Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Magical Realism + Short Story
This is a story about a teen girl who has a tough time getting along with her unconventional single mRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Magical Realism + Short Story
This is a story about a teen girl who has a tough time getting along with her unconventional single mother. The tale is set in the 1950s, and rumors about the mother's witchcraft persist due to her strange behavior with everybody. However, the daughter starts to doubt her mother's abilities and peculiarities as she grows up and becomes independent in her life.
This was such a surprising story. Strange, but in an excellent way. Atwood’s writing fits the themes the story tackles and makes it endearing. The main highlights are themes like coming-of-age struggles and the complex mother-daughter relationship. The story is very thought-provoking and makes you question what you are reading. The author cleverly lets the readers choose which character they want to side with without forcing anything on them. This story accomplishes all it sets out to do, despite its relatively brief length. I loved it. ...more
Emilia Hart's novel Weyward is a work of fiction that spans five centuries and intertwines theRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Historical Fiction + Magical Realism
Emilia Hart's novel Weyward is a work of fiction that spans five centuries and intertwines the lives of three extraordinary women. As Kate flees an abusive relationship in contemporary London, she receives a cottage as an inheritance from a strange great-aunt at the same time. Echoes of the past can be heard calling out from within its squeaky walls and unkempt garden. During this flashback, we are transported to the year 1942, when Violet, Kate's aunt, struggles to find freedom amidst the shadow of family secrets. To delve even further, in the year 1619, Altha is put on trial for her great connection to nature when she is accused of practicing witchcraft.
The debut novel is truly exceptional in its own right. A really lovely and lyrical literary style is applied here. When reading the author's prose, it feels like they are not a novice but rather an experienced writer. The story is truly fascinating, and the magical realism element made things even more interesting.
Usually, I’m not a fan of multiple perspectives and timelines, but I feel this novel won me because the voices of the characters were very distinct despite sharing similar difficult situations. Kate and Violet’s POVs are written in third-person narration style, while Altha’s is in first-person narration style. The three stories intertwined beautifully and for a purpose too.
The protagonists of this book are women who will fight for their own rights and put an end to the abusive ways in which they have been treated their entire lives. Unbelievable courage and progress have been made by each of the characters. This historical novel comes highly recommended by me, but before you read it, you should be sure to check the trigger warnings, as there are a lot of them and they are rather strong. A must-read....more
“The Housemaid” is a mystery thriller novel that tells the story of a young woman with a history of criminal activRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Mystery Thriller
“The Housemaid” is a mystery thriller novel that tells the story of a young woman with a history of criminal activity, Millie Calloway. Millie is hired as a housemaid by a wealthy woman, Nina Winchester. The problem is that Nina doesn’t seem to be a stable person. Millie thinks her employer has some kind of mental condition because she is driving her insane. But gradually, she uncovers that more things are hidden than she initially thought.
I loved this mystery thriller. I was hooked from start to finish. This is one of those quick and easy reads, and the thrilling parts keep going on until the end. You need to go into this book blindly. I think it helps not knowing any background about it. In the first half, I had the vibes of “Devious Maids” which is a TV show I really enjoyed. The second half was more in line with B. A. Paris’ “Behind Closed Doors”. Some readers also mention similarities to other books that I have not read. Regardless of all this, this novel was extremely entertaining.
There might be some criticisms about this book being unrealistic in some parts, but believe me, there are thrillers out there that are more unrealistic than this one, where supernatural elements interfere and change the direction of the story! There is nothing like that in this story. I like what the author did with her characters here. No character is plain, and each one of them has more complexity, shades of gray, and more. This is one of the elements I like about thrillers: when characters are unpredictable and eventually surprise you.
This is the first time I've read something written by Freida McFadden, and I’d love to read more of her other books. Of course, I’m going to read the next book too, and I hope it lives up to my expectations. ...more
Tim McGregor's Eynhallow is a gothic horror literary work that takes place in the Orkney IslaRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Horror + Literary Fiction + Retelling
Tim McGregor's Eynhallow is a gothic horror literary work that takes place in the Orkney Islands in the year 1797. It tells the story of Agnes Tulloch, a woman who lives on a remote island and feels trapped in a marriage with an abusive husband who does not treat her well. After the arrival of a mysterious stranger on the island, her life undergoes a major transformation.
