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anabel_unker's Reviews (1.16k)
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
I should first start this review by stating that I was not familar with Ramayana or its importance to the Hindu culture before beginning this book. There are several excellent reviews that go more into depth on why KAIKEYI should be read thoughtfully and with respect towards Hinduism and I highly recommend reading them, and doing your own research.
Because my experience and knowledge of the original epic is limited to what little research I've done, I cannot, with good concious, make any comparisons of this book and the inspiration behind it, Ramayana. This review will be made from the viewpoint of a Western audience with little working knowledge of Ramayana,
KAIKEYI, when examined as a stand alone book, is solid. I loved the development of relationships between the main character, Kaikeyi, and those around her-- her twin brother and family, her husband and fellow wives, her sons, her people. The author did a wonderful job of commenting on the tenuous relationships we all share with one another, while introducing a magical realism element that brings those connections into the visual field. I loved the blatent feminism, which (even if we know it may not be period accurate) felt plausible when put into practice. I also enjoyed the asexual representation, it didn't take away from the story, but added another layer to Kaikeyi.
The book is seperated into four parts, with most of the action taking place in the last part. The pacing felt odd to me as the reader, so much more emphasis placed on Kaikeyi's childhood and early years than on the part inspired directly by events in the source material.
Overall, Kaikeyi is perfect for people who enjoy retellings of classical stories. It should not be taken as an alternative, as the author herself states, but enjoyed by people who like asking "What if?".
I should first start this review by stating that I was not familar with Ramayana or its importance to the Hindu culture before beginning this book. There are several excellent reviews that go more into depth on why KAIKEYI should be read thoughtfully and with respect towards Hinduism and I highly recommend reading them, and doing your own research.
Because my experience and knowledge of the original epic is limited to what little research I've done, I cannot, with good concious, make any comparisons of this book and the inspiration behind it, Ramayana. This review will be made from the viewpoint of a Western audience with little working knowledge of Ramayana,
KAIKEYI, when examined as a stand alone book, is solid. I loved the development of relationships between the main character, Kaikeyi, and those around her-- her twin brother and family, her husband and fellow wives, her sons, her people. The author did a wonderful job of commenting on the tenuous relationships we all share with one another, while introducing a magical realism element that brings those connections into the visual field. I loved the blatent feminism, which (even if we know it may not be period accurate) felt plausible when put into practice. I also enjoyed the asexual representation, it didn't take away from the story, but added another layer to Kaikeyi.
The book is seperated into four parts, with most of the action taking place in the last part. The pacing felt odd to me as the reader, so much more emphasis placed on Kaikeyi's childhood and early years than on the part inspired directly by events in the source material.
Overall, Kaikeyi is perfect for people who enjoy retellings of classical stories. It should not be taken as an alternative, as the author herself states, but enjoyed by people who like asking "What if?".
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the authors, publisher, artist, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
HOLLOW, a modern sequel to the Legend of Sleep Hollow, tells the story of three teenagers and their mission to end the curse on the Van Tassell family-- with the aide of a familiar figure...
A delightful story perfect for fans of Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell-- HOLLOW is sure to delight anyone who wants to get into the spooky spirit! The amount of representation is perfection (LGBTQ+, Asian-American, disabled, etc.) even if it's not truly representative of New England! The story is perfectly situated for a graphic novel, and the art itself is incredibly charming.
This delightful read is sure to be a treat, not a trick!
HOLLOW, a modern sequel to the Legend of Sleep Hollow, tells the story of three teenagers and their mission to end the curse on the Van Tassell family-- with the aide of a familiar figure...
A delightful story perfect for fans of Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell-- HOLLOW is sure to delight anyone who wants to get into the spooky spirit! The amount of representation is perfection (LGBTQ+, Asian-American, disabled, etc.) even if it's not truly representative of New England! The story is perfectly situated for a graphic novel, and the art itself is incredibly charming.
This delightful read is sure to be a treat, not a trick!
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
WEIRD RULES TO FOLLOW is Mia's growing up story. The readers follow her from sixth grade to eigth grade-- during her seasons at the reservation, summers with her best friend, Lana, and all the other mundane things that are a part of growing up.
This book touches on quite a few heavy topics: alcoholism, racism, the 'Canadian Indian residential school system', the growth and end of friendship, underage drinking, and puberty. WEIRD RULES is a biopic of the author's own experiences growing up as an indigenous person-- events and relationships in the book heavily influenced by her own life.
Real and relatable, WEIRD RULES is a perfect middle to early high school grade read. It provides and unique and important view that will spark important conversations.
WEIRD RULES TO FOLLOW is Mia's growing up story. The readers follow her from sixth grade to eigth grade-- during her seasons at the reservation, summers with her best friend, Lana, and all the other mundane things that are a part of growing up.
This book touches on quite a few heavy topics: alcoholism, racism, the 'Canadian Indian residential school system', the growth and end of friendship, underage drinking, and puberty. WEIRD RULES is a biopic of the author's own experiences growing up as an indigenous person-- events and relationships in the book heavily influenced by her own life.
