This is a reverse retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, where wolves are afraid of humans. Little wolf’s mommy tells him to not trust humans or stray from his path, but when did kids start listening to their parents? So what happens next? Who will save Little Red Wolf? 

The story is short, compact, and well-presented. It uses the original and gives it a fresh twist. The ending is too good and says all one needs to know without sounding preachy. It does seem abrupt and without a happy conclusion, but anything else would have ruined what the book wanted to say. Of course, kiddos may need some nudging to help them connect the dots. The book sure would make a great choice for discussions. 

The text is easy to read and appears on the illustrations. While pages have only a couple of short lines, some have more content. Either way, the entire book shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to read. I like that the wolf’s diet is not vegetarianized (wolves are carnivores and eat other animals in the forest). 

The book also has a few lessons for kiddos – don’t trust strangers, someone looking nice doesn’t mean they are nice, truth has two sides (yours and theirs), the flaws in human emotions and thought, the inability to see beyond what one knows, etc. As I said, loads to discuss in this one. 

The illustrations are wonderful! I absolutely love them. The color scheme goes from dark to light to dark, depending on the content. The expressions on the little girl’s face contradict her cute looks and hint at what’s to come. I’m not sure if a couple of illustrations might be a bit too scary for kids, but I absolutely love them as an adult. I could read this book multiple times just for the artwork. (Not everyone may like it, though). 

To summarize, The Little Red Wolf is a dark little picture book with a creative retelling. Remember that this is not the Disney version of fairytales and doesn’t intend to be. It might be better if adults read it with their kids.  

Thank you, NetGalley and Oni Press, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#TheLittleRedWolf #NetGalley 

 4 Stars

Nordic Visions is a collection of speculative fiction written by famous authors from the region. The editor’s note emphasizes that the stories aren’t necessarily set in the region but only belong to the Nordic authors. Also, the focus is on ‘speculative fiction’ and not ‘Nordic fiction’. This helps in having the right expectations from the book. 

I could enjoy the stories as they are without wondering why many of them have nothing to do with their native land. The collection is categorized based on countries. This doesn’t add anything except to bring a better structure to the anthology. 

As always, I rate each story, accompanied by a short review. Only 4 out of 16 stories fall below the 4-star mark. Each story is distinctive, but they have common themes like technological domination, a blend of science and mythology, nature, etc. 

I read one or two stories per day and wrote the reviews soon after reading. These haven’t been edited (except for grammar) to retain the initial impressions. 

Sweden 

She by John Ajvide Lindqvist (Translated by Marlaine Delargy) – 4 Stars 

The narrator and his wife Alice spend their earnings rebuilding an old home. They are excited for a new beginning. However, someone else also seems to have moved in with them. But who is she? What does she want? The story is divided into three nights for the present track, with the past woven in between. The narration is slow-paced but atmospheric and suits the plot. The clues are artfully scattered and provide enough detail to connect the dots. The ending is open, though. 

Lost and Found by Maria Haskins – 4 Stars 

So this is set in the future on an unnamed planet with loads of sand. The story comes in the limited third-person of two characters. While the plot, as such, is vague, the writing has a haunting beauty to it. The recurring use of wind creates a kind of melancholic melody (something I didn’t know was possible in sci-fi). However, a couple of lines in the second person broke my focus. 

Sing by Karin Tidbeck – 4 Stars 

This is set in a possible colony in a dystopian future with artificial satellites as moons. Aino is a tailor who meets Petr, a biologist studying lichen’s growth in the region. He is fascinated with the locals (and Aino) while she longs for something else. The story comes from Aino’s first-person POV and weaves between the present and past. I’m still not sure about the setting, but whatever is provided works to imagine it to an extent. It’s a story of longing for acceptance. 

 

Denmark 

The False Fisherman by Kaspar Colling Nielsen (Translated by Olivia Lasky) – 3.5 Stars 

Written in the third person, we get the story of a 40+ man who decides to become a fisherman. It has less to do with fishing but everything to do with being a fisherman. How this changes his life is the story. The writing is distant and almost without emotion, which suits the MC’s arc. This feels more like a metaphorical tale with deeper meanings. 

Heather Country by Jakob Drud – 3.5 Stars 

Set in a dystopian world, we have people using pig shit as fertilizer for fuel. The NeuroClan, with not-so-human accountants, rules the region with a super tight fist. The narrator and a biologist are sent to investigate the case, which becomes two cases. What’s the connection? What will happen? The premise is definitely creative, but the use of well-known tropes dim the enjoyment. Some readers will love this one. 

