Sara Machado
Through a string of mean and bad characters, Rebecca weaves a tail of racism, plagiarism, theft and loneliness, while uncovering the dark side of the publishing industry.
This is a satirical, thought provoking thriller and I loved most of it.
I loved that this book brings up to discussion important questions surrounding cultural appropriation and in which lanes someone can write. These are issues that currently worry me in publishing as I believe they have the opposite effect than desired: they end up limiting diversity overall.
Though this was certainly an interesting read, it left me somewhat disappointed as it feels extremely dated. Its relevance should decrease at an insane fast pace, and proof of this is that Twitter, a significant focus of criticism in this book, does not exist anymore. Musk will finish what remains of it soon enough, and although something else will appear, everything changes fast.
For someone outside of twitter (me), twitter scandals and Notes apps apologies don't have a huge impact and feel almost foreign. I didn't even know Notes apologies were a thing, but after some research, the conclusion was that the world moved past this as well.
I wish the author left her opinion on the book's issues more clear. I know what she thinks about them because I made a due diligence after the book, but while I was reading it, it was not clear for me at all.
This book also included a pet peeve of mine: It directly mentions two best seller writers to support the lack of literature knowledge of some characters. Though I understand the reasons behind these mentions, and that it actually emphasizes June annoying personality, it doesn't sound right to me. The same result could have been achieved without the mentions.
I believe this is a wonderful reading for a book club or a buddy read due to its discussing potential.
This was my first book of R. F. Kuang and I can see why she has been such a success on the writing world. Her writing is captivating and I'm certainly going to pick more of her books
I would like to thank Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, Pinkity Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Come as you are was a refreshing romance read as it features Ashley, a 46 divorced snow resort owner, and Madigan, a 53 year old guitarist, recovering addict and owner of a recovering house for ex-cons and addicts.
The story includes heavy topics such as grief, substances abuse and the difficult reintegration of ex-cons in society. Despite the difficult topics, it is a heartwarming read as, in its essence, it is a story about forgiveness, acceptance and second chances in life.
Older couple's romance books are a rarity. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about it because love has no age, and romance books should not have too.
Bonus points for the 90's playlist!
Wonderful as always!
Being a high fantasy writer, Sanderson is obviously not known for the romances on his books.
Despite this, all the books I've read from him have a bit of romance, and while this is not the reason I enjoyed them, I always find his love stories the best ones.
In his easy writing style and magical world, Sanderson always writes couples with an undeniable connection, who support and respect each other, and whom I see working on the long run, no epilogues needed to confirm it - Raoden and Sarene (Elantris), Vin and Elend (Mistborn Era 1), Dalinar and Navani (Stormlight Archive) and, the most recent, Tress and Charlie (Tress of the Emerald See)
While Yumi and the Nightmare Painter can be considered his most romantic book, it is much more than a love story, and will certainly be appreciated by all Cosmere fans, while possibly being more attractive to new readers.
“I only stare”, he said, “when I see something too beautiful for my eyes to take in all at once”
There is much to love in this book:
- It was inspired by the anime Your Name, which is absolutely brilliant (among other inspirations).
- Relatable characters and problems: both Painter and Yumi struggles will feel close to home for a lot of readers. They are acutely lonely and isolated. More than a romance, I find this book to be about what it means to be human and the need to find connections and to have a purpose. Our ability to learn and start again, and how important it is to accept our flaws and ask for forgiveness (ours and from others)
- Heavy on what I think Sanderson does best: Character and relationship development. This applies to both main and secondary characters and it really makes the story shine.
- Interesting magic system and world building, with heavy connections with other Cosmere worlds
- Well balanced in terms of pace
- Gorgeous illustrations by Aliya Chen. I'm definitely going to buy the hardcover as well (and desperately need for someone to bring the original cover from US because the postal costs are insane)
Regarding the one million dollar question:
In which order should I read this book?
While I'm a strong believer all Sanderson standalones should be good entry points, and that in no way is he expecting people to read almost 10 000 pages (count before secret projects) to pick up this book, I found it more heavily connected with the Stormlight Archive than I was expecting.
The connections in this book are not as subtil as usual and don't feel like the typical Easter eggs he plants in all his novels. I believe I would have preferred to read it after finishing SA. That said, it does not spoil anything of other books, and though I had one theory confirmed in this book, it would be absolutely indifferent if it was my first Cosmere novel.
