It took me a long time to finish this book because my baby celebrated his first bday recently and I’ve been very busy with hardly a minute to spend onIt took me a long time to finish this book because my baby celebrated his first bday recently and I’ve been very busy with hardly a minute to spend on reading. But I finally got to binge it and turns out, it’s such a sweet and heartwarming tale and I can totally see why every one of my blogger friends has adored it.
While the world building as a whole isn’t much of a concern here, the setting of the magical zoo is delightfully presented, introducing us to each of the amazing fantastical creatures and their lovely caretakers, the ecosystem of the world concerning these animals and the beautiful camaraderie between everyone working in the zoo. The ever anxious introvert Aila, supportive bff Tanya, maybe comes off as bitchy but is secretly softhearted Luciana, the gorgeous but mysterious Connor - and ofcourse the phoenixes and griffins and kelpies and more - all make for a great team to follow along on their daily adventures involving budgeting to feeding to answering stupid questions and even fighting off smugglers.
It’s a delightfully cozy story of the bond between humans and animals and sweet tale of the beauty of friendship. I also really enjoyed the audiobook narrated by Stephanie Bentley. Definitely recommend. ...more
Megan Bannen’s debut was a book I picked up unexpectedly and had a good time of, so I was much more excited to read this sophomore novel set in the saMegan Bannen’s debut was a book I picked up unexpectedly and had a good time of, so I was much more excited to read this sophomore novel set in the same universe. Promise me dragons and a romance between middle aged characters and I was all here for it.
This book is slow paced and can get repetitive at times coz we are only following the POV of Twyla, but listening to the very sweetly narrated audiobook by Nicol Zanzarella was a quite fun experience. I really empathized with Twyla’s feelings about her marriage and kids, her dissatisfaction at not being appreciated enough, but also unable to set any boundaries because she does adore her children and grandkids. Frank on the other hand is a great friend of hers and I loved their relationship with each other, though I did wish that the realization of Twyla’s feelings for Frank had happened in a much more calmer way than like a train wreck. But this is still a well done story of my favorite trope - best friends to lovers - and I enjoyed this journey.
The supporting cast was also quite fun, especially Pen with his own relationship woes and little quips all the time. Quill was a charming guy who left an impression, though he could be thick headed at times, and I don’t think I would have minded if Twyla ended up with him either. Ofcourse the highlight for me has to be Mary Elizabeth - just so adorable and cute - pls don’t ask me more, coz you need to read the book to see her shenanigans, but I did wish she had more page time.
Overall this is a fun novel, with the right amount of cozy and angst, lovable characters (and other adorable creatures) and a bad guy I absolutely did not see coming from any angle. The epilogue was also too cute and I enjoyed finishing the book on a high note, with the right amount of warm and fuzzy feelings. Can’t wait to see if we’ll get more books set in this world. ...more
It’s so much easier for me to devote time to novellas these days coz I can get the satisfaction of finishing something quicker, so naturally I had to It’s so much easier for me to devote time to novellas these days coz I can get the satisfaction of finishing something quicker, so naturally I had to read/listen to this one. It’s a well narrated audiobook, though it did take me a bit to get used to the accent.
This is a very typical old school dragon fantasy tale where the dragons have hoards, knights participate in tourneys and also become dragon hunters when called upon, with all the magic being the domain of the mages. The narrative follows our MC Sir Madileh across two timelines, mainly her quest to defeat an infamous dragon and acquire a very mythical blade. It’s fun and entertaining, with a gobsmacking twist I didn’t see coming. The story is also interspersed with older tales of knights and their encounters with dragons, and I found this part very interesting because these tales were the only world building we get here.
This book is quick and short and while maybe it could have been better if we got to know the world better or the characters were more fleshed out, it’s still pretty contained and enjoyable. It was only after I finished reading did I realize that there’s another book in this series. It releases this year, so maybe I will check it out. ...more
I’m usually not a personal essay reader, so I frankly don’t know what I was thinking requesting an arc of this. While there werMore of a 3.5 I guess.
