Trisha's bookshelf: all en-US Thu, 10 Apr 2025 01:31:47 -0700 60 Trisha's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg <![CDATA[This Could Be Us (Skyland, #2)]]> 202927607 fixeseverything. She’s a domestic goddess who's never met a party she couldn't host or a charge she couldn't lead. The one with all the answers and the perfect vinaigrettefor that summer salad. But none of her varied talents can save her when catastrophe strikes, and the life she built with the man who was supposed to be her forever, goespoofin a cloud of betrayal and disillusion.

But there is no time to pout or sulk, or even grieve the life she lost.She's toobusy keeping a roof over her daughters' heads and food on the table.And in the process of saving them all, Soledad rediscovers herself. From the ashes of a life burned to the ground, something bold and new can rise.

But then an unlikely man enters the picture—the forbidden one, the one she shouldn't want but can't seem to resist. She's lost it all before and refuses to repeat hermistakes. Can she trust him? Can she trustherself?

After all she's lost . . .and found . . .can she be brave enough to make room for what could be?]]>
400 Kennedy Ryan Trisha 3
Starting with the positives: the relationships among the women—whether they are mother-daughter, sisters, or friends—are truly the highlight. The bond between these incredible women and girls is wonderful! I also appreciated the representation of autistic individuals, and I enjoyed the plot twist involving Edward’s storyline.

On the other hand, there were aspects I didn’t like. I found the concept of “self-partnering� interesting at first, but it became overused when Soledad started mentioning it in almost every dialogue. Additionally, I didn’t enjoy the numerous sneak peeks into her journey as a social media content creator—those felt unnecessary. I was disappointed that we didn't get to explore Judas' childhood; that character had so much potential and could have contributed more than just sitting around fantasizing about Soledad. Lastly, what happened with Edward needed more attention. We needed a confrontation, especially between him and his daughters. Overall, this book could have used a stronger climax.

Aunt Hen was a cool character, and I’m not surprised that the next book will be from her perspective. I'll pick up the next one too.

3.5/5 ]]>
4.31 2024 This Could Be Us (Skyland, #2)
author: Kennedy Ryan
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/10
date added: 2025/04/10
shelves:
review:
This series has grown on me; I now have a deeper understanding of the characters—not just what makes them happy or breaks their hearts, but how they feel and react in specific situations. I feel closer to them now, and I credit that to the writer. As someone who generally dislikes romances, especially those filled with explicit sex scenes, I recognize that this series isn’t aimed at readers like me, and it will never receive a higher rating from me even if it’s well-written. That’s more of a personal issue than a flaw in the writing itself. Now that I've shared that disclaimer, I can point out the things I liked and disliked.

Starting with the positives: the relationships among the women—whether they are mother-daughter, sisters, or friends—are truly the highlight. The bond between these incredible women and girls is wonderful! I also appreciated the representation of autistic individuals, and I enjoyed the plot twist involving Edward’s storyline.

On the other hand, there were aspects I didn’t like. I found the concept of “self-partnering� interesting at first, but it became overused when Soledad started mentioning it in almost every dialogue. Additionally, I didn’t enjoy the numerous sneak peeks into her journey as a social media content creator—those felt unnecessary. I was disappointed that we didn't get to explore Judas' childhood; that character had so much potential and could have contributed more than just sitting around fantasizing about Soledad. Lastly, what happened with Edward needed more attention. We needed a confrontation, especially between him and his daughters. Overall, this book could have used a stronger climax.

Aunt Hen was a cool character, and I’m not surprised that the next book will be from her perspective. I'll pick up the next one too.

3.5/5
]]>
Before I Let Go (Skyland, #1) 60915273
Yasmen wasn't prepared for how her life fell apart, but she's finally starting to find joy again. She and Josiah have found a new rhythm: co-parenting their two kids and running a thriving business together. Yet, like magnets, they're always drawn back to each other, and now they're beginning to wonder if they're truly ready to let go of everything they once had.

One stolen kiss leads to another . . . and then more. It's hot. It's illicit. It's good - until it starts to hurt again. As old wounds reopen, Yasmen and Josiah wonder if it is too late for them to find forever.

Or could they be even better, the second time around?]]>
384 Kennedy Ryan Trisha 2 books-i-regret-reading
2.5/5]]>
4.45 2022 Before I Let Go (Skyland, #1)
author: Kennedy Ryan
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.45
book published: 2022
rating: 2
read at: 2025/04/03
date added: 2025/04/03
shelves: books-i-regret-reading
review:
I picked up this book thinking it was a romance, even though I know I dislike that genre. However, it turned out to be more of an erotica, which is not really my cup of tea. While the story kept me engaged, I found myself skimming through many sections filled with graphic sexual content and discussions. I didn't feel any love in the narrative. Strangely enough, I want to read the next book in the series because it’s from the perspective of Soledad, a side character in this one who intrigues me.

2.5/5
]]>
<![CDATA[Keeper of Enchanted Rooms (Whimbrel House, #1)]]> 60596112
Hulda Larkin of the Boston Institute for the Keeping of Enchanted Rooms has been trained in taming such structures in order to preserve their historical and magical significance. She understands the dangers of bespelled homes given to tantrums. She advises that it’s in Merritt’s best interest to make Whimbrel House their ally. To do that, she’ll need to move in, too.

Prepared as she is with augury, a set of magic tools, and a new staff trained in the uncanny, Hulda’s work still proves unexpectedly difficult. She and Merritt grow closer as the investigation progresses, but the house’s secrets run deeper than they anticipated. And the sentient walls aren’t their only concern—something outside is coming for the enchantments of Whimbrel House, and it could be more dangerous than what rattles within.]]>
347 Charlie N. Holmberg 1662500335 Trisha 4 netgalley
However, I was disappointed that the villain's character wasn't utilized to its full potential. Hogwood started as a compelling dark wizard with a lot of internal conflict, but his storyline lost momentum towards the end and lacked a fitting resolution.

Overall, it was an enjoyable experience and I will be continuing with the series.

4/5]]>
4.15 2022 Keeper of Enchanted Rooms (Whimbrel House, #1)
author: Charlie N. Holmberg
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/30
date added: 2025/03/30
shelves: netgalley
review:
This was a cosy fantasy read with an intriguing premise. I enjoyed it for the most part, even though I'm not a fan of romance, which plays a significant role in the story. The author skillfully uses magic to explore its divisions, subtypes, weaknesses arising from its use, and much more. Really impressed by her creativity.

However, I was disappointed that the villain's character wasn't utilized to its full potential. Hogwood started as a compelling dark wizard with a lot of internal conflict, but his storyline lost momentum towards the end and lacked a fitting resolution.

Overall, it was an enjoyable experience and I will be continuing with the series.

4/5
]]>
The Bewitching 220458657 Three women in three different eras encounter danger and witchcraft in this eerie multigenerational horror saga from the New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic.

“Back then, when I was a young woman, there were still witches�: That was how Nana Alba always began the stories she told her great-granddaughter Minerva—stories that have stayed with Minerva all her life. Perhaps that’s why Minerva has become a graduate student focused on the history of horror literature and is researching the life of Beatrice Tremblay, an obscure author of macabre tales.

In the course of assembling her thesis, Minerva uncovers information that reveals that Tremblay’s most famous novel, The Vanishing, was inspired by a true story: Decades earlier, during the Great Depression, Tremblay attended the same university where Minerva is now studying and became obsessed with her beautiful and otherworldly roommate, who then disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

As Minerva descends ever deeper into Tremblay’s manuscript, she begins to sense that the malign force that stalked Tremblay and the missing girl might still walk the halls of the campus. These disturbing events also echo the stories Nana Alba told about her girlhood in 1900s Mexico, where she had a terrifying encounter with a witch.

Minerva suspects that the same shadow that darkened the lives of her great-grandmother and Beatrice Tremblay is now threatening her own in 1990s Massachusetts. An academic career can be a punishing pursuit, but it might turn outright deadly when witchcraft is involved.]]>
368 Silvia Moreno-Garcia 0593874323 Trisha 5 favorites, netgalley
Let me throw some random topics covered in the story at you to entice you into reading it: witches, spells, curses, 1900s Mexico, ghosts in dorms, a college campus setting during summer break, a factory in ruins, missing people, and a story within a story format. All these elements come together to create an eerie and magical experience. In one word, I’d call it brilliant!

Rating: 4.75/5 ]]>
4.37 2025 The Bewitching
author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/20
date added: 2025/03/20
shelves: favorites, netgalley
review:
Oh boy, this book was delightful! If it weren't for a clingy toddler monkeying around me, I could have finished it in one sitting. Nevertheless, I managed to read it in two sittings in less than a day, which, from the perspective of a mom with a toddler, feels like quite an achievement.

Let me throw some random topics covered in the story at you to entice you into reading it: witches, spells, curses, 1900s Mexico, ghosts in dorms, a college campus setting during summer break, a factory in ruins, missing people, and a story within a story format. All these elements come together to create an eerie and magical experience. In one word, I’d call it brilliant!

Rating: 4.75/5
]]>
Weyward 67353010 KATE, 2019
Kate flees London � abandoning everything � for Cumbria and Weyward Cottage, inherited from her great-aunt. There, a secret lurks in the bones of the house, hidden ever since the witch-hunts of the 17th century.

VIOLET, 1942
Violet is more interested in collecting insects and climbing trees than in becoming a proper young lady. Until a chain of shocking events changes her life forever.

ALTHA, 1619
Altha is on trial for witchcraft, accused of killing a local man. Known for her uncanny connection with nature and animals, she is a threat that must be eliminated.

But Weyward women belong to the wild. And they cannot be tamed�

Weaving together the stories of three women across five centuries, Weyward is an enthralling novel of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world.]]>
368 Emilia Hart 0008499098 Trisha 4
On the flip side, there were some disappointments. Although the theme is catchy—because let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good witch story?—the book lacked depth in its 'witchy' elements. The plot felt a bit stale; we’ve read numerous tales of women facing abuse at the hands of men, and this one failed to offer a fresh perspective. Moreover, the narratives of Violet and Kate included quite a bit of redundancy (which I understand was intentional, but it didn’t work for me).

Overall, this was a good book but could have been better.

4/5 stars.]]>
3.97 2023 Weyward
author: Emilia Hart
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/18
date added: 2025/03/18
shelves:
review:
This debut novel was quite well-written. Unlike many books with multiple narrators that muddle up the characters, all three of Hart's main characters boast a distinct voice, even though they share similar circumstances (which I’ll touch on shortly). The standout feature of this book was its vivid imagery; I found myself enchanted by the stunning scenery it painted in my mind, so much so that I’m awarding an extra star for that. Also, a shoutout to the title and the book cover!

On the flip side, there were some disappointments. Although the theme is catchy—because let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good witch story?—the book lacked depth in its 'witchy' elements. The plot felt a bit stale; we’ve read numerous tales of women facing abuse at the hands of men, and this one failed to offer a fresh perspective. Moreover, the narratives of Violet and Kate included quite a bit of redundancy (which I understand was intentional, but it didn’t work for me).

Overall, this was a good book but could have been better.

4/5 stars.
]]>
<![CDATA[The Last Devil to Die (Thursday Murder Club, #4)]]> 63122042
On Boxing Day, a dangerous package is smuggled across the English coast. When it goes missing, chaos is unleashed. The body count starts to rise � including someone close to the Thursday Murder Club--as our gang face an impossible search, and their most deadly opponents yet.

With the clock ticking down and a killer heading to Cooper’s Chase, has their luck finally run out? And who will be “The Last Devil To Die�?]]>
362 Richard Osman Trisha 5
With the next installment yet to be released, I am bracing myself for a tough wait. My time in Coopers Chase has been such a delight that I genuinely feel I belong there now. I yearn to sit with Joyce and savour one of her delightful cakes; I am eager to hang out with Ron and Ibrahim, and I especially want to be with Elizabeth and hug her, knowing fully well how much she would dislike it. Missing the gang! Perhaps I should just reread the books to feel connected.

Needless to say, this was my favourite book of the series, and you'll understand why once you experience it for yourself.

4.5/5]]>
4.58 2023 The Last Devil to Die (Thursday Murder Club, #4)
author: Richard Osman
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.58
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/15
date added: 2025/03/15
shelves:
review:
Let me be clear from the start—this was not just a cosy mystery book. For lack of better words, I would describe it as an emotional read. Some chapters broke my heart into pieces, and the tear stains on my iPad screen can attest to that. You can feel the sentiments Osman had poured into the writing of this book. It was beautiful! Why am I still crying?

With the next installment yet to be released, I am bracing myself for a tough wait. My time in Coopers Chase has been such a delight that I genuinely feel I belong there now. I yearn to sit with Joyce and savour one of her delightful cakes; I am eager to hang out with Ron and Ibrahim, and I especially want to be with Elizabeth and hug her, knowing fully well how much she would dislike it. Missing the gang! Perhaps I should just reread the books to feel connected.

Needless to say, this was my favourite book of the series, and you'll understand why once you experience it for yourself.

4.5/5
]]>
<![CDATA[The Bullet That Missed (Thursday Murder Club, #3)]]> 59041500 It is an ordinary Thursday, and things should finally be returning to normal.

Except trouble is never far away where the Thursday Murder Club are concerned. A local news legend is on the hunt for a sensational headline, and soon the gang are hot on the trail of two murders, ten years apart.

To make matters worse, a new nemesis pays Elizabeth a visit, presenting her with a deadly kill or be killed...

While Elizabeth grapples with her conscience (and a gun), the gang and their unlikely new friends (including TV stars, money launderers and ex-KGB colonels) unravel a new mystery. But can they catch the culprit and save Elizabeth before the murderer strikes again?]]>
368 Richard Osman 0241992397 Trisha 4
As mentioned earlier in my reviews of the previous two installments that it's not the thrill or the story that keeps me hooked—it's the characters. I’ve fallen in love with them, making it impossible to put down this series. While the murder plots may not be particularly tactical, I'm here for the gang! They are an incredible team, each with their strikingly different personalities, yet united in their dedication to solving cold cases and supporting one another. They make me want to book a place at Coopers Chase.

Joyce continues to be my favourite. I wish I’m like her when I grow older—still humorous, believing in love, and eager to have a dog.

Highly recommend this series to anyone who loves cosy mysteries.

4/5 ]]>
4.61 2022 The Bullet That Missed (Thursday Murder Club, #3)
author: Richard Osman
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.61
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/12
date added: 2025/03/11
shelves:
review:
Another great installment! I've been reading the series back-to-back, and I'm addicted!

As mentioned earlier in my reviews of the previous two installments that it's not the thrill or the story that keeps me hooked—it's the characters. I’ve fallen in love with them, making it impossible to put down this series. While the murder plots may not be particularly tactical, I'm here for the gang! They are an incredible team, each with their strikingly different personalities, yet united in their dedication to solving cold cases and supporting one another. They make me want to book a place at Coopers Chase.

Joyce continues to be my favourite. I wish I’m like her when I grow older—still humorous, believing in love, and eager to have a dog.

Highly recommend this series to anyone who loves cosy mysteries.

4/5
]]>
<![CDATA[The Man Who Died Twice (Thursday Murder Club, #2)]]> 59248002
Elizabeth has received a letter from an old colleague, a man with whom she has a long history. He's made a big mistake, and he needs her help. His story involves stolen diamonds, a violent mobster, and a very real threat to his life.

As bodies start piling up, Elizabeth enlists Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron in the hunt for a ruthless murderer. And if they find the diamonds too? Well, wouldn't that be a bonus?

But this time they are up against an enemy who wouldn't bat an eyelid at knocking off four septuagenarians. Can The Thursday Murder Club find the killer (and the diamonds) before the killer finds them?]]>
368 Richard Osman 1984881000 Trisha 4
4/5]]>
4.26 2021 The Man Who Died Twice (Thursday Murder Club, #2)
author: Richard Osman
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/06
date added: 2025/03/06
shelves:
review:
This series is a delight! The writing, characters, locations, and humor all create a captivating experience. This installment features a more intriguing plot, cleverly designed (and executed), with an exciting secret service angle that adds an extra layer of mystery. However, I was disappointed with the climax yet again; Osman builds up significant drama, only to wrap it up in a rushed conclusion.

4/5
]]>
<![CDATA[The Thursday Murder Club (Thursday Murder Club, #1)]]> 46000520
But when a brutal killing takes place on their very doorstep, the Thursday Murder Club find themselves in the middle of their first live case. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron might be pushing eighty but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves.

Can our unorthodox but brilliant gang catch the killer before it's too late?

Alternate cover edition can be found here .]]>
382 Richard Osman Trisha 4
Good enough for me to pick up the next part.

3.75/5]]>
3.87 2020 The Thursday Murder Club (Thursday Murder Club, #1)
author: Richard Osman
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/03
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves:
review:
Wasn’t a fan of the story but loved the writing! The light humour binding the investigation was the hero here. The only drawback was the motive behind the murders - not convincing enough for me.

Good enough for me to pick up the next part.

3.75/5
]]>
Catch-22 187880
It's the closing months of World War II and Yossarian has never been closer to death. Stationed in an American bomber squadron off the coast of Italy, each flight mission introduces him to thousands of people determined to kill him.

But the enemy above is not Yossarian's problem - it is his own army intent on keeping him airborne, and the maddening 'Catch-22' that allows for no possibility of escape.

'The greatest satirical work in the English language' Observer]]>
519 Joseph Heller 0099470462 Trisha 0 currently-reading 3.93 1961 Catch-22
author: Joseph Heller
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.93
book published: 1961
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/24
shelves: currently-reading
review:
This is going to take me ages to finish.
]]>
The Penelopiad 25487598 127 Margaret Atwood Trisha 3 3.56 2005 The Penelopiad
author: Margaret Atwood
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.56
book published: 2005
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/24
date added: 2025/02/24
shelves:
review:
Good writing, not Atwood’s best though. Felt too superficial and left me wanting more.
]]>
Fevre Dream 382450
Marsh meant to turn down York’s offer. It was too full of secrets that spelled danger. But the promise of both gold and a grand new boat that could make history crushed his resolve—coupled with the terrible force of York’s mesmerizing gaze. Not until the maiden voyage of his new sidewheeler Fevre Dream would Marsh realize he had joined a mission both more sinister, and perhaps more noble, than his most fantastic nightmare...and mankind’s most impossible dream.

Here is the spellbinding tale of a vampire’s quest to unite his race with humanity, of a garrulous riverman’s dream of immortality, and of the undying legends of the steamboat era and a majestic, ancient river.]]>
334 George R.R. Martin 0553383051 Trisha 4
This could have been a 5 star read if not for the extremely rushed second half. The first half was so good - so deliciously detailed that I really want to round up my rating. Someday maybe, not today.

4.5/5]]>
3.88 1982 Fevre Dream
author: George R.R. Martin
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.88
book published: 1982
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/10
date added: 2025/02/24
shelves:
review:
So goooddddd!

This could have been a 5 star read if not for the extremely rushed second half. The first half was so good - so deliciously detailed that I really want to round up my rating. Someday maybe, not today.

4.5/5
]]>
The Lost Bookshop 123167182
‘The thing about books,� she said ‘is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of.�

On a quiet street in Dublin, a lost bookshop is waiting to be found�

For too long, Opaline, Martha and Henry have been the side characters in their own lives.

But when a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, these three unsuspecting strangers will discover that their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones found in the pages of their beloved books. And by unlocking the secrets of the shelves, they find themselves transported to a world of wonder� where nothing is as it seems.]]>
435 Evie Woods 0008609217 Trisha 4
4.25/5]]>
3.92 2023 The Lost Bookshop
author: Evie Woods
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/05
date added: 2025/02/24
shelves:
review:
Another birthday present! Loved the concept. Could’ve enjoyed this more had Opaline’s character stayed as strong-willed and ambitious throughout the story and hadn’t plummeted to a hopeless romantic by the end of it.

4.25/5
]]>
<![CDATA[Christmas at the Island Hotel (Mure, #4)]]> 56083203
The new hotel’s impressive kitchens throw together two unlikely new friends: Isla Gregor is the hardworking young girl who has been awaitress in the island's cafe, dreaming of a bigger, better life now that she’s at a proper fancy hotel. Konstantin Pederson is working his way up in the hotel's kitchens too…but he is also, secretly, the only son of the Duke of Utsire. Konstantin has been sent to learn what it is to work hard for a living, before receiving his inheritance. Although he’s initially resentful, the place grows on him; he has never met anyone quite like Isla and her fellow Murians before.

As the island’s residents and special VIP guests gather for the hotel’s grand opening gala, Christmas is in the air. But so are more than a few small-town secrets…]]>
351 Jenny Colgan 0751580317 Trisha 3 3.62 2020 Christmas at the Island Hotel (Mure, #4)
author: Jenny Colgan
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/31
date added: 2025/02/24
shelves:
review:
Umm. It was an okay read- neither good, nor bad! This was part of my Christmas/birthday presents which basically means I read it during the holidays and honestly saying, reading on a beach could influence one’s rating.
]]>
Mexican Gothic 52873094
Noemí is also an unlikely rescuer: She’s a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she’s also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: Not of her cousin’s new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemí; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemi’s dreams with visions of blood and doom.

Her only ally in this inhospitable abode is the family’s youngest son. Shy and gentle, he seems to want to help Noemí, but might also be hiding dark knowledge of his family’s past. For there are many secrets behind the walls of High Place. The family’s once colossal wealth and faded mining empire kept them from prying eyes, but as Noemí digs deeper she unearths stories of violence and madness.

And Noemí, mesmerized by the terrifying yet seductive world of High Place, may soon find it impossible to ever leave this enigmatic house behind.]]>
304 Silvia Moreno-Garcia Trisha 4
Thanks to Ushashi for gifting this Kindle copy last Christmas. :)]]>
3.76 2020 Mexican Gothic
author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2021/12/25
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves:
review:
Deliciously creepy and bizarre! Thoroughly enjoyed it!

Thanks to Ushashi for gifting this Kindle copy last Christmas. :)
]]>
The Other Side of Midnight 22711167 “No one mixes romance, mystery, and that faint, spine-tingling sense of the supernatural, that curtain lifting in a breeze that isn't there, the hair prickling on the back of your neck, like Simone St. James. Her novels are the perfect combination of classic ghost story, historical fiction, and romantic suspense.”—Lauren WilligLondon, 1925. Glamorous medium Gloria Sutter made her fortune helping the bereaved contact loved ones killed during the Great War. Now she's been murdered at one of her own séances, after leaving a message requesting the help of her former friend and sole rival, Ellie Winter. Ellie doesn't contact the dead—at least, not anymore. She specializes in miraculously finding lost items. Still, she can't refuse the final request of the only other true psychic she has known. Now Ellie must delve into Gloria's secrets and plunge back into the world of hucksters, lowlifes, and fakes. Worse, she cannot shake the attentions of handsome James Hawley, a damaged war veteran who has dedicated himself to debunking psychics. As Ellie and James uncover the sinister mysteries of Gloria's life and death, Ellie is tormented by nightmarish visions that herald the grisly murders of those in Gloria's circle. And as Ellie’s uneasy partnership with James turns dangerously intimate, an insidious evil force begins to undermine their quest for clues, a force determined to bury the truth, and whoever seeks to expose it...]]> 336 Simone St. James 1101621346 Trisha 3 The Sun Down Motel early this month, I’m on a mission to read each and every book, short story, or any scribble by Simone St. James because she is that good. This book had all my favourite elements- psychics, ghosts and a murder mystery and even though I enjoyed all of them in their individuality, something didn’t quite work out for me and I couldn’t appreciate the whole picture. I think it’s the climax that put me off! If you’re a gothic and historical fiction lover (like me), this will be a good quick read.

Overall, the book is good, but not amazing!

3.25/5]]>
4.03 2015 The Other Side of Midnight
author: Simone St. James
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2020/12/26
date added: 2024/09/28
shelves:
review:
After loving The Sun Down Motel early this month, I’m on a mission to read each and every book, short story, or any scribble by Simone St. James because she is that good. This book had all my favourite elements- psychics, ghosts and a murder mystery and even though I enjoyed all of them in their individuality, something didn’t quite work out for me and I couldn’t appreciate the whole picture. I think it’s the climax that put me off! If you’re a gothic and historical fiction lover (like me), this will be a good quick read.

Overall, the book is good, but not amazing!

3.25/5
]]>
<![CDATA[Beneath the Sugar Sky (Wayward Children, #3)]]> 35042084 A stand-alone fantasy tale from Seanan McGuire's Alex-award winning Wayward Children series, which began in the Alex, Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Award-winning, World Fantasy Award finalist, Tiptree Honor List Every Heart a Doorway

Beneath the Sugar Sky, the third book in McGuire's Wayward Children series, returns to Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children in a standalone contemporary fantasy for fans of all ages. At this magical boarding school, children who have experienced fantasy adventures are reintroduced to the "real" world.

