4.5/5

"I don't want to leave..." This was how I felt upon finishing this book and therefore the Wayfarer series. The Galaxy and the Ground Within was like its prequels, a snapshot of a place and time, this time exploring a transit planet and the interactions of the guests temporarily stranded there.

- With the other books, I came to an understanding that they were independent but connected, and whilst you would get more out of them if you read the previous books, it wasn't essential to read them in order. This fourth installment changed my mind. It occurred to me all the overarching world-building that Chambers has done. The plot involves only non-human characters and I believe this was only achieved and done well because of the author's ability to create and show in previous books.

- The characters were definitely varied and I enjoyed how they interacted and tentatively formed bonds. I think my favourite character this time round was Roveg though they all gave me food for thought.

- Back to my initial statement: I just don't want to leave. I want to stay in this universe more and learn everything I can. The books feel so homely, well built, and just right. 

Absolutely recommend the entire series. Anyone who enjoys sci-fi, world-building or just cosy book should read this series.

I'm a mood reader and my mood drifted.

4.25/5

How do you review the personal and affectionate correspondence of two people in love? This book is a collection of letters and diary entries from and between Virginia and Vita from their first meeting until Virginia's death in 1941.

- To be expected of two writers but the letters sent to one another, especially discussing their feelings for each other, are purple, beautiful and hit the heart painfully. There are some that made me ache for Virginia and Vita, the time in which they existed and how unfair that they couldn't fully realise their love. 

- The collection is very comprehensive and well compiled by Bechdel. Each year has a little summary overviewing events and giving context to some of the letters.

- The historical context of these letters and diary entries is really fascinating. We always existed. Even when our existence was outlawed. As someone who loves Sissinghurst Castle, Vita and Harold's marriage and arrangement regarding homosexual encounters is something I find fascinating. 

For those who want historical accounts of sapphism, enjoy love letters and longing, this book is definitely worth picking up.

4.25/5

A fluffy, light-hearted and self aware romance and just what I needed after a heavy time recently. Olive starts fake dating unapproachable and antagonistic professor Adam to convince her best friend she's over a guy. 

- This romance made me laugh in all the right ways. It's super tropey and constantly points this out. It's ridiculous but in a very fun and enjoyable way. It's a break from reality but whilst also addressing reality.

- The grumpy/sunshine dynamic was in full force here with Olive and Adam and it was predictably cute to watch their relationship deepen. The side characters were fun too in their own ways. I also enjoyed how the narrative didn't dismiss asexuality as a thing and discussed it sensitively.

- Nothing in this book surprised me. The plot is super predictable and I saw every single plot point coming but it didn't really matter. What the book did is less important than how and how I came away feeling "You know, that was super cute and fun!"

I'm going to dig deeper into Hazelwood's works and see if anything else catches my eye. If you need a pick me up book to make you feel better, try this warm and humourous book.

4/5

The third entry in the Wayfarer series and this time it's a slice of life look at the Fleet: the human colony ship that housed everyone who fled earth. We follow an archivist, a parent, a bored teenager, a caretaker (someone who cares for the dead) and someone moving to the Fleet for the first time.

- As always, the world-building is stunning. Chambers has thought about every small detail and macro facet of the ship, the society and its benefits and flaws. We learn how it was constructed, how people exchange goods, how everything (including bodies) are recycled and so much more. Chambers also talks about the social implications, culture and societal changes that these systems cause. I enjoyed learning about this new aspect of the world but occasionally it did come across as a bit of an infodump.

- The characters we follow are very human. Worrying that you're not the parent your kids need, not knowing where to go in life once you've achieved goals, feeling stuck and imprisoned, trying something new and starting over: these and so much more are explored extremely well.

- Possibly my favourite part of this book was the sense of history and completeness it imparted. It was easy to believe this could be a real place, a real society. If the reader turned left when the author turned right on the plot, you could believe that path would also be fleshed out, detailed and real. Not many books achieve this and it was really wonderful to feel.

Seriously, if you like immersive, believable sci-fi and stupidly detailed and thought-out worlds, give this series a go.

3/5

Kiki's Delivery Service meets Stardew Valley in northern Japan. Makoto, a young witch goes to live with relatives to continue her development.

- This is a very chill book. The pace is relaxed, the characters are kind. I would say it's almost a bit too chill as I took a month long break half way through but I think that's my own personal preference.

