The MC makes the most impulsive decisions and has a narrative voice closer to 16 than the 26 she’s supposed to be.
There’s a lot of fun momen2.5 Stars
The MC makes the most impulsive decisions and has a narrative voice closer to 16 than the 26 she’s supposed to be.
There’s a lot of fun moments here, but a lot to roll your eyes at too. (There’s a “villain” so cartoony and random in his douchebaggery, the male MC doesn’t really have a personality besides being “cute”, and there’s a whole job plot line that doesn’t really go anywhere)
But points for diverse cast, fun adventures, and witty banter. Just don’t go in it expecting anything serious. ...more
I just inhaled this graphic novel and it was so beautifully atmospheric an immersive? The art is gorgeous and scaled to match the slow-building4 Stars
I just inhaled this graphic novel and it was so beautifully atmospheric an immersive? The art is gorgeous and scaled to match the slow-building story.
The story focuses on Rose, as she returns to the beach cottage her family visits every summer. This year things are different... but only in the way that they feel different. This excellently tracked that transitional period between childhood and being a teenager.
Including experimenting with adult things you don’t understand. Rose hears repeats sex terms and watches slasher movies, but all of these attempts are tinged with the fact that she’s still more of a kid than she thinks. There’s a lot of nuance she doesn’t understand, and that shows. I understand how this can come across as problematic, but I don’t think the terms or behavior she exhibits are confined. Instead they are called out.
My only problem is I wish there had been a little more focus on Rose growing up or realizing she misunderstood some things. As it stands now, the ending was poignant, but a little rushed. ...more
”I didn’t lose my faith or anything, I just never had it in the first place. I never believed in any kind of God.”
I want to start this rev3 Stars
”I didn’t lose my faith or anything, I just never had it in the first place. I never believed in any kind of God.”
I want to start this review with a bit of a disclaimer. Though I wasn’t sent to Catholic school, I was raised in a very religious environment. I was homeschooled, meaning most of my education and activities growing up revolved around church. I have experienced first hand growing up queer and non-religious in a church environment. Because of this, this book felt very personal for me, and I’m incapable of remaining fully impartial. There’s a lot others loved about this book that didn’t work for me, but I’m not saying I believe it’s a bad book.
This story starts with Michael, a self-proclaimed atheist whose parents have just enrolled him in Catholic school. Along the way he befriends Lucy, a Catholic feminist, Jewish Avi, and Wiccan Eden. This is the first YA book I’ve encountered that directly grapples with religion. I loved that Michael’s friend-group was diverse and supported each other despite their disagreements. This is also the first book I’ve read that actually uses the word atheist.
I loved that this book wasn’t afraid to showcase the dark-side of institutionalized religion. Michael’s school is filled with sex-shaming propaganda, subtle homophobia and antiquated gender roles. This never seemed over-the-top and instead was handled with sensitivity and at times felt hyper-realistic. But this is not a conversion book. In the same way Michael isn’t pressured to ‘find God’ the book does not try to insist that religion is inherently bad. These harmful behaviors are challenged by many characters and it is strongly indicated that being religious is not what determines your morality—good OR bad.
So while this is a big, important discussion, the rest of the book operates under the pretense that “church” and “community” are synonyms. A church can be community but you do not need church to have a community. And while a church is a community for some, it can be very isolating for others.
“Why?” Eden asks. “It hurts people you care about. It hurts you. Why can’t you leave?”
“Because it’s my home!” Lucy bursts out. “And it’s a mess. I know it’s a mess. But it’s my home, and I’m going to stay, I have to stay, and make it better.”
If an organization and its people are consistently belittling and marginalizing you and your friends you are not obligated to stay.
“What happened to Ms. Simon isn’t my fault.” “If you put money in the collection plate, you’re supporting them. You’re literally financially supporting what they do.”
This conversation occurs after Avi (who is gay) learns a teacher was fired simply for her same-sex marriage. Avi is understandably upset that his friend, Lucy, continues to support an institution that is blatantly homophobic. This argument sort of fizzles out and the overall theme is that everyone needs to be tolerant of each other. Tolerance shouldn’t include being complacent in your friends marginalization.
“There will always be people you have to listen to,” Dad says. “There will always be rules you think are wrong or unfair, and you know what? Too bad. You’ll have to learn to make better choices.”
I’ve had a really hard time articulating why this book didn’t work for me, and I think I just personally disagree with part of the ending. I don’t agree that being tolerant of different religions means accepting the injustices of organized religion. The narrative states many times that being religious doesn’t mean someone has to be homophobic or sexist, and holds out hope that the younger generations will change these churches and practices that are. I don’t agree that being part of a community means sometimes accepting practices that are harmful.
In Conclusion:
Maybe it’s me. Maybe my experiences have impacted what I took away from this book. I have several friends who really seemed to enjoy it and have vastly different perceptions than me. *insert shrugging GIF here*
————— Buddy-read with Ad Rocks Socks (Who is being super kind for putting up with me taking 80 years)...more
It’s been 87 years since I read this book, but I just want to chime in and say if you are looking for adult fantasy that not only features wome4 Stars
It’s been 87 years since I read this book, but I just want to chime in and say if you are looking for adult fantasy that not only features women but treats them as characters… this is one of the good ones.
The first book fell into some genre-specific pitfalls with their female characters, but as Stavely expanded the world here, new character is came into focus and the old one’s were expanded on.
This is overall a strong fantasy series. The protagonists are interesting, the magic system enticing, and the world unique. Each book seems to be about pushing these characters to the limit and seeing if they break or go stronger—meaning it’s sometimes a hard read, but very good.
But a year after I read it, one of the things I immediately remember about this book is SO many women. Women allowed to swear, kick ass, be feminine, act in politics, be sexual, be reserved, or any combination thereof. I hate when there is one type of woman in a fantasy series, and this book strayed from that trope.
(Even though Adare is stupid and makes bad, infuriating decisions)
"People kill to get power, they kill to keep power, and they kill if they think they might lose it, which is pretty much always. Even if you and I both stay out of it, even if we both die, whoever came after us will keep coming. They’ll find the next threat, the next worrisome voice, the next person with the wrong name or the wrong skin."
I love, love, love the amount of research put into the science. As a bio nerd, I love that it built off possiOne of the rare times the movie is better
I love, love, love the amount of research put into the science. As a bio nerd, I love that it built off possibilities and expanded into something intense and thrilling.
But the characters were a little one-dimensional? Like they just existed to push the plot forward? And maybe it’s just because the movie handles tension SO well... this didn’t seem to? (You don’t have to stop and explain the science WHILE the Raptors are attacking, mkay?)
——————- It’s possible I procrastinated reading this for my monthly bookclub and need to binge-read it before the wine-mom’s judge me...more
“If we figure everyone might be a murderer, we’re less likely to be disappointed.”
Look at me, reading and enjoying adult fantasy! This one 4 Stars
“If we figure everyone might be a murderer, we’re less likely to be disappointed.”
Look at me, reading and enjoying adult fantasy! This one starts with the death of an Emperor and follows his three children attempt to navigate the dangerous empire form three separate ends of it. And also uncover the plot that killed their father. Overall, this world was a lot of fun, with a complex and interesting magic system. The world-building was gradual so everything made sense, without being too 'dumbed' down or slow. I loved the way it came together in the end and the plot-twists perfectly.
I loved how this contained morally gray characters who actually make tough decisions. This genre is filled with narrators who claim to be hardened and tough...without any evidence. This took the opposite approach—focusing on the likeable, relatable qualities of our narrators, before showing them make some awful, gut-wrenching decisions.
At its core, this book is about people pushed to their limits. All three siblings are tested in unique, difficult ways. Kaden is next in line for the throne, but the monks he trains under barely seem to consider that as they try to break his mind and spirit. Valyn trains to become a member of the empire’s elite fighting force, but the intensity of it pits him against his fellow trainees, his friends and himself. Meanwhile, Adare fights to secure a place in a misogynistic government. Narratively, I found all three voices very similar, but their stories incredibly separate and interesting.
As much as I enjoyed this story, I didn’t enjoy the abundance of violence against women. Of course, this universe is very violent and it’s not just restricted to the female characters—but only with the female characters did the violence contain overt sexual overtones. Paired with the way the author chose to describe every single female character’s boobs when introducing them...it felt kind of gross. While Adare’s perspective seems to contradict this objectification, she has so few chapters and it felt unbalanced.
