I've owned this anthology for a few years now so I'm pleased I finally sat down and read it (on audio haha). There's a huge variety of mythology and fI've owned this anthology for a few years now so I'm pleased I finally sat down and read it (on audio haha). There's a huge variety of mythology and folk tales from different cultures in this book, so not only did I enjoy the short stories, but I also learned about legends and tales from other countries too (some of which I'd never encountered before). As with any anthology, some stories were more memorable and impactful than others, but I liked the fact that almost all of them put a positive, more progressive spin on the original tale. ...more
Thanks to Harper360 for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Epically Earnest follows Jane, Algie, Cecil and Gwen, who are about to markThanks to Harper360 for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Epically Earnest follows Jane, Algie, Cecil and Gwen, who are about to mark the end of their high school lives with their senior prom.
Jane, our main character (comparable to Jack Worthing in the original story) is a romantic at heart, and found unintentional early internet fame as 'bag baby', an abandoned baby found in a Gucci bag at Poughkeepsie train station.
Algie (Algernon in the play) is Jane's best friend and an enthusiastic theatre lover and thespian. He's also a bit of a heart-breaker, calling time on all of his previous romances within a few days.
Cecil (Cecily), Jane's cousin, is sweet, pretty innocent, and slightly younger than the rest of the group, so Jane is more than a little concerned when Algie shows an interest in him and starts asking him on dates. Much to Jane's chagrin, Cecil has what can only be described as heart-eyes for Algie and doesn't listen to Jane's warnings about him.
The final member of the quartet, Gwen (Gwendolen) seems distant and unreachable at first, but that's only because we're seeing her through Jane's eyes. As Jane and Gwen grow closer, we realise that Gwen is fun, kind, and possibly a little smitten with Jane.
The novella is short and entertaining, with a few notable and apt modernisations (use of social media and DNA testing) that bring it into the 21st century.
There are times when it feels like we're waiting for something to happen, but because the book is just over 200 pages the various small events that happen to Jane and co. are enough to keep the plot moving steadily to its conclusion.
The book diverges from the original play in that it's canonically queer. Although Oscar Wilde was gay, The Importance of Being Earnest is a story of two straight romances. But Epically Earnest brings queer love to the fore with both sapphic and achillean romances and bisexual and gay rep.
If you're looking for a book that epitomises queer joy, this is a good one to pick up. Although Jane is working through decisions about her biological family, for the majority of the book, she and her friends are happy. They're falling in love, getting ready for prom, and just getting to live life as their authentic selves without fear or judgement....more
Thanks to Quirk for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I'm feeling v pleased that I finally finished this series! This is t3.5 stars
Thanks to Quirk for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I'm feeling v pleased that I finally finished this series! This is the third book in the Once upon a Con series, following Rosie and Vance as they catalogue and rearrange a library after Rosie (almost) destroys a priceless book and has to work off her debt. (Note: I am a sucker for character A almost wrecking something and having to work off their debt (Ouran was the blueprint), it's just such a fun trope with a lot of possibilities.)
Surprisingly, this was probably my least favourite book in the series, but that's not to say it isn't good (it is). I think it's more that Beauty and the Beast is one of my least favourite fairy tales, so I was just (personally) less predisposed to liking this one.
But story itself is cute and fun, with a good dose of high school drama. There's also a hint of enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, but it's more like Vance hiding his true self behind a rude, arrogant façade (and Rosie beginning to break down that façade). The characters felt a little underdeveloped in comparison to previous books and they were also younger, but I did really like Rosie. She's kind, looks out for her friends, and has a self-deprecating sense of humour, which I always enjoy.
This felt like a comfort read for me (even though it's the first time I've read it) because everything about the plot and world-building just felt safe and cosy. I knew there was going to be a HEA and didn't have to worry about anything bad happening in the last couple of chapters, so I had a very relaxing time reading this. I also enjoyed the fact that the characters from the previous two books made an appearance throughout the story (there are a few queer and non-binary side characters in the book). And it goes without saying that I love books about books!
