Gina Lucia
Iris and her sisters suddenly disappear as children, only to reappear again changed. Their hair, turns white, their teeth, once missing, are now whole, and a half-moon scar has appeared at the base of their throats.
Years later, Iris' sister Grey goes missing again and what happened to them as children, starts to unravel.
House of Hollow is a fantasy true crime with a witchy twist. If you love the guesswork that goes into a mystery and the intensity of gothic fantasy with a dark and creepy edge - you'll love this.
Throughout the book I felt uneasy, but in a good way. I was unsure if I should have been scared of these sisters, or feel sorry for them. The mystery was so well done.
The writing is excellent. The imagery in the second half of the book is very vivid and rich. I wanted more of that but I suppose it was right to only get a taste of it. Otherwise it would feel too normal and that's not the point.
Creepy and gothic with a fairytale vibe. One of those books that would make for a great film or TV series if they could get the fantasy elements right. Morbid, unsettling, but blends it very well. Well worth a read, even if you're a scaredy cat like me.
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If you read nothing else of this review, know this: yes, it's worth reading this book if you love the film because it feels like you're experiencing it again. Except this is the extended version, and it's worth every second.
It took me a good few pages to get into the swing of Howl's Moving Castle for one simple reason. I couldn't work out if I was enjoying it for the story or because I already had the atmosphere, characters, and vibe in my head from watching the film.
I soon decided that didn't matter because the book took off on its own.
Like any good children's author, Diana's writing is not only straightforward but also full of messages and repetitions. In this case, it really works. It gives the story a lot of charm, something comforting to get lost in.
The style of humour is like this too. It's quite subtle and simple, and only appears every now and then. A bit like the jokes only adults get in children's books.
Sophie herself is a walking life lesson. In her ‘old age', she loses her people-pleasing ways. She literally doesn't care what people think anymore. She's vocal, emotional, confident, and stubborn. She's an absolute treat.
Howl, on the other hand, is bratty, selfish, sassy, and honestly quite annoying. A stark contrast to the Howl from the film. Both Howls are great. Both work!
The way magic is described is fantastic. It's chaotic and not at all understandable. Which makes it even better. You don't need to understand it to enjoy it.
In contrast to this, the slice-of-life moments within the book are so ridiculously comforting I'm not surprised it was turned into a Ghibli film.
I don't know why it took me so long to read this book, but I'm glad I did.
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I'd describe Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries as this: An introverted scholar travels to a rural village and upsets the locals because she's work-obsessed and clueless about their customs. But her work just so happens to be documenting elusive faeries, so who can blame her?
Honestly, the premise hooked me, and it didn't take long for me to realise that this would be a 5-star book.
Emily Wilde was everything I wanted and needed in a faerie book. A completely relatable character who has many flaws, the lives of faeries exposed (the good and the vicious), and some seriously cosy vibes.
I've been unintentionally reading a lot of cosy books recently and this one hit the spot. It's sweet and comforting but still has hints of danger and plenty of excitement. Plus, it was incredibly nostalgic.
I grew up reading about faeries. Their wicked side, their mischief, and I loved it. This book doesn't shy away from that at all.
Plus, it uses a tried and tested formula for the plot, one I actually quite enjoy. City-living newcomer arrives in a rural village and has to get used to the local customs, nosy locals, and their strange ways. But this one has a very welcome twist - faeries.
Emily Wilde was everything I'd been looking for in a faerie book, especially since I finished The Folk of the Air series. I wanted something slightly more adult, more fae cruelty and viciousness but this gave me more than that.
It was comforting, cosy, heartwarming, and entertaining all in one. I can't wait for the next book.
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On the Isle of Eden, women have a role to play. They must bear children, serve their husbands, and be pious. But above all else, they must fear and stay away from the sea. Because the sea is the home of the Seawomen, and they will draw the women away to corrupt them.
Esta grew up on the Isle, indoctrinated into its way of life. But something within her starts to change as she grows, witnesses the women around her, and gradually gets a taste of freedom.
The Seawomen is raw, gritty, and intense. It feels like a long journey despite the page length. But well worth the ride.
This book is filled with messages. There are obvious hints towards corruption, cult activity, and general manipulation throughout the book. We follow Esta as she discovers what she's been brought up to believe isn't true. But that discovery, and pursuit of it, puts her in a lot of danger.
