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ishouldreadthat
Originally posted to I Should Read That
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler free.
I have been absolutely loving Gothic historical fiction at the moment -- it's the perfect thing to read when the weather begins to turn and the nights get longer -- and Letters from the Dead perfect fit the bill. I was totally swept away by this harrowing Gothic crime novel and its unreliable narrator -- I struggled to put it down!
Letters from the Dead is the second book in the Thomas Bexley series, however you can absolutely read this book without picking up the first novel, A Shadow on the Lens (although I plan to go back and read the first book!). These novels are set in Edwardian London and Scotland, and Hurcom creates a dizzyingly claustrophobic narrative that is so incredibly compelling. I had a great time watching the mystery unfold, picking up on the clues dotted throughout the story, and trying to figure out what was happening.
Bexley is a fascinating character because he's a totally unreliable narrator. Not only is he an alcoholic with huge gaps in his memory between the events of the first book and the beginning of the second, but he's also absolutely sure he's going mad. He's a twist on the classic broken detective character and being haunted by the dead -- filling his life with unease and terror and keeping him on edge at all times. As the story progresses, he becomes more and more unstable and unreliable, but is he truly losing his mind? I really enjoyed following his story arc throughout this book, but I do feel like I missed a little bit of his initial character development having not read the first novel, which is totally my fault -- I didn't know him well to start out with and couldn't compare him to the man he was before joining the police. Regardless, I found him absolutely fascinating and really enjoyed, if that's the right word, watching his story unfold.
A fantastically twisted and macabre crime novel with just the right amount of horror, Letters from the Dead is a book I'd highly recommend for fans of historical-set crime fiction or Laura Purcell's novels. In fact, I've already handed it off to my mother -- what better endorsement can you get?
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler free.
I have been absolutely loving Gothic historical fiction at the moment -- it's the perfect thing to read when the weather begins to turn and the nights get longer -- and Letters from the Dead perfect fit the bill. I was totally swept away by this harrowing Gothic crime novel and its unreliable narrator -- I struggled to put it down!
Letters from the Dead is the second book in the Thomas Bexley series, however you can absolutely read this book without picking up the first novel, A Shadow on the Lens (although I plan to go back and read the first book!). These novels are set in Edwardian London and Scotland, and Hurcom creates a dizzyingly claustrophobic narrative that is so incredibly compelling. I had a great time watching the mystery unfold, picking up on the clues dotted throughout the story, and trying to figure out what was happening.
Bexley is a fascinating character because he's a totally unreliable narrator. Not only is he an alcoholic with huge gaps in his memory between the events of the first book and the beginning of the second, but he's also absolutely sure he's going mad. He's a twist on the classic broken detective character and being haunted by the dead -- filling his life with unease and terror and keeping him on edge at all times. As the story progresses, he becomes more and more unstable and unreliable, but is he truly losing his mind? I really enjoyed following his story arc throughout this book, but I do feel like I missed a little bit of his initial character development having not read the first novel, which is totally my fault -- I didn't know him well to start out with and couldn't compare him to the man he was before joining the police. Regardless, I found him absolutely fascinating and really enjoyed, if that's the right word, watching his story unfold.
A fantastically twisted and macabre crime novel with just the right amount of horror, Letters from the Dead is a book I'd highly recommend for fans of historical-set crime fiction or Laura Purcell's novels. In fact, I've already handed it off to my mother -- what better endorsement can you get?
A lovely end to one of my favourite fantasy series!
I'm so sad to be saying goodbye to all of these characters and this world, but Frostgilded was a lovely farewell. If you're looking for a cosy winter read, I cannot recommend the Harwood Spellbook series more highly (especially the audiobooks!).
I'm so sad to be saying goodbye to all of these characters and this world, but Frostgilded was a lovely farewell. If you're looking for a cosy winter read, I cannot recommend the Harwood Spellbook series more highly (especially the audiobooks!).
This is the cutest thing I've ever read in my entire goddamn life
A really fascinating and in-depth look at the Manson family, the murders they committed, and the subsequent investigation and trial. Bugliosi is straight-talking and clear on all points, and it's a fabulous insight into what a prosecutor's role entails.
The only downside is that there is *so* much information thrown at the reader that it's a little hard to keep track of everything!
Audiobook highly recommended.
The only downside is that there is *so* much information thrown at the reader that it's a little hard to keep track of everything!
Audiobook highly recommended.
See more book reviews and thoughts on my YouTube channel
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler-free
I admit that I was a little reluctant to read a book with a teenage boy protagonist (because, well, he's a teenage boy), but I was absolutely delighted by Master of Sorrows! It's a book that takes the best of classic fantasy -- a young man with a destiny, a wise older mentor, a quest, and loads of magic -- and translates it into something fresh and modern. I particularly enjoyed the worldbuilding and the society that rejects magic as something evil, rather than a force for good.
I can't wait for the second book in the series!
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler-free
I admit that I was a little reluctant to read a book with a teenage boy protagonist (because, well, he's a teenage boy), but I was absolutely delighted by Master of Sorrows! It's a book that takes the best of classic fantasy -- a young man with a destiny, a wise older mentor, a quest, and loads of magic -- and translates it into something fresh and modern. I particularly enjoyed the worldbuilding and the society that rejects magic as something evil, rather than a force for good.
I can't wait for the second book in the series!
See more book reviews and thoughts on my YouTube channel
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler-free
The Bone Shard Daughter has been on my radar since it was acquired -- it's book that I just knew I'd love. I'm happy to say that it was worth the wait. The Bone Shard Daughter is easily one of the best books of the year.
Stewart is clearly a master of worldbuilding, despite this being her first published novel. The world of the book is lush, varied, and gorgeous. I really loved the different points of view that showed you different areas of the empire and the way different classes live.
