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the_bookish_chimera's Reviews (361)
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
“I’ve had many times in my life where I’ve had to larn that when you want to say something to someone, you should just do.”
With Resilient Love, once again Giuliana Victoria made me read tropes I was sure I would never… and I loved that. But, as she always does, she writes with so much tact and gracefulness that everything that happens feels perfectly “natural” for THESE characters and their evolution.
And that is, I believe, this book’s strength. Elise is “broken” by her grief, her guilt, feels ashamed because of her disease, and she uses s*x to cope and have some kind of outlet, it’s the only crack she allows on her tick shell. As for Rafa, he doesn’t believe he can be happy, and he grieves too, though very differently. Their horny behaviors/needs could lead to so many scenaristica stereotypes and easy options, but even though they are both shattered they manage to build a healthy relationship. So many kudos for that, I absolutely adored them.
It couldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention the cute pet in this book (there’s always one <3 ), Mrs Purrito, who is –you would have guessed– a beautiful kitty cat, and she has the best name ever. Side characters promise great moments to come in future books. If Rafa’s are a bit further back (for now?), they feel super supportive and have many potential. But the prize is for Elise’s roommates and teammates, as much as her father (I ADORED their relationship, more like this one, please!). I loved how her loved ones took care of Elise, how difficult it was for her, and how letting Rafa do the same was the most beautiful possible proof of love. But I also loved see them challenge each other to go further in their respective lives.
Well… I think I need book 2! I’ll be there, no matter when.
Thank you to the author for the eARC of this book. My opinions are my own
With Resilient Love, once again Giuliana Victoria made me read tropes I was sure I would never… and I loved that. But, as she always does, she writes with so much tact and gracefulness that everything that happens feels perfectly “natural” for THESE characters and their evolution.
And that is, I believe, this book’s strength. Elise is “broken” by her grief, her guilt, feels ashamed because of her disease, and she uses s*x to cope and have some kind of outlet, it’s the only crack she allows on her tick shell. As for Rafa, he doesn’t believe he can be happy, and he grieves too, though very differently. Their horny behaviors/needs could lead to so many scenaristica stereotypes and easy options, but even though they are both shattered they manage to build a healthy relationship. So many kudos for that, I absolutely adored them.
It couldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention the cute pet in this book (there’s always one <3 ), Mrs Purrito, who is –you would have guessed– a beautiful kitty cat, and she has the best name ever. Side characters promise great moments to come in future books. If Rafa’s are a bit further back (for now?), they feel super supportive and have many potential. But the prize is for Elise’s roommates and teammates, as much as her father (I ADORED their relationship, more like this one, please!). I loved how her loved ones took care of Elise, how difficult it was for her, and how letting Rafa do the same was the most beautiful possible proof of love. But I also loved see them challenge each other to go further in their respective lives.
Well… I think I need book 2! I’ll be there, no matter when.
Thank you to the author for the eARC of this book. My opinions are my own
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
“Sometimes, walking away is the hardest thing you can do.”
Time For You was a short and quick read, the perfect palate cleanser, fun and entertaining –even with the historical inaccuracies. It felt like an inverted Outlander, as it’s the Scott who travels from the past. That clash between a 19th century man vs a 21th century woman –who is also a Doctor– was the best part of the book.
The medical discussions were a great take I believe, and I loved the found family vibes that reigned between the group of residents. I loved how their confrontations made them evolve and assess their prejudices, as much as it helped them to evolve. I wish Henry had a more “outdated” language than he has, but I loved the connection, and how the characters were a bit stereotypical, because that was the point, they needed to be “pure products of their respective times”. I just wish that what seemed to be a huge problem for Henry in the future finally wasn’t truly resolved in the end, or simply forgotten.
In one world, if you like Grey’s Anatomy AND Back to the Future, if you look for a quick and fun read (and if you don’t mind a few –and completely assumed, I love that!– historical inaccuracies), you should check this one out!
Thank you to the author and Montlake for the eARC sent via NetGalley. My opinions are my own
Time For You was a short and quick read, the perfect palate cleanser, fun and entertaining –even with the historical inaccuracies. It felt like an inverted Outlander, as it’s the Scott who travels from the past. That clash between a 19th century man vs a 21th century woman –who is also a Doctor– was the best part of the book.
The medical discussions were a great take I believe, and I loved the found family vibes that reigned between the group of residents. I loved how their confrontations made them evolve and assess their prejudices, as much as it helped them to evolve. I wish Henry had a more “outdated” language than he has, but I loved the connection, and how the characters were a bit stereotypical, because that was the point, they needed to be “pure products of their respective times”. I just wish that what seemed to be a huge problem for Henry in the future finally wasn’t truly resolved in the end, or simply forgotten.
In one world, if you like Grey’s Anatomy AND Back to the Future, if you look for a quick and fun read (and if you don’t mind a few –and completely assumed, I love that!– historical inaccuracies), you should check this one out!
Thank you to the author and Montlake for the eARC sent via NetGalley. My opinions are my own
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
“You were born to create, and if you don't, your mind will suffer for it. A piece of you will die.”
The Art of Exile fell a bit short for me, especially because it took me a long time to truly engage with the story (almost half the book). That’s probably linked to the fact that the author mixed a lot of things, wanting to recreate a setting close to the Renaissance’s state of mind, during which people mastered more than one subject, mixing sciences and arts. That was the reason why I picked the novel, but in the end I didn’t truly feel that, didn’t understand where the author was going and also felt like I was missing some cultural keys to truly understand what was happening. (That being said, that might come later in the series)
The school lacked a bit of magic IMO, as there were more explanations about the magical system than things truly happening and/or being shown. However, that might be something that will bloom later, as –once again– it’s the first book in a series (and the characters will evolve), so I’ll keep my eyes peeled for the future.
I’m not a fan of love triangles so the romance wasn’t my cup of tea but it is a well written one (even though a bit underdeveloped). The characters “work” well together in the second half, you never know who you can trust, and the plot –and its twists– are well mastered so it gives me great hopes for the sequel.
Thank you to the author, TBR beyond tour for the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
The Art of Exile fell a bit short for me, especially because it took me a long time to truly engage with the story (almost half the book). That’s probably linked to the fact that the author mixed a lot of things, wanting to recreate a setting close to the Renaissance’s state of mind, during which people mastered more than one subject, mixing sciences and arts. That was the reason why I picked the novel, but in the end I didn’t truly feel that, didn’t understand where the author was going and also felt like I was missing some cultural keys to truly understand what was happening. (That being said, that might come later in the series)
The school lacked a bit of magic IMO, as there were more explanations about the magical system than things truly happening and/or being shown. However, that might be something that will bloom later, as –once again– it’s the first book in a series (and the characters will evolve), so I’ll keep my eyes peeled for the future.
I’m not a fan of love triangles so the romance wasn’t my cup of tea but it is a well written one (even though a bit underdeveloped). The characters “work” well together in the second half, you never know who you can trust, and the plot –and its twists– are well mastered so it gives me great hopes for the sequel.
Thank you to the author, TBR beyond tour for the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
“I came to London to learn who I am on my own, but that hasn’t meant being alone.”
I loved The Complex Art Of Being Masie Clark (it was one of my May’s top reads). It was a super easy read and a lot of themes deeply spoke to me. This story is deliciously queer –and completely related to the author’s first novel that also had Maisie as a MC (book2 can completely be read separately, that’s what I’ve done, but if you plan to read both, read book1 first or you’ll be deeply spoiled)– but most themes are completely universal.
I loved Maisie’s quest to find her voice in her art, how she puts herself in a difficult position for that. And I adored how she rediscovers herself on the path, and learns what it truly means to grow up. The link with her art is deep and super interesting as it creates a mirror effect between the book, her life, her art “from before”, her memories, her photography project, her relationships… that pattern repeats the same question about identity again and again, bringing fragmentary –though complementary with each other– answers. Piece by piece, Maisie starts understanding herself, accepting who she is, accepting to understand –and maybe let go– her family trauma.
