Scan barcode
littlemonster's reviews
562 reviews
The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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
Content Warning: racism, homophobia, misogyny, abortion, death, murder, alcohol & drug abuse, violence.
We all remember Jordan Baker: the cool, calculating socialite who is a golf champion and spends her time amongst the highest ranks of East Coast society. Jordan is the star of this reimagined novel, but there's a twist -- she's a Vietnamese immigrant, who also happens to be bisexual as well as endowed with certain magic powers. In this wonderfully creative tale, where magic and demons mix with the roaring 1920s, it's Jordan that gets the chance to explain the events that unfolded in Fitzgerald's original.
Giving this novel five stars is one of the easiest things I've ever done. In spite of the fact that this is technically a retelling of Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, it's one of the most original things I've read in a while, replete with magical realism and a main character who will remain stuck in your mind for a long time after you've finished. It is so good, so gorgeously and expertly written, that I was disappointed when it was over. It isn't very long, but what it manages to pack into the 260 odd pages is nothing short of a writing miracle.
It didn't totally surprise me, as I had previously read one of Vo's novellas, which was equally as captivating in its high-fantasy setting. This one, imbued with both beauty and an undercurrent of violence, left me utterly speechless. When I realized that this was, in fact, her debut novel, I couldn't believe it. It isn't simply that she excels at creating one of the most powerful narrative voices I've ever read, but the writing itself is full of lyricism, something that could nearly be called poetry. Her descriptions are borderline sensory, as if you are truly touching a piece of silk or feeling cool rain on your skin. Evocative is nearly an understatement.
As for the characterization, it's nothing short of brilliant. Jordan is fully realized, come to life against the backdrop of flashy parties and paper magic, with a ferocity and spirit that will make you love her regardless of her flaws. Adept at hiding her vulnerability, she uses coolness, witticisms and sometimes cruelty to disguise the soft heart beneath her exterior. Although she has been in relationships with both men and women before, it isn't until she meets the sweet, Midwestern Nick Carraway that she begins to truly and totally fall in love.
The relationships between the entire cast were complex, multifaceted and beautifully layered. In the original, I struggled to sympathize with any of the characters, so lost in their own world and arrogance, but here you see the true threads of tenderness extending from Nick to Jordan, from Nick to Gatsby, from Daisy to Jordan. For lack of a better term, it feels real. I loved Nick and Jordan's relationship, and I found it not only endearing but touching as well. This time around, the emotions allow you to actually empathize with all of them. Daisy, for one, is much more likable and understandable; even Gatsby is given glimpses of a past humanity.
I must also applaud the representation here. It was exciting to see Jordan as this deep, intellectual woman, who is caught between the expectations of her and her own desires and wants. No one else truly gets her -- she's othered constantly, the only person of color in a room. Her bisexuality is written with perfect casualness, not necessarily a big deal but nonetheless an important part of her. This book not only tackles the original topic of lost love, capitalism and the so-called American Dream, but also gives us important but subtle commentary on racism, homophobia, and misogyny, and how these things are intrinsically tied with those abovementioned themes.
Highly, highly recommended. If you're at all interested in this fantastic book, please pick it up as soon as you're able!
For more of my reviews, check out my blog!
We all remember Jordan Baker: the cool, calculating socialite who is a golf champion and spends her time amongst the highest ranks of East Coast society. Jordan is the star of this reimagined novel, but there's a twist -- she's a Vietnamese immigrant, who also happens to be bisexual as well as endowed with certain magic powers. In this wonderfully creative tale, where magic and demons mix with the roaring 1920s, it's Jordan that gets the chance to explain the events that unfolded in Fitzgerald's original.
Giving this novel five stars is one of the easiest things I've ever done. In spite of the fact that this is technically a retelling of Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, it's one of the most original things I've read in a while, replete with magical realism and a main character who will remain stuck in your mind for a long time after you've finished. It is so good, so gorgeously and expertly written, that I was disappointed when it was over. It isn't very long, but what it manages to pack into the 260 odd pages is nothing short of a writing miracle.
It didn't totally surprise me, as I had previously read one of Vo's novellas, which was equally as captivating in its high-fantasy setting. This one, imbued with both beauty and an undercurrent of violence, left me utterly speechless. When I realized that this was, in fact, her debut novel, I couldn't believe it. It isn't simply that she excels at creating one of the most powerful narrative voices I've ever read, but the writing itself is full of lyricism, something that could nearly be called poetry. Her descriptions are borderline sensory, as if you are truly touching a piece of silk or feeling cool rain on your skin. Evocative is nearly an understatement.
As for the characterization, it's nothing short of brilliant. Jordan is fully realized, come to life against the backdrop of flashy parties and paper magic, with a ferocity and spirit that will make you love her regardless of her flaws. Adept at hiding her vulnerability, she uses coolness, witticisms and sometimes cruelty to disguise the soft heart beneath her exterior. Although she has been in relationships with both men and women before, it isn't until she meets the sweet, Midwestern Nick Carraway that she begins to truly and totally fall in love.
The relationships between the entire cast were complex, multifaceted and beautifully layered. In the original, I struggled to sympathize with any of the characters, so lost in their own world and arrogance, but here you see the true threads of tenderness extending from Nick to Jordan, from Nick to Gatsby, from Daisy to Jordan. For lack of a better term, it feels real. I loved Nick and Jordan's relationship, and I found it not only endearing but touching as well. This time around, the emotions allow you to actually empathize with all of them. Daisy, for one, is much more likable and understandable; even Gatsby is given glimpses of a past humanity.
