This was adorable. Very similar to the actual show, at least for the first bit. It does diverge a little after that, but I honestly wasn’t expecting tThis was adorable. Very similar to the actual show, at least for the first bit. It does diverge a little after that, but I honestly wasn’t expecting to almost cry at the end there. Also enemies to friends is just perfection ...more
Absolutely loved this glimpse of Alyrra’s life before Thorn. It’s honestly so sad and heartbreaking reading how Alyrra’s mother and brother treat her.Absolutely loved this glimpse of Alyrra’s life before Thorn. It’s honestly so sad and heartbreaking reading how Alyrra’s mother and brother treat her. It makes me just as angry as I was reading Thorn. That people that evil and heartless and selfish can exist, and that they actually experience joy when they hurt someone else. It’s awful. This short novella really shows the power in the found family. Family is not just blood, it’s people who make you feel safe and cared for, it’s people who you can be yourself around, and it’s people who you can depend on to not leave you behind when times are tough....more
Actually quite enjoyed this one. I think I was expecting something more scary and nightmare-inducing, but this book is disturbing nonetheless. I wish Actually quite enjoyed this one. I think I was expecting something more scary and nightmare-inducing, but this book is disturbing nonetheless. I wish we got to see more of Vera though, and her kittens. Also love the author for mentioning her cat Luna in the acknowledgments. ...more
okay, this was really something. As a phlebotomist myself, I really appreciated the research that went into this, though Willa is like 100x more experokay, this was really something. As a phlebotomist myself, I really appreciated the research that went into this, though Willa is like 100x more experienced than me. There is no way I could ever attempt a vein-to-vein transfusion, though it sounds very cool. The definitions at the start of every chapter were so fun, especially since they correlated so well with my pathology class this semester; it was like studying, but a lot more entertaining.
The whole concept of this book is very unique from other dystopians I've read, and I really enjoyed it. It definitely took a lot of turns I wasn't expecting, and there are parts of this book that are a little disturbing and made me nauseous, and that's coming from someone who deals with blood for a living. (view spoiler)[I'm just not a fan of drinking it, is all I'll say (hide spoiler)]
There were some descriptions that went over my head, though considering this is sci-fi/dystopian, that tends to happen. The last bit of the book, so much happened all at once. The ending definitely had me on the edge of my seat. I'm curious to see if we'll get a sequel. I imagine it'll be bloodier than this one if we do.
Thank you to Angry Robot Books for sending me a finished copy for review! 3.5/5 stars ...more
This book feels like a warm hug. It was beautifully written and I loved how stories of Ellie’s sixth-great-grandmother were incorporated into the bookThis book feels like a warm hug. It was beautifully written and I loved how stories of Ellie’s sixth-great-grandmother were incorporated into the book. If I could describe this book in one word it would be ATMOSPHERIC. It just feels so real and tangible and magical. I loved all the supernatural aspects. I honestly had no idea what this book was about going in, but the mix of the supernatural with a contemporary setting wasn’t jarring at all. It was quite seamlessly done and makes me want more books set in this world following Ellie and Jay. Speaking of Jay...this book is all about family and friendship and taking care of each other and I loved that so so much. It made me ...more
I knew this book would be hard to read, especially after Monday’s Not Coming, but I still thought I could do it lol. I was wrong. I’m really glad we gI knew this book would be hard to read, especially after Monday’s Not Coming, but I still thought I could do it lol. I was wrong. I’m really glad we got trigger warnings because you need them with this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat. It was disturbing, dark, and horrifying. The last 40% really messes with your mind as you’re trying to figure out what’s real and what isn’t. The plot twists though ... I am actually still shocked. I do love how it ends though, and it really highlights how the world silences Black women and their voices and stories....more
What can I say that’ll do this book justice? It was beautiful. I haven’t read many books written in third person present, but it fit this story so welWhat can I say that’ll do this book justice? It was beautiful. I haven’t read many books written in third person present, but it fit this story so well. There’s just something about the writing, the pacing, the word choice that completely transports you into Addie’s life. And I don’t think I would have felt the same way if this was written in any other way.