I’m usually not a personal essay reader, so I frankly don’t know what I was thinking requesting an arc of this. While there were some essays about her personal loss and love and motherhood which were interesting, the rest of them felt just very unrelatable to me. The overarching message the author probably wants to convey also didn’t really get to me. So maybe this was just a disconnect between the subject matter and me as a reader. But I did listen to the audiobook and the author is a very engaging narrator, who made the listening experience quite fun. ...more
Another fun outing in the Singing Hills cycle and this time our favorite cleric Chih is escorting a new bride along with her family to her husband’s eAnother fun outing in the Singing Hills cycle and this time our favorite cleric Chih is escorting a new bride along with her family to her husband’s estate. Right from the beginning, there is a sense of foreboding, lots of secrets and whispers, and adding to the suspense is the issue of Chih being forgetful and maybe bewitched, missing their familiar Almost Brilliant a lot, and finding themself too attached to a teapot.
I usually like when stories are narrated to or by Chih in this series but I felt that element was missing here, except just a few glimpses of the past. So while this may not be a favorite of the series for me, it was still a fun read, albeit definitely darker than the rest of the series. Definitely looking forward to more adventures of the delightful duo. ...more
I’ve probably only read a couple of translated works by Anton Hur but I’ve followed him for a while now and know how much of a strong voice he is for I’ve probably only read a couple of translated works by Anton Hur but I’ve followed him for a while now and know how much of a strong voice he is for the translator community, so I was very excited for this debut novel. And it’s one of those rare occasions where I went into it not knowing anything, and I would recommend anyone do the same.
This book turned out to be an experience I feel unqualified to review. It may be a thrilling sci-fi dystopian adventure showing us the high technological advancements our world is hurtling towards, but more importantly it’s a treatise on what it means to be human, what it means to be an artist, what immortality does to humanity when there is no death, is anything more immortal than works of art and poetry that transcend time and lives, the impact of language and memory and art and poetry on the evolution of human consciousness when mortal flesh and blood gets replaced with technology- this book is full of thought provoking questions and pondering with no easy answers, but as it came to that stunning end, I was left tearing up while listening to the audiobook in the gym.
The writing is sublime, the journal entry format across time and generations and species a very unique way of making us feel for every pov we read through, and a full cast audiobook that makes for a truly immersive experience. And wow that end, the moment the relevance of the title hit me in the face - I’m still thinking about it days after. What a marvel of a book..!! ...more
I really enjoyed this author’s debut The Deep Sky, so I was very excited to get to this sophomore novel. And it makes me so happy that I probably enjoI really enjoyed this author’s debut The Deep Sky, so I was very excited to get to this sophomore novel. And it makes me so happy that I probably enjoyed this one even more than the previous one.
This is technically a space opera heist novel with species level stakes, galaxy spanning adventures, diverse groups of species inhabiting the universe and in some form of contact, and seemingly accessible space travel options - but ultimately it’s a story of friendship, even as unlikely as between different species with all its misgivings and misunderstandings and a hope for more; this is a found family story about what it means to be human, the perils of colonization even when we justify it as for the greater good, the struggle of survival while also trying stick to one’s moral principles, and amidst it all just forging bonds with each other that will last lifetimes. It is both expansive and intimate, with tense thrilling moments interspersed with quiet joyful and humorous ones; violence and gore marred by the realization that while it may be necessary, it’s never without cost; and ultimately about the hubris of advanced species who think they know better for everyone.
I have to say, I loved listening to the audiobook. Katherine Chin is amazing as always, but here she takes it a notch above with her various voices for the different characters and species, making it a truly remarkable experience. Highly recommend the format and the book, especially if you are a fan of thrilling space operas with an intimate touch. ...more
I’m not sure I can review this. Skimmed a lot of it coz I wasn’t able to understand what was happening, though the author was trying to do something iI’m not sure I can review this. Skimmed a lot of it coz I wasn’t able to understand what was happening, though the author was trying to do something interesting.. maybe this kind of speculative fiction isn’t for me. ...more
I remember buying the debut novel by the author but never getting to it coz it’s my usual shtick now. I did find mysI don’t know if it’s a 3.5 or a 4.
I remember buying the debut novel by the author but never getting to it coz it’s my usual shtick now. I did find myself gravitating towards Faebound a lot though, maybe coz of its gorgeous cover. And while I did manage to snag the eARC at the last minute, I waited to get the audiobook after release and it was definitely the best idea.
