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1,5⭐️
When intoduced to the idea of a married vampire couple going on a hedonicalReceived an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
1,5⭐️
When intoduced to the idea of a married vampire couple going on a hedonical cruise, where they meet a shape-shifting unicorn they both fall in love with, and you decorate this premise with some rivalry, I will eat this shit up. That is precisely why it pains me to rate Vampires at Sea so low, but this novella did not live up to any expectations at all.
Firstly, if you want a sexy, romantic story of a couple, the couple have to bear any emotions towards each other. Rebekah and Hugh feel like arranged marriage they don't despise, but certainly don't enjoy, either. And every couple of pages Rebekah hypocritically becomes jealous of his attention, proposing the idea of her loving him, but in the end it's about something different.
And that is the second point � I couldn't stand her. Pity, as she is the narrator. Her jealousy-turned-lust towards Heaven would be greatly enjoyable, if she wasn't so... much. Her marriage with Hugh is about control, first he grows bored and blunt, then she's frustrated when he tries to change anything, yet she bears no interest in bonding with him. Hugh's an avan-garde artist, but she supposedly hates art, or it simply bores her. But beware anyone who would like to even converse lightly with her husband, as Rebekah the harpy will plan your murder. And she? She sleeps with anyone who will even slightly glare at her. Hugh has to accept that, but gods forbid he tries to someone fun on the side. Once again, such description sounds like an interesting piece of a book, but gods Rebekah makes it unbearable. With all her lust, her constant reminders of "see, I told you I were different" and this emptiness inside her it hollows the plot, too. I would be on board with the idea of toxic wife and her adventures, but this is not fun. It's miserable.
The premise about which author talks about in acknowledgement is visible � however what she missed was the element of entertainment. The ending didn't help with that. It was so, so disappointing, to discover there is no sense of change, no understanding, no conversation, not even any fun from erotical parts. The rivalry sucks, the revenge falls flat, there are no bursting emotions. Writing isn'tgreat, either; certain elements were supposed to be comedic (I've suspected an inspiration from WWDITS, which was proved by acknowledgement, however it is an inspiration that doesn't understand why the source was funny in the first place), but with quotes like: "In the evening, I force myself to hunt even though my heart - or is it my clit? - still isn't it." it was needlessly sexual. The juxtaposition between Heaven, a modern influencer, and Hugh, old-way elegant artist, and their unexpected feelings may have worked, but not from the current perspective.
A very frustrating read about toxic woman that neither enjoys her toxicity nor tries to change it anyhow. She should have been in therapy, but frankly, she would fuck her therapist and then eat him. And that's not how it works....more
Received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
You ought to be mad to fell in love with this book.
Tashan Mehta weaves a beautifReceived an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
You ought to be mad to fell in love with this book.
Tashan Mehta weaves a beautiful, but peculiar family saga into a cloth made from whales, skies and academic papers. It starts with two sisters, but reaches far beyond it, mixing the study of indigenous cultures (bloodlines?) with fantastic tale about magic and higher instances. It's strange, but between weirdness and variegation it finds the way to your heart.
Received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
The Art of Unmaking is fascinating case of a book wrapped in such thick atmospheReceived an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
The Art of Unmaking is fascinating case of a book wrapped in such thick atmosphere of danger, that when you arrive at the center of it you find asking yourself "is that really all?". The story is quite simple � a young woman on a painting scholarship, approached by an artistic society, finds not only a new style, but also a deeply awaiting desire to another soul.
Let me tell you, the vibes are immaculate. The way Clara and Evelyn flirts, how they behave like starving lions fighting for the last piece of meat, unsure whether they will dive in each other's flesh or bury themselves in kisses. And this passion leads to nothing, it's just a romance that starts greatly, but later changes the direction, leaving all those emotions behind. It was a bit sad, actually.
Besides that, I think it's a rather good novella. It's not particularly wrong, and while the setting and surroundings seems to not play the major role to the overall narration, I would not say it's disappointing. The twists are present, the intrigue isn't the simplest, the gothic is gothicing. I admit, I have wanted something more once I found myself buried deep into the story, but overall it was not a wasted time....more
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3,5⭐️
Certified weird book, which I really enjoyed. There are interesting ideas tReceived an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
3,5⭐️
Certified weird book, which I really enjoyed. There are interesting ideas that creates this unique atmosphere � the perspective of children, the anonymity, the strangeness of time and space. I think I will come.back to this story one day, to explore it even further, as it is short, yet impactful....more
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4,5⭐️
Black Salt Queen is a fantasy book, where it's hard to belive it's from a dReceived an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
4,5⭐️
Black Salt Queen is a fantasy book, where it's hard to belive it's from a debut author, as the prose and story are a mature breath of freshness. Writing is so beautiful, it avoids clichés for the sake of characters expressions; it flows naturally, in a constant string of cause-effect. I really liked how Bansil connected elements of fantasy with a bigger, more nuanced plot.