This book is definitely slow-paced, and builds up over time. But I think it’s the best way to tell this story too. I just wish I had had more time to read so I could have read this over the span of a few days instead of a couple weeks. I still enjoyed it a lot, but definitely the whole mood of the book was a bit too spread out because of it.
I actually really love what VE Schwab did with Luc’s character. He sort of gave me Darkling vibes lol and while I really hated the relationship we get with Alina and the Darkling, Luc and Addie’s relationship was more dynamic and interesting. I also felt like Addie was a more complex character overall, and it made me feel for her a lot more.
Henry though. Wow. I think we’re all a little bit of Henry. The pain and hopelessness he feels was just so real. I think he became my favourite character because of how much he struggled getting by every single day. He’s so kind and thoughtful and everything Addie needed. And Addie was everything he needed too. Their relationship was perfect and despite how quickly it develops it fit and flowed so well I don’t have any complaints.
Nearing the end of the book, I was a bit worried I wouldn’t like the way things were headed. I was expecting things to end a different way, but then when I realized they wouldn’t, I was very sad because Henry (*cries*) but those last few paragraphs were very good. Overall, a nice conclusion to an incredible book....more
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and Netgalley for an e-arc of Rent a Boyfriend. This was one of my highly anticipated contemporary releases of 20Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and Netgalley for an e-arc of Rent a Boyfriend. This was one of my highly anticipated contemporary releases of 2020, and it definitely exceeded my expectations!
I don’t even know where to start with these reviews because my feelings are so complex and hard to put into words. Gloria Chao’s books are incredible. I go into them knowing it’s going to be relatable, and it’s probably going to hurt and make me cry, but also make me smile, and yet I’m still surprised every time. It goes to show how so many experiences are universal and that you really aren’t alone. Cultures may seem different on first glance, but there are just as many similarities.
I really felt for Chloe. So much. The reason I was drawn to this book was because of how easy it was to picture myself as Chloe. I am her in so many ways, and watching her make the decisions she made was like following me in the future.
There’s one moment that really stood out to me. Drew tells Chloe that her decisions came from a place of love, from wanting to try and make her parents happy, even if it was just temporary, to keep the peace, though at the expense of her own happiness. That this makes her a good person. Someone who is selfless and cares. And the guilt she feels for lying to her parents and also wanting to be happy and herself, just proves how difficult it is and how she’s only trying to do her best. She isn’t a bad person for making the decisions she did. And Drew understands how difficult it is to accept that and live with that, because he’s gone through it himself. And while Chloe stays silent, and Drew realizes she needs time to accept these feelings, it just hit me how his words are similar to ones I’ve heard. And it hurt to realize how similar of a position I am in as Chloe, and how one day I’ll go through this too and come to accept that my happiness and well-being is just as important.
I loved this about Drew’s role in this story. He’s Chloe years in the future, having accepted that the decisions he made were for the best, that he tried to keep his relationship with his family together, but it was his parents who chose to break it apart. It’s a lesson for a lot of us. To extend that olive branch, yet also stay true to ourselves. And give the other side the opportunity to reach out and grab that olive branch back. And if they choose not to, you tried, and there’s nothing more you can do except move on and try to heal.
Drew was a lovely character. He’s so kind and patient and observant. I also love how emotional he is and how openly he cries. It’s still rare to see guys showing emotion in books.
A couple other things I liked about this book were the conversations on culture. I understood why Chloe felt so disconnected from it. There’s a lovely part at the end where Chloe comes to realize that the good parts of her Chinese culture are hidden and forgotten behind all the toxic stuff. And it reminded me of how Pakistani culture is like that too. I’ve always said the toxic aspects outweigh the good, but that’s not completely true. We focus a lot on the toxic parts that we forget the good things that come out of it too.
I love how the ending contrasts with how things went with Drew and his family. I did not expect Chloe’s dad to come around so quickly, but her mom’s reaction was exactly what I would have expected. I am glad that they didn’t disown her, but I also like how realistic this was. It wouldn’t have made sense for her parents to immediately accept Drew and what Chloe had done. Yet, the opposite extreme would have left me quite miserable, so I’m glad things ended on a hopeful note.
Also, I totally love how Drew and Chloe got together to make Rent for your ‘Rents even better. They’re totally going to be a power couple in that company.