In Conclusion:
A smart, gritty story set in an interesting world, filled with it’s well-executed plot-twists. Falls into typical genre pitfalls regarding female characters....more
”I mean, here’s the thing I don’t get. How do people come to expect that their crushes will be reciprocated? Like, how does that get to be
3 Stars
”I mean, here’s the thing I don’t get. How do people come to expect that their crushes will be reciprocated? Like, how does that get to be your default assumption?”
I’ve officially three-starred every Becky Albertalli book and no one is more disappointed than me. Because here’s the thing— Albertalli really and truly understands being a teenager. She gets the dark/silly humor. She gets texting conversations. She gets the awkwardness and she gets the uncertainty and anxiety that can come with trying to decide who you are and what you want.
Molly is an exceptionally relatable narrator to me, and shows Albertalli also understands what being a plus-sized teenager can be like. While Molly’s friends and twin sister have flourishing love lives, she only seems to crush from afar. The way Molly relates her perception of self (and the notable ways she doesn’t) to her continued single-status open some really important discussions about society’s expectations and how it can warp our own. Molly is comfortable in her own skin, but she also never assumes her crushes could like her back.
There’s one point after Molly’s sister (Cassie) starts dating her girlfriend (yes there’s also awesome lesbian and Pan rep!) when Cassie’s dating advice is just “tell them you like them” and Molly is flabbergasted. She doesn’t comprehend how that could not be embarrassing. This hit me hard and spoke so honestly about so much of my high-school experience I wish I could rate this higher.
But unfortunately, Molly continues to define herself through her relationship status. At first it just seems part of her character arc— her determination to finally be kissed, finally be in a relationship and finally feel wanted are the driving force of the whole book. I hoped she’d realize how her identity was tied solely to what others (especially boys) think of her. I was thinking this single-minded intensity was purposeful... and... kinda? But instead of developing her own sense of identity Molly gets that big-first kiss and suddenly feels validated.
So in a way, all the agency Molly acquires in the end feels bittersweet. Because it almost feels like confirming her earlier assumptions— that getting a boyfriend did validate her. Because until a man considered her attractive, what right did she have being confident???
Overall: All the stars for the honest, realistic portrayal of adolescence and the representation this offers.
No stars for the harmful defining-myself-through-men mentality....more
“How do you know if a goal is worth it until you get it? We work hard for a lot of stuff. Should we not put in effort because the reward mig
3 Stars
“How do you know if a goal is worth it until you get it? We work hard for a lot of stuff. Should we not put in effort because the reward might not be what we thought?”
It’s been 84 years since I read this so take this mini-review with a grain of salt
Pros:
- A book that actually addresses the crazy pressure high-school kids are under and the big-decisions we ask them to make -Own-voices, Jewish representation! -The romance is cute and they are nerdssss - There’s a great dynamic between MC and his best friend. Friends who grow up together but there's not that stereotypical drama and instead they just feel like family.
Cons:
- Like…. This could have been a short story. Everything is really ground and feels super realistic to the overachieving high-school experience. But you get the point by the end of the first chapter. - Also the characters are cute and their world feels really grounded, but nothing about them really drew me in. I felt for Ariel’s struggles… but probably more because they are so relatable, than because I was invested in him as a character.
In Conclusion:
It a startlingly accurate depiction of high school. It’s cute, has super important representation and overall enjoyable -- but there’s not a ton to sink your teeth into.
But if you read this and enjoy it, I strongly recommend Girl Out of Water which is an entirely different book, but one I really enjoyed....more
Verb: Past tense Kaylin’s feelings about this book
I could write a review recapping this evil-angel infused fantasy world, or pro3 Stars
Con ● flict ● ed
Verb: Past tense Kaylin’s feelings about this book
I could write a review recapping this evil-angel infused fantasy world, or promoting the ‘two-strong-willed-female-protagonists-hundreds-of-years-apart-with-somehow-linked-stories’ but I don’t think there’s anything new I can add to that conversation? Those elements are fun There’s some issues with execution, but nothing that ruins them?
So I’m going to focus on the three things I’m conflicted about. Aka: the things bringing this book down.