In BSQ there are several characters who lead the narration. Young lovers, the son of a traitor and a daughter of ruling queen, who must answer the question how much can they sacrifice in the name of their love. Two mothers, who are intertwined by a common past. Voices from the revolution and royal court. And one alchemist, brought from outside the border, writing letters to his deceased love.
The plot focuses on the intrigue rising in the royal court, discussions of revolution, revenge and magic, as it lays deep inside each heart, yet doesn't manifest itself constantly. Bansil doesn't use it lightly, for her magic is not a plot resolution, it's a last resort eith consequences, and that settles the tone of the story. It's genius. Every each of the elements that build BSQ is well thought, precise like a cog in a machine. It's on such a high level of eloquence and preparation that I was truly surprised it was a debut. There is a bright future in writing in front of Bansil.
The only reason I've lowered my rating is the ending, as I am not entirely convinced with it. I liked many elements of it, especially the resolution at the very end (great twist and cliffhanger), but I wish a plot with Imeria and Duja was treated similarly. I understand why it was like it was, yet the feeling of it being rushed never left. But that's the only thing I am not sold on. The rest is truly brilliant....more
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4,5�
The River Liss is always changing. It is the core to the lives of two sisterReceived an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
4,5�
The River Liss is always changing. It is the core to the lives of two sisters, Ysabel and Esther, in a world where magic is born between the space of grammar and lexis. There is a neighbouring world, Arcadia, where magic is stronger, yet wilder, where lives Rin, a lover to Esther and a Fae.
And frankly, that is all I can say to not take the joy and enchantment from reading this novella. Amal El-Mohtar is a sister figure to Susanna Clarke, with the same brilliant writing; yet where Clarke dives into finding magic in the real world, El-Mohtar looks for doors in everyday life to cross the boundary of magical one. "The River Has Roots" is nothing less than a fairytale, with bright visuals vowed by words, with a world-building so simple yet impactful � for the question "how much of it you can fit in less than a hundred pages" she has an answer "all and a few more". It's mind blowing how large the world is, how deep this care for detail go, and yet to create such a small thing with such depth, it is trully impressive. I did, indeed, let myself be cursed and enchanted, and adored every little bit of it....more
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I have this awful habit of proceeding to read every book I start, even if I don'Received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
I have this awful habit of proceeding to read every book I start, even if I don't enjoyed it, as I believe each piece should be rated and perceived as a whole. Faithful to that, I have finished The Bard's Bargain, despite the numerous times I wanted to DNF it.
Perhaps I am just too tired of romances where the FMC is written as a spare, a narrator that has to undergo a drastic change, while MMC is this perfect from the start figure that clearly is meant to enchant a reader, equally like, if not more, than his love interest. Tyram and Alexandra are the perfect example of this cliché. And it was infuriating. Despite their age, she acted like a spoiled five years old, while being exaggerated with every element of her character. At first I've despised her, later on I've pitted her. She was indeed manipulated by everyone around her, and for some reason the author believes that contact with poverty and drastic loss of everything is the perfect solution to any "spoil brat" characteristic. Besides its cliché, it is also extremely desensitised towards those "poorer" characters. I thought we left the idea of "suffering ennobles" deep in the past.
Meanwhile Tyram (or Tom) is a character I cannot understand. On the one hand, he is this perfect love interest, not only for Alexandra, but also supposedly for the reader. He is the one we are meant to admire, he is good-hearted, understanding, handsome, basically the perfect man. On the other hand, he is also a liar, he made a pact with Alexandra's mother and proceed to put FMC through a lot � theoretically, it all was for her "own good", but I'm sorry, at the point when Alexandra gets lice or meets orphans from burned village something breaks in her. And I don't mean this magical change, I mean she starts acting like someone abused. It's extremely weird and uncomfortable, especially because of this patronising tone of "the poor are poor, but they are happy". Such narration could have stayed, but a different tone would make a drastic difference.
There is also a case of so called romance, and something that stroke me was this discord between the writing style and what was happening. Basically, this book follows the trope of forced proximity and reluctance-to-love, yet between the main characters there is lust from the very beginning. I was surprised when somewhere in the first one hundred pages they were almost sleeping with each other, even though few pages earlier they were bragging about how annoying they find each other. It wouldn't be such a problem if the writing style was different; for now, the book is written as it was for someone somewhere between teenagers and young adult. There are little to none clever intrigues or a proper tone when it comes to more serious topics, yet there are few intimate scenes, which did caught me off guard. Why so early? Why write it that way?
I will admit, I am a foul for pretty covers, and here I fall a victim to one. And the more I think about this book, the less mad I am. It's not good, certainly a mile away from what I've expected, but it's far from bad � just needs a little of polish, to make it feel less debut-ish, and more like a proper story. Especially when its topic is meant to cover such serious agenda....more
Received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
It's such a beautifully drawn story, a real treat for the eyes. Emma and AlexandReceived an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
It's such a beautifully drawn story, a real treat for the eyes. Emma and Alexander's history is intriguing, but manga itself consists of just snippets of their life, it's no surprise they're called "scenes" instead of "chapters". I do wish it was more developed, as there is a pure charisma beating under the ink.
Plus it could have been yuri. There was even a kiss between two women! /lh...more
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Anthologies are always a tough nut to crack � so many voices, so many dif3,75 ⭐️
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Anthologies are always a tough nut to crack � so many voices, so many differences. "Thyme Travellers" is a cross-section of various genres and ideas. It draws from historical context, as well as contemporary times, it's full of fantasies and possibilities. It's human and extraordinary, it's hopeful and heartbreaking, it's beautiful and painful. Some stories I liked more than the other, but overall I wouldn't rate it low � it's short but complex representation of Palestinian writing, both from across the world and from the very heart of the land.
From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free....more
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That was one fucking charismatic book, pardon the language. One that capture4,5⭐️
Received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
That was one fucking charismatic book, pardon the language. One that captures you from the first chapter, and before you know, you've devoured it whole in one evening. You find yourself at the edge of your seat, deeply involved in space opera about werewolves and cosmic vampires, deeply in love with every strange character on across-galactic stage. What can be said about Of Monsters and Mainframes to make you feel like you need to read this book when it's still hot off the grill?
What will interest you? A new aspect of sci-fi, a story told from the perspective of spaceship AI, but not in the "gaining self-conciousness" way, but more "I am here to cause mayhem and mischief" way? Maybe you want queer cast? Or maybe you love vampires and werewolves, but grew bored of classical interpretations � don't worry, here we have them in space. Murder mystery? Sure, but why limit � let's get mass murder mystery. And not once, but twice. You want existential dread? Humor? Absolute insanity? Absolute hodgepodge of mismatched elements that become genius next to each other?
Well look no further.
I adore this book. It's funny, with a great side of charming, it's weird, but it's also greatly written. I do not exaggerate when I say I don't know when I've read. It lasts, and then it ends, and you're left with the want of more. Barbara Truelove wrote a georgeous story that proves there are still new paths to find in science fiction genre.
Y'all need to read this book. Y'all need to experience how AI medical system argues with fifteen years old werewolf when the spaceship they're on does a low-g barrel in space, while throwing a dinosaur theme party. ...more
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Though if God disagrees and you are damned and restlessly must roam, pleas4,25⭐️
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Though if God disagrees and you are damned and restlessly must roam, please, Saartje, please come and haunt me.
Oh, what a delightful and dreadful story that was! van Veen spins a great horror story, weaving into it love, hunger and (un)death, drenching it in unrepeatable atmosphere. She draws from both worlds � writing a gothic novel that could undoubtedly stand next to the classics, yet conciously enriches her text with her modern perspective and modern knowledge of the epoque. A chilling plot with morally questionable characters, uncertainty of what is real and what belongs to supernatural � it was a real feast to read....more
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The blurb of Seven Recipes for Revolution states that it is "perfect for fans ofReceived an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
The blurb of Seven Recipes for Revolution states that it is "perfect for fans of Pierce Brown and Jay Kristoff"; not sure how it is for everyone else, but as someone who did not enjoy a single book of theirs, it was a rather red flag. Fortunately, the blurb consists of much more than a simple comparison.
Ryan Rose managed to do something neither of those mentioned authors could � create a greater story around a rather young protagonist. Paprick is a teenager in a cruel world, one that got his love for food from his mothers, and yet is stopped from pursuing that passion due to strict rules. But even a common can shake the world, just like a common may attend a prestigious Culinary Academy, while being accused of the greatest crime possible.
Story of young Paprick is intertwined with story of Paprick the Butcher, a figure so powerful and terrifying, people crave his interrogation to reveal his secrets. And that works. It is incredibly captivating to discover this story from two different perspectives. Rose writes with incredible lightness, even as he is describing the most devastating scene. It is also delightfully queer, which I appreciate greatly.
Seven Recipes for Revolution serves as an obvious beginning to a bigger narrative, and it works perfectly � everything starts somewhere, every step is important. I may not be the earnest fan of books set in universities, as I find them rather boring, especially when I know there is something bigger waiting around the corner. But truth to be told, that's on me, even Poppy War couldn't make me interested in that. Here, it is the sole reason my reading took so long. But in the same time I must admit, Rose does a lot of things to never really focus only on one subplot at the time. There is a constant action, even if you discover it only after few chapters � each ingredient is necessary to cook the delicious dish this book happens to be.
Recommended with pleasure and full stomach, as you do grow hungry during the reading....more
Received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
City of All Seasons tells a story of a city torn by unknown circumstances into tReceived an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
City of All Seasons tells a story of a city torn by unknown circumstances into two entities � one covered in never melting snow, one drowned in summer sun. One cousin lives in endless winter, one in constant summer. But under such simple division lies an actual story, about a legendary Pike family, about corruption, love and... cinema.
I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised with this title! At first glance it seems like a simple idea for world-building, one that doesn't reach deeper than surface level, yet Langmead and Whiteley created a complex world, simultaneously intertwining it with a family saga. The prose is beautiful, I enjoyed the atmosphere and descriptions of two cities. Although Jamie and Esther are the narrators, each character is a layered human being that shares a significant role to the whole image. I will admit, the intrigue and bitter-sweet ending are the elements that truly put the whole story together. It was a welcomed surprise....more
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Jestem prostym człowiekiem. Dostaję k2,75⭐️
Wczesny dostęp otrzymany dzięki uprzejmości portalu NetGalley w zamian za szczerą recenzję, za co dziękuję!
Jestem prostym człowiekiem. Dostaję kompilację Disco Elysium i Gideon the Ninth, to sięgam w ciemno. Co mogę przyznać, zawarte w blurbie bloody lesbian revenge jest najlepszym podsumowaniem tej opowieści. Bardzo podobał mi się pomysł stojący za tą fabułą, czeka tu dużo refleksji na temat tego industrialnego świata, fascynujące jest nazewnictwo, dużo potencjału kryje się za tym tytułem. Nie będę ukrywać, wszystko wskazuje na to, że jest to idealna kontynuacja tego niszowego gatunku, który obejmuje safickość, sci-fi i humor.
Tym, co niestety nie zadziałało, był sposób pisania. August Clarke składa proste zdania, a jego styl momentami jest wręcz surowy. Ma to swój urok, nadaje pewnej atmosfery całej lekturze, ale nie będę ukrywać � w pewnym momencie mnie to zmęczyło. Straciłam wątek. Liczyłam na idealne wypełnienie dziury tęskniącej za Arcane, jednak pacing był tak specyficzny, że nie potrafiłam się dostosować; doceń bardzo, że wstęp do historii, który jest kluczowy dla pozostałej fabuły, trwa wystarczająco długo, by nie był tylko punktem wyjścia, a faktycznie znaczącym elementem. Jednak czasami osoba autorska skacze między rozdziałami w taki sposób, który przypomina bardziej rozplanowanie niż pisanie. Lubię specyficzne narracje, jednak miałam dwie próby do tego tytułu, i przy obu ten sam element mnie uwierał.
Cóż, już teraz ta książka ma swoich zwolenników. I całkowicie to rozumiem. Sama oczekiwałam czegoś trochę charyzmatyczniejszego. Ale na pewno tym spragnionym tejże specyficznej atmosfery przypadnie do gustu....more
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2,75⭐️
I recognize Mariana Costa by their art on social media, ones that I enjoy Received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
2,75⭐️
I recognize Mariana Costa by their art on social media, ones that I enjoy both visually and through the lore they post snippets of. To say I was curious about her writing debut would be correct.
From the blurb we can imagine a rather grand story, full of intrigues, plot twists (it is, in the end, a story about time traveling) and complicated characters' relationships. But what is worth acknowledging is the recommendation for cozy fantasy readers. Because Shoestring Theory is a slow, low action tale. And i believe tale is a key word, as the world-building is just enough, not too little information, yet not to much, to not take the attention from the main thing.
