I think I saw that ending after 70% into the book so I wasn't surprised at all. The foreshadowing was laid on so thick and the tension was pulled so tI think I saw that ending after 70% into the book so I wasn't surprised at all. The foreshadowing was laid on so thick and the tension was pulled so tight that I was getting slightly bored and the snap was meh at best. While there were lines that was beautifully written, it wasn't the type of beautiful writing I resonated with. The yearning and longing was coming from a singular character's POV, so it felt one dimensional. It was painful to get through because of this singular character's interiority but I finished it nonetheless....more
The amount of times I rolled my eyes reading this book.. *sigh*
Theme wise Milk Teeth was promising, but language got in the way. The language is acceThe amount of times I rolled my eyes reading this book.. *sigh*
Theme wise Milk Teeth was promising, but language got in the way. The language is accessible, I’m sure anyone who picks up Milk Teeth can read it from front to back in one sitting. At what cost though? The prose keeps going around and around, in circles, and cliched manner. The endless basic similes is overpowering to the point I almost dropped this book after reading just 20%. It didn’t offer anything new or anything fresh. Comparing it to other literary fiction books, Milk Teeth certainly fades amongst other books on the shelf. At least if you are going with the same similes used by any Tumblr girly out there, make it yours and rewrite different reiterations of it.
I’ll praise the characterization. The main character is consistently stuck in a loop of indecision and self pity. Whatever situation this girl gets herself into blends in together that I can’t even recall the difference. She moves from city to city, which is clearly a choice and a decision she made, but oh well� when things spins out of control, she moves to another place. Her relationships is more or less the same, a loop of indecision. The other main character, the graduate student, he is no different from the girl.
I only finished this book to rate it and rant about it to be honest. Anyway, happy it’s over!...more
The story follows a husband and wife in deep peril. The husband, one day, announced that the birthmark on his wife's face was hI read this for school.
The story follows a husband and wife in deep peril. The husband, one day, announced that the birthmark on his wife's face was hideous and ruined the the wife's beauty.
The writing is very "wordy", dragged, and could've been shorter. But that is the charm of the book. At most the writing, I find, is hilarious in its unneeded complexity....more
A Fate of Wrath & Flame is the first book toUpdate 20/07/2023
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4/5 ⭐️
A Fate of Wrath & Flame is the first book to the Fate & Flame trilogy by K.A. Tucker. In an era of romance-fantasy that has taken many book community circles by storm there are plenty of books that have become the focus of everyone's attention in these recent months. As a fantasy enjoyer myself I am guilty of enjoying a few of these books. During a pretty dark period of the month I was looking for a fun romance fantasy to sink my teeth into. Lucky enough, I saw two of my friends tweeting about A Fate of Wrath & Flame. I didn't think much about it (since I trust my two friends' taste in books) and downloaded the book immediately. Let's just say I was immediately hooked.
Romeria is a girl that grew up in the streets that has risen up to become a trusted henchman of a notorious mafia in New York. Her specialty is pick pocketing and the elusive skill of sleight of hand. On one of the nights she was suppose to steal a precious set of jewelry, she encounters a mysterious woman that knows more about her than she led on. At the end of the night she didn't think much about this woman but it led her to blowing the job. With Romy's head on the chopping block she meets the mafia bos knowing well she will be punished one way or another. Luckily this mysterious woman shows up on time to save her but not without a condition.
Romy is given a task to retrieve something for this woman and she agrees. Before Romy could do anything she is then thrown into the deep end. A ritual was initiated and she wakes up in a different body, a different world, and a new identity. She is now Princess Romeria, wanted for murder of monarchs, and was dead but now alive. In this first book Romy will try to win the trust of the king and find the item the mysterious woman wants her to retrieve so she can return to New York, but there are political powers in play and she is right in the middle of it.
Reading this book I didn't expect to find myself in an Isekai romance fantasy. Isekai translates to “otherworld� or “another world� and covers a genre of fiction that involves a character being put into an unfamiliar world and having to learn how to survive. This has never been done before in a book written by a western author before and about time a fantasy like this is written. K.A. Tucker hooked me with this concept which in turn got me excited for how this story is going to develop the more I read.
What makes this story entertaining is following the main character wrestle with a lot of things at once with the readers. The main character learns about the world, the magic, the important figures, and the political landscape while trying to conceal her true identity was really funny. Especially with Romy's circumstances being a person that was to be executed for assassination and many more tangled strings that the real Princess Romeria has established prior to Romy's intervention. For readers this is an entertaining arrangement but for Romy, let's just say she is f*cked.
The plot of the story is quite fast with the flow of the story handled well by Tucker to reveal everything gradually the more Romy gains trust and knowledge about the world. The political tension and pressure from the King was handled well. Tucker extended their complicated relationship that started off in a bad place that is distant and distrustful that warms up developing sexual tension that was palpable across the page.
