Scan barcode
renpuspita's reviews
1359 reviews
How to Train Your Dragon: Bagaimana Cara Melatih Nagamu by Cressida Cowell
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Major spoilers, terutama bahas beda antara film animasi dan bukunya
BEDA BANGET sama filmnya!
Atau bisa dibilang filmnya sendiri emang ngakuin kalau loosely based on books. Aspek yang sama mungkin hanya nama dan karakterisasi Hiccup. Sisanya ya banyakan beda. Kayak ga ada Astrid (walau kalau gue cek Wiki baru ada di buku 3. Itu juga namanya bukan Astrid tapi Camicazi), lalu Fishleg orangnya nerd alih2 gendut gemesin dan ternyata ibunya Hiccup masih ada serta namanya Valhallarama. Tapi yg lebih mengejutkan ya...Toothless. Di film Toothless itu naga Night Fury yang unyu gemesin, masih punya gigi dan ga bisa ngomong sama sekali. Tapi di buku ini sangat kebalikannya. Kalau Toothless versi film bak kucing jinak, maka Toothless versi buku adalah kucing garong yg bahkan oyen sendiri pun takluk sama keculasan Toothless.
Karena orang Inggris asli, maka joke orang gendut atau gembrot juga sering dipakai di buku ini. Gue kadang ga ngerti sama humor author2 British ini yg kayaknya hobi banget bikin karakter mereka untuk setidak menarik mungkin. Salah satu PERBEDAAN BESAR antara film dan buku adalah Hiccup bisa bahasa naga dan itu yang bikin dia bisa ngobrol sama Toothless dan naga2 lain. Bahkan penduduk pulau Berk ga ada yang musuhan sama naga. Mereka hanya menganggap naga itu ya dibawah mereka dan lebih cocok jadi tunggangan atau hewan peliharaan selama mereka bisa menaklukkan naganya. Penaklukan naga ini yang jadi tema utama cerita karena Toothless dan kawan - kawannya harus bisa menangkap naga untuk kemudian melatih mereka (yang hanya perlu "BERTERIAK" menurut buku How to Train Your Dragon karya Prof Yobish) agar bisa diterima menjadi anggota suku Hooligan. Kegagalan tidak akan diampuni karena yang gagal akan dibuang dari suku dan harus hidup sendiri. Yang gue suka dari naga versi buku ini adalah mereka bukan mindless creatures. Para naga ini aslinya licik, apalagi Toothless. Hiccup aja sampai harus baik2in si Toothless biar Toothless nurut. Bener - bener ga ada wibawanya 😂.
Ceritanya sendiri termasuk simple dan straightforward. Khas buku anak - anak walau konten kekerasannya lumayan (dengan beberapa kata - kata kasar) dan bullyingnya pun ada mengingat ini usia Hiccup kan mau menjelang 11 tahun. Usia rawan anak - anak berlaku kejam lah. Walau Hiccup saingan sama Snoutlout (yang lebih menyebalkan ketimbang versi filmnya), gue suka bagian Hiccup malah lebih akrab sama Thuggory yg notabene anak kepala suku saingannya suku Hooligan. Hubungan anak - ayah Hiccup sama Stoik juga ga sekaku kayak di film. Stoik emang keras, tapi dia juga kelihatan banget sayang sama Hiccup. Bahkan Valhallarama alias emaknya Hiccup aja ada bbrp adegan di buku ini. Beda lah sama versi filmnya.
Musuh di buku ini adalah naga laut gede bernama Lautus Gigantus Maximus yg kayaknya sih jadi inspirasi di film How to Train yg kedua. Sama kayak Toothlesh,Lautus bernama Kematian Hijau ini juga licik. Momen saat Hiccup negosiasi sama Kematian Hijau juga mayan filosofis karena membahas terkait kematian yg tidak pandang bulu. Endingnya sendiri ditutup dengan baik tapi gue juga tahu kalau bukunya masih ada lanjutannya. Bahkan seriesnya saja sampai 12 buku walau yang diterjemahkan setahu gue baru 3 buku saja. Terjemahannya sendiri enak dibaca dan coretan2 di buku juga rerata lucu2 pas dibaca. Narasi bukunya emang berasa kalau ini buku anak2 dan pas kalau mau dibacakan sebelum tidur.
Emang ga sama kayak filmnya,tapi bukunya sendiri juga sama menariknya kok. Bahasa naganya emang agak aneh pas awal2, tapi tenang aja selanjutnya dialog antara Hiccup sama para naga itu ditulisnya laiknya dialog biasa. Gue emang suka Toothless versi animasi, tapi versi buku juga bikin gemes sama licik dan betapa malesnya Toothless buat disuruh ini itu 🤣. Kalau nyari buku anak-anak dengan tema naga, How to Train Your Dragon boleh lah dibaca.
BEDA BANGET sama filmnya!
Atau bisa dibilang filmnya sendiri emang ngakuin kalau loosely based on books. Aspek yang sama mungkin hanya nama dan karakterisasi Hiccup. Sisanya ya banyakan beda. Kayak ga ada Astrid (walau kalau gue cek Wiki baru ada di buku 3. Itu juga namanya bukan Astrid tapi Camicazi), lalu Fishleg orangnya nerd alih2 gendut gemesin dan ternyata ibunya Hiccup masih ada serta namanya Valhallarama. Tapi yg lebih mengejutkan ya...Toothless. Di film Toothless itu naga Night Fury yang unyu gemesin, masih punya gigi dan ga bisa ngomong sama sekali. Tapi di buku ini sangat kebalikannya. Kalau Toothless versi film bak kucing jinak, maka Toothless versi buku adalah kucing garong yg bahkan oyen sendiri pun takluk sama keculasan Toothless.
Karena orang Inggris asli, maka joke orang gendut atau gembrot juga sering dipakai di buku ini. Gue kadang ga ngerti sama humor author2 British ini yg kayaknya hobi banget bikin karakter mereka untuk setidak menarik mungkin. Salah satu PERBEDAAN BESAR antara film dan buku adalah Hiccup bisa bahasa naga dan itu yang bikin dia bisa ngobrol sama Toothless dan naga2 lain. Bahkan penduduk pulau Berk ga ada yang musuhan sama naga. Mereka hanya menganggap naga itu ya dibawah mereka dan lebih cocok jadi tunggangan atau hewan peliharaan selama mereka bisa menaklukkan naganya. Penaklukan naga ini yang jadi tema utama cerita karena Toothless dan kawan - kawannya harus bisa menangkap naga untuk kemudian melatih mereka (yang hanya perlu "BERTERIAK" menurut buku How to Train Your Dragon karya Prof Yobish) agar bisa diterima menjadi anggota suku Hooligan. Kegagalan tidak akan diampuni karena yang gagal akan dibuang dari suku dan harus hidup sendiri. Yang gue suka dari naga versi buku ini adalah mereka bukan mindless creatures. Para naga ini aslinya licik, apalagi Toothless. Hiccup aja sampai harus baik2in si Toothless biar Toothless nurut. Bener - bener ga ada wibawanya 😂.
