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husnaibrahim_'s reviews
202 reviews
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
3.5
This story was an emotional rollercoaster.
At first, Hana was more appealing to me than our female main character. But as the story went on, I started wondering if she was the one who snitched on Lena and Alex.
There are several aspects I enjoyed about this book. It did start a bit slow for me, as I struggled to connect with Lena initially, but eventually, she grew on me. Her character development was solid, and I’m eager to see more of it in the upcoming books. I just wish it wasn’t so closely tied to Alex.
Alex, on the other hand, was a character I absolutely loved. I thought he and Lena made a great pair, at least until the ending left us shocked. His experience living both in the wild and outside of it made him a more dynamic character compared to the others. I think? Okay so maybe I hoped he wouldn’t be so cliche with his whole creepy stalker but also nice guy character but it kind of worked well in this sort of dystopian society. Now, I’m curious to see how he’ll survive where he once dreaded his dad’s survival or Lena’s mother. It’ll be interesting to see if Lena finally gets to reconnect with her.
One of the best parts of the book was how Alex helped Lena navigate the new world they stumbled into. Their connection was sweet. I can’t say for certain if they’ll be endgame, but it would be nice to see.
One thing I’ll say about this book is that Lena's comment at her first party really stuck with me. She mentioned how everyone was making her out to be the crazy one for not thinking this was all normal. It felt very realistic to how teenagers can feel like outsiders if they haven't experienced certain social things.
Now, reflecting on one aspect I didn’t quite like, it did get a bit chaotic in the middle. Not entirely filler but not completely connected either. I also wish Lena hadn’t acted like a love-crazed teenager once she and Alex began dating. It would have been refreshing to see a more composed love story, perhaps allowing them to evade the situation more easily. But, I guess it's not entirely realistic, given the upbringing, when you've spent your life suppressing feelings and suddenly they come pouring out.
I'm really looking forward to seeing how Lena adjusts to the social nuances on her new journey.
At first, Hana was more appealing to me than our female main character. But as the story went on, I started wondering if she was the one who snitched on Lena and Alex.
There are several aspects I enjoyed about this book. It did start a bit slow for me, as I struggled to connect with Lena initially, but eventually, she grew on me. Her character development was solid, and I’m eager to see more of it in the upcoming books. I just wish it wasn’t so closely tied to Alex.
Alex, on the other hand, was a character I absolutely loved. I thought he and Lena made a great pair, at least until the ending left us shocked. His experience living both in the wild and outside of it made him a more dynamic character compared to the others. I think? Okay so maybe I hoped he wouldn’t be so cliche with his whole creepy stalker but also nice guy character but it kind of worked well in this sort of dystopian society. Now, I’m curious to see how he’ll survive where he once dreaded his dad’s survival or Lena’s mother. It’ll be interesting to see if Lena finally gets to reconnect with her.
One of the best parts of the book was how Alex helped Lena navigate the new world they stumbled into. Their connection was sweet. I can’t say for certain if they’ll be endgame, but it would be nice to see.
One thing I’ll say about this book is that Lena's comment at her first party really stuck with me. She mentioned how everyone was making her out to be the crazy one for not thinking this was all normal. It felt very realistic to how teenagers can feel like outsiders if they haven't experienced certain social things.
Now, reflecting on one aspect I didn’t quite like, it did get a bit chaotic in the middle. Not entirely filler but not completely connected either. I also wish Lena hadn’t acted like a love-crazed teenager once she and Alex began dating. It would have been refreshing to see a more composed love story, perhaps allowing them to evade the situation more easily. But, I guess it's not entirely realistic, given the upbringing, when you've spent your life suppressing feelings and suddenly they come pouring out.
I'm really looking forward to seeing how Lena adjusts to the social nuances on her new journey.
The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher
4.5
I loved many aspects of this book. It was a blend of fun and creepiness that I really found intriguing. And the audiobook narrator did an excellent job portraying how nervous and curious Mouse’s was, which added depth to the experience.
I think Introducing the grandmother’s character right from the start was a clever way to kick off the story. I initially thought “who would say such things about their own grandmother? I mean surely she can’t be that bad right” Little did I know, she’d turn out to be even worse than I anticipated. But at least her presence was able to keep those ‘twisted ones’ things away right?