If this is the book that leaves you curious enough to start reading his works, just do it.
I was not intrigued with this book. I only read it because it was supposed to be the fifth book in the series and advance the story. Retellings are a pet peeve of mine and I should have trusted my instincts.
Firstly, A soul of Ash and Blood should NOT be considered book 5 as only the last chapter moves a little of the story forward.
It might work bringing some of her lost fans back because of all the love for Cas, but it kind of did the opposite for me.
This was everything that was bad on From Blood and Ash, on steroids. I don't even think it does Cas any favor as it continues this tendency of removing his personality and turns the first book all about how Poppy is special and how he is in awe of her.
Although I knew it was a retelling of the first book from Cas perspective, I kept thinking it would be about their whole story and cover important moments from other books. If you want to ensure someone remembers you and your connection, why would you only tell them about the time you have betrayed them? It just feels like a bad decision and I hope I'm wrong about it. I surely would wake up in a bad mood!
Cas betrayal in the first book really bother me this time, when it didn't before. I could understand it the first time because of his brother, and because he didn't know Poppy that well. His perspective changes everything for me because he's aware the whole time it would be really wrong to get physically involved with her, that it would hurt her in a way she didn't deserve and that it could be difficult to recover. She never lived or had choices before and he just took one more thing from her - trust.
What is this talk about Shea again? Why does Jennifer keep adding noise to the story? We moved on from it, I don't care about her anymore. There's no need to add more issues to the romance, either if Jennifer chooses to go with Poppy and Cas or Poppy-Cas-Kieran. I'm ok with both ships, but I actually think the second one makes significantly more sense.
Regarding the new bits: There's nothing I hate more than overpowered characters. I was truly convinced they have achieved their full potential but I was wrong.
This series is off the rails, it needs to end.
The Hurricane Wars has a strong beginning for high fantasy lovers and I was extremely excited about it. After that, the romance takes over and the politics assume a less central aspect to the story. Was I disappointed the romance takes such a central role in the story? A bit yes. The premise of the book is intriguing and I hated that it felt more bland, at least against my expectations. Did I still enjoyed the book? Absolutely!
As Romantasies go, this is the best one I've read in a while.
The writing is beautiful, the word building incredible, the magic system and politics are interesting and the romance is a believable, (very) slow burn enemies to lovers.
You can understand why they are conflicted and falling in love, you can feel the tension and angst and you end up suffering with them.
Although I would have loved for this book to be more focused on the fantasy side, I really enjoyed reading it and I believe it is a wonderful beginning of a new series.
The Hurricane Wars will be published in October 12th and it should definitely be among Romantasy lovers most anticipated releases.
I would like to thank HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, HarperVoyager and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
- - - - review update October 3 - - - -
I've reviewed this book a few months ago, but since then, a lot more reviews came, and most mention the same issue. I want to add my piece as well.
When I read The Hurricane Wars, I didn't know it started as Star Wars fanfiction, and I want to emphasize that at no point I felt that I lacked context for what was happening, or that I was expected to have prior knowledge of the world and events.
I am indeed a StarWars fan and, to be honest, when I was reading I did think “Cool! This reminds me of StarWars because of the light and the ships”. However, in no moment I thought about Rey and Kylo (and I'm actually a Reylo shipper, though I never read any fanfic).
Nowadays every romantasy seems like fanfiction of S. J. Maas and JLA, we need only to read the titles to know what is coming: bad boy is not bad, the FMC turns out to be an overpowered Mary Sue, the MMCs are some variation of our favorite batboys, vampires and daddy Niktos, . This apparently bothers absolutely no one, unless we change the fanfic to Reylo and StarWars.
This is by no means a masterpiece, and it has a lot of said tropes, but it also feels original. If this is what we get with Reylo fanfic, please give me more of it.
Personally, I think this was a lot better than a certain well loved best seller.
This is a very sweet book about finding love at unexpected and challenging times, finding the courage to trust again and leap for a chance at happiness.
It has several bits that are well loved on contemporary romances:
- Disability representation (FMC and MMC)
- MMC is a tall and nerd cinnamon role
- Found family
- Forced proximity
- Spice and praise
I've found the beginning and middle of the story very strong.
