Review: The Way Up is Death by Dan Hanks

The Way Up is Death by Dan Hanks

Angry Robot

Publication Date: January 14th, 2024

Paperback. 400 pages.

About The Way Up is Death:

"When a mysterious tower appears in the skies over England, thirteen strangers are pulled from their lives to stand before it as a countdown begins. Above the doorway is one word: ASCEND.

As a grieving teacher, a reclusive artist, and a narcissistic celebrity children’s author lead the others in trying to understand why they’ve been chosen and what the tower is, it soon becomes clear the only way out of this for everyone… is up.

And so begins a race to the top, through sinking ships, haunted houses and other waking nightmares, as the group fights to hold onto its humanity, while the twisted horror of why they’re here grows ever more apparent – and death stalks their every move."

This was my first encounter with Dan Hanks' writing, and I’m already keen to explore more of his work, especially when I’m craving something intense and gripping. The Way Up Is Death is a dark, stress-inducing mystery wrapped up in a high-stakes horror/thriller. It’s also supremely high stakes, and those high stakes only grow as the story progresses and our characters ascend in this mysterious structure. There are new horror awaiting the characters around every corner, and it is truly relentless with an atmosphere drenched in dread and anticipation.

The Way Up is Death kicks off with the sudden appearance of a strange, floating structure in the sky. Initially, there's panic and speculation as people try to understand its purpose, but when nothing significant happens after a while, society gradually returns to normal. That is, until one day when thirteen individuals are seemingly plucked out of thin air from their lives and find themselves inside this enigmatic tower. Once there, a countdown begins with only word shown: ascend. All they can do now is try to figure out a way to go up, though none of them know what awaits them at the top, and most importantly, they must survive the trip.

The cast of characters is diverse and compelling. There's a mix of personalities, from the harmless to those you root for to the mildly annoying, and to the downright egotistical and dangerous. While such a wide array of characters can sometimes feel a bit exaggerated, I felt it served a good purpose here in offering a glimpse into how different types of people might react under extreme stress and chaos. This also applies to a sense of predictability that sometimes comes into play with some stereotypes and how you might expect things to turn out, but I think it all work out well together. It was also initially a little tricky keeping track of everyone, but as the story progressed it became easier to note each character’s distinct traits, and I found watching how they evolved–or didn’t–a really engaging aspect.

One of my favorite parts of The Way Up is Death is the sheer creativity involved in the design of the tower’s “levels” (or, perhaps, the sadistic creativity, one might say?). Each new level presents a unique and often harrowing challenge, and I thought some of the later stages were particularly intriguing. The puzzles and obstacles are intricate and imaginative and provided a great foundation to learn more about characters and their perspectives, as well as how they interact with one another.

The pacing is relentless from start to finish, with action-packed sequences there to keep driving the narrative forward. As much as this can sometimes be welcome in books to make for a gripping narrative, I was slightly disappointed by just how quickly this moved at times and how much it really seemed to just be one action event after another. We got a little down time here and there to get to know our characters, but I wouldn't have minded a few more moments of meaningful discussion from them. That said, we do still get some great conversations between our characters around the tower’s purpose, humanity’s role, the earth, and a few topics that added a lot of depth to the story.

I found that hope seemed to be a recurring theme in this story as well, with some of our characters offering reflections on their own lives and what the future may hold for both themselves and others. These moments of introspection and thoughtfulness provided a nice counterbalance to the terror and fear that permeates the rest of the story.

The ending is fittingly intense and momentous, though it left me wanting more–more background, more about the tower–but I also understand that some mysteries are meant to remain unsolved, and this book handled that idea really well. It’s both resolved and a little bit open-ended, and it struck that balance well.

Overall, The Way Up is Death is a compelling blend of SFF, horror, and thriller. If you’re looking for something fast-paced, high-stakes, and thought-provoking, then this may be a good option for your next read.

*I received a copy of The Way Up is Death in exchange for an honest review. This has no affect on my rating.*

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org

Review: The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door by H.G. Parry

The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door by H.G. Parry

Redhook

Publication Date: October 22nd, 2024

Paperback. 464 pages.

About The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door:

"All they needed to break the world was a door, and someone to open it.

Camford, 1920. Gilded and glittering, England's secret magical academy is no place for Clover, a commoner with neither connections nor magical blood. She tells herself she has fought her way there only to find a cure for her brother Matthew, one of the few survivors of a faerie attack on the battlefields of WWI which left the doors to faerie country sealed, the study of its magic banned, and its victims cursed.

But when Clover catches the eye of golden boy Alden Lennox-Fontaine and his friends, doors that were previously closed to her are flung wide open, and she soon finds herself enmeshed in the seductive world of the country's magical aristocrats. The summer she spends in Alden’s orbit leaves a fateful mark: months of joyous friendship and mutual study come crashing down when experiments go awry, and old secrets are unearthed.

Years later, when the faerie seals break, Clover knows it’s because of what they did. And she knows that she must seek the help of people she once called friends—and now doesn’t quite know what to call—if there’s any hope of saving the world as they know it."

I still believe H.G. Parry is criminally underrated and I need more people to read her work!

The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door is a stunning story of fae, academia, friendships, thoughtful writing and a captivating narrative. I am always most captivated by Parry’s meticulous care for language and how well she crafts her prose into such immersive and enchanting stories. This standalone fae/academia fantasy is perfect for readers seeking a magical adventure without committing to an entire series, and I know that there are plenty of people looking for more standalone, so this is for you!

Set in the aftermath of World War I, we begin following our protagonist Clover as her brother returns home from the war gravely injured by a fae curse that was caused when a fae broke through into the human world and wreaked havoc on the battlefield. Determined to help him recover from the effects of the curse, Clover sets out to study magic and discover how to reverse the curse–despite the fact that she lacks any magical blood and is not from a "Family" (longstanding bloodlines that carry magic down family lines). Still, this doesn't stop her from earning her place at Camford, a prestigious university of magic that is hidden from the non-magical, where she embarks on a brand new phase of her life.

