This author is rumored to be a Zionist, so until she refutes this I will not be posting about her or her books. I am going to review this for my own rThis author is rumored to be a Zionist, so until she refutes this I will not be posting about her or her books. I am going to review this for my own records.
Bridging the time between the first trilogy and the following A Court of Thorns and Roses books, Feyre, her sisters, and the family she has created are working on moving forward after the war during the winter holidays.
Look, I didn't want to read this book even when I was in my height of love for this series, which was many years ago. I'm very anti-novella/side book as a rule, as it always seems like a money grab to me. But, a new coworker lent me this book without really asking if I would want to read it, and I felt like I couldn't say no, so here we are. This honestly reminded me of the things I didn't really like about the original series. There was a good amount of cringy actions or dialogue, especially with almost all the characters speaking with almost the same exact voice. There are bits of things I like between our characters, but those things already are apparent in the other regular books in the series. I understand what the function of this was supposed to be - bridging the gap between the two eras of the series. But truthfully, this didn't need to exist. Maas could have inserted such things into the other books. There was just not enough of an actual plot function to warrant an entire novella that readers are going to go out and spend money on. If she wanted to just make this a spicy holiday episode, she could've just given us some spice and fluff, but that didn't really happen. Maas is not hurting for money. This very easily could have been a proceeds-go-to-charity book or a free ebook on her website, since it is a novella that hardly serves a function. Other authors, bigger and smaller than Maas, have done this successfully.
Overall, this reminded me of the parts I didn't like of this series and solidified my position as an in-series novella hater. ...more
3.5 stars The prequel to Legends and Lattes, this follows Viv while she is still a soldier after she has sustained a serious injury and is forced to st3.5 stars The prequel to Legends and Lattes, this follows Viv while she is still a soldier after she has sustained a serious injury and is forced to stay behind from her crew and heal in a small town. There she finds a bookstore that sorely needs help to stay afloat, but someone seems to also have found Viv.
I read this with my book club, Three of Clubs, for our quarterly theme of cosy fantasy! If you'd like to join us, our next theme is going to be historical fantasy. Link in my bio!
I haven't read Legends and Lattes yet, so this was my introduction to this world. While I do feel like you could read this before L&L or just on its own, it does feel like a prequel. The ending of this is not the same as it would have been if it was a true standalone. What did I like about this one? I really enjoyed the DND setting mixed with an everyday-feeling plot. The saving a business plot is always a cosy one I enjoy, and this one particularly being about the love of reading was fun. Satchel was by far my favorite character. I had a couple of things that made this not a favorite. First, because Viv needs to get to where she is at the beginning of L&L, she doesn't have the full arc that she would have had without it being a prequel. Second, the plot is split between the business and mystery plots, which with the length of the book, made it harder to care about either. In retrospect, it does reflect Viv's conflict in this book, but we could have had a little more time to develop both.
Overall, this was a cute and easy read, but out of the three cosy fantasies we read with the club, it was my least favorite....more
The Marte family is special. Hailing from the Dominican Republic and now living in New York, many of the women in the family have their own special poThe Marte family is special. Hailing from the Dominican Republic and now living in New York, many of the women in the family have their own special powers. When Flor, whose power is being able to see when someone is going to die, decides that she's going to hold a living wake, the whole family is forced to confront their lives.
I have been a huge fan of Acevedo since The Poet X, and have rated all her YA titles 5 stars. I was so excited for an adult title from her, especially a magical realism one. Unfortunately, I didn't feel as strongly about this one. I do encourage you to read Own Voices reviews of this book since I am not Latina, and the cultural aspects are so important to it!
What did I like about this book? Acevedo's prose is stunning as always. It's very clear she's a poet even if you weren't aware of that before reading her work. I thought the depiction of family relationships was very realistic and I liked seeing both sides of either relationship, how the characters perceived each other. I also liked how Spanish was incorporated throughout the dialogue and narrations without explanations, even as a person who doesn't speak a word of it. It's more true to what these characters would actually be saying and thinking. What did I not like as much? The cast of characters that we follow was just one the side of too many. Possibly because there was so many, I didn't feel that these characters felt as pop-off-the-page-real as her YA protagonists. The way that s*xual and bodily subjects were talked about was not to my personal taste. I also didn't understand the offset paragraphs - they're supposed to be part of the anthropologic report that is being put together but they didn't feel consistent. It would happen when there's a flashback or aside to something else, but then sometimes the flashback would continue on into the non-offset paragraphs below. Even though I normally like an ensemble piece, I was left wanting more from this one. I can understand that it accomplished certain themes, but I just left wanting more, and not in the good way.
