Tava

Brom's Slewfoot is a dark, atmospheric novel that blends horror with folklore in a way that is both unsettling and captivating. Set in 17th century New England, the story follows Abitha, a woman who finds herself battling not only the oppressive forces of her Puritan village but also an ancient, supernatural evil. The tension between the natural world and the spiritual realm is one of the book's strongest elements, with Brom's hauntingly detailed prose bringing the forest and its sinister creatures to life.

The character of Slewfoot, a massive, malevolent entity with ties to the land and pagan rituals, is a standout. The complex relationship that forms between Slewfoot and Abitha is the emotional core of the novel, and Brom skillfully builds a sense of dread and fascination around it. There's a potent mix of body horror, psychological suspense, and eerie folklore that keeps the reader on edge throughout.

While the pacing in the middle section can feel a little slow, with some plot points meandering before converging towards a satisfying, albeit dark, conclusion, Slewfoot's atmosphere and world-building more than make up for it. Brom's signature dark art style also adds an extra layer of immersion, with the illustrations helping to visualize the novel's eerie and grotesque elements.

Brom delivers a story that is both unsettling and thought-provoking, exploring themes of power, vengeance, and the human connection to the natural world. Though the novel doesn't quite reach the level of a perfect 5-star read due to its occasional pacing issues, it is an evocative and chilling journey that will resonate with fans of folk horror and gothic fiction.

Okay, so Credence by Penelope Douglas... where do I even start? If you're into stories that make zero sense, a weak protagonist and characters that seem to be competing for the “Most Annoying Award,” then this might just be your next read.

The plot is all over the place. It's like Douglas threw together every taboo she could think of and stirred it into a messy, cringe-worthy soup. We've got a girl sent to live with her step-uncle in the mountains (because, of course, that's a great idea), and what follows is a bizarre love “square” that had me rolling my eyes more than turning pages. Truly appalling!

The characters? Well, let's just say they don't do the book any favors. The protagonist, Tiernan, is about as interesting as a wet blanket, and her love interests aren't much better. They're either creepy, over-the-top, or just plain unlikable. The relationships are awkward, the dialogue is cheesy, and by the time I reached the end, I was more relieved than anything else.

As for the writing, it's a bit like riding a roller coaster blindfolded—except without any of the fun. One minute, it's trying too hard to be edgy, and the next, it's painfully predictable. It's like Douglas couldn't decide if she wanted to write a thriller, a romance, or some weird mix of the two. The result? A disjointed, confusing mess that left me wondering why I even started it in the first place. Not to mention several trigger warnings!

If you're looking for a book that'll make you question your life choices, Credence might just be it. But if you're after a good story with well-developed characters and a plot that actually makes sense, I'd suggest looking elsewhere.

I really tried to love this book

What I liked:

I liked the setting and the historical perspective of the Mexican Revolution. I liked the magical realism of Simonopio's character and the hook that introduced him! He's an incredibly lovable character.

What I didn't like:

It felt white-washed and was awfully wordy. Certain events carried on far too long. I struggled connecting to the other characters as they had social privilege. This book probably could have been wrapped up in half the pages and had a more thoughtful word choice.

If you're on the lookout for a book that doesn't just tell you how to change your life but actually makes it feel doable, James Clear's Atomic Habits is your go-to guide. This isn't just another self-help book; it's like having a super practical, no-nonsense friend who cheers you on every step of the way.

Clear breaks down the complex science of habit formation into bite-sized, manageable pieces. The core idea? Small, consistent actions (atomic habits) can lead to huge, life-altering changes over time. It's all about those 1% improvements that stack up—kind of like leveling up in a video game, but for your real life.

What's great about Atomic Habits is that it's packed with real-life examples and easy-to-follow strategies. Clear doesn't just throw theories at you; he shows you how to apply them in everyday situations. Whether you're trying to get fitter, more productive, or just kick that nagging Netflix binge habit, Clear's got tips that you can put to work immediately.

The book's structure makes it super easy to digest. Each chapter builds on the last, gradually giving you all the tools you need to master your habits. And let's be honest, the graphics and charts sprinkled throughout are a nice touch—who knew habit loops could look so cool?

But what really makes Atomic Habits stand out is its upbeat, can-do vibe. Clear's writing is engaging, and he's got this way of making even the most daunting challenges feel totally conquerable. Whether you're a self-help junkie or just someone looking to shake things up, this book will inspire you to take that first step—and keep going.