The Traveller Girl by Lene Kaaberbøl – 4 Stars 

Jovin knows he’ll become the owner of Hasalin when he marries Siri next year. His life seems sorted until he meets a traveler girl, Zara. The villagers hate Travelers, and things escalate. However, Jovin might learn a few lessons in the process. The story comes from Jovin’s third-person POV. The narration and execution are simple, elevating the content and unsaid to take over. The ending is the icing on the cake.  

 

The Faroe Islands 

The Abyss by Rakel Helmsdal (Translated by Marita Thomsen) – 2 Stars 

Umm… this is a first-person narration of a person hanging upside down on an endless iron bar. What happens when they decide to let go? How are they? What is their destination? I’m not sure what this story is about. My first impression was that on the Hanged Man from Tarot Cards. Let’s say the ending also seems to align with it. Otherwise, this went over my head. Thankfully, it was a short piece. 

 

Iceland 

The Dreamgiver by Johann Thorsson – 4.5 Stars 

Oh, this is good! A real short story narrated in the first-person by a dad who wants to protect his son from nightmares. The setting is eerie. The writing has a weariness that matches the character’s situation. The core storyline is very simple, but the execution enhances it. 

Hamraborg Babylon by Alexander Dan Vilhjálmsson (Translated by Quentin Bates) – 4 Stars 

A woman walks into the mysterious Hamraborg city on a mission. The place is creepy, strange, and almost impossible to escape. But what does she want? Does she succeed? Written in a detached third-person POV, this one gave me strong Neverwhere (by Neil Gaiman) vibes. The ending is almost anti-climatic, but looks like that’s the intention. 

 

Norway 

As You Wish by Tor Åge Bringsværd (Translated by Olivia Lasky) – 4 Stars 

Written in the second-person POV, this story is set in dystopian mines underground. The story feels disjointed in the beginning, but things fall into place soon. The execution and narration make this a worthy read. It’s almost like a mind game. 

The Cormorant by Tone Almhjell – 4.5 Stars 

Set on an island and narrated by a girl raised by a single mother, this is the story of loneliness, despair, and the struggle for belongingness. The setting is atmospheric, with the icy sea wind adding tinges of darkness to the plot. It does seem like a metaphorical tale, but it does work as a regular tale (with an open ending). The writing is beautiful. 

The Day Jonas Shadowed His Dad by Thore Hansen (Translated by Olivia Lasky) – 3.5 Stars 

This is MG fiction! Needless to say, I was surprised to find a light and cute story in the book. Written in Jonas’ third-person POV, it’s the story of what happens when the kid follows his dad to know where he works. The content is vibrant and full of light, but the story as such feels a little too simple. There’s a lot of detail and description, but the plot is thin. The ending is good, though. 

A Lion Roars in Longyearbyen by Margrét Helgadóttir – 4.5 Stars 

Oh, this is beautiful! Set in a distant future, it’s the story of a missing celebrity lion, Levi. Told from the third-person POV of multiple characters, the story reveals itself in layers and ends on a bittersweet note. It’s heartfelt and beautiful. 

 

Finland 

A Bird Does Not Sing Because It Has an Answer by Johanna Sinisalo – 5 Stars 

Set in the future (2042), the story deals with a person using an advanced virtual avatar to gather data from an AI Box in a forest. He details his experience of the process and what happens when he finds a bird’s nest on the Box. The second half of the story is wonderful. The message is delivered without any preaching or drama. One of the best stories in the book. 

Elegy for a Young Elk by Hannu Rajaniemi – 4 Stars 

Well! What do I say? It’s a strange story with a strange setting. But Kosonen is as human as he can get. Otso, the talking bear is another highlight. But what makes the story tick is the last quarter, especially the ending. Heartwarming! A highly imaginative premise with the right touch of humanity. 

The Wings that Slice the Sky by Emmi Itäranta – 4.5 Stars 

This is a retelling of the Finnish National Epic, Kalevala, told from Louhi’s first-person POV. It’s a proper mythological fantasy with drama, emotions, betrayal, greed, revenge, sorcery, etc. The writing is strong and makes the story come alive on the pages. I read a quick summary of a version of the original from Wiki and would like to read a fuller version someday. Can’t say whether the story does justice to the epic, though it does use the core elements (from what I’ve found). 

