CW: homophobia, disregard of mental illness, depressive episodes
Includes: racially diverse cast, LGBT6/5 the love story we all secretly knew we needed
CW: homophobia, disregard of mental illness, depressive episodes
Includes: racially diverse cast, LGBT+ rep, we love that ace spectrum rep!, casual bosy diversity, neurodivergent rep (OCD, depression, anxiety), discussion of mental health and care
The list of what this book did right is so insanely long, but I shall try to cover it and hide any spoilers with a spoiler tag.
The female representation. At first I was so worried because we know how women are portrayed on these dating shows. They're all rivals and enemies and none of them can truly be friends and there always has to be one villain. Misogyny that wears the guise of feminism due to an all female casting. But I'm so insanely happy to say that was not this book. We gradually learn about each contestant even though they don't have terribly significant roles, and we see them slowly grow into themselves and their own identities. We see the discussion of platonic love and how that is just as equally important as romantic and/or sexual love, and I am so here for it.
I loved how this book tackled OCD, a term that has become so commonly used people rarely know what clinically diagnosed actually OCD looks like. It also touches on anxiety and depression, not the "I'm so depressed, well here have a Snickers" but then can't take care of basic needs, dissociation from reality, push people away depression. It shows how "ugly" and hard it can be to have it and to see someone you care for suffer through it, but I love how it doesn't treat mental illness as a box to check. It's not something that can be "solved" but rather something to be coped through. We'll never learn to breath in water, but we can learn to swim through it sort of vibes.
Omg the discussion of asexuality and the ace spectrum had me so wonderfully delighted and surprised. I was not expecting this in a romance novel and the depth that it tackled these topics. It feels so insanely validating and was so beautiful to see this included in a queer novel. Sometimes a lot of people forget about that A in the queer alphabet or think it stands for Ally, but I really love that this book didn't only have 1, but MULTIPLE ace characters! Slap me I must be dreaming!
The racial diversity too and the discussion of how important it is to realize some stories were not made for us, but there is still that happy ever after we can get if we choose it. I am assuming that the author is white, and I wholeheartedly love how she put the effort to write intersectional POC main and supporting characters that broke stereotypes. I know it's a scary thing to do because of the fear of getting it wrong, but I loved this book and the characters and the fact that people of all shapes and sizes and colors were involved.
As for the plot line, I really loved it. The relationship between Dev and Charlie starts off rough, but their growth is gradual and entirely organic which is so important for a love story. I admit sometimes it felt like a character might have been forcefully stupid, but then you remember that when you're in the middle of a situation, of course perspectives can get really skewed. Especially when you compare them to our own as readers, because we witness it all from a dual perspective distance.
I really liked how the author dealt with the Megan character. I will say no more on that, only that you have to read the book!
And of course, I loved Charlie and Dev and really all the supporting cast. I like how we slowly peel back the smokescreen that is a single, skewed perspective, and get to the real meat of people. Stories are always so much more interesting when the supporting characters have personality and are more than first meets the eye.
CW: sexual assault, racism, misogyny, drugs, addiction, cheating, death, violence, kidnapping, mention of indigenous boarding sch6/5 Fucking powerful.
CW: sexual assault, racism, misogyny, drugs, addiction, cheating, death, violence, kidnapping, mention of indigenous boarding schools
Includes: powerful female leads, women in stem, indigenous culture, indigenous female protagonist, slow burn romance, thriller/mystery
It's hard to gather my thoughts into a cohesive review to explain why this book just absolutely blew my mind. There were so many aspects and I will try to keep it organized, but please read this book. Even if the summary doesn't really sound like your cup of tea (because it didn't really sound all that interesting to me), it might just be that 6/5 star read for you. However I will give warning, this is a story filled with intense themes of loss, generational trauma, and injustice. But as with every situation in life, there is the silver lining. Firekeeper's Daughter is also a story of love, community, and strength that is so utterly beautiful it cannot be put into words.
Daunis is a biracial protagonist belonging partially to the Ojibwe community in Michigan, but with a white mother. Her biracial and bicultural roots are very much explored in the story as she feels split between these two identities. When she's with white people, she cannot express her native heritage, but when she's with the Ojibwe community she's always too light. This was a really great way to explore colorism, because Daunis does acknowledge her privilege as being light skinned, but it also shows that nuanced struggle with identity when you aren't white, but aren't dark enough. This is similarly mirrored in Jamie, her love interest throughout the book whose identity gets further explored. I won't give details, but I appreciated how it acknowledged that you don't necessarily have to look like you're "mixed" to feel that identity split.