When Rini lands with a literal splash in the pond behind Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children, the last thing she expects to find is that her mother, Sumi, died years before Rini was even conceived. But Rini can’t let Reality get in the way of her quest � not when she has an entire world to save! (Much more common than one would suppose.)

If she can't find a way to restore her mother, Rini will have more than a world to she will never have been born in the first place. And in a world without magic, she doesn’t have long before Reality notices her existence and washes her away. Good thing the student body is well-acquainted with quests...

A tale of friendship, baking, and derring-do.

May contain nuts.

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.]]>
174 Seanan McGuire 0765393573 Trisha 1 books-i-regret-reading 2021 Reading Challenge's 25k Readathon.

RTC!]]>
4.04 2018 Beneath the Sugar Sky (Wayward Children, #3)
author: Seanan McGuire
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2018
rating: 1
read at: 2021/03/26
date added: 2024/09/27
shelves: books-i-regret-reading
review:
Fourth book read for 2021 Reading Challenge's 25k Readathon.

RTC!
]]>
<![CDATA[Magpie Murders (Susan Ryeland #1)]]> 32970179 When editor Susan Ryeland is given the manuscript of Alan Conway’s latest novel, she has no reason to think it will be much different from any of his others. After working with the bestselling crime writer for years, she’s intimately familiar with his detective, Atticus Pünd, who solves mysteries disturbing sleepy English villages. An homage to queens of classic British crime such as Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers, Alan’s traditional formula has proved hugely successful. So successful that Susan must continue to put up with his troubling behavior if she wants to keep her job.

Conway’s latest tale has Atticus Pünd investigating a murder at Pye Hall, a local manor house. Yes, there are dead bodies and a host of intriguing suspects, but the more Susan reads, the more she’s convinced that there is another story hidden in the pages of the manuscript: one of real-life jealousy, greed, ruthless ambition, and murder.

Masterful, clever, and relentlessly suspenseful, Magpie Murders is a deviously dark take on vintage English crime fiction in which the reader becomes the detective.

]]>
505 Anthony Horowitz 0062645242 Trisha 4 2021 Reading Challenge's 25K Readathon.

RTC soon!]]>
4.02 2016 Magpie Murders (Susan Ryeland #1)
author: Anthony Horowitz
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2021/03/24
date added: 2024/09/27
shelves:
review:
First book read for 2021 Reading Challenge's 25K Readathon.

RTC soon!
]]>
When We Had Wings 61160094 From three bestselling authors comes an interwoven tale of a trio of World War II nurses in the Pacific who wage their own battle for freedom and survival.

The Philippines, 1941. When US Navy nurse Eleanor Lindstrom, US Army nurse Penny Franklin, and Filipina nurse Lita Capel forge a friendship at the Army Navy Club in Manila, they believe they’re living a paradise assignment. All three are seeking a way to escape their pasts, but soon the beauty and promise of their surroundings give way to the heavy mantle of war.

Caught in the crosshairs of a fight between the US military and the Japanese Imperial Army for control of the Philippine islands, the nurses are forced to serve under combat conditions and, ultimately, endure captivity as the first female prisoners of the Second World War. As their resiliency is tested in the face of squalid living arrangements, food shortages, and the enemy’s blatant disregard for the articles of the Geneva Convention, they strive to keep their hope—and their fellow inmates—alive, though not without great cost.

In this sweeping story based on the true experiences of nurses dubbed “the Angels of Bataan,� three women shift in and out of each other’s lives through the darkest days of the war, buoyed by their unwavering friendship and distant dreams of liberation.]]>
416 Ariel Lawhon 0785253246 Trisha 4 netgalley A tragic yet beautiful tale of friendship between Military nurses while they struggle to survive during WWII.

This book was such a heartfelt read. Yes, it was also heartbreaking, but even with the raging war, torture, death, and struggle for survival, it was full of hope, love and most of all, friendship of the truest kind. Two American military nurses and one Filipina nurse start an unconditional friendship in the first few days of their assignment in the Philippines in 1941. What they expected to be a relaxing assignment turns into a nightmare when they are taken captive by the Japanese Imperial Army and become the first female POW. As they struggle for survival against the Japanese Army’s torture, their newfound friendship and love would be their pillars of support and keep them hopeful for life beyond war.

This story is based on the actual account of the Angels of Bataan, a group of 66 United States Army Nurse Corps and 11 United States Navy Nurse Corps stationed in the Philippines at the outset of the Pacific War and served during the Battle of the Philippines (1941�1942). When Bataan and Corregidor fell, they were captured and imprisoned in and around Manila. They continued to serve as a nursing unit while being prisoners of war. After years of hardship, they were finally liberated in February 1945. (Source: Wiki).

The extent to which the Japanese Army ignored the Geneva Convention and brutally treated the POW is sure to make the reader uncomfortable, and if you’re weak like me, you might also shed a tear or two. The nurses not just fought against imprisonment, they were both physically and mentally abused and deliberately starved. We are also given a sneak peek into the nurses� past lives, making them more relatable with their share of insecurities and vulnerabilities. There’s also a good share of low-key romance which is pretty realistic considering the length of their confinement and other conditions. Forming relationships is natural when you’re cut off from the world and unsure of the future.

What I didn’t like: The book has a monotonous tone. Even though chilling events happen now and then, the content is delivered in a sluggish way that makes the reading experience underwhelming at times. I initially thought this was due to the audiobook’s slow narration, but with time, I realised the plot itself was moving slowly, making me zone out.

Lastly, I recommend the audio over the physical copy owing to the slow pace of the story.

Overall, a heartbreaking, yet satisfying tale of hope, love and friendship in times of war.

Thanks to Harper Muse and Netgalley for the ARC.
When We Had Wings is now available for purchase.

4.5/5]]>
4.40 2022 When We Had Wings
author: Ariel Lawhon
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2022/10/25
date added: 2024/09/26
shelves: netgalley
review:
A tragic yet beautiful tale of friendship between Military nurses while they struggle to survive during WWII.

This book was such a heartfelt read. Yes, it was also heartbreaking, but even with the raging war, torture, death, and struggle for survival, it was full of hope, love and most of all, friendship of the truest kind. Two American military nurses and one Filipina nurse start an unconditional friendship in the first few days of their assignment in the Philippines in 1941. What they expected to be a relaxing assignment turns into a nightmare when they are taken captive by the Japanese Imperial Army and become the first female POW. As they struggle for survival against the Japanese Army’s torture, their newfound friendship and love would be their pillars of support and keep them hopeful for life beyond war.

This story is based on the actual account of the Angels of Bataan, a group of 66 United States Army Nurse Corps and 11 United States Navy Nurse Corps stationed in the Philippines at the outset of the Pacific War and served during the Battle of the Philippines (1941�1942). When Bataan and Corregidor fell, they were captured and imprisoned in and around Manila. They continued to serve as a nursing unit while being prisoners of war. After years of hardship, they were finally liberated in February 1945. (Source: Wiki).

The extent to which the Japanese Army ignored the Geneva Convention and brutally treated the POW is sure to make the reader uncomfortable, and if you’re weak like me, you might also shed a tear or two. The nurses not just fought against imprisonment, they were both physically and mentally abused and deliberately starved. We are also given a sneak peek into the nurses� past lives, making them more relatable with their share of insecurities and vulnerabilities. There’s also a good share of low-key romance which is pretty realistic considering the length of their confinement and other conditions. Forming relationships is natural when you’re cut off from the world and unsure of the future.

What I didn’t like: The book has a monotonous tone. Even though chilling events happen now and then, the content is delivered in a sluggish way that makes the reading experience underwhelming at times. I initially thought this was due to the audiobook’s slow narration, but with time, I realised the plot itself was moving slowly, making me zone out.

Lastly, I recommend the audio over the physical copy owing to the slow pace of the story.

Overall, a heartbreaking, yet satisfying tale of hope, love and friendship in times of war.

Thanks to Harper Muse and Netgalley for the ARC.
When We Had Wings is now available for purchase.

4.5/5
]]>
The Broken Girls 38103866 THEY WON'T FORGIVE. THEY WON'T FORGET.

'Clever and wonderfully chilling. It held me hostage' - Fiona Barton, Sunday Times-bestselling author of The Widow and The Child

'Haunting and memorable... mesmerizing' - Karen Dionne, author of The Marsh King's Daughter

1950 - At the crumbling Idlewild Hall school for unwanted girls, four room-mates begin to bond over dark secrets and whispered fears - until one of them mysteriously disappears...

2014 - Journalist Fiona Sheridan can't get over the murder of her sister twenty years ago, near the ruins of Idlewild. And when another body is found during renovations of the school, she'll begin to uncover secrets that were meant to remain hidden in the past - and a voice that won't be silenced...

For fans of Lisa Jewell and S.K. Tremayne, The Broken Girls is a chilling story of murder, revenge, and a darkness that refuses to stay buried...]]>
354 Simone St. James 1472253647 Trisha 4 <b>4.25</b> 4.11 2018 The Broken Girls
author: Simone St. James
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2021/03/28
date added: 2024/09/26
shelves:
review:
4.25
]]>
Velvet Was the Night 56446940 GOOD MORNING AMERICA BUZZ PICK � From the New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic comes a simmering historical noir about a daydreaming secretary, a lonesome enforcer, and the mystery of the missing woman they’re both desperate to find.ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE The New York Times Book Review, NPR, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, New York Public Library, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, BookPage, She Reads, Library Journal � “An adrenalized, darkly romantic journey.”—The Washington PostMexico in the 1970s is a dangerous country, even for Maite, a secretary who spends her life seeking the romance found in cheap comic books and ignoring the activists protesting around the city. When her next-door neighbor, the beautiful art student Leonora, disappears under suspicious circumstances, Maite finds herself searching for the missing woman—and journeying deeper into Leonora’s secret life of student radicals and dissidents.Mexico in the 1970s is a politically fraught land, even for Elvis, a goon with a passion for rock ’n� roll who knows more about kidney-smashing than intrigue. When Elvis is assigned to find Leonora, he begins a blood-soaked search for the woman—and his soul. Swirling in parallel trajectories, Maite and Elvis attempt to discover the truth behind Leonora’s disappearance, encountering hitmen, government agents, and Russian spies. Because Mexico in the 1970s is a noir, where life is cheap and the price of truth is high.]]> 288 Silvia Moreno-Garcia 0593356837 Trisha 2 And there wasn’t any paranormal stuff which is what I was looking for. Clearly my fault!

Takeaway: For heaven’s sake, read the blurb beforehand.

2.5/5]]>
3.70 2021 Velvet Was the Night
author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2021
rating: 2
read at: 2022/05/14
date added: 2024/09/24
shelves:
review:
Didn’t work for me at all. Had an interesting premise but badly executed. One word: Boring!
And there wasn’t any paranormal stuff which is what I was looking for. Clearly my fault!

Takeaway: For heaven’s sake, read the blurb beforehand.

2.5/5
]]>
The Overstory 36075657 An Air Force loadmaster in the Vietnam War is shot out of the sky, then saved by falling into a banyan. An artist inherits a hundred years of photographic portraits, all of the same doomed American chestnut. A hard-partying undergraduate in the late 1980s electrocutes herself, dies, and is sent back into life by creatures of air and light. A hearing- and speech-impaired scientist discovers that trees are communicating with one another. These four, and five other strangers—each summoned in different ways by trees—are brought together in a last and violent stand to save the continent’s few remaining acres of virgin forest.


In his twelfth novel, National Book Award winner Richard Powers delivers a sweeping, impassioned novel of activism and resistance that is also a stunning evocation of—and paean to—the natural world. From the roots to the crown and back to the seeds, The Overstory unfolds in concentric rings of interlocking fables that range from antebellum New York to the late twentieth-century Timber Wars of the Pacific Northwest and beyond, exploring the essential conflict on this planet: the one taking place between humans and nonhumans. There is a world alongside ours—vast, slow, interconnected, resourceful, magnificently inventive, and almost invisible to us. This is the story of a handful of people who learn how to see that world and who are drawn up into its unfolding catastrophe.


The Overstory is a book for all readers who despair of humanity’s self-imposed separation from the rest of creation and who hope for the transformative, regenerating possibility of a homecoming. If the trees of this earth could speak, what would they tell us? "Listen. There’s something you need to hear."

]]>
513 Richard Powers 0393635538 Trisha 0 to-read 4.23 2018 The Overstory
author: Richard Powers
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/24
shelves: to-read
review:

]]>
<![CDATA[Bear Boy: The True Story of a Boy, Two Bears, and the Fight to Be Free]]> 58487425
Justin is a typical teenager, dodging school bullies and waging an endless war with his parents. But when he discovers Ursula and Brutus-two sibling black bears being kept in horrific conditions at a nearby zoo-his life begins to change. He finds a cause that ignites his passion and an animal sanctuary willing to take the bears. But there's a he'll have to cover the quarter-million-dollar cost.

Undaunted, Justin takes his seemingly insurmountable quest to an international audience, gaining media attention and support from celebrities. With television cameras rolling, Justin fights to free the bears, and it turns out himself.

Justin Barker's surprising and moving YA memoir offers the optimism of the 1990s while exploring timely issues of activism, animal rights, and LGBTQ identity with tenderness, unblinking honesty, and heart.]]>
240 Justin Barker 1736084313 Trisha 3 netgalley An inspiring account of how a thirteen-year-old kid rescued two bears from his local zoo where they were living in unbearable conditions and his own internal quest of coming out and discovering himself in the process.

I was hooked on this memoir from the moment I picked it up. The writing is simple yet engaging. Barker writes from his heart and doesn't shy away from revealing the darker side of his teenage life - the bullying, his teenage angst, therapy sessions and the struggle he went through to understand his sexuality and come out. But my favourite parts were the sections where he passionately advocated for animal rights and their welfare.

Being a vegetarian and an animal lover, I was able to comprehend the feelings the writer went through as a kid. I have always been troubled with the question 'how can you eat something that you love' and even though my animal-loving, yet non-vegetarian husband comes up with a variety of scientifically backed answers, I've never been quite satisfied. However, don't worry, this book would not make you switch to vegetarianism, or maybe yes, it might, but it would also let vegetarians make their peace with everyone else's food choices.

I'd especially recommend this to teenagers who need to know that they can achieve anything that they set their eyes upon as long as they are determined.

3.5/5]]>
4.25 2021 Bear Boy: The True Story of a Boy, Two Bears, and the Fight to Be Free
author: Justin Barker
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2021/06/13
date added: 2024/09/22
shelves: netgalley
review:
An inspiring account of how a thirteen-year-old kid rescued two bears from his local zoo where they were living in unbearable conditions and his own internal quest of coming out and discovering himself in the process.

I was hooked on this memoir from the moment I picked it up. The writing is simple yet engaging. Barker writes from his heart and doesn't shy away from revealing the darker side of his teenage life - the bullying, his teenage angst, therapy sessions and the struggle he went through to understand his sexuality and come out. But my favourite parts were the sections where he passionately advocated for animal rights and their welfare.

Being a vegetarian and an animal lover, I was able to comprehend the feelings the writer went through as a kid. I have always been troubled with the question 'how can you eat something that you love' and even though my animal-loving, yet non-vegetarian husband comes up with a variety of scientifically backed answers, I've never been quite satisfied. However, don't worry, this book would not make you switch to vegetarianism, or maybe yes, it might, but it would also let vegetarians make their peace with everyone else's food choices.

I'd especially recommend this to teenagers who need to know that they can achieve anything that they set their eyes upon as long as they are determined.

3.5/5
]]>
<![CDATA[The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood]]> 55544672


Blending true history with new stories, popular inaccuracies, and some almost forgotten medieval legends, The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood brings a new life to the greenwood, which here feels as fresh as it does traditional. With an academic background in medieval English studies, A. E. Chandler captivates with this unique and nuanced reinterpretation of Robin Hood's struggles and adventures. The forest is waiting.


This expanded second edition of the bestselling novel contains additional bonus material, including a historical note and a translation of one of only five surviving medieval Robin Hood "ballads."]]>
262 A.E. Chandler 0992053935 Trisha 4 arcs-from-authors-publishers
I only wish that the retelling was more imaginative; it was wholesome but comprised of events already told through various pieces of literature and tv/cinematic adaptations. I did feel that the writer used her vivid imagination to twist and highlight Anne’s character (which I totally loved) but I wanted more of that! That’s my only complaint!

Thanks to the author for the free eARC in return for my honest review.

3.5/5]]>
4.00 The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood
author: A.E. Chandler
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/08/13
date added: 2024/09/21
shelves: arcs-from-authors-publishers
review:
A highly entertaining and refreshing walk back into the forest of Sherwood! I’ve always loved Robin Hood and Maid Marian, and this story added much more character to the both of them, especially Anne. Also, enjoyed the medieval language brilliantly used by the writer.

I only wish that the retelling was more imaginative; it was wholesome but comprised of events already told through various pieces of literature and tv/cinematic adaptations. I did feel that the writer used her vivid imagination to twist and highlight Anne’s character (which I totally loved) but I wanted more of that! That’s my only complaint!

Thanks to the author for the free eARC in return for my honest review.

3.5/5
]]>
<![CDATA[Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass]]> 54503894
The collection features more than thirty poems, many exclusive to the book: Never to Heaven, The Land of 1,000 Fires, Past the Bushes Cypress Thriving, LA Who Am I to Love You?, Tessa DiPietro, Happy, Paradise Is Very Fragile, Bare Feet on Linoleum, and many more. This beautiful hardcover edition showcases Lana’s typewritten manuscript pages alongside her original photography. The result is an extraordinary poetic landscape that reflects the unguarded spirit of its creator.

Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass is also brought to life in an unprecedented spoken word audiobook which features Lana Del Rey reading fourteen select poems from the book accompanied by music from Grammy Award–winning musician Jack Antonoff.]]>
128 Lana Del Rey 1982167300 Trisha 0 SportCruiser was my favourite poetry from the collection which I loved in its entirety. Pasting down a haiku I absolutely adored:

“Every night I die
when I give myself to you
sad but beautiful�


Going forward, I’ll not be rating any form of poetry. To me, poetry is an expression of the soul - one’s deepest emotions written down on a piece of paper; how can we rate emotions? ]]>
3.46 2020 Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass
author: Lana Del Rey
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.46
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at: 2021/01/23
date added: 2024/09/21
shelves:
review:
Some poetries were profound and hit the right chord in me, some didn’t. All of them are typically Lana Del Rey and are themed on tragic romance, vulnerability, and sadness in general; though still quite liberating! SportCruiser was my favourite poetry from the collection which I loved in its entirety. Pasting down a haiku I absolutely adored:

“Every night I die
when I give myself to you
sad but beautiful�


Going forward, I’ll not be rating any form of poetry. To me, poetry is an expression of the soul - one’s deepest emotions written down on a piece of paper; how can we rate emotions?
]]>
The Push 54848595 A tense, page-turning psychological drama about the making and breaking of a family—and a woman whose experience of motherhood is nothing at all what she hoped for—and everything she feared.

Blythe Connor is determined that she will be the warm, comforting mother to her new baby Violet that she herself never had.

But in the thick of motherhood’s exhausting early days, Blythe becomes convinced that something is wrong with her daughter—she doesn’t behave like most children do.

Or is it all in Blythe’s head? Her husband, Fox, says she’s imagining things. The more Fox dismisses her fears, the more Blythe begins to question her own sanity, and the more we begin to question what Blythe is telling us about her life as well.

Then their son Sam is born—and with him, Blythe has the blissful connection she’d always imagined with her child. Even Violet seems to love her little brother. But when life as they know it is changed in an instant, the devastating fall-out forces Blythe to face the truth.

The Push is a tour de force you will read in a sitting, an utterly immersive novel that will challenge everything you think you know about motherhood, about what we owe our children, and what it feels like when women are not believed.]]>
320 Ashley Audrain 1984881671 Trisha 5 <b>4.5</b> 4.12 2021 The Push
author: Ashley Audrain
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2021/03/29
date added: 2024/09/20
shelves:
review:
4.5
]]>
Tigana 23380723 A masterful epic of magic, politics, war, and the power of love and hate—from the renowned author of The Fionavar Tapestry and Children of Earth and Sky.

Tigana
is the magical story of a beleaguered land struggling to be free. It is the tale of a people so cursed by the black sorcery of a cruel despotic king that even the name of their once-beautiful homeland cannot be spoken or remembered...

But years after the devastation, a handful of courageous men and women embark upon a dangerous crusade to overthrow their conquerors and bring back to the dark world the brilliance of a long-lost name...Tigana.

Against the magnificently rendered background of a world both sensuous and barbaric, this sweeping epic of a passionate people pursuing their dream is breathtaking in its vision, changing forever the boundaries of fantasy fiction.]]>
686 Guy Gavriel Kay 1101663987 Trisha 0 to-read 4.28 1990 Tigana
author: Guy Gavriel Kay
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.28
book published: 1990
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]>
<![CDATA[The Yellow Wallpaper and Other Stories]]> 53789449 Charlotte Perkins Gilman Trisha 4 audiobook Charlotte Perkins Gilman who was a prominent feminist writer of the 19th century. While most stories are unsophisticated romances centered around strong-willed women who are not given a choice by the society to choose their passion and ambition over marriage, the primary story ‘The Yellow Wallpaper� is a brilliant take on women’s mental health and the attitude of the society towards mentally ill women in the 19th century. Inside fact: The author wrote this unconventional story based on her own experience of postpartum depression.

4/5]]>
3.75 The Yellow Wallpaper and Other Stories
author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.75
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/10/20
date added: 2024/09/18
shelves: audiobook
review:
This collection contains 12 short stories by Charlotte Perkins Gilman who was a prominent feminist writer of the 19th century. While most stories are unsophisticated romances centered around strong-willed women who are not given a choice by the society to choose their passion and ambition over marriage, the primary story ‘The Yellow Wallpaper� is a brilliant take on women’s mental health and the attitude of the society towards mentally ill women in the 19th century. Inside fact: The author wrote this unconventional story based on her own experience of postpartum depression.

4/5
]]>
<![CDATA[Howl's Moving Castle (Howl's Moving Castle, #1)]]> 16204601 Diana Wynne Jones's entrancing, classic fantasy novel is filled with surprises at every turn.

Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance at breaking it lies in the ever-moving castle in the hills: the Wizard Howl's castle. To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. Along the way, she discovers that there's far more to Howl—and herself—than first meets the eye.

In this giant jigsaw puzzle of a fantasy, people and things are never quite what they seem. Destinies are intertwined, identities exchanged, lovers confused. The Witch has placed a spell on Howl. Does the clue to breaking it lie in a famous poem? And what will happen to Sophie Hatter when she enters Howl's castle?]]>
308 Diana Wynne Jones 0062244515 Trisha 3
Continuing with the series to see if it gets any better.

2.5/5]]>
4.33 1986 Howl's Moving Castle (Howl's Moving Castle, #1)
author: Diana Wynne Jones
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.33
book published: 1986
rating: 3
read at: 2021/02/08
date added: 2024/09/10
shelves:
review:
Awed, but not mesmerised.

Continuing with the series to see if it gets any better.

2.5/5
]]>
<![CDATA[The Disappearing Act: The Impossible Case of MH370]]> 59227708 ‘People often say that non-fiction books read like fast-moving thrillers, but this one genuinely does� This is a splendid book � and highly recommended.� Daily Mail

A remarkable piece of investigative journalism into one of the most pervasive and troubling mysteries of recent memory.



01:20am, 8 March 2014.




Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, carrying 239 passengers, disappeared into the night, never to be seen or heard from again.



The incident was inexplicable. In a world defined by advanced technology and interconnectedness, how could an entire aircraft become untraceable? Had the flight been subject to a perfect hijack? Perhaps the pilots lost control? And if the plane did crash, where was the wreckage?


Writing for Le Monde in the days and months after the plane’s disappearance, journalist Florence de Changy closely documented the chaotic international investigation that followed, uncovering more questions than answers. Riddled with inconsistencies, contradictions and a lack of basic communication between authorities, the mystery surrounding flight MH370 only deepened.


Now, de Changy offers her own explanation. Drawing together countless eyewitness testimonies, press releases, independent investigative reports and expert opinion, The Disappearing Act offers an eloquent and deeply unnerving narrative of what happened to the missing aircraft.


An incredible feat of investigative journalism and a testament to de Changy’s tenacity and resolve, this book is an exhaustive, gripping account into one of the most profound mysteries of the 21st century.]]>
448 Florence de Changy 0008381550 Trisha 4 arcs-from-authors-publishers The Impossible Case of MH370

Actual Rating: 3.5 ]]>
3.92 2021 The Disappearing Act: The Impossible Case of MH370
author: Florence de Changy
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2021/04/28
date added: 2024/09/08
shelves: arcs-from-authors-publishers
review:
The Impossible Case of MH370

Actual Rating: 3.5

]]>
My Brother (Jana Kippo, #1) 55708459
Jana is returning to see her twin brother Bror, still living in the small family farmhouse in the rural north of Sweden. It's decrepit and crumbling, and Bror is determinedly drinking himself to an early grave. They're both damaged by horrific childhood experiences, buried deep in the past, but Jana cannot keep running.

