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maises's reviews
35 reviews
The Red Palace by June Hur
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
“He moved my hand into his, and as our fingers intertwined, it occurred to me that love wasn’t all that I’d feared it to be. I had imagined that it was a wildfire that incinerated everything in its path. Instead, it felt as ordinary and extraordinary as waking up to a new day.”
September book club read! The Red Palace’s biggest strength was its simplicity. I don’t necessarily think it needed more than it gave in a narrative sense - every plot beat for beat was enough to keep the story going. The mystery unraveled very cleanly and the writing was extremely solid; Hyeon was a reasonable protagonist and I did like her and Eojin. I think my one downside to all of this was how calm and flat some scenes could be, especially when they called for something with a bit more flourish or passion. At the end of the day, I think this was a well written fiction based on historical events, but as a mystery drama/romance lacked the kind of umph that gets my heart racing!
September book club read! The Red Palace’s biggest strength was its simplicity. I don’t necessarily think it needed more than it gave in a narrative sense - every plot beat for beat was enough to keep the story going. The mystery unraveled very cleanly and the writing was extremely solid; Hyeon was a reasonable protagonist and I did like her and Eojin. I think my one downside to all of this was how calm and flat some scenes could be, especially when they called for something with a bit more flourish or passion. At the end of the day, I think this was a well written fiction based on historical events, but as a mystery drama/romance lacked the kind of umph that gets my heart racing!
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
slow-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
4.0
“Thou art emperor, as Setheris told thee. And at this juncture, truly, thou canst be emperor or thou canst be dead. Which dost thou prefer?”
This is probably my very first “court intrigue” heavy novel as of yet. While at the start it was easy to get bogged down by a lot of the world-building, I thought there was payoff a quarter into the book, once things begun clicking. I’m reminded a bit of Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea big but quiet world possibly just because I expected a lot more war and violence coming into a story about a monarchy. But avoiding the task of a war plot really does save the more subtle and domestic issues of Maia’s court. I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would, maybe because I only seriously had to focus on what the inner workings of Emperor Edrehasivar’s daily life was like. Which isn’t even to say it was boring—TWO coups in a month!
I enjoyed how Maia’s growth as an emperor didn’t compromise his compassion for people. It’s just refreshing sometimes to follow a protagonist who still had insecurities and faults but whose morals were unfailing. Maia was so likeable in a Ghibli boy character kind of way, if I can be silly here. His rise into “the Bridge-Builder” was gradual and maybe even predictable, but that doesn’t take away the satisfaction of it.
Maia was just such a good kid. I was pretty protective of him and his nohecharei and Csevet at certain points and am glad everyone—including Idra and his little sisters—got well-wrapped endings. If there’s one critique I did have with everything was just Chancellor Chazares/Shevean and also even Tethimar’s coup/assassination attempts just felt a bit weak and non-threatening, considering those were the biggest immediate troubles Maia faced as emperor all through the story. Also kinda wish we could’ve seen Maia’s wedding to Csethiro, but narratively I know it wouldn’t make too much of a difference. I don’t know how to squeeze this in here but the Great Avar is also my favorite type of old grandpa. We (formal) had fun.
This is probably my very first “court intrigue” heavy novel as of yet. While at the start it was easy to get bogged down by a lot of the world-building, I thought there was payoff a quarter into the book, once things begun clicking. I’m reminded a bit of Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea big but quiet world possibly just because I expected a lot more war and violence coming into a story about a monarchy. But avoiding the task of a war plot really does save the more subtle and domestic issues of Maia’s court. I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would, maybe because I only seriously had to focus on what the inner workings of Emperor Edrehasivar’s daily life was like. Which isn’t even to say it was boring—TWO coups in a month!
I enjoyed how Maia’s growth as an emperor didn’t compromise his compassion for people. It’s just refreshing sometimes to follow a protagonist who still had insecurities and faults but whose morals were unfailing. Maia was so likeable in a Ghibli boy character kind of way, if I can be silly here. His rise into “the Bridge-Builder” was gradual and maybe even predictable, but that doesn’t take away the satisfaction of it.
Maia was just such a good kid. I was pretty protective of him and his nohecharei and Csevet at certain points and am glad everyone—including Idra and his little sisters—got well-wrapped endings. If there’s one critique I did have with everything was just Chancellor Chazares/Shevean and also even Tethimar’s coup/assassination attempts just felt a bit weak and non-threatening, considering those were the biggest immediate troubles Maia faced as emperor all through the story. Also kinda wish we could’ve seen Maia’s wedding to Csethiro, but narratively I know it wouldn’t make too much of a difference. I don’t know how to squeeze this in here but the Great Avar is also my favorite type of old grandpa. We (formal) had fun.
