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melcanread's reviews
144 reviews
The Principle of Moments by Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson
adventurous
emotional
informative
tense
slow-paced
4.75
Asha Akindele, who has lived her entire life on the oppressive planet Gahraan, discovers she has a sister imprisoned by Emperor Thracin, forcing her to choose between remaining a slave or risking everything for family. Aided by Obi, a hapless time-traveller yearning to return to 1812 London and his almost-boyfriend, the only son of George IV, Asha embarks on a perilous journey across the stars to rescue her sister and, in the process, save entire worlds.
I rated this book 4.75 stars for its exceptional blend of the best writing elements from Doctor Who and Star Wars, while maintaining a unique and independent narrative. From the very first page, the world-building captivated me. It's clear that an immense amount of time and effort was invested into creating a rich, immersive universe that felt both expansive and meticulously detailed. As a history enthusiast, I especially appreciated the clear historical backdrop, which added layers of depth and authenticity to the story.
Each character is beautifully flawed and human, making them relatable and compelling. Asha's journey from a life of oppression on Gahraan to a star-spanning quest to save her sister is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. Obi, the hapless time-traveller, and his almost-boyfriend George, add a unique dynamic to the narrative, blending historical intrigue with sci-fi adventure. Jikiemi-Pearson’s willingness to make difficult, yet fitting, choices for her characters added to the book’s authenticity and emotional impact. She doesn't pander to the audience, allowing the story to unfold naturally, even if it means taking risks with character arcs.
However, I found one historical inaccuracy hard to overlook. George IV's portrayal as having a son set to inherit the crown felt like an erasure of his actual only legitimate heir, Princess Charlotte. This alteration seemed unnecessary and detracted from the historical integrity of the narrative. It felt like a convenient way to create a gay character, which, while important for representation, could have been handled differently. Asha and Obi's genders could have been swapped to maintain an LGBTQIA+ subplot without compromising historical accuracy. In fact, featuring a sapphic relationship might have provided valuable representation for sapphic novels, which often lack the attention they deserve.
Despite this, the book remains a thoroughly engaging read with its compelling characters and masterful storytelling. Jikiemi-Pearson has crafted a narrative that is both familiar in its genre elements and refreshingly original in its execution. The balance of high-stakes adventure, rich world-building, and deeply human characters makes this a standout novel that is well worth reading.
I rated this book 4.75 stars for its exceptional blend of the best writing elements from Doctor Who and Star Wars, while maintaining a unique and independent narrative. From the very first page, the world-building captivated me. It's clear that an immense amount of time and effort was invested into creating a rich, immersive universe that felt both expansive and meticulously detailed. As a history enthusiast, I especially appreciated the clear historical backdrop, which added layers of depth and authenticity to the story.
Each character is beautifully flawed and human, making them relatable and compelling. Asha's journey from a life of oppression on Gahraan to a star-spanning quest to save her sister is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. Obi, the hapless time-traveller, and his almost-boyfriend George, add a unique dynamic to the narrative, blending historical intrigue with sci-fi adventure. Jikiemi-Pearson’s willingness to make difficult, yet fitting, choices for her characters added to the book’s authenticity and emotional impact. She doesn't pander to the audience, allowing the story to unfold naturally, even if it means taking risks with character arcs.
However, I found one historical inaccuracy hard to overlook. George IV's portrayal as having a son set to inherit the crown felt like an erasure of his actual only legitimate heir, Princess Charlotte. This alteration seemed unnecessary and detracted from the historical integrity of the narrative. It felt like a convenient way to create a gay character, which, while important for representation, could have been handled differently. Asha and Obi's genders could have been swapped to maintain an LGBTQIA+ subplot without compromising historical accuracy. In fact, featuring a sapphic relationship might have provided valuable representation for sapphic novels, which often lack the attention they deserve.
Despite this, the book remains a thoroughly engaging read with its compelling characters and masterful storytelling. Jikiemi-Pearson has crafted a narrative that is both familiar in its genre elements and refreshingly original in its execution. The balance of high-stakes adventure, rich world-building, and deeply human characters makes this a standout novel that is well worth reading.
