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THIS IS A NETGALLEY ARC REVIEW.
"It's okay to feel like you're drowning inside your own bones sometimes." ~ [b:The Girl and the Goddess: Stories and Poems of Divine Wisdom|49814602|The Girl and the Goddess Stories and Poems of Divine Wisdom|Nikita Gill|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1595209290l/49814602._SX50_.jpg|74930769]
This was my first [a:Nikita Gill|7757886|Nikita Gill|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1432646214p2/7757886.jpg] book and ohmygosh I loved everything about it! This was one of those books that I read at the perfect time. I was feeling homesick at college and the line: "I read somewhere the first month of going away to university is the hardest. After that you get busy. They don't say it gets easier" really helped me combat that homesickness. This book nourished my soul with the beautiful artwork, intriguing use of mythology, and feminist narrative.
My favorite poems in this collection were "How To Be a Revolution of a Girl" and "What I Have Learned About Sisterhood." In the first, I love the list format, the theme, and the gorgeous writing style. It spoke to my feminist writing side. In the second, every line reminded me of the wonderful girlfriends I have found in college. After reading the poem, I loved that it left me with the feeling that I should immediately text them and tell them how much they mean to me! Also the poem "If Birthdays Were Movies" meant a lot to me emotionally. It reminded me of how much I struggled as a child to make and keep friends. This poem touched my heart. The poems about Sean were lovely too - they all felt like a love letter to friendship.
Something I didn't notice until later in the collection was just how atmospheric the writing was. I love how Gill set a scene with each poem. One of my favorite instances of this was: "I laid my pen down finally and looked out of the window as the cold mist blew around the city, the roofs of buildings shadows against a soft orange-gold sky...Nothing haunts me in this silence." Like wow, I felt like I was instantly transported to London!
There is hardly anything I would critique about this poetry collection. The book's length is perfect and all the poems told a cohesive story, which isn't even necessary in poetry but I loved it here. I was confused when the different gods and goddesses were visiting Paro. It wasn't until near the end of the book that the reader got an explanation for that. I would've preferred it explained earlier, but I like that Gill explains why she waited until the end. Since Paro is confused as to why she's seeing gods and goddesses, the reasoning for these experiences isn't explained until Paro herself understands it. Overall I can't wait to read all of Gill's poetry after reading such a phenomenal book! This truly was an experience.
Some of my favorite lines:
"I see Narnia, I see a fairytale land."
"I am a storm-skinned child."
"I dreamed of a different world - one where I was allowed to be a child as long as I needed to be."
"After all, it doesn't make for a happy ending to them when a woman is able to stand up to years of patriarchal oppression with a simple phrase: 'No more.'"
"I learn that day just how someone can use their privilege to champion others and help them rise too."
"Alone has treated me kinder than lonely ever could. Alone is the comfort of libraries. The solace of Audre Lorde's poetry."
"I have no sisters. Maybe it is time you found some."
"People are most exquisite when they talk about what they love."
"...how people treat women who come forward. We are called liars and troublemakers, besmirched with wretched reputations ever after."
"It's okay to feel like you're drowning inside your own bones sometimes." ~ [b:The Girl and the Goddess: Stories and Poems of Divine Wisdom|49814602|The Girl and the Goddess Stories and Poems of Divine Wisdom|Nikita Gill|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1595209290l/49814602._SX50_.jpg|74930769]
This was my first [a:Nikita Gill|7757886|Nikita Gill|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1432646214p2/7757886.jpg] book and ohmygosh I loved everything about it! This was one of those books that I read at the perfect time. I was feeling homesick at college and the line: "I read somewhere the first month of going away to university is the hardest. After that you get busy. They don't say it gets easier" really helped me combat that homesickness. This book nourished my soul with the beautiful artwork, intriguing use of mythology, and feminist narrative.
My favorite poems in this collection were "How To Be a Revolution of a Girl" and "What I Have Learned About Sisterhood." In the first, I love the list format, the theme, and the gorgeous writing style. It spoke to my feminist writing side. In the second, every line reminded me of the wonderful girlfriends I have found in college. After reading the poem, I loved that it left me with the feeling that I should immediately text them and tell them how much they mean to me! Also the poem "If Birthdays Were Movies" meant a lot to me emotionally. It reminded me of how much I struggled as a child to make and keep friends. This poem touched my heart. The poems about Sean were lovely too - they all felt like a love letter to friendship.
Something I didn't notice until later in the collection was just how atmospheric the writing was. I love how Gill set a scene with each poem. One of my favorite instances of this was: "I laid my pen down finally and looked out of the window as the cold mist blew around the city, the roofs of buildings shadows against a soft orange-gold sky...Nothing haunts me in this silence." Like wow, I felt like I was instantly transported to London!