Real and relatable, WEIRD RULES is a perfect middle to early high school grade read. It provides and unique and important view that will spark important conversations.
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
An incredibly sweet and relatable graphic novel, A PLACE FOR PAULINE follows Pauline as she... well... finds her place! The eldest in a large (and soon to be larger) family, Pauline struggles to find where she belongs in her family and the world around her.
Utterly charming, this book is easily read in a single sitting-- but older audiences (or younger ones too!) may take more time to enjoy the art and story. Pauline's story is one that is so relatable by many, she escapes the hectic world around her through stories and, at the end of the day, just wants to be recognized and loved by those around her.
An incredibly sweet and relatable graphic novel, A PLACE FOR PAULINE follows Pauline as she... well... finds her place! The eldest in a large (and soon to be larger) family, Pauline struggles to find where she belongs in her family and the world around her.
Utterly charming, this book is easily read in a single sitting-- but older audiences (or younger ones too!) may take more time to enjoy the art and story. Pauline's story is one that is so relatable by many, she escapes the hectic world around her through stories and, at the end of the day, just wants to be recognized and loved by those around her.
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
After the death of her mother, Madeline Hathaway is stuck. She's stuck keeping notes of everything lest she forget the little things, she stuck making jewelry in her family's caravan because she's too afraid to venture very far outside, she's stuck in the familiar routines because the unknown means nothing but potential heartbreak. So, when her and her father set up at a familiar, and well beloved, Renaissance Faire at the end of the season only to find the new managers have changed everything... Maddie is understandably put on edge. Add in the charming, if annoyingly persistant, bard-- and Maddie soon finds things are changing quicker than she can keep up.
This book hit so many marks for me: plus size female lead, LGBTQ+ representation, well developed main and side characters, and an utterly charming setting. This book is the perfect combination of a SunshinexGrumpy romance and something a little deeper. Not only does the developing relationship take center stage, but so does Madeline's winding journey through grief.
Another reviewer described this book as a mix between Dumplin' and Well Met for young adults, and I think that sums up what this book is perfectly!
After the death of her mother, Madeline Hathaway is stuck. She's stuck keeping notes of everything lest she forget the little things, she stuck making jewelry in her family's caravan because she's too afraid to venture very far outside, she's stuck in the familiar routines because the unknown means nothing but potential heartbreak. So, when her and her father set up at a familiar, and well beloved, Renaissance Faire at the end of the season only to find the new managers have changed everything... Maddie is understandably put on edge. Add in the charming, if annoyingly persistant, bard-- and Maddie soon finds things are changing quicker than she can keep up.
This book hit so many marks for me: plus size female lead, LGBTQ+ representation, well developed main and side characters, and an utterly charming setting. This book is the perfect combination of a SunshinexGrumpy romance and something a little deeper. Not only does the developing relationship take center stage, but so does Madeline's winding journey through grief.
Another reviewer described this book as a mix between Dumplin' and Well Met for young adults, and I think that sums up what this book is perfectly!
*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*
Whimsical, magical, and just a little confusing (but what good witchy book isn't?), HEX APPEAL is a delightful addition to any spooky season TBR pile.
Life has thrown Josh Henderson, former lawyer and American, a pretty steep curveball when he finds himself the landlord of several decrepit properties in Good Winter, England. Struggling to find a new life in his new country, he's swept up into the whirlwind of Essie Winterscale.
Essie, her own life practically one big curveball, has found herself secluded in her childhood home of Beldam House. And while the house and her family are magical (literally magical), she can't help but feel like her existance is held together by nothing more than a threading shoestring and a spell.
What follows is a crazy story that involves goats, time traveling, steamy kisses in the rain, and amnesia. In a similar vein to The Ex Hex, Johnson taps into the massive desire for a modern witchy stories. Is the plot confusing at times? Yes. The story's pacing was a bit off, and it felt like there were too many plot lines for a single book. However, at it's heart this story is charming and a wonderful choice for a light read!
Whimsical, magical, and just a little confusing (but what good witchy book isn't?), HEX APPEAL is a delightful addition to any spooky season TBR pile.
Life has thrown Josh Henderson, former lawyer and American, a pretty steep curveball when he finds himself the landlord of several decrepit properties in Good Winter, England. Struggling to find a new life in his new country, he's swept up into the whirlwind of Essie Winterscale.
Essie, her own life practically one big curveball, has found herself secluded in her childhood home of Beldam House. And while the house and her family are magical (literally magical), she can't help but feel like her existance is held together by nothing more than a threading shoestring and a spell.
What follows is a crazy story that involves goats, time traveling, steamy kisses in the rain, and amnesia. In a similar vein to The Ex Hex, Johnson taps into the massive desire for a modern witchy stories. Is the plot confusing at times? Yes. The story's pacing was a bit off, and it felt like there were too many plot lines for a single book. However, at it's heart this story is charming and a wonderful choice for a light read!
