Charlotte
“Time will cease, disease will fester, and death will die.”
I have mixed feelings about this book. I really enjoyed reading it and it was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. I didn't want it to end because I knew how it would end. I definitely teared up a bit towards the end. Neo and Coeur my beloved
That being said, what was the ending? Maybe I'm just don't understand but it felt like bit of a cop out. Some things could have been handled a little differently but go read other reviews for that as they can put it into much better words.
Despite this, the book is obviously an important story to the author and it shows. Everything feels like its from the heart and some of the experiences are a little too relatable. There are so many different themes that if you do plan on reading this please read the trigger warnings first.
two words: David Tennant
Did I listen to this book just because of him? Absolutely
Did I also enjoy the book? Actually yes
This is a children's book through and through but that doesn't stop adults like me enjoying the more simpler read. I was slightly surprised that the film is very different from the book, quite a few differences. Dragons for one can talk? This did weird me out a little bit and Tennant's voice acting for it made me laugh. It's utterly ridiculous but I could see a younger audience enjoying it
I think I'll be continuing the series
I enjoyed this book, don't get me wrong but I agree with other readers when they say that this was written for the author. There are many important themes like grief, loneliness, complex family relationships, cultural acceptance and so much more. I had the joy of listening to this memoir read by the author themselves and that gave it a more personal touch. Not a bad read and I enjoyed the way it was written, I hope that this book helps others feel not alone in their grief
“You have wings and courage and a brain. Do not annoy me by asking permission”
I originally bought this book just for the cover. I absolutely love bees and this is about as bee as you can get when it comes to books. This was one of the strangest books I have ever read. Think animal farm but for bees. Set in a bee hive, it is full of drama, high stakes and complex organisation that is incredible to read about. But there is a price to pay, stuck in a cult like environment built upon slavery, brain washing and secrets. Not only this but there are themes of religion as the queen is considered “divine” and the hive is expected to partake in daily rituals, prayers and even sacrifice. The bees also seem to worship death, even going so far as to call it the “Kindness”. Workers are regularly “given the kindness” for sins such as greed, desire, idleness and even deformity. They even wish and beg for it, especially if they think they have harmed the hive in any way.
The more I think about this book the more I am marvelled at the commentary woven throughout this book. This book was so interesting to witness the complexities of the world that Paull has created. There were certain moments where I was just laughing at how ridiculous some of the behaviours were (the drones if you've read it). I don't know how realistic it all is but if even a little bit is true then omg bees are messed up xD.
Not only did Paull touch upon the behaviours inside the hive, but also how the outside world effects it too. Whether its winter, other insects, animals and even technology, the hive was not having a good time at all. Paull tells of lack of freedom of speech, classism, slavery, eugenics and religious issues in such a beautiful way that it really makes you think at the end. It's such a powerful story showcasing the dark truth behind controlling states. I don't think I'll ever stop thinking about it.
I know that it's kinda the point of the book to be graphic, but we did not need such a detailed account about bulimia techniques. It also felt like it was portrayed way too much in a jokey manner to fit the rest of the book, despite it being quite a serious subject matter. Maybe it was just me that found it uncomfortable, or maybe that's the point
Despite this, I enjoyed the rest of the book, especially as an audiobook. The topics he talks about are important and enlightening and I hope there's more to come
“How is it that we're all people, we all feel the same basic emotions, but somehow we still can't understand each other?”
This is the second book in the series and while it wasn't as good as the first, I enjoyed it. I found it a bit more slow and because of Marjorie's actions I began to not like her. I glad that she came around though
Eliza is such an amazing character and I really resonated with her. I hope we get to see more of her in any upcoming books
Also the ending was so sweet. I'm giving it a 3.5 purely because it was such a slow beginning but the ending was so good
“Truths are for those who can afford to live it, not for those struggling to find any bright spot of light in a world that casts them into darkness.”
I have sat here for 10 minutes struggling to put into words how I feel about this book. And even now I don't think these words will ever truly describe the impression this book has left on me.
Peaches & Honey follows Anna, a character who's heart is so big I am surprised it even fits in her body. She is gifted an immortal peach by a shapeshifting god and if that doesn't immediately make you want to read it, I don't know what will. It is a historical romance mostly, filled with magic and the more harrowing slow burn I have every experienced. The burn really does burn. The author gives us fragments of this growing relationship throughout each chapter that made me yearn for more each time. It spans across 8 centuries and Raeta does an amazing job of highlighting the horrors of humanity throughout time - “Time touches everything”
There is so much thought and precision into each word that it forces you to reflect and oh boy does it hurt. I don't think a book has ever made me cry as early as chapter 7. Anna as a character is the most selfless and human characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading, I cannot wait to experience more of her. As for Khiran, he is such a complex character that it is impossible not to fall in love with him. Despite the fact that the book mostly focuses on Anna, like for her, he is a constant throughout the book.
I am just in awe of the way this book is written. The thought that is put into this is truly commendable, as it's filled with so much culture and understanding. It reminds me of Doctor Who, forever both blessed and cursed with immortality and spending that time saving everyone else but never saving themselves.
This book is a love letter to those who give their entire beings to help others:
“For the givers, may the next person you save, be yourself.”
