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littlemonster's reviews
562 reviews
Atomic Anna by Rachel Barenbaum
What a powerful, moving novel! I've had some rough reading patches this year, especially with ones I've been eagerly waiting for, so I was so happy to find that Atomic Anna struck all the right notes for me. At its heart, this story tells the history of a family in all its bloody secrets, love and drama, but it also takes a look at life for Soviet women -- both those who remained in the USSR, and those who left. From the very first page, I was spellbound, intrigued by the time travel questions that have captivated human minds for centuries: if you can change something, does that mean you should?
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC!
Content Warning: death (including that of children), murder, violence, alcoholism, drug addiction, anti-Semitism, misogyny, sexual harassment, war, homophobia (mentioned).
Anna Berkova is a famous nuclear scientist, the brilliant mind who created Chernobyl and its reactors, and in 1986, she is sleeping peacefully in her bed. When the reactor melts down, causing one of humanity's greatest catastrophes, Anna also accidentally jumps through time. She finds herself on Mount Aragats in 1992, and her daughter, Molly -- dying from a gunshot wound. Molly begs her to go back in time and save Anna's granddaughter, Raisa, from whatever unfortunate future is coming for her. Exploring Anna's life as she goes from wartime Berlin to making nuclear weapons back in the USSR, Molly's as she grows up in 1960s' Philadelphia drawing comics and falling for a gangster who will make her life hell, and Raisa's as she tries to come to terms with her family's past, present and future, all three women will be forced together in the hopes of preventing total disaster -- Chernobyl's, and their family's.
What a powerful, moving novel! I've had some rough reading patches this year, especially with ones I've been eagerly waiting for, so I was so happy to find that Atomic Anna struck all the right notes for me. At its heart, this story tells the history of a family in all its bloody secrets, love and drama, but it also takes a look at life for Soviet women -- both those who remained in the USSR, and those who left. From the very first page, I was spellbound, intrigued by the time travel questions that have captivated human minds for centuries: if you can change something, does that mean you should?
The three main women are all fully-fleshed out, with an authenticity that makes their chapters all equally enchanting. I liked the mixture of historical detail with science, and I felt that Barenbaum seamlessly joined those two different elements together. Out of all three, Raisa is probably my favorite, although I have a soft spot for them all; there were elements of their personalities that were similar, a sort of passing down of strength and intelligence, but also things that set them apart from one another. Raisa has such a powerful voice, and I loved that in spite of her family's complicated past, she fights to both understand it and also to not let it change the person that she is.
As someone who has only a rudimentary grasp of math (and who it does not come easily for), I really enjoyed living through the minds of these scientific women who rose above in their determination to understand the world and ask difficult questions. The writing is simple, distinct, and makes it easy to fly through page after page. This is not Barenbaum's first novel, and I certainly will now be going back to pick up her debut. I think all of us are fascinated by time travel -- how could we not be? Regret is one of the most fundamental human emotions, and aren't there so many moments where we wish we could turn back the clock? The ideas Barenbaum expands on are beautifully done, questioning the morality of nuclear science and the ethics of changing even the smallest events of the past.
The inclusion of their family's Jewish religion and culture was wonderful. They struggle with it and what it means for them, in times and places where being Jewish is enough to end their lives completely and totally, loving, hating and questioning it in equal measure. The Jewishness of this book is a core element, unable to be extracted from its Russianness or Americanness or female-focus. There are Shabbat dinners, discussion of what it means to be Jewish, bar mitzvahs, the lurking horror of memories of pogroms and destruction. Perhaps it sounds simple, clichéd, but it's beautiful. I applaud Barenbaum for the love and hope in this book, even as it remembers and discusses darkness and fear.
It is, perhaps, timely that this novel is coming out now, when we are recalling Russia's past and also fearful for its present and the future Putin is creating. While we fight for the Ukraine and the voices of Ukrainians, it's important to remember that there are Russians also fighting against this act of cruelty and inhumanity -- just as people rose up against the Soviet regime not so very long ago.
Highly recommended, and in particular, recommended for mothers and daughters.
This Rebel Heart by Katherine Locke
If you have any knowledge of my previous reviews, you'll probably be aware that I have a huge interest in the history of Communism and the Soviet regime. Whether or not to request an early release copy of This Rebel Heart was not even a question in my mind. Not only does it blend historical fiction with magical realism, but it also tells the story of a young Jewish woman fighting for freedom and hope in a country where repression has (attempted) to crush the human spirit. I was also excited by the inclusion of LGBT characters and stories, so it seemed like a perfect match for me. As this was one of my most anticipated reads of 2022, I'm sad to say that in the end, I was left disappointed and slightly confused by what the summary promised and the book ended up delivering.
You aren't required to have prior knowledge concerning the Hungarian Uprising of 1956, and I do want to applaud Locke's subtle way of telling us about the lives these people have been living under Communist oppression without feeling as if they're hitting us over the head with information. My absolute favorite part of this book is the beautiful weaving in of Jewish culture and history, and how seamlessly Locke incorporates not only those elements into the story and plotline, but also how they give the story a uniquely Jewish type of magic. It's equally devastating and moving to read about the history of Csilla's family, the losses she has experienced and has experienced through her surviving family, and the memories she has of her community before the Holocaust. All of these aspects were heartening, beautiful, and felt fully realized.
My main issues are plotline and pace. The Revolution that drives this story takes a very, very long time to come to life, and while typically I wouldn't mind the tension building before the event, there was actually little tension to speak of (in spite of the fact that we are constantly reminded of how fragile Csilla's existence is, and how easily she could end up dead or in a gulag somewhere). There's a repetitiveness to her days, as well as to her inner monologues, that kept me from ever feeling as if the plot or characters were actually moving forward. There's so much that, in my opinion, could've and should've been cut -- especially because despite the extra time we're allowed to spend with Csilla, I was never able to connect with her. I think this has a lot to do with the rather abstract, overwrought style of writing, which makes simple actions and conversations into overly complicated, lengthy ordeals. Throughout the novel, I had the feeling that because everything is meant to be so meaningful, and because the characters constantly spout lines that feel poetic rather than genuine, it actually ends up losing its meaning. No one talks like this. Not even people in the midst of uprisings or revolutions.