Ceritanya sendiri termasuk simple dan straightforward. Khas buku anak - anak walau konten kekerasannya lumayan (dengan beberapa kata - kata kasar) dan bullyingnya pun ada mengingat ini usia Hiccup kan mau menjelang 11 tahun. Usia rawan anak - anak berlaku kejam lah. Walau Hiccup saingan sama Snoutlout (yang lebih menyebalkan ketimbang versi filmnya), gue suka bagian Hiccup malah lebih akrab sama Thuggory yg notabene anak kepala suku saingannya suku Hooligan. Hubungan anak - ayah Hiccup sama Stoik juga ga sekaku kayak di film. Stoik emang keras, tapi dia juga kelihatan banget sayang sama Hiccup. Bahkan Valhallarama alias emaknya Hiccup aja ada bbrp adegan di buku ini. Beda lah sama versi filmnya.
Musuh di buku ini adalah naga laut gede bernama Lautus Gigantus Maximus yg kayaknya sih jadi inspirasi di film How to Train yg kedua. Sama kayak Toothlesh,Lautus bernama Kematian Hijau ini juga licik. Momen saat Hiccup negosiasi sama Kematian Hijau juga mayan filosofis karena membahas terkait kematian yg tidak pandang bulu. Endingnya sendiri ditutup dengan baik tapi gue juga tahu kalau bukunya masih ada lanjutannya. Bahkan seriesnya saja sampai 12 buku walau yang diterjemahkan setahu gue baru 3 buku saja. Terjemahannya sendiri enak dibaca dan coretan2 di buku juga rerata lucu2 pas dibaca. Narasi bukunya emang berasa kalau ini buku anak2 dan pas kalau mau dibacakan sebelum tidur.
Emang ga sama kayak filmnya,tapi bukunya sendiri juga sama menariknya kok. Bahasa naganya emang agak aneh pas awal2, tapi tenang aja selanjutnya dialog antara Hiccup sama para naga itu ditulisnya laiknya dialog biasa. Gue emang suka Toothless versi animasi, tapi versi buku juga bikin gemes sama licik dan betapa malesnya Toothless buat disuruh ini itu 🤣. Kalau nyari buku anak-anak dengan tema naga, How to Train Your Dragon boleh lah dibaca.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, and Violence
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Body shaming, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cannibalism
Homicide and Halo-Halo by Mia P. Manansala
dark
emotional
lighthearted
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
3.25
Well, Manansala didn't mince words when she said that Homicide and Halo-Halo was darker in tone, because it was compared to the first book. She also nice to provide some of trigger warnings in front of the book and I think authors should do this not too give spoiler for their book but at least to give warning in case there are sensitive topics. I can't call Homicide and Halo-Halo as cozy mystery, more like to mystery with food elements, because the topics that Manansala tackled is not easy to read. Just like the first book, Homicide and Halo-Halo also focused more onto Lila's character development, complete with dramas that surround her with murder one or two.
I read Arsenic and Adobo years ago and kind of forget who is who, but it didn't really affect me to understand what's going on. So basically, Lila just got PTSD after the event in book 1 and she had dodging Detective Park's request to meet her therapist. Lila said that Asian things to do, and while it seems like race card, I kinda amend that because mental health actually considered as weakness especially in SEA countries. The rest of the story follow the same formula, with Lila meddling aunties and cousins, although right now Lila must deal with her pasts when she once a winner of beauty pageant and the contest make her have a love and hate relationship with her deceased mother. Well, I know that Lila is annoying in this book but...she's 25. I'm sure act immaturely in my 25'ish compared to when I already in my 30'sh. Also, years of unprocessed grief and childhood traumas will do that for you. Didn't mean I approve with what Lila did, always running from her problems, but I did feel little compassion toward Lila.
The mystery was simple and straightforward and lucky for Lila (but unlucky for her cousin, Bernadette), she now is not one of person of interests but still because Bernadette was accused after having some arguments with the victims, Lila again must do some sleuthing. The ensemble cast while endearing to read, but I did find the Calender aunties (April, Mae and June) were annoying but they think that what they did was right. Sigh, boomer. Can't live with them, can't live without them. The dramas can be too hyperbole, but eh, since I'm a SEA person myself, I'm just acknowledge some of it. I like that Manansala didn't prolong the love triangle between Lila, Jae and Amir and seems like it's already final for Lila to find her boyfriend. BUT, I also liked that Manansala write for Lila to find time for herself before she engage in any romantic relationship. The description of Filipino cuisines was delish as always and I find myself craving a Halo-Halo. Yeah, we have es teler, es doger, es campur in Indonesia here, but Halo - Halo seems interesting! Just like book 1, there were recipes printed in the last pages and it's not that hard to follow. Maybe because Filipino and Indonesian cuisines were alike in ingredients and presentations.
Not as good as book 1 but still charming nonetheless. The mystery might be like afterthought because Homicide and Halo - Halo is more like Lila's journey in navigating her life, complete with meddling families. If you like your mystery simple with touch of milenial (or gen Z) dramas, completed with delicious descriptions of Filipino dishes, you can start with Arsenic and Adobo before reading this book.
I read Arsenic and Adobo years ago and kind of forget who is who, but it didn't really affect me to understand what's going on. So basically, Lila just got PTSD after the event in book 1 and she had dodging Detective Park's request to meet her therapist. Lila said that Asian things to do, and while it seems like race card, I kinda amend that because mental health actually considered as weakness especially in SEA countries. The rest of the story follow the same formula, with Lila meddling aunties and cousins, although right now Lila must deal with her pasts when she once a winner of beauty pageant and the contest make her have a love and hate relationship with her deceased mother. Well, I know that Lila is annoying in this book but...she's 25. I'm sure act immaturely in my 25'ish compared to when I already in my 30'sh. Also, years of unprocessed grief and childhood traumas will do that for you. Didn't mean I approve with what Lila did, always running from her problems, but I did feel little compassion toward Lila.