There is hardly anything I would critique about this poetry collection. The book's length is perfect and all the poems told a cohesive story, which isn't even necessary in poetry but I loved it here. I was confused when the different gods and goddesses were visiting Paro. It wasn't until near the end of the book that the reader got an explanation for that. I would've preferred it explained earlier, but I like that Gill explains why she waited until the end. Since Paro is confused as to why she's seeing gods and goddesses, the reasoning for these experiences isn't explained until Paro herself understands it. Overall I can't wait to read all of Gill's poetry after reading such a phenomenal book! This truly was an experience.
Some of my favorite lines:
"I see Narnia, I see a fairytale land."
"I am a storm-skinned child."
"I dreamed of a different world - one where I was allowed to be a child as long as I needed to be."
"After all, it doesn't make for a happy ending to them when a woman is able to stand up to years of patriarchal oppression with a simple phrase: 'No more.'"
"I learn that day just how someone can use their privilege to champion others and help them rise too."
"Alone has treated me kinder than lonely ever could. Alone is the comfort of libraries. The solace of Audre Lorde's poetry."
"I have no sisters. Maybe it is time you found some."
"People are most exquisite when they talk about what they love."
"...how people treat women who come forward. We are called liars and troublemakers, besmirched with wretched reputations ever after."
4.5 stars
"It was one of those perfect autumn days so common in stories and so rare in the real world." ~ [b:The Name of the Wind|186074|The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle, #1)|Patrick Rothfuss|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1515589515l/186074._SX50_.jpg|2502879]
Okay this was the quote that let me know I was in for a wild ride: "I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep. You may have heard of me." As soon as I read this quote, I was hooked! I fell in love with Kvothe's character immediately. I love everything about him from his name to his friends, to his magical talent, to his epic storytelling. What really endears Kvothe as a character is his humanity, his good nature. I love his almost sibling-like relationship with Auri and how he looks after her like an older brother. He always protects and respects the women in his life and I LOVE THAT.
This is the perfect read for teens and adults who are fans of [b:Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows|136251|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter, #7)|J.K. Rowling|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1474171184l/136251._SY75_.jpg|2963218] and the [b:Outlander|10964|Outlander (Outlander, #1)|Diana Gabaldon|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529065012l/10964._SY75_.jpg|2489796] series. These are two of my favorite series and "The Name of the Wind" feels like a combination of the two. I also got a strong [b:Blood of Elves|6043781|Blood of Elves (The Witcher, #1)|Andrzej Sapkowski|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1589998653l/6043781._SX50_.jpg|1877722] (the Witcher series) vibe from Kvothe, especially when the reader gets to see what he's like in the future as an innkeeper. And, no spoilers, but in chapter 88 Kvothe really pulls a Geralt move! I loved being absorbed in the University's politics and drama. It was awesome to read about Kvothe's adventures at school while I was studying at college. It almost felt like I was studying with a fictional character by my side! This is the sort of book that, as soon as I finished it, I wanted to go back and reread it. My favorite moment, no question, was when Kvothe said the name of the wind for the first time. HOW EPIC! I was screaming internally and loving every second of how that moment was written on the page.
The only aspect of the novel that I didn't enjoy was the chapter interludes. I completely understand that since this story is being told orally that Kvothe has to stop speaking every once in a while, but the interludes really drew me out of the story. Sometimes this was a good thing because I wanted to stay awake all night and read. However, when I was reading and focused, the interludes broke my concentration completely. Also, I wish the dracus/dragon creature has played a more important role in the story. I loved the author's description of a dragonlike creature, but since it was hunted so quickly, I didn't get a chance to savor its description. I desperately hope that this creature will play a more significant role in the following books. Overall I can't wait to read the rest of the series and see what happens to all my favorite characters: Fela (she is so smart and loving!), Kvothe, and Auri (I need to know her backstory)!
Some of my favorite quotes:
"Only the old oaks seemed reluctant to give up the summer, and their leaves remained an even mingling of gold and green."
"It was not a large road, nor well traveled. It didn't seem to lead anywhere, as some roads do. The innkeeper drew a deep breath of autumn air and looked around restlessly, as if waiting for something to happen."
"Words are pale shadows of forgotten names."
"We understand how dangerous a mask can be."
"Bones mend. Regret stays with you forever."
"The boy grows upward, but the girl grows up."
"You lack the requisite spine and testicular fortitude to study under me."
