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mk_loisirs's reviews
370 reviews
An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
*I received a digital galley in exchange for my honest review.*
I need to be entirely honest here when I say I was a little disappointed in this book. I am not saying this wasn't a good. I was just apathetic about it all. The story is set in the same world as "A Dowry of Blood" and that fact in itself excited me about the novel. However upon diving in I was left wanting. I felt like it was a very surface level exploration of the characters. The main subject of the book being a rivals-to-lovers with the twist of vampirism. I didn't grow particularly attached to either character as I didn't feel we got a "true" look into their psyche...it felt very shallow. I was most interested in De Lafontaine's character but considering she was the secretive professor and the POVs are from Laura and Carmilla's views...we don't get much. The vampirism aspect didn't play a huge roll other than adding another layer to the "wanting" between Laura and Carmilla. It emphasized the desire between the two.
The prose was lovely as always but this was an area too which wasn't as exciting as Gibson's previous work. It wasn't as lyrical..it just flowed nicely but it didn't have as much passion and lushness as A Dowry of Blood.
I think the most fantastic part of this book was that there were ZERO important male characters. There's some mentioned at the end but other than that it was all female cast. That was really interesting and fun addition!
All in all I was just left wanting.
I need to be entirely honest here when I say I was a little disappointed in this book. I am not saying this wasn't a good. I was just apathetic about it all. The story is set in the same world as "A Dowry of Blood" and that fact in itself excited me about the novel. However upon diving in I was left wanting. I felt like it was a very surface level exploration of the characters. The main subject of the book being a rivals-to-lovers with the twist of vampirism. I didn't grow particularly attached to either character as I didn't feel we got a "true" look into their psyche...it felt very shallow. I was most interested in De Lafontaine's character but considering she was the secretive professor and the POVs are from Laura and Carmilla's views...we don't get much. The vampirism aspect didn't play a huge roll other than adding another layer to the "wanting" between Laura and Carmilla. It emphasized the desire between the two.
The prose was lovely as always but this was an area too which wasn't as exciting as Gibson's previous work. It wasn't as lyrical..it just flowed nicely but it didn't have as much passion and lushness as A Dowry of Blood.
I think the most fantastic part of this book was that there were ZERO important male characters. There's some mentioned at the end but other than that it was all female cast. That was really interesting and fun addition!
All in all I was just left wanting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Blood, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content
Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to Del Rey and Netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!
I was approved for this arc and read it within 24hrs of approval. I was THAT excited for this. Ava Reid is one of my favorite authors. A Study in Drowning firmly being entrenched in my top favorite books. I was worried I would not love this one as much as ASID but I was HAPPILY mistaken. I ate it up and left no crumbs. I will not be taking ANY negative commentary on this book. Yes I can see some flaws but I will not be acknowledging them at all.
This story feels very much like an Ava Reid story but at the same time it is such a different vibe. I felt more of the female rage...both quiet and loud.
This rewrite centering on Roscille (Lady Macbeth) forces you to really look at her. She is given a voice and a view. The gaze is unflinching. She is a complex creature that is deserving of her moment in the light.
I loved the prose. I loved the magical elements. I loved just how much you truly come to hate Macbeth (& others let's be honest). I loved how we come to love a monster over a man. (snippet of a great quote "...the man who acknowledges his monster is always wiser....")
If you are a fan of the "I am no man" moment. This is for you.
I was approved for this arc and read it within 24hrs of approval. I was THAT excited for this. Ava Reid is one of my favorite authors. A Study in Drowning firmly being entrenched in my top favorite books. I was worried I would not love this one as much as ASID but I was HAPPILY mistaken. I ate it up and left no crumbs. I will not be taking ANY negative commentary on this book. Yes I can see some flaws but I will not be acknowledging them at all.
This story feels very much like an Ava Reid story but at the same time it is such a different vibe. I felt more of the female rage...both quiet and loud.
This rewrite centering on Roscille (Lady Macbeth) forces you to really look at her. She is given a voice and a view. The gaze is unflinching. She is a complex creature that is deserving of her moment in the light.
I loved the prose. I loved the magical elements. I loved just how much you truly come to hate Macbeth (& others let's be honest). I loved how we come to love a monster over a man. (snippet of a great quote "...the man who acknowledges his monster is always wiser....")
If you are a fan of the "I am no man" moment. This is for you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Sexism, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
All the content warnings I tagged are not particularly "graphic" in nature. Only one instance is it particularly graphic. That being said it gets very heavy at times giving allusion to what has/will/could happen. Lady Macbeth's story is not a happy one to start.
