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chaptersofmads's reviews
723 reviews
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
3.0
“We are all stardust and stories.”
No book has ever been recommended to me as much as this one, which made me excited and hesitant in equal measure. Considering the three star rating, I guess that was fair.
Like with The Night Circus, I completely see why everyone loves this one as much as they do. The writing was mystical and lovely, the book as a whole was a love-letter to the magic of stories and possibility. Time and Fate are central themes of this book and both are utilized in random and inexplicable ways, tugging the story along even when it doesn't make sense. Zachary is a lovely, relatable protagonist for most readers - kind, with a quiet sort of bravery.
However. It's also a bit of a mess.
I know - to some extent - this is purposeful. It's the point, the central heart of the story but I still wish things had been at least slightly coherent. It's a hard line to walk, creating a story with so many elements and wishing to leave it open-ended in such a magical way. I respect and understand that.
But by the end, I kind of felt like the entire book had been pointless. Instead of not getting all the answers, there are no answers.
There's also the thing with the dialogue and relationships feeling incredibly awkward and forced to me. The insane amount of Harry Potter references aside, I found almost all of the relationships in this book really uncomfortable? I haven't seen anyone else say that, so maybe it's just me, but the point still stands.
With all that, it bears saying that there were parts of this book that made me feel like it could be a five star read. There were also parts that were very much one star material. So as I critique it, I also want to say that there were parts of this book I found spectacular. The author was capable of capturing a kind of magic with her words that few authors can and I recognized how special that was.
Overall, I can see why so many people recommended this to me and they were right; I did enjoy it. Just not as much as I was hoping to. I wholeheartedly understand why this is as beloved as it is. I recognize that the praise is deserved, even if it isn't my favorite.
No book has ever been recommended to me as much as this one, which made me excited and hesitant in equal measure. Considering the three star rating, I guess that was fair.
Like with The Night Circus, I completely see why everyone loves this one as much as they do. The writing was mystical and lovely, the book as a whole was a love-letter to the magic of stories and possibility. Time and Fate are central themes of this book and both are utilized in random and inexplicable ways, tugging the story along even when it doesn't make sense. Zachary is a lovely, relatable protagonist for most readers - kind, with a quiet sort of bravery.
However. It's also a bit of a mess.
I know - to some extent - this is purposeful. It's the point, the central heart of the story but I still wish things had been at least slightly coherent. It's a hard line to walk, creating a story with so many elements and wishing to leave it open-ended in such a magical way. I respect and understand that.
But by the end, I kind of felt like the entire book had been pointless. Instead of not getting all the answers, there are no answers.
There's also the thing with the dialogue and relationships feeling incredibly awkward and forced to me. The insane amount of Harry Potter references aside, I found almost all of the relationships in this book really uncomfortable? I haven't seen anyone else say that, so maybe it's just me, but the point still stands.
With all that, it bears saying that there were parts of this book that made me feel like it could be a five star read. There were also parts that were very much one star material. So as I critique it, I also want to say that there were parts of this book I found spectacular. The author was capable of capturing a kind of magic with her words that few authors can and I recognized how special that was.
Overall, I can see why so many people recommended this to me and they were right; I did enjoy it. Just not as much as I was hoping to. I wholeheartedly understand why this is as beloved as it is. I recognize that the praise is deserved, even if it isn't my favorite.
Master of Poisons by Andrea Hairston
2.0
"The Bees keel over, clutching each other's legs, asleep. They dream of pools of nectar, clouds of pollen, and evening dew heavy with flower scent. Why dream of anything else?"
Before I say anything about the book, I want to say that I listened to the audiobook and the narrators (Cherise Boothe and Larry Herron) were incredible. They gave this project their all and I was really impressed. If I was basing my enjoyment simply off of their narration, this would be rated much higher.
With that being said... I did not love this.
This book had so much going for it. It was so creative, with characters that go through so much (joy and heartbreak), genuine queer rep, and a heart that focused on climate change and our connection to nature. There's genuinely so much to love about this book and I wish I could rate it higher.