First and foremost, I would like to recommend that you do not read any further into the synopsis than what I have shared with you here. Allow everything to remain a mystery in order to keep the shock factor intact. This book was my choice for a reason. Because it fulfilled all of the types of tropes that I enjoy. The first is that the entire atmosphere takes place on a remote island with a very small population. The second is the arrival of a mysterious person who will make things so interesting.
The narrative is told from Agnes' point of view, and through her eyes, we, as readers, can see her current life with her husband, children, and the other people who are on the island. We also get to see how things take a different turn when this stranger arrives. The book is very intense and has a very atmospheric feel to it. The author has done such an amazing job with the gothic atmosphere.
As a retelling, the story is fantastic. The entire experience was enjoyable to me. The pace is steady and just right for my aesthetic preferences. The writing is absolutely stunning. There were times when I had the impression that I was the main character and that I was literally sitting there on the island, feeling completely cut off from the rest of the world. This was outstanding in every way. I wholeheartedly endorse it to each and every reader. It is without a doubt that I will continue to read more of Tim McGregor's work.
I would like to express my gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book....more
The story focuses on Leona Pinson, a young woman of seventeen years of age who, in 1918, gives birth to an illegRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Historical Fiction
The story focuses on Leona Pinson, a young woman of seventeen years of age who, in 1918, gives birth to an illegitimate son in a desolate farmhouse in the state of Mississippi. Leona is adamant that she will not reveal the identity of the man who is the father of her child; however, she is of the firm belief that he will come back from the war to save her from a difficult life. Whether it is society, a distant mother, or a dangerously abusive brother, Leona has been rejected and ridiculed by all.
Upon the return of her lover, accompanied by his wife, her hopes and dreams were dashed. She had waited so long for him to come back to her, and now that he was here, he was with someone else. She felt like her heart was being ripped out of her chest. She had never felt so betrayed and alone
As her brother's violent behavior becomes more severe and her aunt runs away, Leona is forced to rely on the assistance of Luther Biggs, the son of Leona's grandfather and one of his former slaves, in order to safeguard her child. Leona's brother, who is a violent alcoholic, has been threatening to harm her and her child. Leona's aunt, who has been living with her and helping to take care of the child, has decided to move on with her own life, so Leona is left alone and afraid, and she doesn't know what needs to be done.
This is a beautiful family saga that focuses mainly on the Pinson girl (Leona), but it is narrated in the third-person style from several characters’ perspectives. This allows the readers to look at things from all the different points of view. It took me some time to get into the story and understand the structure of that household. But once I grasped it, I was totally immersed in this family saga. This is one of my favorite tropes, especially when it is in historical fiction.
The fact that this tale goes in a completely unexpected direction is one of its most appealing aspects. It is really impossible to predict how a character will act or how the story will conclude. The story being set against the backdrop of World War I gives it a rich reading experience. The author has done an excellent job of incorporating a tremendous number of significant settings and topics into this book without making it appear superfluous or excessively lengthy. Injustice, sexism, betrayal, and racism are just some of the many complex issues that are taking place in this story. I truly loved it, and the cover is very appropriate for the narrative.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an advanced reader copy of this book....more
Ray Bradbury's novel "Fahrenheit 451" is a work of dystopian fiction. It imagines a world in the future Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Modern classic + Distopian
Ray Bradbury's novel "Fahrenheit 451" is a work of dystopian fiction. It imagines a world in the future in which books are outlawed and "firemen" destroy any copies that are discovered. Guy Montag, the main character, is a fireman who, after becoming disillusioned with the repressive government, begins to question whether or not it is beneficial to block people's access to information. As he fights against the established order, he comes to understand the significance of literature and the repercussions of living in a culture that lacks an analytical mindset. The story explores ideas of censorship and the significance of intellectual freedom, among other topics.
This novel, although being a modern classic and a book that was written in the 1950s, is so pertinent to the time in which we are living that it has sparked discussions about the use of information, technology, and the upkeep of knowledge in contemporary society. With all the political conflicts and wars going on these days, this book confirms that no matter how much humanity progresses all this will continue to happen.
