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kba76's reviews
3175 reviews
Pig by Matilde Pratesi
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Due for publication in May 2025, Pig is a deeply unsettling and uncomfortable read. It took some time to get under the skin of the main character Vale, but the more we learned about her the more frustrated I got with those who stood by and allowed this toxic relationship to go on as long as it did.
Vale is working in a bookshop in London. When stressed or nervous she takes to reciting pig facts to calm herself down. Right at the outset we sense she is in a coercive relationship - running to get home on time because you fear the reaction of the person you live with is not right. So, why does Vale not see this?
The answer is not straightforward.
As I read the opening chapter I felt I was reading about an abusive relationship between two romantic partners. So it shocked me rather when I realised that Vale is living with Clara, her best friend from when she was a teenager in Rome, and that there is no physical intimacy between them. This made it even more incomprehensible to understand why Vale bathes Clara, and why Clara writes her daily notes telling her what to wear and what to eat. I’m not naive enough to not recognise that many of the signs of a toxic relationship can creep up on people, but these were so glaring that I wondered whether we were going to have an unexpected twist that would challenge my evident assumptions.
The story unpicks their early friendship, and in the beginning Vale certainly seemed rather obsessive in her overtures of friendship. Vale’s comments about these early years, and her general ways of managing life, suggested strongly that she may be on the autistic spectrum. Without anyone else’s view of these early years it’s hard to say to what extent we trust Vale’s viewpoint.
The story is not particularly fast-paced, and nothing much actually happens for a long time. An unexpected meeting during work results in Vale being commissioned to write a book about her specialist interest, pigs. Hiding this from her flatmate, even though it brings her such joy, is deeply troubling to read about. As Vale begins to trust those around her she starts to make decisions that are about her, and about her desires.
It was not entirely unexpected to read about the selfish behaviour of Clara once the book is published. However, as little chinks in the relationship appear I wanted to give a cheer as Vale begins those crucial small steps in gaining the autonomy so many of us take for granted.
A discomfiting read, and though I can’t say I enjoyed it the experience was certainly one that I feel I benefitted from. Huge thanks to the author and NetGalley for granting me access to this in exchange for my honest review. I shall certainly recommend it to some and look forward to hearing their thoughts.
Vale is working in a bookshop in London. When stressed or nervous she takes to reciting pig facts to calm herself down. Right at the outset we sense she is in a coercive relationship - running to get home on time because you fear the reaction of the person you live with is not right. So, why does Vale not see this?
The answer is not straightforward.
As I read the opening chapter I felt I was reading about an abusive relationship between two romantic partners. So it shocked me rather when I realised that Vale is living with Clara, her best friend from when she was a teenager in Rome, and that there is no physical intimacy between them. This made it even more incomprehensible to understand why Vale bathes Clara, and why Clara writes her daily notes telling her what to wear and what to eat. I’m not naive enough to not recognise that many of the signs of a toxic relationship can creep up on people, but these were so glaring that I wondered whether we were going to have an unexpected twist that would challenge my evident assumptions.
The story unpicks their early friendship, and in the beginning Vale certainly seemed rather obsessive in her overtures of friendship. Vale’s comments about these early years, and her general ways of managing life, suggested strongly that she may be on the autistic spectrum. Without anyone else’s view of these early years it’s hard to say to what extent we trust Vale’s viewpoint.
The story is not particularly fast-paced, and nothing much actually happens for a long time. An unexpected meeting during work results in Vale being commissioned to write a book about her specialist interest, pigs. Hiding this from her flatmate, even though it brings her such joy, is deeply troubling to read about. As Vale begins to trust those around her she starts to make decisions that are about her, and about her desires.
It was not entirely unexpected to read about the selfish behaviour of Clara once the book is published. However, as little chinks in the relationship appear I wanted to give a cheer as Vale begins those crucial small steps in gaining the autonomy so many of us take for granted.
A discomfiting read, and though I can’t say I enjoyed it the experience was certainly one that I feel I benefitted from. Huge thanks to the author and NetGalley for granting me access to this in exchange for my honest review. I shall certainly recommend it to some and look forward to hearing their thoughts.
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
The precursor to Legends and Lattes, and there’s plenty to keep your interest.
Our main focus is Viv, the orc, who’s injured during battle. She is left in the small town of Murk, where little happens, to heal. Viv is desperate to leave and get back to her hunt for the lady necromancer they were pursuing. Unfortunately, her leg wound means she stands little chance of leaving any time soon.
We follow Viv as she settles into Murk and finds herself befriending some of the locals. Along the way she finds a love interest and a new hobby…reading. She also becomes embroiled with a mysterious gray visitor who knows more about her than she’s prepared for.