1. That Prologue
Objectively, it’s a phenomenal first chapter. If you pull it from the rest of the story and focus only on how it serves as an introduction to the characters and magic system… it’s fantastic. The writing immediately creates this high-tension environment that sucks you in. But it also, spoils almost every single plot twist the book works so hard to create.
I don’t think this kills the tension…. and I think there’s intrigue in watching something unfold. Even when you know the ending, that doesn’t mean you don’t enjoy the ride, right? But… It also really kills all the impact of those ‘twists?’ While the narrative and characters are screaming and all:
[image]
I’m sitting there like:
[image]
And I can’t help but wonder how I would have reacted if the story had time to build and slowly twist and turn?
2. That Bi Rep
This is a really tricky conversation. Because I don’t ever want to police someone’s sexuality. I don’t want to come across like I’m gatekeeping or like I get to decide what’s ‘bi-enough.’ But advertising this book as “bisexual rep” seems like a stretch?
First, a woman who identifies as bi and is dating a man is still bi. Period. Send Tweet.
But neither woman seems to identify that way? They never discuss their sexuality nor is it ever really mentioned on the page. Instead what we are left with is a sort of vague “well they hinted about being with a woman before… so I guess we are supposed to interpret that as them being somewhere on the bi-spectrum?”
I mean that literally. For both characters there is only one line of text each that hints towards the MC’s not being strictly hetero.
I don’t believe labels are necessary for representation. But I also don’t believe every woman who references finding another woman attractive would consider themselves bisexual?
The whole thing just feels messy. Because while it could have opened so many important, relevant discussions… it just stays muddled and unclear instead? And sometimes sexuality is messy and unclear, that’s okay. But maybe… acknowledge it?
But also… yay for diversity in YA? And it could be said that showing two characters who don’t label themselves but lie somewhere on the spectrum… could be really progressive? (Not in my opinion, because again… it’s never acknowledged and just makes the narrative look really unaware??)
So. Make up your own mind. But, as a bisexual woman, when looking for stories that make me feel seen and understood… this isn’t one I’d reach for.
3. The SexyTimes
Brace yourself ya’ll. There’s explicit sex in this. Frankly, I’m kind of surprised we’re still having this conversation? Not having sex is normal BUT so is having sex. This normalized sex and discussed it as a real, tangible thing. It’s also the first book I’ve seen where female friends actually have a conversation about birth control?? Which is just SO important.
So with as hard as this worked to normalize sex and show that empowered women can STILL be sexual if they choose… why was the sex literally ground-shaking.Why was the actual sex painted like some huge-grand-life-changing event??
In Conclusion:
See earlier definition. I still don’t know, dude. This was stuffed with a lot of ideas and conversations. Some work… some just… don’t....more
“Love is a word we scarcely hear in the ocean. It exists only in my song and on the lips of the princes I’ve killed.”
I really wanted to l3 Stars
“Love is a word we scarcely hear in the ocean. It exists only in my song and on the lips of the princes I’ve killed.”
I really wanted to love this. And in a way, I can see why so many of my GR friends did?? This is a hate-to-love adventure that’s not afraid to get dark. Our main characters don’t just talk about being vicious— the first chapter literally opens with a siren using their song to murder someone.
But somewhere in trying to maintain that dark atmosphere... it just became too much. Every single verb is heightened and at some point it leaned towards melodrama. People don’t just laugh, they cackle. They don’t just walk, they storm. They don’t shout, they bellow. Even the most mundane actions and descriptions were written with an illustrious intensity. Eventually.... if everything is intense.... NOTHING is.
(Not to say the writing style is all bad, as there are several places this heightened sensory detail and verbage work well. It’s just TOO much)
The romance also feels unnecessary. I enjoyed both characters, and I enjoyed how they learned and grew together. I really enjoyed their grudging friendship. But the romantic aspect just felt rushed and only seemed to exist for one convenient plot point?
While most of the ending felt rushed, the finale battle was so vivid. I’ve never read a fight scene I could picture so clearly, and it was easy to get invested.
Overall: A fun adventure with a strong narrative voice that’s perhaps TOO much...more
I only read this because I used to read Hazen's fan fiction.
Scratch that-- I pre-ordered this book because I used to read 3.5 Stars
Confession time?
I only read this because I used to read Hazen's fan fiction.
