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Nope, nope, nope.
That... took quite the turn for the worse. I have so many issues with this sequel, but the biggest one is that it shouldn't have existed in the first place.
Not recommended.
That... took quite the turn for the worse. I have so many issues with this sequel, but the biggest one is that it shouldn't have existed in the first place.
Not recommended.
I just think that this sequel tried to be so many things and do so many things that, ultimately and unfortunately, it delivered things in half-measures.
Full review to follow.
Full review to follow.
* I received a digital ARC of this book (via NetGalley) from its publisher in exchange for an honest review.
A case of expectations =/= reality but in the best possible way, in my opinion.
I dived into this with the expectation that it would be a high-stakes, action-packed wuxia fantasy with a lot of martial art goodness, but instead I found a very thought-provoking novella that revolves around identity, spirituality, and the lengths taken in order to guarantee survival. I also thought that the queer-norm aspects of this novella (particularly the emphasis on trans-ness and gender fluidity) were a pleasant surprise.
The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water is a weird novella, and I really liked it. Full review to follow.
* I received a digital ARC of this book (via NetGalley) from its publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I dived into this with the expectation that it would be a high-stakes, action-packed wuxia fantasy with a lot of martial art goodness, but instead I found a very thought-provoking novella that revolves around identity, spirituality, and the lengths taken in order to guarantee survival. I also thought that the queer-norm aspects of this novella (particularly the emphasis on trans-ness and gender fluidity) were a pleasant surprise.
The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water is a weird novella, and I really liked it. Full review to follow.
* I received a digital ARC of this book (via NetGalley) from its publisher in exchange for an honest review.
As a science fantasy novel, Mirage had heavily emphasized fantasy elements set against a science fiction backdrop. The world of Mirage was built and developed phenomenally. The incredibly rich cultures, well-established history, and endlessly fascinating religions — all perfection.
Generally, I liked all the character relationships in the story; however, personally, the romantic development between Amani and Maram’s fiancé Idris was the hugest letdown of the entire book. I really was not sold at all because they blatantly lacked chemistry and just fell pretty flat. Plus, I can’t help but feel that Idris and Amani are better off as friends and confidants instead of lovers.
On the other hand, I was totally hoping and praying for Amani and Maram to finally realize that they’d be absolutely perfect for each other! This could have been the sci-fi enemies-to-lovers Sapphic romance we deserve!!! I AM ONE HELL OF A FRUSTRATED AMANI x MARAM SHIPPER, PEOPLE. I usually respect other people’s opinions, but I will immediately scoff at anyone who dares to look me in the eye and say that Amani and Idris are the better pairing compared to my Sapphic sweethearts, Amani and Maram. Idris is a temporary flame, but Amani x Maram is the one true endgame – fight me.
Another weak point of Mirage was definitely its very slow pacing that made it challenging for me to remain totally, consistently engaged. As I mentioned earlier, the story was very character-driven, which meant that not much transpired in terms of plot. Sluggish pacing + lacking plot = occasionally waning interest.
I really loved how, at its heart, Mirage is a hauntingly realistic, painfully true story about life under colonization. Throughout the story, we are shown the brutal aftermath of Vathek’s colonization and its continued effects on the Andalaan people. From living as second-class citizens in a world that used to be yours to being victims of cultural erasure, there were definitely a lot of parallels to our real world events and history.
Additionally, I loved the refreshingly honest perspective this story took. Instead of a plot where the colonizer eventually develops empathy towards the oppressed, I was shown how, at its crux, Princess Maram was simply a young girl caught in the mess of things and torn between two clashing identities that have both rejected her for different reasons. Towards the end of the story, not only did I empathize with her but also, I grew to become really fond of Maram’s character.
Evocative, atmospheric and utterly spellbinding, Mirage is a culturally infused, socially relevant science fantasy novel teeming with colorful mythology and dark, gritty truths. I look forward to the sequel, and I am definitely crossing my fingers for more lovable Amani and Maram moments!
Disclosure: I received a digital ARC of Mirage from the publisher (via NetGalley) as part of my participation in a blog tour hosted by Aimee, Always. This affects neither my opinion nor the content of this review. Many thanks to the publishers and Aimee for the opportunity!
Actual rating: 4 stars
* Read the rest of the review in my natural habitat!
Generally, I liked all the character relationships in the story; however, personally, the romantic development between Amani and Maram’s fiancé Idris was the hugest letdown of the entire book. I really was not sold at all because they blatantly lacked chemistry and just fell pretty flat. Plus, I can’t help but feel that Idris and Amani are better off as friends and confidants instead of lovers.