I must also applaud the representation here. It was exciting to see Jordan as this deep, intellectual woman, who is caught between the expectations of her and her own desires and wants. No one else truly gets her -- she's othered constantly, the only person of color in a room. Her bisexuality is written with perfect casualness, not necessarily a big deal but nonetheless an important part of her. This book not only tackles the original topic of lost love, capitalism and the so-called American Dream, but also gives us important but subtle commentary on racism, homophobia, and misogyny, and how these things are intrinsically tied with those abovementioned themes.
Highly, highly recommended. If you're at all interested in this fantastic book, please pick it up as soon as you're able!
For more of my reviews, check out my blog!
The Song of Everlasting Sorrow: A Novel of Shanghai by Susan Chan Egan, Michael Berry, Wang Anyi, 王安忆
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warning: death, violence, murder, misogyny, abortion, cancer, suicide.
Born in the '30s, Wang Qiyao is the typical Shanghai girl, lured in by the glamour of the city and doing her best not to be eaten up by it. A remarkable beauty, but emotionally both sensitive and slightly cold, we follow her across the decades as she struggles through the end of the Japanese occupation, the rise of Communism and her own interpersonal dramas. Beset by tragedy, Qiyao finds herself becoming just like the tragic heroines she grew up reading about and watching onscreen...
This book came onto my radar very recently -- I discovered its existence in the same month I ended up reading it. While it wasn't originally on my September reading list, I had some room and decided that I'd take the plunge with this. If you've read my blog before, or even just explored my Goodreads, it's probably pretty obvious that I love historical fiction, particularly when it takes place in another country (or, even better, on another continent entirely). The author herself was a fascinating person, and as soon as you step into the world she's created on the page, it's clear how much she loves Shanghai and the people that live there.
Although Wang Qiyao is our heroine, Shanghai itself serves not only as the backdrop, but as the counterpart to Qiyao's narrative. The first few chapters describe in vivid detail the longtang that Qiyao grows up in, the pigeons who roost in the city, the lives of the people there as they go about their daily routines, and although it immediately transports you into Qiyao's life, it's borderline tedious. For a moment, I thought: is this going to work for me?
I'm glad I stuck with it, because in the end, I thoroughly enjoyed this expansive and almost epic novel. The characterization is not especially powerful, and it was sometimes difficult for me to sympathize with Qiyao (who often came across as distant and cold), but there's something magical about the world that Wang crafts in this story. It's a depiction of the Shanghai of old, in its days of splendor and opulence, and the new Shanghai, which is constantly recreating itself. By the halfway point I liked Qiyao, even if I struggled to understand her motivations, and the other characters populating her circle were equally engaging, mostly because they were so deeply flawed and therefore both relatable and sometimes despicable.
There's no real plot, but that's not something that bothers me at all; I'm a huge fan of character-driven novels, and I find it rewarding to follow a character over the course of their life. Qiyao experiences many hardships, setbacks and tragedies, lending it the slight taste of a melodrama, which doesn't cheapen the story but instead makes you feel as if you're watching an opera. Keep in mind that this book is very heavy, with only the tiniest glimpses of joy smattered amongst the otherwise bleak landscape that makes up Qiyao's life.
If you enjoy some of the abovementioned things (such as character-driven stories, very rich descriptions and attention to detail), I highly recommend this sad, sweeping tale that gives the sensation of being swept into the past.
For more of my reviews, check out my blog!
Born in the '30s, Wang Qiyao is the typical Shanghai girl, lured in by the glamour of the city and doing her best not to be eaten up by it. A remarkable beauty, but emotionally both sensitive and slightly cold, we follow her across the decades as she struggles through the end of the Japanese occupation, the rise of Communism and her own interpersonal dramas. Beset by tragedy, Qiyao finds herself becoming just like the tragic heroines she grew up reading about and watching onscreen...
This book came onto my radar very recently -- I discovered its existence in the same month I ended up reading it. While it wasn't originally on my September reading list, I had some room and decided that I'd take the plunge with this. If you've read my blog before, or even just explored my Goodreads, it's probably pretty obvious that I love historical fiction, particularly when it takes place in another country (or, even better, on another continent entirely). The author herself was a fascinating person, and as soon as you step into the world she's created on the page, it's clear how much she loves Shanghai and the people that live there.
Although Wang Qiyao is our heroine, Shanghai itself serves not only as the backdrop, but as the counterpart to Qiyao's narrative. The first few chapters describe in vivid detail the longtang that Qiyao grows up in, the pigeons who roost in the city, the lives of the people there as they go about their daily routines, and although it immediately transports you into Qiyao's life, it's borderline tedious. For a moment, I thought: is this going to work for me?
I'm glad I stuck with it, because in the end, I thoroughly enjoyed this expansive and almost epic novel. The characterization is not especially powerful, and it was sometimes difficult for me to sympathize with Qiyao (who often came across as distant and cold), but there's something magical about the world that Wang crafts in this story. It's a depiction of the Shanghai of old, in its days of splendor and opulence, and the new Shanghai, which is constantly recreating itself. By the halfway point I liked Qiyao, even if I struggled to understand her motivations, and the other characters populating her circle were equally engaging, mostly because they were so deeply flawed and therefore both relatable and sometimes despicable.