I think the author has done a very fascinating job with world building. The characters are well developed and have depth to them. I feel with the ending the author's message was that no matter how bad an outcome can be, it is always a way to regenerate and transform. I loved it. ...more
This was such a detailed instruction for anyone who is interested in learning about tarot reading and the interpretationRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Nonfiction
This was such a detailed instruction for anyone who is interested in learning about tarot reading and the interpretation of each card in a tarot deck. It is my opinion that tarot card readers of all experience levels, from novice to expert, will benefit from reading the information contained in this book.
What I appreciate about this guide is that the author has chosen language that is straightforward and easy to understand, as well as a method that makes it much simpler to comprehend by providing a great deal of practical examples that can be applied in real life. I have read the book in its Kindle edition. Still, I intend to buy the printed version as well since I would like to learn more about tarot reading, and having a book like this available to use as a reference would be a wonderful addition to my education. ...more
This is a guide that is not only thorough but also user-friendly; it brings the realm of astrology to life in a way thatRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Nonfiction
This is a guide that is not only thorough but also user-friendly; it brings the realm of astrology to life in a way that is both relevant and useful. This book serves as an invaluable resource for individuals of all levels of astrological understanding, from novices to seasoned practitioners, by presenting deep and valuable insights into the practice of astrology as an art form.
This book provides in-depth coverage of many fundamental aspects of astrology, such as deciphering the "language" of the stars and learning how to interpret one's own birth chart. If you have some knowledge of the signs of the zodiac, this guide will help you learn more about them, including their classifications, characteristics, and the planets that rule them.
The planets and houses on the chart made for such an interesting and captivating read. I have a lot of respect for the author's use of straightforward language because it makes it easier to understand everything. In many situations, the examples that she provided were really helpful as well. In my opinion, both the writing and the structure of this book are top-notch.
A friend suggested that I read this book as part of my ongoing efforts to become more knowledgeable about the field of astrology. I can't believe I almost let it go away from me! It is absolutely necessary to have this guide. There is no doubt in my mind that I will be referring to this guide on multiple occasions in the future. Because I have already taken so many notes on it, I will need to keep coming back to those notes. A must-read if you are interested in astrology. ...more
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Contemporary Romance + Young Adult + LGBTQ
This continues to be charming and adorable. The characters are very likable, and you canRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Contemporary Romance + Young Adult + LGBTQ
This continues to be charming and adorable. The characters are very likable, and you can fall easily in love with them. Both the story and the art style help make you feel the cuteness. I love how creatively the author has mixed all this charm with some serious subjects but was able to tone them down without making them feel superficial. I think this helped a lot in moving the plot along.
The trip to Paris, which made up a big chunk of the graphic novel, was fun to read. This third volume gave more character development to the side characters as well. I have a feeling that the next volume will have some serious themes to touch on, eating disorders being one of them. It will be very interesting to see how the author deals with this subject. ...more
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Contemporary Romance + Young Adult + LGBTQ
Volume two was even better than the first one. Reading this graphic novel is like eatingRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Contemporary Romance + Young Adult + LGBTQ
Volume two was even better than the first one. Reading this graphic novel is like eating cotton candy. It is sweet, fluffy, light, and tasteful. In this volume, Nick comes out to his mother even though he is still not too sure about his sexual orientation.
There are many adorable scenes, like the one in the cinema. There are some tense moments with trigger warnings as well. But overall, the novel remains lighthearted and candy-sweet. The main attraction and its strongest point is the beautiful chemistry between the two protagonists. The author did a great job here. ...more
Lily is a strong and determined woman. She has always desired to be passionately in love with someonRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Contemporary Fiction + Romance
Lily is a strong and determined woman. She has always desired to be passionately in love with someone. She first meets the charismatic and charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid at the beginning of the story, and she finds his personality, openness, and charm to be very attractive. Lily is convinced that she has finally found the man who would complete her happily ever after, hoping that their relationship develops into a passionate and deep love story.
However, everything goes wrong when Lily's first love, Atlas Corrigan, abruptly reappears in her life. This causes a chain reaction that changes everything. The revelation that Atlas is keeping his own troubling past from them reawakens a tidal wave of memories and feelings from their shared history. As Lily struggles to come to terms with her feelings for Ryle and Atlas, she is forced to make challenging decisions that will eventually have a significant impact on her future. As Lily finds out about disturbing realities related to Ryle's darker side, she is forced to confront her inner self and make decisions that question her views about love and her own sense of self-worth.