Scratch that-- I pre-ordered this book because I used to read her fanfiction. I have never preordered a romance in my life. But the stories Hazen wrote for The Vampire Diaries fandom (still listed on Goodreads!) were some of the strongest 'amateur' fiction I've ever read.
All that meaning? I had high expectations for this. Some of them were met, and some weren't.
Something I was completely satisfied with was the incredibly strong, addictive narrative voice.This is why I love Hazen's writing. She understands her characters, and she makes you understand them too. Jera is a smart, passionate woman with goals unrelated to her romance. While flawed, she's intensely lovable and you can't help but root for her.
Another plus is the healthy, consent-focused perspective on sex. When I initially read the blurb, I was worried this story had potential to be discriminatory against asexuals. (The driving conflict revolves around Jera 'giving up' sex after several bad experiences) Instead, this story focuses on the importance of communication before/during/after sex.
Examples:
"We’ll take it slow and I can tell you right now that wherever our relationship goes, we’re never going to do anything you don’t want to do.”
"Did you know that seventy-five percent of women have trouble experiencing orgasm through vaginal sex?"
"You get to say no, Jera,” he reminds me.
The actually sexy scenes featured both characters asking for permission to touch and checking in on the other. It all felt effortless and sweet and really appreciated in a genre that often writes out communication for some misplaced fear of 'killing the mood.'
That being said, this does have a few problems typical for the romance genre. Namely, a love interest who's unflinchingly perfect. I get it. I really do. I understand the story revolves around Jera's commitment and intimacy issues, and how they're still present even when she meets a man "perfect for her."
"With a crappy guy, I wouldn’t feel pressured to watch him to see if I’m living up to everything he is, everything he might want."
I get it. The character development is done well. But Jacob still doesn't feel real. He remembers all the little details. He works two jobs and cares for his younger brother. He's good at sports. He fixes cars. He has a 6 pack. He's an actual model. He'll buy a cooler just to give her ice-cream. He simply doesn't feel like someone who could exist in the same world as me, especially when compared to a more grounded, flawed MC.
My other problem? The intense lack of female characters. It's not that this book doesn't pass the Bechdel test--it's that I had to seriously think to remember if there WAS another female present. Jera's band mates are both male, her father manages the band, her love interest is male, the guy she does business with is male... Almost every side character is male. She does have dinner with her mother (during which they only discuss how Jera isn't in a relationship) and Jera does ask a female classmate about the "hot guy" standing outside. (Aka future love interest) Said classmate is never seen again.
What 21 year old female has no female relationships at all? No friends? No coworkers? No discussions with mom? It felt odd, and didn't look anything like the world I live in. It also made Jera's word choice more jarring when she calls her band mate's girlfriend a "crazy bitch" and says she wants to "slap her with a refrigerator" (Because all the female interaction here revolves around boys, off screen GF is jealous of Jera. Despite them never having a moment of interaction.)
In Conclusion: Features a dynamic main character with a romance that manages to be steamy and healthy. Trips into genre typical pitfalls with absent female characters and unrealistic love interest....more
A book about five complex Indian women and their relationship with culture and race?? How is nobody talking about this gem??
Starting in the 1964 Stars
A book about five complex Indian women and their relationship with culture and race?? How is nobody talking about this gem??
Starting in the 1960s and working towards modern day, this follows a young Bengali family as they move to NYC-- notably Ranee and her children, Tara and Sonia. As the story continues on, we learn more about these characters (Tara secretly wants to perform on stage; Sonia joins the 70s feminist movement) and more are introduced, making this book primarily character-driven. All of the women are complex, flawed and interesting. Several of the characters make mistakes, or have opinions different than the rest of their family and it feels fantastically realistic.
This portrays Bengali culture in a fascinating and nuanced way. From what I can tell, this is an ownvoices novel, and I believe it shows not only in the nuances but the overarching theme that there isn’t a wrong way to be Bengali. Despite not being as conservative as her cousin, Anna, Shanti fights for Anna's right to modesty. Some of the characters are religious, others aren’t. Some are more sex positive, others crave their independence. They all embrace their heritage, but in different and unique ways.
Overall, this has some fantastic things to say about race, and opens up some brilliant discussions. Each of the characters has their own perspective on their race and culture, as stated above, and their interactions clearly show this:
“Who decided having less pigment in your skin was more attractive than having more melanin?"
