emmaj_xo's reviews
83 reviews

The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns and Fairies by Robert Kirk

informative mysterious slow-paced

3.0

Great introduction by Andrew Lang helps in the understanding of the text. Fascinating how Kirk attempts to fit fairy belief in line with his Christian faith. Interesting discussion of the second sight and where it may come from, however I was expecting much more interesting accounts of the sightings that what is presented here.

Dead Famous: An Unexpected History of Celebrity from Bronze Age to Silver Screen by Greg Jenner
Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.

I very rarely DNF a book, especially not so early on! But it became clear very early on that I am not the target reader. I find the conversational style rather grating and somewhat condescending, and I can’t bear historians sharing personal opinions. I don’t want to you to tell me that someone was a “plonker”, give me the facts and I’ll come to that conclusion myself. The thematic approach also means there’s a lot of jumping around across different figures and historical eras, when I was perhaps expecting a chronological history. I think I would have preferred a few detailed case studies to what is essential a brief history of numerous historical celebrities. 

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Another tragically beautiful masterpiece from Ishiguro. Once again he drip feeds hints regarding the dystopian world the characters inhabit and we are left to piece together clues until the full picture is finally presented to us. A beautiful reflection of different types of love: whether it be possessive or selfless. Klara’ as innocence makes her an excellent narrator and way into this world, and she couldn’t be more loveable.

Mera: Tidebreaker by Danielle Paige

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

I’m sure there’s enough to enjoy here for many young readers, but to me it’s criminal that an assassin falling in love with her target story could be this dull. Art and colours are lovely though. 

Flames of the Dark Crystal #4 by J. M. Lee

adventurous hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Knowing how everything turns out from seeing the film I was anticipating a harrowing read for the final book in the series, but instead we are instilled with hope for the Skeksis’ eventual downfall. A wonderful end to the series and I would whole-heartedly recommend the series to veteran Crystal fans and young readers alike. As a side note, I would die for Kylan of Sami Thicket.

Tides of the Dark Crystal #3 by J. M. Lee

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

The action is ramping up and in the midst of it we’re introduced to two new clans (the sifa being my favourite) and a sapphic romance subplot. Excited to read the conclusion.

Song of the Dark Crystal #2 by J. M. Lee

adventurous hopeful mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Loved reading soft boy Kylan’s point of view and seeing the plot continue to unfold. Enjoyed this equally as much as the last, they’re such comfort reads.

Shadows of the Dark Crystal #1 by J. M. Lee

adventurous emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A thrilling read for readers of all ages. The storytelling is vivid and immersive and I love the characters and the intense bonds they form. A true comfort read, even though fans of the film will know what tragedy awaits. 

Ecofeminism and Rhetoric: Critical Perspectives on Sex, Technology, and Discourse by

informative slow-paced

3.0

Interesting more contemporary ecofeminist essays, although discussions of technology are already (unsurprisingly) dated. Not recommended as an introduction to ecofeminism, but more for those already familiar with the theory and interesting in reading how it has developed since the ‘90’s. 

Wedlock: How Georgian Britain's Worst Husband Met His Match by Wendy Moore

informative inspiring sad tense slow-paced

4.0

“… you may shoot me, or beat me to a mummy: my person is in your power, but my mind is beyond your reach.” 

I’ll admit this book didn’t keep my attention for much of the first half in its detailed histories of the families involved. But once Moore began detailing the events of the marriage the book kept me it it’s grip. Truly a difficult and disturbing read that continues to detail more and more depraved acts by a truly disgusting, worthless man. Mary Eleanor Bowes’ spirit as she continues to fight the courts for her independence is inspiring. But there is another victim mentioned at the end of this book that that crushed any elation I had felt at Mary’s freedom. Quite honestly feels like a horror novel at times. But my gosh if you want to learn about women’s rights and marriage law in the 18th century then this is a crucial case study. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse and Physical abuse

Moderate: Sexual violence