"It was one of those perfect autumn days so common in stories and so rare in the real world." ~ [b:The Name of the Wind|186074|The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle, #1)|Patrick Rothfuss|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1515589515l/186074._SX50_.jpg|2502879]
Okay this was the quote that let me know I was in for a wild ride: "I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep. You may have heard of me." As soon as I read this quote, I was hooked! I fell in love with Kvothe's character immediately. I love everything about him from his name to his friends, to his magical talent, to his epic storytelling. What really endears Kvothe as a character is his humanity, his good nature. I love his almost sibling-like relationship with Auri and how he looks after her like an older brother. He always protects and respects the women in his life and I LOVE THAT.
This is the perfect read for teens and adults who are fans of [b:Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows|136251|Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter, #7)|J.K. Rowling|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1474171184l/136251._SY75_.jpg|2963218] and the [b:Outlander|10964|Outlander (Outlander, #1)|Diana Gabaldon|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529065012l/10964._SY75_.jpg|2489796] series. These are two of my favorite series and "The Name of the Wind" feels like a combination of the two. I also got a strong [b:Blood of Elves|6043781|Blood of Elves (The Witcher, #1)|Andrzej Sapkowski|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1589998653l/6043781._SX50_.jpg|1877722] (the Witcher series) vibe from Kvothe, especially when the reader gets to see what he's like in the future as an innkeeper. And, no spoilers, but in chapter 88 Kvothe really pulls a Geralt move! I loved being absorbed in the University's politics and drama. It was awesome to read about Kvothe's adventures at school while I was studying at college. It almost felt like I was studying with a fictional character by my side! This is the sort of book that, as soon as I finished it, I wanted to go back and reread it. My favorite moment, no question, was when Kvothe said the name of the wind for the first time. HOW EPIC! I was screaming internally and loving every second of how that moment was written on the page.
The only aspect of the novel that I didn't enjoy was the chapter interludes. I completely understand that since this story is being told orally that Kvothe has to stop speaking every once in a while, but the interludes really drew me out of the story. Sometimes this was a good thing because I wanted to stay awake all night and read. However, when I was reading and focused, the interludes broke my concentration completely. Also, I wish the dracus/dragon creature has played a more important role in the story. I loved the author's description of a dragonlike creature, but since it was hunted so quickly, I didn't get a chance to savor its description. I desperately hope that this creature will play a more significant role in the following books. Overall I can't wait to read the rest of the series and see what happens to all my favorite characters: Fela (she is so smart and loving!), Kvothe, and Auri (I need to know her backstory)!
Some of my favorite quotes:
"Only the old oaks seemed reluctant to give up the summer, and their leaves remained an even mingling of gold and green."
"It was not a large road, nor well traveled. It didn't seem to lead anywhere, as some roads do. The innkeeper drew a deep breath of autumn air and looked around restlessly, as if waiting for something to happen."
"Words are pale shadows of forgotten names."
"We understand how dangerous a mask can be."
"Bones mend. Regret stays with you forever."
"The boy grows upward, but the girl grows up."
"You lack the requisite spine and testicular fortitude to study under me."
"Tomorrow was the first of October, and the great feast would be held to show honor to our patron and lord. Tomorrow, the Dragon would come." ~ [b:Uprooted|22544764|Uprooted|Naomi Novik|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1550135418l/22544764._SX50_.jpg|41876730]
This book has been on my to-read list FOREVER and I'm so glad I finally got around to it. It's definitely an ideal read for autumn; the atmosphere is so Octoberesque. My favorite aspect of this book was Agnieszka, the main heroine. She's spunky, klutzy and loyal to a fault. I love every moment she stands up for herself. When I began this book, it started off feeling like a "Beauty and the Beast" retelling, kind of reminding me of [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]. However, it quickly became clear that this novel wasn't about romance. It's about Agnieszka learning magic and I love it! Her relationship with Dragon is so interesting, especially that it's such a slow burn that I wasn't even sure if they liked each other that way!
I love how dynamic and rich the relationships in this novel are; like you never know where the characters stand with each other and that motivated me to keep reading. Also I love how [a:Naomi Novik|8730|Naomi Novik|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1206646770p2/8730.jpg] manages to pack so much detailed worldbuilding into a standalone book! The atmosphere is so dangerous, intriguing, and magical. Very rarely did I get lost in all the gorgeous plot. What I admired most was that the author didn't surrender to the classic fantasy trope of sending the main character off to a tower to abandon her friends and fall in love. Agnieszka actively demands that she has control over her own life. Her friendship with Kaisia is everything; it was such a welcome change to have two badass women working together in a fantasy story. Overall I couldn't get enough of this unusual story and I will definitely be reading more of Novik's writing in the future.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"His only extravagance was books. We were well read by the standards of villagers, because he would pay gold for a single great tome, and so the book-peddlers came all this way, even though our valley was at the very edge of Polnya."
