A funny, riveting gothic fairy tale that warns against the societal pressure to embody perfect beauty. Charming and with the uncanny, whimsical trademA funny, riveting gothic fairy tale that warns against the societal pressure to embody perfect beauty. Charming and with the uncanny, whimsical trademark of Mona Awad’s writing, Rouge is a look into Western society’s fear and disdain for aging, for physical imperfections; it is a contemporary princess story in which she is destroyed by the price of beauty, ensnared by the shadows of trauma. An exploration of identity and self image, especially after a significant loss, this is a novel that is both relatable and hard hitting. It is a call to be kinder when looking in the mirror, to let go of the past, to love ourselves even at our most influencer unapproved. Graceful, witty, and endearing in all the unique ways that Awad has mastered.
Merged review:
A funny, riveting gothic fairy tale that warns against the societal pressure to embody perfect beauty. Charming and with the uncanny, whimsical trademark of Mona Awad’s writing, Rouge is a look into Western society’s fear and disdain for aging, for physical imperfections; it is a contemporary princess story in which she is destroyed by the price of beauty, ensnared by the shadows of trauma. An exploration of identity and self image, especially after a significant loss, this is a novel that is both relatable and hard hitting. It is a call to be kinder when looking in the mirror, to let go of the past, to love ourselves even at our most influencer unapproved. Graceful, witty, and endearing in all the unique ways that Awad has mastered.
Merged review:
A funny, riveting gothic fairy tale that warns against the societal pressure to embody perfect beauty. Charming and with the uncanny, whimsical trademark of Mona Awad’s writing, Rouge is a look into Western society’s fear and disdain for aging, for physical imperfections; it is a contemporary princess story in which she is destroyed by the price of beauty, ensnared by the shadows of trauma. An exploration of identity and self image, especially after a significant loss, this is a novel that is both relatable and hard hitting. It is a call to be kinder when looking in the mirror, to let go of the past, to love ourselves even at our most influencer unapproved. Graceful, witty, and endearing in all the unique ways that Awad has mastered.
Merged review:
A funny, riveting gothic fairy tale that warns against the societal pressure to embody perfect beauty. Charming and with the uncanny, whimsical trademark of Mona Awad’s writing, Rouge is a look into Western society’s fear and disdain for aging, for physical imperfections; it is a contemporary princess story in which she is destroyed by the price of beauty, ensnared by the shadows of trauma. An exploration of identity and self image, especially after a significant loss, this is a novel that is both relatable and hard hitting. It is a call to be kinder when looking in the mirror, to let go of the past, to love ourselves even at our most influencer unapproved. Graceful, witty, and endearing in all the unique ways that Awad has mastered....more
A powerful novel of revenge and gender inequality in 17th century England. Bold and well researched, this novel examines the brutal double standard beA powerful novel of revenge and gender inequality in 17th century England. Bold and well researched, this novel examines the brutal double standard between men and women in regard to the pursuit of knowledge, the act leadership, and the air of confidence. Following our compelling protagonist Mary as she fights for not only her right to heal and learn, but also her very right to exist, we see the enduring legacy of misogyny and the hatred for anything outside the borders of acceptable, controllable. Through her eyes, we see the many contradictions of human nature, the many hypocrisies and judgements, as well as the kindness and courage. We see the sides of love and betrayal are often aligned, and the space between friend and foe closer than we would like to admit. A strong historical debut of the ways in which well intentioned women are often painted as villains. ...more
A bizarre, dreamy complication of Caitlín R. Kiernan’s dark fiction. Moody, seductive, and unique, these stories are genre bending peaks into dark minA bizarre, dreamy complication of Caitlín R. Kiernan’s dark fiction. Moody, seductive, and unique, these stories are genre bending peaks into dark minds and hearts, shadowy realms, and uncharted revelations. Exploring sexuality, gender identity, and the many shades of grey that morality inhabits, these tales walk the line between whimsical and horrific, quietly chipping away at the heart and burrowing in. From sadism to long held secrets, pining to controlling, this is a collection that will appeal to fans of dark fantasy, gothic reflections, and subtle horror alike. A fascinating, lyrical grouping. ...more
