A Song to Drown Rivers - Ann Liang (#Review)

Date of Reading: 6/10/2024

Author: Ann Liang

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Publication Date: October 3, 2024

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 2.5/5

About the book:

Her beauty hides a deadly purpose.

Xishi’s beauty is seen as a blessing to the villagers of Yue—convinced that the best fate for a girl is to marry well and support her family. When Xishi draws the attention of the famous young military advisor, Fanli, he presents her with a rare opportunity: to use her beauty as a weapon. One that could topple the rival neighboring kingdom of Wu, improve the lives of her people, and avenge her sister’s murder. All she has to do is infiltrate the enemy palace as a spy, seduce their immoral king, and weaken them from within.

Trained by Fanli in everything from classical instruments to concealing emotion, Xishi hones her beauty into the perfect blade. But she knows Fanli can see through every deception she masters, the attraction between them burning away any falsehoods.

Once inside the enemy palace, Xishi finds herself under the hungry gaze of the king’s advisors while the king himself shows her great affection. Despite his gentleness, a brutality lurks and Xishi knows she can never let her guard down. But the higher Xishi climbs in the Wu court, the farther she and Fanli have to fall—and if she is unmasked as a traitor, she will bring both kingdoms down.

Inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China, A Song to Drown Rivers is an epic historical fantasy about womanhood, war, sacrifice, and love against all odds.

Review:

        Guess I am going to be the minority here, but I just couldn't bring myself to give this book a higher rating. My disappointment can be attributed in part to the high expectations I held when I requested an eARC from NetGalley. And what did I get? An embellished replica of the Wikipedia page.

        Since the novel is based on the legend of Xishi, one of the four renowned beauties of ancient China, I did some background research to get a better idea. As someone who brought down the kingdom of Wu through her sexpionage operation, her story intrigued me. So could you fault me for expecting a story full of court politics, palace intrigue and unexpected twists? Unfortunately, this novel delivered none. 

         The characters, particularly Xishi and Fanli, are bland and failed to capture my interest. Unsurprisingly their doomed fate didn't create any ripples in my heart. The character that stood out the most and displayed some semblance of growth was the villain, Fuchai. Even Xishi herself comes to realize that not all individuals from Wu are inherently evil. Beyond this, I struggle to find any noteworthy aspects to comment on. The overall reading experience felt like flipping through a history book with some random dialogues thrown in, featuring characters that just didn't resonate with me.

Meet the author:

Ann Liang is the New York Times and Indie bestselling author of the critically acclaimed YA novels This Time It’s Real, If You Could See the Sun, and I Hope This Doesn't Find You. Her books have sold into over twenty foreign territories. Born in Beijing, she grew up travelling back and forth between China and Australia but somehow ended up with an American accent. She now lives in Melbourne, where she can be found making overambitious to-do lists and having profound conversations with her pet labradoodle about who’s a good dog.

The Brightest Star - Gail Tsukiyama (#Review & #Blogtour)

Date of Reading: 13/-8/2024

Author: Gail Tsukiyama

Publisher: HarperVia

Publication Date: August 1, 2024

Rating: 5/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Random Things Tours)

About the book:

Beloved bestselling author Gail Tsukiyama returns with a rich historical novel based on the life of the luminous, groundbreaking actress Anna May Wong—the first and only Asian American woman to gain movie stardom in the early days of Hollywood. 

At the dawn of a new century, America is falling in love with silent movies, including young Wong Liu

Tsong. The daughter of poor Chinese immigrants, Wong Liu goes to the local nickelodeons to escape the schoolmates who bully her for her Chinese heritage. By sixteen, Wong Liu had already chosen a stage name, Anna May, and left high school to pursue her Hollywood dreams, defying her disapproving father and her traditional Chinese upbringing—a choice that would have emotional and physical consequences. 

Anna May gets her big break—and her first taste of Hollywood fame—starring opposite Douglas Fairbanks in The Thief of Bagdad. Yet her beauty and talent aren’t enough to overcome the racism that relegates her to supporting roles as a helpless, exotic butterfly or a vicious, murderous dragon lady, while Caucasian actresses in “yellowface” are given starring roles portraying Asian women. Though she suffers professionally and personally, Anna May fights to become a star, financially support her family, and keep her illicit love affairs hidden—even as she finds freedom and glittering success abroad, and receives glowing reviews across the globe.

