heartbrekker's Reviews (797)

"I want you to know why I'm angry... I want you to know why I'm mean. The anger inside me is too big. If I look at it too close, I feel too much grief to survive."

When I reviewed Winterkeep, I compared it to Bitterblue, but now the true comp titles to one another within the Graceling Realm are Bitterblue and Seasparrow. Seasparrow, much like Bitterblue, is a story of a woman finally beginning her journey to healing her childhood traumas and coming to terms with her own identity amidst political turmoil and strife.

"If you could eavesdrop without anyone knowing— if you could turn yourself into a barrel, or a coil of lines, or a clump of canvas on deck where two people are standing, whispering secrets to one another— are you sure you wouldn't?"

Hava has always been one of my favorite side characters throughout the series, and it was incredible to have her as the sole POV of this installment. She's gritty and sarcastic, blunt and curious, empathetic and angry. Hava is the epitome of my favorite type of protagonist because she's so far from perfect yet that makes her so imperfectly human. Moreover, it was interesting to watch her different interactions with people like Bitterblue, Gideon, Linny, or Annet. Hava changes her attitude within her relationships to fit her emotions, and I think it was very realistic that she had so many issues with Bitterblue because their relationship is so secretive and flawed. Sibling relationships are still to this day one of my favorite parts to books, especially because they're so rarely used, so it was great to have Bitterblue's POV in mind when reading Hava's POV. You can't start to heal those relationships with loved ones until everything is put onto the table, and with the chaos of returning home, Bitterblue and Hava take some time to attend to that. I'm very excited for people to meet Hava's friend Linny in particular because he adds so much to her growth and vulnerability— something I don't think Hava has really ever done before on page or off.

Also one more side note— I’m curious to see how people view Hava and her sexuality, possibly demisexuality. This is probably the first Graceling book that doesn’t focus on romance really at all as a main side plot. It’s definitely there in undertones throughout the book, but again, this is Hava’s journey towards her identity so romance is the last of her immediate worries. The romance is like a bud blooming into spring right at the end of the book, so it’s more a promise of what’s to come rather than what’s on the page.

"... languages are like a blanket you can crawl into and be warm. And words are like pebbles you can throw."

Also, because this book was in first person POV, we got a much deeper version of Hava as an individual than Winterkeep, for example, which had multiple POVs. Did I miss Bitterblue's perspective— Adventure's even? Yes! But I think they would have detracted from Hava's story because they're such fan favorites. Readers are forced to give Hava all of their attention, which is something she's lacked her entire life due to her camouflage abilities.

"When someone wraps you in a towel, you can feel your own edges. You can begin to learn who you are."

Arguably, Seasparrow is definitely a character driven story rather than plot, in my opinion. Yes, the zilfium mines and bombs coming to the Seven Kingdoms are imperative to the plot, but Seasparrow is about Hava's journey overall. We always come back to her struggles, her isolation, and her pain. She monologues frequently to the point that I forgot about the zilfium (unless she was ranting about chemistry haha). I was a bit stunned by this throughout the beginning of the book because Bitterblue and Winterkeep were an even mix of character and plot, but ultimately, character fits the story best here. Sadly, I do think the plot dragged at times, and I think 50ish pages could’ve been taken out, which wouldn’t have affected the story at all. I had to push myself to keep going because it felt repetitive then, but once I got through, it was better.

"I want to live in a world where the simplest way to be safe from explosive weapons is not to build explosive weapons in the first place."

Something I've been drawn to since Winterkeep is Kristin Cashore's constant attention to environmental harm and atomic weaponry. It's a conversation that I think hardly any YA books, let alone fantasy books, choose to actively bring up. Cashore has always been ahead of the game when it comes to important, current event conversations, but Seasparrow felt so personal, especially because another year has gone by where I learn further and further information about our earth and how it suffers. The stormy seas in this book were just another example of how these bombs are affecting this realm physically, which doesn't even begin to bring up the human emotions these weapons invoke of greed, fear, and impending death. It mirrors our world, and Cashore is simply a genius.

"Because my wish to be a person you can trust is bigger than my fear of your temper."

I don't think I can say anymore without giving away spoilers. I'm hoping Cashore has another book in mind to write because I simply can't get enough of the Graceling Realm! Coming back to these books through Winterkeep and now Seasparrow was a beautiful dream. Seasparrow does not seem like the end, and I'd love to see Hava's journey more after the events at the end. I'll update this review when I can scream about spoilers.

"Love is hope for other people."

Thank you to Penguin Teen for allowing me to review an eARC of one of my anticipated releases!

4/15/23 Audiobook Reread: added an extra 0.5 to this reread. I just don’t vibe with the interview style. No true sustenance—just dialogue—and that’s not enough for me.

Original Review: I should’ve listened to the audiobook. Oops.

Coming back to the world of Daevabad was like meeting an old friend after a few years a part, especially after the chaos of the last few years. Some of the stories unveil deeper political maneuvering; some make your heart bleed; some even reveal the start to something new. Simply, I'm in love with it all and then some.

