Charlotte
“It may help to understand human affairs to be clear that most of the great triumphs and tragedies of history are caused, not by people being fundamentally good or fundamentally bad, but by people being fundamentally people.”
I went into this book not knowing much about what it was other than the fact it was a feel good book. A feel good book it is, but it is also riddled with philosophical and politic commentary. It's crazy to me that this was published in 1990 because it is unbelievably self aware. The way I'd describe this book is a bit like a fever dream. Did I have any clue as to what was going on? Not entirely. Did I have a good time? Absolutely
I can't wait to finally watch the tv show now!
This book really wasn't for me. I did enjoy the writing but I found myself bored with a lot of the story. I enjoyed the bit about Chiron but the entire war felt empty and vague
I'm not a fan of Patroclus and Achilles relationship because Achilles treats him so poorly. Once again a Greek hero plagued by his own hubris. Poor Patroclus never deserved what happened to him, that's what I'm sad about
You know you still deserve to have this love story.
I want to start off this review and say that I am not a romance girly. Never have been, never will. Despite this, I really enjoyed this book and I think that's because of the themes of mental health. It's almost as if mental health is the main plot and romance is the subplot - my favourite type of books.
Stop pretending you're okay. You don't have to pretend with me.
I don't think happily ever after is something that happens to you. I think it's something you choose to do for yourself.
“We can play battles and knights and kings, but in the end, we just want to exist”
I'm so annoyed at this book because I really liked it but there was just one plotline from it that I absolutely hated. But to start off with what makes it so great:
Arthur retellings are one of my favourite retellings of all time purely because I was (still am) absolutely obsessed with the tv show merlin. So finding a queer and sci fi version of this was just so amazing. Not to mention this book is funny, light hearted and filled with action as well as vulnerable moments, flawed characters and easy to understand politics
However, if you were not familiar with the story I feel like the book would be a little too confusing. It's a YA/children's book so it's not overly complicated which you might love but you might also hate, so it definitely depends on the reader. The most annoying thing about the book though is the writer's plot choices:
Because who decides "oh my former partner is dead so let me make a baby with her adoptive brother because he was the closest thing to her"
Maybe it's just me but I was kinda horrified when it was revealed
Regardless the majority of the book I really enjoyed and am looking forward to reading the sequel soon
“I feared our gods every bit as much as I loved them. Through their potential for destruction, they have earned our worship”
I am on the fence with this book. I saw someone mention this as a “high sci fi” and I couldn't agree more. I think however it lacked a lot of explanation for some things and even through finishing the book I did not understand how the world was laid out nor how the politics exactly worked
Despite this I did really enjoy the actual story and the narration was unique and engaging. I'd be interested to read more into the entire world with a little bit more information about everything especially in regards to the gods. The characters I loved, Frieda being our main character and then the side characters such as Joshua, Nadi, and Nergui. Ignoring the stupidly long chapters, I enjoyed how the story was told as a story so to speak - you'll have to read it to find out why :p
An enlightening account of the history of the bisexual label, what it means for individuals, how it came to be and it's influences from the animal kingdom and human history. I listened to the audiobook version, read by the author herself and highlight recommend if you're looking for a more scientific approach to bisexual history
“I???m always telling stories before I even know what they???re about, getting carried away and turning words into sentences, sentences into paragraphs, paragraphs into chapters, chapters into love stories.”
You'd have thought I'd learn my lesson after last time? Spoiler: I didn't.
This book shattered my heart into a million pieces. I'm struggling to find the words to describe this experience because it was so surreal. The two main characters are wonderfully complicated with fleshed out backstories that made them feel like real people. I was a bit worried going into it that it wouldn't be as good as They Both Die at the End but I think I actually prefer this
The story is full of so many magical moments both sad, funny and tender. There were so many moments that made me almost tear up but the ending broke me. I highly recommend xD
“What flames could not consume, never shall be extinguished”
Cosy fantasy is one of my all time favourite genres and this is the book that supposedly started the hype. I'm glad to say that it did not disappoint. If you're looking for a low stake, character driven, cosy fantasy then this is the right book for you.
Despite it's low stake title, because I felt so invested in the characters I was deeply hooked about every little thing that happened. All the characters are so likeable which made for a very enjoyable read. What I did not expect is for my heart to be torn into pieces both through sadness and happiness towards the end. It really did wrap the book up nicely. I wish I could put all the characters in a bubble because they're just so cool (especially Thimble, Thimble owns my heart)
I do wish there was more backstory wise so we could understand where the character's actions come from rather than guessing - I assume that's why there is a prequal coming out. I would love to know more about Viv, Tandri, Cal, Thimble and also the Madrigal. Their character is so intriguing I really need more!
“Sometimes I hate people. This is probably very bad for my mental health.”
Somehow, once again, Alice Oseman has managed to put thoughts and feelings into words and tell a story. I feel like a lot of people would 100% relate to this book, I know I definitely did. I'm struggling to put into words how I liked this book as it has kind of left me with a sort of empty feeling.