This is the third book that I have read by Colleen Hoover, and it is the best yet among the three. The author’s writing style makes even an ordinary and simple story very gripping and suspenseful. On the very first page, I was captivated. The pace of the book remained consistent all the way up until the very end. Whether it is the major characters or the supporting cast, all of the characters have natural characteristics and a high level of development. Colleen Hoover has done a great job with them. It Ends With Us is a thought-provoking contemporary story that comes with many trigger warnings. I feel the story handled the deep nature of relationship complexities very well. The story touches on so many important themes, like self-worth, love, forgiveness, and loss. I know there is a prequel to it too, but I don’t feel ready yet to part with these characters as they are in this story. Highly recommended. ...more
"The Boy in the Rain" is a historical novel set in Edwardian England over the course of a decaRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Historical Fiction + Romance + LGBTQ
"The Boy in the Rain" is a historical novel set in Edwardian England over the course of a decade, from 1900 to 1910. It is a love tale between two men, a shy young artist named Robbie and a rising socialist speaker named Anton, as they try to establish a life together in the face of personal hurdles as well as the risks of being prosecuted under the indecency laws of that era.
The story had my attention from the very first page. This is the first time I've read a book by Stephanie Cowell, and I must say that she is an excellent storyteller. I think that everything about this book, including the atmosphere of that era, the setting, the plot, and the characters, is outstanding. I highly recommend it. Everything seemed incredibly genuine. I find that the stories that center on characters with flaws appeal to me the most. It felt to me like I was reading the autobiographies of actual people.
Reading about these characters over the span of a decade, you will notice a significant amount of change and progression in their personalities. This is true not only of the primary protagonists but also of the supporting characters as well. The tale is heavily reliant on the romantic relationship that develops between Robbie and Anton. The two had really great chemistry with one another, and I believe it will make the readers root for them. The ending was both stunning and devastating in equal measure. This book blew my mind in every possible way.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book. ...more
"Notes on an Execution" is a novel about Ansel Packer, a man on death row. He has been convicted of murdering multRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Mystery Thriller
"Notes on an Execution" is a novel about Ansel Packer, a man on death row. He has been convicted of murdering multiple women and will be executed in 12 hours. The book focuses on how Ansel became a serial killer by following his life story right from his birth and how his acts reverberated and spread throughout the lives of many people. The story is told from the point of view of several different characters, both in the second person and the third person.
Except for the serial killer himself, all the other narrators are women who were present in his life at some point. These women are his mother, the twin sister of his wife, and a police detective. Ansel’s narration is told in the second person, and it serves as the countdown until his execution.
This is the first time I've read anything by this author. It took me a few pages before I was totally engrossed in the story. Usually, I’m not a fan of second-person style narration, but in this book, it worked for me. This is not an easy story to read, as it will provoke all kinds of different emotions inside you, like anger, heartbreak, and compassion. I think the author did a tremendous job with her writing. It was very engaging and beautiful. I’d really love to read her other books soon.
When you have a narrative like this one that is written with a great deal of sincerity and candor, you can be sure that it will receive a lot of appreciation. I believe that this book is deserving of all of the acclaim that it is receiving. The range of topics it covers and the manner in which it discusses them both contribute significantly to the overall experience. It is a story that will cause you to have a lot of questions about a lot of different things, such as the way the legal system works, how a serial killer arises, and human nature in relation to what your fate has in store for you. There is so much to love here. I highly recommend this novel. ...more
“Bake Week” is a popular baking competition show that airs on television every summer. The event takes place in thRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Mystery Thriller
“Bake Week” is a popular baking competition show that airs on television every summer. The event takes place in the Grafton Manor, where six contestants compete for the Golden Spoon award, which is presented by Betsy Grafton, often known as the Julia Child of baking. Betsy, who is quite wealthy and well-known, has been the creator and host of this show for the previous ten years. However, the producers decided that this time around the program would benefit from having a co-host, and they chose Archie to fill that role.
The events of the tale unfold over the course of four days, and each day the participants are tasked with making a different type of baked good. The narrative is told from seven different points of view. There are six points of view that belong to the participants, and each of them is told in the contestant's own voice. The other viewpoint is a third-person narrative from Betsy's point of view. During that time span, a number of occurrences take place, and much like a snowball, things continue to gain momentum until they finally come to a climax.
