I’ve been so excited to read this book since I first saw the cover, but more so since the author gave details about the historical chaA 4.5 for sure.
I’ve been so excited to read this book since I first saw the cover, but more so since the author gave details about the historical character inspirations and I’m such a sucker for fantasies which take some inspo from Chinese history. I waited till I managed to get the audiobook, and I have to say, it was a very enjoyable experience.
I love how this book is a great combination of very easy breezy prose, all the super fun YA tropes, fast paced plot progression, a very cool world with inspirations from the rise of the Qing dynasty but with steampunk elements, well fleshed out main character who is easy to root for supported by an interesting ensemble cast, great audio narration, and an end I did not at all see coming. I particularly enjoyed listening to this while working out because despite the high stakes for our main character, it’s not too much on the angsty side, just like I prefer.
Aihui Ying is a rebel at heart, determined both on her path to find the truth behind her father’s murder as well as about exploring her true love of being a part of the engineering guild. She maybe naive and sheltered in some aspects, but mostly has a good head on her shoulders, resilient in her goals and a good friend to others. I really enjoyed following her every step of the way, learning the secrets of the guild, her father, and the High Commander’s family, right alongside her. Her story is made more enjoyable by her equations with Aogiya Yeyang, a Prince with high ambitions who is equal parts supportive and mysterious: Aogiya Yekan, another prince who comes across as arrogant and snobbish but is a secret softie who values his friendships and wants to be something other than what’s expected of him; the other apprentices who start off a bit hostile but become reluctant comrades as the trials go on; the various eccentric guild masters who range from outright vindictive to indifferent to intrigued; and her sister Nian who just wants a happy and fulfilling life.
Some may find this book a bit predictable because of the common YA fantasy tropes in it but that’s precisely why I really enjoyed it - the trials to become a member of the engineering guild, the eventual camaraderie between the apprentices, the impossible romance between characters of varying backgrounds, and a deadly secret - it was all familiar ground but in a very unique silk punk setting, making it a fresh entertaining voice in YA fantasy. I thoroughly had fun and can’t wait to see what the author does next in the sequel. ...more
This was definitely one of my most anticipated books of the year and despite receiving the arc long ago, I kept putting it off. AMore of a 3.5 maybe.
This was definitely one of my most anticipated books of the year and despite receiving the arc long ago, I kept putting it off. As luck would have it, I got the audiobook copy narrated by none other than the amazing Natalie Naudus and had to pick it up immediately. And as always, her narration is an unforgettable force of nature.
I went into this without knowing the original myth coz I wanted it to feel fresh in my mind and was immediately intrigued by the beautiful Xi Shi. The writing is also very lyrical, with a poetic flow to it, and listening to it made it much more interesting. But I have to say, the plot and characters didn’t live up to what I was expecting from it. Most of the plot happens off the page and we are told about it later, which made me feel very detached from the characters and I couldn’t root for them as much as I wanted.
Xi Shi and her love interest Fanli are also separated for most of the book, with just a few intense scenes between them all throughout, which makes the marketing of the book as a romance disingenuous. The spy part of the storyline also felt unsatisfactory because while I enjoyed the developing dynamics between Xi Shi and the enemy king Fuchai, I would have loved to see more of both Xi Shi’s training to be a spy and the way she applies her training to seduce Fuchai and make him do his bidding. What she actually does in the book felt too simplistic to be such a decisive factor in changing the fate of two kingdoms.
While it might feel like I’m only criticizing the book, it’s more just me venting my frustration because I wanted it to be so much better. But despite these issues, I never did get bored throughout and really enjoyed listening to the audiobook, and was quite heartbroken towards the end. If you are interested in the book, do go in noting that this is more of a historical fiction drama and not a romantasy, and it might temper your expectations. I still wanna see what the author writes next outside of her usual YA contemporaries. ...more
It’s always such a delight to get into a Natalie Haynes, particularly on audio because she is as skillful a narrator as she is a writDefinitely a 4.5.
It’s always such a delight to get into a Natalie Haynes, particularly on audio because she is as skillful a narrator as she is a writer. But this book has again proven that while she may write very compelling stories about Greek myths, her nonfiction is my favorite.
With all the rage that is these days about reimagining myths from the POVs of the forgotten goddesses and women of Greek mythology, the author takes us on an actual historical journey of how these goddesses have been represented in various forms of art since the earliest works of art - murals, paintings, sculptures, plays, books and more - and how these legacies endure to this day. She starts with the Muses and ends with the Furies, but in the middle we get various stories of Hera, Hestia, Artemis, Demeter, Athene and Aphrodite over the centuries and how different men depicted them in their art based on their own prejudices and viewpoints (ofcourse it’s all men in those days, so all these goddesses get the bad rap even when it’s not their fault).
However, I liked how the author examines the stories of these goddesses with her all familiar wit and sharp analysis, giving us an account of what she felt the first time encountered these stories or artworks and how her own views have changed over the years of gaining more knowledge. While the author draws from many sources, I feel the author writes in such an accessible manner that this book will appeal to both veteran readers of Greek mythology as well as newbies like me who only know the more popular versions of the stories. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know more about the goddesses and the author’s opinions about them, while also figuring out that maybe I do like Demeter now among the ones we get to know in the book because her love for her daughter really is amazing. ...more
Perfect way to say goodbye to this favorite duology. From how it all started in the past with the previous generation to how our three main charactersPerfect way to say goodbye to this favorite duology. From how it all started in the past with the previous generation to how our three main characters are doing in the future, this was every bit the lovely collection of stories I was craving for. And a perfectly narrated audiobook added the final delightful touch. Definitely recommend if you are a fan of the duology like me. ...more
At this point, I don’t think I even need to review a T. Kingfisher book because she is yet to disappoinDefinitely a 4.5 and sure I am rounding it up.
