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nclcaitlin's reviews
1731 reviews
A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft
3.5
Lorelei knew the shape of a fairy tale: a prison.
Two star students are pitted against each other for the same position on the Ruhigburg Expedition where their mentor and professor is murdered by someone on the team.
Lorelei had never believed she would be chosen. Her rival, Sylvia, was one of the most famous and beloved naturalists in the country and Lorelei was no one, a cobbler's daughter plucked from the despised Yevanverte. Sylvia was the princess and Lorelai was the witch, the goblin, the Yevanisch viper.
The Ruhigburg Expedition aims to discover the Ursprung, the fabled source of all magic and King Wilhelm's current obsession. If she succeeds, Lorelai can win the king’s favour and her freedom. However, the rest of the team also want to gain the King’s influence.
There was a lot of information dumping. You are thrown into a world where everything is established and little explanation is given so you are frantically trying to piece the world together.
Not to mention, it is clear the characters outside of Lorelei have a deep and complicated past and childhood together. Whilst this can feel frustrating to try and figure out connections and hatred and loyalty, it also meant you were fed tidbits of backstory as you go along, the same as Lorelei who is trying to discover the murderer.
After everything that had happened today, she had no energy left in her to yell. Slowly, Lorelei sat down in the middle of the street. I'm ready, she thought. Just strike me down now. God, however, was cruel.
Sylvia von Wolff's face appeared in her field of vision instead. "Please get up. People are beginning to stare."
Onto the sapphic yearning. Whilst other reviewers have complained that Lorelei’s hatred for Sylvia is unfounded, I disagree. Sure, she is being petty and insecure, yet you can see how she acknowledges how inane this bitterness is. However, it’s something she has learnt growing up ostracised from both her community and the world outside those walls.
She doesn’t hate Sylvia per se, just what she represents.
Lorelei is a pretty infuriating character. She wallows in self-pity and regularly fails to see beyond her own problems and self-defeatism. I think this was a deliberate ploy of Saft’s as she reveals the other characters’ own grievances, troubling choices, and rocky motivations.
I think this might have been helped by a longer book, but also one of the perks of this is it being a relatively standard-to-short length fantasy standalone.
Over and over again, she repeated to herself, I hate you, I hate you, I hate you. Like an incantation— like a fairy tale repetition might make it true.
I think the ending was fairly rushed which ruined my enjoyment for me. I think this would have benefitted from being a duology.
I would recommend this if you enjoyed Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries and keep an eye out for August release The Phoenix Keeper! Also Evocation by ST Gibson!
Thank you to Del Rey for sending me the physical arc in exchange for a review!
Two star students are pitted against each other for the same position on the Ruhigburg Expedition where their mentor and professor is murdered by someone on the team.
Lorelei had never believed she would be chosen. Her rival, Sylvia, was one of the most famous and beloved naturalists in the country and Lorelei was no one, a cobbler's daughter plucked from the despised Yevanverte. Sylvia was the princess and Lorelai was the witch, the goblin, the Yevanisch viper.
The Ruhigburg Expedition aims to discover the Ursprung, the fabled source of all magic and King Wilhelm's current obsession. If she succeeds, Lorelai can win the king’s favour and her freedom. However, the rest of the team also want to gain the King’s influence.
There was a lot of information dumping. You are thrown into a world where everything is established and little explanation is given so you are frantically trying to piece the world together.
Not to mention, it is clear the characters outside of Lorelei have a deep and complicated past and childhood together. Whilst this can feel frustrating to try and figure out connections and hatred and loyalty, it also meant you were fed tidbits of backstory as you go along, the same as Lorelei who is trying to discover the murderer.
After everything that had happened today, she had no energy left in her to yell. Slowly, Lorelei sat down in the middle of the street. I'm ready, she thought. Just strike me down now. God, however, was cruel.
Sylvia von Wolff's face appeared in her field of vision instead. "Please get up. People are beginning to stare."
