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heddas_bookgems's Reviews (490)
In the land of Cambria, the gods are at war . Iris Winnows’s life takes a sudden turn when her brother Forest goes missing in battle, her mother is fired for drinking on the job and Iris takes a job at the newspaper Oath Gazette to make ends meet. Her sights are set on winning the columnist position from her wealthy rival, Roman Kit. To cope, Iris writes letters to her brother on an old typewriter, but they end up with her rival. Roman begins to reply to her under a pseudonym, and the two form a connection that takes Iris on a journey to the front lines and to the brink of love.
There’s been so much said about this book that I’ll keep it short. Starting my reading year with this novel was the best decision I made, as it started 2024 with a five star bang. It’s a gripping, atmospheric story with everything you could want: depth, flawed characters, class divisions, angst, romance, heartbreaking war scenes, and a vivid 1940s atmosphere. The writing is seamless and engrossing. If you haven’t picked up this book yet, consider this your sign to do so.
There’s been so much said about this book that I’ll keep it short. Starting my reading year with this novel was the best decision I made, as it started 2024 with a five star bang. It’s a gripping, atmospheric story with everything you could want: depth, flawed characters, class divisions, angst, romance, heartbreaking war scenes, and a vivid 1940s atmosphere. The writing is seamless and engrossing. If you haven’t picked up this book yet, consider this your sign to do so.
Krampus by Brom tells the story of a dark and twisted Christmas legend that is not for the faint of heart. In this book, Brom weaves a tale about the infamous Krampus, a demonic creature from European folklore who punishes naughty children during the holiday season. The story follows a young man named Jesse, who is struggling to find the Christmas spirit after he has fallen rock bottom. However, his world is turned upside down when he is eye witness of an attack on Santa Clause by strange scary demons covered in fur.
With vivid imagery and a gripping plot, Krampus by Brom is a thrilling read that is original take on other Christmas stories. It incorporates lore, Norse mythology and folklore in an atmospheric read.
However, after about two third Krampus became a bit boring. The expected plot had already happened and the rest felt a bit like a filler. Still, loved the first two thirds of this book.
It's always a bit disappointing when a book starts off strong but then loses steam towards the end. Sometimes the resolution of a story can feel underwhelming compared to the buildup. Despite the slight letdown, I appreciated the mythology parts and the great characters of the book.
Recommend it to anyone in need of a holiday book leaning heavy on mythology and with an original outtake on Christmas.
With vivid imagery and a gripping plot, Krampus by Brom is a thrilling read that is original take on other Christmas stories. It incorporates lore, Norse mythology and folklore in an atmospheric read.
However, after about two third Krampus became a bit boring. The expected plot had already happened and the rest felt a bit like a filler. Still, loved the first two thirds of this book.
It's always a bit disappointing when a book starts off strong but then loses steam towards the end. Sometimes the resolution of a story can feel underwhelming compared to the buildup. Despite the slight letdown, I appreciated the mythology parts and the great characters of the book.
Recommend it to anyone in need of a holiday book leaning heavy on mythology and with an original outtake on Christmas.
There’s no better way then to spend your Christmas holiday curled up on the couch with a soft blanket reading Heartstopper volume 5 by Alice Oseman. This graphic novel, a cute teenage love story about belonging, the exploration of a psychical relationship for sure will melt or stop your heart.
The story follows Nick’s and Charlie’s journey as they considers their relationship with the possibility of Nick studying away from their hometown. Despite the grayscale illustrations the emotional depth of the characters is conveyed in stunning detail. It’s a game-changer for young queer teens, providing comfort, education, and upliftment. And I highly recommend it for the holiday season.
The story follows Nick’s and Charlie’s journey as they considers their relationship with the possibility of Nick studying away from their hometown. Despite the grayscale illustrations the emotional depth of the characters is conveyed in stunning detail. It’s a game-changer for young queer teens, providing comfort, education, and upliftment. And I highly recommend it for the holiday season.
Boris Pasternak, a Nobel Prize Winner, played a significant role in Soviet literature, and his Doctor Zhivago, is one of his most iconic works. It’s regarded as one of the greatest love stories of all time, but such a description doesn’t do it justice. The book is rather a candid view of Russian history, including the horrors of murder, retaliation, famine, and even cannibalism during the Russian revolution of 1917.
While Doctor Zhivago is a timeless classic, it may require more attention and patience than other classics. However, once you delve into the world of Yuri Zhivago and his struggles, the experience becomes truly rewarding. The book explores themes of love, loss, betrayal, and the human condition, all set against the backdrop of one of the most turbulent periods in Russian history.
It is essential to note that some translations of Doctor Zhivago may be difficult to understand. For example, the Pevear/Volokhonsky translation that I’ve read takes a literal approach, which can result in a loss of meaning. It appears that the Hayward/Harari translation is a better option if you are looking for a more comprehensible version.
However, either way, if you are willing to commit the time, Doctor Zhivago is a book that will leave its mark long after you turn the final page.
While Doctor Zhivago is a timeless classic, it may require more attention and patience than other classics. However, once you delve into the world of Yuri Zhivago and his struggles, the experience becomes truly rewarding. The book explores themes of love, loss, betrayal, and the human condition, all set against the backdrop of one of the most turbulent periods in Russian history.
It is essential to note that some translations of Doctor Zhivago may be difficult to understand. For example, the Pevear/Volokhonsky translation that I’ve read takes a literal approach, which can result in a loss of meaning. It appears that the Hayward/Harari translation is a better option if you are looking for a more comprehensible version.
However, either way, if you are willing to commit the time, Doctor Zhivago is a book that will leave its mark long after you turn the final page.