At this point, I don’t think I even need to review a T. Kingfisher book because she is yet to disappoint me. While I went into this having heard it’s a Goose Girl retelling and knowing nothing about the original tale, I have to say it doesn’t really matter. Coz this wonderful author is only here to wow us with her words.
What a horrific tale of narcissism and abuse, but with equal amounts of hope and resilience to tide us through. Evangeline with her absolute horrible control over her daughter and her scheming for an even richer life; sweet little Cordelia who has been sheltered and abused all her life but still knows right from wrong; Hester who may have been relegated to the life of a rich spinster but can still sense “Doom” coming from a mile away; Penelope with her charming repartee who deserved better; Richard and his unwavering love and loyalty - and more wonderful and absolutely unforgettable characters make up the heart of this thrilling, scary, dreadful but deeply satisfying tale of good triumphing over evil.
The writing is just instantly immersive right from the get go, and I just had to continue reading/listening every free moment I got. The feeling of impending doom just keeps us on our toes, guessing what’s gonna happen next. The vibe is perfectly reflected in the narration of the audiobook by Eliza Foss and Jennifer Pickens, making this a thoroughly enjoyable book in any format. Can’t wait to soon jump into another T. Kingfisher book coz I can’t get enough of them. ...more
As I keep reiterating all the time on the blog, I didn’t grow up on classics so while I know the basic premise of Robin Hood, I’ve never actually readAs I keep reiterating all the time on the blog, I didn’t grow up on classics so while I know the basic premise of Robin Hood, I’ve never actually read the book nor watched any adaptations. In a similar vein, I bought a book about the Crusades years ago but like many others, I never managed to read much of it. So when I saw this classic and history colliding in this remix version, I knew I would enjoy this book and I’m glad that I did.
I preordered this audiobook because I had a feeling it would be cool and it really was such an easy one to get through. The narrator Shiromi Arserio kept me engaged with her beautiful voice right from the get go and I didn’t take much breaks while listening. It also helps that this is a quick read, throughly entertaining, and with a motley group of characters who are easy to like. Even though the storyline is set during the Crusades, in the middle of the war between multiple countries, factions and religions, and Jerusalem stands as a prize to be snatched, we mostly only get a sense of adventure here and other than a couple dark and emotional scenes, we don’t see the gruesome effects of this war first hand.
Similarly, our characters are traversing through multiple sieges and armies and while the stakes seem too high and dangerous, after the first couple of times, I was sure that nothing would happen to any of them. Then it was time to just enjoy their adventure. We only get one POV, that is Rahma and she is a fun one to be in the head of. She landed up so far away from home because she couldn’t let her elder sister go alone to war. Her heart may not be in fighting for a cause like religion and the Holy Land but she is a scrappy survivor and resourceful enough to get herself out of tricky situations and protect her sister by coming up with one harebrained scheme after another. But she also has this kind and compassionate side to her and even though she doesn’t have a cause like all the others fighting in the war, she makes it her choice to fight for all the normal people who are suffering due to the warmongering of their rulers. Her path to becoming an accidental Robin Hood-esque figure is both endearing and fun and I loved her maneuvering everyone into doing what she wanted.
And there’s the accidental crew or found family she gathers around her who are very different from each other but also fit together so perfectly. First there’s Rahma’s sister Zeena who has deep conviction that she needs to fight for the Holy Land and is full of anger. Both of them are bickering almost every single moment and while it took me a while to get to used to, their love for each other is immense.
They are first joined by Teni, a warrior from beyond the steppes, who isn’t ready to go back home yet and joins them to maybe find her own adventure. Then comes Viva who is young Jewish alchemist who doesn’t really have a home because of how all the invaders have destroyed her people. And then the group is rounded off by John, who is a disillusioned chaplain with the Knights Templar and also a healer, who probably just wants a new purpose in life without the violence. They are also joined sometimes by Majid, a mysterious spy and Rahma’s childhood friend who might be more than that. Teni’s bravery, Viva’s honesty, John’s quick thinking and Majid’s convincing skills all combine with Rahma’s scheming to give us a whole lot of adventures along their journey. I also loved how the author managed to get together a crew belonging to all the faiths who have stake in the Holy Land and despite what the wars the rulers representing these faiths are fighting, the author managed to convey beautifully that the common people could get along well if they wanted to because ultimately they were suffering equally. It was also interesting to see the other side of this, getting small glimpses into what Richard the Lionheart, Sultan Saladin and Queen Isabella of Jerusalem.
In conclusion, this one felt like a classic adventure tale that captured the spirit of Robin Hood while giving us a very interesting setting like the cities around Jerusalem during the Crusades in the late 12th century. While I can’t say how close or different it is from the original, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. And even though things felt like they came too easy for our heroine, it was still a fun journey to be on with a cool group of characters. This remixed classics series is turning out to be such a unique experience and I can’t wait to next get my hands on the new versions of Wuthering Heights and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Merged review:
As I keep reiterating all the time on the blog, I didn’t grow up on classics so while I know the basic premise of Robin Hood, I’ve never actually read the book nor watched any adaptations. In a similar vein, I bought a book about the Crusades years ago but like many others, I never managed to read much of it. So when I saw this classic and history colliding in this remix version, I knew I would enjoy this book and I’m glad that I did.
