Kelly
If you're looking for a college murder mystery with twists and turns, this is a good book to pick up. I really enjoyed the twists and turns, but there were too many dead ends to the “investigation”. By the time I got to the ending I was like finally we made it! It felt unbalanced, there was a lot of build up for an un-explosive ending. I'm not saying the ending was bad, in fact I think it was solid, there was just too much filler to get there.
Bonus points for the audio book using different voices & accents for each character.
I'm a huge fan of non-European/Western fantasies because it opens a whole new world of belief systems, values, and understanding of the world. Black Sun did not disappoint!
It's a very immersive experience filled with lush descriptions and supernatural mystique. It's more character focused which allows us to learn about the world, conflicts, and sources of power through their eyes. Loved that the book doesn't focus on the distinction between good vs. evil or traditional notions of morality. I also appreciated the reversal of gender roles and the normalcy of queerness (Xe/Xir pronoun is used).
There's uneven pacing at times but it felt intentional, like representational of the setting. I wasn't expecting romance so that threw me off a little bit. Overall I really enjoyed this book and am excited for this series!
"Survival is insufficient."
Station Eleven is different from apocalypse books because it doesn't focus on the collapse & destruction of society. Instead it focuses on the things we need after survival - human connections, the arts, and appreciation for the everyday things we take for granted.
I initially struggled with understanding how the various characters and timelines would eventually converge. But patience paid off as the book progressed and I really enjoyed how everything tied together towards the end. I felt the book was unbalanced at times, for example it'd focus a lot someone's pre-pandemic backstory but post-pandemic they don't play a big role.
I have mixed feelings about this book. The plot and premise is interesting, I love that Zetian doesn't stray from her path of vengeance, and it's a quick read. I also appreciated the true love triangle (not like most love Vs out there) and random jabs of humor from Shimin and Zetian. I didn't like the writing style or the oversimplified character development. It all felt very face value and lacked the complexity and depth that I look for in books.
I'll keep reading the series to see what happens next, but I'm in no rush.
I dove head first into this book and was mesmerized by the story, the world, and the evocative descriptions. I love a slow burn, layered approach to building character relationships. And that's exactly what we get with Livira, Evar, and their respective friends and family. We follow them across time as they uncover the mysterious of the Library and what that knowledge yields. The themes of history repeats itself and how knowledge can be wielded as a tool really drive the plot. The world building was spectacular and magical, I felt like I was part of the world.
There were a few nods to pop-culture or our history (“we're not in kansas anymore” or the Raven's name) that pulled me out of the book, but didn't impede my enjoyment. However, some parts did get repetitive and not in a meaningful way. I don't think it's a stylistic choice because it's mostly world building elements or past events that get rephrased every so often.
I can't wait for the next book in April 2024!
It was funny and cute fish-out-of-the-water love story, with some very unrealistic but charming parts. I'm not a fan of insta-love. I kept getting pulled out of the story, probably because I kept yelling in my head “you've only known each other 5 weeks, how can you know?!”
The multiple smut scenes were spicyyyy.
Melodramatic, self righteous, predictable. There was potential but I question the author's choices.
Everyone is unlikable, vain, and selfish. It was fun getting to see them lay their secrets out and the drama it caused. Character development was vastly unbalanced, which I found odd for a this being a group of tight knit friends. I liked Jess, she is definitely main character vibes. She has a huge chip on her shoulder; thinks she's the princess with bad luck but realizes later she's the villain. Her unhinged descent into villainy, jealousy, and desperation was enthralling.
But for someone who considers herself so unremarkable, it's extremely odd that two guys liked her. Also Eric's role is terrible, wtf lol. He makes the whole setup absolutely absurd. He literally pops out of nowhere & always butts in after someone confesses something. In the same exchange he'll tell people they need to confess and figure out who murdered Heather, while also dropping clues or clearing out red herrings.
I can't believe this is a debut novel, what a charming and refreshing read! Remarkably Bright Creatures is a heartwarming read that focuses more on the journey than the outcome.
Marcellus the octopus definitely steals the show, I loved his chapters. His dry, observational humor was great.
