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Maya's Reviews

58 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratings

A book and movie review podcast and blog that is perfect for book and movie lovers of all kinds. Hosted by Maya Grimley, "Maya's Reviews" dives into a wide array of books and films that could catch any bookworm's and movie fanatic's eye. Check out the YouTube channel, too, @mayagrimley.

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Episodes

56 // Are Walruses Taking Over the World? ft. Rory - Tusk (2014) // Movie Review

October 21, 2023 17:54 - 1 hour - 44.6 MB

Walruses... are they our friend or foe? It's October, everybody, so buckle up for some horror movie reviews. This time, I have my friend Rory—who is terrified of walruses—review Tusk with me! Beware... there are spoilers ahead. --- // Movie Information // Director: Kevin Smith Studio(s): A24 Genre(s): Horror, Comedy Release Date: September 14, 2023 Average Rating on Letterboxd (out of 5): 2.4 MPA Rating: R Length: 102 minutes Budget: $3 million Box Office Earnings: $1.9 million --- View...

55 // The Insidious Franchise — Is it worth watching?

September 01, 2023 04:49 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MB

I've been meaning to put this episode out for a while, but life happens. Here are my thoughts on the entirety of the Insidious franchise—my reviews, my rankings, and my recommendations. --- // Franchise Information // Genre: Horror Studio: Blumhouse Budget: $42.5 million Box Office: $728.6 million MPA Rating: PG-13 - Insidious (2010): directed by James Wan - Insidious 2 (2013): directed by James Wan - Insidious 3 (2015): directed by Leigh Whannell - Insidious 4: The Last Key (2018...

54 // I'm a Barbie Girl, in a Barbie World — Barbie (2023) // Movie Review

August 26, 2023 04:00 - 23 minutes - 17.2 MB

I've seen this movie twice now, and I cried both times. I have been looking forward to this movie since it was announced—it exceeded expectations. *I am currently in the process of trying to repair my camera/get a new one, so please be patient with me, as the next few episodes will be audio-only. Thank you!* --- // Barbie Information // Director: Greta Gerwig Studio(s): Mattel Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy, Adventure Release Date: July 21, 2023 Average Rating on Letterboxd (out of 5): 4....

53 // The Destroyer of Worlds — Oppenheimer (2023) // Movie Review

August 25, 2023 20:08 - 21 minutes - 16 MB

Cillian Murphy? Emily Blunt? Florence Pugh? Robert Downey Jr.? Rami Malek? I mean... what more could you ask for in a cast? Long time, no see! I am (hopefully) back for more regularly posted episodes. *I am currently in the process of trying to repair my camera/get a new one, so please be patient with me, as the next few episodes will be audio-only. Thank you!* -- // Movie Information // Director: Christopher Nolan Studio(s): Universal Pictures Genre(s): Drama, History Release Date: ...

52 // Comedy Horror // M3GAN (2022) directed by Gerard Johnstone // Movie Review

January 17, 2023 05:00 - 41 minutes - 38.6 MB

I went and saw M3GAN for my birthday on Friday the 13th. Was it worth it? 100% Does Megan listen to punk rock? Is she truly a horse girl at heart? You decide. I apologize for what sounds like an airplane taking off constantly in the background. My microphone decided to pick up my 16 year old laptop trying not to overheat and explode.  --- // Movie Information // Director: Gerard Johnstone Studio(s): Blumhouse Productions Genre(s): Comedy, Horror Release Date: January 6, 2023 Average ...

51 // Comedy Thriller // The Menu (2022) directed by Mark Mylod // SPOILER FREE Movie Review

November 24, 2022 05:00 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MB

The Menu is a movie I have been anticipating for a while, and today I'm delving into my thoughts. Happy Thanksgiving, if you celebrate! --- // Movie Information // Director: Mark Mylod Studio(s): Searchlight Pictures   Genre(s): Comedy, Thriller, Horror Release Date: November 18, 2022 Average Rating on Letterboxd (out of 5): 3.8 MPA Rating: R Length: 107 minutes Budget: $30 million Box Office Earnings: $16.2 million --- View all of my links: https://beacons.ai/mayareviews  Help...

