This was a very fun, cute and age-appropriate introduction to Bruce Wayne, who grows up to become Batman. While it takes some liberties with the storyThis was a very fun, cute and age-appropriate introduction to Bruce Wayne, who grows up to become Batman. While it takes some liberties with the storyline in service to the story, it works. Bruce gets into a school for supers (although he has no powers) because his parents endowed the school. All the usual suspects from Gotham (and Batman's gallery of rogues) and Superman as well, attend the school, and they use their powers for their own benefit instead of for the good of others.
Bruce has decided to fight to protect others in the memory of his parents, who were murdered. He isn't sure how to go about it, but he's on the path to figuring it out.
It's so cute to see Bruce as a young boy and not in a super dark way like on the Gotham show (although I enjoyed the show). This story allows for levity and a sense of hope that is often missing in the Bruce Wayne/Batman origin story. It was refreshing to see Bruce as an awkward boy. While I am a Batman/Bruce Wayne superfan, he is often shown as unfallible and someone who doesn't make mistakes. Logically, we know that Bruce had to become Batman and that took a lot of very focused training, educating and evolution. One of the things I love about Bruce is that he is a self-made hero. His super power is that he doesn't give up. I saw this in the young version of Bruce in this story. He has some hijinks that play well for physical comedy in the panels.
I also enjoyed seeing the young characters from the DC verse with their unique quirks, heroes and villains. There were a few characters that I didn't catch, but most I did. I chuckled at them all going to the same school.
The art was really good. Berat Pekmezci is an illustrator to watch for and I would like to check out more of his work. I'm not sure if this is an ongoing series, but I'd definitely keep reading it. I'd loved to see one for Selina Kyle (Catwoman).
I read this pretty fast (while recovering from a bad illness) and it made me smile and kept my spirits up.
It Came from the Trees is a genuinely frightening tale of survival. It's also emotionally wrought as it sensitively but frankly depicts Jenna's sufferIt Came from the Trees is a genuinely frightening tale of survival. It's also emotionally wrought as it sensitively but frankly depicts Jenna's suffering after the disappearance of her friend. Bigfoot is absolutely horrific in this book. I felt like I was in the forest with a monster stalking me along with the girls. It also shows a spotlight on structural racism which serves to allow black children to fall through the tracks, leaving them vulnerable and unsafe. It Came from the Trees is a phenomenal debut novel that offers legitimate horror as well as emotional tension from beginning to end. Ally Russell did a lot of lifting in this novel, and did very successfully. She has brought a higher level of terror and relevance to the Bigfoot legend for a postmillennial audience.
This is a genuinely scary book. The author does an incredible job of building and sustaining tension, and manages to incorporate some shocking momentsThis is a genuinely scary book. The author does an incredible job of building and sustaining tension, and manages to incorporate some shocking moments that feel very edgy, but also age appropriate. There are some hard-hitting themes about grief, loss, and moving on from both here along with the horror elements. While the transition between the frame story and the story of Tasha is a bit jarring and uneven, overall Tales from Cabin 23: The Boo Hag Flex is a very enjoyable and thrilling middle grade horror novel with much to recommend about it.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine: http//:affairedecoeur.com.
Advanced Review Copy provided by Netgalley courtesy of HarperCollins Children's Books....more
Jodi Thomas has perfected small town, slice of life romance. Her writing shines through character work that evolves withinI adore Jodi Thomas's books!
Jodi Thomas has perfected small town, slice of life romance. Her writing shines through character work that evolves within organically interconnected stories. Humor and pathos are well balanced as the characters are often flawed but deeply lovable. Spare but lovely prose wraps readers in a warm hug as they get to know characters that feel like real people and watch them form relationships and heal from past hurts. Even though almost all of her stories take place in Texas, the reader won’t ever tire of seeing the location through her eyes. Readers will want to come back and visit Someday Valley, just to see how everyone is doing, long after they finish this book.
Damned if I Duke is a classic enemies to lovers story full of sizzling tension and surprising tenderness. Bennett nails the Regency period, but bringsDamned if I Duke is a classic enemies to lovers story full of sizzling tension and surprising tenderness. Bennett nails the Regency period, but brings a unique feel to her characters at the same time. Watching this pair fall in love, as they continually clash and trade insults, is utterly engrossing. They fight their feelings more than they fight each other, which is saying something. But when they give in to their fiery attraction, wow! The great thing about this book is that it’s not about lust. There’s an authentic bond that beloved friends and family around them sees and pitches in to bring to fruition, particularly Montford’s matchmaking grandfather. I loved this old guy. This book touches the heart and brings tears to the eyes as the authentic emotions are so well rendered on the page. Prue and Montford’s journey to true love makes for a wonderful read.
This book was a breath of fresh air. I haven't been much of a contemporary romance fan, but I confess that I do love a warm, cozy story where you justThis book was a breath of fresh air. I haven't been much of a contemporary romance fan, but I confess that I do love a warm, cozy story where you just get the chance to know some unique folks who seem like real people, and watching them form connections, and for their lives to be get better. In real life, that doesn't happen all that much. And I love a sweet love story. I think they are underrated.