Overall, this book wasn't for me. I could understand how others, especially those who share identities with the characters, could really appreciate this one, but I was left a little lost. ...more
n the 2050's, Earth's toxicity has caused most of those who can afford it to go off-planet. We follow a plethora of voices of those who are on-planet n the 2050's, Earth's toxicity has caused most of those who can afford it to go off-planet. We follow a plethora of voices of those who are on-planet and their struggles to survive, make life, and make happiness in a quiet apocalypse, especially as some from off-planet are coming back to gentrify the planet.
I read this for my 12 friends, 12 books, 12 recommendations challenge of 2023. I had listened to Riot Baby before, but absorbed so little of it that I was nervous going into this one. This is definitely one that takes a lot of brain power, but I did gather more from this one than Riot Baby. Little caveat: this is biblically inspired, and my knowledge of the Bible is rudimentary at best. Any indirect references went straight over my head.
This book was a lot. There were so many perspectives and characters, nearly too many to keep track of. Some narratives made more sense to me than others. My favorite by far was about the prison takeover - it was IMO the most powerful but also the one I could follow the easiest, since it was told in a condensed way instead of how the other stories were formatted to cut between one another. Those intercut chapters each made sense individually, but I definitely struggled to keep any continuing plots straight. One thing that might be controversial is I loved the subtle worldbuilding - Clark tells you nothing outright and only introduces new concepts when it would be natural for the characters, who are already used to this world, to mention them. There were so many themes that were tackled, and in well-done ways: climate justice, gentrification and white flight, the destructive cycle of poverty, the continuous and nonlinear fight for justice, searching for hope and life during desolate times. The themes of this book will stick with me, but I don't think that the plot or characters will. I personally would've liked a little bit more of an overarching plot, but I think the author did what he set out to do.
Overall, this is one of those books that I appreciate more than I enjoyed. While the themes are important for all to read, the unique formatting will isolate a lot of readers, including this one....more
Following the events of The Inadequate Heir, our protagonists have been forced apart again. Zarrah has been banished by her aunt the Empress to an islFollowing the events of The Inadequate Heir, our protagonists have been forced apart again. Zarrah has been banished by her aunt the Empress to an island where the nation's worst prisoners are left for life, gangs and starvation and cannibalism and all. Meanwhile, Keris has been crowned King of Maridrina and is struggling to keep his country safe, especially when his personal desires get in the way of being a good king.
Unfortunately, this is my least favorite Bridge Kingdom book. Even though Keris and Zarrah are just as good as Lara and Aren, the fantasy plot of this middle duology is just not as strong. Let's talk about what I liked first. I really do love the relationship between these two. Both of them break away from the cookie cutter mold of a lot of fantasy romance protagonists. The intimate scenes were great, and there was a reasonable amount considering the dire circumstances of the plot. I thought the use of a flashback for one of these scenes was a good way to show the relationship while also keeping the characters in their respective settings. I love how ride or die Keris is compared to Zarrah not knowing who to trust, which plays into the great gaslighting character arc she goes through in this book. I loved how Jensen shows how a parental figure can manipulate one's worldview. I also liked the plot of the second half and wish that was a larger portion of the book. The resolution of these two feels like it has a bow on it, but a bow that actually is for the best of the fantasy world. Now what I didn't like. The first half of this book is all about the prisoner island plot, and while I've praised Jensen's settings before, this one didn't do it for me at all. I was so bored and just wanted it to be over already! That half felt out of place compared to the rest of the series and was also very predictable. The other thing I disliked was a certain development with Lara. It felt as if now that Lara isn't the main character, Jensen is putting her out to pasture. Yeah, sure, it's realistic, but it felt icky.