The mystery was simple and straightforward and lucky for Lila (but unlucky for her cousin, Bernadette), she now is not one of person of interests but still because Bernadette was accused after having some arguments with the victims, Lila again must do some sleuthing. The ensemble cast while endearing to read, but I did find the Calender aunties (April, Mae and June) were annoying but they think that what they did was right. Sigh, boomer. Can't live with them, can't live without them. The dramas can be too hyperbole, but eh, since I'm a SEA person myself, I'm just acknowledge some of it. I like that Manansala didn't prolong the love triangle between Lila, Jae and Amir and seems like it's already final for Lila to find her boyfriend. BUT, I also liked that Manansala write for Lila to find time for herself before she engage in any romantic relationship. The description of Filipino cuisines was delish as always and I find myself craving a Halo-Halo. Yeah, we have es teler, es doger, es campur in Indonesia here, but Halo - Halo seems interesting! Just like book 1, there were recipes printed in the last pages and it's not that hard to follow. Maybe because Filipino and Indonesian cuisines were alike in ingredients and presentations.
Not as good as book 1 but still charming nonetheless. The mystery might be like afterthought because Homicide and Halo - Halo is more like Lila's journey in navigating her life, complete with meddling families. If you like your mystery simple with touch of milenial (or gen Z) dramas, completed with delicious descriptions of Filipino dishes, you can start with Arsenic and Adobo before reading this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Kidnapping, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Fatphobia, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Infertility and Medical trauma
Black Hills by Nora Roberts
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
While the romance is not the spotlight, the last 30-40 pages is where the book shines. Nora Roberts again prove that she is a master for a standalone romantic suspense and Black Hills is one of them. I like that each of her standalone, while have same formula like located in small town, retired detective/cop, strong-willed heroines, suave and smooth-talking heroes, tight-knit family and community, there always something new to discover. In Black Hills, La Nora bring her reader to South Dakota, to a animal reservations called Chance Wildlife Refuge with some touch of Native American culture.
The romance itself actually have some of my catnips, like friend to lover and the one that got away aka second chance. Black Hills start with the meeting between Cooper "Coop" Sullivan and Lillian "Lil" Chance in the Coop's grandparents farm. Since Coop's grandparents and Lil's parents were neighbor and while Coop start as annoying brat, didn't take long for him and Lil to form friendship. The friendship blossoming into romance and they become lover when Coop in his early twenties and Lil will enter college soon. However, things happen and they become estranged especially after they found a dead body in the forest. Fast forward ten years later, Lil is now Dr. Lillian Chance, an expert in zoology and owner of local animal reservations called Chance Wildlife Refuge. While Coop, a retired cop turn into investigator left his business in New York to take care for his grandfather. Old flames rekindled, or not because Lil was pissed off because apparently Coop dump her. While Coop try to amend his mistakes but did a shitty job about it. Meanwhile, someone kill animal and also human because they like to kill to hunt. And their main target is Lil.
As for both characters, I like both Lil and Coop, but sure they are not my favorite although I prefer Lil rather than Coop. Coop feel..cold. Not that strong silent type, but more like a male that can't express his feeling clearly? I got that Coop come from broken home and he start as sad and mad, but I don't like the way he try to insert his life again into Lil's with "my way or the highway" attitude. Yeah, he's more like alpha heroes compared to another Robert's suave heroes, kinda an anomaly to be precise. But, while Lil might be hold onto her grudges toward Coop too long, I like that she didn't play easy. She want Coop to grovel and he did it. The reason why Coop "dumped" Lil kinda explained and while it sound silly (because he think he's unworthy and need to find his ground), I kind of understand him. But again, good that Lil didn't give Coop an easy way to amend his mistakes. Girlie has her heart broken apart and still she can't forget Coop. I like the scene when Coop tending to Lil, although his "my way or highway" attitude grates my nerve a little bit.
The suspense is well written and make me hold my breath. I feel uneasy and anger toward the culprit and their hallucinations toward their heritage that make them feel that what they did aka hunting and killing was justified. This is when Nora Roberts excel, she sure can write a really nasty villain that didn't need to be fawn over. Sure the way the villain portrayed kinda black and white, but bad people did exist. I also like the way Roberts handling the culprit's demise because it totally matched the wild vibe that Black Hills have. As for the romance, not only we get the romantic relationship between Lil and Coop, romance also blooming for Tansy, Lil's best friend and Farley, Lil's adoptive brother. Contrary to Coop's parents, Lil's parents are pretty much in love to each other and I like how supportive Lil's mother to Lil. While Coop's parent is not winning parent of the year award, Coop is lucky to have grandparents that love them and shape him to be the best version of him.
Not one of my favorite of Nora Roberts, but Black Hills sure have its charm. The romance might be a little bit lacking despite its have friend to lover trope (my favorite), but the suspense especially in the 30-40 last pages is what make this book worth to read. Especially if you search for a standalone romantic suspense with right amounts of romance and thriller combined.
The romance itself actually have some of my catnips, like friend to lover and the one that got away aka second chance. Black Hills start with the meeting between Cooper "Coop" Sullivan and Lillian "Lil" Chance in the Coop's grandparents farm. Since Coop's grandparents and Lil's parents were neighbor and while Coop start as annoying brat, didn't take long for him and Lil to form friendship. The friendship blossoming into romance and they become lover when Coop in his early twenties and Lil will enter college soon. However, things happen and they become estranged especially after they found a dead body in the forest. Fast forward ten years later, Lil is now Dr. Lillian Chance, an expert in zoology and owner of local animal reservations called Chance Wildlife Refuge. While Coop, a retired cop turn into investigator left his business in New York to take care for his grandfather. Old flames rekindled, or not because Lil was pissed off because apparently Coop dump her. While Coop try to amend his mistakes but did a shitty job about it. Meanwhile, someone kill animal and also human because they like to kill to hunt. And their main target is Lil.
As for both characters, I like both Lil and Coop, but sure they are not my favorite although I prefer Lil rather than Coop. Coop feel..cold. Not that strong silent type, but more like a male that can't express his feeling clearly? I got that Coop come from broken home and he start as sad and mad, but I don't like the way he try to insert his life again into Lil's with "my way or the highway" attitude. Yeah, he's more like alpha heroes compared to another Robert's suave heroes, kinda an anomaly to be precise. But, while Lil might be hold onto her grudges toward Coop too long, I like that she didn't play easy. She want Coop to grovel and he did it. The reason why Coop "dumped" Lil kinda explained and while it sound silly (because he think he's unworthy and need to find his ground), I kind of understand him. But again, good that Lil didn't give Coop an easy way to amend his mistakes. Girlie has her heart broken apart and still she can't forget Coop. I like the scene when Coop tending to Lil, although his "my way or highway" attitude grates my nerve a little bit.