"He had told me himself no one had ever been brought out of a heart-tree, no one had ever come out of the Wood—but Jaga had done it, and now I had, too. He could be mistaken; he was mistaken."
"Then I shut my eyes and felt out the shape of his magic: as full of thorns as his illusion, prickly and guarded. I started to murmur my own spell..."
"His name tasted of fire and wings, of curling smoke, of subtlety and strength and the rasping whisper of scales."
I realized she was hammering spells into the steel: her lips moved a little while she worked. It was a strange kind of magic..."
This book has been on my to-read list FOREVER and I'm so glad I finally got around to it. It's definitely an ideal read for autumn; the atmosphere is so Octoberesque. My favorite aspect of this book was Agnieszka, the main heroine. She's spunky, klutzy and loyal to a fault. I love every moment she stands up for herself. When I began this book, it started off feeling like a "Beauty and the Beast" retelling, kind of reminding me of [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]. However, it quickly became clear that this novel wasn't about romance. It's about Agnieszka learning magic and I love it! Her relationship with Dragon is so interesting, especially that it's such a slow burn that I wasn't even sure if they liked each other that way!
I love how dynamic and rich the relationships in this novel are; like you never know where the characters stand with each other and that motivated me to keep reading. Also I love how [a:Naomi Novik|8730|Naomi Novik|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1206646770p2/8730.jpg] manages to pack so much detailed worldbuilding into a standalone book! The atmosphere is so dangerous, intriguing, and magical. Very rarely did I get lost in all the gorgeous plot. What I admired most was that the author didn't surrender to the classic fantasy trope of sending the main character off to a tower to abandon her friends and fall in love. Agnieszka actively demands that she has control over her own life. Her friendship with Kaisia is everything; it was such a welcome change to have two badass women working together in a fantasy story. Overall I couldn't get enough of this unusual story and I will definitely be reading more of Novik's writing in the future.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"His only extravagance was books. We were well read by the standards of villagers, because he would pay gold for a single great tome, and so the book-peddlers came all this way, even though our valley was at the very edge of Polnya."
"He had told me himself no one had ever been brought out of a heart-tree, no one had ever come out of the Wood—but Jaga had done it, and now I had, too. He could be mistaken; he was mistaken."
"Then I shut my eyes and felt out the shape of his magic: as full of thorns as his illusion, prickly and guarded. I started to murmur my own spell..."
"His name tasted of fire and wings, of curling smoke, of subtlety and strength and the rasping whisper of scales."
I realized she was hammering spells into the steel: her lips moved a little while she worked. It was a strange kind of magic..."
4.5 stars
"And while that is, as beginnings go, not entirely novel (for every tale about every young man there ever was or will be could start in a similar manner) there was much about this young man and what happened to him that was unusual, although even he never knew the whole of it. The tale started, as many tales have started, in Wall." ~ [b:Stardust|16793|Stardust|Neil Gaiman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1459127484l/16793._SY75_.jpg|3166179]
This is one of those few instances when I prefer the movie to the book, but the book is wonderful as well. The movie does an excellent job fleshing out all the major and minor characters and expanding the plot to be more in-depth. However, Gaiman's writing style is beyond lovely and I'm so glad I finally read the book! Yvaine is just as sassy as she is in the movie, the flying pirate ship is just as magical, and the witches are just as creepy.
I love how Gaiman sets the tone of the novel right away with his intense use of language. He immediately draws you into this enchanting Faerie and human world. Honestly, I never wanted to leave! I thought going in that I'd only be interested in learning about the Stormhold kingdom, but the village of Wall was adorable and so much fun to learn more about.
What the movie gets right is expanding the details of the book. For example, the pirate chapter of the story felt too brief. I wanted to know more about these awesome flying pirates! Robert De Niro does an excellent job bringing Captain Shakespeare to life in the movie adaptation. Also, the witches felt very underdeveloped. Like I understand their motivations, but after that initial attempt to steal Yvaine's heart at the inn, why did these characters disappear? It was like they were no longer important to the story! Then, the final scene shared between Yvaine and one of the witches feels lackluster. It felt like a vague attempt to tie up loose ends. I don't believe the witches wouldn't have fought harder for Yvaine's heart!
By the way, who gave the movie adaptation, and first and foremost the novel's imagery, permission to be this gorgeous?!?!
Some of my favorite quotes:
"Had you mentioned magic or Faerie to any of them, they would have smiled at you disdainfully, except perhaps for Mr. Dickens, at the time a young man, and beardless. He would have looked at you wistfully."
