Scan barcode
nclcaitlin's reviews
1731 reviews
The Thousand Deaths of Ardor Benn by Tyler Whitesides
4.0
Better than Mistborn?!
Ardor Benn, ruse artist extraordinaire is to pull off his biggest trick yet: stealing the Kings regalia.
Alongside his long-term partner Raek - genius at figuring out weights, trajectories, detonations; and new recruit Quarrah, their thief; the trio devise a masterful plan to place them in high society to pull off the hardest heist yet.
The magic system is extremely cool - think Mistborn, but with dragon dung and a mixing process and detonations.
There’s also a rich history, religions, Moonsickness which is incurable and mortal, and a new doctrine which would cause chaos playing the background.
This book was very funny. An easy humour that makes the characters engaging and distinct.
"I had one, growing up," said Quarrah.
"A large bag?"
She rolled her eyes. "A pet cat. My mother got it for me when my father died."
"A fairly suitable replacement, I imagine."
The pacing was incredible. It seemed like the climax was at the half way mark, but somehow it just kept going, keeping you on your toes and becoming even more intense.
The actual heist was creatively thought out and I had so much fun leading up to its execution.
Beside him, Quarrah sighed sharply, and Ard caught her rolling her eyes. "The world is ending, and you two find a way to compare it to a doughnut."
"I always told Ard too many pastries would kill him," Raek replied solemnly.
I can’t get over the dialogue and the great characters and partnerships!
Definitely an underrated series that’s just so fun! Suitable for young adults and adults alike! Or even advanced pre-teen readers!
Ardor Benn, ruse artist extraordinaire is to pull off his biggest trick yet: stealing the Kings regalia.
Alongside his long-term partner Raek - genius at figuring out weights, trajectories, detonations; and new recruit Quarrah, their thief; the trio devise a masterful plan to place them in high society to pull off the hardest heist yet.
The magic system is extremely cool - think Mistborn, but with dragon dung and a mixing process and detonations.
There’s also a rich history, religions, Moonsickness which is incurable and mortal, and a new doctrine which would cause chaos playing the background.
This book was very funny. An easy humour that makes the characters engaging and distinct.
"I had one, growing up," said Quarrah.
"A large bag?"
She rolled her eyes. "A pet cat. My mother got it for me when my father died."
"A fairly suitable replacement, I imagine."
The pacing was incredible. It seemed like the climax was at the half way mark, but somehow it just kept going, keeping you on your toes and becoming even more intense.
The actual heist was creatively thought out and I had so much fun leading up to its execution.
Beside him, Quarrah sighed sharply, and Ard caught her rolling her eyes. "The world is ending, and you two find a way to compare it to a doughnut."
"I always told Ard too many pastries would kill him," Raek replied solemnly.
I can’t get over the dialogue and the great characters and partnerships!
Definitely an underrated series that’s just so fun! Suitable for young adults and adults alike! Or even advanced pre-teen readers!
Tales of a Monstrous Heart by Jennifer Delaney
3.5
A hauntingly beautiful, slow burn Gothic Romantasy inspired by Jane Eyre in a dark academia setting.
Kat is half fey in a world which has despised non-humans for centuries. She is a pawn in the Council’s hands to keep the brewing fey rebellion quiet, to keep a revolution against mortal power at bay.
Kat requires a mage partnership, the last requirement to graduate from the institute. To grant her the freedom to wield her magic. Something no fey has survived long enough to do. The only person willing to take her on is Lord Emrys Blackthorn- the last expert in dark magic.
There’s a magical house who makes it mind known, moves rooms around, and definitely want the two to get together.
There’s also a precious apprentice to Lord Emerys called William and Kat’s best friend who struggles to hide her wild transfiguration magic by pretending to be her maid! I would definitely read spin-offs books on both of them.
“I've come to understand that a witch is simply a being beyond a man's control.” A being beyond their limits. Power was theirs, made of nothing but fury and chaos, woven into perfect balance. “So perhaps I am.”
The Council are full of a bunch of grumpy old men who hate Kat and the power she has and the fey she represents, the natural magic she has. The games they played and her place often leaves her burdened with guilt for the things she had to pretend not to see or hear in order to survive herself.
Lord Emrys…. The slow burn was really good! Full of lingering looks, shy and quick touches, a forbidden relationship….
Normally I don’t typically like the romance portion of books, but Jennifer made the romance move along with the plot and it never became a pining focus.