What really stood out to me was the sense of community portrayed in the book. Foxy’s willingness to help Mouse, even though they were essentially strangers, was heartwarming. I can’t imagine doing that for anyone I considered a stranger. It makes you wonder if they would have gone to great lengths to ensure Anna’s safety too, even after her betrayal. And I suspect they would have also made sure she got out safely if she had made it out.
I also loved the way the book was narrated. The first-person point of view was a great choice. Because in these sorts of books, we need to actually see and hear the mc’s inner thoughts and reflections. Plus seeing the world building from mouse’s perspective worked really well here too.
Overall, I can definitely see myself revisiting this audiobook on a lazy day. It’s the kind of story that lures you in and makes you want to know what exactly those twisted ones are and why Coltrane really needed to find that green book all over again!
I think Introducing the grandmother’s character right from the start was a clever way to kick off the story. I initially thought “who would say such things about their own grandmother? I mean surely she can’t be that bad right” Little did I know, she’d turn out to be even worse than I anticipated. But at least her presence was able to keep those ‘twisted ones’ things away right?
What really stood out to me was the sense of community portrayed in the book. Foxy’s willingness to help Mouse, even though they were essentially strangers, was heartwarming. I can’t imagine doing that for anyone I considered a stranger. It makes you wonder if they would have gone to great lengths to ensure Anna’s safety too, even after her betrayal. And I suspect they would have also made sure she got out safely if she had made it out.
I also loved the way the book was narrated. The first-person point of view was a great choice. Because in these sorts of books, we need to actually see and hear the mc’s inner thoughts and reflections. Plus seeing the world building from mouse’s perspective worked really well here too.
Overall, I can definitely see myself revisiting this audiobook on a lazy day. It’s the kind of story that lures you in and makes you want to know what exactly those twisted ones are and why Coltrane really needed to find that green book all over again!
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
1.75
I hate when the saying ‘don’t judge a book by it’s cover’ proves to be true because this is exactly the situation I find myself in. I bought this book because it’s cover was so beautiful and I in turn was hoping the inside would match up, but, well, it left me kind of disappointed.
I can’t exactly call it a bad book, but I can’t say it’s a great one either, at least not for me. It’s got something to do with how it’s written and also the chemistry between the characters. It feels like it’s aimed at a much younger audience than it was marketed as.
I really liked Xingyin’s mother, and I think I would’ve loved it if the story was more about her. But I couldn’t really get into Xingyin herself or the Emperor’s son, which is a bit weird because, well, the book’s supposed to be about them, right? And why didn’t we see more of Chang’e? I thought she’d be a big deal since the title kind of points to that.
Then there’s the whole love triangle thing. It wasn’t even done well, at all. Weirdly, I found myself kind of liking Wenzhi more because of that whole mysterious slash demon prince angle. Because the relationship between the two main mc’s itself wasn’t developed properly. There was no depth to it at all and it felt so shallow. We weren’t pulled into it anticipating and giggling. And the whole possessive angle didn’t work and only made him very annoying. Their love interest thing seemed like talk more than any real buildup.
Everything just felt too superficial? And we didn’t get that intensive surge of emotions when the action hit because, you know, we weren’t really taken through it as well. Even what they described afterward felt way too unrealistic. Yeah, I get she’s got powers and all, but she can’t be invincible, right? It’s all just too unrealistic when you take into account her physic. She fights like she’s been training for centuries and then somehow nothing ever goes wrong for her. Even after that shoulder incident, she just kept going. Like Idk I just really disliked so many things about this book and I can’t help pointing it out.
So yeah the plot was all over the place. It’s like they put freeing Xingyin’s mother on the backburner and just piled on all these side quests. Like freeing Liwei’s bethrothed and fighting with the army and what not. That’s all fine and cool if it didn’t seem like fillers because the quest to free her mother felt so short in comparison to all these other stuff. And by the time her mother’s finally free, I just didn’t care anymore. I mean, at that point, I’d lost track of the plot. It was all over the map.
What I did like however was Chang’e, the Moon goddess, she was pretty cool. And the world-building? That was awesome too because I’m a fan of Asian retellings. The writing was pretty, but it would’ve been nice if it was less stuffy and formal, especially when it came to Xingyin and her supposed ‘romance’
I can’t exactly call it a bad book, but I can’t say it’s a great one either, at least not for me. It’s got something to do with how it’s written and also the chemistry between the characters. It feels like it’s aimed at a much younger audience than it was marketed as.
