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micareads123's reviews
240 reviews
The Will of the Many by James Islington
One of my favourite aspects of the book was the system of governance and the resulting political commentary. I loved the idea of the Hierarchy pyramid and the ceding of will, but I did find myself wishing for more of this aspect of the book, to see it better fleshed out. The plot instead relies heavily on its high-stakes nature to drive its momentum.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This book has some great political intrigue with a wonderful Roman-inspired dark-academia setting. And the stakes are high! Higher than I anticipated.
I can definitely understand all of the hype this book is getting. I loved it! I didn’t even care that it was over 600 pages long; I was gripped. This was an all-around very enjoyable read, and I’m really eager to read book 2. I need so many answers.
One of my favourite aspects of the book was the system of governance and the resulting political commentary. I loved the idea of the Hierarchy pyramid and the ceding of will, but I did find myself wishing for more of this aspect of the book, to see it better fleshed out. The plot instead relies heavily on its high-stakes nature to drive its momentum.
I also found this book did a little too much telling and not enough showing at times, but I forgave it that. I very much enjoyed the writing quality, the world, the characters and the plot.
This is one of those books where the second book really has the potential to make it or break it. And I really hope it makes it 🤞🏻.
Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was not expecting to like this more than There There, but here we are, and I did.
It’s similar to There There in that it tells its story through many POVs, some new to the reader and some familiar from the first novel. But it’s different from There There in that it’s more ambitious. It spans a much greater timeframe and really digs into themes of generational trauma and addiction with a much greater depth than There There does. I also appreciated the inclusion of other themes, such as the relationship of Indigenous people with religion and 2SLGBTQIA+ issues/representation.
This book did not feel as easy to breeze through but instead offered me a wealth of quotes to chew on and metaphors to consider.
This was a really moving read for me, and it’s one I will definitely want to revisit in the future.
It’s similar to There There in that it tells its story through many POVs, some new to the reader and some familiar from the first novel. But it’s different from There There in that it’s more ambitious. It spans a much greater timeframe and really digs into themes of generational trauma and addiction with a much greater depth than There There does. I also appreciated the inclusion of other themes, such as the relationship of Indigenous people with religion and 2SLGBTQIA+ issues/representation.
This book did not feel as easy to breeze through but instead offered me a wealth of quotes to chew on and metaphors to consider.
This was a really moving read for me, and it’s one I will definitely want to revisit in the future.
Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Water & Salt by Lena Khalaf Tuffaha
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
This is a beautiful collection of poetry about grief, generational trauma, cultural longing, cultural belonging, the immigrant experience and so much more. Written by an author of Palestinian, Jordanian and Syrian heritage, the poems cross borders, weave together English and Arabic and paint the love Tuffaha has for her loved ones and her roots.
I felt impacted by many of these poems and was carried by the vivid descriptions of the author’s homeland, traditional foods and war-torn scenery.
There There by Tommy Orange
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book tackles the great feat of juggling no less than 12 different character POVs. While some were more captivating and heart-wrenching than others, each one added an important layer to the narrative.
The story introduces readers to a range of Indigenous characters who, together, portray the unique experiences, struggles and generational trauma faced by Indigenous peoples as a result of the years of oppression and violence inflicted on their ancestors. But as the story unfolds, readers begin to understand how each of the characters is connected to the others.
The book is very well written, featuring prose that is at times lyrical and often affecting. I was struck on many occasions by the impact of some of Orange’s lines. The style is also accessible and has an easy flow.
From a literary standpoint, I thought the ending was smart and well executed. But from a human standpoint, it crushed me. I wasn’t expecting this book to be a light read, but it ended up being heavier than I expected.
I found this to be overall a very impactful read, and it is one I will likely revisit in the future. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the modern Indigenous experience.
The story introduces readers to a range of Indigenous characters who, together, portray the unique experiences, struggles and generational trauma faced by Indigenous peoples as a result of the years of oppression and violence inflicted on their ancestors. But as the story unfolds, readers begin to understand how each of the characters is connected to the others.
The book is very well written, featuring prose that is at times lyrical and often affecting. I was struck on many occasions by the impact of some of Orange’s lines. The style is also accessible and has an easy flow.
From a literary standpoint, I thought the ending was smart and well executed. But from a human standpoint, it crushed me. I wasn’t expecting this book to be a light read, but it ended up being heavier than I expected.
I found this to be overall a very impactful read, and it is one I will likely revisit in the future. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the modern Indigenous experience.
What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma by Stephanie Foo
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
A beautifully written, moving memoir that is surprisingly informative. I really appreciated how the author blended educational and personal information and offered a client perspective in the context of therapy and overcoming trauma using a range of techniques and approaches. I will be thinking about this one for a long time and may even revisit it in the future.
Grandview Drive by Tim Blackett
dark
reflective
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
5.0
The opening story of Grandview Drive introduces readers to the event around which all subsequent stories revolve: a car crash on the titular thoroughfare. The victim of the crash, Earl, is a man consumed by his own loneliness. He enjoys looking into the homes on Grandview, imagining the perfect lives of their residents, until his life comes to an abrupt end.
