Kai Ashante Wilson's The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps
I’m not even sure where to start with this one, because it’s weird and visceral and has like a million layers, and there’s a love story and an adventure story, and the end is a freaking gut punch. It’s beautifully written, which means the gross parts are extra hard to read, so I’ll give it an A- before immediately reading the sequel.
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Sunday, June 21, 2020
2020 book 124
Julia Quinn's The Duke and I
I wanted to read this bc I’ve read some of Quinn's other books and liked them well enough, and this series will at some point be a Netflix show with a cast I like. It’s a fairly run of the mill historical romance. SHE . . . has seven siblings and no one wants to marry her bc everyone sees her as a friend! HE . . . is a Duke with daddy issues and a past as a stuttering child! Of course a fake courtship will solve various problems for both of them, and of course it will turn real. This has some things I don’t like: cheesiness, insta-lust, growling hero tormented by feelings and occasionally manhandling the heroine, epilogues where happy endings inevitably involve multiple children. It has some things I do like: a cheerful heroine, a boisterous large family, a sense of humor. SADLY this book has a second epilogue that spoiled me as to which other minor characters will get together in future books, which is pretty uncool, bc they were actually the only two minor characters I was interested in! Anyway, B I guess.
I wanted to read this bc I’ve read some of Quinn's other books and liked them well enough, and this series will at some point be a Netflix show with a cast I like. It’s a fairly run of the mill historical romance. SHE . . . has seven siblings and no one wants to marry her bc everyone sees her as a friend! HE . . . is a Duke with daddy issues and a past as a stuttering child! Of course a fake courtship will solve various problems for both of them, and of course it will turn real. This has some things I don’t like: cheesiness, insta-lust, growling hero tormented by feelings and occasionally manhandling the heroine, epilogues where happy endings inevitably involve multiple children. It has some things I do like: a cheerful heroine, a boisterous large family, a sense of humor. SADLY this book has a second epilogue that spoiled me as to which other minor characters will get together in future books, which is pretty uncool, bc they were actually the only two minor characters I was interested in! Anyway, B I guess.
Thursday, June 18, 2020
2020 book 123
Alexandra Rowland's A Choir of Lies
The sequel to A Conspiracy of Truths focuses on the apprentice from that book, now out on his own, writing down his recent past, with frequent interjections from an angry and exasperated reader appearing in the form of footnotes. I ended up liking this a lot, though like its predecessor it was a bit slow, but that interplay of narrative voices was really the star here. That, I loved. A-.
The sequel to A Conspiracy of Truths focuses on the apprentice from that book, now out on his own, writing down his recent past, with frequent interjections from an angry and exasperated reader appearing in the form of footnotes. I ended up liking this a lot, though like its predecessor it was a bit slow, but that interplay of narrative voices was really the star here. That, I loved. A-.
Sunday, June 14, 2020
2020 book 122
Nnedi Okorafor's Binti
This sci-fi trilogy focuses on a young woman from earth, who's been accepted to an elite college—but her people never leave their home. So she runs away to take a spaceship to school . . . at least until the ship in invaded by hostile aliens. This an excellent start to a series—great characters and world-building—though I wanted more for sure. At least there are two more volumes! A-.
This sci-fi trilogy focuses on a young woman from earth, who's been accepted to an elite college—but her people never leave their home. So she runs away to take a spaceship to school . . . at least until the ship in invaded by hostile aliens. This an excellent start to a series—great characters and world-building—though I wanted more for sure. At least there are two more volumes! A-.
Saturday, June 13, 2020
2020 book 121
Lois McMaster Bujold's The Physicians of Vilnoc
Hey, it’s a new Penric and Desdemona book. In this one, our sorcerer and demon are called to deal with a plague at an army base. Not much else happens really, but I always enjoy spending time with these characters, and an interesting new sorcerer is introduced. B+.
Hey, it’s a new Penric and Desdemona book. In this one, our sorcerer and demon are called to deal with a plague at an army base. Not much else happens really, but I always enjoy spending time with these characters, and an interesting new sorcerer is introduced. B+.
Thursday, June 11, 2020
2020 book 120
Jasmine Guillory’s Party of Two
I think this is my favorite Jasmine Guillory book yet, because it doesn’t have any dumb refusals to discuss feeeeeelings, just legit issues that need to be worked through. It centers on a (Black)lawyer, moving to LA to start her own firm (she's the sister of Alexa from the previous books), who meets a cute (white) guy at a hotel bar . . . who also happens to be a hotshot young Senator. I liked both of these characters a lot, and found their struggles (separately and together) to be pretty compelling. I did wish the friend characters were more fleshed out, instead of just being sounding board stand-ins, but on the whole I liked this a lot. A/A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on June 23rd.
I think this is my favorite Jasmine Guillory book yet, because it doesn’t have any dumb refusals to discuss feeeeeelings, just legit issues that need to be worked through. It centers on a (Black)lawyer, moving to LA to start her own firm (she's the sister of Alexa from the previous books), who meets a cute (white) guy at a hotel bar . . . who also happens to be a hotshot young Senator. I liked both of these characters a lot, and found their struggles (separately and together) to be pretty compelling. I did wish the friend characters were more fleshed out, instead of just being sounding board stand-ins, but on the whole I liked this a lot. A/A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on June 23rd.
Tuesday, June 09, 2020
2020 book 119
Carrie Vaughn's The Ghosts of Sherwood
I generally like Vaughn’s works, so was excited to check out her latest, a novella about the children of Robin Hood and Maid Marian getting kidnapped by political rivals. And I did /like/ it, I just wished there was more to it! It’s barely over a hundred pages and feels shorter. The children (well, the daughters) are really interesting, and I would have liked to have seen more of them, or more of the court politics, or whatever. I know a sequel is forthcoming but this still would have benefited from being fleshed out a bit more. But I /did/ really enjoy the daughters and will be reading the sequel for sure. B+.
I generally like Vaughn’s works, so was excited to check out her latest, a novella about the children of Robin Hood and Maid Marian getting kidnapped by political rivals. And I did /like/ it, I just wished there was more to it! It’s barely over a hundred pages and feels shorter. The children (well, the daughters) are really interesting, and I would have liked to have seen more of them, or more of the court politics, or whatever. I know a sequel is forthcoming but this still would have benefited from being fleshed out a bit more. But I /did/ really enjoy the daughters and will be reading the sequel for sure. B+.
Monday, June 08, 2020
2020 book 118
Jo Walton's Lifelode
I wanted to read this because I generally like Walton's novels, it was described as a domestic kind of fantasy (which is what I want to read these days), and it finally became available as an ebook. And it is fairly domestic, or at least the main character is a woman who keeps house at the manor (though she is part of a polycule with its lord), and who also has the power to see things from other times. And things are domestic enough, at least until an ancestor comes home, fleeing an angry goddess. Look, the world and magic are too complicated to explain in a few sentences, but I thought they both worked really well, and I liked the sort of circular storytelling. I did not entirely love the way things wrapped up, though. Definitely left me a bit unsatisfied. B+.
I wanted to read this because I generally like Walton's novels, it was described as a domestic kind of fantasy (which is what I want to read these days), and it finally became available as an ebook. And it is fairly domestic, or at least the main character is a woman who keeps house at the manor (though she is part of a polycule with its lord), and who also has the power to see things from other times. And things are domestic enough, at least until an ancestor comes home, fleeing an angry goddess. Look, the world and magic are too complicated to explain in a few sentences, but I thought they both worked really well, and I liked the sort of circular storytelling. I did not entirely love the way things wrapped up, though. Definitely left me a bit unsatisfied. B+.
Sunday, June 07, 2020
2020 book 117
Emily Henry's Beach Read
I think I saw Emma Straub recommend this and immediately put it on hold at the library. It’s a contemporary romance about a romance author with writer's block (due to the emergence of various family secrets that have shaken her faith in LOVE), who moves to a beach house in Michigan where her next door neighbor is none other than her hot creative writing class rival from college, now a successful author of literary fiction. So of course they end up having a bet where she will write a “serious” novel and he will write something with a happy ending, and they will spend their weekends researching their genres together. It’s a cute premise and the author makes it mostly work. I really liked the protagonist, but the love interest's childhood trauma is kind of glossed over, and the very end didn’t work for me. But this was a fun read for sure. B+.
I think I saw Emma Straub recommend this and immediately put it on hold at the library. It’s a contemporary romance about a romance author with writer's block (due to the emergence of various family secrets that have shaken her faith in LOVE), who moves to a beach house in Michigan where her next door neighbor is none other than her hot creative writing class rival from college, now a successful author of literary fiction. So of course they end up having a bet where she will write a “serious” novel and he will write something with a happy ending, and they will spend their weekends researching their genres together. It’s a cute premise and the author makes it mostly work. I really liked the protagonist, but the love interest's childhood trauma is kind of glossed over, and the very end didn’t work for me. But this was a fun read for sure. B+.
Saturday, June 06, 2020
2020 book 116
Megan McCafferty's The Mall
McCafferty (author of the Jessica Darling books) is back with her first YA novel in a while. It’s the typical story of a high achieving nerdy girl, off to Barnard in the fall, whose life plan is shattered when she discovers her boyfriend is cheating on her. Of course she ends up tossed into a summer job working with her childhood best friend (who she looks down on for being less achieving, why are these nerdy girls always such snobs?). What (slightly) sets this apart is the setting—a mall in 1991–not to mention a mysterious goth girl and a cabbage patch themed treasure hunt. This was entertaining enough that I read it in one sitting, even though it felt pretty familiar. Plus, the cover is a neon joy.
McCafferty (author of the Jessica Darling books) is back with her first YA novel in a while. It’s the typical story of a high achieving nerdy girl, off to Barnard in the fall, whose life plan is shattered when she discovers her boyfriend is cheating on her. Of course she ends up tossed into a summer job working with her childhood best friend (who she looks down on for being less achieving, why are these nerdy girls always such snobs?). What (slightly) sets this apart is the setting—a mall in 1991–not to mention a mysterious goth girl and a cabbage patch themed treasure hunt. This was entertaining enough that I read it in one sitting, even though it felt pretty familiar. Plus, the cover is a neon joy.
So it wasn’t the most groundbreaking book, it was still good early 90s escapism. A-/B+.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on Tuesday.
Friday, June 05, 2020
2020 book 115
Victoria Goddard’s Blackcurrant Fool
I’m very tired (and also proud of the quip about literary analysis) so let me link to my initial review of this, because I think all those sentiments still stand. I have really enjoyed rereading all of these (and reading them together with Hands of the Emperor and Til Human Voices gives a lot of interesting context) and can’t think of anything else that would have been so satisfying to read right now. I love stories about friendships and loyalty and love defying the odds.
I’m very tired (and also proud of the quip about literary analysis) so let me link to my initial review of this, because I think all those sentiments still stand. I have really enjoyed rereading all of these (and reading them together with Hands of the Emperor and Til Human Voices gives a lot of interesting context) and can’t think of anything else that would have been so satisfying to read right now. I love stories about friendships and loyalty and love defying the odds.
Thursday, June 04, 2020
2020 book 114
Victoria Goddard’s Whiskeyjack
The third Greenwing and Dart book has new and old mysteries to unravel, not to mention smugglers, bootleggers, more magic, puzzles, poems, curses, and Scholars. So much to love in this series! Why doesn’t Victoria Goddard have like eight new novels for me to read right now.
The third Greenwing and Dart book has new and old mysteries to unravel, not to mention smugglers, bootleggers, more magic, puzzles, poems, curses, and Scholars. So much to love in this series! Why doesn’t Victoria Goddard have like eight new novels for me to read right now.