My favorite parts were the interactions between Win and Bo and I wished we had more of them. I believe it would have benefited the story, as it could have shown a bit more pinning from Bo.
“I'm not sure how to pace myself here. How to slow down so you can catch up,” he whispers.
The story has a lot of internal discussions and dialogue which, due to Win insecurities, made me loose a bit of interest along the way, hence the rating.
3.5 stars
TW - pregnancy, cancer (off page), death of parent (off page), suicide (off page), pregnancy and post partum depression (off page), abusive relationship (off page)
Crook Manifesto is the second book of the trilogy Ray Carney, which started with Harlem Shuffle.
In this book Colson Whitehead brings us back to Harlem in the 70's, which was at its violence peak. The story is centered around Ray's furniture store and, similarly with the first book, it is told in three interconnected tales.
Ray's furniture story is increasingly successful and has expanded. Everything appears to be on the right track for Ray to make it straight and leave his criminal past behind him. Unfortunately, his daughter's desire to see Jackson Five end up putting Carney on the wrong path again.
Colson is master storyteller, and he is able to tell us, in a beautiful and entertaining way, about African-American history. I'm expectant for the trilogy final book.
I would like to thank Little Brown Book Group UK, Fleet and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A Psalm for the Wild Built is a beautiful and cozy short sci-fi book, about a non binary tea monk, who's a bit lost, and a robot, who understands more about life than expected.
This book is easily relatable, because almost all of us have found themselves a bit lost, sad, lacking purpose or something to define us. Mosscap and Dex friendship and conversations can feel like a warm hug for those times.
I loved this book! The world building is interesting, the characters are lovable, and the story is simple and heartwarming. The book is written in a beautiful and humorous way, perfect for times when you need a “pick me up” story.
“Belongings! Oh, this is a delight. And you have so many, and all over—”
It also perfectly summarizes what is like to cook in Portugal:
“There's basically nothing savory that can't be improved by adding an onion.”
This was just delightful!
There is much to love about this book: honest communication, vulnerability, self-discovery, personal growth, sex positivity, consent, OCD and anxiety representation, FMC more knowledgeable on sex and MMC willing to learn.
This is one of the healthiest relationships I've read on contemporary romances, full of much needed green flags.
It was the easy and cozy read I was needing, and I find it perfect as a summer read or to help with a reading slump.
I just didn't love the ending, mostly because I wasn't in the mood for a third act breakup and have chosen this book because some reviews stated it didn't have one. It really is a minor breakup, but I wasn't expecting it, and ended up feeling the ending was rushed. I would have preferred reading about both characters working together for their HEA, as their open communication was my favorite part of the story.
Great read for contemporary romance readers. I highly recommend it!
Happy publication day!
The Jasad Heir is a Egyptian inspired fantasy novel. This book is full of political intrigue, interesting characters, wrapped with a vaste worldbuing.
Although I enjoyed Sara Hashem writing style, I've found the pace a bit slow and the story too long. The Jasad Heir, as other recent fantasy books, feels mostly as a set up for a second book, lacking something to make it shine on its own.
The FMC and MMC interactions are great and strongly help carry the book. Thought the romance is not a central issue, it was my favorite part as I believe it might have been the first time I've read a true enemies to lovers. I couldn't believe it would happen and I think it was brilliantly done.
The ending was thrilling and I feel the next books should be promising.
Read this if you like fantasy and enjoy:
- political intrigue
- found family
- fugitive queen
- trials
- forbidden romance
- enemies to lovers
- “who did this to you?”
I would like to thank Orbit and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Immortal Longings is Chloe Gong adult debut and I loved it.
She has a special way to tell the story, and although the setting is dirty and dark, it is just impossible to not find her words beautiful.
Immortal longings is dystopian urban fantasy told by 3 main different POV, and some extra ones to spice things up a bit.
All POV are working for more or less the same purpose, but with different results in mind. In a world as damaged and corrupted as the twin capital cities of San-Er is it even possible to win?
“There are no gods in this world. Only kings and tyrants
I was hooked from the first page, and had my heart on my throat for the last 20% of the story. This book has everything I love in fantasy: high stakes, fast pace, interesting characters, foreshadowing and surprises.
The characters are the deliciously grey and it is still unclear who are the heroes and the villains. Everything is told and woven in a way that demands our attention until we are feeling what they feel. I fell for Anton, cried for other minor characters, felt anxious for the mysteries going on, and was surprised several times.
