All I have to say is, if your man can’t SENSE YOUR PRESENCE when you’re literally INVISIBLE because of how well he knows you, you need a better man. HAll I have to say is, if your man can’t SENSE YOUR PRESENCE when you’re literally INVISIBLE because of how well he knows you, you need a better man. Henry Li supremacy.
No but seriously, this was an incredible read. It was so moving and impactful, I literally cried several times and it wasn't even that sad LOL. I loved Alice, and while we're very different people (her experiences of moving to the US and then going back to Beijing are more comparable to my parents' and grandparents' experiences with immigrating to Canada and establishing themselves here rather than mine), her struggles were incredibly relatable. Academic validation and all that... IT HIT HARD I was not okay
“But as I turn to leave, he adds, very quietly, “You’re still a kid, you know.” I falter. “What?” His eyes are kind, almost sad when he looks at me. “Even if it doesn’t feel that way now, you’re still only a kid.” He shakes his head. “You’re too young to be this...hardened by the world. You should be free to dream. To hope.”
When I tell you that ^ quote really got me... JHJKJDBFS
Thanks to Coach Books Toronto for providing an ARC of Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century in exchange for an honest review.
⇢Lesser Known MonsThanks to Coach Books Toronto for providing an ARC of Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century in exchange for an honest review.
⇢Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century in under 10 words
- Twisty and dark - Simultaneously contemporary, historical, and futuristic - INCREDIBLE
⇢Description
In the twelve unforgettable tales of Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century, the strange is made familiar and the familiar strange, such that a girl growing wings on her legs feels like an ordinary rite of passage, while a bug-infested house becomes an impossible, Kafkaesque nightmare.
Each story builds a new world all its own: a group of children steal a haunted doll; a runaway bride encounters a sea monster; a vendor sells toy boxes that seemingly control the passage of time; an insomniac is seduced by the Sandman.
These visions of modern life wrestle with themes of death and technological consequence, guilt and sexuality, and unmask the contradictions that exist within all of us.
⇢Thoughts
I rarely read collections of short stories, so this book surprised me, because I absolutely LOVED it. Each story was memorable and the twists and turns were just so good.
I think my favourites were “Pre-Simulation Consultation XF007867”, “Time Cubes” and “Sandman”. Even days later, I’m still thinking of each of those stories and their characters, which is incredible considering how short the glimpses we got were.
I know some people will dislike the sudden endings and metaphorical concepts that will leave the reader just the slightest bit confused but I personally loved the experience and am already looking to reread some of my favourite stories.
⇢Rating
*Disclaimer: not every story in this collection was 5 stars for me! But the overall experience as well as the rating I would give my favourite of the stories is what compelled me to give this book that rating overall :)
“When Aldo spoke of Regan his voice had a tendency to change, illumination rising near his cheeks. “You should see her work,” he would say the same
“When Aldo spoke of Regan his voice had a tendency to change, illumination rising near his cheeks. “You should see her work,” he would say the same way someone else might have said: Come outside, come look at the stars.”
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
truly, if I could write like Olivie Blake, I would write all day and never stop. literally who gave her the right.
so I read the atlas six really early, before it became as popular as it is now, and I loved it. But you know how sometimes you read one book by an author and it’s just perfect and you love it and you’re afraid none of their other books will live up to that one? i felt that way with this book. I was scared to read this, or any of her other books, and so i put off reading this for SO LONG.
and i kind of hate myself for that because this book was utter perfectipn, but i’m also kind of glad that i read it so long after ta6 because it prevented me from comparing the two.
literally what can i say about this book? honestly, i don’t want to say a whole lot because going into it as blind as possible is just the best way, in my opinion.
what I can say is that it’s a story about two imperfect people, and it’s definitely not the romance book that i’ve seen some people make it out to be. but, GOD. it was one incredible journey reading this book.
“Can you love my brain even when it is small? When it is malevolent? When it’s violent? Can you love it when it doesn’t love me?”
finally, i read some of the critique-y reviews for this book, and while i do get them, obviously i disagree. the almost bizarre formatting and sequencing of the story just make it that much better.