It was nice to see Viv developing her love of reading. This is not the kind of book I’d rave about or even particularly recommend, but it was entertaining.
Our main focus is Viv, the orc, who’s injured during battle. She is left in the small town of Murk, where little happens, to heal. Viv is desperate to leave and get back to her hunt for the lady necromancer they were pursuing. Unfortunately, her leg wound means she stands little chance of leaving any time soon.
We follow Viv as she settles into Murk and finds herself befriending some of the locals. Along the way she finds a love interest and a new hobby…reading. She also becomes embroiled with a mysterious gray visitor who knows more about her than she’s prepared for.
It was nice to see Viv developing her love of reading. This is not the kind of book I’d rave about or even particularly recommend, but it was entertaining.
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
A cosy - dare I say it saccharine sweet - story where everything works out just right.
Our main character, Kiela, has been working as a librarian in Alyssium. When a revolution begins Kiela knows she has to do something to save the books in her care. Along with her sentient spider plant assistant Caz she sets sail and heads to Caltrey, the island she remembers calling home as a child. She knows nobody on the island but hopes she can hide and protect herself from any consequences for taking spell books that she has no right to.
Before we know it Kiela has found herself the object of interest in the town. She is remembered by some and they offer to do what they can to help her. In return she prepares to take a risk and to use her learning for good (even if she is not meant to). And so follows her dalliances in magic, and an opportunity for her to find a new family amongst the islanders.
Our main character, Kiela, has been working as a librarian in Alyssium. When a revolution begins Kiela knows she has to do something to save the books in her care. Along with her sentient spider plant assistant Caz she sets sail and heads to Caltrey, the island she remembers calling home as a child. She knows nobody on the island but hopes she can hide and protect herself from any consequences for taking spell books that she has no right to.
Before we know it Kiela has found herself the object of interest in the town. She is remembered by some and they offer to do what they can to help her. In return she prepares to take a risk and to use her learning for good (even if she is not meant to). And so follows her dalliances in magic, and an opportunity for her to find a new family amongst the islanders.
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Bo still lives alone. His team of carers visit him daily to support him with the daily tasks he often forgets. At the age of 89, Bo knows he is approaching the end of his life but with his beloved elkhound Sixten at his side he is determined to maintain his independence as long as he can.
We follow Bo through his days, learning about his child Hans and beloved granddaughter. We learn about his wife and her gradual decline as she lives with the effects of dementia. Bo shares with us details of his past and his own childhood. And through the little notes left by his carers we learn just how difficult things are for Bo.
This book was emotional. It’s hard not to feel for Bo as he struggles to accept the limitations placed on his body by his ageing. We only see his perspective so it’s easy to see his son as callous for wanting to place his dog with a family who can better cater to his needs.
As the book draws to its inevitable ending I could t help but feel this is such an important book for getting people to think about how we manage our ageing. Breaking down some of the stigma associated with caring for elderly relatives might result in a more compassionate approach. While it felt rather depressing, there was a stoic acceptance of the inevitable that I felt left Bo with the semblance of autonomy he craved as he grew less capable.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this.
We follow Bo through his days, learning about his child Hans and beloved granddaughter. We learn about his wife and her gradual decline as she lives with the effects of dementia. Bo shares with us details of his past and his own childhood. And through the little notes left by his carers we learn just how difficult things are for Bo.
This book was emotional. It’s hard not to feel for Bo as he struggles to accept the limitations placed on his body by his ageing. We only see his perspective so it’s easy to see his son as callous for wanting to place his dog with a family who can better cater to his needs.
As the book draws to its inevitable ending I could t help but feel this is such an important book for getting people to think about how we manage our ageing. Breaking down some of the stigma associated with caring for elderly relatives might result in a more compassionate approach. While it felt rather depressing, there was a stoic acceptance of the inevitable that I felt left Bo with the semblance of autonomy he craved as he grew less capable.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this.
The Woman on the Ledge by Ruth Mancini
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
When Tate Kinsella is arrested for murder we’re not quite sure what’s going on. A woman has been found dead at the foot of the office building where Tate has been temping. Her story is conflicted. There’s no doubt that she’s hiding something, but it isn’t what we’re expecting.
In this fast-paced thriller we follow Tate as she is processed by the police then discussing the case with her lawyer. She starts to reveal little bits of her story, and we know there’s more to this than meets the eye. The story unfolds, and we slowly become privy to the truth of the story behind the woman on the ledge.