The suspense is well written and make me hold my breath. I feel uneasy and anger toward the culprit and their hallucinations toward their heritage that make them feel that what they did aka hunting and killing was justified. This is when Nora Roberts excel, she sure can write a really nasty villain that didn't need to be fawn over. Sure the way the villain portrayed kinda black and white, but bad people did exist. I also like the way Roberts handling the culprit's demise because it totally matched the wild vibe that Black Hills have. As for the romance, not only we get the romantic relationship between Lil and Coop, romance also blooming for Tansy, Lil's best friend and Farley, Lil's adoptive brother. Contrary to Coop's parents, Lil's parents are pretty much in love to each other and I like how supportive Lil's mother to Lil. While Coop's parent is not winning parent of the year award, Coop is lucky to have grandparents that love them and shape him to be the best version of him.
Not one of my favorite of Nora Roberts, but Black Hills sure have its charm. The romance might be a little bit lacking despite its have friend to lover trope (my favorite), but the suspense especially in the 30-40 last pages is what make this book worth to read. Especially if you search for a standalone romantic suspense with right amounts of romance and thriller combined.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Sexual content, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, and Stalking
Minor: Addiction and Religious bigotry
Garlic & the Vampire by Bree Paulsen
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.25
A sentient garlic that is clumsy with self-doubt and hesitant to start adventure of her own
A witch that encourage the little garlic to be adventurous
Another sentient veggie, a carrot that told garlic to be a little brave
And finally, a vampire who love greening and in searching of blood substitute.
Mix them all and you have this cute, heartwarming and light story that is Garlic and the Vampire. Perfect for a quick and fast reading but still able to satisfy you and left you smiling. I sure did! Looking forward for more Garlic, Carrot, Witch Agnes and the Vampire Count .
A witch that encourage the little garlic to be adventurous
Another sentient veggie, a carrot that told garlic to be a little brave
And finally, a vampire who love greening and in searching of blood substitute.
Mix them all and you have this cute, heartwarming and light story that is Garlic and the Vampire. Perfect for a quick and fast reading but still able to satisfy you and left you smiling. I sure did! Looking forward for more Garlic, Carrot, Witch Agnes and the Vampire Count .
Mrs. Morris and the Witch by Traci Wilton
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Mrs Morris and the Witch is the second of Salem B&B Mystery, featuring Charlene Morris as an owner of B&B in Salem with her charming ghost, Jack Strathmore and adorable cat named Silva. I had read the first book, Mrs Morris and the Ghost; and while its have some weakness there also some good things that make me want to read the next book. If book 1 have ghost in it, then in this book just like the title suggest, Charlene now dealing with witches and they are the real deal. Although they are more like Wiccan witches. The murder itself happen in the Halloween, almost in witching hours when the veil between worlds was thin. The question is of course, who killed the witch named Morganna and why they want her dead?
Didn't take time too long for Charlene to start sleuthing despite the local detective, Sam Holden's worry that Charlene will endanger herself. Turn that he right, heh. But of course that didn't stop our heroine to stick her nose to the Wiccan community in Salem. Salem itself have dark history regarding witch trials, but the witch coven in Salem also flourish in the modern time. Charlene herself is pretty gung ho to sleuthing not because for herself but for Dylan, her young guest that apparently become a person of interest because his jacket was found in Morganna's shop. Charlene will do anything to prove Dylan's innocence, but this is when thing begin grates my nerves because Dylan himself was written as ungrateful brat. I got the reason why Charlene want to protect Dylan and in the process also endanger herself, but Dylan didn't deserve it in the first place!
Another thing that annoyed me was for Charlene to cohabit the B&B with ghost, she seems skeptical with the Wiccan community in Salem. She always said she willing to broad her mind, but she also skepticism when it come to the witches abilities. Like, you live with ghost, lady! Why you don't accept that witch also exist in the first place? However, I do like the way the author try to describe the Wiccan's beliefs and practice and how Charlene interact with her guests in the B&B. Sadly, not much appearance by our resident ghost, Jack. I admit I prefer Charlene's platonic interaction with Jack, rather than with Sam. Especially after Sam always written as disappointed, angry or sarcastic while I also know why Sam behave like that because Charlene always try to insert herself to investigate Morganna's murder. I guess in the end Charlene will end up with Sam, because Sam is living while Jack is...you know, dead.
The cover feature Silva still have wrong eyes color, but eh, I have resigned my fate in complaint about it. This book have its charm but also frustrating to read because how Charlene is so kind to people and some people actually didn't deserve her kindness. I'm not saying that Charlene supposed to act jaded or bitter, I just want her to become a better judge of characters. Still, Mrs Morris and the Witch was entertaining to read, especially if you search for anything witchy and book to read in the time of the Halloween.
Didn't take time too long for Charlene to start sleuthing despite the local detective, Sam Holden's worry that Charlene will endanger herself. Turn that he right, heh. But of course that didn't stop our heroine to stick her nose to the Wiccan community in Salem. Salem itself have dark history regarding witch trials, but the witch coven in Salem also flourish in the modern time. Charlene herself is pretty gung ho to sleuthing not because for herself but for Dylan, her young guest that apparently become a person of interest because his jacket was found in Morganna's shop. Charlene will do anything to prove Dylan's innocence, but this is when thing begin grates my nerves because Dylan himself was written as ungrateful brat. I got the reason why Charlene want to protect Dylan and in the process also endanger herself, but Dylan didn't deserve it in the first place!
Another thing that annoyed me was for Charlene to cohabit the B&B with ghost, she seems skeptical with the Wiccan community in Salem. She always said she willing to broad her mind, but she also skepticism when it come to the witches abilities. Like, you live with ghost, lady! Why you don't accept that witch also exist in the first place? However, I do like the way the author try to describe the Wiccan's beliefs and practice and how Charlene interact with her guests in the B&B. Sadly, not much appearance by our resident ghost, Jack. I admit I prefer Charlene's platonic interaction with Jack, rather than with Sam. Especially after Sam always written as disappointed, angry or sarcastic while I also know why Sam behave like that because Charlene always try to insert herself to investigate Morganna's murder. I guess in the end Charlene will end up with Sam, because Sam is living while Jack is...you know, dead.
The cover feature Silva still have wrong eyes color, but eh, I have resigned my fate in complaint about it. This book have its charm but also frustrating to read because how Charlene is so kind to people and some people actually didn't deserve her kindness. I'm not saying that Charlene supposed to act jaded or bitter, I just want her to become a better judge of characters. Still, Mrs Morris and the Witch was entertaining to read, especially if you search for anything witchy and book to read in the time of the Halloween.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Infidelity and Kidnapping
Minor: Drug abuse, Drug use, and Grief
Maut di Udara by Agatha Christie
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Kasus pembunuhan dimana pelakunya sebenarnya cukup mujur karena kalau saja seandainya Poirot waktu di pesawat Promotheus yaitu tempat terjadinya pembunuhan itu ga mabuk udara dan tidur, pasti bakal ketahuan. TAPI, bahkan meski sempat tidur pun, dengan kemampuan deduksi dan '"sel - sel kelabunya", Poirot berhasil menebak si pelaku dengan tepat. Bahkan masih sempat-sempatnya "ngadalin" pelakunya 🤣. Misteri kenapa ada lebah di pesawat (apakah buku ini yg menginspirasi filmnya Samuel L. Jackson yang Snake on a Plane?) terjawab sudah.