Onto the sapphic yearning. Whilst other reviewers have complained that Lorelei’s hatred for Sylvia is unfounded, I disagree. Sure, she is being petty and insecure, yet you can see how she acknowledges how inane this bitterness is. However, it’s something she has learnt growing up ostracised from both her community and the world outside those walls.
She doesn’t hate Sylvia per se, just what she represents.
Lorelei is a pretty infuriating character. She wallows in self-pity and regularly fails to see beyond her own problems and self-defeatism. I think this was a deliberate ploy of Saft’s as she reveals the other characters’ own grievances, troubling choices, and rocky motivations.
I think this might have been helped by a longer book, but also one of the perks of this is it being a relatively standard-to-short length fantasy standalone.
Over and over again, she repeated to herself, I hate you, I hate you, I hate you. Like an incantation— like a fairy tale repetition might make it true.
I think the ending was fairly rushed which ruined my enjoyment for me. I think this would have benefitted from being a duology.
I would recommend this if you enjoyed Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries and keep an eye out for August release The Phoenix Keeper! Also Evocation by ST Gibson!
Thank you to Del Rey for sending me the physical arc in exchange for a review!
Cole and Laila Are Just Friends by Bethany Turner
2.5
Cole and Laila have been best friends their entire lives: intimately familiar with Laila’s oversized, pink, plastic, Sophia Loren glasses, and trying every single new dish Cole creates in his family’s restaurant . . . even though she has the refined palate of a kindergartener.
When Cole decides to move to New York City from their small mountain town, Laila doesn’t want to lose her very favorite person. She goes to NYC with him for the first few days and not just for his killer chocolate chip pancakes. It’s because she loves him. As a friend. Just as a friend. Obviously.
Highlight I know people will drool over - it’s dual perspective!
This kind of reminded me of Happy Place, in the sense that there was a larger focus on future ambitions and the surrounding supportive friend group.
I have just looked it up and it turns out there I s a book one and that explains the immediate love I felt the author had for all her characters (namely their friends who are a couple). I think I was more invested in their relationship (lol), so will be looking up book one!
”What if we’re so afraid to mess up what we have that we’re actually messing up the best stuff? The stuff we haven’t even seen yet.”
I also enjoyed the peppering of plenty of pop culture and celebrity references. Imagine just being down the street from Taylor Swift’s apartment?! Laila is also a maaaajor Friends fan so expect a lot of episode allusions.
However, I have a feeling this book will become dated quickly with all the popular culture nods.
Major Cons:
The amount of times ‘I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding’ used was waaay too much.
I also found it unbelievable that Laila was such a ‘country bumpkin’ that she didn’t even know what Uber was? Or that restaurants and takeaways are open past 8pm?!
In the end, I just felt the plot extremely frustrating and the lacking communication for two people who say they share everything unbelievable and convoluted.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for providing the audiobook in exchange for a review.
When Cole decides to move to New York City from their small mountain town, Laila doesn’t want to lose her very favorite person. She goes to NYC with him for the first few days and not just for his killer chocolate chip pancakes. It’s because she loves him. As a friend. Just as a friend. Obviously.
Highlight I know people will drool over - it’s dual perspective!
This kind of reminded me of Happy Place, in the sense that there was a larger focus on future ambitions and the surrounding supportive friend group.
I have just looked it up and it turns out there I s a book one and that explains the immediate love I felt the author had for all her characters (namely their friends who are a couple). I think I was more invested in their relationship (lol), so will be looking up book one!
”What if we’re so afraid to mess up what we have that we’re actually messing up the best stuff? The stuff we haven’t even seen yet.”
I also enjoyed the peppering of plenty of pop culture and celebrity references. Imagine just being down the street from Taylor Swift’s apartment?! Laila is also a maaaajor Friends fan so expect a lot of episode allusions.
However, I have a feeling this book will become dated quickly with all the popular culture nods.
Major Cons:
The amount of times ‘I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding’ used was waaay too much.
I also found it unbelievable that Laila was such a ‘country bumpkin’ that she didn’t even know what Uber was? Or that restaurants and takeaways are open past 8pm?!
In the end, I just felt the plot extremely frustrating and the lacking communication for two people who say they share everything unbelievable and convoluted.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for providing the audiobook in exchange for a review.
The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean
4.25
Quite possibly the cutest, most heart-warming book I have read!
I was squealing and kicking my feet the whole way through and I rarely do that. Cozy never evokes each strong feelings in me.
Alia has her childhood dream job as a phoenix keeper in San Tamculo Zoo. Her wish is find a partner for the critically endangered Silimalo phoenix, Rubra, in her care and lead a breeding programme.
This book, despite being fantastical, had some of the most profound character insight and realistic internal struggles I have read.
Alia is extremely introverted. Diabolically shy. Terrified of public speaking and interaction.
She never feels good enough, constantly scared of failure, and always scared of how she might come off to others.
In other words, I found Alia relatable in certain aspects. She’s the girl who had her nose in a book at school. Who prefers being home, in her pyjamas after 7pm. Who surrounds herself with non-judgemental animals rather than humans.
She made the mistake of wearing mascara one time in high school. Every kid in her class pointed her out. Who was the quiet girl trying to impress? Who was she trying to be?
She never wore make-up again.
Add quirkiness, the most supportive, fellow zookeeper kickass best friend, and an enemies-to-lovers plot that I adored (and you should know that that troupe is normally an instant turn-off and avoid for me); this book was perfect book, right time.
Yes, okay, some of the twists were glaringly obvious, but did I still gobble it up faster than the kelpie in this book? YES!
“I was.. gonna go for something from the heart? Whatever comes to my brain?"
Teddy's brow rose higher.
“Shit. You're right, "Aila groaned. “That's a horrible idea. I'm a horrible idea.”
If you still need convincing, there’s a mischievous archibird called Archie who loves theatrics, and who can say no to that scheming adorable face?
Thank you to Gollancz for providing a physical copy and a delightful goodie box in exchange for a review!
I was squealing and kicking my feet the whole way through and I rarely do that. Cozy never evokes each strong feelings in me.
Alia has her childhood dream job as a phoenix keeper in San Tamculo Zoo. Her wish is find a partner for the critically endangered Silimalo phoenix, Rubra, in her care and lead a breeding programme.
This book, despite being fantastical, had some of the most profound character insight and realistic internal struggles I have read.
Alia is extremely introverted. Diabolically shy. Terrified of public speaking and interaction.
She never feels good enough, constantly scared of failure, and always scared of how she might come off to others.
In other words, I found Alia relatable in certain aspects. She’s the girl who had her nose in a book at school. Who prefers being home, in her pyjamas after 7pm. Who surrounds herself with non-judgemental animals rather than humans.
She made the mistake of wearing mascara one time in high school. Every kid in her class pointed her out. Who was the quiet girl trying to impress? Who was she trying to be?
She never wore make-up again.
Add quirkiness, the most supportive, fellow zookeeper kickass best friend, and an enemies-to-lovers plot that I adored (and you should know that that troupe is normally an instant turn-off and avoid for me); this book was perfect book, right time.
Yes, okay, some of the twists were glaringly obvious, but did I still gobble it up faster than the kelpie in this book? YES!
“I was.. gonna go for something from the heart? Whatever comes to my brain?"
Teddy's brow rose higher.
“Shit. You're right, "Aila groaned. “That's a horrible idea. I'm a horrible idea.”
If you still need convincing, there’s a mischievous archibird called Archie who loves theatrics, and who can say no to that scheming adorable face?
Thank you to Gollancz for providing a physical copy and a delightful goodie box in exchange for a review!
Shōgun by James Clavell
1.75
Unpopular opinion time, oh no!
John Blackthorne, an English navigator, finds himself shipwrecked in Japan. He becomes embroiled in the complex political dynamics of the region, navigating between two powerful daimyōs, Toranaga and Ishido as they try to use his knowledge to win power and loyalty and ultimately become Shogun.
The backdrop is a disunited 1600 Japan which has had no Shogun (central ruler) for nearly three decades. Japan has been rent by dynastic clashes, as well as meddled with politically and militarily by Catholic Portugal.
Blackthorne is labelled a barbarian and the dichotomy between the Japanese attitude of him and his behaviour and his perception of them shows the clashing cultures and practises.
Importantly, the concept of honor and the delicate protocol of communication between those in the ruling classes is painstakingly described and observed. While rising in importance and rank amongst the power players, along with Blackthorne, readers learn about the importance of karma and modesty. Particularly common is Seppuku, or ritual suicide, seen as crazy by Blackthorne to begin with but throughout the story we see his mindset changing.
The law may upset reason but reason may never upset the law, or our whole society will shred like an old tatami. The law may be used to confound reason, reason must certainly not be used to overthrow the law.
I have to shout out the two women who take a semi spotlight in this male heavy book.
Mariko is a converted Christian who is a respected samurai who acts as a translator for Blackthorne and the major power players. She is always annoyed and frustrated by Blackthorne and she treats him like a hawk. Appealing to his preening personality and exercising slow caution and calm.
Fujiko is a young widow appointed to take charge of the household that Toranaga established for Blackthorne. Initially Blackthorne hates her and is disgusted by her, but through her actions she proves her worth and loyalty.
Women were treated as secondary, as worth nothing. Seeing these women still try and retain their dignity and serve the men around them is terrifying and inspiring.
“Always remember, child,” her first teacher had impressed on her, "that to think bad thoughts is really the easiest thing in the world. If you leave your mind to itself it will spiral you down into ever-increasing unhappiness. To think good thoughts, however, requires effort. This is one of the things that need disipline –training- is about. So train your mind to dwell on sweet perfumes, the touch of this silk, tender raindrops against the shoji, the curve of the flower arrangement, the tranquillity of dawn. Then, at length, you won't have to make such a great effort and you will be of value to yourself.”
However, I found myself quite bored throughout and I think I only got through it as it was an audiobook.
It was quite dry and it probably didn’t help the perspectives changed frequently but the audiobook gave no indication which made following along sometimes difficult.
Moreover, after 1,150+ pages you would expect a satisfying ending. OH NO. I had to relisten to the last chapter and then look up the ending in case the audiobook had another part I wasn’t aware of. Nope. The book just ends that badly.
I know a lot of reviewers think it is the perfect open ended conclusion, however I felt so frustrated! I thought that at least I would get some satisfaction from reaching the end. UGH.
I watched the tv show along with the audiobook. I completed half the book before starting and made sure to stay ahead in my reading. They obviously cut a lot out, but the actors did a phenomenal job and the visuals were stunning!
All in all, I can’t believe I am saying it, but if you don’t know whether to read the book before watching, just watch the TV show. But be aware, you will have to pay a lot of attention!
If you enjoyed this, I would recommend The Judas Blossoms, or the Dandelion Dynasty!
John Blackthorne, an English navigator, finds himself shipwrecked in Japan. He becomes embroiled in the complex political dynamics of the region, navigating between two powerful daimyōs, Toranaga and Ishido as they try to use his knowledge to win power and loyalty and ultimately become Shogun.
The backdrop is a disunited 1600 Japan which has had no Shogun (central ruler) for nearly three decades. Japan has been rent by dynastic clashes, as well as meddled with politically and militarily by Catholic Portugal.
Blackthorne is labelled a barbarian and the dichotomy between the Japanese attitude of him and his behaviour and his perception of them shows the clashing cultures and practises.
Importantly, the concept of honor and the delicate protocol of communication between those in the ruling classes is painstakingly described and observed. While rising in importance and rank amongst the power players, along with Blackthorne, readers learn about the importance of karma and modesty. Particularly common is Seppuku, or ritual suicide, seen as crazy by Blackthorne to begin with but throughout the story we see his mindset changing.
The law may upset reason but reason may never upset the law, or our whole society will shred like an old tatami. The law may be used to confound reason, reason must certainly not be used to overthrow the law.
I have to shout out the two women who take a semi spotlight in this male heavy book.