In this fast-paced thriller we follow Tate as she is processed by the police then discussing the case with her lawyer. She starts to reveal little bits of her story, and we know there’s more to this than meets the eye. The story unfolds, and we slowly become privy to the truth of the story behind the woman on the ledge.
The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik
adventurous
mysterious
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? No
2.75
Perhaps this was a case of too much time elapsing between reading books two and three, but I found this really quite hard work. Such a shame after my enjoyment of the opening books.
El needs to do something about their destruction of the Scholomance and the problem of Orion being stuck after his actions at the end of book two. It takes what feels like most of the book for her to work out what to do and to explain why she needs to do it.
The plot is fairly simple. El travels from place to place trying to work out how to create enclaves and get to the bottom of how to rescue Orion (whatever that looks like).
There were some interesting explanations of the process behind this, but the setting just seemed rather uninspiring. There was tension in terms of how much time she had to do this, and the revelation about Orion’s mother, but I really found myself feeling quite disengaged from the whole thing. This felt like a book I finished because I wanted to complete the series rather than because I was desperate to see how things were resolved.
El needs to do something about their destruction of the Scholomance and the problem of Orion being stuck after his actions at the end of book two. It takes what feels like most of the book for her to work out what to do and to explain why she needs to do it.
The plot is fairly simple. El travels from place to place trying to work out how to create enclaves and get to the bottom of how to rescue Orion (whatever that looks like).
There were some interesting explanations of the process behind this, but the setting just seemed rather uninspiring. There was tension in terms of how much time she had to do this, and the revelation about Orion’s mother, but I really found myself feeling quite disengaged from the whole thing. This felt like a book I finished because I wanted to complete the series rather than because I was desperate to see how things were resolved.
The Frozen People by Elly Griffiths
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
First in a new series, and though its premise is quite fantastic it was certainly an entertaining read.
Ali Dawson is part of a team investigating cold cases. What she is not able to share with people is the fact that her job entails travelling in time. Very much in its early stages, the team are not quite sure what they can and cannot do. It is as they embark on their most ambitious experiment to date that we join them.
Ali is tasked with travelling back in time to the late nineteenth century. She is asked to investigate the mystery surrounding Cain Templeton, a collector rumoured to have killed at least one woman. Unfortunately, she ends up stranded in the Victorian era, interacting with the people she’s meant to be investigating.
Back in the present era, Ali’s son is imprisoned for the murder of Isaac Templeton, Cain’s descendant. Nobody can tell anyone the truth about what Ali and her team have been working on. But the two cases are very much linked.
The book ends on an intriguing note, suggesting there’s plenty more to come in this series.
Ali Dawson is part of a team investigating cold cases. What she is not able to share with people is the fact that her job entails travelling in time. Very much in its early stages, the team are not quite sure what they can and cannot do. It is as they embark on their most ambitious experiment to date that we join them.
Ali is tasked with travelling back in time to the late nineteenth century. She is asked to investigate the mystery surrounding Cain Templeton, a collector rumoured to have killed at least one woman. Unfortunately, she ends up stranded in the Victorian era, interacting with the people she’s meant to be investigating.
Back in the present era, Ali’s son is imprisoned for the murder of Isaac Templeton, Cain’s descendant. Nobody can tell anyone the truth about what Ali and her team have been working on. But the two cases are very much linked.
The book ends on an intriguing note, suggesting there’s plenty more to come in this series.
The Change by Kirsten Miller
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Mixed reviews for this and I wasn’t sure whether to expect a feminist rant or a dull examination of women going through the menopause. What I got was not at all what I thought.
The plot focuses principally on three women: Harriet, Nessa and Jo. They are all women of an age, women who have spent the majority of their lives doing what people expect them to and who now find themselves emboldened to spend their time as they see fit. For Jo this has meant running a successful women-only gym; for Harriet it means letting her once cultivated garden run wild and for Nessa it means accepting her unusual gift.
Nessa has, from her grandmother, inherited the gift of seeing the dead. These voices call to her, and she opens herself to it…only to discover the picture-perfect world around her hides a much darker truth under its surface.
When the body of a young woman is discovered in a discarded bin bag, Nessa is determined to find out what happened to her. But this is not the only body. It soon becomes clear that there’s a more sinister purpose to the men-only meetings held at the home of wealthy Leonard. Uncovering the grim reality of just how tainted this set-up was preoccupies our trio, putting them and their families in danger.
Uncomfortable reading. It raises many questions and definitely mirrors some of the events talked about in the press of late. Most discomfiting was what it reveals about society’s attitude to young women.