Death in the Clouds atau Maut di Udara ini bagian dari series Poirot tapi penceritaannya dari sudut pandang orang ketiga serba tahu. Kali ini tokoh selain Poirot yang hadir adalah Inspektur Japp, walau gue lupa apa dia pernah ada di buku tertentu dan ternyata dia ada di The ABC Murders. Maklum saat baca buku itu gue ingetnya Hastings doang, hehe. Walau kasusnya sendiri terjadi di ruang terbatas dan uniknya lagi, di pesawat, kali ini Poirot tidak memecahkan kasus di kejadian perkara. Ada persidangan yang menyelidiki kasus pembunuhan Madame Giselle dan kasusnya menjadi sensasional, mengubah nasib beberapa penumpang yang juga masuk list tersangka pembunuh Madame Giselle.
Dari buku ini aja, Dame Christie sudah menantang pembaca. Hayoloh, gimana caranya ngebunuh Madame Giselle tanpa ketahuan semua penumpang di kabin? Ada 11 orang (termasuk Madame Giselle) di kabin itu dimana posisi Madame Giselle ada di pojok paling belakang. Siapapun yang membunuh Madame, minimal setidaknya ketahuan. Apalagi ada dugaan Madame dibunuh dengan jarum beracun yang ditiup dari seruling. Bahkan sampai ada percobaannya segala! Dari sini juga Poirot berkata pada Fournier, polisi Prancis yang juga menyelidiki kasus pembunuhan, bahwa jangan cuma mengandalkan mata saja alias penyelidikan visual, tapi juga "mata otak". Dengan petunjuk - petunjuk itulah, Poirot akhirnya berhasil mendeduksi siapa pelakunya. Suatu deduksi yang menurut gue cukup briliant dan agak sedikit ngetwist, karena ya lagi-lagi gue ga kepikiran kalau ternyata howdunnitnya begitu! Mungkin agak lebih bisa dipraktekkan daripada howdunnit di Death on the Nile, apalagi kalau melihat bagian dalam pesawat Prometheus yang cukup gede itu. Jangan dibandingkan sama pesawat komersil lah ya.
Salah satu fakta yang unik dari buku ini, selain jarum beracun dengan racun dari bisa ular dll, adalah bagian dimana Dame Christie "balas dendam" ke suaminya saat itu yaitu Max Mallowan dengan menulis bagian dimana ada seorang suami yang meninggalkan istrinya yang lagi sakit di sebuah hotel di Suriah (atau Syria) hanya untuk mengejar kepentingannya di Irak. Bisa jadi kejadian ini sangat berbekas juga buat Dame Christie sampai dimasukkan ke dalam buku, lol. Bagian itu ga ada hubungannya sama kasus pembunuhan karena semacam intermezzo saja, tapi tetap menggelitik dibacanya. Kayak emang jangan main - main sama penulis, bisa jadi antara kamu dimatikan di bukunya atau malah diejek ga karuan :P.
Death in the Clouds menjadi salah satu buku dengan kasus misteri yang cara pembunuhannya cukup unik. Tentu saja twistnya pun cukup lumayan dan sejatinya agak memuaskan juga pas tahu pelakunya ternyata sempat dikerjai oleh Poirot tanpa si pelaku sadar. Khas Poirot juga, selalu ada yang akhirnya jadian di ending cerita. Mungkin kalau Poirot bosan jadi detektif, ada baiknya karir sebagai mak comblang perlu dipertimbangkan.
Death in the Clouds atau Maut di Udara ini bagian dari series Poirot tapi penceritaannya dari sudut pandang orang ketiga serba tahu. Kali ini tokoh selain Poirot yang hadir adalah Inspektur Japp, walau gue lupa apa dia pernah ada di buku tertentu dan ternyata dia ada di The ABC Murders. Maklum saat baca buku itu gue ingetnya Hastings doang, hehe. Walau kasusnya sendiri terjadi di ruang terbatas dan uniknya lagi, di pesawat, kali ini Poirot tidak memecahkan kasus di kejadian perkara. Ada persidangan yang menyelidiki kasus pembunuhan Madame Giselle dan kasusnya menjadi sensasional, mengubah nasib beberapa penumpang yang juga masuk list tersangka pembunuh Madame Giselle.
Dari buku ini aja, Dame Christie sudah menantang pembaca. Hayoloh, gimana caranya ngebunuh Madame Giselle tanpa ketahuan semua penumpang di kabin? Ada 11 orang (termasuk Madame Giselle) di kabin itu dimana posisi Madame Giselle ada di pojok paling belakang. Siapapun yang membunuh Madame, minimal setidaknya ketahuan. Apalagi ada dugaan Madame dibunuh dengan jarum beracun yang ditiup dari seruling. Bahkan sampai ada percobaannya segala! Dari sini juga Poirot berkata pada Fournier, polisi Prancis yang juga menyelidiki kasus pembunuhan, bahwa jangan cuma mengandalkan mata saja alias penyelidikan visual, tapi juga "mata otak". Dengan petunjuk - petunjuk itulah, Poirot akhirnya berhasil mendeduksi siapa pelakunya. Suatu deduksi yang menurut gue cukup briliant dan agak sedikit ngetwist, karena ya lagi-lagi gue ga kepikiran kalau ternyata howdunnitnya begitu! Mungkin agak lebih bisa dipraktekkan daripada howdunnit di Death on the Nile, apalagi kalau melihat bagian dalam pesawat Prometheus yang cukup gede itu. Jangan dibandingkan sama pesawat komersil lah ya.
Salah satu fakta yang unik dari buku ini, selain jarum beracun dengan racun dari bisa ular dll, adalah bagian dimana Dame Christie "balas dendam" ke suaminya saat itu yaitu Max Mallowan dengan menulis bagian dimana ada seorang suami yang meninggalkan istrinya yang lagi sakit di sebuah hotel di Suriah (atau Syria) hanya untuk mengejar kepentingannya di Irak. Bisa jadi kejadian ini sangat berbekas juga buat Dame Christie sampai dimasukkan ke dalam buku, lol. Bagian itu ga ada hubungannya sama kasus pembunuhan karena semacam intermezzo saja, tapi tetap menggelitik dibacanya. Kayak emang jangan main - main sama penulis, bisa jadi antara kamu dimatikan di bukunya atau malah diejek ga karuan :P.