Overall, I still had fun with this relationship and the continuation of this fantasy world, but I thought that this was noticeably the weakest book in the series so far....more
An isolated Anishnaabe community is left in the dark once an unknown apocalyptic event forces them to rely only on nature as winter is already encroacAn isolated Anishnaabe community is left in the dark once an unknown apocalyptic event forces them to rely only on nature as winter is already encroaching.
This is a short book, so not much could happen, but not much does happen even in the few pages it does have. One thing I really liked was the interactions between Evan and his family, which were remarkably heartwarming for such an otherwise bleak book. The depiction of fear and quiet panic felt very realistic for the disaster the community is in. The outsiders coming to the community is a great metaphor for how colonialism has negatively impacted Native communities. However, the slow pace and low plot made it so this book would not stand out to me. I was expecting more of a conclusion and was left wanting.
Overall, this is a good quiet apocalyptic book, but it will have little staying power in my mind....more
At a Halloween party for the teenagers of a small English town, a girl known to cry wolf claims to have witnessed a murder years ago. By the time the At a Halloween party for the teenagers of a small English town, a girl known to cry wolf claims to have witnessed a murder years ago. By the time the party is over, she's dead, and Hercule Poirot's on the case.
I listened to this in anticipation of the Poirot movie coming this year that's very loosely based on this book. It's been so long since I've read a Christie that I forgot how much fun they can be - or maybe I actually just had more fun with this one than others previously because I actually went through the process of trying to solve the mystery.
I don't think this is her most surprising or engaging mystery, but what stood out about this book to me was my experience of analyzing the book for clues rather than just sitting back for the ride. I love Poirot as a character. The cast was interesting, though I may have asked for a few more adult suspects just for a couple more red herrings (though who am I to ask of the queen of mystery?). The book was plotted well, with reveals at good intervals. The tone of the climax was definitely out of left field, and I'm not sure if that's a bad or good thing. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook for this and thought the narrator did a really great job. While I got really close to solving the murder, because I listened to the audio and couldn't cross reference things in the past, I mistakenly thought one character was two different unrelated people (this was not a reveal; it's always known that this is one character), which was the missing piece I needed.
Overall, I had a blast solving the mystery and talking to my dad about how we did. Can't wait to watch the movie and see where the inspiration comes from. I also can't wait to read another Christie soon because it's been too long!...more
A memoir of Savannah, Georgia in the 90's, our author encounters a wide diaspora of characters that encapsulate the uniqueness of the city - from a coA memoir of Savannah, Georgia in the 90's, our author encounters a wide diaspora of characters that encapsulate the uniqueness of the city - from a con man/perpetual partier, to a trans drag queen, to a new-money real estate developer turned potential murderer.
My dad recommended I read this as I was going to Savannah, and then I didn't end up reading it until I had already been to Savannah a second time. Sorry Dad!
This book's hard to pin down. It's nonfiction, but it's not a memoir, it's not a history, it's not *really* true crime because that isn't introduced for a while. It's just vibes about Savannah and the people who inhabit it. The narrative style is really impressive, as it feels like it's fiction. Each chapter will have a different focus, on a person or an event. Together, it makes this tapestry of Savannah of the time. I thought that this could have been pared down a little bit, but regardless it definitely succeeds in what it sets out to do.
Overall, this was a solid narrative nonfiction that I think anyone who's been to Savannah would appreciate....more
Sophie feels trapped in her role as the oldest sister, resigning herself to working in her family's hat shop instead of creating her own adventures. WSophie feels trapped in her role as the oldest sister, resigning herself to working in her family's hat shop instead of creating her own adventures. When a witch curses her after she accidentally magically imbues a hat, Sophie is turned into an old woman and is determined to break the curse in the only way she knows how - the help of the infamous Wizard Howl.
I read this with my book club, Three of Clubs, for our quarter of reading cosy fantasy books. If you would like to join us for this quarter or others, where we read a different theme each time, click the link in my bio! Our December 2023 read is Bookshops and Bonedust.