Clover is a determined and fairly headstrong young woman, but she is more of a 'keep your head down and focus on what you need to do' person rather than someone who stands out and makes a fuss or big name for herself. At Camford, she meets the charming Alden Lennox-Fontaine and is subsequently introduced to Hero and Eddie, and the four quickly form a tight friend group. We see Clover initially struggle to find her footing at Camford and among her new friend group, but over time she eventually figures out where she stands and even manages to achieve a sense of comfort and almost belonging at this new school and in her life.

Alden is a hard character to pin down. He’s hard to get know on a deep level and is also very much focused on furthering his own goals, which we eventually learn intersect with Clover’s. While he’s not the kindest person, his charm makes him compelling and hard not to want to be friends with, which Clover finds herself struggling with.

Hero is as equally headstrong as Clover, though sometimes in different ways, and is determined to break barriers for women in magical academia and the magical world in general, which is currently dominated by men. She’s steadfast and loyal and truly a force to be reckoned with.

Eddie, however, was my favorite. Eddie brings a unique depth to the group and could be described as quiet, insightful, and deeply passionate about plants, botany, and hedge witch magics. He is a quietly loyal friend who often fades into the background or is taken for granted by his friends, especially since he is often outshone by the strong personalities of Alden and Hero. His contributions are subtle at times, but significant–I would never underestimate him–and I felt for him throughout the story.

One of the highlights of the book is the evolution of the friendships within this group. The dynamic relationships—sometimes changing for the better, sometimes for the worse—are intricate and deeply explored. Parry masterfully develops each character and their connections, showcasing how they grow in complex ways both individually and together.

The world-building is equally fascinating. I loved the idea that magic could be learned by anyone with the determination to study it, whether a part of a Family or not. I loved the deep dive into fae theories and how curses work and how they make their way to the human world. I wish we’d spent more time delving into other mechanics of fae magic and the fae world itself, but I understand that that may have changed some of the focus of the book. I actually appreciated that the focus on Clover’s studies kept the scope of the story tight, which instead added to the mystique of the fae world. For me as a reader, I tend to lean towards a ‘sometimes less is more’ preference, and Parry strikes a delicate balance here, leaving just enough to the imagination.

The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door story gave me subtle Harry Potter vibes (in a good way!) at times, particularly with the hidden magical world and the enchanted university setting. However, it had plenty to make it’s own world unique and stand out. Camford’s dark, magical ambiance always felt rich with hidden details, and the academia-focused first part of the book was developed incredibly well. And although the majority of the first portion of the book takes place at the university, there is a small variety of additional settings we visit as well. I found there to be nice balance of places and things that happen in this book that prevents it from ever getting boring or feeling like it was dragging.

I’d also like to point out that this isn’t a romance-heavy book. There are hints of potential romance, but it’s subtle and secondary to the story. Instead, the focus is on magic, friendship, and the complexities of this world, which felt really fresh and rewarding.

The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door tells what is truly a rather monumental story within a single, standalone volume. The character work is exceptional, the world expansive yet mysterious, and Parry’s writing is gorgeous—sharp, witty, and deeply immersive.

If you haven’t read H.G. Parry yet, this is a fantastic place to start. If you have, whether or not you enjoyed her previous works, I encourage you to give this one a try. It’s a brilliant, unique fae fantasy that offers something a little different from what’s out there. Overall, I’ve given The Scholar and the Faerie door five stars!

*I received a copy of The Scholar and the Faerie Door in exchange for an honest review. This has no affect on my rating.*

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org

Review: The Fury of the Gods by John Gwynne

***Note 12/16/24: I've just noticed something is going absolutely crazy with the formatting on this review and I'll attempt to resolve it as soon as possible–sorry about this!

The Fury of the Gods (The Bloodsworne Saga #3) by John Gwynne

Orbit

Publication Date: October 22nd, 2024

Paperback. 528 pages.

About The Fury of the Gods:

"The Fury of the Gods is the earth-shattering final book in John Gwynne's bestselling Norse-inspired epic fantasy series, packed with myth, magic and bloody vengeance

THE FINAL BATTLE FOR THE FATE OF VIGRIÐ APPROACHES

Varg has overcome the trials of his past and become an accepted member of the Bloodsworn, but now he and his newfound comrades face their biggest challenge yet: slaying a dragon.

Elvar is struggling to consolidate her power in Snakavik, where she faces threats from within and without. As she fights to assert her authority in readiness for the coming conflict, she faces a surely insurmountable task: reining in the ferocity of a wolf god.

As Biorr and his warband make their way north, eager for blood, Gudvarr pursues a mission of his own, hoping to win Lik-Rifa's favour and further his own ambitions.

All paths lead to Snakavik, where the lines are being drawn for the final battle - a titanic clash that will shake the foundations of the world, and bear witness to the true fury of the gods."

Haven't started this series yet? No problem--reviews for the first two books in this trilogy can be found here:
Book #1: The Shadow of the Gods
Book #2: The Hunger of the Gods

Writing a review for the finale of a trilogy can sometimes be a challenge. So much has happened over the course of the series, so much deserves to be said, and spoilers are lurking everywhere. I'll try to keep this review relatively vague in relation to details, but I want to emphasize just how epic this entire story has been from start to finish. Each book in The Bloodsworn Saga has felt monumental, and this final installment is not exception. 

In The Fury of the Gods, we continue to follow all of the characters we've come to know and love (and maybe hate) throughout the series. I've really enjoyed how Gwynne develops his characters over the entire arc of the trilogy and especially in this last book. Their motivations, passions, what they love and stand for, and their struggles feel so tangible that it's easy to connect with them, whether you like them or not. This book really puts the cast in a variety of intense, dire situations, and we really get to see every shade of their personalities and actions--good, bad, and everything in between. 