50 // Interview with director Joyce Chopra, author of Lady Director

November 05, 2022 04:00 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MB

I was lucky enough to have the chance to interview Joyce Chopra, director of Smooth Talk, and author of Lady Director. Lady Director is set to be published NOVEMBER 22, 2022. “Joyce Chopra’s career spanned six decades, and her perspectives are thoughtful and broad, including stories about how she navigated monumental shifts in her craft and in the culture at large. She has wonderful anecdotes about working with Laura Dern and Treat Williams, as well as her deep friendships with Gene Wilder ...

49 // My Top 10 Horror Movies // BONUS Halloween Special

October 31, 2022 04:00 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MB

Happy Halloween! I hope your October was fantastic and spooky.  For me, I'm sad its almost over. Join me for a special Halloween episode where I go over my top 10 horror movies!  ---  Visit my Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/maya_grimley/  View all of my links: https://beacons.ai/mayareviews  Help others: https://bit.ly/maya-social-resources Follow me @mayathebookworm on Twitter, BookBub, and BookSirens; and @mayareviews on Tumblr. Email me: [email protected] --- Send in...

48 // Horror // Smile (2022) directed by Parker Finn // Movie Review

October 12, 2022 04:00 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MB

I had a lot of anticipation for Smile. The combination of the advertising and reviews was enough to make me see this movie as soon as I could. Want to know whether Smile is worth seeing in theaters? Buckle up and listen to hear my opinions of this movie. Please be aware that this movie deals heavily with suicide! --- JUSTICE FOR DEE WARNER - Resources Below Interview Room Podcast: https://anchor.fm/chris-mcdonough/episodes/New-information-in-the-Dee-Warner-case---The-Interview-Room-with-...

47 // Horror // Barbarian (2022) directed by Zach Cregger // SPOILER FREE Movie Review

October 05, 2022 04:00 - 20 minutes - 19.4 MB

Go into watching Barbarian knowing as little as possible... though, please be aware that there are some prevalent issues in this movie that require content warnings—I go over them in the episode.  "SOME STAY FOR A NIGHT. SOME STAY FOR A WEEK. SOME NEVER LEAVE.  In town for a job interview, a young woman arrives at her Airbnb late at night only to find that it has been mistakenly double-booked and a strange man is already staying there. Against her better judgement, she decides to stay the n...

46 // 31 Days of Halloween // BONUS Halloween Special

October 01, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 82 MB

Happy October, everybody! It's officially Halloween season, y'all.  Join me while I go over my list of 31 days worth of movies that I hope to watch this October leading up to and on Halloween!  Stay tuned for some exciting things this October regarding my blog and podcast. --- Visit my Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/maya_grimley/ View all of my links: https://beacons.ai/mayareviews  Help others: https://bit.ly/maya-social-resources Follow me @mayathebookworm on Twitter, BookBub, and...

45 // Thriller // Don't Worry Darling (2022) directed by Olivia Wilde // SPOILER FREE Movie Review

September 28, 2022 04:00 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MB

If you have not seen Don't Worry Darling yet... go watch it!!! It's best to know as little as possible before watching, this movie is phenomenal!  I was hesitating to review this movie til later in October, but I could not wait. // Content Warnings: death, violence, alcohol usage, suicide //  --- // Movie Information // Director: Olivia Wilde Studio(s): Warner Bros. Pictures Genre(s): Thriller, Mystery, Drama Release Date: September 23, 2022 Average Rating on Letterboxd (out of 5):  ...

44 // Fantasy // The Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo // Book Review

September 17, 2022 18:00 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MB

After putting off reading the Shadow and Bone trilogy for years, I finally read the fantastic series and am so excited to be able to review the entire trilogy today!  Just a fair warning that there will most likely be spoilers for the series as the episode progresses since the books build off one another. --- To check content warnings for all of the books you read, go to the Trigger Warning Database: https://triggerwarningdatabase.com/ Shadow and Bone - // Content warnings: classism, able...