Death in the Clouds menjadi salah satu buku dengan kasus misteri yang cara pembunuhannya cukup unik. Tentu saja twistnya pun cukup lumayan dan sejatinya agak memuaskan juga pas tahu pelakunya ternyata sempat dikerjai oleh Poirot tanpa si pelaku sadar. Khas Poirot juga, selalu ada yang akhirnya jadian di ending cerita. Mungkin kalau Poirot bosan jadi detektif, ada baiknya karir sebagai mak comblang perlu dipertimbangkan.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, and Abandonment
A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
With a tongue-in-cheek title, the story of A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking was indeed humorous although its have some darkest moment near the end. This is the first book of T. Kingfisher that I'd read and will not be the last since I like her writing style and her voice.
A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking (quite a handful title, isn't it?) is about a wizard (or witch) named Mona, a 14 year old girl with magic connected to bread and everything baking that live in the bakery in city surrounded by canal called Riverbraid. In the morning, she discover a dead body. Not a very good condition to start the day since she also accused of murder. While she free of any charge, Mona then find herself to be target of assassin that targeted magicker, aka people with magic. Running for her life, Mona's fate will change when she must defend the Riverbraid with only her magic. Now, what the bread wizard can do to defense her city from upcoming attack and siege?
While this book can be categorized into YA or middle grade, at first I find Mona's voice sounds like adult, lol. Well, maybe she comment everything with sarcasm and skepticism, also Mona always think that her magic is a minor ones. Actually I praised T. Kingfisher to write such a unique magic system. Yeah, Mona's magic might be minor because all she did was enchant dough, flour or bread. But, the way Kingfisher described how Mona's magic work is the highlight of this book. Imagine my surprise when reading about carnivorous and homicidal sourdough starter named Bob! Bob is such a delight, although its just a sourdough starter, its can be used as a weapon to attack people! Another Mona's invention was the gingerbread man cookies. Sadly, these gingerbread didn't have name, but its sentient and have intelligence as well. Kingfisher also explain that with some of ingredients, Mona was able to make gingerbread act like what she instructed, such as causing mischief in the middle of enemy camps. Also, gigantic gingerbread as golem. 'Nuff said.
Not only Mona, but others characters also have their spotlight. Mona's aunt, Tabitha is a force to be reckon with because not only she love Mona unconditionally, she also support Mona in the upcoming siege against Riverbraid. Spindle, the 10 years old street orphan, maybe start as a brat, but he also become Mona's sidekick and thanks to him, Mona can meet the ruler of the Riverbraid, the Duchess and appeal her case, therefore saved the Duchess from the upcoming coup d'etat. The story of this book is pretty straightforward and simple. Black and white too, because the good and the evil already defined from the start. There's no "oh, no, top ten anime betrayal" scene, except from the villain side. However, while the story feels cozy for about 60-70% mark, it turn almost depressing in the end. Mona don't want to be a hero and she think that the Duchess should be protect her citizens, magickers included. So, while the story have good and cozy feeling, Kingfisher also try to balance its with some touch of reality.
I have a blast reading a Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking. I also like the message that Kingfisher imbued her story, like great things can be start from mundane or little things. Mona's magic might be minor or insignificant at first, but I will read more about carnivorous sourdough starter or sentient gingerbread that can beat Mona in the card game. Really recommended if you want a fantasy that simple, straightforward, completed with unique magic system, a heroine with sarcasm and wittiness but also show some reality especially about the aftermath of the war/siege.
A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking (quite a handful title, isn't it?) is about a wizard (or witch) named Mona, a 14 year old girl with magic connected to bread and everything baking that live in the bakery in city surrounded by canal called Riverbraid. In the morning, she discover a dead body. Not a very good condition to start the day since she also accused of murder. While she free of any charge, Mona then find herself to be target of assassin that targeted magicker, aka people with magic. Running for her life, Mona's fate will change when she must defend the Riverbraid with only her magic. Now, what the bread wizard can do to defense her city from upcoming attack and siege?
While this book can be categorized into YA or middle grade, at first I find Mona's voice sounds like adult, lol. Well, maybe she comment everything with sarcasm and skepticism, also Mona always think that her magic is a minor ones. Actually I praised T. Kingfisher to write such a unique magic system. Yeah, Mona's magic might be minor because all she did was enchant dough, flour or bread. But, the way Kingfisher described how Mona's magic work is the highlight of this book. Imagine my surprise when reading about carnivorous and homicidal sourdough starter named Bob! Bob is such a delight, although its just a sourdough starter, its can be used as a weapon to attack people! Another Mona's invention was the gingerbread man cookies. Sadly, these gingerbread didn't have name, but its sentient and have intelligence as well. Kingfisher also explain that with some of ingredients, Mona was able to make gingerbread act like what she instructed, such as causing mischief in the middle of enemy camps. Also, gigantic gingerbread as golem. 'Nuff said.
Not only Mona, but others characters also have their spotlight. Mona's aunt, Tabitha is a force to be reckon with because not only she love Mona unconditionally, she also support Mona in the upcoming siege against Riverbraid. Spindle, the 10 years old street orphan, maybe start as a brat, but he also become Mona's sidekick and thanks to him, Mona can meet the ruler of the Riverbraid, the Duchess and appeal her case, therefore saved the Duchess from the upcoming coup d'etat. The story of this book is pretty straightforward and simple. Black and white too, because the good and the evil already defined from the start. There's no "oh, no, top ten anime betrayal" scene, except from the villain side. However, while the story feels cozy for about 60-70% mark, it turn almost depressing in the end. Mona don't want to be a hero and she think that the Duchess should be protect her citizens, magickers included. So, while the story have good and cozy feeling, Kingfisher also try to balance its with some touch of reality.
I have a blast reading a Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking. I also like the message that Kingfisher imbued her story, like great things can be start from mundane or little things. Mona's magic might be minor or insignificant at first, but I will read more about carnivorous sourdough starter or sentient gingerbread that can beat Mona in the card game. Really recommended if you want a fantasy that simple, straightforward, completed with unique magic system, a heroine with sarcasm and wittiness but also show some reality especially about the aftermath of the war/siege.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, and War
Moderate: Vomit and Stalking
Minor: Grief and Death of parent
Moorewood Family Rules by HelenKay Dimon
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I rarely give book 1 star. The last 1 star book I read was 10 years ago and usually the lowest star that I give is 1,5 to 2 stars. However, Moorewood Family Rules kinda break the pattern. I think the biggest letdown about this book is because its marketed as Knives Out meet Ocean's Eight (or Eleven or whatev). I watch Knives Out and the mystery that surround dysfunctional family was totally my forte. Even Ocean's Eight also fun to watch and the only similarities that Moorewood Family Rules have with that movie is both the heroine just come out from prison.