"For every nine years, the folk from Beyond the Wall and over the hill set up their stalls, and for a day and a night the meadow played host to the Faerie Market; and there was, for one day and one night in nine years, commerce between the nations."
"It was a cold, blustery day in late October, of the kind that always seems about to rain but never actually does, and it was late in the afternoon."
"I was a wood-nymph. But I got pursued by a prince, not a nice prince, the other kind, and, well, you’d think a prince, even the wrong kind, would understand about boundaries, wouldn’t you?"
"Adventures are all very well in their place, he thought, but there’s a lot to be said for regular meals and freedom from pain."
"And while that is, as beginnings go, not entirely novel (for every tale about every young man there ever was or will be could start in a similar manner) there was much about this young man and what happened to him that was unusual, although even he never knew the whole of it. The tale started, as many tales have started, in Wall." ~ [b:Stardust|16793|Stardust|Neil Gaiman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1459127484l/16793._SY75_.jpg|3166179]
This is one of those few instances when I prefer the movie to the book, but the book is wonderful as well. The movie does an excellent job fleshing out all the major and minor characters and expanding the plot to be more in-depth. However, Gaiman's writing style is beyond lovely and I'm so glad I finally read the book! Yvaine is just as sassy as she is in the movie, the flying pirate ship is just as magical, and the witches are just as creepy.
I love how Gaiman sets the tone of the novel right away with his intense use of language. He immediately draws you into this enchanting Faerie and human world. Honestly, I never wanted to leave! I thought going in that I'd only be interested in learning about the Stormhold kingdom, but the village of Wall was adorable and so much fun to learn more about.
What the movie gets right is expanding the details of the book. For example, the pirate chapter of the story felt too brief. I wanted to know more about these awesome flying pirates! Robert De Niro does an excellent job bringing Captain Shakespeare to life in the movie adaptation. Also, the witches felt very underdeveloped. Like I understand their motivations, but after that initial attempt to steal Yvaine's heart at the inn, why did these characters disappear? It was like they were no longer important to the story! Then, the final scene shared between Yvaine and one of the witches feels lackluster. It felt like a vague attempt to tie up loose ends. I don't believe the witches wouldn't have fought harder for Yvaine's heart!
By the way, who gave the movie adaptation, and first and foremost the novel's imagery, permission to be this gorgeous?!?!
Some of my favorite quotes:
"Had you mentioned magic or Faerie to any of them, they would have smiled at you disdainfully, except perhaps for Mr. Dickens, at the time a young man, and beardless. He would have looked at you wistfully."
"For every nine years, the folk from Beyond the Wall and over the hill set up their stalls, and for a day and a night the meadow played host to the Faerie Market; and there was, for one day and one night in nine years, commerce between the nations."
"It was a cold, blustery day in late October, of the kind that always seems about to rain but never actually does, and it was late in the afternoon."
"I was a wood-nymph. But I got pursued by a prince, not a nice prince, the other kind, and, well, you’d think a prince, even the wrong kind, would understand about boundaries, wouldn’t you?"
"Adventures are all very well in their place, he thought, but there’s a lot to be said for regular meals and freedom from pain."
"Still Hannah feared for her fate, for this was the day when Maria realized she would be beautiful, for all the good it would do her in this cruel, heartless world." ~ [b:Magic Lessons|50892349|Magic Lessons (Practical Magic, #0.1)|Alice Hoffman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1593355938l/50892349._SX50_.jpg|75786942]
Definitely one of my favorite reads of 2020! If you're searching for an autumn novel filled with atmospheric language, beautiful prose, thrilling action, haunting plot twists, and memorable characters, this is the story for you! If you think you know Maria Owens' story from [b:Practical Magic|22896|Practical Magic (Practical Magic #1)|Alice Hoffman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1490354120l/22896._SY75_.jpg|4030671], prepare to be surprised. The context added to Maria's story is so rich and intriguing. Most prequel novels are crap, but "Magic Lessons" is a gorgeous story all on its own, and in every way it is just as phenomenal as Sally and Gillian's story.
What's so suspenseful about this book? Let's just say the death watch beetle shows up several times and I was never prepared! My heart was racing every time this happened! I was crossing my fingers for Maria, Samuel, Finney, Catherine, and Faith to make it through. This book is so addictive I swear I read through the entirety of Maria's life in less than 72 hours.
