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3.5 stars
"'Neither of you are queens,' Genevieve says, her voice thick with disgust. 'If you were, there would only be one of you left.'" ~ [b:Five Dark Fates|35391237|Five Dark Fates (Three Dark Crowns, #4)|Kendare Blake|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1549656837l/35391237._SY75_.jpg|56756354]
As far as series finales go, this one was not my favorite. The buildup was so great and left me feeling underwhelmed. The final battle was exciting and well done. I really expected the final confrontation to be Jules vs. Katherine but I liked it even better how it turned out. Arsinoe confronting her sister was much more satisfying. I didn't expect Jules to be able to join in on the fighting because there's little she could contribute, but what she does is SO EPIC. I could feel the power radiating off the pages. The final battle was the most exciting part of the novel. The rest of the book was just the sisters thinking about confronting each other...not much happened. Only Billy went through interesting character development, which was needed to see how much the war was affecting him, but the capture felt kinda random. The book's going along with not much happening and then Billy gets taken?
What really frustrates is the queens' endings. The reasoning behind it is solid, but since it is such a bleak and unsatisfying ending, it doesn't work. I understand that Fennbirn shouldn't have the triplet queens anymore, but having two queens die is just fulfilling the first book's original goal. Sure the rebellion succeeded, but only because the monarchy didn't change, not really. The whole point of the triplet queens is that only one will survive to rule Fennbirn. That's essentially what happens at the end of this book. Jules is Legion Queen, but she only became so with the help of the past monarchy she wanted to abolish. The reader spends the entire series learning that the triplet queen tradition is wrong, but it ends up prevailing in the end. The ending was too predictable and pretty depressing.
I can understand why Katharine's ending had to be the way it was; in a lot of ways, she is past saving. My heart still aches for her (I was rooting for her the whole time). However, Mirabella's storyline makes little sense to me. For such a ferocious and complex character, Mirabella's ending was sudden and weak. Mirabella not being in the final battle - what the heck?! Then everyone moves on from what happens to her so quickly. It really bothers me when main characters suddenly get treated as lackluster background characters. Ultimately the ending felt rushed and incomplete compared to the other dynamic books in the series.
"'Neither of you are queens,' Genevieve says, her voice thick with disgust. 'If you were, there would only be one of you left.'" ~ [b:Five Dark Fates|35391237|Five Dark Fates (Three Dark Crowns, #4)|Kendare Blake|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1549656837l/35391237._SY75_.jpg|56756354]
As far as series finales go, this one was not my favorite. The buildup was so great and left me feeling underwhelmed. The final battle was exciting and well done. I really expected the final confrontation to be Jules vs. Katherine but I liked it even better how it turned out. Arsinoe confronting her sister was much more satisfying. I didn't expect Jules to be able to join in on the fighting because there's little she could contribute, but what she does is SO EPIC. I could feel the power radiating off the pages. The final battle was the most exciting part of the novel. The rest of the book was just the sisters thinking about confronting each other...not much happened. Only Billy went through interesting character development, which was needed to see how much the war was affecting him, but the capture felt kinda random. The book's going along with not much happening and then Billy gets taken?
What really frustrates is the queens' endings. The reasoning behind it is solid, but since it is such a bleak and unsatisfying ending, it doesn't work. I understand that Fennbirn shouldn't have the triplet queens anymore, but having two queens die is just fulfilling the first book's original goal. Sure the rebellion succeeded, but only because the monarchy didn't change, not really. The whole point of the triplet queens is that only one will survive to rule Fennbirn. That's essentially what happens at the end of this book. Jules is Legion Queen, but she only became so with the help of the past monarchy she wanted to abolish. The reader spends the entire series learning that the triplet queen tradition is wrong, but it ends up prevailing in the end. The ending was too predictable and pretty depressing.
I can understand why Katharine's ending had to be the way it was; in a lot of ways, she is past saving. My heart still aches for her (I was rooting for her the whole time). However, Mirabella's storyline makes little sense to me. For such a ferocious and complex character, Mirabella's ending was sudden and weak. Mirabella not being in the final battle - what the heck?! Then everyone moves on from what happens to her so quickly. It really bothers me when main characters suddenly get treated as lackluster background characters. Ultimately the ending felt rushed and incomplete compared to the other dynamic books in the series.