Cursed Bread by Sophie Mackintosh
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
In the spring of 1951, in a small French town, four people converge: the local baker and his wife, and the ambassador and his wife, who are outsiders. Following their arrival, strange occurrences plague the town: horses mysteriously die, children become uncontrollable, and ghosts are seen after dark. A dangerous game of cat and mouse unfolds, leaving the roles of predator and prey unclear. "Cursed Bread" is an audacious and mesmerizing tale, a darkly erotic mystery depicting a town overcome by madness, envy, and consuming desire.
I gave "Cursed Bread" four stars for its bold and unconventional storytelling. The book's dark and surreal narrative drew me in, creating an atmosphere of unease and mystery that was both captivating and unsettling. The plot, filled with inexplicable events and haunting imagery, was reminiscent of a fever dream, making the reading experience feel almost hallucinogenic. This wild, unpredictable journey was a significant part of the book's allure, offering a break from conventional storytelling.
One of the aspects I particularly enjoyed was the book's pervasive vagueness. From the start, details about the townsfolk are scant, with characters often referred to only by their initials. This lack of specificity added to the story's mystique, keeping readers constantly guessing and on edge. The minimalistic character development might frustrate some, but for me, it enhanced the eerie and enigmatic mood that permeates the narrative. This approach allowed the town itself to become a central, almost character-like presence in the story.
However, the same qualities that made the book intriguing also served as its downside. The chaotic, nonsensical plot could be overwhelming at times, and the pervasive vagueness left many questions unanswered. The ending, in particular, was frustratingly ambiguous. While some readers might appreciate the need to read between the lines and draw their own conclusions, I found the lack of clear resolution unsatisfying. It felt as if the story left me in a perpetual state of confusion, without any solid ground to stand on.
Despite these frustrations, "Cursed Bread" is undeniably a memorable read. Its blend of dark erotica, madness, and mystery creates a unique experience that lingers long after the final page. The book's ability to evoke such strong, conflicting emotions is a testament to its power. It may not be for everyone, especially those who prefer clear, linear narratives, but for readers willing to embrace its madness, it offers a deeply immersive and thought-provoking journey.
I gave "Cursed Bread" four stars for its bold and unconventional storytelling. The book's dark and surreal narrative drew me in, creating an atmosphere of unease and mystery that was both captivating and unsettling. The plot, filled with inexplicable events and haunting imagery, was reminiscent of a fever dream, making the reading experience feel almost hallucinogenic. This wild, unpredictable journey was a significant part of the book's allure, offering a break from conventional storytelling.
One of the aspects I particularly enjoyed was the book's pervasive vagueness. From the start, details about the townsfolk are scant, with characters often referred to only by their initials. This lack of specificity added to the story's mystique, keeping readers constantly guessing and on edge. The minimalistic character development might frustrate some, but for me, it enhanced the eerie and enigmatic mood that permeates the narrative. This approach allowed the town itself to become a central, almost character-like presence in the story.
However, the same qualities that made the book intriguing also served as its downside. The chaotic, nonsensical plot could be overwhelming at times, and the pervasive vagueness left many questions unanswered. The ending, in particular, was frustratingly ambiguous. While some readers might appreciate the need to read between the lines and draw their own conclusions, I found the lack of clear resolution unsatisfying. It felt as if the story left me in a perpetual state of confusion, without any solid ground to stand on.
Despite these frustrations, "Cursed Bread" is undeniably a memorable read. Its blend of dark erotica, madness, and mystery creates a unique experience that lingers long after the final page. The book's ability to evoke such strong, conflicting emotions is a testament to its power. It may not be for everyone, especially those who prefer clear, linear narratives, but for readers willing to embrace its madness, it offers a deeply immersive and thought-provoking journey.
Six-gun Snow White by Catherynne M. Valente
adventurous
dark
sad
fast-paced
2.5
I do think that it's important to give credit where it's due, and Valente didn't sugarcoat the behavior of white people and attempted to hold them accountable for their actions. The racism was obvious, but effective and seemingly accurate for the time. I loved how snow white was able to find a place where she belonged in the end, despite everything she went through.
