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nadiamasood's reviews
287 reviews
Daughters of Bronze: A Novel of Troy by A.D. Rhine
Who Should Read This?
Anyone who loves mythology retellings or historical fiction, especially with strong, layered female characters. Also, if you hate Paris, you’ll find this book particularly satisfying, haha!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What a fresh and brilliant twist on a story we all thought we knew! This retelling of the Trojan War myth is absolutely EPIC. One of my biggest questions has always been: why did Hector, Troy's bravest and most skilled fighter, run away when it came to single combat with Achilles, with their kings and entire armies watching? This book finally answered that question, and it was so satisfying!
Note: This is the second book in a duology. To fully understand and appreciate Daughters of Bronze, be sure to read Horses of Fire first.
The main characters are all women and they draw you right into their world, and you get this whole new perspective on the siege and fall of Troy. And even though it focuses on the women, Daughters of Bronze gives you a surprising look at the male heroes too, like Hector and Ajax the Great, closer than any other version I’ve come across.
The world-building is INSANE. I felt like I was walking through Troy...its grand walls, bustling streets, and quiet, intimate corners. The fight and battle scenes are so vividly written, they truly pull you into the action.
The writing is just beautiful!
The ending broke my heart. We all know Troy is going to fall, but experiencing it through the eyes of Andromache and the other women makes it hit so much harder. However, my only issue is that the ending felt a bit rushed. I need to know more about the lives of Rhea, Ajax, and especially Andrius. There *has* to be a book 3 where he's all grown up and reclaims Troy as his birthright!
What Did I Learn?
Note: This is the second book in a duology. To fully understand and appreciate Daughters of Bronze, be sure to read Horses of Fire first.
The main characters are all women and they draw you right into their world, and you get this whole new perspective on the siege and fall of Troy. And even though it focuses on the women, Daughters of Bronze gives you a surprising look at the male heroes too, like Hector and Ajax the Great, closer than any other version I’ve come across.
The world-building is INSANE. I felt like I was walking through Troy...its grand walls, bustling streets, and quiet, intimate corners. The fight and battle scenes are so vividly written, they truly pull you into the action.
The writing is just beautiful!
The ending broke my heart. We all know Troy is going to fall, but experiencing it through the eyes of Andromache and the other women makes it hit so much harder. However, my only issue is that the ending felt a bit rushed. I need to know more about the lives of Rhea, Ajax, and especially Andrius. There *has* to be a book 3 where he's all grown up and reclaims Troy as his birthright!
What Did I Learn?
- War doesn’t just destroy cities. It wrecks lives, especially for those left behind.
- Strength isn’t always about fighting; sometimes it’s just surviving.
- Seeing a story from different perspectives makes it so much richer.
Who Should Read This?
Anyone who loves mythology retellings or historical fiction, especially with strong, layered female characters. Also, if you hate Paris, you’ll find this book particularly satisfying, haha!
Horses of Fire by A.D. Rhine
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
Okay, wow, what an absolutely epic feminist reimagining of the Trojan War! If you love Greek mythology, strong female characters, and a fresh spin on classic tales, this book is for you.
What’s so amazing? First off, the characters. Andromache, Helen, and Rhea (an original character, a servant who quickly became my favorite) are NOT the same old characters you’ve seen in Trojan War retellings. Andromache is a total warrior queen, and Helen? She’s so much more than just the "face that launched a thousand ships." Every character feels real, complicated, and totally worth rooting for. I loved them all.
The writing is stunning! It's poetic and vivid. I could almost hear the horses' hooves, taste the bitterness of war, and feel the raw emotions of the characters. It's one of those books where you live in it while reading. If you’ve ever loved a book for its atmosphere, this one nails it.
I’ve seen a few reviews mention that the pacing can be a bit slow at times, but honestly, I think that’s part of the charm. The buildup, especially as we dive deeper into these women's stories, is completely worth it. While there’s definitely action, it’s more about the emotional stakes than just battles. I love how the author focused on the often-invisible lives of the women and children who suffer during war, while the men go off to battle. The tension between personal desires and the larger battle for Troy is central, with palace intrigue and a profound bond of female friendship driving much of the plot.