The Fury of the Gods is packed to the brim with battles of all sizes, so there was plenty of opportunity for Gwynne to flex his action-writing skills. I've mentioned plenty of times in other reviews in the past that action scenes are often one of my least favorite things to read and tend to bore me; I'd usually rather just know who was hurt and what the result of a fight was rather than slog through blow-by-blow description. But that is not so with Gwynne's writing, as I always find his action sequences to be vivid, engaging, and fairly easy to follow--and interesting enough to hold my interest, which is no small feat. 

One of my favorite things about this series that was enormously present in this book is its heart. There's a strong balance of realism and the fantastic, and within this Gwynne never shies away from the bittersweet reality of life. I finished this book feeling very satisfied because there's not necessarily a perfect happy ending for everybody, but neither is it entirely dark and hopeless, either. It's a very realistic and raw reality that I think works excellently for this series. 

All that said, The Fury of the Gods was probably my least favorite of the trilogy. I don't mean that as negatively as it may sound, as this bok is fantastic, it's just that I found the first two books slightly more captivating than the conclusion, and that is likely because I enjoyed getting to know the characters and world so much. Even so, this finale is grand, action-packed, and delivers everything you could want from an epic fantasy steeped in Norse mythology and Viking influences.

Overall, I've given The Fury of the Gods four stars. It combines classic storytelling with Norse mythology and Viking-inspired elements in a way that will appeal to a wide range of readers. If you're someone who loves battles, sweeping journeys, and characters you can't look away from, this trilogy has all of that to offer and more. And while The Fury of the Gods wasn’t my personal favorite of the three, it still delivers a fast-paced, intense, and deeply satisfying conclusion. If you haven’t read any of John Gwynne’s books yet, this trilogy is a great place to start. And if you’re already a fan, you’ll find plenty to love here.

*I received a copy of The Fury of the Gods in exchange for an honest review. This has no effect on my rating.*

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org

Review: Honeymoons in Temporary Locations by Ashley Shelby

Honeymoons in Temporary Locations by Ashley Shelby

University of Minnesota Press

Publication Date: May 21st, 2024

Hardcover. 152 pages.

About Honeymoons in Temporary Locations:

"Eclectic, experimental, and wildly imaginative climate fictions from a familiar world hauntingly transformed

Climate disaster–induced fugue states, mutinous polar bears, support groups for recently displaced millionaires, men who hear trees, and women who lose their wives on environmental refugee resettlement trips. In these dispatches from a weirding world, the absurd and fantastic are increasingly indistinguishable from reality. Exploring this liminal moment, Ashley Shelby’s collection of climate fictions imagines a near future that is both unnervingly familiar and subversively strange.

Set in the same post-climate-impact era, these stories range from playfully satirical to poignantly humane, bending traditional narrative forms and coming together into a brilliant and unusual contemplation of our changing world. Featuring the Hugo-nominated novelette “Muri,” Honeymoons in Temporary Locations processes the unthinkable through riotous inventions like guided tours of submerged cities, Craigslist ads placed by climate refugees, and cynical pharmaceutical efforts to market a drug to treat solastalgia, the existential distress caused by environmental change.

Shelby reengineers the dystopic bleakness that characterizes so much climate fiction by embracing an eclectic experimentalism leavened with humor, irony, and the inevitable bathos that characterizes the human experience. Unexpected and clever, this innovative collection confirms her status as a visionary writer whose work expands the forms, attitudes, and possibilities of climate fiction."

Honeymoons in Temporary Locations by Ashley Shelby is a striking collection of climate fiction that delves into climate disasters and their aftermath, exploring how humanity navigates crises in a drastically changed world. I really liked this one, especially with its focus on a future where climate change has continued on its catastrophic course, leaving us with a world that feels both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time.

The collection kicks off with two short stories and then adopts a 'mixed media' approach and incorporates documents, transcripts, advertisements, and more. This creative structure offers a multifaceted glimpse into the state of things in this speculative future while also providing a deeper connection to its characters and themes.

The opening story, "Muri," was a standout and easily my favorite. Without spoiling too much, it follows a man aboard a ship tasked with relocating polar bears from the Arctic to the Antarctic in a desperate bid to save the species. The isolation of such voyages takes its toll, and the men are warned before departure: if the polar bears start talking, no they didn't, it's just hallucinations. I found this to be a genuinely entertaining story that felt both ominous and gripping. "Muri" offers a lot of thought-provoking ideas and commentary on many climate-related themes, but what stood out to me the most was the commentary on humanity's misguided attempts to "fix" problems with quick solutions that often do more harm than good, which felt almost scarily relevant.

The "found document" sections are particularly creative. These include ads, menus, and other artifacts from a climate-ravaged world. One menu imagines dishes inspired by climate change, mixing humor and bleak reality in a really effective manner. Another standout is an ad for a "climate cruise" offering tours of once-famous cities now submerged beneath water. These elements all provide a stark look at what the future could hold while also creating a stronger sense of immersion into this world for readers.

A recurring thread throughout the collection is the condition of solastalgia--a term for the emotional distress caused by environmental change--and its varied manifestations. We see it woven into advertisements, personal experiences, and narratives, which brings all of these stories together with a sense of loss and adaptation to a new world.

This collection offers a lot of variety and some areas will work well for others, while some may not. I personally loved "Muri" the most because it fell most into line with my typical taste. Some of the other stories didn't work as well for me, but I still felt they had great merit. There’s so much to explore in this collection, and I truly enjoyed the journey. Each piece examines different facets of humanity’s reaction to climate-related disasters, from resilience and denial to innovation and exploitation.

One of the greatest strength of this book is simply Shelby's prose. Her writing is rich and evocative and truly showed careful thought and deliberation with each sentence. It's worth noting that Honeymoons in Temporary Locations would certainly fall into the "literary fiction" category so everyone's reception of this book will likely differ, but my own opinion is that this one is well worth the read. It's also only about 150 pages, so it shouldn't take you too long, either.

