Cyn's Workshop

Today I’m reviewing If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry — a razor-sharp, genre-bending YA thriller where ancient myth crashes into Victorian murder. This dark reimagining pits Medusa — the girl turned monster — against none other than Jack the Ripper, flipping the narrative on who is truly monstrous.Smart, subversive, and addictively plotted, this book blends feminist myth-retelling with historical true-crime atmosphere, giving Medusa back her rage, her agency, and her voice against one of history’s most notorious killers.If you love myth retellings with bite, morally charged gender commentary, and stories that rewrite the narrative instead of repeating it — you’ll want this one on your radar.✨ Tune in for a spoiler-free breakdown and follow for more dark myth, YA fantasy, and feminist thrillers every week.#IfLooksCouldKill #JulieBerry #MedusaRetelling #MythologyRetelling #YAFantasy #HistoricalThriller #BookReviewPodcast #BookTube #SpotifyPodcasts #FeministReads

Today I’m reviewing Hour of the Pumpkin Queen — a perfectly autumnal blend of cozy horror and slow-build suspense, wrapped in folklore, fall aesthetics, and that creeping dread that sneaks up on you chapter by chapter.With its rich seasonal atmosphere, eerie tension, and a heroine trapped between tradition and terror, this book hits that sweet spot between comforting and unsettling. If you live for Halloween energy, witchy stories, harvest legends, and horror with heart, this one absolutely belongs on your TBR.🎧 Tune in for my spoiler-free breakdown — what made this story work, who it will appeal to, and why it’s the perfect October read. Follow on Spotify and subscribe on YouTube for more horror, fantasy, and darkly magical book reviews every week.#HourOfThePumpkinQueen #CozyHorror #AutumnReads #FolkHorror #HalloweenVibes #BookReviewPodcast #SpotifyPodcasts #BookTube #SpookyBooks

Today I’m reviewing Starling House by Alix E. Harrow — a lush, atmospheric Southern Gothic that wraps you in creeping dread, decaying beauty, and the kind of secrets that burrow under your skin. This novel gives us cursed towns, uncanny inheritances, morally gray choices, and a house that feels as alive as any character on the page.If you love haunted atmospheres, folklore twisted through a modern lens, complicated relationships, and prose that reads like a spell, this one deserves a spot on your shelf.✨ Tune in for my spoiler-free thoughts — what Harrow nails, why this story lingers, and who I think will love Starling House most. Follow on Spotify and subscribe on YouTube for more reviews of gothic, fantasy, and dark character-driven fiction.#StarlingHouse #AlixEHarrow #SouthernGothic #GothicFantasy #HauntedHouseBooks #BookReviewPodcast #SpotifyPodcasts #BookTube #AtmosphericReads

Today I’m reviewing Deadly Ever After by Brittany Johnson — a sinister take on the classic fairytale vibe where love, danger, and dark secrets collide. Trapped in a world between life and death two princesses must traverse the dangers,m and find their inner strength if they plan on. surviving their return and solving one princesses murder. If you like morally gray characters, dark romantic plots, and fairytales turned deadly, this one delivers tension, shock value, and emotional bite all the way through.✨ Tune in for a spoiler-free breakdown — what worked, what gut-punched, and why this thriller-meets-romance is worth picking up. Follow on Spotify & subscribe on YouTube for more dark romance and twisty book reviews every week.#DeadlyEverAfter #BrittanyJohnson #DarkRomance #PsychologicalThriller #FairytaleRetelling #BookReviewPodcast #BookTube #SpotifyPodcasts #RomanticSuspense