She stains his mind in vivid color, bright and burning and dangerous.
Recommended for Chloe Gong fans, as well as urban fantasy readers. If you enjoyed Altered Carbon from Netflix you will love this book.
I would like to thank Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“As I go to bed, I think how awful it would be to die in the middle of reading a good novel.”
This was one of the most beautiful books I've read in recent years. Valérie writing is beautiful, and I lost count of how many times the story broke my heart and put it together just to break it later again.
It is one of those books you just need to slow down the reading speed to savor each words and let the sentences fill your heart and soul. I cried, smiled, and now I'm not sure what to do with myself.
Violette is a cemetery caretaker, and though this might appear to be a terrible sad job and environment, it ends up being more about a celebration of love and life. About picking up broken pieces and find ways to move on, watering what can grow and keep living. It depends on the lens we choose to use when looking at death, and this novel shows it perfectly.
”Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow.”“When we miss one person, everywhere becomes deserted”
This story, as life, is full of lovely and awful characters, good, neutral, bad and terrible moments. It shows different forms of grief, love and the normalcy of living.
“It will avoid unspoken resentment, lamentment, and all that.” “What's lamentment'?”“It's a word I invented to combine melancholy, guilt, regrets, steps forward, and steps backward. Everything that really bugs us in life, in other words. That holds us back.”
I might reread it in Portuguese as, although the English translation is beautiful, I just know it would translate better to other neo-latin language. I wished I knew French enough to read the original version.
“Make love. I'd like to take off all your beige and make you see all the colors of the rainbow.““I have absolutely no desire that, one day, your ashes end up on my tomb. I couldn't care less, in fact. I want to live with you now, right now. While we can still gaze at the sky together . . . Even when it's pouring like today.”
This novel is also a mystery book, and although I enjoyed it a bit less when the mystery kicked in, I couldn't rate something that left me this emotional with less than 5 stars.
It might not be for everyone one as it is very “French”/ “European” and it includes themes that I know bother a lot of readers. If you don't mind reading about those, do pick up this book! It is worthy!
TW - Cheating, loss of a child, sexual assault, death
Out now!
One day in December was the first romance I've read. With it, came my love for the comfort of the HEA romances provide, granting Josie Silver a special place in my heart.
A Winter in New York does what it promises, and bring us to the magical New York during the holiday season. The book celebrates family bonds, the importance of fighting for your own voice, dealing with heavy past baggage and finding love after difficult times.
This is a sweet story, full of lovely characters and heartwarming moments. Iris and Gio have great chemistry and it's impossible not to root for their happiness.
The characters are slightly older than what it's typical in recent contemporary romances, which was a nice change, though I struggled to understand some of their choices and decisions.
Although I wanted to scream with Iris during the whole book regarding the things she was holding back, the ending wraps everything rather nicely.
Overall a cozy and tender read for the winter.
TW - death of parent (off page), verbal abusive relationship, gaslighting
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
I would like to thank Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was very excited for this book, not only because everyone seems to love it, but especially because it is a #OwnVoice muslim /middle eastern fantasy and I have never read anything similar.
Despite reading fantasy since I was little, it was more difficult for me to picture and understand this world, which supports that there is little diversity in fantasy writing, being mostly based in Western culture and civilizations.
Chakraborty writing is detailed and beautiful, the world she creates is rich, and the characters are layered and credible. The way our opinions regarding characters actions are molded throughout the book and different POVs is a testament to her writing ability, and I am very impressed with it.
I found the pace of the book rather slow, which reduced my interest in the story to the point where I was determined to not continue the trilogy. However, the last chapter and the epilogue are fantastic, and that was enough to change my mind.
Recommended for fantasy readers in general
I would like to thank One More Chapter, HarperCollins Uk and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Lost Bookshop is a three POV and dual timeline story. The present timeline follows Martha, a domestic violence victim on the run, who starts working as an in-housekeeper for Madame Bowden. She meets the PhD student Henry, who is searching for an old manuscript and a lost bookshop, that should be located right next to Bowden's house.
The past timeline starts in 1921, and tells us the story of the brave Opaline and her fight for independence.
This book was an interesting read. Evie Woods writing is beautiful and immersive, and I've found myself immediately absorbed by Martha's and Opaline's lives. It is worth to mention the story is full of literary references, from the Brontë sisters to Sally Rooney, which should delight all book lovers.
