This was so fun and comforting!!! Amazing platonic friendships, strong women, an adorable cinnamon roll love interest… it had everything I needed. LikThis was so fun and comforting!!! Amazing platonic friendships, strong women, an adorable cinnamon roll love interest… it had everything I needed. Like a warm hug, so cute. ...more
this was such a cute, fun, cozy regency romance x mystery x light fantasy combination!! add in the banter and adorable friendships, and this was overathis was such a cute, fun, cozy regency romance x mystery x light fantasy combination!! add in the banter and adorable friendships, and this was overall just such a sweet and enjoyable read....more
I really, really enjoyed this one!! I've always been a fan of historical fiction/historical novel4.5 stars
The perfect read for Women's History Month!
I really, really enjoyed this one!! I've always been a fan of historical fiction/historical novels based on true events, and this one really blew me away. Nancy Wake was such an inspirational and fascinating woman - she lived an incredible life and saved countless people, especially strong for doing it all in such a patriarchal society.
I found the writing of this story to be captivating and addictive, and I appreciated how the author kept it all fast-paced and interesting, and then explained in the afterword which parts of Nancy's story had been edited to help the novels flow. The setting of the chapters often changed between the start of ww2 (late 1930's) and the last couple years of the war, which I thought was really well done, in that it didn't feel disjointed to me, and I was equally invested in both timelines. It was also fascinating to see Nancy's change in perspective or growth, better highlighted with these differing settings.
I also adored the characters with all my heart - no idea how factual the portrayal of the side characters was, but either way I was highly invested in a number of them - especially my loves Hector, Jacques, Denis.
Beautifully written and very uplifting, this was a great historical (mostly) novel!...more
**spoiler alert** this was such a gorgeous, powerful book. i honestly cannot believe that gita and lale both survived and then managed to find each ot**spoiler alert** this was such a gorgeous, powerful book. i honestly cannot believe that gita and lale both survived and then managed to find each other after the horrific events of auschwitz - i'd say it's unbelievable fiction, but this is a true story, so it must simply be a miracle. this was a fascinating look into the traumatic events of ww2 concentration camps, and as devastating as it is beautiful....more
ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my rating or review.
This was a really interesting book! I loved the way it ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my rating or review.
This was a really interesting book! I loved the way it combined historical events such as the Great London Exhibition of 1851 with fae fantasy and a murder mystery, and the characters were so charming (pun not intended).
"That's how I feel - that impossibilities are only temporary obstacles... as ephemeral and wondrous as the flowers of the Amazonian giant water lily."
I found the writing style really lyrical - with the combination of an 1800's setting and the author's writing style, it was consistently flowy and poetic. The characters backed up this writing style, as they were careful and gentle, rarely brusque or brash. I do have to say that this perhaps led to a lack of connection between myself and the characters, as I couldn't fully empathise with them, and was therefore less invested in the story or the romance (though I did adore some of the budding friendships).
"I am yours with every agonising beat of my heart. With every ounce of my soul."
Nonetheless, the romance was extremely adorable at times, and the MMC certainly adored the FMC very dearly, which I always appreciate. The plot was also strong and intriguing, with some shocking plot-twists (always a win) and the occasional dash of action.
All in all, this was an enjoyable and really pleasant read!...more
wow wow, this book! i read "hell followed with us" by the same author last year and was completely in awe of andrew joseph white's writing, and "the spirit bares its teeth" did not disappoint.
"'Mors vincit omnia'... Death conquers all. Everyone will die and there is not a soul who can escape it."
"the spirit bares its teeth" is not for the faint of heart. it is perhaps even more gory and brutal that the author's previous book, and filled with such trauma and cruelty that sometimes i just wanted to shy away from it all. but that's not to say that this book didn't have some lightness and comfort in it as well, because our main couple - daphne and silas - were the most precious little duo of beans, and i wanted to hug them tight the entire novel.