Penance by Eliza Clark
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I wish I could go on and on about this book, like I am able to with others but Clark did exactly what she set out to do with this one. It disgusted, saddened and infuriated me. Penance slowly reveals the seedy underbelly of the true crime community and its hypocritical and commercialized nature. The reader is led by the most unreliable of unreliable narrators.
It shows you just how decentralized the victims of crimes become and how the truth gets warped for fandom and "the (re)views" through the sensationalization of crime.
It shows you just how decentralized the victims of crimes become and how the truth gets warped for fandom and "the (re)views" through the sensationalization of crime.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Bullying, Mass/school shootings, Murder, and Toxic friendship
Y/N by Esther Yi
Did not finish book. Stopped at 45%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 45%.
I’m always a fan of delusional female lit fic - however this oozed pretentiousness and to me there was no *hook* that held me to the story. I wasn’t intrigued by anything merely confused. Maybe I’m not in the right state of mind for this level of surrealism but I can see where the author was trying to go. Esther introduces the Y/N sections to further confuse the reader and blurr the lines between reality and fiction within the story but it just felt short for me.
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This novel is a bold work that takes on the carceral complex with razor-sharp satire. The writing is powerful, offering action packed drama and heart-wrenching moments. The book captivates with moments that are truly phenomenal. I found myself rooting for the characters even when initially I was torn whether I should root for them or not (but isn't that kind of the point? Realizing their humanity and the gross miscarriage of "justice" that is thrust upon them!?).
The incorporation of footnotes referencing real life statistics adds a unique layer to this dystopian novel. Where some books' addition of footnotes can pull me from the narrative, Adjei-Brenyah's use of them gives the story a poignant edge. It grounds you in reality despite the story being fiction. It allows you to consider real world implication of the horrors that are entertainment in the story.
The story GLARES into the eyes of prison industrial complex with an unflinching gaze. It challenges the reader to confront issues of incarceration and punishment. To be completely honest, it shed light on aspects of the carceral network I was not privy to (or frankly ignorant of). Who are the true villains in the system?
Adjei-Brenyah reveals whose humanity is in question, making it a powerful and truly unforgettable read. It was an impactful read.
The incorporation of footnotes referencing real life statistics adds a unique layer to this dystopian novel. Where some books' addition of footnotes can pull me from the narrative, Adjei-Brenyah's use of them gives the story a poignant edge. It grounds you in reality despite the story being fiction. It allows you to consider real world implication of the horrors that are entertainment in the story.
The story GLARES into the eyes of prison industrial complex with an unflinching gaze. It challenges the reader to confront issues of incarceration and punishment. To be completely honest, it shed light on aspects of the carceral network I was not privy to (or frankly ignorant of). Who are the true villains in the system?
Adjei-Brenyah reveals whose humanity is in question, making it a powerful and truly unforgettable read. It was an impactful read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Police brutality, Blood, Murder, Racism, Sexism, Suicide, Body horror, Violence, Confinement, and Injury/Injury detail
Forged by Magic by Jenna Wolfhart
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
A River of Golden Bones by A.K. Mulford
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Thank you to Harper Collins & NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!
I have been a fan of AK Mulford since before they were picked up by HC. (Shout out to #AKSMOUNTAINEERS!)
Anyways, I knew going into this book that it would be a well thought out romantasy with a lovable cast of characters, a unique plot line and exquisite representation. The pacing was on target. The character development was intriguing. Despite the main plot of this book being Calla's story to defeat a sorceress and save their twin, Calla's journey of self discovery was probably the the loveliest part of the story. Calla & Ora's interactions were like warm hugs. Through all this, Calla is fighting patriarchal tradition, prejudices and oppression.
Calla is such a multidimensional character. The cast of characters that were supporting Calla's journey were so entertaining and I am left wanting more! (Hopefully we get more background info on them in the next books)
I have been a fan of AK Mulford since before they were picked up by HC. (Shout out to #AKSMOUNTAINEERS!)
Anyways, I knew going into this book that it would be a well thought out romantasy with a lovable cast of characters, a unique plot line and exquisite representation. The pacing was on target. The character development was intriguing. Despite the main plot of this book being Calla's story to defeat a sorceress and save their twin, Calla's journey of self discovery was probably the the loveliest part of the story. Calla & Ora's interactions were like warm hugs. Through all this, Calla is fighting patriarchal tradition, prejudices and oppression.