Iris is a down on her luck woman who has always been treated like an f-up by her family. She has never fitted in, and she's felt like a failure in everyway. When she inherits her great-aunt's house in St. Claire, Illinois, it's like a gift. Now she can start a new life away from the judgmental eye of her overbearing mother and two sisters (one of whom stole her boyfriend). The house is a bit of a wreck, but it's livable. Iris gets the idea to rent out some of the rooms to help with her empty pocketbook. Before she knows it, she's forming her own little quirky family.
I loved just about everything about the book, but I'll freely admit that Eli was without a question my favorite thing about this book. He was so sweet and adorable and kind. He was such a peach. I loved the developing romance between Iris and Eli. I also appreciated Eli's backstory. That's part of why I was so mad about something that happens near the end. I have to admit, I had to take off .75 stars just for that. Otherwise this book would have been a five star read.
This book reminds me of what I love about Jodi Thomas books, except with paranormal thrown in, and a lot more representation and diversity. The cozy, warm feeling of love and companionship between the pages (and not just eros love). Yeah, I'm a sucker for that. As I said, the level of diversity was great. There's a big mix of ethnicities and gender/sexuality, and also characters of different ages. That made me so happy.
I haven't read other books in the "Fix-It Witches" series but it didn't affect my appreciation for this book. It made me curious to go back and read those for more vibes.
Now I just want to read more of these cozy paranormal romances.
Just solely on enjoyment, I gave this five stars. It was so delightfully weird. A boy opens his first door and finds this strange bag on the porch, anJust solely on enjoyment, I gave this five stars. It was so delightfully weird. A boy opens his first door and finds this strange bag on the porch, and really strange, very scary things happen after that. I think this might be one of a few handful of kids books that goes all in on the Lovecraft vibes. I'm in awe of the creativity behind this story. It's so unpredictable and fun, but in a 'you're really glad you are just reading the book and you're not actually in the book' kind of way. I really liked Zenith. He had a distinctive feel for a young boy, with that just the perfect amount of rebellion and fearlessness in him. But at the same time, he showed realistic vulnerability for a kid put in the scary, crazy situations he encounters in this book. The characters' names were unique: Zenith and Apogee. Yes, I did look up the definition for Apogee. Apogee suits his sister's personality. I love books where siblings look out for each other, and that's a major theme of this book.
As I've said multiple times before, I'm always on the lookout for weird, creepy kids books. If you are the same, you should read this one. I can't wait to read the next book. I'm so glad my library had a copy of it....more
I am so thankful to this book for bringing me out of a years long romance novel reading slump. I've felt so disconnected to the genre lately, which maI am so thankful to this book for bringing me out of a years long romance novel reading slump. I've felt so disconnected to the genre lately, which makes me sad, because I love romance. But this book has an effervescence and an easy flow that kept me interested. I was genuinely engaged with the romance and I wanted the couple to end up together somehow. I am a sucker for spy plot elements, thrown into any other genre and besides. This storyline isn't that new or anything, but the way it was done was very charming. I loved the characters. Dove is pretty authentic in that she doesn't automatically become a badass, but she equips herself pretty well in the situation she lands in. Oh man. Mendez was a top tier hero. He was tough and badass, but also so sweet and so validating to Dove. I loved the small moments they shared. They had great chemistry, and just reading scenes where they talk to each other and nothing else made me happy. The spy stuff was great too. The bad guys are genuinely evil and frightening. In the suspense moments, things feel real and high stakes.
While this book isn't revolutionary, it's so well done and such an easy, flowing read that impressed me. I read so slow on my phone/kindle, so it did take me a while, but whenever I picked this up, I was just sucked right into the story. I definitely recommend it. Can't wait to read the next book about Mendez's friend and coworker.
This is a hidden gem! I am so excited about this book, and I look forward to a whole series. The Doomsday Archives: The Wandering Hour has so much of This is a hidden gem! I am so excited about this book, and I look forward to a whole series. The Doomsday Archives: The Wandering Hour has so much of what I love in a creepy, scary book. It's a middle grade book, but it's scary enough that I often was a bit surprised that it was for kids. Fans of classic horror, horror movies, urban legends, Wikipedia fanatics (who like to read weird articles and then get a creepy feeling in their gut), will love this book. I can't believe more people haven't read this book.
I liked this even more than the first volume, which I did enjoy. This volume seemed more "honed," and in some strange way, cohesive, even though the sI liked this even more than the first volume, which I did enjoy. This volume seemed more "honed," and in some strange way, cohesive, even though the stories diverge quite a bit more. I feel like there is a lot of diversity in the kinds of scary stories that are featured, and I loved how they get even better as the volume goes along. He did a good job of coming up with new stories that didn't retread the old ground of the first volume. Each and every story is scary. As I read, it had this visceral sense that some really awful stuff was happening to kids, which is very unnerving to read about. Nothing was too graphic, obviously, but what is not described is often more terrifying.
