Krys

I am a huge fan of video games, fantasy novels, and a good magic system. I had heard about this book coming out and was so excited. It seemed like it would be right up my alley.

The storytelling was juvenile, the main character stereotypical to the point it was offensive, and the pacing of the novel left me wishing it were over on page 3. The author should have kept this one on the hard drive and tried again or maybe wrote from his own perception and not tried to do LGBTQIA female gamer. What came out was a weird cross between cheap cable TV fantasy and a cancelled Nickelodeon show.

Read literally anything else. This novel was absolute drivel and a waste of time.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I can't tell you how excited I was that I was chosen to review the audiobook for this novel. I absolutely loved Cerulean Sea but just could not enjoy the audio due to the narrator.

This book translates beautifully to audiobook. The story is easy to follow, the narrator uses voices that beautifully mesh and are distinct enough that you know without any kind of indicator exactly who is talking. The story is paced well and is written in such a way you're not confused about what exactly is happening.

As for the story itself, it is the type of beautiful story you would expect from TJ Klune. His storytelling is masterful, his characters so perfectly flawed. As much as you want to hate Wallace, you can see pieces of yourself and the people you hold dear in him. You don't even notice it as you slip from wondering why Klune would create such a detestable character into actually rooting for him. He uncovers and pokes at all of the raw places of our hearts that are love, loss, and family.

If you are interested in a story that would be the lovechild of Ghost and Good Will Hunting... try this out.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What a wonderful look at a difficult year from the perspectives of so many incredible poets. The 2021 edition of The Best American Poetry not only dives into some of the uncomfortable realities and unrests of the past year, but the editors seem to have taken special care to ensure that a variety of viewpoints are represented, There is a wide breadth of voices represented, which is incredible for an anthology of poetry.

Another thing that sets this anthology apart from other contemporary collections is that it doesn't only feature the well-known names you would expect to find. There are many poets that are lesser known and several I had never read before.

All-in-all, this is an incredible, broad look at poetry and a fantastic reflection of poetry as it exits in our world today.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

What happens when a group of romance writers take common romance tropes and give them life using a multicultural and LGBTQ+ cast? You get some stellar short stories that breathe life back into some tired literary devices. This book is fantastic if you are looking for short stories situated within the romance genre that features BIPOC and queer characters. The stories aren't especially “spicy” and not all of them were incredible but the anthology as a whole is fantastic if you're looking for some romance escapism.

Some of my personal favorites included “Silver and Gold” by Natasha Ngan, “Passover Date” by Laura Silverman, and My Best Friend's Girl by Sara Farizan. The stories are easy to read, many of them are perfect length and tempo for a quick read before bed, and the characters are often incredibly believable.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book came up as a potential book for last October's book club theme and a lot of people opted to read it. One of my co-workers said she wished it had been about more than the fog and her clothes. I went in to read it anyway, partially because of the hype and partially to understand what fog and clothes had to do with each other in a book that has been so lovingly referred to as “gothic horror.”

I've come away feeling more hopeful than I usually do when I read gothic literature. I love that this book turns so much of the genre on its head. We ahve a strong female lead that culturally and (according to the genre) should bend and break to the storyline. And we do see the “what should have been” in her cousin. I love all of this getting flipped.

Yes, the story did drags at parts. But it needed to. No good horror goes from 0-100 on the fear scale without setting the scene.

The horror elements were also fantastic and did cause me to blaze through the ending. I also loved the lingering horror of the ending. Has this centuries-long nightmare ended or is the real horror that it is just beginning again?

I also love that it is a socialite–someone with so much handed to them. She has to figure it all out and save herself. Part of me does wonder why the father never came. The beloved daughter going into the questionable circumstance would definitely be a cause for concern. Then, the extended absence and lack of communication–I was left wondering how Daddy could be so clueless.

Overall, probably one of my favorites of 2021 so far! So glad I didn't listen to book club and dove in. :D

I don't know what I was expecting when I threw my name in the metaphorical hat to review Not a Lot of Reasons to Sing. I haven't often thrown myself into the poetry world since leaving the classroom but something about the mix of sci-fi and poetry had my attention. And I was not disappointed.

If you look for your poetry to have the face slap, scream the truth from a stage bite of slam poetry, this has it.
If you look for your poetry to teach you something about the life best lived, this has it.
If you prefer poetry that forces you into yourself to seek the tiny kernels of truth, identity, and power.... this has it.

Myhre has taken us out of this world into a future that is both like and unlike the society we live in to force us to face all of the ugly injustices we do to ourselves, our neighbors, and to our futures both in the light of day and in the dark recesses of our private thoughts. That bitterness is chased by the ever-present undercurrent of hope and possibility. Myhre is both challenging us to face what we are and what we can become.

Were I still teaching, this would make an instant addition to my curriculum for creative writing and multicultural lit.

McGonigal does it again with another fabulous book that challenges her readers to look past what they think they know into the wild beyond.

Futurist thinking challenges us to look past what is predictable and venture into the realm of “what if.” McGonigal walks you through several futurist thinking challenges and teaches you how (and WHY) you are looking at things this way and how to do it as a solo activity and with a group.

