I originally picked up Red Queen because of the comparisons to Powerless, but revisiting it reminded me just how much there is to appreciate. From the fascinating divide between Reds and Silvers to the political intrigue and memorable twists, Victoria Aveyard crafts an engaging YA fantasy that's easy to get swept up in. While it didn't become an all-time favorite, it was a thoroughly entertaining four-coffee read.

When I finished Powerless, I discovered that Red Queen was one of the books readers were comparing it to. Curious, I picked it up for myself and ended up with pages of notes. From hidden identities and divided societies to palace politics and rebellions, the similarities were impossible to ignore. But do they tell the same story? That's where things get interesting.

Better Than the Movies has all the makings of a perfect rom-com, but it didn’t quite land for me. While the movie references and Wes had their moments, the lack of character growth, frustrating choices, and excessive language pulled me out of the story. I wanted to love this one—but it felt more like decaf than the real thing.