I also really liked the lead character Gilbert's POV. He had a good heart and was very sympathetic, caring about his brother and family. He used his brain and worked with a friend to help save his brother. To be frank, it wasn't overly wise listen to the tapes when his brother told him not to, but there wouldn't be a frame story if he didn't. Also, listening to the stories helped him save his brother, so there's that.
I'm a huge fan of frame stories or stories-within-a-story, like The Arabian Nights, and I love how reading (or listening rather) the stories has an element of evocation in which they become or bring something real into existence. It's so unnerving. I say this quite a bit when I read a kid's horror book I really like, but it's true. I wish I had a book like this when I was a kid. Even so, I am enjoying the heck out of well written middle grade fiction as an adult. I started out listening to the audiobook, but I had to return it, so I checked out the ebook. The illustrations are great, so I'm glad I got to check those out. Dan Poblocki is a very good writer, and I'm anxious to read more of his stuff.
I confess I don't watch slasher movies. I am such a wuss. I do love the concept of the final girl, however. I've really become a fan of Grady Hendrix I confess I don't watch slasher movies. I am such a wuss. I do love the concept of the final girl, however. I've really become a fan of Grady Hendrix over the last year or so, and I decided to give this a try despite the fact that I was nervous about how slashery it was going to be. I'm so glad I gave this a chance. I loved this book!
It was such a good story, and it is so much more than just a slasher on the page. It's a character study and it's about humanizing the survivors and the victims, which is so crucial to me. One of the reasons I don't like watching slasher movies and gruesome movies where people are being savagely murdered is that seeing people being reduced to body parts really disturbs me. With this book, it's about the survivors and the aftermath of being the one who saw that happen to others.
Without spoilers, Grady Hendrix himself acknowledged that it was problematic who he killed off first, and I agree with that. But at the same time, that person was the glue of their group, and their death is definitely an important inciting event. Also, their death wasn't meaningless and unimportant. So, while I have some misgiving, I do feel at the same time, it was thoughtfully done.
The characters are really damaged, and that makes so much sense. I do feel that every single one of us is walking wounded in some way due to the trauma we've had in our lives. Final girls are this on a micro scale. I deeply felt their pain in how they had to see love ones suffer (this past year has been very traumatic for me). Each of them are like the final girls in a lot of the major slasher franchises, which was pretty fun. Again, seeing them brought to life and developed into a more dimensional character was a richer experience. They all have their strengths and their shortcomings. And I love how Hendrix sets them up as archetypes (like in the movies), but shows how they are living, breathing women.
Seeing Lynnette's growth and how she overcomes her crippling fear was so enriching for me. Seeing what she went through, my goodness. It was absolutely terrible. Lynnette is set up as a conspiracy theorist, but it's clear that she was more or less on the money about what's going on. And that's saying something, considering.
I love how the story builds and uses a mix of quoted media and Lynnette's recalling memories. When it seems like the book is just recalling situations (Lynnette telling the reader about the events that had lead the final girls to where they are today), in essence processing trauma as though we are in therapy with Lynnette--there are beautifully (is that a strange way to say it?) interspersed thrilling sequences that had me holding on to my seat. Things build up to a climax that keeps going until near the very end, which I found very satisfying. The narrator was Adrienne King, one of the first final girls, from Friday the 13th. It was so unbelievably cool to have her as a narrator, and her voice is so unique. She nailed Lynnette.
Grady Hendrix has such a way with women characters. In my opinion, they feel very authentic. I read a fair amount of fiction written by men, and some of them are so hamfisted about it. They write like they don't even know one woman. Not the case with him. He grew up and was raised by women, with three old sisters, and you can always tell. I feel like I bonded with the women (although admittedly some more than others). I also felt like they were people I knew who I cared about but who also get on my nerves at times, which is very authentic.
I know I am out of my lane, to some extent, in how I critique slasher movies, as I am not a fan. However, I do appreciate the conversation about how women are treated in this genre, both in its opportunities to center women in narratives and also in how it can be perceived as misogynistic in its treatment of women's bodies and in how women are stereotyped into categories. Hendrix is a person who is deeply entrenched in the horror movie fandom and can definitely participate in that conversation in a knowledgeable way that I acknowledge I cannot. I appreciate how he uses his privilege as a white man to critique the problematic aspects of slasher horror in this novel, and also to highlight the way that it shows how enduring and powerful women are (without being shunted into stereotypes of strong versus weak). Lynnette is a very good character for this theme as she is considered an unfinished final girl (she didn't actively participate in her salvation from the violence she survived), and this torments her and is used as a mental weapon by multiple characters in the narrative. Her evolution and resolution was so empowering to me as a reader. I'm not a final girl, but I am a survivor of the traumas I've faced in my life. And in that way, readers who have 'survived' their own traumas can perhaps similarly be positively impacted by this narrative.