Today I’m reviewing The Moss by Lisa Lueddecke—a beautifully written, atmospheric fantasy that blends folklore, mystery, and emotion into one haunting story.Set in a world where the land itself feels alive, The Moss explores grief, belonging, and the unbreakable ties between people and the places they call home. With Lueddecke’s signature lyrical prose and slow-burn tension, this novel delivers a story that’s equal parts enchanting and devastating.If you love The Bear and the Nightingale, The Wolf and the Woodsman, or any fantasy that feels like stepping into a myth, this book is for you.✨ Tune in for my full review—why The Moss stayed with me long after reading, what stood out in the worldbuilding, and why it’s worth adding to your next cozy-fantasy lineup.#TheMoss #LisaLueddecke #FantasyBooks #LyricalFantasy #FolkFantasy #BookReviewPodcast #SpotifyPodcasts #BookTube #CozyFantasy #AtmosphericReads

Today I’m reviewing Girls Who Play Dead by Joelle Wellington—a pulse-pounding YA thriller that’s as chilling as it is empowering.This novel dives deep into the world of true crime obsession, exploring how society glamorizes violence against women while silencing their stories. With sharp writing, unflinching tension, and a heroine who refuses to stay a victim, Girls Who Play Dead is both a gripping mystery and a powerful commentary on survival and justice.If you love dark YA thrillers, feminist revenge narratives, and stories that hit hard emotionally, this one absolutely belongs on your TBR.✨ Tune in for my full review—why it worked, what stood out, and why Girls Who Play Dead is one of the most important thrillers of the year. Follow on Spotify and subscribe on YouTube for more bookish deep dives and reviews every week.#GirlsWhoPlayDead #JoelleWellington #YAThriller #FeministThriller #BookReviewPodcast #SpotifyPodcasts #BookTube #DarkYA #TrueCrimeBooks #FeministReads

Today I’m reviewing Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir—an unforgettable sci-fi adventure that blends high-stakes survival, ingenious problem-solving, and a surprisingly emotional story about connection.Following Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut who wakes up light-years from Earth with no memory of how he got there, this novel is equal parts thrilling and heartfelt. Between the razor-sharp science and one of the best alien friendships ever written, Project Hail Mary proves why Andy Weir remains a master of smart, accessible sci-fi.✨ Tune in for my full breakdown—why this book works so well, how it balances humor and heart, and why it’s a must-read for fans of The Martian, Interstellar, and character-driven science fiction.#ProjectHailMary #AndyWeir #SciFiBooks #BookReviewPodcast #SpotifyPodcasts #BookTube #ScienceFictionReads #SpaceSurvival #BookishCommunity

Today I’m reviewing a romcom that’s as moving as it is hilarious. The story follows a beauty pageant queen with big dreams of becoming a horror movie star—while also dealing with the chaos of undiagnosed ADHD.What makes this book shine is its perfect balance of comedy, vulnerability, and heart. It’s funny, emotional, and authentic—exploring identity, ambition, and self-acceptance in a way that feels both refreshing and relatable.✨ Tune in for my full thoughts on why this romcom hits all the right notes and why it’s worth adding to your TBR. Don’t forget to follow on Spotify and subscribe on YouTube for more reviews that highlight heartfelt, funny, and unforgettable reads.#RomcomReads #ADHDRep #FunnyAndMoving #BookReviewPodcast #SpotifyPodcasts #BookTube #PageantQueenStories #

Today I’m reviewing Moth Dark—a mesmerizing urban fantasy that weaves magic, memory, and mystery into a modern setting. Instead of faraway kingdoms or ancient legends, this story unfolds in our own world, where the ordinary collides with the extraordinary and shadows blur the lines of reality.With its gritty urban atmosphere, haunting twists, and themes of time and identity, Moth Dark feels both contemporary and timeless. It’s a story that asks: what happens when magic creeps into the corners of everyday life, and how much of yourself are you willing to lose to it?✨ Tune in for my full review of Moth Dark—what makes it stand out in the urban fantasy genre, why it lingers in the mind, and why you should add it to your TBR if you love stories where modern life meets dark enchantment.#MothDark #UrbanFantasy #ModernFantasy #DarkFantasy #BookReviewPodcast #SpotifyPodcasts #BookTube #FantasyReads

