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ishouldreadthat
Originally posted to I Should Read That
I was gifted a copy of this book at a publisher event. This review is spoiler-free.
I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately and needed something totally different to help claw my way out -- enter My So-Called Bollywood Life, a debut novel I learned about at an showcase event held by the publisher earlier this year. I don’t have a huge amount of experience with Bollywood films, although I absolutely love the four or five that I have seen (and am obsessed with the soundtracks of some I haven't seen), but I was incredibly curious to pick up this because it sounded so amazing. It turns out the My So-Called Bollywood Life was exactly what I needed to rediscover the joys of reading.
For me, the best part of this book was it a love letter to Bollywood films and Indian culture from a passionate author. Not only is the book full of references to these films -- and includes a guide to all the films mentioned and a secondary list of other great films in the back --the story is also framed like a Bollywood romance. There are dream sequences (featuring the marvelous Shah Rukh Khan dispensing life advice), a love triangle, prophesies, a dance sequence, and the strength and love of families. For the first time in ages, I was able to devour this book in a single weekend -- it was just so fun and full of heart.
Winnie is such a funny and wonderful main character. She’s a teen trapped between prophecy, and the expectations that come with it, and wanting to just live her life. She’s whip-smart and sarcastic, but also endearing, passionate, and stubborn. She refuses to give up on her dreams of going to NYU to study film, despite one of the most important people in her life telling her it's a silly dream I loved her constant references to films and how she related plot lines to her life. Her relationship with her family was so wonderful, and I loved how close she is with her parents. She’s the kind of heroine that I love to read about, and her love interest is more than a match for her -- I fully believe in her happy ending.
My So-Called Bollywood Life is a book that can be enjoyed by Bollywood lovers and newbies alike. Smart, funny, and totally charming, My So-Called Bollywood Life is the perfect YA romance to devour on a spring or summer day. Even better, you can plan a movie marathon afterward!
I was gifted a copy of this book at a publisher event. This review is spoiler-free.
I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump lately and needed something totally different to help claw my way out -- enter My So-Called Bollywood Life, a debut novel I learned about at an showcase event held by the publisher earlier this year. I don’t have a huge amount of experience with Bollywood films, although I absolutely love the four or five that I have seen (and am obsessed with the soundtracks of some I haven't seen), but I was incredibly curious to pick up this because it sounded so amazing. It turns out the My So-Called Bollywood Life was exactly what I needed to rediscover the joys of reading.
For me, the best part of this book was it a love letter to Bollywood films and Indian culture from a passionate author. Not only is the book full of references to these films -- and includes a guide to all the films mentioned and a secondary list of other great films in the back --the story is also framed like a Bollywood romance. There are dream sequences (featuring the marvelous Shah Rukh Khan dispensing life advice), a love triangle, prophesies, a dance sequence, and the strength and love of families. For the first time in ages, I was able to devour this book in a single weekend -- it was just so fun and full of heart.
Winnie is such a funny and wonderful main character. She’s a teen trapped between prophecy, and the expectations that come with it, and wanting to just live her life. She’s whip-smart and sarcastic, but also endearing, passionate, and stubborn. She refuses to give up on her dreams of going to NYU to study film, despite one of the most important people in her life telling her it's a silly dream I loved her constant references to films and how she related plot lines to her life. Her relationship with her family was so wonderful, and I loved how close she is with her parents. She’s the kind of heroine that I love to read about, and her love interest is more than a match for her -- I fully believe in her happy ending.
My So-Called Bollywood Life is a book that can be enjoyed by Bollywood lovers and newbies alike. Smart, funny, and totally charming, My So-Called Bollywood Life is the perfect YA romance to devour on a spring or summer day. Even better, you can plan a movie marathon afterward!
Originally posted to I Should Read That
This review is spoiler-free for both Geekerella and The Princess and the Fangirl.
I loved Geekerella back in 2017, so I was thrilled to see that it was getting a companion novel. Although I’m not a huge fan of contemporary YA books, Poston's convention romances are such fun reads and love letters to geek culture.
The Princess and the Fangirl returns to the wonderful world of Excelsicon, the convention based around the fictional TV show Starfield. We tend to think about world building as something that happens in science fiction or fantasy, however it is a technique for every story. You really get to see impressive world building in Poston’s contemporary books. The world of Excelsicon is so perfectly constructed-- as a con-goer I’m very familiar with conventions and she really captures the spirit of conventions so well. From the panels and the vendors to the crazy fandoms and the cosplayers, reading about Excelsicon feels like you’re living it. It’s one of my favourite book settings, and I’d love to experience it in real life!