This book is not fun to read.
Usually I don't mind to read about dysfunctional family, but that not the case with Moorewood. I admit the introductions and the family interactions at first was interesting and funny. But then, I just don't really care. TStory was boring and the plot seems jumbled. Jay and his daughters are more compelling compared to Jillian. The mystery is nowhere to be seen. The family drama was insufferable to read. The romance? Blah, a little to almost none chemistry between Jillian and her bodyguard, Beck. I don't mind insta-lust or the fade to black sex scene, but they really have no chemistry or zings whatsoever. Their bantering just feel flat. I feel that Beck's characterization also flat and I don't really care about him at all. The big reveal about who make Jillian go to prison also not that big at all. The culprit who targeted Jillian's life also laughable. The ending is too simple. For all the wuss and fuss also ultimatum that Jillian give to Jay and his daughters, the lack of drama in the end was disappointing
Conclusion: This book is boring. With capital B.
The only good thing about this book is the cover, lol. And I also buy the e-book in sale version, so I'm happy I didn't waste money to buy the physical copy.
This book is not fun to read.
Usually I don't mind to read about dysfunctional family, but that not the case with Moorewood. I admit the introductions and the family interactions at first was interesting and funny. But then, I just don't really care. TStory was boring and the plot seems jumbled. Jay and his daughters are more compelling compared to Jillian. The mystery is nowhere to be seen. The family drama was insufferable to read. The romance? Blah, a little to almost none chemistry between Jillian and her bodyguard, Beck. I don't mind insta-lust or the fade to black sex scene, but they really have no chemistry or zings whatsoever. Their bantering just feel flat. I feel that Beck's characterization also flat and I don't really care about him at all. The big reveal about who make Jillian go to prison also not that big at all. The culprit who targeted Jillian's life also laughable. The ending is too simple. For all the wuss and fuss also ultimatum that Jillian give to Jay and his daughters, the lack of drama in the end was disappointing
Conclusion: This book is boring. With capital B.
The only good thing about this book is the cover, lol. And I also buy the e-book in sale version, so I'm happy I didn't waste money to buy the physical copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Suicide, Car accident, and Abandonment
Minor: Sexual content
Books & Broadswords by Jessie Mihalik
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
4.25
Fun, warm and cozy, Books and Broadswords is exactly what I need when my body so hurt because of period cramps, lol.
I'm already familiar with Jessie Mihalik's work especially her space opera series, Consortium Rebellion. Her books is fun, complete with ass kicking heroines and badass heroes that love them. This is the first time I discover that Mihalik write fantasy romance (still refuse to call it romantasy). Books and Broadswords consist of two novellas that loosely connected in the end. Apparently, Mihalik publish the short story first to her web and then publish it in 1 book and add some epilogues.
Personally I like the second novella, Rocks and Rapiers compared to Books & Broadswords. Books & Broadswords remind me of some fantasy shojo manga that I'd read although it less juvenile. Both novellas are low stake, with Rocks and Rapiers is more fleshed out and longer than Books & Broadswords. Characters in both novellas are charming. Ansel, a beta cinnamon roll knights with his Lady Dragon, Feora, their story might be little simple but I still enjoy their relationship and how their story end is full of warm feeling. While sassy and feisty Hearth Witch Zenira charm the sulky manor owner called Baldric with her insistence to clean his huge manor. Oh, Baldric also a dragon, and like Feora, he can shapeshift into human. I think Zenira's hearth witch ability also unique because she feel restless if she discovered dirt and dust in the home. A handy ability to have for sure.
While the novellas's steaminess mostly just fade to black with hints of sexyyy times here and there, the bonus epilogue is when the smut happen. Explicitly of course. With details. So if you don't like a detailed smut scene, you can skip the bonus epilogue. Me? Heh, it will be crazy if I skip it and Mihalik did deliver. Not only the bonus epilogue have smuts, its also written from Ansel's PoV and Baldric's PoV. We will see that dragons are jealous and possessive af. A little bit control freak, but still bearable to read. IMHO, I like Ansel & Feora bonus epilogue rather than Baldric and Zenira, maybe because their novella written shorter.
Books and Broadswords is a anthology that I can see read it again in the future. Since the book have "volume one" of its title, I wonder if Mihalik will write about more dragon. Especially the story about Malaki, the mysterious dragon that also know Feora and Baldric. If you in the mood for fantasy romance with veryyy low stake, focus more on romance and have warm also cozy vibes, Books and Broadswords is a must read.
I'm already familiar with Jessie Mihalik's work especially her space opera series, Consortium Rebellion. Her books is fun, complete with ass kicking heroines and badass heroes that love them. This is the first time I discover that Mihalik write fantasy romance (still refuse to call it romantasy). Books and Broadswords consist of two novellas that loosely connected in the end. Apparently, Mihalik publish the short story first to her web and then publish it in 1 book and add some epilogues.
Personally I like the second novella, Rocks and Rapiers compared to Books & Broadswords. Books & Broadswords remind me of some fantasy shojo manga that I'd read although it less juvenile. Both novellas are low stake, with Rocks and Rapiers is more fleshed out and longer than Books & Broadswords. Characters in both novellas are charming. Ansel, a beta cinnamon roll knights with his Lady Dragon, Feora, their story might be little simple but I still enjoy their relationship and how their story end is full of warm feeling. While sassy and feisty Hearth Witch Zenira charm the sulky manor owner called Baldric with her insistence to clean his huge manor. Oh, Baldric also a dragon, and like Feora, he can shapeshift into human. I think Zenira's hearth witch ability also unique because she feel restless if she discovered dirt and dust in the home. A handy ability to have for sure.
While the novellas's steaminess mostly just fade to black with hints of sexyyy times here and there, the bonus epilogue is when the smut happen. Explicitly of course. With details. So if you don't like a detailed smut scene, you can skip the bonus epilogue. Me? Heh, it will be crazy if I skip it and Mihalik did deliver. Not only the bonus epilogue have smuts, its also written from Ansel's PoV and Baldric's PoV. We will see that dragons are jealous and possessive af. A little bit control freak, but still bearable to read. IMHO, I like Ansel & Feora bonus epilogue rather than Baldric and Zenira, maybe because their novella written shorter.