Though I have plenty of compliments regarding the chemistry and relationship between the two main characters. The characterization lacked vividity and solidity that from start to end the characters seemed a blur to me. This led to me not developing a particular attachment to any of them. Instead my main motivation in reading the story is the political plot line and court intrigued of the story. The political landscape that is established by Tucker was the perfect kind of chaos for the two main characters to figure out together. In the end the way everything was concluded to pave the way for the second book was well done.
There are certain aspects though about the world that got me rolling my eyes especially the depiction of slavery and poverty in the book. The depiction of slavery of humans under the "elves" for me didn't sit well as the humans are branded and is treated as property. It didn't help at all when our main character has frequent trips to throw coins for the poor to show the love interest that she is a different kind of "elven woman". The saviour complex is something that I never find attractive in a story and I usually don't like reading about it. It threw me off from reading the story as it is an unnecessary plot line in my opinion.
In conclusion I enjoyed reading A Fate of Wrath & Flame by K.A. Tucker and I will likely read the sequel. Even though I have a few gripes with the plot line of the story I still had fun reading it....more
Jakarta Sebelum Pagi adalah buku tulisan KakUpdate 05/06/2023
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3/5 ⭐️
Jakarta Sebelum Pagi adalah buku tulisan Kak Ziggy yang pertama kali saya baca. Buku ini adalah buku yang cocok untuk dibaca tanpa mengetahui sinopsis apapun menurut saya. Saat membaca buku ini tata plot Kak Ziggy tidak mudah ditebak dan memiliki karakteristik penulisan yang quirky. Cerita Jakarta Sebelum Pagi mengikuti seorang perempuan yatim piatu berumur awal 20'an yang suatu hari menerima kiriman bunga dari tetangga di gedung apartemennya. Dari kiriman bunga itu ia bertemu dengan karakter-karakter yang terlibat dalam pengiriman bunga tersebut. Perempuan tersebut kemudian menjalin pertemanan dengan tetangga yang mengirim bunga itu yang berbunga menjadi hubungan yang lebih dalam. Buku ini memfokuskan pembaca terkait tema-tema pertemanan, cinta, trauma, dan prejudice.
Buku ini merupakan buku yang tepat untuk introduksi saya kepada Kak Ziggy. Saya tentu akan membaca buku Kak Ziggy yang lain (yang sudah saya beli saat pulang kampung). Jika mutual ŷ ada rekomendasi buku Kak Ziggy yang selanjutnya harus saya baca, leave a comment....more
It took me some time before I could formulate the right thoughts for this book. Caleb Azumah Nelson's brilliance is reminiscent of James Baldwin. EverIt took me some time before I could formulate the right thoughts for this book. Caleb Azumah Nelson's brilliance is reminiscent of James Baldwin. Every stroke of word and sentence in this sophomore novel following the deeply personal debut Open Water has shown Nelson's maturity and mastery exploring key themes of grief, generational trauma, and the fear of facing adulthood.
I loved every moment of this novel. It sent me to Elysium while reading it and slammed me back down to earth when I finished it. I didn't want to turn the page but the words compels me. I will recommend this book to every soul I know because Caleb Azumah Nelson's name needs to be in everyone's radar.
I am already dreaming about the day I reread this book again and be devastated for a second time....more
“At times I think of human relationships as something soft like sand or water, and by pouring them into particular vessels we give them shape.�
Beautiful World, Where Are You is a book about relationships that is just alright for me.
Beautiful World, Where Are You is the first full length novel by Sally Rooney I've read. When this book first published there was a lot of buzz from fans and other readers. Sally Rooney has released two critically acclaimed novels, Normal People and Conversation with Friends, both respectively being adapted into a series further boosting Sally Rooney's popularity. It is a story that follows the relationships between two couples; Alice and Felix, Simon and Eileen, told from the perspective of two characters, Alice and Simon, within the relationship. The story takes place pre pandemic in Ireland; one couple resides in a small village in rural Ireland and the other in the bustling city of Dublin.
Alice and Eileen are best friends from college that love books and writing. They are both respectively works in the publishing with Alice working for a literary magazine and Eileen being a best selling author. Felix is Alice's successful childhood friend who has known Alice since she was a baby that formed a deep and protective relationship with her. While Simon is a man Eileen matched on a dating app who is struggling with his mental health and is running away from his messy home life.
There is a clear power dynamic in the two relationships with Alice and Simon sharing the same order in the hierarchy, financially and career wise. Alice is stuck in a dead end job that is repetitive and uninspiring. Simon is doing drudge work at a warehouse that is physically and mentally demanding. Compared to their counterparts they are financially stable, beautiful, and has their life together but they have their own set of personal struggles that runs parallel with each other. Eileen and Felix are emotionally distant, closed off, and unapproachable characters. Rooney kept this distance up until the end of the book.
