Emory, Emory, Emory… why are you so unlikable 🫠

Stranger Skies has a lot of things going on for it: the dual plotlines (both interesting), the new characters (although a bit too many at times) and the relationship dynamics between the two set of protagonists were all very good. Unfortunately it does get a bit too convoluted at times and downright confusing, but somehow I was still there for the ride. I didn't get everything but I suspect that it was also due to me taking a huge pause in the middle of the book and picking it back up recently.

I will admit that I was way more invested in Baz and Kai's storyline than Emory and Romie's. This is 100% influenced by the fact that I still do not carry Emory in my heart, and after 1000+ pages with her I think it's just not gonna happen 😅. I really don't know what it is that makes her so insufferable to me, but I can only be grateful that Romie and Aspen (💖) were there to mitigate her chapters. Baz and Kai's chapters on the other hand were perfect, no notes. I love them dearly and their relationship is where the book truly shines.

Overall Stranger Skies is a solid sequel to Curious Tides. It's not without its flaws (cough Emory cough), but I will be looking forward to reading the final installment of the series.

New fear unlocked.

Ace of Spades shines more by its journey than by its destination. Devon and Chiamaka really carried the book for me (we love black queer representation!). I will say however, that while this book is often put in the dark academia list, it is much more closer to a thriller.

The plot draws you in quickly and the pacing with the dual pov felt right. I did like the idea of the ending but the execution of it not so much. I also felt that some reveals were borderline ridiculous (and felt a bit cartoon-ish in the way it was written?), which is a shame when the topic is so important.

It's still a good read (and a fast one at that). I was very engaged in the story and wanted to know who was behind everything. Even if it ended up being quite predictable, it was still an enjoyable read.