To summarize, Nordic Visions is an intriguing, entertaining, and thought-provoking collection of speculative fiction by writers from the Nordic region. Check out the book to see which stories you’ll enjoy. 

The author bios are at the end of the book, and naturally, I added a few books to my TBR after going through the list! 

Thank you, NetGalley and Rebellion Publishing (Solaris), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #NordicVisions 

 3.7 Stars

Jude Gray didn’t dream of owning and working on a farm full-time. However, after the death of her husband, Adam, Jude decided to become a farmer and continue living in the same place. She manages to keep the place afloat with help from Frank, Noah, etc. 

With the lambing season in full swing, Jude is too busy to deal with anything else. However, when a dear friend is found dead (presumed suicide) on her land, Jude knows she cannot let it go. She has an idea about the cause but knows the person would never kill themselves. Soon, Jude’s half-sister Lucy and her 2yo son Sebbie arrive for a visit. Jude takes Lucy’s help in digging into the matter. 

As more bodies pile up, it’s up to Jude to get to the bottom of the truth (with DS Binnie’s assistance, of course). 

The story comes in Jude’s third-person POV. 

The book begins with Jude attending Ben’s wedding with Tilda and meeting her other friends. Adam, Ben, Charles, and Sarah have been best friends since their school days. Jude joins the gang when she meets the town and falls in love with Adam. The bond between the friends plays a crucial role in the story. 

Jude also has a half-sister, Lucy, who is five years younger than her. Despite their father being a prick (it’s not a spoiler as such), the sisters get on well since they were children. Initially, their relationship appears strained despite Jude feeling good about Lucy. However, we see how warm their bonding is. It’s an issue with the writing, which makes things sound awkward (and dry) when they are not. 

In fact, the writing in the first quarter is choppy and clunky. It doesn’t inspire much confidence in the plot or the characters. Fortunately, it gets better as the book progresses. However, I still don’t know Jude’s age. How old is she? I thought she was close to 50 and then realized she sounded to be around 35-45. The same goes for other characters. Not knowing the age range makes it hard to visualize them. 

Little Sebbie is adorable! He loves Aunt Chewdy and baby Canpake, the little lamb Jude adopts. He is a darling kid, and I enjoyed reading his broken sentences and cute words. 

DS Binita Khatri is a great addition and not just an attempt at diversity. There’s just enough information to show her ethnicity with a major focus on the mystery. Since she’s likely to be a recurring character in the series, this method of introduction works.  

The mystery is quite decent and intriguing. The case is close to Jude, so it makes sense that she would make a few assumptions and mistakes in solving it. Also, it’s her first case as an amateur sleuth, so errors are expected. 

However, I don’t like that she is careless with evidence, especially knowing their importance. Given that she lives on a farm and runs it, one would expect her to be a little more organized or at least focused on important tasks. This carelessness is used as a plot device in the book. I hope it doesn’t become a recurring feature in the coming books. 

The setting gets brownie points in this one. The tough side of farm life is detailed well with the various jobs that need to be completed to run a farm with livestock. I like how these scenes are presented and woven into the plot. Malvern Village is also easy to imagine. It’s on the darker side, which perfectly suits the plot. 

There are enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing. Though I guessed the killer (not because of the clues, but it was more of an instinct), I wasn’t sure why and wondered if I was wrong. The ending is well done as it ties up the case and takes the main story forward by a few months. 

To summarize, Murder on the Farm is a darkish cozy mystery set on a farm. It has some interesting characters and maintains a decent pace. While the writing isn’t great, it does get better after the initial part. Looking forward to reading book two. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #MurderontheFarm 

 3.7 Stars

Cathy, 1968: When her lost love comes for a visit, Cathy has to decide whom she will choose and what it means for her future. 

Helena, 1993: As an aspiring solicitor, Cathy’s daughter is her opposite in every way. Yet, she is delighted by the prospect of formalizing her relationship with her boyfriend. Until she finds something she’d rather not have.  

Eve, 2023: Her life turns upside down when the DNA test reveals a hidden truth. But how is it possible, and who will answer the questions? Can Eve find the truth after all these years? 

The events take place on Christmas Eve, from morning to night. The alternative chapters show the storyline of the main characters and their lives, bringing everything together at the end. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of three main characters – Cathy, Helena, and Eve. 

Having read the previous two books in this not-a-series, I knew what to expect from this one. The book takes us through the lives of three people in different years but on the same day – Christmas Eve. 