The mere presence of him, the anticipation that he might touch me.
Seeing one of his rare smiles, the way his eyes shifted colour when he looked at me. The smell of forbidden herbs and old books whenever he was around. How carefully he handled me, like I was something that needed care.
The writing was very accessible and easy to breeze through. I think this will make it a hit for the trending bingeable romantasies taking over booktok!
I enjoyed this and would recommend it, however it didn’t quite have that element which made me obsess over it. I think I just wanted more.
There is a lot of self-doubt which I felt was brooded over too much and a few things which felt too predictable and I predicted the big twist etc. However, I think this might be the type of reader I am.
I would recommend this if you enjoyed A Deadly Education!
Thank you to the author and Gollancz for sending me the physical arc!!!
Kat is half fey in a world which has despised non-humans for centuries. She is a pawn in the Council’s hands to keep the brewing fey rebellion quiet, to keep a revolution against mortal power at bay.
Kat requires a mage partnership, the last requirement to graduate from the institute. To grant her the freedom to wield her magic. Something no fey has survived long enough to do. The only person willing to take her on is Lord Emrys Blackthorn- the last expert in dark magic.
There’s a magical house who makes it mind known, moves rooms around, and definitely want the two to get together.
There’s also a precious apprentice to Lord Emerys called William and Kat’s best friend who struggles to hide her wild transfiguration magic by pretending to be her maid! I would definitely read spin-offs books on both of them.
“I've come to understand that a witch is simply a being beyond a man's control.” A being beyond their limits. Power was theirs, made of nothing but fury and chaos, woven into perfect balance. “So perhaps I am.”
The Council are full of a bunch of grumpy old men who hate Kat and the power she has and the fey she represents, the natural magic she has. The games they played and her place often leaves her burdened with guilt for the things she had to pretend not to see or hear in order to survive herself.
Lord Emrys…. The slow burn was really good! Full of lingering looks, shy and quick touches, a forbidden relationship….
Normally I don’t typically like the romance portion of books, but Jennifer made the romance move along with the plot and it never became a pining focus.
The mere presence of him, the anticipation that he might touch me.
Seeing one of his rare smiles, the way his eyes shifted colour when he looked at me. The smell of forbidden herbs and old books whenever he was around. How carefully he handled me, like I was something that needed care.
The writing was very accessible and easy to breeze through. I think this will make it a hit for the trending bingeable romantasies taking over booktok!
I enjoyed this and would recommend it, however it didn’t quite have that element which made me obsess over it. I think I just wanted more.
There is a lot of self-doubt which I felt was brooded over too much and a few things which felt too predictable and I predicted the big twist etc. However, I think this might be the type of reader I am.
I would recommend this if you enjoyed A Deadly Education!
Thank you to the author and Gollancz for sending me the physical arc!!!
The Tropic of Serpents by Marie Brennan
3.0
Sweat alongside Isabella as we journey to the jungles.
<b>“Our home will eat you.”</b>
Three years after her last harrowing expedition, Isabella defies both family and convention to embark on her next expedition to the war-torn, jungle continent of Eriga, home to grass-dwelling snakes, tree snakes, and legendary swamp-wyrms.
Accompanied by both an old associate and a runaway heiress, Isabella must brave oppressive heat, merciless fevers, palace intrigues, gossip, and other dangers.
Whilst others seemed to have found this a huge improvement on the first, I actually thought this was slightly more boring and lack-lustre.
Notably, there is a noticeable lack of dragons in this addition. For a series supposedly focused on dissecting and analysing dragons, their appearances seem allusive. Although I know they are rare, I find they tend to be placeholders for Isabella to pursue her ambitions and independence rather than a scientific exploration.
Like book one, societal expectations seem to take up a lot of this book. As a widow, as a mother, as a potential alliance, as a young woman with her future ahead of her.
<b>“Would that I were a man,’” I said, quoting Sarpalyce’s legend. “Except that I do not wish I were a man. I only wish that being a woman did not limit me so.
</b>
Of course, Isabella’s voice remains distinct, particularly aided by the audiobook narration.
Her confidence is more apparent and she is more assertive in her remarks to others and relationships.
In essence, I was just bored. I kept waiting for it to get better as I had been promised… I have continued on, so we will see.