I preordered this audiobook because I had a feeling it would be cool and it really was such an easy one to get through. The narrator Shiromi Arserio kept me engaged with her beautiful voice right from the get go and I didn’t take much breaks while listening. It also helps that this is a quick read, throughly entertaining, and with a motley group of characters who are easy to like. Even though the storyline is set during the Crusades, in the middle of the war between multiple countries, factions and religions, and Jerusalem stands as a prize to be snatched, we mostly only get a sense of adventure here and other than a couple dark and emotional scenes, we don’t see the gruesome effects of this war first hand.
Similarly, our characters are traversing through multiple sieges and armies and while the stakes seem too high and dangerous, after the first couple of times, I was sure that nothing would happen to any of them. Then it was time to just enjoy their adventure. We only get one POV, that is Rahma and she is a fun one to be in the head of. She landed up so far away from home because she couldn’t let her elder sister go alone to war. Her heart may not be in fighting for a cause like religion and the Holy Land but she is a scrappy survivor and resourceful enough to get herself out of tricky situations and protect her sister by coming up with one harebrained scheme after another. But she also has this kind and compassionate side to her and even though she doesn’t have a cause like all the others fighting in the war, she makes it her choice to fight for all the normal people who are suffering due to the warmongering of their rulers. Her path to becoming an accidental Robin Hood-esque figure is both endearing and fun and I loved her maneuvering everyone into doing what she wanted.
And there’s the accidental crew or found family she gathers around her who are very different from each other but also fit together so perfectly. First there’s Rahma’s sister Zeena who has deep conviction that she needs to fight for the Holy Land and is full of anger. Both of them are bickering almost every single moment and while it took me a while to get to used to, their love for each other is immense.
They are first joined by Teni, a warrior from beyond the steppes, who isn’t ready to go back home yet and joins them to maybe find her own adventure. Then comes Viva who is young Jewish alchemist who doesn’t really have a home because of how all the invaders have destroyed her people. And then the group is rounded off by John, who is a disillusioned chaplain with the Knights Templar and also a healer, who probably just wants a new purpose in life without the violence. They are also joined sometimes by Majid, a mysterious spy and Rahma’s childhood friend who might be more than that. Teni’s bravery, Viva’s honesty, John’s quick thinking and Majid’s convincing skills all combine with Rahma’s scheming to give us a whole lot of adventures along their journey. I also loved how the author managed to get together a crew belonging to all the faiths who have stake in the Holy Land and despite what the wars the rulers representing these faiths are fighting, the author managed to convey beautifully that the common people could get along well if they wanted to because ultimately they were suffering equally. It was also interesting to see the other side of this, getting small glimpses into what Richard the Lionheart, Sultan Saladin and Queen Isabella of Jerusalem.
In conclusion, this one felt like a classic adventure tale that captured the spirit of Robin Hood while giving us a very interesting setting like the cities around Jerusalem during the Crusades in the late 12th century. While I can’t say how close or different it is from the original, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. And even though things felt like they came too easy for our heroine, it was still a fun journey to be on with a cool group of characters. This remixed classics series is turning out to be such a unique experience and I can’t wait to next get my hands on the new versions of Wuthering Heights and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde....more
In the beginning years of my blog, I used to read a lot of Jane Austen retellings, especially P&P because it’s one of the very few classics I still enIn the beginning years of my blog, I used to read a lot of Jane Austen retellings, especially P&P because it’s one of the very few classics I still enjoy in all its forms. But it’s now been a while since I’ve read any because I’m only reading mostly SFF these days. But when I saw that this new retelling was coming out as part of the remixed classics series, I knew I had to give it a try. I’m so thankful that the publisher sent me an audiobook in advance so that I could immediately get into this and I can only say this was a lovely experience.
The one thing I’ve loved about the 3-4 books I’ve read in the remixed classics series is how easy they are to read - very accessible both to lovers of the original book and anyone new to the material; and this book remained the same. Once I started listening, I didn’t wanna stop and I kept going during every little bit of time I could spare. The write was cute and charming and mostly happy, despite the major theme of the book being exploring gender identity in a historical time period when gender roles were more rigid.
Oliver has just been getting comfortable in his identity as a man for an year, but it’s getting very difficult when he has to still pretend to be a woman in front of some of his family members and general society. But the moments where he is able to be himself, comfortable in the clothes he wears, the joy he feels when someone treats him like a man - it’s all explored beautifully and I only wanted the best for him. Darcy on the other hand gets a much different side to him explored in this retelling because of his sexuality and I loved how nice it was to see a friendship developing between Oliver and Darcy, even more so than the original.
While there were some lovely interactions between Oliver and his dad, sister Jane and friend Charlotte, I thought none of the side characters got as much time as we get in the original- I guess this book is just shorter and it’s also young adult. I also had minor gripes with how Oliver reacted to Charlotte’s decision to marry in this one when compared to Lizzy’s in P&P because Oliver and Charlotte share a very different equation here and I was expecting him to be more empathetic.
However, in the end, I had a smile on my face for most of time while listening to this. The narrator Harrison Knights does a lovely job bringing Oliver to life with his voice. This is a mostly adorable retelling of a beloved classic, albeit with a slightly more open ending because of the reality of queer people in Victorian England; and I believe any P&P fan would be charmed by it. I feel like I should now start checking out more Austen retellings I may have missed in the past couple of years because I had forgotten how much joy they give me. ...more
Another Kingfisher book I’m reading this year and who knows, it’ll probably not even be the last. And every book of hers always manages to leave me feAnother Kingfisher book I’m reading this year and who knows, it’ll probably not even be the last. And every book of hers always manages to leave me feeling satisfied but wanting more.