“Not bees,” he said, and handed her the blunt. “Bees are for you.” She smiled at him, accepting it. “Thanks,” she said, as if he’d told her she was pretty. “You’re welcome,” he said as if he had.”
no because this book has some of the best ‘i love you’ s without actually saying ‘i love you’.
“We must remember to say what’s in our hearts aloud because we can never know if it’ll be the last time we’ll ever get the chance.”
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･
“We must remember to say what’s in our hearts aloud because we can never know if it’ll be the last time we’ll ever get the chance.”
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
⇢The Plot
Wow, I literally sped through this series so fast that I didn’t even write reviews for any of the other books yet. This book, like all the others, was intense. And emotional. And heartwarming. And just really really good. This world is one I don’t want to leave, despite how much it has made me SOB. I’ve cried so much reading this series it's not even funny…
I really loved the conclusion of the conflicts that had been growing over the span of these books. I don’t think T J Klune is the best at writing plots and I much prefer the way he writes his characters and their interactions, but nonetheless, the way that things wrapped up was very satisfying. Sad enough to be moving, but without any extreme deaths that would take my heart and smash it to pieces.
As for those interactions I talked about, I loved the way this book really brought the community together, because there was such a clear distinction from Green Creek in Wolfsong to Green Creek now. SO much happened and I already feel like I need to reread to just absorb everything all over again.
⇢Carter and Gavin
These two were so good and absolutely the best couple to end the series off with. I loved the progression of their relationship and how it really brought something new to the table; something that felt completely different than all of the other couples.
And the letters that Thomas wrote??? Absolutely destroyed me. DESTROYED.
“Who are you? Someone special, I think. I take that back. I know you’re special. Because Carter Bennett thinks so too.”
I will say that the thing that was missing here were the flashbacks. I’m not sure if those appear in the novellas and if so I hate myself even more for not remembering to read them between the appropriate books, but if not, I think that this book could have benefited from the glimpses into the past that each of the other books had. Also just for the sake of continuity- it felt weird that this book happened to be the one that didn’t have lots of flashbacks.
“I could do this, he thought. I could do this every damn day.”
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
⇢The Plot
THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD I’M OBSESSED! The couple, t
“I could do this, he thought. I could do this every damn day.”
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
⇢The Plot
THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD I’M OBSESSED! The couple, the plot and conflicts, the characters, everything was on point. And finally having the perspective of a woman working at Oxford was THE BEST.
⇢Penelople and Cole
I mean, I already said it, but SO CUTE. The development of their relationship was perfect and the banter that came from their jobs as co-editors was just incredible. It was also fun to have a female character who was completely different from all those that we had seen previously because it made for some pretty hilarious scenes.
Honestly, this book was almost exactly what I want out of a book in a romance series. Some small complaints like how I wish some aspects of their relationship had taken longer to develop (as usual, I’m spreading the slow burn agenda) but aside from those things, this book was fantastic :)
“It's just that...I just think that some things are meant to be broken. Imperfect. Chaotic. It's the universe's way of providing contrast, you know
“It's just that...I just think that some things are meant to be broken. Imperfect. Chaotic. It's the universe's way of providing contrast, you know? There have to be a few holes in the road. It's how life is.”
It’s not okay for this book to be so addicting. Who gave Sarah Dessen the right to write this novel and not force me to read it earlier? I know I say this about every three seconds but I really regret not reading this book (and anything by this author) earlier.
⇢The Plot I don’t even think I can put into words how compelling the plot of this book was. It’s so hard to describe because the storyline is honestly nothing groundbreaking in and of itself but there’s just something magical about it? The book was heartwarming and heart-wrenching and made me feel almost every emotion out there. I think I literally read the last 30% of the book with tears blurring my eyes.
Sarah Dessen captured the grieving process so perfectly and the way she wrote Macy’s character complimented the themes of the book really well. I loved how Macy didn’t change because of one thing in her life but the combination of so many aspects that were explored throughout the book, and everything came together so effortlessly in that last chapter that I couldn’t stop screaming. That last gift from her dad… oh my god.