All of this made this book so relevant and tender, through a whole cast of characters, each one super lovable and unique.
Thanks to the author and TopplingStacksTours for the eARC via NetGalley. My opinions are my own
I loved The Complex Art Of Being Masie Clark (it was one of my May’s top reads). It was a super easy read and a lot of themes deeply spoke to me. This story is deliciously queer –and completely related to the author’s first novel that also had Maisie as a MC (book2 can completely be read separately, that’s what I’ve done, but if you plan to read both, read book1 first or you’ll be deeply spoiled)– but most themes are completely universal.
I loved Maisie’s quest to find her voice in her art, how she puts herself in a difficult position for that. And I adored how she rediscovers herself on the path, and learns what it truly means to grow up. The link with her art is deep and super interesting as it creates a mirror effect between the book, her life, her art “from before”, her memories, her photography project, her relationships… that pattern repeats the same question about identity again and again, bringing fragmentary –though complementary with each other– answers. Piece by piece, Maisie starts understanding herself, accepting who she is, accepting to understand –and maybe let go– her family trauma.
All of this made this book so relevant and tender, through a whole cast of characters, each one super lovable and unique.
Thanks to the author and TopplingStacksTours for the eARC via NetGalley. My opinions are my own
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
“Listening is underrated. It’s usually the most helpful thing we can do.”
I’ve read The Art of Running Away after reading The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark and I loved the ride –even though I believe reading in order would have been more satisfying, as book 2 acts like a spoiler for book 1 (so if you plan to read both, read them in order).
I adored how 12YO Maisie is written, especially her inner monologues that are SO adapted to her age. I loved to know her feelings, how she analyses situations and makes her interpretations. And if sometimes she takes the wrong path, it’s always with the best possible intentions. In this regard, this book is a great story about growing up, and trying to get some independence, trying to be heard by adults who sometimes don't want to. And I loved that sometimes (often?) don’t get it smoothly, that Maisie makes the wrong choice and has to learn to think before acting. Because this book is a lot about the power of listening to people instead of wanting to do the things for them. That is right for what Maisie tries to do for her brother, or for her family’s business, but that’s also right for adults who think they know best what she needs than herself.
But what I loved more was the sibling relationship between Maisie and her (much) older brother Callum. They have been estranged, and there is resentment. During the whole story, they work on it and I adored seeing them opening to each other, as much as I loved Callum’s found family and how they become older siblings for Maisie too. The allyship discourse around Callum was so pertinent, and I’m glad some middle-grade books exist now to tell all that, especially using a 12YO’s POV, and seeing how the whole situation affected not only Callum but also little (and less little) Maisie.
I’ve read The Art of Running Away after reading The Complex Art of Being Maisie Clark and I loved the ride –even though I believe reading in order would have been more satisfying, as book 2 acts like a spoiler for book 1 (so if you plan to read both, read them in order).
I adored how 12YO Maisie is written, especially her inner monologues that are SO adapted to her age. I loved to know her feelings, how she analyses situations and makes her interpretations. And if sometimes she takes the wrong path, it’s always with the best possible intentions. In this regard, this book is a great story about growing up, and trying to get some independence, trying to be heard by adults who sometimes don't want to. And I loved that sometimes (often?) don’t get it smoothly, that Maisie makes the wrong choice and has to learn to think before acting. Because this book is a lot about the power of listening to people instead of wanting to do the things for them. That is right for what Maisie tries to do for her brother, or for her family’s business, but that’s also right for adults who think they know best what she needs than herself.
But what I loved more was the sibling relationship between Maisie and her (much) older brother Callum. They have been estranged, and there is resentment. During the whole story, they work on it and I adored seeing them opening to each other, as much as I loved Callum’s found family and how they become older siblings for Maisie too. The allyship discourse around Callum was so pertinent, and I’m glad some middle-grade books exist now to tell all that, especially using a 12YO’s POV, and seeing how the whole situation affected not only Callum but also little (and less little) Maisie.