<b>“Our home will eat you.”</b>
Three years after her last harrowing expedition, Isabella defies both family and convention to embark on her next expedition to the war-torn, jungle continent of Eriga, home to grass-dwelling snakes, tree snakes, and legendary swamp-wyrms.
Accompanied by both an old associate and a runaway heiress, Isabella must brave oppressive heat, merciless fevers, palace intrigues, gossip, and other dangers.
Whilst others seemed to have found this a huge improvement on the first, I actually thought this was slightly more boring and lack-lustre.
Notably, there is a noticeable lack of dragons in this addition. For a series supposedly focused on dissecting and analysing dragons, their appearances seem allusive. Although I know they are rare, I find they tend to be placeholders for Isabella to pursue her ambitions and independence rather than a scientific exploration.
Like book one, societal expectations seem to take up a lot of this book. As a widow, as a mother, as a potential alliance, as a young woman with her future ahead of her.
<b>“Would that I were a man,’” I said, quoting Sarpalyce’s legend. “Except that I do not wish I were a man. I only wish that being a woman did not limit me so.
</b>
Of course, Isabella’s voice remains distinct, particularly aided by the audiobook narration.
Her confidence is more apparent and she is more assertive in her remarks to others and relationships.
In essence, I was just bored. I kept waiting for it to get better as I had been promised… I have continued on, so we will see.
Kingfall by David Estes
3.25
Expect sharp-talking swords, witty dragons, demons, godlings, clever princesses, evil Kings, fast-paced arena fights, and a sassy 12-year old.
The powerful godblades were believed to be lost nearly half a millennia ago, when the Godswar ended. Until Sampson Gaard, the youngest princess, blind but ambitious. However, the sword whispers evil in his mind, but tempts him with unspeakable power and the ability to see again.
In the opposing kingdom, High Commander Andovier Helm, leader of the Odinian forces, is captured and his whole family murdered. He is forced to fight in the arena until he is killed.
Aisling Brightshine is one of the few remaining godlings, able to heal and sense pain. She is sold to her worst master yet: King Gaard.
There’s a lot to wrap your head around, but I think seasoned fantasy readers should be fine. With the multi-pov, you are fed a lot of information quickly.
Not to mention, there appears to be a rich history of gods wars and Rifts which keep the number of demons breaching manageable. Of course, these Rifts grow larger as our cast fight against each other and otherworldly monsters.
”What you must understand about power is that it's like a piece of fruit.
It will satisfy you for a time, but then it's gone and you must get another piece of fruit. Or you can save that piece of fruit with the intention of enjoying it another time. Alas, when you return to eat the fruit, it's shriveled and rotten, suitable only for a pig's trough. No, the only way to ensure you never go without fruit is to grow your supply.”
The women were especially interesting to read about. They were not amazing warriors, yet they did not balk from what duty and opportunity demanded of them.
I was also rooting for the romance! I know, who me?!!
Not 'You look beautiful, Peony noticed. 'You are beautiful, like it was something permanent and unchangeable and not only relegated to the superficial surface of her skin. Deeper, like he could see into the core of her and deemed her worthy of such a compliment.
Interestingly, the last 20%, about 200 pages, is taken up by postludes. Basically stories from the past of characters to bulk up their history without impeding on the pacing of the main story and plot.
This was an interesting approach, but I felt slightly put off by having to read this after finishing the main part of the book. Once I’ve finished the main part, I don’t want my kindle to tell me I still have an hour and a half left.
Didn't living require changing, adapting, becoming something different than the caterpillar clinging to a branch and nibbling on leaves, bursting from one's cocoon to test out the wings of a butterfly?
Overall, the action scenes were incredibly well-done and I felt there was complexities to the characters. However, it didn’t stand out and I feel like I’ve read this book in different forms already.
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
3.75
Humour, deep topics, deadpan irony, lit fic with time travelling refugees.
Our protagonist is assigned to be a "bridge," basically a monitor, guide, housemate, and companion, for Commander Graham Gore, a Victorian naval officer plucked from the doomed Franklin Expedition before his death.
The writing is humorous and the book is quite entertaining, quick off-beat dialogue that keeps the focus on relationships. So no, I wouldn’t really class this as a sci-fi. The time-travelling aspect is really not explained, nor the focus or purpose of the book.
"History is what we need to happen. You talk about changing history, but you're trying to change the future. It's an important semantic differentiation in this field."