Although Excelsicon seems like lots of fun on the outside, like any convention it has its dark side. One of the things I love about Poston’s contemporary books is that she doesn’t shy away from tackling the toxicity of fandom and conventions. I think it would be a huge mistake to dismiss these books are all fluff -- Poston addresses everything from sexual harassment to trolling and bullying in fandoms, and she clearly has some inspiration from real-life attacks on actresses via social media. As someone who no longer participates in fandoms because of their toxicity, I absolutely love that she doesn't sweep this under the rug.
The Princess and the Fangirl alternates between two points of view -- Jessica Stone, the actress who plays Princess Amara in the Starfield reboot, and Imogen, the Amara fan who is trying to save the character from being killed off. Imogen is a nice enough character, but I definitely preferred Jessica’s point of view. Through her eyes, we get a fascinating insight into what it’s like to be involved, especially as a woman, in the films and TV series that gain such a huge following. Jessica hates the Starfield fandom and doesn’t want to be in the films anymore, and with good reason. Seeing her experiences unfold on the page is eye-opening for both the characters in the story and the person reading it. I really loved the depth her character brings and how she grows over the course of the book.
The only thing that was a little lackluster for me was the romances. Both Imogen and Jessica get their own romance (although not with each other, as I had initially assumed, which isn’t a bad thing because they look so much alike and that would have been weird), but the romances were definitely on the back burner for the whole story. Because I came into the story expecting something more romance-focused like Geekerella, this was a little disappointing. I wouldn’t have cut anything else from the book but I would have maybe made it a bit longer to equally accommodate both romances and made them feel less rushed, especially the queer romance.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Princess and the Fangirl and am so pleased I ended up reading it. Another fresh and inventive fairytale retelling, Poston shines a spotlight on fandom that shows the good with the bad.
This review is spoiler-free for both Geekerella and The Princess and the Fangirl.
I loved Geekerella back in 2017, so I was thrilled to see that it was getting a companion novel. Although I’m not a huge fan of contemporary YA books, Poston's convention romances are such fun reads and love letters to geek culture.
The Princess and the Fangirl returns to the wonderful world of Excelsicon, the convention based around the fictional TV show Starfield. We tend to think about world building as something that happens in science fiction or fantasy, however it is a technique for every story. You really get to see impressive world building in Poston’s contemporary books. The world of Excelsicon is so perfectly constructed-- as a con-goer I’m very familiar with conventions and she really captures the spirit of conventions so well. From the panels and the vendors to the crazy fandoms and the cosplayers, reading about Excelsicon feels like you’re living it. It’s one of my favourite book settings, and I’d love to experience it in real life!
Although Excelsicon seems like lots of fun on the outside, like any convention it has its dark side. One of the things I love about Poston’s contemporary books is that she doesn’t shy away from tackling the toxicity of fandom and conventions. I think it would be a huge mistake to dismiss these books are all fluff -- Poston addresses everything from sexual harassment to trolling and bullying in fandoms, and she clearly has some inspiration from real-life attacks on actresses via social media. As someone who no longer participates in fandoms because of their toxicity, I absolutely love that she doesn't sweep this under the rug.
The Princess and the Fangirl alternates between two points of view -- Jessica Stone, the actress who plays Princess Amara in the Starfield reboot, and Imogen, the Amara fan who is trying to save the character from being killed off. Imogen is a nice enough character, but I definitely preferred Jessica’s point of view. Through her eyes, we get a fascinating insight into what it’s like to be involved, especially as a woman, in the films and TV series that gain such a huge following. Jessica hates the Starfield fandom and doesn’t want to be in the films anymore, and with good reason. Seeing her experiences unfold on the page is eye-opening for both the characters in the story and the person reading it. I really loved the depth her character brings and how she grows over the course of the book.
The only thing that was a little lackluster for me was the romances. Both Imogen and Jessica get their own romance (although not with each other, as I had initially assumed, which isn’t a bad thing because they look so much alike and that would have been weird), but the romances were definitely on the back burner for the whole story. Because I came into the story expecting something more romance-focused like Geekerella, this was a little disappointing. I wouldn’t have cut anything else from the book but I would have maybe made it a bit longer to equally accommodate both romances and made them feel less rushed, especially the queer romance.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Princess and the Fangirl and am so pleased I ended up reading it. Another fresh and inventive fairytale retelling, Poston shines a spotlight on fandom that shows the good with the bad.