43 // Thriller // Prey (2022) directed by Dan Trachtenberg // Movie Review (SPOILER AND AD FREE)

September 09, 2022 04:00 - 12 minutes - 8.8 MB

SURPRISE! An extra episode in between my review of They/Them and the Shadow and Bone series. SPOILER AND AD FREE! Prey (2022) is a prequel to Predator (1987). "On the Great Plains in 1719, Naru, a fierce and highly skilled Comanche warrior, sets out to protect her people when an unknown danger threatens them. But the prey she’s stalking turns out to be a highly evolved alien predator with a technically advanced arsenal." // Content Warnings: abduction, death, death of animals, gore, violen...

42 // Horror // They/Them (2022) directed by John Logan // Movie Review

September 02, 2022 04:00 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MB

They/Them is getting some less than exciting reviews, and so I thought to myself... why not watch it and see for myself? I was fairly excited for this movie and decided to watch it in a tent in the pitch-black nighttime to immerse myself in the horror movie vibe.  Let's just say I definitely have some thoughts about this slasher film. Content Warnings: death, homophobia, transphobia, physical and psychological torture, pedophilia, animal abuse, animal death, mention of animal torture, sexis...

41 // Sci-Fi Horror // Nope (2022) directed by Jordan Peele // Movie Review

August 12, 2022 04:00 - 50 minutes - 46.7 MB

As promised, I am starting to branch out my podcast to include reviews of movies.  First on my list, since I was able to see it recently in theaters, is 'Nope'! Directed by Jordan Peele, creator of 'Get Out' and 'Us', the movie follows two siblings whose horse ranch is shadowed by a strange phenomenon. Bear with me as I get a hang of reviewing movies... it is very different from reviewing books, haha. --- // Movie Information // Director: Jordan Peele Studio(s): Universal Pictures, Monk...

40 // Science Fiction, Star Wars // Padawan by Kiersten White // Book Review

August 06, 2022 19:02 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MB

This is the second novel I have read by Kiersten White, and though it is a stark difference from Hide, I absolutely loved Padawan. This is the perfect novel for those wanting to read about Obi-Wan Kenobi’s journey of self-discovery on his way to becoming a better padawan.  "Obi-Wan Kenobi struggles with his place in the Force as a young Padawan in this coming-of-age adventure!" --- JUSTICE FOR DEE WARNER - Resources Below Interview Room Podcast: https://anchor.fm/chris-mcdonough/episodes/...

39 // Horror // Wake the Bones by Elizabeth Kilcoyne // Book Review

July 21, 2022 23:29 - 21 minutes - 20.1 MB

I find it very difficult to review this novel because I am not quite sure how I feel about it. There were many intriguing aspects that I loved but there were also many things that I didn’t enjoy about Wake the Bones.  Wake the Bones follows the story of Laurel Early, who just came back from college looking forward to returning to her normal life.  Unfortunately, she is thrust into a world of darkness when her late mother's past becomes entangled with her own and a devil comes to haunt her an...

39 // Horror // Wake the Bones by Elizabeth Kilcoyne // Review

July 21, 2022 23:29 - 22 minutes - 21.1 MB

I find it very difficult to review this novel because I am not quite sure how I feel about it. There were many intriguing aspects that I loved but there were also many things that I didn’t enjoy about Wake the Bones.  Wake the Bones follows the story of Laurel Early, who just came back from college looking forward to returning to her normal life.  Unfortunately, she is thrust into a world of darkness when her late mother's past becomes entangled with her own and a devil comes to haunt her an...

38 // Horror // Hide by Kiersten White // Review

July 10, 2022 02:10 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MB

Didn't I tell ya I'd try my best to put out new content? Well, lookee here... a new review! This time I review a new book by Kiersten White, a horror novel taking place in an abandoned amusement park where 14 competitors must hide or else something sinister might find them. A brilliantly written horror novel that kept me interested from start to finish, Hide exhibits a broad and unique cast of characters, each trying their best to survive the horrifying circumstances they unknowingly introd...

