oodles and oodles of love
from 'jane eyre' to 'i hope this doesn't find you', it seems like love (of all flavours) is in the air!
Dear Petals,
Our next installment of the Wildflower Files are here! The Wildflower Files are your neighborhood friendly book reviews — written by teen girls from all across the world! Together, all these global voices join forces right here, right now, in The Petal Press. Read below to discover your new binge-read!
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
★★★★★
This domestic fiction book goes straight into one of my favorite books of all time! The author, Shelby Van Pelt, does an excellent job of showing character development between the protagonist, Tova Sullivan, as well as the other characters: Marcellus, an octopus living in Sowell Bay’s aquarium; Cameron, a young man in search of answers; and Erik, Tova’s son. This novel was moving and emotionally heavy as we see the effects of love, loss, grief, and most of all, the power of the human mind and the word “why?” combined together. From Tova’s losses to those of Cameron, we can see the effects of grief and being left in the dark for so long. As I read through this book, I realized that the author did an amazing job of also using a colourful, intricate language to hide certain themes of the book, especially when it was used to describe the octopus as wise, intellectual, but most of all, caring for the aquarium cleaner, Tova. I truly adored this book and would recommend it to anyone who’s feeling lost, unheard, or just needs an emotional, heartwarming read.
I Hope This Doesn’t Find You by Ann Liang
★★★★☆
When I first picked up this book, I was expecting a cliché: she falls first, he falls harder. While this was true, a lot came with that package. This YA academia novel gave me the perfect amount of slow-burning romance and enemies-to-lovers. The protagonist, Sadie Wen, is a driven and high-performing student who always competes against Julius Wong, her sworn enemy. However, things slowly start to change as her emails are accidentally sent out to the whole school. Reading this book gave the vibes of To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han, except they were hate letters. Besides the obvious romance, the tropes of academic burnout and found family are shown, showing us the stress and what goes on behind the scenes of people’s lives who seem to be perfect. While Sadie is intellectual, her family dynamic and social life are quite bleak, dampening her quality of life. Furthermore, her parents are divorced, and a part of her feels like this is her fault, though in the end, she realises that this isn’t true. Lastly, the relationship between her and her mom is related to the found family trope as she assures Sadie that she wasn’t at all responsible for the falling out between her parents and that she can share whatever’s going on her mind with her. I adored this book, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a rom-com which gives Lara Jean vibes.
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
★★★★★
This book is an absolutely phenomenal opener to the Caraval series. The very first chapter welcomes readers into the immersive world of Garber’s writing, making me feel like I was being whisked away into the mysterious and magical games of Caraval just like the main character Scarlett Dragna. After Scarlett’s younger sister Donatella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind, Legend, Scarlett must compete in the games to save her sister, navigating challenging puzzles, dangers, a budding romance, and unexpected twists that even had me questioning what is real and what is not. My jaw dropped and I was taken aback countless times, and I had so much fun on this rollercoaster adventure of a book. While I was invested in the Dragna sisters’ fate and Scarlett’s romantic, swoonworthy interactions with Julian, Garber’s ability to make the world of Caraval intensely immersive is what truly makes this story so mesmerising. The atmosphere of Isla de los Sueños seeps through the pages and charmed me with its spell, and by the time the story was over, I felt as though I had genuinely walked through a world made of dark velvet dreams and dazzling performances. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to start a spellbinding YA romance series with enthralling puzzles and a Wonderland-ish feel!
Legendary by Stephanie Garber
★★★☆☆
In the second instalment of the series, we return to the world of Caraval, this time told from Donatella’s perspective as she throws herself back into the next Caraval game in order to repay a debt she owes to a cryptic friend. Filled with all the magic and twists of the first book while bringing new characters and settings into play, Legendary expands on mysteries surrounding the Caraval games and their mastermind, Legend. Though I believe the main cast from the first book (Scarlett and Julian) are overall more enjoyable and likeable, Tella and Legend still make for an intriguing read packed with twists. In comparison to its predecessor, however, Legendary was a little disappointing to me. The pacing dragged out in several places, and there was unnecessary drama between characters--both of which felt like elements meant to force anticipation as the plot continued. Nevertheless, this sequel definitely raises the stakes and progresses the Dragna sisters’ story further.
