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| 1593766904
| 9781593766900
| 1593766904
| 3.78
| 6,077
| Dec 08, 2016
| Oct 20, 2020
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really liked it
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Probably more of a 3.5 but I’m rounding up. This is another surprise addition to my read list this year. I think I saw this collection being mentioned Probably more of a 3.5 but I’m rounding up. This is another surprise addition to my read list this year. I think I saw this collection being mentioned somewhere after being nominated for an award, and as it’s stories are inspired from Japanese folklore and legends, I couldn’t resist picking it up. I thought it was quite interesting that each of these seemingly different stories are connected and the writing was very engaging. Most of the stories were enjoyable to read too even if I didn’t always understand what the author was trying to convey through them. And as most of these are ghost stories, it isn’t surprising that loneliness and grief seems to be the common thread across most of them. But I also liked that the author depicts the various kinds of issues women face in their lives, and what they are able to accomplish when they decide to challenge the age old norms and take their destiny into their own hands. And the notes at the end with details about each legend or folktale that inspired these stories was a wealth of knowledge I really appreciated. I also listened to the audiobook and Sarah Skaer’s narration is pretty fun. I particularly loved her various voices and accents, as well as exclamations whenever they were warranted. I think I enjoyed the book more because of the narration. Definitely recommend it to anyone who would want to explore slightly offbeat, whimsical, and sometimes unexpectedly funny supernatural stories. Smartening Up While I can’t say I understood everything in this story, I loved the message that a woman shouldn’t have to change herself, both appearance and personality wise, just to get a man; nor should she excuse bad behavior from them just for the sake of companionship. The commentary on body hair was definitely very interesting too, and exactly what I always felt. The Peony Lanterns I thought it was a bit funny but another story where I wasn’t sure what was happening. Maybe it was just about the push the main character needed to stop his wallowing and look for a new job. My Superpower I thought this was a great story about how we shouldn’t judge people on their appearance because we know nothing about what’s happening with them; and we should never forget that while we are judging someone, we are being judged in return. Quite a Catch I didn’t expect to read a story of a woman who finds herself disillusioned by the men in her life and ultimately finds love with a ghost. It was surprisingly sweet and earnest. The Jealous Type I’m seriously not sure how I feel about this story of an extremely possessive and jealous woman. It felt a bit cathartic in the beginning but then it devolved into too much destruction. Where the Wild Ladies Are The story of a young man trying to get through life after the tragic loss of his mother, and a mom who doesn’t want her son to suffer from grief. This was both bittersweet and warm but weird at the same time. Loved One Another story of grief and loneliness but I thought the main character’s relationship with her cat was endearing and I wasn’t surprised by her choices at all. A Fox’s Life I’m not sure if it was the author’s intent but I thought this story was about how demure women are considered the good ones and women who live banal existences without making waves are preferred. But it does end on the note that things are changing, especially because are no longer content with playing invisible roles. What She Can Do A very understandable tale about a young single mother struggling to get by while also facing the criticisms from everyone for making the decision for divorce. This is a story that clearly focuses on the childcare and support such mothers need. Enoki Another story about the struggles of motherhood and how humans tend to sexualize everything without any meaning or purpose, except perhaps to get some perverse joy out of it. I liked the twist at the end. Silently Burning This story is the perfect description of “don’t judge a book by its cover”. And how women are always underestimated but then elicit surprises when they naturally exceed expectations. A New Recruit This can be considered a story about memories and nostalgia, and how important it can be to keep them close to our heart. Team Sarashina This was a tale about how formidable a united group of women can be if they decide to strive for winning and aren’t scared of what anyone else will think about it. A Day Off I could totally empathize with the main character here who supports women being harassed or molested, and is just in despair because she doesn’t know if a life without all this is possible for any woman to find. Having a Blast I think this one really depicted how a wife and husband can view their marriage and relationship very differently. Very interesting take on how the women might feel after they no longer have a husband to take care of. The Missing One A young woman trying to run her own business because she wants to work for herself, and trying to imagine all the worst possible scenarios so that she wouldn’t be surprised when something bad happened, seemed like a very realistic character to me. I also loved the little bit of history weaved through this story along with a lovely meet cute. On High Interesting story of kind of a guardian angel (or ghost) staying on to guard the castle as well as the town, but feeling lonely because she has been doing it for too long and wondering maybe if she should give it up. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Nov 27, 2021
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Nov 27, 2021
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Nov 27, 2021
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158
| 153447711X
| 9781534477117
| 153447711X
| 4.10
| 23,316
| Oct 05, 2021
| Oct 05, 2021
|
really liked it
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CW: talk of past child abuse and self harm, anxiety, touch aversion I didn’t even realize until a few months ago that Margaret Rogerson had another bo CW: talk of past child abuse and self harm, anxiety, touch aversion I didn’t even realize until a few months ago that Margaret Rogerson had another book coming and as soon as I saw it, I had to add it to my tbr. I ofcourse had no hopes of getting the arc but was so lucky to get selected for Turn the Page blog tour and I’m so excited that I got to read this one early. To be honest, I didn’t even bother reading the premise in detail because I trusted the author after the absolutely wonderful Sorcery of Thorns. And in a similar fashion, this was engaging from the get go. The plot is actually pretty simple but the author makes it all interesting by giving us a world teeming with stories of old magic, the dead rising as different kinds of specters depending on the manner of their death, the powers exhibited by each kind and the fascinating power of relics and revenants. The book definitely is full of religious themes which I wasn’t actually expecting. The dialogue is also very funny which kept me amused most of the time. The pacing is just right, with some quiet moments in between, but it never becomes too tense or nail biting. Artemisia is an interesting protagonist. As someone who has suffered a lot of trauma in her childhood, she is most comfortable being with herself and feels pretty anxious when having to communicate with anyone. So it’s ironical that she gets thrust into a situation where she gets possessed by a sentient revenant who seems to love to talk, and is also startled to realize that people have started to treat her as a saint and savior. However much she wants to retreat into herself, she is also compassionate and responsible and maybe quite reckless, so she makes the choice to fight the evil that has descended upon her world. But the most fun part of the book is her interactions with her revenant. While she avoids talking to anyone else, she can’t escape him because he is literally in her and their conversations are so interesting. I was surprised to see that despite being extremely powerful and behaving as if he hates human and especially nuns, he is the one who chides her for not taking care of herself, and guides her every step of the way so that she doesn’t throw her life away in some misguided attempt at saving the people. Their bickering friendship is a delight to see develop even though he would never agree that they were friends. Marguerite and Charles were very surprising supporting characters because I never thought they would help Artemisia. Marguerite isn’t who she seems to be and I loved her determination to survive and achieve her goals, despite no one believing in her. Charles maybe a soldier who is supposed to follow orders but he is a good young man who believes in friendship and the trust he develops for our main characters really moved me. In the end, I had a good time reading this one and I’m so glad it’s a standalone. If you are someone who wouldn’t mind a fantasy full of religious lore and world building, biting dialogue and an underlying theme of friendship, you’ll definitely enjoy this one. Despite the way the plot unfolds, it never felt too high stakes and was quite a calm and entertaining read. And I was pleasantly surprised to see that it has no romance and I would definitely count it as a plus in this case. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Sep 11, 2021
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Sep 12, 2021
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Apr 28, 2021
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Hardcover
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157
| Cho, Zen
*
| 0451487990
| 9780451487995
| B08FZLGGP7
| 3.85
| 10,327
| May 11, 2021
| May 11, 2021
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really liked it