Wednesday, June 03, 2020
2010 book 113
Victoria Goddard’s Bee Sting Cake
In the second book in this series, there are more friends, dragon riddles, curses to be broken, magic, a harvest fair, a cake competition, and a 3 mile race. What’s not to love?
In the second book in this series, there are more friends, dragon riddles, curses to be broken, magic, a harvest fair, a cake competition, and a 3 mile race. What’s not to love?
Tuesday, June 02, 2020
2020 book 112
Victoria Goddard’s Stargazy Pie
Still just rereading favorite fantasy books about men and their feelings, mysterious women, secret cults, and a bookstore owner who is basically Miss Marple. Interesting to see Goddard laying the groundwork here for stuff that happens in the fourth book. Anyway, I love these characters and their shenanigans.
Still just rereading favorite fantasy books about men and their feelings, mysterious women, secret cults, and a bookstore owner who is basically Miss Marple. Interesting to see Goddard laying the groundwork here for stuff that happens in the fourth book. Anyway, I love these characters and their shenanigans.
Saturday, May 30, 2020
2020 book 111
Kevin Kwan's Sex and Vanity
So here is Kwan's first book since his very fun Crazy Rich Asians series, and it’s a fairly typical second-chance romance novel. It’s centered on Lucie, a half Chinese-American, half New York white WASP, who falls for a handsome young man at a weeklong wedding extravaganza. But things go awry, as they are wont to do. Several years later she's engaged to a very eligible bachelor (a character who is beyond cartoonish) when she encounters the young man again. What will happen?? Well, it’s pretty obvious what will happen. Parts of this were great—Lucie is a (mostly) likable character, and her struggles with her white relatives' racism and people being weird to her because she is mixed race are pretty compelling. I loved her relationships with her mom and brother. But the central romance is underbaked, the hero is too good to be true (and we don’t see enough of him), and there aren’t really any side-plots to distract from the weaker points. I mean, it’s still pretty fun, just not as satisfying as his earlier series. B/B+.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on June 30th.
So here is Kwan's first book since his very fun Crazy Rich Asians series, and it’s a fairly typical second-chance romance novel. It’s centered on Lucie, a half Chinese-American, half New York white WASP, who falls for a handsome young man at a weeklong wedding extravaganza. But things go awry, as they are wont to do. Several years later she's engaged to a very eligible bachelor (a character who is beyond cartoonish) when she encounters the young man again. What will happen?? Well, it’s pretty obvious what will happen. Parts of this were great—Lucie is a (mostly) likable character, and her struggles with her white relatives' racism and people being weird to her because she is mixed race are pretty compelling. I loved her relationships with her mom and brother. But the central romance is underbaked, the hero is too good to be true (and we don’t see enough of him), and there aren’t really any side-plots to distract from the weaker points. I mean, it’s still pretty fun, just not as satisfying as his earlier series. B/B+.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on June 30th.
2020 book 110
Victoria Goddard's Til Human Voices Wake Us
I wanted to remain immersed in Goddard's world, so read this one, which was new to me. It was slightly jarring, because in this one, her fantasy world overlaps with modern England, where a powerful mage is moonlighting as an actor and hanging out with Shakespeare, Robin Goodfellow, and Scheherazade. And also about to wrap up a centuries-long Game of good versus evil. This character is similar to the protagonist of Hands of the Emperor, in that he struggles to deal with/reveal his feelings (though this book was written first). And this does fill in some of the gaps of Goddard's world, too, which makes me eager to read the other ones I haven’t yet. B+.
I wanted to remain immersed in Goddard's world, so read this one, which was new to me. It was slightly jarring, because in this one, her fantasy world overlaps with modern England, where a powerful mage is moonlighting as an actor and hanging out with Shakespeare, Robin Goodfellow, and Scheherazade. And also about to wrap up a centuries-long Game of good versus evil. This character is similar to the protagonist of Hands of the Emperor, in that he struggles to deal with/reveal his feelings (though this book was written first). And this does fill in some of the gaps of Goddard's world, too, which makes me eager to read the other ones I haven’t yet. B+.
Thursday, May 28, 2020
2020 book 109
Victoria Goddard’s The Hands of the Emperor
Sometimes you just want to reread something you can really sink into, like a beautifully written long novel about government reform. Yes, that's what I said. I love Goddard's writing and she makes this story of a very high level bureaucrat—and his deep friendships, and his family issues, and being from a minority culture, and his politics, and his work for a living god—extremely moving and compelling. Like, here I am crying when a song gets sung during a ceremony. I love Goddard's world and this novel is great.
Monday, May 25, 2020
2020 book 108
Elizabeth Ann Scarborough’s The Redundant Dragons
The sixth (and final?) book in this series has a lot going on, but is pretty entertaining. I felt like it couldn’t decide how seriously to take itself. And it’s not subtle: the aunt who runs a brothel has the given name Erotica. And it has the usual continuity errors. But there are cool dragons, interesting women, ghost cats, and time travel, so I liked it anyway. B.
The sixth (and final?) book in this series has a lot going on, but is pretty entertaining. I felt like it couldn’t decide how seriously to take itself. And it’s not subtle: the aunt who runs a brothel has the given name Erotica. And it has the usual continuity errors. But there are cool dragons, interesting women, ghost cats, and time travel, so I liked it anyway. B.
Sunday, May 24, 2020
2020 book 107
Elizabeth Ann Scarborough’s The Dragon, the Witch, and the Railroad
The fifth book in this series is set about a hundred years after the last one and has way more interesting characters—a girl cursed to tell the truth, a werefox lawyer, a cross-dressing pirate, an elderly archivist, and several very awesome dragons. I am not quite sure the plot lived up to all that, and there were the usual proof-reading errors, but it was a fun read. Unfortunately, even though Scarborough wrote this in 2015, she is still dropping the g-word like crazy (though she is way better about the cultural stereotypes). I really feel like by 2015, even old white ladies should have known that word was not cool (or at least had editors to tell them so). B.
The fifth book in this series is set about a hundred years after the last one and has way more interesting characters—a girl cursed to tell the truth, a werefox lawyer, a cross-dressing pirate, an elderly archivist, and several very awesome dragons. I am not quite sure the plot lived up to all that, and there were the usual proof-reading errors, but it was a fun read. Unfortunately, even though Scarborough wrote this in 2015, she is still dropping the g-word like crazy (though she is way better about the cultural stereotypes). I really feel like by 2015, even old white ladies should have known that word was not cool (or at least had editors to tell them so). B.
Saturday, May 23, 2020
2020 book 106
Elizabeth Ann Scarborough's The Christening Quest
The problem with promising your firstborn child away is that inevitably you will have a firstborn child, who will then be whisked away by a magic carpet before she can even be given magical gifts at her christening. So then your brother and cousin have to go on a journey to christen her and have magical adventures along the way. I was less interested in these characters than the ones in earlier books (whistling magic is just not as cool or versatile as hearth magic) and there are still a lot of gross cultural stereotypes. The last two books in this series were written this millennium, so I have hopes they will be less racist. B.
The problem with promising your firstborn child away is that inevitably you will have a firstborn child, who will then be whisked away by a magic carpet before she can even be given magical gifts at her christening. So then your brother and cousin have to go on a journey to christen her and have magical adventures along the way. I was less interested in these characters than the ones in earlier books (whistling magic is just not as cool or versatile as hearth magic) and there are still a lot of gross cultural stereotypes. The last two books in this series were written this millennium, so I have hopes they will be less racist. B.
Friday, May 22, 2020
2020 book 105
Elizabeth Ann Scarborough's Bronwyn's Bane
The third book focuses primarily on the children of characters from the first two books, trying to end a curse and help their country during wartime, journeying around etc. Scarborough goes all in in racist cultural stereotypes here with her Travelers and with the addition of some Arabian Nights type figures. So that was like a constant thorn in my side while reading this otherwise innocuous story. B.
The third book focuses primarily on the children of characters from the first two books, trying to end a curse and help their country during wartime, journeying around etc. Scarborough goes all in in racist cultural stereotypes here with her Travelers and with the addition of some Arabian Nights type figures. So that was like a constant thorn in my side while reading this otherwise innocuous story. B.
Thursday, May 21, 2020
2020 book 104
Elizabeth Ann Scarborough's The Unicorn Creed
The second book in this series has a lot going on: a cursed baby princess, an evil sorcerer kidnapping unicorns in a plot to take over the world, a bunch of unwanted suitors, not to mention zombies, nymphs, and fairies being added to the mix. Lots of fun fantasy adventures and compelling characters, even if the book has several instances of mixing its characters' names up. B/B+.
Content warning for an attempted (if easily averted) rape attempt, plus the usual nonsense with a band of Travelers and related stereotypes.
The second book in this series has a lot going on: a cursed baby princess, an evil sorcerer kidnapping unicorns in a plot to take over the world, a bunch of unwanted suitors, not to mention zombies, nymphs, and fairies being added to the mix. Lots of fun fantasy adventures and compelling characters, even if the book has several instances of mixing its characters' names up. B/B+.
Content warning for an attempted (if easily averted) rape attempt, plus the usual nonsense with a band of Travelers and related stereotypes.
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
2020 book 103
Elizabeth Ann Scarborough's Song of Sorcery
I’m still very much in the mood for gentle fantasy books, and this one obliged. It’s about a young woman, a hearthwitch, who finds out her sister has run away from her husband with another man*, and goes off to find her, accompanied by the minstrel who unwittingly brought the news. Magical adventures ensue, and there are awesome unicorns and dragons and CATS to be found. I really liked the world-building here, and the protagonist's magic is fun. My only problem with this book is where is * comes in; this book was published in 1982 and said man is a “Gypsy” and there is a lot about his family and their camp that doesn’t play well to modern readers (the words “flashing-eyed” are used, it’s honestly embarrassing). So I’ll downgrade this to an B+ due to 1980s racist stereotyping and slurs.
I’m still very much in the mood for gentle fantasy books, and this one obliged. It’s about a young woman, a hearthwitch, who finds out her sister has run away from her husband with another man*, and goes off to find her, accompanied by the minstrel who unwittingly brought the news. Magical adventures ensue, and there are awesome unicorns and dragons and CATS to be found. I really liked the world-building here, and the protagonist's magic is fun. My only problem with this book is where is * comes in; this book was published in 1982 and said man is a “Gypsy” and there is a lot about his family and their camp that doesn’t play well to modern readers (the words “flashing-eyed” are used, it’s honestly embarrassing). So I’ll downgrade this to an B+ due to 1980s racist stereotyping and slurs.
Monday, May 18, 2020
2020 book 102
Zen Cho's The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water
Cho's latest is a novella where a young nun ends up traveling with a band of thieves trying to make a big score, as narrated by one of the thieves. (I LOVED the narrative voice here.) Some fun action and the two main characters are great; I did wish a few of the other characters were more fleshed out, but I guess that’s not really the point in a novella. I would totally read a sequel though. A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on June 23rd.
Cho's latest is a novella where a young nun ends up traveling with a band of thieves trying to make a big score, as narrated by one of the thieves. (I LOVED the narrative voice here.) Some fun action and the two main characters are great; I did wish a few of the other characters were more fleshed out, but I guess that’s not really the point in a novella. I would totally read a sequel though. A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on June 23rd.
