Beattz

This is my favorite kind of nonfiction book. Stories of scientific discovery and the people that drove it to new heights. As a native of Tidewater, I am shocked by the fact that all of this was new information to me, and that is a real shame.

This started off a bit slow for me, not really connecting to the characters at first, but once it got going, boy did it get going! The story felt original and magical with weight and meaning. Definitely recommend.

I really enjoyed it in the beginning, then it lost me for a bit in the middle. It got a bit too flowery and mushy for me. But the ending brought it all back together. I would have read another hundred pages after that, but at the same time, I can appreciate where the authors left it. A unique and enjoyable play on the star (time) crossed lovers trope.

This short volume packs a punch. A beautifully written tale of strength and perseverance and sacrifice. Perfect for fans of Monk and Robot.

WE DON'T LIKE THIRD ACT BREAKUPS.

The second installment of The Lost Queen trilogy follows more of Lailoken and Angharad as their stories develop in this Arthurian tale. Languoreth continues to fight to find her place as wife to Rhydderch, under the scrutiny of Tutgual King. The struggle between Christianity and the Old Way takes a smaller role to the internal struggles amongst the various kingdoms throughout the land. We are introduced to the Picts, the Scots, as well as the Bernicans, and of course the Angles continue to be a plague and raid in hopes of gaining a foothold.

This book is beautifully written and heartfelt. The internal struggles of the characters meaningfully exposed so that we might experience the pain when they are faced with choices which on both sides demand sacrifice, and the triumph when at the end of the day, all is not lost.

This was my first foray into Olivie Blake's work, and I'm so glad I started here. I tend toward long series with characters and storylines that develop over multiple books. I honestly didn't think one person could write so many different unique stories and characters and even styles. Each story was captivating in itself and I couldn't wait to read the next one just to learn who's voice we'd get to hear next.

I don't really even know what to say. After spending so many years in Roshar with these characters. I know it's not “the end”, but I also don't know what the second arc will be like. Especially with my own personal hero having moved Beyond. I don't love where some of the main characters ended up, I don't love that in a conclusion there were new subplots that seemingly appeared out of nowhere, with no prelude or context. However, the bromance between Yanagawn and Adolin was everything. Justice for the dead eyes was beautiful. And Kaladin healing enough to be the man he always wanted to be was exactly what this story has always been about.

I didn't exactly put reading this off because of the hype around it, but I didn't not not do that, either. So many of the social media famous books are just really not my cup of tea, and I was pretty sure this would be the same thing. But, it was on the shelf at the library, so I decided, “why not try?”
This book had me hooked from the beginning and that's saying something, considering I read a book with a similar-ish plot coughfinalecough just last month. But this was better. By MILES. Cool magic system, romantic subplot, and high stakes makes for an excellent adventure. Very much looking forward to the conclusion.

Another great time. Added layers of plot and intrigue. This installment let a lot more of the side/minor characters out to play, which is great for an ongoing series. Gotta tell ya though, I don't know how long I can hold out before I demand that the romance starts to boil instead of simmer.

I Who Have Never Known Men is a thought provoking dystopian tale of the Child, who, along with 39 other women has been held captive for unknown reasons. The Child is unique amongst the others, having been young enough to have had no memories of the before time, as well as, when her teen years come, not experiencing puberty.
This is a short tale that packs a powerful punch. The Child is not so much a character as she is a series of unanswered questions. What does it mean to be a woman? Is intimacy natural or forced? What about the desire for privacy, or modesty? What is femininity if there is nothing with which to compare it?
I subtracted a star for references that seemed out of place and without support in the narrative, and a lack of connection to the characters- although this is likely, at least in part, by design.

10/10, no notes.
This book was absolutely stunning. Dark and twisty, it perfectly captures what it is to experience the obsession of first love. The self doubt, the hunger, the stretching out of your own skin.
This was easily one of the most image laden books I've read, without being overbearing. The descriptions were simple, but fierce. Honestly the only thing I would want more of is the illustrations that were included in the book.
Equal parts beautiful and horrific Don't Let The Forest In is easily my favorite book I've read so far in 2025.