I really liked Xingyin’s mother, and I think I would’ve loved it if the story was more about her. But I couldn’t really get into Xingyin herself or the Emperor’s son, which is a bit weird because, well, the book’s supposed to be about them, right? And why didn’t we see more of Chang’e? I thought she’d be a big deal since the title kind of points to that.
Then there’s the whole love triangle thing. It wasn’t even done well, at all. Weirdly, I found myself kind of liking Wenzhi more because of that whole mysterious slash demon prince angle. Because the relationship between the two main mc’s itself wasn’t developed properly. There was no depth to it at all and it felt so shallow. We weren’t pulled into it anticipating and giggling. And the whole possessive angle didn’t work and only made him very annoying. Their love interest thing seemed like talk more than any real buildup.
Everything just felt too superficial? And we didn’t get that intensive surge of emotions when the action hit because, you know, we weren’t really taken through it as well. Even what they described afterward felt way too unrealistic. Yeah, I get she’s got powers and all, but she can’t be invincible, right? It’s all just too unrealistic when you take into account her physic. She fights like she’s been training for centuries and then somehow nothing ever goes wrong for her. Even after that shoulder incident, she just kept going. Like Idk I just really disliked so many things about this book and I can’t help pointing it out.
So yeah the plot was all over the place. It’s like they put freeing Xingyin’s mother on the backburner and just piled on all these side quests. Like freeing Liwei’s bethrothed and fighting with the army and what not. That’s all fine and cool if it didn’t seem like fillers because the quest to free her mother felt so short in comparison to all these other stuff. And by the time her mother’s finally free, I just didn’t care anymore. I mean, at that point, I’d lost track of the plot. It was all over the map.
What I did like however was Chang’e, the Moon goddess, she was pretty cool. And the world-building? That was awesome too because I’m a fan of Asian retellings. The writing was pretty, but it would’ve been nice if it was less stuffy and formal, especially when it came to Xingyin and her supposed ‘romance’
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
3.5
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions. I felt frustration, annoyance, and anger about midway through, yet I couldn’t tear myself away from it.
I don’t usually mind spoilers, so I was tempted so many times but I found myself resisting the urge to skim the ending, just so I could know what would happen to Alice. Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t. The powerful rush of emotions I had to seriously grapple with as I read through is what makes this book what it is.
It took me a few days after finishing to form a solid opinion. I grappled with whether I would consider it a good book or not.
I believe the book’s unflinching portrayal of brutality is what makes it both powerful and deeply unsettling. I didn’t like that Dana had to keep saving him. I was initially okay with Dana rescuing Rufus, as he seemed like a decent but ignorant young man. However, he quickly transformed into someone as bad as, if not worse than, his slave-owning father.
I detested what he did to Alice and Isaac, and I couldn’t stand that Dana had to save Alice. Because truly, In my view, Alice would have been better off dying before Rufus reached her. What’s worse, he even entertained the idea of doing the same to Dana at some point. That’s the issue with some of these privileged white people, especially back then. They might make you believe they consider you an equal, a person, but fundamentally, they don’t.
What I did love though was the ending. I guess you could say I found some sort of solace. I loved how Dana handled it. I also developed a fondness for Kevin, although I had doubts about him during the middle of the book. The side characters, especially Aunt Sarah, added depth to the story. Even though we only saw a small bit of Dana’s cousin, I couldn’t help but like her. Most importantly, I loved Alice. She was the definition strength and resilience. She’d been free for much of her life, and despite the horrors she endured, she bounced back. What’s amusing is she didn’t even know who Dana was truly to her and didn’t know Dana had her own selfish reasons for saving her but I just loved their relationship.
In the end, despite the mixed feelings this book stirred in me, I can’t deny that it moved and stirred powerful emotions in me. It’s an impactful book, whether I liked every part of it or not. Nevertheless, it’s not a story I’ll revisit. Because honestly, Once was enough and I just don’t have it in me to do that again.
I don’t usually mind spoilers, so I was tempted so many times but I found myself resisting the urge to skim the ending, just so I could know what would happen to Alice. Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t. The powerful rush of emotions I had to seriously grapple with as I read through is what makes this book what it is.
