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The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Thank you, Elodie Harper, NetGalley, and Union Square & Co. for the opportunity to read this book!
“Either we choose to stay alive, or we give up. And if it’s living we choose, then we do whatever it takes.”
THE WOLF DEN
I spent the past three days reading The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper. I have wanted to read it sooner but work has kept me from diving in. I am so glad I finally found time to read this book. It took me back to Pompeii in 74 CE. Amara was once a physician’s daughter. But after his death, the debts were high and she was sold as a slave and now is forced to work as a prostitute at one of Pompeii’s most infamous brothels. Survival is their focus and Amara is determined to one day be free. She will use her wit and allure to free herself and support the women around her.
But first. Trigger Warnings: slavery, abuse, sexual assault, rape, child loss, miscarriage, suicide
This is NOT an easy book to read and it is not meant for everyone. Years ago, I went to the natural history museum that had a Pompeii exhibit on display. They displayed the casts of the victims who were killed in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. They also showed some fresco paintings from the Lupanar. So it was fascinating to read about this history that took place almost 2,000 years ago. The author does a fantastic job at bringing these fictional characters to life and making them feel real. The characters all come from different backgrounds and have been forced into horrors that many cannot even imagine. They all have different reactions to these horrors. Some give up, some fight, some push their emotions away… but all their feelings are valid, no matter how different. It shows that there are many ways to react to trauma.
I cannot wait to see what is in store for Amara in the next book. Her world is changing and will no doubt find a way to fight her way to a freedwoman with independence. She has already met some historical figures such as Pliny the Elder. Another interesting thing is that the fatal eruption is only 5 years away. So there is still so much historical content to be explored. In a time where women are considered to be chattel, it is inspiring to watch them come up with their own ways to survive and support each other. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
But first. Trigger Warnings: slavery, abuse, sexual assault, rape, child loss, miscarriage, suicide
This is NOT an easy book to read and it is not meant for everyone. Years ago, I went to the natural history museum that had a Pompeii exhibit on display. They displayed the casts of the victims who were killed in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. They also showed some fresco paintings from the Lupanar. So it was fascinating to read about this history that took place almost 2,000 years ago. The author does a fantastic job at bringing these fictional characters to life and making them feel real. The characters all come from different backgrounds and have been forced into horrors that many cannot even imagine. They all have different reactions to these horrors. Some give up, some fight, some push their emotions away… but all their feelings are valid, no matter how different. It shows that there are many ways to react to trauma.
I cannot wait to see what is in store for Amara in the next book. Her world is changing and will no doubt find a way to fight her way to a freedwoman with independence. She has already met some historical figures such as Pliny the Elder. Another interesting thing is that the fatal eruption is only 5 years away. So there is still so much historical content to be explored. In a time where women are considered to be chattel, it is inspiring to watch them come up with their own ways to survive and support each other. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
The Tsarina's Daughter by Ellen Alpsten
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you, St. Martin’s Press, Ellen Alpsten, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. It was released on March 15th, 2022!
The Tsarina’s Daughter by Ellen Alpsten is the follow-up novel to Tsarina that was released in 2002. The first book is about Catherine I. This book is about her daughter, Elizabeth. This book can be read as a standalone, although I do wish I read Tsarina first. Elizabeth is born into the Romonav House and her father is Peter the Great. He has offered her hand in marriage to King Louis of France. Her hopes are high and can’t wait to assume her new role. But then her father dies and her mother, who was a former serf, rises to the throne. However, those who have their own ambitions rise in court, and Elizabeth’s life is filled with danger, even by those who she trusted. She will discover that loyalty comes and goes with the wind. She will watch the rise and fall of many leaders and hope she can survive.