There are two other main characters, Azriel and Tamás, who feel equally as distant as Csilla. Their chapters did little to help me understand their feelings, thoughts, or motivations. Tamás is the one who tells Csilla that she has the titular rebel heart, but the problem is, before this moment, we never see it. I found myself wondering, where is he seeing this in her? She felt almost one-dimensional, a sort of springboard for us to use to put ourselves into the story, but ends up losing her own personality or characteristics because of this. The relationship that ends up developing between her, Azriel and Tamás was intriguing, but again, I kept thinking, what are they feeling for each other? Why do they feel connected to one another, out of all the other people in Budapest, in Hungary, in the world?
In spite of this, I did like them, and I wanted to root for them and care about them. I also want to comment on the LGBT elements of the story. For me, it was rushed and half-formed, and it seemed to me that it had very little impact on the story or even the characters who identify that way. I am not accusing the author of being disingenuous or anything of that sort, but I was disappointed by the parts of the story that dealt with the LGBT characters and storylines. I hate to say this, but it was as if it was more an afterthought than a well-developed inclusion.
I found myself warming to them all as we approached the end of the tale, but then, the sudden and abrupt conclusion threw me off-guard once more. I'll say for certain that I didn't like the ending, or its ambiguity, or the way it insinuated hopelessness in a story that, for me, was all about hope. Others probably have better, more thoughtful things to say on it than I do, but it certainly was something that influenced my rating. The magical realism also didn't capture my attention, and just further muddled the story and its plotlines.
I think that, in the end, this just wasn't for me. Many people will love this book, and speaking honestly, it pains me to put out a review that is not very positive. If you're interested in This Rebel Heart, I hope you will still give it a chance, and form your own opinions on it!
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House and Knopf Books for allowing me to read this ARC!
Content Warning: death (including that of children), murder, violence, war, anti-Semitism, the Holocaust, torture.
Csilla was born in Hungary, but now, she's ready to leave. It's October of 1956, and she's finally made plans to escape Budapest with her aunt, the only living member of her family left. Her parents were murdered by the Soviet government, but when they're unexpectedly rehabilitated by the State, Csilla's world is once again turned upside down. She's always loved her country, but it hasn't loved her back -- evidenced by the Hungarian participation in atrocities against the Jewish community. There's magic in the city, though, particularly in the Danube, something Csilla has always been aware of, and as Csilla decides whether to stay or go, she grows closer to the magic as well as to the truth of who her parents were and who she can become -- and what this revolution might mean not only for Hungary, but for the world.
If you have any knowledge of my previous reviews, you'll probably be aware that I have a huge interest in the history of Communism and the Soviet regime. Whether or not to request an early release copy of This Rebel Heart was not even a question in my mind. Not only does it blend historical fiction with magical realism, but it also tells the story of a young Jewish woman fighting for freedom and hope in a country where repression has (attempted) to crush the human spirit. I was also excited by the inclusion of LGBT characters and stories, so it seemed like a perfect match for me. As this was one of my most anticipated reads of 2022, I'm sad to say that in the end, I was left disappointed and slightly confused by what the summary promised and the book ended up delivering.
You aren't required to have prior knowledge concerning the Hungarian Uprising of 1956, and I do want to applaud Locke's subtle way of telling us about the lives these people have been living under Communist oppression without feeling as if they're hitting us over the head with information. My absolute favorite part of this book is the beautiful weaving in of Jewish culture and history, and how seamlessly Locke incorporates not only those elements into the story and plotline, but also how they give the story a uniquely Jewish type of magic. It's equally devastating and moving to read about the history of Csilla's family, the losses she has experienced and has experienced through her surviving family, and the memories she has of her community before the Holocaust. All of these aspects were heartening, beautiful, and felt fully realized.
My main issues are plotline and pace. The Revolution that drives this story takes a very, very long time to come to life, and while typically I wouldn't mind the tension building before the event, there was actually little tension to speak of (in spite of the fact that we are constantly reminded of how fragile Csilla's existence is, and how easily she could end up dead or in a gulag somewhere). There's a repetitiveness to her days, as well as to her inner monologues, that kept me from ever feeling as if the plot or characters were actually moving forward. There's so much that, in my opinion, could've and should've been cut -- especially because despite the extra time we're allowed to spend with Csilla, I was never able to connect with her. I think this has a lot to do with the rather abstract, overwrought style of writing, which makes simple actions and conversations into overly complicated, lengthy ordeals. Throughout the novel, I had the feeling that because everything is meant to be so meaningful, and because the characters constantly spout lines that feel poetic rather than genuine, it actually ends up losing its meaning. No one talks like this. Not even people in the midst of uprisings or revolutions.
There are two other main characters, Azriel and Tamás, who feel equally as distant as Csilla. Their chapters did little to help me understand their feelings, thoughts, or motivations. Tamás is the one who tells Csilla that she has the titular rebel heart, but the problem is, before this moment, we never see it. I found myself wondering, where is he seeing this in her? She felt almost one-dimensional, a sort of springboard for us to use to put ourselves into the story, but ends up losing her own personality or characteristics because of this. The relationship that ends up developing between her, Azriel and Tamás was intriguing, but again, I kept thinking, what are they feeling for each other? Why do they feel connected to one another, out of all the other people in Budapest, in Hungary, in the world?
In spite of this, I did like them, and I wanted to root for them and care about them. I also want to comment on the LGBT elements of the story. For me, it was rushed and half-formed, and it seemed to me that it had very little impact on the story or even the characters who identify that way. I am not accusing the author of being disingenuous or anything of that sort, but I was disappointed by the parts of the story that dealt with the LGBT characters and storylines. I hate to say this, but it was as if it was more an afterthought than a well-developed inclusion.
I found myself warming to them all as we approached the end of the tale, but then, the sudden and abrupt conclusion threw me off-guard once more. I'll say for certain that I didn't like the ending, or its ambiguity, or the way it insinuated hopelessness in a story that, for me, was all about hope. Others probably have better, more thoughtful things to say on it than I do, but it certainly was something that influenced my rating. The magical realism also didn't capture my attention, and just further muddled the story and its plotlines.
I think that, in the end, this just wasn't for me. Many people will love this book, and speaking honestly, it pains me to put out a review that is not very positive. If you're interested in This Rebel Heart, I hope you will still give it a chance, and form your own opinions on it!
My Dearest Darkest by Kayla Cottingham
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for allowing me to read this ARC!
Content Warning: death, murder, violence/gore, homophobia, biphobia, forced outing (mentioned), racism, body horror, anxiety/panic attacks (mentioned).