It took me a few days after finishing to form a solid opinion. I grappled with whether I would consider it a good book or not.
I believe the book’s unflinching portrayal of brutality is what makes it both powerful and deeply unsettling. I didn’t like that Dana had to keep saving him. I was initially okay with Dana rescuing Rufus, as he seemed like a decent but ignorant young man. However, he quickly transformed into someone as bad as, if not worse than, his slave-owning father.
I detested what he did to Alice and Isaac, and I couldn’t stand that Dana had to save Alice. Because truly, In my view, Alice would have been better off dying before Rufus reached her. What’s worse, he even entertained the idea of doing the same to Dana at some point. That’s the issue with some of these privileged white people, especially back then. They might make you believe they consider you an equal, a person, but fundamentally, they don’t.
What I did love though was the ending. I guess you could say I found some sort of solace. I loved how Dana handled it. I also developed a fondness for Kevin, although I had doubts about him during the middle of the book. The side characters, especially Aunt Sarah, added depth to the story. Even though we only saw a small bit of Dana’s cousin, I couldn’t help but like her. Most importantly, I loved Alice. She was the definition strength and resilience. She’d been free for much of her life, and despite the horrors she endured, she bounced back. What’s amusing is she didn’t even know who Dana was truly to her and didn’t know Dana had her own selfish reasons for saving her but I just loved their relationship.
In the end, despite the mixed feelings this book stirred in me, I can’t deny that it moved and stirred powerful emotions in me. It’s an impactful book, whether I liked every part of it or not. Nevertheless, it’s not a story I’ll revisit. Because honestly, Once was enough and I just don’t have it in me to do that again.
Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
4.5
My goodness this was such a book! I never felt a moment of boredom, which is quite remarkable considering the complexity of the storyline. I mean this book had so much going on all at once with all these different people and povs, but it somehow doesn’t feel chaotic.
At first, I was a bit puzzled by all these different main characters telling their stories, but as I got deeper into it, it totally made sense and actually added to the excitement.
I think this book had so many things going right for it. Following the main characters as the big convergence day was approaching added a lot of anticipation. So when Serapio finally played his role and Naranpa wasn’t there, it was like a big, satisfying revelation. This carefully woven approach made the story even more engaging.
Now, speaking of Naranpa, her pov was the only one that didn’t immediately grab my attention. It wasn’t necessarily her character, but rather the dynamics around her that didn’t click for me. It’s not her fault but everyone around her was kind of irritating. At first, I didn’t mind her, and I even liked Iktan, but as the story unfolded, I found myself getting frustrated with both of them. Naranpa is the Sun Priest for for God’s sake, but it seemed like she had zero power, which was weird. But, turns out it’s because she’s being oppressed. And you know what, I’m actually glad her and Iktan’s potential romance didn’t materialize. I felt that Okoa had better chemistry with her.
In terms of chemistry, Xiala and Serapio worked really well too. I wouldn’t say that I saw it coming, nor am I strongly rooting for them, but I think it’ll be interesting to see if it actually goes somewhere. Alternatively, the idea of Xiala working with Iktan is also worth considering? Idk we’ll see because we’ve got so many unanswered questions and possibilities.
So yes, I’m really excited about the second book. I need to know what’s up with Naranpa, whether Benundah was right about Serapio still being around, and his impending bond with the crows, which is just fascinating. I mean his crows seem to be really efficient and loyal to him and I hope that relationship is explored more honestly. Also, I’m dying to find out what happened to Iktan and if he is the one who helped Xiala in the end.
There’s just so much going on, so much left to uncover and so much to look forward to and I can’t wait honestly.
At first, I was a bit puzzled by all these different main characters telling their stories, but as I got deeper into it, it totally made sense and actually added to the excitement.
I think this book had so many things going right for it. Following the main characters as the big convergence day was approaching added a lot of anticipation. So when Serapio finally played his role and Naranpa wasn’t there, it was like a big, satisfying revelation. This carefully woven approach made the story even more engaging.
Now, speaking of Naranpa, her pov was the only one that didn’t immediately grab my attention. It wasn’t necessarily her character, but rather the dynamics around her that didn’t click for me. It’s not her fault but everyone around her was kind of irritating. At first, I didn’t mind her, and I even liked Iktan, but as the story unfolded, I found myself getting frustrated with both of them. Naranpa is the Sun Priest for for God’s sake, but it seemed like she had zero power, which was weird. But, turns out it’s because she’s being oppressed. And you know what, I’m actually glad her and Iktan’s potential romance didn’t materialize. I felt that Okoa had better chemistry with her.