Content warnings for blood, death of a parent (not on page), emotional manipulation, minor injuries....more
A lovely Pride and Prejudice retelling, and one I thoroughly enjoyed. The way the author connected the main character's trans identity with the inheriA lovely Pride and Prejudice retelling, and one I thoroughly enjoyed. The way the author connected the main character's trans identity with the inheritance story line was a stroke of genius, and Mr Bennet's love and acceptance of Oliver was just wonderful. Almost made me cry twice....more
This is a sapphic Cinderella retelling about Ash, a young girl who can see Fae, and Kaisa, the crown's huntress. As far as retellings go, this probablThis is a sapphic Cinderella retelling about Ash, a young girl who can see Fae, and Kaisa, the crown's huntress. As far as retellings go, this probably is one of my favourites for Cinderella. The magic and whimsy of the story were enjoyable and it stayed faithful to the original tale while still feeling fresh enough to be innovative.
I know a lot of people have said they found the pacing of this book too slow, but I actually found it fine? I'm not sure if that's because I was reading on audio or because I don't mind slower pacing, but I felt it matched the style of story well. I would have liked to see more of what happened next with Ash and Kaisa, but on the whole I quite enjoyed this.
Content warnings for death of a parent, emotional and physical abuse of a child, violence, drugging/drug use, enforced servitude....more
This is a Chinese retelling of Red Rising Hood, following Rosa and Hou Yi as they try to stop sunbirds from threatening the countryside.
I really enjoThis is a Chinese retelling of Red Rising Hood, following Rosa and Hou Yi as they try to stop sunbirds from threatening the countryside.
I really enjoyed the fact that this story follows two older women, who are battle-worn and have seen a lot of the world; I don't think I've read a fantasy that centred middle-aged characters before and it made the book feel really fresh to me.
The story is also sapphic, with Rosa missing her wife and child for a lot of the novel and remembering moments they shared in the past. She wonders whether she can return from estrangement and whether things might be able to go back to being how they once were. The relationship between Rosa and Hou Yi is never fully defined but I think it could be read as queer or queerplantonic and I enjoyed the grumpy-but-caring interactions.
Family is a central theme in the novel and the way this theme defines the ending of the story is emotional and heart-felt. I would have liked a little more clarity on some of the plot (how Rosa and Hou Yi were thrown together, why they decided to continue travelling together, and what they're doing as the story starts) but on the whole I enjoyed reading this and I'm glad I finally picked it up.
Content warnings for family estrangement, on-page death, blood, injuries....more
This is the first Katee Roberts book I've read and, despite having to listen to it on 1x speed (thanks Spotify), I enjoyed it. I liked the Olympus insThis is the first Katee Roberts book I've read and, despite having to listen to it on 1x speed (thanks Spotify), I enjoyed it. I liked the Olympus inspired backdrop and the narrative made the city feel dark and dangerous but also glamorous.
I liked seeing the development of Hades and Persephone's relationship, especially because we learn that everything is fully consensual on Persephone's end. The dual narration worked well to show down bad they were for each other and the spicy scenes were...well, very spicy. My only issue was that the sex scenes started to feel a little bit repetitive after a while and I ended up predicting exactly how the epilogue was going to go. But, on the whole, this was a drama-filled romance and very different to the other romances I've read recently.
Content warnings for arranged marriage without consent, threats and physical assault, discussions of parental neglect and abuse, scenes of a sexual nature and public sex. ...more
This was a really sweet retelling of Rapunzel, Cinderella, and Aladdin's stories with a fresh take on old tales. I loved the way the three stories conThis was a really sweet retelling of Rapunzel, Cinderella, and Aladdin's stories with a fresh take on old tales. I loved the way the three stories connected and the audiobook narrator really brought each character to life. Rumaysa is a lovely protagonst; kind, trustworthy, and selfless with a keen sense of compassion. It's going to be wonderful for young Muslim readers to read her story and see themselves represented in rejuvenated fairy tale stories.
Content warnings for kidnapping, bullying, parental-figure neglect/abuse....more
This is the second Vivek Shraya book I've picked up and she's quickly becoming a new favourite author for me, as I'm once again bowled over by how stuThis is the second Vivek Shraya book I've picked up and she's quickly becoming a new favourite author for me, as I'm once again bowled over by how stunning her writing is. This is a beautifully narrated story of gender, sexuality, and family, told between two perspectives; the first is a contemporary perspective where a young man examines his body and sexuality, and the second is a retelling of Hindu mythology.
Both perspectives are tender, moving, and at times very sad, but ultimately lead us to question human motives and society's inherent othering of queer people of colour. The way Shraya discusses the stigma and judgement surrounding being gay is incredibly powerful and the commentary on biphobia hit especially close to home.
This is such a unique, immersive tale and I'd highly recommend the audiobook, as the narration was excellent.