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
2.75
Read this as the first book club read since restarting. I thought the pacing at the start was fine and was satisfied that the ending wrapped all plot points with a bow. Unfortunately, I’m not sure I loved any of the characters involved that much. I just thought the constant pop culture references took me out of the immersion only because there were so many. Plus the author talking down In The Mood For Love did make me unreasonably angry, especially since the book revered Twilight so much that the entire thing was an ad for it. Sorry that I don’t give a shit about books that make a mockery of real life indigenous people and don’t applaud white mediocrity in that way but I’m just another loser anti-girl hater apparently. Not liking Wong Kar-wai movies doesn’t mean you’re a bad person, but it might just mean your idea of compelling romance is stale (opinionated and harsh but only because Elsie got to be).
To be fair, I didn’t take off a star just for that. But I can list what I did like: certain parts of the romance scenes that had actual substance to them was nice. I thought the window into the science community and the jargon were interesting. If you ever want to do a drinking game regarding this book, take a shot every time Elsie describes Jack as “big” and “huge” and you will be rightfully messed up.
To be fair, I didn’t take off a star just for that. But I can list what I did like: certain parts of the romance scenes that had actual substance to them was nice. I thought the window into the science community and the jargon were interesting. If you ever want to do a drinking game regarding this book, take a shot every time Elsie describes Jack as “big” and “huge” and you will be rightfully messed up.
Son of the Shadows by Juliet Marillier
Did not finish book. Stopped at 42%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 42%.
Daughter of the Forest set the bar too high. The pacing of Son of the Shadows in comparison is drastically different, and the characters are fine but not as interesting to me as the first cast. I think it doesn’t help this is more of a build-up book/necessary for plot for going onto the next book, therefore it probably is less interesting than what the climax would be. This is also a minor factor but I’m just not the biggest “next generation of main characters” fan. It’s giving nepo babies… like I’m supposed to support you guys? I don’t know you like that I just know your parents…
Anyway, I say all this but realistically will probably pick it up again when I have the time! And then my mind will probably change completely. Just wasn’t fair of it to come right after Daughter of the Forest, since that one came out swinging.
Anyway, I say all this but realistically will probably pick it up again when I have the time! And then my mind will probably change completely. Just wasn’t fair of it to come right after Daughter of the Forest, since that one came out swinging.
The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas by Ursula K. Le Guin
challenging
fast-paced
“I will be good, ” it says. “Please let me out. I will be good!”
Just needed to reread this one before bed. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately.
Just needed to reread this one before bed. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately.
Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
5.0
"They were a part of We, and I of them. Now I was alone, and I must manage without them, for to fail in this task was to lose them forever."
This Six Swans retelling was a journey, and it was definitely more than arduous, but I enjoyed it so so much. Sorcha’s entire journey was extremely difficult. Maybe it could have felt a little excessive, especially when every next struggle hit her as soon as she felt the last one, but for some reason I could ride through it because I knew how this would end from the start (I realized a bit too soon that this was a Hans Christian Anderson retelling rather than a Grimm one when there weren't any baby-eating accusations, thank u sm).
Overall, I think this retelling was an interesting exercise that reflected on suffering for a loved one. Needless suffering is huge in classics like this, since old fairy tales specifically reward suffering like penance. But every hardship Sorcha endured never really had any rhyme or reason to it, and I think that just made the payoff from her pain actually feel like a relief has been lifted from my own shoulders, just as a reader. I don’t recall feeling so enthralled at a climax I knew the exact outcome of before! Also the villain(s) were pretty villainous. I appreciate when fiction has bad guys so bad that I want to dive into the pages and choke out somebody.
Overall, I think this retelling was an interesting exercise that reflected on suffering for a loved one. Needless suffering is huge in classics like this, since old fairy tales specifically reward suffering like penance. But every hardship Sorcha endured never really had any rhyme or reason to it, and I think that just made the payoff from her pain actually feel like a relief has been lifted from my own shoulders, just as a reader. I don’t recall feeling so enthralled at a climax I knew the exact outcome of before! Also the villain(s) were pretty villainous. I appreciate when fiction has bad guys so bad that I want to dive into the pages and choke out somebody.