4.5 stars
"Almost immediately, I found the red door into the library. I opened it idly- and the breath stopped in my throat. It was the same room I remembered: the shelves, the lion-footed table, the white bass-relief of Clio. But now, tendrils of dark green ivy grew between the shelves, reaching toward the books as if they were hungry to read. White mist flowed along the floor, rippling and tumbling as if blown by wind. Across the ceiling wove a network of icy ropes like tree roots." ~ [b:Cruel Beauty|15839984|Cruel Beauty|Rosamund Hodge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1371652590l/15839984._SY75_.jpg|21580669]
This book is a fantastical adventure; a canvas of explosive imagination and colors. The imagery and gorgeous descriptions are enough for me to give this novel four stars, but ultimately it's been one of the most wondrous books I've read this year so: 4.5 stars. For a 400 page standalone novel, there were plenty of twists and turns! Due to its spellbinding imagery and various plot twists, this novel is perfect for fans of [b:The Starless Sea|43575115|The Starless Sea|Erin Morgenstern|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1554996038l/43575115._SY75_.jpg|66444785] and [b:An Enchantment of Ravens|30969741|An Enchantment of Ravens|Margaret Rogerson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1486244049l/30969741._SY75_.jpg|51586838]. The writing is of a similar style and the plot structure is as well.
Ohmygosh I thoroughly enjoyed Nyx and Ignifex's silly banter! One of my favorite chapters is the one where Nyx tosses a piece of crockery at the demon lord's head! She is so impulsive and childish and I love that about her character. Nyx as the main female heroine is complex, flawed, and impossible to understand at times. However, it's her "poisoned heart" that makes her so intriguing.
As far as critiques go, I only have a few. First of all, I would've loved more library scenes. In the original "Beauty and the Beast" story, the library usually plays a much more important role. In this retelling, the library seems important initially because Nyx struggles to read the books, but then the library fades into the background. I was dying for more Nyx and Ignifex library scenes! Also, the last-minute plot twist of an "alternate reality" I guess, it felt rushed. So much was happening at once and I was trying to get my bearings. I would've liked one more chapter in this new reality so I could process and understand what had happened to Nyx. While I enjoyed the ending, it felt jarring. Nyx spent the whole story attempting to save the day, so why did she have to rush to do so in the end?
"Almost immediately, I found the red door into the library. I opened it idly- and the breath stopped in my throat. It was the same room I remembered: the shelves, the lion-footed table, the white bass-relief of Clio. But now, tendrils of dark green ivy grew between the shelves, reaching toward the books as if they were hungry to read. White mist flowed along the floor, rippling and tumbling as if blown by wind. Across the ceiling wove a network of icy ropes like tree roots." ~ [b:Cruel Beauty|15839984|Cruel Beauty|Rosamund Hodge|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1371652590l/15839984._SY75_.jpg|21580669]
This book is a fantastical adventure; a canvas of explosive imagination and colors. The imagery and gorgeous descriptions are enough for me to give this novel four stars, but ultimately it's been one of the most wondrous books I've read this year so: 4.5 stars. For a 400 page standalone novel, there were plenty of twists and turns! Due to its spellbinding imagery and various plot twists, this novel is perfect for fans of [b:The Starless Sea|43575115|The Starless Sea|Erin Morgenstern|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1554996038l/43575115._SY75_.jpg|66444785] and [b:An Enchantment of Ravens|30969741|An Enchantment of Ravens|Margaret Rogerson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1486244049l/30969741._SY75_.jpg|51586838]. The writing is of a similar style and the plot structure is as well.
Ohmygosh I thoroughly enjoyed Nyx and Ignifex's silly banter! One of my favorite chapters is the one where Nyx tosses a piece of crockery at the demon lord's head! She is so impulsive and childish and I love that about her character. Nyx as the main female heroine is complex, flawed, and impossible to understand at times. However, it's her "poisoned heart" that makes her so intriguing.
As far as critiques go, I only have a few. First of all, I would've loved more library scenes. In the original "Beauty and the Beast" story, the library usually plays a much more important role. In this retelling, the library seems important initially because Nyx struggles to read the books, but then the library fades into the background. I was dying for more Nyx and Ignifex library scenes! Also, the last-minute plot twist of an "alternate reality" I guess, it felt rushed. So much was happening at once and I was trying to get my bearings. I would've liked one more chapter in this new reality so I could process and understand what had happened to Nyx. While I enjoyed the ending, it felt jarring. Nyx spent the whole story attempting to save the day, so why did she have to rush to do so in the end?