Sunday, May 17, 2020
2020 book 101
Jaclyn Moriarty’s Feeling Sorry for Celia
I got into one of those reading ruts where I started four different books and couldn’t get into any of them, and the only cure for that mental block is Jaclyn Moriarty, whose books are always a hundred percent awesome. This one is the first of her Ashbury/Brookfield books, about a cast of characters brought together by a pen-pal program. I love epistolary novels and this one is supremely funny and real, focusing on friendship and relationships with parents and wild friends and secrets and training for a half marathon. This makes me happy every time I read it.
I got into one of those reading ruts where I started four different books and couldn’t get into any of them, and the only cure for that mental block is Jaclyn Moriarty, whose books are always a hundred percent awesome. This one is the first of her Ashbury/Brookfield books, about a cast of characters brought together by a pen-pal program. I love epistolary novels and this one is supremely funny and real, focusing on friendship and relationships with parents and wild friends and secrets and training for a half marathon. This makes me happy every time I read it.
2020 book 100
Naomi Kritzer’s Catfishing on CatNet
As usual, I am making book club read books that I love and want to reread; responses to this seem to be positive, even for the less online people. But who would not love a novel set in the near future about an AI that loves cat pictures and its friends, and one of the teen girls it loves? Who would not delight in an AI reprogramming robots and helming rescue missions? Who would not enjoy a novel about internet pals and budding romances? I mean also there is a whole terrifying abusive man lurking in the background here, so be warned, but this book is awesome and I can’t wait for the sequel.
As usual, I am making book club read books that I love and want to reread; responses to this seem to be positive, even for the less online people. But who would not love a novel set in the near future about an AI that loves cat pictures and its friends, and one of the teen girls it loves? Who would not delight in an AI reprogramming robots and helming rescue missions? Who would not enjoy a novel about internet pals and budding romances? I mean also there is a whole terrifying abusive man lurking in the background here, so be warned, but this book is awesome and I can’t wait for the sequel.
Thursday, May 14, 2020
2020 book 99
Adrienne Kisner's Six Angry Girls
Ok, so, this book had a lot of things I loved (or should have loved): a band of girls forming a Mock Trial team bc various boys are horrible and they want revenge; knitting and knitting activism; a cool and helpful librarian; a cute queer girl romance. But parts of this were just . . . clunky. All the knitting activism stuff needed to be way more fleshed out. The author is clearly from Western PA, but all of her fake local names were TERRIBLE (Penn State Steelton? Pitt Fogton? Whyyy?!? Why not just use the real branch campus names? When you are correctly shouting out the Creamery and Eat ‘n’ Park?). And the dialogue sometimes uses contractions and sometimes doesn’t, which just makes things sound weird and stilted. And sometimes names were changed or swapped (hopefully this will get one more editing pass). I did think the trial stuff was interesting, was generally on board with the girl power messaging, and liked the ending (ok, Raina's was waaaaaay too unbelievable). But unfortunately I was distracted by all the above stuff. It just came off as lazy. Still, if you are not from Pittsburgh, that stuff might not bother you, and you can just enjoy this mildly goofy YA book. B.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released in the summer.
Ok, so, this book had a lot of things I loved (or should have loved): a band of girls forming a Mock Trial team bc various boys are horrible and they want revenge; knitting and knitting activism; a cool and helpful librarian; a cute queer girl romance. But parts of this were just . . . clunky. All the knitting activism stuff needed to be way more fleshed out. The author is clearly from Western PA, but all of her fake local names were TERRIBLE (Penn State Steelton? Pitt Fogton? Whyyy?!? Why not just use the real branch campus names? When you are correctly shouting out the Creamery and Eat ‘n’ Park?). And the dialogue sometimes uses contractions and sometimes doesn’t, which just makes things sound weird and stilted. And sometimes names were changed or swapped (hopefully this will get one more editing pass). I did think the trial stuff was interesting, was generally on board with the girl power messaging, and liked the ending (ok, Raina's was waaaaaay too unbelievable). But unfortunately I was distracted by all the above stuff. It just came off as lazy. Still, if you are not from Pittsburgh, that stuff might not bother you, and you can just enjoy this mildly goofy YA book. B.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released in the summer.
2020 book 98
Patricia C. Wrede’s Talking to Dragons
The final book in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles was actually the first written, but Wrede did such a good job with the prequels that this ends up being a really satisfying conclusion! And of course it’s a charming story on its own, full of magic and adventure.
The final book in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles was actually the first written, but Wrede did such a good job with the prequels that this ends up being a really satisfying conclusion! And of course it’s a charming story on its own, full of magic and adventure.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
2020 book 97
Patricia C. Wrede’s Calling on Dragons
The third Enchanted Forest Chronicles book is from the POV of witch Morven, who featured heavily in the first two books, but her POV is extra awesome bc she can talk to her cats! Lots more fun magical adventures, thwarting wizards, PLUS cat shenanigans. I need more books like this.
The third Enchanted Forest Chronicles book is from the POV of witch Morven, who featured heavily in the first two books, but her POV is extra awesome bc she can talk to her cats! Lots more fun magical adventures, thwarting wizards, PLUS cat shenanigans. I need more books like this.
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
2020 book 96
Patricia C. Wrede's Searching for Dragons
The second book in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles follows the young King trying to figure out who's messing with the forest's magic, and teaming up with the princess from the first book,,who's looking for her dragon. Solid plot, lots of funny moments, some good cats, a cute romance, etc. Perfect comfort reading.
The second book in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles follows the young King trying to figure out who's messing with the forest's magic, and teaming up with the princess from the first book,,who's looking for her dragon. Solid plot, lots of funny moments, some good cats, a cute romance, etc. Perfect comfort reading.
Monday, May 11, 2020
2020 book 95
Patricia C. Wrede's Dealing with Dragons
And now it is time to revisit the Enchanted Forest Chronicles. In this first one, a young princess thinks being proper is boring, but she’s not allowed to do the things she thinks are interesting (fencing, magic, learning Latin) so she runs away to be the princess of a dragon. And helps uncover a dragon-related mystery! I love a practical heroine and this book has several.
And now it is time to revisit the Enchanted Forest Chronicles. In this first one, a young princess thinks being proper is boring, but she’s not allowed to do the things she thinks are interesting (fencing, magic, learning Latin) so she runs away to be the princess of a dragon. And helps uncover a dragon-related mystery! I love a practical heroine and this book has several.
Sunday, May 10, 2020
2020 book 94
Hannah Abigail Clarke's The Scapegracers
As I have previously mentioned on this blog, I am here for books about queer teen witches, and this one has a slammin' cover to boot, so I was psyched for it. The action starts when the resident lesbian outcast is invited to make some magic at a pre-Halloween party, after which the resident popular girl clique adopts her. So that is a mildly interesting trope to throw into a queer teen witch story. Those girls felt particularly unreal though, like I kept wondering if the big reveal would be that they were imaginary or ghosts or something. I was more interested in the protagonist and her family and her magic books. Of course this is a YA book, so obviously the intended audience cares more about glamorous teens than gay dads with an antique shop. This book also goes some darker places than I expected. A lot is left unresolved, so I guess a sequel is forthcoming? I will probably read it; I enjoyed the narrative voice here a lot. B+.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on Tuesday.
As I have previously mentioned on this blog, I am here for books about queer teen witches, and this one has a slammin' cover to boot, so I was psyched for it. The action starts when the resident lesbian outcast is invited to make some magic at a pre-Halloween party, after which the resident popular girl clique adopts her. So that is a mildly interesting trope to throw into a queer teen witch story. Those girls felt particularly unreal though, like I kept wondering if the big reveal would be that they were imaginary or ghosts or something. I was more interested in the protagonist and her family and her magic books. Of course this is a YA book, so obviously the intended audience cares more about glamorous teens than gay dads with an antique shop. This book also goes some darker places than I expected. A lot is left unresolved, so I guess a sequel is forthcoming? I will probably read it; I enjoyed the narrative voice here a lot. B+.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on Tuesday.
Friday, May 08, 2020
2020 book 93
Lydia Millet's A Children's Bible
Woof. I like Millet's work a lot, her books are weird and/or great, but this one went beyond that and was great /and/ a punch in the gut. It’s about a group of teens (and some younger kids), pretty much left to their own devices as their parents are all busy drinking and chilling on an extended summer vacation. And then the storms come. At various points while reading I said “oh fuck” out loud and also straight up sobbed. This is kind of a brutal look at our society and its unwillingness to deal with climate change. A searing indictment, perhaps. But these kids are awesome. I loved the narrator and how she slips in and out of first person plural. I loved this, but also, dang. A.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on Tuesday.
Woof. I like Millet's work a lot, her books are weird and/or great, but this one went beyond that and was great /and/ a punch in the gut. It’s about a group of teens (and some younger kids), pretty much left to their own devices as their parents are all busy drinking and chilling on an extended summer vacation. And then the storms come. At various points while reading I said “oh fuck” out loud and also straight up sobbed. This is kind of a brutal look at our society and its unwillingness to deal with climate change. A searing indictment, perhaps. But these kids are awesome. I loved the narrator and how she slips in and out of first person plural. I loved this, but also, dang. A.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on Tuesday.
Thursday, May 07, 2020
2020 book 92
Martha Wells' The Gate of Gods
Wow, this was such an interesting AND satisfying wrap-up to the series, I seriously loved this trilogy (and am now glad I read the previous book that I liked less, since it gave the trilogy a lot more emotional resonance). It doesn’t shy away from the hardships and traumas of war, but it’s still somehow fun and exciting? Wells is the best. A.
Wow, this was such an interesting AND satisfying wrap-up to the series, I seriously loved this trilogy (and am now glad I read the previous book that I liked less, since it gave the trilogy a lot more emotional resonance). It doesn’t shy away from the hardships and traumas of war, but it’s still somehow fun and exciting? Wells is the best. A.
Wednesday, May 06, 2020
2020 book 91
Martha Wells' The Ships of Air
Yes, I am really digging this series now! The second volume has lots of twists and turns (one obvious,but still awesome, and many surprising), a lil romance, lots of action, and great characters. One more book to go!
Yes, I am really digging this series now! The second volume has lots of twists and turns (one obvious,but still awesome, and many surprising), a lil romance, lots of action, and great characters. One more book to go!
Tuesday, May 05, 2020
2020 book 90
Martha Wells' The Wizard-Hunters
I almost gave up on this series after the last one, and I’m so glad I didn’t, because this one was much more my jam. It centers on the daughter of characters from its predecessor, a suicidal playwright who gets drawn into a magical adventure! Things start in media res, in a war reminiscent of WWII (airships, bombings, except there's also magic), but quickly go in a number of unexpected directions. This is the first of a trilogy set in this word and I’m excited to see where things go next. A/A-.
I almost gave up on this series after the last one, and I’m so glad I didn’t, because this one was much more my jam. It centers on the daughter of characters from its predecessor, a suicidal playwright who gets drawn into a magical adventure! Things start in media res, in a war reminiscent of WWII (airships, bombings, except there's also magic), but quickly go in a number of unexpected directions. This is the first of a trilogy set in this word and I’m excited to see where things go next. A/A-.
Sunday, May 03, 2020
2020 book 89
Martha Wells' Death of the Necromancer
The second book in Wells' Ile-Rien series takes place a hundred years after the first, so features a new cast of characters (though several from the last book are mentioned). There was a lot to like about this—heists, cross dressing actresses, revenge plots, an interesting cast of characters—but it just felt soooo sloooow. Things pick up a bit halfway through as a few new people join the gang to track down an evil sorcerer, but still, pretty slow. Maybe it is just that, unlike Wells' more recent series, this one is dealing with more familiar tropes. I mean, it was fine. B.