Readers then similarly glimpse into the windows of these houses, getting intimate and human snapshots of the lives of those affected by the crash. The stories of this collection unfold out of time and in silos but are woven together by an overarching theme of loneliness and a search for connection.
The author invites readers to consider the ways in which we, as humans, impact each other and how our everyday actions can influence the lives of those around us. While dark themes of loneliness, suicide, depression and murder are present throughout (check content warnings), there is also hope on these pages. There is a reminder that connection can sneak up on us when and where we least expect it.
Grandview Drive is an excellent debut with a wealth of nuance in its characters and depth of emotion in its themes. It is a prime example of literary fiction, unassumingly inviting readers to contemplate the big picture of society and challenging the promise of appearances.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by the author in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Car accident, Death, Suicide, and Murder
Minor: Drug use
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is a great sequel that ties up the duology very nicely. Picking up where One Dark Window left off, the story provides a deeper look into the magic system of the providence cards, the history of Blunder and the perspectives and relationships of the characters.
This book was a more ambitious effort than the first, offering multiple POVs and timelines and prose that exceeds the quality of that in the first book.
There was honestly never a dull moment in this story, and I loved the growth of the characters and their relationships. Seeing more of Elm and Ione in this book was absolutely delightful.
If I had one gripe with this book, it would be that the villain lacked a bit of depth. He was pure evil, with an insatiable thirst for power and control, and I found myself wanting to know more about his motives, to see him humanized a little.
Overall, I really enjoyed this duology and definitely recommend it. The gothic setting and forest magic make for a wonderful world to escape into.
This book was a more ambitious effort than the first, offering multiple POVs and timelines and prose that exceeds the quality of that in the first book.
There was honestly never a dull moment in this story, and I loved the growth of the characters and their relationships. Seeing more of Elm and Ione in this book was absolutely delightful.
If I had one gripe with this book, it would be that the villain lacked a bit of depth. He was pure evil, with an insatiable thirst for power and control, and I found myself wanting to know more about his motives, to see him humanized a little.
Overall, I really enjoyed this duology and definitely recommend it. The gothic setting and forest magic make for a wonderful world to escape into.
Nixonland: The Rise of a President and the Fracturing of America by Rick Perlstein
challenging
informative
slow-paced
5.0
Dense with detail and at times difficult to get through, this book was, for me, extremely educational.
In addition to offering a narrative of how Nixon weaseled his way into the Oval Office and effectively split America in two, this book opened my eyes to the extent to which history repeats itself. Because the subject matter of the book took place in the 1960s–70s (20 years before I was born), my perspective of the political events of that era was not well rounded, and I was surprised to learn about the extremity of the political divide, riots, etc. Also surprising was the number of specific hot-topic issues that are still at the forefront of politics today.
This book also exposed a lot of gaps in my knowledge, opening up a plethora of new topics for me to dive into to further my learning.
Perlstein simultaneously takes a deep dive into Nixon’s psyche and analyzes his lasting impact on the U.S., offering a valuable perspective on how politics in the country have become what they are today. It is easy to draw parallels between these events and politics in Canada, too.
It’s one I’m sure I could get more out of on a reread. Someday. Maybe. 😅
In addition to offering a narrative of how Nixon weaseled his way into the Oval Office and effectively split America in two, this book opened my eyes to the extent to which history repeats itself. Because the subject matter of the book took place in the 1960s–70s (20 years before I was born), my perspective of the political events of that era was not well rounded, and I was surprised to learn about the extremity of the political divide, riots, etc. Also surprising was the number of specific hot-topic issues that are still at the forefront of politics today.
This book also exposed a lot of gaps in my knowledge, opening up a plethora of new topics for me to dive into to further my learning.
Perlstein simultaneously takes a deep dive into Nixon’s psyche and analyzes his lasting impact on the U.S., offering a valuable perspective on how politics in the country have become what they are today. It is easy to draw parallels between these events and politics in Canada, too.
It’s one I’m sure I could get more out of on a reread. Someday. Maybe. 😅
A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
“[E]very tree was lush and full, bursting with green life. Yet somehow, in the absence of contact, they knew exactly where to stop growing outward so that they might give their neighbors space to thrive.”
Just as comforting and lovely as the first book, if not more so. 🥹
This book sees tea monk Sibling Dex and their robot companion Mosscap on their journey out of the wild and into villages and cities, seeking answers to what humanity really needs.
I loved Becky Chambers’ exploration of community care and finding one’s way in life in this book. It’s the type of story that makes you feel hopeful for a better future but at the same time asks a wealth of valuable philosophical questions.
I could keep reading about Sibling Dex and Mosscap forever. I’m not sure if the author plans to release more books in this series, but I’d love to see it.
Just as comforting and lovely as the first book, if not more so. 🥹
This book sees tea monk Sibling Dex and their robot companion Mosscap on their journey out of the wild and into villages and cities, seeking answers to what humanity really needs.
I loved Becky Chambers’ exploration of community care and finding one’s way in life in this book. It’s the type of story that makes you feel hopeful for a better future but at the same time asks a wealth of valuable philosophical questions.
I could keep reading about Sibling Dex and Mosscap forever. I’m not sure if the author plans to release more books in this series, but I’d love to see it.