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
“Les langues ne sont pas seulement faites de mots. Ce sont des modes de vision du monde. Les clefs de la civilisation. Et c’est une connaissance qui mérite que l’on tue pour elle.”
J’avais envie de lire Babel depuis sa sortie en VO, mais pour une raison que j’ignore, ce livre m’intimidait et je n’avais pas encore sauté le pas. Pourtant, il n’y avait aucune raison. La langue est fluide, le livre facile à lire (même si les thèmes abordés ne le sont pas), et les pages se tournent toutes seules.
Babel est avant tout un récit politique. Vu par les yeux des colonisés, il passe de l’émerveillement de la découverte d’un pays riche à la désillusion lorsque que la maturité permet au(x) héro(s) de voir certaines réalités. L’un des sujets majeurs est l’appropriation culturelle, et j’ai beaucoup aimé ce world building autour de la magie entourant la traduction, de comment c’était le moteur de la révolution industrielle de ce monde fictif si proche du nôtre, cette métaphore permettant d’introduire avec encore plus de facilité la notion de convergence des luttes qui est l’un des autres thèmes piliers.
J’ai vraiment beaucoup aimé cette réflexion, mais aussi celle autour de la transmission systémique de la violence, comme une “épidémie” (et le fait qu’une épidémie serve justement d’excuse à un moment clef du roman –même si c’est pour moi la charnière faible de l’histoire– était à nouveau une trouvaille parfaite) déclenchant des réactions en chaîne causées au départ par l’avidité de quelques uns. Cette violence bouillonne dans tout le roman, prenant de bien nombreuses formes, de la révolution à l’arrachement d’enfants à leur foyer/pays d’origine pour en faire des armes économiques, dénués de leur identité d’origine. Car c’est tout le paradoxe dans Babel. Ces personnages ont été “assimilés” à la culture britannique, mais ils doivent aussi “vivre” leur langue d’origine pour que la magie fonctionne. La langue devient une arme, mais aussi une faiblesse, le mot déclenchant distorsions, débats et mêmes guerres, lorsque l'hégémonie, au final n’est une (dys?)utopie.
Je pense que je relirai le livre en VO par la suite, pour apprécier encore plus le travail du traducteur sur cet ouvrage, et pousser mes réactions plus loin car Babel est réellement un livre puissant, qui devrait tous nous faire réfléchir sur notre culture encore fort colonialiste.
Merci beaucoup aux éditions PAL pour l’envoi de ce SP! Je laisse cet avis volontairement.
J’avais envie de lire Babel depuis sa sortie en VO, mais pour une raison que j’ignore, ce livre m’intimidait et je n’avais pas encore sauté le pas. Pourtant, il n’y avait aucune raison. La langue est fluide, le livre facile à lire (même si les thèmes abordés ne le sont pas), et les pages se tournent toutes seules.
Babel est avant tout un récit politique. Vu par les yeux des colonisés, il passe de l’émerveillement de la découverte d’un pays riche à la désillusion lorsque que la maturité permet au(x) héro(s) de voir certaines réalités. L’un des sujets majeurs est l’appropriation culturelle, et j’ai beaucoup aimé ce world building autour de la magie entourant la traduction, de comment c’était le moteur de la révolution industrielle de ce monde fictif si proche du nôtre, cette métaphore permettant d’introduire avec encore plus de facilité la notion de convergence des luttes qui est l’un des autres thèmes piliers.
J’ai vraiment beaucoup aimé cette réflexion, mais aussi celle autour de la transmission systémique de la violence, comme une “épidémie” (et le fait qu’une épidémie serve justement d’excuse à un moment clef du roman –même si c’est pour moi la charnière faible de l’histoire– était à nouveau une trouvaille parfaite) déclenchant des réactions en chaîne causées au départ par l’avidité de quelques uns. Cette violence bouillonne dans tout le roman, prenant de bien nombreuses formes, de la révolution à l’arrachement d’enfants à leur foyer/pays d’origine pour en faire des armes économiques, dénués de leur identité d’origine. Car c’est tout le paradoxe dans Babel. Ces personnages ont été “assimilés” à la culture britannique, mais ils doivent aussi “vivre” leur langue d’origine pour que la magie fonctionne. La langue devient une arme, mais aussi une faiblesse, le mot déclenchant distorsions, débats et mêmes guerres, lorsque l'hégémonie, au final n’est une (dys?)utopie.