I loved the women power in this book. Daunis is wonderfully independent and gifted with an incredible mind for stem. One character revealed that she believed indigenous students often aren't equipped for college mentally, and I love how Boulley immediately breaks down that very bigoted misconception with Daunis. There are certainly moments where Daunis acts brash, pushes people away, and lashes out, but it never annoyed me like it might with other characters. Daunis faces so much trauma, personally and trauma handed down through the generations, that it's so easy to see where she's coming from. As readers, we can understand maybe her reaction is not "the best" in a given situation, but it's so easy to understand why she is the person she is and sympathize. Daunis is so incredibly human, it's hard not to love her.
However, she's not the only strong woman in the story. Though they tend to remain side characters and are often the butt of misogynistic comments, the women throughout the story have this unspoken understanding that when push comes to shove, no matter how much they get on each other's nerves, they will protect each other. Putting this in context of how many native women suffer abuse and go missing or are found dead, we can really understand. Even if you don't know this background, it soon makes itself clear and serves as a really great learning point. I have to say I found this book incredibly educational and feel grateful for the privilege to learn about it through a story rather than having to experience it for myself.
If it's not clear from my previous talking points, Boulley does a fantastic job of weaving in the first nation experience and culture. This book could not exist outside of this community, if it did, it would be entirely different. Not only does she show us the generational trauma caused by decades of women going missing, historic community struggles with drugs, and the infamous government mandated boarding schools, but she shows us the rich culture and religion, the impenetrable bonds of the community, and the power of elders and inherited tradition. This was so incredibly beautiful to see and really gave the book heart that it would not possess if removed from the native setting.
The book's exploration of injustice was so incredibly painful, as it should be. Boulley really challenged me with this. I want so hard to believe in this black and white "this person is the bad guy and should be punished" and "the good guys should get resolution," but she opens our eyes to the hard truth that indigenous people have been forced to face time and time again. The world operates in shades of grey and often times, there is no real justice. It was so hard, but it made me want to cry at the end. I don't think I've been made to feel this way by any book this year. It makes me so incredibly angry to think about.
Now removing myself a little more to talk about the quality of the plot, I'd say it's a grade A mystery thriller. It is a little slower moving in the beginning, a lot of exposition that you're not really sure what the purpose is for. The fact that it's also told in present tense (I prefer past) was not a bonus for me and made it a little difficult in the beginning, but once you get past the first 70 pages or so you're done for. The book will claim your soul and you only get it back once you finish the book. I considered the plot to be really good, it keeps you guessing as little threads of the mystery begin to reveal themselves, some leading somewhere and some leading nowhere. When it all comes together in the end everything moves so fast you don't know what to do and the next thing you know it's 2 AM and you're writing a 6/5 star review on goodreads.
If you've gone through this entire review, clearly you didn't get the memo. If you've already reserved the book from your local library or made plans to buy it asap, then I'm glad that we're on the same page. This is NOT a book you'll want to sleep on, trust me. It's beautifully heartbreaking and you'll wonder why you didn't read it sooner....more
5/5 AND I put it on my "special place" shelf for books that really just... struck me and left me feeling profoundly blessed to have read.
TW: mentions 5/5 AND I put it on my "special place" shelf for books that really just... struck me and left me feeling profoundly blessed to have read.
TW: mentions of rape, racism, panic attacks, abusive parents, alcoholism
Throughout this review, my goal is to convince you to read this as well, however I know that this book will not strike all readers the same. I think you will thoroughly enjoy this book if: you have an interest in writing/art/something "unconventional", you're a little on the geeky side about something, you like messy characters, you're someone who greatly prefers character drive stories over plot driven stories. So without further ado, let's dive in.
I picked up this book on a whim after scanning through my tbr and randomly deciding to reserve this book at the library. I wanted a book that would tear me apart and make me love the characters like no other, a book that would be messy and real. At first, I was a little reluctant because the writing style was not what I had been reading. The writing style is very casual and reads as a college person (coming from recent college grad) would talk. It goes on odd tangents and is a little chaotic at first, especially when you're just starting out, but this is written from the perspective of two very anxious people. When I stopped to think about why these tangents were popping up with odd amounts of detail, I realized that it's actually how I (a person with anxiety) thinks. Though it might not be the style for everyone, I think it's artistic in the way the style lends itself to the characters and shows us (rather than telling us) what is going on inside their heads and how they tick. (For those who don't pick up on this, it is later stated that Penny often struggles to communicate with people because the way her brain jumps from topic to topic.)
Again, this story does a lot more showing than telling. Perhaps that's why some people find it slow paced, however if you're a sucker for character driven stories, this won't feel slow at all. We aren't told that they click, we just know that they do and why and how. Watching the steady evolution of Penny and Sam is the most beautiful slow burn I've ever had the pleasure of reading. A chance meeting, put under the harsh lighting of reality, followed by a slow but steadfast friendship.