However the rest of the book lacked severely. To begin with, none of the plot made any sense whatsoever. The magical elements seemed so out of place from left field that I was completely confused the whole time. None of that system was explained either which ended up ruining the book.
Also, the fact that Valente is a white woman talking about Native American issues feels a lot like appropriation and leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Mostly because this isn't her story to tell, yet she decided to tell it anyway. Another reviewer said that it felt like the novel was looking down on indigenous people, and I couldn't agree more.
She tried to be experimental but it failed miserably.
However the rest of the book lacked severely. To begin with, none of the plot made any sense whatsoever. The magical elements seemed so out of place from left field that I was completely confused the whole time. None of that system was explained either which ended up ruining the book.
Also, the fact that Valente is a white woman talking about Native American issues feels a lot like appropriation and leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Mostly because this isn't her story to tell, yet she decided to tell it anyway. Another reviewer said that it felt like the novel was looking down on indigenous people, and I couldn't agree more.
She tried to be experimental but it failed miserably.
Minor Detail by Adania Shibli
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
5.0
We follow two stories in this book, the first from the perspective of an Israeli Offence Officer one year after the Nakba, the second from the perspective of a Palestinian woman who finds herself obsessed with the story.
From a social standpoint, this book is a must read for anyone curious about the Palestine/Israel conflict, and Israeli oppression since the beginning in the 1940s.
Shibli's writing is left vague for, what I believe to be, political reasons. No characters are given names, you're never really told anyone's personalities. It's a very literal dictation of events as they've played out, as though Shibli was really trying to get across to you that this is a real story for some Palestinian who has suffered at the hands of the Israeli forces. This is everyone's story, not just the characters. She was also very thorough in making the reader realise that the Israeli soldiers are not supposed to be there, and that they are suffering just by being there. The soldier's POV, on numerous occassions, focusses on how he needs to sleep and get rest, how he's been bitten by insects, how he sweats and suffers in the extreme heat because his European body isn't used to such weather. His plight is emphasised over and over again, a constant reminder of his occupation and offensive nature.
The way that Palestinians are treated in this book is awful, and it's even worse when you remember that this is still very much a problem to this day. The modern aspect coming in during the second chapter and letting you know that this conflict never ended, that Palestinians are still treated like animals within their own homes, and are monitored all the time. The way that the female Palestinian at the beginning, and the female Palestinian at the end are treated throughout the novel is nothing short of barbaric, and it makes the reader stop, think, and take stock of their uncomfortability, especially if they are white. If you are white, you should read this.
Overall, this book is worthy of the 5 star review because it was engaging, sickening, and really showcased the talent of Shibli while also serving as an important educational tool told through fiction. I highly recommend everyone pick this book up - but be warned, there are many triggers.
From a social standpoint, this book is a must read for anyone curious about the Palestine/Israel conflict, and Israeli oppression since the beginning in the 1940s.
Shibli's writing is left vague for, what I believe to be, political reasons. No characters are given names, you're never really told anyone's personalities. It's a very literal dictation of events as they've played out, as though Shibli was really trying to get across to you that this is a real story for some Palestinian who has suffered at the hands of the Israeli forces. This is everyone's story, not just the characters. She was also very thorough in making the reader realise that the Israeli soldiers are not supposed to be there, and that they are suffering just by being there. The soldier's POV, on numerous occassions, focusses on how he needs to sleep and get rest, how he's been bitten by insects, how he sweats and suffers in the extreme heat because his European body isn't used to such weather. His plight is emphasised over and over again, a constant reminder of his occupation and offensive nature.
The way that Palestinians are treated in this book is awful, and it's even worse when you remember that this is still very much a problem to this day. The modern aspect coming in during the second chapter and letting you know that this conflict never ended, that Palestinians are still treated like animals within their own homes, and are monitored all the time. The way that the female Palestinian at the beginning, and the female Palestinian at the end are treated throughout the novel is nothing short of barbaric, and it makes the reader stop, think, and take stock of their uncomfortability, especially if they are white. If you are white, you should read this.
Overall, this book is worthy of the 5 star review because it was engaging, sickening, and really showcased the talent of Shibli while also serving as an important educational tool told through fiction. I highly recommend everyone pick this book up - but be warned, there are many triggers.
