mrtvavrana's reviews
832 reviews

Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

challenging dark mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

 

After reading Mexican Gothic in 2022, I took a long break from Moreno-Garcia. The novel did not meet my expectations, and it took me a while to pick another of her books up. I am glad I went with Silver Nitrate, as this novel really took me by surprise and exceeded all of my expectations.

Mexico City, 1990s. Montserrat is a talented sound editor, working among men. She is constantly being left out and punished for speaking out despite her undeniable talents. She is in love with her best friend, Tristan, who one day discovers that his new neighbour is the cult horror director Abel Urueta.

They grow closer, and Urueta claims he knows a way that will change all their lives. He talks of a German Nazi occultist called Ewers and a film they have never finished, the remainders of which are stored on silver nitrate stock inside of his freezer. The film was infused with magic, he claims, and finishing the spell would break the curse that has been plaguing him for decades.

Despite their doubts, they decide to help. But soon, they begin to realise that the mysterious occultist and magic might be more real than they have ever imagined.

I found the premise fascinating and unique. The pace was quite slow at the beginning and also in the middle. But things definitely sped up as the novel neared its end. While I did enjoy the story, I felt like it was a bit… Cramped? There was a lot of theory on magic, two main characters and their complicated lives and relationships, and then a set of 5 more people and their own messy pasts, the cult, the work… It was a bit overwhelming, if I'm being honest.

The characters were okay. Not necessarily likeable or remarkable. I did like Montserrat; it is difficult to find a metalhead girl in literature. But I had high hopes of her working with Ewers in the end. Mostly because of her deep interest in the occultism and magic.

I hated that she ended up with Tristan in the end; she deserved so much better than that pathetic mess of a man.

I did not like the ending very much, if I am being honest. I hoped that it would be left at least a bit open or that we would perhaps see Montserrat working with magic in the future.

The atmosphere Moreno-Garcia created in this novel felt like watching a VHS on a summer evening. It made me think of classic slasher horror, even though the genre has not much to do with this novel.

This time I definitely do not leave disappointed, but I am also not perfectly satisfied. Hopefully, my next book from the author will finally scratch the itch, as I am obsessed with Moreno-Garcia's writing style and the atmosphere she creates in her books. 

Bratia II by Yu Hua

challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-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

Bratia I. by Yu Hua

challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Kde aj temnota zamrzne by A.B. Poranek

hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 

I have read this book in Slovak.

I often complain about how hard it is to find books that contain Slavic mythology and are well researched. Where The Dark Stands Still was, surprisingly, really good.

Now, if you know me, you also know I am not terribly excited about romance and definitely not about a large age-gap romance. The authors really need to work on making their heroines, even in young adult romance, older. If the man can be centuries old, why the hell is he interested in a barely legal teenager? It's creepy and quite disgusting, if you ask me. Despite that, I still wanted to give this novel a shot. I did not have many expectations going in, but I eventually ended up enjoying this book quite a lot.

Liska is a young girl from a small village. You would think she is ordinary if it weren't for her magic. She knows how dangerous it is, and to protect the people she loves, she decides to find a magic flower that will grant her a wish. A wish to make the magic go away. Unfortunately, she falls into a trap prepared by an ancient demon called Leszy. He promises to take her magic, but first she needs to serve and help him.

As time passes, Liska discovers she is not the first person to serve the demon, and soon she uncovers that the fate they suffered is now waiting for her. The only way Liska can save herself is to embrace the thing she hates the most – her magic.

The story was quite simple and predictable, but it had a lot of magic. It constantly reminded me of Howl's Moving Castle. There definitely were moments I did not quite like, and I wish the book were more detailed. Mostly when it comes to the magic system and the different mythical creatures living in the forest. The book was still captivating and lovely, and I particularly loved the open ending and the tragedy of it all. Too many authors are afraid of making their readers weep, so this was a nice change.

The characters were incredible. I think all of them were loveable and easy to connect with. They were great as individuals, but I also loved how they all fit together as a family (of sorts).