“And what's more beautiful and precious than gold? Love, my son. The only treasure that cannot be buried in a pot”
This was such a sweet little story. The artwork is absolutely gorgous and I love how they used the colours of the rainbow per chapter.
The story was a little confusing at first but it picked up towards the end and made for a wonderful short story
“I was so absorbed in the things that I couldn't change, I forgot the most important thing.”
I'm a little disappointed with this book not gonna lie. Maybe it's not for me but it felt like there wasn't enough there for me to truly enjoy the book. It felt more like a collection of short stories than one book.
The second story was the only one that I felt truly connected to, and I think this was because we were shown more of their relationship and knew more about the characters so I actually felt something for them. The last story annoyed me so much as I really hate that trope and somehow everyone was okay with it???
“Love honor's your spirit. Not just the other person's but your own spirit too”
I went into this book not knowing anything about Indian tribes and now I know a whole lot more. Creating something for people who may not have felt seen before is important and Boulley has done an amazing job. Whilst this is fiction I learnt a lot about tribal communities and the culture that surrounds it. I did however find that I was struggling with what everything meant, especially at the beginning.
As for the plot, it was absolutely thrilling. It did take a 100 or so pages to get into but once it did, the stakes were high and the plot twists twisty. The narration was really enjoyable to experience and exploring the main characters own experince within her tribe. I'm both happy and furious at the ending. Some people got the justice and treatment they deserved but like in real life, many did not
It really is an amazing book and a must if you're looking to diversify your reading
“I'm the end, I guess we're all just doing our best for the people we care about. Even if our actions aren't always rational.”
Once again Dylan manages to create a Sci fi world filled with the cultural and political discourse we all know too well. This time religion is on the stage.
This time big tech corporations have managed neural transcendence aka, moving ones consciousness into a new body - a cybot. Religion is at the forefront of the debate as the main character has been raised in a religious (anti tech) cult where God is their leader and not technology. It's filled with the main character battling her faith as she's forced to be a part of this tech world
Whilst it is a standalone book, I do recommend reading Mindwalker first as it gives you a lot of context that make the read a little less confusing. Despite this, it is once again a fast paced, action packed read that will leave you thinking about our future in technology
“For every single second I have in this world, I'm all yours. And after that I'll still be yours, wherever I end up after I'm gone, I'll belong right here with you”
There is only pain. There better be a fucking happy ending at the end of this series otherwise I will be sending a therapy bill their way.
Who'd have thought that my heart could be wretched out like that, but somehow they did it. I struggled to see to finish the end of the book because of all the tears.
There were some happy moments I do admit, and they filled me with so much joy. But happiness always comes with a price with these lot. Oh how I crave the first book when everything was oh so simple.
Curse the stars.
“On my life, I curse you. On his life, I curse you. And for our fate, I'll end you!”
“She was becoming the queen she was always meant to be. It was just hard to accept that I was never going to be her king.”
Well holy fuck this book put me through the 7 stages of grief multiple times. There were so many wholesome and sweet and happy moments that I almost forgot which series I was reading. Lucky for us (not) the twisted sisters reminded us that happy endings are not allowed and stabbed a knife right into our hearts.
“See you in the stars”
“Desperation is not the same thing as consent. That it can't be. And it's time we stop pretending it can”
Oh boy did I have fun with this book. It's a fast paced, action packed, tech filled adventure that will leave any techy wanting more. It's been a while since I've read a sci fi that doesn't leave you confused about all the lore and politics. However because this so closely relates to the real world, it was much easier to get into.
The whole idea of mindwalking is fascinating. I'd say I want it to be real but I definitely do not. The underlying themes of consent and the politics behind governmental and corporate control is scary but real. It really does highlight how we have to be careful with innovation and that things really can go too far in the name of science. That being said, having a supercomputer in your head sounds like it would make life a little easier xD
As for the characters, they were all unique and enjoyable to read. The author does an amazing job of keeping the character's secrets and letting them lose at the best possible moment. Sil is such a fun character to read. You can experience in real time how she uses humour to deny the ticking time bomb that is her mind (quite literally). Her sarcasm and snark is off the charts and I am here for it
Can we stop for a minute and talk about that ending? I did not see those plot twists coming (maybe I'm just blind) and audibly gasped when things were revealed.
If you're looking for a easy and engaging read, focussing on incredible new technology, a cyberpunk world, and commentary on consent and control - this is the book for you
“What are memories if not stories told repeatedly to oneself? Her whole body is the very narrative of her existence.”
Not going to lie, I quite liked this book. There are some... interesting plot holes that really should have been addressed such as the lack of consent and I would have loved to know more about the entire class system and it's politics. Despite that, the entire premise is engaging and I am excited to read more about the world and magic system.
Was it easy to guess the plot twists? yes but I don't view that as a bad thing. I enjoyed the book either way. The characters are not perfect and nor do they claim to be. In fact the majority are quite ruthless and bask in it
To me it's very YA with added ruthlessness and gore. There is a minor intimate scene but nothing crazy. All in all it's a fun read if you don't look into it too much. It definitely needs some things ironing out and I hope that the author can do that in the next instalments