I'll start by saying I absolutely love Michael and Tori's interactions. They really helped each other in the end, they fit together like a puzzle piece. This book has definitely made me want to read the heartstopper books because I want more of Charlie who is the most precious soul in the entire universe.
This book is not for everyone. I highly recommend reading the content warnings at https://aliceoseman.com/extras/content-warnings/ before you read any of her work, because it really does get intense, especially if you find yourself relating to the characters. Regardless, I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more of her work.
“I was angry at the fate I'd been given. Because I realised that in order for you to have what you want, I'd have to lose the only thing I've ever wanted.”
I'm going to start off by saying the cover for this book is absolutely gorgeous. There are so much detail and care put into the cover that I will treasure it for a long time. This book is a retelling of a Korean myth, one that I am not familiar with, but I loved it all the same. At first I thought it was all a bit dramatic but as the story progressed I fell in love with the characters which resulted in a pleasant read.
I'd like to put it out there that Shin is now one of my favourite characters ever. He is so complex and I loved to watch his progression as a character. Not to say that this didn't mean my heart was shattered multiple times.
“You cannot expect a child to be able to tell you why they are the way they are; they can only tell you that they are.”
This book is a very intimate conversation that is a snapshot of the authors experience navigating both the real world and the online world as a gay trans man. It manages to both feel happy and sad whilst touching on some very important issues. I highly recommend everyone to read this book and I want to thank Liam for writing such a moving mini memoir
“Ladies, gentlemen and those wise enough to transcend the binary”
This is gonna be a book I will be thinking about for a long time. Not only is the plot, for me, engaging and exciting, but the messages woven throughout the book are important. First of all the best part of this book is that there are CHAPTER TITLES! and we get multi pov with a label at the start of each chapter. You don't understand how nice it is to know what is going on xD I would like to see more povs aside from the 4 characters we saw in this book, but I understand the choice not to for this book.
The magic system in this book is so very interesting and I hope we get more of it in the sequel. If I was to be in a fantasy universe of my choosing it would probably be this one. I loved all of the characters, apart from Helena of course - she I hate. They were all unique in their own way and had their own faults. The book is written in a unique way that I think would translate to a movie or tv show very well. All the scenes and flashbacks are perfectly placed and I think it would do really well. Also the pop culture references woven throughout the book were so cool and I enjoyed finding them. I know some people found them clich?? but it was something I enjoyed out of it.
As for the social commentary, I can understand why certain demographics are not as fond of the book as I am as it is quite triggering and hard to read even for me. Some people have made valid points about how things were approached and I have to agree with them. I feel like it can be improved upon and I hope that Dawson does in the next book.
That being said, this book chewed me up and spat me out, I enjoyed it so much and there were so many jaw dropping bits, especially at the end. I am absolutely shocked at the ending. Like wtf???
“Everyone is a pawn... but this isn't my board.”
I never usually read the horror genre because it's not something I always enjoy. But Rebecca is on my “immediately buy” author list so I just had to. To say this book had my hooked like a fish (pun intended) is an understatement and as my flatmate can attest, I was gripped the entire way.
I found myself actually scared while reading the book which is hard to do in writing and I am ever impressed with Rebecca's writing abilities. This book is full of all the best tropes (you'd definitely win trope bingo if that was a thing) and it is gay so who can say no to that?
I loved the constant chess references as it really makes the book feel whole if that makes any sense. And the quotes that come out of that will leave your jaw on the floor. Not only that but this is full with so many plot twists you don't know who to trust, much like the characters' own experiences. Despite me knowing it was a horror, it still shocked me at the chaos that ensued the characters which adds to the feeling of actually experiencing the book with them.
My favourite part of this book was the enemies to lovers dynamic that the two characters were a part of. It is done so well and you can really see the progression of enemies to lovers in both of them, despite it only being single pov. The dynamic is impressive and makes you with you were a part of it because it is sooooo satisfying to read. I found myself mad at the ending just because it had ended rather than it being a bad one. I cannot wait for the sequel to this book because I absolutely need to know more.
Thank you Rebecca for giving me the opportunity to advance read your book because once again you have not disappointed with your writing ability and story making. It is truly an amazing book and Nix and Kess are officially some of my favourite characters now.
“To be alone is never to have been loved”
I had the pleasure of meeting Michael at an LGBT+ book festival last year and was lucky enough to get a signed edition of this. I heard him speak about his journey through politics and his journey with Paul and I knew I had to read it. To be honest, I put this off for a while because I've never been great with biographies but it has exceeded my every expectation.
I'm honestly a little lost for words after finishing this. The way it is narrated keeps you hooked for the entire book, something that is really difficult to do in memoirs. I was horrified at some of the events that Michael has had to go through and amazed at what an incredible man he his, both in his experiences, his education, and his career. This book is beautifully written and I am unashamed to say I absolutely cried at the ending. I knew it was coming yet it didn't soften the blow at all.
He should be proud of all the things he has achieved because despite everything the world has thrown at him, he has managed to make a real difference in the world and generations to come will thank him for it.