This is a Sleeping Beauty retelling told from the POV from the faerie guarding the tower, Toadling. She is such an endearing character who is scared and unsure of herself, hasn’t gotten much of a chance to make choices in her long life, and always tries to help in whatever way she can. The way the author reveals her backstory little by little is beautiful and she is definitely what makes this little novella memorable. The knight Halim on the other hand is a nice guy - no doubt - but the kind of nice guy who thinks he is doing the right thing, irrespective of the wishes of those around him. So while I thought he could be better, I wasn’t totally swept off by him.
The prose is lyrical and haunting and sweet, something I’ve come to expect from the author, and it always marvels me how she manages to show the darkness in her stories but still ensures that there’s enough light to be found at the end of the tunnel and the readers are always left with hope. It’s the same feeling I got after finishing this story - it’s too short but we get enough of it that we are satisfied despite all the awful moments that have passed, and we are left with hope for the many adventures Toadling might go on after this end.
To finish this off, you can’t miss this if you are a Kingfisher fan like I am. And if you haven’t encountered her works yet, this little novella is not a bad starting point. Just go in expecting something weird and horrific but also sweet and cozy and get swept up in its magic. I do have to mention that the audiobook narrator Jennifer Blom does a lovely job bringing Toadling’s story to us and I would surely recommend the audio format to those who enjoy listening to fairytales. ...more
I’m not much into Arthurian legends, so I wasn’t sure if this was gonna be my kind of book but the description sounded fun, so I decided to give it a I’m not much into Arthurian legends, so I wasn’t sure if this was gonna be my kind of book but the description sounded fun, so I decided to give it a try. And turns out it was much different than what I expected it to be.
This is more of a coming of age, queer, YA romcom whose setting is hundreds of years after King Arthur and our male protagonist Arthur descends from him. Gwen is the princess and both of them are betrothed even though they despise each other. It was hilarious getting to know more about each of them through the other’s eyes because their grievances felt like petty teenage angst to me, but it’s so much more to them.
Gwen’s crush on the only female knight Bridget was so cute and I loved their little budding relationship, though Bridget’s path to be herself is full of discrimination and she never wavers. Gwen’s brother Gabe knows the weight of his position as Crown Prince and only wants the best for the people but he is also sweet and bookish and just overall such a nice person. They also have an amazing sibling bond which I adored.
On the other side, Arthur (Art) and Sidney are best buddies and it’s a friendship that’s full of loyalty and trust for each other. But their banter is top notch as well and it was impossible not to laugh when they were together. Sid and Agnes’s romance was the best though, coz they had literal heart eyes towards each other and nothing could come between them.
The plot was a breeze to get through for most of it because of its light hearted nature and extremely lovable characters. While they could be typical dramatic teenagers, they were written in a very endearing way and I never got annoyed with them. The plot however does take a dramatic turn towards violence/war in the last quarter and it was a very hard tonal shift, that didn’t feel like it matched the vibe of the rest of the story.
In the end, this was a mostly fun, cute, bantery queer YA story with lovely characters, great friendships and cute romances. While the political plotline towards the end gave me a hard jolt, the characters didn’t let the story become too dark. It also helps that the two audiobook narrators Alex Singh and Sarah Ovens just bring out the teenage drama of it all perfectly in their voice, making the listening experience very entertaining. Definitely check it out if you want something lighthearted, but do keep an eye out for the slightly darker plotline at the end. ...more
I’m not someone who reads a lot of Beauty and the Beast retellings because it’s not a story I grew up with. CW: mention of rape
Probably more of a 3.5.
I’m not someone who reads a lot of Beauty and the Beast retellings because it’s not a story I grew up with. But this one had a lovely looking cover, so I requested the publisher for an arc and was excited to read it. And turns out it was enjoyable.
The prose was definitely the best part of this story. There were some very beautiful lines throughout and I highlighted my copy quite a bit. However, it also felt like this was a story that was very close to the original, maybe even assumed that you know the actual story and only parts of it are changed or retold to give it a new feel. There’s an enchanted forest and castle, one faerie who grants wishes and that’s it - it’s the extent of world building here and as a huge reader of fantasy, that was a tad bit dissatisfactory for me. But the pacing itself was quick, and the way the past of Beauty is told in short bursts of flashbacks was done quite seamlessly.
This is a fairly short book, almost like a novella, which is probably why I felt that we didn’t get enough time for the characters to be developed. Beauty is suffering because of the trauma in her past and wants an escape from that, so I liked that she gets the slow healing that she deserves through the time she spends with Beast. He on the other hand doesn’t have a POV, and is a very limited conversationalist, so I felt like we only got to know Beast through Beauty’s perspective which was maybe enough to show his kindness and compassionate nature, but we never truly get to know him in depth. I liked that Beauty’s family was mostly supportive and there were only a couple of twists with the villains. But there really isn’t too much to do for the supporting characters.
In the end, I liked reading this book. It was a short and quick read, and has a charming quality to it, but I think I was expecting more yearning or romance. This might be your cup of tea if you love the original Beauty and the Beast fairytale but haven’t read too many retellings, and are ready for a shorter read. ...more
I’ve absolutely adored the author’s A Thousand Ships and Pandora’s Jar, especially her audiobook narration, so there was no doubt I was gonna read thiI’ve absolutely adored the author’s A Thousand Ships and Pandora’s Jar, especially her audiobook narration, so there was no doubt I was gonna read this book. But even when I got the ebook, I waited till I got the audio because I knew I had to listen to it. And I’m glad I waited.
This book is also very much told in the author’s signature style - while it may be Medusa’s story, we get many many POVs of gods and demigods and immortals and mortals and more, along with the author’s ever present sarcastic humor which masks her anger at some of the proceedings. It makes for very entertaining reading, especially because I was also simultaneously listening to the audiobook and she is as always a very engaging narrator.