DNFed at page 253.
Its not you, it's me. There's a lot to love about this book if you're the right reader for it, but unfortunately I am not that reader. The plot dragged, the characters were so dull, and the dialogue was absolutely cringe. Will do a proper review later, but this is a big miss for me.
Its not you, it's me. There's a lot to love about this book if you're the right reader for it, but unfortunately I am not that reader. The plot dragged, the characters were so dull, and the dialogue was absolutely cringe. Will do a proper review later, but this is a big miss for me.
Originally posted to I Should Read That
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Devouring Gray is a book that has had so much buzz around it over the past year. Although it was one of my most highly anticipated books of the spring, I figured it would be a fun but over hyped book -- I’ve been burned by this before and I try to be cautious and manage my expectations. Much to my delight, I really enjoyed and absolutely devoured (ha) this book. The Devouring Gray was exactly what I needed and very nearly read it in one sitting -- something I haven’t done in ages.
What really stands out about this book is the world building. You get a such a feel for the town of Four Paths, its residents, and its culture and traditions -- the world really came to life for me. In many ways the setting feels familiar enough, but it’s also very much its own unique place. The Gray, however, is extremely reminiscent of Stranger Things’s Upside Down. I really love the Upside Down as a concept and the Gray gives you the same vibe and feeling -- it translates really well from the page. It doesn't bother me that the two are so similar, but I do wonder which came first -- Herman’s idea or Stranger Things.
The use of power in The Devouring Gray is another interesting thing to note -- we don't get a particularly in-depth understanding of the magic system and is definitely something I’m looking forward to exploring in the next book. The magic is like X-Men crossed with witchy ritual and I really enjoyed reading about the way it manifests and is controlled.
We get to read the point of view of all four main characters, however The Devouring Gray really feels like Violet’s book. Without spoilers, I really enjoyed her story arc and her discovery of the secrets of Four Paths. Sharing the spotlight with Violet is Harper, a character I really admired. Harper is such a strong and kickass girl who doesn’t let her changed circumstance bring her down -- I really loved her unapologetic rage, which I don't think we see often enough from teen girls in books. I think Harper was my favourite character, although I really liked Violet as well -- the girls really shine in this story. Justin and Isaac were both really interesting and had good character arcs, but weren’t as memorable for me. I was a little disappointed we didn’t get to see more of Isaac, but I think this will be resolved in later books.
Overall, The Devouring Gray is totally worth your time. It feels like a cross between Sawkill Girls and Stranger Things with some shades of Buffy, but still manages to maintain its own unique flavour. If you’re looking for a fun YA fantasy in a modern setting with great bisexuality representation, you should absolutely pick up The Devouring Gray.
CW: familial death and grief, animal death
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Devouring Gray is a book that has had so much buzz around it over the past year. Although it was one of my most highly anticipated books of the spring, I figured it would be a fun but over hyped book -- I’ve been burned by this before and I try to be cautious and manage my expectations. Much to my delight, I really enjoyed and absolutely devoured (ha) this book. The Devouring Gray was exactly what I needed and very nearly read it in one sitting -- something I haven’t done in ages.
What really stands out about this book is the world building. You get a such a feel for the town of Four Paths, its residents, and its culture and traditions -- the world really came to life for me. In many ways the setting feels familiar enough, but it’s also very much its own unique place. The Gray, however, is extremely reminiscent of Stranger Things’s Upside Down. I really love the Upside Down as a concept and the Gray gives you the same vibe and feeling -- it translates really well from the page. It doesn't bother me that the two are so similar, but I do wonder which came first -- Herman’s idea or Stranger Things.
The use of power in The Devouring Gray is another interesting thing to note -- we don't get a particularly in-depth understanding of the magic system and is definitely something I’m looking forward to exploring in the next book. The magic is like X-Men crossed with witchy ritual and I really enjoyed reading about the way it manifests and is controlled.