”I’m not ashamed, but I no longer have a mannequin’s body. I don’t need one.”
“I’m not black enough for some people, but I’m not Indian enough for other people.”
She’s a Bengali feminist Catholic wife of a Louisiana black man. “Now that’s American,” she always says.
As much as I enjoyed this, I did have some problems with the lack of plot and abrupt ending. But more so, I was annoyed by the awkward and repetitive romances. While several of the character’s love interests were interesting (my favorite was Louis and his blended Louisiana perspective) the way the romance progresses were all really similar.
It basically went: Boy likes girl, girl is hesitant or doesn’t feel the same way, girl eventually comes around. The boys were never pushy, and I really appreciated this. (There’s a whole point where one character talks about a boy’s kindness makes him really attractive to her and YES GIRL. Give me a kind soul over a chiseled jaw anyday.) But not only was it repetitive, but it doesn’t feel realistic for it to happen five times.
Overall: I’m still super surprised more people aren’t talking about this book. Ownvoices Indian culture represented in five strong, complicated women. The plot and romance were lacking, but the character’s really drove the story.
I received an ARC of this through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, thanks to Farrar, Straus and Giroux, for the opportunity! (quotes not final)...more
Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner team back up for the first time since their Starbound series. Taking place on a distant planet, this story follows Jules and Mia as the navigate the ‘temples’ of an extinct alien species who ironically were called the ‘Undying.’ (Basically it started out Indiana Jones in space and somehow turned into Doctor Who.)
[image]
The plot itself is fun. These are the sort of zany, broad spectrum adventures that make me love sci-fi. And the interesting take on exploring a new planet with archaeology really is suppppeeeer fun. All the comparisons to Indiana Jones or Lara Croft or The Mummy (the fun one with Brendan Fraiser, not the one where Tom Cruise looks upset the whole time) are well deserved, as this exists as an exciting adventure story that happens to include: futuristic grave robbers, ancient booby traps and alien technology.
While fun, I think the plot was too narrow. This is a huge setting where earth is overpopulated and humanity was dying until this new undiscovered planet. But most of our time is spent in a very, very, small space following Jules and Mia work through puzzles. While the plot gets to the big stuff eventually, I wish it’d been the primary focus. Odd enough, I also felt this story could have benefited being in graphic novel format-- as all the puzzles are so visual and we’re left soley with lengthy descriptions.
Our main characters weren’t anything revolutionary-- a self proclaimed scholar and scavenger who both have trust issues, but they are solid with fun interactions. My main problem was the kinda-quick romance that distracts from the plot. Again, their interactions were fun, but there was so much focus on ‘wow-they’re-hot’ and ‘oh-no-should-I-trust-them’ in the worst places. Like you’re both on a time-crunch in a dangerous, unknown location… is now really the best time to have this conversation? Should you really make out with explosions so near? It’s not totally instalove-- but it happens fast and took up a large portion of the book. (I just wanted more interesting technology and deep ethical sci-fi stuff, because I’m a nerd.)
I did love that the character’s rely on non-traditional strengths. Jules and Mia solve things using math and linguistics, instead of being the most agile or strong. I love smart characters, and this felt refreshing rather than a school lesson.
Overall: This not only features an interesting world and entertaining characters, but the plot twist-and-turns quite a bit. I had my theories, but wasn’t ever certain what was about to happen. Definitely engrossing, and something I’d have flown through if life allowed.
I received an ARC of this through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, thanks to Disney-Hyperion for the opportunity!...more
There's a lot to love here, with a strong focus on female friendship, fun adventure, two awesome new side characters and asexual representation3 Stars
There's a lot to love here, with a strong focus on female friendship, fun adventure, two awesome new side characters and asexual representation. But the pacing was off? Like you kind of know where the whole thing is headed from the first page but it takes 400+ to get there and a ton of travelling and side quests I couldn't seem to care about.
It was like as much fun as the characters and ideas where, the plot just wasn't there?...more
“It was because they were two parts of a whole. He did not belong to her. And she did not belong to him. It was never about bel
3.5 Stars
Overview:
“It was because they were two parts of a whole. He did not belong to her. And she did not belong to him. It was never about belonging to someone. It was about belonging together.”