I was actually extremely touched at how realistic the Sevenwaters siblings felt, both as characters and in their relationships with one another. By the time Sorcha sets out on her quest to save them, it doesn’t feel at all strange that she would go through so much for their sake. There were a few times during the book that some brothers’ actions did annoy me though, but I think most of the time they were good.
Characters I really loved: Sorcha. “After all, I was but fourteen years old” and immediately I wanted to kill every man in this book. Finbar, kinda. I shed a tear when Finbar said he had a swan wife and kids he had to abandon. Let him see his bird babies! I liked Red okay but yeah she was kinda too young for him ummm… Red’s two besties were the best characters in that little town. They deserved the best and yet… And that one chef lady who stayed at Sevenwaters all that time. I liked the other brothers enough. I loved their love for each other and their sister, even if the ending spelled out the worst for a lot of them… Doomed sibs are the best. Sorry.
AND OK! I did actually gasp at Simon’s last scene with Sorcha! Sorry to be a second lead syndrome girl but they should have had a chance!!!! “Don't leave me. What cruel game had they been playing with all of us? What twisted path had we been following, like blindfold puppets in some wild dance? Had we no will? Had we no choice?” Like what was thatttttt! She nursed him to health and he only thought of her in the fairy folk world are you joking!
So I do not really think I am all that interested in the rest of the Sevenwaters books, firstly because I think this is already a strong standalone Six Swans retelling (and I think the only retelling in this series?), and secondly because I am not the biggest fan of second generation main characters… However, I do have Son of the Shadows so if it comes to that…! In any case, I may be browsing Marillier’s backlog soon to try out something else.
So I do not really think I am all that interested in the rest of the Sevenwaters books, firstly because I think this is already a strong standalone Six Swans retelling (and I think the only retelling in this series?), and secondly because I am not the biggest fan of second generation main characters… However, I do have Son of the Shadows so if it comes to that…! In any case, I may be browsing Marillier’s backlog soon to try out something else.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual violence
Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“[…] fear of Hell is one of many paths to it. Forget Hell and love one another.”
I don’t remember the last time I felt true trepidation or fear in reading, even better to be rewarded with bearing it at the end. It’s not an easy narrative at all, and even the small slivers of peace have something heavy-laden with it. But Between Two Fires may now be my most favorite horror I’ve read yet. It’s now my belief that in order for any fictional horror to rightly use demons and horrors of hell, having its counterpart of heaven be seriously as divine and powerful much more compelling. Having only one deeply developed without the other is weak to me. I need glowing angel wings coming out of bodies as easily as possessed saintly stone statues on all fours trying to eat you.
Most of all, Delphine and Thomas and Matthieu were my trio. I will miss them so much, despite something happening to someone of these three... I will try to let that go. The epilogue made me cry a lot, too. Sometimes you just need a found family dad and daughter duo - a daughter who also happens to be like. Christ incarnate or something. Really good stuff. I’m so glad this was my first full read of the year, which took only days to blast through because I was so enthralled.
Mind the content warnings. This novel utilizes a lot of things.
I don’t remember the last time I felt true trepidation or fear in reading, even better to be rewarded with bearing it at the end. It’s not an easy narrative at all, and even the small slivers of peace have something heavy-laden with it. But Between Two Fires may now be my most favorite horror I’ve read yet. It’s now my belief that in order for any fictional horror to rightly use demons and horrors of hell, having its counterpart of heaven be seriously as divine and powerful much more compelling. Having only one deeply developed without the other is weak to me. I need glowing angel wings coming out of bodies as easily as possessed saintly stone statues on all fours trying to eat you.
Most of all, Delphine and Thomas and Matthieu were my trio. I will miss them so much, despite something happening to someone of these three... I will try to let that go. The epilogue made me cry a lot, too. Sometimes you just need a found family dad and daughter duo - a daughter who also happens to be like. Christ incarnate or something. Really good stuff. I’m so glad this was my first full read of the year, which took only days to blast through because I was so enthralled.
Mind the content warnings. This novel utilizes a lot of things.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Homophobia, Rape, Violence, and Antisemitism
The Archive of Alternate Endings by Lindsey Drager
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
“We think of this as a story about two children abandoned in a wood by their parents and the way breadcrumbs fail to lead them home. We think of this as a story about escaping supernatural atrocities. But perhaps it is really a story about how to eat, who to fill the gut with, and why. Perhaps this is a story about the way the body aches to be satisfied, and how we call this both hunger and desire.”
All this is is about love.
All this is is about love.