There's no real plot, but that's not something that bothers me at all; I'm a huge fan of character-driven novels, and I find it rewarding to follow a character over the course of their life. Qiyao experiences many hardships, setbacks and tragedies, lending it the slight taste of a melodrama, which doesn't cheapen the story but instead makes you feel as if you're watching an opera. Keep in mind that this book is very heavy, with only the tiniest glimpses of joy smattered amongst the otherwise bleak landscape that makes up Qiyao's life.
If you enjoy some of the abovementioned things (such as character-driven stories, very rich descriptions and attention to detail), I highly recommend this sad, sweeping tale that gives the sensation of being swept into the past.
For more of my reviews, check out my blog!
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
4.0
Content Warning: violence, murder, death (including that of a child), bullying, hazing, abortion, misogyny, self-harm, drugs, suicide, depression, parental neglect, parental abuse, drugs.
On a tiny, secluded Irish island, a wedding is being held. As the guests gather, old jealousies rise and once-healed wounds open once more, and in a place so cut off from the rest of the world, it seems as if the rules of society no longer apply. While a storm begins to rage outside, someone is murdered, sending everyone into a frenzy -- and uncovering decades-old secrets...
As a massive fan of mysteries and thrillers, Lucy Foley's books have been on my radar for quite some time. Although it has been quite popular, the reviews have been rather mixed; it seems as if no one merely likes or dislikes this book, but instead loves or hates it. I figured it might be something right up my alley, what with the beautiful, isolated island and the ensemble cast, and as it happens, I was right!
The main gist of this book is a timeless story: everyone gathered together, hiding their own dark secrets and resentments. Of course I must compare it with And Then There Were None, seeing as it follows a similar, classic formula, one that I personally can't get enough of. Combined with an atmosphere that is so vividly rendered it feels as if you, too, are surrounded by Irish mists, bogs and greenery, that's more than enough for me to enjoy this rather wild ride.
All of the characters are wonderfully awful, bordering on detestable, and I loved discovering their personal tragedies, not to mention delighting in their sheer talent at being absolutely despicable. Some of the characters -- namely Hannah and Olivia -- are actually likable and easy to sympathize with, but be warned that the rest of them are all rich, white and insufferable. Julia was another character that I couldn't help but adore, despite her many flaws, and it was a little too fun to dive into her headspace.
The mystery itself is rather basic, but speaking honestly, I didn't mind. If you're like me, and thrillers are your thing, then it gets rather easy to guess who and whydunnit -- there's only so many twists and turns in the world. Although many of the character motivations are simple, it ends up making them more relatable and authentic. There were a few things that surprised me, though, so don't get too sure of your predictions!
It's a four-star for me, simply because I found the ending a touch disappointing, but the entire journey is so fun (in a miserable, dark kind of way) that I have to recommend it. If you love a dark, stormy night and something reminiscent of Christie, check this lovely book out!
On a tiny, secluded Irish island, a wedding is being held. As the guests gather, old jealousies rise and once-healed wounds open once more, and in a place so cut off from the rest of the world, it seems as if the rules of society no longer apply. While a storm begins to rage outside, someone is murdered, sending everyone into a frenzy -- and uncovering decades-old secrets...
As a massive fan of mysteries and thrillers, Lucy Foley's books have been on my radar for quite some time. Although it has been quite popular, the reviews have been rather mixed; it seems as if no one merely likes or dislikes this book, but instead loves or hates it. I figured it might be something right up my alley, what with the beautiful, isolated island and the ensemble cast, and as it happens, I was right!
The main gist of this book is a timeless story: everyone gathered together, hiding their own dark secrets and resentments. Of course I must compare it with And Then There Were None, seeing as it follows a similar, classic formula, one that I personally can't get enough of. Combined with an atmosphere that is so vividly rendered it feels as if you, too, are surrounded by Irish mists, bogs and greenery, that's more than enough for me to enjoy this rather wild ride.
All of the characters are wonderfully awful, bordering on detestable, and I loved discovering their personal tragedies, not to mention delighting in their sheer talent at being absolutely despicable. Some of the characters -- namely Hannah and Olivia -- are actually likable and easy to sympathize with, but be warned that the rest of them are all rich, white and insufferable. Julia was another character that I couldn't help but adore, despite her many flaws, and it was a little too fun to dive into her headspace.
The mystery itself is rather basic, but speaking honestly, I didn't mind. If you're like me, and thrillers are your thing, then it gets rather easy to guess who and whydunnit -- there's only so many twists and turns in the world. Although many of the character motivations are simple, it ends up making them more relatable and authentic. There were a few things that surprised me, though, so don't get too sure of your predictions!
It's a four-star for me, simply because I found the ending a touch disappointing, but the entire journey is so fun (in a miserable, dark kind of way) that I have to recommend it. If you love a dark, stormy night and something reminiscent of Christie, check this lovely book out!
Survive the Night by Riley Sager
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warning: death, murder, violence, misogyny, cancer, gaslighting, disassociation.
It's 1991, and Charlie Jordan is trying to get back home to Ohio. She meets her driver, Josh Baxter, at the campus ride board; she's so desperate to leave that she decides it's worth the risk of driving with a complete stranger. It might have something to do with the guilt Charlie's suffering through, too: her best friend and roommate, Maddy, is the most recent victim of the so-called Campus Killer, and Charlie blames herself for Maddy's murder. Trapped in a car with a man she doesn't know, she begins to find holes in Josh's too-convenient story, and starts to wonder if he might, in fact, be the serial killer who has been hunting down helpless women. But is the Josh that Charlie is experiencing the real one, or simply a product of her paranoia and grief?