The second book in Wells' Ile-Rien series takes place a hundred years after the first, so features a new cast of characters (though several from the last book are mentioned). There was a lot to like about this—heists, cross dressing actresses, revenge plots, an interesting cast of characters—but it just felt soooo sloooow. Things pick up a bit halfway through as a few new people join the gang to track down an evil sorcerer, but still, pretty slow. Maybe it is just that, unlike Wells' more recent series, this one is dealing with more familiar tropes. I mean, it was fine. B.
Thursday, April 30, 2020
2020 book 88
Martha Wells' The Element of Fire
I’m checking out another of Wells' earlier series; this one is more in the mode of traditional fantasy, set in a world that is basically 1800s Europe, focusing on the captain of the queen's guard, the queen's half-fairy step-daughter, political machinations, magical machinations, etc. It was perfectly satisfying, though not as /interesting/ as some of Wells' other works. Still, I need escapist diversion and she is good at that. B+.
I’m checking out another of Wells' earlier series; this one is more in the mode of traditional fantasy, set in a world that is basically 1800s Europe, focusing on the captain of the queen's guard, the queen's half-fairy step-daughter, political machinations, magical machinations, etc. It was perfectly satisfying, though not as /interesting/ as some of Wells' other works. Still, I need escapist diversion and she is good at that. B+.
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
2020 book 87
Jaclyn Moriarty’s The Whispering Wars
The sequel to Bronte Mettlestone is actually a prequel, explaining the origins of the Whispering Wars through two rival bands of children—one narrator is from a local orphanage, the other from a well-off (and strict) boarding school. Both narrative voices are funny and their interactions are even funnier. Anyway, lots of danger and adventure and squabbling, what’s not to like?
The sequel to Bronte Mettlestone is actually a prequel, explaining the origins of the Whispering Wars through two rival bands of children—one narrator is from a local orphanage, the other from a well-off (and strict) boarding school. Both narrative voices are funny and their interactions are even funnier. Anyway, lots of danger and adventure and squabbling, what’s not to like?
Monday, April 27, 2020
2020 book 86
Jaclyn Moriarty's The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone
Jasmine Guillory recommended this in her most recent newsletter, which of course both delighted me and made me want to reread it (not that I ever really need an excuse to reread something by Moriarty, who is probably my favorite/most comforting author). Anyway, this is a very charming middle grade book about a ten year old girl whose parents have been off adventuring her entire life, only now they’ve been killed by pirates, and their will is making her travel all around delivering gifts to her many aunts. Adventures ensue, along with cousins, aspiring circus performers, mysterious paintings, a little bit of magic, and more. So good.
Jasmine Guillory recommended this in her most recent newsletter, which of course both delighted me and made me want to reread it (not that I ever really need an excuse to reread something by Moriarty, who is probably my favorite/most comforting author). Anyway, this is a very charming middle grade book about a ten year old girl whose parents have been off adventuring her entire life, only now they’ve been killed by pirates, and their will is making her travel all around delivering gifts to her many aunts. Adventures ensue, along with cousins, aspiring circus performers, mysterious paintings, a little bit of magic, and more. So good.
Sunday, April 26, 2020
2020 book 85
Jane Austen's Emma
I finally read Emma! (See my history of trying to read Emma here.) I still struggled a bit, even though several friends advised me to approach it like a mystery, and even though the recent movie allowed me to appreciate characters like Mr Woodhouse and Miss Bates much more. Parts of this are very funny, parts are tiresome, parts are weird and racist, and parts are very frustrating (Frank Churchill is an ass! And his letters are too long). Soooo. Not my favorite Austen by a long shot, but at last I have completed it, 25 years after my first attempt. (I have a lot of thoughts about how Clueless improved upon the source material, lol.)
I finally read Emma! (See my history of trying to read Emma here.) I still struggled a bit, even though several friends advised me to approach it like a mystery, and even though the recent movie allowed me to appreciate characters like Mr Woodhouse and Miss Bates much more. Parts of this are very funny, parts are tiresome, parts are weird and racist, and parts are very frustrating (Frank Churchill is an ass! And his letters are too long). Soooo. Not my favorite Austen by a long shot, but at last I have completed it, 25 years after my first attempt. (I have a lot of thoughts about how Clueless improved upon the source material, lol.)
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
2020 book 84
Ysabeau Wilce's Flora Segunda
I'm still big into my escapism into fantasy novels--this one is the first of a trilogy about a young girl from a military family who wants to be a spy, and also there are magical butlers and a dad with PTSD and warlords, an impending birthday celebration, a foppish best friend, etc. I read this years ago and had no memories of it whatsoever, but liked it pretty well, or anyway it was interesting enough to provide a satisfying escape! Looking forward to the next two.
I'm still big into my escapism into fantasy novels--this one is the first of a trilogy about a young girl from a military family who wants to be a spy, and also there are magical butlers and a dad with PTSD and warlords, an impending birthday celebration, a foppish best friend, etc. I read this years ago and had no memories of it whatsoever, but liked it pretty well, or anyway it was interesting enough to provide a satisfying escape! Looking forward to the next two.
Monday, April 20, 2020
2020 book 83
Emma Straub's All Adults Here
I didn't know anything about this going in except NEW EMMA STRAUB, and that was all I needed to know, because I love her books. I don't want to give too much of the plot away, since it was full of delightful (and some non-delightful) surprising moments, so I'll just say it's the story of three generations of a family in a small town in the Hudson Valley. It’s full of messiness and optimism in equal measure. REALLY good. A/A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on May 5th.
I didn't know anything about this going in except NEW EMMA STRAUB, and that was all I needed to know, because I love her books. I don't want to give too much of the plot away, since it was full of delightful (and some non-delightful) surprising moments, so I'll just say it's the story of three generations of a family in a small town in the Hudson Valley. It’s full of messiness and optimism in equal measure. REALLY good. A/A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on May 5th.
Saturday, April 18, 2020
2020 book 82
Phyllis Ann Karr's At Amberleaf Fair
I’ve been looking for nice gentle things to read, and this certainly fit the bill. It’s set in a far future world, very pastoral, at the titular fair. There are romantic rivalries and small mysteries (who stole a certain necklace) and everything works out just as it should. A/A-.
I’ve been looking for nice gentle things to read, and this certainly fit the bill. It’s set in a far future world, very pastoral, at the titular fair. There are romantic rivalries and small mysteries (who stole a certain necklace) and everything works out just as it should. A/A-.
Thursday, April 16, 2020
2020 book 81
Frances Cha's If I Had Your Face
This is the story of five women living in an apartment building in Seoul—a mute hairdresser and her childhood friend/roommate, a woman in an unhappy marriage, an artist dating the son of a wealthy family, and a woman who is a high-class escort. But it is also about social and familial pressures, the hardships of being a woman, class issues, friendships, etc. I really loved this, and my only complaint is that it ended in a place where I wanted it to keep going! A/A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on Tuesday.
This is the story of five women living in an apartment building in Seoul—a mute hairdresser and her childhood friend/roommate, a woman in an unhappy marriage, an artist dating the son of a wealthy family, and a woman who is a high-class escort. But it is also about social and familial pressures, the hardships of being a woman, class issues, friendships, etc. I really loved this, and my only complaint is that it ended in a place where I wanted it to keep going! A/A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on Tuesday.
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
2020 book 80
Martha Wells' The Harbors of the Sun
The final Raksura book picks up where the previous one left off, with the crew trying to defeat a bunch of genocidal maniacs. Like its predecessor, this one has more POV sections, which I appreciated. I especially liked all the dealings between various queens and their courts (they’re a matriarchal society, but the two main characters in these books are men, so there isn’t a ton of that throughout). Anyway, a satisfying story, though there were some plot things I would have liked more resolution on (River!). A-.
The final Raksura book picks up where the previous one left off, with the crew trying to defeat a bunch of genocidal maniacs. Like its predecessor, this one has more POV sections, which I appreciated. I especially liked all the dealings between various queens and their courts (they’re a matriarchal society, but the two main characters in these books are men, so there isn’t a ton of that throughout). Anyway, a satisfying story, though there were some plot things I would have liked more resolution on (River!). A-.
2020 book 79
Martha Wells' Edge of Worlds
The sixth Raksura book is back to being a regular novel, and finds our usual cast of characters recruited to explore an ancient city--a city that might bring DANGER. This one was interesting because there are brief interludes from other POVs, which helps drive the narrative (which moves a little slowly, lots of wandering around). This one also doesn’t have a concrete ending, instead leading directly into the last book. Mildly unsatisfying for that reason. B+.
The sixth Raksura book is back to being a regular novel, and finds our usual cast of characters recruited to explore an ancient city--a city that might bring DANGER. This one was interesting because there are brief interludes from other POVs, which helps drive the narrative (which moves a little slowly, lots of wandering around). This one also doesn’t have a concrete ending, instead leading directly into the last book. Mildly unsatisfying for that reason. B+.
Monday, April 13, 2020
2020 book 78
Martha Wells' Stories of the Raksura Volume Two
Like the first volume of the Stories of the Raksura, this compiles two novellas (along with a few short stories) featuring our characters. One focuses on the protagonist in younger days, and the other on him as an expectant father. But of course there are still bad things to fight! There's also a short story set in this world but with different characters entirely, and I’m not sure why it was included unless it will be relevant in later books. A-.
Like the first volume of the Stories of the Raksura, this compiles two novellas (along with a few short stories) featuring our characters. One focuses on the protagonist in younger days, and the other on him as an expectant father. But of course there are still bad things to fight! There's also a short story set in this world but with different characters entirely, and I’m not sure why it was included unless it will be relevant in later books. A-.
Sunday, April 12, 2020
2020 book 77
Martha Wells' Stories of the Raksura: The Falling World/The Tale of Indigo and Cloud
The fourth Raksura book is actually two novellas—the first follows our usual characters in search of a missing queen, where they find a place of strange magic; the second tells the story of their court's namesakes. I liked the second more, because I'm generally more interested in character building/problem solving than in dramatic adventure, but both were entertaining. A-.
The fourth Raksura book is actually two novellas—the first follows our usual characters in search of a missing queen, where they find a place of strange magic; the second tells the story of their court's namesakes. I liked the second more, because I'm generally more interested in character building/problem solving than in dramatic adventure, but both were entertaining. A-.
2020 book 76
Martha Wells' The Siren Depths
The third Raksura book finally reveals the protagonist's backstory, we meet lots of interesting new characters, there's a lot of action, etc. This is perfect escapism reading.
The third Raksura book finally reveals the protagonist's backstory, we meet lots of interesting new characters, there's a lot of action, etc. This is perfect escapism reading.
Saturday, April 11, 2020
2020 book 75
Martha Wells' The Serpent Sea
The second volume in the Raksura series finds our characters trying to settle into a new home, and also in search of a magical artifact. I like these characters a lot and this one was a good diversion for sure. It also features a city built on the back of a leviathan, so that's fun. A-.
The second volume in the Raksura series finds our characters trying to settle into a new home, and also in search of a magical artifact. I like these characters a lot and this one was a good diversion for sure. It also features a city built on the back of a leviathan, so that's fun. A-.
Friday, April 10, 2020
2020 book 74
Martha Wells' The Cloud Roads
I’ve been looking for more fantasy series to read, for large chunks of escapism, and I’ve heard good things about this one (plus I love Wells' Murderbot books). This centers on a young dude, a shapeshifter whose family was killed when he was young, so now he tries to blend in with non-shapeshifters since he doesn’t know where he belongs. And then he encounters someone like himself. The villains here are pretty gross but I found the world-building and characters to be interesting. I look forward to reading six more books about this society. A/A-.
