Ok friends, this was the reverse harem ridiculous vampire smut of my dreams. I already knew I was into Robert's writing - her Dark Olympus series is *chef's kiss* - and while I get that there is a range of "what works" for different readers, her over-the-top smut style works just right for me. And we jump right into it, from like the very first scene here. PHEW. I’m glad these were all together - I would not have liked waiting between books for reads that were this fast (like, I blew through this in approximately two sittings). Related, the smut was definitely unevenly woven with the plot throughout the three. The first two were more smut than anything else (the first one was basically only smut), while the last one had lots of action and pulled everything together plot-wise and (low key) emotionally/relationally, but was wayyyy lower on smut. All that to say, I'd have probably been frustrated with that finale, if it hadn't all been presented together. Overall: 5-spice rating and I was sat for it; blasting through the whole series in one go was perfect. This delivered on exactly what I was in it for and I couldn't have appreciated that more.  

“Life is challenging enough without putting qualifiers on happiness. It passes, just like fear and anger and horror pass. Enjoy the feeling while we have it.” 

 

So, I know Reid's first book was a banger - the people loved it. But for me, the secondhand stress of reading it (based on the blurb) felt too high. But this one? Despite seeing some mixed reviews about it, this one seemed muchhhh more up my alley. I mean, the major critiques were from people saying not a lot actually happened and there were no likable characters... Well, I'm a major fan of an unlikable/unreliable narrator and I want to add my vote to Team Reid's Sophomore Novel Is a Banger Too."  

I totally get how this novel isn't for everyone. But it was for me. Truly, nothing really does happen - not in a traditional storytelling sense. I mean sure, there are some relationship developments and a dramatic moment at the end, but really, when you finish the book, very little has changed or progressed for the majority of the characters. This book was here to serve the messy lives of everyone involved in university life. A second year senior resident assistant (Millie) who takes a slightly-not-kosher offer from a visiting professor to help with her current writing efforts/contract work and the other RAs and students whose not-quite-accurately-reported lives are caught up in the mix. There is borderline-not-ok dorm pranking, the uncomfortable "light" racism and homophobia that this age group tries to pass of as humor, roommates squabbles, friend group difficulties, uncomfortably unrecognized levels of privilege (mostly racial and financial), and not-quite-illicit-but-not-totally-ethical personal/sexual relationships. 

The minutiae of the internal thoughts and small moments of interaction within and amongst these characters is so impressive. Reid is able to get inside their minds like they're real people, unlikable and flawed and nuanced in a way that all humans are. The observational power she has, to have conveyed all this so realistically, in fully dimensional humanity, is...precise. And while there isn't much plot, watch me not care. Because my goodness is it messy. You can't look away. It's like watching an old school sitcom, the filler episodes where the story-arc doesn't go far, but you're riveted by the drama anyways.       

This was one of the most fascinating, with slight revulsion (but in a good way?), character novels I’ve ever read. So real, so human, I love-hate them all in their flaws. Right at the beginning of the novel, Reid writes that one of the characters finds watching/listening to these students filling her with “intrigue and revulsion.” And I cannot think of a better description for my experience reading this entire novel.     

 

It has taken me almost four months to slowly make my way through this second book in the Rook & Rose trilogy. This is pretty abnormal reading speed for me, but they're long books, and I don't have an audio version, and (in a complementary way) they are so incredibly complex...the slow roll just really worked for me in this case.And the time was absolutely worth taking, because this was a phenomenal follow-up, no suffering from the "middle book slump" in any way.

This book moves the plot, and character development, soooo much. Even in just the first 100 or so pages, the encounters and reveals had me on my toes and all twisted up. And it just kept going. This book was all about our primary MCs - the Rook and Rose, of course, as well as Ren, Vargo, Grey, Tess, Giuna and Alsius - all developing in their relationships with each other, complicated and secretive as they are, as they realize that they are all really working towards the same goals. Naturally, as they become allies of necessity (enemy of my enemy is my friend and whatnot), spending ever more time together, they start to become allies on deeper levels as well.  I was here for every second of that transition. In particular, the three sides of Ren and the three sides of Grey are fantastic in their symmetry. It was slow, slow, slow burn...but once the critical mass point was hit, and (most of) the major reveals were made, the vibes began to lean towards family and I will forever want more of that. 