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It's more of a 3.5 but I am rounding up. CW: Attempted kidnapping/rape. I have thought about reading Zen Cho's fantasy books many times before, but my T It's more of a 3.5 but I am rounding up. CW: Attempted kidnapping/rape. I have thought about reading Zen Cho's fantasy books many times before, but my TBR is enormous and I hardly ever find time to read backlist titles. But when I first saw the cover of Black Water Sister, I was immediately impressed and adding it to my list, despite not usually going for paranormal or urban fantasy stories. Having been very glad for getting the ARC, I started reading it and completely felt immersed in this spooky world. I think I've read only a couple of novels set in Malaysia, so it was quite fascinating to be in this setting. The author also does a great job bringing Penang to life, especially the multi-religious diversity of the place as well the deep beliefs in gods and mediums. As someone who has grown up religious but whose relationship with faith has changed over the years, the idea of ghosts and gods and possession, as well as other superstitions that form a major part of this story, didn't feel impossible to me at all and I could feel myself transported into this world. The plot is also very interesting - involving past family secrets, a high capital real estate project, a god with an incomplete revenge who is unhappy with the project affecting her temple, and a young woman already stressed with her move from America and a secret of her own, now trying to figure out a way out of her supernatural entanglements. The pacing did feel a little slow at times but it picked up immediately, and the dialogue with a generous use of Hokkien and Malay words as well as a very informal style of speaking definitely helped with my enjoyment. However, I have a feeling that this might feel even better as an audiobook if narrated by someone who knows the language. Jess was such a relatable protagonist. While being a lesbian was an important part of her identity and she was very scared about telling her parents the truth, this is not a coming out story and I liked that, because we deserve all kinds of stories with LGBT+ protagonists. While she is natually skeptical initially about the whole possession by a ghost thing, it was very interesting to see her come to terms with it, and then struggle everyday to fulfil her grandmother's wishes while also trying not to lose herself. At the same time, she is also dealing with her family situation, especially her mother's fragile mental state and her father's hardships. There were times I really got mad at her mom because I thought she was emotionally blackmailing Jess and I don't know if that was what the author wanted to project, but it was too close to my heart not to react that way. Over the years, I have really come to resent most Asian parents' expectation of their child to be filial forever at the expense of their own desires, and I guess I have become prone to react emotionally to such situations even in a fictional story. However, I appreciated how Jess kept her cool even in dire circumstances and took decisive actions when necessary. It felt like she gained confidence and clarity about herself by the end of the story and I loved that for her. I don't have much to say about other side characters, coz they didn't leave much of an impression on me except Ah Ma, who was a grumpy ghost grandma and her interactions with Jess were mostly quite funny. In the end, while there were some things that didn't feel upto the mark for me, this was still a well written enjoyable story and I would love to read more about the author. There were also times where I felt the resolutions felt too convenient, but I guess that's not too unexpected in a book full of ghosts and gods. With a very brave protagonist at the centre, the author has woven an intricate story of family, faith and identity that will transport you into the setting and make you believe in Jess's convictions. ...more |
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1
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Apr 20, 2021
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Apr 22, 2021
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Dec 24, 2020
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ebook
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156
| 1250781507
| 9781250781505
| 1250781507
| 3.88
| 695
| Mar 02, 2021
| Mar 02, 2021
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really liked it
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Average Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️.8 I knew nothing about the author or this collection itself when I requested an arc of this book. All I saw was that stunnin Average Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.8 I knew nothing about the author or this collection itself when I requested an arc of this book. All I saw was that stunning cover and title, and I knew I wanted to read it. And it didn’t disappoint. While there were a couple of misses, this is a beautifully written collection of stories about women - resilient women who have to find the strength within themselves to overcome very harsh circumstances - they might not always succeed but they never give up. The writing itself has a very fairytale-esque feel to it and it made the whole experience quite magical but also horrific at times. Definitely worth a read if you enjoy short stories with feminist fairytale themes and lots of Jewish religious and cultural elements. Among the Thorns Featuring a mother goddess and young girl full of grief, this is a story about antisemitic violence across centuries, how it has affected so many families, and what might happen if someone decides to take revenge. This is also the tale of a mother's love and her abundant capacity for compassion, even in dire circumstances. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ How to Bring Someone Back from the Dead This was too short for me to form a concrete opinion about it. But its about what lengths you will go to for the one you love and while its an interesting theme, the story didn't live up to it. ⭐️⭐️ Alice: A Fantasia This seems like some kind of a retelling of Alice in Wonderland, but the second half was very confusing after a fascinating first half. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Phosphorus Set against the backdrop of unskilled workers strikes for better wages and working conditions during 19th century London, this is a poignant tale of resilient women doing everything they can to survive their brutal circumstances and unimaginable suffering. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ballroom Blitz CW: gore, depression, self harm Another story where I might not have completely understood the point, but the depiction of rage, despair, helplessness and depression through the writing was very on point. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Serpents This was quite frankly very weird because I am terrified of snakes and this story was full of very vivid descriptions of snakes as well as other creatures. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Emma Goldman Takes Tea with the Baba Yaga An excellent mix of history, politics and fairytale - this is a story about the promise of revolution; particularly the Bolshevik revolution; but how ultimately it turned on its own principles and its people, becoming a dictatorship that oppressed everyone. Despite the hopeless tone of the story, it’s also a call to remember that revolutions may not be kind, but the present regimes are equally cruel. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Rats CW: body horror, self harm, drug use, mental health issues This was a difficult read and the story was very bleak, but it’s also about the futility of self harm and how so many young teenagers across the world are dealing with drug abuse and mental health issues, and how they need more support instead of recriminations. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Lost in the Supermarket CW: animal mutilation Ironically, I was also lost in this story and not in a good way. It was interesting to read but I just couldn’t figure out what it was meant to signify. Or atleast the bit that clicked for me was about how our supermarket aisles are filled with varieties of every item and some of us find it hard to even choose, but there are so many others who still go hungry. Vividly written but probably it just wasn’t for me. The numerous pop culture references (which I had no clue about) didnt help either. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Swimming This was another weird story but I have to give it to the author, the descriptions here were very impressive and amusingly grotesque. And I think I understood the idea of losing ourselves so much in our ambition to achieve something, that we forget why we started out in the first place and that’s why it’s important to keep our feet on the ground always. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Lily Glass The story of two young women trying to find their identity and come into their own, this was beautiful, emotional and bittersweer. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Revenant CW: child abuse This was another difficult read and the author truly captures the loneliness and troubles of a young girl who just needs someone to listen to her but life isn’t fair. The author explores trauma in a speculative manner and I thought it was very well written. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Burning Girls The author ends this collection with another story that sets off against the backdrop of antisemitic violence, which forces two young sisters to move to the New World, and fight both human and supernatural demons in their struggle for survival. It is exquisitely written, full of emotion and wonder and pain and I can’t think of a better conclusion or titular story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ...more |
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1
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Feb 28, 2021
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Mar 2021
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May 20, 2020
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Hardcover
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155
| 1250230012
| 9781250230010
| 1250230012
| 3.54
| 6,591
| Sep 22, 2020
| Sep 22, 2020
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really liked it
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Average Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.1 The editor’s note at the beginning talk about the various literature through which readers have gotten introduced to the lo Average Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.1 The editor’s note at the beginning talk about the various literature through which readers have gotten introduced to the lore of vampires through the years, but I think my first encounter was through Twilight and The Vampire Diaries; that too after a couple of movies/seasons had already released respectively. But I did go on to read a lot of paranormal stuff after and developed a love for vampire stories. So when I saw the announcement for this anthology, I was very excited because I really was ready to explore these creatures of the night outside of the cis, white, male, thin, hot cliche we were so used to. And this collection truly delivers. We have amazing Black and brown representation here, alongwith vampires across a whole spectrum of gender and sexuality, and it was such a delight to read these stories. The editors also give some details about the inspirations for each of these stories, about the myths they are based upon, and the themes that are being addressed - I really appreciated that extra commentary because it gave me so much more insight. Within this collection are stories full of grief, pain, excitement, loneliness and various other emotions, and I think all of you will find something that will connect with you. My desi heart was obviously delighted with Samira’s story the most, but you could say I’m biased. If you are a vampire lover, this is a fun collection of stories to explore and I would definitely recommend it. Below you can read my detailed thoughts on each of the stories: Seven Nights for Dying by Tessa Gratton We are so used to stories of vampires full of violence and force, so this was refreshing in the sense that it was very quiet and contemplative with the main theme being about choice. What if you could live forever ? Would you wanna be a vampire? What should drive this decision - anger, grief.. or just love. I really enjoyed the idea behind this one. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Boys from Blood River by Rebecca Roanhorse In contrast to the first story, this one also is about choice, how a young Native gay boy who has lost almost everything and is bullied constantly in his small town feels like he has nothing left but would love to not be alone, even if it means becoming a vampire. But how much is he ready to sacrifice for it ? Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Senior Year Sucks by Julie Murphy Told from the POV of a young fat vampire slayer/ cheerleading team captain in a Texas small town, this is a story about having to do your duty even if that’s not all you want to do, but still trying to make choices that feel true to yourself. And all the dangerous sexy tension between this slayer and the vampire girl she meets is just a delightful added bonus. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 The Boy and the Bell by Heidi Heilig Set around the time of Bram Stoker’s Dracula release, this one featuring a trans protagonist is an interesting take on what it means to be human and wanting to be something that you aren’t allowed to be; while also making a fascinating comparison between vampires and the rice and privileged people of the time. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 A Guidebook for the Newly Sired Desi Vampire by Samira Ahmed I knew I was gonna love this before I even started. Written as a online how to guide to be a new teen desi vampire, this was both hilarious and profound with the usual instructions you would assume to give someone new, but also full of desiness that delighted me. From taking digs at British colonizers to American capitalists to Zuck, while also mentioning memorable places and food in the motherland - this was amazing. I also thought it was interesting to see vampirism and colonialism as parallels, sucking blood literally and metaphorically out of normal people. And I’m still reveling in the nostalgia of seeing the mention of Sultan Bazaar (which happens to be a huge and bustling area full of street markets in Hyderabad), a place I’ve visited quite a bit in my childhood, in a book published in the US. Now I just want more desi vampire stories. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ In Kind by Kayla Whaley Featuring a completely wheelchair bound young woman turned vampire, this story takes a dark but important look at both the difficulty that caregivers have in providing the required support for their disabled children, as well as throws light onto the horrific aspect of mercy killings where the caregivers (aka murderers) are considered being merciful but no one ever asks the disabled person what they wanted to do with their life. This was hard to read but also empowering towards the end. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Vampires Never Say Die by Zoraida Córdova & Natalie C. Parker A story about an unlikely Instagram friendship between a human and a vampire, the kinds of connections that can be built online amidst all the fake online personas we create, the beginning of a beautiful relationship, the difference we can make in the world if we get to live forever - and all of this happening with the backdrop of stabby vampire politics. This was both poetic and intense and very intriguing. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Bestiary by Laura Ruby This was such a unique tale - set in a time where earth has been ravaged by climate change, there’s food and water scarcity and the Uber rich control these resources even more - our protagonist is a shape shifting vampire who was betrayed when turned but she finds solace in the company of animals at the zoo she works at. I absolutely loved her interactions with the bear and the lionesses, and also her older boss. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Mirrors, Windows & Selfies by Mark Oshiro A boy who shouldn’t exist, sheltered and isolated all his life, having never even seen a mirror, uses his blog to put out all his thoughts just to feel a little less lonely. His story and the comments he gets are interesting to read but there’s so much pain laced with hope in his predicament, and I just wanted him to be able to get out into the world and find himself. As always, Mark Oshiro’s writing is stunning and emotional, packing a punch. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The House of Black Sapphires by Dhonielle Clayton I loved this story more for its setting of an Eternal version of New Orleans where all kinds of immortals live and I thought the descriptions of the city as well as the ball that takes place and the overall ambience was very beautiful. Added to that was some delicious attraction between two immortals who are enemies, and it made for a cool story. The open ending however, did leave me wanting, and it felt more like the beginning of a new story than the end of one. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ First Kill by Victoria “V. E.” Schwab This is also in a way similar to the previous story, two young high school senior girls who are attracted to each other unexpectedly find that one can’t escape her thirst for blood while the other can’t forget her destiny of being a supernatural hunter.. This definitely had a more fun vibe but that ending was super cool. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ...more |
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1
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Sep 22, 2020
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Sep 22, 2020
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Apr 30, 2020
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Hardcover
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153
| 1250237564
| 9781250237569
| B07T3WLDS8
| 4.21
| 1,727
| Jul 10, 2019
| Jul 10, 2019
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liked it
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This is probably not my kind of story but I still found the idea of a bunch of cats fighting Satan to save a human’s soul very entertaining and unique
This is probably not my kind of story but I still found the idea of a bunch of cats fighting Satan to save a human’s soul very entertaining and unique.
...more
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1
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Apr 29, 2020
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Apr 29, 2020
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Apr 29, 2020
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ebook
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151
| 1250294800
| 9781250294807
| 1250294800
| 3.98
| 16,710
| Feb 19, 2019
| Feb 19, 2019
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really liked it
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Author P. Djeli Clark came onto my radar when I heard some great things about his new novella Ring Shout which releases in October of this year and th
Author P. Djeli Clark came onto my radar when I heard some great things about his new novella Ring Shout which releases in October of this year and then when I saw that this novella was nominated for the Nebula award, I knew I had to read this one. I also managed to read the short story A Dead Djinn in Cairo a few days ago and completely fell in love with the setting which is the same in this novella as well. And I’m so happy I got to be back in this wonderful setting mystical Egypt again. The haunting and the mystery of the supernatural being is still not what impressed me the most here. It’s the world which continues to mesmerize me and I was even more impressed this time to see how culturally diverse it is and the technological and magical marvels of this booming metropolis. And added to this beautiful setting is the backdrop of the suffragette movement in Egypt and even though it’s shown with more rose tinted glasses than what happened in our real world, I just loved watching a more hopeful and progressive world in this story. While the previous short story was a murder mystery, this time its a haunting and we are following a different Agent from the Ministry, Hamed and new partner Onsi. Their characters are quite tropey, with one being the slightly experienced grumpy mentor and the other being an overexcited and talkative mentee, but it was a complete delight following them. We also meet other mysterious women who help them in their endeavor to find the supernatural being haunting the Tram car and I was quite enamored by them all and wanted to know more about them. And it made me so so happy to see mention of Fatma as the most famous investigator in the Ministry and now I hope she will be joined by both Hamed and Onsi in the full length novel releasing next year. In the end, this is one author I’m so happy to have accidentally discovered and now I can’t wait to read any remaining backlist of his and all his future works because I’m thoroughly enjoying his world building as well as characters. If you enjoy beautifully written diverse urban fantasy settings and fun mysteries with supernatural entities, then I highly recommend this novella. Also read the short story that I mentioned above and I promise you will fall in love with this magical steampunk Egypt just like I did. Even the audiobooks are narrated excellently, so you could opt for them if it’s your preferred format. Now I’m just upset that the wait for the novel is too long but I’m left with no choice but to be patient. ...more |
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1
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Apr 2020
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Apr 2020
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Mar 24, 2020
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Paperback
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150
| 0765389444
| 9780765389442
| 0765389444
| 4.00
| 18,312
| May 18, 2016
| May 18, 2016
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really liked it
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Definitely a solid 4.5. I’ve always heard that the short stories by Tor.com are awesome but never got around to reading any before. But as I’m waiting Definitely a solid 4.5. I’ve always heard that the short stories by Tor.com are awesome but never got around to reading any before. But as I’m waiting for the nebula nominated The Haunting of Tram Car 015 to arrive from the library, I decided to try this short in the meantime. And it was just wow. Clocking at just about 40 pages, I was only expecting a fun murder mystery being solved by a female investigator but I didn’t expect the author to capture the atmosphere of a steampunk, paranormal early twentieth century Cairo so beautifully. In so few words, we get a brief history of the world and all it’s magical inhabitants, experience the slightly sexist culture, look at the various forms of innovative transportation available and also follow a badass woman solve some gruesome suicides/murders through her sharp intellect and observational skills. I was completely mesmerized while listening to the audiobook, and I would be remiss not to mention the stunning job done by the narrator and kept wishing that the story would go on. Finally, all I want to say is that if you enjoy short stories, you cannot miss this one. It has everything you need in an urban fantasy packaged into just a few pages and I promise you, it’ll instantly impress you. Also, it’s free!!! So what are you waiting for - read it or listen to it (listening is a way better option here) and be ready to be captivated. And now I’m doubly excited because we have a full length novel coming up in 2021 featuring our badass investigator Fatma called A Master of Djinn and I can’t wait to read it as soon as possible. ...more |
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1
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Mar 24, 2020
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Mar 24, 2020
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Mar 23, 2020