I'm a big Riley Sager fan (I've read every novel he's put out), and I was very excited by the premise and setting of Survive the Night. I love anything set in the '90s, and I thought that would be a wonderful way to create some tension, with no cell phones and being caught in a car with no way to escape. Aside from that gimmick, though, this unfortunately ended up falling a bit short for me.
It's a bit hard to explain: I read this book in basically a day, and in spite of its rather wacky and over-the-top plot, I couldn't bring myself to put it down. That's why I ended up giving it three stars; it seems a bit unfair to rate something any lower than that when you couldn't help but devour it within a few sittings. The writing is classic Sager, concise and easy to read, which probably helps to balance out the absolutely insane ride (literally and figuratively) that unfolds here.
The characters felt too flat for me to truly care about them, but I did like Charlie, particularly in the first half. My main problem with this book, though, is something that I have noticed in Sager's other novels, but not quite so blatantly -- the fact that his protagonists, inevitably all women, come across as being careless, and sometimes downright stupid. The choices that Charlie make throughout the course of her journey are beyond unbelievable. She is a woman, inherently aware of the dangers and violence that this brings to her through no fault of her own.
It isn't simply that she decides to get in a car with a weird man she doesn't know (which already forces you to suspend your disbelief), but the way he portrays Charlie and her decisions feel very, very close to being misogynistic. Women are not this dumb. Maybe a man might be, unused to the fear being a woman entails, but I couldn't buy a woman making these choices. I suppose the excuse is because it's her way of punishing herself, which does happen, but in this case, it simply felt insulting.
I think I could've enjoyed the rest of the plot, even with the extremely predictable ending, but the characterization was lacking. My feelings on this book are so complicated, though, because on the other hand, I think it was fun in a really out-there kind of way. If you're looking for a slightly cheesy thriller that's easy to read, I'd recommend it, but if you've read the rest of Sager's books, this one is certainly not the best out there.
It's 1991, and Charlie Jordan is trying to get back home to Ohio. She meets her driver, Josh Baxter, at the campus ride board; she's so desperate to leave that she decides it's worth the risk of driving with a complete stranger. It might have something to do with the guilt Charlie's suffering through, too: her best friend and roommate, Maddy, is the most recent victim of the so-called Campus Killer, and Charlie blames herself for Maddy's murder. Trapped in a car with a man she doesn't know, she begins to find holes in Josh's too-convenient story, and starts to wonder if he might, in fact, be the serial killer who has been hunting down helpless women. But is the Josh that Charlie is experiencing the real one, or simply a product of her paranoia and grief?
I'm a big Riley Sager fan (I've read every novel he's put out), and I was very excited by the premise and setting of Survive the Night. I love anything set in the '90s, and I thought that would be a wonderful way to create some tension, with no cell phones and being caught in a car with no way to escape. Aside from that gimmick, though, this unfortunately ended up falling a bit short for me.
It's a bit hard to explain: I read this book in basically a day, and in spite of its rather wacky and over-the-top plot, I couldn't bring myself to put it down. That's why I ended up giving it three stars; it seems a bit unfair to rate something any lower than that when you couldn't help but devour it within a few sittings. The writing is classic Sager, concise and easy to read, which probably helps to balance out the absolutely insane ride (literally and figuratively) that unfolds here.
The characters felt too flat for me to truly care about them, but I did like Charlie, particularly in the first half. My main problem with this book, though, is something that I have noticed in Sager's other novels, but not quite so blatantly -- the fact that his protagonists, inevitably all women, come across as being careless, and sometimes downright stupid. The choices that Charlie make throughout the course of her journey are beyond unbelievable. She is a woman, inherently aware of the dangers and violence that this brings to her through no fault of her own.
It isn't simply that she decides to get in a car with a weird man she doesn't know (which already forces you to suspend your disbelief), but the way he portrays Charlie and her decisions feel very, very close to being misogynistic. Women are not this dumb. Maybe a man might be, unused to the fear being a woman entails, but I couldn't buy a woman making these choices. I suppose the excuse is because it's her way of punishing herself, which does happen, but in this case, it simply felt insulting.
I think I could've enjoyed the rest of the plot, even with the extremely predictable ending, but the characterization was lacking. My feelings on this book are so complicated, though, because on the other hand, I think it was fun in a really out-there kind of way. If you're looking for a slightly cheesy thriller that's easy to read, I'd recommend it, but if you've read the rest of Sager's books, this one is certainly not the best out there.
Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
3.5
Thistle Grove is full of magic. Emmy Harlow is a born and raised Thistle Grove witch, but she hasn't lived there for years, mostly because of a catastrophic breakup with Gareth Blackmoore, a member of the most powerful family in town. But when the time for a traditional magical Gauntlet arrives, Emmy can put it off no longer: as the only heir of the Harlow family, she must return to fulfill her duty. Once Emmy's back in town, she unexpectedly meets up with the beautiful, dark Talia Avramov, who wants to strike a deal -- help her to win against Gareth, who has damaged Talia's pride. What Emmy doesn't expect is to begin falling for the charming, wicked Talia...