However, this was one of the most draining reading experiences I have had in awhile. Nearly every technical flaw was present (for me). From disjointed pacing, to a very tell-not-show writing style, I even felt like I was being held at arm's length from the characters. At first, I thought I just needed to focus a bit more and that the story would fall into place, but the longer I read, the less I connected with the story.
I had such high hopes for this book and I really wish I could have loved it more, but that unfortunately wasn't the case. I think there's a very specific audience for this book, but I can't properly articulate who I think that would be. This is such a unique book that I can't think of anything to compare it too lol.
Again, this had so much going for it, it just didn't work out for me.
Before I say anything about the book, I want to say that I listened to the audiobook and the narrators (Cherise Boothe and Larry Herron) were incredible. They gave this project their all and I was really impressed. If I was basing my enjoyment simply off of their narration, this would be rated much higher.
With that being said... I did not love this.
This book had so much going for it. It was so creative, with characters that go through so much (joy and heartbreak), genuine queer rep, and a heart that focused on climate change and our connection to nature. There's genuinely so much to love about this book and I wish I could rate it higher.
However, this was one of the most draining reading experiences I have had in awhile. Nearly every technical flaw was present (for me). From disjointed pacing, to a very tell-not-show writing style, I even felt like I was being held at arm's length from the characters. At first, I thought I just needed to focus a bit more and that the story would fall into place, but the longer I read, the less I connected with the story.
I had such high hopes for this book and I really wish I could have loved it more, but that unfortunately wasn't the case. I think there's a very specific audience for this book, but I can't properly articulate who I think that would be. This is such a unique book that I can't think of anything to compare it too lol.
Again, this had so much going for it, it just didn't work out for me.
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
3.5
“To anyone who’s ever felt lost in a wood. There is a strange sort of finding in losing.”
A bit of a let-down after how much I enjoyed ODW, but still a solid sequel with a second half that makes up for the flaws of the first 50%.
I struggled so much to get into this one and I think - beyond any objective flaws - I missed Elspeth. I really enjoyed following her in book 1 and reasonably, she wasn't a large presence in this book, but I found that my enjoyment really suffered without her. Not that I didn't appreciate Elm and Ione, but I simply didn't care about them the way I was supposed to.
There's also the issue of the characters feeling slightly... childish in this book, compared to ODW but that's irrelevant.
Despite my qualms, the last half of this book was really good. As good as the first book, if not better. It took me a week to read the first half and less than fifty minutes to finish the last 40%, if that's any indication.
It was like we reached a certain point and something shifted. Though it was still lyrical and beautiful for the rest of the story, the writing style was suddenly addictive, the solutions actually felt well-crafted and satisfying, and by the time I reached the end of the book, I was actually super emotional about what was happening.
So, I'm conflicted and yet I still really enjoyed this duology. It was fantastic in some ways and less fantastic in others. It's still something I highly recommend, and a series I know I'll revisit in the future.
I said this in my review of book one, but I'm really curious to see what Rachel Gillig creates from here. I look forward to reading whatever it may be.
A bit of a let-down after how much I enjoyed ODW, but still a solid sequel with a second half that makes up for the flaws of the first 50%.
I struggled so much to get into this one and I think - beyond any objective flaws - I missed Elspeth. I really enjoyed following her in book 1 and reasonably, she wasn't a large presence in this book, but I found that my enjoyment really suffered without her. Not that I didn't appreciate Elm and Ione, but I simply didn't care about them the way I was supposed to.
There's also the issue of the characters feeling slightly... childish in this book, compared to ODW but that's irrelevant.
Despite my qualms, the last half of this book was really good. As good as the first book, if not better. It took me a week to read the first half and less than fifty minutes to finish the last 40%, if that's any indication.
