This year I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of and collaborate with the staff at Pine Reads Review, and it’s been the greatest experience of my college experience by far. The best part is getting to read amazing stories before their release. I feel so lucky to contribute my thoughts to the reading community and can’t wait to continue next year. So, I’d like to end on a sentimental note by sharing a list of my favorite books I’ve reviewed this year. Hopefully one of these sparks your interest or opens the doors to brand new stories!
Love at Second Sight by F.T Lukens
When fifteen-year-old Cam unexpectedly experiences a glimpse of the future, he sees a gruesome murder of a teen girl from the point of view of the killer. As Cam learns that he is a clairvoyant and has the ability to see into the future, he begins to explore the world of the supernatural. However, the clock is ticking, and as Cam juggles his friendships, his strained parental relationship, and his budding romance with his cute werewolf crush, he teams up with his friends in hopes of preventing the murder.
My first Pine Reads review, and the cutest story ever! It’s filled with supernatural elements, coming-of-age vibes, found family, and a cute werewolf romance. This book is action packed, witty, and emotional, with the perfect pacing for a mystery and an absolutely spectacular ending. I absolutely adored their friend group, which mirrors diversity and highlights the beauty of individuality and the power of friendships. I also really enjoyed the sweet romance between Mateo and Cam; it was heartwarming and thrilling. I would give anything to have more time with these lovable characters!
A Treachery of Swans by A.B Poranek
Odile Regnault is a born thief, an actress for the Theatre du Roi, and the adopted daughter of a vengeful and cruel sorcerer. She has been raised and trained for the most important mission of her life: sneaking into the royal palace to steal the king’s crown and restore magic. To succeed, Odile turns her ex-childhood best friend and royal, Marie d’Odette, into a swan and steals her identity. As Odile grows closer to the royals and uncovers their secrets, she begins to question everything about them. When her brother is imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, she is torn between her loyalty to her family and to the royals. She seeks help from Marie and begins to doubt her ability to go through with her plans.
This story is my favorite sapphic fantasy of the year. The prose is immersive and gothic, the world is vivid, and the characters are unforgettable! Odile’s journey from hero to villain was emotional, the romance was swoon-worthy, the mystery had me absorbed, and the ending was painfully bittersweet. If you’re interested in reading a sapphic romantasy that’s a Swan Lake retelling with Phantom of the Opera vibes, you need to check this out!
A Spell To Wake The Dead by Nicole Lesperance
On the night of a full moon in Cape Cod, Mazzy and her best friend Nora sneak down to the beach to cast a spell. Instead of the whimsical night they planned, however, the girls uncover something far darker: a woman’s murdered corpse. Though authorities warn the girls to stay out of the investigation, they can’t resist once they discover a supernatural connection to the woman. As the two embark on a mission to solve the mystery of the woman’s death, they discover a string of murders that connect to a secret society. As Nora begins to hear the woman’s voice in her head, she is led to great danger, and Mazzy must be the one to save her and put an end to the dark forces once and for all.
This is the best witchy supernatural story I’ve ever read. With vibes similar to Practical Magic and a mystery with horror elements that sent chills down my spine, it was my absolute favorite of the year. What I loved most about this book was the friendship between Nora and Mazzy. It was beautifully messy, deep, and protective; I found myself constantly questioning if they were in love. I especially adored Mazzy’s character and found her to be extremely relatable and layered. If you love heartfelt, soul-shattering friendships, thrilling mysteries, and witchcraft, this is the perfect read for you!
Heart Check by Emily Charlotte
Harper Bradeon, a straight-A student juggling her jewelry business, waitressing job, and fight for fair school club funding, starts her junior year off on a bad foot when she starts butting heads with Luke Dawson: popular guy, star of the hockey team, and her mortal enemy. After a scandal breaks out that casts Harper as the number one suspect responsible for Dawson’s coach being fired, the two navigate working together at Dawson’s family’s diner and are forced to grapple with an undeniable chemistry. Can they resolve their issues once and for all, or will their differences tear them apart?
This is the perfect enemies-to-lovers winter rom-com! Harper was my favorite character, always standing up for the underdog, but Dawson’s character development was also phenomenal. The story’s themes and inclusivity were a beautiful and heartwarming representation of humanity. This book included the cutest tropes, like Dawson teaching Harper how to skate and Dawson’s grand gesture at the end. Catradora being mentioned was also a huge bonus! If you’re looking for a book similar to Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter, or similar to the film 10 Things I Hate About You, you will fall in love with Heart Check!
Hopefully one of these amazing books made it onto your list!
Anasofia Alejandro, Pine Reads Review Writer
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