The book itself has been fantastic and is a great exercise for individuals interested in shifting the narrative and the viewpoints of the future.

The audiobook, which I was offered as an ARC, was made even better because it is an author-narrated audiobook. The pacing was what you would expect after watching her speak. She is clear, concise, and actually a pretty great narrator. It is somewhat difficult to do the exercises she suggests as a part of the audiobook so just be prepared with your pause button to do the work!

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I will openly admit that I am a narrative adventure nerd. Tabletop RPGS, MMORPGs, JRPGs... you name it and I'm diving in. I love going on adventures. Growing up, however, I had no idea choose your own adventure novels existed. By the time I learned I could raid my older brother's bookshelves, he was past the “targeted age” for those books. So, I missed out.

Until recently. I found “Into the Dungeon” when I was looking for more not-specifically-made-for-kids choose your own adventures. As usual, Jeff Bezos's well-oiled machine found me, smacked me in the face with it, and gave me a nice little discount to give him my paycheck. Which I, of course, did.

This book absolutely did not disappoint. Unlike the Wizards of the Coast D&D based adventures, this one you get character sheets. You lose HP. You pick up weird little trinkets that come in handy in the oddest ways. You discover secrets that you die attempting to solve. You could get invited to a dinner party or you could get out and float on a river.

It is so well written. Conner did such a great job of writing things so that the adventure feels authentic no matter what path you have taken to get there. There aren't weird holes or stutters like “you brandish your sword” when... you never had a sword or you gave your sword away three steps ago.

If you are looking for a COYA, pick it up. It is fantastic.

I did actually read mine on my Kindle Paperwhite. Being able to click and go directly to where I wanted to go was amazing. Some of the pathways didn't work so well to get set-up (like going to look at character sheets and then trying to get back to where you were to continue the set-up process) but you can't fault that.

At the center of Issunboshi is the lesson that there is no one too small to make a positive change. This is an incredible graphic novel that brings the Japanese fairy tale to life. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is well constructed to bring the reader along despite not knowing the cultural and historical context of the story. This would be an incredible book for any middle- or high-school classroom. I was absolutely floored by the artistic choices made that help bring this entire book to life. Visually stunning and incredible story that leaves you wanting to know what is next in the incredible life of Issunboshi.

This book was a suggestion to me. I can't honestly say it was something that I would have picked up on my own.

Of all the stories that are contained in this book, “Barn Burning” was by far my favorite. It was also one of the few that I grasped the full meaning of. (Or, the full implication.) The others seemed just strange or mundane.

It is a book of short stories, which is a little odd to read after my month's selections so far. I would highly suggest it to anyone interested in comparative literature.

With a prompt to read a book written about England, I dove into this book. It has been sitting on my toread pile for a LONG time (and actually was a bit surprised that the name had changed from Rivers of London to Midnight Riot, so it took me a while to find it).

I was hugely surprised by this book. Part mystery, part fantasy... all soaked in some magical realism. I loved the idea that everyone has magic as a part of their make-up. I know from reading some less than favorable blogs about how the author writes about women, which was a nice warning. It did also make that part stand out to me. Women were all highly sexualized but not to the point that it made me cringe like some other fantasy writers.

The way you chase down magic is through smells, which is awesome. And also... really amazing fodder for literary candle companies. I'm surprised I haven't found Rivers of London themed candles yet.

I ended up doing a combination of reading and listening and the audiobook is SUPERB. I loved the voices the narrator was doing, the accents.

If you liked the movie “The Thirteenth Warrior” with Antonio Banderas, you'll love this book. (Its what the movie was based off of.)

The book reminds me of Beowulf. The insight into Viking culture is amazing. The Appendix gives you some facts that the story was based on for further research, and the introduction gives you the basis of the journey that you (like your narrator)are about to be thrown into.

And it really makes me want to read Beowulf again.

I feel like I'm missing something here. At it's best, the ending is rushed and, quite frankly, unbelievable even for a fictional world. If you like tragedy porn with a dash of “romance,” this may be for you.

Alternate timeline romance. I'd hesitate calling this a rom-com as it actually gets kind of dark toward depression, guilt, and adultery. Definitely a fresh new take on switched places romances. I'd recommend to anyone that wants to see the slightly darker side of this trope.

I had picked this up as a “soon-after-Christmas-but-let's-still-count-it” read after utterly failing in my attempt to read winter-themed books for December. Here are a few of my reactions:

It was a Christmas dinner story that takes place during COVID lockdown. I didn't hate that as much as I think other people have. It was nice to see someone having an experience and connection during a time we all know has been very isolating.Apparently, it gives an “update” for a character I've forgotten from another Rainbow Rowell book. I've read the book, I honestly must not have cared too much because I don't remember them. This book would probably appeal more to individuals that want the “what's next” for Landline.
The family politics are spot on. I loved that there is so much “new normal” in here that is just kind of out there. And she finds a person who has a similar “new normal.” I can't believe I just used “new normal” in a review. Please forgive me.

I would suggest this book for lovers of Landline (because apparently it gives updates to key characters) or for anyone not so done with COVID that you can't take a present-set book. I actually enjoyed it.