What I appreciate about this novel is that it clears up most of the questions I had from "Practical Magic." The Owens' family history is explained in a really fascinating and often unbelievable way - trust me nothing is what it seems in this book! The opposite natures of Maria and Faith made the latter half of this book all the more engaging and dynamic. I loved how this book really dived into what makes light and dark magic so different. I'm also sure I caught a few references to "Practical Magic" too... Real quick: I expected going into this book that I would only appreciate the female characters, and don't get me wrong, they are AMAZING but Samuel is such an endearing guy. The jailbreak scene...oh my gosh! The scene that really impressed me was when Maria wrote the letter to save all the Salem women from burning and you know she did it not just because it was the right thing to do, but because she swore after Hannah she "would never again watch another woman burn." SO MANY TEARS
The only scene that genuinely confused me was how Samuel was able to survive in the water? I didn't quite understand how he came back to life/survived??? I really wished that explanation had been fleshed out more. Overall this has become one of my new favorite witch stories and it was such a fun time. I will definitely be reading any and all future Owens family adventures.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"Magical practitioners were everywhere in England, in the court and in castles, but magic books were forbidden for the poor and for women. There were searches for magical manuscripts belonging to women, which were often found hidden..."
"She would never again watch another woman burn."
"October came quickly, a glorious month when the fields turned yellow. The leaves might appear green in shadow, but when sunlight pierced through there were threads of scarlet and orange."
"Magic continued to flourish in Manhattan, for most New Yorkers looked the other way when faced with the unusual, be it magic or not."
"These are the lessons to be learned. Drink chamomile tea to calm the spirit. Feed a cold and starve a fever. Read as many books as you can. Always choose courage. Never watch another woman burn."
Definitely one of my favorite reads of 2020! If you're searching for an autumn novel filled with atmospheric language, beautiful prose, thrilling action, haunting plot twists, and memorable characters, this is the story for you! If you think you know Maria Owens' story from [b:Practical Magic|22896|Practical Magic (Practical Magic #1)|Alice Hoffman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1490354120l/22896._SY75_.jpg|4030671], prepare to be surprised. The context added to Maria's story is so rich and intriguing. Most prequel novels are crap, but "Magic Lessons" is a gorgeous story all on its own, and in every way it is just as phenomenal as Sally and Gillian's story.
What's so suspenseful about this book? Let's just say the death watch beetle shows up several times and I was never prepared! My heart was racing every time this happened! I was crossing my fingers for Maria, Samuel, Finney, Catherine, and Faith to make it through. This book is so addictive I swear I read through the entirety of Maria's life in less than 72 hours.
What I appreciate about this novel is that it clears up most of the questions I had from "Practical Magic." The Owens' family history is explained in a really fascinating and often unbelievable way - trust me nothing is what it seems in this book! The opposite natures of Maria and Faith made the latter half of this book all the more engaging and dynamic. I loved how this book really dived into what makes light and dark magic so different. I'm also sure I caught a few references to "Practical Magic" too... Real quick: I expected going into this book that I would only appreciate the female characters, and don't get me wrong, they are AMAZING but Samuel is such an endearing guy. The jailbreak scene...oh my gosh! The scene that really impressed me was when Maria wrote the letter to save all the Salem women from burning and you know she did it not just because it was the right thing to do, but because she swore after Hannah she "would never again watch another woman burn." SO MANY TEARS
The only scene that genuinely confused me was how Samuel was able to survive in the water? I didn't quite understand how he came back to life/survived??? I really wished that explanation had been fleshed out more. Overall this has become one of my new favorite witch stories and it was such a fun time. I will definitely be reading any and all future Owens family adventures.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"Magical practitioners were everywhere in England, in the court and in castles, but magic books were forbidden for the poor and for women. There were searches for magical manuscripts belonging to women, which were often found hidden..."
"She would never again watch another woman burn."
"October came quickly, a glorious month when the fields turned yellow. The leaves might appear green in shadow, but when sunlight pierced through there were threads of scarlet and orange."
"Magic continued to flourish in Manhattan, for most New Yorkers looked the other way when faced with the unusual, be it magic or not."
"These are the lessons to be learned. Drink chamomile tea to calm the spirit. Feed a cold and starve a fever. Read as many books as you can. Always choose courage. Never watch another woman burn."
GOODREADS GIVEAWAY REVIEW
"I arrived in Portsmouth late, the night before I was to meet Will on the docks. The salt air hung so heavy that I tasted it when I licked my cracked lips. I walked down the dock and stared at the ships in the enormous port, my eyes glassy from the sharp sea wind. The church bells tolled the late hour, and a ship in the harbor fired its guns in agreement. Will was here, somewhere. And the Stone." ~ [b:A Golden Fury|41187447|A Golden Fury|Samantha Cohoe|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1579719744l/41187447._SY75_.jpg|64368970]
This novel was a wonderfully unique and sensational journey. Thea is a heroine that all young women can look up to. I love the two dual aspects of her personality: her logical, scientific brain, and her loving, loyal nature. It's rare to find a female character depicted with such depth and complexity. Usually what bothers me about female characters in novels is that they always do something unexplainably stupid or out of character, but Thea is a constant, steadfast character that I can stand by. Her actions never confused me as the reader. It's very clear throughout the book that this is Thea's story to tell.