Je pense que je relirai le livre en VO par la suite, pour apprécier encore plus le travail du traducteur sur cet ouvrage, et pousser mes réactions plus loin car Babel est réellement un livre puissant, qui devrait tous nous faire réfléchir sur notre culture encore fort colonialiste.
Merci beaucoup aux éditions PAL pour l’envoi de ce SP! Je laisse cet avis volontairement.
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
“I let the heat unspool between us and pretend there is nothing else—only myself and Alastair and Camille, and that we’ll be safe from gods and fate and the whole world.”
I got the chance to read Tenderly, I Am Devoured in both its ebook and audio versions. I loved both. The narrator’s voice is a perfect fit to the prose, and adds a new layer to the ambiance woven in the book (the immersive reading with both text and audio, which I’ve done for my second read, is top tier!).
I adored this story. First, because it’s the first time I felt (and fell) for a poly story. It was, IMO, perfectly done. I loved the characters, how they felt like stained-glass: pretty, luminous, dreamy, mysterious, woven with shadows, ready to shatter. The love story(ies) is(are) beautiful, as all the characters learn to free themselves from toxic bonds and destructive revelations. They jump into adulthood, their fingers interwoven, together –and even a bit more than that, as the relationships come in waves crashing on the shore but soothing –all at once.
The narrative choices are great, and once again, this book makes an exception to my usual (dis)likes. I loved the change in tense and choice of POV depending on the timeline, it made perfect sense here and added another layer.
With her lyrical –and gorgeous– prose, Lyndall Clipstone created an awakened dream, ready to turn into a nightmare at any second. The ambiance is ethereal, completely out of time, lingering, and beautiful. This novel is a graceful and poetic story about growing up, choosing life over survival –and all the pain that can come from it. It’s about discovering the past, the present and the future, about the choices and sacrifices we make for the people we love, no matter the cost for ourselves.
But this story is also an incredible and aesthetic experience. It is immersive, poetic, and gives the impression to the reader they slip into a romantic piece of art, as soft as cotton, as sharp as a broken mirror, as flowing as water. Just Gorgeous.
Thank you to the author and both publishers for both the eARC and ALC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own
I got the chance to read Tenderly, I Am Devoured in both its ebook and audio versions. I loved both. The narrator’s voice is a perfect fit to the prose, and adds a new layer to the ambiance woven in the book (the immersive reading with both text and audio, which I’ve done for my second read, is top tier!).
I adored this story. First, because it’s the first time I felt (and fell) for a poly story. It was, IMO, perfectly done. I loved the characters, how they felt like stained-glass: pretty, luminous, dreamy, mysterious, woven with shadows, ready to shatter. The love story(ies) is(are) beautiful, as all the characters learn to free themselves from toxic bonds and destructive revelations. They jump into adulthood, their fingers interwoven, together –and even a bit more than that, as the relationships come in waves crashing on the shore but soothing –all at once.
The narrative choices are great, and once again, this book makes an exception to my usual (dis)likes. I loved the change in tense and choice of POV depending on the timeline, it made perfect sense here and added another layer.
With her lyrical –and gorgeous– prose, Lyndall Clipstone created an awakened dream, ready to turn into a nightmare at any second. The ambiance is ethereal, completely out of time, lingering, and beautiful. This novel is a graceful and poetic story about growing up, choosing life over survival –and all the pain that can come from it. It’s about discovering the past, the present and the future, about the choices and sacrifices we make for the people we love, no matter the cost for ourselves.
But this story is also an incredible and aesthetic experience. It is immersive, poetic, and gives the impression to the reader they slip into a romantic piece of art, as soft as cotton, as sharp as a broken mirror, as flowing as water. Just Gorgeous.
Thank you to the author and both publishers for both the eARC and ALC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
“I think… deep down, we always know. It’s just a matter of being ready to listen to that part of ourself.”