I really sympathized with Medusa and loved her relationship with her sisters but would have loved to see more of her POV, so that I could understand her feelings better. The disdain the gods feel for anyone who is not them is just hard to fathom and I can’t say I liked any of them. Perseus and Athene are especially two I just couldn’t stand because they could see nothing beyond themselves most of the time. And the author is again successful at highlighting how whoever the fault may lie with, it’s ultimately the women who suffer, and they have no recourse. It’s anger inducing and while the sufferings and conclusions of these women don’t change in these retellings, it’s still nice to put some blame on the actual people responsible and not the ones who didn’t have any choice in the matter.
I’m conclusion, I’ll definitely recommend this book if you enjoy Greek mythology retellings, but don’t go in expecting only Medusa’s story despite what it says on the cover. Audiobook will definitely make you appreciate it more because the author is a master at narration. And I’m already eager to see whose story the author will decide to tackle next. ...more
This is a retelling of the Japanese folktale The Crane Wife and while I couldn’t fully recollect what it wProbably more of a 3.5 but I’m rounding up.
This is a retelling of the Japanese folktale The Crane Wife and while I couldn’t fully recollect what it was about, it is mentioned in this novella too, so that was a good way to refresh my memory. While the original is about greed, this novella deals with grief, loss, generational trauma, domestic abuse, and survival - and does it so marvelously in just 120 pages.
The writing is absolutely magical - very poetic and lyrical, giving it a fairytale feel, even though the content itself is absolutely horrific at times. We knows it’s set in the American Midwest but there’s not really a clear vision of whether this is the past or some dystopian future, or maybe a combo of the two. But the bleakness of the town, the numbness of drones monitoring the endless farmland, the daily grind of our narrator taking care of everything in her home as well as her mother and little brother while not even bothering about what it’s going to her - it all makes for a heartbreaking but resilient tale of a young woman determined to protect her beloved brother and ensure that he is able to escape this cycle of abuse.
I’m not sure I completely understood every metaphor here, and the power of art and transformation while being an integral part here didn’t really move me. What I loved was our unnamed narrator’s relentless strength and selfless love and the ending was both bittersweet but hopeful. Just go for this short novella if you have some time and want to experience something which is beautifully dark and nightmarish but also full of love. ...more
Once I read and adored Half A Soul more than a month ago, it was never in doubt that I was gonna pick up this sequel. And just like I hoped, this was Once I read and adored Half A Soul more than a month ago, it was never in doubt that I was gonna pick up this sequel. And just like I hoped, this was an unputdownable fun read from beginning to end. I'm feeling so glad that I discovered this trilogy.
Just like the first book, the writing captured me immediately. We are so used to reading about the lords and dukes in historical fiction, so this was a nice change because our POV is a maid in a household where none of the servants are treated well. With the author's smart but funny writing, we get to see the plight of the people who work in such households and have no status, how their invisibility is considered their best quality, any wrongs done unto them have no consequences for the perpetrators but they are really powerless to do much about it. But the way this story progresses and makes a point for solidarity between the working class people and how their unity can be a big factor in them being able to change their circumstances, is written in a very meaningful way, and while it may seem a bit too hopeful and fantastical, the message conveys beautifully. I think it’s this ability of the author to comment on important social issues but still keep the whimsy and fun intact in the story is what has impressed me the most.
Now, how can I not talk about our lovely characters. Effie is a maid who is full of anger because what else does she have left when she is I’ll treated every single day. She doesn’t have much choice though because who wants to starve, but it doesn’t mean that she has no hope for a change. She too dreams of marrying her Prince Charming and is even okay with making a deal with a Fae to get her wish fulfilled. But what the author does with her story is give her the opportunity to see the truth behind the supposed Prince she wants to marry, realize what is it that she values in a partner and what she hopes her future will actually be. It’s a slow realization, and she stumbles a bit in between, repressing her anger at every turn when she is belittled or forgotten or not seen, until it all bubbles up and comes out in an explosive way. But what I loved about her character arc is that the author makes sure we understand that Effie’s anger and that of anyone else working in that household is justified, and while them being quiet about it is necessary for their job prospects, it doesn’t mean that it’s the right thing to do. They have every right to be angry at their dire circumstances and do something about it if possible, stand together with each other to demand better working conditions.
But it’s definitely Lord Blackthorn who brings the fun to this story. This is a tangent but in most fanfics of MDZS (and The Untamed), Lan Jingyi is called the most un-Lan among the Lans and I think it’s perfect to say that Lord Blackthorn is equally un-Fae compared to how most Fae seem to be in this world. He is hopeful and optimistic and wants to learn and grow and be virtuous, and his cheer just lights up the pages here. Even Effie realizes that her anger dissipates when she is with him because he is one person who doesn’t treat her differently just because she is a maid, respects her for the hard work she puts in every day, and hopes she will get her wishes fulfilled. Yes, his help leads to some disasters but he is too endearing to be very angry at, and I know Effie will agree with me. Their developing friendship and more is just so lovely and we as readers will keep hoping as the story goes on that she’ll forget her Prince Charming, and look at Lord Blackthorn romantically because they are just so perfect together.
There’s also an interesting cast of characters, our feelings towards whom keep fluctuating as the story goes on and things are revealed. Lydia is a fellow maid and Effie’s no 1 cheerleader and I loved their friendship. We start of hating Lady Culver because of her extremely harsh treatment of the staff, but we also slowly get to see why she came to be that way - not that it elicits much sympathy towards her though coz she still takes out her frustrations on people who can’t talk back. Benedict is like the blandest Prince Charming and we can see why Effie might think he is sweet and charming but we learn along with her about his depth of character (or lack thereof). Mrs. Sedgwick and Mr. Allen are the housekeeper and butler, almost antagonistic towards each other but the way their character arcs develop is also a joy to discover.