Ulalume Academy is highly competitive, home to only the country's best of the best. Finch Chamberlin is the newest transfer student, musically-talented and hoping that perhaps she'll be able to start fresh at a new school. Months before school starts, however, Finch gets into a horrible accident -- one that takes the lives of both her parents. Afterwards, Finch isn't the same... and it isn't just PTSD and grief that's the problem. Something brought Finch back from death, deep beneath the mysterious waters of the Peninsula that Ulalume rests on. Something ancient, and hungry. While she's struggling to figure out what exactly happened, she meets Selena St. Clair, a privileged mean girl who has it out for Finch after an unfortunate incident. But when Selena and her friend group get involved with the being Finch awakened, it inadvertently brings Selena and Finch together -- and the rest of them onto a collision course they're desperately trying to escape.
This beautiful debut, in spite of its rather dark subject matter and sometimes gory content, felt like getting a warm hug. It reminded me of all things I loved growing up, and in many ways, this book is like a dream for a sixteen-year-old version of myself. There's everything you could want: a sapphic romance, an elite boarding school, eldritch monsters, and a storyline that kept me eagerly reading. It's pitched as being a mixture of the Wilder Girls meets The Craft, but I'm not sure either of those comparisons really fit the tone of My Dearest Darkest. Tonally, it's a combination of humor and darkness, and to me, has a hint of lightness in it that keeps you filled with hope throughout the entirety of the novel.
Cottingham's writing style really brought it all together for me. Although it's simplistic, there are some truly beautiful similes peppered throughout, and I was so relieved to see that it was in third-person, past-tense. I'll admit that the young adult genre hasn't been my favorite these last few years, particularly because of the navel-gazing, painfully dry style that's taken over, and so for me, this was like a breath of fresh air. We also get both Finch's POV and Selena's as well, and I found that this helped me to stay engaged with the story (seeing as they are often going through similar, but different circumstances) and to really find myself connecting with both of them.
Speaking of, I loved both Finch and Selena, and I also loved the way that their relationship played out. It never felt rushed, which I was concerned about -- they start out as enemies, and although I would say they end up becoming friends rather quickly, the rest of their romantic attraction develops in a way that feels totally and completely natural. There was something truly genuine about their interactions, and I particularly liked their discussions that centered around sexuality, emotions and love. This is a book that proudly allows its protagonist to say she is a lesbian, which is often treated as a dirty word, specifically in YA books. Selena, too, is pretty much entirely open about her bisexuality, and I can't emphasize enough how much I enjoyed the representation here!
The side characters did feel a bit more one-dimensional, but I think that probably has something to do with the focus and centering on Finch and Selena. I do wish that they had gotten a bit more character development, but I liked them all -- especially Risa, a Japanese transfer student who is a member of Selena's pretty, talented, bad bitch clique. She was rife with potential, and I would love to see a book dedicated entirely to her! My other favorites were Kyra (who I loved to hate) and Simon, who reminded me a bit of myself with his ADHD hyperfixation on cryptids. All in all, in spite of the fact that I felt they lacked a bit of history beyond their stories on the page, they helped to make the story feel more well-rounded and whole. The inclusivity in the story was wonderful, casual and excellently rendered.
As for the plot, it was engaging, quick, and in my opinion, nicely paced with the rest of the story. The horror aspects were chilling and fascinating, the atmosphere enough to send a shiver down my spine. All in all, it's both simplest and truest to just say that this novel captivated me from the very first page, and it quickly made its way onto my favorites list.
Very, very highly recommended, and I cannot wait to see what Cottingham will come up with next!
Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu
Meilin is a young wife and mother in 1938. With the hopes of a happy future with her husband, Xiaowen, and son, Renshu, she allows herself to imagine the life they might live, once Xiaowen returns from fighting against the Japanese army. Forced to flee their home and antique shop, Meilin brings nothing with her but Renshu, her hope, and an exquisitely illustrated handscroll, full of stories and a symbolic object of what Meilin wants Renhu's future to be: beautiful, happy, and secure. Many years later, Renshu has refashioned himself as Henry, moved to America, gone to a prestigious college, and fallen in love. But though his daughter is desperate for a connection to his past and their shared heritage, Henry refuses to discuss China, his mother, or his family, too traumatized by the pains of his war-torn childhood, and still frightened by the frightening politics of the Nationalist KMT and the Communist PRC. Can Henry accept his past? And in the process, bring himself to share it with Lily?
There is no other way to describe this book except gorgeous. Each page, each chapter, feels crafted with a subtlety and expertise that is not easy to accomplish. I've been looking forward to getting around to this one, as I'd heard that it was beautiful, touching, and finely written, and I can happily say that that is the case. Full of heart, yearning, and a desire both to leave the past behind and hold onto the things that make us who we are, Peach Blossom Spring is a modern-day masterpiece, one that will leave you reflecting on the connections between family, humanity and history.
All three of our main characters -- Meilin, Henry's brave, remarkable mother; Henry, the gentle son who becomes a distant father; and Lily, the daughter who seeks to understand where she came from -- are entirely authentic, brilliantly written with a genuineness that feels as if you are truly reading about figures who existed in real life. And, in many ways, I suppose they did -- it's easy to imagine a woman just like Meilin in the 1930s, fighting for her life and the lives of her children during the seemingly endless conflict with Japan; a man like Henry, who has a heavy heart when he remembers his home country, a place that, to him, was a combination both of unbelievable suffering and beauty; and Lily, who feels out-of-place both amongst Chinese and white people, who is searching for her identity. They are real people with real problems and issues, as well as their own hopes and aspirations.
The focus on history's oral and artistic traditions gave us a fascinating exploration of many Chinese folktales, all of them with their own morals and lessons to be learned, and I loved that Meilin kept the beauty of China and Chinese history alive through telling Henry stories from the handscroll throughout the course of the novel. There's an emphasis on the love and connection of telling a story, handed down through generations, to our own loved ones; whether or not they've already heard it, in the same form or another, is beyond the point. It is Meilin's Peach Blossom Spring that keeps the novel constantly moving forward, that encourages our characters to look forward, and eventually, to also be able to reconcile with the horrors of not only our own personal histories, but also the histories that can plague an entire country or people.
I enjoyed all of the characters and their individualities, but I think that Meilin is the heart of the story, the beating pulse that centers everyone and brings them together. She was easily my favorite, with her strength, bravery, whip-sharp intelligence, and her ability to hope and to grow. She is flawed, human, allowed to make mistakes in the course of the narrative in spite of her intellect and savviness. Not only are the characters themselves relatable, but so are the complicated family dynamics. It's an understatement to describe this book as touching; it is heartening, moving, the kind of reading that both brings tears to your eyes and a smile to your face.
