Elle
If I could rate a book 10 out of 10 I would for Rolfe's glorious, beautiful ‘Wolf and Bear'. Discussing feelings in a safe environment, this book aimed at young readers is a beautiful answer for those kids looking to understand their feelings, and how it's okay to not be happy all the time. Sometimes we are sad, sometimes we are angry, in the end, those who love us will always be there for us, and just outside the darkness. All we have to do is take the first step. Ahh Rolfe, beautifully poignant and an incredible resource for parents, children and carers as well. Delighted to have witnessed a true case of the ‘why adults should read children's books'. Ordering a second copy immediately for my Child Psychotherapist mother for her work! A strong contender for anyone looking to flesh out their library, whether personal, school, home or local.
“Oh, what memories can hold on us, as well as for us.”
This art is a reimagining of the Mother of horror, a Mother of classic storytelling, and her beginnings. This Gothic, Historical fiction piece is written in a way that (as a reader with some but not lots of knowledge in Mary Shelley's story) invokes moments of wondering where the line between fiction and fact truly lies. How much can we truly know from our history books and others accounts. The book works between two timelines, that are merely 4 years apart but feel worlds of character growth in between. With a constant longing, a consistent mystery, and a gorgeously mesmerising storyline, ‘Mary' is a delightful work of prose that discusses the origins of Shelley's famous ‘Frankenstein', and all that memories can hold on us as well as for us.
“huh? How did I finish it so fast? When is the sequel?”.
Edgmon has crafted a great piece that explores queerness, trauma and pain, mental health, found family and morally grey characters. It intrigues me how brilliantly woven our MC's indigenous background is interwoven within the story and it features a strongly diverse cast, each with their own characteristics and personality. This book is a brilliant piece of escapism that takes you away from page one, right up to the last page and you go “huh? How did I finish it so fast? When is the sequel?”. Reincarnation of Gods, Morally grey characters, Enough stuff happening to someone they turn to Villainy? Urgh I loved it. I look forward to seeing where the author goes next. It is a book that is very of its time, and certain references were slightly jarring at time. Overall, certainly a piece I will be recommending to those teens who have felt out of place, misjudged, abused by peers, or obsessed with mythology. I guess... Younger me's...
“Ross has always held me captive with her work: Ruthless Vows is no different.”
Where do I start? I absorb Ross' words into my bloodstream at any and all opportunities. I adore her mastery of the pen and her absolute gift at translating words on a page, into a world that seemingly existed as truthfully as the one I sit here writing this in. The sequel is not an easy road to set upon. But it is a road I am mighty glad Rebecca Ross has gone down. The story felt expertly laid at the readers feet, each page answering lingering queries, building upon mythologies and adding absolute angst and urgency word by word. Ross cleverly details her sequel with arcs in storytelling, world building, character building and just awe-inspiring magic. Words can barely cover how magical this book was to read. Ross manages to effortlessly return the style of the first book and its formats (many letters again!) and return the mystery and intrigue of the connection between our beloved main characters and their typewriters. Since 2018 Rebecca Ross has held me captive between worlds of unexplainable decadence: Divine Rivals, and Ruthless Vows, is no different. Beautifully superb.
This book is BRILLIANT! Flanagan crafts a beautifully detailed, fast-moving world that is believable from page 1. Liz Flanagan with Joe Todd-Stanton is a powerhouse team, that I look forward to reading more from, Todd-Stanton illustrations just add to the wonder of the book, giving it warmth and character that just seal the bow on the present that is Flanagans words. I ADORED the dragon-esque border framing each chapter as it felt like it's own seal of magic upon the book! With a wonderfully multi-faceted main character, Milla, at the centre, Dragon Daughter takes the reader on an adventure that includes a murder, baby dragons, politics, prejudice, loyalty and friendship. Each plot point feels relevant, and interwoven with the rest of the story and world-building in a way that often many middle-grade aimed books seemingly misses. As Milla seeks her destiny and seeks her past we uncover more and more twists and turns as the page number grows. I could not stop myself from reading! The cast of characters is intriguing and provides quite a few admirable faces, and some darstardly (familiar?) villains! I loved reading this book and so handed it straight to my 12 year old sister to go to the top of her reading pile. Perfect for ages 8-13, or anyone who wants a good, dragon-centric book!
“Alexa, add Vampire Repellent to my shopping list!”
Superbly spooky! As a fan of Cinderella is Dead and Kalynn Bayronn's other works, when this was announced as BOTM for October I was so excited! As soon as I picked it up, I knew it was going to be spectacular! Perfect for ages 8-12 as a slightly spooky vampire read. Feels like stranger things, Amari, and Buffy wrapped up in one little book.
“Utter Eye-opener”
Tim Marshall continues his series of incredibly detailed books on geo-politics. Every page is filled with information to take away, and discusses in an accessible format topics from Space exploration, to the impact Science-fiction has on the world. Marshall covers all the bases and informs the reader seemingly with no presumptions on their capabilities to understand and learn the information he brings to the table. Definitely a non-fiction book for all, one that easily grabs the reader, rather than having to slog through it. A recommendation for anyone who wants to understand more about our world, the effect geography can have, and the effect politics can have, on the world as we currently know it and where it is headed next.