I was wondering how a Black author would create a world with fae and elves and I have to say, I really enjoyed the origin stories of the creation of the fantasy races in this book, along with their own magical abilities, giving it a very distinct feel. I feel like I can’t comment realistically on the pacing of the story coz I listened to the audiobook which was very good, and I took a long time with it coz I just don’t have enough free time in the day anymore. The plot though is much more character focused, with lots of bonding between characters, getting to know each other, building and breaking of friendships, love stories and more.
Firstly though it’s a story of two sisters. Yeeran the older one, a colonel in the army who gets exiled for insubordination and Lettle, a seer, who won’t just let her sister leave without following her on this new journey. They are followed by their friend Rayan, who is loyal to Yeeran and also feels a bit guilty about her exile. I loved how the two sisters are very dissimilar from each other, have different viewpoints in life and almost opposing desires, and despite their issues with each other, their loyalty is unquestionable. Even though Yeeran is the warrior, she is the one who is more trusting among them while Lettle is a bit more cynical and realistic about the world and people around them.
We also have a very interesting supporting cast in Rayan, the mysterious Komi, the fae royals Furi and Nerad, and the animal companions in Pila, Amnan and more. I especially liked the prickly, electric dynamic between Yeeran and Furi that starts with them being deadly enemies but morphs into so much more. The bonding with the obeah is also a fun aspect of the story and all moments between Yeeran and Pila were a delight.
I’ll be honest, though there’s some action at the beginning of the story and some revelations and betrayals towards the end, most of this book feels almost like a slice of life story, with some conflicts in between. It’s very focused on the various relationship dynamics and if that’s the kind of story you enjoy, this book will be for you. I think I definitely enjoyed it more because of the lovely narration by Bahni Turpin. I had also wrongly assumed that this was a standalone but now that I know it’s not, I guess whether I continue it will totally depend on my mood around the time of the sequel’s release. ...more
After really having a great time with The Surviving Sky last year, I was very muchCW: pregnancy, miscarriage
I’m hedging between a 4 and 4.5 for now.
After really having a great time with The Surviving Sky last year, I was very much looking forward to this sequel and I’m so glad to report that this is a great sophomore book from the author.
Kritika does a wonderful job expanding on the already very interesting world and magic system that she created in the first book - taking us through the highs and lows and all the possibilities of ecstatic trajection through Iravan’s pov; the history of the various ashrams, their relationships and interdependencies with each other, the power structures and hierarchy within the conclave and how non architects lives get out on the line again and again, all of it through Ahilya’s pov. I like the idea of us readers learning more through the eyes of our characters, though it meant that this book can feel both thrilling and slow paced alternately.
Both our main characters felt much more fleshed out this time, with each focusing on their duties and trying to protect those they care for. While their own relationship takes a backseat and Ahilya is struggling with her pregnancy, they both try their best to change the course of their world, but their lofty and idealistic ambitions get waylaid both by politics and cosmic creatures hellbent on destruction. It felt like an interesting change of pace in their interactions, because they were bickering less than book 1, but their individual purposes which don’t always align are also taking a toll on their relationship, which was all fascinating to read about.
However, it’s the final few chapters that have me completely shocked. While now it seems quite plausible, I didn’t see the ending coming and I feel like the finale will be more explosive - not due to the earthrages and cosmic creatures, but due to Iravan and Ahilya. I can’t wait…!!!
I did want to mention that I listened to the audiobook again and while I still felt the narrators did a wonderful job, there were many instances where the dialogues of the supporting characters were almost like whispers, making it very difficult to hear and understand. No issues when narrating the dialogues of the main characters. ...more
Like many readers, particularly ones active on booktwitter or booktok, Legends and Lattes was a favorite of mine last year. So, I was obviously prettyLike many readers, particularly ones active on booktwitter or booktok, Legends and Lattes was a favorite of mine last year. So, I was obviously pretty excited when I got to know that the author was writing this prequel. I know my review doesn’t matter coz this book is an NYT bestseller currently, so I’ll just keep my thoughts short.
The writing is easy breezy just like the first and I had a good time just soaring through it quickly. I also picked up the audiobook and while I know that the author is a very famous audio narrator, this was my first experience with him and I have to say I can see why he is popular. His storytelling and narrative voice is very cozy and charming, even when trouble is lurking around in the corner - the side effect of which is that the stakes never feel too high.