My Lady's Secrets by Katy Moran
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Amidst the turmoil of war and scandal, aristocrats Cressida and Greville find themselves thrust back together, their bitter history overshadowed by a dangerous new mission. Caught between loyalty and desire, Cressida must navigate betrayal and espionage to survive, even if it means compromising her past love. As they confront their shared past and face the enigmatic Lord Byron, old wounds reopen, forcing them to question if redemption and love are still within reach.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Aria & Aries for giving me an early copy of the book.
Moran clearly put a lot of research into this book, and it showed on every single page. Each piece of information she gave us was perfectly thought through and detailed, and piqued my interest enough to want to research the events of this book further. Some reviews have suggested that there was too much history included and that the reviewers felt like they were missing some vital information, and while I can agree with that, I do like it when a book makes me need or want to do external research to understand the plot. But, I understand that not everyone thinks like me.
The relationship between Greville and Cressida was very turbulent, but throughout the novel, you could really see just how deeply they cared for each other, even when they couldn't stand to be in the same room as one another. It was also refreshing to see the woman in this relationship be the one who was cold and unfeeling, in comparison to a lot of other novels where the man is more reserved with his emotions. And the reasons for Cressida's guardedness were completely valid and understandable, and hit just a little differently when you realise her life was inspired by the real wives of the soldiers during this war.
I also loved the addition of Lord Byron into the mix, and highlighting the many affairs that he had, including the one with Caroline Lamb which would end up being published in a fictionalised retelling by Lamb at a later date. The history and literature nerd within me leapt for joy at that piece of additional information. It was also mind-blowing to learn that Lady Caroline Lamb was an ancestor (or rather, fifth cousin) of Lady Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales. Now, the book didn't teach me that, but that was something I found out because of this book, which was remarkable. This is why I love books that make me want to do external research!
However, the writing style, for me, felt a little dry and a little too info-dumpish at times. And for the first 50% of the book, I was considering DNFing because I just found it too difficult to properly immerse myself into the novel and the characters. I had to keep flipping back and re-reading parts of the novel because I couldn't completely understand or even remember certain plot points, and what the characters were actually supposed to be doing. By Chapter 5, I felt like I had to start the book again because so much had been thrown my way and characters were referencing the early chapters and it left me feeling confused and a little overwhelmed. But, I'd say the final stretch of the book, perhaps the final 30%, I finally got into the book, found my stride, and had a great time.
I was debating between a 3.5 and a 4 stars for this book, but because of the writing style and the reading slump this book almost triggered, I thought 3.5 was more appropriate.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Aria & Aries for giving me an early copy of the book.
Moran clearly put a lot of research into this book, and it showed on every single page. Each piece of information she gave us was perfectly thought through and detailed, and piqued my interest enough to want to research the events of this book further. Some reviews have suggested that there was too much history included and that the reviewers felt like they were missing some vital information, and while I can agree with that, I do like it when a book makes me need or want to do external research to understand the plot. But, I understand that not everyone thinks like me.
The relationship between Greville and Cressida was very turbulent, but throughout the novel, you could really see just how deeply they cared for each other, even when they couldn't stand to be in the same room as one another. It was also refreshing to see the woman in this relationship be the one who was cold and unfeeling, in comparison to a lot of other novels where the man is more reserved with his emotions. And the reasons for Cressida's guardedness were completely valid and understandable, and hit just a little differently when you realise her life was inspired by the real wives of the soldiers during this war.
I also loved the addition of Lord Byron into the mix, and highlighting the many affairs that he had, including the one with Caroline Lamb which would end up being published in a fictionalised retelling by Lamb at a later date. The history and literature nerd within me leapt for joy at that piece of additional information. It was also mind-blowing to learn that Lady Caroline Lamb was an ancestor (or rather, fifth cousin) of Lady Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales. Now, the book didn't teach me that, but that was something I found out because of this book, which was remarkable. This is why I love books that make me want to do external research!
However, the writing style, for me, felt a little dry and a little too info-dumpish at times. And for the first 50% of the book, I was considering DNFing because I just found it too difficult to properly immerse myself into the novel and the characters. I had to keep flipping back and re-reading parts of the novel because I couldn't completely understand or even remember certain plot points, and what the characters were actually supposed to be doing. By Chapter 5, I felt like I had to start the book again because so much had been thrown my way and characters were referencing the early chapters and it left me feeling confused and a little overwhelmed. But, I'd say the final stretch of the book, perhaps the final 30%, I finally got into the book, found my stride, and had a great time.
I was debating between a 3.5 and a 4 stars for this book, but because of the writing style and the reading slump this book almost triggered, I thought 3.5 was more appropriate.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Violence
Moderate: Death, Blood, Sexual content, and Child death
Minor: Sexual harassment and Gun violence
A Daughter of Fair Verona by Christina Dodd
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
4.0
Daughter of the infamous Romeo and Juliet finds herself embroiled in murderous scandal, and she's the one accused. What will she do to clear her name? What will she do to protect her family?
This was read as an ARC, so I would like to take a moment to thank Net Galley and Kensington Books for allowing me to read this book early.
This novel was a rollercoaster from start to finish. When you thought the story was over, it picked immediately back up and made you, the reader, hit the ground running with brand new information at your feet.
I very much liked the humour and how, at times, it very much read like Shakespearean literature. The perpetrator was very much reminiscent of Hamlet... or Macbeth, I can't quite decide. But either way, I loved to be reminded of Shakespeare's other works even if the intent wasn't there. While I had an inkling on the perpetrator, I definitely didn't see the second twist coming and was very much caught off guard. The storyline itself reminded me a little bit of Yellowface but only in that it was a dramatic car crash that you really couldn't look away from... and I mean this as a compliment.
This read like a young adult novel, which is something I didn't expect... so whether it actually was or not I couldn't say. But readers should be aware that that's the kind of voice this book has.
Speaking of voice, Rosaline Montague had quite an interesting one. She was equal parts entertaining and annoying, given her immature tendencies and her intelligence that blended into a typical, late teenage girl. She very much had a know-it-all attitude which, at times, could be quite insufferable to read, but ultimately, she always kept the drama coming. Naming her after Romeo's first love was... a choice, but what was even more of a choice was the way that Romeo's character was portrayed within the first few chapters. There were quite a few times where I could hear police sirens going off because you shouldn't really be talking about your daughter in that way, my man. What is wrong with you? But, as time went on, he mellowed out into a likeable character (as did Juliet), and they ended up truly making this car crash of a story with their out-of-touch humour.
I think I loved Lysander a lot, too. The man was just a Shakespearean himbo with golden retriever energy, complete with the weird need to climb stuff, and honestly, I loved him. Even if their relationship did feel a little forced.
Now, to talk about the things I didn't like. This very much read like a YA novel, which I've mentioned before, and though I enjoyed, it wasn't something I was expecting. I don't know whether it was marketed to me as an adult novel, or if it was just my mistake, but I, like many other readers, was bamboozled by the immature voice of Rosie Montague. I was able to look passed it, but others weren't. But this did mean that some of the scenes that were written did leave me feeling a little icky, especially given the ambiguity of the age range. And I would love for Kensington Books or Dodd to clarify who the intended audience was.
Without giving spoilers to anyone who may come across this review, I would also feel the need to mention that the romance elements of the book, and the second twist that came at the end, also left me feeling a little icky as there was a scene of dubious consent nestled in there - and while it made for excellent drama, and I was absolutely foaming for that, it still made me feel a little weird given the situation. A list of trigger warnings would have been incredibly useful for this, including other themes of the book, too.
I'm unsure if Dodd intends on writing a sequel, or a short novella to kind of round off this novel, but if not, the ending, I felt, was weak and creepy, and would definitely appreciate some kind of alternative if there's an option for it. If there is a sequel in the works, then I'm excited to see where it takes us.
I would have rated this a 3.75, had it not been for the drama, which is why the novel was boosted to a 4. But, despite its flaws, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I would like to thank Net Galley and Kensington Books for allowing me to read this book early in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This was read as an ARC, so I would like to take a moment to thank Net Galley and Kensington Books for allowing me to read this book early.
