to get into the book I was able to follow along a lot better. The introduction of an entire other council was something that made me feel sad at first because Tarisai had already found a wonderful family in the first book but we really got to learn and love the other characters as well and once that started to happen I was hooked once again. This book was wonderful even if it was a bit heavy in plot and world-building and definitely worth the read.

Why should you read it?: If you're looking for a story about a girl in power that is still struggling and still so very human, you absolutely need to read this book. If you're looking for a unique fantasy world with so many fun elements that make it even more interesting, definitely read this book!

Book: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ / 5

Format: Paperback

Highlights: LGBTQIA+ representation (sapphic relationship, gay characters), old Hollywood glamour, angst

Review: This book hooked me from start to finish, I could not put it down. The way the story is told is interesting and unique and I found myself enjoying both the present and past storylines in the book. I expected to be annoyed by the excerpts from Monique back into the present but I was equally invested in her story which was so interesting to read. Being able to have some really good bisexual representation was also huge, as it's something that is so often written off as bisexual people being one or the other and that's not how it works. It’s a beautiful story with some very dark and intense parts that make it all the more real. It also focuses on women and the men around them in response to their own stories which is so rare to see. I loved this book so much.

Why should you read it?: if you want old Hollywood glamour, drama, the most angsty sapphic relationship I’ve ever read about, and some AMAZING 💕💜�� bisexual representation that isn’t written off as straight or lesbian when it’s convenient, you absolutely need to read this book.