As someone who hasn't done a ton of reading on Buddhism, but has some general knowledge I felt like this book was a fairly good introduction to some concepts. They're applied to a perspective of using techniques like breath in certain situations as an activist that can be distressing (as an example). A lot of his personal anecdotes from Vietnam give context for the life Thay lived practicing these concepts in reality. 

I'm not sure quite what I was expecting but I was thought I would be a bit more inspired/motivated/etc or maybe to just have a little more depth? There's definitely some quotes here or there that I could come back to. I think it could've leaned a lot more into the 'saving the planet' part I suppose.

The plot was kinda cookie cutter. While I didn't really connect with either MC, I did appreciate the disability rep for Willow as it seemed to be handled with care!

YOOOOOOO What the f did she put in this book!??! This was by DEF my favorite of the series so far [this might also be fueled by my recent obsession with the tv series which is why I decided to actually continue reading the books]

Lestat is iconic as always
We got some new female rage characters (praise!)
Really enjoyed the expanded world building from prev books
I honestly couldn't put it down!
-.5 star just for some slow parts, if you've read the first two books you know how Anne can go on a bit too long...which she did do a bit less in this 

Did I listen to this mainly cause Teddy Hamilton narrated? Yes.

I really struggle with insta-attraction as a starting point for a romance, like they meet in a bar and are then kissing in the back of said bar without really much conversation? idk it's not my vibe

But I did like where the romance went ultimately, I thought Ada's journey back to love after being in an awful borderline abusive marriage was well done. I super loved how supportive Wes was and how he helped her on said journey. Also appreciated Wes being a character with depression who openly talks about it.

I didn't like this quite as much as the first book. Fake dating is also not my trope of choice. I think I just felt like I enjoyed the characters and setup of the first book more. But if you're a fan of the first book you might like this! who knows

The storytelling style is very unique and unlike anything I've read before. You'll know by the first ~50 pages whether it's for you or it's not. I will say I would not recommend reading this exclusively on audiobook because there aren't really chapters, the pov changes frequently, and there are interjections from random people that are just italicized to indicate their thoughts. The physical text, the way it's printed helps a lot with comprehending what's going on. Despite all of that once I got into a rhythm with the unique style of storytelling I did get used to it and even enjoy it.

However, I did feel like this book really leaned on that storytelling style and there were some things lacking from the world building. I don't enjoy when magic isn't really explained (like being a god just gives you ultimate power? ok...well that's kinda lazy imo). The pacing of the plot is also a little all over the place. It meanders in parts, but then has really great sections that are super engaging. The final 'conflict' really did kinda throw me for a loop which I think came back to a bit of lacking in the world building and it felt like we got a lot of explanations at the end because they had to be included for it to remotely make sense.

I did really enjoy our central two characters Keema & Jun, and their journey/relationship. So the very very end resolution with them was satisfying.

Overall I'm glad I read it for the experience! I don't think this book is for everyone, but is worth a try if you're looking for a really unique standalone fantasy.

I’m not a big thriller reader, but I was in the mood for one and this one came recommended by a friend. It’s told in two time periods: the past when this group of friends is in college, and about 10 years later they return for a class reunion, but the premise is that when they were in college one of the friends was murdered and the case was never solved.

I liked that it’s dark academia (adjacent maybe) because the main character Jessica’s motivations are about doing well in school, being in the best sorority, being popular etc - it’s more like she is part of this elite group and so puts a lot of pressure on herself to fit in and do well. I felt like her characterization was the best developed, the backstory of her father’s struggles really informs Jessica’s actions throughout the book. "Parents can really f up their kids" is what I kept thinking 💀

I found a few of the other people in her friend group to be a little hard to differentiate - maybe that’s cause I did audio, but the girls especially felt interchangeable (maybe that’s intentional?). Also like no one in the book is a good person, so if you like reading about morally gray characters you might be into this too.

Overall I enjoyed this! Would recommend

While this is not my fav of the series, it did still make me ugly cry so... yeah still gets 5 stars

Can't wait for Wind and Truth *screamingcryingthrowingup*

This book is 90% smut and if you're into that you'll probably love it, like it starts on page 2. For me, I need a bit more other things going on besides literally constant sex for it to not become monotonous. But now I know that! I do think the poly relationship is done fairly well (maybe a tad too much jealousy at the beginning, but they seemed to grow out of it).

Things I did not like: