Absolutely beautiful story of love, sacrifice and belonging. Alix E. Harrow really is a master of capturing emotions in just a few pages. Hopefully I’Absolutely beautiful story of love, sacrifice and belonging. Alix E. Harrow really is a master of capturing emotions in just a few pages. Hopefully I’ll get to read more of her work in the new year. And I’m happy to end 2023 with this short story. A fitting end indeed. ...more
Memori plus a general historical overview of how women’s health is not taken seriously, I empathized with the author a lot but it also just left me feMemori plus a general historical overview of how women’s health is not taken seriously, I empathized with the author a lot but it also just left me feeling depressed because while there are so many wonderful people like the author who are fighting for equity in healthcare, the situation still feels bleak and tiring to me. Definitely worth reading, but maybe you’ll also feel sad, especially if you are suffering any of the things mentioned in the book. ...more
It’s not a bad book. I had a good time reading. It still feels odd though that some of my favorite characters’ kids have booksProbably more of a 3.5.
It’s not a bad book. I had a good time reading. It still feels odd though that some of my favorite characters’ kids have books of their own now lol.
Always nice to see the old gang again. They are still the same goofballs despite having adult children. The main and supporting characters are fine too. The Romance is sweet and I was especially glad there’s no third act breakup.
I don’t know if I’ll continue the series though, let’s leave that for the future. ...more
Yes. I’ve already read this book. I’m not much for resisting hype anyways.
This sequel was fine. I enjoyed Probably more of a 3.5 but I’m rounding up.
Yes. I’ve already read this book. I’m not much for resisting hype anyways.
This sequel was fine. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook, just like the first one. Thankfully we got some more world building details but still the focus is on our main couple and their friends/dragons. I found the first half to be a bit draggy and repetitive but once we crossed the half way mark and part two started, there was some momentum and action, which made for good reading. While most of the book was still a bit predictable, there were a couple of surprises which was nice, and I especially didn’t see the ending coming. However, I reiterate my point that I still want a two pov book.
Will I read the next ??? I think it’ll depend on when it releases. Since there wasn’t much gap between book 1 and 2 for me, it was easy to maintain the hype but it’ll not be easy to sustain it if the third doesn’t come out for an year. But let’s leave that for 2024....more
Been a long while since I’ve read a contemporary romance novel and the only reason I even preordered the audiobook for this one is because Jacob MorgaBeen a long while since I’ve read a contemporary romance novel and the only reason I even preordered the audiobook for this one is because Jacob Morgan and Teddy Hamilton narrated it. They are my absolute favorite duo, after listening to Him and Us and I can confidently say that they both made this book extra enjoyable. I had fun listening to this during a couple of days which were otherwise very tough for me. ...more
I didn’t even realize until a couple of weeks ago that a new Olivia Atwater book was coming out soon, and ofcourse ICW: mention of child sexual abuse
I didn’t even realize until a couple of weeks ago that a new Olivia Atwater book was coming out soon, and ofcourse I couldn’t stop myself from requesting an arc because how can I miss it. And this turned out to be both what I was expecting and more.
Firstly, I was very excited to know that this book is set in the same world as the Regency Faerie Tales trilogy. So I went in expecting a similar charming and cozy fantasy story with some mystery and lots of love, but this one is definitely much darker. The author creates a very good gothic atmosphere in Witchwood Manor and we can palpably feel the eeriness of the place, always worried about what monster might be lurking around in the corner (or the walls or under the floor). I also really enjoyed how the author incorporates some of the history of our main character Winnie, as well as world building information about faeries, in the form of short stories within the narrative, told as cautionary tales to a young boy. This structure gives the book a gothic fairytale vibe and made it quite enjoyable, despite some of the darker turns it takes. The writing is easy to breeze through like how I’ve come to expect from the author, with enough unpredictability to keep me hooked.
Winnie is an interesting protagonist. I liked how we don’t get to know her properly in the beginning and her backstory is unraveled slowly due to circumstances. She gives out a cold and guarded impression due to her history, but it was nice to see her start feeling for the people she meets in Witchwood manor, and making choices which she never thought she would. Mr. Quincy is an enigma until we get to know his story and then it’s quite easy to sympathize for him. There is some banter between them but their dynamic progresses from prickly and antagonistic to falling for each other fairly quickly, seeming a bit unrealistic, but I guess that was unavoidable considering it’s a short book. The rest of the cast is also written well and it’s not hard to like some of the other characters, but most of them get very little page time. I also really enjoyed the little mentions of my favorites from the previous trilogy, though the current timeline might mean that we’ll never get to actually meet them again.
Overall, this was a short gothic fantasy with fairytale vibes and a willful protagonist who I came to like. It is both whimsical and dark, and concludes satisfactorily but also leaves enough loose ends that it’ll be interesting to see how it all resolves in the next book, and I also wonder if we’ll meet these characters again. I look forward to it. ...more
Wow this was just so beautiful. It’s been a while since I’ve read Ken Liu’s short stories but I’ve loved everything I’ve read of his before and this oWow this was just so beautiful. It’s been a while since I’ve read Ken Liu’s short stories but I’ve loved everything I’ve read of his before and this one is no different. The writing is lyrical and beautiful and every line is brimming with meaning, I almost wanted to have it in physical form so I could highlight the many inspiring sentences here. The theme of this story is about the subjectivity of art, the relationship between an artist and their audience, and the importance of realizing that every single person who views an art piece will bring their own biases with them while appreciating or not liking it, and no opinion is really wrong. It’s a very thoughtfully written story which is highly relevant to our current social media culture of pile-ons, with many insisting that their opinions are objective and right and everyone else is wrong.
Truly, I think most of us who review books or consume art in any form should give this story a try and realize that art can have myriad of interpretations based on the eye of the beholder, and we shouldn’t be spending our time arguing about the validity of a single pov. It’s time we accept and appreciate diversity of thoughts and opinions, not only about art, but everything else in life. ...more
Lost You Forever was a drama that I didn’t think I wanted to watch because I had heard it was gonna be very angsty. Also one female lead with four guy Lost You Forever was a drama that I didn’t think I wanted to watch because I had heard it was gonna be very angsty. Also one female lead with four guys seemed like a perfect recipe for heartbreak. But I kept seeing clips and highlights about it all across my socials and couldn’t resist, instantly falling in love with the drama. After almost coming closer towards the end of season 1, I found the completed fan translation of the book and just had to binge read it every second of free time I had, because who knows when the second season will air.
And wow was the book absolutely brilliant. It’s been a while since I’ve read a new cnovel, so it was exciting to dive into it. Also, I like going into these books after watching a bit of the drama, because I like visualizing the actors while reading and it was such a wonderful experience here. The writing and translation were great, with amazing dramatic moments, so much emotion throughout, complicated relationship dynamics, and overall a very heart wrenching story. I didn’t know that there was a prequel book with the previous generation as the main characters and I loved that the translator gave enough background (and sometimes even some important scenes from the prequel), so that we could understand the stakes of the current characters better. It made for an even more meaningful read and I really appreciated getting the little details which aren’t necessarily in the drama adaptation.
But the heart of this book are the characters. The author is clearly very talented at creating an ensemble of characters, every one of whom is impressive and unique in their own ways, making the reader unable to pick our favorites. I obviously went into the book with already my favs in mind coz of the drama and that didn’t change much as the book progressed deeper. I definitely appreciated Xiaoyao much more because all she wants is a simple happy life with the man she loves and she has to suffer so much to get there. Tushan Jing is definitely not in my top 3 but I can totally see how he is the one and only for Xiaoyao. Feng Long is a lot of fun to follow along, so I didn’t actually predict the way his character arc would develop.
Ultimately though, my heart is swayed by the stunningly written characters of Zhuan Xu (Cang Xuan in the drama) and Xiang Lu. They both look cold and keep their feelings buried deep in their hearts, but the lengths to which they’ll go for the sake of their loved ones is beautiful as well as heartbreaking. For the most part of the book, I absolutely adored the relationship between Xiaoyao and Xuan, and how much they were devoted to each other. While I did like Xiang Lu’s character and imagining Tan Jianci playing him in the drama is amazing, I completely fell in love with him towards the latter half of the story, and I can’t wait to see all that angst on screen in season 2 and bawl my eyes out.