Alive with the brutality and beauty of the landscape, MY BROTHER is a novel steeped in darkness and violence - about abuse, love, complicity, and coming to terms with the past. It's the story of a homecoming without a home: a story of forgiveness.]]>
320 Karin Smirnoff 178227569X Trisha 3 netgalley
The story revolves around a woman, Jana Kippo, who has returned to her childhood town where she and her twin brother suffered abuse at the hands of their father. As Jana recalls her childhood memories, she discovers painful secrets that she’d deliberately forgotten. There are a bunch of twists and secrets that are revealed through the progression of the story - some of them are bizarre, some downright sick! The character development was the best pert. Even though I didn’t feel any fondness for most of them, I caws able to sympathise with them and grieve for them. They were all complex, yet distinct in their own ways.

Update:Sadly, the whole experience was ruined by the writing style. The lack of punctuation and the content being solely written in lower case made the experience irritating and incomprehensible. I had to double my focus and reread paragraphs for them to make any sense.

Overall, not an easy read; there’s abuse of every kind in it - children abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, unplanned pregnancy, child abandonment, incest, murder, alcoholism, substance abuse, death by disease and what not. Could be triggering to some readers.

Thanks to Pushkin Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: September 6th, 2022.

3/5]]>
3.52 2018 My Brother (Jana Kippo, #1)
author: Karin Smirnoff
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.52
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2022/06/30
date added: 2022/11/17
shelves: netgalley
review:
A difficult and troubling read which grew on me with time and if not for the pathetic translation, I’d have rated this higher; can’t say I’d have enjoyed this more because this is not an entertaining book.

The story revolves around a woman, Jana Kippo, who has returned to her childhood town where she and her twin brother suffered abuse at the hands of their father. As Jana recalls her childhood memories, she discovers painful secrets that she’d deliberately forgotten. There are a bunch of twists and secrets that are revealed through the progression of the story - some of them are bizarre, some downright sick! The character development was the best pert. Even though I didn’t feel any fondness for most of them, I caws able to sympathise with them and grieve for them. They were all complex, yet distinct in their own ways.

Update:Sadly, the whole experience was ruined by the writing style. The lack of punctuation and the content being solely written in lower case made the experience irritating and incomprehensible. I had to double my focus and reread paragraphs for them to make any sense.

Overall, not an easy read; there’s abuse of every kind in it - children abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, unplanned pregnancy, child abandonment, incest, murder, alcoholism, substance abuse, death by disease and what not. Could be triggering to some readers.

Thanks to Pushkin Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: September 6th, 2022.

3/5
]]>
<![CDATA[The Long Call (Two Rivers, #1)]]> 43845026
Now, as he turns and walks away again, he receives a call from one of his team. A body has been found on the beach nearby: a man with a tattoo of an albatross on his neck, stabbed to death.

The case calls Matthew back into the community he thought he had left behind, as deadly secrets hidden at its heart are revealed, and his past and present collide.]]>
382 Ann Cleeves Trisha 4 netgalley A character-driven complex mystery with all the elements of a well-written book!

Matthew Venn, our protagonist, is a senior detective in North Devon who is attentive and thoughtful towards the needs of the people around him. He had a troubled childhood growing up in an orthodox religious community from which he was later excommunicated for speaking against their beliefs. We see this estrangement from his family shadowing his daily life and making him miserable, even though he handles his demons well, with support from his loving husband, Jonathan.

The story starts with a body washing ashore close to Matthew’s house. As Matthew and his team investigate the murder mystery, we are invited into the functioning of their town layer by layer. With their orthodox religious beliefs and class differentiation, the town has a diverse range of people who have their own demons and secrets. All the characters are well-developed and believable, even with their complexities. The book has several characters with Down’s Syndrome, and Cleeves is brilliant in dealing with their disability. I love how they had significant roles to play and were not projected as unreliable characters because of their disability.

This is a slow-burn mystery, that won’t give you any adrenaline rush. Although I’ve to admit that it is nevertheless gripping and as the mystery unfolds, I felt a sense of achievement in being part of the investigation and catching up on some clues early on. The best part about it is Cleeves� atmospheric writing; this is my first book by her, and I’m certainly going to read more of her works from now on. The atmosphere she builds is enigmatic and fitting for cinematic adaptations.

Thanks to St.Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

3.75/5]]>
4.16 2019 The Long Call (Two Rivers, #1)
author: Ann Cleeves
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2022/11/04
date added: 2022/11/04
shelves: netgalley
review:
A character-driven complex mystery with all the elements of a well-written book!

Matthew Venn, our protagonist, is a senior detective in North Devon who is attentive and thoughtful towards the needs of the people around him. He had a troubled childhood growing up in an orthodox religious community from which he was later excommunicated for speaking against their beliefs. We see this estrangement from his family shadowing his daily life and making him miserable, even though he handles his demons well, with support from his loving husband, Jonathan.

The story starts with a body washing ashore close to Matthew’s house. As Matthew and his team investigate the murder mystery, we are invited into the functioning of their town layer by layer. With their orthodox religious beliefs and class differentiation, the town has a diverse range of people who have their own demons and secrets. All the characters are well-developed and believable, even with their complexities. The book has several characters with Down’s Syndrome, and Cleeves is brilliant in dealing with their disability. I love how they had significant roles to play and were not projected as unreliable characters because of their disability.

This is a slow-burn mystery, that won’t give you any adrenaline rush. Although I’ve to admit that it is nevertheless gripping and as the mystery unfolds, I felt a sense of achievement in being part of the investigation and catching up on some clues early on. The best part about it is Cleeves� atmospheric writing; this is my first book by her, and I’m certainly going to read more of her works from now on. The atmosphere she builds is enigmatic and fitting for cinematic adaptations.

Thanks to St.Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

3.75/5
]]>
Jokes to Offend Men 60320145
A man walks into a bar. It’s a low one, so he gets a promotion within his first six months on the job.

Four comedy writers transform classic joke setups into sharp commentary about the everyday and structural sexism that pervades all facets of life. Jokes to Offend Men arms readers with humorous quips to shut down workplace underminers, condescending uncles, and dismissive doctors, or to share with their exhausted friends at the end of a long day. A cutting, cathartic spin on the old-fashioned joke book, Jokes to Offend Men is a refreshing reclamation of a tired form for anyone who's ever been told to "lighten up, it's just a joke!"
]]>
176 Allison Kelley 1524872199 Trisha 4 netgalley
Enjoyed the audio book narration! Recommended.

Thanks to Andrews McMeel Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.

3.5/5]]>
3.28 2022 Jokes to Offend Men
author: Allison Kelley
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.28
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2022/11/01
date added: 2022/11/04
shelves: netgalley
review:
I am crying at the irony of the situation where instead of laughing at these jokes, I'm so mad at the world, especially at all the Gregs who think they have a license to look down on women and give unsolicited advises and recommendations and what not. Honestly, this book is more of a social commentary than a jokes book and it would offend everybody - the oppressor and the oppressed.

Enjoyed the audio book narration! Recommended.

Thanks to Andrews McMeel Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.

3.5/5
]]>
<![CDATA[Dark Spaces: Wildfire #1 (of 5)]]> 61496961 32 Scott Snyder Trisha 5 netgalley
Thanks to IDW Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC.

5/5]]>
4.26 Dark Spaces: Wildfire #1 (of 5)
author: Scott Snyder
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.26
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2022/11/01
date added: 2022/11/04
shelves: netgalley
review:
Brilliant!! The story, illustrations, and writing- everything was fabulous! I was craving for some all women twisted drama and Dark Spaces: Wildfire was spot on that league. It’s a dark, women-centric heist story and has gorgeous illustrations. Can’t wait to read the next volume.

Thanks to IDW Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC.

5/5
]]>
Earthdivers #1 61626305 The Only Good Indians and My Heart is a Chainsaw—makes his ongoing comics debut with Earthdivers!

The year is 2112, and it’s the apocalypse exactly as expected: rivers receding, oceans rising, civilization crumbling. Humanity has given up hope, except for a group of outcast Indigenous survivors who have discovered a time travel portal in a cave in the middle of the desert and figured out where the world took a sharp turn for the worst: America.

Convinced that the only way to save the world is to rewrite its past, they send one of their own on a bloody, one-way mission back to 1492 to kill Christopher Columbus before he reaches the so-called New World. But taking down an icon is no easy task, and his actions could prove devastating for his friends in the future.

Join Stephen Graham Jones and artist Davide Gianfelice for Earthdivers #1, the beginning of an unforgettable ongoing historical/sci-fi slasher!]]>
35 Stephen Graham Jones Trisha 4 netgalley
Thanks to IDW Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC.

3.5/5]]>
4.02 Earthdivers #1
author: Stephen Graham Jones
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.02
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/11/01
date added: 2022/11/04
shelves: netgalley
review:
Interesting concept! Tad is on a mission to change history for good by travelling back in time to kill Christopher Columbus and prevent him from discovering America. This was a decent start although I expected more backstory behind this intriguing mission. I know that’ll happen in the subsequent volumes but not knowing what motivated Tad and company to go about this mission dampened my experience. Definitely continuing the series.

Thanks to IDW Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC.

3.5/5
]]>
<![CDATA[They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us]]> 36823552
In the wake of the nightclub attacks in Paris, he recalls how he sought refuge as a teenager in music, at shows, and wonders whether the next generation of young Muslims will not be afforded that opportunity now. While discussing the everyday threat to the lives of black Americans, Abdurraqib recounts the first time he was ordered to the ground by police officers: for attempting to enter his own car.

In essays that have been published by the New York Times, MTV, and Pitchfork, among others—along with original, previously unreleased essays—Abdurraqib uses music and culture as a lens through which to view our world, so that we might better understand ourselves, and in so doing proves himself a bellwether for our times.]]>
289 Hanif Abdurraqib Trisha 5 netgalley, audiobook
Thanks to OrangeSky Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.
Publication Date: November 15th, 2022.

TW: Racism, Injustice, Death, Grief, and Heartbreak.]]>
4.48 2017 They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us
author: Hanif Abdurraqib
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.48
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at: 2022/11/01
date added: 2022/11/01
shelves: netgalley, audiobook
review:
Do yourself a favour and READ THIS BOOK, or LISTEN TO IT which is even better. Hanif Abdurraqib has put his heart and soul into these essays, making this book an instant hit for readers like me who crave honesty and emotions. This collection of essays is rich in American music, African American culture, and the grief of an entire suppressed race. The writing makes you feel so many emotions at the same time - anger and joy, and especially despair and hope. Listening to Abdurraqib narrate his experiences felt so pure. I know I should stop because I'm overdoing adjectives, but I'm feeling a cyclone of emotions whirling inside me. Please don't let my inability to express my love for this book overshadow this review, and for heaven's sake, grab this audiobook.

Thanks to OrangeSky Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.
Publication Date: November 15th, 2022.

TW: Racism, Injustice, Death, Grief, and Heartbreak.
]]>
Holmes Coming 63101337
Dr. Amy Winslow tells the story: in foggy, nighttime San Francisco a jogging SFPD captain is savagely attacked by a Bengal tiger which then vanishes. In her ER, Amy labors unsuccessfully to save the captain’s life, then consoles his aggrieved closest friend, Lt. Luis Ortega. Neither suspects their lives will intertwine in a life-or-death mystery.

The next day, checking on former patient Mrs. Hudson at her Victorian house isolated in Marin County’s forest, Amy discovers in the cellar a secret, cobweb-covered 1899 electrochemical laboratory containing a Jules Verne-esque steam-punk sarcophagus out of which springs a wild-eyed, half-mummified, crypt-keeper-like man who injects himself with something before falling dead at her feet. Amy barely revives him.

He claims to be a real-life Victorian master chemist and detective named Holmes, who allowed Conan Doyle to write stories based on his cases, though was slightly annoyed when Doyle changed his real first name to the catchier Sherlock. Becoming uninspired by 1890s crime, Holmes devised this method to hibernate for a century to investigate future mysteries.

Amy assumes he’s a lunatic. His Scotland Yard identity papers were stolen while he slept, so it takes her a while to realize his amazing story is true.

Respectably handsome when cleaned up, Holmes is still the same brash, egoistic, uber-English, cocaine-addicted, non-feminist genius -- but now a century out of sync -- so his still-brilliant deductions are sometimes laughingly or dangerously wrong. Holmes and Amy, his reluctant new Watson, find themselves unexpectedly attracted to each other while perilously involved in reclaiming his proof of identity, aided by cybersavvy street teen Zapper. It’s all connected to the horrific death-by-tiger, only the first of several bizarre, mystifying murders being committed by an exquisitely fiendish descendant of Holmes� Victorian archenemy, Professor Moriarty.

The tone is classic Holmes -- plus a refreshing twist of fish-out-of-water humor with a surprising spark of real romance.]]>
350 Kenneth C. Johnson Trisha 3 netgalley A fun recreation of a Sherlockian mystery, inclining heavily on the historical details but missing out on the mystery by a mile.

This book is for all the Sherlock fans! Johnson recreates the master detective Sherlock Holmes in the twenty-first century, and I’d say he did a decent job of it. The story starts with a strange murder: an ex-cop is attacked by a Bengal tiger while on his morning run right in the middle of San Francisco. He is treated briefly by Dr Amy Winslow (our present-day Watson) before succumbing to his injuries. Before Dr Winslow can make sense of what seems to be the first of ‘the tiger murders�, she witnesses the great Sherlock Holmes waking up from his self-imposed hibernation of 130 years. As she slowly starts to trust the weird guy who calls himself Holmes, they both get somehow involved with the murders and now have to work together to bring it to an end.

Loved the premise! Kudos to Johnson for conceiving the idea of Holmes scientifically preserving his living body through a combination of cryotherapy and other chemical processes so that he could time-travel to the future. I enjoyed how Holmes, although being brilliant, is outsmarted quite a few times in the present day by not-so-brilliant people simply because his thought process is outdated and not in line with the times. The story has a comic tone to it which is pleasing most of the time.

What I didn’t like: To begin with, the writing is way too detailed, especially when describing the changes in San Francisco’s architecture from the late 1800s to the present day. Additionally, the conversations between Holmes and Winslow eventually become more redundant and exhausting. Furthermore, the mystery barely makes up for one-fourth of the book and takes place mainly in the background, narrated to us later by Dr Winslow, so we, as readers, don’t get to witness Holmes pulling off his brilliance. A mystery with no thrill. When you have Holmes for an MC, that’s a huge missed opportunity!

Overall, a fun experience if you love Holmes, but don’t expect much from the mystery.

Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
Publication Date: November 1st, 2022.

3.5/5]]>
3.72 2022 Holmes Coming
author: Kenneth C. Johnson
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2022/10/30
date added: 2022/11/01
shelves: netgalley
review:
A fun recreation of a Sherlockian mystery, inclining heavily on the historical details but missing out on the mystery by a mile.

This book is for all the Sherlock fans! Johnson recreates the master detective Sherlock Holmes in the twenty-first century, and I’d say he did a decent job of it. The story starts with a strange murder: an ex-cop is attacked by a Bengal tiger while on his morning run right in the middle of San Francisco. He is treated briefly by Dr Amy Winslow (our present-day Watson) before succumbing to his injuries. Before Dr Winslow can make sense of what seems to be the first of ‘the tiger murders�, she witnesses the great Sherlock Holmes waking up from his self-imposed hibernation of 130 years. As she slowly starts to trust the weird guy who calls himself Holmes, they both get somehow involved with the murders and now have to work together to bring it to an end.

Loved the premise! Kudos to Johnson for conceiving the idea of Holmes scientifically preserving his living body through a combination of cryotherapy and other chemical processes so that he could time-travel to the future. I enjoyed how Holmes, although being brilliant, is outsmarted quite a few times in the present day by not-so-brilliant people simply because his thought process is outdated and not in line with the times. The story has a comic tone to it which is pleasing most of the time.

What I didn’t like: To begin with, the writing is way too detailed, especially when describing the changes in San Francisco’s architecture from the late 1800s to the present day. Additionally, the conversations between Holmes and Winslow eventually become more redundant and exhausting. Furthermore, the mystery barely makes up for one-fourth of the book and takes place mainly in the background, narrated to us later by Dr Winslow, so we, as readers, don’t get to witness Holmes pulling off his brilliance. A mystery with no thrill. When you have Holmes for an MC, that’s a huge missed opportunity!

Overall, a fun experience if you love Holmes, but don’t expect much from the mystery.

Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
Publication Date: November 1st, 2022.

3.5/5
]]>
The Nightmare Man 59817995
Blackwood mansion looms, surrounded by nightmare pines, atop the hill over the small town of New Haven. Ben Bookman, bestselling novelist and heir to the Blackwood estate, spent a weekend at the ancestral home to finish writing his latest horror novel, The Scarecrow. Now, on the eve of the book’s release, the terrible story within begins to unfold in real life.

Detective Mills arrives at the scene of a gruesome murder: a family butchered and bundled inside cocoons stitched from corn husks, and hung from the rafters of a barn, eerily mirroring the opening of Bookman’s latest novel. When another family is killed in a similar manner, Mills, along with his daughter, rookie detective Samantha Blue, is determined to find the link to the book—and the killer—before the story reaches its chilling climax.

As the series of “Scarecrow crimes� continues to mirror the book, Ben quickly becomes the prime suspect. He can’t remember much from the night he finished writing the novel, but he knows he wrote it in The Atrium, his grandfather’s forbidden room full of numbered books. Thousands of books. Books without words.

As Ben digs deep into Blackwood’s history he learns he may have triggered a release of something trapped long ago—and it won’t stop with the horrors buried within the pages of his book.]]>
330 J.H. Markert 1639101713 Trisha 4 netgalley, favorites A nightmarishly horrifying story, true to its title, that is bound to give you nightmares!

Told through alternating POVs of Ben Bookman, a best-selling writer of an ongoing horror book series, and Winchester Mills, a sixty-six-year-old Detective, living in the same town as Bookman, who has a unique ability to extract nightmares from people. As their town is hit by gruesome murders replicated from Bookman’s latest novel, Mills sets out to investigate the case, and hopefully close it this time around, unlike the time he investigated the case of Ben Bookman's missing younger brother 13 years ago. It was the first of the many unresolved children disappearances, the only cold cases of his career. He has been suspicious of Bookman for a long time, only this time he is bent on sorting this out for good.

Ben Bookman is an unreliable character which makes the book all the more interesting. He sleepwalks and doesn’t remember the things he does while sleepwalking. He comes from the influential Bookman family of the Blackwood estate, a family famous for its long line of child psychiatrists and the asylum they built which houses the town’s most notorious and mentally sick criminals. As the story progresses, we get to know Bookman’s grandfather, a notable child psychiatrist who was famous for taking away children’s nightmares, but now as he looks back, Ben is not too sure if that was all his grandfather was up to, and if there was a sinister motive to it.

This is not even the tip of the plot - there are multiple layers to it which keep unfolding throughout the story, making it a cleverly written book within a book. I loved the different nightmares, the way those were brought to realism, and their uniqueness. At first, it was a bit overwhelming to have more than one villain, but it got better with time as the connection between them is revealed. Am I giving away the plot? I can’t do this, sorry, I have to stop!!

The only drawback to this story is the climax. Even though all the loose ends were eventually tied together, it was abrupt and too short. For a story of this standard, it needed a lot better ending. After the horrendously long wait, the master villain makes a brief appearance in the last chapter and is gone in no time. I expected them to be creepier and live up to their backstory for heaven’s sake. Also, the prologue at the end was utter nonsense. It added nothing to the story, except a couple more pages. The shift of the dream-catching ability from Mills to the next successor was also sloppily executed. (Hello from Ms Dreams. Really?) Two words: bad climax.

Overall, this was a solid read for me. I confess to devouring it in a single sitting, although I’m scared of nightmares and boogeymen, and I probably won’t be able to sleep tonight. Barring the climax, I loved it!

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the ARC.
Publication Date: January 10th, 2023.

4.5/5]]>
3.98 2023 The Nightmare Man
author: J.H. Markert
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2022/10/27
date added: 2022/10/27
shelves: netgalley, favorites
review:
A nightmarishly horrifying story, true to its title, that is bound to give you nightmares!

Told through alternating POVs of Ben Bookman, a best-selling writer of an ongoing horror book series, and Winchester Mills, a sixty-six-year-old Detective, living in the same town as Bookman, who has a unique ability to extract nightmares from people. As their town is hit by gruesome murders replicated from Bookman’s latest novel, Mills sets out to investigate the case, and hopefully close it this time around, unlike the time he investigated the case of Ben Bookman's missing younger brother 13 years ago. It was the first of the many unresolved children disappearances, the only cold cases of his career. He has been suspicious of Bookman for a long time, only this time he is bent on sorting this out for good.

Ben Bookman is an unreliable character which makes the book all the more interesting. He sleepwalks and doesn’t remember the things he does while sleepwalking. He comes from the influential Bookman family of the Blackwood estate, a family famous for its long line of child psychiatrists and the asylum they built which houses the town’s most notorious and mentally sick criminals. As the story progresses, we get to know Bookman’s grandfather, a notable child psychiatrist who was famous for taking away children’s nightmares, but now as he looks back, Ben is not too sure if that was all his grandfather was up to, and if there was a sinister motive to it.

This is not even the tip of the plot - there are multiple layers to it which keep unfolding throughout the story, making it a cleverly written book within a book. I loved the different nightmares, the way those were brought to realism, and their uniqueness. At first, it was a bit overwhelming to have more than one villain, but it got better with time as the connection between them is revealed. Am I giving away the plot? I can’t do this, sorry, I have to stop!!

The only drawback to this story is the climax. Even though all the loose ends were eventually tied together, it was abrupt and too short. For a story of this standard, it needed a lot better ending. After the horrendously long wait, the master villain makes a brief appearance in the last chapter and is gone in no time. I expected them to be creepier and live up to their backstory for heaven’s sake. Also, the prologue at the end was utter nonsense. It added nothing to the story, except a couple more pages. The shift of the dream-catching ability from Mills to the next successor was also sloppily executed. (Hello from Ms Dreams. Really?) Two words: bad climax.

Overall, this was a solid read for me. I confess to devouring it in a single sitting, although I’m scared of nightmares and boogeymen, and I probably won’t be able to sleep tonight. Barring the climax, I loved it!

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the ARC.
Publication Date: January 10th, 2023.

4.5/5
]]>
<![CDATA[A Murder Is Announced (Miss Marple, #4)]]> 34395604 Gazette advertises: 'A murder is announced and will take place on Friday October 29th, at Little Paddocks at 6:30 p.m.'

A childish practical joke? Or a spiteful hoax? Unable to resist the mysterious invitation, the locals arrive at Little Paddocks at the appointed time when, without warning, the lights go out and a gun is fired. When they come back on, a gruesome scene is revealed.

An impossible crime?
Only Miss Marple can unravel it.

'Establishes firmly her claim to the throne of detection. Th plot is an ingenious as ever...'
A. A. Milne]]>
310 Agatha Christie 0008196559 Trisha 3 4.04 1950 A Murder Is Announced (Miss Marple, #4)
author: Agatha Christie
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.04
book published: 1950
rating: 3
read at: 2022/06/06
date added: 2022/10/27
shelves:
review:

]]>
Evidence of the Affair 41715227 The repercussions of an illicit affair unfold in this short story by bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Dear stranger�

A desperate young woman in Southern California sits down to write a letter to a man she’s never met—a choice that will forever change both their lives.

My heart goes out to you, David. Even though I do not know you�

The correspondence between Carrie Allsop and David Mayer reveals, piece by piece, the painful details of a devastating affair between their spouses. With each commiserating scratch of the pen, they confess their fears and bare their souls. They share the bewilderment over how things went so wrong and come to wonder where to go from here.

Told entirely through the letters of two comforting strangers and those of two illicit lovers, Evidence of the Affair explores the complex nature of the heart. And ultimately, for one woman, how liberating it can be when it’s broken.]]>
88 Taylor Jenkins Reid 1542044510 Trisha 5
Just a bit of warning: there are cheesy love-letters from the 70s which could be a bit 'cringe' if you haven't written/received a love-letter in a while. Not all love letters are poems dipped in gingered honey.

Overall, for a short story, this is very good.
Available on Kindle Unlimited.

4.5/5 ]]>
3.86 2018 Evidence of the Affair
author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at: 2022/10/24
date added: 2022/10/24
shelves:
review:
A fantastic short story by the one and only, TJR! Two people connect through letters to discuss the ongoing affair between their spouses and end up developing a friendship that they weren't expecting in the first place. I loved the premise and of course, the writing. The story focuses on the changes a bad relationship could bring out in you - loss of self-respect, denial, and getting manipulated to change the very essence of your persona.