Very, very highly recommended. Truly a literary masterpiece. It is books like these that make us remember why we read in the first place.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for allowing me to read this ARC!
Content Warning: death (including that of children), murder, violence, rape, racism, arson, war.
Meilin is a young wife and mother in 1938. With the hopes of a happy future with her husband, Xiaowen, and son, Renshu, she allows herself to imagine the life they might live, once Xiaowen returns from fighting against the Japanese army. Forced to flee their home and antique shop, Meilin brings nothing with her but Renshu, her hope, and an exquisitely illustrated handscroll, full of stories and a symbolic object of what Meilin wants Renhu's future to be: beautiful, happy, and secure. Many years later, Renshu has refashioned himself as Henry, moved to America, gone to a prestigious college, and fallen in love. But though his daughter is desperate for a connection to his past and their shared heritage, Henry refuses to discuss China, his mother, or his family, too traumatized by the pains of his war-torn childhood, and still frightened by the frightening politics of the Nationalist KMT and the Communist PRC. Can Henry accept his past? And in the process, bring himself to share it with Lily?
There is no other way to describe this book except gorgeous. Each page, each chapter, feels crafted with a subtlety and expertise that is not easy to accomplish. I've been looking forward to getting around to this one, as I'd heard that it was beautiful, touching, and finely written, and I can happily say that that is the case. Full of heart, yearning, and a desire both to leave the past behind and hold onto the things that make us who we are, Peach Blossom Spring is a modern-day masterpiece, one that will leave you reflecting on the connections between family, humanity and history.
All three of our main characters -- Meilin, Henry's brave, remarkable mother; Henry, the gentle son who becomes a distant father; and Lily, the daughter who seeks to understand where she came from -- are entirely authentic, brilliantly written with a genuineness that feels as if you are truly reading about figures who existed in real life. And, in many ways, I suppose they did -- it's easy to imagine a woman just like Meilin in the 1930s, fighting for her life and the lives of her children during the seemingly endless conflict with Japan; a man like Henry, who has a heavy heart when he remembers his home country, a place that, to him, was a combination both of unbelievable suffering and beauty; and Lily, who feels out-of-place both amongst Chinese and white people, who is searching for her identity. They are real people with real problems and issues, as well as their own hopes and aspirations.
The focus on history's oral and artistic traditions gave us a fascinating exploration of many Chinese folktales, all of them with their own morals and lessons to be learned, and I loved that Meilin kept the beauty of China and Chinese history alive through telling Henry stories from the handscroll throughout the course of the novel. There's an emphasis on the love and connection of telling a story, handed down through generations, to our own loved ones; whether or not they've already heard it, in the same form or another, is beyond the point. It is Meilin's Peach Blossom Spring that keeps the novel constantly moving forward, that encourages our characters to look forward, and eventually, to also be able to reconcile with the horrors of not only our own personal histories, but also the histories that can plague an entire country or people.
I enjoyed all of the characters and their individualities, but I think that Meilin is the heart of the story, the beating pulse that centers everyone and brings them together. She was easily my favorite, with her strength, bravery, whip-sharp intelligence, and her ability to hope and to grow. She is flawed, human, allowed to make mistakes in the course of the narrative in spite of her intellect and savviness. Not only are the characters themselves relatable, but so are the complicated family dynamics. It's an understatement to describe this book as touching; it is heartening, moving, the kind of reading that both brings tears to your eyes and a smile to your face.
Very, very highly recommended. Truly a literary masterpiece. It is books like these that make us remember why we read in the first place.
The Night Shift by Alex Finlay
New Year's Eve, 1999. Four high-school girls are working the night shift at a Blockbuster in Linden, New Jersey. Before the night is over, three of them are dead, leaving one of the girls as the sole survivor. Fifteen years later, Ella Monroe has become a therapist, hoping to help others who have suffered like she has. When tragedy strikes again, this time at a local ice cream store, everyone has one question: is it related to the murders in 1999? This event brings three characters together on a collision course: Ella, who is determined to help the only girl who didn't die, forcing her to confront her past; Chris Whitaker, the little brother of the teenage boy who everyone believes murdered the girls at Blockbuster, and who is now a public defender; and Agent Sarah Keller, who works for the FBI and is ready to finally close the case once and for all.
I've been back in the mystery mood this month, returning to the genre that has essentially been my favorite for the last few years. I'm also a huge fan of stories set in the 90s', and although I'm usually not the biggest fan of dual timelines (as usually one is far more interesting than the other), I thought that The Night Shift seemed like a great fit for my reading tastes.
Seemingly inspired by the Austin Yogurt Shop murders that took place in 1991, leaving four young girls brutally murdered, this book starts off with an interesting look into the night of the murders through the eyes of the Blockbuster's manager. Although the writing style was sparse -- and in third-person present-tense, my least favorite way to read a story -- I find that common in thrillers these days, so I wasn't too concerned. As the story progressed, however, and we came to the characters fifteen years later, I found myself a little put off by the run-of-the-mill, slightly cheesy storytelling.
None of the three main characters are particularly likable or interesting. Ella is (perhaps obviously) the one that captured my attention the most, seeing as she is the only survivor of the massacre that killed her friends and manager, but even she comes off slightly dull and underdeveloped. Agent Keller is pleasant, good-natured with a tough side, but I found her chapters teetered on the side of boring. The worst, for me, was Chris. He has good motivation and an interesting background, but he is not only boring, but sanctimonious. The efforts to make him relatable -- especially when it comes to his relationship with his "perfect" fiancée, Clare -- actually made me like him less.
The story itself is fine. Nothing remarkable, but not the worst thing I've ever read, either. It's pretty straightforward, though, and I did predict who the killer was within the first handful of chapters (but that might simply be because I read so many mysteries and thrillers!). The ending was a touch underwhelming, and there's some parts with the culprit that actually almost made me laugh because it seemed so preposterous and like the sort of thing you'd watch in a B-horror movie.
I think this book could've benefitted from more scenes in the 90s'. For me, those were the best parts of the book, though sadly there were very few. I liked the unique idea here, but unfortunately the execution wasn't up to par.
Not for me, but I think many people will enjoy this story!
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC!
Content Warning: death, murder, violence, sexual assault (off-page, of a minor), child abuse, domestic abuse.