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ebook
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154
| 1250767024
| 9781250767028
| 1250767024
| 3.97
| 40,233
| Oct 13, 2020
| Oct 13, 2020
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it was amazing
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CW: Body horror, racism, lynching, lot of white supremacist and KKK language/imagery, animal death I’m gonna be honest, if there has been something goo CW: Body horror, racism, lynching, lot of white supremacist and KKK language/imagery, animal death I’m gonna be honest, if there has been something good in my life during this lockdown, it has been discovering the genius that is P. Djèlí Clark. I started with his short story when I was in a slump and couldn’t focus and he has captivated me completely with everything of his I’ve read since. So, it was a no brainer that I was excited for this new novella, but I never expected I would get the ARC and that was a wonderful surprise. And wow was this spectacular. I feel like I’ve already used up my bag of superlatives in the intro paragraph because I just don’t have more words to describe this amazing story. The way the author manages to blend real historical events starting from slavery to Prohibition era America when this story is set, the deep rooted racism of the times, along with lovecraftian horror elements and some good old monster hunting - it’s a carefully crafted masterpiece that packs a very big punch in less than 200 pages. The main character Maryse and her friends Sadie and Chef just jump off the page, with distinct personalities and backstories, and a deep abiding friendship that leaves a mark on you. There is also a very memorable supporting cast of characters, including the villains who all have such a distinct narrative voice despite very little page time. Added to all this are some very thrilling action sequences as well a couple of very creepy chilling ones, and this little novella is essentially perfect. But what ultimately makes this book extra special are the underlying themes, and for something that’s actually a historical novel, it’s unfortunate that most of these themes resonate with us even after almost a hundred years. There is so much hate in these pages, in the hearts of the Klan members and the monster Ku Kluxes, and while that might not be the form it takes in our world today, there is still the same hate and politicians festering it even more to gain and keep their power. One of the characters makes a point about how the white Klan members have so much hate in their hearts against Black people even though they already have all the systemic power over them, and exert it to the fullest extent possible, and I think our current predicament gives answers - they don’t even wanna contemplate the idea of losing that power and do everything possible to hold onto those racist power structures. But ultimately the message of the book is that despite facing all these oppressions for centuries, when Black people protest and fight for their rights, they are doing so not with the kind of hate they’ve been subjected to, but with sadness and pain and righteous anger and the need for justice. To conclude, I don’t wanna say much more except, just read this book because it is thrilling and horrific and impactful, and feels like something you’ve never read before. The writing, the characters, the history, and the horrors - every element comes together perfectly to form a tour de force of a book, and I promise you will be swept away in awe. This is must read fantasy and I can’t wait to read whatever the author comes up with next. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Sep 19, 2020
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Sep 20, 2020
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Feb 02, 2020
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Hardcover
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152
| 006287716X
| 9780062877161
| 006287716X
| 3.72
| 1,227
| Jun 25, 2020
| Jul 07, 2020
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really liked it
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There were actually two reasons I added this anthology to my tbr - the first being obviously dragons, I’m obsessed with these fantasy creatures and re
There were actually two reasons I added this anthology to my tbr - the first being obviously dragons, I’m obsessed with these fantasy creatures and reading so many stories featuring them was exciting; the second reason being R. F. Kuang was going to write a short story for it. I was thrilled when I got approved for the ARC. But when I started reading it, I wasn’t as enamored because so many of the stories in the first half just felt okay. But as the book went on, I really came to enjoy the stories a lot more and I think this is an interesting collection to read for any fans of speculative fiction and dragons. Below are my individual reviews: What Heroism Tells Us by Jane Yolen I’m not someone who understands poetry much so I don’t wanna rate or comment on this one. Matriculation by Elle Katharine White This one has a mechanical dragon that responds to symbols and I found it very interesting. But the story is more about how a young magitechnician has to find the funds to pay for her education and I found it so relatable to our real life issues. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hikayat Sri Bujang, or, The Tale of the Naga Sage by Zen Cho The story of a naga sage who has choose between his self enlightenment or family duties, this was fun and interesting and I loved the way everything is described. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Yuli by Daniel Abraham There seem to be two parallel stories going on here but I can’t say I understood the point of either of them. Rating: ⭐️⭐️ A Whisper of Blue by Ken Liu An alternate world in which everything is powered by dragon breath and the number of dragons at a location determines its prosperity, I felt completely immersed in this story. It’s also a story of loss and grief while also being a commentary on the cons of exploiting resources, and I thought the author managed to balance everything very well. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Nidhog by Jo Walton An interesting poem about a dragon waiting to rise and free all its kind. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Where the River turns to Concrete by Brooke Bolander The dragon in this story being a water spirit and forming a connection with a human family was told beautifully and the way it ended only makes me want its continuation. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Habitat by K. J. Parker Told in dual timelines, this is a story of endless war, cruelty and greed and how it all only destroys and nothing good will come of it. Very well written and for such a serious story, the end was pretty funny. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Pox by Ellen Klages The story of a young girl who loves Le Guin’s Wizard of the Earthsea, wishes dragons were real and goes on a little adventure in Chinatown in SFO, this was a fun story and I particularly loved the mouthwatering descriptions of the various food items. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Nine Curves River by R. F. Kuang Told in second person, a story of two sisters, jealousy, and sacrifice for the sake of greater good, this was so beautiful and poignant and sad, but also hopeful in some way. And the point about monsters being lonely and we humans not understanding them was quite interesting to think about. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Lucky’s Dragon by Kelly Barnhill A story about soul splitting and dragons, I loved the idea behind this tale as well as the deep affection between the main character and her dragon. Overall this turned out to be quite thrilling as well as cute. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I Make Myself a Dragon by Beth Cato This was an absolutely beautiful poem about a human being who has been shunned by the world trying to reclaim their life by awakening the dragon within, and pledging to be a protector for others like them. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Exile by JY Neon Yang I’m not sure I can describe what this was about effectively but it was full of beautiful melancholy, heartbreak and acceptance. But also included was a bit of meta commentary on the ills of human desire to conquer other lands without any care for the original inhabitants. An overall wonderful story and gorgeous writing. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Except on Saturdays by Peter S. Beagle A spin on the myth of Melusine, this story was full of loss and longing, but also about cherishing the experiences we get to have, even if they never happen again. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ La Vitesse by Kelly Robson To be honest, this thrilling story reminded me a lot of the movie Speed with its bus full of children being chased by a dragon, and a mother and daughter trying to outrun it. Very interesting writing. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Final Knight to her Love and Foe by Amal El-Mohtar I thought it was a wonderful love poem until that very unexpected last line. Very cool poetry though. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 The Long Walk by Kate Elliot Set in a world where a woman is considered dead when her husband dies, this is the story of a widow in a similar predicament who chooses to finally do what her heart desires because she is free of all her responsibilities. And what a wonderful story it is of empowerment and solidarity and taking back one’s life. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Cut Me Another Quill, Mister Fitz by Garth Nix The story of a dragon and dragon hunting knight and puppet duo, this was an entertaining story but it also felt a bit incomplete towards the end. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Hoard by Seanan McGuire Wow. I didn’t expect that a dragon’s hoarding habits could also manifest in this form. This was both a fascinating/terrifying story as well as a commentary on the flawed foster care system. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 The Wyrm of Lirr by C. S. E. Cooney This poem seemed nice enough and even though I didn’t understand it completely, I liked its idea of some humans petitioning to free indentured dragons. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Last Hunt by Aliette de Bodard Set prior to the events in the author’s acclaimed novella In the Vanisher’s Palace, this story gives a bit of background into what actually happened in the world just before the masters disappeared and I liked getting to know this. It’s still only a small glimpse but I’m glad that we got it. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 We Continue by Ann Leckie and Rachel Swirsky A metaphor for the cycle of life and death, this story was heartbreaking but also had the important message that when we lose the ones we love, we have to find the hope and courage to move on. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Small Bird’s Plea by Todd McCaffrey A young human girl and a young demon boy set out to save their people from each other’s destructive ways and they decide to band together - it confused me a bit in the beginning but it was also sweet, funny and had a subtle message about all species being interdependent on each other for survival. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 The Dragons by Theodora Goss A poem about a woman who can’t let go of the dragons who show up on her porch one day, all little and vulnerable, this was very heartwarming and lovely. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dragon Slayer by Michael Swanwick This story had dragons, wizards and time travel and it was so much fun. And I loved how the woman are pragmatic warriors but still have to appease the men to keep the peace. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Camouflage by Patricia A. McKillip This almost felt a bit like a young would be wizard taking his OWLS exam at Hogwarts and then traveling back in time. But I loved the whole world and the vivid imagery the author created, and the concept dealing with the importance of knowledge was very well written. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We Don’t Talk About the Dragon by Sarah Gailey This is the story of a young girl from an abusive home who forms a bond with a dragon, and I really loved how she felt she could share all her feelings only with the dragon and the beast seemed to reciprocate in its own way. And that ending was beautiful and powerful. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Maybe Just Go Up There and Talk to It by Scott Lynch To be honest, this was just batshit crazy but also absolutely wonderful towards the end. However, the author also managed to show some very harsh political realities that I think could happen in real life America too. Very well thought and written. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Nice Cuppa by Jane Yolen This was a nice way to end the book, almost like with a cup of tea. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 24, 2020