Mariko is a converted Christian who is a respected samurai who acts as a translator for Blackthorne and the major power players. She is always annoyed and frustrated by Blackthorne and she treats him like a hawk. Appealing to his preening personality and exercising slow caution and calm.
Fujiko is a young widow appointed to take charge of the household that Toranaga established for Blackthorne. Initially Blackthorne hates her and is disgusted by her, but through her actions she proves her worth and loyalty.
Women were treated as secondary, as worth nothing. Seeing these women still try and retain their dignity and serve the men around them is terrifying and inspiring.
“Always remember, child,” her first teacher had impressed on her, "that to think bad thoughts is really the easiest thing in the world. If you leave your mind to itself it will spiral you down into ever-increasing unhappiness. To think good thoughts, however, requires effort. This is one of the things that need disipline –training- is about. So train your mind to dwell on sweet perfumes, the touch of this silk, tender raindrops against the shoji, the curve of the flower arrangement, the tranquillity of dawn. Then, at length, you won't have to make such a great effort and you will be of value to yourself.”
However, I found myself quite bored throughout and I think I only got through it as it was an audiobook.
It was quite dry and it probably didn’t help the perspectives changed frequently but the audiobook gave no indication which made following along sometimes difficult.
Moreover, after 1,150+ pages you would expect a satisfying ending. OH NO. I had to relisten to the last chapter and then look up the ending in case the audiobook had another part I wasn’t aware of. Nope. The book just ends that badly.
I know a lot of reviewers think it is the perfect open ended conclusion, however I felt so frustrated! I thought that at least I would get some satisfaction from reaching the end. UGH.
I watched the tv show along with the audiobook. I completed half the book before starting and made sure to stay ahead in my reading. They obviously cut a lot out, but the actors did a phenomenal job and the visuals were stunning!
All in all, I can’t believe I am saying it, but if you don’t know whether to read the book before watching, just watch the TV show. But be aware, you will have to pay a lot of attention!
If you enjoyed this, I would recommend The Judas Blossoms, or the Dandelion Dynasty!
Fury of a Demon by Brian Naslund
3.5
Get your underrated dragon fantasy fix here!
Whatever Osyrus Ward is building, he has conquered the entire realm to amass the materials for it. He’s also the only one keeping Kira alive, thus keeping Vera in line.
Bershad and Ashelyn are working with Jaguar Army to keep back the Wormwrot army and Ward’s new experiments as dragons return to their hunting grounds.
Expect more exploding people, a lot of decapitated heads, and a more sci fi take on the so called ‘sorcery’ or ‘demon craft’ superstition.
And cannibals and forest witches.
Oh, and the threat of Bershad turning into a tree.
“You and your sister need to survive this war. Keep the parts inside that are good and soft. That's your revenge. You don't need to turn yourself into someone like me.''
“Why not?"
“Because I'm still alive. And I'm going to kill everyone responsible for what happened to you."
A really enjoyable conclusion to a very underrated trilogy!
Whatever Osyrus Ward is building, he has conquered the entire realm to amass the materials for it. He’s also the only one keeping Kira alive, thus keeping Vera in line.
Bershad and Ashelyn are working with Jaguar Army to keep back the Wormwrot army and Ward’s new experiments as dragons return to their hunting grounds.
Expect more exploding people, a lot of decapitated heads, and a more sci fi take on the so called ‘sorcery’ or ‘demon craft’ superstition.
And cannibals and forest witches.
Oh, and the threat of Bershad turning into a tree.
“You and your sister need to survive this war. Keep the parts inside that are good and soft. That's your revenge. You don't need to turn yourself into someone like me.''
“Why not?"
“Because I'm still alive. And I'm going to kill everyone responsible for what happened to you."
A really enjoyable conclusion to a very underrated trilogy!
Sorcery of a Queen by Brian Naslund
3.75
A witch queen. An emperor-killing exile. And a notorious thief. It sounds like the start of an exciting joke, but involves saving the world.
After the goatfuck at Floodhaven and believed dead, Bershad, Ashlyn, and Felgor sailed north to Papyria and the Empress.