New Year's Eve, 1999. Four high-school girls are working the night shift at a Blockbuster in Linden, New Jersey. Before the night is over, three of them are dead, leaving one of the girls as the sole survivor. Fifteen years later, Ella Monroe has become a therapist, hoping to help others who have suffered like she has. When tragedy strikes again, this time at a local ice cream store, everyone has one question: is it related to the murders in 1999? This event brings three characters together on a collision course: Ella, who is determined to help the only girl who didn't die, forcing her to confront her past; Chris Whitaker, the little brother of the teenage boy who everyone believes murdered the girls at Blockbuster, and who is now a public defender; and Agent Sarah Keller, who works for the FBI and is ready to finally close the case once and for all.
I've been back in the mystery mood this month, returning to the genre that has essentially been my favorite for the last few years. I'm also a huge fan of stories set in the 90s', and although I'm usually not the biggest fan of dual timelines (as usually one is far more interesting than the other), I thought that The Night Shift seemed like a great fit for my reading tastes.
Seemingly inspired by the Austin Yogurt Shop murders that took place in 1991, leaving four young girls brutally murdered, this book starts off with an interesting look into the night of the murders through the eyes of the Blockbuster's manager. Although the writing style was sparse -- and in third-person present-tense, my least favorite way to read a story -- I find that common in thrillers these days, so I wasn't too concerned. As the story progressed, however, and we came to the characters fifteen years later, I found myself a little put off by the run-of-the-mill, slightly cheesy storytelling.
None of the three main characters are particularly likable or interesting. Ella is (perhaps obviously) the one that captured my attention the most, seeing as she is the only survivor of the massacre that killed her friends and manager, but even she comes off slightly dull and underdeveloped. Agent Keller is pleasant, good-natured with a tough side, but I found her chapters teetered on the side of boring. The worst, for me, was Chris. He has good motivation and an interesting background, but he is not only boring, but sanctimonious. The efforts to make him relatable -- especially when it comes to his relationship with his "perfect" fiancée, Clare -- actually made me like him less.
The story itself is fine. Nothing remarkable, but not the worst thing I've ever read, either. It's pretty straightforward, though, and I did predict who the killer was within the first handful of chapters (but that might simply be because I read so many mysteries and thrillers!). The ending was a touch underwhelming, and there's some parts with the culprit that actually almost made me laugh because it seemed so preposterous and like the sort of thing you'd watch in a B-horror movie.
I think this book could've benefitted from more scenes in the 90s'. For me, those were the best parts of the book, though sadly there were very few. I liked the unique idea here, but unfortunately the execution wasn't up to par.
Not for me, but I think many people will enjoy this story!
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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
5.0
Content Warning: death (including that of children), violence, murder, misogyny, homophobia, familial abuse, forced drugging, immolation.
The Emperor of Parijatdvipa is cruel. His sister, Malini, once a well-respected princess, is now a prisoner of his reign. Isolated on the Hirana, an ancient temple now in ruins, Malini is slowly wasting away, desperate to escape. Priya is a maidservant, one of the choice few who ascends the dangerous Hirana at night in order to clean and perform other duties. But when Malini discovers something about Priya, an element of her hidden nature, they are reluctantly forced to work together. Both deemed monsters, both with her own set of motivations, Malini and Priya must free themselves -- or die trying.
Once I closed this book, I knew immediately that it was going on my favorites list. I'd had a suspicion about halfway through that that would be the case, but I don't think I was fully prepared for just how amazing and beautiful this epic fantasy story would be. Told through both Malini and Priya's POVs, as well as supplemented by a few others, this outstandingly crafted tale of hardship, war, and love is just astonishingly good. Doing it justice in a simple review is difficult.
The first thing that truly captivated me was the intensely rich worldbuilding. Based off of the rich cultures of India, and full of myths, religions, and tales reminiscent of India's epic literature, it's rich with history and teeming with a morally gray cast. How refreshing it was to read about these fascinating, complicated, layered female characters! They are allowed their anger, their vengeance, their righteous fury, and Suri does not shy away from embracing the darker side of their natures. I truly cannot emphasize enough that Malini and Priya are some of the best, most complex characters I've had the privilege of encountering in a long time.
The magic system is unique, unlike anything I've ever read before. It's expertly interwoven into the narrative, slowly revealed by increments as you explore its limits with the characters who wield it. Books like these make me so happy that I've gotten into fantasy stories in the last year -- now, I can't even fathom missing out on something like The Jasmine Throne!
I must also praise the romance. A true slow-burn, the burgeoning affection and intimacy between Priya and Malini was a pleasure to read, like taking your time to open up a Christmas present. Not only are they strong, fascinating women in their own right, but their relationship felt authentic, borne out of forced trust and closeness, by turns wary of one another and then enchanted with the other's power and secrets.
Highly, highly recommended. You won't regret picking this one up.
For more of my reviews, check out my blog!
The Emperor of Parijatdvipa is cruel. His sister, Malini, once a well-respected princess, is now a prisoner of his reign. Isolated on the Hirana, an ancient temple now in ruins, Malini is slowly wasting away, desperate to escape. Priya is a maidservant, one of the choice few who ascends the dangerous Hirana at night in order to clean and perform other duties. But when Malini discovers something about Priya, an element of her hidden nature, they are reluctantly forced to work together. Both deemed monsters, both with her own set of motivations, Malini and Priya must free themselves -- or die trying.
Once I closed this book, I knew immediately that it was going on my favorites list. I'd had a suspicion about halfway through that that would be the case, but I don't think I was fully prepared for just how amazing and beautiful this epic fantasy story would be. Told through both Malini and Priya's POVs, as well as supplemented by a few others, this outstandingly crafted tale of hardship, war, and love is just astonishingly good. Doing it justice in a simple review is difficult.
The first thing that truly captivated me was the intensely rich worldbuilding. Based off of the rich cultures of India, and full of myths, religions, and tales reminiscent of India's epic literature, it's rich with history and teeming with a morally gray cast. How refreshing it was to read about these fascinating, complicated, layered female characters! They are allowed their anger, their vengeance, their righteous fury, and Suri does not shy away from embracing the darker side of their natures. I truly cannot emphasize enough that Malini and Priya are some of the best, most complex characters I've had the privilege of encountering in a long time.
The magic system is unique, unlike anything I've ever read before. It's expertly interwoven into the narrative, slowly revealed by increments as you explore its limits with the characters who wield it. Books like these make me so happy that I've gotten into fantasy stories in the last year -- now, I can't even fathom missing out on something like The Jasmine Throne!