"Like all the children of Crandon, Evelyn had been reared on the tales of the savagery and magic of the Floating Islands. It was said they housed the Known World’s last witches. Actual practical witches." ~ [b:The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea|51710973|The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea|Maggie Tokuda-Hall|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1592729153l/51710973._SY75_.jpg|58305868]
I went into this book with the foolish allusion that this would be a [b:The Little Mermaid|132391|The Little Mermaid|Hans Christian Andersen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1309204955l/132391._SX50_.jpg|245197] retelling, maybe even Disney style. While I love the Disney version, I'm glad that this novel was very different. What is traded for classic storytelling is replaced with something better: cultural and gender diversity, storytelling experimentation, gorgeous diction, and a BEAUTIFUL BOOK COVER. This has been one of my most anticipated reads of August 2020 and it did not disappoint.
This read is atmospheric, imaginative, poetic, and immersive. Not only is the writing beautiful, but the cast of characters is the most diverse I have ever experienced. It's rare for me to read a novel with no white characters. I loved experiencing this gorgeous world [a:Maggie Tokuda-Hall|14160508|Maggie Tokuda-Hall|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1587948278p2/14160508.jpg] dreamed up. What I admire is that the author didn't dilute her fantasy land into a perfect world. Even though there are no white characters, there is still a system of privilege. The author shows that privilege and suppression can exist anyway and that there will always be a battle between good and evil. At first, Florian is taught to believe that all imperialists are cruel and evil; this is their prejudice. While the imperialists in charge are corrupt, Florian learns that not all imperialists are bad. Evelyn is an extraordinary example of a person who recognizes their privilege and uses that privilege to help others. I'm so grateful that this book was published now because the themes are so important to what's going on in the world!
My only critiques are personal; I wish this novel was fiftyish pages longer. I didn't feel that there was enough time to understand Xenobia, Callum, Lady Ayer, and Genevieve as fully-fledged characters. I found them all fascinating, but I didn't feel that they fulfilled their full potential. Honestly, can we have a standalone novel with Xenobia that explains her history???! I would LOVE that. The author has stated that a sequel is possible, but that for now, this is a standalone book. I read this as a standalone book because it's pretty clear that Florian and Evelyn's love story is concluded. However, the book ends on a cliffhanger! I want to know why.
Ultimately this book was surprising and nothing happened the way I expected it to. I love the impressive LGBTQ+ representation, feminist themes, and modern messages. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoyed [b:Winterwood|43822698|Winterwood|Shea Ernshaw|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1549309592l/43822698._SY75_.jpg|62284064], [b:Red Hood|43721070|Red Hood|Elana K. Arnold|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1561406538l/43721070._SY75_.jpg|68041410], and [b:These Witches Don't Burn|36484081|These Witches Don't Burn (These Witches Don't Burn, #1)|Isabel Sterling|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1541163363l/36484081._SX50_.jpg|58195438]. This novel is of the young adult genre, but it bridges the new adult gap as well. I can't wait to see what else [a:Maggie Tokuda-Hall|14160508|Maggie Tokuda-Hall|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1587948278p2/14160508.jpg] writes in the future!
I went into this book with the foolish allusion that this would be a [b:The Little Mermaid|132391|The Little Mermaid|Hans Christian Andersen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1309204955l/132391._SX50_.jpg|245197] retelling, maybe even Disney style. While I love the Disney version, I'm glad that this novel was very different. What is traded for classic storytelling is replaced with something better: cultural and gender diversity, storytelling experimentation, gorgeous diction, and a BEAUTIFUL BOOK COVER. This has been one of my most anticipated reads of August 2020 and it did not disappoint.
This read is atmospheric, imaginative, poetic, and immersive. Not only is the writing beautiful, but the cast of characters is the most diverse I have ever experienced. It's rare for me to read a novel with no white characters. I loved experiencing this gorgeous world [a:Maggie Tokuda-Hall|14160508|Maggie Tokuda-Hall|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1587948278p2/14160508.jpg] dreamed up. What I admire is that the author didn't dilute her fantasy land into a perfect world. Even though there are no white characters, there is still a system of privilege. The author shows that privilege and suppression can exist anyway and that there will always be a battle between good and evil. At first, Florian is taught to believe that all imperialists are cruel and evil; this is their prejudice. While the imperialists in charge are corrupt, Florian learns that not all imperialists are bad. Evelyn is an extraordinary example of a person who recognizes their privilege and uses that privilege to help others. I'm so grateful that this book was published now because the themes are so important to what's going on in the world!