I really wanted to love this book but there were too many things going on on both timelines, some of them unnecessary for the story progression and that actually worked as a distraction to the main plot, which prevented me to fully enjoy the reading.
I disliked Henry from the moment we discover he is engaged until the end. I wish the romance was addressed differently, as there was no lack of drama on the present timeline.
Still, it was a lovely read and I recommend it for both Magical Realism and Historical Fiction fans.
T.W - Physical and verbal abuse, cheating
Merged review:
I would like to thank One More Chapter, HarperCollins Uk and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Lost Bookshop is a three POV and dual timeline story. The present timeline follows Martha, a domestic violence victim on the run, who starts working as an in-housekeeper for Madame Bowden. She meets the PhD student Henry, who is searching for an old manuscript and a lost bookshop, that should be located right next to Bowden's house.
The past timeline starts in 1921, and tells us the story of the brave Opaline and her fight for independence.
This book was an interesting read. Evie Woods writing is beautiful and immersive, and I've found myself immediately absorbed by Martha's and Opaline's lives. It is worth to mention the story is full of literary references, from the Brontë sisters to Sally Rooney, which should delight all book lovers.
I really wanted to love this book but there were too many things going on on both timelines, some of them unnecessary for the story progression and that actually worked as a distraction to the main plot, which prevented me to fully enjoy the reading.
I disliked Henry from the moment we discover he is engaged until the end. I wish the romance was addressed differently, as there was no lack of drama on the present timeline.
Still, it was a lovely read and I recommend it for both Magical Realism and Historical Fiction fans.
T.W - Physical and verbal abuse, cheating
Merged review:
I would like to thank One More Chapter, HarperCollins Uk and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Lost Bookshop is a three POV and dual timeline story. The present timeline follows Martha, a domestic violence victim on the run, who starts working as an in-housekeeper for Madame Bowden. She meets the PhD student Henry, who is searching for an old manuscript and a lost bookshop, that should be located right next to Bowden's house.
The past timeline starts in 1921, and tells us the story of the brave Opaline and her fight for independence.
This book was an interesting read. Evie Woods writing is beautiful and immersive, and I've found myself immediately absorbed by Martha's and Opaline's lives. It is worth to mention the story is full of literary references, from the Brontë sisters to Sally Rooney, which should delight all book lovers.
I really wanted to love this book but there were too many things going on on both timelines, some of them unnecessary for the story progression and that actually worked as a distraction to the main plot, which prevented me to fully enjoy the reading.
I disliked Henry from the moment we discover he is engaged until the end. I wish the romance was addressed differently, as there was no lack of drama on the present timeline.
Still, it was a lovely read and I recommend it for both Magical Realism and Historical Fiction fans.
T.W - Physical and verbal abuse, cheating
I would like to thank Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I'm left with no words for this book except that I loved it even more than the first. This was the perfect follow up book: The stakes are higher, the angst intense, the moral questions remain and we learn just enough secrets to keep us wondering and craving the third book.
Vanessa's writing is beautiful and engaging, bringing up to life all these versions of London as if we were there experiencing them.
The story is fast paced and I was gripped from the beginning. The last 20% left me on the edge of my seat, and I hope I won't need to wait more than a year for the sequel. My heart seriously cannot take it.
This book reminds me a bit of the Netflix series Dark. If you enjoyed the show, give this series a try.
Only a Monster is a very original, fast paced and surprising YA. Although it has some hints of traditional themes and tropes, the concept feels fresh and I was hooked from the beginning.
I don't want to enter into too much detail to not spoil anything, but it is a high stakes story, full of morally grey characters and decisions, that makes us wonder in which side should we be.
I hope the second book expands on the world, powers and relationship of the different families. And Aaron!
3.5 starts rounded up
My first contact with Howl's Moving Castle was through Miyazaki's movie, which is my favorite from him.
I have been delaying reading the book because I didn't want to be disappointed with either versions, and was kind of waiting to read it with my kids, which I did not.
Diana Wynne Jones book is wonderful, albeit different from the movie, it definitely gave me a new appreciation for it. Sophie is gentle and kind, and keeps unwillingly, and unintentionally, messing with Howl's life.