Other things. UGH,  this take on tarot is just stunning - and as the novels go, the references and meaning gain clarity and depth for me as a reader and I just love it. Related, this new use of the numinatra, affecting emotions and pushing for the outcomes the bearers of the power want by manipulating others’ thoughts/feelings is wilddddd. So cool! And, also super disconcerting. For real - phew. This series to date has been so well developed and intricately detailed with complex character interweaving and plot movement. At the same time, it is longggg; it’s an undertaking. Worth it. 

So, while the first book was tense and complex as an introduction to the world and these characters with their individual plans/desires, which was fantastic in its own way, here we turn towards cooperation and reliance and partnership, takes the stress in a different direction, united against external forces as the internal walls begin to come down. Everything still teeters on the edge of falling apart at all times, keeping my investment in everything unfolding high and on tenterhooks...and head over heels invested. Oh yes, I am very happy. And I cannot wait to see how all this coming together in a build towards the finale actually plays out in taking down the "big bad," as it were. Two huge tomes into this trilogy and I'm still wanting more and excited for the closing.

“Justice is revenge in formal dress…”

“If you can’t even have a good cry with your friends without worrying about your secrets getting out, I’m thinking you need more crying, more friends, and fewer secrets.”

  “Her giggle remade him. He’d spoken of love earlier, but it was the soft sound curling between them that took root and twined the three parts of his soul into one certainty. […] Her pushed [her hair] back so the moons looking through the window limned her face. He saw no more fear there. Only the same question from before, and an echo of the heat blossoming through him - the reflection of his soul into her eyes.” 

 

Thanks to Netgalley and Del Rey for providing me with an eARC of Lady Macbeth. As per usual, I was pretty excited for this one, as a retelling of a classic/popular plot from a different POV, a more often maligned/misunderstood/unlikable female POV. That's really my sweet spot, as a reader. 

 

This is my second book by Reid, so I was prepared for their slightly slower-paced, very atmospheric, style of writing. And that style fit this retelling perfectly. There is a trance-like magicality to the writing, as expected. But that was also mixed with a slightly unmooring, jumpy pacing. That makes sense, based on this being adapted from a stage play, I think. Though partially it may also have been related to Roscille's (Lady Macbeth's) narrative style. Normally, I might have disliked that, but it, too, fit here. I felt like I was simultaneously there, in the Scottish Highlands, with the scene/aura-setting, and at the same time, felt like I was watching the actual action unfold from afar. All the violence and horrors and discomforts were at a sort of remove. A fascinating combination that really worked here.  

 

I also loveddd the supernatural aspects. The light werewolf lore/shapeshifting curse situation was awesome. Not super subtle, but I always have a soft spot for a "who is the real monster, the monster-looking creature or the monster-acting human?" lesson. It never gets old. The way the witches characters were included was horrifying, but exactly right. I appreciated that one was never quite sure if they were actually magically gifted, or just playing a role really well (though I leaned into believing the latter, myself, and hats of to these women scrabbling to hold on to whatever power/protection they could manage in such an unsafe and unforgiving world). Similarly, Roscille’s “power” to compel men to obey – is it real or a role played by both herself and the men affected, as an “excuse” for actions that society would readily accept/forgive. Of note, there was no shying away from the traditional dark sides of mistreatment of women (and the general roles/power women are allowed to have), and the general terrible actions of men, as they never tire of reaching for more power/influence. But there were also darkly deserved endings for those who did so, which is satisfying. The classic gothic elements - spooky, remote, ghost-ish storytelling vibes - were spot on.     

