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Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao
Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria ChaoPublished by Viking Books for Young Readers on December 31, 2024
Age Group & Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
Representation: Taiwanese cast
Format: eBook
Source: Library
A swoony rivals-to-lovers romance . . .
Family secrets that can't stay buried . . .
A globe-spanning treasure hunt with puzzles to solve . . .This latest YA novel by acclaimed writer Gloria Chao takes readers on a soaring adventure through love, loss, and the lively streets of Taiwan.
For Gemma's whole life, it has always been her and her mom against the world. As far as she knew, all her grandparents—and thus her ties to Taiwanese culture—were dead. Until one day when a mysterious man shows up at her door with two shocking the news that her grandfather has just recently passed, and the first clue to a treasure hunt that Gemma hopes will lead to her inheritance.
There's just one major problem: to complete the hunt, she has to go to her grandfather's home in Taiwan. And the only way she can get there is by asking her ex and biggest high-school rival, Xander, for help. But after swallowing her pride, Gemma finds herself halfway across the world, ready to unearth her life-changing prize. Soon Gemma discovers that the treasure hunt is about much more than money—it's about finally learning about her family, her cultural roots, and maybe even finding true love.
Filled with ingenious puzzles, a vibrant Taipei setting, and a delicious romance, Ex Marks the Spot is an exciting adventure by award-winning writer Gloria Chao, perfect for fans of Loveboat Taipei, The Inheritance Games, and Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes.
Note: While an eARC was received in 2024, this review is based on the final copy
Ex Marks the Spot was such a fun and adventurous read that was filled with puzzles and mouthwatering food descriptions as Gemma ventures through Taiwan to solve the puzzle her recently passed grandfather left for her. I loved the cheesy jokes and wordplay (especially the title), though I personally felt the romance with Brett was unnecessary and was just there for the sake of being there. There’s a lot of focus on family, loss and reconnection (both with her family and roots), and I loved Gemma’s growth throughout the novel as she discovers her family history and how it’s connected to Xander’s family history.
Dragon Cursed by Elise Kova
Dragon Cursed by Elise KovaPublished by Entangled: Mayhem Books on January 6, 2026
Age Group & Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Format: ARC, Physical
Source: Publisher
The moment you see a dragon is usually your last…
Since the dragons emerged–along with the scourge that ravaged our lands and people–there’s only one human city that remains standing: Vingard.
But the hellfire from above is nothing compared to the threat from within. For there is no worse fate than being dragon cursed. Slowly and excruciatingly, you’ll be transformed into a mindless beast who destroys everything–and everyone–you love.
Any of us could be tainted. Any of us could be lying. Any of us could be caught and killed by the authorities.
And I’m terrified that I might be next.
There’s only one other person who might suspect my secret. He’s like my shadow, following me wherever I go. Part protector, part tormentor, fully annoying. Sometimes I think I am just one of the million unfathomable secrets he keeps hidden.
Because Lucan definitely knows something.
And if I’m dragon cursed, death might be the only mercy I get.
A copy of the book was provided for review purposes - thank you! Receiving a copy does not guarantee a positive review and therefore does not affect the opinion or content of the review.
Dragon Cursed is my first Elise Kova novel despite having her books on my radar since Air Awakens released, and it’s such a strong and well-written start to a new series. I don’t think I’ve devoured a book like Dragon Cursed since I read Immortal Consequences last year. The writing is engaging and page-turning; the pacing was perfect; the world-building was just enough that you wanted to know more and there’s a promise for more in the sequel, but not so little that it feels like it’s missing; I adored all the characters and the developing slow-burn between Isola and Lucan. I’m excited to check out Kova’s other works while waiting for the sequel to come out.
Fitting Indian by Jyoti Chand, illustrated by Tara Anand
Fitting Indian by Jyoti ChandIllustrator: Tara Anand
Published by HarperAlley on May 13, 2025
Age Group & Genres: Comics/Graphic Novels, Contemporary, Young Adult
Representation: primarily South Asian cast
Format: Physical
Source: Library
This debut teen graphic novel from social media influencer Jyoti Chand and rising star illustrator Tara Anand follows one girl’s journey navigating high school and her mental health within a traditional South Asian family. Perfect for fans of Netflix’s Never Have I Ever and Tillie Walden’s Spinning.
All Nitasha’s parents want is for her to be the perfect Indian daughter—something she is decidedly not. Everything she does seems to disappoint them, especially her mom. They just don’t get that she’ll never be like her doctor older brother. To make matters worse, she’s never quite felt like she belongs at school either, and lately, her best friend, Ava, and her crush, Henry, seem to be more interested in the rich new girl than in her.
Alcohol takes the edge off, but when that doesn’t work, Nitasha turns to cutting. She can’t stop asking herself: Will she ever be enough for her friends or her family? Or even for herself?
This authentic and powerful teen graphic novel shines a light on how harmful the stigma of mental illness is and how lifesaving a community that is honest about mental health can be.
Trigger & Content Warnings: alcohol abuse, self-harm (cutting), suicidal thoughts and attempt, slut-shaming, cyberbullying
Fitting Indian is such a deeply personal and emotional graphic novel about mental health; I almost cried reading this. I felt absolutely seen in Nitasha’s struggles as a high schooler growing up in a traditional South Asian family and in a community that often buries struggles* with depression, anxiety, etc. under the table or even shaming those who openly talk about mental health rather than encouraging discussions. I think we’ve gotten better at talking openly in recent years, but there’s still so much work to be done as there continues to be stigma around mental health, and I’m really glad works like Fitting Indian are out there that encourage healing and challenge the narrative.
*I speak of my own experiences in the Asian community as an Asian American and not the entire community.
Hannah has a penchant for chaos, which is probably how she ended up blogging since 2012. That, and she was probably too expressive for her parents to handle, so it had to go somewhere. She can be found occasionally at The Arts STL. If you’d like to fuel her boba addiction or just enjoy her posts and want to support her, stop by her KoFi or Buy Me a Coffee!