What more can I say here. I feel like I’ve written the most boring review for one of the most endearing and whimsical and charming books I’ve read in recent times. The author’s take on the story of Cinderella, telling it from the pov of a working class person and giving us some hope about the power of solidarity - it’s a very entertaining story, but also full of heart and many things to think and ponder about. Here’s hoping I’ll get my copy of Longshadow from Orbit soon because I’m even more excited to read it now. ...more
CW: multiple attempted sexual assaults, death, violence, gore
This was a very unexpected addition to my tbr when I accidentally saw a tweet by the authCW: multiple attempted sexual assaults, death, violence, gore
This was a very unexpected addition to my tbr when I accidentally saw a tweet by the author and I just immediately had to ask her for an arc. And turns out it was such a quick read that I hardly took one break in between and that too only because I finally had to sleep.
The author just starts off right in the middle of a very tense scene and then it takes a while for it to slow down. It’s a brutal tale and the author pulls no punches, but she also balances it out with some sweet slice of life moments and some very steamy scenes which makes for a very balanced read. The twists and turns are also quite unexpected and unpredictable most of the times, keeping me on the edge of my seat. There are quite a few fairytale inspirations and the whole story itself has a noticeable dark fairytale vibe, but it’s also equally original, giving us a fun new story to explore but with familiar beats.
Our main character Thorne will break your heart. Having been born and brought up under the shadow of a curse and then been in an enchanted sleep for hundred years, currently being hunted by a malicious Fae - she has never had the opportunity to live the life of a carefree princess or even a normal girl and even now, has to remain strong and figure out how to break the curse and defeat someone much much stronger than her. Her resilience is admirable and when she sets out to do something, she’ll do everything in her power to accomplish it, even if it breaks her. I only kept wishing that she get some reprieve from all the danger and heartbreak.
Her turbulent but developing relationship with Kianna was lovely to read and while initially they didn’t have much choice but to be nice to each other, I liked how much they came to care for each other. Ronan as a love interest felt like a typical one initially but as the story goes, I started liking him more, and it was nice to see a guy who was a warrior not underestimate a girl who can hardly fight but is driven to learn at any cost. Their dynamic was fun and sexy and what I liked was that they had a lot of understanding between each other and any turbulence in the relationship was due to external factors. There are also his friends Gideon, Em and Noah who are all lovely people and together they all make for a very endearing found family.
In the end, I don’t know if I can use the word “fun” for this book because it is pretty dark and violent but with a lovely romance and friendships but it thoroughly entertained me throughout. If you are looking for a fantasy with heavy fairytale vibes but slightly on the darker side, I think you’ll really enjoy it. While this is supposed to be a duology, I think it also works well as a standalone with a satisfying conclusion and I’m so glad I discovered the author’s Twitter and got to read this. ...more
I didn’t think I will get to this book immediately after finishing Pride and Premeditation but I’ve been having trouble reading anything these days beI didn’t think I will get to this book immediately after finishing Pride and Premeditation but I’ve been having trouble reading anything these days because of how busy I’ve gotten and an quirky audiobook sounded like the right way to go.
Sense and Sensibility is my favorite Jane Austen. Though I did enjoy P&P on my second read, my first love will always be S&S, so this book was exciting to read. And adding a multiple murder mystery and making our Dashwood sisters investigators was fun but I loved how the author kept the essence of Eleanor and Marianne intact. Eleanor is intelligent, rational and scientific in her observations while Marianne is spirited and a bit impulsive (and I did feel exasperated with her just like in the original) but together they make a formidable team. I also thought the underlying thread behind the murders was very fascinating and while I don’t know how accurate the issue is to the times, I found it very plausible. The supporting characters are also quite fun, especially Margaret who is a delight and I especially adored the way she was narrated in the audiobook.
Overall, I’m unexpectedly loving this Austen meets Agatha Christie series and I have to emphasize that I feel it’s extra enjoyable because of the entertaining narration. The next installment is a Mansfield Park reimagining and because I don’t remember much of the original, I’ll have to see how I’ll like it. ...more
I came across this book by chance when I was browsing audiobooks and since it’s been a while that I’ve picked up an Austen retelling (I used to that pI came across this book by chance when I was browsing audiobooks and since it’s been a while that I’ve picked up an Austen retelling (I used to that pretty frequently until a couple of years ago) and that I’m feeling no mood to pick up a fantasy, I thought I should give this a try. And it was a delight.
I’m glad that just like she mentioned in the author’s note, she took quite a few liberties with regency England because it means we are able to get a very feminist and unexpectedly bold retelling of Pride and Prejudice here. It remains familiar by giving us the characters who keep most of their original attitudes and personalities as well as sprinkling the story with some of the most famous lines from the classic. But we also get a braver and bolder Elizabeth who wants to be a solicitor and challenges her father that she’ll prove her capabilities, and then clashes with Darcy when they both inadvertently get involved in the same case. The mystery solving can be a bit predictable though I didn’t guess one part of it till almost the end, but the writing and banter just keep us engaged throughout. The writing is a lot of fun, very witty and entertaining, and gives us quite a few memorable confrontations between Lizzie and Darcy. And I didn’t feel at all miffed that it’s too much of a slow burn because I was just chuckling at most of the story and loved the characters a lot. And it’s perfectly complemented by some evocative narration by Morag Sims.