 

I feel like Reid maintained fully the original vibes, and key elements while reframing them into a fresh story and giving Lady Macbeth more voice (if not necessarily more agency), maintained as she holds on to her true name, Roscille. And that's what a retelling of this kind aims to do, I feel. Gorgeously dark, literally and figuratively,I really enjoyed how it played out.  

 

“Every old soil has its evils.” 

 

“The words may never be spoken aloud. Yet the mind itself can make the sea into a desert and and a frozen waste into the greenest meadow.” 

 

“…for what else do men value if not the things other men wish to take from them?” 

 

“It is said that some memories are too appalling for the human mind to bear and are thus pitted with black holes, so that the miserable parts do not cute over and over again, like bits of shattered pottery, sharp on all sides.” 

 

“Time does not strengthen. It withers.” 

 

“Has she been transformed? Or merely revealed?” 

 

“Is this what it means, truly, to be Lady Macbeth? Sorceress, murderer, the dagger in her husband’s hand? Or perhaps she has always been this.” 

 

“Madness, of all things, is the most unforgiveable in a woman.” 

 

“If she cannot have safety, if she cannot have love, at least she can have this. Vengeance.” 

 

“For men there is no debt of blood which goes unpaid. If the world tips in another’s favor, it must be made to tip back again. But the world is never in a woman’s favor. She cannot tip the scale. The only choice is: live the same mute, unjust life you have always lived, or tear apart the world itself.” 

 

“Let them call you witch, as they do any woman who professes strength.” 

 

“And now, we secret, black and midnight hags: Our toils are ended. Our chains may rattle, but they do not bind. At last, we sleep. We dream.” 

 

 

I have always loved retellings of the lives of historical and mythological women (Joan, The Lost Queen, She Would Be King, Circe, etc.), so I was absolutely psyched for this story of Boudicca, who I've always been interested in, but never really seen a lot about (which, I am sure, is at least in part because there isn't really much reliable primary source material to begin with). Thanks to Libro.fm for the ALC. 

This book was *all about* the setting and atmosphere. For all that it covers the specific years in Boudicca's life in which she was straight up leading a rebellion against the Roman empire, it was more of a slower paced novel, heavy in details of character development and the pulling in the emotional involvement (rage and revenge) of the reader as it all unfolds. And Cast really sets the mood and vibe so well with that pacing and writing style - this place and time and characters, their world and traditions and relationships and goals, all come to life in this novel. Also, as a content warning note, this is not to say that the - historically truthful - violence in this retelling is not present: there is animal sacrifice in religious rituals, the violence/injury/death in battle is vividly reported, and especially in the opening scenes when the Romans attack Boudicca's village (and sexually assault/rape her *very young* daughters) is pretty graphic, it's a lot, and it was incrdibly difficult to read. Nothing after that was nearly as bad.  

Ok, so, there were maybe a couple things I wasn't as into. I'm gonna note those, right quick, before jumping into all the other things I loved. First, a little too hit-you-over-the-head with the feminist aspects of Iceni/Britain tradition and culture, in comparison to the disdain the Roman’s showed women. I mean, I agree with it, conceptually, but it was spoon-fed to the reader a bit too much. Also, and this is super personal, I’m not necessarily a personal fan of “victory/people/tradition lives on through children” as a culmination and "answer" to the kind of cultural violation that the Iceni/Boudicca's people experienced. BUT I do understand the power that the continuation/future generations give (in real life as well as this story). And the way it fits this story, with the messages and promise from the goddesses, is well done to provide fulfillment in the finale, while keeping within the bounds of history’s truth.