I’ve been looking for more fantasy series to read, for large chunks of escapism, and I’ve heard good things about this one (plus I love Wells' Murderbot books). This centers on a young dude, a shapeshifter whose family was killed when he was young, so now he tries to blend in with non-shapeshifters since he doesn’t know where he belongs. And then he encounters someone like himself. The villains here are pretty gross but I found the world-building and characters to be interesting. I look forward to reading six more books about this society. A/A-.
Monday, April 06, 2020
2020 book 73
Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan's The Heir Affair
Ooooh, it’s the sequel to The Royal We! It’s not out till July, but since it was my birthday and I had to spend it in social isolation, I read this as a treat, and was duly entertained/distracted. I don’t want to give too much away, so I’ll say that it picks up not long after the end of The Royal We, and goes to some interesting places, dealing with hardships in marriage and with uncovering past royal secrets. I am not sure this sequel was necessary, but it was a good read and nice to see these characters again (Bea remains a real standout). Can't wait to reread and discuss with my book club when it’s officially released! A-/B+.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released in July.
Ooooh, it’s the sequel to The Royal We! It’s not out till July, but since it was my birthday and I had to spend it in social isolation, I read this as a treat, and was duly entertained/distracted. I don’t want to give too much away, so I’ll say that it picks up not long after the end of The Royal We, and goes to some interesting places, dealing with hardships in marriage and with uncovering past royal secrets. I am not sure this sequel was necessary, but it was a good read and nice to see these characters again (Bea remains a real standout). Can't wait to reread and discuss with my book club when it’s officially released! A-/B+.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released in July.
2020 book 72
Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan's The Royal We
When you’re stuck home alone on your birthday during a pandemic, it’s time to bust out a satisfying book to keep you company! (Plus I have an ARC of the sequel, and reading that is my present to myself!) If you tried to describe the plot of this, it would sound super fluffy, but the Fug Girls somehow keep this story down to earth and populate it with a great cast of characters. Anyway, the faster I wrap up this blog entry, the faster I can read the sequel, so, bye!
Thursday, April 02, 2020
2020 book 71
Martha Wells' Network Effect
Yesssssss it’s a new MURDERBOT story, the first full length Murderbot novel! (The description says it is a standalone, but I really don’t think any of it would make sense if you haven’t read the four novellas.) Anyway, I am super here for more sci fi action adventures, with the crustiest-with-a-secret-heart-of-gold narrative voice there ever was. PLUS my favorite character makes a dramatic return. Every bit of this was awesome, and some bits were also heartbreaking and/or kick-ass. Great stuff. A.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on May 5th.
Yesssssss it’s a new MURDERBOT story, the first full length Murderbot novel! (The description says it is a standalone, but I really don’t think any of it would make sense if you haven’t read the four novellas.) Anyway, I am super here for more sci fi action adventures, with the crustiest-with-a-secret-heart-of-gold narrative voice there ever was. PLUS my favorite character makes a dramatic return. Every bit of this was awesome, and some bits were also heartbreaking and/or kick-ass. Great stuff. A.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on May 5th.
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
2020 book 70
Anne Tyler's Redhead by the Side of the Road
Tyler's latest focuses on a forty-something man, a slave to his routines, whose life is mildly disrupted when a boy shows up at his door with the mistaken belief that the man is his biological father. Look, I know generally not much HAPPENS in an Anne Tyler novel, but usually I love them anyway. This one didn’t grab me. I loved the scenes where the man interacted with his large, boisterous family, but everything else left me flat. I don’t know if I wasn’t feeling the characters, if this was too short to get me invested, or if it just felt pointless all around. I am bummed but I just wasn’t into it. B.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on April 7th.
Tyler's latest focuses on a forty-something man, a slave to his routines, whose life is mildly disrupted when a boy shows up at his door with the mistaken belief that the man is his biological father. Look, I know generally not much HAPPENS in an Anne Tyler novel, but usually I love them anyway. This one didn’t grab me. I loved the scenes where the man interacted with his large, boisterous family, but everything else left me flat. I don’t know if I wasn’t feeling the characters, if this was too short to get me invested, or if it just felt pointless all around. I am bummed but I just wasn’t into it. B.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on April 7th.
Monday, March 30, 2020
2019 book 69
Sharon Shinn’s The Dream-Maker's Magic
Like its predecessor, the third book in this trilogy is set in the same universe, with cameos from previous characters, but focuses on a whole new town of people. The protagonist here is a young girl whose mother is convinced she's supposed to be a boy, and treats her as such. She ends up befriending a boy with a physical handicap (trigger warning here for child abuse) and their story is really sweet. I liked this trilogy a lot; bad things happened but only briefly, and everything always worked out exactly as it should. A-.
Like its predecessor, the third book in this trilogy is set in the same universe, with cameos from previous characters, but focuses on a whole new town of people. The protagonist here is a young girl whose mother is convinced she's supposed to be a boy, and treats her as such. She ends up befriending a boy with a physical handicap (trigger warning here for child abuse) and their story is really sweet. I liked this trilogy a lot; bad things happened but only briefly, and everything always worked out exactly as it should. A-.
Sunday, March 29, 2020
2020 book 68
Sharon Shinn’s The Truth-Teller's Tale
This is not a direct sequel to Safe-keeper's Secret, though it’s set in the same world a few years later and few of those characters appear here. The story here centers on a pair of mirror-image identical twins, who have opposite abilities. It’s fairly obvious how things are going to turn out, but it’s still a nice story. (Or mostly—content warning for an off-scene rape and for scenes involving an abusive father.) B+.
This is not a direct sequel to Safe-keeper's Secret, though it’s set in the same world a few years later and few of those characters appear here. The story here centers on a pair of mirror-image identical twins, who have opposite abilities. It’s fairly obvious how things are going to turn out, but it’s still a nice story. (Or mostly—content warning for an off-scene rape and for scenes involving an abusive father.) B+.
2020 book 67
Sharon Shinn's The Safe-keeper's Secret
I was in the mood for some nice gentle fantasy and this seemed like it would suit! And it did! Interesting characters and world-building, lower level conflicts, enjoyable/satisfying wrap-up. A-.
I was in the mood for some nice gentle fantasy and this seemed like it would suit! And it did! Interesting characters and world-building, lower level conflicts, enjoyable/satisfying wrap-up. A-.
Friday, March 27, 2020
2020 book 66
Terry Pratchett’s A Hat Full of Sky
The second Tiffany Aching book finds our heroine off to the mountains to get trained by an unusual witch. But she's being pursued by something dangerous. Can she and the Nac Mac Feegles save the day?? Will she learn how to be a witch? Will this story be great? I’ll answer that one: Yes.
The second Tiffany Aching book finds our heroine off to the mountains to get trained by an unusual witch. But she's being pursued by something dangerous. Can she and the Nac Mac Feegles save the day?? Will she learn how to be a witch? Will this story be great? I’ll answer that one: Yes.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
2020 book 65
NK Jemisin's The City We Became
I was saying just the other day that, even though all these new books were coming out that I had planned on reading, I only was in the mood to reread comforting series. And then I got the notice that my preorder of this book was available and was like, HELL YES. Because I knew it would be satisfying and interesting and GOOD, and it was. This is the first of a trilogy where some cities come alive; here, New York is waking up, but an enemy is determined to stop it, and is coming for the people serving as avatars of its boroughs. I gather Jemisin is playing in the Lovecraft sandbox here, but I’ve never read any Lovecraft and still thought this was great. And it’s satisfying on its own, so though of course I am eager to read the next book, I don’t feel frustrated at having to wait. Go read this now. A.
I was saying just the other day that, even though all these new books were coming out that I had planned on reading, I only was in the mood to reread comforting series. And then I got the notice that my preorder of this book was available and was like, HELL YES. Because I knew it would be satisfying and interesting and GOOD, and it was. This is the first of a trilogy where some cities come alive; here, New York is waking up, but an enemy is determined to stop it, and is coming for the people serving as avatars of its boroughs. I gather Jemisin is playing in the Lovecraft sandbox here, but I’ve never read any Lovecraft and still thought this was great. And it’s satisfying on its own, so though of course I am eager to read the next book, I don’t feel frustrated at having to wait. Go read this now. A.
Monday, March 23, 2020
2020 book 64
Terry Pratchett's The Wee Free Men
Yes, now is the perfect time to reread the Tiffany Aching books. This first one is an excellent start, featuring a sensible girl, armed with a frying pan, who wants to be a witch, off to rescue her baby brother from a fairy queen. And accompanied by the best band of troublemaking little magical dudes any writer ever created. And well-written to boot!
Yes, now is the perfect time to reread the Tiffany Aching books. This first one is an excellent start, featuring a sensible girl, armed with a frying pan, who wants to be a witch, off to rescue her baby brother from a fairy queen. And accompanied by the best band of troublemaking little magical dudes any writer ever created. And well-written to boot!
Sunday, March 22, 2020
2020 book 63
Lisa Lutz’s Spellman Six: The Next Generation
This book was originally called The Last Word, but I think the series was rebranded at some point (both titles are equally meaningless). More mysteries, more family antics, more great characters, etc. My cat is on my lap and my wrist is hurting from Animal Crossing so I don’t want to type anymore.
This book was originally called The Last Word, but I think the series was rebranded at some point (both titles are equally meaningless). More mysteries, more family antics, more great characters, etc. My cat is on my lap and my wrist is hurting from Animal Crossing so I don’t want to type anymore.
Saturday, March 21, 2020
2020 book 62
Lisa Lutz’s Trail of the Spellmans
I’ve been bitter for like eight years that Lutz spent four books building up a romance, only to then skip ahead two years as the relationship is falling apart. Does it make sense that it wouldn’t work out for these particular characters? Yes. Is that satisfying to the reader? Not in the slightest. Anyway, the mysteries here are fairly inconsequential, if interesting, but Isabel remains a compelling character and the family interactions are hilarious as always.
I’ve been bitter for like eight years that Lutz spent four books building up a romance, only to then skip ahead two years as the relationship is falling apart. Does it make sense that it wouldn’t work out for these particular characters? Yes. Is that satisfying to the reader? Not in the slightest. Anyway, the mysteries here are fairly inconsequential, if interesting, but Isabel remains a compelling character and the family interactions are hilarious as always.
Friday, March 20, 2020
2020 book 61
Lisa Lutz’s The Spellmans Strike Again
The fourth Spellmans book is another super satisfying one, both for the characters, the mysteries, and for JUSTICE (to some extent). I just really like how all the pieces fit together in this one.
The fourth Spellmans book is another super satisfying one, both for the characters, the mysteries, and for JUSTICE (to some extent). I just really like how all the pieces fit together in this one.
Thursday, March 19, 2020
2020 book 60
Lisa Lutz’s Revenge of the Spellmans
The third Spellmans book is much more satisfying than the second one, in terms of both the mysteries and the character development. Some great relationships here too—and not just romantic ones! I am of course partial to Izzy's friendship with her elderly Jewish lawyer. This one nicely balances humor, mystery elements, emotional growth, and family dynamics. What more do you need in a book?
The third Spellmans book is much more satisfying than the second one, in terms of both the mysteries and the character development. Some great relationships here too—and not just romantic ones! I am of course partial to Izzy's friendship with her elderly Jewish lawyer. This one nicely balances humor, mystery elements, emotional growth, and family dynamics. What more do you need in a book?