Something extraordinary that this novel does is play with fantasy tropes and toss away the ones that don't work and I loved that! Thea isn't pitted against her strong-willed mother or the female villain in the story. Like I really thought this book was going to be multiple women competing for Will's affections and I'm so glad it didn't turn into that!
My favorite aspect of this story is Thea's and Rahel's strained conversations. The beginning and end of the book are great, but my favorite scenes take place in Rahel's family home. The introduction of such a sophisticated, yet scary female character on the opposite side of Thea is so fascinating. Thea and Rahel's dealings had me dying to turn the page every time! I would've loved a chapter from Rahel's point of view. I wish we would've seen more of Rahel consistently throughout the book, but I appreciated the challenge she presented to Thea.
What I really appreciate that [a:Samantha Cohoe|18313531|Samantha Cohoe|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1536025611p2/18313531.jpg] did by creating Rahel's character was showing how women can fight amongst themselves and how debilitating this animosity can be. I totally understand things from Rahel's POV: she feels her sister has been betrayed and she wants revenge. Thea even acknowledges this later. What I don't like is that Rahel feels the need to tease Thea for having feelings and acting with compassion towards men. Rahel acts like she is superior just because she's not in love. It's truly ironic the scene where Thea finds Rahel reading [b:A Vindication of the Rights of Woman|224387|A Vindication of the Rights of Woman|Mary Wollstonecraft|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388191273l/224387._SY75_.jpg|1938850], an important feminist work, and then Rahel goes into a whole speech about how disappointed she is in Thea for being in love, which in Rahel's eyes is viewed as a loss of independence.
Overall I loved the chilly atmosphere of this novel, the dynamic character relationships, and the original take on the philosopher's stone legend. This is an ideal October read for when you want to curl up with blankets and read excitedly for hours on end. This book kept me in a trance until the very last page!
"I arrived in Portsmouth late, the night before I was to meet Will on the docks. The salt air hung so heavy that I tasted it when I licked my cracked lips. I walked down the dock and stared at the ships in the enormous port, my eyes glassy from the sharp sea wind. The church bells tolled the late hour, and a ship in the harbor fired its guns in agreement. Will was here, somewhere. And the Stone." ~ [b:A Golden Fury|41187447|A Golden Fury|Samantha Cohoe|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1579719744l/41187447._SY75_.jpg|64368970]
This novel was a wonderfully unique and sensational journey. Thea is a heroine that all young women can look up to. I love the two dual aspects of her personality: her logical, scientific brain, and her loving, loyal nature. It's rare to find a female character depicted with such depth and complexity. Usually what bothers me about female characters in novels is that they always do something unexplainably stupid or out of character, but Thea is a constant, steadfast character that I can stand by. Her actions never confused me as the reader. It's very clear throughout the book that this is Thea's story to tell.
Something extraordinary that this novel does is play with fantasy tropes and toss away the ones that don't work and I loved that! Thea isn't pitted against her strong-willed mother or the female villain in the story. Like I really thought this book was going to be multiple women competing for Will's affections and I'm so glad it didn't turn into that!
My favorite aspect of this story is Thea's and Rahel's strained conversations. The beginning and end of the book are great, but my favorite scenes take place in Rahel's family home. The introduction of such a sophisticated, yet scary female character on the opposite side of Thea is so fascinating. Thea and Rahel's dealings had me dying to turn the page every time! I would've loved a chapter from Rahel's point of view. I wish we would've seen more of Rahel consistently throughout the book, but I appreciated the challenge she presented to Thea.
What I really appreciate that [a:Samantha Cohoe|18313531|Samantha Cohoe|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1536025611p2/18313531.jpg] did by creating Rahel's character was showing how women can fight amongst themselves and how debilitating this animosity can be. I totally understand things from Rahel's POV: she feels her sister has been betrayed and she wants revenge. Thea even acknowledges this later. What I don't like is that Rahel feels the need to tease Thea for having feelings and acting with compassion towards men. Rahel acts like she is superior just because she's not in love. It's truly ironic the scene where Thea finds Rahel reading [b:A Vindication of the Rights of Woman|224387|A Vindication of the Rights of Woman|Mary Wollstonecraft|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388191273l/224387._SY75_.jpg|1938850], an important feminist work, and then Rahel goes into a whole speech about how disappointed she is in Thea for being in love, which in Rahel's eyes is viewed as a loss of independence.