Having an avowed interest in witches and stories featuring main couples in which both happen to be women, I knew that I had to read Payback's a Witch. There's something really delightful about this book, with its quirky set of characters and atmospheric town in which it always feels as if it's Halloween. I was pleasantly surprised by my enjoyment of this story (as I'm usually not the biggest fan of romcoms), and I think that Harper has created both a very interesting world and a very comforting one!
Her writing is absolutely beautiful; having never read any of her other works, I wasn't certain what to expect. It's a first person point-of-view, which I sometimes find to be lacking in lyricism and beautiful prose, but I was thrilled to find that the descriptions were not only vivid, but also simply gorgeous. She has a way with words that you don't necessarily find often, even amongst the most highly-regarded authors, that leaves you wanting to read more in the hopes that some of her talent might rub off on you, too!
There are a few reasons, however, why this wasn't quite a five-star read for me, mostly having to do with character depth and too-convenient loopholes. I never quite connected fully with Emmy, who struck me as being rather selfish and childish, and although there's great development towards the end, it wasn't always easy to like her. To be perfectly honest, she was almost bland, especially in contrast with the rather mischievous and charming Talia. I could read an entire book just about Talia and her family; they are so interesting, and so wonderfully eccentric, that Emmy paled in comparison. There isn't much I can say about this without spoiling the ending, but I will say that it was disappointing that Emmy couldn't realize her own self-worth and merit without there being some outside factors which conveniently made all her insecurities suddenly unfounded.
Also: the whole thing with Gareth felt slightly pathetic. I kept expecting a big reveal to show what exactly Gareth had done to earn Emmy's ire and vengeance, but he struck me as nothing more than a slightly clueless dudebro who I couldn't even bring myself to really rail against.
That being said, there's so many great things here that it feels unfair to focus only on the more negative aspects. Linden was especially intriguing to me, with her sweetness that felt gentle without being totally passive, and I'm so hoping that she'll get her own book, too! I also loved Emmy's cousin, Delilah, and the interactions between our main group of characters was tender, funny and sweet. The Gauntlet section of the plot was interesting, and I sometimes wished there was more focus and emphasis put on it, as it occasionally fell in the background. The solution and conclusion to the Gauntlet was one of my main issues with this book. Putting it succinctly: it was just too perfect and too convenient.
However, I greatly enjoyed the feeling of lightheartedness that this book perfectly cultivates, even amongst its darker moments. Cute, fun, and worth the ride if you love witches, wlw relationships, and witty dialogue!
Having an avowed interest in witches and stories featuring main couples in which both happen to be women, I knew that I had to read Payback's a Witch. There's something really delightful about this book, with its quirky set of characters and atmospheric town in which it always feels as if it's Halloween. I was pleasantly surprised by my enjoyment of this story (as I'm usually not the biggest fan of romcoms), and I think that Harper has created both a very interesting world and a very comforting one!
Her writing is absolutely beautiful; having never read any of her other works, I wasn't certain what to expect. It's a first person point-of-view, which I sometimes find to be lacking in lyricism and beautiful prose, but I was thrilled to find that the descriptions were not only vivid, but also simply gorgeous. She has a way with words that you don't necessarily find often, even amongst the most highly-regarded authors, that leaves you wanting to read more in the hopes that some of her talent might rub off on you, too!
There are a few reasons, however, why this wasn't quite a five-star read for me, mostly having to do with character depth and too-convenient loopholes. I never quite connected fully with Emmy, who struck me as being rather selfish and childish, and although there's great development towards the end, it wasn't always easy to like her. To be perfectly honest, she was almost bland, especially in contrast with the rather mischievous and charming Talia. I could read an entire book just about Talia and her family; they are so interesting, and so wonderfully eccentric, that Emmy paled in comparison. There isn't much I can say about this without spoiling the ending, but I will say that it was disappointing that Emmy couldn't realize her own self-worth and merit without there being some outside factors which conveniently made all her insecurities suddenly unfounded.
Also: the whole thing with Gareth felt slightly pathetic. I kept expecting a big reveal to show what exactly Gareth had done to earn Emmy's ire and vengeance, but he struck me as nothing more than a slightly clueless dudebro who I couldn't even bring myself to really rail against.
That being said, there's so many great things here that it feels unfair to focus only on the more negative aspects. Linden was especially intriguing to me, with her sweetness that felt gentle without being totally passive, and I'm so hoping that she'll get her own book, too! I also loved Emmy's cousin, Delilah, and the interactions between our main group of characters was tender, funny and sweet. The Gauntlet section of the plot was interesting, and I sometimes wished there was more focus and emphasis put on it, as it occasionally fell in the background. The solution and conclusion to the Gauntlet was one of my main issues with this book. Putting it succinctly: it was just too perfect and too convenient.
However, I greatly enjoyed the feeling of lightheartedness that this book perfectly cultivates, even amongst its darker moments. Cute, fun, and worth the ride if you love witches, wlw relationships, and witty dialogue!
Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warning: death (including that of a child), violence, self-harm, parental neglect, parental abuse, disordered eating, PTSD, anxiety/depression, suicide mention.
