spoonfuls of drama, fantasy, and romance
whether you want to challenge yourself with a classic, swoon over clever love interests, or escape into a fantastical world, this is your sign to keep reading to find your next summer read!
Dear Petals,
Our next instalment 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!
Dracula by Bram Stoker
★★★★☆
There is no surprise that Dracula is hailed as one of the best books in the gothic genre, but the story was not what I expected. Rather than a mere thrilling, sensual piece about killing vampires, the novel puts a lot of emphasis on friendship and romance as the protagonists deal with Count Dracula’s terrors. The novel is set up through the cast’s diary entries, giving us insight into their personalities, thoughts, behaviors, and environments. Mina and Jonathan Harker, Dr. Seward, Van Helsing, Quincey Morris, Arthur Holmwood, and Lucy Westenra are written incredibly well; Bram Stoker ensures that you feel deeply for all of them and their relationships with each other. The writing also worked really well in establishing the mood with only a few adjectives at a time. I loved the side-plots regarding the haunted ship or the insane asylum patient. Dracula is perfect for the people who love the gothic aesthetic, vampires, sensuality, mystery and horror; but it is, surprisingly, a wonderful read for those who love tight-knit friendships, religious symbolism, and a classic good-vs-evil motif.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
★★★★★
I had only an abstract idea of the oppression that women in Afghanistan go through. But this book, with heartbreakingly vivid prose, truly puts it in perspective. It is a story about two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, born in two different generations, coming together because of a forced marriage proposal. It was very difficult to read, and I felt the urge to break down into tears on every page, but it is such a necessary book. I loved the character of Laila. She’s a strong, intelligent girl who went through so much hardship and still defied all odds. I think that goes against what the West usually perceives of women in Afghanistan, that they still have hope. A Thousand Splendid Suns is stunning and beautifully written, devastatingly realistic. I would recommend it to everybody.
Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
★★★★★
This final book in the Percy Jackson series hit harder than I expected. The battle for Manhattan is filled with grief, sacrifice, and loyalty. What struck me most was the parallel between Clarisse and Silena and the myth of Achilles and Patroclus; it added a layer of mythological tragedy to the story.
The first few chapters move slowly and thoughtfully, but the pace picks up fast. Once the battle begins, the book barely lets you pause for breath. Riordan portrays war in a way that young readers can understand without making it feel shallow. He shows sorrow and loss, but also hope, bravery, and love.
I’d recommend it to anyone who loves adventure, mythology, and characters who are multifaceted and flawed.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
★★★★★
Six of Crows feels like stepping into a world of crime, magic, and danger. The story begins in the bustling streets of Ketterdam, following six outcasts brought together for an impossible heist that could change everything. Bardugo’s world is detailed and layered, from the twisted politics of the city to the intricacies of Grisha lore. But the best part is the Crows themselves. Reading about them, I felt like I was a part of them. Each character is layered, a little broken, brave, and impossible not to love. Even when I wasn't particularly interested in the plot, it was these characters that made it impossible for me to close this book. If you love clever plots, found families, and sharp banter, this one’s for you.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
★★★★★
I absolutely loved this book. From the very first chapter, The Hobbit swept me into a magical world. It follows Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, reluctantly pulled into an adventure with thirteen dwarves to reclaim their home from a dragon. Tolkien’s world-building is incredible. Every forest, mountain, and creature feels vivid and detailed. But what made it even more special was how fun the journey was; full of riddles, trolls, and quiet, meaningful moments. I also loved watching the trust slowly build between Bilbo and the dwarves. He’s underestimated at first but proves himself in small, clever ways. By the end, it genuinely feels like he belongs. If you enjoy classic adventures, rich fantasy worlds, and unlikely heroes, this book is a must-read.
Persuasion by Jane Austen
★★★★★
Persuasion is a story about second chances. It revolves around Anne Elliot, a woman who was once persuaded to give up the man she loved and must face him again years later when he returns, successful and distant.
What I loved most was how introspective Anne is. She’s not loud or bold, but her strength is steady and quiet. You can feel how much time has passed and how much she’s changed. She’s no longer easily swayed by others; rather, she’s thoughtful, mature, and deeply self-aware. I also appreciated how Austen explores persuasion itself. How it can harm, heal, or help, depending on where it comes from. It plays out differently in each relationship, and that nuance added more depth to the story.
If you enjoy second chances and slow-burn romances, this is a must-read.
The Do-Over by Lynn Painter
★★★★☆
Lynn Painter writes the kind of stories that make people feel happy and loved, and The Do Over is one of those adorable tales. The story follows Emilie Hornby, the protagonist, as she becomes trapped in a Valentine’s Day time loop, learning things about herself and her relationships and, most importantly, discovering that life is much more than lists. Emile demonstrates to us readers that it’s okay to live for oneself occasionally rather than always adhering to checklists. Those who enjoy a good romantic comedy that makes them giggle and kick their feet will adore this book, as well as the Taylor Swift fans who love to see her lyrics hidden in between the text.