This is a really long review, so I think it's time to conclude. I'll leave it here by saying, I was so engaged with this novel and it touched me in many ways. There are some deeply uncomfortable and distressing moments. It's thrilling, it's funny in parts, and also emotionally hard hitting. I really loved this book....more
When I first heard about this book, I was intrigued. I love haunted house stories. I was a little worried it might be too edgy, but some early reviewsWhen I first heard about this book, I was intrigued. I love haunted house stories. I was a little worried it might be too edgy, but some early reviews on Booktube suggested it was a cozy horror, so I was on board. Excitingly, my library had it available, and I was able to read the audiobook.
This book is written in a conversational style where the main character is telling her story. I loved this device as it involved me emotionally with the novel as I am being told the story by the participant. Margaret established herself as a sympathetic character early on. There is also an element of unreliable narrator as the story progresses. It throws a reader for a loop as they are prone to asking what kind of book they are reading. Is this a haunted house novel or a novel about familial dysfunction? You are seeing the haunting unfold through Margaret's eyes and she has done research and a couple of other people are aware of it. But there's also a question about whether this is all psychosis. Personally, one of my pet peeves is when stuff is happening and nobody believes the main character. I also admit that I don't want to read stories where the lead character is becoming psychotic. I was worried that this was going to be that kind of book. Without spoiling things, I am glad this wasn't that kind of book, because I would have been majorly disappointed. Instead, this book manages to address the haunting aspect while also affirming that mental illness is a real thing and should not be stigmatized, but instead, it's important for a person who's suffering in that way to get help.
This book is also about lifelong trauma and its effects on a person. That truly resonated with me because it reminded me of someone very close to me who experienced some really awful things in their life and always felt alone and that they had no one they could rely on and who understood what they were going through and supported them. Margaret is that person. What she has dealt with and continues to experience in this house that represents a lifelong dream, but instead in many ways has become a prison and a source of trauma.
I have to say I am not fully onboard with describing this book as a cozy horror. It has some humor and it doesn't end in a way that's depressing or soul-destroying, but this is not a situation that can be dismissed as light reading. Some truly messed up, awful stuff has happened in Margaret's house, and that can be very hard to read. This is not extreme horror, definitely not. Yet, there are some descriptions and depictions that are hard to read. I did have to turn it off a couple of times to get a breather. For me, it was about empathy. I felt things very deeply for Margaret and the past victims in the house. I also felt that it was relatable that Margaret's family had some toxicity and dysfunction that added to the whole picture of Margaret and her relationship to the house. While at times, I had some issues with her daughter Catherine (I listened to the audiobook, so I might be misspelling her name), it totally make sense why she's such an angry person. I appreciated the resolution of Margaret's relationship with her.
This book is quite scary in some moments, and quite disturbing. I was able to listen to it at night while I was cooking, but I wouldn't risk listening to it in bed. Even though 1st person POV can at times be limited, Orlando's imagery is so vivid and well-conveyed. The menacing aspect of the house is enough to send chills down your spine, especially the former owner of the house. It's also deeply sad as well.
Going back to the concept of being imprisoned by one's past. The house is a metaphor for this. Along with the cycle of assaults/attacks visited on Margaret every September. "Everything is survivable," is something that Margaret expresses regularly in relation to her situation with the hauntings that flare up in September. It also applies to the trauma she suffered in her marriage. The author shows instead of telling us how strong Margaret was. It's like she doesn't quite know it. I mean, she did know she was a survivor, but I don't think she realized how tough she was. And I kept thinking, how is this woman going through all of this? It's hard to judge her for wanting to keep her house. I can understand how important the house was to her. If you never had the stability of owning your own house, that means so much to finally be a homeowner. It's not something you'd easily give up or walk away from. Even though I understood this, I couldn't wrap my mind around how she could sustain the constant manifestations in that house that were constant, unrelenting physical, emotional and mental attacks.
I can't find much to complain about with this book. It's not quite a five star, but it's pretty close. I would love to read more from Carissa Orlando. I don't think I could watch this movie. It would be terrifying.
This is an engaging, engrossing read. I listened to the audiobook, and I loved the narrator. I love paranormal/supernatural stories, and it is so awesThis is an engaging, engrossing read. I listened to the audiobook, and I loved the narrator. I love paranormal/supernatural stories, and it is so awesome to read books about African American culture and stories. Set in 1919, Penelope sets the scene very well with real black history as the background. She doesn't shy away from discussing the travails of black people in that time period. The dangers faced by black people due to racism, racial violence, white supremacy and Jim Crow segregation. Neither does she downplay issues in the community such as colorism and elitism, and the extremes of the haves versus the have nots (often justified by Social Darwinism). Stuff that I know about due to my heritage is a part of this story. But I also learned something new. The lead character is based on a real life woman who was put on trial for shooting and killing a rioting white policeman who broke into her house and shot her and her father. In this case, Penelope gives it a paranormal element. However, it's a hair-raising story that is familiar even to this day as parallels to black people killed by the police in their own homes, such as Breonna Taylor and Atatiana Jackson, among others, and how justice is often elusive in those cases. Fortunately, Clara (and her true life counterpart)'s charges were dropped. With this history, it's not surprising that Clara is hardened to the world and others, and you find out as the story unfolds why she comes off as so misanthropic. It's more from a shell of self-protection as opposed to genuine antipathy towards others. She also has the burden of seeing ghosts her whole life, and is often petitioned by others in the community in need to contact the spirits, called Enigmas. Clara knows they will come to regret any bargains they make with the Enigmas.
