Individually rated, because the quality of each book is so different that I don't feel comfortable giving the entire series an overall rating. *If I hadn't read these books, I would consider my reviews to have pretty major spoilers in terms of series payoff, but not in regards to any exciting or enjoyable details. Just don't read on past Annihilation if you want to have your own authentic experience. Annihilation ★★★★★ First read 2019; Second read June 2025 This is still one

★★★★★ September 2026 This. GAME. I love absolutely everything about it, so I'm going to have to break it up into sections. I haven't finished it yet – I am 24 fates in, around 11 hours so far. Not the most impressive ratio, I KNOW. If I am anything, it is a slow gamer. But I already know it'll remain one of my favorite games I've ever played (if I am ever able to complete it). Basically, you're a detective exploring an old pirate ship where everyone has died. Your job is to w

★★★★★ September 2026 The novel was completely wonderful. So hopeful, fantastically written. I was afraid it was going to destroy me (albeit in a good way) because of what people are saying about it but I just thought it was lovely. Fantastic characters, loved the narration style and was completely immersed in the world. I was hesitant to watch the movie so soon after reading the book, but I found myself completely immersed in it, just like the book. It was different, and diff

★☆☆☆☆ January 2026 (DNF) Genuine question - Did Laura Dave actually write this book? I thoroughly enjoyed The Last Thing He Told Me, but this book is pretty much its antithesis. It reads not only as unedited, but formulaically inflated with filler words to the point that it seems like absolutely nothing is happening. I have never read a published novel this repetitive before. Upsetting to have something feel so blatantly like a cash grab. The acknowledgements read more natur

★★★★★ March 2026 Incredible pastries – definitely a top tier professional bakery. It's always very busy and there is only outside seating, but it is great for grab and go. The strawberry matcha is one of the best drinks I've ever had. It is expensive for a drink ($9!!!) but there's no question I'd go back and get it again. When it comes to how pricey drinks are around Columbus, this one is definitely worth it. Any drink I have had from here has very thick, creamy milk or cold

★★★★☆ August 2026 This is a great hotel, great location and very pretty, and I'd stay here again. I booked my trip a month ago without looking into reviews of the place too much, and admittedly was a little nervous leading up to this trip after reading some of them. The hotel is gorgeous, has great spaces, well decorated, cool and we had an easy time checking in. Parking is $25 per night but it's a prime location hotel, and this didn't bother me. It's cool, spacious and every

★★★★☆ September 2026 Three stars feels too low and four feels a little too high – but I did really enjoy this novel, especially the first half. In fact, the first half I was completely on the edge of my seat, totally freaked out and ridiculously invested. I feel like the action kind of plateaued about halfway through the book, and the B side was a little too sporadic for me to absolutely LOVE this one from Mandel, but it was very thought provoking and riveting initially. I lo

From the Archives: September 2023

From the Archives: March 2023

My second novel focuses on the life of Theo and Kal, when the unlikely pair connects during their last few weeks of graduate school at the Florence Academy of Art in the summer of 2003. It is a dual perspective novel exploring platonic friendships, heartbreak, self-discovery, and of course, a little bit of crime. I set the drinks down on the table in front of everyone, and Francesca makes a big show of thanking me for hers, batting her fake eyelashes at me, which I find to be

I've included a few excerpts from my completed novel, Room 18, below. It is the fall of 2008, and Shay Thatcher is just getting settled into her new life in London. After the loss of both her mother and her job in Washington D.C. during the recession, she lands what she believes is her dream job - working as an associate curator at the British Museum. But, when she (literally) runs into a mysterious sketch artist drawing from the Parthenon Marble sculptures, her quiet, albeit

I know this because I can hear him rummaging around day by day...