Overall, I've given Honeymoons in Temporary Locations 4.75 stars! A must read for any fans of climate fiction, or simply anyone looking for something creative and well-written. 

*I received a copy of Honeymoons in Temporary Locations in exchange for an honest review. This has no effect on my rating.*

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org

Review: Between Dragons and Their Wrath by Devin Madson

Between Dragons and Their Wrath (Shattered Kingdom Trilogy #1) by Devin Madson

Orbit

Publication Date: August 27th, 2024

Paperback. 480 pages.

About Between Dragons and Their Wrath:

"From Aurealis Award‑nominated author Devin Madson comes a new rip-roaring epic fantasy full of dragons, alchemical magic, and forbidden romance that unfolds as three people in a shattered empire become entangled in a looming revolution. 

When dragons rage, chaos reigns.

Conquest built the Celes Basin, now enemies once more threaten its borders. But when the Lord Reacher declares himself supreme ruler to enforce unity, old angers erupt, threatening to tear the basin apart from within.

Tesha, a glassblower’s apprentice with a talent for poisonwork, becomes a false tribute bride as part of a desperate political plot. In the Reacher’s court, she’s perfectly placed to sabotage him, but her heart has other plans.

Naili is laundress to an eccentric alchemist, a job that has left her with strange new abilities that are slowly consuming her—and attracting the notice of the city’s underground rulers. With time running out, she’ll have to gain power by any means just to survive, let alone change the world.

And in the desolate Shield Mountains, sharp-shooting dragon rider Ashadi protects the basin from the monsters of The Sands beyond, but when an impossible shot pierces his dragon’s glass scales, he becomes the hunted one.

As chaos sweeps across the land, Tesha, Naili, and Ashadi must fight to survive political enemies, long-buried secrets, and monsters both within and without."

Given how much I loved Devin Madson's Reborn Empire series, I expected to enjoy Between Dragons and Their Wrath—yet somehow, it still managed to surprise me in the best way!

The story alternates between three main POVs: Ashadi, a dragon rider who becomes caught up in deeper plots while undertaking his duties; Tesha, a glassblower's apprentice turned undercover insult bride; and Naili, a laundress for a powerful alchemist whose life is suddenly uprooted. I loved following each of them and was particularly delighted by the clever connections woven between their arcs. Madson excels at interweaving threads across her narratives, and this book showcases that strength brilliantly.

While I enjoyed all the perspectives, my favorites were Tesha and Ashadi—both had especially compelling storylines that kept me deeply invested and I found their personalities the easiest to connect with, personally. I will also note that there's a touch of romance in this book, but it's fairly understated and didn't overshadow the main plot at any time. Instead, I actually felt it complemented some of the broader themes without taking center stage.

The pacing felt steady and consistent, which was a breath of fresh air. With a book this and with multiple POVs (all of which were also in first person), it's easy for a story to lose momentum at times, but I really felt as though Between Dragons and Their Wrath avoided that trap. Each chapter is packed with enough intrigue and development to keep you turning the pages, and I never felt lost while transitioning between characters.

Despite the title and cover of this book featuring dragons, I would warn you not to go into this book expecting a lot of dragons, because the dragon content is actually few and far between. Dragons are indeed present in this world, but they are really more of a background element in this book. However, Between Dragons and Their Wrath offers plenty of other reasons to keep reading, such as its heavy political fantasy elements. Much of the plot revolves around politics between different territories and families, imperialistic elements, and the overall delicate balance of power between different territories and cultures.

The world-building is rich and imaginative, and I loved getting a taste of the diverse cultures and regions shaping this story. I found it fascinating to see how how they viewed and interacted with one another, as there were many different sentiments and histories involved with each relationship. The history of this world feels vast and I definitely got the feeling that we've only scratched the surface of it, so I can't wait to see what else there is to learn in future books.

This first book ended on a really strong note-it wasn't a cliffhanger, but it absolutely sets up the sequel perfectly to pick right back up and continue on this journey. I'm especially intrigued by the direction the dragon storyline seems to be heading. It's unexpected, imaginative, and promises to add so much depth and even more layers to this world and its history.

Overall, I've given Between Dragons and Their Wrath 4.5 stars! I am so pleased to be reading books from Devin Madson again and additionally pleased that this was such a great story. This would be a great read for fans of political fantasy, carefully crafted characters, and a multi-layered story. I can't wait to read the sequel!

*I received a copy of Between Dragons and Their Wrath in exchange for an honest review. This has no effect on my rating.*

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org

Review: Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy

Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy

Orbit

Publication Date: October 17th, 2024

Paperback. 416 pages.

About Sorcery and Small Magics:

"Desperate to undo the curse binding them to each other, an impulsive sorcerer and his curmudgeonly rival venture deep into a magical forest in search of a counterspell—only to discover that magic might not be the only thing pulling them together.

Leovander Loveage is a master of small magics.

He can summon butterflies with a song, or turn someone’s hair pink by snapping his fingers. Such minor charms don’t earn him much admiration from other sorcerers (or his father), but anything more elaborate always blows up in his face. Which is why Leo vowed years ago to never again write powerful magic.

That is, until a mix-up involving a forbidden spell binds Leo to obey the commands of his longtime nemesis, Sebastian Grimm. Grimm is Leo’s complete opposite—respected, exceptionally talented, and an absolutely insufferable curmudgeon. The only thing they agree on is that getting caught using forbidden magic would mean the end of their careers. They need a counterspell, and fast. But Grimm casts spells, he doesn’t undo them, and Leo doesn’t mess with powerful magic.

Chasing rumors of a powerful sorcerer with a knack for undoing curses, Leo and Grimm enter the Unquiet Wood, a forest infested with murderous monsters and dangerous outlaws alike. To dissolve the curse, they’ll have to uncover the true depths of Leo’s magic, set aside their long-standing rivalry, and—much to their horror—work together.