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Apr 28, 2020
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Nov 14, 2019
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Hardcover
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148
| 1406385379
| 9781406385373
| 1406385379
| 4.27
| 40,052
| Jun 04, 2019
| Jun 04, 2019
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really liked it
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Average Rating
: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.1 I have been waiting to read this book because Jem will always remain one of my favorite characters in this universe and Average Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.1 I have been waiting to read this book because Jem will always remain one of my favorite characters in this universe and I was so excited to read a book that followed his journey through the years. His devotion for Tessa and Will is a constant across all these stories and it made me tear up a lot of times. We also get introduced to characters who are going to be the MCs in The Last Hours as well as get some idea about where The Wicked Powers might lead us to, and I think it was a wonderful way to create excitement for the new series. There were obviously some moments here where I got bored, but the overall experience was one of joy and satisfaction because these are characters I’ve known and loved for years, and it’s nice to know more of their life. There are going to be some spoilers for the ending of Queen of Air and Darkness, so please read at your own risk. Son of the Dawn This is really a very cute and emotional story of 10 year old Jace coming to the Lightwoods for the first time, and I enjoyed it very much. It’s a nice feeling watching these favorite characters of mine as little kids. We also get a lot of internal monologue of Brother Zachariah and you can guess what he is thinking about, so that made me tear up. Very enjoyable and nostalgia inducing beginning to this collection. Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cast Long Shadows Matthew Fairchild is such a sweet and happy young man, so giving of his love that I completely fell in love with him. His relationship with James and Lucie is amazing and I can’t wait to read more about them together. This story quickly took a sad turn and I’m feeling so bad for Matthew, and I hope things get better. It was also nice to see Brother Zachariah get to see both Tessa and Will... them being together even in a single scene makes my heart ache. Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Every Exquisite Thing I’m really enjoying reading the stories about the kids of all the characters from TID and this story is about Anna Lightwood. This is a tale about identity, about her being comfortable in her own skin, finding acceptance from her family and coming to realize that she is a genderfluid lesbian and be completely unapologetic about it. I totally loved her confidence and swagger, and can absolutely see how she is Izzy’s ancestor. Brother Zachariah’s own mission is taking him in dangerous directions and I’m curious to see what happens next. Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Learn about Loss Set in an illegal Shadow Market in depression era Tennessee, we follow Brother Zachariah again along with iron sister in training Emilia, on their task to find out all the nefarious activities of the carnival. During this quest of theirs, we get to see deep into their hearts and it made me really cry because all he wants is to be is with his dearest loves Will and Tessa. Their love is truly unparalleled and I just wanted to cry. Emilia is also an amazingly confident woman and I hope I’ll get to see her again. Wonderful story about love and longing and heartfelt desires. Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Deeper Love This one takes place during the blitz in WWII and both Jem and Tessa are dealing with the loss of Will. The grief of Tessa is wonderfully interspersed with the grief of London which is being bombed everyday and everyone is dealing with the loss of loved ones. I spent most of the second half of this sobbing because Tessa and Jem love each other so much, but he feels guilty for not being capable of loving her completely while she just wants him anyway she can. I know their future, but reading about them during these periods of grief and loneliness when they are scared of losing each other just made me so sad. Such an emotional and heartbreaking story. Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Wicked Ones Set during the first time rise of Valentine in Paris, this story follows Céline who just wants to belong somewhere and is desperate for some love. This is a tale about the cycle of abuse and manipulation and gaslighting, and how an abuser will use all kinds of tactics to isolate the victim and make them believe that the abuser only has their best interests at heart - and it made me both sad and angry to see what was happening to Céline. We also follow Brother Zachariah on his quest to find the lost Herondale and that’s been an interesting journey. Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Land I Lost Taking place after the end of the Dark War in TMI, this follows Alec and Lily when they go to Buenos Aires to help out Jem and Tessa. While getting to know the true story about the First Heir, we also see Alec in his true form - a noble brave Shadowhunter doing everything in his power to help the powerless, even if he has to go against his own. He is such a born leader and I loved getting those glimpses of him here. And seeing him with Rafe, how their bond develops and ultimately how they all quickly become family is too beautiful for words. Malec are the best and will always be... and I am so happy Magnus finally made an appearance because I was missing him in this book. Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Through Blood, Through Fire In this story, we get to know more about the life of Rosemary and Jack, and everything they sacrificed to protect their child. It was also nice to see Tessa and Jem finally get the life they deserve - their story will never not make me cry happy tears. Interesting story but I did get bored for a bit. Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 The Lost World I definitely wasn’t expecting a story with a POV from the ghost of Livvy but it definitely was interesting to know how she felt being dead and bound to her twin. We also get glimpses into what’s happening inside the closed wards of Idris and it looks like dark times are ahead. I got a bit bored in the middle but everything is forgiven after the delightful news of Jem and Tessa. Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Forever Fallen Told in two POVs, this was definitely very interesting and felt like an extended epilogue of Queen of Air and Darkness. Jace from Thule is both a sympathetic and unlikable character and I’m quite fascinated to see where his story goes next and how it will clash with that of Kit. On the other hand, seeing Kit with Jem, Tessa and their baby, living a somewhat quieter life and finally with a family that truly loved him was beautiful to read. Dark times maybe ahead but this was a sweet reprieve. Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 04, 2019
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Jun 04, 2019
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May 22, 2019
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Paperback
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146
| 1481495089
| 9781481495080
| 1481495089
| 4.10
| 56,061
| Apr 09, 2019
| Apr 09, 2019
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it was amazing
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So, let me just begin by prefacing that this is one of those books where I can’t be expected to be objective, I already loved the characters too much
So, let me just begin by prefacing that this is one of those books where I can’t be expected to be objective, I already loved the characters too much before I began and there’s nothing that can make me not like this book. And as I thought, this book entertained me and made me very very happy, so let me try to gush less and maybe write some coherent sentences below. Also, there might be spoilers for all the previous Shadowhunters books, so please read at your own risk. I thought I knew all about these two dearest characters of mine, but Cassie and Wesley managed to surprise me, so that was wonderful. Magnus has been the one fixture in every book in this universe but the beauty of him being a warlock is that we get to know new things about him all the time. And this book gives us a different Magnus - slightly insecure and uncertain, scared of loving another mortal again, regretting a lot of his past actions and unsure how Alec will react on knowing about them, and particularly terrified about telling Alec about his father. He has always been the one who is helping everyone and trying to make light of serious situations, but he is challenged and surprised every step of the way by Alec. And wow was Alec a revelation. From a shy shadowhunter boy growing up in a homophobic society, he has grown into this wonderful person who is ready to live his truth and find his happiness despite the obstacles that threaten him. He may sometimes feel intimidated by Magnus’s unknown past or immortality and find himself not worthy of his dearest warlock, but one thing he is sure of is his love for Magnus. His whole character arc of deciding that he won’t follow a law that won’t protect Magnus and others like him, and deciding that he will work to change the laws is just so admirable and I was in awe of him many times in this book. And knowing that he will become Consul of the Clave in the future, it shows just how much he has worked towards this goal of his to change the world for the better. Their relationship is also so adorable. To tell the truth, I don’t remember anything that happened in