Overall, I recommend this book to everyone, but especially if you’re South Asian and looking for a contemporary book that you can relate to. This one hits on so many points, and I even almost cried? Or maybe I did cry and I’m blocking that out of my memory. (view spoiler)[There’s just a very painfully relatable scene where Chloe tells Drew what her mom said about her not being likeable and desirable enough for anyone else, so she should be happy Hongbo is willing to marry her and that just hit me a bit too hard (hide spoiler)] 4.5/5 ⭐️...more
After reading Blood Water Paint, I knew whatever Joy McCullough wrote next would be a masterpiece, and this diI cannot express my thoughts coherently.
After reading Blood Water Paint, I knew whatever Joy McCullough wrote next would be a masterpiece, and this did not disappoint. I was expecting a book completely in verse, but I actually really loved how we got chapters of prose in between Marguerite's story. It fit so well with the message of this book, and I have to say, this book is angry. You can feel it in every word, every sentence. I need to go back and honestly highlight the sentences that stuck out to me on the page. You can feel the pain, the exhaustion, the cry for justice and revenge. Everything that Marianne thinks, everything she and her family and friends go through, is so relatable. It had me thinking back on my life, it had me thinking forward. And with everything going on in Pakistan right now too, it felt like the perfect timing to pick this book up. ...more
AHHHHHHHH IS THIS WHAT PEOPLE FEEL WHEN THEY SEE THEMSELVES IN A BOOK??!! I’m not going to lie, I only picked this up because I heard there was a charAHHHHHHHH IS THIS WHAT PEOPLE FEEL WHEN THEY SEE THEMSELVES IN A BOOK??!! I’m not going to lie, I only picked this up because I heard there was a character named Sakina and I’ve never ever seen a book with a character that has the same name as me. And omg I swear the author has been spying on me because Sakina is an actual copy of me. She has brown eyes, she’s a part of the Scholars (aka they own the largest collection of books), she loves cats and has a pet cat named Aria, and she also loves cake. I mean,,,, this book was everything.
Besides Sakina, I actually really enjoyed the overall story. My only complaint was I wish it took place over the course of a few days instead of 12 hours. A lot happens during that time and at the end I was kind of shocked when Diana points out it’s been only 12 hours.
Diana and Sakina’s friendship was super cute. I love how they work together and lift each other up. I also really enjoyed Augustus’s character. Honestly anyone who brews potions will become a quick favourite for me lol
The book does leave you with a lot of questions, and it sort of ends on a small cliffhanger. I’m excited to see what happens next. This book was reminiscent of PJO in many ways, and I wish I had a book like this when I was little.
(Also, lets support this book instead of the Wonder Woman movies featuring that Zionist actress ...more
I don't know what to say that will do this book justice. I loved all of it. Every perspective. How all the stories intertwine with each other. It was I don't know what to say that will do this book justice. I loved all of it. Every perspective. How all the stories intertwine with each other. It was difficult to read, but very eye-opening. I feel like we maybe spent a few minutes talking about the Japanese incarceration camps during WW2 in school, so I didn't know anything besides the fact that they existed. Seeing the conditions, what the Japanese went through, the difficult decisions they had to make, it felt so similar to what we still see happening in our world now. Reading historical fiction this year has been hard, because not a lot has changed. We think we've moved forward, and there have been some improvements, but there hasn't been enough.
I will say one thing, I got a bit confused between the characters mid-way through the book, though that was entirely my fault because I did have to put the book down for a bit because life got busy. I think on a reread I wouldn't be that confused, especially if I read it more closely together.
The writing style though...each character has such a unique voice. I am actually in awe at how well it was done. Twitchy's prose was just like him. Fast-paced, jerky, long run-down sentences. It fit so well. And Tommy's told in verse captured his feelings perfectly. Mary's was harsh and to the point. And Mas' was stoic and to the point. I love how we start with Minnow and end with Minnow, and the drawing of the boys at the end was a perfect way to finish the book.
Highly, highly recommend. This is a book that should be read in schools everywhere in high school, instead of us having to read the same old books over and over again....more
Okay, first off. I really enjoyed this book a lot. Honestly, if it wasn't for school being so hectic and not having time to read, II AM FINALLY DONE!!