The plot focuses principally on three women: Harriet, Nessa and Jo. They are all women of an age, women who have spent the majority of their lives doing what people expect them to and who now find themselves emboldened to spend their time as they see fit. For Jo this has meant running a successful women-only gym; for Harriet it means letting her once cultivated garden run wild and for Nessa it means accepting her unusual gift.
Nessa has, from her grandmother, inherited the gift of seeing the dead. These voices call to her, and she opens herself to it…only to discover the picture-perfect world around her hides a much darker truth under its surface.
When the body of a young woman is discovered in a discarded bin bag, Nessa is determined to find out what happened to her. But this is not the only body. It soon becomes clear that there’s a more sinister purpose to the men-only meetings held at the home of wealthy Leonard. Uncovering the grim reality of just how tainted this set-up was preoccupies our trio, putting them and their families in danger.
Uncomfortable reading. It raises many questions and definitely mirrors some of the events talked about in the press of late. Most discomfiting was what it reveals about society’s attitude to young women.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Even knowing that we’re going to get an insight into one of the most violent Games in their history didn’t prepare me for how emotional I would find find this.
We open with Haymitch on the day of his sixteenth birthday, and learn how - by a series of unfortunate choices - he finds himself one of the two male tributes for District Twelve.
From the outset we are shown the stark contrast between the Career tributes and those from the other Districts. We also get to see President Snow in his full cynical glory and I was fascinated by the depiction of Plutarch.
There’s a lot of build-up to these games, which reminds us of the dangers they all face and the extreme hatred they have for the Capitol and what they are forced to endure in the name of entertainment.
Perhaps surprisingly, there’s not a lot of time devoted to the Games. We follow Haymitch as he attempts to carry out his daring plan and we spend a little more time on the closing stages.
What I wasn’t prepared for was the cruelty evident from the time Haymitch is crowned victor. I would defy anyone to live in that situation and to not react. A timely reminder of the cruelty of Snow and his puppets, and perhaps an opportunity to bring The Hunger Games to a whole new audience.
We open with Haymitch on the day of his sixteenth birthday, and learn how - by a series of unfortunate choices - he finds himself one of the two male tributes for District Twelve.
From the outset we are shown the stark contrast between the Career tributes and those from the other Districts. We also get to see President Snow in his full cynical glory and I was fascinated by the depiction of Plutarch.
There’s a lot of build-up to these games, which reminds us of the dangers they all face and the extreme hatred they have for the Capitol and what they are forced to endure in the name of entertainment.
Perhaps surprisingly, there’s not a lot of time devoted to the Games. We follow Haymitch as he attempts to carry out his daring plan and we spend a little more time on the closing stages.
What I wasn’t prepared for was the cruelty evident from the time Haymitch is crowned victor. I would defy anyone to live in that situation and to not react. A timely reminder of the cruelty of Snow and his puppets, and perhaps an opportunity to bring The Hunger Games to a whole new audience.
The Senator's Wife by Liv Constantine
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
From the outset we’re never quite sure who to trust in this story. A dramatic opening results in the deaths of Peg, the Senator’s wife, and Robert, the husband of her best friend, Sloane. Fast forward two years and we learn that grieving widows Senator Whit Montgomery and philanthropist Sloane Chase have found love and are now married.
Very quickly we are plunged into a highly elaborate tale, where everyone is suspicious of one another - perhaps for good reason.
When Sloane’s lupus flares up after hip surgery Whit arranges for a home-care nurse, Athena, to look after his wife. We are told from the outset she is there under a false identity and as Sloane becomes sicker it seems that Athena might be sowing the seeds of her employer’s demise so she can become the new Senator’s wife.
As the story unfolds we learn only one thing…none of the narrators are particularly reliable. Our suspicions are toyed with and it wasn’t a great surprise to be faced with the developments that occur later in the novel. While they may not have been completely unexpected I felt they made sense in the scheme of the novel.
Few of the characters are particularly pleasant, and those that are seem undeveloped - again, by design as it means we can never be sure who to trust until the end.
Very quickly we are plunged into a highly elaborate tale, where everyone is suspicious of one another - perhaps for good reason.
When Sloane’s lupus flares up after hip surgery Whit arranges for a home-care nurse, Athena, to look after his wife. We are told from the outset she is there under a false identity and as Sloane becomes sicker it seems that Athena might be sowing the seeds of her employer’s demise so she can become the new Senator’s wife.
As the story unfolds we learn only one thing…none of the narrators are particularly reliable. Our suspicions are toyed with and it wasn’t a great surprise to be faced with the developments that occur later in the novel. While they may not have been completely unexpected I felt they made sense in the scheme of the novel.
Few of the characters are particularly pleasant, and those that are seem undeveloped - again, by design as it means we can never be sure who to trust until the end.