The Art of Unmaking was an enjoyable and quick read, mixing historical (1920s), (queer) romance and a tad of paranormal. I loved seeing Clara evolve, pass from the young woman just out of her teenage years to a self-confident adult. She expresses doubts since the beginning of the story, and I loved that her “soul-searching” happened through her art, as she confronts what she believes she has to do/be (something/someone “perfect”) to what she believes she hates –or at least disdains.
She closes herself, rebels, re-adjust, locks herself again (with the one who triggers as much rejection as fascination) as if she wove a chrysalis around herself to be reborn, new, like a new butterfly, free and nuanced.
But I also liked the more general plot, that mystery around the secret society, its ambitions, and the powers of a ritual, no matter their source. Truly an interesting read!
Thank you to the authors for the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
The Art of Unmaking was an enjoyable and quick read, mixing historical (1920s), (queer) romance and a tad of paranormal. I loved seeing Clara evolve, pass from the young woman just out of her teenage years to a self-confident adult. She expresses doubts since the beginning of the story, and I loved that her “soul-searching” happened through her art, as she confronts what she believes she has to do/be (something/someone “perfect”) to what she believes she hates –or at least disdains.
She closes herself, rebels, re-adjust, locks herself again (with the one who triggers as much rejection as fascination) as if she wove a chrysalis around herself to be reborn, new, like a new butterfly, free and nuanced.
But I also liked the more general plot, that mystery around the secret society, its ambitions, and the powers of a ritual, no matter their source. Truly an interesting read!
Thank you to the authors for the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
“Croyez-moi, je connais ces sentiments lorsque personne ne prend ses ambitions au sérieux.”
L’oiseau de feu me laisse une impression un peu mitigée après ma lecture.
La plume de l’autrice est très agréable, et même si l'histoire met du temps à décoller, avec une très longue exposition, on ne s’ennuie pas car elle nous décrit une ambiance immersive, aux accents steampunk, ma foi fort agréable. Je regrette en revanche les redondances un peu trop nombreuses, où les évènements sont relatés plusieurs fois, car ça –pour le coup– fait perdre du dynamisme au récit.
J’ai adoré l’idée de l’uchronie, où l’empire bonapartiste a persisté, et où les personnes noires peuvent accéder aux titres de noblesse. Mais je suis resté.e sur ma faim sur cette partie de world-building. Avec ces postulats géniaux, j’aurais voulu que l’autrice m’explique les conséquences sur ce monde, en termes politiques mais aussi de sources du racisme, ainsi qu’à propos de la situation aux US. En effet, l’une des héroïnes est originaire de la Nouvelle Orléans, ET noble, et les personnages de couleur subissent régulièrememnt des injures à caractère raciste, et j’aurais vraiment aimé en savoir plus vis à vis de l’esclavage dans cette uchronie, mais aussi vis à vis des sub-cultures (l’autrice utilisant des références au ragtime par exemple). J’aurais aussi voulu qu’elle m’explique un peu plus de choses à propos du féminisme dans cet univers alors que le pays est dirigé par une femme, mais que les jeunes filles ont encore bien des difficultés à s’auto-déterminer.
A propos d’empowerment au féminin, c’est justement là le cœur de l’histoire, et j’ai vraiment aimé les motivations de nos deux héroïnes. J’ai apprécié la romance FF, même si elle ne prend que peu de place, mais ce livre n’est pas une romance, il est donc logique que cela ne s’étende pas trop. L’enquête, en revanche, prend toute sa place dans la seconde moitié du livre, et en accélère le rythme. Je me suis totalement laissé.e prendre au jeu et porté.e par les péripéties des personnages, et j’ai apprécié leur évolution (plus dans le fait qu’elles ont montré leur mérite à la société que par un réel développement de leur psychologie). Ces deux héroïnes fortes, téméraires, et ne s’en laissant pas compter, bien décidées à prendre leur(s) avenir(s) en main sont réellement des personnages intéressants et positifs, en particulier dans la littérature YA.