My only critiques are personal; I wish this novel was fiftyish pages longer. I didn't feel that there was enough time to understand Xenobia, Callum, Lady Ayer, and Genevieve as fully-fledged characters. I found them all fascinating, but I didn't feel that they fulfilled their full potential. Honestly, can we have a standalone novel with Xenobia that explains her history???! I would LOVE that. The author has stated that a sequel is possible, but that for now, this is a standalone book. I read this as a standalone book because it's pretty clear that Florian and Evelyn's love story is concluded. However, the book ends on a cliffhanger! I want to know why.
Ultimately this book was surprising and nothing happened the way I expected it to. I love the impressive LGBTQ+ representation, feminist themes, and modern messages. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoyed [b:Winterwood|43822698|Winterwood|Shea Ernshaw|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1549309592l/43822698._SY75_.jpg|62284064], [b:Red Hood|43721070|Red Hood|Elana K. Arnold|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1561406538l/43721070._SY75_.jpg|68041410], and [b:These Witches Don't Burn|36484081|These Witches Don't Burn (These Witches Don't Burn, #1)|Isabel Sterling|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1541163363l/36484081._SX50_.jpg|58195438]. This novel is of the young adult genre, but it bridges the new adult gap as well. I can't wait to see what else [a:Maggie Tokuda-Hall|14160508|Maggie Tokuda-Hall|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1587948278p2/14160508.jpg] writes in the future!
This is an ARC review for NetGalley.
"Keep your knife where you can reach it. Never, ever owe anyone anything. Nothing is free. Always construct a lie from a truth. Never, under any circumstances, reveal what or who matters to you." ~ [b:Fable|44012880|Fable (Fable, #1)|Adrienne Young|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1590354131l/44012880._SY75_.jpg|68428287]
I loved everything about this book. It was a struggle to not stay up all night and read it in one sitting. The adventure is compelling, the characters are intriguing, the romance isn't sappy, and the cliffhanger was emotional but not heartbreaking. I will most definitely be reading the sequel! I've read all of [a:Adrienne Young|16640489|Adrienne Young|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1554841626p2/16640489.jpg]'s other books and enjoyed them well enough. However, [b:Fable|44012880|Fable (Fable, #1)|Adrienne Young|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1590354131l/44012880._SY75_.jpg|68428287] is my absolute favorite. Everything from the gorgeous cover to the tantalizing synopsis had me right away. Fable is such an unusual heroine - she's brash but kind, loyal but independent. Her thoughts and feelings were relatable, almost as if I was experiencing them myself. I'm so proud of my amazing dredger queen and I can't wait for her to get the happy ending she deserves!
At first, I didn't care for everyone on the Marigold's crew. Willa seemed paranoid, but I grew to like her over time. Now I can't imagine the ship without her! Honestly, without her, the men on board would've been dead long ago. I can't believe Willa and Fable went from "don't talk to me because I'm the only other girl on this ship" to Willa voting for Fable to stay on board! I can't wait to see more of their friendship in the next book. Finally, a novel where the female characters work together instead of competing over the same boy. Speaking of romance, I love how romantic relationships didn't oversaturate the story. This novel is first and foremost an adventure story and I'm glad the female characters didn't spend all their time chasing after boys! Auster and Paj are definitely being added to my list of the best LGBTQ+ book couples. They are adorable!
I have hardly any critiques for this novel. West's eventual confession to *spoiler* was wonderful but confusing. I wish there was a chapter or two from West's POV because he hides his emotions so well. I had no idea he was in love at all! I never would've guessed that in a million years. I don't mind West being elusive, but I wish there were a few clues earlier in the story that West was going to end up in a relationship; only the last couple chapters alluded to this. I'm hoping we get to see more of West's thoughts and feelings in the sequel.
"Keep your knife where you can reach it. Never, ever owe anyone anything. Nothing is free. Always construct a lie from a truth. Never, under any circumstances, reveal what or who matters to you." ~ [b:Fable|44012880|Fable (Fable, #1)|Adrienne Young|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1590354131l/44012880._SY75_.jpg|68428287]
I loved everything about this book. It was a struggle to not stay up all night and read it in one sitting. The adventure is compelling, the characters are intriguing, the romance isn't sappy, and the cliffhanger was emotional but not heartbreaking. I will most definitely be reading the sequel! I've read all of [a:Adrienne Young|16640489|Adrienne Young|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1554841626p2/16640489.jpg]'s other books and enjoyed them well enough. However, [b:Fable|44012880|Fable (Fable, #1)|Adrienne Young|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1590354131l/44012880._SY75_.jpg|68428287] is my absolute favorite. Everything from the gorgeous cover to the tantalizing synopsis had me right away. Fable is such an unusual heroine - she's brash but kind, loyal but independent. Her thoughts and feelings were relatable, almost as if I was experiencing them myself. I'm so proud of my amazing dredger queen and I can't wait for her to get the happy ending she deserves!