This book is everything I wanted it to be and more. It’s rich, gripping, and beautifully written, with an ending that left me craving the next book in the duology. Can’t recommend it enough!
Who Should Read It?
This book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in feminist reimaginings of classical myths. It's also perfect for readers who enjoy stories of personal courage, political maneuvering, and intricate character development set against the backdrop of one of the most famous wars in history.
What’s so amazing? First off, the characters. Andromache, Helen, and Rhea (an original character, a servant who quickly became my favorite) are NOT the same old characters you’ve seen in Trojan War retellings. Andromache is a total warrior queen, and Helen? She’s so much more than just the "face that launched a thousand ships." Every character feels real, complicated, and totally worth rooting for. I loved them all.
The writing is stunning! It's poetic and vivid. I could almost hear the horses' hooves, taste the bitterness of war, and feel the raw emotions of the characters. It's one of those books where you live in it while reading. If you’ve ever loved a book for its atmosphere, this one nails it.
I’ve seen a few reviews mention that the pacing can be a bit slow at times, but honestly, I think that’s part of the charm. The buildup, especially as we dive deeper into these women's stories, is completely worth it. While there’s definitely action, it’s more about the emotional stakes than just battles. I love how the author focused on the often-invisible lives of the women and children who suffer during war, while the men go off to battle. The tension between personal desires and the larger battle for Troy is central, with palace intrigue and a profound bond of female friendship driving much of the plot.
This book is everything I wanted it to be and more. It’s rich, gripping, and beautifully written, with an ending that left me craving the next book in the duology. Can’t recommend it enough!
Who Should Read It?
This book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in feminist reimaginings of classical myths. It's also perfect for readers who enjoy stories of personal courage, political maneuvering, and intricate character development set against the backdrop of one of the most famous wars in history.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Violence, and War
Minor: Sexual assault
Grimwood by Nadia Shireen
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
Eat Slay Love by Julie Mae Cohen
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
Eat Slay Love is a dark comedy thriller about friendship, sisterhood, and revenge. It’s fast-paced and had me laughing out loud even in scenes where I probably shouldn’t have been laughing! What a wildly chaotic and entertaining read!
Let’s talk about the main female characters: Opal is a 50+ wellness influencer trying to keep it all together; Lilah is a 26-year-old lottery winner who works at a library while grieving her dad’s death; and Marina is a divorced mom of three who just inherited a massive house from her Nana Sylvia (my favorite character whose feisty presence lingers throughout the story even though she's dead).
What do these women have in common? A man. Who is currently bound and unconscious in a basement, as they figure out what to do with him. Yes, it's all dark and crazy, but the book does explore heavy themes like gaslighting, coercive control, cheating, and pyramid schemes. I do think Cohen handled these topics with care, showing just how manipulative relationships can trap women. Also, the story never felt heavy. In fact, it’s uplifting in a hilariously twisted way!
I like how flawed yet somehow lovable these characters are. These women are messy, funny, and just trying to survive, and their journey from total strangers to friends is so delightful. The ending was satisfying as well. The last scene reminded me of a revenge scene in GOT!
Sure, some moments are a little over the top, but that’s the whole point! Suspend disbelief, embrace the absurdity, and just enjoy the ride. If you’re into strong female leads, dark humor, and thrillers with a bit of chaos, Eat Slay Love should be on your list. It’s empowering, escapist fun, and I loved every minute of it!
Let’s talk about the main female characters: Opal is a 50+ wellness influencer trying to keep it all together; Lilah is a 26-year-old lottery winner who works at a library while grieving her dad’s death; and Marina is a divorced mom of three who just inherited a massive house from her Nana Sylvia (my favorite character whose feisty presence lingers throughout the story even though she's dead).
What do these women have in common? A man. Who is currently bound and unconscious in a basement, as they figure out what to do with him. Yes, it's all dark and crazy, but the book does explore heavy themes like gaslighting, coercive control, cheating, and pyramid schemes. I do think Cohen handled these topics with care, showing just how manipulative relationships can trap women. Also, the story never felt heavy. In fact, it’s uplifting in a hilariously twisted way!
