Benazir Khan

Kokoro refuses to go to school, after being bullied by a group of students. She finds herself unable to explain it to her parents and teachers. She starts hiding into the darkness of her room. One day Kokoro finds her  bedroom mirror glowing,  and that turns into a magical portal to a magnificent castle of Wolf Queen. Kokoro meets six other students who also struggle to attend the school. Eventually this castle becomes a refuge to these seven students. The Wolf Queen has given them a mission; whoever finds the key and opens the Wishing Room in the castle will have their wish granted and their hunt must conclude by the end of the school year. However, they must leave the castle by 5 p.m. every day otherwise they will be eaten by the wolf. In spite of everything, they begin to open up, and create a special bonding. Why were these seven students chosen by the Wolf Queen? Will they be able to accomplish her mission? This book is a translation of Japanese literature. The author has brilliantly penned on sensitive topics such as bullying, mental health, and harassment into a heartwarming novel. I loved the Ghibli vibe in the world buildup, and the storytelling is beyond expectations. The pace was moderate, with unique twists in the plot. However, we do get to know vivid stories of their vulnerability and struggles with a mundane life.The character development eventually grew up. I began rooting for them  and they became a part of my own bubble. There was a moment when I thought I was Kokoro, afraid to face the outside world and looking for a magical mirror to let me escape.  Overall, it was a great read, and I still couldn't overcome this book.

In Deadhart, Alaska, a boy is found brutally murdered in the woods. They haven't witnessed a killing like this in twenty five years. The people of Deadhart accuse it must be the colony—a group of vampyrs living in an old mining town in the woods.  Barbara Atkin is a detective and specialist in vampyr killings. Barbara is determined to uncover the truth with the help of Jenson Tucker, who is a former Deadhart Sheriff. He knows the colony better than anyone else. The more secrets they uncover, the more sinister and deeper it gets. This book is a murder mystery with a unique blend of detective and vampire. The premise was really gripping and unsettling. Although the beginning was a bit slow, it started gearing up after the first few chapters. It was fast paced with terrifying twists and turns, and the ending was mind-boggling. The author's writing was brilliant and captivating. The character and world build up were exceptional. Overall a roller coaster read. This book was the ideal pick for a buddy read. I had great fun reading this with my book besties.

Jeanie leaps at the chance to leave the stress of her old city life behind and start over in the small town of Dream Harbour after her aunt hands her the Pumpkin Spice Cafe. She soon meets Logan, a farmer who prefers to keep to himself in order to avoid town gossip and his terrible past. Eventually they draw into each other; however, Jeanie isn't sure about her new life in this small town, and Logan doesn't want to be another topic of the town.  This book is a cosy small town romance novel, with the grumpy x sunshine trope in it. It was a quick and easy read with the blend of romance, book clubs, and cafes that made for the ideal fall vibe. The character's development was pretty good, and I really liked the side characters; everyone had their own mark. However, at some point, I didn't enjoy it as much and rushed towards the endings. I wished it was more of a closed door romance. This book is perfect if you are looking for a small town romance with a bit of spice.

Addie makes a bargain in a moment of desperation with the dark, seeking for her freedom and choosing her own path in life, but as a result she was cursed to become immortal and forgotten by everyone she meets. However, everything changes nearly after 300 years when Addie stumbles upon a young man named Henry, in a bookshop who remembers her and leaves her in awe.  How does he remember her? Has her curse been lifted? This book is an adult fantasy novel. The author takes us on an adventurous life journey of Addie Laure that plays out across centuries and continents, throughout different eras, history, and art, as a young woman learns how to leave her mark behind. Addie's character is headstrong, brave, and yet has her vulnerability. I liked Addie's stubbornness especially in the era she was born she wanted to break all bias however she doesn't know what freedom she is seeking for where there is no end nor sacrifice. Henry's character was more relatable, and the one who doesn't know what he wants. Each and every character the author has brought to life. As usual, I have my favourite character; it is Luc. His character gave me the vibe of Darkling. (Now you know why he is my favorite.) It's more of a character-driven story with multiple POVs. I'm bewitched over the author's writing style, so poetic and lyrical at the same time it has emphasis on love, betrayal, loneliness, art, and literature. Although the beginning was a bit slow, eventually the pace started gearing up. Moreover I felt the plot was quite repetitive and dragged. Overall, I loved the ending and this book is a piece of art.

Chloe Davis is a psychologist and lives in Baton Rouge with her boyfriend Daniel. She prepares to get married. During the preparations for her wedding, one of the local teenage girls goes missing. Chloe's world has been shattered when she discovers some connections in this case that mimic her dark past. Twenty years ago a summer in Louisiana town six teenage girls went missing and Chloe's father had been arrested as a serial killer in that case. After that incident, Chloe and her family were left to cope with the consequences. Will Chloe be able to unmask the killer ? How does the killer connect with her past? This book is a psychological thriller and whodunit mystery. This is the debut novel by Stacy Willingham, and her writing was impactful. It's a fast pace, and seamlessly the backstory unfolds. The author penned on sensitive issues like suicide, mental health and drugs. The character development was good, especially Chloe's character and how she copes with her fear and fights with her inner demons. The plot development was brilliant, with unsettling twists and turns. This is an ideal page turner. I was engrossed from the beginning to the end and it made me suspect each and every character. Although the ending was a bit mediocre, the overall suspense was intact.