At first, I didn't care for everyone on the Marigold's crew. Willa seemed paranoid, but I grew to like her over time. Now I can't imagine the ship without her! Honestly, without her, the men on board would've been dead long ago. I can't believe Willa and Fable went from "don't talk to me because I'm the only other girl on this ship" to Willa voting for Fable to stay on board! I can't wait to see more of their friendship in the next book. Finally, a novel where the female characters work together instead of competing over the same boy. Speaking of romance, I love how romantic relationships didn't oversaturate the story. This novel is first and foremost an adventure story and I'm glad the female characters didn't spend all their time chasing after boys! Auster and Paj are definitely being added to my list of the best LGBTQ+ book couples. They are adorable!
I have hardly any critiques for this novel. West's eventual confession to *spoiler* was wonderful but confusing. I wish there was a chapter or two from West's POV because he hides his emotions so well. I had no idea he was in love at all! I never would've guessed that in a million years. I don't mind West being elusive, but I wish there were a few clues earlier in the story that West was going to end up in a relationship; only the last couple chapters alluded to this. I'm hoping we get to see more of West's thoughts and feelings in the sequel.
"Beware or be dead. Make the first mark. A warrior made is a warrior alive." ~ [b:The Princess Will Save You|43603825|The Princess Will Save You (The Princess Will Save You, #1)|Sarah Henning|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1573761894l/43603825._SY75_.jpg|67844925]
I highly recommend this book to fans of The Princess Bride (1987) movie. [a:Sarah Henning|14671253|Sarah Henning|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1507686095p2/14671253.jpg] does an extraordinary job merging this new retelling with the original film. What I love is that there are just enough references to the original film, but not so many that this book feels like the same story. I love the genderswapped storyline! In Henning's version, her "Buttercup" is Princess Amarande, a warrior and brave leader, who suddenly has to take charge of her kingdom. However, in Amarande's words, the patriarchy is always in the way! I was impressed with how Amarande stood up for herself right away. As soon as the book began, she quickly knew what she wanted and what she hoped to achieve. My favorite aspect of Amarande's character is how confident she is in her own abilities; she's never conceited or selfish, but fully aware of how powerful she is.
The story was wonderfully immersive, detailed, and fast-paced. All of the dialogue felt meaningful and intentional and that's rare to find in any book. There were a few aspects of the original film that I wish Henning has incorporated: Magic Max, Fire Swamp, and more pirates. Specifically once going back and reading, I realized Henning did make some allusions to the Fire Swamp but I guess I expected the Fire Swamp to be in a dark and dangerous forest - not a desert? I think I was just thrown off because I expected the film parallels to be more direct. There were a couple references to pirates and their ships, mostly from the kidnappers. However, since the Dread Pirate Roberts is central to the film's story, I expected pirates to play a more substantial role. I really hope there are more pirates in the next book! Finally, one of my favorite aspects of the film is the character Magic Max. He saves the day and really brings the story to a happy conclusion. In a lot of ways, the introduction of his character saves the plot. Unless I missed it, there's no allusion to Magic Max in this book. After *spoiler* gets tortured in the dungeon, he's rescued rather quickly and somehow he survives? I wish that scene had been more clear and it would have made sense if Magic Max (or an updated version of this character) saved him.
Overall this book was in every way a pleasant reading experience. I can't wait to read the next book, especially after that cliffhanger I did not see coming! I have no idea where this series will go, but I'm excited to read more!
I highly recommend this book to fans of The Princess Bride (1987) movie. [a:Sarah Henning|14671253|Sarah Henning|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1507686095p2/14671253.jpg] does an extraordinary job merging this new retelling with the original film. What I love is that there are just enough references to the original film, but not so many that this book feels like the same story. I love the genderswapped storyline! In Henning's version, her "Buttercup" is Princess Amarande, a warrior and brave leader, who suddenly has to take charge of her kingdom. However, in Amarande's words, the patriarchy is always in the way! I was impressed with how Amarande stood up for herself right away. As soon as the book began, she quickly knew what she wanted and what she hoped to achieve. My favorite aspect of Amarande's character is how confident she is in her own abilities; she's never conceited or selfish, but fully aware of how powerful she is.