Just a bit of warning: there are cheesy love-letters from the 70s which could be a bit 'cringe' if you haven't written/received a love-letter in a while. Not all love letters are poems dipped in gingered honey.

Overall, for a short story, this is very good.
Available on Kindle Unlimited.

4.5/5
]]>
A Hand to Hold in Deep Water 57238984
*A Portland Book Review Pick of the Month]]>
483 Shawn Nocher 1094095230 Trisha 4 netgalley An intensely painful and emotional multi-generational drama told through beautifully spun stories of well-developed characters that are bound to break your heart.

This book was a great read, technically not a read because I listened to the audiobook, but irrespective of the format, it was captivating from start to finish! Lacey, a single mother, returns to her stepfather, Willy’s house, with her young daughter, Tasha, who is suffering from cancer. Lacey and Willy are both haunted by their common past. May, Lacey’s mother and Willy’s wife, abandoned both of them nearly thirty years ago without a letter or message. They both have been long tormented by the why and how of May’s disappearance. As Lacey detangles the twisted knots of her past, she comes face-to-face with her mother’s traumatic childhood.

Since I do not want to give away the plot, I’ve only stated the primary theme here, however, please note that this story does not just belong to May and Lacey, but as much to Willy and Tasha, and all the other side characters who play equally crucial roles in this rich domestic fiction. I was surprised to know that this was Shawn Nocher’s debut novel because it had all the elements of a seasoned writer. The writing was immersive, and the characters were well-drawn with depth and complexity.

Now onto the most important part - the TRIGGER WARNINGS. This book is based on multiple disturbing themes: childhood trauma, sexual abuse, cancer, child abandonment, alcoholism, death and absence of a spouse, divorce, and loneliness. Please check the trigger warnings in advance before you decide to pick this one up.

As for the audiobook, the narrator, Elizabeth Evans, handled the various voices and dialects efficiently, making for a brilliant experience.

Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.
A Hand to Hold in Deep Water is available for purchase.

4.5/5]]>
4.37 2021 A Hand to Hold in Deep Water
author: Shawn Nocher
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2022/10/17
date added: 2022/10/24
shelves: netgalley
review:
An intensely painful and emotional multi-generational drama told through beautifully spun stories of well-developed characters that are bound to break your heart.

This book was a great read, technically not a read because I listened to the audiobook, but irrespective of the format, it was captivating from start to finish! Lacey, a single mother, returns to her stepfather, Willy’s house, with her young daughter, Tasha, who is suffering from cancer. Lacey and Willy are both haunted by their common past. May, Lacey’s mother and Willy’s wife, abandoned both of them nearly thirty years ago without a letter or message. They both have been long tormented by the why and how of May’s disappearance. As Lacey detangles the twisted knots of her past, she comes face-to-face with her mother’s traumatic childhood.

Since I do not want to give away the plot, I’ve only stated the primary theme here, however, please note that this story does not just belong to May and Lacey, but as much to Willy and Tasha, and all the other side characters who play equally crucial roles in this rich domestic fiction. I was surprised to know that this was Shawn Nocher’s debut novel because it had all the elements of a seasoned writer. The writing was immersive, and the characters were well-drawn with depth and complexity.

Now onto the most important part - the TRIGGER WARNINGS. This book is based on multiple disturbing themes: childhood trauma, sexual abuse, cancer, child abandonment, alcoholism, death and absence of a spouse, divorce, and loneliness. Please check the trigger warnings in advance before you decide to pick this one up.

As for the audiobook, the narrator, Elizabeth Evans, handled the various voices and dialects efficiently, making for a brilliant experience.

Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.
A Hand to Hold in Deep Water is available for purchase.

4.5/5
]]>
<![CDATA[Justice Society of America (2007-2011): Black Adam and Isis]]> 23877922 153 Geoff Johns 1401254020 Trisha 2 3.84 2009 Justice Society of America (2007-2011): Black Adam and Isis
author: Geoff Johns
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2009
rating: 2
read at: 2022/10/22
date added: 2022/10/22
shelves:
review:
Lengthy, boring & bland! I watched Black Adam yesterday and wanted to know about this super hero with villain vibes but this volume barely had him. He’s lovesick and weak, and is only there in the first story. The rest of the stories, except for Stargirl’s birthday, were tasteless.
]]>
The Tamarind Tree 60767475 Sundara Ramaswamy’s modern classic, translated from Tamil, is a simply stunning reflection about shared histories, loss, an affinity for nature, and a near-mythic center of life in a village in India.

While it lived, the tamarind tree stood at the crossroads of a small village in Southern India. For more than fifty years it was a benevolent observer, offering shade without discrimination. It bore witness to laughter and tears, to tragedy and simple pleasures, and to the history of the village itself as it transformed from the old ways of bullock-led carts to a bustling community of social, political, economic, and ecological change. And for Damodara Asan, an enigmatic philosopher, memory keeper, and master storyteller, the tamarind tree—and everything it inspired—was an endless source of tales that enthralled generations.

Unfolding through the bittersweet remembrances of an unnamed narrator who was once beguiled by Asan, The Tamarind Tree is a beautiful and universal story about transition, the compromises of progress, and a long-gone though undying symbol of indestructible dignity, culture, and life.]]>
207 Sundara Ramaswamy 1542020654 Trisha 3 netgalley A unique, modern classic set in South India which will appeal most to people familiar with the history and culture of the region.

I am an Indian living in Malaysia, a country where Malaysian Indians form the third-largest ethnic group. Their festivals and language (Tamil) have been given official status in the country. I am often assumed to know Tamil, or the Tamilian culture, by my local friends, and I have to tell them that the Tamilian culture is one of the many South Indian cultures we have in India, and I’m a North Indian. Likewise, not all North Indians share the same culture or language. We have different regional festivals, ways of dressing, food, etc. Fun fact: we have 447 native languages in India (source: Wiki). Foreigners often see India as a singular entity in terms of culture, forgetting India is a hub of diverse cultural groups. I make this point to declare my ignorance of the Tamilian culture which is predominantly showcased in this book, so my review will have its limitations.

The Tamarind Tree has stood at the crossroads of a South Indian village for decades. It has silently witnessed generations of villagers playing, gossiping, working, protesting against British colonialism and even dying in its shade. The novel has the feel of an anthology, with each chapter telling a new story that stems from the previous one, keeping the essence of the book intact. Some chapters initially appear to be disjointed but subtly unveil the common link with the others. The characters change throughout the book but continue to make appearances.

This book is culturally rich, but the story comes from a time long ago, nearly 75 years ago, when India was only recently liberated from colonialism, so it doesn’t have the aesthetically appealing Indian culture, instead has a more old-world and rural charm to it. The writer shows an ungraceful yet honest journey of the villagers as they step into a new India, now plagued by religious fanaticism, a repercussion of the India-Pakistan partition. Humour is subtle and will be best understood by Indians who are aware of the political situation in India and the rural mentality. It took me a long while to get into this book: the first four chapters were a cakewalk, but starting from chapter 5, I had to really put in the effort to follow the storyline. I even contemplated DNFing it, but as I carried on, I was able to latch onto the slow, nostalgic charm of the book.

This is not an easy read, especially if you are not from India (precisely South India), have limited knowledge about the place, if you are young and unaware of our journey as a country, then this book is not for you. This book needs a lot of patience and awareness, lack of either of the two will make this an unsatisfying read.

Overall, a sloppy bundle of humour, satire, philosophy and history.

Thanks to Amazon Crossing and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: November 15th, 2022.

3.5/5]]>
3.12 1966 The Tamarind Tree
author: Sundara Ramaswamy
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.12
book published: 1966
rating: 3
read at: 2022/10/20
date added: 2022/10/21
shelves: netgalley
review:
A unique, modern classic set in South India which will appeal most to people familiar with the history and culture of the region.

I am an Indian living in Malaysia, a country where Malaysian Indians form the third-largest ethnic group. Their festivals and language (Tamil) have been given official status in the country. I am often assumed to know Tamil, or the Tamilian culture, by my local friends, and I have to tell them that the Tamilian culture is one of the many South Indian cultures we have in India, and I’m a North Indian. Likewise, not all North Indians share the same culture or language. We have different regional festivals, ways of dressing, food, etc. Fun fact: we have 447 native languages in India (source: Wiki). Foreigners often see India as a singular entity in terms of culture, forgetting India is a hub of diverse cultural groups. I make this point to declare my ignorance of the Tamilian culture which is predominantly showcased in this book, so my review will have its limitations.

The Tamarind Tree has stood at the crossroads of a South Indian village for decades. It has silently witnessed generations of villagers playing, gossiping, working, protesting against British colonialism and even dying in its shade. The novel has the feel of an anthology, with each chapter telling a new story that stems from the previous one, keeping the essence of the book intact. Some chapters initially appear to be disjointed but subtly unveil the common link with the others. The characters change throughout the book but continue to make appearances.

This book is culturally rich, but the story comes from a time long ago, nearly 75 years ago, when India was only recently liberated from colonialism, so it doesn’t have the aesthetically appealing Indian culture, instead has a more old-world and rural charm to it. The writer shows an ungraceful yet honest journey of the villagers as they step into a new India, now plagued by religious fanaticism, a repercussion of the India-Pakistan partition. Humour is subtle and will be best understood by Indians who are aware of the political situation in India and the rural mentality. It took me a long while to get into this book: the first four chapters were a cakewalk, but starting from chapter 5, I had to really put in the effort to follow the storyline. I even contemplated DNFing it, but as I carried on, I was able to latch onto the slow, nostalgic charm of the book.

This is not an easy read, especially if you are not from India (precisely South India), have limited knowledge about the place, if you are young and unaware of our journey as a country, then this book is not for you. This book needs a lot of patience and awareness, lack of either of the two will make this an unsatisfying read.

Overall, a sloppy bundle of humour, satire, philosophy and history.

Thanks to Amazon Crossing and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: November 15th, 2022.

3.5/5
]]>
Found Object 58652942
Culpable in an exposé gone tragically wrong, investigative journalist Jupiter Bellarose takes her boss’s advice: head back to her hometown for a fluff piece and get her world in balance. But in Savannah, the past is waiting.

Twenty years ago Jupiter’s mother, actress and celebrated beauty Marie Nova, was murdered, leaving many in her wake: Jupiter’s father, who has erased memories of his wife’s murder with alcohol. The matriarch of the cosmetics company who helped make Marie a star—and who takes every opportunity to reopen old wounds. Then there’s the fragile cop with blood on his hands, and the killer whose confession no longer seems convincing.

With so many lingering questions, Jupiter must revisit the grisly event that has influenced every decision in her life. Maybe her homecoming will bring closure.

Or maybe the worst is yet to come.]]>
271 Anne Frasier 1542036402 Trisha 4 netgalley
However, I had an issue with the series of climaxes that were hurled at me. See, I’m okay with twists that are thrown near a climax to change the whole dialogue and scene, and the reader goes like - ‘Wait, whatttt? So they’re not the killer�? Yes, I’m okay with my world going upside down but just how many times is cool enough to change the ending is questionable. This story had multiple twists right at the end of the story which naturally paved the way to multiple endings, meaning to say - there was climax 1, then the writer dropped another twist and climax 2, but that wasn't enough, so there came another major twist and along came climax 3 and so on. So that’s where I lost my comfort and the attachment I had so strongly felt with the story till then. Since I’ve only read an ARC, I’m hoping that the climax would be updated to make it more fun and acceptable.

Overall, a short, enjoyable read!

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: October 18th, 2022.

3.75/5]]>
3.70 2022 Found Object
author: Anne Frasier
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2022/07/03
date added: 2022/10/20
shelves: netgalley
review:
Keeping this review crisp because that’s just how the book was. Great storyline and writing, and just the right length for a good mystery. I went into this with low expectations but was pleasantly surprised with the experience.

However, I had an issue with the series of climaxes that were hurled at me. See, I’m okay with twists that are thrown near a climax to change the whole dialogue and scene, and the reader goes like - ‘Wait, whatttt? So they’re not the killer�? Yes, I’m okay with my world going upside down but just how many times is cool enough to change the ending is questionable. This story had multiple twists right at the end of the story which naturally paved the way to multiple endings, meaning to say - there was climax 1, then the writer dropped another twist and climax 2, but that wasn't enough, so there came another major twist and along came climax 3 and so on. So that’s where I lost my comfort and the attachment I had so strongly felt with the story till then. Since I’ve only read an ARC, I’m hoping that the climax would be updated to make it more fun and acceptable.

Overall, a short, enjoyable read!

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: October 18th, 2022.

3.75/5
]]>
The Dilemma 62241232
I didn’t plan to fall pregnant, but when I found out, I was overjoyed. Even though I’d be going it alone, I swore I’d give my baby everything they needed.

But I didn’t know who the man I met on that sweltering summer night, the father of my child, really was.

I decided to keep his secret to protect the innocent� but then my beautiful baby was born with a rare illness, desperately needing a transplant.

Now, as I gaze into my son’s wide and trusting eyes, I know the choice I have to make: for the sake of my precious little boy, I have to destroy my friend’s happiness.

But when the truth comes out, what if saving my baby means losing him forever?

An absolutely gripping and emotional read about the choices and sacrifices we make for those we love. Fans of Liane Moriarty, Amanda Prowse and Susan Lewis will love The Dilemma.]]>
194 Julia Roberts 1803145285 Trisha 4 netgalley too nice climax.

Charlotte has always wanted to be a mother, but her hopes of embracing motherhood are shattered after she ends her ten-year-long relationship. While having a girl’s trip to another country, she has a one-night stand with a stranger whom she later finds out to be married. Devastated for sleeping with a married man, Charlotte is shocked to learn that she is pregnant. Her road to motherhood isn’t easy as her child is diagnosed with a rare illness that would need a transplant, preferably from either of the parents. As the test results deem her an incompatible match, it leaves her with the only other option which is to contact the child’s father.

I wasn’t a fan of the plot, but the execution blew my mind. Despite the story sounding like a recipe for utter sadness, Roberts had a fantastic grip on the flow of emotions. The friendship between Charlotte and her girls was the backbone of the book, and clearly the best part of it. I can’t say that the story was believable, nor were the decisions made by the characters, but I could understand the justifications given. The book screams the importance of honesty in our relationships, and I can’t agree more.

I would’ve enjoyed it more had Annabel stuck to her original decision of remaining childless. Not all women want to be mothers, and it is high time we let them be. The climax was too ideal and had ‘let’s make society happy� vibes. I know ‘kindness wins�, ‘forgiveness is the key to a happy life�, blah blah but I had an overdose of all the niceties.

The audio was brilliant, and although it took me a while to adjust to the narrator’s accent, I enjoyed her voice modulation and varied pitches. Great narration!

Overall, a quick, heartwarming story!

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC & ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: October 26th, 2022.

4/5]]>
4.20 2022 The Dilemma
author: Julia Roberts
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2022/10/18
date added: 2022/10/19
shelves: netgalley
review:
This was a surprisingly intriguing read! A well-written women’s fiction themed on friendship and motherhood, barring the too nice climax.

Charlotte has always wanted to be a mother, but her hopes of embracing motherhood are shattered after she ends her ten-year-long relationship. While having a girl’s trip to another country, she has a one-night stand with a stranger whom she later finds out to be married. Devastated for sleeping with a married man, Charlotte is shocked to learn that she is pregnant. Her road to motherhood isn’t easy as her child is diagnosed with a rare illness that would need a transplant, preferably from either of the parents. As the test results deem her an incompatible match, it leaves her with the only other option which is to contact the child’s father.

I wasn’t a fan of the plot, but the execution blew my mind. Despite the story sounding like a recipe for utter sadness, Roberts had a fantastic grip on the flow of emotions. The friendship between Charlotte and her girls was the backbone of the book, and clearly the best part of it. I can’t say that the story was believable, nor were the decisions made by the characters, but I could understand the justifications given. The book screams the importance of honesty in our relationships, and I can’t agree more.

I would’ve enjoyed it more had Annabel stuck to her original decision of remaining childless. Not all women want to be mothers, and it is high time we let them be. The climax was too ideal and had ‘let’s make society happy� vibes. I know ‘kindness wins�, ‘forgiveness is the key to a happy life�, blah blah but I had an overdose of all the niceties.

The audio was brilliant, and although it took me a while to adjust to the narrator’s accent, I enjoyed her voice modulation and varied pitches. Great narration!

Overall, a quick, heartwarming story!

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC & ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: October 26th, 2022.

4/5
]]>
<![CDATA[Five-Minute Bedtime Sleepy Stories: A Calming Book to Help Kids Have Sweet Dreams at Night]]> 62890633
In just five minutes, step into a magical nighttime story world filled with soothing imagery and happily-ever-afters.
With enchanting nocturnal illustrations that will surely bring along sweet dreams.
The perfect bedtime book for you and your child to snuggle up with together!
These short stories create a calming atmosphere to accompany your child’s bedtime routine.
Sweet little yarns to make your little one yawn!
The kinds of stories that dreams are made of!"]]>
28 Ellie Meyer Trisha 4 4.17 Five-Minute Bedtime Sleepy Stories: A Calming Book to Help Kids Have Sweet Dreams at Night
author: Ellie Meyer
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.17
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/10/17
date added: 2022/10/18
shelves:
review:
Loved the illustrations - absolutely splendid! I had issues with the editing or better said - the absence of it, considering there were some typos and grammatical errors that could easily have been corrected. Enjoyable nevertheless!
]]>
How to Destroy Your Husband 61424471
But with less than one month to go to her wedding, Cassie discovers Jamie is cheating on her with his colleague. Blinded by rage, Cassie makes it her mission to seek revenge on the pair.

When Cassie looks deeper into her fiancé’s life, she soon realises being faithful isn’t the only thing he’s lying about.

As her hunt for the truth takes her to some of the darkest corners of the internet, Cassie learns just how little she knows about the man she shares her life with. It leaves her wondering one thing � is Jamie someone she should destroy, or someone she should fear instead?
How far would you go to destroy your husband?]]>
359 Jess Kitching 0639703631 Trisha 3 netgalley A fun revenge thriller with a feel-good vibe; best to be used as a relaxing, cushiony read between two serious books.

I knew I had to have my hands on this book as soon as I put my eyes on it because this kind of knowledge never hurts, you know what I mean. Also, if my husband is reading this (which is impossible because he won’t read anything I haven’t heavily pushed him to read), you don’t have to raise your eyebrows- the title is misleading, the couple isn’t married, yet, so it’s technically about how to destroy your boyfriend, and not husband, okay? ]]>
3.91 2022 How to Destroy Your Husband
author: Jess Kitching
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2022/10/13
date added: 2022/10/17
shelves: netgalley
review:
A fun revenge thriller with a feel-good vibe; best to be used as a relaxing, cushiony read between two serious books.

I knew I had to have my hands on this book as soon as I put my eyes on it because this kind of knowledge never hurts, you know what I mean. Also, if my husband is reading this (which is impossible because he won’t read anything I haven’t heavily pushed him to read), you don’t have to raise your eyebrows- the title is misleading, the couple isn’t married, yet, so it’s technically about how to destroy your boyfriend, and not husband, okay?
]]>
<![CDATA[The Last Saxon King (A Jump in Time #1)]]> 61085437
When Dan Renfrew is accidentally transported to England in the year 1066, he also learns a startling fact. He’s a time jumper, descended from a long line of secret heroes who protect the present by traveling to the past to fix breaks and glitches in the time stream. To get home alive, Dan must try to restore history, but he soon discovers even bigger challenges than suspicious Anglo-Saxons, marauding Vikings, and invading Normans. A band of malicious time jumpers is threatening the very future of the universe.]]>
547 Andrew Varga Trisha 3 netgalley A sweet and simple time-travel, historical fictional story which doesn’t go into the technicalities of the history or the science side of the time jump, but is still enjoyable and interesting enough to keep you glued to the end.

Dan, a sixteen-year-old homeschooled boy witnesses a brutal attack on his father by a mysterious man. While trying to save his father, the latter shoves a rod like thing in his hands and requests him to recite his childhood bedtime rhyme. Confused and clueless, Dan do as he is told and ta-da, he is transported in time to Anglo Saxon England in the year 1066. As he befriends another time jumper, he comes to know why he was heavily taught ancient history by his father and trained in war combat. His father belongs to a line of time jumpers (a role passed on from father to son) who go back in time and fix glitches in the time stream. Dan needs to figure out these glitches while save himself from his father’s attacker and make it back to his time.

What I liked: Obviously the theme, interesting concept and a fast paced story.
What I disliked: The execution was too simple. I expected a rich history packed plot but that wasn’t the case.It barely had any action despite the story enveloping two major battles. Also, the writing was quite bland and simple. Having said that, I’m still intrigued enough to read the next book in the series.

I mostly listened to the audiobook but also read the ebook here and there, especially every time I came across a new Anglo Saxon name which were all a mouthful. I recommend the audio more than the text version.

Thanks to Imbrifex Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: March 7th, 2023.

3.25/5]]>
4.00 2023 The Last Saxon King (A Jump in Time #1)
author: Andrew Varga
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2022/10/16
date added: 2022/10/17
shelves: netgalley
review:
A sweet and simple time-travel, historical fictional story which doesn’t go into the technicalities of the history or the science side of the time jump, but is still enjoyable and interesting enough to keep you glued to the end.

Dan, a sixteen-year-old homeschooled boy witnesses a brutal attack on his father by a mysterious man. While trying to save his father, the latter shoves a rod like thing in his hands and requests him to recite his childhood bedtime rhyme. Confused and clueless, Dan do as he is told and ta-da, he is transported in time to Anglo Saxon England in the year 1066. As he befriends another time jumper, he comes to know why he was heavily taught ancient history by his father and trained in war combat. His father belongs to a line of time jumpers (a role passed on from father to son) who go back in time and fix glitches in the time stream. Dan needs to figure out these glitches while save himself from his father’s attacker and make it back to his time.

What I liked: Obviously the theme, interesting concept and a fast paced story.
What I disliked: The execution was too simple. I expected a rich history packed plot but that wasn’t the case.It barely had any action despite the story enveloping two major battles. Also, the writing was quite bland and simple. Having said that, I’m still intrigued enough to read the next book in the series.

I mostly listened to the audiobook but also read the ebook here and there, especially every time I came across a new Anglo Saxon name which were all a mouthful. I recommend the audio more than the text version.

Thanks to Imbrifex Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: March 7th, 2023.

3.25/5
]]>
Babysitter 59968832 From one of America's most renowned storytellers comes a novel about love and deceit, and lust and redemption, against a background of child abductions in the affluent suburbs of Detroit.

In the waning days of the turbulent 1970s, in the wake of unsolved killings that have shocked Detroit, the lives of several residents are drawn together, with tragic consequences. There is Hannah, wife of a prominent local businessman, who has begun an affair with a darkly charismatic stranger whose identity remains elusive; Mikey, a canny street hustler who finds himself on an unexpected mission to rectify injustice; and the serial killer known as Babysitter, an enigmatic and terrifying figure at the periphery of elite Detroit. As Babysitter continues his rampage of killings, these individuals intersect with one another in startling and unexpected ways.

Suspenseful, brilliantly orchestrated and engrossing, Babysitter is a starkly narrated exploration of the riskiness of pursuing alternate lives, calling into question how far we are willing to go to protect those whom we cherish most. In its scathing indictment of corrupt politics, unexamined racism, and the enabling of sexual predation in America, Babysitter is a thrilling work of contemporary fiction.]]>
448 Joyce Carol Oates 0593535189 Trisha 1 Insufferable.

This book was a migraine in disguise. Resentful characters, a chaotic timeline that runs back and forth, tedious descriptions, annoying usage of parentheses and a frustratingly slow pace; I struggled through this book and if not for my OCD of finishing off books, I’d have abandoned this soon after I started reading it.

Hannah is an unhappy (white) (thirty-nine-year-old) wife of a rich (white) businessman who is having an (extramarital) affair with a man she met at one of the fundraisers organised by her. Despite her (self-loathing) fearfulness that this affair would make God punish her (for she has sinned) by taking away her children, she continues with the affair. She has had a traumatic childhood which is never quite revealed in the book, but based on her disjointed memory flashes, we know that she had a troubled relationship with her parents. She is a submissive wife (to her husband) and lover (to her lover), an anxious (bad) mother and a restless (spineless) woman. 80% of the book is about Hannah - sometimes hating herself and other times, hating everyone around her. The remaining 20% is about a serial killer, known popularly as the Babysitter, who kills children (mostly boys) who are poor and unloved (usually orphaned or those with uncaring parents). As the Babysitter starts preying closer to Hannah’s home, an (even more) anxious Hannah starts to make some connections.

This might sound like a mystery thriller but it is not. Not by a mile. It is about a (pathetic) self-centred woman who thinks everything is about her. The waiter addresses her as ‘Ma’am� because he must be ridiculing her for her age, race, or whatever. The housekeeper doesn’t answer her back because she is pretending to be submissive to her white owner. Her husband hasn’t taken her call because he must be avoiding her, maybe planning a divorce. Hannah is an insufferable pretentious woman with whom I felt no connection and just couldn’t sympathise.

