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Genre: Young Adult

  • Book ReviewsFantasy

    Alix E. Harrow: Starling House

    by Jefferz April 10, 2024
    April 10, 2024

    Immersive, atmospheric, imaginative and of course gothic, Alix E. Harrow is an amazing storyteller and it’s immediately clear to me why Starling House has its following. The estate’s vivid descriptions and Eden’s somber setting set a distinctive scene that envelopes the reader in its quiet and character-focused narrative. The book’s is also full of elements that feels specially catered towards millennial/gen z contemporary readers; excessive footnotes (this one peeved me though), heavy emphasis and themes on mental health, stigmatism and judgement against those who are different, cynicism of the American dream/working economy), and several LGBTQ+ characters (though one character’s bi/pansexuality feel randomly tossed it and has nothing to do with anything apart from checking genre/bookTok boxes). Despite the cover and synopsis heavily focusing on the title house, the story is mostly a character-driven one focused on the world and people seen through Opal’s eyes as she struggles to make ends meets for her brother Jasper’s sake. Unfortunately, this novel lives and dies by Opal’s character and both her character and the tone of the story were not for me (subjective opinions, objectively this book is well-written). The majority of the book heavily hinges on Opal’s feeling of being judged, neglected,…

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  • Book ReviewsContemporary FictionHistorical FictionLGBTQ+Out of Date ReviewYA

    Carol Rifka Brunt: Tell the Wolves I’m Home

    by Jefferz August 8, 2023
    August 8, 2023

    Note: My original review for this book is old and does not meet current review standards. A fully rewritten review is planned.

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  • Book ReviewsContemporary FictionYA

    Alice Oseman: Radio Silence

    by Jefferz July 25, 2023
    July 25, 2023

    Note: My original review for this book is old and does not meet current review standards. A fully rewritten review is planned.

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  • Book ReviewsFantasyOut of Date Review

    Erin Morgenstern: The Night Circus

    by Jefferz June 17, 2023
    June 17, 2023

    Note: My original review for this book is old and does not meet current review standards. A fully rewritten review is planned.

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☕ About Me

Reader & Coffee Connoisseur

Reader & Coffee Connoisseur


I am a reading enthusiast and book reviewer who enjoys reading with a warm latte in-hand, breaking down what I read in detail. Although my favorite genres are sci-fi, high/epic fantasy, mystery noir, and a sprinkle of contemporary romance, I consider myself a variety reader.


With a coffee (or favorite beverage) of choice, join me on The Book Grind as we read and sip our way through some great novels.

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The Book Grind
  • Home
  • Book Reviews
    • By Title
    • By Author
    • By Year Read
    • By Series
    • Advanced Reader Copy Reviews
    • Archive (sortable)
  • Blog
  • Contact Me
    • Review Policy