The part I disliked the most was, as usual, romance. I have already mentioned the age gap in the beginning, but there were more things I was not happy about. I absolutely hate miscommunication and avoidance of talking about certain topics. I always find myself extremely annoyed, and it was no different in this case. 

The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

 

The Hollow Places is a novel straight out of another dimension (quite literally). I knew what to expect from this novel, but I do not think I was well prepared.

Many years ago I had a dream I was reminded of while reading this novel. I think that is a part of why I found the story so terrifying. I had to put the book down multiple times, as it was a bit too much for me. But overall, I do not think this novel is that scary.

After her divorce, Kara moves in with her uncle, who owns an oddities museum. One day, she finds a hole in one of the walls, and inside that hole is a mysterious bunker. Once she decides to investigate it, she discovers it leads to another world filled with creatures that are fueled by fear.

One thing I love about T. Kingfisher is that in her books, most characters are grown up, real adults. No insane 19-year-olds running around wreaking havoc.

I am not sure I have connected with the characters. Do not get me wrong; I loved how they were written, and they were definitely likeable, but something just did not click for me this time.

Story-wise, I loved The Hollow Places. I loved the cosmic horror elements, the pace, and the twists.

While the pacing was great, I do think there were some moments when I thought the book was dragging and a couple of the scenes could have been omitted.

I have to say, the ending was incredibly dry and underwhelming, though. I was definitely expecting a more open ending, maybe seeing a hint that says, “This is not over just yet!”

I wish that the other dimension was explored in more detail. I still hope that one day, T. Kingfisher will bless us with a sequel from another perspective. This universe has so much potential, and it would be a pity to leave it. 

Earthlings by Sayaka Murata

challenging dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 

I feel like I say this a lot in my reviews, but this book is a journey. And at the end of it, you will be speechless and disgusted and horrified and shocked, but also disgusted.

Natsuki and her cousin Yuu are not like other children. You see, they are not human. Natsuki is a witch, and Yuu is an alien. They spend their summers together in the Nagano mountains, hoping a spaceship will come and take them home.

One summer, something terrible happens, and they make a pact: survive at all costs.

After long years of not seeing each other, Natsuki and her husband return to the family home in the mountains, where Yuu now lives. But will he remember the promises they made as children?

The novel starts off very innocent (and I'd say even quite relatable), but things get pretty weird pretty fast. I was definitely unprepared for what was coming for me. I did really love the pace and the inevitable descent into madness, though.

Earthlings is kind of like a car crash: you know what is coming, you know it will be terrible and very traumatising, but you can't stop it, and you're unable to look away.

The characters were all quite likeable at first. I could really relate to Natsuki during her childhood – I saw myself in her loneliness and otherness. Up until the last minute, I was hoping that she would get a happy ending, as she really deserved it. Unfortunately, Murata had a completely unique plan for the girl.

I appreciate how realistic she was as a character. Her experiences and reactions too. I think that is why I loved her so much.

The story was pretty consistent up towards the very last chapter; that is when and where everything goes very bad, very, very fast. I do not think you would be prepared even if you checked the trigger warnings or looked for spoilers. Even with the whole book spoiled, I think you would be really shocked by how truly disturbing the end is.

All that being said, this book was incredible. It's definitely not for everyone, mostly because of how extreme and graphic and depressing it is at times. But it's worth a shot if you are in the mood to get traumatised a little. 

The Book of Lost Tales, Part Two by J.R.R. Tolkien

adventurous informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Similarly to the first book, this volume is also a collection of the early versions of tales from The Silmarillion. 

I found the first book quite difficult to read, although I enjoyed this volume much better. I definitely still struggled with the additional commentary, but it was fascinating to read and learn all those little details. 

I am also quite in awe of how much the stories have evolved and how much of them remains the same even after so many years. 

As I have mentioned in my previous review, The History is not for casual fans. Not even for a lot of the hardcore fans, probably. This series is definitely a journey even for the most determined. 

But I think that if you managed to read the first book, you already have a clear idea of what the rest of the books will be like. 

The Book of Lost Tales, Part One by Christopher Tolkien, J.R.R. Tolkien

adventurous challenging informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

 I am going to start this review by saying that The History is definitely not for everyone, not even if you are a Tolkien fan. My goal for 2025, though, is to read one book a month. Hopefully I will manage to achieve my goal.