Finale by Stephanie Garber
★★★★☆
The conclusion to this captivating trilogy may not involve any official Caraval games, but with the Fates freed from their card prisons, the chaos has only just begun. With each character facing equally impossible tasks and fighting for their happy ending, Finale certainly brings a grand close to the series, and surprises me to the very last page. Garber takes this last book in a bit of a different direction by focusing on character relationships and individual development, as opposed to the mysticism and wonder of the usual games. Instead of endeavouring to win Caraval, the characters are now trying to look beyond their current battles and to their futures. The plot of this entire series definitely felt like it was built by the actions of the characters, fueled by their unique beliefs and desires. Though not every question felt addressed by the end of the story (one of the reasons why Finale is not a full five-star rating for me), Garber’s wondrous world and beloved characters made this last book both bittersweet and entertaining to the finish.
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
★★★★★
Book one in this imaginative series by Stephanie Garber introduces Evangeline Fox and her journey to the Magnificent North in search of true love and a happily ever after. Following the discovery that the love of her life is marrying someone else, Evangeline secures a deal with Jacks, the conniving yet charismatic Prince of Hearts, hoping to stop the wedding and mend her broken heart. However, Evangeline quickly learns that bargaining with a Fate will cost her much more than she agreed to. With settings and prose straight from a child’s precious fairytale book, I was bewitched by this dreamy world Garber created. Infused with prophecies, castles, and curses, the Magnificent North is truly so enchanting and lustrous. Additionally, Evangeline is such a treasure, and I adored her hopeful, sweet, and empathetic nature. Her character is one readers can easily cheer for as she overcomes obstacles and grows from her mistakes. I cannot recommend this book--and this series--enough, and it’s perfect for anyone craving a romancy read full of pure magic!
The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber
★★★★★
Despite Jack’s betrayal, Evangeline enlists his help once more after a terrifying new curse poses a threat to her life. In book two, the duo must journey together to find a cure while battling new foes and unravelling mysteries surrounding old myths. The Ballad of Never After is steeped in longing, angst, and tension so rich it felt tangible. Jack’s and Evangeline’s push-and-pull dynamic is present in the first book, but it leaps off the page in this sequel! Every interaction between Jacks and Evangeline is beautifully done and tugged every emotion out of my heart--from pure excitement to anxiety to curiosity and immeasurable agony. Their love story is simply exquisite! Additionally, the progression of the plotline, and every curveball and surprise brought with it, stole my breath and had me hooked on this book. Altogether, Garber did a fantastic job developing the main characters’ relationship and the overall storyline in this sequel. I could not put this book down for the life of me, and every page had me on the edge of my seat!
A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber
★★★★☆
At last, Evangeline seems to be living out her happily ever after dreams. The catch? She has no memory of how she obtained it, and no recollection of the rest of her past either. Told from three POVs (Evangeline, Jacks, and Apollo), this gripping conclusion to the trilogy tests the strength of true love and launches our characters into one final quest for a happy ending. Although the pacing began slower than the two previous books, things quickly picked up and dived headfirst into a web of secrets and deceit. Garber’s gorgeous storytelling really brings the fairytale atmosphere to life, and every time I opened up this book to pick up where I left off, I felt instantly transported to an ethereal land straight from the storybooks. Further, in typical Stephanie Garber fashion, there were fun twists sprinkled into this last book. This series contained lots of little crumbs and details that eventually clicked into place, forming satisfying “aha!” moments right up until the very end.
A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang
★★★★★
Ann Liang’s first-ever adult novel is definitely praiseworthy! A moving historical fantasy set in ancient China, exploring the themes of duty, honour and trust as the protagonist, Xishu, has to navigate amongst the conniving Wu court where everyone wears a mask. She has to be careful with every step- her chances of succeeding are low, and the number of people she can trust is even lower. Her relationship with Fanli is one that is dangerous and delicate- given all the challenges the two have to overcome, it’s uncertain whether a happy ending truly lies at the end for them both. As I read the novel, I found myself eager to turn the pages and unable to put down the book- I had truly been immersed in the world Ann Liang had built within those pages.
This Time It’s Real by Ann Liang
★★★★★
This one is definitely a favourite comfort read! A wholesome and light-hearted rom-com about 17 year 17-year-old, Eliza Lin, who enters a fake relationship with Caz Song- a charming and famous actor in her class, all because her essay about her fictional love life goes viral online! Eliza has to navigate through her first-ever relationship, despite it being fake…or is it really? Seeing Eliza’s high school days and the way she handles the changes that keep coming in her life made me feel like I was actually there, witnessing everything happen in real time. At times, I found myself laughing at the humour of the situation while also being able to relate to many of Eliza’s struggles. I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting a fluffy, wholesome and fun rom-com read!