As a lover of all things mythology and folklore, Houstons duology sounded like perfection! I'm glad to say, it hits all the marks. Discusses some somewhat triggering topics such as; parent loss, grief, fear and not fitting in, in a way that feels relatable and honest. The Wind Child is a beautiful story with wonder, adventure and impressive world-building. This book is perfect for any kid especially those who enjoy works by Rick Riordan or Katya Balen. The prose is elegant and emotional, Houston has created a world of wonder, easy for any child to sink into within mere pages.
Continuing our adventures with Mara and Torniv, Houston takes us on another absolutely compelling adventure filled with delightfully artful prose. Whilst the first book dealt with Grief, and the burden it takes, especially on those we believe cannot comprehend, this second book revolves around the meaning of family, where our decisions may take us, and the power loyalty can hold. Houston is clearly within her element whilst continuing her work with Slavic inspiration, and I found the book to be a perfect sequel, and closing chapter to Mara's story. An easy recommendation for any child who wishes to be whisked away into another realm on an adventure.
Sapphic, fake-dating trope, and teeming with an diverse cast of characters! A lovely, quirky romantic comedy suitable for anyone looking for a cozy, happy ending. Childhood best friends turned distant turned high school sweethearts. With beautiful moments of dialogue, bringing a realistic view on the often missed bisexuality spectrum, this slow burning love story is sweet as pie, with a slightly bittersweet crust. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys coming-of-age sapphic tales or contemporary romance.
Thank you Bonnier Books for my beautiful copy of this wondrous book in exchange for a review! As a keen witch-history nerd, this book seemed to call my name. This beautifully presented book is filled with prepossessing illustrations, mythical magical tales and facts. Making non-fiction more accessible and readable for more readers is no easy feat. Kidd does this excellently. Presented in a way that intrigues and empowers the voices of those lost under the label of ‘witch', Kidd informs in a compelling way that puts this as one of my favourite on the subject. Use of Scottish dialect was a specific choice, that I can see as confusing at times, but with perseverance, there is much gold at the end of these chapters and in thus, the whole book.
As a rare reader of anthologies, and a keen fantasy reader, reading this collection of short stories was an adventure in itself. Exploring the different faces of mermaids, this anthology doesn't shy away from crafting mystery and intrigue into its tales. It approached different subject matter in a usually effective format and did well at keeping a flow story to story. From authors who I typically devour work by in mere minutes, to authors who I'm relatively new to, the flow between the masters of the pen was easy to follow, and multiple tales were told in creative ways leaving questions unanswered or open, or concise and clear. A sweet, easy-to-read anthology with a variety of voice types and tales. Thank you Netgalley for my copy in exchange for review.
Thank you NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for a review. As a mass Greek Mythology Nerd, I was ecstatic that the 10th book in Valentino's series was to be Hades. Personally I enjoyed the book but must mention the importance of reading earlier works to gain full effect of the story. Valentino ties up some loose ends in a truly satisfying way.
Thank you Netgalley for an early copy in exchange for review. I adored The Last Bear when it first came out, and as soon as I saw there was to be a follow-up I knew I had to read it. The book is beautifully done. In a way that is compelling to all ages, young and old, Hannah Gold interweaves the concerningly critical environmental messages with true character it is impossible to NOT imagine from the page. Threaded with a needle of hope, Finding Bear is a beautiful sequel and a book that warms the heart at times, but also makes you absolutely ache. And think.
Thank you NetGalley for the early copy! I will sing from rooftops about this one! Arthurian legends with a feminist angle? SIGN ME UP. The first couple of chapters were slow to start, but after getting through them oh wow was it worth it... I am blown away by the end of this book I absolutely devoured it in the end. And am distraught it is over.
Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced readers copy, in exchange for an honest review. Anyone who knows me, knows Greek Goddesses and Poetry are two of my biggest loves... The first time I picked up Mateer's work, Aphrodite Made Me Do It, I felt seen, loved and ached within the pages. It's no shock, that this achingly gorgeous collection is an easy five star review for me. The connection between mother and daughter is never, ever a simple tale- especially ones filled with trials and tribulations. Connecting to the readers inner child, understanding inner discrepancies in their personal truth and opening the wounds we all seemingly share as a collective, is Mateer's mastery at work. It's beautifully done. And I found myself highlighting about 90% of the collection! I hunger already for the next work of a poet such as Mateer.
I received this ARC via NetGalley and Victory Editing in exchange for an honest review.
This poetry collection is a nice selection designed by an author for their first collection. Hoffman's poetry feels truthful and her candor is delectable in what is currently a highly-saturated field. Personally, the work is good for a first collection, but the organisation of the piece reads ill due to formatting issues, blank pages and other issues with the format across different readers (phone, kindle, laptop etc). The poet reigns in consistency of ideas, but could use some more editing, as many poems feel intangible, messy and could use some finesse.