TMI except what’s happening in the TV show and the glimpses we got of them in TDA and the short story collections. So, reading about them in their initial days of dating, trying to get to know each other, wanting to have a fun vacation and just navigating the road of new love was very sweet. Every time Alec tried to protect Magnus during an attack and Magnus was surprised by it, I just couldn’t stop smiling. They are just too perfect for each other and I’m so glad we have a book featuring them as the main couple because they are my favorite in this universe. And it was especially beautiful to read the beginning of their story considering their wedding scene in Queen of Air and Darkness was one of my absolute favorite parts of that book. The other amazing part of this book were the numerous cameos. All the little ones from Johnny Rook, Lily Chen, Hypatia Vex, Malcom Fade, Raphael Santiago etc were fun and nostalgic to read, especially because we already know what happens to most of them in the future. It’s always fun to see Tessa and Magnus reminisce about their past and I loved seeing her again. But the best part was the introduction of Aline and Helen - to each other. It’s the most adorable and true Shadowhunter style initial meeting and attempt at flirtation. And they made me sad too because I know the trials and tribulations they have to face in the coming days. Most of these characters are also unapologetically queer and it’s nice to see that all of them who have been mostly side characters in the previous books get to be the prominent ones in this book. This world is obviously very familiar because it’s been a long journey, but it’s always fun to get to know about more types of demons. However, the highlight of this book was the European vacation itself. Magnus and Alec embark on a journey through Paris, Venice, Florence and Rome, and every single description of the Eiffel Tower or the canals of Venice or Boboli Gardens or the Colosseum completely blew me away. All I wanted to do was jump through a portal myself and join them. All the action sequences are also very thrillingly written and I could completely feel the emotions going through the minds of the characters while trying to save each other. The themes in Cassie’s books are always special because she manages to write great parallels to our real world. We see the bigotry even more now because Alec and Magnus are dating, which is unimaginable for so many in their society. The mistrust with which Magnus’s friends treat him makes Alec realize how Downworlders have been mistreated till date and he really wants to do a better job. But he also knows he can’t do it by being defiant but by trying to change the system from within. And his trying to show solidarity to Aline and Helen and encouraging them to also do the same felt very touching. The other major theme here was about not judging oneself or others based only on their past actions. Through Magnus and Shinyun’s stories, we realize that everyone has done bad things in their past due to circumstances or foolishness but one should always get the chance to redeem themselves and work to be a better person, and maybe even try to undo the consequences of the past actions. And Alec plays such a crucial role in trying to make Magnus forgive himself and show him that he has always been a kind and amazing person. Everyone deserves a second chance and Alec embodying this message made my heart warm. Well, what can I say... if you are already a fan of the Shadowhunter universe, then you should read this book. If you are a Malec fan, then please go pick this up right now and be ready for the thrilling ride. This book should work fine if you have just read TMI, but if you have also read TDA, you’ll definitely appreciate the cameos more. This is a fun, entertaining adventure novel with the most adorable couple ever, the best European vacation spots and some fantastic fight sequences. I promise you will not be disappointed. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 09, 2019
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Apr 09, 2019
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Dec 19, 2018
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Hardcover
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149
| 1481431870
| 9781481431873
| 1481431870
| 4.38
| 113,149
| Mar 03, 2020
| Mar 03, 2020
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really liked it
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I never say that Cassie Clare is a favorite author of mine but I also can’t deny that I’m one of those who has read all the Shadowhunter universe book
I never say that Cassie Clare is a favorite author of mine but I also can’t deny that I’m one of those who has read all the Shadowhunter universe books, and even reread a few of them. I may not have grown up with them like many bloggers I know, but I did start reading them almost a decade ago and they helped me get through some rough times, so this world will always be associated with some great nostalgia. And that’s probably why I know I’ll keep reading any new thing CC writes. And that was the same here. Cassie’s books are so easy to read and that’s probably one of the reasons why they are so popular. So it was obvious that once I started reading this, I couldn’t put it down and hence another night of no sleep. I also liked that this book goes back to its original roots, concentrating more on demon attacks and it’s mysteries rather than Clave/Downworld politics, which made for some very cool and elaborate action sequences. There is also an air of mystery surrounding the motivations of multiple characters which keeps the suspense going, and I really enjoyed that. After having read so many books in this universe, I do agree that the plot can feel a bit predictable at times and I can see things happening a certain way before they do, but that’s not a bad thing for me - I think this predictability is a comfort especially during these uncertain times in our real world. My one complaint would probably be that I was so damn confused and found it very difficult to keep track of all the Shadowhunters and their families and their relationships - they really were too many of them and I had to give up after a while and concentrate only on the group of main characters. I still can’t tell much of who is related to who and I don’t think it’ll get better in the future books either. I’ll probably just have to look at the family tree thoroughly the next time before I start a new Shadowhunter book. Another small gripe I have is that some of the potential relationships in this book are hinting as going in similar directions as those in some of the previous books, and while I like some predictability, I don’t want the relationships to get repetitive and I hope Cassie proves me wrong in the sequel. Cassie writes some of the best ensemble casts and the most beautiful relationships (platonic and romantic) and that’s my top reason why I keep coming back for more and this book is no different. Will and Tessa’s kids Lucie and James are the main ones here and I was so happy to see my favorite family again. We have an excellent supporting cast in the Lightwoods Christopher, Thomas and Anna who are amazing and James’s parabatai Matthew Fairchild who has very tragic air about him and I just wanted him to find his happiness. And then there’s Cordelia Carstairs who outright steals the show. She is brave, loyal, wants to be a hero and protect everyone she loves. I loved knowing that she is half Persian and the use of endearments in her language and her love for the classic Layla-Majnun really made me love her even more. Tessa has always been my favorite heroine in this world but Cordelia may just steal that spot. We have a lot of side characters whom I couldn’t keep a track of but seeing old favorites brought a big smile on my face. I will always live for more Will, Tessa, Jem and Magnus sightings. The two new additions who are most mysterious and whom I would love to know more about are Grace and Jesse Blackthorn and I’m sure they are gonna play very important roles in the upcoming books. The friendships between the main cast are an absolute delight to read about and it’s just beautiful to see a group of youngsters who would do anything for each other. There is usually a lot of pining in Cassie’s books and while there was some here as well, I felt like this book was more of a setup and that’s why the angst factor was a little toned down. And I like the prospective couples but I’m hoping that it doesn’t go down the love triangle route which was hinted at towards the end because I don’t want another Will/Jem/Tessa. In the end, this book had all the elements I love in a Shadowhunter book - great characters, wonderful friendships, a suspenseful plot and some cool action. I loved being back in this world and it was such a comfort when I was feeling all anxious. If you are a fan of this universe, you have probably already read this book or you will be, and I don’t need to convince you. However, if you are new to the Shadowhunter world or have only read some books, then I think you’ll enjoy this one. You only have to read the Infernal Devices trilogy and a few short stories before you get started. I’m already excited for the sequel but the wait is long and there’s no way to avoid it. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 18, 2020
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Mar 20, 2020
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Dec 12, 2018
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Hardcover
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144
| 006265277X
| 9780062652775
| 006265277X
| 3.76
| 23,006
| Jun 26, 2018
| Jun 26, 2018
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liked it
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After the delight that was reading My Lady Jane, I was very excited to read this book because it’s a retelling of Jane Eyre and I certainly know more
