This was my first Karen Russell book, and I was really impressed by how big and ambitious it was. It mixes so many genres � speculative historical ficThis was my first Karen Russell book, and I was really impressed by how big and ambitious it was. It mixes so many genres � speculative historical fiction, magical realism, climate fiction, mystery, and even some historical commentary.
That said, the sheer number of narrators kind of threw me off. I think the emotional impact would’ve hit harder if the focus had been narrower. With fewer perspectives, I would’ve felt more connected to the story instead of just watching it from the sidelines.
Antonina Rossie � the prairie witch or "The Antidote" � was my favourite character. The idea of someone who holds everyone else’s secrets but can’t remember them herself, becoming the vessel for other people’s trauma, is really unique. By turning forgetting into a physical character, Russell shows us the cost of trying to erase pain. She suggests we can’t forget without consequences � that pain and memory are things we need to carry with us to stay human. And she takes it even further, reminding us how dangerous it is to forget the wrongs of the past.
I wanted to love this book, but I only liked it. I admired its ideas more than I actually felt them. I think, for me, this is one of those cases where less might’ve been more....more
If you haven't tried this series yet, you absolutely should. What sets these books apart is their vivid setting—Belfast during the Troubles, a world oIf you haven't tried this series yet, you absolutely should. What sets these books apart is their vivid setting—Belfast during the Troubles, a world of bomb threats, sectarian violence, and political conspiracies that adds relentless tension to every page.
I adore Adrian McKinty’s dark humor, razor-sharp dialogue, and noir-infused writing style—it makes listening to this series an absolute blast. And the audiobooks? Gerard Doyle’s narration is pure perfection. If you're a fan of Tana French, Ian Rankin, Mick Herron, Stuart Neville, or Ken Bruen, then The Cold Cold Ground, the first in the series, is a must-read. McKinty deserves a much wider audience.
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. I read and adored Sweetgirl by Travis Mulhauser a few years ago, so I was excited to dive into his latest release. While I3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. I read and adored Sweetgirl by Travis Mulhauser a few years ago, so I was excited to dive into his latest release. While I enjoyed The Trouble Up North, it didn’t quite pack the same punch as Sweetgirl—or maybe my expectations were just too high.
Mulhauser excels at crafting unique, complex characters and placing them in high-stakes situations with tough choices. I wish Buckner Sawbrook had been the main protagonist—his sections are both deeply felt and darkly funny, and I would have loved to spend more time with him. Since this seems to be the first in a series, I might still get my wish.
The Story: An atmospheric, haunting novel about a family of bootleggers, their troubled past, and the land that binds them. The Sawbrooks are desperate people, but their desperation is rooted in love—for their home, their legacy, and each other....more
3.5 stars. This was my first Abby Jimenez novel, but it definitely won’t be my last. It was charming, heartfelt, and genuinely funny. I often struggle3.5 stars. This was my first Abby Jimenez novel, but it definitely won’t be my last. It was charming, heartfelt, and genuinely funny. I often struggle with novellas because there’s usually not enough time to truly connect with the characters � but that wasn’t the case with The Fall Risk. The story felt complete, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Seth and Charlotte.
The Story: When two neighbours with adjacent apartments find themselves stranded due to a construction mishap, Seth and Charlotte are forced to spend the weekend together � and what starts as an inconvenience quickly turns into something unexpected....more
Lady Susan is an epistolary novella by Jane Austen. This early complete work, which the author never submitted for publication, follows the despicableLady Susan is an epistolary novella by Jane Austen. This early complete work, which the author never submitted for publication, follows the despicable Lady Susan as she hunts for husbands for both herself and her daughter. Not as good as her other books, but still enjoyable and well written....more
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