Howl's is, at surface, a spoiled brat and a womanizer, too powerful for his own good. Sophie obviously sees his gentle and benign ways, and it is through her that we fall for him too.
I loved both the movie and the book!
My heart leans more towards the movie regarding the love story bit. While Howl's and Sophie's love is quite abrupt in the book, the movie makes a wonderful job showing them falling in love and my heart always aches when he gives her the flowers field. I can see Miyazaki interpreted Howl as every girl wanted and I appreciate this very, very much.
On everything else, I think I prefer the magic of the book. I rewatched the movie yesterday and some things are much more clear now (e.g: Sophie being a witch and how she gives life to things, which makes her the only person able to break their curse without killing Calcifer). I don't know how I was interpreting this before... I should have rewatched before and after reading the book
I'm not sure how to rate this book.. I'll go for 3.5 stars rounded up.
I'll start by saying that it was probably my favorite Hazelwood's book.
I think her writing improved immensely, her characters are deeper and the story was quite interesting. Additionally, in this book we really have a greater background about life in STEM and the characters careers, which I much appreciated.
It surprised me that it was not a love hypothesis 3.0 as the synopsis promised. However, it's a pity this novel comes after her other books and novellas, as parts of it still reads like recycled material.
As usual, I hate that the FMC is so emotional immature and that everything could be solved with a simple adult conversation. Additionally, this books settles that I don't like AH sex scenes.
I really had a great time and I recommend it for everyone who likes her books.
I don't usually do this but I want to rant for a bit:
- Firstly, I'm really tired of all the pop culture references included in romance novels. I understand authors are just seeking a way to create connections between the readers and their characters. This works both ways though, and the next time I'll read a reference to Twilight and Taylor Swift I'll just DNF the book. I know that I'm partially to blame as I enjoy this feel good stories, and keep picking them up despite knowing this references will appear. But honestly.. is this all you remembered and enjoyed while growing up? Does it need to be referenced in every single romcom?
This book did have references to Big Bang Theory, which I loved, and mentions to several cult movies, although most, if not all, in a negative way (e.g ”producers should stop giving money to Lars von Trier and instead pick a good charity.”
- Ali, can you please, please stop with the ginormous penis? It's just too much already... and don't let me start on the vaginas.. do all female Ali's characters suffer with Vaginismus? I don't think two fingers is much different of a menstrual cup, but i'm not sure I fully comprehend the scale of Adam, Levi, Jack, Liam, Erik and Ian body and hands. During arousal, blood flows to the genital area, and sexual excitement causes the upper two-thirds of the vagina to lengthen by forcing the cervix and uterus to ascend, which should better accommodate their impossible lengths. If it is that painful, can you maybe include some lube in the sex scene? At this point I just wish it was a closed door romance.
- The quirky female character. I'm a finance girl now but I've started in STEM and I've met zero quirky females on the university. They were mostly smart, normal, a bit shy and emotional mature but somehow all Ali characters have zero emotional intelligence.
Jack is the best of the best, and because of that I'll say to give this tall and muscular guy a chance.
“I want you, Elsie. All the time. I think of you. All. The. Fucking. Time. I'm distracted. I'm shit at work. And my first instinct, the very first time I saw you, was to run away. Because I knew that if we'd start doing this, we would never stop. And that's exactly how it is. There is no universe in which I'm going to let you go. I want to be with you, on you, every second of every day. I think—I dream of crazy things. I want you to marry me tomorrow so you can go on my health insurance. I want to lock you in my room for a couple of weeks. I want to buy groceries based on what you like. I want to play it cool, like I'm attracted to you and not obsessed out of my mind, but that's not where I'm at. Not at all. And I need you to keep us in check. I need you to pace us, because wherever it is that we're going . . . I'm here. I'm already right here.”
I hope Ali writes Cece's story as it has potencial to be very different.
Stormfather what a ride!
This review has the impartiality of a Sanderson fangirl who at this point is willing to read everything Sanderson writes. I can't imagine how exciting his supermarket lists must be.
The way of kings it's the first volume of The Stormlight Archives, and what a wonderful start it has been.
When picking a Sanderson book I already know the ending will blow my mind, despite how attentive I might be to his foreshadowing and clues, and how many things I guess right until the end. The way of kings, however, deserves a special praise for how perfectly woven the whole story is.