It took me a while to get into this book. While the subject matter has always interested me, it just felt a little lackluster. I took a class on Catherine the Great, who I assume will be the main character in the next novel? The part that is so intriguing is the political intrigue–it is the danger and not knowing who to trust. But I felt that concept took the backburner in this story. The focus was love and Elizabeth’s loneliness after Leshy (a forest spirit) told her she would never marry. I did love the lore, but there is so much more to Elizabeth than her love life. It just made her feel so unrealistic. She felt like a character, not a historical person. But the emotion is there. Every time she lost someone in her life, it did pull my heartstrings.
After the death of Peter the Great, the pace of the novel really picked up. I did appreciate how the author talks about the different visions of the Tsars. Some wanted to change, and some wanted to keep to the Old World ideologies. While the main plot is consistent with historical facts, there were some minor details that were not accurate. For instance, Count Lestocq would always whip out his tarot cards. While tarot cards did exist then, they weren’t used for fortune-telling purposes until much later. As I said, this is a minor detail. It just felt like something that didn’t need to be a reoccurring part of the story. But I will probably look into reading the first book. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
It took me a while to get into this book. While the subject matter has always interested me, it just felt a little lackluster. I took a class on Catherine the Great, who I assume will be the main character in the next novel? The part that is so intriguing is the political intrigue–it is the danger and not knowing who to trust. But I felt that concept took the backburner in this story. The focus was love and Elizabeth’s loneliness after Leshy (a forest spirit) told her she would never marry. I did love the lore, but there is so much more to Elizabeth than her love life. It just made her feel so unrealistic. She felt like a character, not a historical person. But the emotion is there. Every time she lost someone in her life, it did pull my heartstrings.
After the death of Peter the Great, the pace of the novel really picked up. I did appreciate how the author talks about the different visions of the Tsars. Some wanted to change, and some wanted to keep to the Old World ideologies. While the main plot is consistent with historical facts, there were some minor details that were not accurate. For instance, Count Lestocq would always whip out his tarot cards. While tarot cards did exist then, they weren’t used for fortune-telling purposes until much later. As I said, this is a minor detail. It just felt like something that didn’t need to be a reoccurring part of the story. But I will probably look into reading the first book. I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
Dear Martin by Nic Stone
challenging
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
“You can’t change how other people think and act, but you’re in full control of you. When it comes down to it, the only question that matters is this: If nothing in the world ever changes, what type of man are you gonna be?”
DEAR MARTIN
Dear Martin by Nic Stone is narrated by Dion Graham is about a young man named Justyce. Justyce goes to a private school. He gets amazing grades and is a part of the debate team. He has also been accepted to Yale. Then he is arrested without cause for trying to help his drunk ex-girlfriend get home safely. This moment changes everything for him. He starts keeping a journal of letters written to Martin Luther King Jr. He tries to understand how to be like Dr. King when the whole world seems to be against him. Then this whole world changes forever…
Sweet Jesus. This audiobook was less than 6 hours long but it still hit all of the emotions. Trigger Warnings: police brutality, police shooting, racism, and gaslighting. This book has similar themes to The Hate U Give. The pace is fast and it is short but discusses the problems that Black Americans face every day. One thing is that Justyce does have adults he can turn to, and there are many who don’t have that option. But I do appreciate how this young man feels that he can’t approach some of the adults in his life. It will definitely be relatable to many teens who deal with the same issues.
Justyce is surrounded by white peers who make racist jokes at his expense, but he struggles with deciding whether he should stand up for himself—and be penalized for doing so or just letting these harmful words slide. He is often seen as a suspect and not as a person. In his journal, readers see that internal struggle with trying to act like Dr. King but question whether his teachings and methods are still relevant today.
I’m not gonna lie. I sobbed. I came to school and looked at my students who may be going through similar situations. We need to do better. But not just individually, but as a society. The problem we have is systemic and will take a lot of change for true justice to occur. 5 out of 5 stars.
Sweet Jesus. This audiobook was less than 6 hours long but it still hit all of the emotions. Trigger Warnings: police brutality, police shooting, racism, and gaslighting. This book has similar themes to The Hate U Give. The pace is fast and it is short but discusses the problems that Black Americans face every day. One thing is that Justyce does have adults he can turn to, and there are many who don’t have that option. But I do appreciate how this young man feels that he can’t approach some of the adults in his life. It will definitely be relatable to many teens who deal with the same issues.