Carmen loses her job and is hesitant to spend Christmas with her seemingly perfect sister, Sofia. However, when Carmen is offered a job at a shabby bookshop, she decides to take it. As she works to restore the store to its former glory, Carmen becomes engrossed in the store’s inner workings. With the holiday season approaching, Carmen hopes to heal her fractured family and start a new chapter in her life, all while a famous writer takes an interest in the store and in Carmen herself.
Last year, I discovered holiday romance novels and I was thrilled to read another one this year. And it did not disappoint. Within the first 26 pages, I found myself laughing out loud over ten times at the hilarious characters who reminded me of Bridget Jones Diary. It also included bratty kids that were simultaneously hilarious and cute, an endearing old bookshop owner, a stuck up nanny with a wooly attitude and one pompous and one academic love interest. Additionally, the story delved deeper into the complexities of sibling rivalry, creating an extra layer of depth to the storyline and characters. And if that wasn’t enough, the biggest love interest: a bookshop in a Christmas-lit Edinburgh.
While there were a few minor flaws - I found some descriptions leaning into fat shaming and had difficulty with sudden shifts in point of view - it did not detract from the overall enjoyment of the novel. I gave it 3.75 stars out of 5.
Read if you like:
EDINBURGH
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
OLD BOOKSHOPS
DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY
KIDS
ROMCOM
Last year, I discovered holiday romance novels and I was thrilled to read another one this year. And it did not disappoint. Within the first 26 pages, I found myself laughing out loud over ten times at the hilarious characters who reminded me of Bridget Jones Diary. It also included bratty kids that were simultaneously hilarious and cute, an endearing old bookshop owner, a stuck up nanny with a wooly attitude and one pompous and one academic love interest. Additionally, the story delved deeper into the complexities of sibling rivalry, creating an extra layer of depth to the storyline and characters. And if that wasn’t enough, the biggest love interest: a bookshop in a Christmas-lit Edinburgh.
While there were a few minor flaws - I found some descriptions leaning into fat shaming and had difficulty with sudden shifts in point of view - it did not detract from the overall enjoyment of the novel. I gave it 3.75 stars out of 5.
Read if you like:
EDINBURGH
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
OLD BOOKSHOPS
DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY
KIDS
ROMCOM
Viv, a mercenary from Rackam’s Ravens, has gotten injured and is sent to recover in the quiet town of Murk. Despite feeling out of place, she finds solace in a local bookshop run by Fern, a salty-tongued ratkin and her pet gryphet, Potroast. Though her stay in Murk is anything but dull, Viv encounters one-of-a-kind characters and experiences unexpected adventures. Murk might even learn Viv one or two things about herself.
Bookshops & Bonedust is a charming novel that explores the themes of friendship, first love, the power of literature, and a love for books. It follows Viv on her journey of self-discovery and introduces a lovable cast of characters, including booknerd Fern, baker Maylee, gnome Galina, and a mysterious figure.
Mind you, this prequel is different from Legend and Lattes, as it has more action and adventure. But it still maintains a cozy feel with its focus on the running of a lovely bookshop. And with it comes the cozy images of comfy chairs, bookish blind dates, and warm, fluffy pastries and buns.
It’s worth noting, that Viv is a wonderful orc. Orcs might not be the most appealing creatures in the fantasy spectrum - think of the brutish, aggressive and stinky orcs from Lord of the Rings - but Viv is the exception. She has a smart demeanor, sarcastic wit, brutish strength, and a heart full of love. This unique character will undoubtedly win over hearts, she sure did mine.
In short, this is the perfect read if you’re looking for a book that will leave you feeling comforted and warm on a cold winter night.
Bookshops & Bonedust is a charming novel that explores the themes of friendship, first love, the power of literature, and a love for books. It follows Viv on her journey of self-discovery and introduces a lovable cast of characters, including booknerd Fern, baker Maylee, gnome Galina, and a mysterious figure.
Mind you, this prequel is different from Legend and Lattes, as it has more action and adventure. But it still maintains a cozy feel with its focus on the running of a lovely bookshop. And with it comes the cozy images of comfy chairs, bookish blind dates, and warm, fluffy pastries and buns.
It’s worth noting, that Viv is a wonderful orc. Orcs might not be the most appealing creatures in the fantasy spectrum - think of the brutish, aggressive and stinky orcs from Lord of the Rings - but Viv is the exception. She has a smart demeanor, sarcastic wit, brutish strength, and a heart full of love. This unique character will undoubtedly win over hearts, she sure did mine.
In short, this is the perfect read if you’re looking for a book that will leave you feeling comforted and warm on a cold winter night.
Orphan Elizabeth has been sent away to stay at the Winterhouse Hotel during Christmas. Once there, she discovers a magical book and puzzles that will uncover the secret of Norbridge and his eerie family. But suddenly Elizabeth becomes the hotel’s only hope to break the curse and solve the mystery.
If you’re looking for an enchanting holiday read, this book is it. Packed with puzzles, anagrams, codes, and even magic, this story takes place in a cozy winter setting filled with sledding and delicious (Christmas) food. Amongst the quirky characters, that could easily be your granddads, she finds the feeling of family and friendship. Plus, the charming illustrations by Chloe Bristol truly bring the story to life. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to snuggle up with a wholesome and mysterious tale this Christmas.
If you’re looking for an enchanting holiday read, this book is it. Packed with puzzles, anagrams, codes, and even magic, this story takes place in a cozy winter setting filled with sledding and delicious (Christmas) food. Amongst the quirky characters, that could easily be your granddads, she finds the feeling of family and friendship. Plus, the charming illustrations by Chloe Bristol truly bring the story to life. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to snuggle up with a wholesome and mysterious tale this Christmas.