Even as an odd spark of attraction flares between them."

Sorcery and Small Magics is a delightful read that immediately draws you in and keeps you entertained throughout. From the first pages, I felt at home in its world and with its protagonist, Leovander Loveage. The premise is a classic and one that I knew would be fun: enemies forced to work together, which of course results in plenty of banter and barbs thrown around at one another. 

There was a certain familiarity to Leo and his class enemy, Sebastian Grimm, that made them feel like old friends I'd read and journeyed with before. I'm not entirely sure if that's a testament to how well-crafted they are or moreso just a reflection of the fact that they were somewhat archetypes of characters I've read, but either way I loved them. The dynamic between Leo and Grimm really drives the story and showcases their sharp wit and individual personalities in a way that felt authentic and intriguing. 

I was really intrigued by the magic system crafted in this world. The system of having scrivers to write spells and casters to cast said spells is an interesting one, and I was especially intrigued by Leo's ability and penchant for crafting spells through song. I found the distinctions between cantrips and Grandmagic, as well as the risks involved for scribers who try to cast, added a lot of depth to the magic system and made it feel much more detailed. Some of the finer points of the magic system are a bit fuzzy for me still, but I'm hopeful that future books will expand on the magic. 

The story does a great job of balancing light-hearted charm with some slightly heavier moments that bear more emotional weight. Both Leo and Grimm had interesting backstories to explore and better understand their motivations and reasons for their choice in education, and I appreciated that the author spent a very adequate amount of time on these without spending too much time on backstory. Leo's backstory in particular brings a bit more heaviness with it and we are able to learn a lot more about him and the guilt that constantly weighs on him due to things that have happened in the past. 

While some parts of Sorcery and Small Magics felt predictable, I didn't really find that predictability to be too much of a drawback. The story played out like a cozy yet exciting adventure with plenty of risk involved, and the twists the author chose to take–and not take–made it feel fresh and highly entertaining. I was impressed also with how well the author mixed in so many of the elements I've mentioned in this review and managed to do so without interrupting the pace at any point and creating a great balance of action, humor, and heart.

The ending was a little bit of a mixed bag for me at times, but overall I really did like it. I appreciated that there was a cost to resolving some of the big climactic issues and monsters that arose as threats, as it made the threat and stakes feel real. However, I also felt some of the ways in which things were resolves felt like they were wrapped up a little too neatly and easily, and there were some things that seemed to be resolved on first try that surprised me. It didn't detract from the story, but it did feel just a touch too easy. Still, I admired how the conclusion avoided rushing into romantic clichés and instead focused on a more organic shift in the relationships between our two characters. It was more enemies to friends, in a way, which I think felt like a more natural progression that didn't make anything too rushed or unrealistic.

Overall, Sorcery and Small Magics is a charming, fun, and heartfelt read with great characters, an interesting magic system, and plenty of adventure and mishaps, and it's one that I would absolutely recommend. I've also discovered since reading this book that it will be a trilogy, which means we will have even more of Leo and Grimm, and I can't wait! I've given Sorcery and Small Magics 4.5 stars.

*I received a copy of Sorcery and Small Magics in exchange for an honest review. This has no effect on my rating.*

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org

Review: The Way by Cary Groner

 

The Way by Cary Groner

Spiegel & Grau

Publication Date: December 3rd, 2024

Hardcover. 304 pages.

About The Way:

"A postapocalyptic road trip and a quest for redemption.

The world has been ravaged by a lethal virus and, with few exceptions, only the young have survived. Cities and infrastructures have been destroyed, and the natural world has reclaimed the landscape in surprising ways, with herds of wild camels roaming the American West and crocodiles that glow neon green lurking in the rivers.

Against this perilous backdrop, Will Collins, the de facto caretaker of a Buddhist monastery in Colorado, receives an urgent and mysterious request: to deliver a potential cure to a scientist in what was once California. So Will sets out, haunted by dreams of the woman he once loved, in a rusted-out pickup pulled by two mules. A menacing thug is on his tail. Armed militias patrol the roads. And the only way he’ll make it is with the help of a clever raven, an opinionated cat, and a tough teenage girl who has learned to survive on her own.

A highly original contribution to the canon of dystopian literature, The Way is a thrilling and imaginative novel, full of warmth, wisdom, and surprises that reflect our world in unsettling, uncanny, and even hopeful ways."

The Way by Cary Groner is a thought-provoking and unexpectedly satisfying read that I didn’t anticipate liking it as much as I did—or in the way that I did. The Way is set in a world ravaged by a deadly virus that has wiped out 80% of the population, leaving our protagonist, and while this post-apocalyptic/post-pandemic novel might initially seem like a bleak tale of survival, its heart and tone seem to lean towards a more hopeful overall atmosphere.

The story centers on Will Collins who has been taking care of a Buddhist monastery when he is tasked with delivering a potential cure to a facility in California, which means a long journey west is in store for him. Will's journey is a perilous adventure full of risks and encounters with a fairly eclectic cast of people and animals. His Buddhist background and beliefs added a lot of depth to his observations of both the world around him, as well as his own inner thoughts and struggles, all of which provided some truly thought-provoking perspectives on humanity and survival.

Accompanying Will are Cassie, his cat; Peau, a raven whom Will has learned to successfully communicate with; a couple mules; and a variety of other people and creatures that pop in and out of this journey. I especially enjoyed how Groner explored the lives of various survivors of the virus and delved into the unique ways individuals and communities have adapted to the harsh realities of a post-virus world. I always enjoy getting to meet different people and see how they've all set up their lives and what their own opinions and perspective are on everything that's been going on. These glimpses into survival and rebuilding were some of my favorite aspects of the story as I felt they added so much more depth to the story and narrative.