This novel was a rollercoaster from start to finish. When you thought the story was over, it picked immediately back up and made you, the reader, hit the ground running with brand new information at your feet.
I very much liked the humour and how, at times, it very much read like Shakespearean literature. The perpetrator was very much reminiscent of Hamlet... or Macbeth, I can't quite decide. But either way, I loved to be reminded of Shakespeare's other works even if the intent wasn't there. While I had an inkling on the perpetrator, I definitely didn't see the second twist coming and was very much caught off guard. The storyline itself reminded me a little bit of Yellowface but only in that it was a dramatic car crash that you really couldn't look away from... and I mean this as a compliment.
This read like a young adult novel, which is something I didn't expect... so whether it actually was or not I couldn't say. But readers should be aware that that's the kind of voice this book has.
Speaking of voice, Rosaline Montague had quite an interesting one. She was equal parts entertaining and annoying, given her immature tendencies and her intelligence that blended into a typical, late teenage girl. She very much had a know-it-all attitude which, at times, could be quite insufferable to read, but ultimately, she always kept the drama coming. Naming her after Romeo's first love was... a choice, but what was even more of a choice was the way that Romeo's character was portrayed within the first few chapters. There were quite a few times where I could hear police sirens going off because you shouldn't really be talking about your daughter in that way, my man. What is wrong with you? But, as time went on, he mellowed out into a likeable character (as did Juliet), and they ended up truly making this car crash of a story with their out-of-touch humour.
I think I loved Lysander a lot, too. The man was just a Shakespearean himbo with golden retriever energy, complete with the weird need to climb stuff, and honestly, I loved him. Even if their relationship did feel a little forced.
Now, to talk about the things I didn't like. This very much read like a YA novel, which I've mentioned before, and though I enjoyed, it wasn't something I was expecting. I don't know whether it was marketed to me as an adult novel, or if it was just my mistake, but I, like many other readers, was bamboozled by the immature voice of Rosie Montague. I was able to look passed it, but others weren't. But this did mean that some of the scenes that were written did leave me feeling a little icky, especially given the ambiguity of the age range. And I would love for Kensington Books or Dodd to clarify who the intended audience was.
Without giving spoilers to anyone who may come across this review, I would also feel the need to mention that the romance elements of the book, and the second twist that came at the end, also left me feeling a little icky as there was a scene of dubious consent nestled in there - and while it made for excellent drama, and I was absolutely foaming for that, it still made me feel a little weird given the situation. A list of trigger warnings would have been incredibly useful for this, including other themes of the book, too.
I'm unsure if Dodd intends on writing a sequel, or a short novella to kind of round off this novel, but if not, the ending, I felt, was weak and creepy, and would definitely appreciate some kind of alternative if there's an option for it. If there is a sequel in the works, then I'm excited to see where it takes us.
I would have rated this a 3.75, had it not been for the drama, which is why the novel was boosted to a 4. But, despite its flaws, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I would like to thank Net Galley and Kensington Books for allowing me to read this book early in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Blood
Moderate: Sexual content, Sexism, and Vomit
Minor: Body shaming, Pregnancy, Infidelity, and Fatphobia
Lovely Bad Things by Trisha Wolfe
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.5
After suffering a traumatic loss, Halen gets back to work as a criminal profiler and is sent to Hollow's Row to solve the case. However, her work takes a turn when the only person who can help her, is the man she helped imprison in a mental institution for the criminally insane.
Once I found my footing within the novel, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I thought Wolfe's building of Hollow's Row was impeccable, and loved the little world in which she created. The nuances of the crime were clearly thoroughly thought through and researched, and it very much showed in her work.
Halen was a flawed main character, but she was fun to read about nonetheless. There were times when she did get a little too annoying for my personal tastes, but overall, I thought she was a tremendous main character.
And Kallum was a great love interest, however, he and I did start off on shaky ground. I hated the size of his ego and wasn't sure why anyone would like him - and then I finished the book and was like, "Oh yeah... that's why."
My main gripe is that the actual case itself very much seemed second place to the romance, which I can absolutely understand because the twist dictated that all eyes were on Halen and Kallum. However, I can't shake the feeling that the actual case was a little half-assed towards the end, especially with all the effort Wolfe had gone to to get us invested in this story. However, I loved the open ending and cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel.
