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oracle_of_madness's reviews
1325 reviews
The Friend by Sigrid Nunez
4.0
I'm so sad. I mean, amazing book... but content warning of suicide, and just sad life thoughts.. and sad dog thoughts. I'm so sad. I'm really not sure this was a good time for me to read this. I'm just feeling a lot more sad than I expected.
The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland
5.0
This book! I mean, the witchy vibes mixed in with the very real idea of how witchcraft and its bloody history have deep roots in the fear of powerful and intelligent women. This whole vibe mixed with a modern-day setting, three great characters that personally I just loved, and the fight against witch hunters and all that stands for made for the best read. (Once, again, that's my opinion, I have no idea of the author's intentions.)
This just resonated with me, and I also think this specific time period for me created the ideal reception of this story. Which, btw, can there please be a sequel?
The three main characters have some things in common, and some other things about them that make each girl very unique, for better or worse. Jude is the daughter of a well-known multimillionaire but has been shunned from her family after a bad curse. Her family, however, believes her absence is due to drug use, and it sometimes seems that could be the case with Judes' irredeemably charismatic and yet incredibly aggravating attitude. Zara used to be the best student in her high school, but now is failing her classes while being caught shoplifting books on the supernatural in her search on how to resurrect her murdered sister, Savannah Emer is possibly my favorite character, but it's really impossible for me to choose, She is living day by day pretending to be a student at Oxford. She furiously exercises, toning her body into a machine, while also endlessly increasing her knowledge at the library. I'm not going into much detail here because I love going into books blind and being surprised by every reveal, no matter how early. But, suffice to say, there is more to Emer than this seemingly simple existence.
Wow, I haven't carried on about just characters like this in a review for a while now. Like I said, I really went in with an open mind like I try to do with many things, and I think being open to learning more about these characters and drifting with the magnetic storytelling really helped me enjoy this from beginning to end.
Highly recommend!
Out January 30, 2023!
Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!
This just resonated with me, and I also think this specific time period for me created the ideal reception of this story. Which, btw, can there please be a sequel?
The three main characters have some things in common, and some other things about them that make each girl very unique, for better or worse. Jude is the daughter of a well-known multimillionaire but has been shunned from her family after a bad curse. Her family, however, believes her absence is due to drug use, and it sometimes seems that could be the case with Judes' irredeemably charismatic and yet incredibly aggravating attitude. Zara used to be the best student in her high school, but now is failing her classes while being caught shoplifting books on the supernatural in her search on how to resurrect her murdered sister, Savannah Emer is possibly my favorite character, but it's really impossible for me to choose, She is living day by day pretending to be a student at Oxford. She furiously exercises, toning her body into a machine, while also endlessly increasing her knowledge at the library. I'm not going into much detail here because I love going into books blind and being surprised by every reveal, no matter how early. But, suffice to say, there is more to Emer than this seemingly simple existence.
Wow, I haven't carried on about just characters like this in a review for a while now. Like I said, I really went in with an open mind like I try to do with many things, and I think being open to learning more about these characters and drifting with the magnetic storytelling really helped me enjoy this from beginning to end.
Highly recommend!
Out January 30, 2023!
Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!
Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett
5.0
This was just as fabulous as the first book! Emily and Wendell are still the perfect team as they (with a few additions) go to Austria to seek a door to Wendell's court amid the beautiful Alps!
Wendell has been poisoned by his court's current ruler, his stepmother. Assassins have also been sent, which, among other things, stress the importance of Wendell's fight to return to his kingdom. However, by the time they make it to the secret door in Austria, Wendell has been incredibly weakened by the poison, and Emily must figure out what to do.
This is another cozy fantasy that serves to illustrate the amazing creativity this author harbors for world building and character development. I absolutely enjoyed every single second of this sequel and can not recommend it enough to fans of the first book!
Out January 16, 2023!
Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!!!
Wendell has been poisoned by his court's current ruler, his stepmother. Assassins have also been sent, which, among other things, stress the importance of Wendell's fight to return to his kingdom. However, by the time they make it to the secret door in Austria, Wendell has been incredibly weakened by the poison, and Emily must figure out what to do.
This is another cozy fantasy that serves to illustrate the amazing creativity this author harbors for world building and character development. I absolutely enjoyed every single second of this sequel and can not recommend it enough to fans of the first book!
Out January 16, 2023!
Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!!!
Crown of Starlight by Cait Corrain
0.25
I have an Arc but im not going to spend my time reading it, this has nothing to do with the book though. I will not support this author or any author who makes multiple fake accounts on gr to review bomb other debut authors, particularly bipoc authors, while leaving themselves multiple 5 star reviews.
The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
5.0
Absolutely incredible! The fight against the Native Americans' termination in 1953/4 is something that is relevant today and, unfortunately, I believe, will always be relevant and has always been relevant. The beautiful writing and descriptions of this community show for certain that no matter what anyone believes (religion or otherwise), there is a graceful humanity in all of us no matter our appearance or any other differences.
The Night of the Storm by Nishita Parekh
3.5
This was a great read but, unfortunately, did not hit hard as a thriller.
Jia is a single mom of 12 yr old Ishaan. Her divorced status makes her almost a pariah due to her Indian culture. When Hurricane Harvey hits Houston, TX, Jia must take her son to her sisters home and into an unknown danger.
What I loved about this book was the intricate details on Indian culture and the different families/siblings' lives and relationships. I loved how in-depth the author went with each character's background. The main issue I have with this book was how the thriller aspect of the story just didn't have my full attention. However, as a family drama, this was excellent.
