"Anenora is steeped in themes of growing up queer in the south, specifically Alabama. Some important aspects of the text include snake handling in the"Anenora is steeped in themes of growing up queer in the south, specifically Alabama. Some important aspects of the text include snake handling in the Appalachian Pentecostal tradition, how specific Christian denominations try to compartmentalize otherness while simultaneously condemning it, and how to navigate an oppressive environment. The protagonist, Abigail, grew up in the town of Bethel with a strict mother. Many people believed that because snakes liked Abigail's friend Nora, that made her closer to the devil, while Nora said the opposite--that is made her closer to God. Antenora is immersed in the Appalachian south with a distinctive streak of darkness--of people not bothering to disguise their contempt for those who don't belong. There's also a lot of violence in the story, with a visceral scene early in the book. Readers will be both fascinated and repulsed by Bethel and its denizens, turning the pages to see what fate will befall the protagonist. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy southern gothic horror. Fans of Kristi DeMeester, Gwendolyn Kiste, and Lee Mandelo will love Lumpkin's debut novella." - A. E. Siraki, starred Booklist review...more
If you are a language and setting lover, this is definitely a book for you! Such a gaslighting fever dream of a story! Seriously messed up, plenty of If you are a language and setting lover, this is definitely a book for you! Such a gaslighting fever dream of a story! Seriously messed up, plenty of content warnings (especially SA). I felt like I was wandering the halls and secret passageways with her. And that ending... (view spoiler)[I think she wants to stay with him, because she is still drawn to him, but I don't think she does. I'd like to think by now she knows what's up and knows she deserves better. (hide spoiler)]
Be prepared for Alice in Wonderland level shenanigans of up is down and down is up and lots of ambiguity. Sit with it, boil in it, let it drown you! ...more
What a fun book! I hope the next in the series comes out soon, the teaser at the end got me. I had some issues with pacing here and there, and the 199What a fun book! I hope the next in the series comes out soon, the teaser at the end got me. I had some issues with pacing here and there, and the 1999/2000 diet culture stuff was accurate but unnecessary and I wish it hadn't been there. This was a good time on audio, each character was distinct both in narration and development/voice.
If you enjoyed The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, don't mind a lack of romance, and kind of enjoyed the scary bits of Practical Magic, I highly encourage you to check this out!
"Incorporating just the right amount of Southern sass, this gruesomely descriptive yet heartrendingly poignant tale will leave horror fans hungry for the next installment." (Booklist)
"Ryan lays the mythology on thick, relishing details big and small about both the strigoi and the Evans family, sometimes at the expense of brisk pacing. Still, it’s a pleasure to spend time in her carefully rendered world, and she packs plenty of bloodshed among the copious exposition. This has bite." (Publishers Weekly)
"Told via multiple points of view, a well-developed and utterly unforgettable cast of characters, and an engaging narration that draws readers in immediately, this novel will make readers root for the Evans women to beat back both the ghouls and the family secrets that haunt them." (Library Journal)
Three lovers swirl each other over centuries, encountering each other in different forms through reincarnation. This book is erotic; about love, insatThree lovers swirl each other over centuries, encountering each other in different forms through reincarnation. This book is erotic; about love, insatiable lust, and betrayal. The parallel narratives, told from different sets of the same three beings, are fast-paced and atmospheric. Political intrigue and romantic exchanges are hinted at throughout, falling into the background so that lust takes center stage. The characters are drawn to one another across time just as readers will be drawn in to this unique series opener. Prepare yourself for some dark romance flare in this romantasy debut.
I need a little more romance to sell me on relationships than this novel makes time for, but I have a feeling that over the arch of the series I'll get that. There are mentions of sexual violence and several scenes that include dubious consent. While not marketed as a dark romance, I believe these elements would appeal to fans of dark romance and may surprise the romantasy readers whose romance, while steamy, doesn't often stray as dark. ...more
cw: parents with history of drug abuse, brief mentions of vomit, references to a character's past instances of infidelity, depictions of anxiety, fade-to-black sexual content.
Pitched as a combo of setting and family dynamics of The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School blended with the emotion of The Sky is Everywhere.
Blend of prose and poetry. Poetry enhances the intimacy between the characters.
Exploration of healing and forgiveness. The story gives the characters grace. Tender, emotionally evocative, devastating, beautiful, cathartic.
"We are all so much more than the worst thing we have ever done." (Side note, when is Perpetual Pages gonna write their own book? I LOVE they way the describe stories and their reactions to stories!)...more
"an enemies-to-lovers lesbian space heist pitched as Ocean’s 8 meets GIDEON THE NINTH, in which an ex-con must reunite with the partner who betrayed t"an enemies-to-lovers lesbian space heist pitched as Ocean’s 8 meets GIDEON THE NINTH, in which an ex-con must reunite with the partner who betrayed them for one last job to save their indebted family" - Publishers Lunch...more
- "Queer, paranormal, coming-of-age story described as magical realism meets Southern Gothic." - "CW for explorations of child abandonment; explorations of death and grief, especially in relation to cancer; allusions to past child abuse and an alcoholic parent; some experiences of bullying and homophobia; some underage drinking; instances of infidelity; and some panic attacks." - "I appreciate how the story pairs paranormal elements and eeriness with complex family drama. The same way Jericka fears the spirits haunting the town because she doesn't understand them, she also fears the truths her family has yet to face because those also can't be seen unless hit by a certain slant of light." - "Through both the paranormal and familial elements, the story really explores the difference between merely recognizing that trauma has occurred versus actively contenting with that trauma and struggling to try and heal those wounds." - Healing is active. Paranormal side of the story gets at the healing. - Family dynamics are more prominent than paranormal elements.
Comps: We Deserve Monuments (for the premise, themes)
I was really excited to read a book comp'd to We Deserve Monuments. I didn't love this one nearly as much as I did that one, but I was still moved by several passages. I liked how the interactions with ghosts were used to bring trauma and emotions to light so that people could face their feelings (and either choose to address them or not). I shared a deep understanding with the protagonist in her desire for stability of place when it comes to home. More to come! ...more
Vivid worldbuilding with Zorro vibes, a badass heroine, lots of action and commentary on colonization.
"Interweaving history, mythology, romance, and Vivid worldbuilding with Zorro vibes, a badass heroine, lots of action and commentary on colonization.
"Interweaving history, mythology, romance, and swashbuckling action, this is a surefire hit." - Publishers Weekly "Ideal for speculative-fiction readers longing for a fresh setting, Zorro fans, and those looking for a nuanced historical-fantasy treatment reminiscent of Rebecca Roanhorse and R. F. Kuang." - Booklist "Lares's debut is an action-filled historical fantasy set in an alternate 16th-century Mexico, featuring Mesoamerican mythology and a unique blend of magic and adventure." - Library Journal "A bloody, intriguing bildungsroman with a fascinating plunge into the mythology of Mexico’s original inhabitants." - Kirkus...more
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