- I enjoyed the nature based bits and my favourite chapterincluded meeting the Harbinger of Spring.

- The artwork is cute, typical of a YA manga. 

If you'd like a chill, nature and magic based manga then given this a go.

2/5

Audiobook narrated by Heather Wilds.

Finn leaves the UK to get away from her controlling father. She joins a diving instructor programme and meets Oz, her trainer. They grow closer as they discover the true reach of Finn's father.

- I actually really enjoyed the beginning of this book, the bits about the diving school and the "getting to know you" phase of the book. I think if there had been more focus on that side of things I may have enjoyed the book a lot more. Sadly the plot took more of an espionage/violence turn which I didn't really enjoy.

- The characters felt really flat. There are a bunch of military and mafia type characters who all felt like they'd come out of a cheesy parody. Oz and Finn were better rounded but I don't think Bramhall captured their full potential.

- So for most of the book, this was a cheesy and reasonably light book. (Spoilers) Then an important side character is shot, there's lots of violence and particularly I really disliked the sexual assault elements. The ending felt rushed and honestly, after a massively traumatic experience, I'm not sure my first instinct would be to have sex with my partner. 

Started well but not my cup of tea. If you like a bit of grit and you're prepared to put up with slightly stereotypical mafia-esque villains then you may enjoy this more than I did.

4/5

I tried Percy Jackson a while back and it was good but I never felt compelled to continue with the series. I saw this book from my library via Libby and as I have a much deeper interest in Norse mythology, decided to give it a go.

Magnus Chase dies on his sixteenth birthday and is transported to Valhalla, the afterlife for heroes. He's entwined in a prophecy involving his newly-found sword and the Fenris Wolf.

- I love this take on the old viking legends. All the main gods and entities are there and blended expertly with a modern world. 

- The representation so far was great. We've got deaf representation that was really well embedded and considered normal to most characters. There's also homeless characters, hijab-wearing and a bunch of other things that made this book inclusive and well rounded.

- My favourite part was the found family aspect. I won't go too deep into it to save from spoilers but it was super heart-warming.

If you're into your Norse mythology or maybe you've enjoyed other mythology based stories, I'd definitely recommend giving Magnus Chase a go.

4/5

Audiobook narrated by James Goode, Jilly Bond, Kit Griffith's, Sean Barrett and Sharon Eckman.

A poetical collection of connected short stories centered around the legend of Herne the Hunter. Starting with an interpretation of the Herne myth, we go from the middle ages through to the near future, each story its own but showing the passage of time, change of attitude and the degradation and restoration of nature.

- Herne the hunter is a figure that has fascinated me for some time and I love how Gilbert has interpreted him and threaded him through these narratives. Sometimes he's an actual person, sometimes a whisper or a ghost, sometimes he's only there in spirit. But he's there and despite the changes that happen he exerts his influence on the Great North Wood.

- The prose, and interspersed songs and poems, was beautiful. Each chapter was told in a different style and voiced by a different narrator which gave lots of character and nuance. I really enjoyed how this was written, put together and performed.

- I loved the nature focused theme of the book and the various ways the woods and its inhabitants are described at different times and places. 

For lovers of folklore, nature and beautiful writing and performance. A unique and magic experience.

4.25/5

My mum is a huge Christie fan and actually has this book from when she was younger with its original title (note: that was the catalyst of my education on why some words aren't okay and how standards change over time). Somehow though, it took me until now to actually read the book. Ten people end up on an island off the coast of Devon. Someone is trying to kill them off following the pattern of a nursery rhyme. Will they figure it out before it's too late?

- The idea for this book is extremely interesting and my copy had a foreword by Christie explaining why she wrote it and her hopes for the book. On the whole I think she did a great job and the book is very tense and mysterious.

- The characters were interesting but I sometimes felt they were a little bit flat. There are reasons this could be: the book is reasonably short, overly detailed characters could have messed with the plot, intentionally not giving the reader a deep background so you feel the loss of that character's potential. Still, I did come away wishing I'd been able to explore them more.

- I enjoyed the island setting and how it added to the sense of fear and being trapped. The isolation and lack of help was definitely a driving factor and made the events all the juicier.

A very solid Christie book and one I would definitely recommend to mystery fans. Honestly though, Murder on the Orient Express is still my favourite.