It's an interesting take on how everyone suffers even more when women can't communicate their suffering with each other. Especially when a select few have control over their silence.
The story unravels slowly, and we're drip-fed information as the main character discovers it. It's done really well, but it does drag a little in the centre while it's building up to what happens next.
Despite this, it doesn't take long to pick up again, and when it picks up, it really picks up. It's tense, fast-paced, emotional and gripping.
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Jack Tamerlaine has been summoned home to the isle he left behind 10 years ago. An isle of spirits, of enchantments, and now, of tragedy. Cadence's daughters are going missing, and Jack has been asked to help find them.
If you like the sound of Irish folklore, complicated relationships, mystery, and fantasy, give this book a read.
This is my first Rebecca Ross book, and her writing style has got me already. It's swift and moves through the plot quickly but finds time to linger on the details for atmosphere and context. A pleasure to read.
The book feels deep. like Rebecca spent a lot of creative energy creating the world the story was built in. In this book, we only get a glimpse into it, a taste. There's so much more we'll potentially never know.
The themes of the book are obvious but beautifully written. Music has a huge role to play, and its effect on the people of the isle and spirits is written intentionally. It's incredibly emotional. You feel it yourself.
The romance, or more like the relationships in the book, were a highlight for me. Growing gradually rather than suddenly. They were unpredictable and tender in a way that felt real and complicated.
These relationships were brought to life by the characters within the book. Each and every one felt like someone I knew, or someone I could know. They weren't outlandish characters. They were relatable. Each character was incredibly likeable and unique but with plenty of flaws. They were complicated, and they grew throughout the story. I loved that.
There were moments throughout the book that had that cosy vibe I particularly love in books at the moment. The lingering on everyday tasks, the small and intimate moments, they all felt comforting.
A River Enchanted is one of those books you simply have to read to experience what makes it great. The writing, the pace, the relationships, and the characters all come together to create part of a story that has me itching for the next instalment.
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In the Kingdom of Blunder, people with magical abilities are called ‘infected' and Elspeth Spindle has a secret. Inside her mind is a monster. A monster she must keep secret.
But when she encounters a highwayman on the dark forest road, her life, and her secret, are both put at risk.
I've been looking for a really well-written YA fantasy for a while. One that's easy to read and gripping, one you can get lost in.
While I know this isn't technically YA, it does read like one (not in a bad way). It focuses on a young cast of characters. There's romance and a lot of change and conflict. But the thing that perhaps sets itself apart is the level of gore.
I like that it's a gritty story, that doesn't shy away from the violence needed to make the story believable. But at the same time, it holds back. It's a nice balance.
The writing style is very appealing. It's descriptive in a zoomed-in and detailed way, giving us lots of atmosphere, yet it's still quick and fast-paced. A good combination, especially if you're looking for an engaging but quick story to read.
I really enjoyed the magic system. It's full of potential and one of the reasons why I'm excited to pick up the next book. Especially if we get to see more of the world because, throughout this book, we were focusing on a very small cast of characters.
It has an element of period drama to it. With the focus on the wealthy and powerful families that have seemingly nothing better to do than sit around and have parties. It's a good way of showcasing the world's politics without having to go too far afield.
The last 4 chapters, in particular, were excellent. Gritty, gripping, and exciting. A dark fairytale-esq book with plenty of twists. Satisfying and easy to read.
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When a man visits his hometown to attend a funeral, he feels a pull towards his neighbour's farmhouse down the lane. While sitting on the edge of a mysterious pond there, the memories of his childhood come flooding back.
I went into The Ocean at the End of the Lane without knowing a thing. I'd bought all of Neil's books in a collection with plans to read them one by one. I didn't read reviews, I didn't even read the synopsis, and honestly, I think this helped me enjoy the book more.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane is about childhood memory and the clash between adults and children. In imagination, boldness, and fear. For this reason, the perspective starts with our main character as he's older, but then it switches to his younger self when the memories flood in.
The writing style slightly changes at this point too. It's younger, more simplistic, and childlike. As it should be, through the mind of a child. It works, but it does take some getting used to.