Merci à l’autrice et aux éditions Gulfstream pour ce SP électronique via NetGalley. Je laisse cette chronique volontairement.
L’oiseau de feu me laisse une impression un peu mitigée après ma lecture.
La plume de l’autrice est très agréable, et même si l'histoire met du temps à décoller, avec une très longue exposition, on ne s’ennuie pas car elle nous décrit une ambiance immersive, aux accents steampunk, ma foi fort agréable. Je regrette en revanche les redondances un peu trop nombreuses, où les évènements sont relatés plusieurs fois, car ça –pour le coup– fait perdre du dynamisme au récit.
J’ai adoré l’idée de l’uchronie, où l’empire bonapartiste a persisté, et où les personnes noires peuvent accéder aux titres de noblesse. Mais je suis resté.e sur ma faim sur cette partie de world-building. Avec ces postulats géniaux, j’aurais voulu que l’autrice m’explique les conséquences sur ce monde, en termes politiques mais aussi de sources du racisme, ainsi qu’à propos de la situation aux US. En effet, l’une des héroïnes est originaire de la Nouvelle Orléans, ET noble, et les personnages de couleur subissent régulièrememnt des injures à caractère raciste, et j’aurais vraiment aimé en savoir plus vis à vis de l’esclavage dans cette uchronie, mais aussi vis à vis des sub-cultures (l’autrice utilisant des références au ragtime par exemple). J’aurais aussi voulu qu’elle m’explique un peu plus de choses à propos du féminisme dans cet univers alors que le pays est dirigé par une femme, mais que les jeunes filles ont encore bien des difficultés à s’auto-déterminer.
A propos d’empowerment au féminin, c’est justement là le cœur de l’histoire, et j’ai vraiment aimé les motivations de nos deux héroïnes. J’ai apprécié la romance FF, même si elle ne prend que peu de place, mais ce livre n’est pas une romance, il est donc logique que cela ne s’étende pas trop. L’enquête, en revanche, prend toute sa place dans la seconde moitié du livre, et en accélère le rythme. Je me suis totalement laissé.e prendre au jeu et porté.e par les péripéties des personnages, et j’ai apprécié leur évolution (plus dans le fait qu’elles ont montré leur mérite à la société que par un réel développement de leur psychologie). Ces deux héroïnes fortes, téméraires, et ne s’en laissant pas compter, bien décidées à prendre leur(s) avenir(s) en main sont réellement des personnages intéressants et positifs, en particulier dans la littérature YA.
Merci à l’autrice et aux éditions Gulfstream pour ce SP électronique via NetGalley. Je laisse cette chronique volontairement.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
“Sometimes life doesn't follow a script. How's that for a Hallmark line?”
The Wildest Dreams Bookshop was a super cute YA read. It was just as sweet as a Christmas movie (but with a summer setting), perfect if you need your dose of escapism. Anna has to spend the summer in a small town as all her future –internship, love story and uni– are falling apart. As her lifestyle has to change, she has to learn to adapt and bend, facing new responsibilities, discovering new passions.
I loved the small town ambiance, all gossip and solidarity, the whole community helping Anna saving her aunt’s bookshop. In that sense, that light, short and super easy to read romcom felt a coming of age story, a cute romance and Christmas in July, all at once. In one word, the perfect beach read for the summer.
Thank you to the author and HarperCollins UK, Children's | Harper Fire for the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
The Wildest Dreams Bookshop was a super cute YA read. It was just as sweet as a Christmas movie (but with a summer setting), perfect if you need your dose of escapism. Anna has to spend the summer in a small town as all her future –internship, love story and uni– are falling apart. As her lifestyle has to change, she has to learn to adapt and bend, facing new responsibilities, discovering new passions.
I loved the small town ambiance, all gossip and solidarity, the whole community helping Anna saving her aunt’s bookshop. In that sense, that light, short and super easy to read romcom felt a coming of age story, a cute romance and Christmas in July, all at once. In one word, the perfect beach read for the summer.
Thank you to the author and HarperCollins UK, Children's | Harper Fire for the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.