Justyce is surrounded by white peers who make racist jokes at his expense, but he struggles with deciding whether he should stand up for himself—and be penalized for doing so or just letting these harmful words slide. He is often seen as a suspect and not as a person. In his journal, readers see that internal struggle with trying to act like Dr. King but question whether his teachings and methods are still relevant today.
I’m not gonna lie. I sobbed. I came to school and looked at my students who may be going through similar situations. We need to do better. But not just individually, but as a society. The problem we have is systemic and will take a lot of change for true justice to occur. 5 out of 5 stars.
A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I am absolutely hooked on the Lady Sherlock Series. A Conspiracy in Belgravia by Sherry Thomas is the 2nd book and I already have the third book on hold. In this installment, Charlotte has the most unexpected potential client…Lady Ingram. Lady Ingram is the wife of her dear friend Lord Ingram. Lady Ingram begs for help from Sherlock Holmes saying that she was in love with a man before her marriage but it was deemed unsuitable. They agreed that every year they would walk past each other just so they would know they were well. This year, the man she loved did not show up. Charlotte knows she shouldn’t take the case but it sounds so simple. No one is prepared for the danger and death this case will bring.
These mysteries are SO GOOD! Nothing is what it seems. While some parts may be slow, readers must pay attention to the clues that are dropped. It is impossible to not love Charlotte. While she is quite disconnected from societal cues, that is what makes her all the more charming. And honestly, who could blame her? We all struggle with emotions or dealing with other people with strong emotions and it can be hard to decide how to proceed.
However, there is one thing that bothered me in this entire book. And that is the constant discussion of Charlotte’s eating habits and how many chins she has. Seriously, Mrs. Watson? This audiobook would have been probably an hour shorter had all the mentions of Charlotte eating had been taken out. The woman likes her baked goods, LET HER LIVE HER BEST LIFE. If she wants to eat 5 madeleines…THEN LET HER. She is out there solving cases that no one else can. She is out there dealing with an idiotic society and its rules. LET HER EAT THE MADELEINES.
Ok. Now that I have vented about that horrible aspect of the book. Everything else is wonderful. The mystery, the characters, the direction that the series is heading, and the narrator—ALL of it is fantastic. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. Here is to hoping there is less conversation about Charlotte’s eating habits in the next book.
These mysteries are SO GOOD! Nothing is what it seems. While some parts may be slow, readers must pay attention to the clues that are dropped. It is impossible to not love Charlotte. While she is quite disconnected from societal cues, that is what makes her all the more charming. And honestly, who could blame her? We all struggle with emotions or dealing with other people with strong emotions and it can be hard to decide how to proceed.
However, there is one thing that bothered me in this entire book. And that is the constant discussion of Charlotte’s eating habits and how many chins she has. Seriously, Mrs. Watson? This audiobook would have been probably an hour shorter had all the mentions of Charlotte eating had been taken out. The woman likes her baked goods, LET HER LIVE HER BEST LIFE. If she wants to eat 5 madeleines…THEN LET HER. She is out there solving cases that no one else can. She is out there dealing with an idiotic society and its rules. LET HER EAT THE MADELEINES.
Ok. Now that I have vented about that horrible aspect of the book. Everything else is wonderful. The mystery, the characters, the direction that the series is heading, and the narrator—ALL of it is fantastic. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. Here is to hoping there is less conversation about Charlotte’s eating habits in the next book.
Animal Liberation by Peter Singer
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
3.0
“We have to speak up on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves.”
ANIMAL LIBERATION
I have finally got around to reading Animal Liberation by Peter Singer. This book was on my Summer Reading List for 2021. The book dives into the philosophy of animal treatment. The book first came out in 1975 and was one of the first animal rights books. The beginning of the book gets into the morals and ethics behind how we treat animals. What is speciesism? Speciesism is the assumption of human superiority over animals. The middle sections discuss animal experimentation and factory farming. The end concludes with the benefits of becoming a vegetarian and the effects that would have on the environment.
So I want to start off by saying I have been a vegetarian for over a year now and it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Most days my diet is vegan. I have given up all meat and milk. The only thing I have trouble giving up completely is cheese.—and the occasional eggs and butter for baking. But I try to use those sparingly. In the last couple of years, I have been reading a lot about the environment and animal conservation and this book seemed at the top of those reading lists. The first part comes off as very arrogant and preachy. While I agree with his sentiments and morals behind animals needing our support, I did not like the comparisons he made. He also did not have any reference to Indigenous peoples and their beliefs regarding animals. He does reference the treatment of animals throughout history and he just happened to skip over entire peoples from all over the globe.
However, the chapters on animal testing and factory farms were intense, emotional, well-researched, and well documented. His evidence was not hearsay. He took from actual documentation. I also appreciated the end where he discussed speciesism and why we should look at animals differently rather than something that can just be disposed of with no thought. So while the execution of this novel wasn’t perfect. I did agree with him in that it is abhorrent that we treat animals as a thing and that something is expendable. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.
So I want to start off by saying I have been a vegetarian for over a year now and it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Most days my diet is vegan. I have given up all meat and milk. The only thing I have trouble giving up completely is cheese.—and the occasional eggs and butter for baking. But I try to use those sparingly. In the last couple of years, I have been reading a lot about the environment and animal conservation and this book seemed at the top of those reading lists. The first part comes off as very arrogant and preachy. While I agree with his sentiments and morals behind animals needing our support, I did not like the comparisons he made. He also did not have any reference to Indigenous peoples and their beliefs regarding animals. He does reference the treatment of animals throughout history and he just happened to skip over entire peoples from all over the globe.
However, the chapters on animal testing and factory farms were intense, emotional, well-researched, and well documented. His evidence was not hearsay. He took from actual documentation. I also appreciated the end where he discussed speciesism and why we should look at animals differently rather than something that can just be disposed of with no thought. So while the execution of this novel wasn’t perfect. I did agree with him in that it is abhorrent that we treat animals as a thing and that something is expendable. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.
Highlander Besieged by Vonda Sinclair
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I have done it! I have finished another series. It always feels good to check another series off of the list. Highlander Besieged by Vonda Sinclair is the 10th book in the Highland Adventure Series. While it is the last book, the author does state that there is more to come! In this book, we finally get Cyrus’s story. Cyrus doesn’t believe in love. He has worked hard for the life he has and he expects his marriage will be an advantageous one. He meets up with Rebbie to discuss the terms to marry his sister. Only she isn’t the one who catches his eye. Lady Elspeth is the widow of a baron with a past but has built her own business and refuses to marry to keep everything in her name. But her husband’s son from a different relationship wants everything. When her house is attacked, Cyrus goes with her to assist. But his enemies are now after him. The attraction is more than they can bear but are they meant to marry?
I have been waiting for Cyrus to fall in love. He is the serious, brooding highlander that claims he will never fall in love but falls HARD. I honestly didn’t blame him for wanting an advantageous marriage, he was being realistic. But lord, was I laughing when the one he originally planned to marry turned him down flat. I really hope we get to see Rebbie’s sister, Lily fall in love soon–hopefully without being kidnapped. I need a break from the kidnapping plot. The heroine in the last book was kidnapped three times. So I think I was just over it when it occurred in this book as well. But I did like Elspeth. As always, the author creates the perfect match for her characters. I love that she did what she had to do to survive and then thrived with her own business.
However, the plot meandered. First, it was her late husband’s son, then it was Cyrus’s sadistic foster brother. I think picking on and fleshing that plot out would have been better. Cyrus’s foster brother is pure evil and would have made for a more thrilling story, had it been focused on him as the villain. Overall, it was entertaining but not my favorite in the series. But I can’t wait for there to be more! I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
I have been waiting for Cyrus to fall in love. He is the serious, brooding highlander that claims he will never fall in love but falls HARD. I honestly didn’t blame him for wanting an advantageous marriage, he was being realistic. But lord, was I laughing when the one he originally planned to marry turned him down flat. I really hope we get to see Rebbie’s sister, Lily fall in love soon–hopefully without being kidnapped. I need a break from the kidnapping plot. The heroine in the last book was kidnapped three times. So I think I was just over it when it occurred in this book as well. But I did like Elspeth. As always, the author creates the perfect match for her characters. I love that she did what she had to do to survive and then thrived with her own business.
However, the plot meandered. First, it was her late husband’s son, then it was Cyrus’s sadistic foster brother. I think picking on and fleshing that plot out would have been better. Cyrus’s foster brother is pure evil and would have made for a more thrilling story, had it been focused on him as the villain. Overall, it was entertaining but not my favorite in the series. But I can’t wait for there to be more! I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
Highlander Entangled by Vonda Sinclair
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It has been a while since I have picked up this series. I have finally caught up with my ARC assignments! I was needing a little change of pace and a steamy Highland romance always does the trick. Highlander Entangled by Vonda Sinclair is the 9th book in the Highland Adventure series. This book follows the romance between Colin and Kristina, which means readers are taken back to the events of book 8, Highlander Unbroken. Blackburn MacCromer has taken Lady Kristina hostage to convince her sister, Lady Anna to come back to him. Anna has been safely guarded by Neacal but has asked his foster brother, Colin, for help. Colin rescues Kristina and is angered by the abuses she has endured. Her injuries have left her blind and scarred. Their time together brings them close together and Colin strived to show Kristina that she is beautiful and worthy of his love. Behind the scenes, a new villain rises threatening to keep their fragile love apart.
Trigger warnings: attempt rape, abuse, pregnancy loss, blindness by injury, PTSD
This book is all about the characters. The plot could have used a little revamp. Poor Kristina was kidnapped one too many times and it got repetitive. But the characters are captivating! Kristina is blind because of the abuse she endured and left scarred. Her experiences have made her courageous but she does struggle with PTSD and self-confidence. She decides that her disability limits her and makes her unworthy of being a laird’s wife. Colin sees her worth and he acknowledges her blindness but does not think that it limits her at all. I loved seeing her realize her worth and her importance.
SPOILER ALERT:
I only wish that her sight didn’t keep coming and going. It did not feel realistic. I understand it was supposed to be a miracle so she would be a confident laird’s wife. But I wanted her to maintain that confidence and accept and love herself.
Overall, the pace is fast and readers will not want to put it down! I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.
Trigger warnings: attempt rape, abuse, pregnancy loss, blindness by injury, PTSD
This book is all about the characters. The plot could have used a little revamp. Poor Kristina was kidnapped one too many times and it got repetitive. But the characters are captivating! Kristina is blind because of the abuse she endured and left scarred. Her experiences have made her courageous but she does struggle with PTSD and self-confidence. She decides that her disability limits her and makes her unworthy of being a laird’s wife. Colin sees her worth and he acknowledges her blindness but does not think that it limits her at all. I loved seeing her realize her worth and her importance.
I only wish that her sight didn’t keep coming and going. It did not feel realistic. I understand it was supposed to be a miracle so she would be a confident laird’s wife. But I wanted her to maintain that confidence and accept and love herself.
Overall, the pace is fast and readers will not want to put it down! I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Kidnapping, Grief, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Pregnancy
The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
“No, I believe that the unimaginably lively lives of millions of species have adapted so well to one another only because overly selfish species end up recklessly exploiting all available resources, destabilizing ecosystems, and irrevocably changing them and their inhabitants.”
THE INNER LIFE OF ANIMALS
My goal is to finish last year’s summer reading list before this summer. Peter Wohlleben has become one of my favorite authors. I love The Hidden Life of Trees and The Secret Wisdom of Nature. These books, as well as, The Inner Life of Animals are all a part of his The Mysteries of Nature Series. Unlike the other two books that focus on ecosystems and how plants and animals work together for survival, this book focuses on animals. Whether they are pets or wildlife, Peter Wohlleben is a keen observer who wants to shine a light on animal instincts that could be comparable to human instincts. If we share certain instincts with bees, deer, or horses. Could we share similar emotions or how we react to certain stimulations in our environment?
The author who wrote in the intro to this book is Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson who wrote When Elephants Weep, which I also read last summer. When it comes to observing animals, whether or not it is from a scientific point of view is anthropomorphism. Anthropomorphism is attributing human behavior to animals or even objects. There is a very thin line when it comes to anthropomorphism. Masson clearly states in this introduction that Peter Wohlleben writes this book as an observer and not as a scientist. So if you are looking for cold hard scientific data, this is not it. While he does provide some background research, it is not at the forefront.
Each chapter focuses on different subjects that we are familiar with as humans. For instance, love, grief, compassion, empathy, pain, fear, etc…
I truly loved all of his stories about the animals. Some are heartbreaking, some are inspirational. While I do see people’s point of it flirting with the line of anthropomorphism, I also think this book is important. It shows us that we need to reignite our respect for animals. They feel pain and they know fear. That is not projection. The world could be a much better place with more respect for the people, animals, and nature around us. 5 out of 5 stars.
The author who wrote in the intro to this book is Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson who wrote When Elephants Weep, which I also read last summer. When it comes to observing animals, whether or not it is from a scientific point of view is anthropomorphism. Anthropomorphism is attributing human behavior to animals or even objects. There is a very thin line when it comes to anthropomorphism. Masson clearly states in this introduction that Peter Wohlleben writes this book as an observer and not as a scientist. So if you are looking for cold hard scientific data, this is not it. While he does provide some background research, it is not at the forefront.
Each chapter focuses on different subjects that we are familiar with as humans. For instance, love, grief, compassion, empathy, pain, fear, etc…
I truly loved all of his stories about the animals. Some are heartbreaking, some are inspirational. While I do see people’s point of it flirting with the line of anthropomorphism, I also think this book is important. It shows us that we need to reignite our respect for animals. They feel pain and they know fear. That is not projection. The world could be a much better place with more respect for the people, animals, and nature around us. 5 out of 5 stars.
The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
“A young wolfhound must meet his first wolf some day, but if the wolf sees him as a puppy, if he acts like a puppy the wolf would surely kill him. The wolfhound must be a wolfhound in the wolf’s eyes even more so than his own if he is to survive.”
THE GREAT HUNT
The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan is the 2nd book in the Wheel of Time series. The Horn of Valere has been stolen, along with the dagger that has poisoned Mat. Mat’s condition worsens. So Mat, Perrin, and Rand now find themselves on a quest to retrieve the horn and the dagger. Meanwhile, Egwene and Nynaeve accompany Moraine to Tar Valon to begin their Aes Sedai training.
Let me start with the positives. Michael Kramer and Kate Reading narrate this audiobook perfectly. I would listen to them read the dictionary though. And well, this book was as slow as reading a dictionary. It is very repetitive. But maybe I am salty because there is a serious lack of Lan in this book. I mean, who am I supposed to get attached to here?—Rand? Hah! I am sure his character grows throughout the series but he is so damn whiny in this book. But Rand isn’t the only one who is whiny. Good Lord, if Nynaeve mentioned one more time that Moraine would pay, I was gonna pull my hair out. Again, I am assuming there will be some development here, if not, my scalp is not gonna be happy. I am just saying when the Amyrlin Seat puts Nynaeve in her place, I was cheering out loud.