Cathy is a 75-year-old woman, Helena’s mom and Eve’s grandma. She is cheerful, fun-loving, and like a warm hug that would make anyone feel better. Easily my favorite character in the book. Eve is twenty-nine, successful in her career as an agent to actors. She is sweet, cute, and easygoing. Her arc is decent, too. 

Now, I’m not sure if Helena was deliberately written that way or if there’s a gap in idea and execution. I disliked her almost throughout the book. Except for that last chapter from her POV (which is redemption a little too late, IMO), it’s hard to empathize with her. Mind you, this comes from someone who prefers to be in control of emotions. However, Helena is more like a robot even before things ‘went wrong’. 

The side characters are okay, and none except Richie, Duncan, and Loretta get enough space to be anything other than props. 

The writing is easy enough to read and tries to minimize repetition, which I appreciate. Since the pacing is slow, repetition could have further weighed it down. There are still some, but it cannot be helped given the choice of presentation. 

Christmas, as such, doesn’t play a major role in the plot. It’s there in the background and gives the feel, but that’s it. If you want an exclusive Christmas story, this may not work. 

The revelation and the climax feel too easy. The lack of drama is good, but I wouldn’t have minded if things were a wee bit hard. I mean, it feels so simple when a character laments about something throughout the book and gets it with almost no effort at the end. However, Cathy’s track is adorable, and I do like it the best. 

A couple of twists are thrown in to keep the readers interested. I did guess one, but I did guess the other. In fact, I figured that right at the beginning when the character was introduced. No complaints, but exploring this a little instead of summing it up at the end would have made things feel a little real. 

The cover is beautiful! I love the color combination and the joyful vibes it gives. There’s an epilogue too (hurray). 

To summarize, One Christmas Eve is a Hallmarkish cozy family saga with some secrets, second chances, and reunions. It’s quite lighthearted and enjoyable. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #OneChristmasEve 

 3.3 Stars

Emma Willowby is an outsider in Charming Cove and has only one chance to prove her worth. She makes a deal with a Vampire Duke, Alaric, to use his estate to host the Beltane Ball. In return, she agrees to be his fake girlfriend for his grandmother. 

They have ground rules, of course. However, Emma cannot afford to fall in love with him and lose her anonymity. But what does the future have in store for her? 

The story comes from the first-person POV of Emma and Alaric. Emma has a larger share. 

The book is a standalone and can be read without book one. Though we have Aria in this one, she has only a minor role (with a paragraph of backstory). Oh, little Catrina appears too! 

The writing is easy to read, way too easy at times but works well if you want something lighthearted. The pacing is decent, too. 

I found the first-person voices hard to distinguish in book one. While that aspect is slightly better here (I still got confused in a couple of chapters), Alaric’s characterization seems to have been a lost opportunity. 

Alaric being a vampire is another disappointment. Negating all popular vampire myths is fine as long as we are provided with something else to remember that he and his family are vampires. However, apart from adding a dash of donated blood to their champagne and martini, there’s nothing vampirish about them. It seems like having a human sounded ordinary, so we have a highly humanized version of a vampire. Sorry, but that’s lazy. 

Emma is decent and someone I should root for. Yet, she appears judgmental in quite a few instances. Also, the repetition of her opinions (without additional information) makes her sound whiny instead of someone who needs to be loved and cherished. The emotional quotient just isn’t there to feel for her. 

The magical elements are well done. I like the concept of revelation sticks and joy batteries. I’d have liked it if the party was a little more elaborate. 

Penelope the skunk is Emma’s familiar. She is the highlight of the book. Just like Aria’s Boris, Penelope has a smart mouth and is a treat to read. Yeah, both familiars have almost human-like thoughts and actions, but I don’t mind since they make the book better. 

Third-act breakups are not mandatory in romance. But if the book insists on having one, it should not be half-baked and bland. This one feels like a summarized version. And she forgives him so easily! Ugh. 

The ending is cute and has HEA, so that’s something. However, I liked book one a lot better. The town and the magic in that one were interesting, even if the romance was a bit fast-paced. 

To summarize, How to Fake-Date a Vampire is a steady-paced and lighthearted small-town witchy romance. Don’t expect much, though (not even vampires). 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bonnie Doon Press, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#HowtoFakeDateaVampire #NetGalley 

 3.5 Stars

This is my first book in the Little People, Big Dreams Series, so I didn’t know what to expect. I got the book only for Steve Irwin, someone I considered a hero since I was a child. 