37 // Adult Thriller // The Big Dark Sky by Dean Koontz // Review

July 06, 2022 23:22 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MB

It has been an insanely long time since the last episode... January? Crazy.  Alas, I am back with a review of Dean Koontz's upcoming novel, The Big Dark Sky! The Big Dark Sky is a brilliantly written novel following the stories of various characters all connected to a mystery at the center of the spiderweb they’ve been caught in. Full of suspense and showcasing Koontz’s excellent writing style, The Big Dark Sky maintains Koontz as one of the best thriller writers. ON SALE JULY 19, 2022 --...

36 // YA Thriller // Daughter by Kate McLaughlin // Review

January 29, 2022 05:00 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MB

Daughter is the chilling story of a teen thrown into a world of pain and depravity upon the discovery that her previously unknown father is actually an infamous serial killer. Thrilling at every turn, McLaughlin’s upcoming novel boasts a disturbing parallel to our world’s most notorious killers, told through the eyes of a brave teen willing to do whatever it takes to bring any possible ounce of closure to the families of her father’s victims.  ON SALE MARCH 8, 2022  ---  A huge thank you ...

35 // Interview with Benjamin Ryan, author of Beckoning of the Gate

January 21, 2022 05:00 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MB

I had the lovely opportunity to chat with Benjamin Ryan about Beckoning of the Gate, the first novel in his series The Vāyilian Threads. "The only life Santha Lathagin has ever known has become her prison. Vicious gossip is everywhere. Whispers of a scandal have turned to accusations of murder, and fingers are pointing her way. Feeling powerless and alone, she yearns for escape. When Santha stumbles upon a small, rusted key in the forest near her home, it seems her silent pleas have been an...

34 // Historical Suspense // AD FREE // The Matchmaker: A Spy in Berlin // Review

January 15, 2022 05:00 - 10 minutes - 10 MB

Because I had never read a novel by Paul Vidich before, I started reading this novel with no idea of what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by the brilliant mystery within The Matchmaker: A Spy in Berlin‘s pages that ended with an epic demonstration of a woman’s determination. ON SALE FEBRUARY 1, 2022 --- Thank you to Pegasus Crime for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. // Book Content Warning: death, murder, mentions of suicide, mentions of drow...

33 // Adult Horror // Such a Pretty Smile by Kristi DeMeester // Review

January 01, 2022 05:00 - 19 minutes - 18 MB

I would wish you all a happy new year in the show notes, but I physically cannot due to the passing of Betty White.  Rest in peace Betty. I found out right after editing this episode.  Such a Pretty Smile is a chill-inducing novel that examines the patriarchy and sexism through a terrifying tale of death and mystery. Oozing horror at every flip of the page, I could not put this electrifying novel down until I read it cover to cover. Filled with relatable characters and emotion, Such a Prett...

32 // Sci-fi, Fantasy // AD FREE // Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves by Meg Long // Review

December 23, 2021 21:05 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MB

Happy Holidays, everyone! Merry Christmas if you celebrate! Enjoy the AD FREE episode, in the spirit of the holidays. Sorry about the construction... and the trains! Thrilling and adventurous, Meg Long’s debut novel is a solid sci-fi with compelling characters and obstacles set upon an icy planet that welcomes peril at every turn. ON SALE JANUARY 11, 2022 --- Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. // Book C...

31 // Fantasy // Beckoning of the Gate by Benjamin J. Ryan // Review

December 17, 2021 00:56 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MB

A beautifully written and magical tale, the first novel in The Vāyilian Threads series is a masterpiece full of adventure, danger, and high stakes. Unlike any fantasy novel I have read before, Beckoning of the Gate was a fantastically thrilling and compelling journey that left me yearning for more.  Thanks to everyone for being so patient with the delay in this episode. Rather than have a new review and episode every week, I feel I would have better quality reviews and episodes if I were to...

30 // Coming of Age // Old Music for New People by David Biddle // Review

December 04, 2021 17:06 - 21 minutes - 20.3 MB

How have we already made it to episode 30? I have no idea, but thank you so much for being here!  I hope everyone had an amazing and safe Thanksgiving with their family and stuffed their face with food. Today's episode is a review of Old Music for New People, a YA contemporary and coming-of-age story that features an amazing trans character and their horrible family.  Join me today while Poppy (my dog, for those of you new here) sneezes in the background from the amount of transphobia in thi...