I previously mentioned that The Way has an overall hopeful tone to it, but that's not to say that it does not also take a cold hard look at the realities of a post-virus world. There are many moments when Will and readers alike are confronted with the unflinching reality of loss, desperation, and many more hardships that would likely occur after such a traumatic event. There's a strong balance of realism and optimism that I thought worked perfectly for this story that prevented it from becoming too dark.

I particularly liked the ending and thought it was well-deserved and more satisfying than I anticipated. I can see it not working well for some people and I can certainly understand why, but it's one of those where I sort of secretly wanted a certain ending and this one really hit the mark for me with how earned and meaningful it felt.

Lastly, I listened to the audiobook version and thought the. narrator did an excellent job capturing the tone of Will throughout. I felt they captured Will’s voice and the tone of the story perfectly, which made it an even more immersive experience.

The Way is a fantastic post-apocalyptic novel that blends insight, adventure, and heart. I would readily recommend it to readers across genres—whether you’re here for the premise, the philosophy, or the character-driven storytelling, there’s a little something for everyone. 

*I received a copy of The Way in exchange for an honest review. This has no effect on my rating.*

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org

Review: Darkly by Marisha Pessl

Darkly by Marisha Pessl

Delacorte Press

Publication Date: November 26th, 2024

Hardcover. 416 pages.

About Darkly:

"Arcadia “Dia” Gannon has been obsessed with Louisiana Veda, the game designer whose obsessive creations and company, Darkly, have gained a cultlike following. Dia is shocked when she’s chosen for a highly-coveted internship, along with six other teenagers from around the world. Why her? Dia has never won anything in her life.

Darkly, once a game-making empire renowned for its ingenious and utterly terrifying toys and games, now lies dormant after Veda’s mysterious death. The remaining games are priced like rare works of art, with some fetching millions of dollars at auction.

As Dia and her fellow interns delve into the heart of Darkly, they discover hidden symbols, buried clues, and a web of intrigue. Who are these other teens, and what secrets do they keep? Why were any of them really chosen? The answers lie within the twisted labyrinth of Darkly—a chilling and addictive read by Marisha Pessl.

This summer will be the most twisted Darkly game of all."

I was so excited for a new book from Marisha Pessl! I loved Special Topics in Calamity Physics back when I read it what feels like ages ago, and I subsequently loved Night Film and its unique storytelling format. Darkly is just as layered and intricate as Pessl's previous work and I really loved diving back into her storytelling. 

In Darkly, we are immersed in the world of Darkly Games, a mysterious brand created by the enigmatic Louisiana Veda. Seven teenagers from around the globe are selected for an exclusive internship—an opportunity that delivers far more than any of them anticipated. I was completely hooked by this twisty, unpredictable story.

The protagonist, Dia Gannon, is a devoted fan of Louisiana’s games and knows far more than the average player, making this internship a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity she can’t pass up. Raised in her family’s antique shop by her eccentric mother, Dia’s life has always been a bit unconventional. Her obsession with Louisiana’s games and disappearance drives her, and as the story unfolds, she comes face-to-face with answers to questions the world has long asked about Louisiana—answers she may not be ready for.

There are six other interns we get to know, and I enjoyed getting to know each character and where they fit into this particular Darkly puzzle. Admittedly, however, I did sometimes have difficulties remembering who was who among some of the other characters, as I felt their individual personalities were not developed past some more general characteristics. I felt like the author put a focus on a few characters, such as Poe, but then others just seemed there as plot devices and lacked anything overly memorable about them. 

Darkly's dark and mysterious atmosphere made it hard to put down and easy to become immersed in.  I loved never knowing where the story would go next, and the sheer number of secrets waiting to be unearthed was thrilling. The games themselves were utterly fascinating, leaving me wishing they existed in the real world—though I’m certain I’d be terrible at them, haha. Pessl’s hallmark complexity shines in how the games are seamlessly woven into the narrative, which blurred the line between game and reality in a way that was both unsettling and exciting at the same time. 

The ending also offered a satisfying conclusion to the many mysteries presented throughout the story. There were moments when the ending seemed the slightest bit rushed, as if Pessl wanted to wrap up as many threads as possible in a limited amount of time. However, I also feel like once certain things are discovered and everything comes to light things do tend to happen quickly anyway, so it didn't feel too abrupt. 

Overall, I highly recommend Darkly to anyone who enjoys a good twisty story that has layers and layers of secrets to unearth. If  you've enjoyed Marisha Pessl's books in the past, I think you'll also be pleased with this one. 

*I received a copy of Darkly in exchange for an honest review. This has no effect on my rating.*

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org

Review: We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida, trans. by E. Madison Shimoda

We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida, trans. by E. Madison Shimoda

Berkley

Publication Date: September 3rd, 2024

Hardcover. 297 pages.

About We'll Prescribe You a Cat:

"A cat a day keeps the doctor away….

Discover this utterly charming, vibrant celebration of the healing power of cats in the award-winning, bestselling Japanese novel that has become an international sensation.

Tucked away on the fifth floor of an old building at the end of a narrow alley in Kyoto, the Nakagyō Kokoro Clinic for the Soul can be found only by people who are struggling in their lives and who genuinely need help. The mysterious clinic offers a unique treatment to those who find their way there: it prescribes cats as medication. Patients are often puzzled by this unconventional prescription, but when they “take” their cat for the recommended duration, they witness profound transformations in their lives, guided by the playful, empathetic, and occasionally challenging yet endearing cats.

Throughout these pages, the power of the human-animal bond is revealed as a disheartened businessman finds unexpected joy in physical labor, a middle-aged man struggles to stay relevant at work and home, a young girl navigates the complexities of elementary school cliques, a hardened handbag designer seeks emotional balance, and a geisha learns to move on from the memory of her lost cat. As the clinic’s patients grapple with their inner turmoil and seek resolution, their feline companions lead them toward healing, self-discovery, and newfound hope."