I knew this book was a mistake from the first page. I still read it. Suffered it. The writing style was difficult to follow - confusing - like a fever dream. The descriptions are too long drawn with tiny (boring) details that make no sense, other than to make the overall experience a pain. In the end, I want to apologise for my unforgivable usage of parentheses in this review, but this is only a preview of what the actual book looks like.

Overall, a miserable book. Not recommended.

Thanks to Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.
Babysitter is now available for purchase.

1/5]]>
3.47 2022 Babysitter
author: Joyce Carol Oates
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.47
book published: 2022
rating: 1
read at: 2022/10/10
date added: 2022/10/11
shelves: books-i-regret-reading, netgalley
review:
One word: Insufferable.

This book was a migraine in disguise. Resentful characters, a chaotic timeline that runs back and forth, tedious descriptions, annoying usage of parentheses and a frustratingly slow pace; I struggled through this book and if not for my OCD of finishing off books, I’d have abandoned this soon after I started reading it.

Hannah is an unhappy (white) (thirty-nine-year-old) wife of a rich (white) businessman who is having an (extramarital) affair with a man she met at one of the fundraisers organised by her. Despite her (self-loathing) fearfulness that this affair would make God punish her (for she has sinned) by taking away her children, she continues with the affair. She has had a traumatic childhood which is never quite revealed in the book, but based on her disjointed memory flashes, we know that she had a troubled relationship with her parents. She is a submissive wife (to her husband) and lover (to her lover), an anxious (bad) mother and a restless (spineless) woman. 80% of the book is about Hannah - sometimes hating herself and other times, hating everyone around her. The remaining 20% is about a serial killer, known popularly as the Babysitter, who kills children (mostly boys) who are poor and unloved (usually orphaned or those with uncaring parents). As the Babysitter starts preying closer to Hannah’s home, an (even more) anxious Hannah starts to make some connections.

This might sound like a mystery thriller but it is not. Not by a mile. It is about a (pathetic) self-centred woman who thinks everything is about her. The waiter addresses her as ‘Ma’am� because he must be ridiculing her for her age, race, or whatever. The housekeeper doesn’t answer her back because she is pretending to be submissive to her white owner. Her husband hasn’t taken her call because he must be avoiding her, maybe planning a divorce. Hannah is an insufferable pretentious woman with whom I felt no connection and just couldn’t sympathise.

I knew this book was a mistake from the first page. I still read it. Suffered it. The writing style was difficult to follow - confusing - like a fever dream. The descriptions are too long drawn with tiny (boring) details that make no sense, other than to make the overall experience a pain. In the end, I want to apologise for my unforgivable usage of parentheses in this review, but this is only a preview of what the actual book looks like.

Overall, a miserable book. Not recommended.

Thanks to Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.
Babysitter is now available for purchase.

1/5
]]>
The Dark Between the Trees 60321148
Seventeen men enter the wood. Only two are ever seen again, and the stories they tell of what happened make no sense. Stories of shifting landscapes, of trees that appear and disappear at will... and of something else. Something dark. Something hungry.

Today: five women are headed into Moresby Wood to discover, once and for all, what happened to that unfortunate group of soldiers. Led by Dr Alice Christopher, an historian who has devoted her entire academic career to uncovering the secrets of Moresby Wood. Armed with metal detectors, GPS units, mobile phones and the most recent map of the area (which is nearly 50 years old), Dr Christopher’s group enters the wood ready for anything.

Or so they think...]]>
304 Fiona Barnett 1786187132 Trisha 3 netgalley A promising gothic premise with excellent buildup that unfortunately drags on endlessly without any real action and fails to deliver.

The Dark Between The Trees had all the elements for a good Halloween read: an eerie folklore about a demonic creature, an out-of-bounds forest, dual timelines set about three hundred years apart told through multiple perspectives, lots of telltales, and an incredible atmosphere, but even with this great package, it failed to make any impact.

Seventeen soldiers enter the Moresby forest in 1643 despite being warned by some from their own company, of the infamous cursed woods and the monster that inhabits it. Only two survivors make it back and their accounts of shifting landscapes and a stalking monster don’t make much sense. Fast forward to today, a group of five women are all set to explore the same route the soldiers took and figure out the cause behind their disappearance.

The best part about this book is the atmosphere. The shifting landscapes are well explained, and even though it’s a bizarre concept, Barnett makes it believable. The ‘woods within the woods� concept could initially throw you off, but as you delve further, you’d begin to understand the graphics. Although never confirmed, it points out intersecting dimensions and entities that roam freely through them, or let’s just say that’s how I interpreted it. Through the multitude of PoVs, the buildup of tension is slow but steady and quite natural.

Now onto the things I disliked: the endless dragging on of the invisible monstrosity. People keep getting killed but not once, anyone sees anything. There’s so much buildup that you’d expect a huge reveal at the end, or at least a face-off, but there is absolutely nothing. Whether it’s the soldiers or the women's squad, everyone is walking in loops, seeing the same things again and again, and still trying to sound excited. The repetition is frustrating. The book ended on, I don’t even know what to call it, a bizarre suspended idea - you know, basically left hanging without any explanation. No questions answered, no cliffhanger, just a bland unresolved climax!

Overall, excellent atmosphere, and eerie vibes, but the redundancy and loose ends make it an unsatisfying read.

Thanks to Rebellion, Solaris and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: October 11th, 2022.

3.25/5]]>
3.29 2022 The Dark Between the Trees
author: Fiona Barnett
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.29
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2022/10/06
date added: 2022/10/06
shelves: netgalley
review:
A promising gothic premise with excellent buildup that unfortunately drags on endlessly without any real action and fails to deliver.

The Dark Between The Trees had all the elements for a good Halloween read: an eerie folklore about a demonic creature, an out-of-bounds forest, dual timelines set about three hundred years apart told through multiple perspectives, lots of telltales, and an incredible atmosphere, but even with this great package, it failed to make any impact.

Seventeen soldiers enter the Moresby forest in 1643 despite being warned by some from their own company, of the infamous cursed woods and the monster that inhabits it. Only two survivors make it back and their accounts of shifting landscapes and a stalking monster don’t make much sense. Fast forward to today, a group of five women are all set to explore the same route the soldiers took and figure out the cause behind their disappearance.

The best part about this book is the atmosphere. The shifting landscapes are well explained, and even though it’s a bizarre concept, Barnett makes it believable. The ‘woods within the woods� concept could initially throw you off, but as you delve further, you’d begin to understand the graphics. Although never confirmed, it points out intersecting dimensions and entities that roam freely through them, or let’s just say that’s how I interpreted it. Through the multitude of PoVs, the buildup of tension is slow but steady and quite natural.

Now onto the things I disliked: the endless dragging on of the invisible monstrosity. People keep getting killed but not once, anyone sees anything. There’s so much buildup that you’d expect a huge reveal at the end, or at least a face-off, but there is absolutely nothing. Whether it’s the soldiers or the women's squad, everyone is walking in loops, seeing the same things again and again, and still trying to sound excited. The repetition is frustrating. The book ended on, I don’t even know what to call it, a bizarre suspended idea - you know, basically left hanging without any explanation. No questions answered, no cliffhanger, just a bland unresolved climax!

Overall, excellent atmosphere, and eerie vibes, but the redundancy and loose ends make it an unsatisfying read.

Thanks to Rebellion, Solaris and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: October 11th, 2022.

3.25/5
]]>
<![CDATA[How We Disappear: Novella & Stories]]> 60531689 A MILLIONS MOST ANTICIPATED FALL SELECTION

In How We Disappear , award-winning author Tara Lynn Masih offers readers transporting and compelling stories of those taken, those missing, and those neither here nor gone-runaways, exiles, wanderers, ghosts, even the elusive Dame Agatha Christie. From the remote Siberian taiga to the harsh American frontier, from rural Long Island to postwar Belgium, Masih's characters are diverse in identity and circumstance, defying the burden of erasure by disappearing into or emerging from physical and emotional landscapes. Described as "masterful" and as "striking and resonant" ( Publishers Weekly ), Masih's fiction, crossing boundaries between historical and contemporary, sparks with awareness that nothing and no one is ever gone for good-and that the wilderness is never quite behind us.]]>
166 Tara Lynn Masih Trisha 4 netgalley
Tara Lynn Masih interprets disappearance uniquely in each of the stories; some disappearances are physical in nature, referring to the death of a character, or their absence, whereas others are metaphorically interpreted - characters on a journey to lose their past lives and rediscover themselves. Each interpretation is distinct and thoughtfully written. Masih’s prose is poetic and has a transcendental quality to it. Her characters and stories, although disjointed, flow with musical ease, forming a bond between them.

Some of these characters and stories remain etched in my mind, and I look forward to revisiting them another time while some are already fogging up, especially the ones that were too small, barely a page or two. These mini stories lacked character development and didn’t draw me as much as the others. I also had trouble getting into some of the stories; the story structure was a little unusual without a clear-cut beginning, no character introduction, and no backstories. The reader is simply thrown amid the POV characters� lives and then has to figure out what’s happening. This chaos was, however, short-lived, and I was sucked into their enchanting worlds. Tip: give it a little time to grow on you. I am definitely keeping Masih on my radar and will check out more of her works in the future.

Thanks to Press53 and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.
How We Disappear is now available for purchase.

3.75/5]]>
4.09 How We Disappear: Novella & Stories
author: Tara Lynn Masih
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.09
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/10/03
date added: 2022/10/04
shelves: netgalley
review:
Based on a common theme of ‘disappearance�, How We Disappear is an anthology of twelve short stories and one novella, written in an enigmatic, stirring style that could either be unsettling or liberating to the reader, depending upon the lives they have had. For me, it was a mix of both!

Tara Lynn Masih interprets disappearance uniquely in each of the stories; some disappearances are physical in nature, referring to the death of a character, or their absence, whereas others are metaphorically interpreted - characters on a journey to lose their past lives and rediscover themselves. Each interpretation is distinct and thoughtfully written. Masih’s prose is poetic and has a transcendental quality to it. Her characters and stories, although disjointed, flow with musical ease, forming a bond between them.

Some of these characters and stories remain etched in my mind, and I look forward to revisiting them another time while some are already fogging up, especially the ones that were too small, barely a page or two. These mini stories lacked character development and didn’t draw me as much as the others. I also had trouble getting into some of the stories; the story structure was a little unusual without a clear-cut beginning, no character introduction, and no backstories. The reader is simply thrown amid the POV characters� lives and then has to figure out what’s happening. This chaos was, however, short-lived, and I was sucked into their enchanting worlds. Tip: give it a little time to grow on you. I am definitely keeping Masih on my radar and will check out more of her works in the future.

Thanks to Press53 and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.
How We Disappear is now available for purchase.

3.75/5
]]>
The Vanishing 60711494
~

“I've long wondered whether any writer would have the courage to truly portray the sodden, mindless, pointless brutality of the Holocaust as it was. In The Vanishing, David Michael Slater has done just that, and I haven't been so moved by a book in a long time.� ~ Eric A. Kimmel, 5-time winner of the National Jewish Book Award, Recipient of the Sydney Taylor Award for Lifetime Achievement.

"A remarkable book." ~ Steve Stern, Author of The Frozen Rabbi and Winner of the National Jewish Book Award

"It has often been said that we need creative ways to illuminate the horrors of the Holocaust for each new generation. David Slater’s novel, The Vanishing, has accomplished this remarkable feat. An important and fascinating read." ~ Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO and National Director, Anti-Defamation League (ADL)

"A tragic, yet beautiful story that deserves a place on the shelves among some of the greatest literature penned on the Holocaust." ~ Mark A. Cooper, author of the Edelweiss Pirates series

"A vivid journey through every emotion in the human experience." ~ Michael P. Spradlin, New York Times Best Selling author of The Enemy Above and Into the Killing Seas

"Took my breath away and held it until the very last page." ~ Felice Cohen, author of What Papa Told Me

"A moving, compelling, and highly dramatic novel." ~ Richard Zimler, author of The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon and The Gospel According to Lazarus

"A page-turner... reminiscent of Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief." ~ Julia Moberg, author of Presidential Pets, Animal Heroes, and Historical Animals.]]>
191 David Michael Slater 1956769110 Trisha 4 netgalley
The Vanishing is a heartbreaking tale of Sophie, a young teenager who loses her family in the Jewish genocide at the hands of Nazi Germany. As she witnesses the murders of her parents, hidden in a wardrobe, she realises she is no longer visible to anyone, including her best friend, Giddy. With her newfound invisibility, she resolves to save Giddy from all the terrors waiting to fall upon them.

As a fan of cross-genre writing, I was curious to see how the writer would blend historical fiction with magical realism while also dreading what if this playing around with fantasy elements lightens the gruesomeness of the Holocaust and makes a mockery of it. David Michael Slater must be proud of himself for working out the technique to convert something this horrifying into a fascinating coming-of-age story while also not deviating from the authenticity of the horrors the Jews went through.

This book is in no way meant for light reading even though the main characters are teenagers and are too innocent to be true. It is full of graphic details of the heinous atrocities these kids witness around them, from murders to rapes and various other kinds of torture. That said, the author does a great job of translating all this despair to hope and balances out the grimness with love and kindness. Since the tone is primarily YA, it can be a good addition to children’s literature at schools and public libraries. Yes, the subject matter is traumatic, but the tone makes it easier to read. Besides, history should be accessible to all ages.

My experience could have been better as a reader had there been an adult POV character. I hated to see Sophie make thoughtful decisions only to land in more trouble. The length of the book was short resulting in quicker escalation of events and diminishing the overall experience.

Thanks to Library Tales Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.
The Vanishing is now available for purchase.

Overall, powerful, gripping and heartbreaking.

4/5]]>
4.58 The Vanishing
author: David Michael Slater
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.58
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/10/03
date added: 2022/10/03
shelves: netgalley
review:
A story unlike any other I’ve read, The Vanishing is a remarkable telling of the most horrific event in history, the Holocaust, using a style which is original, captivating and brutally honest.

The Vanishing is a heartbreaking tale of Sophie, a young teenager who loses her family in the Jewish genocide at the hands of Nazi Germany. As she witnesses the murders of her parents, hidden in a wardrobe, she realises she is no longer visible to anyone, including her best friend, Giddy. With her newfound invisibility, she resolves to save Giddy from all the terrors waiting to fall upon them.

As a fan of cross-genre writing, I was curious to see how the writer would blend historical fiction with magical realism while also dreading what if this playing around with fantasy elements lightens the gruesomeness of the Holocaust and makes a mockery of it. David Michael Slater must be proud of himself for working out the technique to convert something this horrifying into a fascinating coming-of-age story while also not deviating from the authenticity of the horrors the Jews went through.

This book is in no way meant for light reading even though the main characters are teenagers and are too innocent to be true. It is full of graphic details of the heinous atrocities these kids witness around them, from murders to rapes and various other kinds of torture. That said, the author does a great job of translating all this despair to hope and balances out the grimness with love and kindness. Since the tone is primarily YA, it can be a good addition to children’s literature at schools and public libraries. Yes, the subject matter is traumatic, but the tone makes it easier to read. Besides, history should be accessible to all ages.

My experience could have been better as a reader had there been an adult POV character. I hated to see Sophie make thoughtful decisions only to land in more trouble. The length of the book was short resulting in quicker escalation of events and diminishing the overall experience.

Thanks to Library Tales Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.
The Vanishing is now available for purchase.

Overall, powerful, gripping and heartbreaking.

4/5
]]>
<![CDATA[Locke & Key, Vol. 5: Clockworks]]> 18652487 154 Joe Hill Trisha 5
And there’s time-travel too which basically translates to - if you’d been looking for answers, this is it!

Skipping trigger warnings, you know what it is by now.]]>
4.53 2013 Locke & Key, Vol. 5: Clockworks
author: Joe Hill
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.53
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2022/09/30
date added: 2022/09/29
shelves:
review:
Insane. Brilliant. Darker.

And there’s time-travel too which basically translates to - if you’d been looking for answers, this is it!

Skipping trigger warnings, you know what it is by now.
]]>
<![CDATA[Locke & Key, Vol. 4: Keys to the Kingdom]]> 18652488 153 Joe Hill Trisha 4 Oh My Goddd SICK!! Things are never going to be the same in Keyland.

TW: Murder, death of a parent, mental illness, and goriness.]]>
4.39 2011 Locke & Key, Vol. 4: Keys to the Kingdom
author: Joe Hill
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2022/09/29
date added: 2022/09/29
shelves:
review:
Didn’t enjoy the blending of Calvin & Hobbes with Rodriguez’s artwork - it stuck out like a sore thumb for me. The story was also a bit slow in the beginning but eventually picked up and the climax was Oh My Goddd SICK!! Things are never going to be the same in Keyland.

TW: Murder, death of a parent, mental illness, and goriness.
]]>
<![CDATA[Locke & Key, Vol. 3: Crown of Shadows]]> 51938581
The dead plot against the living, the darkness closes in on Keyhouse, and a woman is shattered beyond repair, in the third storyline of the acclaimed series. Dodge continues his relentless quest to find the key to the black door, and raises an army of shadows to wipe out anyone who might get in his way. Surrounded and outnumbered, the Locke children find themselves fighting a desperate battle, all alone, in a world where the night itself has become their enemy.]]>
153 Joe Hill Trisha 4
10/5 ]]>
4.45 2010 Locke & Key, Vol. 3: Crown of Shadows
author: Joe Hill
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.45
book published: 2010
rating: 4
read at: 2022/09/29
date added: 2022/09/29
shelves:
review:
Still enjoying this, however, the changing dynamics of the Locke family relationships is a bit annoying. Actually, more than a bit! I agree that Nina has gone through a lot but that doesn’t give her the right to be an irresponsible mother. She’s depressed and angry all the time, feels zero responsibility towards her kids and is slowly transforming into the bad-mouthing evil mother. Yuck!

10/5
]]>
<![CDATA[Locke & Key, Vol. 2: Head Games]]> 18652490 160 Joe Hill Trisha 5
With the discovery of the head key, the story has taken a turn into the bizarre territory but as a Stephen King fan, I’m familiar with that territory and quite enjoy it. I also had a feeling of déjà vu with some of Hill’s characters, the idea of whom seemed to be borrowed from his father’s typical character line of monstrous parents and homophobic people.

Overall, despite of all the goriness and a lot of good blood being spilled, the entertainment quotient continues to multiply for me. Very entertaining!

TW: Homophobia, terrible parents, alcoholism, murder, grief and mental illness.]]>
4.31 2009 Locke & Key, Vol. 2: Head Games
author: Joe Hill
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2009
rating: 5
read at: 2022/09/28
date added: 2022/09/28
shelves:
review:
Joe Hill must have had some real training from his dad on how to weave a crazy, dark and magical tale, or perhaps he’s just as gifted as King, because this story keeps getting messier and cooler. Bless his genes!

With the discovery of the head key, the story has taken a turn into the bizarre territory but as a Stephen King fan, I’m familiar with that territory and quite enjoy it. I also had a feeling of déjà vu with some of Hill’s characters, the idea of whom seemed to be borrowed from his father’s typical character line of monstrous parents and homophobic people.

Overall, despite of all the goriness and a lot of good blood being spilled, the entertainment quotient continues to multiply for me. Very entertaining!

TW: Homophobia, terrible parents, alcoholism, murder, grief and mental illness.
]]>
<![CDATA[Locke & Key, Vol. 1: Welcome to Lovecraft]]> 15701190 168 Joe Hill Trisha 5 Update:
Read this for the second time and enjoyed it just as much as I did the last time. Not sure why I didn’t go ahead with the series that time itself, probably something to do with my kindle membership. Anyway, needed a recap before plunging into the remaining volumes.

First read:
This has been on my TBR ever since I watched the Netflix series this February, which was so good that I binge watched the whole season in a day. Needless to say, I loved the graphic novel just as much. The whole concept is so f**king brilliant - it’s like a modern age Narnia! Can’t wait to read the remaining volumes!

4.5/5]]>
4.24 2008 Locke & Key, Vol. 1: Welcome to Lovecraft
author: Joe Hill
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2008
rating: 5
read at: 2022/09/27
date added: 2022/09/27
shelves:
review:
Update:
Read this for the second time and enjoyed it just as much as I did the last time. Not sure why I didn’t go ahead with the series that time itself, probably something to do with my kindle membership. Anyway, needed a recap before plunging into the remaining volumes.

First read:
This has been on my TBR ever since I watched the Netflix series this February, which was so good that I binge watched the whole season in a day. Needless to say, I loved the graphic novel just as much. The whole concept is so f**king brilliant - it’s like a modern age Narnia! Can’t wait to read the remaining volumes!

4.5/5
]]>
Gallows Hill 60211594 It’s time to come home�

The Hull family has owned the Gallows Hill Winery for generations. Their wine wins awards. Their business prospers. Their family thrives. People whisper that the curse has awakened once more.

The sprawling old house has long been perched on top of a hill overlooking the nearby town, jealously guarding the estate's secrets.

It's been more than a decade since Margot Hull last saw her childhood home. She was young enough when she was sent away that she barely remembers its dark passageways and secret corners. But now she's returned to bury her parents and reconnect with the winery that is her family's legacy―and the bloody truth of exactly what lies buried beneath the crumbling estate. Alone in the sprawling, dilapidated building, Margot is forced to come face to face with the horrors of the past―and realize that she may be the next victim of a house that never rests...]]>
386 Darcy Coates Trisha 4 netgalley real horror - the kind that’ll not let me sleep at night, I would pick anything by Coates without a second thought.

Gallows Hill revolves around Margot Hull who was sent away to live with her grandmother at a young age and doesn’t get to see her parents for more than a decade until the news of their mysterious deaths arrive. She has to pack her bags and the life she has made to start over a new one with the family home and business she has inherited from her parents - a widely recognised and awarded wine business that goes by the name of Gallows Hill, a name given to it based on its dark history. As rewarding as that might sound, Margot learns that Gallows Hill is cursed and all the eleven generations of Hulls before her (including her parents) have perished in the most menacing and unnatural ways. Pick up the book to know more!

The writing, in true Coates style, is captivating and atmospheric. She does a great job of messing with your mind and making it feel all the jitters that her characters feel. This writer has cracked the secret to keeping the readers spellbound, even when it’s not an entirely fresh plot. Cursed homes and bloodthirsty undeads aren’t unheard of, but the way Coates presents it in a new shiny wrapper makes the experience totally worth the time. There are so many nail biting scenes which would tense up your whole nervous system. I was spooked out quite a few times and had to hold my husband a little extra tight while sleeping to prevent the horror stricken images from flashing in my deeply scarred mind (didn’t help, still had nightmares).

The story is a slow burn, but once it picks up pace, it’s all action and no peace. The climax did seem a bit extra to me, sort of Bollywood-ish (IYKYK), when the MC decides to break the curse come what may. I am not and will never be the girl who goes out of her way to fight ghosts. Nope, that’s not me!

Terrorising, action-packed and haunting!

Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.
Gallows Hill is now available for purchase.

4.5/5]]>
4.10 2022 Gallows Hill
author: Darcy Coates
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2022/09/24
date added: 2022/09/27
shelves: netgalley
review:
Darcy Coates is the newest name in my list of favourite writers. This is only my second book of her and need I say that I’m in love with this woman. Her writing is spooky, sensational and triggering (in a good sense). If I’m in the mood to read real horror - the kind that’ll not let me sleep at night, I would pick anything by Coates without a second thought.

Gallows Hill revolves around Margot Hull who was sent away to live with her grandmother at a young age and doesn’t get to see her parents for more than a decade until the news of their mysterious deaths arrive. She has to pack her bags and the life she has made to start over a new one with the family home and business she has inherited from her parents - a widely recognised and awarded wine business that goes by the name of Gallows Hill, a name given to it based on its dark history. As rewarding as that might sound, Margot learns that Gallows Hill is cursed and all the eleven generations of Hulls before her (including her parents) have perished in the most menacing and unnatural ways. Pick up the book to know more!

The writing, in true Coates style, is captivating and atmospheric. She does a great job of messing with your mind and making it feel all the jitters that her characters feel. This writer has cracked the secret to keeping the readers spellbound, even when it’s not an entirely fresh plot. Cursed homes and bloodthirsty undeads aren’t unheard of, but the way Coates presents it in a new shiny wrapper makes the experience totally worth the time. There are so many nail biting scenes which would tense up your whole nervous system. I was spooked out quite a few times and had to hold my husband a little extra tight while sleeping to prevent the horror stricken images from flashing in my deeply scarred mind (didn’t help, still had nightmares).

The story is a slow burn, but once it picks up pace, it’s all action and no peace. The climax did seem a bit extra to me, sort of Bollywood-ish (IYKYK), when the MC decides to break the curse come what may. I am not and will never be the girl who goes out of her way to fight ghosts. Nope, that’s not me!