Take into consideration that this is more along the lines of a cozy mystery. Whoever said that this would be perfect for people who like Nita Prose was totally right. I chose the book because I thought the summary sounded interesting. When I first started reading it, though, I was worried that I wouldn't like it because it had a lot of different points of view. When you have a lot of different points of view, you will most likely become confused. In any case, this was not at all the situation in the book. I believe that the author did an outstanding job developing the characters in the story. It didn't take me very long at all to become familiar with them and their behavior. There is something very unique about her writing and the way she introduces the characters to the reader.
I couldn't help but think of Agatha Christie's novels while reading this because they both have the same air of intrigue, mystery, and coziness. I thought that the atmosphere and the setting were both of the highest caliber. The mystery and suspense that the mansion offered gave the impression that it had its own character. The baking competition was such a joy, and it gave me a serious feeling of hunger! This is the type of suspense novel you want to curl up with on a rainy day with a slice of chocolate cake and a cup of hot cocoa.
Even if I want to pick holes in the tale, I could have had one of the characters (I won't say which one since it would be a spoiler) behave differently towards the conclusion. However, this would not have affected the amount of enjoyment I received from reading the story in any way.
I absolutely LOVED it! Even though this is her first novel, it doesn't read or sound like one at all! I am really excited to read more novels written by Jessa Maxwell in the future. In my opinion, the mystery-thriller genre has a new rising star this year.
Many thanks to the publisher, Atria Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book....more
This is a bad boy/good girl contemporary romance. Naomi Witt is a runaway bride who goes to Knockemout Town tRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Contemporary Romance
This is a bad boy/good girl contemporary romance. Naomi Witt is a runaway bride who goes to Knockemout Town to help her twin sister Tina. The reputation of her twin and her behavior have been the talk of the town.
The moment Naomi reaches there, she is surprised at how people behave toward her, thinking she is her sister. She meets Knox (the forty-year-old bad guy), who tries to help her in his own way. But Naomi gets stuck in this town after her car and money are stolen by her sister, who also leaves Naomi with her 11-year-old daughter to take care of!
I went into reading this contemporary love story with absolutely no preconceived notions. I have a soft spot in my heart for tales involving twins, so I had high hopes for this one. It took me by complete surprise how quickly the story captured my attention from the very first page. Everything about the story, from the people to the events to the scenery, was engaging. Yes, I still believe that a romance novel with more than 500 pages can be too long for the genre, but to tell you the truth, the writing was so brilliant that I didn't feel that the length of the book was a disadvantage.
I see that this has been turned into a series. I’m not sure if the next book is a new story with new characters or a continuation of this story because this novel ended beautifully. I’m very glad that I read this book. ...more
Salem’s Lot name comes from Jerusalem’s Lot and it is a small town in New England where many strange things happen that do nRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Horror
Salem’s Lot name comes from Jerusalem’s Lot and it is a small town in New England where many strange things happen that do not make any sense. Now an author, Ben Mears returns to his childhood town to write a new story about the town and the horrific incident he faced when he was a child. When he decides to rent and stay in Masten House, the place where that incident happened to him, he is informed that the scary house has been bought by a strange man called Kurt Barlow to turn it into an antique store. Things start to change and intensify in the lot with the disappearance of a young boy. And then horror strikes in a big way!
The story is narrated from multiple POVs but mainly it covers Ben and Susan’s perspectives and then the lot in general. Thankfully the narration is in third-party style so there will be no confusion or any kind of mix-up between the characters. This is a slow-burn horror and as Stephen King stated, it is a kind of a modern version of Dracula (I still have not read that one). However, I am not sure besides the vampires what is similar between the two books.
While reading this book, I made sure to create the right atmosphere for it. I read it at night in my bed in total darkness with a single bedside table lamp. You have no idea how many times I got scared and gasped whenever I heard the random little noises. I was so immersed in the story that I felt myself to be a part of the residents of the lot. Of course, the amazing writing and atmosphere building by the author helped it a lot.