“People think that intimacy is about sex. But intimacy is about truth. When you realize you can tell someone your truth, when you can show yourself to them, when you stand in front of them bare and their response is ‘you're safe with me'- that's intimacy.”
Evelyn Hugo is one of the most complicated characters I have had the pleasure of reading. To be honest, I did not like her. I did however, respect the decisions that she was forced to make in such a difficult time. It shows the brutality of getting what you want when you do not have it handed to you on a silver platter.
I did find that the book dragged on a bit but I think that's just my own reading preference rather than any fault of the author. I enjoy lots of high stake moments which is hard to accomplish in a contemporary fic. It did however, definitely pick up towards the end especially when the first you know what happened. There was a brief moment when the book was really happy and not going to lie, I did not want to read on and destroy that. Yet, I'm glad I did.
The relationships showcased in this book were as complex as the characters. The only good husbands were Harry and Robert. Harry holds the keys to my heart - there seems to be a theme with my favourite characters and bourbon - he saw the real Evelyn and I'm glad she had someone who did. The other husbands can burn in the fiery pits of hell because they are horrible. That's not to say that Evelyn was not as equally manipulative in some of these relationships. She was a product of her experiences, which doesn't make it okay but I am glad we got to delve deep into why she behaved this way.
Now for the ending. I know this is a very controversial ending but it is the most realistic to me. And to be honest, I do not blame her. If I was in her position, I would have done the same thing. It is the devastating truth when life hands you lemons and tells you to go bake a cake. The book ends with a lot of unresolved feelings but above all it leaves you wanting more, more of Evelyn Hugo, more of the seven husbands, and, of course, more of her wife.
I'm not an avid reader of non-fiction, purely because I find myself disengaged from the content. However, Francis manages to provide knowledge and history through stories and I could not put it down. It may be because I have a huge passion for medicine anyways but I found myself gripped throughout. My friend even said I was reacting to it as if it was fiction.
The book goes through head to toe, sharing patient stories, providing historical context for medical advancements as well as how culture has had an impact on it. There were moments I found myself happy because the patients had recovered, sad because of the devastating journey to death, and angry because of the life patients had been robbed of throughout history.
This really is a wonderful insight into the medical field and I am so happy I got to read it
“The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty: not knowing what comes next.”
Not gonna lie I spent the majority of this book very very very confused. My friends will attest to that. Despite this, it wasn't a bad book, I just don't think I get much out of a book that relies so much on hidden philosophical commentary. Don't get me wrong, it made me think a lot about our societal systems, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
I am very mad at the ending :(
We may be small, and we may be young, but we will shake the world for our beliefs
I normally start off my reviews with just one quote but this book is filled with so many that I may indulge in a few more within the rest of my review. Priory of the orange tree is an epic fantasy, something I think a lot of readers fail to realise when picking up this book causing them to expect something it is not. But for me, it was exactly what I expected it to be. I fell in love with long plotted high fantasy books as a kid and this book did not fail to meet those expectations.
When history fails to shed light on the truth, myth creates its own.
Love and fear do strange things to our soul
I do not sleep because I am not only afraid of the monsters at my door, but also of the monsters my own mind can conjure. The ones that live within
No woman should be made to fear that she was not enough
Be silent and learn something
I have had the privilege to be an early reader for this book and oh boy was it amazing.
Alex has included so many different representations in this book that I am sure you will feel seen one way or another. As someone with a disability, being able to see yourself in the main character is something that rarely, if ever happens.
The main characters, Wynnie and Quintzy are both loveable in their own unique ways. They are very different from each other and that is what makes their relationship so special. They both help each other develop as characters, with Wynnie accommodating Quintzy's disability and Quintzy doing the same. The side characters add their own special flavour to the mix, with Torin being one of my absolute favs. The “villain” per say is unlikeable which is nice - no falling for the morally grey villain in this one. I assume this is a standalone but I would never say no to a sequal to see Wynnie and Quintzy on their next adventure.
This is a cozy fantasy, which is my all time favourite genre, and has the right balance of cozyness and high stakes so that you want to keep reading. The plot is unique and easy to follow along which makes for a lovely read that will guarantee you feeling warm and cozy at the end.
“Wishes are the dangerous mind games we play with ourselves. The only way to win is not to play”
I think after this book I need to read a happy book again. It is filled with so many twists and turns I honestly had a hard time keeping up sometimes. However, this world building is truly incredible and don't even get me started on the magic system. Deonn has clearly thought long and hard about every tiny aspect in the world and it makes for an engaging read.
The characters are amazing and they all have very unique personalities that come across through their words. I absolutely love some of the new characters such as Valec - I definitely want to see more of them - and also the old characters from Legendborn. Bree, of course, is an absolute badass. Nick I wish we'd seen more of. William is one of my favourite characters and I love him to pieces. Selwyn, Selwyn the demon boy has my entire heart and can do no wrong (despite the fact that he has definitely done lots of things wrong). I really love his personality and although he does have issues, I love how he can have a soft spot for the people he cares about.
All in all, an amazing book that I highly recommend getting your teeth stuck into if you love fast paced, action packed, fantasy books with a hint of romance <3