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
2020 book 59
Lisa Lutz's Curse of the Spellmans
The second Spellmans book is a little bit less fun of a reread, because once you know the solution to the main mystery, the protagonist is a lot more frustrating. But it is still /pretty/ fun, because of the way the various storylines interweave, the way the narrative moves back and forth in time, and of course Henry getting to be a more prominent character, adding a lot more hilarity to the mix. If I remember correctly, the next one is stronger, so I’ll keep rereading.
The second Spellmans book is a little bit less fun of a reread, because once you know the solution to the main mystery, the protagonist is a lot more frustrating. But it is still /pretty/ fun, because of the way the various storylines interweave, the way the narrative moves back and forth in time, and of course Henry getting to be a more prominent character, adding a lot more hilarity to the mix. If I remember correctly, the next one is stronger, so I’ll keep rereading.
Monday, March 16, 2020
2020 book 58
Lisa Lutz's The Spellman Files
I’m in the mood to reread series I haven’t revisited in a while—to get caught up in something else for a while. I got bitter about this one because a later book breaks up a couple I was super into (lol), but I am just gonna get past it. Anyway, this first one is a great introduction to a very funny mystery series involving the wayward twenty-something daughter of a family of PIs. This one deals with some missing person cases and other PI activities, tennis, a dentist, eccentric relatives, and some car chases. Very fun stuff.
I’m in the mood to reread series I haven’t revisited in a while—to get caught up in something else for a while. I got bitter about this one because a later book breaks up a couple I was super into (lol), but I am just gonna get past it. Anyway, this first one is a great introduction to a very funny mystery series involving the wayward twenty-something daughter of a family of PIs. This one deals with some missing person cases and other PI activities, tennis, a dentist, eccentric relatives, and some car chases. Very fun stuff.
Sunday, March 15, 2020
2020 book 57
Michelle Cooper's The FitzOsbornes at War
The final book of the Montmaray series is a fairly typical, if well-done and interesting, story about upper class people in England during WWII. A satisfying end to the trilogy, for sure.
The final book of the Montmaray series is a fairly typical, if well-done and interesting, story about upper class people in England during WWII. A satisfying end to the trilogy, for sure.
2020 book 56
Michelle Cooper's The FitzOsbornes in Exile
The second Montmaray book finds our family, as the title, says, adjusting to life in exile. Of course this mainly involves mingling with the highest echelons of British Society (lots of gossip about the Mitfords and appearances from the Kennedys). But war is creeping in. I swear this book is tailored to my particular interests, from the aforementioned Mitfords to the lengthy discussion of Picasso's Guernica. And I love the voice of a young girl coming into her own. Great stuff.
The second Montmaray book finds our family, as the title, says, adjusting to life in exile. Of course this mainly involves mingling with the highest echelons of British Society (lots of gossip about the Mitfords and appearances from the Kennedys). But war is creeping in. I swear this book is tailored to my particular interests, from the aforementioned Mitfords to the lengthy discussion of Picasso's Guernica. And I love the voice of a young girl coming into her own. Great stuff.
Saturday, March 14, 2020
2020 book 55
Michelle Cooper's A Brief History of Montmaray
This feels like the perfect time to escape into some historical fiction—well, alternate historical fiction. This story is the diary of a teenage girl, a princess of a tiny kingdom on a tiny island between England and Spain, living a quiet life in a rundown castle. But it’s 1936, so things aren’t going to stay quiet for too long. I love the narrative voice here, and the whole cast of eccentrics is compelling. Satisfying stuff.
This feels like the perfect time to escape into some historical fiction—well, alternate historical fiction. This story is the diary of a teenage girl, a princess of a tiny kingdom on a tiny island between England and Spain, living a quiet life in a rundown castle. But it’s 1936, so things aren’t going to stay quiet for too long. I love the narrative voice here, and the whole cast of eccentrics is compelling. Satisfying stuff.
Friday, March 13, 2020
2020 book 54
Ash Parsons' Girls Save the World in This One
I first wanted to read this because of the bad-ass Jen Bartel cover, but I am also here for books about bad-ass teen girls. Our story takes place at a zombie-themed fandom convention, where our protagonists and her two best friends (and one FORMER best friend) plan to meet the stars of their favorite tv show and do some zombie-themed shopping. Buttttttt . . . some of these zombie cosplayers seem . . . maybe tooooo realistic? Yup, it's a zombie apocalypse! (What better sort of book to read while practicing social distancing due to a pandemic?) I really liked this, it was super engaging and fun and a little bit silly. Great characters and friendships, too. A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on April 14th.
I first wanted to read this because of the bad-ass Jen Bartel cover, but I am also here for books about bad-ass teen girls. Our story takes place at a zombie-themed fandom convention, where our protagonists and her two best friends (and one FORMER best friend) plan to meet the stars of their favorite tv show and do some zombie-themed shopping. Buttttttt . . . some of these zombie cosplayers seem . . . maybe tooooo realistic? Yup, it's a zombie apocalypse! (What better sort of book to read while practicing social distancing due to a pandemic?) I really liked this, it was super engaging and fun and a little bit silly. Great characters and friendships, too. A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on April 14th.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
2020 book 53
Emily Tesh's Silver in the Wood
This is a really engaging novella about a Wild Man in the woods, and the eager folklorist who encounters him. There is also a sweet cat and a bad-ass middle aged lady. My only complaint is that I wanted this to be fleshed out more--or anyway, I just wanted more! But it works well as it is. And there is a sequel due out in June, which I am looking forward to. A/A-.
This is a really engaging novella about a Wild Man in the woods, and the eager folklorist who encounters him. There is also a sweet cat and a bad-ass middle aged lady. My only complaint is that I wanted this to be fleshed out more--or anyway, I just wanted more! But it works well as it is. And there is a sequel due out in June, which I am looking forward to. A/A-.
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
2020 book 52
Jaclyn Moriarty's Gravity is the Thing
Book club is a couple weeks away, but I really needed to read something GOOD right now. And Jaclyn Moriarty is one of my favorite authors for a satisfying read. This is her adult debut, focusing on a single mother who goes on a weekend retreat to find out more about a mysterious Guidebook. But it’s told with Moriarty's trademark irreverent narrative voice, and there is just so much humanity in it! It’s interesting to see her play with ideas from her YA novels (light waves, guidebooks, human connection) and level them up in this way. It is just really a cathartic read somehow, maybe even more so the second time. A giant row of heart eye emojis for this one.
Book club is a couple weeks away, but I really needed to read something GOOD right now. And Jaclyn Moriarty is one of my favorite authors for a satisfying read. This is her adult debut, focusing on a single mother who goes on a weekend retreat to find out more about a mysterious Guidebook. But it’s told with Moriarty's trademark irreverent narrative voice, and there is just so much humanity in it! It’s interesting to see her play with ideas from her YA novels (light waves, guidebooks, human connection) and level them up in this way. It is just really a cathartic read somehow, maybe even more so the second time. A giant row of heart eye emojis for this one.
Saturday, March 07, 2020
2020 book 51
Diana Wynne Jones' Archer's Goon
This is one of the weirder Diana Wynne Jones books, but no less enjoyable for that. It centers on a young boy and his family who get caught up in the machinations of the seven supernatural siblings who secretly control their town—but have higher ambitions. Mildly goofy, a little bit sweet, and definitely satisfying. A-.
This is one of the weirder Diana Wynne Jones books, but no less enjoyable for that. It centers on a young boy and his family who get caught up in the machinations of the seven supernatural siblings who secretly control their town—but have higher ambitions. Mildly goofy, a little bit sweet, and definitely satisfying. A-.
Friday, March 06, 2020
2020 book 50
Rainbow Rowell’s Attachments
Still just sinking into pure comfort reading over here. I’ve read this book I don’t know how many times and every time it is a freaking delight. If you somehow haven’t read it, it’s the story of a young man in the late 90s, still nursing an old heartbreak, whose job is to monitor the emails of a newsroom. And it’s the story of two women working there, whose emails are flagged by the system, but he opts not to warn them because he’s interested in their lives. Great friendships and relationships and humor and romance here, for sure. I love everything about this book.
Still just sinking into pure comfort reading over here. I’ve read this book I don’t know how many times and every time it is a freaking delight. If you somehow haven’t read it, it’s the story of a young man in the late 90s, still nursing an old heartbreak, whose job is to monitor the emails of a newsroom. And it’s the story of two women working there, whose emails are flagged by the system, but he opts not to warn them because he’s interested in their lives. Great friendships and relationships and humor and romance here, for sure. I love everything about this book.
Thursday, March 05, 2020
2020 book 49
Diana Wynne Jones' Deep Secret
Let the comfort reading commence. This book was a great option, because I hadn’t read it in years and didn’t remember the details, but since it was by Diana Wynne Jones, I knew it would be satisfying. And it was! Who doesn’t love a story that involves multiverses, a band of magicians who keep order in the multiverses (including three brothers and a ghost), a sci-fi and fantasy con, lots of magical battles and spells, various mysteries, and a touch of romance? Plus baby chicks and centaurs! Pure delightful escapism. A/A-.
Let the comfort reading commence. This book was a great option, because I hadn’t read it in years and didn’t remember the details, but since it was by Diana Wynne Jones, I knew it would be satisfying. And it was! Who doesn’t love a story that involves multiverses, a band of magicians who keep order in the multiverses (including three brothers and a ghost), a sci-fi and fantasy con, lots of magical battles and spells, various mysteries, and a touch of romance? Plus baby chicks and centaurs! Pure delightful escapism. A/A-.
2020 book 48
Shirley Jackson's Life Among the Savages
I think this memoir would come as a surprise to ppl only familiar with Jackson's fiction, because it is lighthearted and HILARIOUS. It focuses on moving from NYC to Vermont with her young children and husband, adapting to small-town life, dealing with motherhood, etc. There are some GREAT scenes with the cats, too. I know this is kind of a glossy take on Jackson's actual life--in real life her husband was horrible, and these stories were written for women's magazines. I will say that reading this straight through felt sort of same-y after a while, but that just might be me and my general issues with reading non-fiction. Definitely an interesting companion to Jackson's fiction. B+.
I think this memoir would come as a surprise to ppl only familiar with Jackson's fiction, because it is lighthearted and HILARIOUS. It focuses on moving from NYC to Vermont with her young children and husband, adapting to small-town life, dealing with motherhood, etc. There are some GREAT scenes with the cats, too. I know this is kind of a glossy take on Jackson's actual life--in real life her husband was horrible, and these stories were written for women's magazines. I will say that reading this straight through felt sort of same-y after a while, but that just might be me and my general issues with reading non-fiction. Definitely an interesting companion to Jackson's fiction. B+.
Wednesday, March 04, 2020
2020 book 47
Hilary McKay's The Exiles
This is a middle-grade story of four bookish sisters who are sent to spend the summer with their grandmother, who has decided to teach them some practical life skills. Most of this is very funny and sweet, though the girls are occasionally frustratingly clueless (candles are not safe!!). I enjoyed their misadventures and their befriending of the locals, as well as their relationship with their grandmother. I will definitely be looking out for more by McKay. B+.
This is a middle-grade story of four bookish sisters who are sent to spend the summer with their grandmother, who has decided to teach them some practical life skills. Most of this is very funny and sweet, though the girls are occasionally frustratingly clueless (candles are not safe!!). I enjoyed their misadventures and their befriending of the locals, as well as their relationship with their grandmother. I will definitely be looking out for more by McKay. B+.
