WARNING: This is Probably Not Your Kind of Book. Think Before Proceeding.
At first didn't think it was my kind. . .until I started in and was flipping WARNING: This is Probably Not Your Kind of Book. Think Before Proceeding.
At first didn't think it was my kind. . .until I started in and was flipping pages as fast as possible - had to get a hold of myself, and limited myself to 1 story, or not more than 10 pages. That lasted one day, 40 pages.
These are fractured fairytales at their best. . .dark, devious and not a bit sorry about it. No regret here. I've turned total fangirl for this author, and that's really not becoming at this late date in my journey here, but I'm going with it. You'll need to deal. If you're wincing at that, then my first sentence stands. Here's the bones (TOC) and a drop of my favorite bits in each:
Sundown at the Eternal Staircase Rules, warnings and cautionary tales about the Eternal Staircase (Heaven? Hell? Limbo? Amusement Park?) A Diviner's Abecedarian Divination methods described by and through sassy, spell-casting students The Thread Boy MY FAVORITE - if you only read one. . .read this one. . . Fox Jaw A steamy tail. Tale. The War of Fog This must have been pulled from a larger archived catalog of Named Wars (as opposed to Numbered Wars). Most interesting - having only lasted 9 days, but such damage. . . Drowning Lessons Sibling power here, for sure! The Autumn Kill Beware this one. . .still. . .we should appreciate the warning words, advice for what's ahead. Fifty Beasts to Break Your Heart A whimsical collection of 50 - WITH ILLUSTRATIONS! Huzzah! I'm intrigued by the Corvosts, Lylits, and Rausts. A Lily is a Lily Just another quirky relationship tale. . .or maybe something a lot darker. . . Dear Henrietta Surely a welcome letter from an old friend. . .or. . . Possessions A swiss knife is involved, as well as a rooster who expressly denies being cocky. Homebody Paint, painting and considerations thereof, and the remarkable consequence thereby. (Keep your Office Jobs, people!) A Haunted Calendar Specifically, a 31-day month. Would be a different tale entirely for a 30-day month, I suspect. The Plums at the End of the World Just what you long for - a 12-chapter tale with a needy yet alluring goat, an understanding vampire who fixes everything, and plums for the taking. (I just ate one myself, as the story seemed to require it.)
If you had the least bit of interest, I dare you. Probably a perfect book for one of your Halloween reads. . .or Samhain Festival. From me, to GennaRose? All the stars. Odd Perfection 'tis. Awl the Stars. . .
*A sincere thank you to Gennarose Nethercott, Vintage Anchor, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #FiftyBeaststoBreakYourHeart #NetGalley...more
This author is new to me, so I traveled slowly through Hecate's world.
I loved the map, the griffin, Hecate's backstory and her sensitivity to all thiThis author is new to me, so I traveled slowly through Hecate's world.
I loved the map, the griffin, Hecate's backstory and her sensitivity to all things paranormal. Also enjoyed the fiance found, all the haunts, the supportive family, as well as the many tangibles with minds of their own - totally enjoy this kind of fantasy.
My three stars suffered from an ending that fell short - considering all that had been sacrificed to arrive at that last page, I needed more than I got. But. . .did get the griffin and that was Not Nothing. Will be reading more of this author!
*A sincere thank you to Paula Brackston, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*...more
Another book that confirms my absolute gratitude to all the Higher Powers who put me in the world at this time, rather than in an English village in tAnother book that confirms my absolute gratitude to all the Higher Powers who put me in the world at this time, rather than in an English village in the 1600's. I wouldn't have made it through one day. Not one.
The story that had me dry-mouthed, wide-eyed and tight under my quilts was Martha's. She is a servant, who loves her people warily, and suffers from some condition that keeps her mute. No talking, no sounds beyond an occasion growl. She is past middle age, so work is even harder, her family faded long ago into her past, but she's got a specialty with herbs and medicinal helps for her community that works to her advantage. Until the shadow falls.
That shadow is a tall lanky man who is more than proud to be called the WitchHunter. The entire village, previously engaged in regular give and take life, now is on notice to keep eyes and ears open and to report all dark shadows, all demonic ways, potential familiars and of course, witches. Specifically, those who use spells, plants and potions. In the blink of an eye (watch out for that, too!) Martha's gift with plants becomes an indictment. She also has the one thing her mother left her. . .a straw dolly that has powers. Will it protect her? or seal her fate? There are unimaginable situations that are hard to consider, that really happened in the lives of our ancestors. . . .