29 // Dark Fantasy // Winterset Hollow by Jonathan Edward Durham // Review

November 22, 2021 00:45 - 24 minutes - 23 MB

Taking its rightful spot as my favorite book this year (and maybe of all time), Winterset Hollow is an immaculate mixture of good, evil, darkness, and light that had me hooked from beginning to end. Twisted and unexpected, I could not put this novel down until I knew the outcome of the horrific events that took place in this wonderfully mysterious and suspenseful novel. --- !!!PLEASE SHARE ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA!!! Dee Warner, 52, went missing on April 24 or early 25. If you have any info, ...

28 // Interview with Carly Heath, author of The Reckless Kind

November 17, 2021 16:00 - 22 minutes - 21.1 MB

I had the opportunity to interview Carly Heath, author of The Reckless Kind.  "Set in 1904, on an island just west of Norway, the novel follows a trio of queer teens—two boys and their best friend, Asta—who decide to defy the expectations of their rural Scandinavian village by leaving their families, living on their own, and challenging the town's patriarch in the region's annual winter horse race."  A huge thank you to Carly Heath for coming on the podcast! --- // Book Content Warnings: a...

27 // Thriller // Lies in Bone by Natalie Symons // Review

November 13, 2021 16:23 - 18 minutes - 17.5 MB

Lies in Bone is a curiosity-inducing novel that examines the fragility of humanity and truth through the lens of a teen in the 80’s. Full of family secrets, lies, and discoveries, Natalie Symons' thrilling novel took me on an electrifying ride with its vulnerable and realistic characters. --- A huge thank you to Boyle & Dalton and Natalie Symons for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. // Book Content Warnings: death, murder, kidnapping, pedophilia, alc...

26 // Thriller // Dark Clouds Over Montana by N. Hall // Review

November 06, 2021 20:51 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MB

I started reading Dark Clouds Over Montana for its intriguing plot but was severely disappointed. Although I tried to keep reading, I could not look past how the story was carried out and how boring the characters were. Unfortunately, I ended up DNFing (DNF=did not finish) the book because I couldn’t look past its faults. --- Thank you to Austin Macauley Publishers LLC for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. I am unable to provide a full list of conten...

25 // Apocalyptic // The Cities in Dust Series (so far) by Katy Nicholas // Review

October 30, 2021 17:54 - 31 minutes - 29 MB

Happy Halloween, everyone! The Cities in Dust series follows Halley Clarke as she tries to navigate a post-pandemic world; a world where—supposedly—no one else exists anymore.  This sci-fi adult/young adult series is one that keeps getting better.  Rather than waiting for a third novel in the series, I've decided to review the first two, As The World Falls Down and The Last Place on Earth.  Just a heads up, there will be spoilers for the first novel during my review of the second novel, as ...

24 // Thriller // Quicksilver by Dean Koontz // Review

October 22, 2021 21:24 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MB

I am beyond excited to share my review of Quicksilver by Dean Koontz with all of you lovely listeners!  From start to finish, Quicksilver is unpredictable. Full of lovable characters, constant peril, and a plethora of mystery, Koontz’s newest novel is dark, addictive, and thrilling. With every novel released, Dean Koontz proves that he is a master of storytelling. Quicksilver is the latest in a line of masterpieces.  Mysterious from the start, Quicksilver sucked me in and didn’t spit me out ...

23 // Contemporary Romance // You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson // Review

October 15, 2021 15:00 - 25 minutes - 24 MB

And... I'm back everyone!  Thank you so much for your time and patience while I was on a break from the blog and podcast.  Episode 23 is a review of the fantastic YA contemporary romance novel, You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson.  Listen to hear my thoughts on Liz Lighty and Mack's relationship, the idea of running for prom queen for a scholarship, and finding yourself in a town that rejects you. --- // Content warning: death of a parent, homophobia, racism, bullying, panic attac...