Once I found my footing within the novel, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I thought Wolfe's building of Hollow's Row was impeccable, and loved the little world in which she created. The nuances of the crime were clearly thoroughly thought through and researched, and it very much showed in her work.
Halen was a flawed main character, but she was fun to read about nonetheless. There were times when she did get a little too annoying for my personal tastes, but overall, I thought she was a tremendous main character.
And Kallum was a great love interest, however, he and I did start off on shaky ground. I hated the size of his ego and wasn't sure why anyone would like him - and then I finished the book and was like, "Oh yeah... that's why."
My main gripe is that the actual case itself very much seemed second place to the romance, which I can absolutely understand because the twist dictated that all eyes were on Halen and Kallum. However, I can't shake the feeling that the actual case was a little half-assed towards the end, especially with all the effort Wolfe had gone to to get us invested in this story. However, I loved the open ending and cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel.
The Gentleman's Gambit by Evie Dunmore
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
5.0
Set in Victorian England, we follow Lady Catriona Campbell as she and her friends fight against the English government in the early stages of the British suffragette movement. On the flipside, we meet Mr. Elias Khoury, a middle-eastern man who comes to England for nefarious reasons. When the two worlds collide in the most awkward of ways, boundaries get pushed, and minds get changed.
I want to begin by talking about how much I loved Dunmore's decision to include uncomfortable topics in this novel, specifically the role the British had in plundering foreign lands, stealing their goods, and hoarding them in the British Museum. I loved how there was so much emphasis put on the country benefitting from theft and international crime, and how the victims of these crimes were begging for their things back, and their cries were falling on deaf ears. It shames me to say, that even over 100 years later, nothing has changed. The British are still benefitting and displaying items that don't belong in our borders, and we're still arguing that they're better with us, despite numerous artifacts becoming damaged in our care.
Catriona was a perfect character, perhaps because I can relate to her in a way, or perhaps because she was realistic, I'm not entirely sure. But either way, it was wonderful watching her grow, adapt, and open herself up to Elias and her friends, and become one of the strongest female characters I have ever read. She was an insanely, hard-working woman, who fought for women's rights and won, despite all of the struggles she and her friends faced. Although, it did make me laugh when she was writing to an MP: "The letter felt concise and factual to her, which meant it was too blunt. She would have to soften it and dress it with a bow; make it appealing to a man's sense of honour..." Me, when writing to my local MP: I hope the war in Gaza lines your pockets well, sincerely, MY NAME STILL ISN'T MELANIE!! She truly walked so I could run. Well... she didn't, but the actual women who were in her position did.
Elias has single-handedly ruined men for me (not that that was a hard thing to do, of course. Men are, in fact, men). But, how am I supposed to find a man, and be happy with one that doesn't worship the ground I walk on, lift pieces of my hair to his mouth to kiss while I sleep, and just generally admire me so much that he's willing to start a brand new life away from his family just to have me? Answer: I'm not. The way Dunmore wrote him makes me realise why men made gossiping and women talking to one another "immoral", because they know they're never going to compete with the likes of Messieurs Elias Khoury, and Fitzwilliam Darcy.
And the spice was absolutely delicious - you could truly feel the tension dripping off every, single word they spoke from start to finish. Even during the final smut scene, their infatuation with one another was palpable. While I haven't read the other books in this series yet, I'm very much looking forward to it if this is the standard Dunmore has set.
I want to begin by talking about how much I loved Dunmore's decision to include uncomfortable topics in this novel, specifically the role the British had in plundering foreign lands, stealing their goods, and hoarding them in the British Museum. I loved how there was so much emphasis put on the country benefitting from theft and international crime, and how the victims of these crimes were begging for their things back, and their cries were falling on deaf ears. It shames me to say, that even over 100 years later, nothing has changed. The British are still benefitting and displaying items that don't belong in our borders, and we're still arguing that they're better with us, despite numerous artifacts becoming damaged in our care.