Choi write anxiety from what feels like a first hand experience. There are so many things about these characters that are not stated, but just experienced. Then when we take a step back and realize, "wow, this might be anxiety," we get an authentic understanding of what people with anxiety feel like. From my own experience, I didn't realize I had anxiety until someone told me that the way I assumed everyone disliked me, that my reluctance to make eye contact and accelerated heart beat and drive to avoid ever asking for help, was not "normal." I think the way Choi writes remained so true at least to my experience with anxiety.
Now on to the characters. They are both so beautiful. At first, Penny comes off as really judgmental and therefore really unlikeable. She's super harsh on her mother and I get it, not everyone has a great relationship with their parents, but this felt like it was coming out of left field. Also, I will say there is some slut-shaming on Penny's part that made it really uncomfortable. The smallest things annoyed her and we don't understand why... until later. (view spoiler)[Later we find out that Penny was raped, and though it's not explicitly stated, Penny subconsciously blames her mother because she hired the tutor who raped her and wasn't awake to stop it from happening. Penny also felt her mother wasn't mentally mature enough to help her, making Penny feel very lonely and resentful. She later understands that it wasn't her mother's fault at all (hide spoiler)]. You eventually find that Penny is actually a very likeable character. She isn't perfect and there's a lot of growth to be done on her part, but she does the homework and you really get to see some growth. (view spoiler)[We see as she learns to open up to Jude and starts to understand the way Mallory ticks and accept her flaws. She becomes much less judgmental as the plot progresses (hide spoiler)].
Then there's Sam who can't seem to take off his rose colored lenses when it comes to his ex. It's frustrating, but I'm pretty sure many of us have been there. Just stick it out, his personal growth is really organic and I'm so here for it. It's also empowering to see him come out of a toxic relationship on his own, not because of someone else, but because he realizes that he needs to start valuing himself and that he doesn't deserve this. Then, when these two finally come together, it's so wonderful. They're hilarious and heartbreaking and tragically beautiful together.
I think Choi also took a risk (that paid off) in her exploration of the human reliance on technology. Online relationships are so stigmatized and there are certainly some downsides, but I think this took a kind of unique perspective in showcasing that maybe technology is the better way for some people to get to know each other. The combination of technology and its changing role in society and the growing awareness of neurodivergence was really capitalized on in this book and honestly? We love to see it.
All in all, this was a truly amazing book that I really recommend because it just might move you if you give it the time of day. Thank you for coming to my TED talk....more
CW: gang violence, gore, murder, civil unrest, imperialism
Includes: Enemies-to-Lovers (but non-toxic), Starcrossed Lovers, Diverse cast, Fleshed ou5/5
CW: gang violence, gore, murder, civil unrest, imperialism
Includes: Enemies-to-Lovers (but non-toxic), Starcrossed Lovers, Diverse cast, Fleshed out Supporting Characters
Consider me wrecked. I can already feel the depression coming on as it dawns on me that I will never again be able to experience this for the first time. Someone call the hospital for spiraling readers because this ship is going down, I repeat, going down. There were so many things I loved about this book. The representation was fantastic! LGBTQ+, racial, cultural identity, you name it. Every named character had such a distinctive personality, and Chloe really nailed it in her Author's Note: each supporting character could have easily been given their own spinoff story. The angst in the ever-changing dynamics between the characters was so beautifully orchestrated, Chloe really was the master of her own orchestra. I am but the fiddle she plays.
I will forever love the relationship between Roma and Juliette. They understand each other in a way no one else does, and it's this that really sells them as a match made by fate. We once again find them at each other's throats in this second installment, but things are slightly altered. Chloe gives us the classic enemies to lovers trope, but she doesn't make it toxic. Instead, it's seductive and entirely addictive. This was such a beautiful balance that also allowed us to see each character's inner turmoil very clearly. And the main romance wasn't the only relationship we got to see. In a way, there were three relationships juxtaposed against each other, I shan't say what the other two were or how they ended up (because everything was really up in the air until the very end), just know they were done fantastically.
(view spoiler)[I include Rosalind's doomed romance because it acts as a direct foil to that of Roma and Juliette's. She falls in love with the enemy, but rather than leading to a legendary love affair it ends in nothing but heartbreak and ultimately aids in the speedy downfall of the city. (hide spoiler)]
I will say, I was a little disappointed that the monsters took such a backseat in this second book. This is a tale heavily rooted in reality, and it seemed weird at first to have these very fantastique monsters involved. To me, it only felt right to go all in to sell the idea of them, but in the end things ended up okay. This is my own personal taste, but is not an aspect that I believe really affects the quality of the book and story being told.