The author uses levity and playfulness to give a more understandable and relatable way for readers to tackle difficult subjects such as ‘Othering’, imperialism, refugees, displacement, trauma, and much more.
The writing is very self-aware which might annoy some people. For example, describing a woman’s breast in great detail to make fun of male authors’ obsession with over-sexualising female body parts. However, I enjoyed the quirkiness and the meta sense this created.
"Any child or unmarried woman of virtue might engage the machine and be faced with lurid examples of criminal behavior."
“No one's making you watch Midsomer Murders either.”
“Or deformed monstrosities against the will of God-“
“What?"
“Sesame Street,” he said.
At the heart of this book is the idea of narratives and controlling nature vs nurture. We are fed information we perceive as truth, as fundamentals which imprint on us which we can then impart to others. This is especially visible in our narrator’s and Gore’s relationship as someone who comes to the 21st century as a blank slate to expectations and a modern self.
What books he reads, the music he listens to, selecting food to eat, what he Googles, even what museums and bars he visits informs his worldview.
I had the feeling that I thought must afflict parents when their children start to grow apart and answer back. He was moving outside my observation, graduating from my guidance, fitting this new plastic world around him.
Not to mention, the discourse surrounding mixed race identity and how familiar trauma and legacy is passed down and how it can affect your expectations and experiences. How awkward it can be to navigate a world unsure what to label you, how to address you, when to joke with.
Also - is the narrator ever named? I am pretty sure she is unnamed throughout, just known as a bi-racial Cambodian-English woman!
The ending slightly let me down as the book suddenly tried to become more action-based and plot-focused before ending somewhat ambiguously with many raised questions.
I went in with tepid expectations after seeing such mixed reviews, but I am happy to say, whilst slightly campy, I had a fun time.
Although I do think the author would have a better reception as a lit fic author than a sci-fi author.
Then again, I really liked what she did with the concept and it reminded me of approaches such as author Matt Haig.
Our protagonist is assigned to be a "bridge," basically a monitor, guide, housemate, and companion, for Commander Graham Gore, a Victorian naval officer plucked from the doomed Franklin Expedition before his death.
The writing is humorous and the book is quite entertaining, quick off-beat dialogue that keeps the focus on relationships. So no, I wouldn’t really class this as a sci-fi. The time-travelling aspect is really not explained, nor the focus or purpose of the book.
"History is what we need to happen. You talk about changing history, but you're trying to change the future. It's an important semantic differentiation in this field."
The author uses levity and playfulness to give a more understandable and relatable way for readers to tackle difficult subjects such as ‘Othering’, imperialism, refugees, displacement, trauma, and much more.
The writing is very self-aware which might annoy some people. For example, describing a woman’s breast in great detail to make fun of male authors’ obsession with over-sexualising female body parts. However, I enjoyed the quirkiness and the meta sense this created.
"Any child or unmarried woman of virtue might engage the machine and be faced with lurid examples of criminal behavior."
“No one's making you watch Midsomer Murders either.”
“Or deformed monstrosities against the will of God-“
“What?"
“Sesame Street,” he said.
At the heart of this book is the idea of narratives and controlling nature vs nurture. We are fed information we perceive as truth, as fundamentals which imprint on us which we can then impart to others. This is especially visible in our narrator’s and Gore’s relationship as someone who comes to the 21st century as a blank slate to expectations and a modern self.
What books he reads, the music he listens to, selecting food to eat, what he Googles, even what museums and bars he visits informs his worldview.
I had the feeling that I thought must afflict parents when their children start to grow apart and answer back. He was moving outside my observation, graduating from my guidance, fitting this new plastic world around him.
Not to mention, the discourse surrounding mixed race identity and how familiar trauma and legacy is passed down and how it can affect your expectations and experiences. How awkward it can be to navigate a world unsure what to label you, how to address you, when to joke with.
Also - is the narrator ever named? I am pretty sure she is unnamed throughout, just known as a bi-racial Cambodian-English woman!
The ending slightly let me down as the book suddenly tried to become more action-based and plot-focused before ending somewhat ambiguously with many raised questions.
I went in with tepid expectations after seeing such mixed reviews, but I am happy to say, whilst slightly campy, I had a fun time.
Although I do think the author would have a better reception as a lit fic author than a sci-fi author.
Then again, I really liked what she did with the concept and it reminded me of approaches such as author Matt Haig.