Overall I loved the chilly atmosphere of this novel, the dynamic character relationships, and the original take on the philosopher's stone legend. This is an ideal October read for when you want to curl up with blankets and read excitedly for hours on end. This book kept me in a trance until the very last page!
“Once, a Whimsical poet died of despair after finding himself unequal to the task of capturing a fair one's beauty in simile. I think it more likely he died of arsenic poisoning, but so the story goes.”
SPOILERS!!!
What a magical adventure that was! This book is perfect if you enjoyed [b:A Court of Thorns and Roses|16096824|A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546406962l/16096824._SY75_.jpg|21905102] and the rest of the ACOTAR series. It's the same genre and premise, but if you're looking for a short standlone read about fairies, then this is the book for you.
I've read several reviews where readers discount the main couple of this book, Isobel and Rook. I agree that their romance is rushed but it's not without passion and light-hearted banter. Their feelings for each other develop over their adventure and I see why they fell in love. Isobel reminds Rook of the mortal girl he once loved, and Isobel loves the adventure of Rook and how exciting it is to be with him. Plus Isobel challenges Rook with her witty dialogue and talented artistry. Isobel admires how wise and chivalrous Rook is.
What drew me into this beautiful story was the language. Honestly it's some of the most gorgeous YA writing I've ever seen.
“No. You surpass us all." Beside me she looked colorless and frail. "You are like a living rose among wax flowers. We may last forever, but you bloom brighter and smell sweeter, and draw blood with your thorns.”
“We were in the autumnlands.
Dim as it was, the forest glowed. The golden leaves flashing by blazed like sparks caught in the updraft of a fire. A scarlet carpet unrolled before us, rich and flawless as velvet. Rising from the forest floor, the black, tangled roots breathed a bluish mist that reduced the farthest trees' trunks to ghostly silhouettes, yet left their foliage's luminous hues untouched."
"This was no offering to the earth, but a command to it, and the forest surged around us. Bramble roots as wide around as kitchen tables heaved up from the ground, bristling with thorns longer and more wicked than any sword. When they reached their full height they branched, heaving higher, knotting together, until they gathered us up in a fortress like something out of an old tale, a place where a cursed princess slept imprisoned."
SO AMAZING
How about that ending?! I never expected Isobel to throw something in the well and make it explode! That was so clever of her. I always thought of her as creative, not brilliant. So in a sense this story really surprised me.
SPOILERS!!!
What a magical adventure that was! This book is perfect if you enjoyed [b:A Court of Thorns and Roses|16096824|A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1)|Sarah J. Maas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546406962l/16096824._SY75_.jpg|21905102] and the rest of the ACOTAR series. It's the same genre and premise, but if you're looking for a short standlone read about fairies, then this is the book for you.
I've read several reviews where readers discount the main couple of this book, Isobel and Rook. I agree that their romance is rushed but it's not without passion and light-hearted banter. Their feelings for each other develop over their adventure and I see why they fell in love. Isobel reminds Rook of the mortal girl he once loved, and Isobel loves the adventure of Rook and how exciting it is to be with him. Plus Isobel challenges Rook with her witty dialogue and talented artistry. Isobel admires how wise and chivalrous Rook is.
What drew me into this beautiful story was the language. Honestly it's some of the most gorgeous YA writing I've ever seen.
“No. You surpass us all." Beside me she looked colorless and frail. "You are like a living rose among wax flowers. We may last forever, but you bloom brighter and smell sweeter, and draw blood with your thorns.”
“We were in the autumnlands.
Dim as it was, the forest glowed. The golden leaves flashing by blazed like sparks caught in the updraft of a fire. A scarlet carpet unrolled before us, rich and flawless as velvet. Rising from the forest floor, the black, tangled roots breathed a bluish mist that reduced the farthest trees' trunks to ghostly silhouettes, yet left their foliage's luminous hues untouched."
"This was no offering to the earth, but a command to it, and the forest surged around us. Bramble roots as wide around as kitchen tables heaved up from the ground, bristling with thorns longer and more wicked than any sword. When they reached their full height they branched, heaving higher, knotting together, until they gathered us up in a fortress like something out of an old tale, a place where a cursed princess slept imprisoned."
SO AMAZING
How about that ending?! I never expected Isobel to throw something in the well and make it explode! That was so clever of her. I always thought of her as creative, not brilliant. So in a sense this story really surprised me.