Okay, first off. I really enjoyed this book a lot. Honestly, if it wasn't for school being so hectic and not having time to read, I would have finished this in a few days. But despite that, I really loved this book.
I don't know how else to describe this book except that it is very very strange, unique, and whimsical. And this combination makes for a very entertaining read. I'm honestly so impressed with the details and the world-building, especially considering this book is a standalone. I loved the setting and the whole concept of the Booksellers, and I honestly wish I could visit the Old Bookstore because it sounds like a dream come true.
Merlin was probably my favourite character. I totally imagine him as Klaus from The Umbrella Academy the entire time. The underlying romance actually didn't annoy me at all. It was kind of cute and not too distracting from the plot.
Susan as a character felt very realistic to me. She's quite passive through most of the book and has no idea what is going on, but I didn't mind that much. The story and the plot really carried this book, and while the end did tie up quite nicely and almost too perfectly, I didn't mind. This whole book just has a very cool vibe and you kind of get sucked in for the ride.
This was just as good on reread. The lovers to enemies to lovers was pretty great, though 2020 Sakina could tolerate love confessions in ~2022 Reread~
This was just as good on reread. The lovers to enemies to lovers was pretty great, though 2020 Sakina could tolerate love confessions in the middle of chaos, 2022 Sakina is too tired and not as big of a fan of that trope (dropped half a star on reread so 4.5/5), but it was still good and cute and I love Roma. He's so soft and precious. I can't wait to finally pick up the next book.
***
Hi, this was so good that I don’t have words to explain how I feel.
I’ve never been so completely enthralled by a plot and world building. I just adkslskff everything was done so well. The writing was beautiful and descriptive. Apparently Chloe Gong is younger than me and I’m honestly impressed by her skills. The amount of research and time it would have taken to create such a realistic, tangible world is just amazing. The plot kept me on my toes. The relationship ahhshhjskd THIS IS WHAT YOU CALL ENEMIES TO LOVERS. Most people can’t do this well enough to make me ship two characters, but Chloe Gong did it and I love her for it. I also finally understand why people want certain characters to step on them because J U L I E T T E is just wow. Also, how nice is it to have a couple where the woman is more badass than the man??!! Like the end there...mind blowing. Roma could never, but he’s a softie so I like him anyway. I’m also not smart and didn’t realize what exactly Juliette did because I was just in awe at everything and I want more so badly. The tension between the communists and the nationalists was very interesting and I love how this reads like a historical fiction in a way. I don’t know much about Shanghai but it’s cool to learn a little about the history. I would like the next book immediately. So glad I purchased a copy of this for myself. I’m going to go now and think about the masterpiece this book is....more
**spoiler alert** This book completely took me by surprise. Thank you to Raincoast for sending me an arc to review!
The writing is just mesmerizing. It**spoiler alert** This book completely took me by surprise. Thank you to Raincoast for sending me an arc to review!
The writing is just mesmerizing. It's beautifully written, and flows very well. The descriptions really transport you to the setting, and it made for an all-round great reading experience.
I also loved how detailed the world and history is. The notes from the author section at the end of the book really showed how much research Melissa did to write this story, and how she took bits and pieces from mythology and history and the Shahanemh. I loved all the references to Persian culture too. The second I saw the word esfand, I knew I was going to like this book lol. Also Nog Roz being something that we sort of celebrate every year...it was nice to see stuff like this in a book.
Soraya is a wonderfully complex character. Seeing her struggle internally as she comes to terms with what's been done to her really made me feel for her character. It realistically portrayed what someone who's been used by a person they trusted, goes through. I liked seeing Soraya make mistakes and decisions that weren't so great, but then eventually learning from them. I also like how she grows as a character and begins to love herself and accept herself for who she is.
The ending was pretty perfect. I'm glad Soraya decided to leave the palace for most of the year. I don't know if I completely forgive her brother for the way he treated her, so it's nice that she can spend time with Parvaneh and the pariks who never turned away from her because they didn't like what they saw. Also, I looked up the forest the pariks' home is based off of, and now I want to go to northern Iran so badly.
Thank you so much to Netgalley for an arc of this book!
Me, being the idiot I am, very briefly skimmed the synopsis and completely missed the fact thatThank you so much to Netgalley for an arc of this book!
Me, being the idiot I am, very briefly skimmed the synopsis and completely missed the fact that this book takes place in the 90s lol, so for a part of it I was very confused why walkmans were a thing, and why no one was on social media, or had cellphones. So don't be like me, and actually read the synopsis.
Reading this book was an experience. Seeing how closely our present lives mirror that of people in 1992 was eerie and sad. To think that it's been 28 years since the LA Uprising, and the world has learned nothing since then. It's horrifying and awful, and this book really goes to show how much has stayed the same. I'm really glad I picked this one up right now, not just because of everything going on in the US right now, but also because it was quite eye-opening. I had never heard of the LA Uprising, and the more I read, the more I got to learn, as our main character Ashely learns about what is happening.
One thing I did like about this book is the unique perspective. Ashley is a privileged Black girl. Her parents have worked hard and tried their best to shield her and her sister from the kind of childhood they had, and so she grows up aware, yet unaware of the true brutalities and difficulties that other Black people face. Her friends are all white and she lets their racist comments slide by because she's trying to fit in and not make a big deal about everything. Her sister, on the other hand, grew up more aware, and chose to educate herself about what was going on in different parts of the world, as well as in her own backyard. And throughout the book we see the tension between the two sisters as Ashely tries to tell Jo to stop trying to fix things and protest and just come home.
This isn't a perspective that I've read about before. Most books I've read that centre on Black stories, feature main characters who are right in the middle of it. But despite that, we still see that Ashley does experience things that white people don't (the stares, the comments, the slurs), yet she's also fortunate because she has money and can afford to go to a private school and have access to better education.
I really enjoyed seeing Ashley's relationship develop with LaShawn and Lana, and how she starts to see her friends for who they really are. Also, her closeness to Lucia was so heartwarming and I loved seeing how they spend time together. We also learn so much more about Ashley's family, most of which she was unaware of. It highlighted a history that I know I haven't learned as a Canadian, but I'm sure many people in the US haven't either.
Overall, I do recommend this one, and I also suggest learning more about the LA Uprising after you finish reading it. I wish the book had a little afterwards explaining more about what happened in 1992 and why the author chose to write about this specific event, but other than that, this was a pretty great read. I don't think I loved the writing style, but it didn't take away from the story. Besides that, my only other complaint is that parts of it did read slow and it felt like not a lot was happening. For a book under 400 pages, it did take me longer to get through than I was expecting....more
Why experience a real life pandemic, when you can read about it in fiction??
This book was incredible. Creepy, mesmerizing, and hauntingly written. QuiWhy experience a real life pandemic, when you can read about it in fiction??
This book was incredible. Creepy, mesmerizing, and hauntingly written. Quite dark, and a little messed up.
It's also very short, and I read it in a little over 24 hours.
I read The Luminous Dead earlier this year, and honestly I can't believe it's written by the same author. The creepiness is definitely there, but the writing style and setting was just so different, but really well done.
Evelyn as a character was just *perfection* I loved everything about her, from her backstory, to her motivations. The ending did confuse me a little, and you're left with a lot of questions, but it fits the overall aesthetic of this story.
The epilogue though...I love it and I sort of want to see more about Violetta.
I'm so glad I finally got around to reading this book. It's been on my tbr since I heard it was coming out, and now seemed the perfect time to pick itI'm so glad I finally got around to reading this book. It's been on my tbr since I heard it was coming out, and now seemed the perfect time to pick it up. It's an eery echo of our present. This book is painful, heartbreaking, and raw. It touches on issues that need to be spoken about more. And I think it did a good job showing the realities for so many Black and POC in the US.
**spoiler alert** HI GUYS, THERE'S A PANDEMIC GOING ON AND SINCE YOU'RE ALL STAYING INSIDE YOU SHOULD PICK UP THIS BOOK ASAP
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin**spoiler alert** HI GUYS, THERE'S A PANDEMIC GOING ON AND SINCE YOU'RE ALL STAYING INSIDE YOU SHOULD PICK UP THIS BOOK ASAP
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin is officially the best YA Fantasy release of 2020! I am in shock. There is no way this book is allowed to be THAT good. If you haven't added this one to your tbr, you better, because this book takes all the common tropes we're used to and flips them, making for such a refreshing story with the best characters I've read in a long time.