I like how flawed yet somehow lovable these characters are. These women are messy, funny, and just trying to survive, and their journey from total strangers to friends is so delightful. The ending was satisfying as well. The last scene reminded me of a revenge scene in GOT!
Sure, some moments are a little over the top, but that’s the whole point! Suspend disbelief, embrace the absurdity, and just enjoy the ride. If you’re into strong female leads, dark humor, and thrillers with a bit of chaos, Eat Slay Love should be on your list. It’s empowering, escapist fun, and I loved every minute of it!
The Bear and the Unicorn by Aspen Kilgore
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
This was such a quick and enjoyable read! Having read The Crimson Thread (Book 1), I knew I'd love Aspen's writing. This one's about a princess who’s forced to rule her kingdom after her brother goes missing at sea and her father is left mentally incapacitated. The story offers a perfect blend of light fantasy, plenty of political intrigue, and a sweet romance that hits just right.
Both main characters are lovable! They’re smart, kind, and just—the kind you can’t help but root for. I loved Anjen and Serik's dynamics as they teamed up to stop the brewing conflict on their shared border. Speaking of Serik…he’s such an adorably shy chieftain and the ultimate green flag. And Anjen? She’s everything you’d want a princess to be: strong, compassionate, and a natural leader.
I do wish there had been more scenes with Anjen and her little sister, Fila. Their bond feels like it has so much potential. Also, Anjen’s mysterious “gift” has me so curious! I’m hoping for more answers and development on that in Book 3. For anyone wondering about the spice level, there’s an open-door scene toward the end, so take note!
Beyond the romance, the book delves into themes of power, responsibility, and the challenges of forming alliances.
If you enjoy romantasy novels with strong female protagonists and a dose of political intrigue, The Bear and the Unicorn: Embers of Nia is definitely worth picking up. I’m so excited to see what’s next in Book 3!
Both main characters are lovable! They’re smart, kind, and just—the kind you can’t help but root for. I loved Anjen and Serik's dynamics as they teamed up to stop the brewing conflict on their shared border. Speaking of Serik…he’s such an adorably shy chieftain and the ultimate green flag. And Anjen? She’s everything you’d want a princess to be: strong, compassionate, and a natural leader.
I do wish there had been more scenes with Anjen and her little sister, Fila. Their bond feels like it has so much potential. Also, Anjen’s mysterious “gift” has me so curious! I’m hoping for more answers and development on that in Book 3. For anyone wondering about the spice level, there’s an open-door scene toward the end, so take note!
Beyond the romance, the book delves into themes of power, responsibility, and the challenges of forming alliances.
If you enjoy romantasy novels with strong female protagonists and a dose of political intrigue, The Bear and the Unicorn: Embers of Nia is definitely worth picking up. I’m so excited to see what’s next in Book 3!
Raised by Wolves by James Patterson
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
This book starts off wild and chaotic, and I was immediately hooked! We’re introduced to feral siblings Kai and Holo, who seem more animal than human. I found the plot intriguing enough to keep me reading. I just had to know how these teens raised by wolves could still talk, read, and solve tricky math problems!
I loved how the book explores the struggle of fitting in when your instincts clash with everything society expects. The relationship between Kai and Holo was my favorite part—they’re fiercely loyal to each other. Kai’s POV gives it a YA thriller vibe, but the deeper themes of belonging and identity make it stand out. The chief and his wife are also standout characters for me!
Plus, I learned so much about wolves! I loved all their scenes. However, the ending left me with mixed feelings. It’s kind of open-ended, and while that feels realistic, I was hoping for just a bit more closure.
I loved how the book explores the struggle of fitting in when your instincts clash with everything society expects. The relationship between Kai and Holo was my favorite part—they’re fiercely loyal to each other. Kai’s POV gives it a YA thriller vibe, but the deeper themes of belonging and identity make it stand out. The chief and his wife are also standout characters for me!