Today I’m reviewing Make Me A Monster—a dark, atmospheric novel that hooked me from the dedication and never let go. With its gothic setting, unpredictable twists, and exploration of grief and identity, this story had me on the edge of my seat.Equal parts haunting and beautiful, it’s perfect for fans of Mary Shelley and Edgar Allan Poe, and a must-read if you love novels that weave together family secrets, horror, and heart. And let me tell you—that ending? Absolutely cinematic.✨ Tune in for my full breakdown of why Make Me A Monster is one of the most unforgettable spooky reads I’ve picked up this year. Don’t forget to follow on Spotify and subscribe on YouTube for more reviews of dark, gothic, and speculative fiction.#MakeMeAMonster #GothicFiction #DarkFantasy #BookReviewPodcast #SpotifyPodcasts #BookTube #HauntingReads #AtmosphericBooks

Today we’re reviewing The Knight and the Moth—a haunting, atmospheric fantasy that blends mystery, romance, and darkness in all the best ways. With its lyrical prose, morally complex characters, and themes of sacrifice and survival, this novel kept me hooked from start to finish.If you’re drawn to gothic fantasy, tragic heroes, and stories where beauty collides with horror, The Knight and the Moth is one you won’t want to miss. In this episode, I’ll be breaking down what worked, what stood out, and why this novel is worth adding to your TBR.✨ Follow on Spotify and subscribe on YouTube for more deep-dive book reviews, fantasy spotlights, and discussions about the stories that stay with us.#TheKnightAndTheMoth #FantasyBooks #GothicFantasy #BookReviewPodcast #SpotifyPodcasts #BookTube #DarkFantasy #YAReads

Today we’re reviewing Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab—one of the year’s most anticipated releases and a gothic fantasy that more than delivers.Dark, lyrical, and atmospheric, this novel takes you into a world where secrets linger in the shadows, grief haunts every choice, and beauty intertwines with horror. With Schwab’s trademark prose and unforgettable characters, Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil is both chilling and breathtaking—an instant must-read for fans of gothic tales, haunting romances, and fantasy with teeth.✨ Tune in for my full review, why this book left me spellbound, and why it deserves a spot on your shelf. Follow on Spotify and YouTube for more deep dives into the best in fantasy, gothic, and dark literature.#BuryOurBonesInTheMidnightSoil #VESchwab #GothicFantasy #DarkFantasy #BookReviewPodcast #SpotifyPodcasts #BookTube #GothicReads #FantasyBooks

Today we’re diving into Sunbringer and Faithbreaker—the breathtaking sequels to Hannah Kaner’s Godkiller. From start to finish, these books prove the series only gets stronger, delivering nonstop action, emotional depth, and worldbuilding that keeps you hooked until the very last page.If you thought Godkiller was good, these follow-ups raise the stakes with bigger battles, sharper character arcs, and even more heart-wrenching choices. Perfect for fans of epic fantasy, morally complex heroes, and stories where gods, mortals, and destiny collide.✨ Tune in now to hear why this trilogy deserves a top spot on your fantasy shelf—and don’t forget to follow for more epic book reviews on Spotify and YouTube.#Sunbringer #Faithbreaker #Godkiller #HannahKaner #EpicFantasy #BookReviewPodcast #SpotifyPodcasts #BookTube #FantasyReads #DarkFantasy

Today I’m reviewing Girl Dinner—a sharp, unsettling, and surprisingly witty collection that mixes dark humor with the raw hunger of survival, desire, and female agency. Each story explores what it means to live in a world that consumes women—sometimes literally—and how we push back with rage, resilience, and bite.If you love feminist horror, unsettling short fiction, or stories that blend the grotesque with the deeply relatable, this one will stick with you long after the last page. Perfect for fans of Carmen Maria Machado, Samanta Schweblin, and anyone who enjoys literature that’s both thought-provoking and disturbing.✨ Follow for more dark lit reviews, feminist fantasy, and bookish deep dives—only on Spotify and YouTube.