Back to the things I loved. I have always appreciated and been fascinated by the "old ways" (as it were), regarding spirituality and, especially, death. The practicality of responding to death, the understanding that death is natural, while still being emotional and honoring life, and the traditional ways of coping that allow healing and moving on…I've always found it beautiful and calming. Cast portrays all these death-related druidic traditions, as well as the ways that honoring the goddesses was interwoven in all ways of life, with depth and feeling and grace. It was a real highlight for me. Another thing: in an unanticipated turn, Boudicca is gloriously bi in this retelling! As if I wasn’t hype enough for this historical warrior feminist...I mean come onnnnnn! 

One day, a strong historical woman’s story will not end in tragedy. I eagerly await that day. And until then, this was an mystical and epicly unfolded retelling, that gave me exactly what I wanted.

“…wasted happiness is wasted life.”

 

This year I'm leaning hard into escapist reading...like, obviously. But I've been burned before by popular romantasies being poorly written, so I'm trying to be more discerning in my research. This one popped up multiple places/across multiple platforms, so I decided to give it a go. Similar to Broadbent's Crowns of Nyaxia, this one is soliddddd. 

 

This story opened a little rocky for me, if I'm being honest. The first few chapters of world-building and describing the magic and starting character development felt a little flat, with some very real unclarity. But the writing settled in, and I settled in, reasonably quickly after we got past those "introductory" chapters. ...then, the world-building and development really found its pacing and stride! As a specific example of that transition, the intro of the magical cards, in number and format that lines up to the "12 Days" holiday song, made me snort pretty derisively to start, BUT as we got more development of how they were formed, the way they carry/imbue power, and the associated costs for using them, really grew on me. Similarly, I was confused to start by how the cards had magic, and then there was a magic-causing infection too (that causes a person to "degenerate" over time)?, but that cleared for me over the course of reading as well. And now having finished, I am very interested to see how the remaining mysteries of that process will be addressed in the second book, and how that affects the culmination of the story as well! So, overall, solid writing, if at times it could have used a little more polishing/clarity.   

 

As far as the romance piece - big yes. This is a really well done enemies-to-lovers development for Elspeth and Ravyn. The softening started pretty quickly (which is par for the course for this genre, in all fairness), but other than that, I was totally into it. It was a really well done slower (but not too slow) burn, and there's a really believable connection and pull. I was bought into them from the start and was *very* happy when they finally happened. I also deeply appreciated that after they chose to be together, they handled secrets/disagreements in a pretty mature way. There was no third-act-breakup-over-a-miscommunication situation. And that's a huge win for me. The rest of the characters, and their interrelated relationships, were similarly well-developed as the novel progressed - there was some depth, and still some mysteries left to be uncovered in the second book. 

 

Last two comments. First, as always, I am a sucker for a blurb to open a chapter. So, I really enjoyed the little song-songy rhymes about each type of magic/the history of the world that opened each chapter. Second, there were some really unique elements to this plot, especially in the final chapter(s) with what happens with Elspeth's character. I’m not sure I can see how it'll all unfold, which is awesome, and I am so curious for what's coming in the second half of this story. 

 

“My magic moves, he said. My magic bites. My magic soothes. My magic frights.” 

 

“Practice restraint, and know it by touch. Use Cards when they’re needed, and never too much. For too much of fire, our swords would all break. Too much of wine a poison doth make. Excess is grievous, be knave, maid, or crown. Too much of water, how easy we drown.” 

 

“Something ancient—born of salt. We were the same, he and I. Gifted with ancient, terrible magic. Woven in secret, hidden in half-truths. We were the darkness in Blunder, the reminder that magic—wild and unfettered—prevailed, no matter how desperately the Rowans tried to stamp it out. We were the thing to be feared. We were the balance.” 

 

“The girl, the King… and the monster they became.” 

 

“I am the shepherd of shadow. The phantom of the fright. The demon in the daydream.” Her yellow eyes flickered to Ravyn. “The nightmare in the night.” 