The pace appears to be slow, but it is absolutely necessary to support the magnitude of the story being told.
I loved the ecology of Roshar, both the honorable and grey characters, the magic system and the engineering that uses the magic and applies it to everyday use. I was also very impressed with the religious, cultural and gender commentary and criticism.
As usual, Sanderson builds an intricate world, with such an easy and direct writing that I believe it makes high fantasy accessible to everyone, though I wouldn't recommend starting the Cosmere with this one.
The stormlight archives have everything to be a masterpiece.
‘Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination.'
Hollywood and streaming companies: when can we have something from Sanderson instead of reboots and remakes?
I would like to thank Jessica Kingsley Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Gender is really strange is an ideal book to educate ourselves about gender identity and sex. The different concepts are explained in a clear and attractive way, including several examples across cultures and religions.
I think this book will be very helpful for parents to explain gender identity to children.
I would like to thank Melville House Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What an ambitious debut Flux is! It is no wonder why this kept appearing on several most anticipated releases lists.
It took me awhile to warm up to this story, and even after I did, I still felt a bit detached of its main character and events.
I disliked the way the story started as I just couldn't care less about the actor and tv show he was obsessed with.
I believe the spoiler in the blurb does not help captivating the interest in the book, as it prematurely answers questions that should appear while reading , reducing the curiosity that keeps us going and wanting for more.
I loved how the storyline addresses and explores identity, family, love and grief but I've found the overall story too slow paced. I just wished I had loved everything more!
Flux is original and well written, but requires a level of focus to read it and enjoy it that my currently sleep deprived postpartum brain lacks, so take this review with a grain of salt.
Flux could have been a script for a Black Mirror episode. If you loved the show and love sci-fi, pick up this book and you won't be disappointed.
I would like to thank Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Saoirse is a Siren, living hidden in a kingdom ruled by fae who feel superior to other species. Her survival depends on her ability to keep her secrets and fight her instincts.
The writing and world building are great and the characters are so wonderfully grey I wasn't certain at all times if I liked them or not.
Although the story has some familiar tropes, and concepts generally present in YA novels, the ending was quite surprising and left me wanting for the next book.
3.5 ⭐️
Well... this was not the comfort read I was expecting it to be and I'm not sure how to rate it.
The story is well written, I've found Charlie adorable, but the way she was treated was a bit triggering for me. I wanted her to feel secure and be happy and the ending didn't offer me that assurance. I'm not even convinced William is the right guy for her.
That being said, the book had great moments like the weekend with the family, I just wished it had more of them.
Read this if you like:
- second chance romance
- friends to lovers
- office romance
Full review in Portuguese because it's a Portuguese book from a Portuguese author. However, I strongly recommend everyone to pick up this book if it ever gets translated.
In summary, “What if I die tomorrow?” is a short story about a septuagenarian who discovers sexual pleasure and life after her husband's death. This kind of stories are essencial to fight prejudices and normalize life, at any stage and every age.
Este livro acompanha os últimos anos de vida de Helena, que acabam por se traduzir nos primeiros anos de vida, pois nunca é tarde para se começar a viver.
O falecimento do marido Alberto foi a chave que a libertou da prisão dos estigmas e preconceitos (próprios, pois os da sociedade não se combate com tanta facilidade), dando início a uma viagem de auto-descoberta e aos melhores anos da sua vida.
”E se eu morrer amanhã?, e todas as dúvidas se dissipavam. Sim. Vou. Posso. Alinho. Claro. Porque não?”
Não há como negar a importância deste tipo de textos e visão pois se é certo que com a velhice surgem novos desafios, não tem de ser o fim do que nos dá prazer.
Com a velhice não surge uma obrigação de usar cabelo curto, usar apenas roupa escura e sapatos ortopédicos e muito menos de procurar o prazer que o corpo possa pedir. Estes são alguns dos estigmas com que cresci e que vejo absolutamente enraizados na sociedade... comento os sapatos pois ainda este mês a minha mãe me perguntou o que achava de ela usar ténis, se não ia parecer uma velha maluca.
É urgente combater a forma como tratamos os nossos velhos, o paternalismo e condescendência que se tornam quase automáticos, e normalizar a vida. Não só porque todos caminhamos para lá, mas sobretudo ninguém merece ser infantilizado, diminuído e limitado.
Torço muito que o mundo fique cheio de Helenas!