We'll Prescribe You a Cat is a lovely little collection of interconnected stories set in Kyoto, Japan. My husband and I just recently visited Japan and stayed in Kyoto (an explanation for my lack of posting last week), so I decided to save this one because I thought that this would be the perfect book to read while there–and it was! This was a delightful read that has a perfect balance of light and 'cozy' vibes mixed with some explorations of more meaningful and thoughtful themes. 

The Nakagyō Kokoro Clinic for the Soul is located in a hard to find, narrow alley within Kyoto,and typically only appears to those who are in need of its assistance. Within the walls of this clinic are an aloof receptionist and somewhat eccentric doctor who does not seem to do anything 'by the book' of a traditional doctor. Still, patients that enter this clinic are typically desperate enough to go along with things and try out what's advised–which just happens to be that of a prescription cat meant to help them solve their problems. 

There are five short stories within this book, all focusing on a different patient and the cat prescribed to them. As we follow along each patient's journey, we slowly learn a bit more about this mysterious clinic and the doctor and receptionist who work there, though sometimes the things we learn only add to the mystery. With each new story, we are taken into the lives of new characters and learn about their daily lives the variety of things that are plaguing them, as well as how they find their way to the clinic. I loved this concept of patients being prescribed cats (I mean, who doesn't?) and really enjoyed the execution of it as well, as I felt the author used a lot of creative techniques and storytelling ideas to show the effectiveness of the cats in a variety of different ways. 

After the first story, I was a little worried that this concept and general setup would become a bit repetitive as the stories went along, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the author actually develops each story in ways that advances an overall story and understanding of the clinic, so you're really getting some new and interesting things added to the story as you go along. I was consistently impressed by the ways in which the author brought the stories together, and was immensely pleased by the culmination of the fifth story by what was learned about the clinic by then.

I also appreciated the thoughtfulness behind the author's exploration of each character and the various troubles they have; there's a lot of quiet consideration for why people are unhappy with various aspects of their lives, as well as what can be done. Some people even discover problems they didn't realize they had and learn to overcome them through the bond developed with an animal that relies on them. 

Overall, I've given We'll Prescribe You a Cat four stars! I don't know that this book will be for everyone, but if you're looking for something easy to read, a bit cozy for the upcoming holiday and winter season, has thoughtful discussions and in-depth character explorations, and that features a plentiful amount of cats, then this is the book for you. This is one of those books that will likely leave you feeling a bit more hopeful about things–and perhaps it'll even convince you to adopt a cat!

*I received a copy of We'll Prescribe You a Cat in exchange for an honest review. This has no affect on my rating.*

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org

Horror Mini Reviews Pt. II: The Haar by David Sodergren & Small Horrors by Darcy Coates

Happy Halloween! Today I have two more mini horror reviews for you all to celebrate the holiday: The Haar by David Sodergren and Small Horrors by Darcy Coates!

The Haar by David Sodergren

Paperbacks and Pugs
Publication: May 17th, 2022

Paperback. 212 pages.

About The Haar:

"'I don’t fear death... but they do.'

Muriel McAuley has lived in the Scottish fishing village of Witchaven all her life. She was born there, and she intends to die there.

But when an overseas property developer threatens to evict the residents from their homes and raze Witchaven to the ground in the name of progress, all seems lost… until the day a mysterious fog bank creeps inland.

The Haar.

To some it brings redemption… to others, it brings only madness and death. What macabre secrets lie within… The Haar.

Romantic and deranged, The Haar is a gore-soaked folk horror fairy tale from David Sodergren, author of The Forgotten Island and Maggie’s Grave."

In a small town in Scotland, a large American company has begun buying out inhabitants in order to build their own private endeavor. Muriel has lived in this town her entire life and refuses to give in to this horrible, which makes her a huge problem for the company. One day, amidst rising drama pertaining to the company and various buyouts, Muriel happens upon something that has the potential to change the course of her life... and perhaps the lives of a few others. 

The blurb for The Haar describes it as "a gore-soaked folk horror fairy tale," and I'm not sure I could describe it any better than that. However, it's also a book with some really carefully written explorations of grief and loneliness that made this much sadder and more touching I expected. Muriel is living alone in her small town, her husband having died years prior, and this book really focuses in on much of her grief and her desire to simply be with her husband and have love in her life again. This is honestly a surprisingly sentimental horror and is one that really made me feel for our protagonist, who is also an incredibly bold, witty, and full of attitude, which means she refuses to let anyone tell her what to do.

I really did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, but I'm so glad I happened across it on my library's online app and had a chance to read it. I listened to the audiobook version of this one and thought it was incredibly well done with a fantastic narrator. If you're looking for something delightfully gory, with a great protagonist, and with some incredible otherworldly folktale elements, then be sure to give The Haar a read. Overall, this ended up being a four star read!

Small Horrors: A Collection of Fifty Creepy Stories by Darcy Coates

Poisoned Pen press
Publication: April 5th, 2022

Paperback. 272 pages.

About Small Horrors:

"Push past the curtains of your rational, safe world and explore the un-nameable horrors living in the darkest corners of our consciousness. This is the realm of monsters and shifting shadows, where a single wrong step can plunge you into a terrifying fight for your life, where...

Something mimics human voices as it lures you into the woods.
A corpse had gone missing from its drawer in the morgue.
A friend's eyes are unnaturally bright as they approach you in the dark.

Whatever your choice, these fifty small bites of horror are sure to leave you haunted."

If you like your scary stories short, ominous, and to the point, then this is the collection for you. Small Horrors has fifty (fifty!) unique short stories and range across all types of horror, from murder to the supernatural to the alien and monstrous and everything in between. With fifty stories in just 272 pages, these are all fairly short and don't have a lot of time to set up a scene, but they were able to pack a lot into each story. Some were a bit hit or miss, but I didn't honestly expect to love all fifty, and I think I enjoyed far more than I didn't, so it felt like a very worthwhile read. I had a lot of fun with these and really enjoyed getting such a variety of scary stories to pass the time with--it very much felt like a nice sampler of horror and it made it incredibly entertaining to read.