Compared to the second book, pacing was much better here. There was always something to keep me on my toes, whether it was romantic intrigue, character growth, or political drama I was always telling myself "just one more page." I think Juliette was also done a bit better in this second installment. She was very cold and distant in my memories of the first book, but here we get to see her softer edges. Her hard shell is but a shield to protect the part of her that loves too much. Loves Roma too much and loves the city and its people too much. I loved how Chloe took the tragedy of the Shakespeare original and transformed it into a much bigger statement about love and hate. Throughout the book we watch Juliette and Roma get torn apart by love, but still they continue to fight. And it's not coincidence they fight for the lives of their city, a city divided by senseless hate. A hate that's so easy. A hate that does nothing but take. In this way, while their love is tragic in the pain it causes them, the true tragedy lies in the human temptation to divide and hate, even when we don't know why.
In short, everything about this book was perfect and I am a Chloe Gong stan. If you love angsty enemy to lover romances, a story filled with amazing characters, and a book that offers deep commentary on the human condition and historical politics, then this book is definitely for you....more
A lot of my reviews, the stars don't always match my actual rating, but this time solid 5/5 from me.
I knew that I would like this book before I starteA lot of my reviews, the stars don't always match my actual rating, but this time solid 5/5 from me.
I knew that I would like this book before I started it. I loved Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, and this time the book was an intercultural adoption coming of age story? It almost felt like it was written for me. Not to say that I didn't have my worries, what if this didn't ring true with me? What if it was all "wrong," whatever that word means. But I have to say, I wasn't let down.
A few of the reviews I read on this book said that they felt it dragged on a lot and it got boring, but I didn't feel that once. Every moment and every thought was spent revealing Sal's innermost thoughts, his worries and his wonders. Seeing someone laid so bare within the pages of a book, it's a hard thing but so precious at the same time, and I think Saenz really gave his all in representing Sal in the most human light he could. Perhaps there were some brief moments where things didn't appear to move the story along, but that's because this isn't the kind of book. This is not a plot driven story, but a time driven, and we can't push time to go any slower or faster. Now it just sounds like I'm defending him, but I felt it really added to the realism of this story.
The kind of character and situation Saenz tackled this time was both different and similar to the situation with Ari and Dante. It's kind of a "what if... someone like Ari and Dante had a kid?" and the "then" was Sal. There isn't a lot of representation with adoption in books for young readers. There are lots of orphans, sure, but usually they're on a grand magical quest to save the world or something. I think this was a unique angle that really captured all of the complicated feelings that go along with adoption. I also liked how he made it an intercultural adoption, because that's a whole other ball game, and I think he touched on that pretty well. I guess if there was one thing, I would have liked a little more of that, but it's honestly fine as is.
There were a lot of emotions that were packed into this book and hardships that the characters had to deal with. The very raw way in which Saenz exposes them and strips them down to their most vulnerable selves was sad and beautiful, something that kind of matches his writing style. Lyrical, of course, but in a slow, almost sad, harmony sort of way.
While I will admit this book probably wasn't perfect, I give it an automatic 5 for the sheer, I don't even know if I have a word. I would say emotion, but that doesn't seem strong or anywhere near deep enough. I think a book's ability to touch a reader to their core is the most important quality a book could possibly possess, and for that this is getting 5 stars and going on my "special" shelf. Maybe all of these bad things happening to a small group of friends in a short amount of time is unrealistic, maybe it's too slow for some people, maybe these teenagers are "way too mature for their age." But honestly, the importance lies in what if. What if someone was actually in a similar situation and felt completely and utterly alone, then they would read this book and know that they are not alone. This is where the importance of this story lies. ...more
Often times the ending books aren't satisfying, but I still remember the ending scene to this book because it was that good, and I read this YEARS agoOften times the ending books aren't satisfying, but I still remember the ending scene to this book because it was that good, and I read this YEARS ago. This series was perfect and that includes the concluding piece. Also forgot to include in my review of the first book, the development of Micah as not just an antagonist but as a teenage human boy with an overbearing family is much appreciated. His development isn't all of a sudden, it's present from the beginning and that makes this series so much better because I feel like no character is really neglected if they're essential to the plot....more
Absolutely love this series, going back to review it in retrospect. The magic system is really cool and I love that it doesn't allow for unbelievably Absolutely love this series, going back to review it in retrospect. The magic system is really cool and I love that it doesn't allow for unbelievably strong characters than can't be defeated. Han is strong but not just because of his powers, but because he's also just really b@d@$$.
Raisa is also strong in her own defiant ways and she isn't perfect but that makes her so much more likeable. Also the slow burn of their relationship is painfully pleasant. Even when rereading this series I would be so eager to read the scenes with their interactions.
Also the world is really strongly developed and the story and the concept of history and who writes it is just amazing. I think this series is better than it's sequel series because it focuses on and really builds the relationship between these two so well. Definitely one of my favorite fantasy series, and I like to think that I rarely hand out 5 stars....more
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