In Loraille, the spirits of the dead rise again. Artemisia has lived in a convent since her childhood, gifted with the Sight, and destined therefore to a life in the clergy. She wants to be a Gray Sister, a nun who works with the bodies of the deceased in order to prevent their spirits from becoming corrupted, a lifestyle that suits her just fine. But when disaster strikes first Artemisia's little convent on the edge of the world -- and then, later, the entirety of Loraille -- she is forced to awaken a dark spirit that has been trapped in a saint's relic for centuries. The revenant possesses an extraordinary power, but Artemisia is untrained to wield such a creature -- and now, when it seems that the end of their world may be nigh, it's up to Artemisia and her unlikely friends (including the revenant itself) to stop evil from destroying everything.
I knew from the very first page of this book that I would love it. Narrated by a dark, wry young woman named Artemisia, who has escaped a painful childhood to live in a convent, the world that Rogerson has created blooms with fascinating lore and a depth that makes you truly believe in Loraille and its spirits. There's also a wonderfully rich history of saints, relics and a powerful religion similar in many ways to Catholicism, leaving it feeling as if there's truly life even beyond the times we're witnessing Artemisia struggle through. Much of this is obviously achieved through Rogerson's writing, which is easy to read but also flourishing with lovely descriptions and similes, but it would be nothing without Rogerson's enviable creativity!
It's Artemisia, though, that really makes this book shine -- as well as the revenant, who is full of quips and witticisms that were annoyingly clever and amusing. Although Artemisia could fall easily into the trap of being 'not like the other girls', especially when you consider that she's only seventeen and this book is in the YA category, she never does: she's weird, different, and sometimes has a dislike for those that are more bubbly than she is, but it's never presented as something that makes her superior to anyone else. Her touching friendship with a few characters that become unexpected allies was heartwarming, and also shows us a softer, more tender side of Artemisia (who is usually so delightfully abrasive).
The relationship she develops with the revenant is gorgeously crafted. It teems with tension and strife, but on the other hand, there is this understanding between them -- and Artemisia struggles with the feeling that they might not be so different after all, regardless of the fact that the revenant is a timeless, dark being. There's another relationship I would love to delve into, but can't without spoiling so many exciting things, so I'll just say this: the entire cast of characters captured my heart, but this dynamic was hands-down my favorite. So, so good, and the kind of thing I could read forever and never grow sick of.
Look, this novel is simply something you should experience on your own. It's magnificently done, with just enough subtlety and just enough grimness to leave you wanting more. I'm thrilled that this will have a second book, and I can't wait to see where Artemisia's journey takes her next.
Highly recommended!
In Loraille, the spirits of the dead rise again. Artemisia has lived in a convent since her childhood, gifted with the Sight, and destined therefore to a life in the clergy. She wants to be a Gray Sister, a nun who works with the bodies of the deceased in order to prevent their spirits from becoming corrupted, a lifestyle that suits her just fine. But when disaster strikes first Artemisia's little convent on the edge of the world -- and then, later, the entirety of Loraille -- she is forced to awaken a dark spirit that has been trapped in a saint's relic for centuries. The revenant possesses an extraordinary power, but Artemisia is untrained to wield such a creature -- and now, when it seems that the end of their world may be nigh, it's up to Artemisia and her unlikely friends (including the revenant itself) to stop evil from destroying everything.
I knew from the very first page of this book that I would love it. Narrated by a dark, wry young woman named Artemisia, who has escaped a painful childhood to live in a convent, the world that Rogerson has created blooms with fascinating lore and a depth that makes you truly believe in Loraille and its spirits. There's also a wonderfully rich history of saints, relics and a powerful religion similar in many ways to Catholicism, leaving it feeling as if there's truly life even beyond the times we're witnessing Artemisia struggle through. Much of this is obviously achieved through Rogerson's writing, which is easy to read but also flourishing with lovely descriptions and similes, but it would be nothing without Rogerson's enviable creativity!
It's Artemisia, though, that really makes this book shine -- as well as the revenant, who is full of quips and witticisms that were annoyingly clever and amusing. Although Artemisia could fall easily into the trap of being 'not like the other girls', especially when you consider that she's only seventeen and this book is in the YA category, she never does: she's weird, different, and sometimes has a dislike for those that are more bubbly than she is, but it's never presented as something that makes her superior to anyone else. Her touching friendship with a few characters that become unexpected allies was heartwarming, and also shows us a softer, more tender side of Artemisia (who is usually so delightfully abrasive).
The relationship she develops with the revenant is gorgeously crafted. It teems with tension and strife, but on the other hand, there is this understanding between them -- and Artemisia struggles with the feeling that they might not be so different after all, regardless of the fact that the revenant is a timeless, dark being. There's another relationship I would love to delve into, but can't without spoiling so many exciting things, so I'll just say this: the entire cast of characters captured my heart, but this dynamic was hands-down my favorite. So, so good, and the kind of thing I could read forever and never grow sick of.
Look, this novel is simply something you should experience on your own. It's magnificently done, with just enough subtlety and just enough grimness to leave you wanting more. I'm thrilled that this will have a second book, and I can't wait to see where Artemisia's journey takes her next.
Highly recommended!
Wings of Silk by Li-Ying Lundquist
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.5
Thank you to NetGalley and Acorn for allowing me to read this ARC!
Content Warning: death, miscarriage, spousal abuse, rape, sexual assault, misogyny, racism, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, depression, harassment.
