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heddas_bookgems's Reviews (490)
Bret Easton Ellis’s The Shards transports us to LA in 1981, vividly capturing the lives of a wealthy friend group during their final year at Buckley College. Set against a backdrop of 80s pop culture, the novel delves into the uncontrollable teenage hormones and love life of 17-year-old Bret, blending extensive descriptions with dark, ominous undertones. The arrival of Robert Mallory, a mysterious new student, and the looming threat of a serial killer known as The Trawler, intensifies the suspense. Initially published as an audiobook on Ellis's podcast, this autofiction novel morphs around page 400 into a gripping, fast-paced thriller, culminating in an ending that leaves readers eager for more and searching the web for answers.
Set in the 80s, the novel explores erotic horror through its depiction of teenage lust and obsession. The narrative is interwoven with the chilling presence of serial killers, adding layers of tension and dread. The dynamics within Bret's friend group are central to the story, as their relationships and secrets unravel against the backdrop of their exclusive prep school.
Can he trust his friends – or his own mind – to make sense of the danger they appear to be in? Thwarted by the world and by his own innate desires, buffeted by unhealthy fixations, Bret spirals into paranoia and isolation as the relationship between The Trawler and Robert Mallory hurtles inexorably toward a collision.
Gripping, sly, suspenseful, deeply haunting, and often darkly funny, The Shards is a mesmerizing fusion of fact and fiction that brilliantly explores the emotional fabric of Bret's life at 17 – sex and jealousy, obsession and murderous rage.
Set in the 80s, the novel explores erotic horror through its depiction of teenage lust and obsession. The narrative is interwoven with the chilling presence of serial killers, adding layers of tension and dread. The dynamics within Bret's friend group are central to the story, as their relationships and secrets unravel against the backdrop of their exclusive prep school.
Can he trust his friends – or his own mind – to make sense of the danger they appear to be in? Thwarted by the world and by his own innate desires, buffeted by unhealthy fixations, Bret spirals into paranoia and isolation as the relationship between The Trawler and Robert Mallory hurtles inexorably toward a collision.
Gripping, sly, suspenseful, deeply haunting, and often darkly funny, The Shards is a mesmerizing fusion of fact and fiction that brilliantly explores the emotional fabric of Bret's life at 17 – sex and jealousy, obsession and murderous rage.
Frances White's Voyage of the Damned is a delightful blend of humor, mystery, and heartfelt moments that will keep readers engaged from start to finish. The novel introduces us to a vibrant cast of characters, each with their own quirks and secrets, but it is Ganymedes (Dee) Piscero, the queer protagonist, who truly shines. Dee's journey from the ship's class clown to a reluctant hero is both endearing and compelling.
White’s witty and sharp writing style ensures that even the darkest moments are laced with humor, providing much-needed relief from the intense plot twists that come one after another. The diverse and well-developed characters are likable and relatable, each bringing a unique flavor to the story. Despite the whimsical tone, the novel does not shy away from heavier themes. It delves into traumas, depression, and self-loathing, offering a nuanced portrayal of characters grappling with deep-seated issues.
One of the notable aspects of the book is its approach to fat shaming. The character who is fat and loves to eat faces self-esteem problems and societal judgment, which White handles with sensitivity and depth. This portrayal adds a layer of authenticity and relatability to the character's struggles, making the reader root for their growth and happiness.
The plot centers around a twelve-day voyage undertaken to celebrate a millennium of peace in Concordia. This setting serves as a backdrop for a thrilling murder mystery. The ship, carrying the twelve heirs of Concordia's provinces—each with a unique magical Blessing—becomes a claustrophobic, tension-filled stage where suspicion runs high. Dee, lacking a Blessing and seen as a disappointment, finds himself in a precarious position when a beloved heir is murdered. As more bodies are discovered, Dee must navigate this treacherous environment, relying on wit and courage to unmask the killer and prevent further bloodshed.
While the novel is immensely enjoyable, it does have its flaws. The middle section of the book drags slightly, and the pace slows down, making it a bit of a slog. Additionally, the final part of the book feels rushed, leading to a predictable ending that might leave some readers wanting more. However, these minor shortcomings do not overshadow the overall experience.
Voyage of the Damned is an engaging read that successfully combines humor, mystery, and emotional depth. With its rich characters, numerous plot twists, and heartfelt moments, it is a book that will resonate with readers long after they turn the last page. Despite its predictable conclusion, the journey White takes us on is well worth it, offering a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Trigger Warnings: The novel contains themes of trauma, depression, self-loathing and suicide.
White’s witty and sharp writing style ensures that even the darkest moments are laced with humor, providing much-needed relief from the intense plot twists that come one after another. The diverse and well-developed characters are likable and relatable, each bringing a unique flavor to the story. Despite the whimsical tone, the novel does not shy away from heavier themes. It delves into traumas, depression, and self-loathing, offering a nuanced portrayal of characters grappling with deep-seated issues.