"She smiles. Her eyes shine like something vicious, and I have never been more attracted to anything in my sixteen years of being alive."
our story follows silas, a trans, autistic boy who has a great interest in surgery, and can tear the veil to talk with ghosts, a trait specific to all those with purple eyes. i adored silas - he was such a brilliantly realistic character, and the entire book i felt such love for him. his relationship with daphne was so beautiful and i loved the way it was written, i may be an adamant insta-love hater, but it wasn't really insta-love. it was like a connection between souls, as two people who understood each other finally found someone they could trust.
i also loved the magical realism aspect, with the ghosts adding an occasional perspective to the book, which was really interesting. the entire book i begged for the girls to be allowed their revenge, and i really appreciated the sense of fulfillment that white gave me regarding that aspect.
"if we still had the fingers to take out their eyes we would feast on them like witches"
all in all, this was such a beautifully written and highly captivating novel. it was dark and heartbreaking in parts, but overall had such a powerful ending, and the characters were each so realistic (especially mary!! i LOVED mary). highly recommended! (but check those trigger warnings)
thank you so much to the author, publisher and netgalley for the free copy provided in exchange for an honest review!! ...more
Disclaimer: this was a school book, which meant I automatically went in expecting it to be bad. But I didn’t realise it would be this bad. I didn’t knDisclaimer: this was a school book, which meant I automatically went in expecting it to be bad. But I didn’t realise it would be this bad. I didn’t know what was happening for 90% of this book, and it was both boring and confusing as hell. And so freaking outdated, with its racism and child abuse and animal abuse, that I seriously don’t know why classics are still read in schools. There are so many good modern books out there?? ...more
A gorgeous memoir that brings attention to Schindler’s list and the youngest name on that list. Filled with photos and letters from Leon’s children, tA gorgeous memoir that brings attention to Schindler’s list and the youngest name on that list. Filled with photos and letters from Leon’s children, this book is a wonderful addition to historical memoirs everywhere, and I believe it should definitely be something introduced at more schools. Captivating and heartbreaking! ...more
this book was cute as hell, and so atmospheric and well-written!!
the writing style was stunning, the world building was simultaneously historical withthis book was cute as hell, and so atmospheric and well-written!!
the writing style was stunning, the world building was simultaneously historical with science-related magical aspects which i ADORED, and the characters are my babies. my little positive himbo was such a sweetheart, and the opposites-attract vibes with serious and sensible Maggie were adorable. this book was just so delicious to read, i was so easily sucked into it every time i picked it up!! the perfect length too, i'm so glad it's a standalone.
ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changes my rating or review.
3 LYRICAL STARS
This was a really interesting book! It ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changes my rating or review.
3 LYRICAL STARS
This was a really interesting book! It was beautifully written and had the most STUNNING descriptive language, and I absolutely adored the bond between Heathcliff and Cathy. I’m a sucker for any soulmate bond type thing – whether it’s fantasy and there’s a literal bond, or if two people are just so close that they must be soulmates – and this book gave me that second one in bucketloads.
“How can he love me if he can’t see Heathcliff? Heathcliff is me.” (This quote may not be in the published version of this novel, it was copied from the advanced reader’s copy.)
Now two things you should know: 1. I have never read Wuthering Heights (of which this book is based off) 2. Going into this book I knew next to nothing about England’s history with India
For these reasons, I wasn’t very sure what to expect while starting this novel – I just saw ‘Tasha Suri’ and ‘desi retelling of an old classic’ and was desperate to read it instantly. And do not get me wrong – this book definitely held my attention, the storyline was interesting and I loved seeing the growth that both characters went through – but I do have to say that at times the story felt a little slow, and perhaps a little too lyrical. Also it did slightly irritate me how long the two mains took to reunite… though I suppose it was worth it in the end, as both their character arcs blossomed beautifully in their time separated. I also did definitely really enjoy learning about the history of the novel, and about English colonisation in India. There were lots of important facts spread throughout the book, and Suri wrote them in beautifully and very naturally, which was so wonderful. Also: biracial Asian rep! Woo! And white-passing biracial Asian rep, which hits even closer to home. I love to see it!
All in all, I did enjoy reading this and learning some new history, but at times the novel got a little slow. Nonetheless, I do recommend, and I thank the author, publisher and Colored Pages Tours for the ARC copy provided :))....more
this was cute and funny and addictive and light and i loved it! the perfect read during exams to distract me briefly, but not completely take over my this was cute and funny and addictive and light and i loved it! the perfect read during exams to distract me briefly, but not completely take over my mind. so good!...more
ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changes my rating or review.