Like most of King’s novels, the characters are well developed and have strong personalities. The author gets in so many tiny details to make you feel as if you already know these characters. And that includes the secondary characters as well, not just the main ones. I liked everything about this novel! This was written at a time when vampires were scary creatures unlike today when they are oversexualized and are more like love interests!
The edition of the book I own also includes two short stories, One for the Road and Jerusalem’s Lot. The first is many years after the events of Salem’s Lot and the second is like a prequel set in 1850. I enjoyed both. They are creepy and highly atmospheric too. I still don’t know what is the connection between this book and The Dark Tower series. I think one of the characters in this book might appear in one of The Dark Tower’s books. I guess I will find out when the time comes for the next tower book.
Note: Salem’s Lot is a part of my reading of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower series. This is Book No.8 of 24 books I am going to read for this series. ...more
Elliot is a disabled gay man in his 30s suffering from cerebral palsy and living togetherRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Literary Fiction + Contemporary + LGBTQIA
Elliot is a disabled gay man in his 30s suffering from cerebral palsy and living together with his boyfriend, Gus. Elliot is a writer for a television show about a robot called “Sammy Says”. The show is popular and doing really well for the network. And this is also reflected in the writers of the show financially. The story is told from the main character’s perspective (own voice) and it is about Elliot’s relationship with his boyfriend, colleagues, boss, dad, and everybody else in his life.
I enjoyed reading the book a lot. It reads more like a memoir or a slice of life story. It is funny, and at times sarcastic. The story tackles the gay lifestyle and questions the monogamy in gay relationships whether it is the right choice for everybody or not. It does not force any ideas on you but lets all the events unfold before your eyes for you to make the judgment. I appreciate how the author maintained the complexity of relationships. The characters felt very real to me. Their issues are genuine and their questions are understandable.
“Lately I’d been feeling more and more that monogamy, like capitalism or keto, wasn’t sustainable, but I couldn’t be sure Gus was on the same page.”
The book has many trigger warnings like alcoholism, cheating, explicit sex, etc. Yet all these subjects are handled very well by the author. The characters reacted differently to these sensitive subjects including the disability. And each one of them had his own view or way to deal with them. I think this made the book more interesting as there are different and multiple views on the same subject. The disability subject plays a big part in this novel. Readers will get an idea and more of how the disabled feel when treated in a special way. I feel disabled readers will feel the writing is very relatable.
The author of this book, Ryan O’Connell is an actor too. He appeared on the Netflix series Special which was the TV adaptation of his book “I’m Special”. Currently, he is working on the revival of the TV show “Queer As Folk”. I haven’t watched any of his work yet but all I can say right now is that he is a fabulous writer and a great storyteller. I will check out his other books for sure.
Many thanks to the publisher Atria Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book....more
Gabriel de León, the only Silversaint who has survived the apocalypse that was caused by Daysdeath, is currently being heldRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Fantasy
Gabriel de León, the only Silversaint who has survived the apocalypse that was caused by Daysdeath, is currently being held captive by the vampiric Empress twenty-seven years after the event began. As he is compelled to tell her historian the story of his life, he describes a planet overrun by terrifying monsters and people desperately holding on to any semblance of hope.
Starting three years before his capture, Gabriel's memories begin to reveal the events of the past. Following his return from exile, he is disillusioned by his previous failures and decides to join the Company of the Grail. Their mission is to locate young Dior Lanchance, who has the potential to be the embodiment of the Holy Grail, which is the salvation of humanity.
He faces the terrifying Forever King, Fabien Voss, and develops a complicated relationship with the mysterious vampire Liathe as his story explores the horrific Wars of the Blood, a centuries-long conflict between opposing vampire factions. As he makes incredibly difficult decisions to safeguard what little humanity remains, betrayal and sacrifice become his constant companions.
Dark humor, intricate characters, and action fill the pages of this dark fantasy novel. Faith, sacrifice, and the enduring flames of hope in the face of overwhelming darkness are some of the themes explored in this gothic horror/historical fantasy tale. In a non-linear style, the story jumps from Gabriel's current state of despair to his past escapades, unveiling a lore-rich world where humans and vampires are embroiled in a bloody conflict.