Where do I even start.
You all know how much I love good world-building. Everything about this book...from the history of Sonande and the Kennouan Empire, the legends and stories of Bahia Alahari and the deities, the religious system, the nkra and different types of magic...was so well done I could cry. I love, love, love details. And this book delivered in more ways than I expected.
I really liked how each patron deity ruled one day of the week and also determined a person's Alignment. It's a unique and interesting concept and I actually enjoyed seeing the similarities and differences between people of different Alignments.
This book tackles a lot of serious issues. One being the colonization and enslavement of people who are considered inferior to the ruling class. The internalized prejudice and misconceptions that were voiced by certain characters in the book felt so real. One of the characters, possibly Driss, but I can't remember, said something about how Eshrans are coming into Ziran and taking all the jobs from the people who've lived here for centuries. As an immigrant, this hit so close to home. Someone else said how the Eshrans have so much food that they don't need it all and therefore owe it to Ziran to give them most of it. The occupation of the Eshran Mountains by the Zirani reminded me a lot of Israel's occupation of Palestine. The excuses used–the Eshrans owe us money, they need help because war is breaking out between the different clans–are all the same excuses used by countries that try to take control and subjugate a group of people. I think it might be a little shocking for some readers who think that things like this don't happen between people who look similar/have similar beliefs. And it's something Malik mentions. He doesn't look any different from the rest of the people in Ziran, but the people have been so brainwashed with this hateful rhetoric, that they can't see past the lies. The persecution and prejudice continues and it's sad to read because of how real and accurately it depicts our world too.
(I was really glad there was a little blurb with all the content warnings at the start of the book. It's something that I want to see done more by authors because it's super helpful especially if there are things that might trigger a reader. We do see scenes where the main character has panic attacks and self-harms. There's mention of physical and emotional abuse. And characters contemplate suicide at times.)
Let's talk about my children.
Malik is literally Soft™️. He is my precious son. I pictured him as this tiny kid the entire book even though I'm pretty sure he's 17/18? But in my head he is a smol and needs to be protected at all costs. Malik is so relatable. In so many ways. We start off the book with him having a panic attack because he feels like a failure for constantly messing up and making things harder for his sisters. It's so sad and you just want to hug him and tell him it's okay to not be perfect and that it isn't his fault that he's so good and kind and wants to do the right thing and things never work out. His relationship with Nadia is so pure. I loved how he would tell her stories to distract her, and would joke around and make her laugh. Leila, on the other hand is a character that frustrates me a little, but one I can also relate to. She had to give up her childhood to take care of her siblings, she's stressed out and trying to hold things together, and her anger gets the better of her. When she calls Malik a coward and that he's just like his father, it really upset me, because it's the worst thing she could have ever said. I am glad they apologized and made up. Sibling relationships are complicated, and I think Leila didn't quite understand what Malik was actually going through.
What I love about Malik is his resilience and determination. He fights through his panic attacks, he learns to harness his magic, and he does his best to not hurt people. That doesn't mean everything goes according to plan. He makes mistakes and gets caught up in Solstasia, and falls for the girl he's supposed to kill, but his loyalty to his sisters is always there. The character arc he goes through is amazing. We see a boy who's been beaten down his whole life, told he's crazy and imagining things, who suppresses his abilities, only to find out that he has magic, and then he's thrown into a world that he doesn't understand, with plots that revolve around him. It's an intense experience and he handles it so well.
My favourite scene was during the second challenge when he tells the story of Hyena. It was beautifully written and it's something Malik points out to himself later as he's struggling to come to terms with the fact that he's related to the Ulraji Tel-Ra: that his magic isn't inherently evil, and that he can create beauty and bring so much joy with his abilities.
One other thing that stood out to me was something Nyeni says to Malik:
"...you are kind, Malik Hilali. Do not underestimate the strength it takes to be kind in a world as cruel as ours."
Honestly, this quote makes me emotional. I love characters who stay true to themselves and their ideals. Who are kind despite how cruel people can be. Malik is just an all-round great character.