This was quite difficult for me to get through, even though I really enjoyed it. The book contains some of the earliest versions of the stories we now know as The Silmarillion. They are accompanied by an extensive commentary written by Christopher Tolkien.

It was genuinely incredible to see how much time and thought was put into The Silmarillion and how much of it has changed over the years. It's even more incredible to see how much of the original or first versions has survived untouched.As I have mentioned already, I found it difficult to get into the book at first. I am not certain why that happened, but hopefully the rest of The History will be easier to read.

Definitely do not read this book if you expect any new materials or stories. This is basically just “the making of”. I would definitely say that reading The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and The Silmarillion is required before you dive into The History.

This definitely reads more like an academic publication than other of Tolkien's works that have additional commentary from Christopher. Definitely do not expect this to be like any other of Tolkien's books.

 

The Storm Beneath the Glass by Todd Larsen, Robert Wyatt

adventurous challenging informative slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

I would like to thank NetGalley and Gatestone Publishing for providing me with an e-ARC of The Storm Beneath the Glass. 

This novel has certainly been a challenge for me. I loved the premise, and I was fairly excited to read it, but that initial happiness, unfortunately, expired by the time I was finished with the first chapter. 

After years of peace, the Kingdom of Remalia now stands at the edge of a storm. The rising religious unrest and slave raids from the neighbouring Kushaan pave the path towards war, a conflict that was foretold a long time ago. 

After the king falls ill, the fate of Remalia is put in the hands of the crown prince Stephir and his younger brother Adric. Throughout the book we follow them as they try to save the kingdom from chaos and ruin. 

While I do think the plot was pretty good, unfortunately it was buried under a tonne of quite useless information. I am hesitant to call it world-building because it does not add much to the world or the story. The readers do not need to know detailed information about how the prince was choosing his outfit or what he was wearing. They also do not need to be presented with what feels like entire biographies of characters that only appear on a few pages. 

This novel, without any questions, needs more editing. There were many moments where I felt like the last 15, 20 pages were completely meaningless and did not add a single thing to the story. I personally think that this book could have been shorter. Nearly 900 pages for a debut novel seem excessive, and it is definitely overwhelming. I have been reading fantasy for 20 years, but I still struggled to keep up. 

While this book is extremely heavy on information, it did remind me of the old sci-fi and fantasy, mainly Roger Zelazny´s The Chronicles of Amber. 

Despite all the information this book contains, I do not think the important things, like the magic system and religion(s), were well explained. Not to mention that the wiki is incomplete and just as chaotic as the book. 

Another issue I had with this book was that in a few instances, the language used to describe dark-skinned people came off as racist. I absolutely do not think that this was intentional, but it did certainly put me off. 

My biggest issue lies with the number of characters and POVs. I think I counted 8 or 9; I genuinely lost track. This is, in my opinion, quite extreme. I could barely remember or keep up with what was going on, and it was unbelievably difficult to say what information might be important. I also found it difficult to remember or connect to any of the characters. 

Genuinely, I think the authors wrote this book for themselves. It felt like they did not exactly take into account that somebody who is not them and who does not understand the world they created would read it. 

Despite all that, I truly feel like this novel and series are filled with a lot of potential. I am curious about what comes next and what the future novel(s) will bring for the characters. I would also really love to see the authors grow, as the world they have created is quite beautiful. 

I hope that we will get to see the sequel soon. 

Revenge by Yōko Ogawa

challenging dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

 

This short story collection is my first experience with Yoko Ogawa, and I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed reading it.

All of the stories in this book are somehow connected. While none of them are particularly scary on their own, I think seeing the bigger picture and connections was what made me terrified. The world is a very small place; we are all connected in one way or another. Whether we are aware of it or not.

The stories were all incredible on their own; they definitely were morbid and dark, and I enjoyed how they flowed. Somehow, Ogawa managed to capture entire books with such few words.

I cannot wait to read more of her books; some of them have been on my to-read list for years.