Now that I’ve encountered the author’s lovely writing, I’m quite interested to see how she retells Sense and Sensibility and hope to get to it soon. ...more
I saw this book being talked about for the first time by my dear friend Prachi and was immediately interested in it but it’s taken me all this while tI saw this book being talked about for the first time by my dear friend Prachi and was immediately interested in it but it’s taken me all this while to get to it. But I’m glad I finally did because this is a perspective I definitely needed.
For someone like me who completely believes in the power of stories and who has exceedingly felt that books have enabled me to be a more inclusive and progressive person, this was a much needed look into how stories can work in a different way as well. I didn’t grow up with the western fairytales like the author did but I do know about them now, but the way the author dissects them and questions the choices made in these stories from the perspective of a disabled person is very eye opening. It’s definitely privilege and ableism and the constant othering of anything or anyone that differs from the so-called “normal”, which has prevented me from ever questioning why in all those fairytales, a happy ending only occurs if the disabled or disfigured person is miraculously cured; why is it that kind people are always beautiful and they are the only ones who deserve to be happy; why is it always the villains who have some disabilities or scars or mental health issues and are gruesomely done away with at the end; why is it that the only two options are either a disabled person gets miraculously cured (ending in an HEA) or is left to die… because a disabled person leading a life they are happy and content with is never even in consideration.
The author marvelously blends her analysis of the fairytales and their generational influence on our society with her own life experiences as a person with cerebral palsy. Her struggles with bullying in childhood were heartbreaking to read because which ten year old doesn’t want to imagine herself as a princess with beautiful looks and clothes and shoes; and how the real world constantly reminds her that it’s not an option for her because the society has determined that she isn’t “normal”. I also resonated a lot with the years of her depression and how she felt at the time because I’ve had some years like that myself (maybe a little less intense) and I could clearly feel her pain.
The author’s call for change is not just important for the disabled community but for society as a whole. It is high time we stop defining things as normal and other and start understanding the diversity in bodies as well as minds. It’s not on the shoulders of the disabled person to fit into a society which does everything possible to exclude them.. it’s our duty as a society to create a world that fits every kind of person and let’s them live their life to the fullest and thrive. And we should do this through our thoughts, our words, our stories and our actions. ...more
I don’t really have favorite fairytales but if there’s one I can say I really enjoyed, it has to be Rapunzel. So when I saw that this book was to be aI don’t really have favorite fairytales but if there’s one I can say I really enjoyed, it has to be Rapunzel. So when I saw that this book was to be a retelling of the story from the witch’s perspective, I was immediately intrigued. And I’m glad that it lived up to the expectations.
I don’t wanna give it away but the narrative device used to tell the witch’s story was something that took me by surprise and I have to say I really enjoyed it. And the writing itself is so captivating. It’s got complete fairytale vibes, but a bit on the darker side and it’s pretty fast paced, so I just wanted to keep going once I started. The descriptions are also very evocative and I could totally feel the mysterious and otherworldly nature of everything. I also liked the unpredictability of the story - I really couldn’t guess even for a second where it was going until the story almost reached the end.
Haelewise is a young girl who has always been different from others but sheltered from the world due to her mother’s protectiveness. But once she loses her mother and finds herself alone and cast away, she decides to find purpose and is very determined in her path. Despite her longing for love and affection, I found that Haelewise is a very resolute character, who knows she has to do something even when she isn’t clear of the path, and will do whatever it takes to achieve the outcome. The way she handles every obstacle in her life is admirable and I really liked her character, even when I wasn’t sure what she was thinking or what she was gonna do next.
Kunegunde is the forest witch who gives her sanctuary and I thought the author did an interesting job creating such a push and pull relationship between them, where they seem to care for the other but are also always at odds. Rika was a small presence, so I felt we really didn’t get to know her well. Ursilda on the other hand as well as Beatrice felt like strong women who valued their relationships and faith more than power and I appreciated their strength of conviction. Haelewise’s mother is a significant presence even though she dies pretty early on, and it felt like she was always with her daughter, protecting and guiding her. And finally, I have to talk about Matthäus whose relationship with Haelewise felt both unbreakable and under developed. Every interaction between them is charged with love and tension, but I felt we didn’t get enough backstory to help us see why they shared such a strong bond. But his loyalty was also definitely very enviable because despite everything, he never forgot his first love.
On the whole, this was a very engaging and fun fairytale retelling which got dark at times, but was also equally powerful in telling a story about women whose historical narratives get forgotten when books are written, who are powerful and confident and do a lot for each other, but never gain the right recognition. This is a story dedicated to all such women and I’m glad I got to read it....more
I truly wasn’t expecting much when I first read This Poison Heart a few months ago and I was completely captivated by it. I’ve been eagerly waiting foI truly wasn’t expecting much when I first read This Poison Heart a few months ago and I was completely captivated by it. I’ve been eagerly waiting for this sequel to release since then and I’m so glad I finally got to it. This was equally wow and I just picked the book up and didn’t stop until it was over.
I don’t usually read physical books because I don’t have shelf space for them and I can’t drive myself to the library. But after a long while, I did manage to go and get this copy and I realized today that while I adore my kindle and even enjoy reading on the phone, sometimes the joy a physical book gives is something else. Which was completely in opposition to the feelings the story itself evoked because the main emotion running through this sequel is grief - grief at losing family, grief at knowing that you’ll keep losing your family because that’s your family’s burden, and how this generational trauma shapes lives. The author makes this sadness palpable through her words but there’s also hope that our characters will succeed in their endeavor and finally break off from that cycle of trauma, and then there’s the adventure tale we get that I wasn’t exactly expecting. While we only got hints about the mythology in the first book, this one is brimming with it because we get to know more myths and meet fantastical creatures and gods themselves and go along with the characters on a quest that almost feels like a Cotton Malone adventure, but one I’m more invested in and full of sapphic goodness. The pacing is also pretty quick because there’s a deadline looming, but the author also manages to give us quiet moments of contemplation and so much family feels.