After the delight that was reading My Lady Jane, I was very excited to read this book because it’s a retelling of Jane Eyre and I certainly know more about the classic than English history. Maybe my expectations were too high or the book itself has issues, but I couldn’t help but compare the story here to both the original and its predecessor, and find that it fell short. Our heroine Jane is definitely the biggest disappointment for me. Her story follows almost the same path as the original, so it’s a tad bit predictable, but she is also not what we would expect from a titular character. She felt quite irrational and lacking of common sense a lot of times. Her feelings for Mr. Rochester were unreasonable and borderline obsessive – she wouldn’t listen to anyone advising her that he seemed like a shady person. It wasn’t until the end that she actually showed some spirit and decided to work with others for a good cause, but I think it was too little too late. The addition of author Charlotte Brontë herself as a character is very intriguing and I think it made the story more interesting. She seems so sure of wanting to be a writer and I loved that she always carries a notebook with her, and starts writing down stuff at random intervals. She’s also always changing her story, and even the genre and it was hilarious to see her go through so many ideas. I especially enjoyed her descriptions of people. However, she can be quite selfish and tries to rope in Jane and Alexander into her schemes, just to satisfy her curiosity or to fulfill her desires, and that didn’t endear me to her completely. But she can be very resourceful and strategic and I loved her confidence. Alexander Blackwood, the star agent of Royal Society for the Relocation of Wayward Spirits is the highlight of the book. He is earnest and dedicated to his job, just wants the Society to thrive and hopefully, wants to find out the truth about his father’s murder. He is also very sweet and compassionate and adorably clueless and I really loved his character. There are not a lot of memorable side characters but few of them do leave a great impression on the reader. Jane’s ghost best friend Helen is very sassy but a supportive friend and I loved their friendship. It’s the most impactful relationship in this story and was the reason I cried while reading. Charlotte’s brother Bran is naive, clumsy and clueless but also just a nice guy who’ll do anything for his sister and friends. Mr. Rochester is far more broody here and not very likable, but I really did not see that twist coming…. The best parts of My Lady Jane were the amazing characters and the wonderful humor that kept me laughing all throughout. And that magic was missing here. The characters felt slightly boring and the romances didn’t evoke that swoony feeling in me. The humor also felt toned down, so there were fewer laugh out loud moments. The pop culture references are still spot on and I especially can’t forget the “Red Room” 😂😂😂. There are also a lot of instances of Charlotte dreaming of Mr. Darcy and I thought it was hilarious. The authors are also quite satirical about Jane’s feelings for the brooding Mr. Rochester and I think it was fun to read. However, the best part of the book is certainly the addition of ghosts. Not only does it add a spooky supernatural vibe to the story, I think it’s perfect for the gothic setting and the mystery surrounding Thornfield Hall. The actual villain is so predictable that I guessed when we first meet them, and that never happens to me. I just wish it was all a little more mysterious. This book is entertaining enough, but can get slightly predictable and boring. I think it’ll work better if you don’t expect the same level of humor as the first book. I’m however, unsure of how the fans of Jane Eyre will feel about this. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Nov 17, 2018
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Nov 19, 2018
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Nov 17, 2018
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Hardcover
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143
| 1508259550
| 9781508259558
| 1508259550
| unknown
| 4.10
| 8,928
| Apr 10, 2018
| Apr 10, 2018
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really liked it
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**spoiler alert** I wasn’t sure what I was expecting from this short story but it was great fun and quite emotional to listen to. Below are some of th
**spoiler alert** I wasn’t sure what I was expecting from this short story but it was great fun and quite emotional to listen to. Below are some of the highlights that I loved: - Jem’s internal monologue - His contemplation of his life as a silent brother - Every time he remembers Will or Tessa made me so sad - Raphael is his usual rude and arrogant self - Lily is hilarious - Little Izzy isn’t sure if she wants a new brother - Is 11 year old Alec really trying to flirt with Raphael 😉😉 - Jonathan is already a fighter - He is scared to let anyone in or show any weakness - Alec takes an instant liking to him which surprises Izzy - He may be 10 but he is already sassy - Cute little Max hugging and calling him “Jonathing” is precious 😃😃 - Maryse gives him the nickname “Jace” and that’s so sweet. This story may not be significant to the overall arc of the major series but it’s always fun to know the little things about our favorite characters. ...more |
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1
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Jul 18, 2018
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Jul 18, 2018
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Jul 17, 2018
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Audiobook
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142
| 1442495669
| 9781442495661
| B00C0CPCRC
| 4.09
| 103,479
| Nov 11, 2014
| Nov 11, 2014
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really liked it
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Shadowhunters is a universe I don’t get bored of at all, even if some books are not that great or the storylines get repetitive sometimes. It’s just s
Shadowhunters is a universe I don’t get bored of at all, even if some books are not that great or the storylines get repetitive sometimes. It’s just something in Cassie’s writing that makes me care so much for the characters and I want to keep reading more about them. So, here I am with another book from the series about the most colorful character ever. Magnus is the most entertaining person to read about and this book has all his shenanigans over the centuries. But we also see a vulnerable side to him, all the pain and longing he suffers because of losing so many people he loved and it’s heartbreaking. But he never becomes a cynic or loses his ability to love and watching Magnus and Alec together is just too beautiful. Below are my individual reviews for the various short stories: What Really Happened in Peru This was quite an anticlimactic story but with the usual playful charms and wistfulness of Magnus. It also showcases his strong friendship with Ragnor and Catarina. But I really didn’t understand the whole point of it. Rating: ⭐⭐ The Runaway Queen A boring story overall. I liked Magnus’s descriptions about Paris and the aristocracy and setting of the revolution was interesting, but the plot just ended up being hopeless and tedious. Rating: ⭐ Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale This one made me so sad. These Shadowhunters are so heartless. The story definitely explains Magnus’s fascination for Camille and his fondness for Will and also how helpless must he feel when he can’t help those he wants to. The tale of Edmund is so full of love but also tremendous pain. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Midnight Heir It was amazing to see Jem, Tessa and Will together again. Their eternal love for each other is so beautiful. But it was also sad to see the plight of their beloved son James, who is unable to find the same joy in love as his parents. Magnus’s reminiscing of his love for Camille and her treachery showed a hurt and vulnerable side to him. This story was sad and beautiful at the same time. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Rise of the Hotel Dumort The history behind Hotel Dumort and it’s link to the Great Depression was very fascinating to read. And why am I not surprised that Magnus ran an illegal drinking establishment during prohibition. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Saving Raphael Santiago A wonderful story about the relationship between Magnus and Raphael. And Raphael is such a genuine, loving person, that it broke my heart that he had to work so hard to even be close to his family. But he proves that he is strong, a born leader and probably the only one sassy enough to handle Magnus. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Fall of the Hotel Dumort I’ve never liked Camille and every time Magnus is reminded of his love for her, and how she treated him, it just makes me so angry. So, actually seeing her in the throes of addiction seemed very fitting and I think Magnus showed tremendous strength of character in this story, trying to protect her from herself and also preserve his sanity. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ What to Buy the Shadowhunter Who Has Everything Magnus is besotted and I love it. Reading about Magnus remembering his memorable moments with Alec, and then try to think too hard about a birthday gift for him was too sweet. Despite the hilarious ideas he got from the demon Elyass, I think his choice of gift was exactly what Alec would love. Beautiful story. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Last Stand of the New York Institute This story just increases my hate for Valentine – how much he manipulated yound Shadowhunters who had great potential for doing good. And I love Magnus more, because despite witnessing Valentine’s unscrupulous actions, he decided to see the good in Jocelyn. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Course of True Love Malec’s first date – WOWWWW!!!! It was all I expected – awkward, hesitant, fighting, saving and finally some making out. It’s always nice to read about the beginning of this beautiful couple’s relationship. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Voicemail of Magnus Bane I’ve never actually read City of Lost Souls, and since this story occurs immediately after a particular incident from it, I was confused a little but managed to get the context. The voicemails are hilarious, especially the threatening ones from the ever protective Izzy and Alec seems so heartbroken… my poor boy. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 28, 2018
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Jun 28, 2018
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Jun 28, 2018
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ebook
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145
| 1442468459
| 9781442468450
| B075RS5MSP
| 4.33
| 119,630
| Dec 04, 2018
| Dec 04, 2018
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it was amazing
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Even though I was always talking about waiting for the release of Kingdom of Ash, I forgot that this is the book I've waited for the longest amount of
Even though I was always talking about waiting for the release of Kingdom of Ash, I forgot that this is the book I've waited for the longest amount of time. And my first thoughts are that it was worth it. It made me laugh and cry, feel thrilled and tense and horrified and I couldn't have asked for a better reading experience. The story starts off almost immediately after the end of Lord of Shadows, so it's very emotional for most of the first part. Clare captures the various kinds of grief that everyone in the family feels very vividly and we as readers are not exempt from feeling the same. It was very difficult to keep my tears at bay when all the Shadowhunters bade goodbye to Livvy and I kept hoping that nothing like that would happen again. The story then follows various different tangents as we explore more of the Fairie lands, Idris and the Brocelind Forest. There is also a very new realm - almost like an alternate dimension - that some of our heroes travel to, which is horrible and dreadful but also gives us great insight into how little differences in history can have very far reaching consequences in the future. The writing is very fast paced, with twists upon unexpected twists revealed in quick succession, always keeping us on our toes and playing a guessing game as to who is loyal to whom, and when the next betrayal will occur. Cassandra Clare is also excellent at writing multiple romantic plotlines but never taking us away from all the action - which is exactly what she does here too. Many of our favorite ships are in peril and it was very exciting to see them face their fears and prevail over the dangers that want to harm their loved ones. All the various storylines converge to give us a thrilling battle and I could not have asked for a better ending to this trilogy. Why I find The Dark Artifices trilogy so much more interesting than the previous ones is because of how realistic all the