Chloe Davis is a psychologist and lives in Baton Rouge with her boyfriend Daniel. She prepares to get married. During the preparations for her wedding, one of the local teenage girls goes missing. Chloe's world has been shattered when she discovers some connections in this case that mimic her dark past. Twenty years ago a summer in Louisiana town six teenage girls went missing and Chloe's father had been arrested as a serial killer in that case. After that incident, Chloe and her family were left to cope with the consequences. Will Chloe be able to unmask the killer ? How does the killer connect with her past? This book is a psychological thriller and whodunit mystery. This is the debut novel by Stacy Willingham, and her writing was impactful. It's a fast pace, and seamlessly the backstory unfolds. The author penned on sensitive issues like suicide, mental health and drugs. The character development was good, especially Chloe's character and how she copes with her fear and fights with her inner demons. The plot development was brilliant, with unsettling twists and turns. This is an ideal page turner. I was engrossed from the beginning to the end and it made me suspect each and every character. Although the ending was a bit mediocre, the overall suspense was intact.

For years, storms have destroyed Mina's homeland. The whole village is destroyed by floods, and deadly wars are undertaken. Her people believe the Sea God, once their protector, now curses them with death and despair. Despite this horror, they attempt to please the Sea God by sacrificing a young girl every year. In the hope that their misery will one day come to an end when the "true bride" is chosen. But when the chosen bride turns out to be Mina's brother's beloved, Mina jumps in to save her and reaches the Spirit Realm. After being carried away to the Spirit Realm, Mina seeks for the Sea God and finds him in an enchanted sleep. Mina sets out to awaken the Sea God with the aid of a mysterious young man named Shin and a weird gang of gods, spirits, and demons. This book is a standalone YA fantasy novel inspired by Korean myths. The author beautifully encompasses ancient mythology, magic, desire and angst, politics, treachery, family bond, and enduring love. It had a kind of enemies-to-lovers vibe. I love the romance between Mina and Shin. The premise was quite interesting, yet the plot buildup wasn't smooth enough. The characters and the magical realm were beautifully built. The action was amazingly portrayed. I felt there were a few loose strings that didn't connect well. Overall, it's a whimsical read with a Ghibli vibe.

A reunion turns into turmoil... A decade later, six friends reunited during the 10th anniversary reunion of the university. Jessica Miller has planned to show off her triumph and that she was not that girl when she left campus. Besides, a lot has changed since the mysterious death of Heather ten years ago. However, during their reunion, the six friends encountered something horrifying that tangled them in misery. This book is a psychological thriller, dark academia, and whodunit mystery. This is the debut novel by Ashley Winstead, and her writing was impactful. It begins with Jessica's first-person POV and switches to the third-person perspectives of other characters'  towards the end. It's a fast pace, with a dual timeline going back and forth. The plot development was good, with unsettling twists and turns. However, there was a lack of depth to the characters. Overall, it's a pack of dark academic vibes and a sinister side of friendship, love, and obsession.

Millie, an ex-convict who is desperately in need of a job, ends up meeting Nina Winchester and becomes the maid for the wealthy Winchester family. Eventually, things get sour between Millie and Nina Winchester, and on the other hand, a kind, friendly gesture from Nina's husband leaves Millie in bliss. However, she sees things that aren't quite as they seem. This book is the first book of The Housemaid series. It's a psychological thriller. This book was fast-paced with multiple POVs. The character development was brilliant; it will literally draw you in. The plot gradually starts gearing up to the high with twists and turns. The twist towards the end of the plot really caught me off guard. I'm fully invested in Freida's writing. The author has the knack to captivate her readers. I'm quite eager to see how the sequel plays out.

Tricia and Ethan, newlyweds, are in hunt for their dream house. However, a strong winter blizzard strands them to an isolated manor that had belonged to a well-known psychiatrist who vanished without a trace a few years ago. Until the blizzard passes, Tricia and Ethan must spend the night in that manor without access to a phone or a way of escaping. Will they find their dream home, or will it turn out to be a nightmare? This book is a psychological thriller. The plot was mysterious and compelling with chilling twists and turns. It narrates back and forth between the present day with multiple POV. It was a page-turner with a fast pace. Everyone becomes suspicious because of the great character development.The ending was unexpectedly shocking. At some point, I felt a bit muddled up, but overall, it was a great thriller. Undoubtedly, the author kept the reader engrossed until the end.