One of the notable aspects of the book is its approach to fat shaming. The character who is fat and loves to eat faces self-esteem problems and societal judgment, which White handles with sensitivity and depth. This portrayal adds a layer of authenticity and relatability to the character's struggles, making the reader root for their growth and happiness.
The plot centers around a twelve-day voyage undertaken to celebrate a millennium of peace in Concordia. This setting serves as a backdrop for a thrilling murder mystery. The ship, carrying the twelve heirs of Concordia's provinces—each with a unique magical Blessing—becomes a claustrophobic, tension-filled stage where suspicion runs high. Dee, lacking a Blessing and seen as a disappointment, finds himself in a precarious position when a beloved heir is murdered. As more bodies are discovered, Dee must navigate this treacherous environment, relying on wit and courage to unmask the killer and prevent further bloodshed.
While the novel is immensely enjoyable, it does have its flaws. The middle section of the book drags slightly, and the pace slows down, making it a bit of a slog. Additionally, the final part of the book feels rushed, leading to a predictable ending that might leave some readers wanting more. However, these minor shortcomings do not overshadow the overall experience.
Voyage of the Damned is an engaging read that successfully combines humor, mystery, and emotional depth. With its rich characters, numerous plot twists, and heartfelt moments, it is a book that will resonate with readers long after they turn the last page. Despite its predictable conclusion, the journey White takes us on is well worth it, offering a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Trigger Warnings: The novel contains themes of trauma, depression, self-loathing and suicide.
As a card-carrying member of the Geralt of Rivia fan club, I dove into Baptism of Fire with high hopes and a heart already pledged to our beloved Witcher. Yes, I’ll admit the world of Geralt isn’t without its, ahem, problematic views, but my adoration began with the games and continued unabated into the books.
Baptism of Fire certainly didn’t disappoint. Sure, it served up some unsettling imagery that made me question my life choices for a moment, but in the grand scheme of things, it did its job: I was thoroughly entertained.
Did this book revolutionize the series with breakneck plot twists? Not exactly. The focus was more on the characters’ slog through a war-torn landscape than on adrenaline-pumping action. But let’s be honest, that’s where the magic happens. We got to revel in Geralt’s grumpy charm, enjoy some political intrigue, and witness character growth from Mr. Witcher himself. Plus, the dynamic between Geralt and Dandelion had me chuckling, the found family trope hit all the right notes, and a favorite character made a triumphant return.
The one tiny gripe? The role of Ciri. The blurb promised a grand quest to retrieve her, so naturally, I expected her to be front and center. Instead, she was more like a background extra with minimal screen time.
But despite this minor hiccup, Baptism of Fire was a delightful journey through Geralt’s world, leaving me eager for more. And if I’m being honest, as long as it’s got Geralt, I’m sold.
Baptism of Fire certainly didn’t disappoint. Sure, it served up some unsettling imagery that made me question my life choices for a moment, but in the grand scheme of things, it did its job: I was thoroughly entertained.
Did this book revolutionize the series with breakneck plot twists? Not exactly. The focus was more on the characters’ slog through a war-torn landscape than on adrenaline-pumping action. But let’s be honest, that’s where the magic happens. We got to revel in Geralt’s grumpy charm, enjoy some political intrigue, and witness character growth from Mr. Witcher himself. Plus, the dynamic between Geralt and Dandelion had me chuckling, the found family trope hit all the right notes, and a favorite character made a triumphant return.
The one tiny gripe? The role of Ciri. The blurb promised a grand quest to retrieve her, so naturally, I expected her to be front and center. Instead, she was more like a background extra with minimal screen time.
But despite this minor hiccup, Baptism of Fire was a delightful journey through Geralt’s world, leaving me eager for more. And if I’m being honest, as long as it’s got Geralt, I’m sold.
Chelsea Abdullah's The Stardust Thief, inspired by the timeless tales of One Thousand and One Nights, delivers a captivating narrative brimming with adventure, magic, and intrigue. The novel follows Loulie al-Nazari, a notorious smuggler known as the Midnight Merchant, who, alongside her loyal jinn bodyguard, traffics in forbidden magic. When Loulie saves a cowardly prince, she unwittingly attracts the attention of the sultan, who coerces her into embarking on a perilous quest to locate a legendary lamp.
Faced with the dire choice of compliance or execution, Loulie is compelled to set out across the desert with the sultan's eldest son. Their journey is fraught with danger, including ghoul attacks, the wrath of a vengeful jinn queen, and the menace of a sinister figure from Loulie's past. Throughout their quest, aided by her enigmatic bodyguard, Loulie must navigate a world where reality and illusion blur, uncovering startling truths about her magic, her enemies, and her own history. As she confronts these revelations, Loulie is forced to redefine her identity and her destiny.