Plus, I learned so much about wolves! I loved all their scenes. However, the ending left me with mixed feelings. It’s kind of open-ended, and while that feels realistic, I was hoping for just a bit more closure.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Cursing, and Gun violence
Home Is Nearby by Magdalena McGuire
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
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
4.0
Before reading Home Is Nearby, I knew very little about Poland’s political turmoil in the 1980s. The portrayal of Poland’s oppressive regime is well done: how people lived in constant fear of surveillance and informers. The economic struggles, like eating cabbage for weeks due to food shortages, are powerfully conveyed. I also appreciated the contrast between Ania’s quiet rural upbringing and the harsh realities of city life.
I particularly enjoyed learning about the family dynamics and cultural details, such as the tradition of eating carp at Christmas and keeping its scales for good luck, along with the depiction of university life. The characters were so well written that there were times when I forgot I was reading fiction!
I’ve never read a novel where art played such a central role in the story. In this book, art isn’t just a theme but a powerful form of silent rebellion. The way she and her friends use art to subtly protest the government’s control was one of my favorite aspects, plus Ania’s journey as a sculptor mirrors her own path of self-discovery. The scenes where she and Dominik face imprisonment are haunting, and the fates of their friends are heartbreaking.
The romance was realistic but definitely tumultuous, and I understood why Ania made the choices she did in the end. The pacing felt slow at times but I still enjoyed the book overall. It captures both personal and political struggles in a way that feels authentic, and the art-centered narrative adds an extra layer of depth to the story.
If you enjoy historical fiction or stories about art and personal growth, you’ll love this one. It’s perfect for readers who like exploring history through the eyes of everyday people caught in extraordinary circumstances.
I particularly enjoyed learning about the family dynamics and cultural details, such as the tradition of eating carp at Christmas and keeping its scales for good luck, along with the depiction of university life. The characters were so well written that there were times when I forgot I was reading fiction!
I’ve never read a novel where art played such a central role in the story. In this book, art isn’t just a theme but a powerful form of silent rebellion. The way she and her friends use art to subtly protest the government’s control was one of my favorite aspects, plus Ania’s journey as a sculptor mirrors her own path of self-discovery. The scenes where she and Dominik face imprisonment are haunting, and the fates of their friends are heartbreaking.
The romance was realistic but definitely tumultuous, and I understood why Ania made the choices she did in the end. The pacing felt slow at times but I still enjoyed the book overall. It captures both personal and political struggles in a way that feels authentic, and the art-centered narrative adds an extra layer of depth to the story.
If you enjoy historical fiction or stories about art and personal growth, you’ll love this one. It’s perfect for readers who like exploring history through the eyes of everyday people caught in extraordinary circumstances.
Stay with Me by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
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
4.0
This book took me through every emotion—hope, admiration, anger, heartbreak, frustration, and even disgust. Adébáyọ̀’s writing completely pulled me in, and I just couldn’t put it down. I had both the ebook and audiobook from the library and when I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about it. I finished the book in 2 days!
This book gives a great glimpse into Nigeria’s culture, traditions, and family dynamics—some of which are actually pretty similar to my own society. It made it easy for me to relate to what the characters were going through.
Stay with Me starts as a love story but quickly dives into darker themes like toxic masculinity, cultural pressures, and the intense struggles around motherhood. Infertility and its mental toll is the central theme, which could be triggering for some readers.
Yejide is a complex character who faces immense pressure to have children in a society that blames infertility solely on women and defines womanhood by motherhood.
As the story unfolds, her husband's secrets, the stress of infertility, and societal pressure push Yejide to her breaking point. She grapples with both imagined and real pregnancies, shifting from the isolation of being childless to the trauma of loss, ultimately shutting down emotionally and leaving Akin behind. Adébáyọ̀’s portrayal of Nigerian culture stands out, showing how tradition often gaslights women into silence and sacrifices.
Set against Nigeria’s political chaos from the 1980s to 2008, I think the novel beautifully contrasts public unrest with the characters' private struggles.
The storytelling is smooth and engaging. I like how Adébáyọ̀ sort of skips long descriptions and just dives right into the drama and dialogue, making the book feel sharp and to the point.
There are a few reasons why I couldn't give this book 5 stars.First, it's hard to believe that a university-educated grown woman who has access to a library to look for sickle cell disease is completely clueless about basic human reproductive physiology and is unable to suspect and look up impotence. Second, has NO ONE ever heard of artificial insemination? Not even the brilliant doctors treating Akin's condition? I am totally disgusted by the solution he came up with!!! And finally, how easily did Akin get away from both murder and attempted murder? He deserved punishment! I felt the ending was unfair to Yijide.