22 // Suspense // At The End Of Everything by Marieke Nijkamp // Review

September 18, 2021 18:28 - 18 minutes - 17 MB

Part 2 of my unofficial Marieke Nijkamp book review week?  Today I will be reviewing Nijkamp's upcoming novel, At The End of Everything, a story about troubled teens in a treatment center having to attempt to survive a mutation of the Black Plague. --- Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. // Content warnings: death, disease, guns, violence // – I am unable to provide a full list of content warnings since I...

21 // Suspense // This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp // Review

September 15, 2021 16:00 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MB

Surprise! Two episodes this week? Huh. This week is sort of a Marieke Nijkamp appreciation(?) week.  Today, I'll be reviewing This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp, but later this week I will be reviewing their upcoming novel, At The End Of Everything.  So, buckle up for this crazy ride and let's get into the review!  ---  // Content warning: death, mass shooting, sexual assault, physical abuse, suicide, homophobia //  ---  Read my review of This Is Where It Ends: https://mayagreviews...

20 // Learn more about me // Q&A

September 11, 2021 01:33 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MB

Recently I have had some of you amazing people fill out the Q&A form that I've been talking about!  I've never really discussed anything about me personally, only books.  So I've decided that for the 20th episode of Maya's Reviews: The Podcast, I would conduct a Q&A! Thank you so much to everyone who asked me questions, it is so very appreciated. --- View all of my links: https://beacons.ai/mayareviews You can find me @mayathebookworm on Twitter, TikTok, BookBub, and BookSirens; and @may...

19 // Thriller // The Origins of Iris by Beth Lewis // Review

September 08, 2021 22:10 - 28 minutes - 26.8 MB

I am so beyond excited for this review today.  I didn't really know what to expect when I started to read The Origins of Iris by Beth Lewis.  But OMG this novel is a literal masterpiece and one of my favorite books.  I'll be gushing over this novel the entire episode, so just be prepared.  But for REAL, The Origins of Iris is a beyond unique and super important novel that deals with abuse in LGBTQ+ relationships, guilt, self-worth, and finding yourself. --- Thank you to Hodder Studio and N...

18 // High Fantasy // The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli // Review

September 03, 2021 23:08 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MB

I have been wanting to read The Last Namsara, the first in the Iskari series by Kristen Ciccarelli, for a long time.  It has been one of my highest anticipated reads, so I am so glad that it lived up to my expectations!  If you are a fan of the enemies to lovers trope, dragons, and high fantasy, then this one's for you! Make sure you check out Cait's Books, the blogger whose review convinced me to read this novel: https://caitsbooks.com/ --- // Content warning: PTSD, murder, blood, death,...

17 // Fantasy // The Crowns of Croswald by D. E. Night // Review

August 27, 2021 15:00 - 20 minutes - 19.4 MB

I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of the first novel in the Crowns of Croswald series, 'The Crowns of Croswald' by D. E. Night!  I was totally sucked back into my childhood of reading Harry Potter and PJO.  Think those series but with a female MC and a plot that will leave you wanting to read more. --- Thank you so much to Stories Untold Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review! // Content warning: mentions of death, violence /...

16 // Historical Fiction // Parting the Veil by Paulette Kennedy // Review

August 13, 2021 17:00 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MB

Woohoo! Look at us, at episode 16!  Welcome back everyone, I had the lovely opportunity to read Parting the Veil by Paulette Kennedy, an amazing author, and such a kind person.  Parting the Veil is an adult, gothic, historical romance, thriller, and one of my favorite novels.  It comes out November 1, 2021; make sure you pre-order now. --- Thank you so much to Lake Union Publishing, Amazon Publishing, and Paulette Kennedy for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest re...

15 // YA LGBTQ+ Romance // Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender // Review

August 06, 2021 18:49 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MB

Today's episode is an emotional one, though maybe it's less emotional because of Poppy's appearance.  Felix Ever After is one of my favorite novels because I can relate so much to some of the struggles that Felix deals with.  I am so excited for today's ep. --- // Content warning: queerphobia, transphobia, internalized transphobia, deadnaming, misgendering, biphobia, internalized biphobia, racism, mentions of emotional parental and domestic abuse, parental abandonment, alcohol, drug use, b...