 

I told you I would be back for more from Alexander! After reading their novel Triple Sec last year, and not quite loving it as much as I wanted while simultaneously recognizing that it might have been subjectively a "me problem" and that Alexander's writing was objectively something I liked, I said I'd be open to reading more from them. And here we are. This most recent publication, a trans historical romance, had me fondly remembering my time reading Alexis Hall's A Lady for a Duke (an absolute fav book of mine), so I requested it from my library asap. 

 

Anddddddd yes. This was delicious and sweet, and a heartwarmingly tender slow burn. Christopher and Harding's development together was great. I don't want to necessarily call them opposites attract, but I will say, both hesitant to engage in a relationship (well, mostly and especially Christopher, as his is the POV from which the novel is narrated) - for legitimate reasons - and so it takes some time to break down/through those barriers. But when it happened, and there two were able to be *seen* fully by each other...the freedom and contentment in that is beautiful. 

 

The dialogue was fantastic. Dry and witty, my most preferred style. And there was just so much excitement throughout. Lots of drama and turns of plot, many of which I thought I expected where’d they’d lead, but then they went elsewhere! So fun and wonderfully unexpected. Yet still with the cheering and gladdening final feelings that come from myriad happy endings (many more than just Christopher and Harding's, which was an unanticipated, and greatly appreciated, joy). 

 

Let me just also say, right here at the end, that I DID catch that Jane Eyre meet cute vibes scene. And I was here for it. Altogether, this reading experience was an absolute, lighthearted, pleasure.   

 

I am moving quickly through this series, and continuing to understand why it has such a strong reader following. Also, my partner had decided to read these too, and is a few books ahead of me, so getting to discuss a bit afterwards has been an enjoyable turn!

We're back with Murderbot in this novella that really moves its "becoming" forward. There is a bit more emotion here than in the first two, as Murderbot meets another droid/unit - Miki - that is "friends" with its humans, in the way that Dr. Mensah suggested to Murderbot in the first novella. And we see, through the development of this short story, how Murderbot comes to finally see, and, really believe in, the potential for that. As I said, a much more emotionally investing read than the first two. Watching this stress and anxiety filled AI system slowly developing human emotions/reactions/body parts is equally endearing and hilarious.

And still, Wells maintains the generous action and easy entertainment that are a hallmark of this series so far. Murderbot remains quite relatable, for being an AI/bot, and its obsession with serial tv shows, and the many ways they’re used to inform and distract throughout, especially in this story, were quite amusing. 

This novella also moved forward the overarching plot, that of bringing GrayCris Corporation's underhanded and dangerous workings to light. Murderbot was able to gather some intel that will be useful in that effort and, after his interactions with Miki, seems to be on its way back to Dr. Mensah and team, literally and existentially. I remain excited for whatever is next in its story!   

“That was unrealistic. […] …but […] there’s the right kind of unrealistic and the wrong kind of unrealistic."

“I know that’s actually not a permanent solution and pretending bad things aren’t happening is not a great survival strategy in the long run…” 

 

This book came across my radar through Libro.fm's ALC offerings, so shoutout for that. As this year seems to be shaping up into primarily escapist reading, this queer historical fiction vampire story seemed like a perfect fit. And...sure 'twas.

Like for real y'all, this book has a most silly premise: a competition to win the hand of an eligible Duke, a la The Bachelor (I assume - I've never seen it myself, tbh), mixed with the historical fiction "season" setup of Bridgerton, and, finally, some old school vampire vibes that reminded me a bit of Dracula or Interview with a Vampire. Truly, ridiculous. And, so fun. I enjoyed this entire reading experience immensely. There was so much superfluous and unnecessary drama, which fit the narrative tone - that of superiority and snark - perfectly. I mean like - trying to keep it vague to avoid spoilers - the amount of turning to vampires that happens throughout, and especially at the end, is just wonderfully unhinged. I was LOL-ing at those final plot moments. I also loved the general acceptance of queerness, and how who people fell for was not at all part of the drama. It's comforting to read stories like that. 