A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan
3.5
Unladylike Lady Trent is an elderly dragon naturalist who recounts the start of her interest in dragons as young Isabella days in the form of a witty and scandalous memoir.
One benefit of being an old woman now, and moreover one who has been called a "national treasure," is that there are very few who can tell me what I may and may not write.
I can just picture Professor McGonagall, Maggie Smith, playing this role perfectly in a movie!
This is not a book if you’re looking for something like Fourth Wing or an action-packed adventure story. Rather, it is a wry overview of someone’s life and their interactions, embarrassments, and various entanglements with family members, friends, suitors, smugglers, and dragons alike.
The world feels Victorian-esque with all the conventions and gender limitations and expectations that come along with it.
”It’s—it’s as if there is a dragon inside me. I don’t know how big she is; she may still be growing. But she has wings, and strength, and—and I can’t keep her in a cage. She’ll die. I’ll die. I know it isn’t modest to say these things, but I know I’m capable of more than life in Scirland will allow. It’s all right for women to study theology, or literature, but nothing so rough and ready as this. And yet this is what I want. Even if it’s hard, even if it’s dangerous. I don’t care. I need to see where my wings can carry me.”
This first instalment is more of a character study of a young Elizabeth and how her earlier experiences shaped who she becomes.
One benefit of being an old woman now, and moreover one who has been called a "national treasure," is that there are very few who can tell me what I may and may not write.
I can just picture Professor McGonagall, Maggie Smith, playing this role perfectly in a movie!
This is not a book if you’re looking for something like Fourth Wing or an action-packed adventure story. Rather, it is a wry overview of someone’s life and their interactions, embarrassments, and various entanglements with family members, friends, suitors, smugglers, and dragons alike.
The world feels Victorian-esque with all the conventions and gender limitations and expectations that come along with it.
”It’s—it’s as if there is a dragon inside me. I don’t know how big she is; she may still be growing. But she has wings, and strength, and—and I can’t keep her in a cage. She’ll die. I’ll die. I know it isn’t modest to say these things, but I know I’m capable of more than life in Scirland will allow. It’s all right for women to study theology, or literature, but nothing so rough and ready as this. And yet this is what I want. Even if it’s hard, even if it’s dangerous. I don’t care. I need to see where my wings can carry me.”
This first instalment is more of a character study of a young Elizabeth and how her earlier experiences shaped who she becomes.
Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby
2.25
DNF at 70%.
When their sons are murdered, their two fathers team up to avenge their death. This forces them to confront not only the guilty villains, but also the prejudices surrounding their relationships with their married gay sons.
Due to the two fathers’ violent pasts, Cosby explore humans’ disturbing capacity for violence and the nature of justice. Not to mention racism, preconceptions of society, and attitudes towards incarceration.
Most of the characters see violence as a solution, creating a reinforcing cycle where everyone is trying to achieve vengeance or keep a dark secret.
From all the reviews, I was expecting the writing to be touching and beautiful and heartbreaking. To be sobbing from chapter one.
Instead, I sometimes found the writing clunky and not too impactful. It was just very violent.
I preface this by saying I did it by audiobook.
I don’t normally DNF, but maybe it was because I was using my Spotify hours and so felt more compelled to choose wisely and didn’t want to feel like I was wasting it on something I didn’t feel gripped by.
I found I really didn’t care about what happened and none of the characters captured an attachment or investment from me.
Sadly, this is a booktok recommendation which didn’t work for me.
Business Casual by B.K. Borison
4.0
Me, enjoying and squealing over a romance book?!!!
Nova, Beckett’s younger sister, has wrapped her heart in bubble wrap. She’s comfortable being alone, working herself to the bone to open her own tattoo studio, sarcastic and cold and sharp.
Charlie, Stella's half-brother, is a party boy, serial charmer, and major golden retriever.
If there were ever two opposites, it’s them.
However, they decide to relieve stress in a one-night stand which turns into a business casual arrangement of sex.
“I'm asking if you'll come home with me."
My face twists in confusion. "Sure, Nova. I can walk you home."
"No, you idiot. I want you to come home with me."
I stare at her blankly. "For snacks?"
I was so hesitant going into this as I wasn’t a huge fan of book one of Lovelight Farms and then didn’t read the rest of the series. But then publisher mail came in and I saw the gushing reviews. I remember thinking, ‘oh no, is this going to be a case of me pushing through and then having to write an iffy review?’.