He has a way of writing and describing things that are incredibly vivid. As if you can feel it happening to you. And then he quickly moves on, like he didn't just give you the chills.
He clearly puts himself into the work. There are lots of anecdotes and references to myths which are said by the main character sure, but are clearly his thoughts and opinions too. He just can't help himself.
It has this weird cosy element to it. It speeds up and feels traumatic, then it slows down and gets cosy, calm, and safe.
There is a level of darkness and trauma in the book. But this darkness, I liked. Without it, the story wouldn't be as gripping. There would be no stakes. It would all be just a bit ‘meh'.
I really enjoyed it. Neil's work requires you to explore your thoughts and feelings on particularly sensitive or thought-provoking subject matter. This one was no different. It takes you on a journey while giving you some pretty unique fantasy.
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Violet Made of Thorns is a classic enemies-to-lovers story. That fact is not a spoiler because it's plainly obvious right from the get-go.
Violet Made of Thorns feels like it's book two in the series rather than book one. We're immediately thrown into the world through the perspective of the main character Violet, the seer at a royal court.
We're introduced to characters from her perspective, including her problematic relationship with the prince. Her past and how she got to this position at court is explained, but I'm going to be honest here, that story feels far more interesting than the one I sat through.
Books that start with the main character as an already established person in a court struggle because there's so much to explain without any built-up.
When the MC figures things out as we do, or is introduced to the world, characters and setting at the same time we do, it flows much better. We get to know the main character in a more natural way because we've gone on a journey with them.
In the case of this book, we've not gone on a journey at all. She's already there. It feels like the story already happened without us, and this is the next book.
For this reason, it's hard to feel for the characters. I had no attachment to them at all. When we haven't seen the main character go through a struggle, it's hard to relate to them.
Then there's the relationship aspect of the book, which is pretty much the entirety of the book. I wasn't into it. It was uncomfortable and harsh. Predictable in where it was going, and yet completely toxic. Not a good combo.
Having said all of this, it's not badly written. It flows well, is easy to read, and has some good moments. It just wasn't for me.
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I'm going to be honest, I didn't like this book (at first). It started pretty dark, subtle in its comedy, almost British, but in a depressing way (rather than a funny way). It felt tragic, not what I was expecting at all.
I was close to DNFing it. I didn't want to read something that made me feel terrible, but I persisted, thanks to some friends, and I'm so glad I did.
I felt a weird transformation while reading this book. I started off disliking the depressed and harsh vibe of the first few chapters and then the obvious and on-the-nose vibe of the next few.
But it hit a point, just over halfway, where I felt this kind of sadness that it will be over soon. I didn't want it to end. This was obviously manufactured. You're meant to feel that contrast to make the story better, so I'm thankful for that transformation.
It's an incredibly sweet book filled with valuable life lessons, heartwarming messages, and beautiful moments. One of those books that would melt even the hardest of hearts.
It draws parallels between the inhabitants of the house and marginalised people in our daily lives and honestly, it does a really good job of it.
The House in the Cerulean Sea is a stunningly beautiful and emotional book. Go read it!
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The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is V. E. Schwab's very own fairytale. Filled with sombre thoughts, subtle messages, and of course, magic. It's dark, atmospheric and deeply psychological.
Like most fairytales, it's a seemingly simple story with consequences and magic. But it's more adult, real, and raw. Rather than skipping over the message of the story, it lingers on it, really going into detail.
V. E. Schwab's writing, compared to the other books I've read of hers, is dreamy in this one. It lingers more and sets an artistic scene. But it's not overdone.
It doesn't feel like it's trying to be anything. It just is what it is. Which, on its own, is comforting. It almost forces you to take a step back, to slow down.
It's weirdly comforting. Specifically because not a lot happens. I mean, stuff happens, but it's not huge world-breaking stuff. It's internal, psychological and big in a small way. There's something refreshing about that. We don't always need huge quests and adventure. Sometimes we just need internal struggle and growth.
It does drag towards the middle, though. The book is intentionally slow, so it's a test of patience. But without an end goal in sight, this drawn-out section feels longer than it probably is.
I couldn't predict anything. I had absolutely no idea where it was going or what would happen, and I quite enjoyed that. It calmed me. If you're looking for a book that doesn't rush but has those fairytale vibes, this is it.
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A Dowry of Blood tells the story of Dracula's first bride Constanta - from her perspective.
I will give you no more than that because, honestly, you need to read this book.
First of all, I love the use of a content warning at the beginning. Adding this to the start of your book should become the standard. In this case, it was absolutely necessary. The warning doesn't spoil anything. It just protects readers.
Okay, into the review.
The book sets the scene with a set of letters from Constanta to Dracula. It acts as a little reminder of who our main character is and what she's been through before we jump right into the story. It also hints at some good old feminine rage which I personally love.
Even though it's in second-person perspective, it still has an air of mystery attached to it. We're still slightly removed from the situation because the main character isn't really talking to us. She's talking to Dracula. We're just privy to her thoughts and feelings.
It's good it's that way, though. There has to be that mystery for it to fit with the era, to keep it unsettling, to keep us in suspense.
Within the story, the main character doesn't name Dracula. There's a reason for this within the story, but it's also an incredibly clever way of resetting your mind. When we think of Dracula, various media representations come to mind, some of which are comical. This takes that away entirely and allows you to start fresh.
Instead, we see him with new eyes, in the way Constanta (and the author) wants us to see him.
It's a brutal book, one that takes you on a ride of ups and downs while the main character navigates her new life. The content warnings are necessary, that's for sure.
It had me on edge for so many moments. It might have been because I don't know the story well, but it was so absorbing all the way through. I absolutely devoured this book in one day.
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Stone Blind is a Greek Mythology Medusa retelling, but where it stands apart from other retellings is its inclusion of many other characters.
The focus is on Medusa, but we see the build-up and backstory of everyone from Hera to Athena, Perseus, Danaë, and more.
Because of this, the story is well-rounded. We get to understand all characters within the story and their motivations. I particularly enjoyed seeing some chapters featuring Hera, a character we don't see much of unless she's made out to be the villain.
Like many retellings, it does adapt the original myth and change some aspects of it. As is the beauty and nature of a retelling. I didn't mind these changes, honestly, and they definitely added to the story.
It's worth bearing in mind that my enjoyment of this book may actually hinge on the fact that I know these stories and these characters. There's a base level of knowledge there. I'm unsure what experience you'd have without it. You'd probably enjoy it all the same, but reading may take a little longer.
Towards the middle, the story does start to drag a little. Because I already know the story, especially Perseus's, I wanted these chapters to be quicker. Medusa's chapters, though, I could read them over and over.
Although I mentioned that I liked seeing the perspective of these additional characters, there may just be too many of them. If you don't know Greek Mythology, it's probably confusing, and even then, we don't get to see quite enough of each of them, to really understand why they make the decisions they do.
There's a lot of humour, though, which I enjoyed. I only wish it was consistent. Some parts of Perseus's story we're almost comic through the dialogue of the characters, but not always. I think it would work a lot better if there were specific comedy relief characters that were always funny. Rather than them being funny sometimes and pretty serious other times.
The writing has a musical, magical quality to it. Almost dreamy, which fits so well with the Greek Mythology genre. A great read, especially if you want to expand your Greek Mythology horizons.
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I'm pretty sure I said this with the second book in the series, but this book doesn't mess around. We're literally right back into the action.
V. E. Schwab is a master at not only writing fantastic plot, but structuring her work so you read how she wants you to read.
Longer sentences are used to help you linger on the description. Shorter ones are used to help you read fast. Single words are even positioned on their own lines to give them even more emphasis. It makes her work flow. It makes it better.
The start of the book was exceptional in typical Schwab style, but I did find it dragging a little in the middle.
I think it's just too long. The previous two books were shorter, more concise, and action-packed. This one has plenty going on, but the story feels drawn out.
Perhaps this last book struggles simply because there are so many characters. Backstories are told amongst the action, which draws the story out. Not necessarily a bad thing, but when certain characters have been in the series since the start, it feels weird to learn more about them now. I almost didn't care.
The end though, was fantastic. Action-packed, tense, and honestly really satisfying. A great series to read if you want adventure, magic, and romance thrown in for good measure.
3.5 stars
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I'd classify As Yet Unsent as required reading before reading Nona the Ninth. I'm honestly slightly irritated I didn't read it before Nona.
If you were confused at the start of Nona the Ninth, this short story will clear a few things up.