I must also praise the romance. A true slow-burn, the burgeoning affection and intimacy between Priya and Malini was a pleasure to read, like taking your time to open up a Christmas present. Not only are they strong, fascinating women in their own right, but their relationship felt authentic, borne out of forced trust and closeness, by turns wary of one another and then enchanted with the other's power and secrets.
Highly, highly recommended. You won't regret picking this one up.
For more of my reviews, check out my blog!
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
Unlike anything I've read before, the comparisons to Mulan and The Song of Achilles really don't do this amazing masterpiece justice. And, yes, it is a masterpiece: massive in scope, challenging the binaries of both gender and history, and woven together by characters who will leave you devastated and enthralled. This is historical fantasy, mainly due to some slight fantastical elements as well as the flipping of a historical narrative, but in spite of its modern take on many things, it reads like you've picked up a translation of a Chinese epic from antiquity. I do have quite a bit of prior knowledge regarding Chinese history, but if you're intimidated by the vast historical aspect of this book, don't be -- it is infinitely readable, informative, and will leave you wanting to learn more about the dynasties at play here.
Zhu Chongba -- we are never enlightened as to her birth name -- is one of those characters that is impossible to forget. She's this fascinating mixture of callousness combined with a sort of good-natured jollity, and in spite of her rather coldhearted ambition, she is so easy to root for. I refer to her here with female pronouns, as this is how she references herself in her narration, but it's important to note that she is what we would probably consider as nonbinary today. She exists somewhere between male and female, between feminine and masculine, and while she doesn't identify with her femaleness or female body (especially since it was such a point of contention when she was a child), neither does she identify with her "new" maleness. Her ability to switch back and forth, to be both one and the other, is beautiful, and I think so many people will feel truly seen because of Zhu's gender identity. Her character is remarkable in every way.
There are several other POV side characters, but the other "half" of Zhu's story is the Mongolian general Ouyang. Oh, how much I adored this character! He is layers upon layers of complexity (much like Zhu), and his pain is actually painful to read because it is so vividly rendered. It's hard to elicit this kind of response in readers, but Parker-Chan does it with an effortlessness that is nothing short of incredible. Ouyang is a eunuch, and therefore his own relationship with gender is just as confused and complicated as Zhu's, but he is not quite able to embrace it as she later does. His relationship with the son of the man who castrated him was so deep, so filled with hurt, that I both longed for their scenes together and also had to prepare myself for the level of emotion they bring to the surface.
Oh, that reminds me: I can't complete this review without mentioning the relationship between Zhu and Ma Xiuying, the daughter of a rebel (and the rebellion that Zhu finds herself tangled up in). Their dynamic was nothing short of wonderful: playful, heartfelt, full of emotion and an understanding that makes their relationship unique in its depth. Parker-Chan created such a fantastic, beautiful thing between them, and I actually found myself smiling when they were making each other laugh. And the pain, too! Parker-Chan excels at bringing in a mix of feelings that will leave you unsure whether you're heartbroken or happy.
This review is already too long, but before I finish this up, I do want to also applaud Parker-Chan's deftness at creating a story that I think will be sticking with me for a long, long time. I really cannot express enough how unique this tale is, and how it left me saddened when I closed its pages. The history here is epic, but in spite of the feeling of spanning years and years and creating and ending dynasties and the sheer hugeness of history, you never lose the sensation of being close with Zhu or Ouyang or any of the others. This is a feat of storytelling, and I'm beyond thrilled that this is a duology, and we'll be getting one more book in this series. Parker-Chan has been cemented onto my favorite authors list, and I will be eagerly picking up anything else they put out.
I can't recommend this one enough, and this is one case where the hype doesn't even do this amazing story justice. Fit this one onto your reading list, and do it quickly -- you won't regret it.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
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
5.0
Content Warning: death, murder, violence, fire, homophobia, mutilation, misgendering, gender dysphoria, torture, starvation.
In 1345, the Zhu family is starving. Only three members are left: the father, the eighth-born son, Zhu Chongba, and his clever little sister. When a fortune-teller predicts greatness for Chongba, the family is grateful, but a little confused -- unsure as to how he will fulfill this destiny when he is lazy, capricious, and spoiled. His little sister's fate is as expected: nothingness. But when bandits attack, killing their father and leaving the two children orphaned, Zhu Chongba succumbs and dies...and his sister decides to snatch his fate away from him. Spending the rest of her adolescence in a monastery, becoming a monk, and filled with a fiery ambition that will leave destruction in its wake, the new Zhu Chongba takes fate and greatness into her own hands -- at any cost.
Unlike anything I've read before, the comparisons to Mulan and The Song of Achilles really don't do this amazing masterpiece justice. And, yes, it is a masterpiece: massive in scope, challenging the binaries of both gender and history, and woven together by characters who will leave you devastated and enthralled. This is historical fantasy, mainly due to some slight fantastical elements as well as the flipping of a historical narrative, but in spite of its modern take on many things, it reads like you've picked up a translation of a Chinese epic from antiquity. I do have quite a bit of prior knowledge regarding Chinese history, but if you're intimidated by the vast historical aspect of this book, don't be -- it is infinitely readable, informative, and will leave you wanting to learn more about the dynasties at play here.
Zhu Chongba -- we are never enlightened as to her birth name -- is one of those characters that is impossible to forget. She's this fascinating mixture of callousness combined with a sort of good-natured jollity, and in spite of her rather coldhearted ambition, she is so easy to root for. I refer to her here with female pronouns, as this is how she references herself in her narration, but it's important to note that she is what we would probably consider as nonbinary today. She exists somewhere between male and female, between feminine and masculine, and while she doesn't identify with her femaleness or female body (especially since it was such a point of contention when she was a child), neither does she identify with her "new" maleness. Her ability to switch back and forth, to be both one and the other, is beautiful, and I think so many people will feel truly seen because of Zhu's gender identity. Her character is remarkable in every way.
There are several other POV side characters, but the other "half" of Zhu's story is the Mongolian general Ouyang. Oh, how much I adored this character! He is layers upon layers of complexity (much like Zhu), and his pain is actually painful to read because it is so vividly rendered. It's hard to elicit this kind of response in readers, but Parker-Chan does it with an effortlessness that is nothing short of incredible. Ouyang is a eunuch, and therefore his own relationship with gender is just as confused and complicated as Zhu's, but he is not quite able to embrace it as she later does. His relationship with the son of the man who castrated him was so deep, so filled with hurt, that I both longed for their scenes together and also had to prepare myself for the level of emotion they bring to the surface.