We get to read the point of view of all four main characters, however The Devouring Gray really feels like Violet’s book. Without spoilers, I really enjoyed her story arc and her discovery of the secrets of Four Paths. Sharing the spotlight with Violet is Harper, a character I really admired. Harper is such a strong and kickass girl who doesn’t let her changed circumstance bring her down -- I really loved her unapologetic rage, which I don't think we see often enough from teen girls in books. I think Harper was my favourite character, although I really liked Violet as well -- the girls really shine in this story. Justin and Isaac were both really interesting and had good character arcs, but weren’t as memorable for me. I was a little disappointed we didn’t get to see more of Isaac, but I think this will be resolved in later books.
Overall, The Devouring Gray is totally worth your time. It feels like a cross between Sawkill Girls and Stranger Things with some shades of Buffy, but still manages to maintain its own unique flavour. If you’re looking for a fun YA fantasy in a modern setting with great bisexuality representation, you should absolutely pick up The Devouring Gray.
CW: familial death and grief, animal death
I Should Read That
I hadn’t read anything by de Bodard before, however I’ve been hearing amazing things about her books for years. The Tea Master and the Detective seemed like the perfect place to start because not only is it a novella, it’s also a retelling of The Study in Scarlet, the very first Sherlock Holmes story.
Even though this book is clearly based on The Study in Scarlet, it feels like its own unique thing. It follows a sentient spaceship called The Shadow’s Child who used to carry passengers, but has suffered a deep trauma. They now make a living brewing teas that will allow humans to comfortably travel in the Deep Spaces -- think something like hyperspace, but much weirder and more trippy. Long Chau, a consulting detective, comes to them one day for a brew and convinces The Shadow’s Child to accompany her on a puzzling mission into Deep Spaces
This book is absolutely gorgeous. There’s something about it that, despite the fact that it deals with trauma, is so incredibly peaceful. De Bodard is an incredibly talented writer, especially when it comes to setting the scene for her reader. Reading The Tea Master and the Detective feels like floating in a very strange, but beautiful dream.
I really liked the fact that The Shadow’s Child and Long Chau, who represent Watson and Holmes, feel very unique. They’re not caricatures of the people they’re based on, however you definitely see that influence. I especially loved The Shadow’s Child and their struggle to function despite their deep trauma.
The Tea Master and the Detective is a slow burn book that is a lovely read. I will admit I dipped in and out of it a little because at times it felt a little dense, however I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for something a little different in sci-fi.
CW: PTSD
I hadn’t read anything by de Bodard before, however I’ve been hearing amazing things about her books for years. The Tea Master and the Detective seemed like the perfect place to start because not only is it a novella, it’s also a retelling of The Study in Scarlet, the very first Sherlock Holmes story.
Even though this book is clearly based on The Study in Scarlet, it feels like its own unique thing. It follows a sentient spaceship called The Shadow’s Child who used to carry passengers, but has suffered a deep trauma. They now make a living brewing teas that will allow humans to comfortably travel in the Deep Spaces -- think something like hyperspace, but much weirder and more trippy. Long Chau, a consulting detective, comes to them one day for a brew and convinces The Shadow’s Child to accompany her on a puzzling mission into Deep Spaces
This book is absolutely gorgeous. There’s something about it that, despite the fact that it deals with trauma, is so incredibly peaceful. De Bodard is an incredibly talented writer, especially when it comes to setting the scene for her reader. Reading The Tea Master and the Detective feels like floating in a very strange, but beautiful dream.
I really liked the fact that The Shadow’s Child and Long Chau, who represent Watson and Holmes, feel very unique. They’re not caricatures of the people they’re based on, however you definitely see that influence. I especially loved The Shadow’s Child and their struggle to function despite their deep trauma.
The Tea Master and the Detective is a slow burn book that is a lovely read. I will admit I dipped in and out of it a little because at times it felt a little dense, however I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for something a little different in sci-fi.
CW: PTSD
Originally posted to I Should Read That
Oh my god, I loved this book so much. The illustrations are beautiful and perfect -- the style suits the story so well. Wang’s characters absolutely come to life on the page. Everyone from Frances and Prince Sebastian to his family and the princesses hoping to win his hand are fully realised characters. I don’t always enjoy graphic novels because the stories often don't feel fleshed out and too short, but this was absolutely not the case here. I don’t really have anything else to say here except arm-flailing - sorry.
Oh my god, I loved this book so much. The illustrations are beautiful and perfect -- the style suits the story so well. Wang’s characters absolutely come to life on the page. Everyone from Frances and Prince Sebastian to his family and the princesses hoping to win his hand are fully realised characters. I don’t always enjoy graphic novels because the stories often don't feel fleshed out and too short, but this was absolutely not the case here. I don’t really have anything else to say here except arm-flailing - sorry.