In terms of chemistry, Xiala and Serapio worked really well too. I wouldn’t say that I saw it coming, nor am I strongly rooting for them, but I think it’ll be interesting to see if it actually goes somewhere. Alternatively, the idea of Xiala working with Iktan is also worth considering? Idk we’ll see because we’ve got so many unanswered questions and possibilities.
So yes, I’m really excited about the second book. I need to know what’s up with Naranpa, whether Benundah was right about Serapio still being around, and his impending bond with the crows, which is just fascinating. I mean his crows seem to be really efficient and loyal to him and I hope that relationship is explored more honestly. Also, I’m dying to find out what happened to Iktan and if he is the one who helped Xiala in the end.
There’s just so much going on, so much left to uncover and so much to look forward to and I can’t wait honestly.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
2.25
This book was beautifully written. Those little details, and the way Alaska is woven into the story, it’s like Alaska’s a character itself. It’s beautiful. The relationship between Leni and her mom, that’s beautiful too. Their resilience in the face of what they went through was also beautiful to see. All these are just a few of the many things that makes this book beautiful, yet they couldn’t completely rescue where the story was headed.
Let’s begin with the setting, which was undoubtedly well-described. But it became somewhat repetitive and kind of drawn out. As I mentioned, it felt like the description of Alaska itself was competing for page space with the main characters. It wouldn’t have been an issue if the mcs had a stronger presence when we experienced their povs, but that wasn’t the case.
Now, about Leni, she grows during the story, no doubt. But I kind of wished she had more layers. Because her character just seemed to lack depth. She appeared somewhat one-dimensional. If you strip away the connection she had with her environment, there’s not a ton left to her character.
And her mom, I got frustrated with her at times. She endured a lot, perhaps too much, but it’s realistic considering she got pregnant and married young, right after high school. I mean It’s not unusual for someone in her situation to lack the motivation to escape. It’s like an old-school abuse situation, you know? So even though it was hard to like her at times, especially when she was going on about how he used to be so “good” and how now was the time to “love him back to health”, I got where she was coming from.
Now, setting aside these things I’ve mentioned, here’s the big problem - there’s no breather. I mean, for the characters and for us readers. We are continually pulled from one dramatic event to another, often with little time for processing it all. Many of these events could and should have been preventable, obviously with the father at the center of it all. Initially, it was easy to feel sympathy for the father due to his PTSD, but then the story suddenly takes this dark turn.
I think it would have worked well with just his PTSD as a central issue. With his extreme reactions, then that becomes heavy. Which would have been fine in any other book but this one. Then there’s the fact that Leni ends up in a seemingly perfect and convenient romance in the middle of everything. Which doesn’t quite fit the boy’s family or background btw. I think the only time I felt some sort of relief or hope was whenever the community, especially the women, rallied behind them. It definitely was nice to see.
Finally, the end, so much stuff happens all at once, it’s a whirlwind. It’s tough to go through, especially after the rollercoaster in the middle of the book. It’s like, this book is beautiful, no doubt. But its “issues” seemed too perfectly constructed, making it challenging not to become kind of mad. It felt like I was meant to be upset, traumatized, and angry, which left me frustrated because it all seemed a bit too neat, if you know what I mean.
I know I might develop a different opinion in a few days or weeks, but for now, I can’t say I liked it all that much.
Let’s begin with the setting, which was undoubtedly well-described. But it became somewhat repetitive and kind of drawn out. As I mentioned, it felt like the description of Alaska itself was competing for page space with the main characters. It wouldn’t have been an issue if the mcs had a stronger presence when we experienced their povs, but that wasn’t the case.
Now, about Leni, she grows during the story, no doubt. But I kind of wished she had more layers. Because her character just seemed to lack depth. She appeared somewhat one-dimensional. If you strip away the connection she had with her environment, there’s not a ton left to her character.
And her mom, I got frustrated with her at times. She endured a lot, perhaps too much, but it’s realistic considering she got pregnant and married young, right after high school. I mean It’s not unusual for someone in her situation to lack the motivation to escape. It’s like an old-school abuse situation, you know? So even though it was hard to like her at times, especially when she was going on about how he used to be so “good” and how now was the time to “love him back to health”, I got where she was coming from.