Content warnings for homophobia, biphobia, dicussions of racism, violence, blood, beheading, hallucinations. ...more
This story follows Bree Matthews, as she joins a programme for high-achieving high schoolers at UNC–Chapel Hill,I FOUND MY SECOND 5 STAR READ OF 2021.
This story follows Bree Matthews, as she joins a programme for high-achieving high schoolers at UNC–Chapel Hill, and witnesses a demon attack on her first night. Bree then becomes drawn into a secret world of magic, mages, and descendants of King Arthur in an attempt to find to what really happened to her mother the night she died.
This is by far one of the best Arthurian legend retellings I’ve ever read. The writing style is sleek and imaginative, the plot is incredibly clever with some brilliant twists, and the world-building is just SPOT ON.
Tracy Deonn incorporates the lore surrounding Arthurian legends into the story seamlessly, but also puts her own completely unique take on it. Some of the main characters are descendants of the knights of the round table, waiting to be ‘called’ by their ancestor, which will imbue them with new powers and strength.
These ‘scions’ are grouped at different universities across the US and have set up secret societies as a cover for their actual purpose, which is to defeat demons and stop dark magic from taking over. This combined with the different types of magic (blood magic and root magic) and different demonic creatures made the world-building some of the best I’ve read in a YA fantasy book in a long while.
I had the BEST time listening to the audiobook for this, especially with such an explosive, exciting ending, and I can't wait to pick up the sequel.
Content warnings for kidnapping, racism and racial profiling, violence, mild blood and gore, mentions of domestic violence, gaslighting, death of a parent (not on page)....more
Thanks to Bloomsbury for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a sapphic Cinderella retelling, about Sophia, a young girl who's iThanks to Bloomsbury for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a sapphic Cinderella retelling, about Sophia, a young girl who's in love with her friend, Erin, but must attend the annual ball decreed by the King, where suitors choose their future wives.
I enjoyed the twist on a traditional fairy tale where Cinderella has been dead for two centuries and her descendants are living in a post-fairy tale world. And not a very happy one at that.
The world-building that opens the novel sets up a dystopian society, where men choose their wives and women have no agency or power. No-one can speak out against the King and anyone who refuses to attend the ball disappears and is never seen again.
Sexism and inequality are rife in this patriarchal society and the constant mistreatment of women will anger in readers (I was certainly MAD). But Kalynn Bayronn shows the different ways that patriarchy hurts men as well as women, and challenges this behavior, ending the story with the perpetrators being held accountable (which I thoroughly enjoyed).
As the main character, Sophia is strong-willed and determined not to be trapped in a loveless marriage. I liked her bold nature and determination to fight for a fairer society, but I didn't feel much chemistry between her and Constance, her love interest. I also found it unlikely that she would be one of the only people to notice the inequality between men and women and be willing to challenge it? Surely others before her would have had the same issues and wanted to do something about them?
The writing style was addictive and the fast pace of the story meant that I kept sitting down and reading 70 or 80 pages in one sitting, which is more than usual for me. My main issue was that I often had more questions than I had answers while reading. Sometimes characters would do things or events would happen and there wasn't a clear reason for why things were unfolding as they were. If the plot was a house, the foundations would be strong, but the material holding the walls and roof up would need to be woven together a bit more tightly.
On the whole, I enjoyed the first half of the novel and found it such a quick read, but I had so many questions in the second half of the novel that I finished it feeling neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.
Trigger warnings for domestic violence, murder, kidnapping, gaslighting, violence, sexual assault....more
Trigger warnings for homophobia, biphobia, bullying, and gaslighting.
When I heard the words 'sapphic Pride and Prejudice retelling' I knew th3.5 stars
Trigger warnings for homophobia, biphobia, bullying, and gaslighting.
When I heard the words 'sapphic Pride and Prejudice retelling' I knew that I wanted to read this ASAP. I've read a few P&P retellings in the past, but never any where the main characters have been queer and the main relationship has been sapphic, so I listened to it on audio for F/F February.
On the whole, this was a fun read. The two main characters meet on a date and it's hate at first sight. But they begin a fake relationship for their mutual benefit and soon begin to see a whole new side of each other.
Elle is enthusiastic, warm, and a touch clumsy at times (but it's played off as endearing). She has her own start up business with her best friend that focuses on astrology. Darcy is a career-driven actuary, with a no-nonsense attitude and no time for people who aren't as serious as she is.
