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shealea's reviews
622 reviews
Heart of Mist by Helen Scheuerer
5.0
With Heart of Mist, I don’t think I can find enough words to fully and adequately express how much I loved it. To say that I found this novel to be delightful and refreshing is a huge understatement. I was so immersed in its story that every now and then, I questioned if I was actually under a spell. In fact, I’m almost absolutely certain that the copy Helen sent me was enchanted with the strongest and most potent of Valian herbs. Heart of Mist is simply, purely, wonderfully magic.
Bleak’s moral compass fluctuated every now and then, and it made her both human and realistically flawed. She was not the only character who held this kind of trait. In fact, I’d argue that most, if not all, characters in Heart of Mist were flawed and morally gray in some way in order to protect themselves, their interests, their secrets, and the ones they loved.
The main themes Heart of Mist delved into (and quite bravely, if I may add) included adventure, loss, power, politics, feminism, and existing socioeconomic inequalities. It also took on mental and physical disabilities and LGBTQIA+ representation. Yep, you read that right. If, at any point of this book review, you start to hear the sound of someone loudly sobbing, that’s probably me.
In addition to this, all these themes were cleverly integrated into what could arguably be one of the most riveting, masterfully intricate plots I have ever encountered in any form of media, not just in books. Again, I feel that it would be best not to give too much away, but I will say this: The complexity of the story’s plot was backed up by well-founded world-building and was brought to life by effective writing.
All in all, although Heart of Mist is her first novel, Helen has definitely proven that she does not merely tell stories; she weaves fantastically phenomenal tales that will keep all eyes glued to her craft. Helen’s writing style is an entirely different form of sorcery altogether. Her impeccable imagery will paint films inside your head, and her words will trap you under her spell.
Disclosure: I received a digital Advanced Reader’s Copy (ARC) of this book from the author herself. Many, many thanks to Helen Scheuerer for the incredible opportunity! She’s an absolute blessing.
Bleak’s moral compass fluctuated every now and then, and it made her both human and realistically flawed. She was not the only character who held this kind of trait. In fact, I’d argue that most, if not all, characters in Heart of Mist were flawed and morally gray in some way in order to protect themselves, their interests, their secrets, and the ones they loved.
The main themes Heart of Mist delved into (and quite bravely, if I may add) included adventure, loss, power, politics, feminism, and existing socioeconomic inequalities. It also took on mental and physical disabilities and LGBTQIA+ representation. Yep, you read that right. If, at any point of this book review, you start to hear the sound of someone loudly sobbing, that’s probably me.
In addition to this, all these themes were cleverly integrated into what could arguably be one of the most riveting, masterfully intricate plots I have ever encountered in any form of media, not just in books. Again, I feel that it would be best not to give too much away, but I will say this: The complexity of the story’s plot was backed up by well-founded world-building and was brought to life by effective writing.
All in all, although Heart of Mist is her first novel, Helen has definitely proven that she does not merely tell stories; she weaves fantastically phenomenal tales that will keep all eyes glued to her craft. Helen’s writing style is an entirely different form of sorcery altogether. Her impeccable imagery will paint films inside your head, and her words will trap you under her spell.
Disclosure: I received a digital Advanced Reader’s Copy (ARC) of this book from the author herself. Many, many thanks to Helen Scheuerer for the incredible opportunity! She’s an absolute blessing.
Reign of Mist by Helen Scheuerer
In Reign of Mist, I was able to still experience all the things that had me falling in love with the first book, but with an added punch that just catapulted things into a higher level. I was immersed in the familiar atmospheric writing style, lyrically evocative prose, and masterful storytelling of the author, as well as a fantastical realm I am certainly no stranger to.
In essence, reading this book felt a lot like coming home. Reign of Mist is intimately familiar territory but with exponentially higher stakes, larger and more imminent threats, and grander adventures. Plus, much like the first book, it is intricately seasoned with plot twists, surprises, and shocking reveals that either kept me on my toes or made me feel totally blindsided!
For the most part, the journeying in Heart of Mist was confined to the kingdom of Ellest. In contrast, Reign of Mist is set all over the other regions of the Upper Realm: Battalon, a desert kingdom ridden with destructive firestorms; Havennesse, a deceivingly beautiful, snowed region with an unforgiving icy climate; and, of course, the mysterious land that lies beyond the notoriously dangerous mist.
Just when I thought this series could not get any better, there’s an addition of more fantastic, exceptional women to an already large cast of empowered and remarkable female characters!
In my opinion, reading Reign of Mist felt a lot like reading a female-led, female-driven Game of Thrones. Here, women were at the forefront of war, politics, and strategy, while men took a bit of a backseat (although that’s not to say that they didn’t hold important roles, too).
In essence, Reign of Mist not only largely drew from feminist themes, but also, and perhaps more significantly, actively defied female stereotypes commonly found in the fantasy genre. In simpler words: women being strong without having to lose their femininity (i.e. women still being women, and not women trying to be and to act like men).
