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lucysbookshelf's reviews
98 reviews
The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black
4.0
It is with great pain that I get to say that I finished this series.
First of all, I have to acknowledge that the ambience this series has is unmatched. The fantasy world of the Fae, Elfhame, the castles, the different Courts and the aesthetic of it all with their makeup, their accessories and their pretty dresses were so satisfying to picture in my mind. I also need you all to know that Jude carried this whole series on her shoulders. She is such a smart, strong and imperfect FMC that it was enjoyable seeing her make mistakes, learn and grow from them, read about her feelings and her thoughts, even when they weren't the ones that would be fitting for a hero.
Second of all, I couldn't understand all the hype I saw in social media for Cardan. In the first two books, he is cruel with charming moments and the "bad boy" stereotype but we don't get to really see him shine nor in witty nor in strength. I don't agree with how the author seemed to justify his cruel actions as him being a victim of a terrible childhood (this must have been before authors learned how much we love villains and how we don't need them to justify any action at all). Now, in this book, I swore my loyalty to Cardan and became another obsessed fangirl of his. He is so mature, witty and shows a strength different from the one Jude has but one that he needs more, he shows how much he loves Jude and his loyal friends from the Court of Shadows and even almost gives his life to become something different than the awful and wicked king all thought he would become.
Last but not least, this is "the" book of this series, the best one without a doubt and the one that makes me wish Holly Black would consider picking this series up again and maybe give us a glimpse into the future of Elfhame and our beloved characters.
First of all, I have to acknowledge that the ambience this series has is unmatched. The fantasy world of the Fae, Elfhame, the castles, the different Courts and the aesthetic of it all with their makeup, their accessories and their pretty dresses were so satisfying to picture in my mind. I also need you all to know that Jude carried this whole series on her shoulders. She is such a smart, strong and imperfect FMC that it was enjoyable seeing her make mistakes, learn and grow from them, read about her feelings and her thoughts, even when they weren't the ones that would be fitting for a hero.
Second of all, I couldn't understand all the hype I saw in social media for Cardan. In the first two books, he is cruel with charming moments and the "bad boy" stereotype but we don't get to really see him shine nor in witty nor in strength. I don't agree with how the author seemed to justify his cruel actions as him being a victim of a terrible childhood (this must have been before authors learned how much we love villains and how we don't need them to justify any action at all). Now, in this book, I swore my loyalty to Cardan and became another obsessed fangirl of his. He is so mature, witty and shows a strength different from the one Jude has but one that he needs more, he shows how much he loves Jude and his loyal friends from the Court of Shadows and even almost gives his life to become something different than the awful and wicked king all thought he would become.
Last but not least, this is "the" book of this series, the best one without a doubt and the one that makes me wish Holly Black would consider picking this series up again and maybe give us a glimpse into the future of Elfhame and our beloved characters.
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
5.0
I don't think I'll ever find the right words to describe the experience reading this book is but I'll try.
I want to start by saying that this is a love letter to Syria and to humanity in so many ways that I can't convey it in only phrases. The author describes the brutal reality our characters live in while also showing so much love and respect for their history, their nation and humanity.
The writing was beautiful from the very beginning. This author doesn't get lost in forced dialogue or exaggerated descriptions, she goes to the point and sets a serious tone for everything that happens in the book.
This leads me to talk about the characters and I can't be objective, Salama is someone you feel like a friend and like someone you want to protect from all harm from the very beginning and until the last page of this story. Then appears Kenan and you start feeling the same way Salama does, like there can be some hope and happiness even in the worst realities imaginable, like there is still some hope for humanity as long as we have this heroes that risk their lives for others and dream of a better life for themselves and for all generations to come.
Some scenes in this book are impressionable and I thought I was going to DNF because of them but it had the contrary effect, I wanted to read it all and inform myself better about what Syria lived through in those years that I was so young to even comprehend it (I think I was 10 years old when the Civil War started).
I could talk about how much I loved this book, some scenes, it's characters and quotes for months but I'd rather just say that this book deserves every praise imaginable and that everyone should read it.
I want to start by saying that this is a love letter to Syria and to humanity in so many ways that I can't convey it in only phrases. The author describes the brutal reality our characters live in while also showing so much love and respect for their history, their nation and humanity.
The writing was beautiful from the very beginning. This author doesn't get lost in forced dialogue or exaggerated descriptions, she goes to the point and sets a serious tone for everything that happens in the book.
This leads me to talk about the characters and I can't be objective, Salama is someone you feel like a friend and like someone you want to protect from all harm from the very beginning and until the last page of this story. Then appears Kenan and you start feeling the same way Salama does, like there can be some hope and happiness even in the worst realities imaginable, like there is still some hope for humanity as long as we have this heroes that risk their lives for others and dream of a better life for themselves and for all generations to come.
Some scenes in this book are impressionable and I thought I was going to DNF because of them but it had the contrary effect, I wanted to read it all and inform myself better about what Syria lived through in those years that I was so young to even comprehend it (I think I was 10 years old when the Civil War started).
I could talk about how much I loved this book, some scenes, it's characters and quotes for months but I'd rather just say that this book deserves every praise imaginable and that everyone should read it.
The Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas by Machado de Assis
5.0
This was a recommendation from one of my friends who is from Brazil and since he read this book, he wouldn't stop praising Machado de Assis' genius and his witty writing.
Starting this book I had some big expectations about the writing being witty, fun and flowing freely and those were met perfectly.
The idea of a man writing his memoirs being already dead is so original and it's a mix of fun and melancholy. Given that our author is dead, he doesn't shy away from criticizing, showing his love and his resentment, his joys and his regrets (mostly the latter) and of making fun of people he once met.
The funniest thing was the descriptions he made, such as "lame Venus" and "concentrated hospital", both being allusions to characters.
The story had moments where Brás' thoughts intercepted and showed us his philosophy, his shame at something to come or his true feelings about it. It also flowed well with short chapters and the author's unique perception of people, their intentions and their weaknesses. And something that I always enjoy in books is when the author talks to the reader directly to judge or try to influence.
What impacted me the most, was how the character kept regretting not having kids, asking himself who would he leave his legacy of human misery, but the answer is pretty simple and it's that he is leaving that legacy to us, his readers.
I'll say that if you enjoy some dark humor, negativity in characters and are not looking for the perfect hero, then you'll love this book as much as I have.
Starting this book I had some big expectations about the writing being witty, fun and flowing freely and those were met perfectly.
The idea of a man writing his memoirs being already dead is so original and it's a mix of fun and melancholy. Given that our author is dead, he doesn't shy away from criticizing, showing his love and his resentment, his joys and his regrets (mostly the latter) and of making fun of people he once met.
The funniest thing was the descriptions he made, such as "lame Venus" and "concentrated hospital", both being allusions to characters.
The story had moments where Brás' thoughts intercepted and showed us his philosophy, his shame at something to come or his true feelings about it. It also flowed well with short chapters and the author's unique perception of people, their intentions and their weaknesses. And something that I always enjoy in books is when the author talks to the reader directly to judge or try to influence.
What impacted me the most, was how the character kept regretting not having kids, asking himself who would he leave his legacy of human misery, but the answer is pretty simple and it's that he is leaving that legacy to us, his readers.
I'll say that if you enjoy some dark humor, negativity in characters and are not looking for the perfect hero, then you'll love this book as much as I have.
Kingpin's Foxglove by Bree Porter
3.0
I had high hopes for this mafia romance. Mainly because the MMC seemed different from the rest of them, he was more of a gentleman and also very soft, a change I liked, but also because the FMC was someone who had a personality. Elena is strong, smart and has enough passion and knowledge of science to help her through the cruel world she's a part of. I was rooting for her to get whatever she wanted because of how great a FMC she is. I liked the found family type of dynamic some characters had, especially Elena and Ronan bickering while also becoming friends.
Unfortunately, none of the above could redeem how dragged on this book felt and how rushed and nonsensical the end and the epilogue did.
I might be judging it too harshly due to the high expectations I mentioned above, the ending and the bad plot twist felt forced and did not make any sense.
Unfortunately, none of the above could redeem how dragged on this book felt and how rushed and nonsensical the end and the epilogue did.