As a slightly more serious aspect, I did appreciate the light commentary on humans' capacity to be just as monstrous as “monsters” - in particular under the heel of “mass hysteria.” It's a little too real, but was handled lightly within the story, so it didn't overwhelm in any way. Also, the way connection with others (those different from us) can help us to see them as real, to see their humanity, so that you can no longer “other” them. It would be great if that wasn't necessary for us to see others' humanity. But it's an important message for movement towards acceptance nonetheless. Relatedly, you don’t have to be/embody the cruelty that raised/formed you. Lovely message about becoming your own person there.  

My one complaint is that the tone of the storytelling and the writing by itself are off justtttt a bit. I want to love this book, because I love the story elements and the vibes it’s reaching for and etc., but it’s just not quite hitting right. I can’t quite put my finger on what the issue is. Maybe a bit too big/often with the swings between remorse/restored humanity and self-centered/high-maintenance complaining from Lucian (our vampire-turned-back-human-and-not-happy-about-it narrator). And I mean, it is the right swing for him to have, the right split loyalties for him under the circumstances, but just maybe it needed more refinement? It made me not quite buy totally into his romantic connection with Matthew either - I felt like that needed a bit more depth.

Overall, a cozy and entertaining (funny and bloody and ridiculous) vampire story, but one that remained fairly surface level, as far as development, and a smidge juvenile, as far as writing. I do recommend it if you are looking for something quick, easy, and diverting. 

“As with most occasions, if one was confident enough, it was almost the same as being seasoned. People didn’t question experience if one had enough boldness…”

“Humanity is a powerful thing. It gives you perspective."

 

Alright. This won, like, all the popularity awards for mystery/thriller last year. And that is not a genre I usually read, so I kept scrolling right past it. Until...I finally read the blurb and realized it took place in the Adirondacks. My grandparents lived there for years, and we'd go every summer, and so I have many fond childhood memories of the area. So, I decided, based on that very superficial connection, to give it a try. 

 

Annnnnnnddd, I'm glad I picked this one up! It was not (as I was nervous about) too scary. Which means, to be transparent, that it was not really scary at all. As I am a huge scaredy-cat. Haha. It was much more a mystery-unfolding, kind of like a police procedural situation, but in written form, style. It jumped among characters/perspectives and time periods. The quick switches kept me engaged and on my toes. It was super well paced and, with all the red herrings and false leads sprinkled throughout (which were insinuated so smoothly and subtly that I never felt condescended to or like I was being pushed too obviously in any direction, whether right or wrong). I found myself totally engrossed in trying to tease apart nefarious motives for characters' caginess versus regular (if still fairly ugly) human motives (like ambition, lust, embarrassment, etc). It was hard! And I definitely had some wrong - the red herrings got me! And that's just good writing. I thought it all wrapped up well too, with some expected aspects and some unexpected twists (though potentially a few “loose end” characters). There was a solid mix of comeuppance justice and middle finger choosing-my-own-path (and a camaraderie-style given opportunity to do so), while also leaving some characters in realistic (but still tragic/hopeless/limbo) finales. Speaking of the writing, I was anticipating this being a plot-centric novel. And it was very plot focused, for sure. But I was also really impressed with the scene setting and character development. It had some very real depth and nuance, and a whole ton of family and community drama. 

 

I don't have a lot of experience with mystery-thriller novels, so I cannot speak to how it stands up to others in the genre, but as a general reader, I can say that this novel was objectively high quality writing. And I am super glad I went for it! Oh, and to end where I started, I did recognize a few things from my memories, specifically (and especially) the damn black flies (iykyk) - though I hated the characters throwing said party, I was totally bought into the idea of a Black Fly Goodbye party! 

 

 “These are the times in her life that Louise has felt most acutely the animal nature of her humanity, and therefore they have been the most comforting. To be a human is complex, and often painful; to be an animal is comfortingly simple and good.” 

 

 “Rich people […] generally become most enraged when they sense they’re about to be held accountable for their wrongs.”