The characterization in this story was flawless. I appreciate how each pivotal character gets a POV and a bio of their life. Why they have unique abilities and the trauma they have faced in their lives. I like how they come together in a way that compliments each other as they face a terrible threat to everyone. Each character found their way into my heart and I wanted them to have a happy ending. I feel like Zelda is such a mysterious character, and I want to know more about her.
As much as I enjoyed this book, I feel like some of the plotting got a little muddled towards the end. There was a lot going on in the climactic scene and I had to rewind the audiobook at some points because I was confused about what was happening. That being said, the storyline has a distinct feel, and some moments were genuinely spooky. I wasn't mad about the fact that I ended up finishing this book in October, even though I can't count it towards my October Scare Fest challenge. Lots of haunting imagery, and something about Southern folklore of haints, root magic, and bargains made at crossroads (figuratively and literally) always appeals to me. As I wrote earlier, the mix of authentic history and allusions to legends and folk wisdom the author used added so much to the texture of this story. Penelope even includes well known figures from Black history such as Carter G. Woodson and Langston Hughes (his cameo is quite amusing). Even WEB Dubois indirectly. Despite the nods to history and folklore, the story that Penelope added feels very unique, successfully building the author's own particular world in which people are gifted but those gifts are often due to powers given by spirits who demand much in return. There are some romantic subplots that I loved. It reminded me that I am still a romance lover (even though I haven't read much romance lately because I've been burned out and I'm not in the best mental space for it right now).
I definitely recommend this book to readers who love historical fantasy/paranormal rooted in American folklore and legends, especially those looking for stories featuring the Black experience in the early 20th century. I hope to read more books by this author, and I honestly would love it if this was an ongoing series. ...more
As a Joscelin stan, I was thrilled when I found out that the author had written a book from his viewpoint. I was not disappointed. He was so enigmaticAs a Joscelin stan, I was thrilled when I found out that the author had written a book from his viewpoint. I was not disappointed. He was so enigmatic and swoon-worthy in Kushiel's Dart, and this book only adds to his appeal. I loved it! It took me ten years to read the book, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy reading it.
Readers who enjoy large scale stories about political intrigue will appreciate the depth of that narrative in what initially seems will be a more intimate story. Despite the far-reaching, epic scale, Carey keeps Joscelin and Phèdre central to the happenings. These two beloved characters have the reader on the edge as they find themselves in harrowing circumstances, relying on their unique skills and learning to trust and support each other. The magic is intrinsic for the world-building of this novel, but it’s subtle and never used as a crutch. However, there are moments where the reader is reminded in such awe-inspiring ways of the otherworldly and the spiritual underpinnings in this series. There is so much to love about this book. Readers who were enthralled by the Kushiel Legacy series will feel like they have come home again with Cassiel’s Servant.
I am a fangirl of T. Kingfisher. I love all their books. I love cozy and scary together. Throw in some folklore and I'm sold! For its short length, WhI am a fangirl of T. Kingfisher. I love all their books. I love cozy and scary together. Throw in some folklore and I'm sold! For its short length, What Feasts at Night is an all-immersive experience that treats the reader to a journey where supposedly mythical creatures live and have the power to steal lives. The worldbuilding was excellent, and sure to captivate readers who love folklore and reading about the legends of particular countries, real or created in the mind of the writer. Kingfisher has such a way with creating quirky and imminently lovable characters that will stay on the mind and in the heart long after the story ends. There needs to be more stories. This reader is not ready to say goodbye to Alex and friends.
Thornhedge is a splendid retelling of Sleeping Beauty, featuring a completely innovative spin on the fairy tale with the most unlikely of lead charact Thornhedge is a splendid retelling of Sleeping Beauty, featuring a completely innovative spin on the fairy tale with the most unlikely of lead characters. Despite the seeming unsuitability of Toadling as the main character, she is completely lovable and complex. Toadling’s story is so interesting that it steals the show and the reader’s focus away from the traditional narrative. When the narrative comes back around to the classic princess in the tower storyline, the sense of dread and danger is like a gut punch to readers entranced by Toadling’s coming of age tale. T. Kingfisher is incredible at crafting marvelously descriptive word pictures that draw the reader deep into the world she has created in her narrative. While short in length, Thornhedge takes the reader on an expansive and immersive journey, leagues away from their everyday environment and deep into a fairy tale setting with unlikely heroines, sleeping princesses, and downtrodden knights looking for a quest to fulfill.
Although this had a shaky start, it finished smooth like butter. This was quite a read. I have had this checked out on audio from my library for sooooAlthough this had a shaky start, it finished smooth like butter. This was quite a read. I have had this checked out on audio from my library for sooooo long, and I am so sorry. No one put a hold on it, so I guess that wasn't too bad. But I still am glad it took me such an extended time to finish it. Honestly, I wish my library let us borrow than fifteen books. It's just not enough for a book hoarder like me.
Anyway, back to the review. I am eating up all the Rick Riordan Presents books that I am reading. Granted, I am off to a rather slow start. That said, these kids books about mythology and legends from a variety of cultures are so good. In this case, the focus is on Maya mythology. The Maya civilization actually still exists, but it goes back to the time before written history. Central America is the region from which the Maya civilization arose, including southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and southwestern Honduras and El Salvador (Wikipedia). The Maya folklore/legends are fascinating, beautifully illustrated in this novel.
The lead character is a preteen boy named Zane Obispo who was born with one leg that is shorter than the other, causing him to limp. He is teased mercilessly by his schoolmates, leading to him taking a year off from school. He loves to spend time at an extinct volcano in his backyard in New Mexico, with this dog Rosie, who is also differently abled (she has three legs). Zane discovers a secret heritage that ties him to Maya legends and takes him an adventure that is dangerous, exciting, and life-changing.
At first, I was confused at all the things that were thrown at me, and I didn't think I'd rate this very highly, but I kept listening because I was curious. I'm glad, because I actually fell in love with this book. There's a lot of strange stuff happening, and there are nasty creatures that come after Zane. I didn't know what was going on, and I felt like that could have been a little better explained on page. But getting past that, I was very engaged to the point, I couldn't stop reading it. I loved how distinct the world-building is, even though if you've read any books about modern day characters engaging with gods and goddesses and creatures from mythology, you will recognize some plot devices. What I'm saying is the author puts their own spin and does a good job introducing readers to Maya folklore/legends.
As far as the characters, they were very vivid and fascinating. I came to love Zane and root for him. Honestly, Zane was frustrating in parts. He has a big chip on his shoulder. His father was never in his life and that led to hardships for him and his mother. But I loved his big heart and how he is unafraid to take risks and make sacrifices for those he loves. And he is fearless in the sense that even though he might feel scares, he still perseveres in the face some really scary and unpalatable circumstances. Zane evolves wonderfully over the course of the story in the journey he undertakes (in more ways than one) as he learns more about who is he is. The secondary characters were great as well. Brooks continues to have an air of mystery as she is portrayed through the 1st person POV of Zane. Even so, she was multi-layered and so brave. I loved how Zane's young uncle Hondo accompanies him on the journey. He was a lot of fun, and super brave as well as he has zero super powers. The other characters that Zane engages with and gets to know are really fascinating. I love reading book with Latin, especially Mexican culture, and I really appreciate that the narrator is Latinx, because the pronunciations were accurate and further immersed me in the cultural aspects. The cultural representation was so well done, and I appreciate how this book looks at the way people who are differently abled are treated in society. Zane had a very hard time with others and kids were so freaking mean to him. I had a hip problem and I had a limp and had to use a crutch for a long time, so I can tell you that is real. I felt for Zane because you can't erase something like that about yourself just to fit in, and nor should you feel like you have to be worthy. I could see why Zane was so attached to his dog Rosie because she was definitely his emotional support.
I have to say the villains are very scary and gross. They were so hateful and I was booing them. There are plenty of moments that have you thinking evil will win, but hang in there. All I'm going to say. There are some very unpalatable descriptions with bad smells and slime (and I am so sensitive to that because I'm such a germaphobe and I hate dirt/filth). I had a lot of ick moments as I read this book.
I love the juxtaposition between mythology/folklore and contemporary setting, which is why my favorite type of fantasy is urban/contemporary. It's so fun seeing these ancient beings interacting with the everyday, wearing baseball caps, jeans, sunglasses, etc. Also seeing this incredible world of legend under the everyday normality (that some people can't even see).
I think this book wraps out so great and I loved how it ended. It totally made up for the slow and questionable start. I had so much fun reading the book. It has some really good humor and great action sequences. I thoroughly recommend the audiobook. I'm really excited to listen to the next book in the series.
Dominic Kilburn has been drifting since he left Lady Willa Ransome at the altar a year ago. Wracked with guilt, he has been drowning his sorrows in boDominic Kilburn has been drifting since he left Lady Willa Ransome at the altar a year ago. Wracked with guilt, he has been drowning his sorrows in booze and boxing. When his two friends, who happen to be Willa’s brothers drag him to a scandalous houseparty on a remote island in Scotland, his hope is that this will be his escape from his tortured memories and unresolved feelings Willa. To his surprise, Willa is there, and they are stuck in each other’s company for two weeks until the next boat returns. Can they survive the desire both to kill each other and give into their suppressed carnal and emotional desires? Is there a chance for them to make amends at last?
A Rogue’s Rules for Seduction is a sexy, entertaining Regency historical romance with lots of sizzling tension between the two leads. It’s clear that these two belong together if they can make it past their many issues. Dom is a big, sexy hero who is so gentle and tenderhearted, with a tormented soul, and is clearly crazy about Willa. Willa is fiery, independent, yet vulnerable beneath her forthright personality. She struggles between protecting her heart from more hurt and wanting to throw herself fully in Dom’s arms. Eva Leigh builds the excitement as the two clash and confront each other and their unresolved feelings, leading to beautifully written, fiery and passionate love scenes. The character development shines in that both Dom and Willa are shown as imperfect people who grew and learned from their mistakes. A fitting conclusion to the Last Chance Scoundrels series, A Rogue’s Rules for Seduction is satisfying and sigh-worthy romance.
ARC provided by Harper Avon through Netgalley for review....more
I have been on a T. Kingfisher glom since last year, and I don't see it ending anytime soon. I will be real here. I have loved Edgar Allan Poe since II have been on a T. Kingfisher glom since last year, and I don't see it ending anytime soon. I will be real here. I have loved Edgar Allan Poe since I was high school kid and we read some of his stories in class. I was that kid who loved scary, Gothic stories, and I haven't changed much. So this was so innovative retelling of his short novel, The Fall of the House of Usher, was definitely something I wanted to read. I believe I did read the original, or at least a part of it, but I don't remember it. I plan to listen to the audiobook this year to refresh myself. Having said that, I don't think you need to read the original to enjoy this story.
The Gothic atmosphere is flawless. A rotting ancestral manse, and an aristocratic family whose remaining members are dying on the vine. Enter a character who knows nothing about that life, but who is entangled with the remaining two Usher family members through friendship. As the reader, you are immersed in the story by that character's point of view. Along with the trappings of the Gothic, there is also horror of the body and contagious variety. Let me tell you, that is a really sore spot for me. I feel this type of horror on a visceral level. I have a background in biological science, so I know a lot about pathology, infectious disease and microorganisms, so I was cringing so hard when I read this. Having said that, I was entrenched and I was so invested. Kingfisher is very good at description without bogging down the story with details that are unnecessary. There's enough of the setting to draw a mental image and to bring things to life. But she also nailed describing what was happening to poor Madeline in an very visceral way, and how it impacted Easton, our main character. I was rooting for Easton to find a way to help their friends and keep themselves safe at the same time.
A note on the cultural aspects. Kingfisher goes into some detail describing through their own narrative, the background of the lead character, who is non-binary. I absolutely appreciated this. It felt very natural, and was in no way a preachy way of asserting the importance of self-definition as a person and conveying the struggles of those who don't fit neatly into the boxes that humans create for others and themselves. I often had to remind myself that Easton was nonbinary (female at birth but working and living in a masculine space), as their energy did feel a bit more masculine their personality exerts themselves as their own definition of gender. It made some sense as Easton spent more of their life in the military. The aspects of how the Galician (sorry I listened to the audiobook, so the spellings might not be correct) works and how soldiers are by nature non-binary. was super interesting and enriching to me as a reader.
So let's talk about Fungi. How do you feel about them? Do you have a love or hate relationship to them? I love eating mushooms, but I am somewhat repulsed by fungi in most other ways. I understand their place in the ecosystem but I tend to think of them also as pathogens that invade and destroy. If you are like me or maybe you don't even like to eat mushrooms, be aware! I had to compartmentalize my feelings about my beloved edible mushrooms as I read this book. Having studied the biology of fungi, I am well aware of how they grow and their anatomy, and I had some very disturbed moments as that plays out in this story. I will say no more about that other than to say, wow, this story has such a unique twist.
I would be inclined to give this a 4.25/5.0 stars. I think it's not a five star because it's a little too short. I would have loved to spend more time with these characters. In my heart of hearts, I hope Easton returns for more adventures.
A note on the narrator: I quite enjoyed the narrator's vocal stylings. She made sure every joke by the very funny Kingfisher landed. I enjoy the heck out of dry wit, and there is a lot of that in spades. The observations that Easton made about people through their understanding really endeared this book to me. I laughed so hard while reading this. I am so glad that there is a lot of humor, and also deep emotional caring/investment in this story along with the disturbing body horror aspects.
I recommend reading this if you're not too squeamish. It's far from gruesome or over-the-top, but there are some squicky aspects if you are a germaphobe.
Merged review:
I have been on a T. Kingfisher glom since last year, and I don't see it ending anytime soon. I will be real here. I have loved Edgar Allan Poe since I was high school kid and we read some of his stories in class. I was that kid who loved scary, Gothic stories, and I haven't changed much. So this was so innovative retelling of his short novel, The Fall of the House of Usher, was definitely something I wanted to read. I believe I did read the original, or at least a part of it, but I don't remember it. I plan to listen to the audiobook this year to refresh myself. Having said that, I don't think you need to read the original to enjoy this story.
The Gothic atmosphere is flawless. A rotting ancestral manse, and an aristocratic family whose remaining members are dying on the vine. Enter a character who knows nothing about that life, but who is entangled with the remaining two Usher family members through friendship. As the reader, you are immersed in the story by that character's point of view. Along with the trappings of the Gothic, there is also horror of the body and contagious variety. Let me tell you, that is a really sore spot for me. I feel this type of horror on a visceral level. I have a background in biological science, so I know a lot about pathology, infectious disease and microorganisms, so I was cringing so hard when I read this. Having said that, I was entrenched and I was so invested. Kingfisher is very good at description without bogging down the story with details that are unnecessary. There's enough of the setting to draw a mental image and to bring things to life. But she also nailed describing what was happening to poor Madeline in an very visceral way, and how it impacted Easton, our main character. I was rooting for Easton to find a way to help their friends and keep themselves safe at the same time.
A note on the cultural aspects. Kingfisher goes into some detail describing through their own narrative, the background of the lead character, who is non-binary. I absolutely appreciated this. It felt very natural, and was in no way a preachy way of asserting the importance of self-definition as a person and conveying the struggles of those who don't fit neatly into the boxes that humans create for others and themselves. I often had to remind myself that Easton was nonbinary (female at birth but working and living in a masculine space), as their energy did feel a bit more masculine their personality exerts themselves as their own definition of gender. It made some sense as Easton spent more of their life in the military. The aspects of how the Galician (sorry I listened to the audiobook, so the spellings might not be correct) works and how soldiers are by nature non-binary. was super interesting and enriching to me as a reader.
So let's talk about Fungi. How do you feel about them? Do you have a love or hate relationship to them? I love eating mushooms, but I am somewhat repulsed by fungi in most other ways. I understand their place in the ecosystem but I tend to think of them also as pathogens that invade and destroy. If you are like me or maybe you don't even like to eat mushrooms, be aware! I had to compartmentalize my feelings about my beloved edible mushrooms as I read this book. Having studied the biology of fungi, I am well aware of how they grow and their anatomy, and I had some very disturbed moments as that plays out in this story. I will say no more about that other than to say, wow, this story has such a unique twist.
I would be inclined to give this a 4.25/5.0 stars. I think it's not a five star because it's a little too short. I would have loved to spend more time with these characters. In my heart of hearts, I hope Easton returns for more adventures.
A note on the narrator: I quite enjoyed the narrator's vocal stylings. She made sure every joke by the very funny Kingfisher landed. I enjoy the heck out of dry wit, and there is a lot of that in spades. The observations that Easton made about people through their understanding really endeared this book to me. I laughed so hard while reading this. I am so glad that there is a lot of humor, and also deep emotional caring/investment in this story along with the disturbing body horror aspects.
I recommend reading this if you're not too squeamish. It's far from gruesome or over-the-top, but there are some squicky aspects if you are a germaphobe....more
One of the folks I follow on Booktube raved about this book, and for good reason. This was such a fun, unique, fascinating read. The narrative strikesOne of the folks I follow on Booktube raved about this book, and for good reason. This was such a fun, unique, fascinating read. The narrative strikes a really good balance between intrigue and some scary dark fantasy moments and fun whimsy. Morrigan is such a great kid, you cannot help but root for her. It's terrible how her family treats her because she was born in a cursed year. Her father is a jackass and he really should be ashamed of himself. If he's going to be angry at someone, be angry at himself. His job as a father is to love and support his child, and he failed on that on every level. From the beginning, I felt sympathetic for Morrigan and I was so excited when she was given the opportunity to get out of the bad situation she was in when Jupiter North picks her to be a contestant to join the Wondrous Society of Nevermoor instead of grimly waiting for the day of her death. She begins a new life in Nevermoor full of wonders, challenges, and will find herself headed towards a confrontation with a deadly adversary of legend.
This book is full of interesting characters and storylines. Morrigan is an underdog that you root for throughout the story. I spent the whole time wondering what was going to happen with the contest, as there was no evidence that Morrigan has a talent like the other kids she encounters. And her losing the contest would lead to her being expelled from Nevermoor and sent back to Jackalfax where her fate to die awaits her. However, her lack of a talent makes her a very resourceful and thoughtful person who uses her wits and will to get through the parts of the challenge.
Jupiter has a crazy uncle vibe that I really liked. I feel like he's still very mysterious by the end of this book, so I imagine there will be some interesting revelations about him in future books. The employees at his hotel Hotel Deucalion are definitely characters, including Fenestra the maid, who's a large talking cat. The Hotel itself is an enigma that responds to the personality of its inhabitants.
I really loved listening to this audiobook. The narrator has a British accent and is very good at doing different voices. They are also great at acting out the drama and tension in the story. I'm guessing the print books have pictures, so I hope to read those one day, but I still would recommend the audiobook.
Fun, exciting, in some parts scary, and quirky in the best way (like Willie Wonka), I loved this book. Looking forward to the next books in the series....more
Danielle The Book Huntress
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