The illustrations are vibrant and cute. They get the details right, be it Terri’s hairstyle or little Robert’s bald head. The book also has the iconic scene of Steve feeding the crocs (as a part of the weekly program for the audiences) at the Australia Zoo. 

Apart from that, the content is bare minimum, or maybe it feels that way since I’ve watched countless episodes over the years (including the latest ones with Bindi and family). I also follow them on Instagram, so what I found in this book feels like a highly glossed version. 

While I appreciate the care taken to avoid death in kiddo books, I think it should have been mentioned. This is nonfiction, after all. The teeny text (two paragraphs of summary) at the end doesn’t count. However, I do appreciate the pictures included with it. 

To summarize, the book would work as the first step to introduce Steve Irwin to children. It doesn’t have much to say, though. I usually enjoy the publisher’s books, but maybe my expectations didn’t align with the series format. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#SteveIrwin #NetGalley 

 4.5 Stars

As the title suggests, the book is a collection of Panchatantra tales from ancient India. These were written in Sanskrit and translated into several languages over the years. There are countless interpretations, retellings, and versions of each story. 

I knew I had to check this out the moment I saw the book. Just look at that cover! I’ve heard of the author, though I’ve yet to read her poems. This book has ten stories retold for the little ones (3+ age group, according to the publisher). 

The stories are pretty much short, crisp, and cute. We have a small introduction note by the author, followed by the stories. I like how the author’s voice continues throughout the book. She begins and ends each story by addressing the readers. This approach works in taking the content closer to the kids, especially if they read the book on their own. 

The writing is simple and has a touch of humor and poetic style. A few words may be hard for three-year-olds. However, since adults will anyway have to read the tales aloud, they can explain the meanings. Another aspect I like is the little tweaks to the storyline to make the content kid-friendly. No deaths, beatings, or broken bones in this one. 

Each story ends with a couple of lines introspecting on the moral and how it would help us. This is done without sounding preachy. There’s just enough for kids to ponder upon and adults to continue a discussion on the theme if they want to. The main characters have cute names, too! 

How can I not mention the illustrations? Illustrations are the main reason I request children’s books. This one nails them. The color combinations are perfect! From earthy browns and oranges to waves in sapphire and jade and the violet streaks of a night inside a jungle, every shade seamlessly blends with the other. The animals and birds look just as lovely, with their expressions matching the story on the page. 

The font size is decent, but I read it on the computer and used zoom. The physical copy would be a much better choice due to the color scheme and the text placed on dark backgrounds on some pages. Also, these illustrations deserve to be enjoyed as a physical book. 

To summarize, Animal Tales from India is a beautiful and compact collection of ten Panchatantra tales for kids. Though the book ends with a good night note, it can be read at any time. (I wish the book included the illustrator’s note too.) 

Thank you, NetGalley and Nosy Crow, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#AnimalTalesfromIndia #NetGalley
 

 4.2 Stars

Book two begins with the Pandavas trying to make Khandavaprastha habitable and ends with Dhuryodhana falling in a pond in the Mayasabha after Yudhistir’s Rajasuya yagna. We see Arjuna’s twelve-year exile, the marriages of the Pandava brothers to other women, and the birth of their children. Khandavaprastha is now Indraprastha, with Yudhistir as the king and Draupadi as his queen. Things are great and not great, as always. 

The story comes from Draupadi’s first-person POV. 

I applaud the author for the full-page disclaimer about the book being a fanfiction retelling and should not be used for academic/ learning purposes. 

After reading book one, I knew what to expect in this and enjoyed the other side of the story (the domesticated aspects). Nakul and Sahadev get more space, which I loved again. Their characters shine throughout the book. 

Draupadi’s voice gets better in this one. While book one was decent, this one manages to hit the cord in many areas. The relationships between Draupadi, the Pandava brothers and their other wives get deeper exploration (without excessive drama). 

I love that the other women have meaty roles. They have their strengths and work together to build a stable Indraprastha. Each wife – Devika (Yudhistir), Valandhara (Bheem), Subhadra (Arjun), Karenumati (Nakul), and Vijiya (Sahadev) has a distinctive personality, which makes it easy to track them. 

The book seamlessly combines political strategy, social welfare, family and relationships. This makes for a more rounded reading experience. The topics mentioned in the official blurb are briefly dealt with, which is enough for the book. I’m glad we don’t get a moral lesson with loads of preaching. 