If Bri was just a young girl trying to learn more about her powers and come into her own in This Poison Heart, here she has the duty to bring generations of her family history to a culmination and save her mother in the process. She has a lot more to learn here but she has her plants to soothe her and we can see how confident she has grown in her abilities. And despite whatever difficulties she encounters, she never wavers from her path and her determination is really admirable.
Circe is a new character we meet but it’s easy to start loving her almost instantly. She has been through so much loss in her life that she just doesn’t want to lose anything more and will do anything to help her niece Bri, who she never thought she’ll meet again. But it’s obvious that really cares for Bri and she takes her time to comfort Bri during the tough times and teaches her more about their family legacy. While we don’t get her pov, her sadness is still very much felt and I could really see how much she loved her sister.
Bri is ably supported by her mother Mo and her love interest Marie. Mo is devastated at losing her wife and is overwhelmed by all the mythological information, but she is all in in supporting Bri and Circe and I was heartened by how caring she was of everyone. Marie on the other hand is a no nonsense grumpy immortal who has been through many lifetimes but finally feels like she is living because she has found love. Her relationship development with Bri is tender and beautiful and the source of joy for them when they are embarking on a dangerous quest. Persephone is also someone who has been through a lot across centuries and is determined to ensure that she won’t lose anyone else this time. They all made for a really caring group of people who loved each other and were willing to sacrifice themselves for the other’s happiness and safety.
I’m conclusion, I absolutely adored this and probably more than This Poison Heart and this will probably be one of my top YA books of this year. I’m continually impressed by the author’s gorgeous writing, the vivid world she creates, and the amazing sapphic characters who feel real and absolutely unforgettable. I don’t know if the author will ever return to this world but I definitely wouldn’t mind a spin-off or just about anything which explores more of the mythological aspects that I feel we have just caught a glimpse of for now. ...more
CW: child death, animal sacrifice, mentions of rape, suicide, depression
As someone who only started learning more about Greek mythology fairly recentCW: child death, animal sacrifice, mentions of rape, suicide, depression
As someone who only started learning more about Greek mythology fairly recently, I don’t know much about the stories of Ariadne or Phaedra or even the tale of the Minotaur though I’ve heard the name quite a bit. So this book wouldn’t have been much on my radar if not for it’s gorgeous UK cover as well as the cover of the author’s next release Elektra. So I was excited to find the audiobook of this story and it was definitely an experience.
The author’s writing is very compelling. Right from the first page, there’s a very engaging quality to it and even though I read this in short bursts and kept putting it down after maybe an hour everyday, it still remained on my mind and I was excited to continue the next day. The narration by Barrie Kreinik is also perfect and very enticing, especially when she is speaking through Ariadne’s voice. The pacing could be a bit uneven with a very strong beginning but some of the middle parts feeling bogged down by the domesticity of the characters, but somehow it didn’t really affect my feelings too much. However, it’s the author’s theme of bringing to light how men are valorized while women’s pain goes unrecognized all across Greek mythology is what will remain in any reader’s heart.
Ariadne is a kind person since childhood, despairing over the things she couldn’t change in her life but also enduring whatever life offered her, taking care of the people she loves. But one major decision of her changes her life completely and it’s an interesting character arc that she goes through. At times she is willing to defy anything and anyone to stand up for her principles and for saving helpless women, but other times she is very passive, not bothering with what’s happening around her and just feeling content with her children. But whatever she does or doesn’t do, she is an easy person to like.
Phaedra on the other hand starts as a precocious child who’s life trajectory is remarkably different but also equally dichotomous. She is able to escape her cruel father but has to contend with a charming but indifferent husband who doesn’t care about anyone but himself. She manages to involve herself in court affairs and rule like a Queen but can never take credit for her work because she is a woman. She never finds the love she craves from her husband or children but when she finally thinks she has found her true love, she is too late to turn back. I remember reading about Phaedra’s story in Natalie Haynes’s Pandora’s Jar and the various versions of her tale across history, so I was very intrigued by the way the author wrote her ending. We ofcourse don’t have any godly interventions like in Euripides’s version but just the frailties of human nature.
As one might expect, the author is pretty hard hitting about the casual cruelty of the men in these myths and how they are made into heroes despite their actions causing much suffering. We get to meet the cruel Minos who only wants to rule by fear and doesn’t care what happens to his family or people. Theseus is all about achieving laurels and being exalted as great, and finding joy only when he is talking about all his prowess. Dionysus is as charming as Theseus in the beginning and possibly the one male character I liked here but he too slowly falls into his nature as a god, forgetting his duties and love towards his mortal wife and children. Hippolytus is a small presence and mostly an innocent, but his description is very much clouded by how reverently Phaedra views him. Daedalus might be the only male character throughout who is genuinely written as smart, resourceful and caring. But they were all very interesting to follow along with.
In the end, I had a good time listening to this audiobook. However, the problem with any well written Greek mythology retelling, even those highlighting the women’s stories, is that they will never be completely satisfactory because the women do end up suffering too much. They do get a voice in the narration but it just accentuates the pain they are experiencing. But I also love reading these stories and I’m already very excited to pick up Elektra next. That should be more interesting because I atleast know some background about Clytemnestra, so I won’t be starting on completely unfamiliar grounds....more
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