Now, setting aside these things I’ve mentioned, here’s the big problem - there’s no breather. I mean, for the characters and for us readers. We are continually pulled from one dramatic event to another, often with little time for processing it all. Many of these events could and should have been preventable, obviously with the father at the center of it all. Initially, it was easy to feel sympathy for the father due to his PTSD, but then the story suddenly takes this dark turn.
I think it would have worked well with just his PTSD as a central issue. With his extreme reactions, then that becomes heavy. Which would have been fine in any other book but this one. Then there’s the fact that Leni ends up in a seemingly perfect and convenient romance in the middle of everything. Which doesn’t quite fit the boy’s family or background btw. I think the only time I felt some sort of relief or hope was whenever the community, especially the women, rallied behind them. It definitely was nice to see.
Finally, the end, so much stuff happens all at once, it’s a whirlwind. It’s tough to go through, especially after the rollercoaster in the middle of the book. It’s like, this book is beautiful, no doubt. But its “issues” seemed too perfectly constructed, making it challenging not to become kind of mad. It felt like I was meant to be upset, traumatized, and angry, which left me frustrated because it all seemed a bit too neat, if you know what I mean.
I know I might develop a different opinion in a few days or weeks, but for now, I can’t say I liked it all that much.
Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
2.75
I’m incredibly sad that I didn’t end up liking this book as much as I’d hoped I would.
The plot has so much potential, especially with Saint Mortain and his daughters, but it felt underdeveloped and derailed. It all begins with Ismae in a dreadful situation. We literally start it off with her getting assaulted by the men in her life, so it makes sense that she’d embrace the opportunity to be one of Death’s handmaidens when she’s rescued and recognized as St. Mortain’s daughter.
What I really wanted to see more of was the process of the training. It would’ve been great to get into her relationships with her training sisters, Annith and Sybella. Maybe as a prequel, it could’ve helped us understand her connection with the covenant better. Then I think I would have been able to understand why she could so easily doubt the covenant.
This book could’ve been exceptional if it focused less on her questioning the covenant and believing everything Duval says, then promptly falling in love with him. It would be far more intriguing if the Covenant of women was unshakably strong, with Duval, in turn, questioning himself instead.
Why did we follow the overused path of her doubting her “family” and authority figures to believe the potential romantic partner and then betraying those who saved her long before he even entered her life? Then subsequently leaving them to be with him and changing or modifying her paths to fit this new life with him? It all just felt too cliché, and it’s disappointing because nothing about this story should be that predictable.
It would have been so compelling if the covenant remained this formidable force that could never be wrong because, that itself is a powerful storyline. Instead, we got an underdeveloped romance that wasn’t moving. At all!
Sure, I liked Duval, and I enjoyed his relationship with his younger sisters, particularly the duchess. However, the romance between Ismae and him didnt have that depth. I didn’t feel that intense urge to keep reading their scenes or giggling with anticipation when scenes of Ismae and him alone happened. I mean I get the concept of them gradually falling in love, especially because he spent his nights in her room, but we didn’t even see much of that. It shouldn’t have required sidelining the who covenant/ assassin storyline to develop their romance, yet that’s exactly what happened. Then the whole issue with brittany and the duchess took front and center, so it felt like everything else in the plot got left behind.
In the end, I think the book had its moments, but it didn’t quite reach its potential. I would’ve preferred a female protagonist who didn’t feel helpless because she can’t not fall in love with this guy she is supposed to be investigating. It’s sooo frustratingly cliché, especially when this story had the ingredients to be something fresh!
The covenant’s mysterious angle and Ismae’s skills as an assassin should definitely have been explored further. I would have loved to see her in action more than what we got with the whole Brittany courts and politics situation.
The plot has so much potential, especially with Saint Mortain and his daughters, but it felt underdeveloped and derailed. It all begins with Ismae in a dreadful situation. We literally start it off with her getting assaulted by the men in her life, so it makes sense that she’d embrace the opportunity to be one of Death’s handmaidens when she’s rescued and recognized as St. Mortain’s daughter.