"Amazing, how death might be more preferable to life in Daevabad."

Manizheh (Story 1)
I don't know if I can ever fully forgive her character and be empathetic to her actions, but this story is the closest that I've ever come. Manizheh's love is just as loud as her pain, and I think that's the tragedy of her arc in this story. Getting deeper insight from her own perspective is definitely a unique experience. Also, it's heartwarming and heartbreaking to see some of my favorite characters as children.

Duriya (Story 2)
Tears. Just straight tears is how I would describe this story. My favorite of the short stories by far, and I will die on my hill that Duriya should get a novel all to herself. I want to know the ins and outs to her journey, and I want to cry my heart out just like I did in these few pages. It was beautiful and tragic— similar to Manizheh's but for a different reason. I think what I took away from this story was that even the darkest lives and times can have the brightest of moments, even if they don't last long.

"You used animal droppings— next to my orange grove— to grow your seeds?"

Hatset (Story 3)
Hatset's POV was one that I hoped most for. I loved getting to see her pre-Zaynab/Ali, and it was so fun to watch her and Ghassan spar with their cunning and fresh vows... even if we know how their story together ends. She's always been one of my favorite characters throughout this series (her running to Ali in The Kingdom of Copper (TKOC) broke meeee), and it was a joy to read this and hope. Plus, Hatset's dad not giving a singular crap about his sass to Ghassan was one of the funniest things I read in this collection. It goes to show where Hatset got her mouth as well as Zaynab.

Muntadhir (Story 4)
Probably one of the stories that didn't stick with me as hard, but it was still wonderful to read. Muntadhir and Jamshid meeting for the first time just hits different! Particularly how joyful Jamshid is to serve his prince. I've always loved their connection and love for one another, so to get more backstory into their love story was beautiful.

"Royals don't worry about punctuality."

Jamshid (Story 5)
I think between Muntadhir and Jamshid... my favorite POV to read from is Jamshid, especially in their relationship. This short story in particular tugged on my heartstrings once Jamshid helped Muntadhir at the end. I'm a sucker for vulnerability, so to see these two a year later after the previous story and the progression of their relationship, it was perfect. A slow burn built off of friendship and small moments always sells me the most for a love story. Let me ignore the pain of The City of Brass (TCOB) during this moment because I won't be able to handle it!

Dara (Story 6)
I think it was a smart move for Dara to not have a POV in TCOB because his internal monologue would've definitely set me against him sooner than his actions did. Nahri makes him far more palatable. This story was certainly interesting to read about, and it made me smile to see Nahri in her element still on their journey to Daevabad. It'll make Dara/Nahri (Nara? Dahri? idk lol) shippers go nuts, but it made me nostalgically sad for my first time reading TCOB where I was wholly innocent of all impending pain.

"Daevabad comes first."

Jamshid (Story 7)
This story was a top favorite because of the background knowledge revealed for the final big act of TCOB. Jamshid is such a key player, and to see him experience everything from carrying Ali's ass with Muntadhir to Dara's gloating amongst Daevas and finally the aftermath of the fight, leading them to head for the river to save Ali and Nahri... It's such a bittersweet, powerful story. Jamshid's guilt stricken, yet he knows his duty to his emir and lover... and we know how TCOB ends.

Ali (Story 8)
Not my favorite but very fun to see a fuller extent to Ali's banishment adventures and his water abilities.

The Scout (Story 9)
I looked at the Table of Contents throughout my reading, and this story always stuck out to me because I was curious who this scout was... and then once the story began, I knew what was coming. In many ways, I really wish this could have been within the actual books, but I also understand why it couldn't because of reveals and such. Shannon was stretching our angst and curiosity, and this moment would have taken away from that. BUT this was a great story, definitely memorable. I was enthralled the entire time even when I wanted to choke out the djinn who was with the narrator. This story will certainly be exciting for readers, and as always, I'll never turn down the chance to explore other reaches of Daevalands. *Hint* *Hint* to Shannon to expand further!!

"I don't believe in dreaming. It sets you up for disappointment."

Nahri (Story 10)
When I realized that TKOC has skipped ahead in time, I originally felt like I'd lost a crucial part of Nahri's journey. We didn't get to see Nahri marry or Nahri and Muntahir even try to pretend in those early years to be a married couple. Normalcy had already settled by the time we got to see them, so it was a real treat to have this story— not only because Nahri still thwarts the Qahtani's in her own way but her and Muntahir have a moment together. Dubious consent is an undertone to the whole conversation because neither wanted to marry the other, but this story was something I have been craving from that period of time because it makes them so real with their unhappiness. Their brutal truth to one another just felt monumental. Makes me love them both even more as characters.

Ali (Story 11)
ALL RISE THE NAHRI/ALI SHIPPERS. My favorite moments for romance are the small ones. They don't have to be screaming at one another about their love to strike me in the heart, and to be honest, Ali and Nahri have never been that way. They love each other quietly but in such a profound way of yearning and hope. Both have scars that are visible, and it's okay that their relationship isn't moving fast because the other needs time too. One of my only issues with the original trilogy (and this is me being selfish) is that I wanted more Ali and Nahri moments, but after rereading and growing older, I realized their moments are like pearls— sacred and rare. Thank you, Shannon for giving us a treat of their slow kindling of love.

