I loved Rio's If We Were Villains and have eagerly awaited her next story. When I found out it was this novella, I quickly added it to my reading listI loved Rio's If We Were Villains and have eagerly awaited her next story. When I found out it was this novella, I quickly added it to my reading list, though I was initially hesitant about the combination of horror and novella format—two elements that typically don’t resonate with me. After reading the author’s introduction on sleep and insomnia, I felt a spark of excitement, as I also experience sleep issues from time to time.
Ultimately, I rated it two stars, which on Goodreads means "It was OK." The story started well but then it quickly lost its way and ended up being weird! The story follows 5 insomniacs as they try to figure out the mystery of a new hole that appears in the graveyard, this may give the illusion of mystery, thriller or horror genres but if I think about it, it was neither of those. It wasn't really scary; the mystery is solved earlier than it should be and there's a lot of scientific rambling.
There are 5 POVs, and I think for a story this short, the author did a great job of introducing them but a bad job at developing them. There aren't enough pages to know them more deeply and I think it kind of explains the weird ending that I still don't really understand.
In short, this had potential, it felt like an outline of a novel rather than a self-contained novella, it started well but it lost its momentum quickly and as much as I loved the ending of If We Were Villains, I didn't love the ending here!...more
“In the outside world, you will find more people who are kind than people who are not. Seek them out.”
Sometimes, a book's sale price is en
“In the outside world, you will find more people who are kind than people who are not. Seek them out.”
Sometimes, a book's sale price is enough to grab my attention, and that's how I discovered this novel. Initially, the cover didn’t really catch my eye, but by the end of the story, I came to appreciate it as it does reflect the essence of the narrative.
The novel centers on Sally Diamond, whose story begins with her burning her father's corpse. Early on, we learn that Sally is neurodivergent. The narrative then shifts between the present and the past, as well as between different perspectives. I agree with Emily's review that this book is essentially a character study. Sally is an unconventional character, but the other character is the more complex one.
Speaking of characterization, I was impressed by how quickly I connected with Sally. Despite numerous questions that arise throughout the book, the answers are revealed gradually. It’s clear that Sally’s character was crafted with genuine depth, not just to serve diversity and inclusion.
As a thriller, the book excels in keeping readers on edge with its suspenseful plot. While it uses humor to lighten the mood at times, it remains a dark tale dealing with serious themes. Readers should be prepared for this intensity. The story does slow down and become a bit repetitive in the middle, but it regains momentum towards the end.
“You are you. As unique and different as every other person on the planet. Your oddities are not disabilities (although we call them disabilities to get your welfare allowance), they are mere quirks of your personality. You don’t like talking on the phone and I don’t like cauliflower. Are we so different?”
In summary, this was a surprisingly engaging read with sharp writing that balances humor and weighty topics. The characters are unique, and their motivations are explored in depth. The thriller aspect is compelling, and although the ending might be unconventional, it leaves readers with something to ponder. I’m likely to explore more of the author’s work in the future....more
“Happiness is merely a state when everything is as it should be. But if everything is always perfect,
Nolyn ★★★★ Farilane ★★★ ½ Esrahaddon ★★★★ ¼
“Happiness is merely a state when everything is as it should be. But if everything is always perfect, there is no challenge, no reason to live, no purpose to exist. Happiness is the reward for struggle, and without struggle there can be no growth. What does not grow, Ezra, is dead — or should be.”
Having finished this, I’m now fully caught up with everything Sullivan has written in his Elan universe, and his endings consistently leave me satisfied.
This concludes The Rise and Fall series, which is quite unique, as the books are loosely interconnected and span centuries. Surprisingly, this volume is substantial; I initially expected the first two books to be longer, and when I discovered they weren’t, I anticipated this one would follow suit. Instead, it turned out to be his longest book yet.
The narrative centers on Esrahaddon, a character we’ve encountered in Sullivan's other series. The story traces his journey from childhood into the distant future. It felt like a series of short stories and quests that collectively drive the larger narrative. Maintaining reader engagement over such a lengthy span is challenging, but I think Sullivan managed it quite effectively for most of the book.
Sullivan’s talent as a writer shines through; his prose is excellent. His method of plotting the entire series before writing gives him a mastery of foreshadowing and thread connection. There’s humor, action, and emotion, all stemming from his years of writing experience.