The story was wonderfully immersive, detailed, and fast-paced. All of the dialogue felt meaningful and intentional and that's rare to find in any book. There were a few aspects of the original film that I wish Henning has incorporated: Magic Max, Fire Swamp, and more pirates. Specifically once going back and reading, I realized Henning did make some allusions to the Fire Swamp but I guess I expected the Fire Swamp to be in a dark and dangerous forest - not a desert? I think I was just thrown off because I expected the film parallels to be more direct. There were a couple references to pirates and their ships, mostly from the kidnappers. However, since the Dread Pirate Roberts is central to the film's story, I expected pirates to play a more substantial role. I really hope there are more pirates in the next book! Finally, one of my favorite aspects of the film is the character Magic Max. He saves the day and really brings the story to a happy conclusion. In a lot of ways, the introduction of his character saves the plot. Unless I missed it, there's no allusion to Magic Max in this book. After *spoiler* gets tortured in the dungeon, he's rescued rather quickly and somehow he survives? I wish that scene had been more clear and it would have made sense if Magic Max (or an updated version of this character) saved him.
Overall this book was in every way a pleasant reading experience. I can't wait to read the next book, especially after that cliffhanger I did not see coming! I have no idea where this series will go, but I'm excited to read more!
"'Is not this song worth staying for?' said Anne, suddenly struck by an idea which made her yet more anxious to be encouraging. 'No!' he replied impressively, 'there is nothing worth my staying for'; and he was gone directly." ~ [b:Persuasion|2156|Persuasion|Jane Austen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1385172413l/2156._SY75_.jpg|2534720]
This is [a:Jane Austen|1265|Jane Austen|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1588941810p2/1265.jpg]'s most mature novel and it's a far cry from [b:Pride and Prejudice|1885|Pride and Prejudice|Jane Austen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320399351l/1885._SY75_.jpg|3060926] in the best way possible. Austen uses "Persuasion" to show that women's ideals of love change over time. Austen has written about first love's beauty but also uses "Persuasion" to highlight the beauty of hardwon affection. Everything about Anne Elliot's life is a struggle so when her happy ending occurs, it's even more satisfying for the reader. It astounds me how everyone ignores and avoids Anne in her own family home. Yet one of the reasons I like Anne is that she counters this abuse with kindness. She's not naive at all, but clever enough to realize her self-worth. A great example of Anne's character is how she acts with Louisa Musgrove. Anne is so polite and kind to Louisa even though the girl's flighty and childish ways can be frustrating. Anne never calls her out but instead rejoices when Louisa finds happiness with Captain Benwick. #girlssupportgirls
One of the editor's annotations that I loved: Wentworth handled the Louisa situation so poorly maybe because of his lonely years post-Anne Elliot engagement. To clarify: Wentworth spent most of the defining years alone with men at sea. While other men were beginning to court women and learning how to flirt, Wentworth has no experience. Besides his romance with Anne, Wentworth knows nothing about flirting. Louisa is really the first woman to flirt with him and he doesn't know how to handle that. Of course, there's no way Austen can confirm this but I love this theory! Since Wentworth's main character trait is that he's honorable, there's no way that he would risk this by flirting for no reason.
I can't believe how much foreshadowing is in this novel. My favorite one is when Louisa jokes about not driving safely and getting in an accident; it is horrifying but incredible that Austen manages to hint about an important future moment. What I love most about this novel is the exploration of Anne and Wentworth's relationship - it's a slow burn love. They didn't invent enemies to lovers, but instead lovers to strangers to one-sided enemies to friends to OTP. I am infinitely impressed with how Austen was able to squeeze in all that relationship drama and STILL make the love story feel gradual and developed.