I might be judging it too harshly due to the high expectations I mentioned above, the ending and the bad plot twist felt forced and did not make any sense.
La cerilla sueca by Anton Chekhov, Anton Chekhov
5.0
This was a hilarious and clever parody to the detective stories we all know and love. From calling it a murder without even finding the body to invent clues out of every single thing these characters could find, it was an entertaining read that showed the comedic potential Chekhov had and his freedom at writing. I find it an ideal read for people that enjoyed parodies like "Northanger Abbey".
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
4.0
My expectations for this book were super high due to always having a good time reading Ali's books (even her fanfics in AO3) and they were met. I had a great time reading this. I was laughing, gasping, kicking my feet and feeling giddy so many times. I also felt an especial connection with our FMC, Misery, who is such a good person, she's witty, fun and tries to hide how much hurt she lived through. The same occurred to me with Lowe, all the weight he had on his shoulders, the responsibility, the guilt and the pressure he put himself through in every situation.
The vampire and werewolf jokes were great and had me laughing many times. The vibes this book has are unmatched by some other books about vampires and werewolves.
This was a 5 star read for me. I changed my mind when it came to the *spoiler* third act breakup and I thought some words were too harsh and I don't like low blows ever so this was not an exception to that rule but it didn't fully take away how much I enjoyed this book from start to finish and how these characters became so relatable and lovable to me.
Can't wait to see if we get Koen and Serena's book!
The vampire and werewolf jokes were great and had me laughing many times. The vibes this book has are unmatched by some other books about vampires and werewolves.
This was a 5 star read for me. I changed my mind when it came to the *spoiler* third act breakup and I thought some words were too harsh and I don't like low blows ever so this was not an exception to that rule but it didn't fully take away how much I enjoyed this book from start to finish and how these characters became so relatable and lovable to me.
Can't wait to see if we get Koen and Serena's book!
El castillo by Franz Kafka
5.0
This unfinished novel can be best described as the struggles the modern man faced several times (especially in the “in between wars” period) of wanting to belong and be a part of something, somewhere and never actually doing it. The bureaucracy being unrealistic and not in contact with what the people need at all due to losing itself in grandeur and titles instead of work to make people’s lives better. This also influences an individualist society where there’s no compassion nor empathy because no one wants to fall out of favor with those in power, even when they have never even seen their faces. There’s also two sensations that might be considered to be the constants throughout the book and it’s the feeling of being lost and the frustration that comes with it and with what I previously mentioned.
The meaning of the castle that our protagonist, K, wants to reach so badly is brilliantly explained in the epilogue by Max Brod, who also gives an insight into Kafka’s thoughts when he wrote this story and enriches the story to no avail.
I do recommend knowing a bit of Kafka’s biography before reading this book, it makes the experience much better and helps you understand more about this amazing and complex writer.
The meaning of the castle that our protagonist, K, wants to reach so badly is brilliantly explained in the epilogue by Max Brod, who also gives an insight into Kafka’s thoughts when he wrote this story and enriches the story to no avail.
I do recommend knowing a bit of Kafka’s biography before reading this book, it makes the experience much better and helps you understand more about this amazing and complex writer.
Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey
4.0
3.5
This book was such a good read for Valentine's Day. It's filled with fluff, sweetness and spice and the typical Tessa's swoony moments that makes the reader and the FMC fall for the MMC.
The representation for type 1 diabetes was well done and the same happened with the struggles of self destruction that the MMC had. I also enjoyed seeing this being a book about dreams, the FMC wanting to have the pro golf shop she had always wanted and the MMC proving himself he can be among the top best golfers in the world.
Last but not least, this is a love letter for fangirls everywhere, no matter who or what you are a fan of.
This book was such a good read for Valentine's Day. It's filled with fluff, sweetness and spice and the typical Tessa's swoony moments that makes the reader and the FMC fall for the MMC.
The representation for type 1 diabetes was well done and the same happened with the struggles of self destruction that the MMC had. I also enjoyed seeing this being a book about dreams, the FMC wanting to have the pro golf shop she had always wanted and the MMC proving himself he can be among the top best golfers in the world.
Last but not least, this is a love letter for fangirls everywhere, no matter who or what you are a fan of.