Dark and ominous years fall on Martha and her community. . .it was a compelling and spooky read. I started it grateful for 2024 and slapped it shut even more grateful to be keystroking a review for your eyeballs instead of being dunked in the stream at the end of the road. . . .
*A sincere thank you to Margaret Meyer, Scribner, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*...more
This one sucked me in. . . couldn't get off the merry-go-round of reading that I usually do in a day.
Cassie's story and thought process, how books plThis one sucked me in. . . couldn't get off the merry-go-round of reading that I usually do in a day.
Cassie's story and thought process, how books played life-changing (world-changing, even?) roles in her world once she found her doors held me fast! Had to hang on tight as there are a plethora of characters along her journey. There began the maze, the a-mazing path to her final conclusions and resolutions - if you enjoy time travel - try this one. You will find yourself looking at the doors in your life with a new kind of speculation.
*A sincere thank you to Gareth Brown, William Morrow, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #TheBookofDoors #NetGalley 52:14...more
You're in a plane. With a bunch of yahoos. Irritating. Just want to land. Tension rises, the characters, the reader's.
A woman gets up and walks down tYou're in a plane. With a bunch of yahoos. Irritating. Just want to land. Tension rises, the characters, the reader's.
A woman gets up and walks down the aisle. . .pointing and making brief yet deadly pronouncements.
You'll get to know every yahoo on that flight, and Herself, who gets to make such pronouncements. But the larger question is you, dear Reader. If that finger found you and you were delivered such news, where would it put you? What would you do? Believe, not believe?
Read this book. . .get on that plane. Stay to the very end.
*A sincere thank you to Liane Moriarty, Crown Publishing, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #HereOneMoment #NetGalley...more
Mmmm. Morgan le Fay. . .her backstory in her own words is delicious.
A fan of all the different directions and perspectives that rise up out of ArthuriMmmm. Morgan le Fay. . .her backstory in her own words is delicious.
A fan of all the different directions and perspectives that rise up out of Arthurian legends, I particularly love the ones that pay attention to the women, and this one is the most Womanist Woman of them all, to my thinking. This retelling is thoroughly enjoyable and sets a reader up in a new way for further Arthurian legend reads. . . .
*A sincere thank you to Sophie Keetch, Penguin Random House Canada, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* ...more
Let's start with the title. . .it comes from Shakespeare's Macbeth, Act 5, Scene 5
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, Creeps in this petty pace from Let's start with the title. . .it comes from Shakespeare's Macbeth, Act 5, Scene 5
Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day, to the last syllable of recorded time; And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death.
Does the past affect our tomorrows. . .? What better way to contemplate that question than by looking at the past - and in this case we get a glimpse of Mr. and Mrs. Macbeth (And Her Son) A Decade Earlier. . .
Opening this book, I found a treat through and through, prompting a storm of googling to find out (among other things) exactly what a thane is/was - a step under Mormaer (great baliff) on the ladder of Scotland's evolving aristocracy in the 11th century. The tale begins with a tight lid on lady names, if they ever get them. Men only are allowed names, and only then if they are powerful and possessed of resources. A mirror of how things were. . .women existed to birth sons, and other household tasks.
She Who Will Become Lady Macbeth, is the granddaughter of an old king so has a good idea of what is possible, and what her family's dreams had once been, and her fire for some of that was kindled early in her life. This is a story about Herself, what moves her and becomes the soul of her later choices.
I've watched Macbeth countless times, and have often wished to know what combination of circumstance could shape his Lady into the hard stone she was. . .this read brought her to life, grasping and whole, for me. I'll be watching Macbeth in Ashland, Oregon this fall. . .I'm eager to see if this changes the experience by depth and breadth knowing of all her yesterdays. . .I'm pretty sure it will.
*A sincere thank you to Joel H. Morris, Penguin Group Putnam, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #AllOurYesterdays #NetGalley...more
Penryth Hall is set in Cornwall. . . .not a resistable setting in my world (fell in love with it during episodes of Doc Martin and Poldark). So when RPenryth Hall is set in Cornwall. . . .not a resistable setting in my world (fell in love with it during episodes of Doc Martin and Poldark). So when Ruby Vaughn (making her debut in this author's debut offering to readers) showed up, I accepted the call.
Ruby has resources, an elderly (but dear) partner, and a rare bookstore (lucky her). Times are tough, though, the conclusion of the Great War leaving societal debris in its wake. Short-staffed she has to deliver a special order herself, and finds the location is quite close to the home - a fancy one - of someone from her past. When she shows up on the doorstep, a reunion is had. Before long she realizes there's something off-putting. Within a page or so, murder has occurred, and she is stuck, and this reader was engaged.
