Review: She Waits for You Beyond the Dark (Death Games #2) by Kristen Simmons

Title: She Waits for You Beyond the Dark

Series: Death Games #2

Previous book in this series: Find Him Where You Left Him Dead

Author: Kristen Simmons

Genre: YA, horror, Japanese mythology

Publication date: March 11th 2025

Published by: Tor Teen

Source: eARC for review from publishers via Netgalley

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Synopsis: "Death is not an ending, it’s simply the next chapter. Do not be afraid to turn the page..."

It’s been one month since Ian’s reunited friends escaped the hellish game of Meido and saved him. The survivors may have sealed the gate to the world of the dead shut and destroyed Empress Izanami, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still reeling over the challenges they endured. Trying to relax back in the world of the living, they take solace in the fact that they rescued Ian from the nightmare that tried to steal him away. But there’s just one problem—Ian didn’t come home alone.

The empress—now possessing Ian's heart—hitched a ride into their world and the only way to free Ian from her grasp is to find three artifacts for her, sacred objects which have been hidden across many realms. Unwilling to leave Ian behind a second time, his friends dive into a new deadly game, with terrifying challenges that not only test their mettle, but demand sacrifices—including their very lives.

If they don’t retrieve the empress’s artifacts, Ian will be lost forever, but if they do, it could be the end of their world as they know it.

My rating: ★★★★☆

I have been looking forward to reading this book since I finished the previous book (that cliffhanger!), but my mood was not cooperating. Hence why we are here now, almost a year after I got this book 😅 But I enjoyed it... once I got to it. Lol.

Review: If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry

Title: If Looks Could Kill

Author: Julie Berry

Genre: YA, historical fantasy, Greek mythology, thriller

Publication date: September 16th 2025

Published by: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Source: eARC for review from publishers via Netgalley

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Synopsis: From Printz Honor–winning and New York Times bestselling author Julie Berry, a true-crime-nail-biter-turned-mythic-odyssey pitting Jack the Ripper against Medusa. A defiant love song to sisterhood, a survivors’ battle cry, and a romantic literary tour de force laced with humor.

It’s autumn 1888, and Jack the Ripper is on the run. As London police close in, he flees England for New York City seeking new victims. But a primal force of female vengeance has had enough. With serpents for hair and a fearsome gaze, an awakened Medusa is hunting for one thing: Jack.

And other dangers lurk in Manhattan’s Bowery. Salvation Army volunteers Tabitha and Pearl discover that a girl they once helped has been forced to work in a local brothel. Tabitha’s an upstate city girl with a wry humor and a thirst for adventure, while farmgirl Pearl takes everything with stone-cold seriousness. Their brittle partnership is tested as they team up with an aspiring girl reporter and a handsome Irish bartender to mount a rescue effort, only to find their fates entwine with Medusa’s and Jack’s.

My rating: ★★★★☆

The moment I discovered this book, I knew I needed to read it because what do you mean this is basically Medusa vs. Jack the Ripper?! Yeah, I needed this in my brain asap. Lol. And I really enjoyed it!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #443: Mistborn Hyperfocus

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Book Date and Unleashing Reads.

Sunday Post #479: Reading. That's It.

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!

Review: Dark Quasar Reckoning (Friends of a Former Space Janitor #3) by Julia Huni

Title: Dark Quasar Reckoning

Series: Friends of a Former Space Janitor #3

Previous books in this series: Dark Quasar Rising (#1) | Dark Quasar Ignites (#2)

Author: Julia Huni

Genre: Adult, sci-fi, adventure

Publication date: October 22nd 2025

Published by: IPH Media

Source: eARC for review from author

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Synopsis: Political drama. A rogue AI. And a coup with grandma at the helm.

Special Agent Lindsay "Vanti" Fioravanti and her crew thought their mission to Leweian space was complete. But when their AI shuttle Helva—presumed lost forever—calls for help, they are pulled into a planetary rebellion orchestrated by their shipmate Leo’s grandmother.

With friends kidnapped, loyalties tested, and her Hadriana caat stirring up trouble, Vanti has one job: survive the galaxy’s most dysfunctional family reunion and get her crew out alive.

Dark Quasar Reckoning—a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud space adventure where high-tech espionage meets family drama, and the only thing more dangerous than a galactic coup is listening to the caat.

My rating: ★★★★☆

A megalomanic wannabe empress and a self-aware Al. That is not a good combination.

I was really looking forward to this book because on this mission, Vanti sought out help from Nick and Katie Li! These characters are from a spinoff book called Luna City Limited: The Phoenix and Katie Li. It was a lot of fun with lots of spying! Anyway, I love a good crossover, which is why I was very excited to read this! And it was so much fun! I really enjoyed it!