Today I’m reviewing Time After Time by Mikki Daughtry—an emotional YA novel that blends romance, grief, and the power of connection across timelines.This story explores what it means to move forward while still holding on to love, capturing the bittersweet emotions of heartbreak, healing, and second chances. With its heartfelt writing and themes of resilience, Time After Time is perfect for fans of poignant contemporary romance with just a touch of the extraordinary.✨ Follow for more YA book reviews, emotional deep dives, and conversations about stories that stay with you long after the final page.#TimeAfterTime #MikkiDaughtry #YARomance #ContemporaryYA #BookReviewPodcast #SpotifyPodcasts #YAReads #EmotionalReads

Today I’m reviewing Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry—a Romantasy that delivered solid characterization, a compelling plot, and strong worldbuilding… but fell short where it mattered most: the romance.While the characters are well-drawn and the pacing kept me turning pages, the emotional spark between the leads never fully landed for me. Still, there’s plenty here for fans of fantasy with romantic elements, especially if you’re drawn to layered plots and well-developed protagonists.Tune in for a full breakdown of what worked, what didn’t, and whether this Romantasy deserves a spot on your TBR.✨ Don’t forget to follow for more honest book reviews across YA, fantasy, and romantasy—only on Spotify.#ShieldOfSparrows #DevneyPerry #Romantasy #FantasyRomance #BookReviewPodcast #SpotifyPodcasts #FantasyReads #YABooksSupport Cyn’s Workshop & Keep the Reviews Coming:Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cynsworkshop⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/cynsworkshopPatreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cynsworkshop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Bookish Candles: https://cynsworkshopcandles.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=ZLYMTKFEM5HR8⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen to the Podcast:Spotify Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cyns-workshop🔗 Follow Cyn's Workshop for More Reviews & Bookish Content:📖 Blog: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cynsworkshop.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠📘 Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/Reader.Writer.Critic/⁠⁠⁠⁠🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cyn_Novelist⁠⁠⁠⁠📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynsworkshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@cynsworkshop⁠⁠⁠⁠

Today I’m reviewing A Curse for the Homesick by Laura Brooke Robson—an emotional and beautifully crafted fantasy that explores the trials, expectations, and hidden burdens of being a woman. At its heart, this story asks where love fits in when survival, identity, and societal pressures weigh heavy.With its rich worldbuilding and layered character dynamics, A Curse for the Homesick delivers both magic and meaning. If you love emotional fantasy that blends personal struggle with powerful themes of resilience and agency, this is a book you won’t want to miss.✨ Follow for more YA and adult fantasy reviews, deep dives, and bookish conversations—only on Spotify.📚 Get Your Copy:🔗 Author Website: https://laurabrookerobson.com/🛍️ Buy on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-curse-for-the-homesick-laura-brooke-robson/1145647509?ean=9780778368472🛒 Buy on Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/8108/9780778368472☕ Support Cyn’s Workshop & Keep the Reviews Coming:Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cynsworkshop⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/cynsworkshopPatreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cynsworkshop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Bookish Candles: https://cynsworkshopcandles.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=ZLYMTKFEM5HR8⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen to the Podcast:Spotify Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cyns-workshop🔗 Follow Cyn's Workshop for More Reviews & Bookish Content:📖 Blog: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cynsworkshop.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠📘 Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/Reader.Writer.Critic/⁠⁠⁠⁠🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cyn_Novelist⁠⁠⁠⁠📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynsworkshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@cynsworkshop⁠⁠⁠⁠

Today we’re reviewing Red Rising by Pierce Brown—the explosive first novel in the critically acclaimed sci-fi series that more than lives up to the hype.Blending the intensity of a dystopian uprising with the grandeur of Roman mythology and the epic scale of a space opera, Red Rising delivers action, heart, and themes that resonate long after you turn the last page. From Darrow’s transformation to the brutal trials of survival, this book sets the stage for one of the most unforgettable series in modern science fiction.If you’re a fan of The Hunger Games, Dune, or morally complex revolution stories, tune in to find out why Red Rising might just be your next obsession.✨ Follow for more YA and adult sci-fi/fantasy reviews, and never miss your next epic read.📚 Get Your Copy:🔗 Author Website: https://www.piercebrown.com/🛍️ Buy on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/red-rising-pierce-brown/1110614785?ean=9780345539809🛒 Buy on Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/8108/9780345539809☕ Support Cyn’s Workshop & Keep the Reviews Coming:Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cynsworkshop⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/cynsworkshopPatreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cynsworkshop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Bookish Candles: https://cynsworkshopcandles.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=ZLYMTKFEM5HR8⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen to the Podcast:Spotify Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cyns-workshop🔗 Follow Cyn's Workshop for More Reviews & Bookish Content:📖 Blog: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cynsworkshop.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠📘 Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/Reader.Writer.Critic/⁠⁠⁠⁠🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cyn_Novelist⁠⁠⁠⁠📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynsworkshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@cynsworkshop⁠⁠⁠⁠

Today I’m diving into Salvación by Sandra Proudman—an authentic, action-packed, genderbent reimagining of Zorro that blends rich cultural roots with magic, rebellion, and a spark of romance.From daring sword fights to enchanting worldbuilding, this novel delivers both adventure and heart. If you love fierce heroines, high stakes, and a dash of romance woven into a magical rebellion, you won’t want to miss this one.Follow for more YA fantasy, historical reimaginings, and must-read book reviews—right here on Spotify.📚 Get Your Copy:🔗 Author Website: https://www.instagram.com/sandraproudman🛍️ Buy on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/salvacion-sandra-proudman/1146167522?ean=9781250895080🛒 Buy on Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/8108/9781250895080☕ Support Cyn’s Workshop & Keep the Reviews Coming:Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cynsworkshop⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/cynsworkshopPatreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cynsworkshop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Bookish Candles: https://cynsworkshopcandles.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=ZLYMTKFEM5HR8⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen to the Podcast:Spotify Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cyns-workshop🔗 Follow Cyn's Workshop for More Reviews & Bookish Content:📖 Blog: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cynsworkshop.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠📘 Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/Reader.Writer.Critic/⁠⁠⁠⁠🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cyn_Novelist⁠⁠⁠⁠📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynsworkshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@cynsworkshop⁠⁠⁠⁠

Today I’m reviewing The Enemy’s Daughter by Melissa Poett—an addictive, high-stakes retelling of Tristan and Isolde set in a gritty dystopian world with just a touch of fantasy magic.Packed with forbidden love, political tension, and an atmosphere that keeps you turning the pages, this book is perfect for fans of romance with a dangerous edge. Tune in to hear why this story had me hooked from the very first chapter and why it deserves a spot on your TBR.Follow for more YA fantasy and dystopian book reviews, and never miss your next great read.📚 Get Your Copy:🔗 Author Website: https://melissapoett.com/🛍️ Buy on Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-enemys-daughter-melissa-poett/1146134302?ean=9780063432611🛒 Buy on Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/8108/9780063432611☕ Support Cyn’s Workshop & Keep the Reviews Coming:Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cynsworkshop⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/cynsworkshopPatreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cynsworkshop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop Bookish Candles: https://cynsworkshopcandles.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=ZLYMTKFEM5HR8⁠⁠⁠🎧 Listen to the Podcast:Spotify Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cyns-workshop🔗 Follow Cyn's Workshop for More Reviews & Bookish Content:📖 Blog: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cynsworkshop.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠📘 Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/Reader.Writer.Critic/⁠⁠⁠⁠🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cyn_Novelist⁠⁠⁠⁠📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynsworkshop/⁠⁠⁠⁠🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@cynsworkshop⁠⁠⁠⁠