I do love the focus on Draupadi and Arjun’s relationship. It’s a welcome change to retellings that make her yearn for Karn (I hate this trope). Doesn’t it make sense for Draupadi to love Arjun a little more? She was to marry only him, after all! The scenes dealing with her angst are very well-written. My only grouse is that I wanted them to have an actual conversation like two adults. People saying they are two parts of one soul, etc., is okay. But we need to see it, too. Give us a scene where their love for each other shines so bright that it puts everything into perspective. (I sure wouldn’t have minded Draupdi getting a proper apology from Arjun. With all the creative liberties already taken in a retelling, why not use them to enhance a genuine relationship?) 

Given the number of child-births in this one, we see a lot of pregnancies too. I like how there’s enough detail to show that each pregnancy can be different and affects the mother in different ways. We also see the distinctive personalities of the children; some are happy babies, some are demanding, and some are little angels! 

The writing has modern tones with many contemporary terms like indigenous, natives, invaders, war refugees, immigrants, et al. Thankfully, the content is handled with enough care to not make it sound like a ‘progressive’ rant. We see how the Pandavas and the Nagas come to an understanding and how the place becomes more habitable for everyone. 

Issues like being different, unconventional family structures, marital consent, family discord, etc., are also well done. I enjoyed the way these important aspects were presented. 

The scenes with Krishna are my favorite (and why not). I feel even the author loves writing about him. The dialogues feel like they’ve been written with extra care. It’s Krishna, right! Naturally, there’s quite a bit of foreshadowing, which is easy to see if you know the original. 

Karn is also present (obviously), though Druapadi is more focused on her family and kingdom. Fortunately, the animosity continues and gets even stronger (also, it’s not likely to turn into anything else, which is a relief). Karn is shown as who he is instead of who readers want him to be. Contrary to the public opinion, he is no saint. I do feel his friendship and loyalty to Dhuryodhana aren’t as pure but come from a place of Karn’s self-interest, too. 

There are many versions of Dhuryodhana’s tour of Mayasabha and his subsequent ‘insult’. From what I know, that particular dialogue is not said by Draupadi (though some versions say the words were spoken by Bheem). Still, I don’t mind it much (considering we have worse retellings of the same). 

To summarize, The Empress of Indraprastha – Building an Empire is well-written, entertaining, and interesting. It does provide a fresh perspective of Draupadi (as far as I know) and works well for the contemporary market. (It is not a standalone.) 

My thanks to the author, Sonali Raje, for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

*** 

P.S.: The cover is cool! I like how the colors perfectly match the description in the book. A darker skin tone would have been even better! 

 4.5 Stars

Trizah, Polly, and Sarah are eighteen-year-old best friends who left the boarding school to go back to their families/ lives. Trizah is in Scotland with her grumpy Grandma. Polly is home and enjoying being a teacher at the local orphanage. Sarah gets a chance to debut the Season and find a rich husband, thanks to her aunt. 

Over the months, the trio sends each other letters about their frustrations, hopes, dreams, confusions, dilemmas, love, adventures, etc. They also interact with others through letters. What does the future have in store for these lovely young ladies? 

The entire story is presented in letters between different characters. 

I knew I had to read this when I saw the cover and the title. It gave me quirky vibes with a touch of fairytale and loads of laughs. The book delivers the same and almost met my expectations. 

The main characters – Trizah, Polly (Mary), and Sarah, have distinctive personalities that make it easy to keep their voices separate. There’s no confusion about who is who (I even tried reading a few letters by ignoring the salutations, and it still worked). 

The book is described as an epic Victorian teenage drama (in the author’s note), and I agree. The characters don’t always sound like they belong to the era, but they do work within the constraints of the period. 

Various topics are dealt with here, ranging from gender bias, social conditions for the common folk, marrying rich to support one’s family, the conflict between mind and heart (love vs. duty), lack of parental love, yearning for affection, loneliness, greed, etc. We even have a mini-mystery of sorts related to some kids at the orphanage. 

It does seem like a lot, but nowhere does the book feel overwhelming. Maybe it does get emotional at one point, which is necessary for a character’s growth. Even that is balanced by light-hearted supporting scenes and some drama. However, there are a couple of triggering mentions (check TW at the end of the review). 

Despite being an epistolary novel, the book manages to offer enough character development not just for the leading ladies but a few side characters too. I really enjoyed how it provides entertainment while presenting enough elements to think about. Be it the running of orphanages or the apparent differences between rich and poor, each element is tackled with the right amount of seriousness.  