Terrorising, action-packed and haunting!

Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.
Gallows Hill is now available for purchase.

4.5/5
]]>
<![CDATA[Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald: The Original Screenplay (Fantastic Beasts: The Original Screenplay, #2)]]> 39330961 Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald was captured in New York with the help of Newt Scamander. But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escapes custody and sets about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings.

In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore enlists Newt, his former Hogwarts student, who agrees to help once again, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.

This second original screenplay from J.K. Rowling, illustrated with stunning line art from MinaLima, expands on earlier events that helped shaped the wizarding world, with some surprising nods to the Harry Potter stories that will delight fans of both the books and films.]]>
304 J.K. Rowling 1781102341 Trisha 3 1 4.03 2018 Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald: The Original Screenplay (Fantastic Beasts: The Original Screenplay, #2)
author: J.K. Rowling
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2022/09/15
date added: 2022/09/15
shelves:
review:
1
]]>
Reminders of Him 58341222 A troubled young mother yearns for a shot at redemption in this heartbreaking yet hopeful story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover. After serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake, Kenna Rowan returns to the town where it all went wrong, hoping to reunite with her four-year-old daughter. But the bridges Kenna burned are proving impossible to rebuild. Everyone in her daughter’s life is determined to shut Kenna out, no matter how hard she works to prove herself. The only person who hasn’t closed the door on her completely is Ledger Ward, a local bar owner and one of the few remaining links to Kenna’s daughter. But if anyone were to discover how Ledger is slowly becoming an important part of Kenna’s life, both would risk losing the trust of everyone important to them. The two form a connection despite the pressure surrounding them, but as their romance grows, so does the risk. Kenna must find a way to absolve the mistakes of her past in order to build a future out of hope and healing.]]> 335 Colleen Hoover 1542025605 Trisha 3
There were parts that did tore me apart, especially the chapters from Kenna's POV where she is hysterically grieving for her lost daughter. That was some solid writing! But the rest of the book - the romance, eh, was just over the top and made me roll my eyes way too many times.

2.75/3]]>
4.33 2022 Reminders of Him
author: Colleen Hoover
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2022/07/28
date added: 2022/09/13
shelves:
review:
Minority here but I didn't enjoy this book as much as the rest of the bookish community. I mean LOOK AT ALL THE BUZZ this book has been making! If you think the hype ruined the book for me, no, it didn't. It's the characters and the weird choices they made that didn't work for me.

There were parts that did tore me apart, especially the chapters from Kenna's POV where she is hysterically grieving for her lost daughter. That was some solid writing! But the rest of the book - the romance, eh, was just over the top and made me roll my eyes way too many times.

2.75/3
]]>
Signal to Noise 60321142 A beautiful new edition of Moreno-Garcia's stunning debut, featuring an illustrated cover by legendary artist Jim Tierney

Mexico City, 1988. Long before iTunes or MP3s, you said "I love you" with a mixtape. Meche, awkward and fifteen, discovers how to cast spells using music, and with her friends Sebastian and Daniela will piece together their broken families, and even find love...

Two decades after abandoning the metropolis, Meche returns for her estranged father's funeral, reviving memories from her childhood she thought she buried a long time ago. What really happened back then? Is there any magic left?]]>
352 Silvia Moreno-Garcia 1786186446 Trisha 2
I wanted to like this, and if this wasn’t written by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, I would’ve left this unfinished.

Thanks to Rebellion, Solaris and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.

1.5/5]]>
3.74 2015 Signal to Noise
author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2015
rating: 2
read at: 2022/07/18
date added: 2022/09/13
shelves: books-i-regret-reading, netgalley
review:
This is a reprint of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s debut novel. We all know Moreno-Garcia can write well which was perhaps the only good thing about this book. The writing was vivid and atmospheric. Also, who doesn't like a warm Mexican setting? Right? As for the plot, it was just breadcrumbs from a coming-of-age YA teenage friendship/love story mixed with magical realism. This might sound wholesome but it wasn’t. The story was a tedious exaggeration of a teenage love story which was stretched way too far to the point of a migraine. There was so much redundancy that it literally pained me to continue reading and I was on the verge of DNFing this book more times than I could count. The characters were under developed and annoying; the plot was flat and there was literally nothing happening. It was basically a pretty two dimensional picture of three kids in Mexico. No layers, no development, no depth!

I wanted to like this, and if this wasn’t written by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, I would’ve left this unfinished.

Thanks to Rebellion, Solaris and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.

1.5/5
]]>
Lie To Her (Bree Taggert #6) 57737754 Lies from the heart lead to a dangerously intimate case for Sheriff Bree Taggert in #1 Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh’s novel of revenge and fatal deceptions.

When a digital marketer is found murdered in his backyard—hands bound and face smothered by plastic wrap—Sheriff Bree Taggert and criminal investigator Matt Flynn respond to the call. Their investigation focuses on the man’s dating-app profile and the word liar carved into his forehead.

One day later, the killer strikes again.

Both victims are players in the internet dating scene. In their wake, they leave a trail of hurt—and angry—women. But Bree and Matt aren’t convinced the motive is as simple as it appears. Everyone they interview seems to be lying or hiding something.

As the list of suspects grows, the killer’s rage escalates, and he leaves a personal and deadly warning for Bree. They must act fast. Because someone Bree loves is targeted as the next to die.]]>
296 Melinda Leigh 1542030668 Trisha 4 netgalley
Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: January 17th, 2023.

3.75/5]]>
4.24 2023 Lie To Her (Bree Taggert #6)
author: Melinda Leigh
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2022/07/15
date added: 2022/09/13
shelves: netgalley
review:
I love the Bree Taggert series and this was another welcoming addition. Serial killer on the loose killing men who use dating apps to 'use' women - yesssss! I mean, wow! Melinda Leigh is constantly elevating her crime game and this time she has dedicated chapters from the POV of the killer. Great storytelling, well-written characters and the addition of Bree-Matt’s relationship and family situation makes the book even more comforting and warm in the midst of all the murders. I’m sold!

Thanks to Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: January 17th, 2023.

3.75/5
]]>
Wild Is the Witch 58920668 From the New York Times bestselling author of The Nature of Witches, comes a high-stakes contemporary fantasy with a swoony enemies-to-lovers romance.

After a night of magic turns deadly, Iris Gray vows to never let another person learn she’s a witch. It doesn’t matter that the Witches� Council found her innocent or that her magic was once viewed as a marvel—that night on the lake changed everything.

Now settled in Washington, Iris hides who she really is and vents her frustrations by writing curses she never intends to cast. And while she loves working at the wildlife refuge she runs with her mother, she loathes Pike Alder, the witch-hating aspiring ornithologist who interns with them.

When Pike makes a particularly hurtful comment, Iris concocts a cruel torment for him. But just as she’s about to dispel it, an owl swoops down and steals the curse before flying far away from the refuge. The owl is a powerful amplifier, and if it dies, Iris’s dark spell will be unleashed not only on Pike, but on everyone in the region.

Forced to work together, Iris and Pike trek through the wilderness in search of the bird that could cost Pike his life. But Pike doesn’t know the truth, and as more dangers arise in the woods, Iris must decide how far she’s willing to go to keep her secrets safe.]]>
269 Rachel Griffin 1728229464 Trisha 4 netgalley
The best part about the book was the justification of the existence of magic. Unlike most fantasy books (I know, I know, this book falls better under the magical realism genre), magic here isn’t all powerful. It needs to work in combination with science to make things work. So a stellar might reduce the physical pain of humans by using magic, but cannot heal them unless they’re working together with a doctor. This fragility of magic makes the story believable - did I just say that?

The story starts with a trial where a witch (Iris� best friend) is charged for a magic gone wrong and sentenced to prison (human prison, not Azkaban). This changes Iris� whole life - she is shamed as a witch and decides to start a new life hiding her magic. Fast forward to two years later - Iris runs a wildlife refuge with her Mom where she meets Pike, an intern who hates witches. The real drama starts here. There is more magic, curses, magical forests and owls, enemies to lovers trope, and an adventurous trip. I’m not a fan of YA romances but I enjoyed this book and I’m going to keep Rachel Griffin on my radar from now on.

Thanks to Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: August 2nd, 2022.

4/5]]>
4.06 2022 Wild Is the Witch
author: Rachel Griffin
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2022/07/21
date added: 2022/08/25
shelves: netgalley
review:
Creative, magical and yet so realistic! Wild Is the Witch is one of my favourite books of this year. If the word ‘witches� or ‘magic� isn’t enough to sell out this book to you, let me tell you more - the witches in this novel don’t wear robes and pointed hats, nor do they cast ‘expelliarmus� or send patronuses because newsflash: they don’t have wands and other witch-ly stuff. This story of magic is a first of its kind where humans and witches live in a harmonious symbiotic relationship. Witches are no more shamed, in fact, depending upon their magical skills, they are given important roles to play which benefits the human population, for instance, our protagonist, Iris, is a Lunar which means her magic works most on animals. There are two other types, namely, Stellars whose magic work strongest on humans and Solars whose magic gravitate towards plants. Neat!

The best part about the book was the justification of the existence of magic. Unlike most fantasy books (I know, I know, this book falls better under the magical realism genre), magic here isn’t all powerful. It needs to work in combination with science to make things work. So a stellar might reduce the physical pain of humans by using magic, but cannot heal them unless they’re working together with a doctor. This fragility of magic makes the story believable - did I just say that?

The story starts with a trial where a witch (Iris� best friend) is charged for a magic gone wrong and sentenced to prison (human prison, not Azkaban). This changes Iris� whole life - she is shamed as a witch and decides to start a new life hiding her magic. Fast forward to two years later - Iris runs a wildlife refuge with her Mom where she meets Pike, an intern who hates witches. The real drama starts here. There is more magic, curses, magical forests and owls, enemies to lovers trope, and an adventurous trip. I’m not a fan of YA romances but I enjoyed this book and I’m going to keep Rachel Griffin on my radar from now on.

Thanks to Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: August 2nd, 2022.

4/5
]]>
The Vanishing Half 50538538 Alternate cover edition of ASIN: B082KH5D4M

Longlisted for the National Book Award

'The Vanishing Half is an utterly mesmerising novel. It seduces with its literary flair, surprises with its breath-taking plot twists, delights with its psychological insights, and challenges us to consider the corrupting consequences of racism on different communities and individual lives. I absolutely loved this book' Bernardine Evaristo, winner of the Booker Prize 2019

The Vignes twin sisters will always be identical. But after growing up together in a small, southern black community and running away at age sixteen, it's not just the shape of their daily lives that is different as adults, it's their families, their communities, their racial identities. Many years later, one sister lives with her black daughter in the same southern town she once tried to escape. The other secretly passes for white, and her white husband knows nothing of her past. Still, even separated by so many miles and just as many lies, the fates of the twins remain intertwined. What will happen to the next generation, when their own daughters' storylines intersect?

Weaving together multiple strands and generations of this family, from the Deep South to California, from the 1950s to the 1990s, Brit Bennett produces a story that is at once a riveting, emotional family story and a brilliant exploration of the American history of passing. Looking well beyond issues of race, The Vanishing Half considers the lasting influence of the past as it shapes a person's decisions, desires, and expectations, and explores some of the multiple reasons and realms in which people sometimes feel pulled to live as something other than their origins.]]>
401 Brit Bennett Trisha 3 The Vanishing Half is definitely the second type and I find it hard to rate it accurately in terms of stars. The story did move me, but unfortunately (unpopular opinion here) left me unimpressed.

Theme
I have only read one other book on racial passing before this one, but that was a classic, meaning to say, from a different time when life was different and so were the people - both who wrote the books and those on whom the books were written. The Vanishing Half is a relatively modern take on ‘passing�. The story revolves around a pair of identical twins born in a coloured family of lighter skinned people - a sect still deprived of their basic rights because hello! they have coloured roots, but consider themselves superior to their coloured cousins with darker skin.

After being inseparable for sixteen years, the twins run away from their home to make a new life for themselves in the city and it’s the decisions that follow which would make all the difference in their lives. While one sister would go on to marry a black man and have a black daughter, return to her home and face the repercussions of corrupting her lineage, the other sister would pass herself as a white woman, marry a white man, have a white daughter and go on to live a luxurious life based on a constantly piercing guilt.

I was captivated with the central idea of the book. While we see a lot of literature on racism, this book provided a whole new perspective; lighter skinned coloured people being racist with darker skinned coloured people, despite sharing a common history of pain and prejudice. The Vanishing Half serves as a reminder of how deep rooted racism is.

Characters & Writing
This is the part that ruins the fun! With an enthralling theme, this book could have been the likes of Beloved if only Bennett had spent more time on the characters. While the prose is beautiful, reminiscent of Morrison, the characters were shallow and frustrating. As a reader, I wanted to get into their skin and feel their joy and pain, but all I felt was a flatness so numbing that I had to shake myself out of it. I needed a window into their minds so I could understand them better.

The twins shared the same history of events, but something threw Stella off the ledge and pass off as white - what was that ‘something�? Why didn’t she take Desiree along in her white supremacy adventure when they’d been inseparable all their lives? Why couldn’t she trust Desiree? Since this is a multi-generational saga, we witness the twins� daughters undergoing a similar identity crisis, but something was off about them as well. It was like rewriting Stella and Desiree with different names. Two potentially good characters gone to waste! The biggest disappointment was Reece - we didn’t need a distraction from the central theme. Adding the struggle to find one’s sexual identity and what it means to be a transgender WAS NOT NEEDED. Bennett barely touches on the issue and leaves it hanging.

Figures:

Theme 4.75/5 (-0.25 for the sprinkling of trans identity issues)
Characters 2/5
Writing 3/5 (although prose was 4/5)
Overall, 3.25/5 ]]>
4.17 2020 The Vanishing Half
author: Brit Bennett
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2022/06/14
date added: 2022/06/18
shelves:
review:
There are books that are a clear hit or miss and then there are books that are difficult to grade - you’re not sure what you feel about them. The Vanishing Half is definitely the second type and I find it hard to rate it accurately in terms of stars. The story did move me, but unfortunately (unpopular opinion here) left me unimpressed.

Theme
I have only read one other book on racial passing before this one, but that was a classic, meaning to say, from a different time when life was different and so were the people - both who wrote the books and those on whom the books were written. The Vanishing Half is a relatively modern take on ‘passing�. The story revolves around a pair of identical twins born in a coloured family of lighter skinned people - a sect still deprived of their basic rights because hello! they have coloured roots, but consider themselves superior to their coloured cousins with darker skin.

After being inseparable for sixteen years, the twins run away from their home to make a new life for themselves in the city and it’s the decisions that follow which would make all the difference in their lives. While one sister would go on to marry a black man and have a black daughter, return to her home and face the repercussions of corrupting her lineage, the other sister would pass herself as a white woman, marry a white man, have a white daughter and go on to live a luxurious life based on a constantly piercing guilt.

I was captivated with the central idea of the book. While we see a lot of literature on racism, this book provided a whole new perspective; lighter skinned coloured people being racist with darker skinned coloured people, despite sharing a common history of pain and prejudice. The Vanishing Half serves as a reminder of how deep rooted racism is.

Characters & Writing
This is the part that ruins the fun! With an enthralling theme, this book could have been the likes of Beloved if only Bennett had spent more time on the characters. While the prose is beautiful, reminiscent of Morrison, the characters were shallow and frustrating. As a reader, I wanted to get into their skin and feel their joy and pain, but all I felt was a flatness so numbing that I had to shake myself out of it. I needed a window into their minds so I could understand them better.

The twins shared the same history of events, but something threw Stella off the ledge and pass off as white - what was that ‘something�? Why didn’t she take Desiree along in her white supremacy adventure when they’d been inseparable all their lives? Why couldn’t she trust Desiree? Since this is a multi-generational saga, we witness the twins� daughters undergoing a similar identity crisis, but something was off about them as well. It was like rewriting Stella and Desiree with different names. Two potentially good characters gone to waste! The biggest disappointment was Reece - we didn’t need a distraction from the central theme. Adding the struggle to find one’s sexual identity and what it means to be a transgender WAS NOT NEEDED. Bennett barely touches on the issue and leaves it hanging.

Figures:

Theme 4.75/5 (-0.25 for the sprinkling of trans identity issues)
Characters 2/5
Writing 3/5 (although prose was 4/5)
Overall, 3.25/5
]]>
Elizabeth Finch 59900690 From the award-winning novelist, a compact narrative that centers on the presence of a vivid and particular woman, whose loss becomes the occasion for a man's deeper examination of love, friendship, and biography

This beautiful, spare novel of platonic unrequited love springs into being around the singular character of the stoic, exacting Professor Elizabeth Finch. Neil, the narrator, takes her class on Culture and Civilization, taught not for undergraduates but for adults of all ages; we are drawn into his intellectual crush on this private, withholding yet commanding woman. While other personal relationships and even his family drift from Neil's grasp, Elizabeth's application of her material to the matter of daily living remains important to him, even after her death, in a way that nothing else does. In Elizabeth Finch, we are treated to everything we cherish in Barnes: his eye for the unorthodox forms love can take between two people, a compelling swerve into nonfictional material (this time, through Neil's obsessive study of Julian the Apostate, following on notes Elizabeth left for him to discover after her death), and the forcefully moving undercurrent of history, and biography in particular, as nourishment and guide in our current lives.]]>
192 Julian Barnes 059353543X Trisha 3 netgalley “And remember, whenever you see a character in a novel, let alone a biography or history book, reduced and neatened into three adjectives, always distrust that description.�

A word of caution:
This book is most likely meant for the intellectually superior crowd of which I do not find myself a part of and thus, before I share my thoughts about it, I have to admit that my literary and intellectual limitations have, as expected, hindered my experience of this work.

Elizabeth Finch is written in three distinct parts: first part- Neil, a thirty something, unsuccessful actor, recovering from his first divorce, attends classes on ‘Culture and Civilization� taught by a stoic, alarmingly confident, and fascinating, Elizabeth Finch, with whom he falls in an intellectual kind of love and continues to remain in contact with her until her death two decades later. He inherits all of EF’s notes and paperwork as per her will and begins to re-obsess over her all over again, deciphering her notes and ramblings, and decides to do a biographical piece on her. This was, hands down, my favourite section of the book. Here's a bite of EF's teachings:

If she taught us one thing, it was that history is for the long haul; further, that it is not something inert and comatose, lying there and waiting for us to apply a spyglass or telescope to it; instead, it is active, effervescent, at times volcanic.

Second part: an essay on Julian the Apostate, the last non-Christian Roman emperor who rejected Christianity. EF, initially, through her lectures and later on, through her notes, seemed to be fixated on Julian and patronised him for his eccentric philosophical teachings. Neil pens down this essay as a tribute to EF.

Third part: Neil communicates with his ex-classmates to compile their personal accounts of EF and realises that not everyone found her as charismatic as he did, and is finally able to conclude that he can never fully understand or know EF. A scribble from EF's notebook:

From EF’s notebooks:—Is there a word in the English language more mythified, more misused, more misunderstood, more flexible of meaning and intent, more tainted, more sullied by the spittle of a billion lying tongues, than the word “love�? And is there anything more banal than complaining about this? Yet for all its misuse, we cannot replace it, because at the same time it is robust, granitic, its armour impermeable. It is waterproof, stormproof, thunderbolt-deflecting.

I enjoyed the complex layering of Elizabeth Finch, and in a way of Neil as well - EF’s stoicism and mysteriousness, Neil’s obsession (with her) and insecurities about his own life, and the relationship they shared - unfulfilled yet satisfying. The writing is typically Barnes with his standard style of reminiscing and self musings. I would never be able to completely enjoy Barnes� writing because, of course, I’m too naive and mediocre to comprehend the true meaning of his words. My experience of this book was also marred by the long drawn sketches of Julian the Apostate- I felt annoyed since I didn’t willingly sign up for the study of Christianity vs Paganism and was terribly bored. There is also a lot of redundant content which added onto my boredom. Taking the liberty to describe my experience in Barnes� own words from the book:

It has followed a predictable graph-line of expectation and disappointment, repeatingly.

Overall, good writing, although I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone without an academic degree or interest in religion (Christianity to be precise) unless you’re a fan of Barnes, in which case, you should try it for yourself.

Thanks to Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: August 16th, 2022.

2.5/5]]>
3.12 2022 Elizabeth Finch
author: Julian Barnes
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.12
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2022/06/16
date added: 2022/06/16
shelves: netgalley
review:
“And remember, whenever you see a character in a novel, let alone a biography or history book, reduced and neatened into three adjectives, always distrust that description.�

A word of caution:
This book is most likely meant for the intellectually superior crowd of which I do not find myself a part of and thus, before I share my thoughts about it, I have to admit that my literary and intellectual limitations have, as expected, hindered my experience of this work.

Elizabeth Finch is written in three distinct parts: first part- Neil, a thirty something, unsuccessful actor, recovering from his first divorce, attends classes on ‘Culture and Civilization� taught by a stoic, alarmingly confident, and fascinating, Elizabeth Finch, with whom he falls in an intellectual kind of love and continues to remain in contact with her until her death two decades later. He inherits all of EF’s notes and paperwork as per her will and begins to re-obsess over her all over again, deciphering her notes and ramblings, and decides to do a biographical piece on her. This was, hands down, my favourite section of the book. Here's a bite of EF's teachings:

If she taught us one thing, it was that history is for the long haul; further, that it is not something inert and comatose, lying there and waiting for us to apply a spyglass or telescope to it; instead, it is active, effervescent, at times volcanic.

Second part: an essay on Julian the Apostate, the last non-Christian Roman emperor who rejected Christianity. EF, initially, through her lectures and later on, through her notes, seemed to be fixated on Julian and patronised him for his eccentric philosophical teachings. Neil pens down this essay as a tribute to EF.

Third part: Neil communicates with his ex-classmates to compile their personal accounts of EF and realises that not everyone found her as charismatic as he did, and is finally able to conclude that he can never fully understand or know EF. A scribble from EF's notebook:

From EF’s notebooks:—Is there a word in the English language more mythified, more misused, more misunderstood, more flexible of meaning and intent, more tainted, more sullied by the spittle of a billion lying tongues, than the word “love�? And is there anything more banal than complaining about this? Yet for all its misuse, we cannot replace it, because at the same time it is robust, granitic, its armour impermeable. It is waterproof, stormproof, thunderbolt-deflecting.

I enjoyed the complex layering of Elizabeth Finch, and in a way of Neil as well - EF’s stoicism and mysteriousness, Neil’s obsession (with her) and insecurities about his own life, and the relationship they shared - unfulfilled yet satisfying. The writing is typically Barnes with his standard style of reminiscing and self musings. I would never be able to completely enjoy Barnes� writing because, of course, I’m too naive and mediocre to comprehend the true meaning of his words. My experience of this book was also marred by the long drawn sketches of Julian the Apostate- I felt annoyed since I didn’t willingly sign up for the study of Christianity vs Paganism and was terribly bored. There is also a lot of redundant content which added onto my boredom. Taking the liberty to describe my experience in Barnes� own words from the book:

It has followed a predictable graph-line of expectation and disappointment, repeatingly.

Overall, good writing, although I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone without an academic degree or interest in religion (Christianity to be precise) unless you’re a fan of Barnes, in which case, you should try it for yourself.

Thanks to Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: August 16th, 2022.

2.5/5
]]>
<![CDATA[We Have Demons (Comixology Originals) #3]]> 59934330
The best-selling creator duo of the last 25 years, writer SCOTT SNYDER and artist GREG CAPULLO, present a new blockbuster series--WE HAVE DEMONS! Years in the making, this title is bursting at the seams with epic, character-driven action for teens and adults alike!

Part of the comiXology Originals line of exclusive digital content only available on comiXology and Kindle. Read for free as part of your subscription to comiXology Unlimited, Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime. Also available for purchase via comiXology, Kindle and in print via Dark Horse Books.]]>
36 Scott Snyder Trisha 3
Overall, still good. Great illustrations again!

3/5]]>
4.17 2022 We Have Demons (Comixology Originals) #3
author: Scott Snyder
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2022/06/15
date added: 2022/06/16
shelves:
review:
Like I predicted, this title clearly needed more volumes :( Of course, this is only the first arc and there's a good chance that there might be another one, but three volumes, really? I think a lot was missing in this one: we don't get to see the development of Lam and Gus' relationship, I mean one moment Gus is a full-on demon charged on his horn and the next moment, Lam is trusting him with her life and removing his halo ring. What did I miss in between? Also, June aka the oldest demonfolk should have been given a decent background.

Overall, still good. Great illustrations again!