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 for this book and all others in the Planetfall series.
I make no secret of the fact that Emma Newman is one of my favourite authors. I absolutely loved the first two books in her Planetfall series, Planetfall and After Atlas, so I had faith in the fact that I’d also love Before Mars. Each Planetfall book is a little different, and Before Mars is no exception with its gripping psychological thriller plot. I ended up absolutely adoring this book and falling back in love with the sci-fi genre, which I have been neglecting for a long time.
What I love so much about Newman’s books is that her focus is on her complex characters. Sure, there are exciting plots and action in her books, especially in a psychological thriller like Before Mars, but my attention is totally on the characters and how they react to the various situations they’re in. For me, this kind of sci-fi, akin to Becky Chambers and Temi Oh, is exactly what I love to read.
Anna is a fantastic, complicated, and totally refreshing character -- I love the fact that she is aware of her status as an unreliable narrator throughout the book. She feels she cannot trust her own brain, but at the same time knows what she sees and what she experiences -- the question is, of course, what is real and what is in her head? I found her incredibly compelling, particularly in her life before she arrives on Mars and the internal conflict it brings her. As a new mother who has had to leave her family behind on Earth in order to pursue a great opportunity, she has so many intricate layers. Her job as a geologist, her growing hobby as a painter, and her role as a mother don’t overpower each other -- she’s an incredibly well-balanced female character and I appreciate that so much -- I don't think I've ever read a book with a character quite like her.
Like all reviews of psychological thrillers, I’m going to cut this short because the best thing you can do is go in blind. This thrilling science fiction read is full of cool tech and space travel, but also features the emotion and excellent mental health representation that makes Newman's books stand out from the crowd. Regardless of whether you're a seasoned sci-fi reader or a fan of psychological thrillers, I think any reader will find something to love in Before Mars.
As an aside, most of the books in the Planetfall series can be read independently of each other, but I’d highly recommend you read them all in order anyway, as I think you'll really get the most out of them. If you're interested, you can hear Emma talk more about this series here!
CW: Postpartum depression, psychosis
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler-free for this book and all others in the Planetfall series.
I make no secret of the fact that Emma Newman is one of my favourite authors. I absolutely loved the first two books in her Planetfall series, Planetfall and After Atlas, so I had faith in the fact that I’d also love Before Mars. Each Planetfall book is a little different, and Before Mars is no exception with its gripping psychological thriller plot. I ended up absolutely adoring this book and falling back in love with the sci-fi genre, which I have been neglecting for a long time.
What I love so much about Newman’s books is that her focus is on her complex characters. Sure, there are exciting plots and action in her books, especially in a psychological thriller like Before Mars, but my attention is totally on the characters and how they react to the various situations they’re in. For me, this kind of sci-fi, akin to Becky Chambers and Temi Oh, is exactly what I love to read.
Anna is a fantastic, complicated, and totally refreshing character -- I love the fact that she is aware of her status as an unreliable narrator throughout the book. She feels she cannot trust her own brain, but at the same time knows what she sees and what she experiences -- the question is, of course, what is real and what is in her head? I found her incredibly compelling, particularly in her life before she arrives on Mars and the internal conflict it brings her. As a new mother who has had to leave her family behind on Earth in order to pursue a great opportunity, she has so many intricate layers. Her job as a geologist, her growing hobby as a painter, and her role as a mother don’t overpower each other -- she’s an incredibly well-balanced female character and I appreciate that so much -- I don't think I've ever read a book with a character quite like her.
Like all reviews of psychological thrillers, I’m going to cut this short because the best thing you can do is go in blind. This thrilling science fiction read is full of cool tech and space travel, but also features the emotion and excellent mental health representation that makes Newman's books stand out from the crowd. Regardless of whether you're a seasoned sci-fi reader or a fan of psychological thrillers, I think any reader will find something to love in Before Mars.
As an aside, most of the books in the Planetfall series can be read independently of each other, but I’d highly recommend you read them all in order anyway, as I think you'll really get the most out of them. If you're interested, you can hear Emma talk more about this series here!
CW: Postpartum depression, psychosis
This book is amazing and so sweet! Emma Newman's audio narration is top notch. Full review to come.