I had not watched the Ghibli movie before reading this, so a lot of the plot of this was a total surprise for me. I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading this. I loved the fairytale-like way this was written, combined with Princess Bride-like wit. I loved the banter between the characters, the arcs that they have, and especially the style of the magic system. There were elements that surprised me and also twists I saw coming, But mostly I just had a blast and a smile on my face while reading this. 2023 is the year of the wholesome book for me - maybe I should be picking up more middle grade?
Overall, this was such a treat. Definitely worth the read for those who have and haven't watched the film....more
A single Black woman in 1915, Adelaide Henry flees California and the bodies of her parents with little but a suspiciously heavy trunk she can't part A single Black woman in 1915, Adelaide Henry flees California and the bodies of her parents with little but a suspiciously heavy trunk she can't part from. She is off to Montana, where even people in her position can be allowed to have their own land - however desolate it may be.
The strongest suit of this book is its setting and atmosphere. The reader can feel the wide-open sky over the barren landscape that the characters inhabit. The setting and the main character are unique within the genre, which was interesting to read about. I liked Adelaide (and what's in her trunk) for the most part. The feminist themes were good and well-written. I just wanted more from this book - I felt like not a lot happened. I would consider this a "quiet" horror, which wasn't necessarily what I was looking for throughout the entirety of the book.
Overall, nothing wrong happened in this book, but I wanted more from the plot and horror despite the unique setting and main character. ...more
Every single one of the Cunninghams has killed someone - or they will have, by the time this book is over. Told by the family's black sheep and lover Every single one of the Cunninghams has killed someone - or they will have, by the time this book is over. Told by the family's black sheep and lover of classic detective novels, Ernie is the reader's "extremely reliable narrator", describing the events of the family's doomed reunion at an isolated ski resort.
This is a book for fans of detective stories, like Poirot. The book sets out to strictly adhere to the rules of a detective story - the detective must not hide anything from the reader, no twins unless established early, the killer must be someone we know - and makes sure the reader doesn't forget it. I think this was the funnest part of the book, as Ernie breaks the fourth wall and talks to us both as a character in the story but also as the author of it. For example, he references the fact that you can skip to see the titles of chapters you haven't read yet. It's specifically going against the "unreliable narrator" that's so common in today's mystery/thrillers. Also, I liked the audiobook narration (Aussie accents!) and that the text is changed to reflect that Ernie knows you're reading the audiobook. However, this book doesn't quite get to the level of cleverness of the books that it's emulating. The first half of the book and its plot were stronger than the first, as we're learning more about the cast of characters and the crimes committed. I really liked learning the backstories of everyone, but the further we went, the muddier I was on who did what, etc. The ending as well did not feel as satisfying as I would've liked. For a book that is all about mysteries, I think that the mystery was the weakest point of it all. I would be interested to pick up future titles in this series, but only after seeing reviews of if they improve on this first installment.
Overall, this was a good book with a fun gimmick, but didn't live up to the mysteries it is attempting to emulate....more
The definitive introductory text to Palestine, Khalidi goes through 100 years of history to show the unending state of war the Palestinian people haveThe definitive introductory text to Palestine, Khalidi goes through 100 years of history to show the unending state of war the Palestinian people have been in.
I decided to read this given current world events, as I was not educated in the least on the subject. This gave me so much more context as to what Palestine has been through, how the whole "conflict" is rooted in hatred and genocide, and how even someone such as myself who thought they didn't know anything about the subject had been fed propoganda about Israel and their allies by being raised in the US. I listened to the audiobook of this, and while it was well-narrated, I don't recommend reading in that form. I think I would've comprehended much more if I would've read this physically and had the chance to cross-reference while reading.
Overall, this was a very valuable read that I would recommend to others wanting to educated themselves.
*I do not rate nonfiction because I don't read a lot of it! ...more
Witches exist among us, but in secret and separated from one another for fear of being discovered or their magic getting out of control. Mika4.5 stars
Witches exist among us, but in secret and separated from one another for fear of being discovered or their magic getting out of control. Mika Moon loves her magic but has only found profound loneliness in being a witch; so, she has a YouTube channel where she pretends she's pretending to be a witch as an outlet. When a group of caretakers of three young witches reaches out to her asking for her to teach them to use her magic, Mika wonders if this is the chance to finally fit in somewhere.