Just like the first book, I’m conflicted. There were parts I loved and parts I thought were very unnecessary.
Pros:
Surprisingly, I really loved the relationship between Shazi and Khalid. In the first book, I had a lot of issues with it ethically, and while those issues are still kind of there, their relationship as a whole seems much more mature. They both love with this intensity and it was kind of beautiful how fiercely protective they both were.
The fantasy element was explored in more depth here, and was a lot of fun!
Familial relationships are often one of my favorites, and I loved the focus on Shazi’s sister, Irsa. Especially since her strength is quieter (but no less important!) than Shazi’s.
I just really enjoyed the writing style? It seemed more balanced-- painting beautiful scenes, while still progressing the narrative. Pacing worked well, as there's a fine thread of tension weaved throughout the entire story.
There’s something really impactful about three completely different women coming together for an ending that utilized their unique strengths.
Cons:
I don’t like the way things wrapped up for Shazi’s dad. That was a lot of drama in the last ten pages that didn’t amount to much.
Resolution for Khalid’s curse was really underwhelming? The plot shifted and focused instead on the impending war, which was interesting, but the entire first book was about this curse?
Though I liked it more this round, I still feel there are some weird undertones in Shazi/Khalid’s whole relationship (which are addressed) and I often wondered why they fell for each other in the first place.
In Conclusion:
Idk man. I definitely enjoyed it, but I didn't love it. 🌹🗡...more
Reviewing this is weird, as it's honestly some of the most beautiful writing I've ever re4 Stars
"Everything we touch, we wreck." "So wreck me."
Reviewing this is weird, as it's honestly some of the most beautiful writing I've ever read, and all my words feel clunky and out of place next to it. McLemore's lush prose beautifully weaves this story together.
Every description was vibrant and decadent and made me want to sink my teeth right into this setting. While I can understand why some won't enjoy how "flowery" the narrative is, I think it blends perfectly with how unapologetically feminine this book is. Our core characters are mostly women, who talk about frills in their dresses and curls in their hair and don't mince words for the boys:
"Nothing else in the world makes a man like that more afraid than five girls on their periods."
While not every character is so traditionally feminine (Bay's developing relationship with gender and perceived roles is in particular fascinating) there's something so great about how so many bask in it. YA tends to assign silly roles to openly feminine characters, but here the girls were allowed to be strong, smart, quirky and multifaceted-- while still loving pink things.
AND loving other girls! Personally I found the bisexual representation abundant and beautiful. as neither the characters or the narrative shies away from discussing gender and orientation.
At it's core, this is a story about finding yourself. From Fel emerging in a brand-new world, to Estrella developing her own individuality without guilt, to Bay's perspective of herself contrasting with how others view her. There is plot but it's primarily character driven as the characters determine who they are and who they want to be.
"Don't you ever get tired of this... Of acting like all five of us are one person?"
While the narrative is keenly aware... it also never fully went there. I still can barely distinguish the five cousins outside of Estrella, Fel's storyline turned a little vague/confusing when it had the chance to delve deep, and so much of Bay's character was merely alluded too. I wish there'd been a bit more bite under all the pretty description. It was almost there.
Overall: Gorgeous writing filled with pretty flowers, sapphic girls, and character's determining their identity. But most members of the family group don't get enough individual focus....more
“Anoshe was a word for strangers in the street, and lovers between meetings, for parents and children, friends and family. It s
4.25 Stars
Overview:
“Anoshe was a word for strangers in the street, and lovers between meetings, for parents and children, friends and family. It softened the blow of leaving.”
Okay, I know my rating is picky and oddly specific, but it’s true. I enjoyed this more than AGOS (making it my favorite of the series) but it's still just shy of 5 stars.
In fact, that's what I rated it in a blind-emotional fury immediately after I finished. Because there was a lot I loved. ...But also some stuff I didn't.
Another BR with Sana. (Even though she hated AGOS, smh.)
Pros:
I need to read another Schwab book like now. This series was my first experience with her writing and I love it. She utilizes crisp sentences and sensory details so I can completely visualize the scene. She expertly lets the scene rise and fall and is a master at setting tone.
Listen and let me tell you about my two new children: Rhy Maresh and Alucard Emery. I JUST REALLY LOVE BOTH OF THEM OKAY.