THIS WAS SO GOOD!
I just wanted to live in the town of Inglewood. I want to be part of the community, get cookies from the bakery, lattes from the coffee shop, books from the bookshop… I want to find my happy ever after!
It’s incredible how much Borison’s writing has improved since book one. The communication, the interactions, the vibes…. She delivered.
Not to mention, Nova and Charlie have text conversations that are sooo funny!
Charlie has from ADHD and is also an extreme people pleaser, constantly putting on a happy front. Nova is always constantly striving to be perfect, not wanting to let anyone down.
The two high-strung individuals break down each other barrier’s and see their inner, true selves.
I think of what Beckett said to me in my kitchen. The thing about love. "I's just yours," I whisper to Charlie. "Yours to have and yours to keep. You don't have to earn anything. You belong here. And I ... I wanted to give you this flower because I want you to know that you don't have to be anything other than exactly who you are. I know you've been hiding, Charlie. But I see all of your colors. The bright ones and the dark ones too. I see how you're always tilting toward the sun. Forget-me-nots were always my favorite, and— well. You're kind of my favorite too."
There were aspects of Charlie and Nova that I could relate to. They felt like realistic people. They had thoughts and fears that I can relate to. This felt very healing.
Yes, there was spice. If you know me, you know I’m not a huge fan. However, I have to admit I did read like two scenes and WOW. I would say this is some of the best I’ve read.
I would recommend reading at least one of the Lovelight Farms books before reading this even though they are technically all standalones. Obviously all would probably be best, but I only read book one and still understood most things and had a great time!
This has been one of the most pleasantly surprising reads of the year!!!
Thank you to Berkeley for sending me the physical arc in exchange for a review!
In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan
4.25
Insufferable, self-absorbed, socially inept, and definitely not a hero; Elliot is one of the chosen few able to cross the border. Past the wall into a magical land with human, elves, dwarves, druids, trolls, mermaids, and more to train in the council-course border camp.
There, Eliot meets Serene, a beautiful badass elven maiden he falls madly in love with at first look. She insists to be trained in both the war and council courses and it’s up to Elliot and his newly sworn and hated enemy, famous and beloved Luke Sunborn, to help Serene manage the load.
This is fantasy fun, satire, subversion at its finest! The characters are thirteen years old and Elliot regularly notes the crazy things they are expected to do, playing on troupes and actions that have become the norm in the genre, but are actually quite absurd or shocking. Not to mention, Eliot is vehemently against violence and his arguments, whilst bathed in sarcasm, ring true.
"If you must know, she is the one soul destined for my own, and we are going to be together forever," he declared loftily. “That's weird," Luke told him. "We're thirteen."
Elliot is good at annoying everyone around him and refuses to accept other peoples’ reality yet this makes him endearing to readers and even the friends who put up with him and see his deeper self.
Eliot is a problematic character. He constantly only thinks of himself and his desires and woes, neglecting his friends and often being needlessly, merciless mean to them, especially Luke.
Yet, the author doesn’t make Eliot out to be the shining hero, worthy of forgiveness. Her writing makes it clear that, although he is the protagonist and is capable of good, he is also capable of hurting others and being tactless.
But Elliot didn't want love to be like that. He loved Serene, and he did not want to catch her in his arms if she stumbled. He wanted to help her to her feet.
Don’t be misled by the cover, there is a noticeable lack of mermaids for a lot of the book!
I picked this as a beach read because of the cover and instead got a magical land with a cadet training camp! I still had a great time.
This is a strong, high-four-stars-I-recommend-this-book! But again, only if you think you can put up with Eliot’s insufferableness and the over-the-top, on-the-nose tone.
There, Eliot meets Serene, a beautiful badass elven maiden he falls madly in love with at first look. She insists to be trained in both the war and council courses and it’s up to Elliot and his newly sworn and hated enemy, famous and beloved Luke Sunborn, to help Serene manage the load.
This is fantasy fun, satire, subversion at its finest! The characters are thirteen years old and Elliot regularly notes the crazy things they are expected to do, playing on troupes and actions that have become the norm in the genre, but are actually quite absurd or shocking. Not to mention, Eliot is vehemently against violence and his arguments, whilst bathed in sarcasm, ring true.
"If you must know, she is the one soul destined for my own, and we are going to be together forever," he declared loftily. “That's weird," Luke told him. "We're thirteen."