Almira is facing invasion from Balaria where flying ships made from dragon bones and gray metal made by the mad scientist who tortured Bershad.
Kira, now Empress, is determined to fix the entirety of Terra through wile and political intrigue.
Jolan joins with the Jaguar Army fighting a war against Linkon Pommol.
“Don't go soft because of a little backstory, kid. Everybody's got one."
There’s mushroom demons, a Nomad dragon following Bershad, and pirates!
And of course, Felgor to keep things interesting!
Fast-paced, interesting, and keeps you on your toes!
I love how the dragons aren’t even the biggest part of the plot, but more the politics and how dragons play a part in the world!
After the goatfuck at Floodhaven and believed dead, Bershad, Ashlyn, and Felgor sailed north to Papyria and the Empress.
Almira is facing invasion from Balaria where flying ships made from dragon bones and gray metal made by the mad scientist who tortured Bershad.
Kira, now Empress, is determined to fix the entirety of Terra through wile and political intrigue.
Jolan joins with the Jaguar Army fighting a war against Linkon Pommol.
“Don't go soft because of a little backstory, kid. Everybody's got one."
There’s mushroom demons, a Nomad dragon following Bershad, and pirates!
And of course, Felgor to keep things interesting!
Fast-paced, interesting, and keeps you on your toes!
I love how the dragons aren’t even the biggest part of the plot, but more the politics and how dragons play a part in the world!
Blood of an Exile by Brian Naslund
3.75
Let this be your new dragon fix!
Ex-Lord, exiled Silas Bershad has killed more dragons than anyone else in Terra. The people refer to him as a demon, staying alive when he should have been killed many times over.
The King promises to lift his banishment if he rescues the Princess and kill the Emperor of Balaria responsible for kidnapping her.
Jolan is a young, inquisitive, and knowledgable apothecary apprentice.
Princess Ashlyn is next in line to the throne, extremely interested about dragons and their wellbeing and abilities, and was once betrothed to Bershad.
“He's just trying to survive, same as us. Keep his belly full and his body warm. To him, we're the vicious monsters showing up with spears and pitchforks."
I loved the worldbuilding in this! How dragons contribute to the environment, welfare, and ecology of the land.
Ashlyn is meticulous and extremely intelligent, studying statistics and analysing dragons to discover how Almira is dependent on them. She is also a woman in a position of power, of mixed blood, and considered a witch as people are extremely superstitious and keen to brand.
She used to believe that anyone could be moved by the greater good once they saw it. Getting people to look was the problem. Now, though, she wasn't so sure.
This had interesting, morally grey characters, thrilling action, humour, and a great world to back it up!
Plus, there’s a loyal donkey called Alfonso!
Ex-Lord, exiled Silas Bershad has killed more dragons than anyone else in Terra. The people refer to him as a demon, staying alive when he should have been killed many times over.
The King promises to lift his banishment if he rescues the Princess and kill the Emperor of Balaria responsible for kidnapping her.
Jolan is a young, inquisitive, and knowledgable apothecary apprentice.
Princess Ashlyn is next in line to the throne, extremely interested about dragons and their wellbeing and abilities, and was once betrothed to Bershad.
“He's just trying to survive, same as us. Keep his belly full and his body warm. To him, we're the vicious monsters showing up with spears and pitchforks."
I loved the worldbuilding in this! How dragons contribute to the environment, welfare, and ecology of the land.
Ashlyn is meticulous and extremely intelligent, studying statistics and analysing dragons to discover how Almira is dependent on them. She is also a woman in a position of power, of mixed blood, and considered a witch as people are extremely superstitious and keen to brand.
She used to believe that anyone could be moved by the greater good once they saw it. Getting people to look was the problem. Now, though, she wasn't so sure.
This had interesting, morally grey characters, thrilling action, humour, and a great world to back it up!
Plus, there’s a loyal donkey called Alfonso!
Artificial Wisdom by Thomas R. Weaver
4.5
Part dystopian, sci-fi, thriller, mystery, and climate fiction, this debut will blow your world off its axis.