5.0
In Reign of Mist, I was able to still experience all the things that had me falling in love with the first book, but with an added punch that just catapulted things into a higher level. I was immersed in the familiar atmospheric writing style, lyrically evocative prose, and masterful storytelling of the author, as well as a fantastical realm I am certainly no stranger to.
In essence, reading this book felt a lot like coming home. Reign of Mist is intimately familiar territory but with exponentially higher stakes, larger and more imminent threats, and grander adventures. Plus, much like the first book, it is intricately seasoned with plot twists, surprises, and shocking reveals that either kept me on my toes or made me feel totally blindsided!
For the most part, the journeying in Heart of Mist was confined to the kingdom of Ellest. In contrast, Reign of Mist is set all over the other regions of the Upper Realm: Battalon, a desert kingdom ridden with destructive firestorms; Havennesse, a deceivingly beautiful, snowed region with an unforgiving icy climate; and, of course, the mysterious land that lies beyond the notoriously dangerous mist.
Just when I thought this series could not get any better, there’s an addition of more fantastic, exceptional women to an already large cast of empowered and remarkable female characters!
In my opinion, reading Reign of Mist felt a lot like reading a female-led, female-driven Game of Thrones. Here, women were at the forefront of war, politics, and strategy, while men took a bit of a backseat (although that’s not to say that they didn’t hold important roles, too).
In essence, Reign of Mist not only largely drew from feminist themes, but also, and perhaps more significantly, actively defied female stereotypes commonly found in the fantasy genre. In simpler words: women being strong without having to lose their femininity (i.e. women still being women, and not women trying to be and to act like men).
Jade City by Fonda Lee
I died again. Oof.
Naturally, I just had to reread this one before diving into its sequel. Jade City is an adult fantasy that, according to a recent Twitter poll, I scream about constantly. Exploring the city of Janloon for the second time was as magical and breathtaking (more like, literally forgetting to take breaths) as my first time.
It honestly felt like falling in love with the series again, and I’ll probably reread (again) to prepare my heart for the final installment, Jade Legacy.
Full review to follow.
5 stars
* Read more of my bookish shenanigans in my natural habitat.
5.0
Naturally, I just had to reread this one before diving into its sequel. Jade City is an adult fantasy that, according to a recent Twitter poll, I scream about constantly. Exploring the city of Janloon for the second time was as magical and breathtaking (more like, literally forgetting to take breaths) as my first time.
It honestly felt like falling in love with the series again, and I’ll probably reread (again) to prepare my heart for the final installment, Jade Legacy.
Full review to follow.
5 stars
* Read more of my bookish shenanigans in my natural habitat.
Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
4.0
The universe has blessed me with the honor of organizing an international blog tour for Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim. Join in on the fun by following the hashtag #SpinTheDawnTour on Twitter, and watch out for giveaways and surprises!
Also, review to follow.
Also, review to follow.
Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan
1.0
Aside from all my college-related deadlines, I blame this book for my reading slump. I powered through this literary atrocity for two whole months (with a ton of skim reading on my part), only to feel utterly shortchanged and empty-handed by a confusing conclusion.
Despite going into this with very low expectations, Wicked Saints still managed to frustrate me with its nonsensical events, mediocre writing, glorification of abusive relationships and self-harm, and its devotion to being the book equivalent to those awful memes that make fun of a marginalized group and are branded as "dark humor for edgelords."
At some point in the story, blood literally rained from the sky, and I think that sums this book’s brand quite nicely: a literary hot mess trying to be as edgy as possible.
It's a huge, huge no from me.
Review to follow.
1 star
* Read more of my bookish shenanigans in my natural habitat.
Despite going into this with very low expectations, Wicked Saints still managed to frustrate me with its nonsensical events
Spoiler
(imagine making out with someone after witnessing them murder a person in front of you)At some point in the story, blood literally rained from the sky, and I think that sums this book’s brand quite nicely: a literary hot mess trying to be as edgy as possible.
It's a huge, huge no from me.
Review to follow.
1 star
* Read more of my bookish shenanigans in my natural habitat.
Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon by Mary Fan
4.0
If you're a reader of diverse books and want to know what representations this book offers, find the diversity tags here.
CHINESE-INSPIRED FANTASY WITH A REFRESHING TAKE ON WELL-LOVED TROPES
For the first few chapters, I found the characters to be a little too trope-y, namely, “tough cookie” female and arrogant love interest. However, as I continued reading, I began to see them in a new, more positive light. The little complexities in their characters, particularly their individual motivations and desires, allowed them to break out of their trope-y molds, which I really appreciated.