I especially loved that the theme of getting older was explored in such a heartfelt and way. Often times in literature elderly characters are ignored or casted as mentors/wise sages, but not here. Tova and her friends the Knit-Witts are carefree retirees. But they realize the embers of frailty will come for them and independent living won't be an option. Marcellus' is on his last good years as well, maybe that's why he and Tova understand each other. On a smaller and cheekier scale, even Cameron complains about turning 30 and his body not being the way it used to be.
There were minor parts of the plot that could have been developed more, but nothing that took away from me enjoying the book. I truly enjoyed this read and am inspired to learn more about octopi!
I had a decent time reading this book, but it didn't hook me in. The world building and magic system is explained at the start so you have an idea of what's going on before more characters are introduced. But as the book went on, I was left with more questions than answers. Considering how dark and devious some of the plot points get, I was surprised everything was resolved in the first book. The characters and political tensions between the Londons felt under developed. I'm sure it'll be explored more in the series, but I don't feel a strong urge to keep reading.
On a personal note while I liked Kell and Lila individually, I did not like their dynamic together. Their interactions annoyed me, felt overly angsty, and thrown together. Lila is quick to blame Kell for not sharing everything with her, but when he starts doing it she's like “I'll be the judge of that” or invalidate his feelings. And Kell seemed to get more bland as the book went on.
I might try Vicious instead.
Demon Copperhead is a modern retelling of David Copperfield, set in the Appalachian region of West Virginia. We follow Demon from birth to young adult as he navigates the harsh reality of growing up as an orphan in rural Lee County ravaged by Oxy and other drugs. It's an emotional journey filled with turns of luck and misfortune for Demon and his friends.
I was captivated by the incredible characters and depth. Kingsolver avoids relying on stereotypes or tropes. Instead, she dives into the characters' backgrounds, motivations, and emotions, showing us why each character acts that way. There's a strong critique of class, the artificial divides in society, and the foster care system. We see this exemplified throughout the book and its impact becomes especially poignant when set against the backdrop of the opioid crisis.
As it happens with longer and slow paced books, the plot drags in the middle. There were parts where I powered through as I was hoping for more drama. I definitely enjoyed the ending, but some of the shifts in relationships were too subtle and easily missed. I knew Demon cared for Angus because she always believed in him, but the change to romantic parter left me wondering when did he start seeing her that way?
Fantastic book, definitely give this a read!
It took me a while to get into, but after the 30% mark I was hooked. I'd consider this a paranormal urban fantasy and murder mystery in a dark academia setting. It has Bardugo's strong world building and multiple moving plots leading into one gigantic crescendo. But the multiple mysteries and nine houses got overwhelming. It kept things interesting because almost every prediction I made was wrong. I loved how each of the storylines tied into at least one of the themes of power, greed, or fair vs right. The recurring imagery and analogies, like describing the city as alive or the Houses as children playing wizard, really helped plot out the bigger points of the story.
The magic system didn't make too much sense to me, there isn't healing magic but there's undo magic? Ok sure, whatever. I also missed the witty banter between characters that was so prominent in Six of Crows. Alex definitely had her moments but I wanted more of that from the Darlington or Detective Turner.
A Man Called Ove is a well crafted, feel good novel about a very grumpy old man called Ove. At first I was really offput but Ove's grumpiness but I think everyone else in the story and the fitting ending made up for it.
Even though I have zero emotional investment and strongly dislike him (until the end lol), I thought Backman did a fantastic job developing Ove. The use of flashbacks and symbolism really paint a story of who is Ove and why he's a big meanie who distrusts everyone he meets.
Exactly what I'd expect from Diana Wynn Jones. It's magical, whimsical, and light hearted. There's great descriptions of scenes and characters that really help set the mood for everything. Perfect middle school read!
I've read the Howl Series and would say this is my second favorite. To rank them book 1 is the best, book 2 you can skip, book 3 is fun read.
Started off with a bang, but much like a counterfeit purse it didn't hold up toward the end. It was an easy read yet didn't deliver like I hoped it would. Even though Ava and Winnie are unreliable narrators and unlikeable characters, they're the portrait of modern scam artist. They ruthlessly used Asian/Asian American stereotypes to their advantage and weren't afraid to use people to get ahead.
I wanted more scam artist and less angry mother. I get that motherhood plays a big part in Ava's life, but the book leaned toward that side too much for my preference. There's a lot of telling not showing, which I think is due to the POV choice. The ending felt rushed and I think it was it a miss to not mention the scale of their operation.