I’ll Pretend You’re Mine by Tashie Bhuiyan
★★★★☆
This is a story about Summer Ali, a young popstar who has been struggling with navigating her life and newfound independence, after firing her overbearing, toxic parents as her managers. While it is a coming of age, YA, fake dating romance, there's also so much more as well. We get to see Summer not only struggle but also persevere in her mental health issues. We also get to see the guilt she faces and the love she has for her sisters. Tashie Bhuiyan has managed to portray the main character in a realistic, raw way, which allowed me to relate to her and see myself in her struggles. Summer is also sweet and authentic, and you cannot help but root for her and hope for the best.
Fake dating is always great, but the extra added pressure of performing in front of the whole world took it up a notch. While I expected a little bit more from the romance, I still did really enjoy the scenes between Summer and Jules. Their whole relationship felt soft and lovely and was just wonderful to read about. You could really tell how much they cared about each other with the way they were willing to protect the other.
I really enjoyed the story, and I think other lovers of YA romances will too.
Sunshine and Spice by Aurora Palit
★★★★★
The story mainly focuses on Naomi Kelly, a woman who is desperate to find some sort of connection to her roots, after they have been hidden from her for most of her life. Being born to a single mother who refused to acknowledge their own Bengali culture made it very difficult for Naomi to have any sort of cultural ties, but it was something she desperately craved. I think Naomi is very relatable. She wants to find her place in the world and find people who will love and support, and understand her. It was very heartbreaking to see how much Naomi wanted to understand and take part in her own cultural traditions, but it was also very heartwarming to see her finally form the connection she desperately wanted to. Not only did I find myself relating to Naomi in many aspects, but I also recognized so many aspects of my own life that were written in the book. The various Bengali food dishes, the dinner parties, the clothes, everything was so familiar and wonderful to read about. One of my favourite things about this book was seeing the two main characters bond over their shared culture and slowly fall in love with each other. Fake dating is definitely one of my favourite tropes, and the story having both that plot point and Bengali culture elements embedded in it, made it a favourite. All in all, this is a really special book that navigates one’s cultural identity, familial ties and falling in love despite the many obstacles you face.
If You Could See The Sun by Ann Liang
★★★★★
If You Could See The Sun is an absolute masterpiece that holds a unique blend of fantastical realism and thoughtful critique of class and privilege within the settings of an elite international school set in Beijing through the world of Alice Sun. The book portrays Alice’s financial struggles through wanting to get into a good college, battling with her academic rival, Henry, until everything changes and she gains the power to become invisible, that too uncontrollable. She creates a plan and teams up with Henry to monetise this rather strange new power to afford college.
This book was the book that got me back into reading, and it does the academic rivals trope so well, I was squealing in the first 50 pages because of their dynamic! It was so easy to get caught up with the plot, watching the duo’s shenanigans and seeing all the secrets they reveal, how their bonds grow closer through the process- it was a total slow-burn in such a good way to the point I grew impatient for wanting more interactions and whenever there would come a chapter that would contain solely their interactions, their next plans it has me giggling like a child! Loved this book to bits!
Ex Marks The Spot by Gloria Chao
★★★★★
This story was an absolute thrill to get hooked into, and it’s an extremely sweet enemies-to-lovers that had a diverse blend of Taiwan culture, Asian heritage, identity exploration and an absolutely thrilling treasure hunt with impeccably smart clues that connected everything together.
The story revolves around the female lead, Gemma, who was a valedictorian at school and ex-nemesis, Xander (Alex), who was co-valedictorian. After graduation, Gemma learns from her lawyer that her grandfather had passed away two weeks ago, leaving her rather confused yet still devastated, as she was left with the impression that her grandfather had passed when she was younger. Her grandfather had left her with an intricate treasure hunt that only she could decode the answers to who her grandfather was, the reasons as to why her mother was so overprotective of Gemma’s family history and who Gemma was as a person. Gemma eventually finds Xander in the corner where she needs him the most, and ends up going on this adventure to Taiwan, unveiling the clues to this new adventure.
This book had plot twists and puzzles that were intricately set in places that even I didn’t expect! I honestly wanted to book a ticket and fly to Taiwan and experience all the amazing places they travelled together; whether it’s Shilin Night Market, Yehilu Geopark and trying all the delicious foods mentioned like beef noodle soup, soup dumplings, and so much more! The book was like a guide that allowed you to experience your adventure in Taiwan while swooning over Gemma and Xander’s growing bonds and bickering dynamic! I’d definitely recommend it for those who want a little thrill and change in their lives, being a part of an adventure they’d never forget!
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
★★★★☆
Caraval is a young adult fantasy novel that follows the story of two sisters, Scarlett and Donatella Dragna, who live under the harsh control of their abusive father. Scarlett has spent years dreaming of attending Caraval, a legendary, magical competition where participants are swept into an elaborate performance for the chance to win a grand prize. For as long as she can remember, she’s written letters to the mysterious master of Caraval with no reply - until now. For me, the most essential element of any fantasy novel is its worldbuilding, and now that fantasy novels have become more mainstream, the quality of worldbuilding decreases. Caraval is a rare gem where the universe that Stephanie Garber has created is so imaginative and enchanting that you’ll find yourself staying up until 3 a.m., in awe of the creativity.