Monday, March 02, 2020
2020 book 46
Elizabeth Knox's Absolute Book
I read a review of this book and was like, well, I need to read THAT, and promptly ordered it from New Zealand. At first, the story feels like a traditional mystery--the protagonist's sister is murdered, but the killer is convicted of manslaughter and only serves five years, and the protagonist encourages an acquaintance to take revenge. Now it's several years later, and her best-selling book has thrust her into the limelight--and brought a detective around asking questions. And then things take a turn toward the fantastic. This book brings in all sorts of mythology/folklore/ancient religions, and so it was VERY much up my alley. Parts of it are a little slow but sort of in a meditative way, not in a dull way. The scope of this whole thing is huge and weird and wonderful. I didn't know what to expect from any of it, which is unusual and enjoyable. It does look like after that Slate piece, an American publisher did snag it, so hopefully it'll be here before too long. A.
I read a review of this book and was like, well, I need to read THAT, and promptly ordered it from New Zealand. At first, the story feels like a traditional mystery--the protagonist's sister is murdered, but the killer is convicted of manslaughter and only serves five years, and the protagonist encourages an acquaintance to take revenge. Now it's several years later, and her best-selling book has thrust her into the limelight--and brought a detective around asking questions. And then things take a turn toward the fantastic. This book brings in all sorts of mythology/folklore/ancient religions, and so it was VERY much up my alley. Parts of it are a little slow but sort of in a meditative way, not in a dull way. The scope of this whole thing is huge and weird and wonderful. I didn't know what to expect from any of it, which is unusual and enjoyable. It does look like after that Slate piece, an American publisher did snag it, so hopefully it'll be here before too long. A.
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
2020 book 45
Rae Carson's The Empire of Dreams
So this is a story about Red, the little mixed race slave girl from the third book. In theory this is a standalone, but I do think you need to have read the earlier trilogy to understand the world and its politics. This takes place about eight years after the trilogy, as Red is about to be formally adopted by the queen—until a plot finds their petition denied. Red ends up in training to be one of the royal guard for some reason, the first girl to do so. It’s all very Tamora Pearce. I mean, it’s enjoyable—action, ass-kicking, making friends and reluctant allies, finding bad guys, etc—but it’s pretty well-worn territory. It is a well-written version of that trope, so if you’re into it (I am), definitely check this out. This seems like it was a very personal story for the author, and the emotions especially ring really true. A/A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released in April.
So this is a story about Red, the little mixed race slave girl from the third book. In theory this is a standalone, but I do think you need to have read the earlier trilogy to understand the world and its politics. This takes place about eight years after the trilogy, as Red is about to be formally adopted by the queen—until a plot finds their petition denied. Red ends up in training to be one of the royal guard for some reason, the first girl to do so. It’s all very Tamora Pearce. I mean, it’s enjoyable—action, ass-kicking, making friends and reluctant allies, finding bad guys, etc—but it’s pretty well-worn territory. It is a well-written version of that trope, so if you’re into it (I am), definitely check this out. This seems like it was a very personal story for the author, and the emotions especially ring really true. A/A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released in April.
2020 book 44
Rae Carson's The Bitter Kingdom
The third book in this series is a satisfying wrap-up, for sure. Politics, romance, adventure, magic, holy quests, etc. Not much else to say about it, but I am excited to see where the author is taking things with this new one.
The third book in this series is a satisfying wrap-up, for sure. Politics, romance, adventure, magic, holy quests, etc. Not much else to say about it, but I am excited to see where the author is taking things with this new one.
Monday, February 24, 2020
2020 book 43
Rae Carson's The Crown of Embers
The second book in Carson's series involves more political maneuvering, a hint of romance, AND a mystical quest, plus it's way less fatphobic, so what's not to like? It’s a good second chapter—interesting on its own, not just setting up the pieces for a grand finale. Lots of moral conflict and adventure and friendship too. I am kind of over a lot of YA series, but still find this one satisfying.
The second book in Carson's series involves more political maneuvering, a hint of romance, AND a mystical quest, plus it's way less fatphobic, so what's not to like? It’s a good second chapter—interesting on its own, not just setting up the pieces for a grand finale. Lots of moral conflict and adventure and friendship too. I am kind of over a lot of YA series, but still find this one satisfying.
2020 book 42
Rae Carson's The Girl of Fire and Thorns
Carson has written a new book focusing on one of the secondary characters in this series, but since I didn't remember who that character was, I decided I had to reread this trilogy for CONTEXT. I like this series a lot though (aside from the fatphobia issues, which really bother me), so no complaints here. It centers on a teenage princess, being married off to a foreign king and having to navigate court politics, while also trying to figure out what her destiny is (because she has a special God-given destiny). Which sounds like the cliche of all cliched YA books, but Carson makes it work. Again, aside from the fatphobia. Meh.
Carson has written a new book focusing on one of the secondary characters in this series, but since I didn't remember who that character was, I decided I had to reread this trilogy for CONTEXT. I like this series a lot though (aside from the fatphobia issues, which really bother me), so no complaints here. It centers on a teenage princess, being married off to a foreign king and having to navigate court politics, while also trying to figure out what her destiny is (because she has a special God-given destiny). Which sounds like the cliche of all cliched YA books, but Carson makes it work. Again, aside from the fatphobia. Meh.
Sunday, February 23, 2020
2020 book 41
Rufi Thorpe's The Knockout Queen
I love both of Thorpe's earlier novels, and this one was just as good! It centers on a gay teen boy, living with his aunt after his mother is arrested, who becomes best friends with the girl next door—a super tall volleyball player. To me, this felt suffused with melancholy, as the two struggle to fit in and deal with various crises. I also wanted a little bit more from the end—the protagonist is slightly older, but not far enough removed from things to have enough perspective. I mean, that is probably the point—the muddled feelings feel very real. Anyway, this was still excellent, and I’ll be thinking about it for a while. A/A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released in April.
I love both of Thorpe's earlier novels, and this one was just as good! It centers on a gay teen boy, living with his aunt after his mother is arrested, who becomes best friends with the girl next door—a super tall volleyball player. To me, this felt suffused with melancholy, as the two struggle to fit in and deal with various crises. I also wanted a little bit more from the end—the protagonist is slightly older, but not far enough removed from things to have enough perspective. I mean, that is probably the point—the muddled feelings feel very real. Anyway, this was still excellent, and I’ll be thinking about it for a while. A/A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released in April.
Saturday, February 22, 2020
2020 book 40
K.J. Charles' A Flight of Magpies
The third Charm of Magpies book (and the last focusing on these characters) finds our heroes investigating a series of attacks on policemen—and also find someone plotting against the heroes! This is another fun book, though I can’t call it fluffy really as the violence is a bit gross. I also admit to being slightly disappointed that there doesn’t seem to be a book focused on Esther (yet?), who is sidelined a bit here. But still, great characters, and I love a historical-fantasy-mystery-romance! A-.
The third Charm of Magpies book (and the last focusing on these characters) finds our heroes investigating a series of attacks on policemen—and also find someone plotting against the heroes! This is another fun book, though I can’t call it fluffy really as the violence is a bit gross. I also admit to being slightly disappointed that there doesn’t seem to be a book focused on Esther (yet?), who is sidelined a bit here. But still, great characters, and I love a historical-fantasy-mystery-romance! A-.
Friday, February 21, 2020
2020 book 39
K.J. Charles' A Case of Possession
The second Charm of Magpies book is more of the fun (and smutty) same, as our Earl and his magical boyfriend have to contend with murders, mayhem, and giant rats. We do also meet the magical-crime-fighting partner of our magician, and she IS a very cool Jewish woman, so I am fully on board here. A-.
The second Charm of Magpies book is more of the fun (and smutty) same, as our Earl and his magical boyfriend have to contend with murders, mayhem, and giant rats. We do also meet the magical-crime-fighting partner of our magician, and she IS a very cool Jewish woman, so I am fully on board here. A-.
Thursday, February 20, 2020
2020 book 38
K.J. Charles' The Magpie Lord
I’d been meaning to read more by Charles, and this seemed like a good place to start—a historical mystery with magic and (gay) romance is very much up my alley. The plot barely matters—a man, who’s been in China for twenty years, returns home after the deaths of his father and brother leave him an earl. But someone is trying to kill him . . . with magic! Enter a magical practitioner, a scrappy dude with cool powers and a grudge. Sparks fly, magic happens, murder attempts happen,etc. It's a lot of fluffy fun, and I’ll be reading more bc it looks like the magical guy's best friend is a Jewish lady and I need magical Jewish ladies in my life. A-.
I’d been meaning to read more by Charles, and this seemed like a good place to start—a historical mystery with magic and (gay) romance is very much up my alley. The plot barely matters—a man, who’s been in China for twenty years, returns home after the deaths of his father and brother leave him an earl. But someone is trying to kill him . . . with magic! Enter a magical practitioner, a scrappy dude with cool powers and a grudge. Sparks fly, magic happens, murder attempts happen,etc. It's a lot of fluffy fun, and I’ll be reading more bc it looks like the magical guy's best friend is a Jewish lady and I need magical Jewish ladies in my life. A-.
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
2020 book 37
Louisa May Alcott's Little Women
We're discussing this in book club this month, because none of us have read it in ages, but the recent movie made us want to revisit it! I'd kind of forgotten how didactic it is, but of course it's still a classic story once you get past all that. (I do think the novel would be half as long without all the Christian moralizing.) I had also forgotten that Amy really is the most prominent sister after Jo, so props to Greta Gerwig for actually showing that in her version. And I know it’s a ~thing~ to be like “Jo is trans” but honestly, you could write a very persuasive term paper about it. Anyway, there is going to be a LOT to discuss with my pals and I am excited to do so.
We're discussing this in book club this month, because none of us have read it in ages, but the recent movie made us want to revisit it! I'd kind of forgotten how didactic it is, but of course it's still a classic story once you get past all that. (I do think the novel would be half as long without all the Christian moralizing.) I had also forgotten that Amy really is the most prominent sister after Jo, so props to Greta Gerwig for actually showing that in her version. And I know it’s a ~thing~ to be like “Jo is trans” but honestly, you could write a very persuasive term paper about it. Anyway, there is going to be a LOT to discuss with my pals and I am excited to do so.
Sunday, February 16, 2020
2020 book 36
Stephanie Wrobel's Darling Rose Gold
This is being billed as a thriller, but it doesn’t have the level of suspense and intensity I’d expect. It’s the story of a woman who’s just been released from prison—she was in for Munchausen by Proxy—and now her daughter, her victim, a new mother, is letting her stay in her guest room. This is interspersed with the story of the daughter after her mother was arrested. I found this to be a slightly stressful read and a major bummer, while also being a little bit slow. The end was interesting enough but I wished it had gotten where it was going a little earlier. I think the concept is what is making this book so buzzy, as opposed to the actual story. Oh well. B/B-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on March 17th.
This is being billed as a thriller, but it doesn’t have the level of suspense and intensity I’d expect. It’s the story of a woman who’s just been released from prison—she was in for Munchausen by Proxy—and now her daughter, her victim, a new mother, is letting her stay in her guest room. This is interspersed with the story of the daughter after her mother was arrested. I found this to be a slightly stressful read and a major bummer, while also being a little bit slow. The end was interesting enough but I wished it had gotten where it was going a little earlier. I think the concept is what is making this book so buzzy, as opposed to the actual story. Oh well. B/B-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on March 17th.