But then there is Egwene. I do like where her character is going. She actually seems true to herself and is actually supporting the women around her. I did like to see her acclimate to the tower. Then there is Loial, who wouldn’t love him? I could relate to him 100% of the time. “Hey, Loial, wanna go meet my friend?” Loial—“Nope, just wanna read my book.” 100% relatable. Overall, I can’t wait to see where this series goes, but this was not my favorite in the series so far. 3 out of 5 stars.
Let me start with the positives. Michael Kramer and Kate Reading narrate this audiobook perfectly. I would listen to them read the dictionary though. And well, this book was as slow as reading a dictionary. It is very repetitive. But maybe I am salty because there is a serious lack of Lan in this book. I mean, who am I supposed to get attached to here?—Rand? Hah! I am sure his character grows throughout the series but he is so damn whiny in this book. But Rand isn’t the only one who is whiny. Good Lord, if Nynaeve mentioned one more time that Moraine would pay, I was gonna pull my hair out. Again, I am assuming there will be some development here, if not, my scalp is not gonna be happy. I am just saying when the Amyrlin Seat puts Nynaeve in her place, I was cheering out loud.
But then there is Egwene. I do like where her character is going. She actually seems true to herself and is actually supporting the women around her. I did like to see her acclimate to the tower. Then there is Loial, who wouldn’t love him? I could relate to him 100% of the time. “Hey, Loial, wanna go meet my friend?” Loial—“Nope, just wanna read my book.” 100% relatable. Overall, I can’t wait to see where this series goes, but this was not my favorite in the series so far. 3 out of 5 stars.
The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks, Sarah Pekkanen
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you, NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, Greer Hendricks, and Sarah Pekkanen for the opportunity to read this book. It was released on March 8th, 2022.
“Grief isn’t linear. It isn’t logical. There’s no structure or civility to it; grabs you when you least expect it and digs in its nails until you succumb.”
THE GOLDEN COUPLE
I have read every single book by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. From my experience, they are either a hit or just ok. My favorite book so far is The Anonymous Girl. I was so excited when I received The Golden Couple from St. Martin’s Press. In this book, we meet Avery. She is a highly sought out therapist even though she no longer has her license. She has a formula for her clients in order to see results and her ways are frowned upon. But she also submitted an anonymous tip when one of her clients admitted that the pharmaceutical company was pushing a medicine through that was killing people. Now the pharmaceutical company has Avery in its sights. But that won’t distract her from her new clients, The Bishops. Marissa has admitted to infidelity, but it won’t happen again. So Avery, Marissa, and Matthew have agreed to Avery’s 10-step process. But the Bishops have secrets that keep slipping out…one…by…one. And nothing is as it seems.
So this book wasn’t my favorite by this duo, but it wasn’t my least favorite. It did take a while to get going. However, the pace really picked up around 60%. I know a few people weren’t happy about that but being familiar with this duo, you have to stay the course. They are definitely slow-burn and all the clues will make sense towards the end.
Now, the characters. Are they likable? Not a chance! But I am not here for likable domestic thriller characters. I am here for the DRAMA. There is one character who really gets the short end of the stick and that is Marissa and Matthew’s son Bennet. Without spoiling the ending…how the community pulls through for him was amazing. There are a few characters that you hate and then BAM! They do one thing that puts them back in your good graces.
Overall, I did enjoy the twists despite the slow pace and I really enjoyed the ending. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
So this book wasn’t my favorite by this duo, but it wasn’t my least favorite. It did take a while to get going. However, the pace really picked up around 60%. I know a few people weren’t happy about that but being familiar with this duo, you have to stay the course. They are definitely slow-burn and all the clues will make sense towards the end.
Now, the characters. Are they likable? Not a chance! But I am not here for likable domestic thriller characters. I am here for the DRAMA. There is one character who really gets the short end of the stick and that is Marissa and Matthew’s son Bennet. Without spoiling the ending…how the community pulls through for him was amazing. There are a few characters that you hate and then BAM! They do one thing that puts them back in your good graces.
Overall, I did enjoy the twists despite the slow pace and I really enjoyed the ending. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.