Calla is such a multidimensional character. The cast of characters that were supporting Calla's journey were so entertaining and I am left wanting more! (Hopefully we get more background info on them in the next books)
Once More with Feeling by Elissa Sussman
emotional
funny
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
*Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review*
When I saw another book by Elissa Sussman was coming out, I immediately went to request it. I really enjoyed Funny You Should Ask. So I just knew this one would be good as well. I usually do not go for music/music theater related stories but I really enjoyed how Sussman portrayed the performances and how the characters felt about performing. The alternating timelines were so well done. I think that is one of Sussman's strengths. The past help set the stage for perfectly for the "now" while also maintaining their own unique tension and drama. The tension and connection between Cal & Kathleen throughout the entirety of the novel was *chefs kiss." You definitely knew they were meant for each other before they did. This book is full of self reflection, redemption, strong female friendships and one hell of a slow-burn. It is a memorable second-chance romance to say the least!
When I saw another book by Elissa Sussman was coming out, I immediately went to request it. I really enjoyed Funny You Should Ask. So I just knew this one would be good as well. I usually do not go for music/music theater related stories but I really enjoyed how Sussman portrayed the performances and how the characters felt about performing. The alternating timelines were so well done. I think that is one of Sussman's strengths. The past help set the stage for perfectly for the "now" while also maintaining their own unique tension and drama. The tension and connection between Cal & Kathleen throughout the entirety of the novel was *chefs kiss." You definitely knew they were meant for each other before they did. This book is full of self reflection, redemption, strong female friendships and one hell of a slow-burn. It is a memorable second-chance romance to say the least!
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.5
Listen, I literally have no negative comments about this book. Talia Hibbert’s writing is romantic magic. The banter, the emotional reckonings, the it-actually-makes-sense-and-isn’t-stupid third act “break up”…it was perfection. The chemistry was palpable with Zaf & Dan. Loved. It.
Everyone was right to recommend Talia Hibbert’s books. I know the rest of them are in my future.
Everyone was right to recommend Talia Hibbert’s books. I know the rest of them are in my future.
The Insatiable Volt Sisters by Rachel Eve Moulton
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
*Thank you to NetGalley & MCD x FSG Originals for the e-Arc in exchange for my honest review*
I went into this book completely blind. I requested it based off a recommendation of a friend on Insta who was reading the arc.
"Our femaleness a reason we needed saving, the only reason he needed to keep his miserable inheritance all to himself."
I am completely flabbergasted by what I read. This was such an upsettingly brilliant book. It is a gothic mystery horror show. Henri & B.B were so incredibly unlikeable. I greatly disliked both sister but I loved them all the same. I was drawn to this story much like the Volt sisters are drawn to their island. I was completely surprised by the fantastical elements to the story that moved it past simply dark and mysterious. I was anticipating the "big bad" to be more abstract and internal but it was fantastical and brillant. I know there is a feminist commentary entrenched in this story but I need to dig for the right words to the describe. The ending was so good - the final line is *perfection."
I've read in other reviews that people were confused by the POV & time changes. I didn't find that confusing at all. I felt they were well constructed and paced appropriately. I didn't feel pulled too soon from from POV or time at any point. I was interested in it all.
The beast form of the sisters harkens to sirens calling sailors to their deaths but instead of that they are two women who have been sold a lie and tricked into helping call at risk/forgotten women to their deaths. The women of the story were essentially tasked with cleaning up after the mistakes of man and I am HERE for how it ended - destroying the monster as sisters, and the man eating-monster mom FTW.
I went into this book completely blind. I requested it based off a recommendation of a friend on Insta who was reading the arc.
"Our femaleness a reason we needed saving, the only reason he needed to keep his miserable inheritance all to himself."
I am completely flabbergasted by what I read. This was such an upsettingly brilliant book. It is a gothic mystery horror show. Henri & B.B were so incredibly unlikeable. I greatly disliked both sister but I loved them all the same. I was drawn to this story much like the Volt sisters are drawn to their island. I was completely surprised by the fantastical elements to the story that moved it past simply dark and mysterious. I was anticipating the "big bad" to be more abstract and internal but it was fantastical and brillant. I know there is a feminist commentary entrenched in this story but I need to dig for the right words to the describe. The ending was so good - the final line is *perfection."
I've read in other reviews that people were confused by the POV & time changes. I didn't find that confusing at all. I felt they were well constructed and paced appropriately. I didn't feel pulled too soon from from POV or time at any point. I was interested in it all.