Growing up in Mao's Communist China, Ying-Ying jumps at the chance to go to college in America. Arriving in New York City, she finds that not all is as it seems concerning the great American Dream, and that her relatives living in the States -- meant to care for her and help her onto the path of success -- are not as kind or considerate as she'd hoped. In spite of facing obstacle after obstacle, including homelessness, not being able to speak English, as well as the pain of being so far from her family and overcoming cultural differences, Ying-Ying is determined to make the best of her life, and show everyone that she can be the independent, powerful woman she's always wanted to be.
Initially, I requested this book thinking it was a memoir. As it turns out, it's not, but it is heavily inspired by the author's life, and there's no doubt when reading it that many of these experiences are hers. I saw a lot of rather negative reviews concerning this book, and to be honest, my expectations were quite low. In the end, perhaps because I was already expecting to be a bit disappointed, I actually rather enjoyed this novel and I found myself admiring Ying-Ying, as well as the author who crafted this story about a life of both hardship and love.
I wasn't sure if I would be as interested in this book since the majority of it actually takes place in America, but reading a firsthand account of an immigrant's attempts to make the most of her newfound freedom away from Mao's regime, and her innocent wonder for the new things she discovers in New York (like deli cheeses and bagels), was both captivating and touching.
For me, the writing was a bit dry; I was surprised when I learned that this wasn't a memoir, because the style it's written in makes you feel as if these are all true life accounts. It didn't quite have a poetic or lyrical flow (which I rarely expect to find in memoirs, but as this is a fictional story, I would have preferred a bit more of those qualities), but it was concise and straightforward, and therefore very easy to read.
Although there were some other issues, such as the pacing, I never stopped rooting for Ying-Ying, and while this book was not quite a four or five star read for me, I really admire the voice that Lundquist has given to women, immigrants, outsiders, and all combinations of those things! Many people disliked the Christian aspect present in this novel; though there is a spiritual thread throughout, I never felt like it was being pushed on me.
God doesn't even really factor into Ying-Ying's story until perhaps the last 10 to 20%, and she never strikes you as being hypocritical or judgmental of those who don't share her faith. In fact, she makes a point of baring Ying-Ying's mistakes, errors and sins, and relishes in her imperfections, which left me with a positive, hopeful feeling amongst all of the struggles throughout her life.
This wasn't a book I could really say I loved, but I liked it a lot and I think if you are interested in stories about immigrants and capable women who forge their own paths, it's worth giving this one a shot! All in all, a sweet, moving, and rather tender exploration of life and what it means to understand yourself not as others see you, but as you see yourself.
Content Warning: death, miscarriage, spousal abuse, rape, sexual assault, misogyny, racism, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, depression, harassment.
Growing up in Mao's Communist China, Ying-Ying jumps at the chance to go to college in America. Arriving in New York City, she finds that not all is as it seems concerning the great American Dream, and that her relatives living in the States -- meant to care for her and help her onto the path of success -- are not as kind or considerate as she'd hoped. In spite of facing obstacle after obstacle, including homelessness, not being able to speak English, as well as the pain of being so far from her family and overcoming cultural differences, Ying-Ying is determined to make the best of her life, and show everyone that she can be the independent, powerful woman she's always wanted to be.
Initially, I requested this book thinking it was a memoir. As it turns out, it's not, but it is heavily inspired by the author's life, and there's no doubt when reading it that many of these experiences are hers. I saw a lot of rather negative reviews concerning this book, and to be honest, my expectations were quite low. In the end, perhaps because I was already expecting to be a bit disappointed, I actually rather enjoyed this novel and I found myself admiring Ying-Ying, as well as the author who crafted this story about a life of both hardship and love.
I wasn't sure if I would be as interested in this book since the majority of it actually takes place in America, but reading a firsthand account of an immigrant's attempts to make the most of her newfound freedom away from Mao's regime, and her innocent wonder for the new things she discovers in New York (like deli cheeses and bagels), was both captivating and touching.
For me, the writing was a bit dry; I was surprised when I learned that this wasn't a memoir, because the style it's written in makes you feel as if these are all true life accounts. It didn't quite have a poetic or lyrical flow (which I rarely expect to find in memoirs, but as this is a fictional story, I would have preferred a bit more of those qualities), but it was concise and straightforward, and therefore very easy to read.
Although there were some other issues, such as the pacing, I never stopped rooting for Ying-Ying, and while this book was not quite a four or five star read for me, I really admire the voice that Lundquist has given to women, immigrants, outsiders, and all combinations of those things! Many people disliked the Christian aspect present in this novel; though there is a spiritual thread throughout, I never felt like it was being pushed on me.
God doesn't even really factor into Ying-Ying's story until perhaps the last 10 to 20%, and she never strikes you as being hypocritical or judgmental of those who don't share her faith. In fact, she makes a point of baring Ying-Ying's mistakes, errors and sins, and relishes in her imperfections, which left me with a positive, hopeful feeling amongst all of the struggles throughout her life.
This wasn't a book I could really say I loved, but I liked it a lot and I think if you are interested in stories about immigrants and capable women who forge their own paths, it's worth giving this one a shot! All in all, a sweet, moving, and rather tender exploration of life and what it means to understand yourself not as others see you, but as you see yourself.
Red Sorghum by Mo Yan
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
The Hatak Witches by Devon A. Mihesuah
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warning: death, violence, murder, racism, misogyny, rape, sexual assault, suicide, gore.