The novel evokes the rich, immersive atmosphere of S.A. Chakraborty's Daevabad Trilogy, yet it is crafted with a more action packed approach, making it an engaging read for a younger audience or those seeking a lighter, fast paced fantasy. The narrative is punctuated by numerous plot twists, which, while occasionally overwhelming, keep readers on the edge of their seats. Abdullah skillfully balances themes of found family and loyalty, weaving in a romantic subplot that adds depth to the characters' relationships.
Additionally, the novel presents a fresh retelling of the classic tale of Alibaba and the Forty Thieves, enriching the story with elements of revenge and rediscovery. While the world-building is somewhat less intricate compared to similar works, it remains sufficiently detailed to support the fast-paced plot and dynamic character arcs.
In summary, The Stardust Thief is a thrilling and imaginative tale that transports readers to a world where magic and myth are intertwined, and where every turn of the page reveals a new surprise. Chelsea Abdullah's debut is a promising addition to the fantasy genre, offering a compelling mix of action, mystery, and enchantment.
Faced with the dire choice of compliance or execution, Loulie is compelled to set out across the desert with the sultan's eldest son. Their journey is fraught with danger, including ghoul attacks, the wrath of a vengeful jinn queen, and the menace of a sinister figure from Loulie's past. Throughout their quest, aided by her enigmatic bodyguard, Loulie must navigate a world where reality and illusion blur, uncovering startling truths about her magic, her enemies, and her own history. As she confronts these revelations, Loulie is forced to redefine her identity and her destiny.
The novel evokes the rich, immersive atmosphere of S.A. Chakraborty's Daevabad Trilogy, yet it is crafted with a more action packed approach, making it an engaging read for a younger audience or those seeking a lighter, fast paced fantasy. The narrative is punctuated by numerous plot twists, which, while occasionally overwhelming, keep readers on the edge of their seats. Abdullah skillfully balances themes of found family and loyalty, weaving in a romantic subplot that adds depth to the characters' relationships.
Additionally, the novel presents a fresh retelling of the classic tale of Alibaba and the Forty Thieves, enriching the story with elements of revenge and rediscovery. While the world-building is somewhat less intricate compared to similar works, it remains sufficiently detailed to support the fast-paced plot and dynamic character arcs.
In summary, The Stardust Thief is a thrilling and imaginative tale that transports readers to a world where magic and myth are intertwined, and where every turn of the page reveals a new surprise. Chelsea Abdullah's debut is a promising addition to the fantasy genre, offering a compelling mix of action, mystery, and enchantment.
Kazuo Ishiguro's Klara and the Sun is a masterfully crafted novel that delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships through the lens of an Artificial Friend named Klara. Renowned for her exceptional observational abilities, Klara spends her days in a store, keenly observing the behaviors of potential customers and the passersby outside. Her narrative is imbued with a sense of hope and anticipation as she yearns to be chosen by a loving family.
As the story unfolds, Klara’s understanding of the world and human emotions grows deeper. Ishiguro brilliantly uses Klara’s perspective to explore themes of love, trust, and the often fragile nature of human promises. Through Klara’s innocent yet insightful observations, readers are invited to re-examine their own perceptions of love and what it truly means to care for another.
Ishiguro’s writing evokes a sense of wonder and mystery, capturing the beauty of experiencing emotions and events without preconceived notions. The novel poignantly addresses the sorrow that accompanies unmet expectations and the complexities of loving a child in a world that is constantly changing.
Klara and the Sun is a profound and thought-provoking novel that challenges readers to reflect on the essence of love and the intricate web of human connections. It is a testament to Ishiguro's skill as a storyteller, offering a unique and compelling exploration of the human heart through the eyes of an unforgettable protagonist.
As the story unfolds, Klara’s understanding of the world and human emotions grows deeper. Ishiguro brilliantly uses Klara’s perspective to explore themes of love, trust, and the often fragile nature of human promises. Through Klara’s innocent yet insightful observations, readers are invited to re-examine their own perceptions of love and what it truly means to care for another.
Ishiguro’s writing evokes a sense of wonder and mystery, capturing the beauty of experiencing emotions and events without preconceived notions. The novel poignantly addresses the sorrow that accompanies unmet expectations and the complexities of loving a child in a world that is constantly changing.
Klara and the Sun is a profound and thought-provoking novel that challenges readers to reflect on the essence of love and the intricate web of human connections. It is a testament to Ishiguro's skill as a storyteller, offering a unique and compelling exploration of the human heart through the eyes of an unforgettable protagonist.