Crystal's Updates en-US Fri, 25 Apr 2025 06:35:46 -0700 60 Crystal's Updates 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Review7517594790 Fri, 25 Apr 2025 06:35:46 -0700 <![CDATA[Crystal added 'The Artist of Blackberry Grange']]> /review/show/7517594790 The Artist of Blackberry Grange by Paulette Kennedy Crystal gave 5 stars to The Artist of Blackberry Grange (Paperback) by Paulette Kennedy
bookshelves: gothic
Paulette Kennedy has done it again—The Artist of Blackberry Grange is a mesmerizing, emotionally rich gothic that swept me into its haunted hallways and never let go. I've loved her previous novels, but this one might be her most affecting and intimate yet. The blend of grief, memory, and spectral mystery is so skillfully rendered that Blackberry Grange feels like a character in its own right—its walls pulsing with regret and longing. Sadie’s journey is achingly human, and Marguerite’s unraveling is both terrifying and tender. Kennedy’s prose is as evocative as ever, and the way she weaves supernatural elements with the raw complexities of caretaking and familial legacy left me deeply moved. Five stars, easily. ]]> GiveawayRequest704362551 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 08:14:34 -0700 <![CDATA[<a href="/user/show/107637-crystal-king">Crystal King</a> entered a giveaway]]> /giveaway/show/403875-bury-our-bones-in-the-midnight-soil Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by Victoria E. Schwab
75 copies available, ends on April 30, 2025
Enter to win ]]> Review7490308093 Tue, 15 Apr 2025 05:35:55 -0700 <![CDATA[Crystal added 'The Society of Unknowable Objects']]> /review/show/7490308093 The Society of Unknowable Objects by Gareth Brown Crystal gave 5 stars to The Society of Unknowable Objects (Hardcover) by Gareth Brown
Gareth Brown has done it again! "The Society of Unknowable Objects" is a dazzling follow-up that not only meets but exceeds the high bar set by "The Book of Doors." I was so captivated by this new adventure, diving headfirst into a world filled with magical artifacts and compelling characters. Brown's storytelling is nothing short of enchanting, and I found myself falling in love with Magda, Frank, Will, and Henry just as deeply as I did with Cassie in his previous work. The way he weaves subtle connections to "The Book of Doors" while creating a completely stand-alone narrative is a testament to his world-building prowess, and as a writer myself, I find it incredibly inspiring. The intricate plot, the morally gray villains, and the exploration of magic's corrupting influence all contribute to a reading experience that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. And that ending! I absolutely can't wait to see what Brown will conjure next. This is a must-read for anyone who loves imaginative fantasy, complex characters, and stories that leave you utterly spellbound. ]]> Review7490295594 Tue, 15 Apr 2025 05:29:10 -0700 <![CDATA[Crystal added 'The Keeper of Lost Art']]> /review/show/7490295594 The Keeper of Lost Art by Laura Morelli Crystal gave 5 stars to The Keeper of Lost Art (Paperback) by Laura Morelli
bookshelves: historical-fiction, italy, art
Laura Morelli's "The Keeper of Lost Art" is a beautifully crafted historical novel that transported me straight to the heart of wartime Tuscany. As a longtime admirer of Morelli's work, and particularly her ability to bring the Italian art world to life, I was thrilled to delve into this story. Her impeccable research and attention to detail are evident on every page, creating a vivid and immersive experience. Through the eyes of young Stella, we witness the resilience of the Italian people and their unwavering dedication to preserving their cultural heritage. The story is both a coming-of-age tale and a poignant exploration of art's power to sustain hope during the darkest of times. Morelli's writing is evocative and engaging, drawing me into Stella's world and making me feel her frustrations, joys, and growing passion for art. This is a novel I'll be recommending to everyone who loves historical fiction, art, and the enduring spirit of Italy. ]]> Review7490274048 Tue, 15 Apr 2025 05:17:52 -0700 <![CDATA[Crystal added 'The Book That Held Her Heart']]> /review/show/7490274048 The Book That Held Her Heart by Mark Lawrence Crystal gave 5 stars to The Book That Held Her Heart (The Library Trilogy, #3) by Mark Lawrence
bookshelves: fantasy
Mark Lawrence's "The Book That Held Her Heart" delivers a breathtaking and emotionally resonant conclusion to his Library Trilogy, solidifying his place as a master of speculative fiction. As a fellow writer, I was particularly struck by the sheer complexity of the plotlines and the masterful craftsmanship evident in every page. This is, without a doubt, one of the finest trilogies I've had the pleasure of experiencing in recent memory. With intricate plotlines and deeply developed characters, this final installment explores profound themes of knowledge, memory, and the human heart's resilience. Lawrence masterfully weaves real-world historical elements with his fantastical library setting, creating a narrative that is both timely and timeless. 1 The book's poignant ending leaves a lasting impact, cementing the trilogy's status as a modern masterpiece. This is a five-star triumph that will resonate with readers long after the final page is turned, and leave fellow writers in awe of the sheer skill on display. ]]> Review7490261377 Tue, 15 Apr 2025 05:11:58 -0700 <![CDATA[Crystal added 'The Garden']]> /review/show/7490261377 The Garden by Nick Newman Crystal gave 5 stars to The Garden (Hardcover) by Nick Newman
bookshelves: horror, fantasy, dystopia
Nick Newman's "The Garden" is a hauntingly beautiful and utterly original tale that lingers long after the final page. Newman crafts a world both claustrophobic and expansive, where two elderly sisters, Evelyn and Lily, exist in a delicate balance of routine and fear. The arrival of a mysterious boy shatters their carefully constructed reality, forcing them to confront the dark secrets of their past and the true nature of their isolated existence. With prose that is both lyrical and unsettling, "The Garden" weaves a tapestry of gothic undertones, dystopian echoes, and psychological suspense, creating an unforgettable reading experience that is as mesmerizing as it is deeply moving. This is a five-star gem that defies easy categorization and leaves you breathless. ]]> Review7490249136 Tue, 15 Apr 2025 05:05:09 -0700 <![CDATA[Crystal added 'People of Means']]> /review/show/7490249136 People of Means by Nancy Johnson Crystal gave 5 stars to People of Means (Hardcover) by Nancy Johnson
bookshelves: literary, historical-fiction
Nancy Johnson's "People of Means" is a masterfully woven narrative that transcends generations, delivering a poignant exploration of racial equality and personal sacrifice. With richly drawn characters and a dual timeline that seamlessly navigates the 1960s and 1990s, Johnson illuminates the enduring struggle for justice through the eyes of Freda and Tulip. The emotional depth and historical resonance of this novel are undeniable, making it a compelling and timely read that challenges and inspires in equal measure. ]]> ReadStatus9232905988 Tue, 25 Mar 2025 20:40:55 -0700 <![CDATA[Crystal is currently reading 'The Warbler']]> /review/show/7435701687 The Warbler by Sarah Beth Durst Crystal is currently reading The Warbler by Sarah Beth Durst
]]> ReadStatus9232784097 Tue, 25 Mar 2025 20:04:31 -0700 <![CDATA[Crystal is currently reading 'Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism']]> /review/show/7435617345 Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams Crystal is currently reading Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism by Sarah Wynn-Williams
]]> ReadStatus9224095788 Sun, 23 Mar 2025 19:25:01 -0700 <![CDATA[Crystal is currently reading 'In Any Lifetime']]> /review/show/7429443057 In Any Lifetime by Marc Guggenheim Crystal is currently reading In Any Lifetime by Marc Guggenheim
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