We know there’s a necromancer who might be dangerous but it feels like a threat in the background. Because all we keep reading and enjoying is the budding friendships and dynamic between Fern, Gallina, Maylee, Satchel and Viv. Every one of them has their own unique kind of equation with each other and it’s a delight to see how they all come to trust the others. The setup of trying to save Fern’s bookstore after Viv discovers the joy of reading is also wonderfully written. It’s only the relationship between Viv and Maylee that isn’t exactly satisfactory coz we know how Viv’s actual romantic life goes from Legends and Lattes, so this is only a temporary fling with an end point.
Overall, I liked this book and it brought a smile to my face. But I guess it felt a bit similar to and not as fresh and novel as the first book felt. I would still recommend it, especially the charming audiobook and would love to see what the author writes next....more
I’ve been eager to read this third installment of the Regency Faerie Tales since I got a copy last year but it jAnother 4.5 read this month, yay !!!!
I’ve been eager to read this third installment of the Regency Faerie Tales since I got a copy last year but it just never worked out. But I definitely needed something sweet to get through my troubles this month and this book turned out to be the perfect medication.
The writing is as charming, witty, whimsical and lovely as the first two books and I was instantly delighted to be back in this world. It was also nice to be back in this world among familiar characters, because this is kind of a direct sequel to Half A Soul. Abigail is the adopted daughter of Elias and Dora and their relationship is one of the sweetest in the book, along with Abby’s dynamic with Hugh, her cool ghost brother. It’s just such an endearing family and I loved following their quest to solve murders involving the ton in this book. Abby is ably assisted by Mercy who is as mysterious as her shadow magic and while they both start off as adversaries, the development of their love story absolutely adorable.
While family and love are the core of this book, I also liked how the author tackled important themes without them overwhelming the cozy tone of the story. We see the kind of classist and snobby behavior the ton exhibits and how Abby has to lie or trick her way through conversations even when she is investigating murders among their own. The other theme that is quite deeply explored is the idea of death and while it’s true that it’s inevitable for everyone, it doesn’t mean that it’s wrong for a person to want to fight to live, or even want to remain a ghost without moving on from their loved ones. The author integrates these ideas through character development and I thought it was masterfully done.
Overall, this was a delightful read and something that made me very happy. While the first two books of the trilogy can work as standalones, you’ll enjoy this book more if you’ve read both of them. If you are in the mood for a regency sapphic romance, some delightful family moments, as well as some cool magical and ghostly sleuthing, do pick up this book and I promise you will not be disappointed. ...more
A Holmesian mystery is always fun, make it sapphic and adorable and sci-fi and what more can I ask for.
Pleiti and Mossa are back with another missingA Holmesian mystery is always fun, make it sapphic and adorable and sci-fi and what more can I ask for.
Pleiti and Mossa are back with another missing person case in this sequel novella and I loved being back on this gas giant of Jupiter. We get some more world building, a look into inner workings of the university, the living situation on the moon and the conflicts among the people, and also the aspirations and desires of the residents other than the idea of returning to earth.
While the mystery itself is a small part of the story and solved quite easily, it’s the slightly prickly and uncertain but also adorable relationship of Pleiti and Mossa that I found to be the highlight. We only get Pleiti’s POV and she is sometimes unsure of whether Mossa cares enough but then she says something appreciative and Pleiti is a goner. It’s frankly very lovely to follow along, though I would love to know what Mossa is feeling too.
Overall I had fun listening to the audiobook and I definitely hope the series continues. ...more
I mean did decide to buy this novella because it had some great reviews. But I really wasn’t expecting to love it so muPossibly more of a 4.5 though.
I mean did decide to buy this novella because it had some great reviews. But I really wasn’t expecting to love it so much instantly.
Turns out, it’s another wonderful example of what cozy fantasy is all about. The writing is evocative and charming, even though we are following our MC, who is an intern at a corporate wizarding call center, and is completely drained by the bureaucratic/ capitalistic nightmare that is her job. The story is told in second person and we don’t even get to know our protagonist’s name till almost the end but that doesn’t matter because one phone call changes the trajectory of their life and we are hooked. Then we get a delightful story of found family, love, possession, a demon prince from Hell and possibly some unexpected deal making - but who cares because I found myself swept away in the tenderness of the bonds that develop, and the kindness and compassion that our protagonist exemplifies in a world that probably doesn’t reward them for these qualities.
Overall, this maybe a completely different world and writing style, but this little novella gave me the same joy I have felt while reading the exploits of Murderbot. So if you want to read an unexpectedly sweet little novella about love and hope, in a possibly bleak world, go for it. I promise you won’t be disappointed. ...more
How could I stop myself from reading this lovely novella..?? I know there’s still time for the release but I just needed a bit of familiarity and beinHow could I stop myself from reading this lovely novella..?? I know there’s still time for the release but I just needed a bit of familiarity and being back in the world of Singing Hills was a joy and I’m so glad I got the arc of this book.
Our favorite cleric Chih is back at Singing Hills too and it was so nice to finally see their home through their eyes, even though it’s dampened by the grief of losing their mentor and the threat of mammoths at their gates. Almost Brilliant also finally makes an appearance, now already a mother and even more authoritative than I remember. But what this lovely novella is ultimately about grief and loss - how losing someone important maybe inevitable but how we grieve them can be different, each person’s grief can manifest in myriad unexpected ways but nothing is wrong with that, and it’s the bonds we have built and shared that help us through the tough times.
This is a short and maybe bittersweet but also hopeful tale about losing, grieving and moving on, finding our ways through change, and cherishing the friendships and relationships we have built over the years - all told through the form of stories. It’s a perfect addition to this amazing series, carrying forward its theme of how stories keep memories alive, and paving the way for our main characters’ future adventures. I can only hope that the author will let us be a part of these future journeys too. ...more
As I keep reiterating all the time on the blog, I didn’t grow up on classics so while I know the basic premise of Robin Hood, I’ve never actually readAs I keep reiterating all the time on the blog, I didn’t grow up on classics so while I know the basic premise of Robin Hood, I’ve never actually read the book nor watched any adaptations. In a similar vein, I bought a book about the Crusades years ago but like many others, I never managed to read much of it. So when I saw this classic and history colliding in this remix version, I knew I would enjoy this book and I’m glad that I did.
I preordered this audiobook because I had a feeling it would be cool and it really was such an easy one to get through. The narrator Shiromi Arserio kept me engaged with her beautiful voice right from the get go and I didn’t take much breaks while listening. It also helps that this is a quick read, throughly entertaining, and with a motley group of characters who are easy to like. Even though the storyline is set during the Crusades, in the middle of the war between multiple countries, factions and religions, and Jerusalem stands as a prize to be snatched, we mostly only get a sense of adventure here and other than a couple dark and emotional scenes, we don’t see the gruesome effects of this war first hand.
Similarly, our characters are traversing through multiple sieges and armies and while the stakes seem too high and dangerous, after the first couple of times, I was sure that nothing would happen to any of them. Then it was time to just enjoy their adventure. We only get one POV, that is Rahma and she is a fun one to be in the head of. She landed up so far away from home because she couldn’t let her elder sister go alone to war. Her heart may not be in fighting for a cause like religion and the Holy Land but she is a scrappy survivor and resourceful enough to get herself out of tricky situations and protect her sister by coming up with one harebrained scheme after another. But she also has this kind and compassionate side to her and even though she doesn’t have a cause like all the others fighting in the war, she makes it her choice to fight for all the normal people who are suffering due to the warmongering of their rulers. Her path to becoming an accidental Robin Hood-esque figure is both endearing and fun and I loved her maneuvering everyone into doing what she wanted.
And there’s the accidental crew or found family she gathers around her who are very different from each other but also fit together so perfectly. First there’s Rahma’s sister Zeena who has deep conviction that she needs to fight for the Holy Land and is full of anger. Both of them are bickering almost every single moment and while it took me a while to get to used to, their love for each other is immense.
They are first joined by Teni, a warrior from beyond the steppes, who isn’t ready to go back home yet and joins them to maybe find her own adventure. Then comes Viva who is young Jewish alchemist who doesn’t really have a home because of how all the invaders have destroyed her people. And then the group is rounded off by John, who is a disillusioned chaplain with the Knights Templar and also a healer, who probably just wants a new purpose in life without the violence. They are also joined sometimes by Majid, a mysterious spy and Rahma’s childhood friend who might be more than that. Teni’s bravery, Viva’s honesty, John’s quick thinking and Majid’s convincing skills all combine with Rahma’s scheming to give us a whole lot of adventures along their journey. I also loved how the author managed to get together a crew belonging to all the faiths who have stake in the Holy Land and despite what the wars the rulers representing these faiths are fighting, the author managed to convey beautifully that the common people could get along well if they wanted to because ultimately they were suffering equally. It was also interesting to see the other side of this, getting small glimpses into what Richard the Lionheart, Sultan Saladin and Queen Isabella of Jerusalem.