Rhy especially has a ton of character development. I laughed with him at the beginning and here my heart broke for him. He has to step up so much and really come into his own as a leader and I just love it.
Alucard and Kell bickering like old women is my new aesthetic. I could have honestly read a whole book about this, I swear. (But I also loved getting to see more of Luc’s backstory and taking him more seriously)
The ending works very well. No spoilers, but everyone ends up in believable places and there’s certainly ramifications.
Speaking of which, the villain here is kind of awesome. Not quite the direction I was expecting for this series, but it works very well and I loved getting inside his head.
There are certain scenes the whole series seemed to be building towards and they are tense. Very well done and some of these really blew my mind.
Yes, hello it is I. Still loving Holland and just silently weeping in the background. Just such a dynamic character with such a strong presence on the page.
Cons:
At almost 700 pages, this is a little long. Places seemed overstuffed while others seemed off-topic, and there just some major pacing issues. The first 100 pages or so take off right after the explosive ending of AGOS, but then everything veers one direction and then another and sort of clambers together by the ending.
I really liked a lot of these elements, but couldn’t help by feel they were a little random? This floating market idea was super cool and I loved the way it played out, but it literally came out of nowhere.
There were several characters who were expanded upon here—the king, queen, visitors from neighboring cities and others. While I really enjoyed their perspectives and how they impacted the story, it felt a little out of place to just now learn about these characters. I wish a lot of this started in the second book.
Listen: Lila is a fun character, but she has no development.
She seems almost exactly the same here as she did at the beginning of ADSOM. She definitely is fun, and I love how capable she is. But at some point the narrative switched to continually telling me what a bad-ass she is. She felt ridiculously over-powered. Why did the second book include a whole plot about magic having consequences and Kell warning her about her recklessness if nothing comes of it???
“Did you just use ‘artisanal’ to refer to nachos?”
^Now I want nachos. There was seriously so much delicious food in this book, 3.5 Stars
Overview:
“Did you just use ‘artisanal’ to refer to nachos?”
^Now I want nachos. There was seriously so much delicious food in this book, and now I want to go to Paris.
Clara has an unhealthy relationship with food, prompting her mother to relocate her to Paris and her father’s for the summer. During her stay, Clara grows closer with her younger brother, Alastair, who is on the autistic spectrum.
I received an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review, thank you to Second Story Press for the opportunity! (All quotes are not final)
Pros:
“I’m on the autism spectrum, but I’m not autistic. You’re on the eating disorder spectrum.
There’s some really strong ASD and eating disorder representation here. Clara is diagnosed with orthorexia—which I wasn’t personally familiar with. It is a term used to describe those who have an unhealthy relationship with dieting and food, without reaching the all-encompassing levels of anorexia. There was a lot of nuanced and interesting discussion about what it means to eat ‘healthy.’ When does counting calories and avoiding carbs turn to obsession?
Similar themes were explored with Clara’s younger brother, Alastair. Though he is not neurotypical, he’s not what is traditionally considered ‘autistic.’ Even though he’s only six-years-old, he struggles with his identity in the world. He’s also cute as heck and I loved him.
Clara has a really interesting relationship with her ballerina mother—who also suffers from an eating disorder. Her mother’s unhealthy relationship with food no doubt affected Clara growing up, and they are both still trying to process this.
She also has to work on her relationship with her father and step-mother, both interesting character's in their own right. This really succeeded as a character study, and everyone's intersecting stories worked very well.
(Also I just really enjoyed the history and food enriched atmosphere of Paris)
Cons:
I really hated the romance???
Look, Michel is an interesting character in his own right, and I enjoyed his relationships with food, race and the city But I don’t understand why the romance was here at all. It felt detracting from the real story, and like it only existed to add some drama to the last act.
It’s a little predictable. The plot’s cute… but nothing really surprised me.
This reallllyyyyyyy takes its time getting started. Like 30% in the plot FINALLY kicked in.
A couple of points of really on-the-nose descriptions in the narrative. Don’t tell me Clara’s mother has an ‘unhealthy dependent’ relationship with her manager, show me.
In Conclusion:
As a whole, this was a lot more thoughtful than I expected a summer-romp through Paris to be....more
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