The author writes Elle a touch less sarcastic and witty as Elizabeth, but just as combative when pushed, whereas Darcy feels like a spot on rendition of Mr Darcy in manner and personality.
I think because I know the story of Pride and Prejudice pretty well, I found the plot a little predictable and didn't feel like the stakes were high enough. Having said that, I do love a good bit of fake dating, so I did enjoy the moments were both main characters were starting to realise that they had feelings for each other.
I also don't think there were any BIPOC characters in this story...at all? The narrative doesn't really tell us characters' racial and ethnic identities, so I could be wrong, but it just seemed like a lot (or all?) of the characters were white.
Overall, I enjoyed the romance and the way Darcy and Elle challenged their respective families' prejudices and homophobia, but personally I wanted a little more from the plot and character growth....more
I've been steadily making my way through the Bridgerton books on audio and this one was a Cinderella retelling. Considering none of the other3.5 stars
I've been steadily making my way through the Bridgerton books on audio and this one was a Cinderella retelling. Considering none of the other books have been retellings, it seemed slightly random (and at odds with the rest of the series), but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
This particular book follows Benedict Bridgerton, the second eldest Bridgerton son, and Sophie Beckett as they meet at a masquerade ball and become enchanted with one another.
I liked Benedict as a character in the show (make him bisexual, Netflix, you cowards), but I didn't get as much personality from him in the book. This could be because the main POV in the story is Sophie's so we get a lot of what she's thinking and feeling.
The romance was fun if a little predictable and I enjoyed the ending (although some scenes felt far-fetched). These books to seem to follow a very set formula, and I'm curious to see if it becomes repetitive later on in the series.
The one thing that doesn't sit well with me in these books is the way the male main characters are always gentle and kind to the female MCs until we get to the steamy scenes and then they suddenly seem to go feral? It's just unnecessary and at odds with their characters throughout the rest of the story. If they respect their partner, why do they suddenly 'lose control' when doing the Doodley? It's not going to emasculate them to do it gently.
Trigger warnings for domestic violence, (past) death of a parent, forced servitude, gaslighting, bullying....more
Trigger warnings for sexual assault and rape, violence and domestic violence, gaslighting, on-page death, death of a parent.
Circe has been on my TBR fTrigger warnings for sexual assault and rape, violence and domestic violence, gaslighting, on-page death, death of a parent.
Circe has been on my TBR for more than two years since it released in 2018 and I'm so pleased I finally read it because I enjoyed it a lot. Circe is such an interesting character because she's very self-critical and aware of her own limitations, but she continues to try and surpass these limitations again and again. Sometimes she actively tries to surpass them and sometimes it just seems to happen for her. I love a good underdog story so this was a really captivating part of the story for me.
Madeline Miller's writing is so well-suited to historical fiction and to mythological stories. Her narrative makes the characters and settings come alive and, although I don't think the writing was as lyrical as in The Song of Achilles (because this isn't the same type of love story), her style is still exceptional.
The story was expansive, spanning hundreds of years and so many generations. A few chapters were quite slow-paced and I wasn't a massive fan of who Circe ended up with (I won't mention why because it's a spoiler), but on the whole I had a really good time reading this and I enjoyed seeing Madeline Miller's new take on mythical characters....more
Content warnings for gore, violence, on-page death, murder, insects.
This book was so dramatic and tense that reading it felt like riding a rollercoastContent warnings for gore, violence, on-page death, murder, insects.
This book was so dramatic and tense that reading it felt like riding a rollercoaster. And I loved it.
The world building was fantastic. The glamour and excitement of 1920s Shanghai set against the gruesome backdrop of murders, gang in-fighting, and a monster. Chloe Gong's writing style is wonderful; the way she sets the scene and describes the streets of Shanghai is completely captivating.
I thought the way the characters were matched with the characters in Romeo and Juliette was really clever and I loved the use of language in this story.
Juliette was definitely my favourite character. She's bold, ruthless, decisive, and cares so much for her people that she's willing to do anything to save them. Honestly, Juliette could step on me in her heels and I'd thank her for it.
Romeo is equally as decisive, but he definitely seemed less ruthless and as we find out more of their shared backstory, we understand his motivations and see how much he still cares for Juliette.
Aside from the very slow pacing in certain chapters, I loved this and I was shocked by some of the plot twists at the end. I'm really looking forward to book two....more
Kate (Reading Through Infinity)
>
Books:
retellings
(33)
Loading...