Oh, that reminds me: I can't complete this review without mentioning the relationship between Zhu and Ma Xiuying, the daughter of a rebel (and the rebellion that Zhu finds herself tangled up in). Their dynamic was nothing short of wonderful: playful, heartfelt, full of emotion and an understanding that makes their relationship unique in its depth. Parker-Chan created such a fantastic, beautiful thing between them, and I actually found myself smiling when they were making each other laugh. And the pain, too! Parker-Chan excels at bringing in a mix of feelings that will leave you unsure whether you're heartbroken or happy.
This review is already too long, but before I finish this up, I do want to also applaud Parker-Chan's deftness at creating a story that I think will be sticking with me for a long, long time. I really cannot express enough how unique this tale is, and how it left me saddened when I closed its pages. The history here is epic, but in spite of the feeling of spanning years and years and creating and ending dynasties and the sheer hugeness of history, you never lose the sensation of being close with Zhu or Ouyang or any of the others. This is a feat of storytelling, and I'm beyond thrilled that this is a duology, and we'll be getting one more book in this series. Parker-Chan has been cemented onto my favorite authors list, and I will be eagerly picking up anything else they put out.
I can't recommend this one enough, and this is one case where the hype doesn't even do this amazing story justice. Fit this one onto your reading list, and do it quickly -- you won't regret it.
The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC!
Content Warning: death, murder, violence, sexual assault, rape, abduction, child abuse, miscarriage.
Wylie Lark spends her life researching and writing novels about true crime. After a bad fight with her ex-husband and her son, Wylie decides to go to a little town in Iowa as she starts to work on her newest book. It's the story of a little girl called Josie Doyle, the sole survivor of a night of terror that left her family dead and her best friend presumably abducted, and Wylie is staying in the very house where it happened. As a massive winter storm begins to rage across the county, Wylie discovers something shocking: a child, freezing in the snow. The child won't speak to her, but something is clearly wrong -- and it isn't long before Wylie realizes that they are not the only ones caught in this snowstorm...
What a ride! Intensely atmospheric, this thriller is the kind of edge-of-your-seat reading that always brightens up my day. Flashing back between Wylie in the present day and the murders of the Doyle family in the early 2000s', with an additional POV that tells us about the life of the child Wylie has stumbled upon, there isn't a dull moment. It's hard to put down, particularly as it feels as if each chapter is inching closer and closer to the truth of what happened and is happening. I'd previously read one of Gudenkauf's novels many years ago, and I'm happy to report that this one is just as good as the one I enjoyed so long ago!
In the beginning I wasn't too sure I liked Wylie, per se, but I definitely found her intriguing, and the longer we spent in her head, the more I warmed to her. She's tough and practical, impatient and a little reticent, but beneath it all she has a soft heart. It was actually refreshing that she wasn't some perfectly likable heroine, and I completely adore female characters that are allowed to be flawed, mercurial and human.
The mystery is suspenseful, and one of the things I absolutely must praise Gudenkauf for is the pacing. I mentioned above that each chapter brings us closer to unraveling the mystery, and there's never a moment where I found myself wondering when we would get back to the meat of the narrative, or felt as if we were meandering unnecessarily. Wylie is the character most strongly drawn, and the rest of the cast does feel a bit simple, but it is (primarily) Wylie's story, and I didn't mind the close focus on her and her life.
The writing itself didn't make much of an impression on me either way; it wasn't exactly my preferred style, perhaps a touch too simplistic, and that's one of the reasons it wasn't a full five stars for me -- but that's entirely subjective, and I think many other people won't have any issue with it at all. It did the job of telling us the story, though, and I suppose that's the most important part! The mystery itself wasn't all that difficult for me to solve, and I didn't find the twists too shocking, but I'm a tried-and-true thriller reader, so take that with a grain of salt.
All in all, I highly recommend this for thriller lovers, and I think the chilling mystery combined with the chilling atmosphere is a sure winner!
Shady Hollow by Juneau Black
If you're an animal lover like me, I have a feeling this cute, mysterious story will catch your eye. Set in a world where animals wear clothes, own shops, and have their own flaws and secrets, Shady Hollow is enchanting from its very first page. The writing is both simplistic and also flowing with cutely sharp witticisms, and the story itself is populated with a full cast of wonderfully drawn characters. Our heroine, Vera, is particularly likable, with a nose for mischief and a heart of gold.
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
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? Yes
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Vintage Crime/Black Lizard for allowing me to read this ARC!
Content Warning: death, murder, violence.
Journalist Vera Vixen has only lived in Shady Hollow for a few years. The town is small, quiet, and private -- not exactly an exciting beat for a reporter. But when a taciturn toad turns up dead, Vera immediately sniffs out a story, and her hunch turns out to be correct: murder has come to Shady Hollow. Eager to figure out who is killing residents, knowing that she needs to discover the culprit before they strike again, Vera is determined to make the report of a lifetime while also saving her new home. But underneath the surface, Shady Hollow hides many secrets...
If you're an animal lover like me, I have a feeling this cute, mysterious story will catch your eye. Set in a world where animals wear clothes, own shops, and have their own flaws and secrets, Shady Hollow is enchanting from its very first page. The writing is both simplistic and also flowing with cutely sharp witticisms, and the story itself is populated with a full cast of wonderfully drawn characters. Our heroine, Vera, is particularly likable, with a nose for mischief and a heart of gold.
Vera's relationships are all interesting, with varied dynamics, such as her friendship with Lenore Lee, a raven who owns a bookshop. They've been best friends for a while now, and Vera spends a lot of time bouncing her ideas and theories off of Lenore, who is an intellectual that always provides sound advice. There's also the budding friendship (and more?) with Orville, the police deputy, an onerous bear. The world of Shady Hollow is filled with complexity: although this is a cozy mystery, revolving around the lives of animals, there's also depth and darkness which only serves to add to the narrative.
The mystery isn't especially difficult to figure out, but it will keep you interested until the very last page, and there were certainly times when I began to doubt my theories. If you're looking for a book to read with a cup of tea on a wintry day, I can honestly not think of anything more perfect than Shady Hollow. Typically, I try to balance my reviews with both criticisms and praise, but in this case, I truly can't think of anything I didn't like about this novel!
Oh, and here's some good news: originally published years ago, these books have found a fresh life and wider audience with Vintage Crime/Black Lizard, and the second and third will, respectively, be coming out in March and April! I can't wait to read more stories about Vera, and the amazing world that she lives in. Mark your calendars, please!