In conclusion, this one felt like a classic adventure tale that captured the spirit of Robin Hood while giving us a very interesting setting like the cities around Jerusalem during the Crusades in the late 12th century. While I can’t say how close or different it is from the original, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. And even though things felt like they came too easy for our heroine, it was still a fun journey to be on with a cool group of characters. This remixed classics series is turning out to be such a unique experience and I can’t wait to next get my hands on the new versions of Wuthering Heights and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Merged review:
As I keep reiterating all the time on the blog, I didn’t grow up on classics so while I know the basic premise of Robin Hood, I’ve never actually read the book nor watched any adaptations. In a similar vein, I bought a book about the Crusades years ago but like many others, I never managed to read much of it. So when I saw this classic and history colliding in this remix version, I knew I would enjoy this book and I’m glad that I did.
I preordered this audiobook because I had a feeling it would be cool and it really was such an easy one to get through. The narrator Shiromi Arserio kept me engaged with her beautiful voice right from the get go and I didn’t take much breaks while listening. It also helps that this is a quick read, throughly entertaining, and with a motley group of characters who are easy to like. Even though the storyline is set during the Crusades, in the middle of the war between multiple countries, factions and religions, and Jerusalem stands as a prize to be snatched, we mostly only get a sense of adventure here and other than a couple dark and emotional scenes, we don’t see the gruesome effects of this war first hand.
Similarly, our characters are traversing through multiple sieges and armies and while the stakes seem too high and dangerous, after the first couple of times, I was sure that nothing would happen to any of them. Then it was time to just enjoy their adventure. We only get one POV, that is Rahma and she is a fun one to be in the head of. She landed up so far away from home because she couldn’t let her elder sister go alone to war. Her heart may not be in fighting for a cause like religion and the Holy Land but she is a scrappy survivor and resourceful enough to get herself out of tricky situations and protect her sister by coming up with one harebrained scheme after another. But she also has this kind and compassionate side to her and even though she doesn’t have a cause like all the others fighting in the war, she makes it her choice to fight for all the normal people who are suffering due to the warmongering of their rulers. Her path to becoming an accidental Robin Hood-esque figure is both endearing and fun and I loved her maneuvering everyone into doing what she wanted.
And there’s the accidental crew or found family she gathers around her who are very different from each other but also fit together so perfectly. First there’s Rahma’s sister Zeena who has deep conviction that she needs to fight for the Holy Land and is full of anger. Both of them are bickering almost every single moment and while it took me a while to get to used to, their love for each other is immense.
They are first joined by Teni, a warrior from beyond the steppes, who isn’t ready to go back home yet and joins them to maybe find her own adventure. Then comes Viva who is young Jewish alchemist who doesn’t really have a home because of how all the invaders have destroyed her people. And then the group is rounded off by John, who is a disillusioned chaplain with the Knights Templar and also a healer, who probably just wants a new purpose in life without the violence. They are also joined sometimes by Majid, a mysterious spy and Rahma’s childhood friend who might be more than that. Teni’s bravery, Viva’s honesty, John’s quick thinking and Majid’s convincing skills all combine with Rahma’s scheming to give us a whole lot of adventures along their journey. I also loved how the author managed to get together a crew belonging to all the faiths who have stake in the Holy Land and despite what the wars the rulers representing these faiths are fighting, the author managed to convey beautifully that the common people could get along well if they wanted to because ultimately they were suffering equally. It was also interesting to see the other side of this, getting small glimpses into what Richard the Lionheart, Sultan Saladin and Queen Isabella of Jerusalem.
In conclusion, this one felt like a classic adventure tale that captured the spirit of Robin Hood while giving us a very interesting setting like the cities around Jerusalem during the Crusades in the late 12th century. While I can’t say how close or different it is from the original, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. And even though things felt like they came too easy for our heroine, it was still a fun journey to be on with a cool group of characters. This remixed classics series is turning out to be such a unique experience and I can’t wait to next get my hands on the new versions of Wuthering Heights and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde....more
This was intense !!!!! It was definitely a tough match to root for because even though Nick is my favorite, Kally is a sweetheart and I wanted none ofThis was intense !!!!! It was definitely a tough match to root for because even though Nick is my favorite, Kally is a sweetheart and I wanted none of them to lose. It was nice to see all the support for Kally, it shows this team is definitely capable of more than just hazing.