It outlines these three characters' motivations, thoughts, and movements in more detail than was given to us in Nona. In a way, it allows us to understand them and their situation better.
It's more like a diary than a report and contains more emotion and thoughts that wouldn't normally be in a report - which of course, I like.
Even though the accounts are written by the most serious and proper character in Gideon the Ninth, there's still humour in there. Almost unintentional humour - intentional by Tamsyn, unintentional by Judith.
Much like The Mysterious Study of Doctor Sex, this one allows us to see inside the mind of a character we didn't see much of in Gideon the Ninth. A character who can now be understood in the most beautiful way.
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The Mysterious Study of Doctor Sex is a brilliant story that gives us insight into the Sixth House - which was so fun to read - and Camilla and Palamides' relationship even from a young age.
The writing is unmistakably Tamsyn, with funny quips (although they're more subtle to suit Sixth House), complicated world-building, and engaging dialogue.
It's honestly the sweetest story, and if you love these two characters, as I do, you need to read it.
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We're into volume three of Lore Olympus, and I'm so happy to be back.
In general, I love how each deity is personified throughout these books. Hermes' character, in particular, is fantastic. He's so doofy and loveable. Perfect for one of my favourite Gods.
Lore Olympus is very light-hearted, but it does contain some clear messages throughout. It deals with some really difficult topics well. Honestly, I was impressed.
The artwork does an amazing job of expressing how the characters are feeling and reacting to situations quickly.
Humour and sadness are equally represented by the use of colour, the characters' expressions, and how much space they take up in each frame.
I love how relationships and characters are developed gradually. It's not a full-on trope-fest. It feels a lot more real than that. As real as Gods and Goddesses can be anyway.
Rachel has done such a good job of weaving modern and cultural references into the story. It makes the characters so much more relatable.
A wonderful read. One, I'll absolutely be rereading time and time until the next volume comes out.
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It took me a while to get to the last book in this series, but I'm glad I did. I forgot how good Joe Abercrombie's writing is. It's so clear and calculated. The first few sentences in this book are almost poetic.
The additional thoughts in italic (mostly from Golkta) are something I've missed. They add so much to the story and character development. You learn to love the characters through these thoughts. Even though, in reality, they're complicated and morally corrupt people - especially in the case of Glokta.
Whereas the previous two books were mostly set up and character development. This one is all story and plot, and boy, is it full of it. Almost every chapter has something interesting happen, and for a book of this size, that's saying something.
It does get a little tropey in parts. But I suppose there's a reason why tropes exist. They work.
The way everything comes together is beautifully done. It pushes you through the last few hundred pages quickly, just so you can see what happens come the end.
A fantastic read. If anything, there may have been too much wrapping up in the last book. It felt like it went so quickly. But perhaps it's just because it felt like the end of an era, and I'm not sure I'm ready to say goodbye to some of the characters.
4.5 stars.
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Demon in the Wood is basically 0.01 of the Grishaverse, the origin story of the Darkling. If you know, you know. So let's get into it.
First of all, the artwork is absolutely stunning. The art style is that great blend of expressiveness and beauty. You could frame pretty much every page and be happy.
As far as the story goes, it's pretty good. It's an origin story, so there's not a lot of need for it to be complicated. Throw in the fact that it's a graphic novel, and the feelings, emotions, and complexity of the characters needs to be delivered via the artwork - which is a pretty big ask.
I do feel that Leigh excels at character-driven dialogue the best (from what I've read in Six of Crows anyway), and in this, it doesn't quite give me enough oomph.
Our main character, the focal point of the book, is missing that personality. Sure he's broody and secretive, but to really empathise with him, I needed more than that.
In reality, this doesn't really add anything to the story, but if you're a Grishaverse fan, you'll buy and read it anyway.
Overall it was an enjoyable and quick read, the artwork was absolutely gorgeous, but the story could have done with a bit more punch.
3.5 stars
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Crooked Kingdom is the second book in the Six of Crows duology, and just wow. Why did it take me so long to read this series?
Before I get into the specifics of this book (spoiler-free, of course), I first want to take a moment to talk about the duology as a whole.
I'm honestly not sure I've experienced such complete, satisfying, and skillful storytelling as Leigh Bardugo has achieved with this duology. I'm honestly in awe. The second book, in particular, was astounding, so let's get into it.
Crooked Kingdom immediately jumps into heist-mode. It didn't waste any time whatsoever before getting back into the action. Which led me to believe the whole book would be that way. Moving from action to action, I was right.
It has that filmic vibe. The plot moves swiftly, and the dialogue is full of quips. It's carefully crafted in the most natural way. I can only imagine the amount of work that went into creating such a complicated story. Heists are not easy to write. It's not a simple task to create a complicated plot and unveil it slowly to the reader while keeping them in the loop.
Throw in a cast of characters and their perspectives, and it's even harder. Make each and every one of those characters complicated, with backstories, emotions, and completely different personalities, and you've crafted something extraordinary.
The joy of this book isn't actually the plot, although it's excellent. It's the characters. You can tell the author loves them and the world they're in. Character development is fantastic. Each one has their own thoughts, motivations, and personality quirks. It makes you look forward to seeing more from each and every one of them.
The Six of Crows duology was a wonderful and unforgettable read, and I'm sad it's over.
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Like pretty much any anthology, there will be some pieces you love, and others you don't love quite as much.
In this case, there wasn't a bad piece in the bunch. Each and every one was well-written and engaging.
There were, however, a few that particularly stood out to me. The Last Siren Sings was beautifully written, as was Aeaea on the Seas. Field Reports from the Department of Monster Resettlement had some fantastic characters. Justice Is a Noose was captivating and left me wanting more. Water and When Soldiers Come got creative with the source material. I enjoyed them all.
A few others I skimmed or didn't quite feel as engaged with. It's not that they were bad, far from it. They just didn't interest me as much as the others did.
Anthologies are hard to rate for this reason. Some of the work was 5-star material, others, more like 3 - again for my personal taste. In this case, I think 4 is fair.
Well worth a read if you're itching for more mythology from some fresh perspectives.
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Not Good for Maidens is a fun yet unsettling standalone, perfect if you want a quick shot of adventure.
Lou has been left in the dark. She's grown up in a world that seems normal, if not for her slightly eccentric mother and aunt. But when she finds out her other aunt has been lost to the goblin market, a world of magic and horror she's been sheltered from, starts to reveal itself.
Not Good for Maidens starts with a punch and then slows right down. It's this punchy opening that I feel weirdly lets the book down.
It sets a high bar for action and mystery, but we're then dropped back to ground level way too fast. It then takes a while to build back up again. Which means everything after that first chapter just doesn't grip you.
The build-up doesn't feel right, and it takes too long because we already pretty much know what happens and what the market is. We know more than the main character, so there are no stakes and no tension. We can't relate to her.
After a shaky start, it picks up, though. Once the main characters are together and the action starts, the book gets good. But I was close to DNFing before that point.
It becomes something intense, kind of real, mysterious, and very morish.
It does get a little repetitive. The book is about the market, so its descriptions of the market throughout can feel a little samey. Like, I've read it a few times before.
The juxtaposition of our main character's story with her aunt's actually works quite well in the second half of the book. Those two stories come together nicely to form a complete one.
Overall the book is a good one, and it would be even better without that first chapter - even though it was written so well.
3.5 stars
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The Book Eaters is an almost-gothic urban fantasy with hints of nostalgia. A great stand-alone with a satisfying end.
Devon is part of an ancient family of book eaters. Human-like creatures that eat books to gain knowledge. But as a woman, Devon is restricted to what she can eat and her role within the family.
After giving birth to her second child, Devon discovers her son doesn't eat books but human minds, and with this discovery, her life changes irreparably.
I'd classify The Book Eaters as an urban fantasy, but where I feel it's different from other urban fantasy novels, is the gothic vibes.
The families within the novel are archaic. They have money, large houses, weird traditions, and mysterious structures to them. We have minimal interaction with humans in the ‘real world', so that aspect of modern day feels removed, only showing up with a few references.
It's very clever. It slides between the past and present smoothly, slowly revealing more of the story as you go. I didn't feel I missed either timeline in the switch, which is hard to do.
As a bonus, the book deals with themes of feminism, gender, sexual identity, and although it doesn't shy away from violence and trauma, it does it in a less grim and shocking way. It works.