Beautiful World, Where Are You is a character observation story that focuses on the interaction between the characters and the development of the relationships told through email correspondents and perspectives of the characters. There is push and pull between the characters. The tension is palpable with every passing chapter building up to the eventual convergence of the two couples. They dissect each other's relationship poking the exposed nerve of the relationship. The characters really are the centre of the plot as the story moves where the character will take it. From the actions and interactions they have Rooney draws a conclusion that feels but unresolved at the same time.
The friendship and companionship between the characters feels relatable as each of their experiences can be found in real life instances though for me it still feels far fetched. For me, a person that grew up in a different continent as them and coming from a different culture, I do not see any relatability in the discussion the character partake within the social and political landscape. Though I see them through a different side which are the vulnerability and intimacy issues they have as adults living in a modern age. And the struggles that Alice has with Eileen in trying to maintain a friendship where one friend is more successful than the other. Also, the unavailability of some characters, both emotionally and physically, in being present for the other which in turn resulted in the strain of their relationship.
As an unbiased reader I can see the appeal that Sally Rooney has for young women (like myself) in reading her books. Rooney shines a light on the thoughts and vulnerable topics that young women want to read in books. There is an appeal of fantasy of relationships with unattainable men or older men, just like the short story I've by Rooney titled "Mr. Salary". Rooney also speaks on social issues that are relevant today but I wouldn't say she gives any real thought into it. It reads like a word vomit every time a character goes on a tangent about feminism or capitalism, it is never a full thought just words that gets recycled into the brain and eventually be forgotten (for me at least).
I still enjoyed reading this book because I wanted to know what was going to happen to these characters. They are quite interesting characters but aside from their weird "push and pull situationship not willing to commit" and their weird "longing" for each other, they are plain and boring. Yet I am entertained by their boring characterization. Rooney can make these boring characters shine. I wouldn't say this book altered my brain chemistry or have changed my life, but it was nice.
But only one person in all my lives has ever loved me, and he does not wear a crown.
The Six Deaths of the Saint is a magnetic and beautifully written fantasy short story that is twist in the reborn and chosen one trope. Alix E. Harrow crafts an emotional tale of devotion, loyalty, and love through the eyes of a haunted warrior.
Thank you to Dija and Anna for sharing their reading updates, because of them I picked this book up.
Due to how short this book is, thirty something pages, I just want to write a short review. Alix E. Harrow wrote a tragically beautiful story that breathed fresh air into the reborn slash chose one trope. To be honest, based on my experience and knowledge, I've only seen this trope done in Chinese dramas. Seeing this trope being utilized the way Alix did was an interesting experience. The writing is engaging and poetic without it being heavy handy. The characters are full of yearning for each other that it crushed my emotion by the end of the story.
I compel every single one of you that are reading this review to pick this short story up as soon as possible, take the plunge, dive in blind, because oh wow you are in for an experience. The Six Deaths of the Saint is one of the best short stories I've ever read. Alix E. Harrow deserves awards....more
This book is too boring for me. The characters are plain and bland. The only good thing is the banter. Yet it gets boring the more you read DNF @ 50%
This book is too boring for me. The characters are plain and bland. The only good thing is the banter. Yet it gets boring the more you read because the plot is predictable. The conflict and plot progression isn't compelling nor interesting. There is no yearning at all nor the "rivals to lovers" trope that was promoted by the publisher. If you count being horny for each other as 'yearning' be my guest because for me there is nothing in this book that makes me want to continue it.
The magic that I found in People We Meet On Vacation isn't present at all. I am utterly disappointed....more
Official Release Date : August 16th 2022 Buy the bookUpdate 26/08/2022
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Official Release Date : August 16th 2022 Buy the book : |
4/5 ⭐️
ARC provided by the publisher Orbit Books US through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Longshadow is the third instalment in The Regency Faerie Tales series by Olivia Atwater. Following up on the second book Ten Thousand Stitches, the story of Longshadow is set in the same universe as the first two books but now following characters that are closer to home. The main characters in this book are Abigail Wilder, the adoptive daughter of Elias and Dora, and Mercy, a mysterious self taught magician.
Abigail is a young lady that is active in learning magic from Elias and is currently trying to solve a mysterious death that occured amongst the social circles of London. The mystery led Abigail to meeting Mercy, a street rat that knows magic. Though they both started at the wrong foot, they found camaraderie in each other and made a deal to solve the mystery together. But it seems that there is more to what Mercy is willing to disclose with Abigail.