The characters are, as always, compelling. Esrahaddon stands out as my favorite in this series, and we encounter familiar faces alongside a host of new ones. Sullivan skillfully illustrates how history is altered and manipulated through his characters, prompting reflections on our own world and the mysteries we often overlook.
The plot is intriguing, as many threads are resolved in this series. While there were moments I missed, it’s always enjoyable to read Michael’s wife’s insights at the end and discover details I hadn’t caught.
“Pain doesn't always come from suffering a terrible life; sometimes it comes from having no life at all and from the certainty you never will.”
In summary, this is the strongest entry in the series and a satisfying finale. I have little to criticize; I thoroughly enjoyed the writing, characters, and plot. It could have been a bit shorter, but overall, I’m pleased and eagerly awaiting Sullivan’s next book!...more
“This must be the way most of us maneuver through the world, half knowing, half not, visited by memories that can’t po
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
“This must be the way most of us maneuver through the world, half knowing, half not, visited by memories that can’t possibly be true.”
I picked up this book on a friend's recommendation and dove right in. My final rating of 3.5 stars aligns closely with the book’s average rating of 3.58 stars. I can see why people might either love or dislike it.
The story centers on Lucy Barton, whom we encounter in the hospital after a complicated appendectomy. Her mother visits, and they share stories about people from their past.
I appreciated the writing's straightforwardness right from the beginning. However, as the narrative progressed, it felt like I was overhearing a series of disconnected conversations between a mother and daughter. While I grasped the essence of the stories, they seemed fragmented, making it difficult for me to form a strong connection with the characters due to the constant shifts between different anecdotes.
The narrative’s realism mirrors the way gossip often unfolds, but as a reader, I found myself craving a deeper connection. I would have preferred a more focused exploration of fewer characters and their stories, with a more satisfying resolution.
“You will have only one story,” she had said. “You’ll write your one story many ways. Don’t ever worry about story. You have only one.”
In summary, the book is an engaging, quick read with commendable writing. It left me intrigued enough to consider exploring the author’s other works, whether it be the next book in this series or another series altogether. ...more
The Thursday Murder Club ★★★ ½ The Man Who Died Twice ★★★★ The Bullet That Missed ★★★★ The Last Devil to Die ★★★★ ½
“I know from experience that g
The Thursday Murder Club ★★★ ½ The Man Who Died Twice ★★★★ The Bullet That Missed ★★★★ The Last Devil to Die ★★★★ ½
“I know from experience that grief rides alone.”
My favorite in the Thursday Murder Club series so far! I initially thought this was going to be the finale, but it turns out we'll be getting more stories with these beloved characters.
Another Thursday, another murder—but with the same delightful gang we've come to cherish. The writing remains top-notch, blending cozy murder mystery with humor without compromising the series' quality. This installment was particularly emotional.
As I mentioned in my previous review, I'm more invested in the contemporary elements of the story than the mystery itself. This book strikes a perfect balance between both, making it my favorite so far. Joyce, Elizabeth, Ibrahim, and Ron continue to shine, revealing new facets of their personalities that deepen our connection to them. The secondary characters, once merely supporting roles, now have their own compelling arcs and development.
The plot is great, there was a major event in this book that was foreshadowed a lot, so it wasn't shocking, but it was still very emotional. The major mystery also had its complexity and a twist towards the end as usual. And to make things better, there was an additional story line about an online scam that was hilarious and fun to read.
“We think time travels forward, marches on in a straight line, and so we alongside it to keep up. Hurry, hurry, mustn't fall behind. But it doesn't, you see. Time just swirls around us. Every thing is always present. The things we've done, the people we've loved, the people we've hurt, they're all still here?”
I had thought this book might wrap up the series, especially with Osman’s new release this month, which launches a new series. Given some of the events, it seemed like a fitting conclusion, but as I read on, it became clear that the story wasn’t ready to end. I’m thrilled to see that there will be more in this world and more from these wonderful characters!...more
“We are never at the finish line of understanding. There is always something about life and the universe that we are still to discover”
Thi
“We are never at the finish line of understanding. There is always something about life and the universe that we are still to discover”
This is my fifth book by the author, and unfortunately, it's my least favorite so far. I read The Midnight Library before it became a sensation, and I enjoyed it. That was nearly four years ago, and I've been eagerly anticipating the next novel ever since. When this one was announced, I was thrilled, but after finishing it, I felt let down.
