heartbrekker's Reviews (797)

Under the Whispering Door beat The House in the Cerulean Sea as the better Klune book. I did think House suffered from overhype in my case, and the fact that I usually don't read such positive material, which is definitely my own fault.

I think particularly the reason for my heightened enjoyment/ closeness to this story is because at the time of reading this, I had a family member go into hospice. I know hospice and death are two different things, but they are closely tied to the end of one's life in different ways. Wallace's journey helped me to come to terms with this impending familial death, and I'll be in debt to it for giving me that clarity. It gave me comfort honestly in a dark period/ headspace, so I have this deeper, more fulfilling connection. Klune is truly marvelous at weaving together tough stories of the human condition/ experiences. He finds a way to reveal the truth in an otherwise extremely complicated situation.

Update: My family member has now passed, and I have a bunch of quotes saved from this story. They are subject to change a bit since they're from an eARC, but I've been scrolling through them as a way to deal with my emotions. They really are helping me, so I thought I'd include a few below.

"Energy. Life. Death. All of it. We rise and we fall and then we rise once more. We're all on different paths, but death doesn't discriminate. It comes for everyone. It's what you do with it that sets you apart."

"Death isn't a final ending, Wallace. It is an ending, sure, but only to prepare you for a new beginning."

"Death isn't always something to be feared. It's not the be-all and end-all."

"You're born, yes. You live and breathe and dance and ache, but you die. Everyone dies. Everything dies. Death is cleansing. The pain of a mortal life is gone."

And due to the fact that these previous quotes are depressing as f**k-- here's one to make you smile:
"Don't write checks your butt can't cash is what I always say."

Beasts of Prey is a dynamic Pan-African fantasy that will be refreshing for readers to dive into. From indentured servitude (basically slavery), zoo-keeping, jock-like warriors, to magical creatures, BOP has it all! It's definitely a journey book over the destination, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Now recently, a lot of YA titles have fallen flat for me, but BOP truly brought back my enjoyment and hype for this age range. I'm so excited for the sequel and more books from Ayana Gray.

Also, I haven't mentioned it yet, but Ayana's writing style is phenomenal, especially due to the fact that this is her debut. I was stunned by the lyrical prose mixed with dynamic fighting scenes. Koffi, Ekon, and Adiah are complicated and ambitious characters. Each of their voices felt fully unique and fleshed out, so it was amazing to flip back and forth between them. Ultimately, their dreams and desires guide their trajectory into a fated web of deceit, chaos, and villainy. I just need the sequel already- PLEASE AND THANKS!

"We women are peculiar creatures. We tend not to love those who murder our families."

The Women of Troy was a visceral take on the post-war effects of the Trojan War, specifically following the women enslaved to the Greeks from Troy. The main character is still Briseis from The Silence of the Girls, but we also have a new character Calchas and Achilles son Pyrrhus as a few POV poins throughout the story.

My memory doesn't quite recall a lot of the scenes from TSOTG besides just what I know from Greek myths in general, but I have to say this sequel was pretty great. Yes, it is monumentally slower paced, but a post-war story isn’t meant to follow the heat of war. Just the continual darkness.

It was so intriguing to read a book solely focused on the aftermath of war. From the differing arrays of PTSD (warrior males, enslaved women, and Briseis' experiences with Achilles and other kings) to this deep desire to return home, the Greeks and Trojan women really tugged on my heart strings. I didn't mind the slow pac because this story was about all of them, and this unified broken heart over war. So many have died on both ends and Patroclus and Achilles are one of the main deaths to still haunt everyone. It's tragic and real and lovely. A good representation.

Although, here were a few phrases/ moments in the story that didn't feel necessary to me. The r-word is used multiple times, and due to many peoples trauma with that word, I think another word could've suited the scene better. The same thing goes for the fatphobia against Maire. Her weight is condescendingly discussed numerous times whether about how that makes her less desired, beautiful, etc. It made me uncomfortable as someone who has struggled with their weight in their life, and since it didn't add much to the story (Maire has a baby son who all the enslaved women go around protecting), I think it could have been left out.

Overall, this sequel has proven just how much I adore Pat Barker's Greek retellings, and I cannot wait to reread TSOTG and see what else Barker has in store for us!

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”

I want to write a full review one day, but for now I just want to say I never expected to enjoy this book as much as I did. It’s not only a stunning 19th century romance, but it deals with conversations of misogyny, disability, and the human spirit to just name a few. I found myself cheering for Jane Eyre endlessly, and I’ll forever love this woman who is unapologetically herself. If you aren’t a fan of classics, I do recommend maybe listening to this on on audiobook. It’s more modern than most, and I’ll never stop singing it praises.

Also, if you’re looking for a mess of a man, look no further than Edward Rochester. Jane’s the one in charge- haha.