The letters between other characters enrich the book and provide a more rounded perspective. I loved knowing Mr. Thompson and Sebastian’s thoughts. Their letters provide the necessary backstory into their lives, which makes them feel real rather than being uni-dimensional.  

Of course, I’d have loved it more if the book managed to include an epilogue with a letter or two. I always want to know if the characters have HEA. Still, the ending is apt and provides good closure (aligning with the characters’ arcs). 

The writing is easy to read despite having quite a few characters. The letters are of varying lengths and keep the momentum going. I hated taking a break, but I needed my sleep more. It’s a quick book and doesn’t feel like I’ve read 350+ pages. 

To summarize, Yours from the Tower is a cute, sweet, adorable, and delightful entertainer set in the Victorian era. With quirky and loving characters, it is light-hearted, fun, and enjoyable. Pick it up when you want something cozy and happy. Do check the triggers, though. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Andersen Press, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

 4.25 Stars 

Long Byrne, located in rural Lancashire, is a small farmer’s town with centuries of history. It is where two young girls, Rose Ackroyd and Jane Hollingworth, were declared and hung as witches. The incident happened 400 years ago on the 31st of October 1623. 

When the college management decides to enact the event as a play, Caitlin Aspey, aka Cate, signs up as the scriptwriter. Cate and Tawny are inseparable besties. However, the arrival of Byrony changes the dynamics between the duo. 

Things get tense when loyalties shift and the play’s date inches closer. Of course, some strange events seem to be occurring in the town, though not many are aware of the impending danger. But is it real or imaginary? How can Cate handle the developments? 

The story comes in Cate’s first-person POV. 

(The GR blurb is different.) 

According to the blurb, this is a ‘contemporary story with a dark mystery at its heart’. It is also a story of ‘obsession, mental health, disordered eating, the supernatural, and the lengths teenage girls will go to for the sake of all-consuming female friendships.’ 

I must say that the book justifies the description on many fronts. However, I wish the supernatural elements were introduced early. It comes at a point where I decided the book wasn’t a fantasy. I still wouldn’t categorize it as one, though. This would have upped the stakes, but I guess the contents would have become a little excessive for the target audience (YA). 

Still, I wouldn’t recommend this to the younger teens. Not because it’s scary (it’s not). But the writing is so good that the characters get under the skin. It may be too uncomfortable for young minds, especially if they aren’t used to such reads. (Also, check the triggers at the end of the review.) 

The first-person narration in Cate’s voice is haunting and touching. We cannot help but be moved by what she’s going through. The touch of uncertainty makes us wonder what’s real and what’s her imagination. After all, Cate is in depression and survives solely on coffee. 

We see Tawny, Byrony, and Robyn (all the y’s can be confusing) through her eyes, which also shows us the flaws on both sides. Still, the characters seem surrealistically authentic. The obsession, fear, dependence, toxicity, defensive mechanism, loneliness, etc., comes across clearly. 

The setting is wonderfully dark and brooding, and hints of sinister presence throughout. The timing (autumn months) adds to the impact. It is atmospheric and takes the reader to Long Byrne. 

However, the book has its flaws. A few aspects remained unanswered. While I’m okay with some of them, I still don’t know (why Cate’s dad remarried. There seems to be no reason for this). 

The pacing is slow (which I expected) but gets a little too slow for the majority of the book. It’s not until we cross the 70% mark that things get really complex. I wouldn’t have minded if this came sooner. 

The adults in the book are unidimensional and cardboard cutouts. Maybe Miss Rallington, the teacher, is the only one who comes close to having a decent presence (though there isn’t much to her personality either). If only the adults were more involved in their children’s lives… alas!  

The book deals with many topics like mental health, grief, absent parents, bullying, toxic and obsessive friendships, witch trials, etc. However, most of them are seamlessly woven together to present a compelling narrative. The ending is realistic and hopeful – the best we can expect under the circumstances. 

To summarize, The Black Air is a haunting and atmospheric tale where past and present collide in a small town obsessed with witches. It is slow-paced but worth a read (when you are in the right mood). 

Thank you, NetGalley and UCLAN Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheBlackAir 

TW: Coping with the death of a parent, suicide attempt, eating disorder, toxic same-gender, friendship, depression, mental illness, unaddressed grief, animal death (not graphic), and bullying.