Absolutely mesmerising, a debut to watch and follow. Bear creates a compelling interwoven tapestry of sisterhood, familiar tales, differing perspectives and absolute heartache. I have been blown away. The Greek mythology realm has reams of tales about Medusa, and some of my favourite feminist reads showcase the inequality and unfairness between Athena/ Atheni's jealousy and temper to the innocence of Medusa, a mere mortal. Adapting the tale to showcase those affected by the tragedy and destruction opens doorways in so many ways.
A beautiful enthralling read. In a world where the British Empire has continued, Adam discovers life, community, perception and imagination, all through his discovery of a mythical majestical creature, a Tyger.
This book should be on every library's wall, every bookshops recommended and every childs eventual reading list. The book supposedly took 9 years in the making, and I'm glad, as you can see each stroke of the key and pen as a decisive action by author and illustrator. Surely a classic to come.
Mix Bagheera, Aslan, The Golden Compass, William Blake's Tyger burning bright and add an extra dash of imagination, vulnerability and community and you receive the astounding Tyger by S.F. Said.
The descriptions of London in an alternate world feel realistic and troubling, as they should. An easy-to-read tale, with beautiful illustrations. A compelling read hard to put down! Too often childrens fiction has fit the idealised structures and guidelines of a western culture, S F Said, draws on his own roots and history and identity to create a wonderfully multi-faceted main character who is influenced by his family's Middle Eastern culture and roots, the afflictions caused by peoples assumptions and beliefs, societal structures and the damage and danger they can present. All whilst recommunicating that, at heart, we are all human, we all have a spark inside, what we do with that spark and our power in this world is what creates the characters we grow to become, and the impact that character can have on ourselves, our family, friends, strangers and even our world.
Perfect for fans of Asha & the Spirit Bird, The Last Bear and The Last Firefox! My favourite Children's read so far this year.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC copy of Golds anOther Mythology in exchange for an honest review. Beautiful. Beautiful, beautiful, Beautiful. Gold spins the tales in the most indescribable of ways. As a queer person utterly obsessed since youth with Greek Mythology and Poetry, I feel seen, I feel elevated, I feel overjoyed at the magnificence with which Maxwell J. Gold paints the stories we think we know, as well as those we do not. The creative liberties he takes add to their delectable passion and his word choice and metaphors are exemplary.
Its taken me some time to process this book. I am a big fiction reader, an even bigger fantasy reader. But dragons, I typically struggle within the genre. Simply put: I needed time to breathe, to appreciate and to understand so many things this book opened me up to. I assumed, as many mere mortals do, that the crazed reaction of booktok was overly played. A book like this one was introducing many to the genre, but that means nothing to the quality. I sit here, a week later. Still spellbound by Yarros' command of a quill (okay pen whatever!). Filled with enemies to lovers, Disability representation, devastating split second moments, beautifully described environments and dragons- wow. Ticks so many of my dream book boxes. The thing that stays with me the most? The disability representation. I had to place the book down for a moment, because I was caught by the one thing I always tend to avoid within the fantasy genre. I ignore my disabilities, because who could ever see a female main character limping around, assistance dog in tow, taking a breather from running to adjust medications? I certainly could not! I've never imagined myself in the fantasy genre, I've imagined myself as versions of my favourite characters, always shoving the things that make me ‘different' into the corner of a mental backpack, always niggling, never taking centre stage. This book interwove our MC's disability within the story in a way that felt like home. When she struggles to walk a flight of stairs, I hear the echo of my own footsteps. I feel like I could, like many other readers, write an essay on how this book will be ingrained into my life and my future book tales forever. Typically,-and true even of those who have disabilities- when approached in writing, a characters disability often feels leaden, and added as an afterthought. Yarros creates a calamity of chaos that welcomes the silver thread of Violet's imperfections as if it crests the waves of the stories chartered waters. Thank you Yarros. How do I follow that brief explanation? I can't. But the plot and the intricacies within the story have me reeling days after a one sit wonder of a read. There are moments I am still going back over, analysing in seven different ways, sharing with friends and discussing. Only SJM and JLA have had such a grip on me with theories, tribulations and discussions I could revel in for hours. I am rushing towards November, and where the adventure leads...
ALSO
SPOILER
?!?!?!?!?!??!! I FREAKING LOVE THE NICKNAME?!?!?!?!?!!?
a good conclusion, left feeling unsatisfied. Fairly predictable for the storyline, however the character development is encouraging. If you enjoy morally grey characters go for it. I think, you care so much about a couple of characters you keep reading, but then the story itself is a bit too predictable.
I don't often rate books 5* but this deserves it clearly. A thoroughly well planned and executed gree the myth retelling. I thought it was beautifully done and made me see the strength in Persephone many stories lack. I've always had strong love with the Greek goddesses but this book helped me in discovering how many of us young women and girls can be seen in Persephone and her chaos of calibre. Thank you Bea, I am enthralled and cannot wait to see what is next from you.