Particularly enjoyable for me was the introduction of a new kind of person from the occult world affording me a dictionary moment: a pellar. I found this is a good witchy sort - a healer, a diviner and breaker of spells - including curses. As the title of this book gives out, a curse is involved in this tale and so Ruby has a basket full of challenges.
As this is a mystery with many parts and pieces to unwind, I will leave you here with my hearty recommendation to, if you are intrigued, read it! As for me, I look forward to book 2 of Ruby Vaughn's further adventures.
*A sincere thank you to Jess Armstrong, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* 52:52...more
Here's a perfect beach read! Especially if you are at a haunted resort. . .a Hotel California (East Coast style)! Nora Roberts is beckoning with this Here's a perfect beach read! Especially if you are at a haunted resort. . .a Hotel California (East Coast style)! Nora Roberts is beckoning with this rompy read, complete with ghosts, 7 brides each with a tragedy, and one very mad, cursing witch. On the coast, in a mansion, with $$ to spare and a bunch of couples coupling up. Oh, and some cute canines.
Who can resist? Not me, surprisingly. Have been an anti-romancer, but maybe Ms. Roberts has turned my heart. I know I'm very eager for the next book in the series, promised for November 2024. I'll be the blue-faced woman waiting with bated breath. . . .
*A sincere thank you to Nora Roberts, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #Inheritance #NetGalley 52:44...more
Showing the speech, tone and flavor of her family's language, Kim Coleman Foote has provided a legacy album and storybook of her own particular familyShowing the speech, tone and flavor of her family's language, Kim Coleman Foote has provided a legacy album and storybook of her own particular family tree. As a family historian, it inspired me and impressed me with her meticulous rendering of complex dialog wrapped around often troubling situations. Although this was not the usual read for me, there wasn't a moment I questioned authenticity or genuine portrayals. I descend from the South, too, and many of these speech patterns shape my thoughts at times. That said, there is explicitness that might set some readers back, and there are trigger topics present.
Not an easy read, but a mighty one, well-researched and presented. Bravely done, too, as sometimes when writing about family, the ones who might take most umbrage may be the very ones you face across the table every holiday. Secrets spilled for strangers who feel no sting at their revelation probe heart-deep when close relatives have never heard them.
Characters are many, all on courses of collision and consequence. This isn't a book that urges a reader to "like" or categorize them as good and bad. Rather, on one hand it pleads for consideration of each character's motivations, intentions and history, and on the other hand seems unconcerned should the reader not get the message. Those back stories and flashes back, given in parts, pieces and differing POVs create the book as a whole. By the time a reader gets to the end, the author provides an epilogue with her own path and process to the creation of this book, a powerful conclusion on its own.
*A sincere thank you to Kim Coleman Foote, Zando Projects, SJP Lit, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review. #ColemanHill #NetGalley...more
Nothing like Ancient Egyptian magic tied to a ring, from a dead parent, passing on bottomless funds, in the care of a just introduced uncle, on his waNothing like Ancient Egyptian magic tied to a ring, from a dead parent, passing on bottomless funds, in the care of a just introduced uncle, on his way to Cairo, chasing the legendary tomb of Cleopatra, all landing on the person of a bossy girl living in Buenos Aires in the 1880's to get my attention, folks!
Inez Olivera gets all of that and a trip to Cairo, River Nile tours, threats on her life, and a hunky on-again-off-again ally with special attractions. Cleopatra is involved, and a family reunion, and at the end. . . .a cliff hanger. . .this is #1, and one is definitely left wanting #2. Which I am.
*A sincere thank you to Isabel Ibañez, St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #WhattheRiverKnows #NetGalley...more
Veris Thorn had my attention from the very beginning of this short - yet long - read. There was an eerie beckoning that persisted even when I had to bVeris Thorn had my attention from the very beginning of this short - yet long - read. There was an eerie beckoning that persisted even when I had to back-track to try and find lost bits only to not find them. When it happens over and over, a short read becomes long. This reader was lost in the fog often, I must admit.
Having issued that admission, I still claim the ability to wave the 3-star flag - having read and re-read and feel confident that I wrapped my head around at least the gist of this dark, fairytale-ish account of a tragic, heroic woman who repeatedly put her own life (head, body, existence) up as collateral in exchange for other creatures not able to save themselves. Even ones who didn't appear to be on her side of things, or any other side - random lost souls caught in the same kind of enslavement she felt in her own life outside the Forbidden Forest. (She's been sent on a Find-My-Kids-or-All-Your-People-Die quest by a villainous Tyrant who has the power to do so.)