INCREDIBLY UNIQUE WORLD-BUILDING & ENDLESSLY FASCINATING ELEMENTS (FT. MECHANICAL DRAGONS & ANGRY SWORD-WIELDING BRIDES)
I am also extremely happy to note that Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon is a brave and thoughtful commentary on poverty, privilege, social issues, and corruption. With a heroine hailing from a poor village that’s often overlooked by its government, this book portrays poverty in a nuanced way that leaves no room for romanticization or glamorization. More importantly, it depicts harsh truths that need to be addressed: the helplessness of poor communities (e.g. their inability to bite the hand that feeds them), literacy and education as inaccessible privileges, and how politics and the self-interests of those in power contribute to class oppression.
Moreover, the story carefully delves into filial piety, tradition, duty and obligation – themes that are inherently significant to Chinese culture, as well as to some other Asian cultures. I particularly loved the strong family themes and the complexities that come with them.
I don’t think I’m really exaggerating when I say that the steampunk and fantasy elements in this book totally blew me away, and I still haven’t fully recovered! Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon features pure spiritual beings (yueshen), cursed spirit abominations (ligui), demons from literal Hell, cyborg soldiers, and mechanical dragons – and I loved how these creatures were incorporated into this fantastical world. Absolutely brilliant is all I can say, to be honest.
BRILLIANT SUBVERSION OF THE TRADITIONAL HERO’S JOURNEY
At its heart, the plot is about an unlikely hero embarking on a dangerous quest – in this case, literal Hell – for a noble cause. However, it’s also so much more than that. As a whole, Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon is a brilliantly written subversion of the traditional hero’s journey. It is a heartfelt ode to family and to valuing one’s roots (which are typical aspects of a hero’s journey), but it also sparks a thoughtful discourse regarding fighting in the name of nobility and pursuing a cause for the sake of glory. It follows the adventure a hero undergoes to singlehandedly save his loved ones, but it also depicts the necessity of overthrowing a powerful, corrupted system through collective efforts. Most importantly, it is about encouraging women to reclaim their stories and to lead their own adventures.
RECOMMENDED!
With a wildly imaginative world where steampunk technology and magic collide and a complex plot that will keep you guessing, Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon certainly makes for a challenging read — but with that challenge comes a truly rewarding experience.
4 stars
* Read the rest of this review in my natural habitat!
CHINESE-INSPIRED FANTASY WITH A REFRESHING TAKE ON WELL-LOVED TROPES
For the first few chapters, I found the characters to be a little too trope-y, namely, “tough cookie” female and arrogant love interest. However, as I continued reading, I began to see them in a new, more positive light. The little complexities in their characters, particularly their individual motivations and desires, allowed them to break out of their trope-y molds, which I really appreciated.
INCREDIBLY UNIQUE WORLD-BUILDING & ENDLESSLY FASCINATING ELEMENTS (FT. MECHANICAL DRAGONS & ANGRY SWORD-WIELDING BRIDES)
I am also extremely happy to note that Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon is a brave and thoughtful commentary on poverty, privilege, social issues, and corruption. With a heroine hailing from a poor village that’s often overlooked by its government, this book portrays poverty in a nuanced way that leaves no room for romanticization or glamorization. More importantly, it depicts harsh truths that need to be addressed: the helplessness of poor communities (e.g. their inability to bite the hand that feeds them), literacy and education as inaccessible privileges, and how politics and the self-interests of those in power contribute to class oppression.
Moreover, the story carefully delves into filial piety, tradition, duty and obligation – themes that are inherently significant to Chinese culture, as well as to some other Asian cultures. I particularly loved the strong family themes and the complexities that come with them.
I don’t think I’m really exaggerating when I say that the steampunk and fantasy elements in this book totally blew me away, and I still haven’t fully recovered! Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon features pure spiritual beings (yueshen), cursed spirit abominations (ligui), demons from literal Hell, cyborg soldiers, and mechanical dragons – and I loved how these creatures were incorporated into this fantastical world. Absolutely brilliant is all I can say, to be honest.
BRILLIANT SUBVERSION OF THE TRADITIONAL HERO’S JOURNEY
At its heart, the plot is about an unlikely hero embarking on a dangerous quest – in this case, literal Hell – for a noble cause. However, it’s also so much more than that. As a whole, Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon is a brilliantly written subversion of the traditional hero’s journey. It is a heartfelt ode to family and to valuing one’s roots (which are typical aspects of a hero’s journey), but it also sparks a thoughtful discourse regarding fighting in the name of nobility and pursuing a cause for the sake of glory. It follows the adventure a hero undergoes to singlehandedly save his loved ones, but it also depicts the necessity of overthrowing a powerful, corrupted system through collective efforts. Most importantly, it is about encouraging women to reclaim their stories and to lead their own adventures.
RECOMMENDED!
With a wildly imaginative world where steampunk technology and magic collide and a complex plot that will keep you guessing, Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon certainly makes for a challenging read — but with that challenge comes a truly rewarding experience.
4 stars
* Read the rest of this review in my natural habitat!