Each character within the book is interesting in their own way. They were complicated, unpredictable, and very human, even if they actually weren't.
The story contains hints of nostalgia throughout, which is woven into the story beautifully. References to video games and fairytales are beautifully done.
The Book Eaters was a fun and satisfying story. An easy writing style makes the story flow well, and the dark edge makes it particularly satisfying. Well worth a read.
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Gild is a complicated, fast-paced, 18+, almost-retelling, and I'm looking forward to seeing where the series goes from here.
Gild tells the story of Auren, who not only lives in a golden cage in King Midas' castle, but she herself is golden too.
Auren is Kind Midas' favoured, his top saddle, the one he loves. But when a deal is struck with another kingdom, the safety Auren feels within her cage is destroyed, and she's forced to confront some truths she's been avoiding.
Gild's writing is very free-flowing and easy to read, yet full of personality. We spend our time in the mind of the main character, and honestly, I quite like her. She has personality, and she's not afraid to show it in the right situations, but in the king's presence, she's meek and subdued.
There are many hints throughout the book that indicate she has Stockholm Syndrome. She's partially aware of her situation but struggles with the concept of doing anything about it. The contrast between her being grateful and feeling safe, with her situation, in reality, is addressed subtly.
It would have solidified the author's message better if this had been more obvious. Instead, sometimes it borders on being a little tropey.
Our main character seems like a real person, especially when she's interacting with the other characters within the book. She uses humour to mask her pain. It's realistic and makes the story that much more engrossing.
It's a teeny bit predictable at parts. But maybe I'm too hyper-aware of YA fantasy tropes.
However, it is intense. It doesn't shy away from brutality, and trauma, which is good. But doesn't quite linger enough on the subsequent pain. As a result, the message is diluted and not well-rounded enough.
This is the first book in the series, so it's shorter and has the task of setting up. Honestly, I think it does a great job. It's punchy, free-flowing, incredibly easy to read, and I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
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3.5 stars
Ninth House starts strong. We're given the general vibe of the book early on. Creepy, dark, and a little unsettling. A little different from the dark academia I've read so far, which was refreshing.
We're also gradually introduced to our main character's personality over time as she reacts to and deals with everything going on around her. This makes for some good character-building, but it does slow down the plot.
It's a slow burn. Not a lot happens in the first half. It's almost like the author is building up to something, but a lot of this build-up is done inside the main character's mind. She's just telling us stuff all the time rather than us experiencing it with her.
This technique really bothers me. This book has a lot of info-dumping, which is a shame because the writing is good. When we're not looking too much at the mundane past with info-dumping, the story is incredibly gripping and very well written, which isn't surprising considering the author's other work.
The second half really picks up. At points, I got so lost in the story and read fast. If you're into true crime, this is a great book. It combines that mystery with fantasy and a little dark academia all in one.
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The Last Graduate was... okay. It suffers from middle book syndrome. Not sitting on its own, but acting solely as a setup for the next book in the series.
For this reason, the book was full of rambling internal monologue, very little plot, and a punchy end. Which, honestly, just annoyed me.
Sure, I'm now interested in where the story will go from here. But did I have to read that much pointless text to get there?
3.5 stars
Let me be more specific.
The Last Graduate starts slow. We spend most of our time walking around with the main character as she does mundane school stuff. I don't know if I'm remembering the first book wrong, but I seem to remember it being much more gripping from the get-go. The school is dangerous, uncertain, and kind of scary, especially through the eyes of the main character.
Now though, it's like we've reached a point where she's so powerful, the school is just pointless and boring. There are no stakes. So all we do throughout the book is follow her around and listen to her ramble about her coursework.
It's like there's no story. We're just filling time until graduation.
The timeline jumps around a lot. We're not actually experiencing most of the things that are happening. The main character is just telling us about them.
But then, when we're in the present moment. When things are happening right then and there, the writing is so good I just want more of it. It's a shame.
So let's get to the ending.
It was a fast, frantic, and fantastic ending. But the long chapters of endless thoughts that didn't show much character development or story progression were kind of painful to get through.
The end did make me want to see what happens next, but not enough to sit through another similar book. It has that formula to it. To throw everything at you at the last minute, and I just don't know if I can go through it again.
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