When Detective Monique Blue Hawk arrives on the scene at the Children's Museum of Science and History in Norman, Oklahoma, she quickly realizes that this is unlike any crime she's investigated before. One security guard has been brutally murdered, the other wounded but fortunately alive, and at the center of it all are the unrepatriated indigenous remains that the museum holds in its so-called "Room of Secrets." Parts of an old skeleton have been taken, but its strange deformities lead Monique to contacting her uncle, a powerful spiritual leader who informs her that she might be dealing with something beyond the ordinary...
November is Native Heritage Month, and it seemed the perfect time to pick up a book by an Indigenous author. I was planning to read more this month, but due to life circumstances, it sadly didn't work out that way for me. However, I think it's important to remember that we should be reading novels written by Indigenous authors all the time, not just during November! Many of the books I read are an exploration of cultures not my own, and so I'm going to make a conscious effort going forward to make sure and include more Native-authored books in my repertoire, as I actually haven't read many before!
At the foundation of this story is Choctaw tribal beliefs, interwoven into the fabric of a mystery-slash-horror story. It was fascinating to learn about so much Choctaw history, as well as their creation myths and their afterlife, and I think that anyone who reads this book will come away with a new understanding of the depth and complexity of their culture. It also enlightened me to issues that I had only tangentially been aware of before: museum displays of Native skeletal remains and sacred burial pieces, the pressing need to repatriate these back to their true homes with their tribes, as well as the bloody, painful history of the Removal Trails and how white people then and now continue to desecrate Native graves.
Monique was someone I immediately liked: tough and authoritative, but also kind and vulnerable when she needs to be. The rest of the cast was pleasant enough as well, though I found a lot of them falling into stereotypes and clichés. Although she is not the only character we follow throughout the story, she was by far the most interesting. Mihesuah's writing didn't quite click with me, which is one of the reasons that I ended up giving this three and a half stars rather than a full four. There were some lovely descriptions, but then slightly amateurish ways of introducing characters and scenes, and as a whole the writing felt somewhat flat and dry for me.
In all honesty, I think tighter editing would have helped this book to really shine. The horror aspects of the book were well-done, leaving one feeling deeply unsettled (in the best way), and the sections that take place in the hollow are disturbingly atmospheric. I must say that the primary reason I actually ended up lowering my rating for this book was due to the ending. It's funny -- even Monique says "that felt too easy." It was a lot of build-up for a scene that lasted only a chapter or so, and after all the horrible things we learn about those responsible for what's been going on, it was disappointing.
In the end, though, I think that this is a novel worth your time and attention. The historical aspects are particularly engaging, and learning about Choctaw culture was definitely enough to keep me interested until the very end. If you like horror mixed in with mystery and cultural exploration, you should give this one a shot!
For more of my reviews, check out my blog!
When Detective Monique Blue Hawk arrives on the scene at the Children's Museum of Science and History in Norman, Oklahoma, she quickly realizes that this is unlike any crime she's investigated before. One security guard has been brutally murdered, the other wounded but fortunately alive, and at the center of it all are the unrepatriated indigenous remains that the museum holds in its so-called "Room of Secrets." Parts of an old skeleton have been taken, but its strange deformities lead Monique to contacting her uncle, a powerful spiritual leader who informs her that she might be dealing with something beyond the ordinary...
November is Native Heritage Month, and it seemed the perfect time to pick up a book by an Indigenous author. I was planning to read more this month, but due to life circumstances, it sadly didn't work out that way for me. However, I think it's important to remember that we should be reading novels written by Indigenous authors all the time, not just during November! Many of the books I read are an exploration of cultures not my own, and so I'm going to make a conscious effort going forward to make sure and include more Native-authored books in my repertoire, as I actually haven't read many before!
At the foundation of this story is Choctaw tribal beliefs, interwoven into the fabric of a mystery-slash-horror story. It was fascinating to learn about so much Choctaw history, as well as their creation myths and their afterlife, and I think that anyone who reads this book will come away with a new understanding of the depth and complexity of their culture. It also enlightened me to issues that I had only tangentially been aware of before: museum displays of Native skeletal remains and sacred burial pieces, the pressing need to repatriate these back to their true homes with their tribes, as well as the bloody, painful history of the Removal Trails and how white people then and now continue to desecrate Native graves.
Monique was someone I immediately liked: tough and authoritative, but also kind and vulnerable when she needs to be. The rest of the cast was pleasant enough as well, though I found a lot of them falling into stereotypes and clichés. Although she is not the only character we follow throughout the story, she was by far the most interesting. Mihesuah's writing didn't quite click with me, which is one of the reasons that I ended up giving this three and a half stars rather than a full four. There were some lovely descriptions, but then slightly amateurish ways of introducing characters and scenes, and as a whole the writing felt somewhat flat and dry for me.
In all honesty, I think tighter editing would have helped this book to really shine. The horror aspects of the book were well-done, leaving one feeling deeply unsettled (in the best way), and the sections that take place in the hollow are disturbingly atmospheric. I must say that the primary reason I actually ended up lowering my rating for this book was due to the ending. It's funny -- even Monique says "that felt too easy." It was a lot of build-up for a scene that lasted only a chapter or so, and after all the horrible things we learn about those responsible for what's been going on, it was disappointing.
In the end, though, I think that this is a novel worth your time and attention. The historical aspects are particularly engaging, and learning about Choctaw culture was definitely enough to keep me interested until the very end. If you like horror mixed in with mystery and cultural exploration, you should give this one a shot!
For more of my reviews, check out my blog!