4 EXCITING STARS
Three Minute Thoughts: The Red Palace w ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changes my rating or review.
4 EXCITING STARS
Three Minute Thoughts: The Red Palace was a fast-paced, exciting, adventurous mystery, and I loved every moment of it! The setting of 1758 Korea was fascinating to read about and thankfully free of any info-dumping, and the mystery was captivating and surprising, leaving readers with dawning expressions of understanding as the powerful main characters unravelled the intricate murder mystery. A soft romance just added a sweet touch to the novel overall, and all-round the book was an absolute pleasure to read – I’m certain I’ll now have to read the author’s other books!
The Extended, Long, and Very-Probably-Messy Review: This book was such a pleasure to read! Fast-paced and reasonably short, I flew through most of this in one sitting, and was left satisfied and content at the end. I forgot what a pleasure it is to read standalones that don’t leave me with cliffhangers at the end!
A good book requires many different components, but the main ingredient to a captivating story is always the characters (for me), and The Red Palace definitely did not let me down here! Hur’s characters were easy to fall in love with and easier to relate to, from the harsh parental expectations that Hyeon was constantly trying to meet, to the loneliness that filled Eojin, even when surrounded by people. Hyeon was a powerful and brave protagonist, kickass despite being untrained in any martial arts, and a true example to women everywhere that there is more to strength than physical ability.
“We are women… and nothing short of death stops us from doing precisely what we wish to do. That is what the laws and restrictons binding our lives breed: determination and cunning.” (This quote may not be in the published version of this novel, it was copied from the advanced reader’s copy.)
Eojin was a similarly captivating character, and I loved him from our first introduction – he’s an absolute cinnamon bun, and I will accept no other label for that cutie pie. I honestly wish we got more of him, he was such a sweetheart! And the slowburn, delicate romance that blossomed between the two MCs… positively heartbreaking. So precious and pure, I loved each minimal moment of it, and for once I actually don’t believe more romance was necessary – Hur sprinkled just the right amount in, so as to not draw attention from the mystery but still add some heart-fluttering moments.
“When the time comes…You watch out for me. And I will always watch out for you.” (This quote may not be in the published version of this novel, it was copied from the advanced reader’s copy.)
Another strong and incredibly well-written section of The Red Palace was the mystery and action itself, heavily emphasised by the beautiful setting of Korea in the Joseon Period. I won’t say too much about the mystery – though let it be known that I was most certainly shocked by the ending – but I will say that I really, really loved the 1700’s Korea setting. I found the historical titbits fascinating and wonderfully interesting to read about, from the honourifics and the class system to the clothing and jobs, and when I read that the story was loosely based on a real Korean Crown Prince, I admired the historical accuracy even more! Jane Hur definitely has a stunning way of blending fact and fiction, and I will be sure to keep an eye out for more of her books.
Thank you so much to the author, publisher and Colored Pages Tours for the free copy of this splendid book in exchange for an honest review! A special thanks to Colored Pages Tours for organising the book blog tour❤....more
this was incredible, i'm completely and fully obsessed with it!! for the ending alone this deserves 5 stars... i've Buddy read with my dearest Ashley!
this was incredible, i'm completely and fully obsessed with it!! for the ending alone this deserves 5 stars... i've been reading books with the craziest plot-twists lately, and this absolutely took the cake!!
Dark Rise is everything i expected from the author of Captive Prince; it was dark, twisted and full of lush writing and gorgeously dangerous characters. i'm sufficiently obsessed!
the rep in this book blew my mind, and the writing was so incredibly addictive!! i'm sooo excited to continue the seriesomg omg omg. this was SO GOOD.
the rep in this book blew my mind, and the writing was so incredibly addictive!! i'm sooo excited to continue the series, but i know i have to stop myself until after exams, or i won't study at all. but seriously, this book blew my mind!
i loved it!
but i swear to god - if sam and evie don't together (and don't give me that jericho x evie crap, because we all know they have NO chemistry) then i'm going to have a few things to say to Libba Bray!