On the other hand, I was totally hoping and praying for Amani and Maram to finally realize that they’d be absolutely perfect for each other! This could have been the sci-fi enemies-to-lovers Sapphic romance we deserve!!! I AM ONE HELL OF A FRUSTRATED AMANI x MARAM SHIPPER, PEOPLE. I usually respect other people’s opinions, but I will immediately scoff at anyone who dares to look me in the eye and say that Amani and Idris are the better pairing compared to my Sapphic sweethearts, Amani and Maram. Idris is a temporary flame, but Amani x Maram is the one true endgame – fight me.
Another weak point of Mirage was definitely its very slow pacing that made it challenging for me to remain totally, consistently engaged. As I mentioned earlier, the story was very character-driven, which meant that not much transpired in terms of plot. Sluggish pacing + lacking plot = occasionally waning interest.
I really loved how, at its heart, Mirage is a hauntingly realistic, painfully true story about life under colonization. Throughout the story, we are shown the brutal aftermath of Vathek’s colonization and its continued effects on the Andalaan people. From living as second-class citizens in a world that used to be yours to being victims of cultural erasure, there were definitely a lot of parallels to our real world events and history.
Additionally, I loved the refreshingly honest perspective this story took. Instead of a plot where the colonizer eventually develops empathy towards the oppressed, I was shown how, at its crux, Princess Maram was simply a young girl caught in the mess of things and torn between two clashing identities that have both rejected her for different reasons. Towards the end of the story, not only did I empathize with her but also, I grew to become really fond of Maram’s character.
Evocative, atmospheric and utterly spellbinding, Mirage is a culturally infused, socially relevant science fantasy novel teeming with colorful mythology and dark, gritty truths. I look forward to the sequel, and I am definitely crossing my fingers for more lovable Amani and Maram moments!
Disclosure: I received a digital ARC of Mirage from the publisher (via NetGalley) as part of my participation in a blog tour hosted by Aimee, Always. This affects neither my opinion nor the content of this review. Many thanks to the publishers and Aimee for the opportunity!
Actual rating: 4 stars
* Read the rest of the review in my natural habitat!
If you're a reader of diverse books and want to know what representations this book offers, find the diversity tags here.
At its core, With the Fire on High is a coming-of-age journey for a teenage girl who’s had to mature more quickly than her peers and who’s had to take on more responsibility than most people her age. I think the book initiates a thoughtful discussion on what “coming of age” looks like for the youth whose circumstances have pushed them into acting like adults at an early age, and in my opinion, this is a discussion that is sorely needed in Young Adult literature.
However, it is worth recognizing that With the Fire on High unapologetically delves into issues outside of Emoni’s personal life. As a main character, Emoni is introspective and thoughtful. Through her perspective, Acevedo raises powerful points regarding gentrification, education as a luxury and as a privilege, racism and microaggressions, colonialism, and sex positivity among the youth.
Strongly written characters, an intersection of identities, cultures, and histories, a taboo subject matter discussed with sensitivity, snippets of creative recipes, phenomenal storytelling, and an extremely satisfying ending — With the Fire on High has all the necessary ingredients (with just the right pinch of magical cinnamon dust) for a quick page-turner that readers will immediately eat up and fall in love with. This one’s absolutely riveting. Please send my compliments to the chef.
I received a physical ARC of With the Fire on High as part of my participation in a blog tour organized by Afire Pages. This does not affect my review.
Content/Trigger warnings:
5 stars
* Read the rest of this review in my natural habitat>
At its core, With the Fire on High is a coming-of-age journey for a teenage girl who’s had to mature more quickly than her peers and who’s had to take on more responsibility than most people her age. I think the book initiates a thoughtful discussion on what “coming of age” looks like for the youth whose circumstances have pushed them into acting like adults at an early age, and in my opinion, this is a discussion that is sorely needed in Young Adult literature.
However, it is worth recognizing that With the Fire on High unapologetically delves into issues outside of Emoni’s personal life. As a main character, Emoni is introspective and thoughtful. Through her perspective, Acevedo raises powerful points regarding gentrification, education as a luxury and as a privilege, racism and microaggressions, colonialism, and sex positivity among the youth.
Strongly written characters, an intersection of identities, cultures, and histories, a taboo subject matter discussed with sensitivity, snippets of creative recipes, phenomenal storytelling, and an extremely satisfying ending — With the Fire on High has all the necessary ingredients (with just the right pinch of magical cinnamon dust) for a quick page-turner that readers will immediately eat up and fall in love with. This one’s absolutely riveting. Please send my compliments to the chef.
I received a physical ARC of With the Fire on High as part of my participation in a blog tour organized by Afire Pages. This does not affect my review.
Content/Trigger warnings:
Spoiler
Mentions of premarital sex; early teenage pregnancy; brief mention of abortion; slut-shaming and racism (both challenged)5 stars
* Read the rest of this review in my natural habitat>
The first Sandhya Menon book I’ve finished and I’m so glad that I gave this author a second chance (sadly, I couldn’t finish her debut novel) because From Twinkle, with Love is messy, endearing, and heartwarming. I loved it.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!