“That was the thing. You never got used to it, the idea of someone being gone. Just when you think it's reconciled, accepted, someone points it out to you, and it just hits you all over again, that shocking.”
The one thing— and it’s such a small thing— that I was disappointed by was the resolution of the conflicts between Macy and her mother. Something I see so often in YA novels with family problems is that it’s always the child who empathizes with the parent to resolve the issue and never the other way around. As you can probably tell, that aggravates me endlessly. There is nothing I hate more than an adult who thinks they’re better than their child because they’re older, and I can’t stand it when parents don’t apologize in books. Real life isn’t perfect and apologies aren’t guaranteed but if I ever write a book you’d best believe that the parents will be apologizing their hearts out.
And to put that rant into context, Macy’s mother was honestly horrible for most of this book. She sort of had reason to be— she was grieving too and was stressed and I get that— but for how terribly she treated her own child I expected at least one sorry from her, and I’m slightly disappointed that it never came. I mean, she literally forced Macy to quit her job and stay away from her friends and watched Macy deteriorate in front of her and did nothing?? And never apologized properly?? I guess in her own way she sort of demonstrated that she felt bad for what she did to her daughter but in my opinion that just wasn’t enough.
⇢The Romance From what I’d heard of Sarah Dessen’s books I’d expected more romance in this book, but it was honestly perfect as is. That sort of slow development of the relationship between Wes and Macy was amazing and worked so well with Macy’s growth process and her own personal timelines. I do wish that their relationship had developed a little earlier just so that we could get even one chapter of them together without Jason (god I’d better not start talking about him because ohmygod how can a person be so inconsiderate) in the picture but at the same time the sort of open-ended ending worked really well and suited the story. I guess I’m in the middle about that.
“There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment.”
⇢The Side Characters To conclude this review, I need to mention the side characters in this book because they really made this story as touching as it was. There were so many non-romantic relationships present throughout the book and the focus on family and friends brought the story to a whole new level because all of the interactions were unique and meaningful. And it worked so well here because the author created such real characters with such real mannerisms and personalities. Even through one single book I feel as if I really know them. I can picture the entirety of the catering crew in my head, right now. This is another thing I’ve said before but a great romance book should have great side characters that further and add to the plot, and this book passed that test with flying colours.
Anyway, I just wrote all of that at 1 AM and I have no intention of proofreading so no idea if it makes sense, but hopefully I communicated how good this book was. Onto the next Dessen novel!
olivie blake absolutely NEVER lets me down. this was so good. i mean, rival witch gangs and romeo & juliet vibes, what more can a person possibly needolivie blake absolutely NEVER lets me down. this was so good. i mean, rival witch gangs and romeo & juliet vibes, what more can a person possibly need? nothing, that's what.
loved the family vibes in this one, although i wish we got to see even more of the antonova siblings besides marya and sasha!
and the romance was ofc fantastic, as is always the case with olivie blake. and the ending >>>>> so satisfying. i was scared because of the whole romeo and juliet thing but UGH it was so good.
“Courage takes only a second to become foolishness. Keep that in mind.”
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
Reread #2 Update: I can't believe I ever thought Tris
“Courage takes only a second to become foolishness. Keep that in mind.”
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
Reread #2 Update: I can't believe I ever thought Tristan should be anything other than blond. WHAT was I on ???? Anyway, still love this series with all of my heart <3
Reread #1 Update: Y'all it was actually possible for me to imagine Tristan with dirty blond hair this time wow. also need the last book (the syndicator) now omg
Original Review:
⇢The Plot
I honestly thought I was over dark romance, until I read this book. For some reason, out of the various types of dark romances, I’ve always had a soft spot for mafia romances, maybe because the “dark” aspects aren’t passed off as normal and it’s understood that they’re a part of a “different world” than ours, but whatever.
This book was really fun, and such an easy read. It wasn’t too plot heavy which I liked, because it was definitely the romance that makes this book stand out, not the conflicts, although they were actually pretty interesting. Lots of good tropes, some that you usually see in mafia romances, and I was glad that some of my least favourite tropes associated with mafia romances didn’t appear in this book!