Still grieving, journalist Marcus investigates a whistleblower’s account that the death of 400 million people, his pregnant wife being one, was the result of geo-engineering failure which the American government is covering up.
This could have huge repercussions as the race for world dictatorship is counting down between the American president and an Artificial Intelligence.
That was the thing about the truth. Sometimes, you were judged more harshly for revealing it than for concealing it.
“The responsibility lies with those who did the deed and those who prop them up, not the ones exposing it."
It is scarily realistic. It is 2040. The world is suffering from extreme climate change. The crisis is real. The people are rioting.
This story explores the idea of the cost of knowledge, of sharing truth, and who should be held responsible for those consequences, especially in a fiery world already fuelled with rage and fear.
If I could force the world to read it, I would.
”We should be putting the resources into turning around the current situation instead of creating safe bubbles from which the rich can watch the poor die.”
I know this will be appealing to a lot of readers - short chapters! This kept me on my toes and the story absolutely gripping!
Like every other reviewer, I don’t want to give too much away. If anything, I would say go in completely blind. Don’t even read reviews. Obviously, you’re reading this, so sorry! But this was one of the best reading experiences I have had.
"You've thrived by adapting your environment, while other animals adapt to the environment. But now you must do both, as the very fabric of the planet tears, as the continents rise up to shake you loose.”
Thank you to the author for sending me the physical copy in exchange for a review!
It’s gorgeous!
Still grieving, journalist Marcus investigates a whistleblower’s account that the death of 400 million people, his pregnant wife being one, was the result of geo-engineering failure which the American government is covering up.
This could have huge repercussions as the race for world dictatorship is counting down between the American president and an Artificial Intelligence.
That was the thing about the truth. Sometimes, you were judged more harshly for revealing it than for concealing it.
“The responsibility lies with those who did the deed and those who prop them up, not the ones exposing it."
It is scarily realistic. It is 2040. The world is suffering from extreme climate change. The crisis is real. The people are rioting.
This story explores the idea of the cost of knowledge, of sharing truth, and who should be held responsible for those consequences, especially in a fiery world already fuelled with rage and fear.
If I could force the world to read it, I would.
”We should be putting the resources into turning around the current situation instead of creating safe bubbles from which the rich can watch the poor die.”
I know this will be appealing to a lot of readers - short chapters! This kept me on my toes and the story absolutely gripping!
Like every other reviewer, I don’t want to give too much away. If anything, I would say go in completely blind. Don’t even read reviews. Obviously, you’re reading this, so sorry! But this was one of the best reading experiences I have had.
"You've thrived by adapting your environment, while other animals adapt to the environment. But now you must do both, as the very fabric of the planet tears, as the continents rise up to shake you loose.”
Thank you to the author for sending me the physical copy in exchange for a review!
It’s gorgeous!
Bringer of Dust by J.M. Miro
3.75
This sequel was so much more than book one! Horror, dark, twisted!
After the ruin book one left us, our characters are seeking the second orsine, a door between worlds, a way to cross into the land of the dead to find Marlowe, a living boy trapped within.
However, the world of the talents is vaster and stranger than Cairndale ever was and they haven't met the half of what's in it, yet.
The Dark Talent is rising and it will destroy everything and the lost drughr, the four who'd vanished centuries ago, were once more stirring.
“There aren't any grown-ups, Charlie. Not in the way you mean it. There's only just children what's gone and got too far away from their own childhoods. Sure, their bodies is all grown. But on the inside, everyone's all just about the same size."
The characters are definitely more fleshed out in this instalment and we get to see their innermost fears, ideals, and dark lurking thoughts.
What Miro does really well is shocking readers. Whether that be through the depravity, the gruesome accounts, the grief and horror of scenes, she writes with such vividness that it shocks and destroys you.
Not to mention, there are many plot twists and revelations. Even more so then book one, taking some of those and turning them on their head! Masterful and mind-bending!
Home isn't a place you go to. It's something you carry with you.