What I really wanted to see more of was the process of the training. It would’ve been great to get into her relationships with her training sisters, Annith and Sybella. Maybe as a prequel, it could’ve helped us understand her connection with the covenant better. Then I think I would have been able to understand why she could so easily doubt the covenant.
This book could’ve been exceptional if it focused less on her questioning the covenant and believing everything Duval says, then promptly falling in love with him. It would be far more intriguing if the Covenant of women was unshakably strong, with Duval, in turn, questioning himself instead.
Why did we follow the overused path of her doubting her “family” and authority figures to believe the potential romantic partner and then betraying those who saved her long before he even entered her life? Then subsequently leaving them to be with him and changing or modifying her paths to fit this new life with him? It all just felt too cliché, and it’s disappointing because nothing about this story should be that predictable.
It would have been so compelling if the covenant remained this formidable force that could never be wrong because, that itself is a powerful storyline. Instead, we got an underdeveloped romance that wasn’t moving. At all!
Sure, I liked Duval, and I enjoyed his relationship with his younger sisters, particularly the duchess. However, the romance between Ismae and him didnt have that depth. I didn’t feel that intense urge to keep reading their scenes or giggling with anticipation when scenes of Ismae and him alone happened. I mean I get the concept of them gradually falling in love, especially because he spent his nights in her room, but we didn’t even see much of that. It shouldn’t have required sidelining the who covenant/ assassin storyline to develop their romance, yet that’s exactly what happened. Then the whole issue with brittany and the duchess took front and center, so it felt like everything else in the plot got left behind.
In the end, I think the book had its moments, but it didn’t quite reach its potential. I would’ve preferred a female protagonist who didn’t feel helpless because she can’t not fall in love with this guy she is supposed to be investigating. It’s sooo frustratingly cliché, especially when this story had the ingredients to be something fresh!
The covenant’s mysterious angle and Ismae’s skills as an assassin should definitely have been explored further. I would have loved to see her in action more than what we got with the whole Brittany courts and politics situation.
Bitter Roots by C.J. Carmichael
3.75
I’m curious about where this series is headed. It’s all about murder mysteries in a small town, and that’s intriguing. Especially because at the start of this book, we learned that the town hasn’t had a murder for almost ten years. So how will they handle it when multiple homicides occur in such a short time span? In any case, I have no doubt Zak will be up to task.
I mean I really liked him. He’s the type of character you can connect with - logical but not overpowering. This book has multiple povs, so as we follow several people in the small town, It felt like there were more subplots and storylines than the homicide investigation itself. So I’m not entirely sure if I like or dislike that, but I assume this is the series’ style, and I’m curious to see how it all plays out.
I also wonder about the potential romance between Deputy Nadine Black and Zak. It’s intriguing, especially since they share similar hobbies. Also, It seemed to me like they had better chemistry than Tiff and Kenny. Maybe it’s because Kenny didn’t make the best impression from the start, and then we didn’t get enough time at the end to come to terms with the fact that he isn’t all that bad.
Then there’s Willow. I’m sure she’ll reappear again when her luck with Paul runs out. What she did was just pretty messed up, and I can’t wait to see how Justin and his dad handle her when she returns. I’m really just hoping they don’t let her walk all over them.
And, I hope Zak won’t be a pushover either when it comes to dealing with the sheriff in the future. He might be just a dispatcher but he definitely deserves way more respect from them.
I mean I really liked him. He’s the type of character you can connect with - logical but not overpowering. This book has multiple povs, so as we follow several people in the small town, It felt like there were more subplots and storylines than the homicide investigation itself. So I’m not entirely sure if I like or dislike that, but I assume this is the series’ style, and I’m curious to see how it all plays out.
I also wonder about the potential romance between Deputy Nadine Black and Zak. It’s intriguing, especially since they share similar hobbies. Also, It seemed to me like they had better chemistry than Tiff and Kenny. Maybe it’s because Kenny didn’t make the best impression from the start, and then we didn’t get enough time at the end to come to terms with the fact that he isn’t all that bad.
Then there’s Willow. I’m sure she’ll reappear again when her luck with Paul runs out. What she did was just pretty messed up, and I can’t wait to see how Justin and his dad handle her when she returns. I’m really just hoping they don’t let her walk all over them.
And, I hope Zak won’t be a pushover either when it comes to dealing with the sheriff in the future. He might be just a dispatcher but he definitely deserves way more respect from them.