Elliot is good at annoying everyone around him and refuses to accept other peoples’ reality yet this makes him endearing to readers and even the friends who put up with him and see his deeper self.
Eliot is a problematic character. He constantly only thinks of himself and his desires and woes, neglecting his friends and often being needlessly, merciless mean to them, especially Luke.
Yet, the author doesn’t make Eliot out to be the shining hero, worthy of forgiveness. Her writing makes it clear that, although he is the protagonist and is capable of good, he is also capable of hurting others and being tactless.
But Elliot didn't want love to be like that. He loved Serene, and he did not want to catch her in his arms if she stumbled. He wanted to help her to her feet.
Don’t be misled by the cover, there is a noticeable lack of mermaids for a lot of the book!
I picked this as a beach read because of the cover and instead got a magical land with a cadet training camp! I still had a great time.
This is a strong, high-four-stars-I-recommend-this-book! But again, only if you think you can put up with Eliot’s insufferableness and the over-the-top, on-the-nose tone.
The Maid and the Crocodile by Jordan Ifueko
4.0
A warmhearted fantasy set in the mystical world of Oluwan City.
Small Sade needs a job Small Sade, on orphan searching for work with her speckled skin and misshapen feet, has been fending off spirits since the day she was born.
Sade finds work as a maid and Curse-Eater in a swanky inn, altering people's fates by cleaning negative spirits.
Only, Sade also attracts the attention of the Crocodile god known for devouring girls. Now soul-bonded with a god who is not as he seems, Sade must manage her mistress’s heavy expectations and the curse that is turning the Crocodile into a beast.
Told in the second person to a ‘You’, this makes the narrative mirror the story teller-like quality as a folk tale full of warning and moral.
The second person narrative never confused or detracted from the plot, and actually added to it, especially when you find out who ‘You’ is if you hadn’t guessed it already.
I had lived in between names, changing shape like mashed fufu in a pot, forced to fit whatever crevice they jammed me in.
Sade is a strong character, and despite being a nobody, a commoner, a cleaner, she takes pride in what she does and enjoys being around those of her class and carrying out tasks others would deem as menial.
This is a powerful story about choosing your future, making yourself be heard, and staying resilient.
Definitely read the author’s note afterwards - not only was it fascinating, it also added a lot of personal context to the story!
“I am beginning to think," I said, "that standing tall is less useful than standing together…. What if there is nothing wrong with being an ant?" I wondered aloud. What if together, we could be stronger than any giant?"
You don’t have to have read the Raybearer duology to understand this book, but it would add to your knowledge, depth, and history of the world as this is set ten years after.
It’s a treat for readers who want to know what happened after the duology and what changes were made and where our characters ended up.
Thank you to Hot Key Books for providing me with an arc!
Small Sade needs a job Small Sade, on orphan searching for work with her speckled skin and misshapen feet, has been fending off spirits since the day she was born.
Sade finds work as a maid and Curse-Eater in a swanky inn, altering people's fates by cleaning negative spirits.
Only, Sade also attracts the attention of the Crocodile god known for devouring girls. Now soul-bonded with a god who is not as he seems, Sade must manage her mistress’s heavy expectations and the curse that is turning the Crocodile into a beast.
Told in the second person to a ‘You’, this makes the narrative mirror the story teller-like quality as a folk tale full of warning and moral.
The second person narrative never confused or detracted from the plot, and actually added to it, especially when you find out who ‘You’ is if you hadn’t guessed it already.
I had lived in between names, changing shape like mashed fufu in a pot, forced to fit whatever crevice they jammed me in.
Sade is a strong character, and despite being a nobody, a commoner, a cleaner, she takes pride in what she does and enjoys being around those of her class and carrying out tasks others would deem as menial.
This is a powerful story about choosing your future, making yourself be heard, and staying resilient.
Definitely read the author’s note afterwards - not only was it fascinating, it also added a lot of personal context to the story!
“I am beginning to think," I said, "that standing tall is less useful than standing together…. What if there is nothing wrong with being an ant?" I wondered aloud. What if together, we could be stronger than any giant?"
You don’t have to have read the Raybearer duology to understand this book, but it would add to your knowledge, depth, and history of the world as this is set ten years after.
It’s a treat for readers who want to know what happened after the duology and what changes were made and where our characters ended up.
Thank you to Hot Key Books for providing me with an arc!