thank you Ash for buying this for me :)) xx...more
this was so good!! it was beautifully written and all the characters were incredibly realistic and flawed, i wabuddy read with a lil discord group :))
this was so good!! it was beautifully written and all the characters were incredibly realistic and flawed, i was in love with our mains before i knew it.
i'm not going to lie, i feel like not all my braincells were present while reading this, so i did feel that some of the plot and a few of the plot twists went a little over my head, but i still enjoyed every second of it. Shelley Parker-Chan's lyrical prose is absolutely stunning, and i loved learning about the history of China/Mongolia. i can't wait to read the sequel and see what else the author writes!
also the way that the story revolved around fate and soul connections wouldn't usually be my thing, but i LOVED it here. i can't wait to read about more of Zhu and Ouyang's intereactions!!...more
would it be bad to say that i'm just the teeniest bit disappointed by this? i don't know, it might just be that the complete and utter hype this duology receives brought my expectations just a little too high.
don't get me wrong - this is an amazing series! chloe gong is a BRILLIANT writer and i can't wait to read more of her books, and this is an absolutely stunning romeo&juliet retelling. the asian setting with the fantasy aspects and the pining and angst and badassery... it was all so crazily exciting, not to mention the wonderful lgbtq+ rep.
but i just found that... a little something was missing. i'm not sure what, but i felt a little detached to the main characters (roma & juliette), and while i still loved their romance, i felt that stages of it felt a little rushed. the angst and iconic knife-to-throat romance was such fun to read, but i was honestly more invested in ben & mars' romance, and though i love juliette with all my heart and soul (badass queen), i just never fully connected with roma. meanwhile, i would happily die for kathleen/celia, juliette, ben or mars.
ugh i really don't know why, but throughout the book - especially at the end - i just wasn't all that invested! that little bit of detachment ruined this book a little for me, and though i was still insanely addicted to the story and couldn't wait to read every section, i'm ashamed to say that i didn't really cry at the end (i know, i know, i'm literally a heartless monster).
but this was still so good!! i'll definitely be reading more of chloe gong's works....more
Buddy read with my darling Massiel in the FLOAB group!
First off: thank you to Massiel for stalking me and buddy reading this with me, because otherwisBuddy read with my darling Massiel in the FLOAB group!
First off: thank you to Massiel for stalking me and buddy reading this with me, because otherwise I would’ve been very lonely! Sorry you didn’t enjoy it :((
City of Girls is a very light-hearted book. It’s literally the life story of a woman, written as a letter, and the characters can definitely get a bit tiresome sometimes, with their vain, petty lives. But that’s the charm of the book, in my opinion! The characters aren’t especially likeable but you find yourself getting surprisingly attached to them anyway, and this book really brought out the glamour and brilliance of life in New York City in the 1940’s.
The majority of this book takes place in a little rundown theatre in New York City, a theatre that caters to a very select clientele: the poor, tired people who work all day and have little light in their lives. The theatre puts on the same kind of production every day with the same tired storyline – until City of Girls is born. This musical puts all others to shame and draws crowds to the theatre. But, though important, this production isn’t the main storyline of this book. No, the book simply drifts along, weaving together the life of a rich, vapid girl as she transforms into a middle-class, loving woman who has grown knowledgeable in the ways of the world.
Mistakes are made and relationships are broken, but stronger and sweeter friendships are born, transforming this book into one about the power of women and the journey of growing up and becoming a true adult. ...more
hmm. hm hm hm. honestly, not much happened in this book. i understand that it was supposed to be philosophical and theoreticbuddy read with Scarlette!
hmm. hm hm hm. honestly, not much happened in this book. i understand that it was supposed to be philosophical and theoretical and all, but i need an actual plot line, and this didn't give me much of a plotline. also the characters! i hated them, they were such bad people! i guess it speaks well for the writing style that i was able to hate them this much, but yeah the only decent person was Basil, and he was barely in it after he'd painted the damn painting. but this was very interesting. it made me consider what good and evil truly is, showed the struggles of morality, and most definitely defined what a 'bad influence' is. it's Henry, y'all. he's the literal definition of a 'bad influence'.
so yeah, this book was interesting, but not especially fun to read, and i was kind of counting down the pages to the end. still, i'm glad i read it! thanks for buddy reading this with me, Scarlette! i would never have read it otherwise :))...more