Children of the Quicksands by Efua Traoré
5.0
The sense of nostalgia that washes over me when reading African books with magical realism themes is truly unparalleled.
This book was a real delight. I have to admit, I wasn’t sure about Simi at first, a city kid visiting a remote village, especially with her preconceived stereotypes. Yet, she managed to surprise me how open-minded she was. Her secular, city upbringing turned out to be exactly what the story needed.
Now, one thing that had me a bit puzzled and maybe even a tad irritated was the way her mom referred to Iyanla, Simi’s grandmother. Family is a big deal for me, and their relationship seemed a bit off. But considering the chaotic circumstances, it somehow made sense.
Being a Nigerian, I grew up with stories of juju and traditional worship. So, the storyline didn’t catch me off guard; in fact, that’s precisely why I picked up this book. It was like taking a stroll down memory lane.
Iyanla’s character resonated with me deeply. She embodied the wisdom and seriousness of many elderly women from the village. While not outwardly affectionate, you’d better believe they loved you more than most people you’d encounter in your life. So, when it turned out she was a priestess, it wasn’t much of a shocker.
Then the whole world of Oshun, Layo, and the children of the quicksands honestly had me captivated. The author’s descriptions of this underground realm were so vivid.
And I loved how Simi didn’t fail to behave like a city kid because why on earth would she think it’s her destiny to end it all?? I mean yes it ended up being just that but Abeg now! You are a Nigerian o, not a white person. Like please be serious now. I mean at least
jay had more sense than Simi and behaved like a typical village boy because what do you mean you have to go back down there and that it's your destiny??
There were honestly so many things I loved about this book. Simi’s surprising ease in adapting to village life despite her city upbringing, the endearing presence of Bubu, who was like that younger cousin always follwing you around when you visit the village, Mr. Balogun’s humor, Baba Morayo’s significant role, and, most importantly, seeing her mom come to terms with her childhood memories—it was all so heartwarming.
Honestly, there’s very little I didn’t love about this book. My main quibbles revolved around the prolonged delay in Simi learning the truth about the lake and her decision to keep her discovery to herself until it was too late. Nevertheless, this is a book I’m eager to recommend and revisit in the future because it so beautifully written and the book cover does it justice.
This book was a real delight. I have to admit, I wasn’t sure about Simi at first, a city kid visiting a remote village, especially with her preconceived stereotypes. Yet, she managed to surprise me how open-minded she was. Her secular, city upbringing turned out to be exactly what the story needed.
Now, one thing that had me a bit puzzled and maybe even a tad irritated was the way her mom referred to Iyanla, Simi’s grandmother. Family is a big deal for me, and their relationship seemed a bit off. But considering the chaotic circumstances, it somehow made sense.
Being a Nigerian, I grew up with stories of juju and traditional worship. So, the storyline didn’t catch me off guard; in fact, that’s precisely why I picked up this book. It was like taking a stroll down memory lane.
Iyanla’s character resonated with me deeply. She embodied the wisdom and seriousness of many elderly women from the village. While not outwardly affectionate, you’d better believe they loved you more than most people you’d encounter in your life. So, when it turned out she was a priestess, it wasn’t much of a shocker.
Then the whole world of Oshun, Layo, and the children of the quicksands honestly had me captivated. The author’s descriptions of this underground realm were so vivid.
And I loved how Simi didn’t fail to behave like a city kid because why on earth would she think it’s her destiny to end it all?? I mean yes it ended up being just that but Abeg now! You are a Nigerian o, not a white person. Like please be serious now. I mean at least
jay had more sense than Simi and behaved like a typical village boy because what do you mean you have to go back down there and that it's your destiny??
There were honestly so many things I loved about this book. Simi’s surprising ease in adapting to village life despite her city upbringing, the endearing presence of Bubu, who was like that younger cousin always follwing you around when you visit the village, Mr. Balogun’s humor, Baba Morayo’s significant role, and, most importantly, seeing her mom come to terms with her childhood memories—it was all so heartwarming.
Honestly, there’s very little I didn’t love about this book. My main quibbles revolved around the prolonged delay in Simi learning the truth about the lake and her decision to keep her discovery to herself until it was too late. Nevertheless, this is a book I’m eager to recommend and revisit in the future because it so beautifully written and the book cover does it justice.