If you enjoyed The Northern Lights (Golden Compass), or Miss Peculiar’s Home for Peculiar Children, I would recommend this!
Thank you to Bloomsbury for providing an arc in exchange for a review!
After the ruin book one left us, our characters are seeking the second orsine, a door between worlds, a way to cross into the land of the dead to find Marlowe, a living boy trapped within.
However, the world of the talents is vaster and stranger than Cairndale ever was and they haven't met the half of what's in it, yet.
The Dark Talent is rising and it will destroy everything and the lost drughr, the four who'd vanished centuries ago, were once more stirring.
“There aren't any grown-ups, Charlie. Not in the way you mean it. There's only just children what's gone and got too far away from their own childhoods. Sure, their bodies is all grown. But on the inside, everyone's all just about the same size."
The characters are definitely more fleshed out in this instalment and we get to see their innermost fears, ideals, and dark lurking thoughts.
What Miro does really well is shocking readers. Whether that be through the depravity, the gruesome accounts, the grief and horror of scenes, she writes with such vividness that it shocks and destroys you.
Not to mention, there are many plot twists and revelations. Even more so then book one, taking some of those and turning them on their head! Masterful and mind-bending!
Home isn't a place you go to. It's something you carry with you.
If you enjoyed The Northern Lights (Golden Compass), or Miss Peculiar’s Home for Peculiar Children, I would recommend this!
Thank you to Bloomsbury for providing an arc in exchange for a review!
Ordinary Monsters by J.M. Miro
3.75
Marlowe wasn't like other children. For one thing, obviously, there was the glowing blue skin.
Charlie had always received glares as being mixed race. Then he survives injuries that should have killed him and he is branded a demon.
The Cairndale Institute is a refuge for those orphans who have talents, a bridge between what is living and what is dead.
Carindale is a bulwark against the dead, established to preserve the passage between worlds and see that it stays closed.
However, there is a dark creature stalking and hunting down children. A creature of malice and evil.
There is a lot to unpack in this book.
There are so many threads of plots which weave together to bring these orphans, the talents, together. Then, they discover there may be more danger than just the shadow chasing them inside the halls of their haven institute.
”Scared is just your head telling your heart to be careful. It's not a bad thing. It's what you do with it that matters."
Miro uses the book to draw attention to mix of concepts.
Faith, race, prejudice, fear, relationships, poverty….
I can’t understand the low rating! This book had a bit of everything to appeal to audiences!!
I didn’t connect and love any of the characters to an unfathomable degree which I always love. I think it’s because couldn’t relate to them due to the differences in age, background, personalities. However, the plot and characters were strong enough to keep me intrigued!
”Anything different from the normal appears monstrous. But it is not. It is not."
If you enjoyed The Northern Lights (Golden Compass), or Miss Peculiar’s Home for Peculiar Children, I would recommend this!
Charlie had always received glares as being mixed race. Then he survives injuries that should have killed him and he is branded a demon.
The Cairndale Institute is a refuge for those orphans who have talents, a bridge between what is living and what is dead.
Carindale is a bulwark against the dead, established to preserve the passage between worlds and see that it stays closed.
However, there is a dark creature stalking and hunting down children. A creature of malice and evil.
There is a lot to unpack in this book.
There are so many threads of plots which weave together to bring these orphans, the talents, together. Then, they discover there may be more danger than just the shadow chasing them inside the halls of their haven institute.
”Scared is just your head telling your heart to be careful. It's not a bad thing. It's what you do with it that matters."
Miro uses the book to draw attention to mix of concepts.
Faith, race, prejudice, fear, relationships, poverty….
I can’t understand the low rating! This book had a bit of everything to appeal to audiences!!
I didn’t connect and love any of the characters to an unfathomable degree which I always love. I think it’s because couldn’t relate to them due to the differences in age, background, personalities. However, the plot and characters were strong enough to keep me intrigued!
”Anything different from the normal appears monstrous. But it is not. It is not."
If you enjoyed The Northern Lights (Golden Compass), or Miss Peculiar’s Home for Peculiar Children, I would recommend this!