It was like we reached a certain point and something shifted. Though it was still lyrical and beautiful for the rest of the story, the writing style was suddenly addictive, the solutions actually felt well-crafted and satisfying, and by the time I reached the end of the book, I was actually super emotional about what was happening.
So, I'm conflicted and yet I still really enjoyed this duology. It was fantastic in some ways and less fantastic in others. It's still something I highly recommend, and a series I know I'll revisit in the future.
I said this in my review of book one, but I'm really curious to see what Rachel Gillig creates from here. I look forward to reading whatever it may be.
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
4.0
“The greater the desire, the greater the suffering, and now she desired greatness itself.”
The praise for this book is so well deserved.
Brutal, powerful, and dark, yet also lyrically written and interwoven with elements of the fantastical, She Who Became the Sun was masterfully crafted. I went into the story with minimal prior knowledge of the history the story pulls from, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment and understanding of the story at all.
(I will admit to confusing a few characters and political allegiances at first, but I'm more than willing to say that's probably reader error and not on the author.)
Zhu was one of the best main characters I've ever read. From the very first scene to the last, it's impossible not to empathize with her. Even when decisions are made that seem irredeemable, they never seem unnecessary or overly cruel. As someone that appreciates flawed characters but is really tired of books where the author has the characters make brutal decisions simply for the sake of featuring flawed characters, this was such a breath of fresh air.
The discussion of gender and queer identity in front of the historical backdrop was also incredibly interesting and well-written. There were lines in here that took me back with how insightful and powerful they were.
Overall, there's nothing I can say for this book that hasn't been said. It's fantastic. Perhaps not for everyone, due to the slower pace and focus on politics, but fantastic nonetheless.
The praise for this book is so well deserved.
Brutal, powerful, and dark, yet also lyrically written and interwoven with elements of the fantastical, She Who Became the Sun was masterfully crafted. I went into the story with minimal prior knowledge of the history the story pulls from, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment and understanding of the story at all.
(I will admit to confusing a few characters and political allegiances at first, but I'm more than willing to say that's probably reader error and not on the author.)
Zhu was one of the best main characters I've ever read. From the very first scene to the last, it's impossible not to empathize with her. Even when decisions are made that seem irredeemable, they never seem unnecessary or overly cruel. As someone that appreciates flawed characters but is really tired of books where the author has the characters make brutal decisions simply for the sake of featuring flawed characters, this was such a breath of fresh air.
The discussion of gender and queer identity in front of the historical backdrop was also incredibly interesting and well-written. There were lines in here that took me back with how insightful and powerful they were.
Overall, there's nothing I can say for this book that hasn't been said. It's fantastic. Perhaps not for everyone, due to the slower pace and focus on politics, but fantastic nonetheless.
Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier
4.0
"But as with all things that promise the moon and the stars and offer hope when hope has gone, the tale comes with a warning. Every wish demands a price."
Such a fun, original YA standalone! Perfect for anyone that's looking for a well-developed, but low-commitment story.
I was hesitant going into this because I have a bad track-record with seafaring fantasy novels. Anything ship/boat/pirate adjacent usually doesn't work for me (odd, with how much I love mermaids) but that concern turned out to be unfounded. This was a delightful story, with fantastic world-building and characters that were well fleshed out.
This does read on the younger side of YA, which I didn't mind at all, but might put off some readers. As it was, though, I loved how much this felt like a young adult book - rather than an adult book trying to reshape itself to fit the confines of a young adult audience. It was both magical and transportive, the way adventure movies can feel when you're younger.
Overall, I really enjoyed this! It also has sea-dragons so... I mean, it's worth the read for that aspect alone.
Such a fun, original YA standalone! Perfect for anyone that's looking for a well-developed, but low-commitment story.
I was hesitant going into this because I have a bad track-record with seafaring fantasy novels. Anything ship/boat/pirate adjacent usually doesn't work for me (odd, with how much I love mermaids) but that concern turned out to be unfounded. This was a delightful story, with fantastic world-building and characters that were well fleshed out.
This does read on the younger side of YA, which I didn't mind at all, but might put off some readers. As it was, though, I loved how much this felt like a young adult book - rather than an adult book trying to reshape itself to fit the confines of a young adult audience. It was both magical and transportive, the way adventure movies can feel when you're younger.
Overall, I really enjoyed this! It also has sea-dragons so... I mean, it's worth the read for that aspect alone.
Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana
3.0
"A library with a deadly enchantment.
A dark fae lord who wants in.
A human woman willing to risk it all for a taste of power."
Very conflicted on how to review this one.
For one thing, I kind of feel like this is being mis-marketed a bit. This is not an enchanted library book. This is a book that has a very small portion spent within an enchanted library, and I think that's an important distinction. If you're going in this for a book of cozy bookish library vibes, that's not what you're going to get.
What you are going to get is a fae story that follows very similar story beats to other fae stories, complete with a love triangle where both love interests suck and a main character that can't seem to fully decide on her core motivations (for those of you that read the book, yes, using the word core was intentional there.)
To be clear... this isn't a bad thing. There's a lot this story has going for it, especially if you're someone that really likes a particular type of romantasy. I think a lot of readers will probably not be bothered by the same things that bothered me, leaving them to enjoy the really cool aspects of this book. The world was interesting (I wanted more information on how it was set up, though I assume that's coming in book 2), some of the descriptions were lovely, and the food sounded delicious.
I know a lot of people will love this book, I know there's a lot to love about this book, but there's also a lot of things that I feel were just not thought through or executed well - like the pacing or any of the plot reveals. I don't think this will bother everyone, but it bothered me. A lot. And pairing that with the repetitive, tell-not-show writing style... I really struggled to connect with the story.
Overall, this wasn't bad, it just fell flat for me.
A dark fae lord who wants in.
A human woman willing to risk it all for a taste of power."
Very conflicted on how to review this one.
For one thing, I kind of feel like this is being mis-marketed a bit. This is not an enchanted library book. This is a book that has a very small portion spent within an enchanted library, and I think that's an important distinction. If you're going in this for a book of cozy bookish library vibes, that's not what you're going to get.
What you are going to get is a fae story that follows very similar story beats to other fae stories, complete with a love triangle where both love interests suck and a main character that can't seem to fully decide on her core motivations (for those of you that read the book, yes, using the word core was intentional there.)
To be clear... this isn't a bad thing. There's a lot this story has going for it, especially if you're someone that really likes a particular type of romantasy. I think a lot of readers will probably not be bothered by the same things that bothered me, leaving them to enjoy the really cool aspects of this book. The world was interesting (I wanted more information on how it was set up, though I assume that's coming in book 2), some of the descriptions were lovely, and the food sounded delicious.
I know a lot of people will love this book, I know there's a lot to love about this book, but there's also a lot of things that I feel were just not thought through or executed well - like the pacing or any of the plot reveals. I don't think this will bother everyone, but it bothered me. A lot. And pairing that with the repetitive, tell-not-show writing style... I really struggled to connect with the story.
Overall, this wasn't bad, it just fell flat for me.
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
4.0
“To the quiet girls with stories in their heads.
To their dreams—and their nightmares.”
Dark, atmospheric, and a bit romantic; the perfect book to make me stop thinking about life for a bit.
I'm always hesitant to pick up books once they get super popular (not because I have a superiority complex), but I do have a track record of not enjoying most super hyped books, though I really want to. Thankfully, this was one of the cases where I had a really fun time.
It wasn't without flaws and there were moments I rolled my eyes at the convenience of the plot but overall? It was a really good debut. I've been struggling to stay engaged with quite a few of the books I've read recently, but this one took no effort at all. I loved the setting, the world-building, the character interactions, the writing style; it all worked so well together and made an enjoyable, pretty unique book.
This actually saved me from the beginnings of a reading slump and I now have borrowed book 2 from the library to keep these vibes going lol.