Review:

       Anna May Wong is not a familiar figure for a non-American like me. Nevertheless, I was intrigued by the blurb to know more about the first Chinese American actress in Hollywood. What Tsukiyama covers here is not just biographical fiction, but the history of Hollywood through the eyes of a woman who refused to be constrained by the limitations of this industry.

        Born as the daughter of a laundry man, Liu Tsong developed a passion for movies at a young age. Her Chinese heritage, which caused a lot of bullying at school, haunted her film career too through the regulations of the Hayes Code and anti-miscegenation laws that criminalised interracial marriages even being depicted on a film screen. The story alternates between 1960 and the successive stages of her career which she has noted down and reflects on a long train journey. 

         As with all the life stories, we learn a lot from Anna's. Life was never a bed of roses for her and most of the time she was forced to play the villain irrespective of her wishes and talent. Still, she continued her fight to be acknowledged. When Hollywood refused to give her any leading roles, she found fame and recognition in Europe just like many Afro-American actors who suffered a similar fate in Hollywood. Anna lived long enough to see her name included in Hollywood's Walk of Fame, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire countless individuals.

Meet the author:

Gail Tsukiyama was born in San Francisco, California, to a Chinese mother from Hong Kong and a Japanese father from Hawaii. She attended San Francisco State University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Master of Arts Degree in English. She is the bestselling author of several novels, including Women of the Silk and The Samurai’s Garden, as well as the recipient of the Academy of American Poets Prize and the PEN Oakland/Josephine Miles Literary Award. She divides her time between El Cerrito and Napa Valley, California.

The Devotion of Suspect X - Keigo Higashino (#Review & #Summary)

Date of Reading: 6/5/2024

Author: Keigo Higashino

Translators: Alexander O. Smith & Elye J. Alexander

Publisher: Abacus

Publication Date: August 29, 2005

Rating: 4/5

About the book:

Yasuko lives a quiet life, working in a Tokyo bento shop, a good mother to her only child. But when her ex-husband appears at her door without warning one day, her comfortable world is shattered.

When Detective Kusanagi of the Tokyo Police tries to piece together the events of that day, he finds himself confronted by the most puzzling, mysterious circumstances he has ever investigated. Nothing quite makes sense, and it will take a genius to understand the genius behind this particular crime...

Review:

        This book has been on my TBR for quite some time, so I can't recall who originally recommended it to me. Whoever that may be, I am grateful for the suggestion. Just after reading a few pages, the story had me enraptured and the tension only continued to build as I delved further. 

      This is not your typical detective story; in all honesty, it may be more accurately described as a crime thriller.  If you are familiar with 'Drishyam', one of the most popular Malayalam thriller movies, you can almost anticipate where the story is headed. Since the book was written way before the film, we could see where the movie drew its inspiration from. 

        It is always a challenge to write a review on a crime thriller without spilling any of the key plot points. Safe to say, the identity of the killer is disclosed to us from the beginning. What follows is a cat-and-mouse game where I didn't really side with the police. I must confess, I did have a peek at the ending to avoid any disappointment. Unfortunately, my worst fears came true. I didn't like that ending and hence four stars. But considering the way the story has progressed, I guess that would have been the only conclusion ethically possible.

        Still, contemporary readers must have shared my sentiments as is evident from the conclusion of the Hindi movie adaptation 'Jaane Jaan'. 'Drishyam' too seems to concur with this idea, even though it follows a totally different storyline.

       I nearly forgot to mention the romantic element. Ishigami is the embodiment of selfless love, if there is one. I don't know whom the author intended as the hero here, but it is hard to win against such a dedicated character. Suffice it to say, this story is going to stay with me for a long long time.

Summary:

      Tetsuya Ishigami is a mathematics teacher with keen observation skills. The story begins with his daily routine which also includes his visit to a small shop selling boxed lunches. Despite harboring feelings for the woman who works there, Yasuko Hanaoka, he lacks the confidence to confess his love. Unbeknownst to Yasuko, Ishigami's admiration for her runs deep.

       Yasuko's seemingly tranquil life is disrupted by the sudden reappearance of her abusive ex-husband Shinji Togashi. He tries to extort money from her and when the situation escalates to domestic violence, Yasuko and her daughter Misato kill him in self-defense. Ishigami, who lives in the nearby apartment hears the commotion and helps both of them to dispose of the body. He gives them specific instructions to follow to cover up the crime.

Source: https://www.cse.iitk.ac.in/users/amit/books/higashino-2011-devotion-of-suspect.html

       Detective Kusanagi is assigned to this case. Though he cannot find any obvious flaws with Yasuko's alibi, his intuition tells him that there is more to the case than meets the eye. He seeks the help of his friend, Dr. Manabu Yukawa, a physicist, to solve this mystery. Yukawa is familiar with Ishinagi since they went to the same college. He has always admired Ishigami's intelligence and wonders how he ended up as a school teacher. As they reunite Yukawa is finally convinced that Ishigami has something to do with the murder. Ishigami's secret love doesn't escape his discerning eye.

      As Yukawa unravels Ishigami's intricate plan to deceive the police, Ishigami realises he has met his match. To protect Yasuko, he takes the blame for killing Togashi and surrenders to the police. Ishigami had attempted to commit suicide once, but it was interrupted when Yasuko came to introduce herself as his new neighbour. Since then he has always felt indebted to her and he feels that his selfless act will ensure a secure life for Yasuko.

       Yukawa, however, refuses to accept this outcome. He realises that Ishigami had killed an innocent homeless man and staged the crime scene to make it look like Togashi. This way Yasuko and Misato can provide a perfect alibi as this second murder occurred one day after Togashi's death. Yukawa reveals the truth to Yasuko. Unable to bear the guilt, she and her daughter confess their crime and decide to share the punishment with Ishigami.

Meet the author:

Keigo Higashino (東野 圭吾) is one of the most popular and biggest-selling fiction authors in Japan—as well-known as James Patterson, Dean Koontz or Tom Clancy in the USA.

Born in Osaka, he started writing novels while still working as an engineer at Nippon Denso Co.　(presently DENSO). He won the Edogawa Rampo Prize, which is awarded annually to the finest mystery work, in 1985 for the novel Hōkago (After School) at age 27. Subsequently, he quit his job and started a career as a writer in Tokyo.

In 1999, he won the Mystery Writers of Japan Inc award for the novel Himitsu (The Secret), which was translated into English by Kerim Yasar and published by Vertical under the title Naoko in 2004. In 2006, he won the 134th Naoki Prize for Yōgisha X no Kenshin. His novels had been nominated five times before winning with this novel.

The Devotion of Suspect X was the second highest-selling book in all of Japan— fiction or nonfiction—the year it was published, with over 800,000 copies sold. It won the prestigious Naoki Prize for Best Novel— the Japanese equivalent of the National Book Award and the Man Booker Prize. Made into a motion picture in Japan, The Devotion of Suspect X spent 4 weeks at the top of the box office and was the third highest‐grossing film of the year.

Ravensong - T. J. Klune (Blog Tour & Review)

Date of Reading: 11/07/2024

Author: T. J. Klune

Publisher: Tor Books

Publication Date: August 1, 2023

Rating: 4.5/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Random Things Tours)

About the book:

Ravensong is the second book in the Green Creek Series, the beloved fantasy romance sensation by New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune, about love, loyalty, betrayal, and family.

“Complex and startling... Green Creek is the perfect setting.” —Charlaine Harris

The Bennett family has a secret: They're not just a family, they're a pack. Ravensong is Gordo Livingstone's story.

Gordo Livingstone never forgot the lessons carved into his skin. Hardened by the betrayal of a pack that left him behind, he sought solace in the garage in his tiny mountain town, vowing never again to involve himself in the affairs of wolves.

It should have been enough.

It was, until the wolves came back, and with them, Mark Bennett. And when his town is caught in the jaws of a beast, Gordo is summoned back into the life that left him.

“Gordo, you must rise. For your pack. For us. I must ask you to become the witch to the wolves.”

Now, a year later, Gordo has once again found himself the witch of the Bennett pack. Green Creek has settled after the death of Richard Collins, and Gordo constantly struggles to ignore Mark and the song that howls between them.

But time is running out. Something is coming. And this time, it’s coming from within.

Review:

        After reading 'Wolfsong', the first book in the series and the huge letdown I felt, I was not that enthusiastic about this second book. So what drew me in you might ask. It is Gordo Livingstone's story. Because when all is said and done, this alpha thing sounds terrible. Especially if that is a hereditary thing and is inborn. Joe was never up to the task. And Gordo was the only one against the wolves (even though he joined the pack later) and I loved him. While the first book mentions his past history with Mark, Ravensong delves deeper into the resolution of their story.

       The first part was not that intriguing, since it was the repetition of events from 'Wolfsong' in Gordo's perspective. Once you pass that hurdle, the story starts growing on you. No wonder, I found it more captivating than the first book. Klune's writing has notably improved, seamlessly blending humor and terror.  I loved the trio - Rico, Tanner and Chris - the book would have been dull without them.

       The love story between Gordo and Mark is almost similar to that of Ox and Joe. Still, I loved that Gordo waited till the last moment to forgive him. Mark definitely needed to do some gruelling for leaving him like that. The book has more action than the previous one culminating in a shocking revelation at the end. The big villain is still out there. But 'Ravensong' proves that together with your chosen family, it is possible to overcome anything.

Meet the author:

TJ KLUNE is a Lambda Literary Award-winning author (Into This River I Drown) and an ex-claims examiner for an insurance company. His novels include The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Extraordinaries. Being queer himself, TJ believes it's important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive, queer representation in stories.

The Ballad of Never After - Stephanie Garber (#Review)

Date of Reading: 22/05/2024

Author: Stephanie Garber

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: September 13, 2022

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

Not every love is meant to be.

After Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, betrays her, Evangeline Fox swears she'll never trust him again. Now that she’s discovered her own magic, Evangeline believes she can use it to restore the chance at happily ever after that Jacks stole away.

But when a new terrifying curse is revealed, Evangeline finds herself entering into a tenuous partnership with the Prince of Hearts again. Only this time, the rules have changed. Jacks isn’t the only force Evangeline needs to be wary of. In fact, he might be the only one she can trust, despite her desire to despise him.

Instead of a love spell wreaking havoc on Evangeline’s life, a murderous spell has been cast. To break it, Evangeline and Jacks will have to do battle with old friends, new foes, and a magic that plays with heads and hearts. Evangeline has always trusted her heart, but this time she’s not sure she can...

Review:

           I am really glad that I waited for the conclusion of this series, otherwise the waiting would have been excruciating. What an agonising cliffhanger!!! How can you make your readers go through such torture, Garber?

         'The Ballad of Never After'  picks up right where the first book left off, with Apollo in a vegetative state and Evangeline reeling from Jacks' betrayal. If you, like me, craved more chapters with Jacks, you are in luck. They are practically together most of the time and the chemistry is off the charts. We haven't got any spicy scenes, but Garber sure knows how to tantalise us with many close-door, emotionally charged encounters. 

       As frenemies, Jacks and Evangeline evolve together neither one sure about the other's feelings. We delve deeper into Jack's mysterious past and some shocking secrets await you on the way. And that ending. . . didn't see that coming. There was no way I could take a breather before jumping into the next one. You might be wondering how I can write this review so calmly. Well, I finished the last book and I can assure you Garber doesn't disappoint.

Meet the author:

Stephanie Garber is the #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of Once Upon a Broken Heart, The Ballad of Never After, and the Caraval trilogy. Her books have been translated into thirty languages.

Once Upon a Broken Heart - Stephanie Garber (#Review)

Date of Reading: 20/5/2024

Author: Stephanie Garber

Publisher: Flatiron

Publication Date: September 28, 2021

Rating: 4/5

About the book:

For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in true love and happy endings... until she learns that the love of her life will marry another.

Desperate to stop the wedding and to heal her wounded heart, Evangeline strikes a deal with the charismatic, but wicked, Prince of Hearts. In exchange for his help, he asks for three kisses, to be given at the time and place of his choosing.

But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game ― and that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’d pledged. He has plans for Evangeline, plans that will either end in the greatest happily ever after, or the most exquisite tragedy.

Review:

       I don't have the habit of writing reviews until the whole series is finished, but something prompts me to pen this one down. I am surprised at myself for selecting this book instead of starting with the popular Caraval series, which is still remains on my TBR pile. Now that I realise this book is part of the same fictional world, I would advise my dear readers to start with the first series. However, if that books are not calling you, there is no harm in starting with this one.

        This book unfolds like a captivating fairy tale featuring Fates who are untrustworthy but are often sought after to grant wishes in exchange for a favour. When her lover decides to marry her step-sister Evangeline Fox does the same. She seeks the help of Prince of Hearts aka Jacks to stop the wedding in exchange for three kisses. As predicted not everything goes as expected and with each kiss, Evangeline is drawn to a web that she cannot untangle from.

       Personally, I did not find Evangeline to be a particularly likeable character. She is optimistic to the point of being a headache. Jacks, on the other hand, is intriguing and that is the only reason I have decided to continue this series. Being half way through the next book, I can confidently say that it only gets better.

Meet the author:

Stephanie Garber is the #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of Once Upon a Broken Heart, The Ballad of Never After, and the Caraval trilogy. Her books have been translated into thirty languages.

To a Darker Shore - Leanne Schwartz (#Blog tour & #Review)

Date of Reading: 2/5/2024

Author: Leanne Schwartz

Publisher: Page Street YA

Publication Date: April 30, 2024

Rating: 4/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Colored Pages Book Tours)

About the book:

A da Vinci-esque teen girl inventor on a Dante-esque journey through hell to save her best friend.

Plain, poor, plus-size, and autistic, Alesta grew up trying to convince her kingdom that she’s too useful to be sacrificed like so many of their country’s poor to appease the infernal monster across the poison sea in hell.

When Alesta’s attempt to prove herself with inventions goes awry, her best friend and heir to the throne, Kyrian, takes the blame expecting leniency―and ends up tithed in her place.

To end the sacrifices forever, Alesta plans to kill the monster that killed her friend. She travels to the depths of hell only to find Kyrian, alive, but monstrously transformed.

There’s no escaping hell or their deeper feelings for one another, and the farther they go, the closer they come to uncovering a truth about the tithings that threatens to invoke the wrath of not only monsters but the gods as well.

Review:

       Can you believe that this is my first plus-size novel? Hmm, we all have to begin somewhere and I am so glad to start with this adventurous tale. Though the blurb doesn't mention it, I found this story to be a Beauty and the Beast retelling in an entirely different world with its own set of rules. 

       Alesta lives in an island country where beauty is considered a virtue and ugliness an abomination. Every three months a youth is tithed off to the monster lurking in the sea to appease its wrath and it could be Alesta's turn any day. She is an orphan, fat and does not meet anyone's beauty standards. All she can offer is her sharp mind and the inventions it creates. When her latest creation goes awry, she seeks Kyr's help to take the blame and it results in him being the next tithe. 

        With the assistance of Kyr's cousin, Mico, Alesta embarks on a mission to kill the monster who took her closest friend. She finds Kyr alive only to find him transformed. Together they travel through hell finding that everything is not as they are taught to be. 

     The story was predictable but that doesn't make it any less engrossing. The deepening bond between Kyr and Alester as they face dangers together was truly heartwarming, all thanks to the dual POV. A compelling and engaging read, showcasing the strength of true love and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Meet the author:

Leanne Schwartz is the author of the young adult fantasies A Prayer for Vengeance and To a Darker Shore, as well as the upcoming adult romcom My Kind of Trouble, writing as L. A. Schwartz. She has spent about half her life at either the library or the local theater, where she has played Lady Macbeth, Lady Capulet, and Hera―perhaps one reason she writes such vengeful, murderous girls. When she’s not writing, she can be found baking pizzelle and singing along to showtunes. She lives in California with her family.  

Get yourself a copy from Amazon today    

Bride - Ali Hazelwood (#Review)

Date of Reading: 8/3/2024

Author: Ali Hazelwood

Publisher: Berkley

Publication Date: February 6, 2024

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance.

Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again...

Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was….

Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she's ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.

Review:

       If you are considering hosting a book buffet, look no further for a dessert option; this book fits the bill perfectly. I must admit I practically devoured this book within a single day. Looks like, for once the hype is actually real.

       What did I love the most? Oh, that will be quirky dialogues and the slow-burn romance between Misery and Lowe. I love so many things about the book -- love between siblings, techno-savvy heroine, loyal friends and forbidden romance to name a few -- but these two definitely top the list. 

      The plot follows Misery's point of view with each chapter giving a short preview of what goes through Lowe's head at the beginning. I was drawn to Misery right from the start, particularly her ability to find humour even in the most dire situations. Lowe Moreland provides the perfect counterbalance and I loved the way the author included the idea of mates in this paranormal story set in a modern world. 

       The novel does include a mix of everything. It is part mystery, at times romantic and many thrilling scenes keep you at the edge. Only four months into 2024, I could already see this book becoming my favourite of the year. 

Meet the author: 

Ali Hazelwood is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love, Theoretically and The Love Hypothesis, as well as a writer of peer-reviewed articles about brain science, in which no one makes out and the ever after is not always happy. Originally from Italy, she lived in Germany and Japan before moving to the US to pursue a PhD in neuroscience. When Ali is not at work, she can be found running, eating cake pops, or watching sci-fi movies with her three feline overlords (and her slightly less feline husband).

House of Sky and Breath - Sarah J. Mass (#Review)

Date of Reading: 1/3/2024

Author: Sarah J. Mass

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Publication Date: February 15, 2022

Rating: 3.5/5

About the book:

Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar are trying to get back to normal―they may have saved Crescent City, but with so much upheaval in their lives lately, they mostly want a chance to relax. Slow down. Figure out what the future holds.

The Asteri have kept their word so far, leaving Bryce and Hunt alone. But with the rebels chipping away at the Asteri’s power, the threat the rulers pose is growing. As Bryce, Hunt, and their friends get pulled into the rebels’ plans, the choice becomes clear: stay silent while others are oppressed, or fight for what’s right. And they’ve never been very good at staying silent.

In this sexy, action-packed sequel to the #1 bestseller House of Earth and Blood, Sarah J. Maas weaves a captivating story of a world about to explode―and the people who will do anything to save it.

Review:

       I was waiting for the third book to come out to start this series. So after the wild ride of 'House of Earth and Blood', I wanted something a bit more laid back. And lo and behold, I got what I wished for . . . or more than what I asked for. Let's just say, the story went through the following stages:

• Relaxing
• Slightly boring
• Boring
• Things start perking up
• The big reveal
• The end

        One thing I love about this book is that Mass gives ample space for other characters to develop. Since Bryce and Hunt are already a couple, there weren't any surprises there. By the end of the book, I couldn't help but feel sorry for Hunt. He might be a powerful angel with rare magic in his veins, but the author gives him no leeway to show off. His power is curtailed by the dark halo in the first book and the second book fares no better by relegating him to a punch bag. 

     

        The chemistry between Bryce and Hunt, a major driving force in the first book, fizzles out here. Ya, ya, there is plenty of talk on mates but I fail to find an equal partnership here. Bryce withholds her plans from Hunt and while he is affected strongly by their bond, going into some primitive frenzy to protect her, his feelings are not reciprocated as strongly. I am all in favour of female empowerment, but this felt more like replacing a patriarchal system with an equally domineering matriarchy. Even after finding his mate, Hunt's plight is no different than two thousand years ago. He still follows around a powerful female lover with no power whatsoever to influence her decisions.

       What really made this book a joy to read was Ruhn and Agent Daybright. Among all of Bryce's questionable decisions, their love story really stood out. A prince who feels useless and an agent willing to do anything for the cause - it was truly delightful!

Meet the author:

Sarah J. Maas is the #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of the Crescent City, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and the Throne of Glass series. Her books have sold more than twelve million copies and are published in thirty-seven languages. A New York native, Sarah lives in Philadelphia with her husband, son, and dog. To find out more, visit sarahjmaas.com or follow @therealsjmaas on Instagram.

In the Lives of Puppets - T. J. Klune (Blog Tour & Review)

Date of Reading: 17/3/2024

Author: T. J. Klune

Publisher: Tor Books

Publication Date: March 14, 2024

Rating: 4.5/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Random Things Tours)

About the book:

In a strange little home built into the branches of a grove of trees, live three robots—fatherly inventor android Giovanni Lawson, a pleasantly sadistic nurse machine, and a small vacuum desperate for love and attention. Victor Lawson, a human, lives there too. They’re a family, hidden and safe.

The day Vic salvages and repairs an unfamiliar android labelled “HAP,” he learns of a shared dark past between Hap and Gio–a past spent hunting humans.

When Hap unwittingly alerts robots from Gio’s former life to their whereabouts, the family is no longer hidden and safe. Gio is captured and taken back to his old laboratory in the City of Electric Dreams. So together, the rest of Vic’s assembled family must journey across an unforgiving and otherworldly country to rescue Gio from decommissioning, or worse, reprogramming.

Along the way to save Gio, amid conflicted feelings of betrayal and affection for Hap, Vic must decide for himself: Can he accept love with strings attached?

Inspired by Carlo Collodi's The Adventures of Pinocchio, and like Swiss Family Robinson meets Wall-E, In the Lives of Puppets is a masterful stand-alone fantasy adventure from the beloved author who brought you The House in the Cerulean Sea and Under the Whispering Door.

Review:

        Alright! Confession time, folks!!! I could not complete the previous two books by T. J. Klune. Not that anything is wrong with the storyline, but they were all a tad bit slow for me. But the hype around them is too loud to ignore and I just wanted to complete one of his books. What is a better way to do that than committing to a blog tour? So here I am, finally finishing his latest work and . . . loving it to the core.

        The blurb may mention a Pinocchio-inspired plot, but to me, it felt more like a modern twist on The Wizard of Oz. There is a journey involved albeit for a different reason and evolved machines with feelings. We could predict the story to some extent, so don't expect any surprises there. The novel was enjoyable all thanks to one character, The Registered Automaton to Care, Heal, Educate and Drill or Nurse Ratched for short. There are no dull moments with her around.

       Oh! I can sense some resentment from someone around here. Don't worry Rambo, I could never forget you (I would like to have my ear drums intact, thank you so much). Despite your rambling, you are the cutest little vacuum I have ever come across. I am sure no one will dare to disagree.

        Guess you got the gist of what you can expect from this novel. Even with the light-hearted tone, the story doesn't fail to deliver a powerful message. A warning to be cautious so as not to be overpowered by our own creations. Will that deter us from doing what we want? Only time will tell. 

Meet the author:

TJ KLUNE is a Lambda Literary Award-winning author (Into This River I Drown) and an ex-claims examiner for an insurance company. His novels include The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Extraordinaries. Being queer himself, TJ believes it's important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive, queer representation in stories.

Rumours of Spring: A Girlhood in Kashmir - Farah Bashir (Review)

Date of Reading: 9/3/2024

Author: Farah Bashir

Publisher: Harper Collins India

Publication Date: April 23, 2021

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

Rumours of Spring is the unforgettable account of Farah Bashir's adolescence spent in Srinagar in the 1990s. As Indian troops and militants battle across the cityscape and violence becomes the new normal, a young schoolgirl finds that ordinary tasks - studying for exams, walking to the bus stop, combing her hair, falling asleep - are riddled with anxiety and fear.

With haunting simplicity, Farah Bashir captures moments of vitality and resilience from her girlhood amidst the increasing trauma and turmoil of passing years - secretly dancing to pop songs on banned radio stations; writing her first love letter; going to the cinema for the first time - with haunting simplicity. This deeply affecting coming-of-age memoir portrays how territorial conflict surreptitiously affects everyday lives in Kashmir.

Review:

        Granted, it has only 228 pages, it still took me nearly one month to finish this heart-wrenching memoir. Starting from her grandmother's death, Farah Bashir takes us through memory lane compartmentalized through each moment of that single night when the whole family sat vigil over the departed soul. It is, by no means, a pleasant journey and that makes it all the more hard to digest.

        The constant curfews, raids, the terror of reading newspapers filled with death and terror -- growing up as a girl in Kashmir is a never-ending struggle. Farah doesn't want to make headlines in the newspapers. She just wishes for a peaceful life followed by an uneventful death marked by a piece in the obituary column just like her grandmother, Bobeh. The things we take for granted find a new meaning here.

       As an Indian, I have often wondered what really goes on in this much-disputed area known for both its beauty and history of conflict. We know the military's version for sure, and Farah Bahir walks on a very thin line so as not to blame the military or the militants. None of them makes their lives easy. They are under constant surveillance and the pages of her memoir are filled with the fear and uncertainty that defined her childhood in Kashmir from 1989 onwards.

        This is a poignant tale of a once vibrant state and the resilience of its people in the face of daily challenges. Despite the adversities they endure, the spirit of the Kashmiri people shines through in Bashir's storytelling.

Meet the author:

Farah Bashir was born and raised in Kashmir. She was a former photojournalist with Reuters and currently works as a communications consultant. Rumours of Spring, published by Harper Collins, is her first book.

Shout Out to My Ex - Sandy Barker (Blog Tour & Review)

Date of Reading: 18/02/2024

Author: Sandy Barker

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: February 14, 2024

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 3/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Rache's Random Resources)

About the book:

Fashion designer, Elle Bliss, is unlucky in love.

She's still hung up on her first love, Leo, who ended things abruptly, then mysteriously disappeared – and a decade on, no one else can measure up.

But Elle's all-time dream of showing in Paris Fashion Week is about to become a reality, and she has no time to dwell on her dismal love life. That is until Leo – now going by Lorenzo – comes back into her life.

A celebrated up-and-coming shoe designer, ‘Lorenzo’ is nothing like the man she fell in love with. Rude, brash and with an ego the size of Paris, he’s too caught up in his own celebrity.

But as they constantly cross paths in the city of love, Elle begins to question how much of 'Lorenzo' is an act – a persona for the cameras. Because deep down, she can see glimpses of the man he was, and feelings from all those years ago become impossible to ignore…

Join Elle in the most romantic city in the world in this laugh-out-loud enemies-to-lovers romance, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Emily Henry.

Review:

        'Shout Out to My Ex' is the second book in the 'Ever After Agency' series. It can be read as a standalone, still, I highly recommend reading them in order; one of the POVs follows Poppy, the protagonist of the first book, and even though we are been provided with all the necessary information, I struggled to connect with this character. This was like reading two love stories, one about the lovey-dovey scenes after the happily ever after and the other all about a broken love. As you can see, it is a bit hard to find the balance in the beginning.

        The story perks up halfway through as more revelations come pouring in finally convincing me of the utility of a match-making agency. Does that mean I was sceptical of the idea before? Oh, yes. I wanted Elle to move on from her first love who disappeared without trace. A reunion, if such a thing is possible, should have been orchestrated by Leo (who is responsible for all this mess) or by fate, if I indulge the romantic inside me.

        What changed my mind then? Well, not everything in our lives can be untangled by our own. That is what I learned from Leo. Sometimes no harm in asking some outside help. That is also part of being an adult, right? So by the end of the book, I became a full-fledged supporter of Ever After Agency. You go girls! Can't wait for the next instalment in this series.

Meet the author:

I’m a writer, traveller and hopeful romantic with a lengthy bucket list, and many of my travel adventures have found homes in my novels. I’m also an avid reader, a film buff, a wine lover and a coffee snob. I live in Melbourne Australia with my partner, Ben, whom I met while travelling in Greece.