After reading Ten Thousand Stitches I was quite sad that we didn't get to see Dora and Elias again. Starting Longshadow though my hopes are alighted anew since the very first page we get to see them. Besides them we also get to see Effie and Lord Blackthorn make an appearance too. Setting aside the wonderful cameos, the spotlight is on Abigail and Mercy. The story is a sapphic romance that developed slowly, full of twist and turns, and endless mysteries. It definitely plays around with themes of not judging a book by it's cover and setting aside prejudices/rumours about other people. This book definitely felt more close to Half A Soul in spirit and vibes. Seeing Dora and Elias be parents to Abigail raising her to be a young woman and loving her no matter what is such a joyful feeling.
The relationship between Mercy and Abigail developed quite wonderfully. They started out as adversaries but soon came to work together quite well. There are certain details about them that I can't mention because SPOILERS. But all I can say that they are queer characters and their relationship is very much sapphic. Even though I guessed the whole ordeal I didn't expect to come with details that made it even more celebratory than it already is.
Anyway if you like a bit of fun mystery, fae and other magical creatures, magic, and of course adorable father-daughter dynamics, sibling dynamics, and wholesome queer romance, do pick this book up! It's less than 300 pages so it is a nice short book for you to pick up any day....more
I don't know why but this book makes me feel happy.
The relationship between Julian and Ava is lowkey funny and endearing, even though they are both asI don't know why but this book makes me feel happy.
The relationship between Julian and Ava is lowkey funny and endearing, even though they are both as plain as white bread. There is also a weird sense of hope while reading this book that made me like all the characters for their not so complex but weirdly complex personalities.
I have come to realize that I do like short, dry, and nonsensical conversations between characters. Because sometimes in real life you just talk without actually having any weight in the conversations. Its just words being thrown around for the heck of it. And I am okay with that.
Therefore, I think that's why I decided to rate this book 4 stars....more
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Official Release Date : September 26th Update 09/07/2022
You can find the rest of my reviews at . | Subscribe to my
Official Release Date : September 26th 2017 Buy the book : |
3/5 ⭐️
ARC provided by the publisher Orbit Books US through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ten Thousand Stitches is a wholesome and tender fae romance fantasy that spins a new tale on faerie bargains.
Ten Thousand Stitches is the second book in the Regency Faerie Tales series by Olivia Atwater. The story follows Effie, a housemaid, that is madly in love with a gentleman named Benedict Ashbrooke. It is an impossible love story because of Effie's status, a maid can't marry a gentleman, it is simply scandalous. Effie's yearning and her magnificent stitching skills attracted the attention of a faerie named Lord Blackthorn. In exchange for Effie's incredible embroidery skills for Lord Blackthorn's magical services, Effie will enter society as lady not a maid.
When I started reading Ten Thousand Stitches it is really hard to immerse myself fully into the story. Since the story is set in the same universe as Half A Soul with some of the names having similar sounding names as side characters of said book, my brain has to go through a few adjustments to comprehend who is who. Atwater included a character sheet but it did not help at all I am still confused. In the end I just focused on the two main characters instead of focusing on connecting which character appeared in Half A Soul.
Following the story of Effie and Lord Blackthorn their relationship started off as a friendship that developed gradually though it felt one sided. Let me explain, Lord Blackthorn is a faerie, in this world faeries have their own rules and customs that are the total opposite to a human. But Lord Blackthorn is trying to be not like the other faeries, as unpredictable as he is, Blackthorn is trying his best to be helpful.
Effie's feelings for Blackthorn bloomed out of affection after seeing him try so hard to be a better faerie. I would say its gradual as she realizes the good parts of Blackthorn that stood out more than the faerie traits he is born with. For Blackthorn his feelings for Effie seems immediate as she becomes part of Blackthorn causing conflict and quite bit of denial on his part to finally realize it fully as love.
The dynamic between Effie and Lord Blackthorn is a slow burning one that is full of chaos, mistakes, and entertaining stunned horror. These two are quite dense, in my opinion, when it comes to feelings and the clear image that they are perfect for each other. Throughout reading the book I was entertained by their antics to "help" each other yet I wanted them to notice each other in a different light. The cameo of faerie Dora also made the story even more exciting as she is favorite character in this series.
What I would love to highlight is how Olivia Atwater incorporated a plot line about elitism and classism between the maids that work in house Ashbrooke. From the start Atwater has established that the Lord and Lady of the house don't treat their staff well. They treat them as objects that is easy to dispose of when they are human that have rights, feelings, and deserve to be treated fairly. I love that Effie became the catalyst that made the staff fight for their rights. They work together and unionized, even did a full walk out. This specific side plot intrigued me as I was trying to figure out where Atwater would take it.
Final thoughts, Ten Thousand Stitches is a fun fantasy romance that is cozy, low stakes, and filled with a lot of chaos. It is an easy fast read that is full of heart with good characters and a clear plot line from start to end. Though, I would say out of all the three books this one is my least favorite. Even though it was entertaining, it didn't give me the same buzz as when I read Half A Soul. Something about the original pair that pulled at my heart strings. But I do still recommend reading this series as it is a good one....more
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