A lot of these stories had a very flash fiction feel to them where the story ends in a very open-ended manner and leaves you to imagine all sorts of horrible things that could happen, though most were just slightly longer than traditional flash fiction. My only criticism I have for some of these is that I often felt like I'd read a similar story or they just felt as though the author was really trying to hit that fifty mark and was creating stories that didn't really work. I would really love to see some of these stories drawn out in a larger story or book, and I do appreciate when a story leaves me excited for more (although perhaps also a bit disappointed that there's not more when there's so much potential). Overall, this is a really solid collection of horror stories that I think is perfect for when you want to pick something up that can give you a short and sweet scary story fix. 

Horror Mini Reviews Pt. I: The Eyes are the Best Part by Monika Kim & Pyramidia by Stephanie Sanders-Jacob

This week I have a number of horror books to share with you all that I've been reading throughout the month of October! Ideally, I would've had horror reviews for you throughout the month of October, but I think Halloween week is just as fitting. Today, I have mini reviews up for Monika Kim's The Eyes are the Best Part and Stephanie Sanders-Jacob's Pyramidia. 

The Eyes are the Best Part by Monika Kim

Erewhon Books
Publication: June 25th, 2024

Hardcover. 278 pages.

About The Eyes are the Best Part:

"Ji-won’s life tumbles into disarray in the wake of her appa’s extramarital affair and subsequent departure. Her mother, distraught. Her younger sister, hurt and confused. Her college freshman grades, failing. Her dreams, horrifying… yet enticing.

In them, Ji-won walks through bloody rooms full of eyes. Succulent blue eyes. Salivatingly blue eyes. Eyes the same shape and shade as George’s, who is Umma’s obnoxious new boyfriend. George has already overstayed his welcome in her family’s claustrophobic apartment. He brags about his puffed-up consulting job, ogles Asian waitresses while dining out, and acts condescending toward Ji-won and her sister as if he deserves all of Umma’s fawning adoration. No, George doesn’t deserve anything from her family. Ji-won will make sure of that.

For no matter how many victims accumulate around her campus or how many people she must deceive and manipulate, Ji-won’s hunger and her rage deserve to be sated."

I wanted creepy  and shocking from this book and I may have wished too hard, because it completely delivered on being incredibly disturbing and flat out gross at times–but I still loved every second of it. This story follows Ji-won as she struggles to adapt to life after her appa leaves and her mother is left heartbroken and clinging to a new, abhorrent boyfriend. This book tackles some difficult topics and I really admired how the author approached them; things like Asian stereotypes and fetishization, racism, misogyny, and more are tackled head-on and with some intense consequences. This book isn't super scary so much as fueled by dread and some strong gore-tastic elements, most of which involve eyeballs in one form or another (which you could probably guess at based on the title).

The Eyes are the Best Part is a slow burn and does not rush through any part of the story it wants to tell. It's extremely unhinged in ways that were both predictable and also entirely unpredictable, which I really appreciated. I had suspicions of where this book may go, but it really took those ideas and flipped them on their heads. The ending is one that I think will be a bit hit or miss for some, but honestly fit the story perfectly and will leave a large impact. This book is raw and unfiltered and admittedly a bit bizarre, but I think it's certainly worth the read. Obviously huge warnings for gore involving eyes–which was rough because I hate gore with eyes–but the experience is worth it. Overall, I've given The Eyes are the Best Part four stars.

Pyramidia by Stephanie Sanders-Jacob

Slashic Horror Press
Publication: February 15th, 2024

Paperback. 361 pages.

About Pyramidia:

"When Harriet moves to Bentwood to teach gifted students, her new life doesn’t go as planned. Between her haunted rental and her oddball neighbor, Lucy—who literally won’t go away—Harriet is left questioning her own sanity. The beautiful Kelsey, whom she meets at the farmers market, offers the distraction she needs.

Well, that, and the town’s Multi-Level Marketing (MLM)—or pyramid—scheme.

The enigmatic group of women selling wellness in the form of Serenitea, with their perfect hair, flawless skin, and piercing eyes. She is drawn to the tea, the wellness, the tranquility… So what if she has to sell a few bags of tea?

You have a new descendant.

Sinking deeper into Serenitea, Harriet can’t stop drinking the tea. She keeps getting emails about new descendants—whatever the hell that means—and the gym teacher, Harold, is giving serious pervy vibes. Even Lucy joins the MLM despite claiming the women are vampires. None of that matters, though, because Serenitea makes her feel…well. Tranquil.

Are you well?"

Just in case you didn't already think MLMs were a bad thing, Pyramidia is here to turn them into a whole new level of horrifying. Harriet moves to the town of Bentwood (which certainly makes me think of similar-sounding city...) for a teaching position, and once there she finds that the town seems to have a high number of MLM schemes. Harriet is very much not into pyramid schemes, but after trying some Serenitea, she finds she just can't get enough and in order to get more, she may need to start selling some tea.

I just loved this concept of taking a pyramid scheme and suburbia and adding horror/thriller elements to it, turning this into an entirely new and fun concept–I mean, what's a better fit for some extra horror and supernatural than the horrors of MLMs and suburbia? There are some great little twists in here and a really colorful array of unique characters to meet along the way–some a bit crazier than others. This book was so witty and had so many relatable moments of humor and commentary that made it a really enjoyable experience. It's one of those premises and plots that feels a bit outlandish and absurd, but completely works and ends up making the perfect mix of genres and ideas. I do think this could have been slightly shorter and suffered a bit from being dragged on just a little too long to where the novelty aspects began to wear off, and the ending itself felt slightly off to me, but overall it was a really entertaining read. I've given Pyramidia four stars!