The main thing being, I believe, characters. Through the text it is visible that the author is also a visual artist, descriptions of certain looks are detailed. Sometimes it felt like comic-to-text movement, which isn't a disadvantage, just a peculiar and certainly original feature of this title. However, sometimes the pacing feels unfinished � the first half wonders around exposition, backstory, setting the basic plot points for the future, but lacks interactions between main characters. Yes, Cyril and Tigres have plenty of conversations, but between the mage and his husband is only (greatly written, may I add) conflict balancing between love and hate. But later, as they discover more, its base becomes long-winded. There were moments with too little or too muhh dialogue, making the story quite uneven.
I may not be the fan of the pacing, either, yet for completely different reason. The blurb suggests a lot, while all promised aspects have their place, the overall story appears rather... slow. Fantasy aspects, like magic, were not explored enough for me � I must admit, Costa has many great ideas, ones that work and charm the reader, but it's further developed into character based book. Some resolutions I found good, some were lacking the spark.
Overall, I feel like Shoestring Theory represents a unique thing in literature, presenting narration that is rather absent. The author is not a classical debut writer, she does not use typical language nor frames of action. I found that intriguing, refreshing even. Besides the fact I expected to be slightly more engaged in the story, I think it will be a good title for many readers...more
Received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
4,5⭐️
That night, as she did every night, she dreamed of drowning. Only this timeReceived an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
4,5⭐️
That night, as she did every night, she dreamed of drowning. Only this time, in the exquisite and unbearable sweetness of Sylvia von Wolff's eyes.
Never have I ever anticipated a book more since the moment Allison Saft hinted the existence of "A Dark and Drowning Tide". It was my first death. The second death came with receiving a preview � felt like dreams come true. And so, the third and final death would come after the lecture � whether from utter disappointment or romantic death from love, it all depended on Saft's craft.
Glad to admit I fell in love, truly and deeply. A tale woven carefully with finest fairytale and grim atmosphere, paired with mysterious murder and political shenanigans. With a variety of characters neither good nor evil, each detailed and different, Saft writes an amazing story that just escapes any genre border you could set. It has a great, sprouting romance, but in the same time a captivating story about scientific expedition, a discussion about country's independence and imperialism.
Besides the aesthetics, which I adored, a perfect Gothic tale, I was captivated by the discussion on greater themes. Saft doesn't settle for one, clear answer, demanding the reader to rethink freely what's a better decision, or one that will carry lesser evil. On a technical side, I won't ever be failed by Saft's writing � sensible, detailed and exceptionally beautiful. Combined with fantastic world-building � so enchanted with this German inspired world, woven with magic as a basic principle and academic agenda! Full of magical creatures, existing alongside humans everyday! Every piece of this story has its place, everything coexist, building a great fictional world you yearn to visit.
I will certainly come back to Lorelei and Sylvia, not only in thoughts, but also to reread their story. Couldn't recommend enough to every sapphic lover, fairytale enthusiast and those who search for something different yet enchanting....more
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Bennie has a goal � to prove the death of her friend in mines was not an accidenReceived an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
Bennie has a goal � to prove the death of her friend in mines was not an accident. Living in close proximity of Appalachia, the world and people are strange. But the strangest thing happens when she discovers dead body on the side of the river coming from the mines. Even stranger? The body is alive, and belongs to the witch that lived one hundred and fifty years ago, one that lost her memory, remembering only one thing � she was a Motheater. Together, they are meant to discover secrets behind the small town, and magic it is bound to.
Guys, when I say I adored this book since the very beginning, I mean it. The opening lines were so captivating, capturing the very essence of its story � the weirdness, the uniqueness, the magic and atmosphere. You really feel the wilderness roaring from the lines, the love that burns the author to that particular region. The plot is slow, I will give it that, and not really adventurous � but it is worth it. Simple, yet charming. Simple, but detailed, crafted with love and talent. It would be a great movie, I would give everything to see it, but until that, read "Motheater". I ain't no fan of comparing one book to another, but if you're looking for the similar uniqueness that Maggie Stiefvater writes about, give Linda H. Codega a chance....more
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Every panel of this graphic novel is a visual masterpiece, an extasy of art, witReceived an arc from NetGalley in exchange for honest opinion, thanks!
Every panel of this graphic novel is a visual masterpiece, an extasy of art, with colors so vibrant, atmosphere so unique and artsyle that is a pleasure to look at. And the storynof Night Mother is as fascinating as the visual aspect � I adore the folklorish note behind it. Although it was roughly one hundred pages, it managed to set a great world-building, with great, complex characters and possibilities endless for the continuation. I am so glad I was able to read it, because it instantly swooned me, and I fall in love. Cannot recommend it enough!...more
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