I read this with my book club, Three of Clubs, for our hand of reading three cosy fantasy books. I'm so glad we chose this theme! If you'd like to join us, we're reading Howl's Moving Castle (and watching the movie) in November and Bookshops & Bonedust in December. The link to join us is in my bio!
There was so much to love here, especially since it's been so long since I picked up a book that was intended to make the reader happy! (What does that say about me lol??) Mika was a great character to follow between her internal monologue and her magic and her journey. The magic is so cute and cottagecore but also shows how magic can be dangerous. I found myself actually laughing out loud at several portions of this; sometimes British humor doesn't translate onto the page for an American audience but I thought this did very well. The found family was adorable, especially the kids (the way they were named is adorable) and their relationships. The themes of learning to love oneself and accepting love from others was very sweet and healing. However, when the characters start talking about serious subjects like that, the dialogue becomes a little less realistic and a little more therapy-talk. I also wish I was more sold on the romance subplot; maybe more could have been done in the front half to establish their dynamic.
Overall, the word to describe this book is "pleasant" - it's like cuddling up with a warm blanket. It wasn't without small flaws, but this made me so happy to read. Can't wait for the companion novel(s)!...more
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
Niamh has the ability to stitch emotions intThank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
Niamh has the ability to stitch emotions into the clothes that she makes, and while she loves her job, using her magic is slowly killing her. Her enchantments catch the eye of the prince regent of Avaland - the country that starved her native Machland - and he hires her to make the wardrobe for his black sheep brother's wedding.
This book was sweet. This is the simple, cute, YA regency romantasy that it advertises itself to be. I had a good time and there was a lot of different things that I liked, but I think that more could have been expanded upon. My favorite thing was how there was a consistent central focus on the Irish (Machlish) fight for freedom. Niamh is always having to deal with the fact that she is Machlish, and that othering doesn't go away. I liked those conversations. I liked the friendship group and how the characters interacted with one another. I thought the magic system was good, and I would have liked to see even more of the repercussions/uses of the magic. The regency setting was good and lightly permeated the whole book; I could've used even more of it. Both of the plot twists I saw coming from the first 50 pages or so. I also thought that the "spice" could have been pared back just a bit given that this is YA. It was just on the border of what I would have considered okay in YA.
Overall, this book is exactly what it says on the tin, and you can't fault it for that. I would have liked more of an expansion on the world, but I thought the characters were fun together....more
Malachi Constant is the richest man in the world. Winston Niles Rumfoord is another rich man who funded his own space travel, which accidentally endedMalachi Constant is the richest man in the world. Winston Niles Rumfoord is another rich man who funded his own space travel, which accidentally ended in his (and his dog's) conciousness being spread out from the Sun to Betelgeuse, appearing and disappearing at random intervals to any place in between. When Rumfoord summons Malachi to his mansion, he informs him of his future: Malachi will marry Rumfoord's wife and he will live on Titan - but he's got a few planets to visit first.
This is my third Vonnegut, the first two being his most popular books (Slaughterhouse-five and Cat's Cradle) and are favorites of mine. As expected with Vonnegut, this is very strange, sarcastic, satirical science fiction with lots of weird happenings mixed with actual philosophy. I was curious enough of what was to happen next that I got through this very quickly. There were several funny moments that got a laugh out of me. This book is mostly about free will (or the lack thereof) and people finding their purpose. I quite liked the themes, and there were a few explorations into them that made me think, but I wasn't in love with the plot of the book. There were some sections that were duller or could have been shorter. Also, I wanted more connection to these characters and their relationships, no matter how ridiculous they are.
Overall, this didn't have the most amazing plot, but I liked the themes, that "A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved."...more
Knowing someone truly, knowing their true name, is power over them. A secret society teaches its students the powers of coersion - by studying the undKnowing someone truly, knowing their true name, is power over them. A secret society teaches its students the powers of coersion - by studying the underlying nature of language and human personality, these acolytes called poets can influence anyone to do their will. Emily is a new recruit found off the streets who is constantly pushing at the society's strict rules, only surviving because of her innate skills. Meanwhile, Will has nothing to do with the poets when he's sucked into their violent world as they claim he cannot be influenced and may be the key to ending a massacre.