Out January 16, 2023!
Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!
Jia is a single mom of 12 yr old Ishaan. Her divorced status makes her almost a pariah due to her Indian culture. When Hurricane Harvey hits Houston, TX, Jia must take her son to her sisters home and into an unknown danger.
What I loved about this book was the intricate details on Indian culture and the different families/siblings' lives and relationships. I loved how in-depth the author went with each character's background. The main issue I have with this book was how the thriller aspect of the story just didn't have my full attention. However, as a family drama, this was excellent.
Out January 16, 2023!
Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!
Evergreen by Devin Greenlee
2.5
I feel about half like and half dislike for this one. And some of that has to do with the marketing for this book being a reimagined Secret Garden. I simply could not really relate this story to the classic in any way besides the fact that, indeed, there is a secret garden in this tale.
Quil is a male dryad. He is one of a kind due to the fact that all other dryads have been female. His mom keeps him undercover and away from the outside world and it's humans by keeping him inside their apartment and often working in the beautiful magical garden. When he meets his neighbor, Liam, Quil begins to learn more about himself and the world he lives in.
My main issue in this was how I never felt like each separate variable really added up. It's definitely an odd read, and I do think many would enjoy this, but it just wasn't for me. It felt a little on the younger side of ya and used language that gets on my nerves. And, trust me, I use bad language.... for some reason, it just got on my nerves in this book. Maybe the less mature side to the writing and the story coupled with plenty of f-bombs just annoyed me.
However, I do really feel like many would enjoy this. These are just my personal thoughts.
Out January 16, 2024!
Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!
Quil is a male dryad. He is one of a kind due to the fact that all other dryads have been female. His mom keeps him undercover and away from the outside world and it's humans by keeping him inside their apartment and often working in the beautiful magical garden. When he meets his neighbor, Liam, Quil begins to learn more about himself and the world he lives in.
My main issue in this was how I never felt like each separate variable really added up. It's definitely an odd read, and I do think many would enjoy this, but it just wasn't for me. It felt a little on the younger side of ya and used language that gets on my nerves. And, trust me, I use bad language.... for some reason, it just got on my nerves in this book. Maybe the less mature side to the writing and the story coupled with plenty of f-bombs just annoyed me.
However, I do really feel like many would enjoy this. These are just my personal thoughts.
Out January 16, 2024!
Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins
5.0
This author always comes up with such a new and intense tale that it always fascinates while it thrills me.
An ancient family, money that makes more money because of what a century old ancestor did. This group that fights, lives and dies in their ancient and beautiful mansion, Ashby Home located in the very majestic and dangerous Appalachian mountains in North Carolina seem to survive not just from the endless money but from a seething hatred amidst their family.
When Jules comes home from work one day, her husband has to let her know that he must return to his family. Not even true family. At least, in my opinion, true families are accepting and loving. After his adoptive mother, the infamous Ruby, dies and leaves him the house and the whole fortune he thought he could get away. Leave the money behind, the incessant problems. However, when he returns with his wife, there is more than just luggage to unpack. We learn Ruby's sordid tale, among others. And it's never what I expected.
This has the atmosphere and the characters that really made me feel the intensity of every part of this story. I truly enjoyed this and recommend it.
Out January 9, 2024!
Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!
An ancient family, money that makes more money because of what a century old ancestor did. This group that fights, lives and dies in their ancient and beautiful mansion, Ashby Home located in the very majestic and dangerous Appalachian mountains in North Carolina seem to survive not just from the endless money but from a seething hatred amidst their family.
When Jules comes home from work one day, her husband has to let her know that he must return to his family. Not even true family. At least, in my opinion, true families are accepting and loving. After his adoptive mother, the infamous Ruby, dies and leaves him the house and the whole fortune he thought he could get away. Leave the money behind, the incessant problems. However, when he returns with his wife, there is more than just luggage to unpack. We learn Ruby's sordid tale, among others. And it's never what I expected.
This has the atmosphere and the characters that really made me feel the intensity of every part of this story. I truly enjoyed this and recommend it.
Out January 9, 2024!
Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!
Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce
5.0
The perfect ya romance! So romantic, dynamic characters, funny and emotional all at once.
Riley is a die-hard theater kid. When her best friend and she takes her mom's car (without a driver's license) to go see Waitress traveling Broadway, she does not look forward to paying for her crimes when she gets caught. She has to work at her dad's game store for 8 weeks while also not participating in any theater activities. When her ex-boyfriend shows up to obnoxiously gloat at the shop, she accidentally blurts out that she is, in fact, in another relationship.... with Nathan, a gamer boy that she is not exactly on good terms with.
This had so many things I loved in it. The incorporation of the game shop feeling like a home away from home to the many that gather there for different reasons is something I can definitely relate to. Not to mention the undeniable charm of the two main characters. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this read!
Out January 9, 2024!
Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!
Riley is a die-hard theater kid. When her best friend and she takes her mom's car (without a driver's license) to go see Waitress traveling Broadway, she does not look forward to paying for her crimes when she gets caught. She has to work at her dad's game store for 8 weeks while also not participating in any theater activities. When her ex-boyfriend shows up to obnoxiously gloat at the shop, she accidentally blurts out that she is, in fact, in another relationship.... with Nathan, a gamer boy that she is not exactly on good terms with.
This had so many things I loved in it. The incorporation of the game shop feeling like a home away from home to the many that gather there for different reasons is something I can definitely relate to. Not to mention the undeniable charm of the two main characters. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this read!
Out January 9, 2024!
Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!