And the confrontation I was waiting for was finally here. I totally understand Nick’s hatred for Jesse but he is definitely quite obsessed with Seiji. I hope his feelings will develop into something more very soon. And Seiji again proves he is so observant when it comes to Nick and let’s see how soon he’ll figure out the truth about Nick.
That was a totally unexpected cliffhanger but I’m much more interested in Harvard’s insinuation... Did he really mean that 🤔🤔🤔
Merged review:
This was intense !!!!! It was definitely a tough match to root for because even though Nick is my favorite, Kally is a sweetheart and I wanted none of them to lose. It was nice to see all the support for Kally, it shows this team is definitely capable of more than just hazing.
And the confrontation I was waiting for was finally here. I totally understand Nick’s hatred for Jesse but he is definitely quite obsessed with Seiji. I hope his feelings will develop into something more very soon. And Seiji again proves he is so observant when it comes to Nick and let’s see how soon he’ll figure out the truth about Nick.
That was a totally unexpected cliffhanger but I’m much more interested in Harvard’s insinuation... Did he really mean that...more
Another wonderful issue and this was definitely on the funnier side.
After the way Nick entered at the end of the last issue, it was obvious he was goAnother wonderful issue and this was definitely on the funnier side.
After the way Nick entered at the end of the last issue, it was obvious he was going to win. But his confidence and sheer speed was marvelous and everyone was surprised. And Aiden cheering for him (without even knowing his name) is hilarious.
And wow is Coach just brilliant. Her trick to getting Seiji motivated after his loss is so surprising, but it worked and I guess that’s why she is the Coach, and she definitely knows the strengths and weaknesses of every single one of the players.
That conversation between Nick and Seiji is definite foreshadowing for some explosive chemistry in the future. And I can’t believe that Seiji is so observant of everything related to Nick. Is something brewing already 😜😜😜
And Bobby Bobby Bobby... the best friend and cheerleader possible and the sweetest person ever 😍😍😍 And his “indirect kissing” quote was so funny, I was laughing out loud.
Nick vs Aiden is coming up next and I can’t wait 😁😁😁
Merged review:
Another wonderful issue and this was definitely on the funnier side.
After the way Nick entered at the end of the last issue, it was obvious he was going to win. But his confidence and sheer speed was marvelous and everyone was surprised. And Aiden cheering for him (without even knowing his name) is hilarious.
And wow is Coach just brilliant. Her trick to getting Seiji motivated after his loss is so surprising, but it worked and I guess that’s why she is the Coach, and she definitely knows the strengths and weaknesses of every single one of the players.
That conversation between Nick and Seiji is definite foreshadowing for some explosive chemistry in the future. And I can’t believe that Seiji is so observant of everything related to Nick. Is something brewing already...more
This book is too short to form concrete opinions about the characters but Nick looks like a hardworking boy who has strived very hard to learn fencingThis book is too short to form concrete opinions about the characters but Nick looks like a hardworking boy who has strived very hard to learn fencing and join King’s Row school. Seiji is a champion and his success definitely seems to have made him into an arrogant douche. Their first match cements their rivalry and the ending sets up for some explosive moments for the upcoming books.
I really loved the art style. It’s very minimalistic but captures the essence of the story beautifully. I also love the direction the story seems to be going. The cast is wonderfully diverse and I wouldn’t have expected anything else from one of my most recent favorite authors. Very excited to jump into the next book.
Merged review:
This book is too short to form concrete opinions about the characters but Nick looks like a hardworking boy who has strived very hard to learn fencing and join King’s Row school. Seiji is a champion and his success definitely seems to have made him into an arrogant douche. Their first match cements their rivalry and the ending sets up for some explosive moments for the upcoming books.
I really loved the art style. It’s very minimalistic but captures the essence of the story beautifully. I also love the direction the story seems to be going. The cast is wonderfully diverse and I wouldn’t have expected anything else from one of my most recent favorite authors. Very excited to jump into the next book....more
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