Heartless by Marissa Meyer
★★★★★
Alice in Wonderland enthusiasts, look no further because this novel is the perfect read for you! Marissa Meyer sheds a whole new light on the Queen of Hearts through this tale. Before she was the queen of hearts, Catherine Pinkerton was simply a girl with dreams and a passion for baking- her treats were renowned across the kingdom for their wonderful taste! Being the daughter of a marquess, she knows where her future lies, but Catherine wants something different. When a certain joker makes a grand entrance into her life, things start to change, and Catherine starts wondering whether the impossible can come true. This story had the perfect amount of wonder and whimsy as each sentence makes you anticipate what’s next! This has become one of my favorite books as I thoroughly enjoyed Marissa Meyer’s writing and the way she brought the characters to life in these pages. It truly made me see Alice in Wonderland from a new perspective!
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
★★★★★
Set in a world full of whimsy and magic, Evangeline Fox is a true dreamer at heart, believing in true love and fairytale endings until her heart shatters upon hearing that the love of her life is betrothed to another. Struggling with pain and sorrow, she makes a deal with the immortal Prince of Hearts to stop the wedding, but deals with immortals can be dangerous and don’t always lead to happy endings. The first book of the trilogy- the readers are introduced to each of the characters and the dynamics between them- the challenges Evangeline has to face and the secrets surrounding the Prince of Hearts keep you hooked and wanting more! I would definitely recommend this series to anyone looking for a fascinating tale filled with mystery, magic and romance.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
★★★★☆
Nobody had informed me just how much Charlotte Brontë was ahead of her time when writing Jane Eyre. Published in 1847, set in 19th-century England, the novel was quite subversive for its time, dealing with class, religion, and feminism in a way many classics do not. The story is set in first-person, following the life of Jane Eyre from a traumatic childhood to a messy romance and her reflections in adulthood. Jane herself was my favourite character. I loved how she navigated the world, her thoughts. She was a strong, stubborn woman who did not let men or the higher class undermine her strengths. She rarely backed down. She was emotionally mature, honest, vulnerable, and kind. The novel would not have been the same with a different narrator; I wouldn’t have been infatuated with the setting or the plot without Jane Eyre. Her romance with Mr. Rochester was wild, passionate, reminding me of other books in the gothic genre, such as Wuthering Heights. I would recommend this novel as an introductory feminist literary work. It’s great for readers who want a well-written female main character, a thoroughly developed plot, and an intriguing romance.
Wuthering Heights by Charlotte Brontë
★★★★★
I do believe this famous novel has been misrepresented by readers who think it to be a romance novel; it has elements of romance, most notably between Heathcliff and Cathy, but Wuthering Heights is much more than a romance. It follows two families living on these gloomy English moors, and their unstable dynamics with the character Heathcliff. Heathcliff stole the show for me. I loved the themes, how he carried out the generational cycle of abuse and destroyed a family who hurt him so deeply. His race, ambiguous as it is, and his class play an important role in the abuse he suffered in childhood. Cathy, his love, was a heartbreaking character. She died at a very young age, which makes the reader sympathise with her on a deeper level. Cathy and Heathcliff are one of the most compelling love stories I have read, and anybody who enjoys darker themes, the horrors of humanity, tragedy, or Kate Bush’s song should read this novel.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khalid Hosseini
★★★★★
This might be one of my favourite novels that has depicted Afghanistan's eventful history with such emotions and themes. Marium and Laila, two Afghan women who come from quite different backgrounds, portray resilience and sacrifices that are too heavy. Yet these were necessary for survival. As they struggled in the face of abuse, war and oppression, Hosseini also provided a slightly more positive perspective that shone light on the beauty of female friendship. The stigma against females and how they are often pitted against each other is broken through the evolving support Marium and Laila show for each other. From a personal point of view, this book teaches us the importance of love and endurance, as well as one’s capacity to resist and heal. It is a deeply touching and unforgettable piece of literature that will remain close to the hearts of those who read it.
All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
★★★★☆
Amongst many novels that I have read, All The Bright Places is one of the few that actually reduced me to tears. Not only that, but it took me a whole month to pick up another “emotional” book because of the way this book completely shattered my heart. Theodore Finch and Violet Markey meet at their high school’s bell tower and are assigned to do a project together. As the two struggle with their own mental health and grief, Niven navigates their deepening connection and the moments of solace they provide each other. While they explore the “wonders of Indiana”, the novel delves deeper into the sincerity and beauty of true young love and complex emotions. However, Theodore hides a darkness behind his upbeat personality that ends up leaving the reader in complete denial. Using her lyrical way of writing, Niven portrays the internal thoughts and feelings of both teenagers in such a way that the novel doesn’t remain solely a love story. It turns into a message, a call of sorts, for understanding and compassion towards the conflict between teenagers and mental illness.
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