Magical realism generally doesn’t resonate with me. I don’t mean to disparage the genre entirely, but it often seems like a mix of contemporary and fantasy that ends up feeling neither here nor there. I’ve liked Haig’s previous novels, which is why I had high hopes for this one, but it didn’t hit the mark.
I appreciate the short, multiple-chapter format as it makes books compelling and easy to read. In fact, it was after reading The Midnight Library that I decided to write my novel in this format—though that’s a slow work in progress. Unfortunately, with this book, the format felt tedious and dragged on. To be blatantly honest, it was rather boring. The writing felt odd; it was as though Haig was trying to blend his fiction and non-fiction styles, but it didn’t quite work. Characters would sometimes go off on tangents or list things, reminiscent of his non-fiction work, which disrupted the narrative flow.
I went into this not knowing much, the synopsis talks about Grace Winters who is leaving her old life behind and goes to Ibiza on a one-way ticket. It also mentions her discovering strange things beyond her expectations. I thought it was one of those books that shows that it is never too late, and that Grace reflects back on her life and discover some sentimental things. But what we get is much weirder than that, there was a lot of cynicism, mathematics, discussion about depression, alien life forms, connecting to nature and other stuff and for a 300 pages book, it was overwhelming.
The characterization suffered as well. Grace often seemed out of sync with her age, and at times the book felt like it was written by a boomer!! Additionally, the portrayal of mental illness was problematic, giving the impression that magical experiences could solve mental health issues, which is a concerning message.
“But sometimes what looks like magic is simply a part of life we don’t understand yet.”
In summary, the book was disappointing. From the writing and characterization to the plot, it felt scattered and disjointed for a story of its length. If you’re interested in themes of nature and connection, I’d recommend Weyward by Emilia Hart, which handles those elements much more effectively. I hope Haig’s future works return to the quality of his earlier novels....more
I had mixed feelings about this entry; I really wanted to love it. Sullivan and his wife describe it as one of his best and fNolyn ★★★★ Farilane ★★★ ½
I had mixed feelings about this entry; I really wanted to love it. Sullivan and his wife describe it as one of his best and favorite novels, but for me, it felt like one of his weaker works. While it remains a good and enjoyable story, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing throughout.
It’s evident that this book can't be fully appreciated without the context of the previous ones. You could read it standalone, but you'd miss many Easter eggs and spoil elements from earlier books. As the 18th novel in the series, it’s best enjoyed in order to grasp its full impact.
Farilane was an intriguing character; I have a soft spot for the nerdy scholar archetype, though I must admit she had her frustrating moments. I appreciated the way the plot and language evolved over time, which was a fresh perspective for me.
My main issue with the book lies in its pacing. While I generally enjoy Sullivan's plotting and am a fan of a good prophecy, the book felt slow at times, and the ending seemed rushed. It could have benefited from a more balanced progression.
The novel is relatively short, and I noticed that Esrahaddon is much longer. I’m hopeful that it will tie up the remaining loose ends and provide a satisfying conclusion to the series....more
“Have you ever heard the saying that if you’re with someone who doesn’t speak your language, you’ll spe
Part of Your World ★★★★ Yours Truly ★★★★
“Have you ever heard the saying that if you’re with someone who doesn’t speak your language, you’ll spend a lifetime having to translate your soul?”
This is the second installment in the Part of Your World series, continuing the story of Dr. Briana, whom we met in the first book. Now dealing with a finalized divorce, her brother's kidney failure, and a new colleague who might bring her more trouble, Briana's life is anything but simple.
As mentioned in my review of the first book, Jiminez excels at crafting humorous and straightforward prose that still resonates. I enjoy this style, but one recurring issue across both books is the unrealistic medical dialogue. For instance, doctors casually discussing Briana's brother’s "rare disease" without any specifics, and the implausible scenario of asking Jacob about his blood type for a kidney transplant, were particularly grating. It feels like no medical professional reviewed the manuscript before publication.
I adored Briana in the first book, and I still do for the most part in this book, but she had some irritating moments in this sequel, behaving in ways that felt inconsistent with her previous character. On the other hand, Jacob was a perfect match, and though I’m skeptical about men like him existing in real life, their relationship was endearing, especially their message exchanges.
The plot was somewhat predictable, with what I anticipated as the climax occurring earlier than expected, leading to a different storyline. The ending seemed to drag on, and the book might have benefited from wrapping up a few chapters sooner. Nevertheless, the book tackled significant themes and was well-written, making it hard not to enjoy.
“We are all a little broken. We are a mosaic. We're made up of all those we've met and all the things we've been through. There are parts of us that are colorful and dark and jagged and beautiful. And I love every piece of you. Even the ones you wish didn't exist.”
In summary, while I appreciated the writing and characters, I felt the details—such as the medical aspects, the ending, and some of Briana's frustrating moments—needed refinement. Despite these issues, the book was still enjoyable, and I’m looking forward to reading the third installment.
“You will find that hate can unify people more quickly and more fervently than devotion ever could.”
It is kind of funny that I have avoide
“You will find that hate can unify people more quickly and more fervently than devotion ever could.”
It is kind of funny that I have avoided this for a long time as I heard it wasn't as good as the later books -Duh- but I bought a paperback anyway that has been sitting on my shelf for a while now. 30 Sanderson books later and I finally decided to go back to where it all started. This however may not true and if I am not mistaken Sanderson wrote a few novels before this one that were never published. I read this and it surprised me in a very good way, and I am impressed!
The novel follows three main characters: Raoden, the prince of a neighboring kingdom who finds himself cursed and exiled to Elantris; Sarene, his betrothed who becomes a widow before their marriage and decides to investigate the truth about Elantris; and Hrathen, a priest from a rival religion who is determined to convert the people of the kingdom to avoid their destruction. As usual, Sanderson takes a lot of time to build the world and characters, and I enjoyed getting to know these characters.
The novel's magic system, though not as complex as in some of his later works, is unique and intriguing, involving the mysterious and enigmatic AonDor, the magic of Elantris. I think the magic system was cool and I also think that it had more potential, and I am saying that as someone who has read many of Sanderson later books. I believe book two when it comes out will have a great potential to build upon that.
I believe this is an ambitious debut, specially that it was released in 2004. It might not reach the same level of complexity or depth as Sanderson’s later works, but it certainly is great for its time, the pacing is a bit uneven at times, it is a bit slow in the middle and the romance elements, while integral to the plot, might feel somewhat conventional. But the Sanderlanche at the end made it worth it as usual.
“Is human nature to believe that other places and other times are better than the here and now.”
Overall, Elantris is a compelling read that showcases Sanderson’s potential as a fantasy author. It’s a great starting point for those interested in exploring his broader body of work, especially if you enjoy rich world-building and engaging character dynamics....more
“You know things are seriously bad when even ice cream doesn’t help.”
This is my fourth book by McFadden, and despite their imperfections,
“You know things are seriously bad when even ice cream doesn’t help.”
This is my fourth book by McFadden, and despite their imperfections, I’ve enjoyed all of them. She has a knack for capturing readers' attention, which is likely why her books are so popular. For context, this book was released earlier this year, and it currently has almost half a million ratings!!
McFadden's formula for success seems to involve a few key elements: a prologue from late in the story that hints at a murder, creating immediate intrigue even though we don’t yet understand the context. The book features many short chapters—my favorite style in this genre—and as the story progresses, we start to realize that things are not as they initially seemed.
Her writing is straightforward and accessible, which, combined with the short chapters, keeps the pacing brisk. The story unfolds from multiple perspectives, primarily Eve, a high school teacher struggling with her marriage to a colleague, and Addie, a student dealing with bullying and various life challenges. Sometimes, the characters' voices felt similar, making it tricky to distinguish whose chapter it was without context.
The thrilling aspects are well-executed, with cliffhangers and scattered clues that make it hard to put the book down. McFadden has a knack for surprising endings—she might lead you to expect one outcome, only to deliver something entirely unexpected, like a shocking revelation such as "Until we killed my dad." Conversely, she also builds tension only to deflate it with something mundane, like a passing cat. The twists kept coming, culminating in a final plot twist that was both surprising and, upon reflection, added some major plot holes to the story. I could have never seen it coming but also shouldn't have if the story were to make more sense!
Overall, the more I read McFadden’s work, the more predictable her writing becomes. The unpredictable elements often seem intentional but can sometimes lead to plot holes. While I didn’t particularly love the characters, I was engaged with them, which seems to be the intended effect. The pacing is excellent, and I find myself hooked—similar to enjoying a guilty pleasure novel where overthinking is best avoided....more
I loved Clark's Dead Djinn Universe, and since then, I've been eagerly anticipating his next work, which turned out to be this book. I dove into it wiI loved Clark's Dead Djinn Universe, and since then, I've been eagerly anticipating his next work, which turned out to be this book. I dove into it without knowing much about the plot.
The story centers around Eveen the Eviscerator, a top-notch assassin who finds herself faced with an impossible job. Whether she takes it or not, the consequences are dire. I really enjoyed how the world was introduced—right from the start, we’re immersed in it and gradually come to understand its complexities. The world-building is superb, demonstrating the art of "showing" rather than "telling."
Eveen and the secondary characters are well-developed, though I wished for more of them—a common limitation of novellas. The plot is engaging as Eveen is presented with two equally unappealing choices. While the premise might seem familiar to seasoned fantasy readers, Clark’s unique twist and humor give it a fresh spin.
The book is relatively short—about 200 pages with 9 chapters—so the chapters are of medium length and the pacing is generally steady. It slows down a bit in the middle but picks up speed towards the end, leading to a satisfying conclusion.
I debated between giving this a 3.5 or 4-star rating, but after reflecting on my enjoyment, I think it deserves the higher mark. Whether we’ll revisit this world or explore a new one, I’m excited to see what’s next....more
“It is curious how people take it for granted that they have a right to preach at you and pray over you as soon as your income falls below a c
“It is curious how people take it for granted that they have a right to preach at you and pray over you as soon as your income falls below a certain level.”
I absolutely adore Orwell's Animal Farm and 1984; they’re both exceptional works that feel remarkably prescient. Knowing they are considered his masterpieces, I decided to explore more of his writing and picked up this one.
This book is quite different from his more famous works. It’s semi-autobiographical, comprised of a series of shorter stories and observations rather than a cohesive narrative. Orwell’s keen eye for detail is evident as he explores life in Paris and London. Through his reflections, he delivers a candid portrayal of poverty and class disparity, shedding light on how economic hardship impacts individuals' lives and self-worth.
The book serves as a critique of societal structures that perpetuate inequality and exploitation. Orwell’s observations are not just personal anecdotes but serve as a broader commentary on systemic issues.
“Within certain limits, it is actually true that the less money you have, the less you worry.”
Overall, it’s an engaging read with Orwell’s throwing humor around making the journey more enjoyable. However, it does become somewhat repetitive, particularly with its frequent discussions on money and food, which might be less relatable for some readers. Despite this, the book concludes effectively, and I believe I grasp the point Orwell was making....more
Murder at Spindle Manor ★★★★ Murder on the Lamplight Express ★★★★ 1/2 Murder on Hunter's Eve ★★★★ 1/2
It’s funny how a series I never had much interest iMurder at Spindle Manor ★★★★ Murder on the Lamplight Express ★★★★ 1/2 Murder on Hunter's Eve ★★★★ 1/2
It’s funny how a series I never had much interest in has become one of my most eagerly awaited reads of the year! This latest entry was a bit different from the others, but it still delivered in a big way. Stang continues to excel in keeping the series fresh and engaging.
The book kicks off with a magical performance, providing our heroes a break from their usual murder investigations. After a period without any new mysteries, they find themselves inadvertently tangled in two cases that might be linked.
As always, the writing is top-notch. If you enjoyed the previous installments, this one won’t disappoint. The familiar formula of short chapters is maintained, and the writing balances humor with fantasy, though it also delves into darker territory. The suspense is palpable, keeping you guessing until the very end.
There are two notable changes from the last book. First, Evie takes on a more prominent role in this story, which becomes clear as the plot unfolds. Isabeau, Penny, and Mr. Homes are still around, with Isabeau also playing a key role. New characters are introduced, each a potential suspect, and they add an intriguing dynamic to the story. Familiar faces from previous books make appearances too, which is always a nice touch.
The second major change, acknowledged by the author in the book’s conclusion, is the shift in setting. Unlike the closed environments of earlier books, this one features more open settings. While I wasn’t a fan of this change at first, I grew to appreciate it by the end. It allowed for more world-building, and since the author hints that future books may return to closed settings, I’m not too concerned.
As for the plot, it starts off slow and seems to lack some of the charm of the earlier books, but everything shifts dramatically after a certain chapter—if you’ve read it, you know which one I mean. That chapter sets off a whirlwind of events that make the book nearly impossible to put down.
In summary, while this book diverges from the previous ones, Stang’s gamble pays off spectacularly by the end. With each new book, I’m continually impressed by Stang’s ability to weave everything together. I’m a big fan of the series and eagerly anticipate the next installment(s)....more
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