⇢The Characters
EVERYONE on booktwt is screaming over Tristan, but I have to say, Morana was my favourite all the way. She was everything I want in a heroine in a book like this- smart, strong, and super witty, and even a bit relatable in a way. Her personality wasn’t one-dimensional, and the balance between the strength and emotion that she displayed was really well written. All that’s to say that she was a great protagonist because she really came alive as a character.
One criticism I’ve seen is that she’s in her head a lot and so there isn’t enough dialogue, but as someone who is exactly like that- I found that super enjoyable, actually! Although I get why people aren’t fans.
”In that moment, the enemy had done what no one had ever even tried to do for her. He had made her feel a little less lonely. The moment would be over when the sun came out.”
I don’t have as much to say about Tristan because a lot of his character is still a mystery, but he was a good protagonist/love-interest and I felt that it was easy to sympathize with him despite his backstory and who he was. That’s really important to me because sometimes the male characters in dark romances are just insufferable or way too irritating. (Completely unrelate side note: I find it impossible to imagine him blonde. I keep picturing him with dark hair and Dante with light hair…)
Next, The POTENTIAL OF THE SIDE CHARACTERS!?!? As I write this, I’ve now finished book 2 in the series as well so I know that Dante and Amara are the protagonists of book 3, but I just want to note that they were really solid characters right from the start.
"You didn’t know what it was like to be alone until you didn’t have people who could or would notice if you went missing."
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
Re
"You didn’t know what it was like to be alone until you didn’t have people who could or would notice if you went missing."
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
Reread #2 Update:
GOD I LOVE THIS BOOK. The hold this quote has on me...
“Because… I’ve been watching you grow for months. I don’t want to be something you grow around. You were with someone who gave you too much shade before, right? I’d rather us take our time than me stunt where you’re going, who you’re becoming.”
Reread #1 Update:
This was just as amazing as the first time. I think part of the reason why I love this book so much is because it focuses so heavily on character dynamics and relationships. Character-focused books are my favourite things ever, and that also probably explains why some plot preferring people loved this novel a little less than me.
Original Review:
I’m honestly convinced that Mariana Zapata has no idea how to write anything other than a masterpiece. Because just like all of her other books, I adored this book and fell absolutely in love with the main characters.
⇢The Plot
I really liked the idea behind this book, how the main character Aurora was looking for a fresh start and decided to move back to a small town where she grew up. Books set in small towns are always super heartwarming just because of the sense of community and I don’t know, nature is nice I guess, and the setting definitely contributed to the healing part of this book.
Since this is a MZ book there were a few plot twists/ plot lines I didn’t see coming, like the single dad trope (sort of), and how the music and songwriting tied into the book, and I loved that! All in all, this book had the perfect blend of actual events and scenes where the characters were just doing domestic things.
⇢Aurora
I think Aurora might actually be in my top 3 MZ female protagonists, because wow she was HILARIOUS! I didn’t expect to like her nearly as much as I did. I honestly don’t know what it was, but she was just so likeable and fun. All the scenes with her friends (Thank you Mariana Zapata for actually portraying healthy female friendships in your books) were the best things ever, and it was amazing following Ora on her journey.
When you lose enough, you learn to take happiness where you can find it. You don’t wait for it to be handed to you. You don’t expect it in big firework-like displays. You take it in small moments.
⇢Rhodes
I also really liked Rhodes, but definitely not as much as Aurora. Maybe it’s just me but I find MZ’s female characters so much more distinct than her male ones, so I never get particularly attached to any of them. (Ivan is the exception). The thing that definitely set Rhodes apart was his relationship with Amo, which I ADORED. SO CUTE. I would literally read a book of just them interacting.
⇢Aurora and Rhodes
Somehow, even though this book was a slow burn just like most of this author’s books, I felt like their relationship developed at exactly the right pace. I would literally still have loved this book even if it had taken another 100 or 200 pages for them to get together, and I hope that explains just how in love I am with this book.
“I’m fine not being the first man she’s ever loved because I know I’m going to be the last.”