Fourth Wing is an addictive fantasy-romance and comes with some steamy chapters. The plot and pacing flew by in at a thrilling pace. I was nervous for every challenge bracing myself for something bad to happen. I was giddy with excitement at the cheesy romantic dialogue. I was devasted when the inevitable happened. I am consumed by the fiery world of the Empyrean.
Parts of the plot were predictable and cheesy but it was still immensely satisfying seeing it play out. Violet's thirst comments were funny at first but quickly became repetitive. Unpopular opinion, I thought the romantic tension was way better than the actual romance.
I'm counting down the days until the sequel comes out in November.
I'm always hesitant to pick up a memoir about someone I never heard of before, but after hearing all the praise I figured it had to be worth the read. And it definitely was.
I praise Jeannette for dissecting and sharing her most intimate, vulnerable, and core truths. She isn't afraid to share details of her dysfunctional life, no matter how traumatic. Parts of her story get pretty heavy to get through in one sitting. I found myself often pausing the audiobook to let what was said sink in. I'm glad the book ends on an optimistic note about recovery and moving forward, Jeanette deserves it.
A sequel I didn't need. Harsh, I know, but this story just dragged on and diluted everything great about the series. I'm disappointed because this sequel had potential to be just as strong as the first book.
There were parts I enjoyed, the gorgeous descriptions, consequences from the first book playing out, and exploration of morally grey choices. The story starts off strong, we face a new villain playing the long game and uncover imperial schemes. We learn the backstory of several characters adding to the richness and complexity of the Celestial Kingdom.
Unfortunately as the book continued, the plot started to meander and break apart. There were too many side plots each with it's own bad guy, the magic system lost it's logic, and the ending was doubly disappointing. This is the most undecisive love triangle I've ever read. There's no romantic tension or engaging rivalry (like the first book). The hottest immortal bachelors throw themselves at Xingyin, but she can't accept her “true” feelings or make up her mind until the last few pages, literally.
I still love the Celestial Kingdom, just not this one
Yellowface is a brilliant satire on the publishing industry. It's very meta, RF Kuang is writing in the first person as a white woman who stole her Chinese friend's manuscript. Our main character June flips between victim and perpetrator, ally of diversity and aggrieved white person (Karens have feelings too!). Athena is no saint either and meets her share of posthumous controversy. Throw in social justice warriors and clout-chasing allies to get an unhinged take at cultural appropriation, performative diversity, and racism. At some points it reminded me of real life, but in a much more exaggerated and entertaining way.
Kuang is a master in building up to big scenes, but not everything paid off. I thought Athena's notebooks or Mrs. Liu were going to play a bigger role in the truth coming out. I was also expecting more from the aftermath of Candice's confrontation. There were some parts that felt underutilized or like a loose end that left me wanting more.
Just in case you need another reason to read this book there's a Babel easter egg.
If you're looking for a light hearted romance don't read this book. It deals with some heavy topics, which is fine...but not something I want in romance books.
It starts off fun and exciting but quickly becomes Anna's journey with her autism diagnosis, family acceptance, and learning how to standup for herself. It gets really heavy and dark at points, especially with how Anna's family views her neurodivergence as weak and lazy character flaws. There's also a fair amount of family gaslighting going on. These experiences were incredibly raw and left me angry, emotionally drained, and appreciative of Hoang's vulnerability.
Given the above it felt wrong trying to enjoy the hot smutty scenes. And it didn't gave space for Quan to make mistakes, he felt stifled being perfectly patient and even keeled for Anna. I was really hoping we'd get other sides of him or learn what it was like being Khai's older brother.
I feel like Anna's story was strong enough to stand on its own.
I recommend listening to the audio book, Bahini Turpin is a fantastic narrator. She's able to capture the feelings of Starr so well.
THUG LIFE = the hate u give little infants fu**s everyone
Book itself is phenomenal, wish I read it earlier. Even though it was written in 2017 everything still applies, just change out some of the slang and this could have happened last week. It grapples with such heavy topics (police brutality against an unarmed black teenager, gangs, domestic abuse, getting out of the hood, etc.) in a way that young adults can relate to and understand. The adults in Starr's life are exceptional role models they teach compassion, responsibility toward family & community, and how to stand up for what's right.
I highly recommend reading The Hate U Give, and will be reading her other books.