Books and Broadswords is a anthology that I can see read it again in the future. Since the book have "volume one" of its title, I wonder if Mihalik will write about more dragon. Especially the story about Malaki, the mysterious dragon that also know Feora and Baldric. If you in the mood for fantasy romance with veryyy low stake, focus more on romance and have warm also cozy vibes, Books and Broadswords is a must read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent
Cackle by Rachel Harrison
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I agree with reviews that state that Cackle is not a horror. Nope, not a horror. Not even that scary although in the first few chapters the book have some creepy vibes with ghost apparition, but it's just that. There's some body horror but pretty tame compared to what I've read. Cackle is the first Rachel Harrison's book that I read and I intent to read this as my 100th book read in 2024 but the fact that I find it okay maybe a little bit disappointing
Rather than a horror, Cackle is more like a cozy and low stake read with witchy elements. Funny enough, the term of witch only mentioned once in this book if I remember it correctly. Annie Crane was heartbroken. Her 10 years relationship with her ex-boyfriend, Sam, is now ended, yet Annie still cling in hope that maybe she and Sam are meant to be. I think at first Cackle is dealing with a different kind of grief. Annie was depressed and spiraling in self-loathing because she still can't get over Sam. She always think what's wrong with their relationship. It's not hard to guess that Annie also a pushover and have daddy issues. I can see how Annie always have this self doubt and think maybe she's too clingy because her Dad abandon her emotionally.
Then, come Sophie. A beautiful, wonderful, charming Sophie. She looks like an ordinary woman, yet why the Rowan citizen fear her? It didn't take a long time for Annie and Sophie to become friend. Or more like Sophie insist that she think Annie as her friend. It's also didn't take a hard guess that Sophie is a witch. But the question that still nagging me to the end is what kind of witch is Sophie? What's the history between Sophie and Rowan's citizen because all of it kinda left vague. I think Sophie's magic seems connected to nature with how she like to cooking and make one or two potions, but she also can feel when Annie was distress and curse people who mean to Annie. As for Annie, she's too apparently have power. But I also feel that her power is not clearly described and I'm not entirely sure from where her magic comes. Is it hereditary or what, I don't have slightest idea.
I said that Annie is self-loathing, constantly doubt herself, doormat and whiny. At first, I kinda tolerate her because while I never feel heartbroken, I did try to sympathize with Annie. However, this self-loathing phase going on and on about 60% mark or more, I just finally didn't give a damn. I also shout "come on girl??" when Annie get hopeful after Sam call her again despite I can see that he kinda a jerk. Sam dumped Annie first, you know! So when Annie finally come into her senses and embrace her magic, it kinda late and feel rushed. Also, while Sophie might seems like a good friend to have, I can see that she was toxic. I feel like she was too patronizing, proved by her constantly called Annie with "pet", before Annie ask her to stop. I guess, maybe Annie's fate is already doomed from the start. Sam take her for the granted, but when she finally stand up to herself, Sophie too is kinda of a toxic friend. But, eh, Annie got her happy end. If she didn't mind with how Sophie behave, then who am I to judge?
The good thing about this book is maybe Ralph, the cute spider that once Sophie's familiar but now become Annie's friend. He looks cute...if you don't have arachnophobia. I don't get it why spider? Is witch usually associated with black cat? Or maybe Sophie just built different? Otherwise, Ralph is adorable, in the furry-and-eight-legs way. I'm trying so hard to not imagine Ralph as a spider, lel. The citizen of Rowan were barely there and there's no meaningful interaction between them and Annie, except that they wary of Sophie. So scratch that cozy small town feeling, because Cackle is mostly focus to Annie's journey to heal herself. Or, out from her jerk ex-boyfriend and go to form everlasting friendship with a toxic friend that apparently also a witch. Her choice.
A cozy read, but not sure I want to recommend it if you search for a witchy read in time of Halloween or Spooktober.
Rather than a horror, Cackle is more like a cozy and low stake read with witchy elements. Funny enough, the term of witch only mentioned once in this book if I remember it correctly. Annie Crane was heartbroken. Her 10 years relationship with her ex-boyfriend, Sam, is now ended, yet Annie still cling in hope that maybe she and Sam are meant to be. I think at first Cackle is dealing with a different kind of grief. Annie was depressed and spiraling in self-loathing because she still can't get over Sam. She always think what's wrong with their relationship. It's not hard to guess that Annie also a pushover and have daddy issues. I can see how Annie always have this self doubt and think maybe she's too clingy because her Dad abandon her emotionally.
Then, come Sophie. A beautiful, wonderful, charming Sophie. She looks like an ordinary woman, yet why the Rowan citizen fear her? It didn't take a long time for Annie and Sophie to become friend. Or more like Sophie insist that she think Annie as her friend. It's also didn't take a hard guess that Sophie is a witch. But the question that still nagging me to the end is what kind of witch is Sophie? What's the history between Sophie and Rowan's citizen because all of it kinda left vague. I think Sophie's magic seems connected to nature with how she like to cooking and make one or two potions, but she also can feel when Annie was distress and curse people who mean to Annie. As for Annie, she's too apparently have power. But I also feel that her power is not clearly described and I'm not entirely sure from where her magic comes. Is it hereditary or what, I don't have slightest idea.
I said that Annie is self-loathing, constantly doubt herself, doormat and whiny. At first, I kinda tolerate her because while I never feel heartbroken, I did try to sympathize with Annie. However, this self-loathing phase going on and on about 60% mark or more, I just finally didn't give a damn. I also shout "come on girl??" when Annie get hopeful after Sam call her again despite I can see that he kinda a jerk. Sam dumped Annie first, you know! So when Annie finally come into her senses and embrace her magic, it kinda late and feel rushed. Also, while Sophie might seems like a good friend to have, I can see that she was toxic. I feel like she was too patronizing, proved by her constantly called Annie with "pet", before Annie ask her to stop. I guess, maybe Annie's fate is already doomed from the start. Sam take her for the granted, but when she finally stand up to herself, Sophie too is kinda of a toxic friend. But, eh, Annie got her happy end. If she didn't mind with how Sophie behave, then who am I to judge?
The good thing about this book is maybe Ralph, the cute spider that once Sophie's familiar but now become Annie's friend. He looks cute...if you don't have arachnophobia. I don't get it why spider? Is witch usually associated with black cat? Or maybe Sophie just built different? Otherwise, Ralph is adorable, in the furry-and-eight-legs way. I'm trying so hard to not imagine Ralph as a spider, lel. The citizen of Rowan were barely there and there's no meaningful interaction between them and Annie, except that they wary of Sophie. So scratch that cozy small town feeling, because Cackle is mostly focus to Annie's journey to heal herself. Or, out from her jerk ex-boyfriend and go to form everlasting friendship with a toxic friend that apparently also a witch. Her choice.
A cozy read, but not sure I want to recommend it if you search for a witchy read in time of Halloween or Spooktober.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Moderate: Body shaming, Panic attacks/disorders, and Abandonment