A riveting gothic novel that exposes the true to life horrors of systematic oppression and covered up injustices. With beguiling, atmospheric language that slowly builds discomfort and dread, this novel is not only an impactful ghost story, but an unfortunately recognizable social horror that can be found in contemporary lgbtq and feminist issues. From medical abuse to the personal and institutional ways that people are made to feel monstrous for living authentically, The Spirit Bares Its Teeth is a deeply relatable portrayal of fighting to live one’s truth amongst a society that will do anything to force people into premade boxes. Horror aside, this is also a love story; it is a tale of self love, of finding love and family in unexpected places, a love of pursuing passions and breaking free of past trauma. Sharp, honest, and a lore filled interpretation of a history that closely mirrors the present....more
A genre-bending modern classic that vividly explores a reimagined history in which vampires and humans war for supremacy. Moody, atmospheric, and withA genre-bending modern classic that vividly explores a reimagined history in which vampires and humans war for supremacy. Moody, atmospheric, and with the stylistic writing of a vintage thriller, Anno Dracula is a sweeping character study in corruption, desire, and navigating the line between morality and justification. It begs the question: what does it mean to be alive? Is life worth living when it goes on forever? Who decides what is evil, and who has the right to be the enforcer of good? Clever and filled with nods to historical horror and crime figures, this novel is a puzzle of so many fascinating pieces. An essential reads for any fan of vampire lore. ...more
A dark, sensual imagining of the creation of one of horror’s most universal masterpieces. Filled with atmospheric gothic imagery and the growing sense of displacement, grief, this novel is a compelling interpretation of the life and desires of Mary Shelley, the constraints against which she fought to express herself through her work, to explain the horrors within and around her. Winding through a path of ambition, longing, otherness, envy, the parallels to Frankenstein are a welcome examination of the ways in which we are pushed to the brink for the pursuit of creation, and the ways in which our own creations reveal our inner selves. Beautifully written and illuminating a new depth to the mother of monsters....more
A gorgeous interpretation of one of literature's finest classics. This beguiling debut is dark, poetic, and filledhttps://instagram.com/p/Ctbzfy9L0Wp/
A gorgeous interpretation of one of literature's finest classics. This beguiling debut is dark, poetic, and filled with ambition, grief, and innovation. It highlights the struggle for women to gain rightful credit in a society that favors the voices of men, especially in the fields of scientific discovery. Our Hideous Progeny simmers with the passion for hidden knowledge, and the blazing desire to harness the unknown, to challenge the finality of death, no matter the cost. This novel was so enjoyable from beginning to end, its pages filled with rebellion, love, and yearning for those secret histories, mind-bending futures, those dark ripples beneath the surface....more
Dazzling and hypnotic as a spell, this devastatingly lush farewell letter accounts the cost of obsession, jealousy, and manipulation. Poetic and seducDazzling and hypnotic as a spell, this devastatingly lush farewell letter accounts the cost of obsession, jealousy, and manipulation. Poetic and seductive, we see that the lines between love and infatuation, freedom and control, resentment and hurt, are almost never clearly defined. We see the whirlpool of abuse and power, the cycles of misunderstandings and malcontents, and the explosive conclusions that they result in. As the novel expertly details, not everyone is cut out to love. Love is so often seen through a self serving glass, as a means to an end, leaving destruction and harm in its wake. Love is the beautiful word used to disguise an ulterior motive, a hidden ambition, and is the scapegoat for desolation and deception. Gorgeously rendered, nuanced, and reflective, A Dowry of Blood is a dark and wonderfully thought out reimagining of one of the most seductive, bleak legends that there is. ...more
A beguiling and electric commentary on class, race, and trauma. With sensual and gritty prose, this tale of grief https://instagram.com/p/CpxXJ1yriJV/
A beguiling and electric commentary on class, race, and trauma. With sensual and gritty prose, this tale of grief and control expertly mounts unease and anger, mirroring the stages of grief and transformation with haunting ease. Magnolia’s journey from vulnerable and uncertain, to ensnared in webs of deception and desire, to independent and self assured, is one that readers will quickly become invested in; she is a champion of women who bloom at night, who know the call of the wind in the trees, who are nurturing their wings to soar. An amazingly strong and enchanting debut.
Thank you so much to Goodreads and to Monica Brashears for this ARC, please look for House of Cotton in April 2023!...more
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