What sets this book apart even further is the complexity of the characters. Each one is layered with flaws and strengths, unique motivations, and hidden secrets, making them feel genuine and compelling. The pace of the book is perfect, being slow enough to help the readers adjust but still fast enough to keep them hooked. And the plot twists? No matter how many mysteries or thrillers you've read, Caraval will still manage to surprise you.
While I did feel that the ending was slightly rushed, the entire trilogy remains absolutely whimsical, romantic, and so incredibly enthralling. I would highly recommend Caraval to anyone who loves fantasy but is craving something fresh, unpredictable and magical.
I Hope This Doesn't Find You by Ann Liang
★★★★★
I Hope This Doesn’t Find You is a young adult novel that follows Sadie Wen, an overachieving student who has spent most of her life trying to be perceived a certain way: smart, confident and likeable. It’s not easy, and so to help, she channels all her frustrations into email drafts, most of which are addressed to her academic rival and co-captain, Julius Gong. Sadie is brutally honest in her emails because no one is ever meant to read them, until they accidentally get sent out. What follows is a beautifully messy collapse of her carefully constructed world, and how she learns to slowly piece it back together and grow.
The book is one of my favourites and feels like a breath of fresh air. It's fast-paced and is great if you want something fun, lighthearted and cosy. Sadie is a character you root for, not because she’s perfect, but because she isn’t. Her sarcasm, bottled-up emotions, and growth feel authentic; it feels real. And there are no words for Julius, underneath the strong, smart and unbothered facade, he's just a boy wanting to be seen. The book is advertised as a rivals-to-lovers, and that's exactly what it is, with the perfect amount of tension and softness without forcing it. And the banter? Absolutely top-tier.
I Hope This Doesn’t Find You is so much more than a rom-com; it's both a cold swim in the summers and a warm cup of hot chocolate in the winters at the same time, it's honestly everything one could need. I’d recommend it to anyone who’s ever felt the pressure to be “perfect” and to those who are learning to let go of that idea.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
★★★★☆
Set in 1987, El Paso, Texas, the story follows Ari, a 15-year-old Mexican-American boy who is dealing with the everyday challenges of being a teenager. That is, until he meets Dante, a boy his age who becomes his best friend. The novel leads us along Ari’s journey as he finds out what love, friendship, and family mean to him. I personally loved this book, from the simple but engaging story to the character development. The writing style is very unique, especially because the author did not let himself be bound by traditional chapter length rules — some chapters are one paragraph long, while others go on for pages.
Dante’s character specifically stood out to me as very lovable, and I would smile every time he would show up on the page. In general, this book caught my attention (considering I read it in 4 days) and, despite some basic flaws and some unrealistically optimistic solutions to problems, it might have become one of my favorite books of all time.
Lucas On The Line by Suyi Davies
★★★★★
Lucas On The Line is one of the many character-focused books set in the Stranger Things universe. It follows Lucas Sinclair between the third and fourth seasons of the show, navigating his identity through his Freshman year of high school. As a hardcore fan of the series, I was pleased to discover that this novel understands the characters enough to make them sound completely in line with their original portrayal. Besides being genuinely well-written, I loved the way it incorporated elements from the show while still having a story of its own, and how it delved deeper into the topic of Lucas’ struggles with being a black teenage boy in a predominantly white conservative small town (something that can’t be approached with as much care and depth in the show). Suyi Davies is a phenomenal writer, and I believe that his work deserves to be recognized by fellow fans of the show.
Rebel Robin by A. R. Capetta
★★★★★
Another book from the Stranger Things universe, Rebel Robin, introduces us to Robin Buckley, a Hawkins High student at the beginning of her Sophomore year. There are many things to know about Robin: she’s a band geek, she knows multiple languages, she doesn’t have a close connection to anyone in her friend group and…she might have a crush on Tammy Thompson. Honestly, this book serves as a great prequel to season three of the show, setting up and developing Robin’s character further than what we got to see from her on the screen, as well as adding some fun references to other characters and situations that went down while she was just looking from the sidelines. The pacing felt naturally engaging and fun, the pop culture references added to the overall vibe and 80s setting, and Mr. Hauser and Milton’s characters were very interesting and provided some fun dynamics with Robin. My inner critic would give this 4.5/5 simply because some of the dialogue felt a tiny bit corny, but I’ll round it up to 5 since I genuinely liked this a lot.
Radio Silence by Alice Oseman
★★★★★
Set in the UK, the novel follows Frances, a girl with one goal: getting into Cambridge University. Despite her anonymous art blog and secret past regret, she manages to get through academic life without any trouble; that is, until she meets Aled Last. That is the main premise of the novel, which, despite having Frances’ point of view for the majority of the time, still focuses a decent amount on Aled’s character, fortunately. The writing is dynamic and fun, the story has heart, and the characters all go through so much that can’t be predicted at the beginning of the book. Generally, I loved this book, and it got a big emotional reaction out of me when I first read it, which rarely occurs.
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