I feel like if you enjoyed the Caraval trilogy and are looking for something similar but more mature, you'll really love this. Conversely, if you didn't like Caraval's world-building and overall vibe, you may not enjoy this one. They're very different stories (other than the card magic) but the goth, whimsical vibe reminded me of certain aspects I really enjoyed about Caraval.
Overall, I had a fantastic time with this. It kept me interested from beginning to end, and even though I predicted where the story was going, it was never in a way that made me feel annoyed.Though it did take her way too long to realize what the Nightmare was.
I look forward to reading whatever Rachel Gillig writes in the future, especially if it's as atmospheric as this one.
To their dreams—and their nightmares.”
Dark, atmospheric, and a bit romantic; the perfect book to make me stop thinking about life for a bit.
I'm always hesitant to pick up books once they get super popular (not because I have a superiority complex), but I do have a track record of not enjoying most super hyped books, though I really want to. Thankfully, this was one of the cases where I had a really fun time.
It wasn't without flaws and there were moments I rolled my eyes at the convenience of the plot but overall? It was a really good debut. I've been struggling to stay engaged with quite a few of the books I've read recently, but this one took no effort at all. I loved the setting, the world-building, the character interactions, the writing style; it all worked so well together and made an enjoyable, pretty unique book.
This actually saved me from the beginnings of a reading slump and I now have borrowed book 2 from the library to keep these vibes going lol.
I feel like if you enjoyed the Caraval trilogy and are looking for something similar but more mature, you'll really love this. Conversely, if you didn't like Caraval's world-building and overall vibe, you may not enjoy this one. They're very different stories (other than the card magic) but the goth, whimsical vibe reminded me of certain aspects I really enjoyed about Caraval.
Overall, I had a fantastic time with this. It kept me interested from beginning to end, and even though I predicted where the story was going, it was never in a way that made me feel annoyed.
I look forward to reading whatever Rachel Gillig writes in the future, especially if it's as atmospheric as this one.
Except for Palestine by Mitchell Plitnick, Marc Lamont Hill
Hadn't heard of this until my library got it and I feel kind of conflicted on it? On the one hand, this was thoroughly researched and educational (I particularly appreciated the information on America's history with supporting Israel) but it also seemed to take more of a neutral stance than I was expecting.
Still interesting and I'd recommend it, but fair warning that the inclusion of the author's opinions can be a bit off-putting at times.
Still interesting and I'd recommend it, but fair warning that the inclusion of the author's opinions can be a bit off-putting at times.
Tales of the Celestial Kingdom by Sue Lynn Tan
3.5
“Eternity only meant something when you had someone to share it with, not when it would take you from all you loved.”
A nice addition to the original story, if still a little disjointed and lacking in some of the qualities that made me love the duology so much. I enjoyed this, but the characters felt slightly stilted compared to what they were in the full books. While reading DotMG, I always wanted more about Xingyin's parents, so I'm glad a glimpse of their story was included in here!
Also, side note, but I maintain the fact that a certain character's good qualities were sacrificed to make another character look better. Even when we get their POV, most of it is just them comparing themself to the other character - which bummed me out.
Overall, if you love DotMG and miss the world/characters, I'd definitely recommend this. It also gives certain characters/relationships more closer than HotSW did. But if you are wondering if you have to read this, it isn't necessary to the story.
A nice addition to the original story, if still a little disjointed and lacking in some of the qualities that made me love the duology so much. I enjoyed this, but the characters felt slightly stilted compared to what they were in the full books. While reading DotMG, I always wanted more about Xingyin's parents, so I'm glad a glimpse of their story was included in here!
Also, side note, but I maintain the fact that a certain character's good qualities were sacrificed to make another character look better. Even when we get their POV, most of it is just them comparing themself to the other character - which bummed me out.
Overall, if you love DotMG and miss the world/characters, I'd definitely recommend this. It also gives certain characters/relationships more closer than HotSW did. But if you are wondering if you have to read this, it isn't necessary to the story.
Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
2.0
“Run away with me. You like tea. I like books. Care to open a shop and forget the world exists?”
Call me picky but when I decide to read a cozy fantasy, I do - in fact - hope to find myself reading a cozy fantasy. Unfortunately, that was not the case here.
This felt like reading the first draft of a novel where the author hasn't quite figured out what to do with the story or the characters. The plot with the Queen is both rushed and sloppily resolved. The actual mystery is poorly handled, due to the author wanting to extend the plot to the sequel. There's a bit of transphobia? For no reason? We could have had non-binary characters without saying they weren't accepted elsewhere, especially in what is meant to be an escapist, cozy novel.
The entire book is a repetition of the same collection of scenes that usually end up with someone a.) sick, b.) fainting, c.) fighting, or d.) having the most melodramatic love confessions and flirtations at the most awkward times. Sometimes there was a magical fifth option where all four happen in the same scene, complete with thinking about how much she wished to kiss her girlfriend senseless (if she could stop vomiting long enough to, of course.)
I understand they're in love and I'm happy for them, but why so much kissing and vomiting? Please stop. I beg.
This isn't even delving into the fact that the plot was a whole mess. A rip-off of Legends & Lattes without any of the heart or actual cozy elements that made that book the success it was for me. This wasn't a cozy fantasy; it was a rushed and underdeveloped regular fantasy that had an undercurrent of steeping tea and a bookstore. A bookstore we're barely in.
The sad thing is, if we had actually spent more time on the bookstore and tea shop, if the story had been cleaned up a bit, if the characters had acted a bit more maturely, I might have really enjoyed this. There were moments in the writing when I felt how much I could have loved it and it only made me more sad that I was having such a poor time with it.
With all of this being said and my critical review, I get why people like this. I wanted to love it and - as I said - I really think I could have. It wasn't a terrible book, but unfortunately, the negative aspects were just too glaring for me. I did love the griffons though!
While I won't carry on with the duology, I'm glad so many people love it and I hope it continues to find the right audience.
Call me picky but when I decide to read a cozy fantasy, I do - in fact - hope to find myself reading a cozy fantasy. Unfortunately, that was not the case here.
This felt like reading the first draft of a novel where the author hasn't quite figured out what to do with the story or the characters. The plot with the Queen is both rushed and sloppily resolved. The actual mystery is poorly handled, due to the author wanting to extend the plot to the sequel. There's a bit of transphobia? For no reason? We could have had non-binary characters without saying they weren't accepted elsewhere, especially in what is meant to be an escapist, cozy novel.
The entire book is a repetition of the same collection of scenes that usually end up with someone a.) sick, b.) fainting, c.) fighting, or d.) having the most melodramatic love confessions and flirtations at the most awkward times. Sometimes there was a magical fifth option where all four happen in the same scene, complete with thinking about how much she wished to kiss her girlfriend senseless (if she could stop vomiting long enough to, of course.)
I understand they're in love and I'm happy for them, but why so much kissing and vomiting? Please stop. I beg.
This isn't even delving into the fact that the plot was a whole mess. A rip-off of Legends & Lattes without any of the heart or actual cozy elements that made that book the success it was for me. This wasn't a cozy fantasy; it was a rushed and underdeveloped regular fantasy that had an undercurrent of steeping tea and a bookstore. A bookstore we're barely in.
The sad thing is, if we had actually spent more time on the bookstore and tea shop, if the story had been cleaned up a bit, if the characters had acted a bit more maturely, I might have really enjoyed this. There were moments in the writing when I felt how much I could have loved it and it only made me more sad that I was having such a poor time with it.
With all of this being said and my critical review, I get why people like this. I wanted to love it and - as I said - I really think I could have. It wasn't a terrible book, but unfortunately, the negative aspects were just too glaring for me. I did love the griffons though!
While I won't carry on with the duology, I'm glad so many people love it and I hope it continues to find the right audience.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia