Bright Young Women provides compelling commentary on the media's romanticization of serial killers, which memorializes violent men and leaves female Bright Young Women provides compelling commentary on the media's romanticization of serial killers, which memorializes violent men and leaves female victims nameless. However, the book consists of several strong paragraphs amidst a sea of random filler. There are so many storylines introduced, yet minimal payoff. I was always on the edge of my seat, with many scenes being tense and intriguing, but they were also unclimactic. The novel would benefit from an increase in length. It's a case of too many great ideas and not enough pages to best represent them. This makes for an uneven structure that taints the whole story for me. ...more
**spoiler alert** 3.5 ------ Aaaaaaand we're back to my initial expectations for this series. When A Court of Wings and Ruin is good, it is very good. **spoiler alert** 3.5 ------ Aaaaaaand we're back to my initial expectations for this series. When A Court of Wings and Ruin is good, it is very good. Otherwise, it's boring, very boring. I'm not the biggest fan of the way Maas writes her action scenes. There's no tension because I know there's no way in hell that this series won't wrap up with a happy ending. (view spoiler)[I wish more characters died, and I mean, major characters (RIP Suriel, you were a real one). Amren, in particular, would have been a noble sacrifice that demonstrated how truly devastating the battle with Hybern was. Instead, all of the main cast and high lords get off scot-free. GIVE ME REAL STAKES MAAS I BEG YOU (hide spoiler)]
Rhysand and Feyre's romance doesn't hit as hard here. I can't really blame Maas for this though. Established romance can be hard to make interesting. I wish the pair had more conflict as they adjust to their new roles and understanding of one another. Also, the smut...is mid and awkward at best. I AM SORRY THAT'S JUST MY OPINION. You can't beat the good soup from book 2.
As always, here were my top three thoughts while reading: 1. #justiceforlucien 2. In book 2, toilets are confirmed. In book 3, gay people are confirmed. HAPPY PRIDE!!! WE HAVE PLUMBING!!! 3. Touching his wing makes him WHAT?!
Although I have been having a glorious time binge-watching this series, I will be taking a break. I miss my depressing literary fiction where everyone dies. I'll go on A03 for my smut fix in the meantime, as God intended....more
I am formally apologizing to all the Sarah J. Maas fans I may have offended in the past. This shit is fire. A Court of Mist and Fury is 1000000x bettI am formally apologizing to all the Sarah J. Maas fans I may have offended in the past. This shit is fire. A Court of Mist and Fury is 1000000x better than its predecessor. Stronger worldbuilding, better characters, and a much more developed romance make for an excellent story.
These were my top three thoughts while reading: 1. Do they need a third? 2. [image] 3. Fuck Tamlin
I don't even care about the nitpicks at this point because I had one hell of a good time reading this book. At the end of the day, I am just a 200k+ word friends to lovers slow burn AO3 girlie. I LOVE TENSION WITH MINIMAL SMUT WOOOOOOOOOO!
(view spoiler)[Ok, that's a lie I have one small gripe. I dislike the concept of mates. For me, the idea that Feyre and Rhysand were always destined for one another undermines Feyre's journey. Is she really choosing a destiny for herself if that destiny was sort of pre-written? I would rather have had it be Feyre and Rhysand falling in love at the same time, because of their gradual realization that they are one in the same. This is just a personal preference (hence why the rating isn't affected), but a relevant critique nonetheless. (hide spoiler)]
I am all in on this series now. Let's hope that this success was not a flash in the pan, because I still genuinely fear for my life with those long-ass textbooks that await me. ...more
I'm traveling and forgot to bring my physical copy, so I switched to a pdf halfway through. It felt like I was reading ABO fanfic, ngl.
For my first vI'm traveling and forgot to bring my physical copy, so I switched to a pdf halfway through. It felt like I was reading ABO fanfic, ngl.
For my first venture into Sarah J. Maas faerie smut, I enjoyed A Court of Thorns and Roses more than I expected. Although, I could do with fewer "he growled" descriptions during sex scenes. That's just my taste.
While reading, these were my three main thoughts: 1. Feyre needs more fiber in her diet (with her bowels being so watery) 2. Lucien is hotter than Tamlin 3. Yeah, I'd fuck Rhysand
Looking forward to the second book. I already have the entire series spoiled for me but I want to see this through. I am a strong believer that if you're going to critique a story, you have to see it to its end. Cauldron help me....more
Legends & Lattes is the perfect remedy to any sour mood. I've been reading some devastating pieces of literature recently, and I desperately needed a Legends & Lattes is the perfect remedy to any sour mood. I've been reading some devastating pieces of literature recently, and I desperately needed a cozy fantasy. This hit the spot. All the characters are delightfully charming, with unique quirks and personalities that endear you to them. I'm disappointed that I can't exist in this world. The descriptions of Viv's coffee and Thimble's sweets had my mouth watering.
This book reminds me of a lovely game I played a couple of years ago called Coffee Talk. It's a similar premise but with slightly different execution. Reading this book left me with the same sweet, relaxed feeling as playing the game did. I recommend checking both out!...more
"Anyone who uses fear to stop an artist from creating is an enemy of life."
The Curse of Pietro Houdini is not the book I expected it to be. I went in"Anyone who uses fear to stop an artist from creating is an enemy of life."
The Curse of Pietro Houdini is not the book I expected it to be. I went in ready for an artistic crime thriller, and instead got a devastating war novel. While still strong, this definitely has impacted my final rating.
The first half of the book is incredibly interesting. Pietro and the MC's familial relationship slowly builds, paired with some fascinating references to art and mythology. Without giving too much away, I particularly enjoy how the concept of gender is played with. It's the second half, especially the ending, where I am left dissatisfied. What once was an intricate examination of two war-torn people finding one another turns into a mediocre ensemble.
Despite these issues, I'm looking forward to reading other books from Derek B. Miller's catalog. His prose is stunning, and I can't even begin to imagine the research he put in to construct this story. ...more
**spoiler alert** 2.5 ----- I struggled to get into The American Daughters. The pacing is uneven, being extremely slow in some segments, and way too fa**spoiler alert** 2.5 ----- I struggled to get into The American Daughters. The pacing is uneven, being extremely slow in some segments, and way too fast in others (particularly the ending). Ady is a solid main character, but the side characters are not too compelling. In particular, I was underwhelmed by the romance between Ady and Lenore. While sweet, it feels like it comes out of nowhere.
I'm fascinated by Ruffin's previews of the future, with Ady's descendants, but I feel that he didn't play into them enough. They were by far the most interesting parts of the novel, and I wish I could have seen more of those narratives....more
"Grief is chronic pain. When will others allow the mourning to live without expecting them to be 'cured'?"
It's been a while since I've sat down and re"Grief is chronic pain. When will others allow the mourning to live without expecting them to be 'cured'?"
It's been a while since I've sat down and read a book from start to finish, never letting my eyes off the pages. Here After absolutely captivated me with its complex exploration of grief. After I finished, I could do nothing more than sit and reflect on the concluding words of Lin's acknowledgments. Her story is profoundly moving, and I am utterly unable to do it justice in a review. Please, read it for yourself. ...more
“We need to be allowed to convince ourselves that we're more than the mistakes we made yesterday. That we are all of our next choices, too, all of our“We need to be allowed to convince ourselves that we're more than the mistakes we made yesterday. That we are all of our next choices, too, all of our tomorrows.”
Anxious People is a moving exploration of human kindness. It's hilariously heartwarming, a rare story that finds the light in the dark. These characters are endlessly irritating, yet that's all the more reason to discover what drives them. I enjoyed learning how to better empathize with even the troublesome of people. This book has several moments of profound emotional resonance, ones that I can liken to the "it's not your fault" scene in "Good Will Hunting." If you have any idea how much that movie made me sob, then you'll understand that's one of the highest compliments I could give....more
"Time was a winter fog—gray, shapeless, indifferent to his existence. It passed on its own like a ship that sails without passengers."
A beautifully co"Time was a winter fog—gray, shapeless, indifferent to his existence. It passed on its own like a ship that sails without passengers."
A beautifully composed multigenerational saga, set against the backdrop of a turbulent time in Korean history. It's easy to grow attached to Kim's characters when they're imbued with such tender emotion. The narrative threads of Jade and JungHo weave a beautiful tapestry of intersecting lives, in all its complicated patterns. Scenes of bombastic violence are balanced with those of great beauty, all moments described with eloquent prose. The novel's symbolic motifs, particularly the tiger, are evocative and compelling forces that push the story forward. Ultimately, this is a tale about forgiveness in the face of great horror, and how to start afresh after a lifetime of suffering. Beasts of a Little Land is easily the kind of story that absorbs the soul of its reader....more
2.5 ---- Do I like Ali Hazelwood's writing? No. Do I always have the time of my life when I read one of her books? Hell yes.
Here's the thing, I don't t2.5 ---- Do I like Ali Hazelwood's writing? No. Do I always have the time of my life when I read one of her books? Hell yes.
Here's the thing, I don't think Bride is that ridiculous. I just...really don't like werewolf sex. It's not for me. Every time there was a sex scene I felt like this: [image] This novel is a wild ride, and I'm sure it will give paranormal romance people exactly what they want. As for me...yeah...I only read this because of a buddy read. Can't wait to roast the smut with my friend....more
As a literary scholar and a person of Chamorro descent, I am profoundly grateful to live in a time where The New Oceania Literary series is being publAs a literary scholar and a person of Chamorro descent, I am profoundly grateful to live in a time where The New Oceania Literary series is being published. Having poetry, prose, and drama in print, from a vast diaspora of Micronesian peoples, is deeply important to recognizing the rich cultures and histories of the islands.
I'm inching closer to my degree thesis, and without a doubt, this collection has solidified my interest in basing the project around Micronesian literature. Having recently visited Guam, I dealt with the harsh reality that the lack of accessible materials on the mainland severely limits my research. There is so much beautiful work that exists but is rarely circulated because of academia's focus on EuroWestern pieces. I hope this series continues on for many volumes. I sure as hell will be marking each edition up with my color-coded post-its.
I would speak more on the ecological themes of this volume, but then I'd end up writing the equivalent of a fifteen-page essay, so I'd rather save that for later. From creation myths to critiques on ecofacism, the works are wide-reaching explorations of relevant topics in the modern landscape of Micronesia. In the wake of the pandemic and devastating natural disasters, all I can say is that I can't recommend the collection enough....more
This is a lovely collection of work. While her themes don't resonate with me as strongly, I can't deny that Limon is a powerhouse. I borrowed my copy This is a lovely collection of work. While her themes don't resonate with me as strongly, I can't deny that Limon is a powerhouse. I borrowed my copy from a dear friend. Seeing his notes and own lines sprinkled throughout made for a touching reading experience.
I always feel strange giving an overarching review to a poetry collection, rather than viewing each piece individually. Instead, here are some of my favorite lines:
"There is a solitude in this world I cannot pierce" - "Drowning Creek"
"These unearned moments are a tribute to the dead" - "Forsythia"
"Now, something’s breaking always on the skyline, falling over and against the ground, sometimes unnoticed, sometimes covered up like sorrow, sometimes buried without even a song.” - "Not the Saddest Thing in the World"
"Could you refuse me if I asked you to point again at the horizon, to tell me something was worth waiting for?" - "Stillwater Cove"
"Her desire is something like a blazing flower, a tree, shaking off, the torrent of rain, as if it is simply making music" - "Banished Wonders"
"I want to honor a man who wants to hold a wild thing, only for a second, long enough to admire it, Foley, and then wants to watch it safely. Return to its life, bends to be sure the grass closes up behind it." - "Cyrus & the Snakes"
"What good is accuracy admist the perpetual scattering that unspools the world?" - "It’s the Season I Often Mistake"
"Mercy is not frozen in time, but flits about frantically, unsure where to land." – "Runaway Child"
"There is a truth in that smooth indifference, a clean honesty about our otherness that feels not like the moral but the story." - "Intimacy"
"What is lineage, if not a gold thread of pride and guilt?" – "The Hurting Kind"
"If I had known, would I have still made mistake after mistake until I had only the trunk of me left, stripped and nearly bare of leaves?" - "Against Nostalgia"
"Who doesn’t want to hold their individual God, to be redeemed by pleasing the only one you serve?" – "Obedience"...more
Ruhani and I crossed paths a few years ago when we were living in Dublin. She's a lovely person and an even lovelier poet. This debut is a triumph!
RuRuhani and I crossed paths a few years ago when we were living in Dublin. She's a lovely person and an even lovelier poet. This debut is a triumph!
Ruhani's beautiful words are best enjoyed with a flavorful cup of chai, next to dim lamplight. These are some of my favorite lines in the book:
"I knew that these times would become grains of sand I’d never be able to shake from my clothes" - "High School"
"I, too, become more powerful when crushed" - "Basil"
"And just like that, he found power in the fragility of a cloud, but refused to see power in his own" - The Boy & the Cloud"
"Every sip I take, is a chance to swallow the pit in my throat and begin again" - "My Parents Drinking Chai"
"He was a pillar of memory and dreams" - "Nana Papa"
"So Joy spoke louder, rushed for time I didn’t realize she had so much to say and I let her shout until she had to leave" - "Coffee with Pain and Joy"
"Another one told me to receive a blessing by holding my hand to its flame. Cover my eyes. Feel the warmth enter my temples but not to linger" - "Their Chatter"
"You were the sun setting between New York City avenues and the willingness of the busy to marvel no matter how often they tell themselves to keep walking" - "Gold"...more
**spoiler alert** “Funny thing, watching gods realize they’ve been mortal all along.”
Red Rising isn't a bad book, I just think it's not for me. The f**spoiler alert** “Funny thing, watching gods realize they’ve been mortal all along.”
Red Rising isn't a bad book, I just think it's not for me. The first half is especially dreadful to get into. When your story starts with a girl getting fridged, there are only so many ways you can win back my favor. It's hard to get attached to a female character who serves solely as the catalyst for our main character's mission. Plus, Darrow is boring AF to me. Honestly, maybe Eo should have been the one that the Sons of Ares chose. That would have been interesting. (I get that she's supposed to represent the more dreamy, hopeful part of the rebellion, but whatever bro, I just want more women-led sci-fi).
The book starts being compelling once The Institute war games start. It's fun to see how the different strategies play out, especially when Darrow breaks the rules. However, for as action-heavy and bloody as this book is, the demise of supposedly *meaningful* characters doesn't hit that hard. There are far too many to be fully fleshed out. There's no ache in my chest when a betrayal or death occurs. I need that ache to be won over by a narrative.
Perhaps I'm being a bit harsh, but I don't think I'm the target audience for this book. The worldbuilding is quite solid, though, so kudos for that.
Anyway, Sevro, I hope you keep slaying, my precious rat man. [image] ^ This is how I pictured him btw....more
A fun insight into the life and music of David Bowie, as told by one of the Spiders from Mars. Stories from the globetrotting adventures of the Ziggy A fun insight into the life and music of David Bowie, as told by one of the Spiders from Mars. Stories from the globetrotting adventures of the Ziggy Stardust and Diamond Dogs tours make for a delightful read.
As one of Bowie's oldest friends, MacCormack writes a sweet, non-exploitative tribute. His photos are what make this book especially enjoyable! I particularly love this one of Bowie, in a hella great fit, striking a pose as a train rolls through the USSR: [image] It's a slay....more
I can confidently say that I enjoy the movie more. Michelle Yeoh ftw! I'm listening to the movie soundtrack as I write this, and oh my god, it slaps sI can confidently say that I enjoy the movie more. Michelle Yeoh ftw! I'm listening to the movie soundtrack as I write this, and oh my god, it slaps so hard.
Crazy Rich Asians is a fun, easy read, but there are far too many characters, and most of them are annoying. And look, I have no problem with problematic, dislikeable characters, but there's a fine line between characters who are irritating and characters who are irritating to read about. Nick (and most of the men) drive me crazy. I also have issues with how vile some of the women act toward each other. We can't go two pages without a lady calling another lady a bitch. The novel also ends on quite an unsatisfying, incomplete note. I get that this is a series, but like...that was it? I'm being a bit harsh in this review, but that's probably because my expectations were so high. Not a badly constructed novel, just one that isn't totally my taste.
Loved all the food descriptions though, and the footnotes are hilarious....more
The first part of this book, set during a lavish summer wedding in 2013 Capri, is such fun! It's an entertaining, hilarious rom-com that's perfect forThe first part of this book, set during a lavish summer wedding in 2013 Capri, is such fun! It's an entertaining, hilarious rom-com that's perfect for escapism. Everything goes downhill in the second half.
Once we hit NYC, the characters turn from satirically funny rich people, into frustrating, boring rich people. Lucie, our dear protagonist, becomes particularly dislikable and immature. I wasn't rooting for her by the end.
So, Sex and Vanity is a passable Pride and Prejudice retelling, but don't expect anything groundbreaking. I do appreciate the hapa representation (finally, a book that uses the word my family does), but even that storyline was a bit half-baked. ...more
**spoiler alert** “How terrible, to navigate the world without a story to comfort you."
This was the perfect book to follow up my ACOTAR binge. Give me**spoiler alert** “How terrible, to navigate the world without a story to comfort you."
This was the perfect book to follow up my ACOTAR binge. Give me evil faeries. No more sexy, tall, dark, and handsome princes. Feral demons are where it's at. I want creepy, fucked up-looking faeries. A Study in Drowning delivers on that end!
An eerie atmosphere pervades this novel, inducing an anxiety akin to horror. I am rarely concerned for the safety and well-being of a protagonist, but I was always worried about Effy. Poor girl needs a break from all these disgusting men.
Thematically, this book tells a compelling story about women reclaiming their narratives. I adore the in-universe literary references, analysis, etc. I am an English major at heart. Unfortunately, I think the story is brought down by its romance since I find the inclusion of a love interest unnecessary. While Preston is sweet, he feels out of place in Effy's tale, and seems more like an add on to make up for all the terrible men in her life. I'm sure many will disagree, but that's just my take as someone picky on romantic storylines. I would rather have had a female colleague for Effy to befriend and find emancipation with....more
4.5 ------ “You are like a living rose among wax flowers. We may last forever, but you bloom brighter and smell sweeter, and draw blood with your thorns4.5 ------ “You are like a living rose among wax flowers. We may last forever, but you bloom brighter and smell sweeter, and draw blood with your thorns.” [image] I am allowed exactly ONE indulgent fae prince story per year guys. Pls hold me to this because if I read too many then I will be beyond saving.
An Enchantment of Ravens is the cozy autumn fantasy I desperately needed. I tend to avoid romantasy, but this is just lovely. The beautiful simplicity of this standalone fantasy swept me into the perils of the fae realms. It's got all the immortal angst one could ask for. I was especially intrigued by the concept of "the craft," and how fair folk are drawn to the art humans create. It's not a component in fairy stories that I've come across before, so it was interesting to see such a heavy focus on it here.
My one issue is with Isobel and Rook's romantic arc. As the crux of the story, I would have preferred far more development. That isn't to say their connection isn't legitimate or out of nowhere, but rather I'm left wanting more. They're an adorable pair, and while this novel is short, but sweet, I could have done with a lot more sweet.
Now if you'll excuse me, I am going to rewatch Labyrinth...again. ...more
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