Karina. She's a wonderful, mess of a girl. Complete chaos and full of pent up anger. I loved it all. Honestly the scene where she tells her maids to leave the tent and then just screams was a huge mood. The story starts off with her competing against a bard in a tavern. It was so well-written that I actually felt chills. That is one thing about this book. There are so many scenes where I just feel so proud of Malik or Karina. The scene in the tavern was one of them, and it was only two chapters into the book.
The court politics and plots really made this book for me. It was nerve-wracking trying to watch Karina navigate a world that she wasn’t familiar with. She’s thrown into this position and is not prepared whatsoever. Watching her try and rule a city where no one respects her or thinks her capable enough was so sad. She makes mistakes and embarrasses herself, but she also grows and learns so much throughout this book.
I loved the scene where she fought Dedele and won. And her quick wit and sharp words really made Karina so endearing. I’m still thinking about her response to Malik thanking her for helping him out the previous night:
”I have been known to appear in people’s dreams from time to time, and I’m glad to hear I graced yours.”
NOW THAT’S A QUEEN.
I love how this book breaks the usual stereotypes. We have a soft boy falling for the girl. A wonderful scene where Malik sews a tear in Karina’s skirt??!! Karina herself has been in relationships before, which is something we still don’t see a lot of in books.
And then we have Tunde. TUNDE IS THE BEST BOI TO EVER EXIST IN THE HISTORY OF BOOKS. I think he beats Malik in how good he is. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where a guy has been scorned by a girl and proceeds to still treat her with love and respect?? Like why do books like this not exist? What is everyone’s obsession with the whole jealous plotline? It’s not that Tunde doesn’t show signs of jealousy, but it doesn’t overpower his character and make him act rashly. It hurts him because he has feelings for Karina still, but he doesn’t fight Malik over it. I also love how much he cares about Ziran. He didn’t enter the Solstasia contest to win, and once he finds out the prize, his main priority is ensuring that Ziran gets a good king who will do what is right. Tunde is so honorable and lovable and great. I honestly can’t sing his praises enough. The scene where he and Karina get married and Tunde is so gentle and kind, honestly made me emotional. Karina realizing that she could have a great marriage with him because he would love and respect her and also be a great king for Ziran was everything. I honestly could see it happening and it didn’t make me sad or uncomfortable. BUT THEN EVERYTHING GETS RUINED AND IM STILL IN SHOCK.
Farid slitting Tunde’s throat, I don’t think I will ever forgive him. HOW COULD YOU KILL OFF THE BEST BOI?? HOW?? If you’re a fan of She-Ra, Tunde gave me major Bow vibes, and anyone who tries to hurt my sweet boy needs to die a painful death. Tunde was innocent. He was good-hearted and selfless. He deserved so much better.
I had a bad feeling Farid was going to turn out to be the bad guy. When Commander Hamidou told her there was a traitor and Karina eventually told Farid, I had my suspicions because he didn’t seem all that concerned. But at the same time, I’m soft for older brother/adopted brother and sister relationships. Farid seemed to care so much. He knew what Karina needed and how to get her through her migraines. He was her closest friend, and to betray her like that was awful. Seeing his true colours at the end of the book was a little creepy. He did a good job of hiding it and I’m looking forward to seeing more of him in the next book, along with our walking corpse Hanane.
The scene we get where Malik defeats Idir. It was not what I was expecting at all and I am thoroughly surprised and impressed. Malik using his panic attacks and anxiety to trap Idir in his mind is ingenious and honestly very cool. It just solidifies my love for this character. (And also makes me wish I had his abilities) He’s grown so much over the course of one book, and seeing him conquer his fears and become so confident in his abilities and his intellect was just a very proud mom moment.
The one thing I wasn’t a fan of was the romance. It had cute moments, but I think it was a little rushed with how quickly both Malik and Karina developed feelings for each other. I will say though, the romance didn’t take over the plot, and there were plenty of great moments between Karina and Malik that weren’t romance-focused. I think it would have been interesting if Tunde hadn’t died though. But I am a huge Tunde-fan so I’m biased.
Overall, 4.5/5 stars. Seriously considering buying a copy to have on my shelf....more