issues feel. We've always known that there exists lots of prejudice in the Shadowhunter community and it has shown in ugly face multiple times, but the emergence of the Cohort, the politics of hatred and trying to control the minds of the people by fear mongering is too close to the current state of Western politics. The ways in which the Dearborns and others use scare tactics to rile up everyone against the Downworlders and their supporters, even going as far as to imprison their own people mirrors our reality so uncannily, that I was amazed and horrified because I could see no end to it. The book doesn't offer us clear cut solutions because sometimes, such pure hatred and prejudice can't be purged easily, but it shows that everyone should fight for a just cause, for love and family and whatever is right; not out of malice and cruelty towards others. This trilogy has also been about family - the one we are born into and the one we choose. This spirit is predominant through every single page, every single person fighting and sacrificing for their family and there is one single scene during the battle that truly embodies the strength of the Blackthorn family - one that gave me goosebumps and filled my heart with pride for these wonderful characters. There are so many great characters here that I can't possibly write about all of them and do them justice. Our central ones are still Emma and Julian, still trying to escape their curse and find a way to be together. They each go through some very dark moments here, but the other is always there is to protect and that is true strength of their relationship. Nothing will stop them from having each other's backs. Ty is the one who struggles the hardest with the death of his twin, but never shows it. He decides to deal with his grief by traversing forbidden paths and I'm not sure if we have yet seen the complete consequences for his actions. Kit is torn between his desire to be with Ty every step of the way and to do the right thing. I did not expect the explosive truth about his heritage and though the issue seems rested for now, I think it's going to be very central to whatever the next series is. Dru is a definite revelation in this one. She has lost a sister too and with Julian and Emma on a mission far away, she feels very alone in her grief but it also strengthens her resolve to do whatever she can to protect her remaining family. She finds her voice in this book and it was wonderful to see her actions really turn the tide in the war. She is going to be one formidable Shadowhunter in the future and I can't wait to see more of her adventures. My most favorite part of this trilogy has always been the Mark, Keiran, Christina love triangle and I was quite scared about their fate, because I didn't want to choose. I adored the progression of their relationship here - the uncertainty, the vulnerability, the all consuming love - it's all depicted so beautifully that I just wanted more. And I especially thought the character development of Keiran was marvelous and we get to know so much more about his true character. Diana is such a powerful formidable character that even the Cohort is scared of her. She is so fearless in the face of peril and I loved that she always stood true to her convictions. It is also always nice to see old favorites and it was a delight whenever Jace, Clary, Alec, Magnus, Tessa and Jem show up. They all play important roles in trying to resolve the conflicts and it felt great to see them more grown up and contemplative. The last chapter (not the horrifying cliffhangery epilogue) was utterly beautiful and I don't think I could have asked for anything else. Despite that tense epilogue, I thought the arcs of all the major characters are resolved pretty well and this book will definitely leave you satisfied, even if a bit emotionally drained and bittersweet. However, the Shadowhunter world has changed in unimaginable ways, both good and bad, and I'm even more excited to know what happens next. I really don't need to recommend this book to anyone because if you love this universe, I know you will read it. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Dec 04, 2018
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Dec 05, 2018
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Nov 14, 2017
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Kindle Edition
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137
| 0545424984
| 9780545424981
| 0545424984
| 4.25
| 152,365
| Apr 26, 2016
| Apr 26, 2016
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it was ok
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None
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Notes are private!
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1
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Sep 07, 2017
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Sep 07, 2017
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Sep 07, 2017
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Hardcover
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136
| 0545424968
| 9780545424967
| 0545424968
| 4.26
| 172,866
| Sep 09, 2014
| Oct 21, 2014
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it was ok
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None
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Notes are private!
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1
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Sep 06, 2017
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Sep 07, 2017
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Sep 06, 2017
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Hardcover
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135
| 0545424941
| 9780545424943
| 0545424941
| 4.22
| 210,584
| Sep 17, 2013
| Sep 17, 2013
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it was ok
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None
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Notes are private!
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1
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Aug 31, 2017
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Sep 2017
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Aug 31, 2017
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Hardcover
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159
| 3.78
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really liked it
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Nov 27, 2021
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Nov 27, 2021
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158
| 4.10
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really liked it
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Sep 12, 2021
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Apr 28, 2021
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157
| Cho, Zen
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| 3.85
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really liked it
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Apr 22, 2021
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Dec 24, 2020
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156
| 3.88
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really liked it
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Mar 2021
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May 20, 2020
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155
| 3.54
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really liked it
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Sep 22, 2020
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Apr 30, 2020
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153
| 4.21
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liked it
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Apr 29, 2020
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Apr 29, 2020
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151
| 3.98
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really liked it
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Apr 2020
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Mar 24, 2020
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150
| 4.00
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really liked it
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Mar 24, 2020
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Mar 23, 2020
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154
| 3.97
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it was amazing
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Sep 20, 2020
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Feb 02, 2020
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152
| 3.72
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really liked it
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Apr 28, 2020
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Nov 14, 2019
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148
| 4.27
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really liked it
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Jun 04, 2019
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May 22, 2019
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146
| 4.10
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it was amazing
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Apr 09, 2019
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Dec 19, 2018
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149
| 4.38
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really liked it
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Mar 20, 2020
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Dec 12, 2018
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144
| 3.76
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liked it
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Nov 19, 2018
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Nov 17, 2018
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143
| 4.10
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really liked it
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Jul 18, 2018
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Jul 17, 2018
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142
| 4.09
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really liked it
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Jun 28, 2018
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Jun 28, 2018
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145
| 4.33
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it was amazing
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Dec 05, 2018
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Nov 14, 2017
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137
| 4.25
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it was ok
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Sep 07, 2017
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Sep 07, 2017
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136
| 4.26
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it was ok
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Sep 07, 2017
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Sep 06, 2017
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135
| 4.22
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it was ok
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Sep 2017
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Aug 31, 2017
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