Sometimes you read the beginning of a bookand you think to yourself, this is going to be a new favorite. And sometimes that instinct is wrong because the book stops being as exciting... ah well.
There were so many cool ideas going on here. Any sort of language-based magic system (or really any story that focuses on language) is immediately up my alley. I loved the ancient concept of a "true name" being weaponized, and it was interestingly intersected with modern data brokering and the dangerous ways we share ourselves online. I loved how immediately we were thrown into the danger - right off the bat we're in an action thriller where bodies are dropping fast. However, the longer the book went on, the more the intrigue and action tapered off. I would've liked more development from the magic system as the book went on; it felt like once we were told the basics, it wasn't expanded on. Then, compared to the book opening with someone forcibly getting a needle into their eye and then a shootout on a tarmac, just having a desert road trip wasn't nearly as engaging. There was also a major plot twist that was obvious from very early on in the book (if that was supposed to be dramatic irony, I take it back, but I didn't get that vibe). So from having a fantastic opener to a much slower end, this evened out to a middle of the road book. Also, what freaking genre do you categorize this as lol.
Overall, this had an explosive start that tapered out to something that was more predictable and less interesting. If you're really into language-themed books, this may still be worth a try....more
I don't really read a lot of graphic novels, but I love greek mythology so this was fun! The art style was beautiful and while it took a minute to groI don't really read a lot of graphic novels, but I love greek mythology so this was fun! The art style was beautiful and while it took a minute to grow on me, the humor did have me laughing by the end. Curious to see how the series handles more serious subject matter introduced at the end of this....more
Alicia has a seemingly perfect life, a painter married to a fashion photographer. But one night, she shoots her husband five times in the face - and tAlicia has a seemingly perfect life, a painter married to a fashion photographer. But one night, she shoots her husband five times in the face - and then she never speaks again. That simple fact turns an every day domestic crime into a case that fascinates the nation. Theo is a psychiatrist, disturbed by his wife's infidelity, and he's determined to get close to Alicia.
Look, I spoiled myself for this book years ago. I thought I had forgotten what the spoiler was when I saw the library had this on audio without a wait. Then, after starting this, I immediately solved it, so I definitley remembered the spoiler. It appeared very obvious to me from the format of the book. I feel like this book entirely hinges upon the twist. I feel like I can't rate this book because of this whole mess.
Things that I can say - I enjoyed the prose. I liked how Alicia's paintings were described. I liked the aspect of not knowing who to trust and how everyone's lying to each other. The audio narration was good and kept me engaged.
Overall, I think this book entirely hinges on the twist, which I was spoiled for. I'm sitting out on rating this one....more
The small mountain town of Cutter's Pass has been dubbed as North Carolina's deadliest town. In 30 years, 6 people have gone missing and presumed deadThe small mountain town of Cutter's Pass has been dubbed as North Carolina's deadliest town. In 30 years, 6 people have gone missing and presumed dead. Abigail Lovett arrived here ten years ago and loves her job working at a mountain resort, despite still being considered by the townspeople as an outsider. When the brother of the most recently disappeared person stays at the resort, Abigail is finally sucked into the town's best kept secret.
I listened to this in its entirety on a drive down from the very mountains that this book is written about, which was a fun addition to the vibes of this story. It's really cool that now that Miranda has moved to NC, her books since the move have been set here. I don't read a lot of this style of mystery/thriller, but this is exactly what you expect from this premise. We've got an outsider main character who is trying to get in with the larger cast of locals to the small town, multiple interlinking disappearances that nobody wants to talk about, a secret investigation into the disappearances with lots of clues, etc. This was engaging in its pacing and keeps the reader theorizing. I definitely guessed some things correctly, but not everything. The answers made sense and were foreshadowed enough to not be out of the blue. I thought that the main character could have been more fleshed out, she felt more like a vessel than a person.
Overall, this is a solid small town mystery that hits every beat you expect it to. It doesn't do anything wrong, but it doesn't necessarily stand out....more
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