Highly, highly recommended, especially for those of us that love animals, mysteries, and exploring unique fantasy worlds!
Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves by Meg Long
One of my most highly anticipated 2022 reads, my first reaction upon reading the premise of Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves was "wow." It was exactly like something I'd have eagerly devoured in my adolescence, with its animal sidekick, gritty planet and deadly race. In many ways it reminded me a bit of The Hunger Games, though this is not dystopian, but in fact sci-fi. Long's story starts with Sena stealing money from the wrong guys, and a chase sequence that leads her straight into the arms of syndicate leader Kalba.
The first few chapters captivated my interest: I liked the icy setting, and I loved just how mean and cruel the world Sena lives on can be. Long's writing left something to be desired for me; I'm never a fan of first-person, present-tense at the best of times, but it was also quite dry and spent most of the narrative telling, rather than showing. However, I can often overlook qualms with writing-style -- after all, it's something completely subjective, and just because it isn't my cup of tea doesn't mean it won't be someone else's.
The concept is fantastic. I had a bit of an obsession with sled racing (particularly the Iditarod) as a child, and I kept thinking, I can't believe no one's capitalized on this idea before! I'm sad to say that the execution did not meet my expectations. The actual race doesn't even begin until the 55% mark! The pace was painfully slow, and in my opinion, so much could've been cut. A huge portion of the scenes that take place before the race could've been cut, and would've made for a much faster, more satisfying read. That wasn't actually my main issue with the story, though: it was Sena herself.
All of the characters feel very one-dimensional (aside from, perhaps, Remy, one of her sled-race teammates), but Sena suffers the most from this since the book is told through her eyes. Although she often tells us the grief she's still experiencing from the loss of her mothers, the narrative feels distant from her actual feelings and experiences. I also didn't like that the only LGBT representation in the book is Sena's mothers, who are both dead long before this narrative begins. Sena is one of those boringly tough female YA protagonists; she is rarely allowed to display any softness or tenderness, as if in fear that she'll be seen as "weak." She's not sympathetic or likable, particularly after one incident with Iska that left me speechless. How was I supposed to relate to her, or empathize with her, after she did something so shockingly cruel?
I hate giving books low-star ratings, and they have to truly be earned, but I'm disappointed to have to say that Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves was not enjoyable for me. Many people will love (and do love; simply take a look at the reviews on Goodreads) this novel, but I simply couldn't become immersed in it. I'm sure many edits will take place, but the core problem is with Sena's character, and I just couldn't bring myself to root for her. I do want to reiterate how original and fresh the actual concept is (and I absolutely love that we're seeing some YA sci-fi!), and I will be interested to see what else Long comes out with. It's worth remembering that this is a debut, and therefore I'm sure that Long will grow as a writer in the years to come!
Although I can't personally recommend this, as it was not a pleasant journey for me, I do think that those who have an interest in sledding, deadly quests and gritty sci-fi should give it a shot.
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
2.0
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC!
Content Warning: violence, murder, death, animal cruelty, animal death, racism, colonization.
On Tundar, survival is everything. Sena Korhosen knows this better than anyone: she spends her days pickpocketing rich tourists in the hopes of earning enough to buy herself an off-world ticket. There's nothing keeping her on Tundar anymore since her mothers' death five years ago. When she runs afoul of a local mob boss, though -- one of the most powerful men in the Ket -- Sena runs out of options. She swore she'd never race, but when a team of scientists offers her more money than she could ever hope to steal if she coaches them through the notoriously dangerous sled race, Sena agrees. With her fighting wolf, Iska, at her side, Sena embarks on a journey so deadly that most racers don't live to see its finish line. Can she find a way out of the dead-end existence on her home-planet, and keep them all alive in the process?
One of my most highly anticipated 2022 reads, my first reaction upon reading the premise of Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves was "wow." It was exactly like something I'd have eagerly devoured in my adolescence, with its animal sidekick, gritty planet and deadly race. In many ways it reminded me a bit of The Hunger Games, though this is not dystopian, but in fact sci-fi. Long's story starts with Sena stealing money from the wrong guys, and a chase sequence that leads her straight into the arms of syndicate leader Kalba.
The first few chapters captivated my interest: I liked the icy setting, and I loved just how mean and cruel the world Sena lives on can be. Long's writing left something to be desired for me; I'm never a fan of first-person, present-tense at the best of times, but it was also quite dry and spent most of the narrative telling, rather than showing. However, I can often overlook qualms with writing-style -- after all, it's something completely subjective, and just because it isn't my cup of tea doesn't mean it won't be someone else's.
The concept is fantastic. I had a bit of an obsession with sled racing (particularly the Iditarod) as a child, and I kept thinking, I can't believe no one's capitalized on this idea before! I'm sad to say that the execution did not meet my expectations. The actual race doesn't even begin until the 55% mark! The pace was painfully slow, and in my opinion, so much could've been cut. A huge portion of the scenes that take place before the race could've been cut, and would've made for a much faster, more satisfying read. That wasn't actually my main issue with the story, though: it was Sena herself.
All of the characters feel very one-dimensional (aside from, perhaps, Remy, one of her sled-race teammates), but Sena suffers the most from this since the book is told through her eyes. Although she often tells us the grief she's still experiencing from the loss of her mothers, the narrative feels distant from her actual feelings and experiences. I also didn't like that the only LGBT representation in the book is Sena's mothers, who are both dead long before this narrative begins. Sena is one of those boringly tough female YA protagonists; she is rarely allowed to display any softness or tenderness, as if in fear that she'll be seen as "weak." She's not sympathetic or likable, particularly after one incident with Iska that left me speechless. How was I supposed to relate to her, or empathize with her, after she did something so shockingly cruel?
I hate giving books low-star ratings, and they have to truly be earned, but I'm disappointed to have to say that Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves was not enjoyable for me. Many people will love (and do love; simply take a look at the reviews on Goodreads) this novel, but I simply couldn't become immersed in it. I'm sure many edits will take place, but the core problem is with Sena's character, and I just couldn't bring myself to root for her. I do want to reiterate how original and fresh the actual concept is (and I absolutely love that we're seeing some YA sci-fi!), and I will be interested to see what else Long comes out with. It's worth remembering that this is a debut, and therefore I'm sure that Long will grow as a writer in the years to come!
Although I can't personally recommend this, as it was not a pleasant journey for me, I do think that those who have an interest in sledding, deadly quests and gritty sci-fi should give it a shot.