On the whole, I really didn’t think this would become a favorite but now I can’t imagine not having experienced this brilliant story. It has an interesting world, very captivating storyline of fighting for your love in various ways, and characters to die for and who are utterly unforgettable. I’m gonna remember this story for a long time to come and let’s see, maybe I will checkout if I can find any other translations of this author’s works. ...more
Like many readers, particularly ones active on booktwitter or booktok, Legends and Lattes was a favorite of mine last year. So, I was obviously prettyLike many readers, particularly ones active on booktwitter or booktok, Legends and Lattes was a favorite of mine last year. So, I was obviously pretty excited when I got to know that the author was writing this prequel. I know my review doesn’t matter coz this book is an NYT bestseller currently, so I’ll just keep my thoughts short.
The writing is easy breezy just like the first and I had a good time just soaring through it quickly. I also picked up the audiobook and while I know that the author is a very famous audio narrator, this was my first experience with him and I have to say I can see why he is popular. His storytelling and narrative voice is very cozy and charming, even when trouble is lurking around in the corner - the side effect of which is that the stakes never feel too high.
We know there’s a necromancer who might be dangerous but it feels like a threat in the background. Because all we keep reading and enjoying is the budding friendships and dynamic between Fern, Gallina, Maylee, Satchel and Viv. Every one of them has their own unique kind of equation with each other and it’s a delight to see how they all come to trust the others. The setup of trying to save Fern’s bookstore after Viv discovers the joy of reading is also wonderfully written. It’s only the relationship between Viv and Maylee that isn’t exactly satisfactory coz we know how Viv’s actual romantic life goes from Legends and Lattes, so this is only a temporary fling with an end point.
Overall, I liked this book and it brought a smile to my face. But I guess it felt a bit similar to and not as fresh and novel as the first book felt. I would still recommend it, especially the charming audiobook and would love to see what the author writes next....more
It’s always fun diving into a Sigma book and this was no different. At the time when I’m having difficulty reading mucI’m definitely giving it a 4.5.
It’s always fun diving into a Sigma book and this was no different. At the time when I’m having difficulty reading much and can’t find enough time to focus, this was the perfect thrilling read. Even the apocalyptic events happening in the book couldn’t stop me from thoroughly enjoying it. I also liked how it was resolved towards the end. But the last line promises a very different kind of next book and I have a feeling we’re gonna meet a lot of old and new characters. I’m only sorry that I have to wait an year for it. ...more
I typed up a whole review here and the GR app closed down suddenly without saving any of it. I’m just out of the hosMostly a 3.5 but I’m rounding up.
I typed up a whole review here and the GR app closed down suddenly without saving any of it. I’m just out of the hospital and in pain with very low energy, so I’m not typing it all out again.
Just wanna say this book was a light and enjoyable company when I was admitted to the hospital and I will always remember it as the first book I read after I had my baby, so it’s always gonna be special. Check it out if you want something lighter and entertaining, with good characters, lovely romance, wonderful relationships, a very well narrated audiobook, or if you just want a break from all the series and would love to read a stand-alone fantasy....more
A good one. Necessary focus on intersectionality and inclusivity. But it was was traumatic in a way because the author is blunt in the kind of fat shaA good one. Necessary focus on intersectionality and inclusivity. But it was was traumatic in a way because the author is blunt in the kind of fat shaming that exists irl and all of it reiterated only made me feel bad.
But still a book that can be illuminating for someone who hasn’t read much literature on anti fatness discrimination across various aspects of life. ...more
I’ve been eager to read this third installment of the Regency Faerie Tales since I got a copy last year but it jAnother 4.5 read this month, yay !!!!
I’ve been eager to read this third installment of the Regency Faerie Tales since I got a copy last year but it just never worked out. But I definitely needed something sweet to get through my troubles this month and this book turned out to be the perfect medication.
The writing is as charming, witty, whimsical and lovely as the first two books and I was instantly delighted to be back in this world. It was also nice to be back in this world among familiar characters, because this is kind of a direct sequel to Half A Soul. Abigail is the adopted daughter of Elias and Dora and their relationship is one of the sweetest in the book, along with Abby’s dynamic with Hugh, her cool ghost brother. It’s just such an endearing family and I loved following their quest to solve murders involving the ton in this book. Abby is ably assisted by Mercy who is as mysterious as her shadow magic and while they both start off as adversaries, the development of their love story absolutely adorable.