Thursday, February 13, 2020
2020 book 35
Sarah Gailey’s When We Were Magic
I looooove books about queer teen witches (there's a growing number of books in this genre), so was excited for Gailey's YA debut. But this is a bit grimmer/more disturbing than the usual YA fare. We start at a prom afterparty, where our protagonist is planning on sleeping with a (male) classmate she barely knows, even though she isn’t really into him, but then he explodes. So she calls in her crew of gal pals, because they’re all MAGIC, and they have to figure out what to do about this magical crime scene and this dead kid. I loved all their friendships and abilities, and was kind of rooting for the protagonist and her love interest, but this book has a real melancholy vibe. I also had mixed feelings about the end. Also, if you’re gonna have a protagonist who can TALK TO ANIMALS, there needs to be more animals around! I needed more cute animal chats! I mean, that’s not at all the point of this book. It’s about building relationships and friendships and learning to deal with mistakes etc. Just a bit too much disposing of body parts for my personal taste. B+.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on March 3rd.
I looooove books about queer teen witches (there's a growing number of books in this genre), so was excited for Gailey's YA debut. But this is a bit grimmer/more disturbing than the usual YA fare. We start at a prom afterparty, where our protagonist is planning on sleeping with a (male) classmate she barely knows, even though she isn’t really into him, but then he explodes. So she calls in her crew of gal pals, because they’re all MAGIC, and they have to figure out what to do about this magical crime scene and this dead kid. I loved all their friendships and abilities, and was kind of rooting for the protagonist and her love interest, but this book has a real melancholy vibe. I also had mixed feelings about the end. Also, if you’re gonna have a protagonist who can TALK TO ANIMALS, there needs to be more animals around! I needed more cute animal chats! I mean, that’s not at all the point of this book. It’s about building relationships and friendships and learning to deal with mistakes etc. Just a bit too much disposing of body parts for my personal taste. B+.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on March 3rd.
2020 book 34
Maureen Johnson's The Hand on the Wall
The third book in Johnson's Truly Devious mystery series--about a teen girl trying to solve a long-ago kidnapping at her elite and eccentric boarding school--is an adequate wrap-up. I admit that I didn't bother to reread the first two and so was hazy on a lot of details, which is a problem in a mystery story! And the mystery elements are all revealed in flashbacks, which feels like a cop-out. I was also uninterested in the wishy-washy romance. I really feel like this should have been just one book—breaking it into three pieces just weakens everything. This whole book could have been like four chapters. B/B-.
The third book in Johnson's Truly Devious mystery series--about a teen girl trying to solve a long-ago kidnapping at her elite and eccentric boarding school--is an adequate wrap-up. I admit that I didn't bother to reread the first two and so was hazy on a lot of details, which is a problem in a mystery story! And the mystery elements are all revealed in flashbacks, which feels like a cop-out. I was also uninterested in the wishy-washy romance. I really feel like this should have been just one book—breaking it into three pieces just weakens everything. This whole book could have been like four chapters. B/B-.
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
2020 book 33
Rebecca Stead's The List of Things That Will Not Change
A new book by Stead is always something to look forward to—she’s the author of one of my top five all time favorite books (When You Reach Me), after all. This felt like it was aimed at a slightly younger audience than some of her other books, but it was still a moving and engaging read. It’s narrated by tween Bea, who is delighted that her dad is going to marry his boyfriend—meaning she’s getting a new sister. But Stead doesn’t shy away from complicated feelings and complicated families and sorting out those tangles of emotions. Really solid work from an always outstanding author. A/A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on April 7th.
A new book by Stead is always something to look forward to—she’s the author of one of my top five all time favorite books (When You Reach Me), after all. This felt like it was aimed at a slightly younger audience than some of her other books, but it was still a moving and engaging read. It’s narrated by tween Bea, who is delighted that her dad is going to marry his boyfriend—meaning she’s getting a new sister. But Stead doesn’t shy away from complicated feelings and complicated families and sorting out those tangles of emotions. Really solid work from an always outstanding author. A/A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released on April 7th.
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
2020 book 32
T. Kingfisher's Paladin's Grace
YAYYYY a new Ursula Vernon book!!! A breath of fresh air in these troubled times. This one is set in her Clocktaur/Swordheart world, but is a standalone story--a ROMANCE! I love the way she writes romances so am very here for this. Our hero is a paladin whose god has died, and now he serves in the Temple of the White Rat (the lawyers/healers in this world). He is also a KNITTER! Our heroine is a perfumer (whose best friend and landlady is a spy!), dealing with past heartache. They have a similar vibe to the couple in Swordheart, but I liked that couple, so I was okay with that. I also liked that one character from Swordheart plays a role here. There is also a whole thing with an attempted assassination, as well as a subplot involving severed heads. But Vernon balances the gore with fluff nicely. It looks like she’s working on more books set in this world and I will be psyched to read them! A/A-.
YAYYYY a new Ursula Vernon book!!! A breath of fresh air in these troubled times. This one is set in her Clocktaur/Swordheart world, but is a standalone story--a ROMANCE! I love the way she writes romances so am very here for this. Our hero is a paladin whose god has died, and now he serves in the Temple of the White Rat (the lawyers/healers in this world). He is also a KNITTER! Our heroine is a perfumer (whose best friend and landlady is a spy!), dealing with past heartache. They have a similar vibe to the couple in Swordheart, but I liked that couple, so I was okay with that. I also liked that one character from Swordheart plays a role here. There is also a whole thing with an attempted assassination, as well as a subplot involving severed heads. But Vernon balances the gore with fluff nicely. It looks like she’s working on more books set in this world and I will be psyched to read them! A/A-.
Monday, February 10, 2020
2020 book 31
Arkady Martine's A Memory of Empire
I've owned this book for a while, and heard tons of good things about it, but every time I started it I was like "I need to be able to concentrate more and really sink into this." And finally I was traveling, and I'm so glad I finally had the time to dive in, because it lived up to the hype. It's about a young woman from an independent space station, who is named ambassador to the mighty Empire after the previous ambassador is suddenly . . . unable to serve. And her society has a whole thing with shared memories, but her predecessor's are fifteen years out of date . . . so she's being thrown into a very dicey situation. Can she solve the mystery of what happened to her predecessor and also successfully navigate serious politics??? I love both those kinds of stories, so to have them come together with a bunch of compelling characters and fascinating world-building was definitely my jam. This was just really SATISFYING. I can't wait to read the next book in the series and see where things go. A.
I've owned this book for a while, and heard tons of good things about it, but every time I started it I was like "I need to be able to concentrate more and really sink into this." And finally I was traveling, and I'm so glad I finally had the time to dive in, because it lived up to the hype. It's about a young woman from an independent space station, who is named ambassador to the mighty Empire after the previous ambassador is suddenly . . . unable to serve. And her society has a whole thing with shared memories, but her predecessor's are fifteen years out of date . . . so she's being thrown into a very dicey situation. Can she solve the mystery of what happened to her predecessor and also successfully navigate serious politics??? I love both those kinds of stories, so to have them come together with a bunch of compelling characters and fascinating world-building was definitely my jam. This was just really SATISFYING. I can't wait to read the next book in the series and see where things go. A.
Wednesday, February 05, 2020
2020 book 30
Emily St John Mandel's The Glass Hotel
I was a bit reluctant to read the author's latest, bc how could she follow up Station 11? But I shouldn’t have doubted her, bc this was super engrossing. I will say that I read it on a plane, totally absorbed, except the plane landed ten minutes before I was done and I lost the thread a bit. Anyway, this novel is about a young addict, his half-sister (who has fallen into the ocean), a Ponzi scheme, and various other ppl moving in and out of the picture. I think I loved this but I’m not sure how well it all cohered? Who cares, I love Vincent! A.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released in March.
I was a bit reluctant to read the author's latest, bc how could she follow up Station 11? But I shouldn’t have doubted her, bc this was super engrossing. I will say that I read it on a plane, totally absorbed, except the plane landed ten minutes before I was done and I lost the thread a bit. Anyway, this novel is about a young addict, his half-sister (who has fallen into the ocean), a Ponzi scheme, and various other ppl moving in and out of the picture. I think I loved this but I’m not sure how well it all cohered? Who cares, I love Vincent! A.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released in March.
Monday, February 03, 2020
2020 book 29
Lois McMaster Bujold’s The Orphans of Raspay
The seventh book in the Penric series finds Penric captured by pirates, along with a pair of orphan girls, all about to be sold into slavery. I wasn’t super into this one for various reasons. It was not fun or funny. I mean, it was fine, just not as enjoyable as its predecessors. B.
The seventh book in the Penric series finds Penric captured by pirates, along with a pair of orphan girls, all about to be sold into slavery. I wasn’t super into this one for various reasons. It was not fun or funny. I mean, it was fine, just not as enjoyable as its predecessors. B.
Sunday, February 02, 2020
2019 book 18
Lois McMaster Bujold's The Prisoner of Limnos
The sixth Penric book finds our sorcerer still attempting to woo his love interest--this time, while assisting her in rescuing her mother, who is being held hostage for political reasons. This one wraps up a bunch of stuff from the last few books, so is much more satisfying, while still having lots of humor and heart. Plus there's basically a magical heist--what's not to like? A/A-.
The sixth Penric book finds our sorcerer still attempting to woo his love interest--this time, while assisting her in rescuing her mother, who is being held hostage for political reasons. This one wraps up a bunch of stuff from the last few books, so is much more satisfying, while still having lots of humor and heart. Plus there's basically a magical heist--what's not to like? A/A-.
2019 book 17
Lois McMaster Bujold's Mira's Last Dance
The fifth Penric book does pick up where the last one leaves off, with Penric and his new compatriots on the run, eventually taking refuge in a brothel. Humor and nice moments ensue! I loved it! But this one ALSO ends on a cliffhanger, very unsatisfying. Still very good, and obviously I’m diving right into the next one. A-/B+.
The fifth Penric book does pick up where the last one leaves off, with Penric and his new compatriots on the run, eventually taking refuge in a brothel. Humor and nice moments ensue! I loved it! But this one ALSO ends on a cliffhanger, very unsatisfying. Still very good, and obviously I’m diving right into the next one. A-/B+.
2019 book 16
Louise Erdrich's The Night Watchman
The titular watchman is inspired by Erdrich's own grandfather, who fought the US government's efforts to dispossess/disband American's indigenous tribes. I found his story really compelling! There are a few other narrative strains, though, predominately that of Pixie, a young relative of the watchman's, who's trying to find her missing sister, sort out her lovelife, and keep her traditions alive. We also get to know a young local boxer, his (white) coach, a grad student, and various other community members and ghosts. I mostly enjoyed this a lot (ok, some of the stuff with Pixie and her sister is super stressful, trigger warnings ahoy), but it didn’t entirely come together for me. I still think Erdrich is one of our great American writers, of course, and this novel sheds a lot of light on a pivotal moment of our history. A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released in March.
The titular watchman is inspired by Erdrich's own grandfather, who fought the US government's efforts to dispossess/disband American's indigenous tribes. I found his story really compelling! There are a few other narrative strains, though, predominately that of Pixie, a young relative of the watchman's, who's trying to find her missing sister, sort out her lovelife, and keep her traditions alive. We also get to know a young local boxer, his (white) coach, a grad student, and various other community members and ghosts. I mostly enjoyed this a lot (ok, some of the stuff with Pixie and her sister is super stressful, trigger warnings ahoy), but it didn’t entirely come together for me. I still think Erdrich is one of our great American writers, of course, and this novel sheds a lot of light on a pivotal moment of our history. A-.
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A review copy was provided by the publisher. This book will be released in March.
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