Catriona was a perfect character, perhaps because I can relate to her in a way, or perhaps because she was realistic, I'm not entirely sure. But either way, it was wonderful watching her grow, adapt, and open herself up to Elias and her friends, and become one of the strongest female characters I have ever read. She was an insanely, hard-working woman, who fought for women's rights and won, despite all of the struggles she and her friends faced. Although, it did make me laugh when she was writing to an MP: "The letter felt concise and factual to her, which meant it was too blunt. She would have to soften it and dress it with a bow; make it appealing to a man's sense of honour..." Me, when writing to my local MP: I hope the war in Gaza lines your pockets well, sincerely, MY NAME STILL ISN'T MELANIE!! She truly walked so I could run. Well... she didn't, but the actual women who were in her position did.
Elias has single-handedly ruined men for me (not that that was a hard thing to do, of course. Men are, in fact, men). But, how am I supposed to find a man, and be happy with one that doesn't worship the ground I walk on, lift pieces of my hair to his mouth to kiss while I sleep, and just generally admire me so much that he's willing to start a brand new life away from his family just to have me? Answer: I'm not. The way Dunmore wrote him makes me realise why men made gossiping and women talking to one another "immoral", because they know they're never going to compete with the likes of Messieurs Elias Khoury, and Fitzwilliam Darcy.
And the spice was absolutely delicious - you could truly feel the tension dripping off every, single word they spoke from start to finish. Even during the final smut scene, their infatuation with one another was palpable. While I haven't read the other books in this series yet, I'm very much looking forward to it if this is the standard Dunmore has set.
The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter
5.0
The Tailor of Gloucester is one of those stories that I grew up surrounded by, because of the fact that I am a Gloucester girlie. I remember watching the World of Peter Rabbit and Friends TV show when I was a kid, and the Tailor of Gloucester was always the episode I gravitated the most towards.
The book itself is the epitome of Beatrix Potter whimsy, down to Simpkins' disdain for the Tailor and the Tailor's decision to let the mice out of their prisons. Her art, as always, is stunning, and is exactly how the city looks to this day (though, the kitchen the Tailor rented is now the Beatrix Potter shop in Gloucester.)
It was interesting to me how Potter put more emphasis on the Tailor rather than the mice, choosing to tell the story more from the Tailor's perspective, with honourable mentions to Simpkin's perspective, more so than the mice's perspective. This is in stark contrast to the TV adaptation, where you see more of the mice than you do the Tailor. This, I think, gives more voice to the original story, rather than her version of it. While we do, of course, see the mice at work, we're mostly following the Tailor and Simpkin, which does add to the magic of the coat being completed by an anonymous force rather than the mice.
Potter has a magical way of telling dark fairy tales, in a similar fashion to the Brothers Grimm and authors of old, and I think that's one of the things I love the most about her. She makes no attempt to hide the natural world from her stories, despite their childish and whimsical nature. Reminding you at every turn that it doesn't matter how many animals she writes about, they are just that: animals.
Overall, this is one of my all-time favourite Beatrix Potter tales, and a go-to comfort read.
The book itself is the epitome of Beatrix Potter whimsy, down to Simpkins' disdain for the Tailor and the Tailor's decision to let the mice out of their prisons. Her art, as always, is stunning, and is exactly how the city looks to this day (though, the kitchen the Tailor rented is now the Beatrix Potter shop in Gloucester.)
It was interesting to me how Potter put more emphasis on the Tailor rather than the mice, choosing to tell the story more from the Tailor's perspective, with honourable mentions to Simpkin's perspective, more so than the mice's perspective. This is in stark contrast to the TV adaptation, where you see more of the mice than you do the Tailor. This, I think, gives more voice to the original story, rather than her version of it. While we do, of course, see the mice at work, we're mostly following the Tailor and Simpkin, which does add to the magic of the coat being completed by an anonymous force rather than the mice.
Potter has a magical way of telling dark fairy tales, in a similar fashion to the Brothers Grimm and authors of old, and I think that's one of the things I love the most about her. She makes no attempt to hide the natural world from her stories, despite their childish and whimsical nature. Reminding you at every turn that it doesn't matter how many animals she writes about, they are just that: animals.
Overall, this is one of my all-time favourite Beatrix Potter tales, and a go-to comfort read.