I have never before read a book written by Jay Kristoff, and I absolutely adore his writing style as well as the unexpected twists that he incorporated into this dark fantasy. Even though I gave the book a rating of five stars, that does not mean that I did not have any problems with it. One of the things that I found particularly annoying was the practice of using quotations within quotations. It is my opinion that the author did not have to make use of the quotations when Gabriel was telling the story to the historian. I had to get used to this technique, which made it hard to tell when the story was being narrated or when the characters were speaking to each other.
Releasing spoilers about the characters and their fates at the end of the book is another thing I wish the author had not done. The mystery surrounding those characters has already faded, and I already know what happens to them before even starting book two.
Regardless of all that, you should descend into the hypnotic shadow of Empire of the Vampire if you yearn for a riveting, foreboding fantasy story. I truly enjoyed it and can’t wait to read book two....more
The main character, Molly Gray is an awkward personality. She is different from other people and her life, prioritRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Mystery Thriller
The main character, Molly Gray is an awkward personality. She is different from other people and her life, priorities, and goals do not exceed excelling in her job, that is cleaning. As one of the maids in the Regency Grand Hotel, Molly’s life changes in a big way when one day she finds the wealthy Mr. Black dead in his hotel suite. Her naivety puts her in trouble when she trusts the wrong people and becomes the main suspect in this murder. What happens next and how she tries to prove her innocence is something you have to read to know.
The Maid is one of the books that had a very high buzz since its release. I went into it with low expectations as there are friends of mine who read it but did not like it. So I kept my expectations in check. I alternated between reading the physical book and listening to the audiobook. Not sure if that was the cause that enhanced my liking of the story and the characters.
For me, The Maid is where Devious Maids meets Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. Molly takes a lot from two different characters. She is naive, sweet, and at times dumb like how Rosie Falta is from Devious Maids. And she is awkward and disciplined as Eleanor Oliphant from Eleanore Oliphant is Completely Fine is. This combination made me so attached to her, rooting for her, and excited to know her story. Obviously, I am a fan of the TV show which helped a lot. Like in Devious Maids, the characters in this book are devious too and they are hiding a lot, the good ones or the bad ones. So there is always a surprise waiting around the corner even if that surprise was not a major one.
I understand that not every reader will enjoy an awkward and naive main character. Not everybody would be able to tolerate a Rose Nyland! But regardless of that, one still cannot help but admire some of the nuances and gestures that the author gave this character. Those are the moments that you can really tell this character is not dumb but honest, and different from the others. She just doesn’t think negatively about people. She thinks everybody is as honest as herself.
The Maid is one of those rare books that I cannot categorize in a particular genre. It has a little of everything from the different genres. It is not your usual mystery thriller which comes with twists and turns that could be extreme. And it is not a complete cozy mystery because there are moments where the plot is more complex than a cozy mystery. Honestly, it doesn’t matter to which category this book belongs. Life is not always black or white. The Maid is just entertaining and beautiful on its own. I loved it a lot....more
The synopsis of the book says that “Pure Color is a galaxy of a novel, explosive, celestially bright, huge, and stRating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre: Literary Fiction
The synopsis of the book says that “Pure Color is a galaxy of a novel, explosive, celestially bright, huge, and streaked with beauty.” I couldn’t agree more with this statement. This is a truly exquisite story. It is the story of a girl named Mira, her relationship with her father, her lover Annie, and how she copes with losing her father. But that is just the tiny surface. It is much deeper than that.
The story is very weird in all the right ways. From the first chapter, I knew this was going to be a 5-star book for me. Something about the flow of the story keeps you engaged and focused. The author’s writing is so beautiful. Weirdness and beauty when are combined give such a magnificent result. The broad idea of the story is that what if the world that we are living in right now is just a draft of a better world that God is making? It questions many things like existence, life, death, loss of a love or relative in all the weirdest ways. It has to do a lot about spirituality.
The writing is philosophical, metaphorical, and biblical. It is a fast and easy to read book, but I found myself pausing and thinking a lot about what was happening. This is like when you have delicious cuisine and you want to take your time to chew and taste it thoroughly in your mouth before swallowing it. I felt that way exactly. I don’t think my review or any other review would give this book the justice it deserves. I have a strong feeling this will be shortlisted for the Booker prize this year. I’d love to read more of Sheila Heti’s books in the future.
Many thanks to the publisher Farrar, Straus and Giroux, and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book....more
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