3/5
]]>
The Book of Cold Cases 58433666 A Most Anticipated Novel by PopSugar * Crime Reads * ŷ *A true crime blogger gets more than she bargained for while interviewing the woman acquitted of two cold case slayings in this chilling new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Sun Down Motel. In 1977, Claire Lake, Oregon, was shaken by the Lady Killer Two men, seemingly randomly, were murdered with the same gun, with strange notes left behind. Beth Greer was the perfect suspect—a rich, eccentric twenty-three-year-old woman, seen fleeing one of the crimes. But she was acquitted, and she retreated to the isolation of her mansion.Oregon, 2017. Shea Collins is a receptionist, but by night, she runs a true crime website, the Book of Cold Cases—a passion fueled by the attempted abduction she escaped as a child. When she meets Beth by chance, Shea asks her for an interview. To Shea’s surprise, Beth says yes.They meet regularly at Beth’s mansion, though Shea is never comfortable there. Items move when she’s not looking, and she could swear she’s seen a girl outside the window. The allure of learning the truth about the case from the smart, charming Beth is too much to resist, but even as they grow closer, Shea senses something isn’t right. Is she making friends with a manipulative murderer, or are there other dangers lurking in the darkness of the Greer house?]]> 350 Simone St. James Trisha 0 to-read 3.90 2022 The Book of Cold Cases
author: Simone St. James
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/06/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]>
<![CDATA[We Have Demons (Comixology Originals) #2]]> 59575409
The best-selling creator duo of the last 25 years, writer SCOTT SNYDER and artist GREG CAPULLO, present a new blockbuster series--WE HAVE DEMONS! Years in the making, this title is bursting at the seams with epic, character-driven action for teens and adults alike!

Part of the comiXology Originals line of exclusive digital content only available on comiXology and Kindle. Read for free as part of your subscription to comiXology Unlimited, Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime. Also available for purchase via comiXology, Kindle and in print via Dark Horse Books.]]>
37 Scott Snyder Trisha 5 glories (IYKYK).

I have a feeling that I'm going to hate the next issue because HOW CAN YOU WRAP UP SUCH A GREAT STORY IN ONLY THREE ISSUES? Come on, this ought to be at least a six-volume series.

4.5/5]]>
4.28 2021 We Have Demons (Comixology Originals) #2
author: Scott Snyder
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2022/06/15
date added: 2022/06/15
shelves:
review:
ANOTHER DELIGHT! The second volume provides the missing pieces, thereby completing the story Lam started in the first volume. Even though the two narratives come from two extremely different characters, it still gels well and makes a cohesive reliable background. I'm invested and fighting on the side of the glories (IYKYK).

I have a feeling that I'm going to hate the next issue because HOW CAN YOU WRAP UP SUCH A GREAT STORY IN ONLY THREE ISSUES? Come on, this ought to be at least a six-volume series.

4.5/5
]]>
<![CDATA[We Have Demons (Comixology Originals) #1]]> 59220063
The first creator owned collaboration from the superstar team of writer SCOTT SNYDER and artist GREG CAPULLO! After block-buster work on titles like DC's Batman, this best-selling team brings their talents to comiXology Originals!

Part of the comiXology Originals line of exclusive digital content only available on comiXology and Kindle. Read for free as part of your subscription to comiXology Unlimited, Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime. Also available for purchase via comiXology, Kindle and in print via Dark Horse Books.]]>
38 Scott Snyder Trisha 5 ComiXology Originals X Scott Snyder is the REAL DEAL! Not just this series in particular, but all the three titles released so far are so well crafted: the theme, the writing, the illustrations, the colouring- OMG - everything is GORGEOUS!

We Have Demons #1 is one of the best first issues I've read till date. Even though it's another demon slaying adventure, the narrative is fresh and entertaining. I truly enjoyed it and I might as well get some prints of it for my room. :D

4.5/5]]>
4.26 2021 We Have Demons (Comixology Originals) #1
author: Scott Snyder
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2022/06/15
date added: 2022/06/15
shelves:
review:
ComiXology Originals X Scott Snyder is the REAL DEAL! Not just this series in particular, but all the three titles released so far are so well crafted: the theme, the writing, the illustrations, the colouring- OMG - everything is GORGEOUS!

We Have Demons #1 is one of the best first issues I've read till date. Even though it's another demon slaying adventure, the narrative is fresh and entertaining. I truly enjoyed it and I might as well get some prints of it for my room. :D

4.5/5
]]>
<![CDATA[Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead]]> 16071764 Lean In is a massive cultural phenomenon and its title has become an instant catchphrase for empowering women. The book soared to the top of bestseller lists internationally, igniting global conversations about women and ambition. Sandberg packed theatres, dominated opinion pages, appeared on every major television show and on the cover of Time magazine, and sparked ferocious debate about women and leadership. Ask most women whether they have the right to equality at work and the answer will be a resounding yes, but ask the same women whether they'd feel confident asking for a raise, a promotion, or equal pay, and some reticence creeps in. The statistics, although an improvement on previous decades, are certainly not in women's favour � of 197 heads of state, only twenty-two are women. Women hold just 20 percent of seats in parliaments globally, and in the world of big business, a meagre eighteen of the Fortune 500 CEOs are women. In Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg � Facebook COO and one of Fortune magazine's Most Powerful Women in Business � draws on her own experience of working in some of the world's most successful businesses and looks at what women can do to help themselves, and make the small changes in their life that can effect change on a more universal scale.]]> 217 Sheryl Sandberg 0385349947 Trisha 0 favorites 3.95 2013 Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead
author: Sheryl Sandberg
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2013
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/06/14
shelves: favorites
review:

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A Thousand Splendid Suns 128029
With the passing of time comes Taliban rule over Afghanistan, the streets of Kabul loud with the sound of gunfire and bombs, life a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear, the women's endurance tested beyond their worst imaginings. Yet love can move people to act in unexpected ways, lead them to overcome the most daunting obstacles with a startling heroism. In the end it is love that triumphs over death and destruction.

A Thousand Splendid Suns is a portrait of a wounded country and a story of family and friendship, of an unforgiving time, an unlikely bond, and an indestructible love.]]>
372 Khaled Hosseini 1594489505 Trisha 0 favorites 4.44 2007 A Thousand Splendid Suns
author: Khaled Hosseini
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2007
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/06/14
shelves: favorites
review:

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पं�-परमेश्वर 19073272 Panch Parmeshwar (पं�-परमेश्वर) is story of two childhood friends Jumman Sheikh and Algu Chaudhary. When Algu Chaudhary is elected as the 'Sarpanch' (head) of the village and passes a verdict against his best friend Jumman, friends become foes. But in due course, when Jumman becomes the 'Sarpanch' and sits on the judgement seat, he realizes that Algu was right. The one, sitting on the judgement seat can not be subjective and biased. An ideal sarpanch is always objective and unbiased.

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24 Munshi Premchand Trisha 0 hindi 4.31 1922 पंच-परमेश्वर
author: Munshi Premchand
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.31
book published: 1922
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/06/14
shelves: hindi
review:

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पिंज� [Pinjar] 1767194 157 Amrita Pritam 8121602793 Trisha 0 hindi 4.19 1950 पिंजर [Pinjar]
author: Amrita Pritam
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.19
book published: 1950
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/06/14
shelves: hindi
review:

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Nirmala 694207 translation includes an Afterword which takes note of the novel's special context, placing it in perspective and making a contemporary reading of the work possible.]]> 218 Munshi Premchand 0195658264 Trisha 0 hindi 4.13 1899 Nirmala
author: Munshi Premchand
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.13
book published: 1899
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/06/14
shelves: hindi
review:

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बड़े घर की बेटी 19270388 14 Munshi Premchand 8122205534 Trisha 0 hindi 4.15 2014 बड़े घर की बेटी
author: Munshi Premchand
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/06/14
shelves: hindi
review:

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बड़े भा� साहब 28465483 24 Munshi Premchand 8190272055 Trisha 0 hindi 4.33 बड़े भाई साहब
author: Munshi Premchand
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/06/14
shelves: hindi
review:

]]>
Poos KI Raat (Hindi Edition) 29061966 122 Munshi Premchand 1523809914 Trisha 0 hindi 4.40 1930 Poos KI Raat (Hindi Edition)
author: Munshi Premchand
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.40
book published: 1930
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/06/14
shelves: hindi
review:

]]>
Putra Prem (Hindi Edition) 41973082 201 Munshi Premchand Trisha 4 hindi
3.5/5 ]]>
4.00 Putra Prem (Hindi Edition)
author: Munshi Premchand
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2019/08/10
date added: 2022/06/14
shelves: hindi
review:
This iconic Indian writer was immeasurably gifted. His brilliant and witty sketches of his characters is not just praise-worthy but also, gives an exceptional insight into the human mind. His works serve as the perfect history textbook for gathering information about medieval India. However, since the book is overly realistic, it reeks of casteism and gender-bias prevalent in those times. Overall, a fun read!

3.5/5
]]>
<![CDATA[Shri Sai Satcharitha [ Hindi ]: By Govind Raghunath Dabholkar]]> 52482363
Pages - 190

Sai Baba of Shirdi, also known as Shirdi Sai Baba was an Indian spiritual master who is regarded by his devotees as an incarnation of God (avatar), saint, fakir, and satguru, according to their individual proclivities and beliefs. He was revered by both his Hindu and Muslim devotees, and during, as well as after, his life it remained uncertain if he was a Muslim or a Hindu. This, however, was of no consequence to Sai Baba.He stressed the importance of surrender to the true Satguru, who, having trod the path to divine consciousness, will lead the disciple through the jungle of spiritual training]]>
302 Govind Raghunath Dabholkar Trisha 5 hindi 5.00 1930 Shri Sai Satcharitha [ Hindi ]: By Govind Raghunath Dabholkar
author: Govind Raghunath Dabholkar
name: Trisha
average rating: 5.00
book published: 1930
rating: 5
read at: 2022/03/02
date added: 2022/06/14
shelves: hindi
review:

]]>
<![CDATA[The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism]]> 1237300 The Shock Doctrine retells the story of the most dominant ideology of our time, Milton Friedman's free market economic revolution. In contrast to the popular myth of this movement's peaceful global victory, Klein shows how it has exploited moments of shock and extreme violence in order to implement its economic policies in so many parts of the world from Latin America and Eastern Europe to South Africa, Russia, and Iraq. At the core of disaster capitalism is the use of cataclysmic events to advance radical privatization combined with the privatization of the disaster response itself. By capitalizing on crises, created by nature or war, Klein argues that the disaster capitalism complex now exists as a booming new economy, and is the violent culmination of a radical economic project that has been incubating for fifty years.]]> 558 Naomi Klein 0805079831 Trisha 0 on-hold, to-read 4.27 2007 The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism
author: Naomi Klein
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2007
rating: 0
read at: 2022/06/14
date added: 2022/06/14
shelves: on-hold, to-read
review:

]]>
The Autumn of the Patriarch 23887 The Autumn of the Patriarch is a brilliant tale of a Caribbean tyrant and the corruption of power.

From charity to deceit, benevolence to violence, fear of God to extreme cruelty, the dictator of The Autumn of the Patriarch embodies the best but also the worst of human nature. Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the renowned master of magical realism, vividly portrays the dying tyrant caught in the prison of his own dictatorship. Employing an innovative, dreamlike style, and overflowing with symbolic descriptions, the novel transports the reader to a world that is at once fanciful and vividly real.]]>
255 Gabriel García Márquez 0060882867 Trisha 0 on-hold, to-read 3.90 1975 The Autumn of the Patriarch
author: Gabriel García Márquez
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.90
book published: 1975
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2022/06/14
shelves: on-hold, to-read
review:

]]>
Dreidel To The Grave 56400601
For most, the scourge of Nazism is a fading memory�

But for one man, the ultimate demise of its vilest leaders is everything�

A lone Israeli agent has dedicated his life to tracking down those who have escaped justice�

Now, only one remains: Adolf Hitler.]]>
177 Yoel Bereket Trisha 3 arcs-from-authors-publishers I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Actual Rating: 3/5]]>
3.90 2020 Dreidel To The Grave
author: Yoel Bereket
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2021/03/18
date added: 2022/06/14
shelves: arcs-from-authors-publishers
review:
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Actual Rating: 3/5
]]>
My Evil Mother 60497502 32 Margaret Atwood 1662504497 Trisha 2 3.88 2022 My Evil Mother
author: Margaret Atwood
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2022
rating: 2
read at: 2022/06/12
date added: 2022/06/12
shelves:
review:
Read it for the love of Atwood, but could’ve gone without it and not missed a thing!
]]>
<![CDATA[Stealing Infinity (Stolen Beauty #1)]]> 58546779 “An unputdownable, clever, modern fantasy!� �#1 New York Times bestselling author Tracy Wolff"Alyson Noel is the queen of the supernatural romance thriller, and her latest is a can’t-miss read—it’s a Da Vinci Code meets Riverdale page-turner!" �#1 New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz“Addictive, dangerous, sexy, and magical, I couldn’t turn the page fast enough! Alyson Noël is a mad genius.� —Mary Pearson, New York Times bestselling author of The Remnant Chronicles“A sizzling story of opulent adventure, forbidden love, and impossible choices, Stealing Infinity is unputdownable.� —New York Times bestselling author Kristin Harmel“Stealing Infinity is a brilliantly conceived time-travel adventure full of twists and turns, with a romance that had me hooked. A must-read!� —Alexandra Monir, international bestselling author of The Final SixThese days, I’ve been killing it when it comes to letting people down. Now I’ve been kicked out of high school, arrested, and accepted into a remote, off-the-grid school owned and operated by an inscrutable billionaire tech guru.Gray Wolf Academy is looking for a certain kind of student. Ones that no one will miss. Like me.Then there’s Braxton. The beautiful, oddly anachronistic guy who showed up right when the trouble started. And he’s a total enigma—which means that I definitely can’t trust him, even if there’s something about him that makes me want to.They all tell me I have a gift. A very rare gift. And Gray Wolf Academy wants me to learn it. To use it. Because if what they say is true, I have all the time in the world.And that makes me the most dangerous high school student you’ll never know…The Stealing Infinity series is best enjoyed in order.Reading #1 Stealing InfinityBook #2 Ruling Destiny]]> 497 Alyson Noel Trisha 3 netgalley what-I-lookout-for-in-a-YA-book list (because it’s not a secret that I don’t enjoy YA anymore):

Gorgeous cover ✔️
Intriguing title ✔️
TIME-TRAVEL ✔️
An academy in the middle of nowhere unbeknownst to the world ✔️
Drool worthy descriptions of historical events and art ✔️
An author I had on my radar ✔️

So, basically, as soon as I saw the ARC was up for grabs, I requested for it and luckily was approved. Yay!

The story revolves around Nat, an eighteen year old who is forcibly brought to the Gray Wolf Academy (set up in a remote island harbouring a natural wormhole), run by the legendary, art collecting, tech trillionaire, Arthur Blackstone, who trains potential time travellers for an undisclosed agenda. As Nat settles down into the role of a full time tripper, she realises that Blackstone’s plans are far more sinister than she assumed. And in the middle of all of this, there are a few really hot guys, who do a fair job in distracting Nat from digging the mystery.

Being the opening book for the Stolen Beauty series, it didn’t quite live up to the first book in the series standards; opening books are usually the best books (aren’t they?), but this was far from being great. While the story boasts of some great modern YA fantasy elements, there’s nothing to tie those together. The peculiar academy of trippers makes up for a sturdy skeleton, but the one-dimensional character building fails to add flesh to it. However, I did enjoy the suspense, the art references, and of course, the thrill of time travelling.

Go for it if time travelling and mysterious academies make you ecstatic!

Thanks to Entagled Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: June 28th, 2022.

3/5]]>
4.07 2022 Stealing Infinity (Stolen Beauty #1)
author: Alyson Noel
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2022/06/09
date added: 2022/06/09
shelves: netgalley
review:
Stealing Infinity checked on quite a few pointers from my what-I-lookout-for-in-a-YA-book list (because it’s not a secret that I don’t enjoy YA anymore):

Gorgeous cover ✔️
Intriguing title ✔️
TIME-TRAVEL ✔️
An academy in the middle of nowhere unbeknownst to the world ✔️
Drool worthy descriptions of historical events and art ✔️
An author I had on my radar ✔️

So, basically, as soon as I saw the ARC was up for grabs, I requested for it and luckily was approved. Yay!

The story revolves around Nat, an eighteen year old who is forcibly brought to the Gray Wolf Academy (set up in a remote island harbouring a natural wormhole), run by the legendary, art collecting, tech trillionaire, Arthur Blackstone, who trains potential time travellers for an undisclosed agenda. As Nat settles down into the role of a full time tripper, she realises that Blackstone’s plans are far more sinister than she assumed. And in the middle of all of this, there are a few really hot guys, who do a fair job in distracting Nat from digging the mystery.

Being the opening book for the Stolen Beauty series, it didn’t quite live up to the first book in the series standards; opening books are usually the best books (aren’t they?), but this was far from being great. While the story boasts of some great modern YA fantasy elements, there’s nothing to tie those together. The peculiar academy of trippers makes up for a sturdy skeleton, but the one-dimensional character building fails to add flesh to it. However, I did enjoy the suspense, the art references, and of course, the thrill of time travelling.

Go for it if time travelling and mysterious academies make you ecstatic!

Thanks to Entagled Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: June 28th, 2022.

3/5
]]>
Two Nights in Lisbon 58803168
You think you know a person . . .

Ariel Pryce wakes up in Lisbon, alone. Her husband is gone―no warning, no note, not answering his phone. Something is wrong.

She starts with hotel security, then the police, then the American embassy, at each confronting questions she can’t fully answer: What exactly is John doing in Lisbon? Why would he drag her along on his business trip? Who would want to harm him? And why does Ariel know so little about her new―much younger―husband?

The clock is ticking. Ariel is increasingly frustrated and desperate, running out of time, and the one person in the world who can help is the one person she least wants to ask.

With sparkling prose and razor-sharp insights, bestselling author Chris Pavone delivers a stunning and sophisticated international thriller that will linger long after the surprising final page.]]>
450 Chris Pavone 0374604789 Trisha 2 netgalley Oh, so tiring!

This book was a mess right from the start. The prose is tedious, repetitive and way too detailed - detailed to the point of frustrating. Ariel Pryce, a victim of sexual assault, is a resentful woman, of course, owing to her circumstances, but despite her unhappy history, it is difficult to sympathise with her. Why? Because the book is so full of Ariel Pryce - she is this, she’s that, and there’s absolutely no breathing space for anything or anyone else in this book. The internal monologues are exhausting and breaks the flow of an otherwise intriguing mystery. There’s so much emphasis on even the most insignificant of things, I mean if detailing could kill, I’d be dead by now.

Okay, enough of bad things, let’s talk about what’s good in this book. THE TWIST! Even though I had my finger on it from nearly the beginning of things, I was still able to enjoy the twist. It was satisfying to be precise. If only Pavone could cut to the chase, just a little bit, and reduce this book by at least a hundred pages, this could be a passable time killer.

Thanks to Farrar, Straus and Giroux and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: May 24th, 2022.

2/5]]>
3.98 2022 Two Nights in Lisbon
author: Chris Pavone
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2022
rating: 2
read at: 2022/05/26
date added: 2022/05/26
shelves: netgalley
review:
Oh, so tiring!

This book was a mess right from the start. The prose is tedious, repetitive and way too detailed - detailed to the point of frustrating. Ariel Pryce, a victim of sexual assault, is a resentful woman, of course, owing to her circumstances, but despite her unhappy history, it is difficult to sympathise with her. Why? Because the book is so full of Ariel Pryce - she is this, she’s that, and there’s absolutely no breathing space for anything or anyone else in this book. The internal monologues are exhausting and breaks the flow of an otherwise intriguing mystery. There’s so much emphasis on even the most insignificant of things, I mean if detailing could kill, I’d be dead by now.

Okay, enough of bad things, let’s talk about what’s good in this book. THE TWIST! Even though I had my finger on it from nearly the beginning of things, I was still able to enjoy the twist. It was satisfying to be precise. If only Pavone could cut to the chase, just a little bit, and reduce this book by at least a hundred pages, this could be a passable time killer.

Thanks to Farrar, Straus and Giroux and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: May 24th, 2022.

2/5
]]>
<![CDATA[Her Second Death (Bree Taggert #0.5)]]> 59133043 In this short-story prequel to the Bree Taggert series by #1 Amazon Charts and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh, a murder investigation yields parallels to the Philly detective’s own frightening past.

When a man is shot in the head, Bree Taggert and her new partner, veteran detective Dana Romano, respond to the call. They break the news to the victim’s ex-wife and learn the estranged couple’s five-year-old daughter was supposed to have been with him. What starts as a murder investigation quickly morphs into a desperate search for a missing child. The case stirs memories of Bree’s own traumatizing childhood. To find the little girl, Bree will have to relive her own terrifying past.]]>
47 Melinda Leigh 1542039584 Trisha 3
3/5]]>
4.09 2021 Her Second Death (Bree Taggert #0.5)
author: Melinda Leigh
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2022/05/19
date added: 2022/05/26
shelves:
review:
A crisp prequel!

3/5
]]>
The Woman in the Library 58804928 288 Sulari Gentill 146421588X Trisha 4 netgalley New favourite author alert!

If, like me, you have no idea what a ‘locked room mystery� is, fret not because Sulari Gentill is here to teach you just that, but in reverse. Yes, you heard that right! This is a reverse locked room mystery, cleverly set in an epistolary format.

Hannah, an Australian writer starts a correspondence with her Boston based writer friend, Leo Johnson, in order to get more information about Boston where she is apparently setting her new novel - a murder mystery. Leo is a highly enthusiastic friend who is more than eager to help Hannah while struggling to publish his first book alongside. As Hannah keeps sharing her manuscript with Leo, chapter by chapter, she realises that Leo is taking a suspiciously dangerous interest in her work.

But that’s not it! Hannah’s manuscript is the story nested within Hannah and Leo’s story, and has an even larger presence. Four strangers sitting next to each other in the Boston Public Library are united by fate when they hear a woman scream in the library. The police finds a body of a woman later in the night who is later linked to the four strangers, now turned friends, which makes one of them the murderer.

There is a very fine line between the real and fictional stories, as characters, and situations, jump off from one to another, making the plot both chilling and fascinating. Gentile’s writing is clever and latches on to the reader’s mind. The one-sided emails from Leo to Hannah were brilliantly crafted and in my opinion, are the backbone of this thrilling book. I promise that I’m going to dig into this writer’s previous works and also put her on my radar for any future works.

Okay, so if I loved it too much, why not rate it at a 5 ]]>
3.77 2022 The Woman in the Library
author: Sulari Gentill
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2022/05/23
date added: 2022/05/23
shelves: netgalley
review:
New favourite author alert!

If, like me, you have no idea what a ‘locked room mystery� is, fret not because Sulari Gentill is here to teach you just that, but in reverse. Yes, you heard that right! This is a reverse locked room mystery, cleverly set in an epistolary format.

Hannah, an Australian writer starts a correspondence with her Boston based writer friend, Leo Johnson, in order to get more information about Boston where she is apparently setting her new novel - a murder mystery. Leo is a highly enthusiastic friend who is more than eager to help Hannah while struggling to publish his first book alongside. As Hannah keeps sharing her manuscript with Leo, chapter by chapter, she realises that Leo is taking a suspiciously dangerous interest in her work.

But that’s not it! Hannah’s manuscript is the story nested within Hannah and Leo’s story, and has an even larger presence. Four strangers sitting next to each other in the Boston Public Library are united by fate when they hear a woman scream in the library. The police finds a body of a woman later in the night who is later linked to the four strangers, now turned friends, which makes one of them the murderer.

There is a very fine line between the real and fictional stories, as characters, and situations, jump off from one to another, making the plot both chilling and fascinating. Gentile’s writing is clever and latches on to the reader’s mind. The one-sided emails from Leo to Hannah were brilliantly crafted and in my opinion, are the backbone of this thrilling book. I promise that I’m going to dig into this writer’s previous works and also put her on my radar for any future works.

Okay, so if I loved it too much, why not rate it at a 5
]]>
The Book of Longings 48739558 "I am Ana. I was the wife of Jesus." So begins the new novel from the number one New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Life of Bees and The Invention of Wings, an extraordinary story set in the first century about a woman who finds her voice and her destiny in a time of great despair and great hope.

In her fourth work of fiction, Sue Monk Kidd brings her acclaimed narrative gifts to imagine the story of a young woman named Ana. Raised in a wealthy family in Sepphoris with ties to the ruler of Galilee, she is rebellious and ambitious, a relentless seeker with a brilliant, curious mind and a daring spirit. She yearns for a pursuit worthy of her life, but finds no outlet for her considerable talents. Defying the expectations placed on women, she engages in furtive scholarly pursuits and writes secret narratives about neglected and silenced women. When she meets the eighteen-year-old Jesus, each is drawn to and enriched by the other's spiritual and philosophical ideas. He becomes a floodgate for her intellect, but also the awakener of her heart.