This is [a:Jane Austen|1265|Jane Austen|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1588941810p2/1265.jpg]'s most mature novel and it's a far cry from [b:Pride and Prejudice|1885|Pride and Prejudice|Jane Austen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320399351l/1885._SY75_.jpg|3060926] in the best way possible. Austen uses "Persuasion" to show that women's ideals of love change over time. Austen has written about first love's beauty but also uses "Persuasion" to highlight the beauty of hardwon affection. Everything about Anne Elliot's life is a struggle so when her happy ending occurs, it's even more satisfying for the reader. It astounds me how everyone ignores and avoids Anne in her own family home. Yet one of the reasons I like Anne is that she counters this abuse with kindness. She's not naive at all, but clever enough to realize her self-worth. A great example of Anne's character is how she acts with Louisa Musgrove. Anne is so polite and kind to Louisa even though the girl's flighty and childish ways can be frustrating. Anne never calls her out but instead rejoices when Louisa finds happiness with Captain Benwick. #girlssupportgirls
One of the editor's annotations that I loved: Wentworth handled the Louisa situation so poorly maybe because of his lonely years post-Anne Elliot engagement. To clarify: Wentworth spent most of the defining years alone with men at sea. While other men were beginning to court women and learning how to flirt, Wentworth has no experience. Besides his romance with Anne, Wentworth knows nothing about flirting. Louisa is really the first woman to flirt with him and he doesn't know how to handle that. Of course, there's no way Austen can confirm this but I love this theory! Since Wentworth's main character trait is that he's honorable, there's no way that he would risk this by flirting for no reason.
I can't believe how much foreshadowing is in this novel. My favorite one is when Louisa jokes about not driving safely and getting in an accident; it is horrifying but incredible that Austen manages to hint about an important future moment. What I love most about this novel is the exploration of Anne and Wentworth's relationship - it's a slow burn love. They didn't invent enemies to lovers, but instead lovers to strangers to one-sided enemies to friends to OTP. I am infinitely impressed with how Austen was able to squeeze in all that relationship drama and STILL make the love story feel gradual and developed.
This is an ARC book review for NetGalley.
3.5 stars
"Piranesi. It is what he calls me. Which is strange because as far as I remember it is not my name." ~ [b:Piranesi|50202953|Piranesi|Susanna Clarke|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580945805l/50202953._SX50_.jpg|73586702]
I loved [b:Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell|14201|Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell|Susanna Clarke|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1357027589l/14201._SY75_.jpg|3921305] and [b:The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories|15161|The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories|Susanna Clarke|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1435241299l/15161._SX50_.jpg|3088909] so I was excited to get my hands on this ARC edition of [a:Susanna Clarke|8842|Susanna Clarke|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1453496946p2/8842.jpg]'s latest book! "Piranesi" is nothing like what I expected, but Clarke's novels never are. I have never read anything else like it. "Piranesi" is a mind-bending, speculative fantasy story about a man desperately searching for the truth of his identity. I hung on to each page, searching hungrily for answers. The suspense was incredible; I felt absorbed into the story from page one!
Piranesi is an excellent narrator. I was rooting for him from page one. He's so respectful of his home and his compassion for all living things is beautiful. Piranesi is one of those rare main characters that possess flaws, but these flaws are forgotten with the extreme empathy the reader experiences for him. As far as critiques go, the main reason this book isn't four stars or higher is because of the novel's length. It's a quick read, but there is so much worldbuilding going on that I desperately wanted another hundred pages to entertain me. The alternate reality is so detailed that sometimes I became confused - so more explanation would've been helpful. Also, maybe I missed something, but is there a satyr in the novel or is that just an unrelated cover choice?
Overall I enjoyed my awe-inspiring adventure into Piranesi's world. I noticed a huge change in Clarke's writing style - while she usually wraps her stories in an air of mystery, her endings traditionally bring a sense of clarity to the plot. However, instead of writing a lengthy novel like she usually does, Clarke went for a short novel that left much speculation for the reader. The fantasy/magic explanation is vague. The novel's alternate reality is presented in an "it is what it is, just go with it" style. The House never explains itself; it just exists. Every reader will interpret this alternate reality differently.
3.5 stars
"Piranesi. It is what he calls me. Which is strange because as far as I remember it is not my name." ~ [b:Piranesi|50202953|Piranesi|Susanna Clarke|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580945805l/50202953._SX50_.jpg|73586702]
I loved [b:Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell|14201|Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell|Susanna Clarke|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1357027589l/14201._SY75_.jpg|3921305] and [b:The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories|15161|The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories|Susanna Clarke|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1435241299l/15161._SX50_.jpg|3088909] so I was excited to get my hands on this ARC edition of [a:Susanna Clarke|8842|Susanna Clarke|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1453496946p2/8842.jpg]'s latest book! "Piranesi" is nothing like what I expected, but Clarke's novels never are. I have never read anything else like it. "Piranesi" is a mind-bending, speculative fantasy story about a man desperately searching for the truth of his identity. I hung on to each page, searching hungrily for answers. The suspense was incredible; I felt absorbed into the story from page one!