14 // Mystery & Romance // Silvertree Series by Marian Dribus // Review

August 05, 2021 17:44 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MB

The Silvertree series is one of my favorite mystery series, with a tinge of romance involved.  It is perfect for those looking for a fairly paced, romantic mystery that involves dark family secrets and dangerous antagonists.  Today, I am reviewing The Patient from Silvertree and The Scientist's Daughter. --- Thank you so much to Marian Dribus for providing me with copies of The Patient from Silvertree and The Scientist's Daughter. // Content warning: death, murder, mention of suicide, vio...

13 // Author Chat with Charles Wachter, author of The Twin Paradox

August 04, 2021 15:00 - 41 minutes - 38.5 MB

It's an understatement to say that I was excited when I had the chance to have a conversation with Charles Wachter, an Emmy-winning television Executive Producer and the author of one of my favorite novels, The Twin Paradox.  I actually reviewed The Twin Paradox here on the pod and on my blog (links below), so I am so happy to be able to share with you this author chat today. Make sure that you check out Wachter's website and his novel, The Twin Paradox, whose sequel Divine Paradox will be ...

12 // Thriller & Suspense // AD FREE // Elsewhere by Dean Koontz // Review

July 30, 2021 19:00 - 8 minutes - 8.18 MB

I got into reading Dean Koontz novels when my mom gave me a bunch of her Dean Koontz novels from when she was a teenager.  Since then, my love for thrillers and suspense novels has skyrocketed.  I was so excited when I actually received an ARC of Elsewhere by Dean Koontz in the mail that fateful day on January 22, 2021.  I cannot tell you how fast I rushed to read the novel and review it.  So, today I am so excited to be talking about it. --- Thank you so much to Dean Koontz, Thomas & Merc...

11 // Thriller & Fantasy // A Call for Brighter Days by Nupur Chowdhury // Review

July 29, 2021 20:00 - 10 minutes - 9.78 MB

I am so glad to have been able to read A Call for Brighter Days soon after I read the first novel in The Aeriel Chronicles, A Flight of Broken Wings.  So today, I am reviewing the fabulous sequel. --- Thank you so much to Nupur Chowdhury for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All quotes are taken from A Call for Brighter Days by Nupur Chowdhury. // Content warning: death, violence, torture, mentions of sexual assault, mature content // --- Want to ...

10 // Historical Fiction // A Corner of the Universe by Ann M. Martin // Discussion // With special guest, Mackie!

July 23, 2021 19:00 - 18 minutes - 17.5 MB

I first read A Corner of the Universe as a child for required reading.  However, recently, my friend Mackie and I decided to reread the novel and discuss it on the pod!  I was actually able to fix the audio and make Mackie's audio louder, so ignore the disclaimer at the beginning! // Content warning: suicide, implied mature content, ableism // --- Want to participate in my Q&A episode?  Fill out this Google Form (https://forms.gle/hprssCN7fymgHpRbA) or submit a voice message here (https:/...

09 // Thriller & Fantasy // A Flight of Broken Wings by Nupur Chowdhury // Review

July 15, 2021 20:26 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MB

Sorry that this was not uploaded in time for my livestream, which crashed because of my slow internet anyways so you didn't really miss anything. Since the last episode was late, here's another one for today!  Nupur Chowdhury reached out to me about reviewing her series, the Aeriel Chronicles, and of course, I was ecstatic!  Before I review the second novel in the series, A Call for Brighter Days, I obviously wanted to review the first.  Today's review is of A Flight of Broken Wings by Nupu...

08 // Science Fiction // Queen’s Peril by E. K. Johnston // ARC Review

July 15, 2021 15:02 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MB

I am a huge fan of Star Wars, and to have been able to receive E. K. Johnston's Queen's Peril before its release was amazing.  I hope you have fun hearing me gush about Padme. Thank you to Disney Lucasfilm Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this novel. --- Want to participate in my Q&A episode?  Fill out this Google Form (https://forms.gle/hprssCN7fymgHpRbA) or submit a voice message here (https://anchor.fm/maya-reviews/message). --- Read this review on my blog: https:/...

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