While family and love are the core of this book, I also liked how the author tackled important themes without them overwhelming the cozy tone of the story. We see the kind of classist and snobby behavior the ton exhibits and how Abby has to lie or trick her way through conversations even when she is investigating murders among their own. The other theme that is quite deeply explored is the idea of death and while it’s true that it’s inevitable for everyone, it doesn’t mean that it’s wrong for a person to want to fight to live, or even want to remain a ghost without moving on from their loved ones. The author integrates these ideas through character development and I thought it was masterfully done.
Overall, this was a delightful read and something that made me very happy. While the first two books of the trilogy can work as standalones, you’ll enjoy this book more if you’ve read both of them. If you are in the mood for a regency sapphic romance, some delightful family moments, as well as some cool magical and ghostly sleuthing, do pick up this book and I promise you will not be disappointed. ...more
I only a peripheral fan of BTS but I loved getting to know their story. I listened to the audiobook, but I would love to get the physical copy and looI only a peripheral fan of BTS but I loved getting to know their story. I listened to the audiobook, but I would love to get the physical copy and look at all the pictures. ...more
Definitely more of a 4.5 and I’m only not giving a 5 coz I was able to guess the twists.
I came across the hype of this book a bit late because I haveDefinitely more of a 4.5 and I’m only not giving a 5 coz I was able to guess the twists.
I came across the hype of this book a bit late because I haven’t been keeping up with bookish updates recently and by the time I realized what was happening, I kept seeing both raving reviews and criticisms. As I have been in a reading slump this whole year and have a huge list of pending arcs, I wasn’t sure I would get to this book but I’ve always been a sucker for hype and I couldn’t help myself. And this was definitely something I needed at this time.
As I’m used to reading a lot of reviews before I pick up a book which wasn’t on my radar, I knew what to expect going in. This isn’t the kind of book where you are looking for sublime prose or a world you’ll get lost in. The world building is interesting but not extensive - we only get enough that is required for the purpose of propelling the characters’ journeys but I did love the sudden revelations that happened towards the end because it suddenly opened up the possibilities for the sequel. The best part of this book is how fast paced it is - it’s a breeze to read and it’s very easy to forget the time once you start reading because it really sucks you in. The plot is also very straightforward and easy to follow and has familiar beats, so while some may find it very predictable, I think that’s what I liked. It gave me a comforting reading experience which I really needed at this time.
The highlight of the book is definitely the characters. Violet is the protagonist whose POV we follow exclusively and she is so real and honest and strong and an absolute joy to follow along. She is hampered by her chronic health condition but the whole book is about her working hard to overcome her body’s shortcomings because she is strong and smart and compassionate otherwise, and just needs to convince herself and the others that she is equally capable of being a dragon rider. The friends she makes in the riders quadrant, the way they support each other during life and death stakes, and all the trials themselves - it was all very enjoyable to read.
And ofcourse the one element that has blown everyone’s mind - the romance. It’s a solid enemies to lovers trope with intense attraction right from the get go and the tension is palpable in every interaction. Xaden as a character is also the typical brooding bad boy archetype that we’ve come to love in our fantasy romances for ages and the way he is written makes for perfect book boyfriend material. Violet and Xaden’s chemistry is really electrifying and makes for some very smutty moments but thankfully it didn’t take over the plot, which is what I prefer.
The dragons and how they choose their riders and the way their bonds work is also pretty cool, but the best part is the way they communicate and how it’s both intense and hilarious but also equally emotional.
Overall, I can only say the hype is real. This may not be a masterpiece in writing but it’s very entertaining and has its emotions in the right place, ready to ensnare the reader. If you’re especially one of those who used to love reading the magical boarding school fantasy romances in the late 2000s/early 2010s or need a Divergent/ Hunger Games fix, then this book is the perfect solution. The audiobook is also pretty well narrated though it might be better to read the initial chapters so that you can get a hang of the terminology in this world. In the end, this is like a proper desi masala film, which is full of enjoyable and nostalgic elements and you don’t need to think too much, just surrender to it. ...more
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