Zaynab (Story 12)
One of the elements to the Daevabad trilogy that stuck out to me the most the first time I read it was the deep love the Qahtani siblings have for one another. Zaynab was always the center of it because she keeps them stable, so it was heartbreaking to read her perspective post-Manizheh invasion of Daevabad. I teared up when she heard the news that Ali may have been enslaved, and it broke my heart when she realized Muntadhir was captured. She's always been my number one side character throughout this trilogy, and I loved being in her head. I desperately hope Shannon is writing a book about her adventures. She would be an incredible protagonist, and this story reveals that. She's alone with none of her loved ones to back her up, but Zaynab refuses to give up on her brothers or her people in Daevabad— bringing the Daevas, djinn, and shafit together to fight for their right to live.

Muntadhir (Story 13)
Not me crying like a baby about Muntadhir and Jamshid starting to heal their flaws, secrets, and pain in their relationship post-win. I want a book just for them too! Also, getting to see Jamshid in his healer mode for an extended period of time is not something I knew I needed as deeply as now.

Alternative Epilogue to The Empire of Gold (Story 14)
A sucker punch of a surprise! This alternative epilogue is not what I was expecting at all. I don't want to say much because I think knowing nothing is the perfect way to experience it.

Nahri (Story 15)
Post TEOG via roughly a year and a half. Again, go in knowing nothing because this is pure fluff and heart warming!

Thank you to Harper Voyager for allowing me to review this short story collection for my favorite trilogy early! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Initial review/ thoughts: I’m EMOTIONAL for this world and these characters. The second story literally stabbed my heart into splinter sized pieces. Shannon please write a story just for them.

Chelsea Abdullah is a new must-buy author, and I couldn't be happier!

The Stardust Thief took me on a rollercoaster of emotions to put it simply. I went from laughing to screaming to hyperventilating to biting my lip and— finally— to crying. These characters are a breath of fresh air, and I love their continuous journeys into moral ambiguity as well as their self discovery into their personal identity. Loulie will always hold my heart because she reminds me of my own ambition and curiosity, especially when it comes to situations where you really shouldn't be curious lol. Mazen reminds me of one of my favorite underutilized tropes— the teddy bear male lead. He's honestly the epitome of a clutzy prince, running around trying to help but only making it worse. It's amazing! Aisha, in many ways, reminds me of typical fantasy women because she's strong, loyal, and absolute in her decision making (at least until the ~thing~ happens). Moreover, you can tell an author is phenomenal with their characters when they can create side characters nearly as fleshed out as the leads. Qadir comes to mind immediately, the being of my heart, as well as Ahmed. Oh, Ahmed.

I couldn't tear myself away from this story, and even during the slower portions of the novel, I was entertained by witty banter, dynamic new environments, or political intrigue. Every scene had a point to be made in terms of the overall plot, and I simply love getting to enjoy it. My only real critique in terms of world building is that I wish Omar was in more scenes.

He is the villain of the boo, even though its not truly revealed until the end, but I just thought he physically played a much minor role than he could have. Yes, he may be puppeteering Aisha at times or other characters to get what he wants, but where's the fun in that? He's the Stardust Thief for Pete's sake, so I thought he would've played a much more significant role throughout the entirety of the story.

One of the best surprises when it comes to debuts is great writing. I wasn't necessarily expecting bad writing, but I was blown away by Chelsea's ability to double task with world building and dynamic prose. In her interview with Kaikeyi's author Vashnavi Patel, Chelsea actually talks about how this book was like double in size originally, but we lost a lot of POV characters. The perspective that I feel we missed out on was Ahmed. Yes, he was one of them.

If Chelsea had kept Ahmed's POV then we could have seen Omar in his element at the end when he freaking murders the king/ Ahmed. Although, do we even believe Ahmed is truly gone? That's besides the point though—Ahmed would've given invaluable insight, so I'm kinda salty we didn't get his POV.

Another favorite part of mine lies with the stories. They felt fundamental to the storytelling influences of this book, and I loved Chelsea's slight shift in voice in those moments. It made me feel like I needed to crawl under my sheets in case any unwanted demons were eerily watching me. The stories felt distinct from her own writing, but it still held that magic from the main story. Chelsea gave me a beautiful world to consume as well as prose that felt life-like in description. Besides Omar, the fighting descriptions were the only other issue I found because I could not picture them well, particularly the last one, but that could be due to the inherent chaos of the scene.

Overall, I need the sequel like yesterday please because I cannot wait over a year for more! Not after that cliffhanger!!

Thank you to Orbit Books for letting me review an eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3/28/22: This was an incredible debut! Mazen needs all the hugs in the world. I want to have endless conversations with Qadir and Loulie about their relic adventures. And Aisha… well she also needs a hug but I’m terrified of her LOL