Their marriage unfolds with love and conflict, humor and pathos in Nazareth, where Ana makes a home with Jesus, his brothers, James and Simon, and their mother, Mary. Here, Ana's pent-up longings intensify amid the turbulent resistance to the Roman occupation of Israel, partially led by her charismatic adopted brother, Judas. She is sustained by her indomitable aunt Yaltha, who is searching for her long-lost daughter, as well as by other women, including her friend Tabitha, who is sold into slavery after she was raped, and Phasaelis, the shrewd wife of Herod Antipas. Ana's impetuous streak occasionally invites danger. When one such foray forces her to flee Nazareth for her safety shortly before Jesus's public ministry begins, she makes her way with Yaltha to Alexandria, where she eventually finds refuge and purpose in unexpected surroundings.

Grounded in meticulous historical research and written with a reverential approach to Jesus's life that focuses on his humanity, The Book of Longings is an inspiring account of one woman's bold struggle to realize the passion and potential inside her, while living in a time, place, and culture devised to silence her.]]>
432 Sue Monk Kidd Trisha 3
“I am Ana. I was the wife of Jesus ben Joseph of Nazareth. I called him Beloved and he, laughing, called me Little Thunder.�


The author imagines Jesus as a fully human prophet, who takes a wife and does other humanly things, while eagerly waiting for his calling which was, to bring God’s kingdom. This story, however, doesn’t belong to him, but to Ana, his wife. Sue Monk Kidd points out that not much is known of Jesus� life between ages 12 and 30, and there was scope of adding ‘Ana� to his story - a woman who wanted to read and write - who wanted to be known for her words, as a voice of all the silenced and erased women from those times. Ana is blunt, ambitious and even selfish at times. She detests patriarchy and can go to any length to do as she wills, even if that means punishment, or worse, death. She is a force!

As their paths cross, Jesus and Ana fall in love, however, they refuse to let love interfere with their respective callings. They let love comfort them but not guide them away from their ambitions.

“As we walked on, I told myself I would let Jesus have his hidden place that was his alone. We had our togetherness—why should we not have our separateness?�


It was a wonderful ride until this point, but the story goes downhill after Ana moves to Egypt. Even though I loved Yaltha with all of my heart, her story mixed with Ana’s, made me lose interest in both. The quest for Chaya, Yaltha’s missing daughter, while Ana is escaping from Herod Antipas, changed the whole flow of emotions. I wasn’t sure if I should rejoice that Ana had finally access to writing, or feel the thrill that came with hunting for Chaya, or grieve for the distance between Ana and Jesus. I was feeling too many emotions at once and I couldn’t make myself focus on one. This was also the time when I felt Ana was just being Jesus� wife, thinking of him, talking of him, and not being the Ana I was used to, who kept herself first. Although as a wife, I can understand what it would be like to be away from your partner/husband, but I was made to believe Ana was different, she was a voice like no other.

Sue Monk Kidd writes beautifully, especially the sections detailing Jesus� crucifixion, as witnessed by Ana, are heart wrenching and poetically painful. I was glued to those pages while my eyes watered and fingers trembled. The climax was short, yet satisfying. I particularly enjoyed the author’s note that gave a good insight into Monk Kidd’s perspective. Pasting below an excerpt from the author’s note:

“How would the Western world be different if Jesus had married and his wife had been included in his story? There are only speculative answers, but it seems plausible that Christianity and the Western world would have had a somewhat different religious and cultural inheritance. Perhaps women would have found more egalitarianism. Perhaps the relationship between sexuality and sacredness would have been less fractured. Celibacy among the priesthood might not exist. I wondered what, if any, effect imagining the possibility of a married Jesus could have on these traditions. How does imagining new possibilities affect realities in the present?�


3.5/5]]>
4.34 2020 The Book of Longings
author: Sue Monk Kidd
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2022/05/20
date added: 2022/05/20
shelves:
review:
I had a love and hate relationship with this story. Promising premise, mostly likeable characters, but the story drags in the middle and loses its charisma - thankfully, ends on a strong climax. The story, as the intention was, gripped my attention from its first line:

“I am Ana. I was the wife of Jesus ben Joseph of Nazareth. I called him Beloved and he, laughing, called me Little Thunder.�


The author imagines Jesus as a fully human prophet, who takes a wife and does other humanly things, while eagerly waiting for his calling which was, to bring God’s kingdom. This story, however, doesn’t belong to him, but to Ana, his wife. Sue Monk Kidd points out that not much is known of Jesus� life between ages 12 and 30, and there was scope of adding ‘Ana� to his story - a woman who wanted to read and write - who wanted to be known for her words, as a voice of all the silenced and erased women from those times. Ana is blunt, ambitious and even selfish at times. She detests patriarchy and can go to any length to do as she wills, even if that means punishment, or worse, death. She is a force!

As their paths cross, Jesus and Ana fall in love, however, they refuse to let love interfere with their respective callings. They let love comfort them but not guide them away from their ambitions.

“As we walked on, I told myself I would let Jesus have his hidden place that was his alone. We had our togetherness—why should we not have our separateness?�


It was a wonderful ride until this point, but the story goes downhill after Ana moves to Egypt. Even though I loved Yaltha with all of my heart, her story mixed with Ana’s, made me lose interest in both. The quest for Chaya, Yaltha’s missing daughter, while Ana is escaping from Herod Antipas, changed the whole flow of emotions. I wasn’t sure if I should rejoice that Ana had finally access to writing, or feel the thrill that came with hunting for Chaya, or grieve for the distance between Ana and Jesus. I was feeling too many emotions at once and I couldn’t make myself focus on one. This was also the time when I felt Ana was just being Jesus� wife, thinking of him, talking of him, and not being the Ana I was used to, who kept herself first. Although as a wife, I can understand what it would be like to be away from your partner/husband, but I was made to believe Ana was different, she was a voice like no other.

Sue Monk Kidd writes beautifully, especially the sections detailing Jesus� crucifixion, as witnessed by Ana, are heart wrenching and poetically painful. I was glued to those pages while my eyes watered and fingers trembled. The climax was short, yet satisfying. I particularly enjoyed the author’s note that gave a good insight into Monk Kidd’s perspective. Pasting below an excerpt from the author’s note:

“How would the Western world be different if Jesus had married and his wife had been included in his story? There are only speculative answers, but it seems plausible that Christianity and the Western world would have had a somewhat different religious and cultural inheritance. Perhaps women would have found more egalitarianism. Perhaps the relationship between sexuality and sacredness would have been less fractured. Celibacy among the priesthood might not exist. I wondered what, if any, effect imagining the possibility of a married Jesus could have on these traditions. How does imagining new possibilities affect realities in the present?�


3.5/5
]]>
<![CDATA[Night of the Ghoul (comiXology Originals) #6 (of 6)]]> 60830993
The writer and artist behind The Black Mirror reunite to shed light on a celluloid artifact once thought forever missing, perhaps with good reason�

Part of the comiXology Originals line of exclusive digital content only available on comiXology and Kindle. Read for free as part of your subscription to comiXology Unlimited, Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime. Also available for purchase via comiXology, Kindle and collected in print via Dark Horse Books.]]>
32 Scott Snyder Trisha 3
]]>
4.13 Night of the Ghoul (comiXology Originals) #6 (of 6)
author: Scott Snyder
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.13
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2022/05/15
date added: 2022/05/15
shelves:
review:
A weak end to what was some really cool and intelligent piece of writing. I was expecting more from the last volume, something as outstanding as the rest of the volumes, but it turned out to be a mediocre and predictable ending. Wish there were more volumes though!


]]>
<![CDATA[Night of the Ghoul (comiXology Originals) #5]]> 60476174
The writer and artist behind Batman: The Black Mirror reunite to shed light on a celluloid artifact once thought forever missing, perhaps with good reason�

Part of the comiXology Originals line of exclusive digital content only available on comiXology and Kindle. Read for free as part of your subscription to comiXology Unlimited, Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime. Also available for purchase via comiXology, Kindle and collected in print via Dark Horse Books.]]>
26 Scott Snyder Trisha 4 4.12 Night of the Ghoul (comiXology Originals) #5
author: Scott Snyder
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/05/15
date added: 2022/05/15
shelves:
review:
Starting to go a bit downward on my entertainment index. But even then, I can’t stop reading
]]>
<![CDATA[Night of the Ghoul (comiXology Originals) #4 (of 6)]]> 60212214
The writer and artist behind Batman: The Black Mirror reunite to shed light on a celluloid artifact once thought forever missing, perhaps with good reason�

Part of the comiXology Originals line of exclusive digital content only available on comiXology and Kindle. Read for free as part of your subscription to comiXology Unlimited, Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime. Also available for purchase via comiXology, Kindle and collected in print via Dark Horse Books.]]>
26 Scott Snyder Trisha 4 4.24 Night of the Ghoul (comiXology Originals) #4 (of 6)
author: Scott Snyder
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.24
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2022/05/15
date added: 2022/05/15
shelves:
review:
Umm, it’s getting a bit confusing but I’m still kind of enjoying it. Loved the historical research they’d put in to backup their ghoul theory. Smart writing!
]]>
<![CDATA[Night of the Ghoul (comiXology Originals) #3 (of 6)]]> 59905111
The writer and artist behind Batman: The Black Mirror reunite to shed light on a celluloid artifact once thought forever missing, perhaps with good reason�

Part of the comiXology Originals line of exclusive digital content only available on comiXology and Kindle. Read for free as part of your subscription to comiXology Unlimited, Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime. Also available for purchase via comiXology, Kindle and collected in print via Dark Horse Books.]]>
25 Scott Snyder Trisha 5 4.22 Night of the Ghoul (comiXology Originals) #3 (of 6)
author: Scott Snyder
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.22
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2022/05/15
date added: 2022/05/15
shelves:
review:
I’m starting to see the whole picture now. Intense writing and again gorgeous, GORGEOUS illustrations!
]]>
<![CDATA[Night of the Ghoul (comiXology Originals) #2 (of 6)]]> 59688096
The writer and artist behind Batman: The Black Mirror reunite to shed light on a celluloid artifact once thought forever missing, perhaps with good reason�

Part of the comiXology Originals line of exclusive digital content only available on comiXology and Kindle. Read for free as part of your subscription to comiXology Unlimited, Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime. Also available for purchase via comiXology, Kindle and collected in print via Dark Horse Books.]]>
24 Scott Snyder Trisha 5 4.23 Night of the Ghoul (comiXology Originals) #2 (of 6)
author: Scott Snyder
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.23
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2022/05/15
date added: 2022/05/15
shelves:
review:
Of course, I couldn’t wait to pick up the succeeding volumes. This one was as good as the previous one. Great illustrations and pretty strong buildup.
]]>
<![CDATA[Night of the Ghoul (comiXology Originals) #1 (of 6)]]> 59412543
The writer and artist behind Batman: The Black Mirror reunite to shed light on a celluloid artifact once thought forever missing, perhaps with good reason...

Part of the comiXology Originals line of exclusive digital content only available on comiXology and Kindle. Read for free as part of your subscription to comiXology Unlimited, Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime. Also available for purchase via comiXology, Kindle and collected in print via Dark Horse Books.]]>
32 Scott Snyder Trisha 5 4.18 Night of the Ghoul (comiXology Originals) #1 (of 6)
author: Scott Snyder
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.18
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2022/05/15
date added: 2022/05/15
shelves:
review:
Exactly what I was looking for. Dark, gory and ghoulish. And the illustrations were gorgeous!
]]>
The Return of the Sorceress 58260077 74 Silvia Moreno-Garcia 1645240312 Trisha 3
Loved the setting, but wanted to know more about the characters and their driving force. I was especially curious about Yalxi's past and felt that gap significantly. This could actually make a great novel!

TW: Gory, Death, Necromancy and a lot of blood-drinking, not sure if that's a trigger. ]]>
3.89 2021 The Return of the Sorceress
author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2022/05/11
date added: 2022/05/11
shelves:
review:
I love Silvia Morena-Garcia's works but this novella was, like all novellas are, too short. With the kind of world-building Moreno-Garcia does, you need a proper 400 pages long book to enjoy the setting and the plot. That's why the 3 stars!

Loved the setting, but wanted to know more about the characters and their driving force. I was especially curious about Yalxi's past and felt that gap significantly. This could actually make a great novel!

TW: Gory, Death, Necromancy and a lot of blood-drinking, not sure if that's a trigger.
]]>
<![CDATA[The Hate U Give (The Hate U Give, #1)]]> 32613366 "What's the point of having a voice if you're gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn't be?"

Sixteen-year-old Starr lives in two worlds: the poor neighbourhood where she was born and raised and her posh high school in the suburbs. The uneasy balance between them is shattered when Starr is the only witness to the fatal shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil, by a police officer. Now what Starr says could destroy her community. It could also get her killed.]]>
448 Angie Thomas Trisha 4 favorites The Hate U Give left me both angry and frustrated, and yet at the same time, filled me with so much hope for a better tomorrow. This is the kind of literature that makes you think twice about the things you do to make the world a better place to live in. Have I stood up against discrimination, or any wrongdoing, as much I should have? Do I not see casual racism in my surroundings and turn a blind eye to it because I feel powerless and weak? Thomas' writing makes minorities feel empowered and urges us to raise our voices whether or not it concerns us directly. Beautiful book! MUST READ!

4.5/5.

TW: RACISM. ]]>
4.47 2017 The Hate U Give (The Hate U Give, #1)
author: Angie Thomas
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.47
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2022/05/02
date added: 2022/05/06
shelves: favorites
review:
The Hate U Give left me both angry and frustrated, and yet at the same time, filled me with so much hope for a better tomorrow. This is the kind of literature that makes you think twice about the things you do to make the world a better place to live in. Have I stood up against discrimination, or any wrongdoing, as much I should have? Do I not see casual racism in my surroundings and turn a blind eye to it because I feel powerless and weak? Thomas' writing makes minorities feel empowered and urges us to raise our voices whether or not it concerns us directly. Beautiful book! MUST READ!

4.5/5.

TW: RACISM.
]]>
Klara and the Sun 54112560 ‘The Sun always has ways to reach us.'

From her place in the store, Klara, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities, watches carefully the behaviour of those who come in to browse, and of those who pass in the street outside. She remains hopeful a customer will soon choose her, but when the possibility emerges that her circumstances may change for ever, Klara is warned not to invest too much in the promises of humans.

In Klara and the Sun, his first novel since winning the Nobel Prize in Literature, Kazuo Ishiguro looks at our rapidly-changing modern world through the eyes of an unforgettable narrator to explore a fundamental question: what does it mean to love?]]>
307 Kazuo Ishiguro 057136487X Trisha 3 3.74 2021 Klara and the Sun
author: Kazuo Ishiguro
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2022/03/30
date added: 2022/04/16
shelves:
review:
Finished this a long time ago but life happened and couldn't mark this finished here. Sadly for me, I was way too excited for this one but was left disappointed. Not the quintessential Ishiguro I admire. Nevertheless, a thought-provoking story presented in a no-frills, grim way.
]]>
The Marlow Murder Club 54804969
Judith Potts is seventy-seven years old and blissfully happy. She lives on her own in a faded mansion just outside Marlow, there’s no man in her life to tell her what to do or how much whisky to drink, and to keep herself busy she sets crosswords for The Times newspaper.

One evening, while out swimming in the Thames, Judith witnesses a brutal murder. The local police don’t believe her story, so she decides to investigate for herself, and is soon joined in her quest by Suzie, a salt-of-the-earth dog-walker, and Becks, the prim and proper wife of the local Vicar.

Together, they are the Marlow Murder Club.

When another body turns up, they realise they have a real-life serial killer on their hands. And the puzzle they set out to solve has become a trap from which they might never escape…]]>
348 Robert Thorogood Trisha 0 netgalley A cutesy fun read, although not on the gripping side!

This was all things cute, funny and feel-good sorts. The kind of book you enjoy reading for a little while and then you put a bookmark in there and do not open it for days without feeling anxious. So while I had a good time reading it and giggled a lot, I didn't find it intriguing at all. It was tedious at times with a lot of conversations going on in an infinite loop with no end. I get the fact that that exceptional slow pacing was to make us believe that our main characters weren't young urban women, but women between the 40-80 age bracket from a small town. It was perhaps realistic, but still quite tiring at times. I loved Judith: a super-cool 77-year-old protagonist with a knack for solving crosswords and murders. She was the best thing about this whole book.

I'll be picking the next book in the series for the sake of Judith.

3/5 ]]>
4.04 2021 The Marlow Murder Club
author: Robert Thorogood
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at: 2022/03/23
date added: 2022/03/23
shelves: netgalley
review:
A cutesy fun read, although not on the gripping side!

This was all things cute, funny and feel-good sorts. The kind of book you enjoy reading for a little while and then you put a bookmark in there and do not open it for days without feeling anxious. So while I had a good time reading it and giggled a lot, I didn't find it intriguing at all. It was tedious at times with a lot of conversations going on in an infinite loop with no end. I get the fact that that exceptional slow pacing was to make us believe that our main characters weren't young urban women, but women between the 40-80 age bracket from a small town. It was perhaps realistic, but still quite tiring at times. I loved Judith: a super-cool 77-year-old protagonist with a knack for solving crosswords and murders. She was the best thing about this whole book.

I'll be picking the next book in the series for the sake of Judith.

3/5
]]>
The Perfect Neighborhood 59119958
When actress and model Allison Langley leaves her former rockstar husband, Christopher, in the middle of the night, it’s all her Oak Hill neighbors can talk about. The gossip comes to an abrupt halt when five-year-old Billy Barnes goes missing on his walk home from kindergarten.

Billy’s mother, Rachel, blames herself for being at work and letting her only child walk alone. Cassidy, Billy’s teenage babysitter, was also late to arrive on the afternoon he disappeared and blames herself for his disappearance.

As the clock ticks down, police are unable to find any trace of Billy, forcing Rachel to ponder the enemies she’s made in their well-off suburb. Could it be one of her neighbors who stole her son? Would they abduct Billy to hurt her? How easy would it be to take a child while the parents or nannies are distracted?

When another child goes missing, the town is put under a microscope as the police try to get to the bottom of the disappearances. Will they be able to find the two children, or will it be too late? What secrets lie at the heart of this tragedy, and how far will one go to keep those dangerous secrets buried?]]>
358 Liz Alterman 1639100210 Trisha 3 netgalley A fairly enjoyable, though not quite fresh, cosy suburban mystery/thriller with a terrible climax!

The domestic drama was fun, and the whole story felt like a season from Desperate Housewives. I’m not into suburban domestic dramas, you know how they all seem pretty much the same - wives bitching about the next-door neighbours and lamenting about their distraught lives, a Mr Darcy like neighbour whom everyone eyes but pretends not to, lots of eavesdropping, sleeping around and stuff like that. Well, this was no different, however, the story gets an extra punch once Billy Barnes, a five-year-old goes missing from the Oak Hill neighbourhood. The mystery is told from the POV of multiple characters, giving it a thrill, although some of the POVs don’t add anything to the story.

I hated the climax. This whole thing about children kidnappings somehow involving a childless couple is not only gross but an overused storyline. We need to get over it. Please, high time! The kidnapper was described as a nice person through most of the story, with special emphasis on them being a caring spouse. All of a sudden, they come out as an unstable (no mention of any mental illness though) person who was kidnapping the kids because they wanted a start-over. Like, for real?

I did enjoy Alterman’s take on friendship. Not everyone we see everyday or confide our secrets in, are our friends. This distinction between calling someone an acquaintance and a friend could be fine but makes a lot of difference to our lives and peace of mind.

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: May 17th, 2022.

3/5]]>
3.61 2022 The Perfect Neighborhood
author: Liz Alterman
name: Trisha
average rating: 3.61
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2022/03/16
date added: 2022/03/16
shelves: netgalley
review:
A fairly enjoyable, though not quite fresh, cosy suburban mystery/thriller with a terrible climax!

The domestic drama was fun, and the whole story felt like a season from Desperate Housewives. I’m not into suburban domestic dramas, you know how they all seem pretty much the same - wives bitching about the next-door neighbours and lamenting about their distraught lives, a Mr Darcy like neighbour whom everyone eyes but pretends not to, lots of eavesdropping, sleeping around and stuff like that. Well, this was no different, however, the story gets an extra punch once Billy Barnes, a five-year-old goes missing from the Oak Hill neighbourhood. The mystery is told from the POV of multiple characters, giving it a thrill, although some of the POVs don’t add anything to the story.

I hated the climax. This whole thing about children kidnappings somehow involving a childless couple is not only gross but an overused storyline. We need to get over it. Please, high time! The kidnapper was described as a nice person through most of the story, with special emphasis on them being a caring spouse. All of a sudden, they come out as an unstable (no mention of any mental illness though) person who was kidnapping the kids because they wanted a start-over. Like, for real?

I did enjoy Alterman’s take on friendship. Not everyone we see everyday or confide our secrets in, are our friends. This distinction between calling someone an acquaintance and a friend could be fine but makes a lot of difference to our lives and peace of mind.

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: May 17th, 2022.

3/5
]]>
From Below 58926803 Hundreds of feet beneath the ocean's surface, a graveyard waits...

Years ago, the SS Arcadia vanished without a trace during a routine voyage. Though a strange, garbled emergency message was broadcast, neither the ship nor any of its crew could be found. Sixty years later, its wreck has finally been discovered more than three hundred miles from its intended course...a silent graveyard deep beneath the ocean's surface, eagerly waiting for the first sign of life.

Cove and her dive team have been granted permission to explore the Arcadia's rusting hull. Their purpose is straightforward: examine the wreck, film everything, and, if possible, uncover how and why the supposedly unsinkable ship vanished.

But the Arcadia has not yet had its fill of death, and something dark and hungry watches from below. With limited oxygen and the ship slowly closing in around them, Cove and her team will have to fight their way free of the unspeakable horror now desperate to claim them.]]>
470 Darcy Coates Trisha 5 netgalley
This book is one of the most terrifying pieces of paranormal fiction I have read in my entire life. I have been terrified before but never have I ever felt claustrophobic reading a fictional setting, nor have I had to stop and gasp for breath. I am not exaggerating! This book was eerie to the power of infinity, and even though I loved it, I will never return to it. “Not in a million years," in Cove's words. I don’t have the guts! I believe my fear of drowning made the experience even more frightening for me.

The story is about a dive expedition to an unexplored shipwreck that happened sixty years ago. The reason behind the sinking hasn’t been established yet since the wreckage has only now been spotted. All that the team knows is that there were a couple of distress calls made by the crew right before the wreck but with no clear message. As the divers explore the shipwreck site, they come face to face with the horror contained inside. There is also an alternative storyline from the POV of the ship's crew which gives an eerie account of the last voyage. The two timelines are cleverly blended and provide a much-needed break from the bone tingling dives. However, there is no escape from the fright!

This was my first time reading a book by Coates. Having seen some great reviews by my bookish friends on Instagram, I was delighted to get this ARC. Coates is a gifted writer - her characters are well layered and realistic. Thanks to the atmospheric writing, I felt every single emotion the divers were going through: the strain on my eyes due to the lack of light, the pressure on my lungs like I was running out of oxygen and the fright of the undead surrounding me, no wait, surrounding the divers. Ugh! My senses have never been tested this hard while reading.

Thanks to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: June 7th, 2022.

4.5/5]]>
4.19 2022 From Below
author: Darcy Coates
name: Trisha
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2022/03/14
date added: 2022/03/15
shelves: netgalley
review:
WHAT DID I JUST READ?

This book is one of the most terrifying pieces of paranormal fiction I have read in my entire life. I have been terrified before but never have I ever felt claustrophobic reading a fictional setting, nor have I had to stop and gasp for breath. I am not exaggerating! This book was eerie to the power of infinity, and even though I loved it, I will never return to it. “Not in a million years," in Cove's words. I don’t have the guts! I believe my fear of drowning made the experience even more frightening for me.

The story is about a dive expedition to an unexplored shipwreck that happened sixty years ago. The reason behind the sinking hasn’t been established yet since the wreckage has only now been spotted. All that the team knows is that there were a couple of distress calls made by the crew right before the wreck but with no clear message. As the divers explore the shipwreck site, they come face to face with the horror contained inside. There is also an alternative storyline from the POV of the ship's crew which gives an eerie account of the last voyage. The two timelines are cleverly blended and provide a much-needed break from the bone tingling dives. However, there is no escape from the fright!

This was my first time reading a book by Coates. Having seen some great reviews by my bookish friends on Instagram, I was delighted to get this ARC. Coates is a gifted writer - her characters are well layered and realistic. Thanks to the atmospheric writing, I felt every single emotion the divers were going through: the strain on my eyes due to the lack of light, the pressure on my lungs like I was running out of oxygen and the fright of the undead surrounding me, no wait, surrounding the divers. Ugh! My senses have never been tested this hard while reading.

Thanks to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: June 7th, 2022.

4.5/5
]]>