zoeferry's reviews
567 reviews

Democracy in Retrograde: How to Make Changes Big and Small in Our Country and in Our Lives by Emily Amick, Sami Sage

informative lighthearted medium-paced

3.0

For someone who is looking to get into politics or even just begin to have a better understanding of government, this is a great book. The writing style really reminds me of the Betches other books and its very easy to read. 

If you have more than a beginners knowledge of politics and government, this book is going to feel like a bit of a slog to get through. But it could be a great way to help connect with friends who aren't quite at the same place.

Hope and Happiness in Bluebell Wood by Ali McNamara

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

3.5

The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

dark tense medium-paced

3.75

Evenings and Weekends by Oisín McKenna

emotional reflective medium-paced

5.0

Evenings and Weekends was emotionally devastating. Oisín McKenna has crafted a story that masterfully captures the uncertainty and pressures of millennial life within a beautifully woven narrative. McKenna blends humor and heartbreak seamlessly, creating a storyline that is both achingly familiar and profoundly moving, enhanced by razor-sharp dialogue.

This novel speaks to the struggles of a generation, offering a narrative that is not only deeply empathetic but also ultimately hopeful. I was captivated from the first page to the very last.

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

5.0

I love The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang. Kuang has an incredible talent for blending history, mythology, and fantasy into an utterly gripping story inspired by 20th-century China. The story follows Rin, a war orphan who discovers she has a shamanic power that could change the war's course. Kuang masterfully captures the brutality of war, the complexities of power, and Rin's intense struggle to navigate these daunting challenges.

Deeply rooted in China's rich history, Kuang introduces a mythological framework and magic system that is both terrifying and endlessly captivating. While not shying away from the horrors of war, her writing manages to instill a sense of resilience and hope that keeps you engrossed.

The ending leaves the reader anticipating what happens next, and I can't wait to delve into the rest of the trilogy to see what happens. 

Blood Like Mine by Stuart Neville

dark tense medium-paced

4.25

Wow this book was not what I expected at all. While it started off relatively slow, it picked up and the ending was nothing like I was expecting.

Ghost 19 by Simone St. James

dark mysterious medium-paced

3.5

The Night Ends with Fire by K.X. Song

adventurous medium-paced

3.75

I was excited to read this book, as the story of Mulan has always fascinated me, though my familiarity was mainly limited to summaries and Disney adaptations. This novel offered a deeper, more nuanced retelling that made me reflect on how Westernized versions have shaped my understanding. At times, I struggled because I couldn't shake my views of the animated film, but overall, I found it a compelling story that rekindled my interest in the fantasy genre. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and am curious to see how the story develops.

Great Canadian Ghost Stories: Legendary Tales of Hauntings from Coast to Coast by Barbara Smith

dark fast-paced

2.75

Decent collection of ghosts stories. For some reason they scared me more as a kid than they do now, still enjoyable to listen to. 

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Did not finish book. Stopped at 55%.

I really tried to give this a go but it’s just not my kind of novel