Her characters are particularly fantastic as well. I had initially thought that we'd just follow Lin, the emperor's daughter and possible heir, but was delighted to see a larger cast. My favourites are, as I suspect many will agree, Jovis the reluctant hero and his animal companion Mephi (who steals the show).
I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2!
4.5 out of 5 stars
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler-free
The Bone Shard Daughter has been on my radar since it was acquired -- it's book that I just knew I'd love. I'm happy to say that it was worth the wait. The Bone Shard Daughter is easily one of the best books of the year.
Stewart is clearly a master of worldbuilding, despite this being her first published novel. The world of the book is lush, varied, and gorgeous. I really loved the different points of view that showed you different areas of the empire and the way different classes live.
Her characters are particularly fantastic as well. I had initially thought that we'd just follow Lin, the emperor's daughter and possible heir, but was delighted to see a larger cast. My favourites are, as I suspect many will agree, Jovis the reluctant hero and his animal companion Mephi (who steals the show).
I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2!
4.5 out of 5 stars
See more book reviews and thoughts on my YouTube channel
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler-free
The Year of the Witching was one of my most anticipated books of the year -- it looked like an incredibly feminist dystopian fantasy that was right up my street -- however, I found myself really let down by this book.
I feel like the author had the right idea here and it started strong, however I think that ultimately the book just didn't work due to a meandering plot, rough editing, and strange pacing. Ideas and character actions were contradicted, things about the world didn't make sense, and I was really struck by the way the book ended -- it was so strange and didn't fit the rest of the book.
I'd be up for reading another book by Henderson, however I will approach with caution.
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler-free
The Year of the Witching was one of my most anticipated books of the year -- it looked like an incredibly feminist dystopian fantasy that was right up my street -- however, I found myself really let down by this book.
I feel like the author had the right idea here and it started strong, however I think that ultimately the book just didn't work due to a meandering plot, rough editing, and strange pacing. Ideas and character actions were contradicted, things about the world didn't make sense, and I was really struck by the way the book ended -- it was so strange and didn't fit the rest of the book.
I'd be up for reading another book by Henderson, however I will approach with caution.
See more book reviews and thoughts on my YouTube channel
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler-free
A historical fiction novel that is both gorgeous and gritty, The Wicked Cometh is a really fantastic book. The plot takes a backseat to the relationship that develops between two women, one from a wealthy family and one from a poor background, and the book investigates class and inequality at the time. Highly recommended for anyone looking for sapphic historical fiction!
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler-free
A historical fiction novel that is both gorgeous and gritty, The Wicked Cometh is a really fantastic book. The plot takes a backseat to the relationship that develops between two women, one from a wealthy family and one from a poor background, and the book investigates class and inequality at the time. Highly recommended for anyone looking for sapphic historical fiction!
See more book reviews and thoughts on my YouTube channel
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler free for Call of the Bone Ships, but approach with caution if you have not read the first book, The Bone Ships
Having absolutely adored The Bone Ships when I read it last year, Call of the Bone Ships was one of my most anticipated books of 2020. I'm so pleased (and totally unsurprised) to say that it lived up to my expectations
Barker continues to create a beautifully atmospheric world that is gritty, yet hopeful. As Meas and her crew continue to try to avert war, we learn more about the politics of the Hundred Isles and the gullaime, as well as see more locations within the world. He takes the already interesting world and expands it even wider, giving the reader more room to imagine and explore.
Poor Joron really gets put through the ringer in Call of the Bone Ships, but it's fascinating and wonderful to see him grow as a character in spite of his troubles. He continually fights against self doubt and begins to gain more confidence and authority after the events of The Bone Ships, yet he remains a flawed and wonderful character.
Bring tissues, this one will make you cry.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler free for Call of the Bone Ships, but approach with caution if you have not read the first book, The Bone Ships
Having absolutely adored The Bone Ships when I read it last year, Call of the Bone Ships was one of my most anticipated books of 2020. I'm so pleased (and totally unsurprised) to say that it lived up to my expectations
Barker continues to create a beautifully atmospheric world that is gritty, yet hopeful. As Meas and her crew continue to try to avert war, we learn more about the politics of the Hundred Isles and the gullaime, as well as see more locations within the world. He takes the already interesting world and expands it even wider, giving the reader more room to imagine and explore.
Poor Joron really gets put through the ringer in Call of the Bone Ships, but it's fascinating and wonderful to see him grow as a character in spite of his troubles. He continually fights against self doubt and begins to gain more confidence and authority after the events of The Bone Ships, yet he remains a flawed and wonderful character.
Bring tissues, this one will make you cry.
See more book reviews and thoughts on my YouTube channel
I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler-free
The Seep is a weird and wonderful science fiction novel about the softest alien invasion ever, but brings up questions of consent, ethics, grief, free will, and what makes us human. I absolutely loved Trina as a character and really appreciated seeing her work through her grief over the loss of her wife and her clinging to the old days. Through her, we see that perhaps this alien species that wants to make life better for humanity doesn't really understand humanity.
The Seep feels like a fresh and new alien invasion story, peppered with both sorrow and humor, and I really enjoyed it. I would recommend this highly to anyone who loves Jeff VanderMeer's weirder sci-fi.
I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler-free
The Seep is a weird and wonderful science fiction novel about the softest alien invasion ever, but brings up questions of consent, ethics, grief, free will, and what makes us human. I absolutely loved Trina as a character and really appreciated seeing her work through her grief over the loss of her wife and her clinging to the old days. Through her, we see that perhaps this alien species that wants to make life better for humanity doesn't really understand humanity.
The Seep feels like a fresh and new alien invasion story, peppered with both sorrow and humor, and I really enjoyed it. I would recommend this highly to anyone who loves Jeff VanderMeer's weirder sci-fi.