Piranesi is an excellent narrator. I was rooting for him from page one. He's so respectful of his home and his compassion for all living things is beautiful. Piranesi is one of those rare main characters that possess flaws, but these flaws are forgotten with the extreme empathy the reader experiences for him. As far as critiques go, the main reason this book isn't four stars or higher is because of the novel's length. It's a quick read, but there is so much worldbuilding going on that I desperately wanted another hundred pages to entertain me. The alternate reality is so detailed that sometimes I became confused - so more explanation would've been helpful. Also, maybe I missed something, but is there a satyr in the novel or is that just an unrelated cover choice?
Overall I enjoyed my awe-inspiring adventure into Piranesi's world. I noticed a huge change in Clarke's writing style - while she usually wraps her stories in an air of mystery, her endings traditionally bring a sense of clarity to the plot. However, instead of writing a lengthy novel like she usually does, Clarke went for a short novel that left much speculation for the reader. The fantasy/magic explanation is vague. The novel's alternate reality is presented in an "it is what it is, just go with it" style. The House never explains itself; it just exists. Every reader will interpret this alternate reality differently.
4.5 stars
"It would be like opening a box of treasure, like a divine relic that Evadne could only admire, not touch and claim." ~ [b:Sisters of Sword and Song|52038346|Sisters of Sword and Song|Rebecca Ross|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1569955095l/52038346._SY75_.jpg|60801666]
I am an emotional wreck after reading this book. All of the characters, even the background ones, are well-developed, complex, and detailed. Somehow [a:Rebecca Ross|14926516|Rebecca Ross|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1578700485p2/14926516.jpg] managed to capture the breadth of an entire fantasy series in one standalone book! It is a 462-page story and, while reading, I kept muttering, "no way can she wrap up all these storylines in time!" Well, I stand corrected! Every plot point was delivered to its conclusion. I have no remaining questions except where can I find my own mage named Damon???
First and foremost, I love that this was a story about the bond between women, specifically sisters. Evadne and Halcyon start off with a strong sisterly bond (which they will always have), but over time they come to see each other as powerful women in their own right. The first moment Halcyon saw her sister carry a sword made me so emotional! She was so proud of her baby sister. Speaking of strong, powerful women, this book is full of them! Halcyon's captain is also a woman (wish we got more information about her as a character), Evadne and Halcyon's mom is so loving and protective, and Cosima learns of another woman in trouble and goes to heal her despite her personal feelings towards her. All these women help and support each other whenever they can and I'M LIVING FOR IT! #womensupportwomen
I have little to no critiques for this novel. My only frustration is that I loved these characters so much and I miss them already! I didn't expect to love the slow burn romance and now I want more scenes with that couple! This standalone is almost too perfect because I still want more adventures with these characters. Specifically, I must know more about Arcalos, the cutest dog in Mithra!
"It would be like opening a box of treasure, like a divine relic that Evadne could only admire, not touch and claim." ~ [b:Sisters of Sword and Song|52038346|Sisters of Sword and Song|Rebecca Ross|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1569955095l/52038346._SY75_.jpg|60801666]
I am an emotional wreck after reading this book. All of the characters, even the background ones, are well-developed, complex, and detailed. Somehow [a:Rebecca Ross|14926516|Rebecca Ross|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1578700485p2/14926516.jpg] managed to capture the breadth of an entire fantasy series in one standalone book! It is a 462-page story and, while reading, I kept muttering, "no way can she wrap up all these storylines in time!" Well, I stand corrected! Every plot point was delivered to its conclusion. I have no remaining questions except where can I find my own mage named Damon???
First and foremost, I love that this was a story about the bond between women, specifically sisters. Evadne and Halcyon start off with a strong sisterly bond (which they will always have), but over time they come to see each other as powerful women in their own right. The first moment Halcyon saw her sister carry a sword made me so emotional! She was so proud of her baby sister. Speaking of strong, powerful women, this book is full of them! Halcyon's captain is also a woman (wish we got more information about her as a character), Evadne and Halcyon's mom is so loving and protective, and Cosima learns of another woman in trouble and goes to heal her despite her personal feelings towards her. All these women help and support each other whenever they can and I'M LIVING FOR IT! #womensupportwomen
I have little to no critiques for this novel. My only frustration is that I loved these characters so much and I miss them already! I didn't expect to love the slow burn romance and now I want more scenes with that couple! This standalone is almost too perfect because I still want more adventures with these characters. Specifically, I must know more about Arcalos, the cutest dog in Mithra!