Cleo is turning the big 3-0 and still hasn't found the one to settle down with. Mack was happily married and living the life Cleo dreamed about until he wasn't. Both are hoping to find solace in Otter Lodge on Sanctuary Island.

This novel is everything I look for in a romantic comedy. The characters are adult, believable, and flawed. They grow. They discover themselves and evolve as a human. The romance is authentic and one that you wish you could find yourself.

The writing in this novel shows how much the author has grown in her storytelling craft. It is a wonderful, heartwarming novel that is definitely recommended for fans of Christina Lauren and Talia Hibbert.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Six incredibly powerful initiates are chosen chosen to spend one year in a competition to see who will gain membership to the Alexandrian Society. One will be eliminated.

What I loved most about this story was the exploration of the pursuit of power. It is placed squarely in dark academia and given gripping human context. Humans don't seek power and knowledge devoid of their past experiences and Blake brings out the best in how death, neglect, abuse, and loyalty can shape our pursuits.

It also has a really interesting magic system, where the type of magic you can do is classified and able to be refined in a special college. Magic can often come about because of great pain or loss. This puts a whole new spin on the undercurrents and ideals behind magic users.

For those of you looking for a darker look at power, knowledge, and magic.... you've found it.

I have to start out by telling you, I'm not the biggest Jane Austen fan. I'm probably not even the smallest Austen fan. I don't get the appeal.

But....

...Add zombies and I'm a fan for life. I quite literally plowed through this book. The “unmentionables” (AKA “Satan's Army”) have taken over England and have saved Pride and Prejudice.

The third and final installment of the poetry series.... and the perfect ending. Lovelace weaves poetry, personal journey entries, and reminders with beautiful art to create a stunning experience that will rip your heart out, give you hope, and give you a cup of coffee for the adventure ahead.

If you enjoyed the first two books of the series, you just can't miss this final chapter.

Savannah is an editor for a literary publisher and (secretly, of course... if her publishing house found out she was writing frivolous fiction.... the scandal..... ) is facing a submission deadline for her romance novel manuscript . She is walking out of the conference room at work and falls, dropping her manuscript at the feet of her new supervisor. She might have just blown her cover, so she hustles to hide her precious manuscript in a secret hideout. When she returns, a mystery person has added some not-so-welcome editing advice. When her manuscript is rejected by the editor for deep revisions (with a 44-day due date for resubmission), Savannah starts to listen to those marginal notes.

For those of us that fall in love with and through books, this rom-com is such a welcomed escape. What I loved most about this book is that it is more about the growth of Savannah than about the romance itself. She faces some pretty difficult learning curves for herself - learning to put herself first, grow as an individual, and explore what it means to be a good friend, coworker, partner. It is about the harsh realities of chasing your dreams and your dream person and what it means to be attracted to someone.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone that has a bookish bend and is looking for a good rom-com to keep them company. :D

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Aspects of this were great. Backed by a good deal of research. However, he does tend to go on a religious spiral toward the end and does end up using the Bible to support ideas that should be backed by peer-reviewed research instead of works of fiction.

This smut never smuts.

Schwab is a phenomenal storyteller. In my humble list of favorites, her writing and storytelling ranks up there with Rothfuss, Okorafor, and Becky Chambers for me. I don't always love the stories she tells (sorry, I'm one of those that was very “meh” on Addie LaRue) but she could tell me the story of how she bought spinach at the grocery store last week and I'd stick through to the end just for the descriptions.

Gallant was different. It didn't waft through centuries exploring personal connection and sacrifice. It stared down the deepest parts of youthful vehemence and the need to belong and challenged you to confront yourself. The story drags you along into battle to understand what it means to form a family and fight for it.

It is the tale of Oliva, whose father died before she was born and her mother left her at a home for independent girls as a young child. She has no voice, sees a few ghouls, and thoroughly hates where she has ended up. She finally is given a chance at a real home when a long-lost uncle writes and invites her home.

This book is a gutsy, emotional ride through self-discovery when all you have fought for is hanging in the balance. If you are looking for the teenage child of Coraline meets Shades of Magic.... this will not disappoint. If you are seeking another taste of the storytelling that only somewhat saved Addie LaRue, this is for you.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

If you can do audiobooks, grab the audiobook for this. You will not regret it.

Persephone has been alone for most of her life. Any time she tries to get close to someone, she looks into their eyes and they go insane. So, when Persephone finally meets Hyacinth and they begin to talk, Hyacinth invites Persephone out to her island home. There, Persephone begins to discover who she is, what she is capable of, and what it means to be connected to people.

This book is a lovely story of becoming for people who loved Practical Magic or the storytelling style of Magic for Liars. It takes you on an adventure through a woman's discovery of love, family, connection, and her own capabilities. The author's lovely descriptions of the island, the family, and the connection between the sisters alone makes this book worth reading.

My complaint is that the main character reads too much like a lost teenager and less like a young woman. I understand that human connection is difficult to master for some people but the decisions and ideas she has feel too much like the thoughts of a teenager, which kills some of the immersion for me. I was shocked at one point to realize she is supposed to be late-20's, not late teens.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.