Confusion is not my friend, and has been known to throw a book out of my hands and send me off to the library in search of new reads. So, in spite of the confusion I felt with this read, the writing kept me in. . .often there were observations that evoked an uncanny familiarity with my not-at-all-in-a-fairytale life. Here's my favorite - Veris' thoughts as she looks at the woebegone faces of some of the creatures in the thrall of her enemies:
Monsters, the children of monsters. But innocent. You do not inherit what you are born to; and you do not inherit your own theft. Their innocence will not save them from harm. And it has not. Still it must be remembered.
Nice, eh? Doesn't that rise up your backbone and make your hair stand a little, thinking of darkest actions arising from your own dna (ya don't get to choose your ancestors, do ya?). . .it did me that way. . . whether it was 500 years ago or 50. . .hmm.
Bottomline, 3 stars, and I'll stay open-minded on this author, or any other third-party persuasions.
*A sincere thank you to Premee Mohamed, Tor Publishing Group, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*...more
This author is a favorite! This may be my 4th time, and it still answers all my questions and prefs when it comes to best engagement in mystery reads.This author is a favorite! This may be my 4th time, and it still answers all my questions and prefs when it comes to best engagement in mystery reads. . ....more
A captivating storyline, with a new superpower! (new-to-me at least. . .) Can you imagine the power to influence (properly one would hope, but more ofA captivating storyline, with a new superpower! (new-to-me at least. . .) Can you imagine the power to influence (properly one would hope, but more often it would be to impose undue influence, I'd think. . .) through a foggy transfer from outside to inside another person's dreams with something that seems to be quite like a shiver of some kind. . .
That's the gift that has been passed down to Layla Hurley through her Gullah ancestors. She's known about the dreams, her own she thought, but once her mother has passed, she begins to explore those lines of family and a new world opens up. . . darkly. Is she a witch? was her mother? Is it black magic, or voodoo? Will she ever be "normal" again? Does she even want that?
So interesting! We may find in future we need to password protect our dreams. . .
*A sincere thank you to Rita Woods, Macmillan-Tor/Forge, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.*...more
Started reading The Lover right before midnight last night. . .done in less than an hour. . . complete, simple, exquisite and perfect. Had to recheck Started reading The Lover right before midnight last night. . .done in less than an hour. . . complete, simple, exquisite and perfect. Had to recheck all doors and windows, turned out all lights. Stood behind the curtains, peeking out at the autumn leaves swirling, whirling. . .earlier in the day I'd mused that they were dancing. . .how could I not see them as I did now? Flying, twirling for their very lives. . .?????? I left one lone light on. At least I'd see whatever was coming at me. . .
Tucked myself back in, put on the reading glasses, and started at the beginning and read this again, shivering under my quilts.
So good.
*A sincere thank you to Silvia Moreno-Garcia (and a promise to read your other works!), Amazon Original Stories, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #TheLover #NetGalley...more
We all need a Herschel in our lives! How often do we just accept the monsters moving in and taking over? Misery aFeatured in a grandma reads session.
We all need a Herschel in our lives! How often do we just accept the monsters moving in and taking over? Misery and defeat reign, and moping about becomes the daily norm. And then comes Herschel, with a plan and no fear, showing everyone the way out of their own surrender.
Give that man a menorah, a jar of pickles, some candles and a coupla matches. Now there's a hero, 100%.
Oh, and Hanukkah happens, too. A very satisfying read, and all the villagers agree....more
A twist on Shakespeare's Tempest. . . .I was engaged, comparing with my Critic Hat on until that fell to the floor when I stretched out and gave into A twist on Shakespeare's Tempest. . . .I was engaged, comparing with my Critic Hat on until that fell to the floor when I stretched out and gave into the story being told. Of course it differs. Of course it delivers more to the contemporary reader, answering unasked questions.
A grand read, ending with deep pathos for me. Filled with sympathy, my heart was left rather woebegone at the book's close. Lonely as the distance between them and me increased. . . .have you ever said goodbye like that? and did they ever come back?. . . .not for me either. . . . ...more
Was it the power of suggestion that sank the ship? Could have been the crew thought. . .a little, old apple seller across the pond in Liverpool hissinWas it the power of suggestion that sank the ship? Could have been the crew thought. . .a little, old apple seller across the pond in Liverpool hissing a curse over her shoulder as she was carted off the Iona. . .was that all it took to sink their robust ship. . .? It did make it all the way to the mouth of the mighty Columbia River before being stopped dead on the Clatsop sands. . . but not without losing key parties, and experiencing the worst kind of luck. Still, gold was onboard, and that made thieves of every one, it seemed. . .
Book Two in the Tidewater Chronicles, The Shipwreck Secret tracks a timeline in the 1880's and one in present day, both in Astoria, on the Pacific NW coastline, now known as Oregon, my home state. It is always a joy to pick up a story and read an adventurous, rollicking story about a place I know so well, shorelines, waterways nestled hard up against tall pines and craggy cliffs. It doesn't take much to imagine shipwrecks in that wild coast. As for the Peter Iredale wreck mentioned? My son bears a scar on his left knee from a deep slash delivered by the steely metal bones of all that remains of that ship during a family beach trip many years ago. No imagining needed. It's there, all right.
The dual timelines provided views of Astoria and its close-knit community that helped a reader appreciate the vast differences in how we've changed as people - use of resources, treatment of people, change of lifestyles, commercial centers waxing and waning. I warmed up to the characters easily, starting with Pablo, the pup, Amity and Jo, dear Effie, and then Olivia and Naomi.
Altogether, an exciting read about history here at home.
*A sincere thank you to Vanessa Lind and BookSirens for an ARC to read and independently review.*...more
Opened the audiobook and fell deeply in love. This author had won my bookish heart previously, but taking a new twist on Sleeping BBEST BOOK EVER!!¡!
Opened the audiobook and fell deeply in love. This author had won my bookish heart previously, but taking a new twist on Sleeping Beauty (Beeping Slooty was our childhood name for Disney-style Princess Aurora) could have easily given me pause and opportunity for grumbles. The soundtrack and that lovely blondie and her handsome prince. . .well, I normally don't do change well. At all. This book is NOT that story. . .exactly. . .some of the bones shine through though. . .and there's the genius of it. . . .
This inside out fairy tale didn't just suit me. . . I LIKE IT EVEN BETTER!!!!!! Love it, in fact, and dreamily fantasized as I listened for the 2nd time at the end. . .what a great movie this would make. . .and what would it be like to have a sassy kelpie of my very own. . . .could she possibly be talked into a longer version? I keep thinking about this story and the magic of it. . .very sticky, this.
*A sincere thank you to T. Kingfisher, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an audio ARC to devour and review* ...more
In the beginning. . . .Eden had a few more parts than 3 (Adam, Eve and Snake). And who knew Eve was a stand-in? Not this reader.
For all the myths I doIn the beginning. . . .Eden had a few more parts than 3 (Adam, Eve and Snake). And who knew Eve was a stand-in? Not this reader.
For all the myths I do know and have studied, this one has been carefully kept from me. . .although it may be less intentional than it feels. So for those who are in my same boat, Lilith comes from books older than our Genesis, with an original story that is more original than the ones we learned in Sunday School. Lilith was Adam's original date (tasked with fertility, newborns and mothers), created from her own dust as was Adam (tasked with naming things). The notorious Tree (hung with pomegranates?) was part of the set, as per usual, with the original warning to Not Partake. At this point Eve is not only not offstage, she 's still a rib. Adam's, of course, just doing rib stuff in the beginning. Father God checks in now and again (he's busy), while Mother God's been boots on the ground, as mothers do (handing out recipes, answering questions, etc), to ensure A Team success - wanting everyone to be happy.
I'd say time goes on, but time isn't a thing yet, so Events Happen especially sex (cuz that's fun), and as with all couples things that bug show up - like Adam always wants the last word, and favors a missionary position that just isn't working for Lilith. She suggests a variation on that theme (she's on top), and it all goes south. From there with the admission of nakedness (?!who told you that?!), and a new road is forged for the creation story - Characters are tossed outta Eden, and Adam has surgery. Man on Top becomes The Position. (PS: Snake was just a snake, no whispering wickedness. You'll never guess who spills the beans.)
From there the story is a March from Eden to New Humans, to Naked Noah, to Babes in Babylon (new wicked, evil women gods), to Baby Y in the manger, hitting all the historical high spots, through today and passing beyond us to the cold empty ruined earth - a Howl against the path of the patriarchy. I get rage, but for this reader all that new info bundled together with a new origin story that explains mansplaining (and more) from a new and different beginning. . . .it was a lot. I'm still pondering, and will continue to hear and consider the howl, but will suffice with an admission of leaving the read a little shook up. It's like Sleeping Beauty couldn't get by without adding Cinderella AND Snow White to the tale.
So for me and my house? 3 mostly neutral stars, reserving the right to Read Again.
*A sincere thank you to Nikki Marmery, Alcove Press, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #Lilith #NetGalley 52:12...more
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