This book really drew me in and shook me. I get that people are willing to sacrifice a lot to have a child—and that’s totally their right—but crossing certain lines just feels wrong. Some mistakes come with a cost that can make us lose ourselves and our ability to love and care as human beings.
This book is great for readers who enjoy thought-provoking literary fiction, especially those interested in Nigerian culture. It may resonate with anyone navigating issues of fertility and identity, but be aware that it includes sensitive topics like infertility, terminal illness, death, and mental health, which might be triggering for some.
This book gives a great glimpse into Nigeria’s culture, traditions, and family dynamics—some of which are actually pretty similar to my own society. It made it easy for me to relate to what the characters were going through.
Stay with Me starts as a love story but quickly dives into darker themes like toxic masculinity, cultural pressures, and the intense struggles around motherhood. Infertility and its mental toll is the central theme, which could be triggering for some readers.
Yejide is a complex character who faces immense pressure to have children in a society that blames infertility solely on women and defines womanhood by motherhood.
As the story unfolds, her husband's secrets, the stress of infertility, and societal pressure push Yejide to her breaking point. She grapples with both imagined and real pregnancies, shifting from the isolation of being childless to the trauma of loss, ultimately shutting down emotionally and leaving Akin behind. Adébáyọ̀’s portrayal of Nigerian culture stands out, showing how tradition often gaslights women into silence and sacrifices.
Set against Nigeria’s political chaos from the 1980s to 2008, I think the novel beautifully contrasts public unrest with the characters' private struggles.
The storytelling is smooth and engaging. I like how Adébáyọ̀ sort of skips long descriptions and just dives right into the drama and dialogue, making the book feel sharp and to the point.
There are a few reasons why I couldn't give this book 5 stars.
This book really drew me in and shook me. I get that people are willing to sacrifice a lot to have a child—and that’s totally their right—but crossing certain lines just feels wrong. Some mistakes come with a cost that can make us lose ourselves and our ability to love and care as human beings.
This book is great for readers who enjoy thought-provoking literary fiction, especially those interested in Nigerian culture. It may resonate with anyone navigating issues of fertility and identity, but be aware that it includes sensitive topics like infertility, terminal illness, death, and mental health, which might be triggering for some.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Infertility, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Terminal illness and Death of parent
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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 just finished listening to the Graphic Audio version and found the story highly entertaining! It's a fast-paced YA cozy fantasy with whimsical characters and fairytale-adventure tropes.
One thing that stood out was the humor, especially in the analogies—Sanderson nailed the comedic tone. Our main character, Tress, is just an ordinary girl from an ordinary island with no magical powers or wild ambitions. She didn’t even want an adventure; all she wants is to rescue the man she loves and return to their peaceful life.
One thing that stood out was the humor, especially in the analogies—Sanderson nailed the comedic tone. Our main character, Tress, is just an ordinary girl from an ordinary island with no magical powers or wild ambitions. She didn’t even want an adventure; all she wants is to rescue the man she loves and return to their peaceful life.
Most of the story takes place on a pirate ship. There's hardly any romance, which worked for me anyway. However, the character growth of Tress is well-written.
I love that Tress’s story is narrated by such an eccentric storyteller—it brings so much personality to the tale! Tress’s character development is well-written; however, the rest of the characters felt a bit flat to me. A few years down the line, the only ones I think I’ll still remember are Tress and the rat. Oh, and speaking of which… I definitely saw that twist coming!
Though the stakes feel low, Sanderson’s worldbuilding is top-notch. The seas are made of spores rather than water—dangerous materials that can grow into lethal vines with a mere drop of water. This adds a sense of wonder and danger to an otherwise cozy story.
If you enjoy fairy-tale-inspired adventures with a unique twist or want to explore Sanderson’s work without diving into one of his larger epics, Tress of the Emerald Sea is the perfect pick. It’s a delightful standalone that’s also an excellent entry into the Cosmere universe for newcomers.