Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Review: The Black Hunger by Nicholas Pullen

The Black Hunger by Nicholas Pullen
Redhook
Publication Date: October 8th, 2024
Paperback. 400 pages.

About The Black Hunger:

"A spine-tingling, queer gothic horror debut where two men are drawn into an otherworldly spiral, and a journey that will only end when they reach the darkest part of the human soul.

“The Black Hunger is a bleak, gothic masterpiece. A devastating exploration of humanity's capacity for evil."​ – Sunyi Dean, author of The Book Eaters


John Sackville will soon be dead. Shadows writhe in the corners of his cell as he mourns the death of his secret lover and the gnawing hunger inside him grows impossible to ignore.

He must write his last testament before it is too late.

It is a story steeped in history and myth - a journey from stone circles in Scotland, to the barren wilderness of Ukraine where otherworldly creatures stalk the night, ending in the icy peaks of Tibet and Mongolia, where an ancient evil stirs."

The Black Hunger is the type of horror that I love: an intricate slow burn story full of dread that demands patience from its reader, but rewards that patience in all the best ways. It’s been far too long since I’ve read something that felt like such a delightful and unsettling treat. This book transported me back to the kind of fever-dream books I loved as a kid-those ones that combine so much history into fiction that it almost feels real. It very much gave me some similar vibes to Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian with its attention to detail, historical depth, and richly imagined world. This is the type of story that pulls you in and keeps you there and makes you start to wonder where this fits into our own reality.

I couldn't hope to provide an accurate way to summarize this book, so please feel free to read the synopsis above provided by the publisher to get a better idea of what you're getting yourself into–although it, too, is also a big vague. 

The Black Hunger is told as John Sackville's overarching narrative, but it is also the story of Dr. Samuel Abravanel and Ian Stewart, and along the way we delve into these other stories where we learn more and uncover different aspects of the story with these characters. There is also use of an epistolary format that worked really well and provided an added intimacy to the characters that made it feel like we were peering into their minds and experiences as if we were a part of them. This also added to the somewhat dread-filled atmosphere and allowed readers to slowly put together the pieces of this puzzle.

One strong point of this book (among many) lies in its characters. They were all multidimensional, each with their own set of desires, fears, motivations, and reactions. The way that Pullen managed to explore their inner minds made it easy to connect with them and I found myself completely invested in their journeys. I honestly didn't expect to be so emotionally affected by their own experiences and grief, but there were moments in the story where certain events hit me hard. The horror in The Black Hunger is not just the darkness of what happens around the characters, but is also very emotional and psychological in how it affects both characters and readers.

I also have to give credit to the structure and timeline shifts between sections and characters because of how well they ended up working. The first part of the story was so compelling that when things were switched up I was initially worried that it would disrupt the flow and I wouldn't be as engaged with the next part. However, I shouldn't have worried because I ended enjoying the next parts just as much as the first, and I felt it added a much broader and more widely encompassing scope to the story.

This book pulls on so much history and many cultural aspects that were all incredibly well-researched and felt natural within the story. There's an esoteric quality to the story that borders on being a bit dense at times, but instead of bogging down the narrative, it enhances it and adds incredible depth and complexity to the world.  Pullen manages to find the perfect balance between information and intrigue, drawing you deeper without overwhelming you, and I thought he did a good job of using basic concepts of things to turn into more imaginative uses in the plot.

Pullen's prose is an incredible highlight of this book. It's lush, immersive, and easily creates an atmosphere of darkness that permeates the entire book. It's the type of writing where every sentence seems to carry weight and adds layers of meaning on top of meaning. Pullen doesn't just describe places or people, he delves deeply into them to bring them fully alive to readers. The more the story unfolds, the heavier the sense of impending doom becomes. It's the type of horror that creeps under your skin without resorting to cheap scares. I'm not sure this book will be for everyone, but I found it immensely satisfying and the tension throughout worked successfully until the very last page. 

Personally, I can't think of much of anything I didn't particularly like about this book, so my sections on my complaints is going to be relatively small. The main thing that I think may put people off from this book is that it really is quite dense at times, and it's also an incredibly slow-paced story. I found the effort completely worth the wait and I was glued to the pages so it felt like a page-turner to me, but if that's not really your preferred style, then you may have more struggles with this book.

Overall, I've given The Black Hunger five stars! For me, this is a new favorite and feels very much like a classic Gothic horror in the making. The Black Hunger is everything I look for in Gothic horror: thoughtful prose, well-developed characters, detailed settings that are characters in their own right, and a creeping sense of dread that never lets up. If you love slow-burn horror that prioritizes atmosphere and depth over quick thrills, this is a book you won’t want to miss.

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

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Review: The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night by Steven Banbury


The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night by Steven Banbury
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 3rd, 2024
Paperback. 336 pages.

About The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night:

"A spooky yet heartwarming adventure about one girl's journey into the land of the undead, and the unexpected family she finds along the way. Perfect for fans of Nevermoor and the hit series Wednesday.

On Halloween, it is always wise to expect the unexpected, but no amount of planning could have prepared Eve for that particular night. Fleeing an unpleasant orphanage, she’s saved by someone who she never believed was real…the fabled Pumpkin King himself.

Throwing caution aside, Eve accepts the offer to become his daughter and is whisked away to the misty Hallowell Valley—home to witches and vampires, ghosts and goblins, and all that go bump in the night. But just when she believes she’s found her place among the undead, a sinister scheme unearths itself, threatening to take everything from Eve unless she can stop it.

From debut author Steven Banbury comes a cozy, magical adventure sure to delight anyone who loves the tricks of Halloween as much as the treats of autumn."

If you’re looking for the coziest and most delightful middle-grade Halloween-themed book to enjoy this season, The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night is the perfect pick. I love some spooky or Halloween-themed middle grade books and always try to fit some in every fall, and this was the perfect option for it. This would be a perfect book to read anytime in the fall season, as it has a very warm atmosphere that is perfect for the holiday season. 

The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night has a wonderful balance of whimsy and heart and transports readers on a journey to Hallowell Valley, a place full of every spooky Halloween monster and creature you can imagine, and also showcases some incredible friendships and a beautiful father-daughter relationship.

The story follows Evelyn, an orphan who is unexpectedly whisked away to Hallowell by the Pumpkin King who also decides to adopt her as his daughter. We follow’s Eve's perspective throughout the story, and I absolutely loved following her along this journey and being able to see everything in this world through her eyes as she discovers it. Eve has had a rough go of things in life and it was lovely to see what a big heart she had for everyone despite what's happened in her own life.

The Pumpkin King is a classic grumpy-but-actually-softhearted character, which is sometimes an overused cliché, but it was a very welcome one in this story. His seemingly cold exterior slowly gives way to show his genuine care for Eve and everyone else in Hallowell, and watching his father-daughter relationship with Evelyn grow is a highlight of the book. There are also a variety of other fun characters, such as the scarecrows that live and work at the manor (though I’ll admit that I was a little put off at first by how they were described by the pumpkin king as not really having names or anything and seemed to not really be viewed as individuals, but I think the story worked it out alright with them to where things end up better). We also meet Vlad, a lovely vampire who becomes fast friends with Eve, and Lila, a spunky witch. There’s also a variety of fun villain-type characters that fit perfectly in this environment and were perfectly cliche villains.

One of my favorite things about this book were the strong, overarching themes of friendship and family that were present every step of the way. This has an incredible found family situation and it was honestly so heartwarming to see the different ways the characters were able to find their own family and happiness as the plot progressed. This book really shows that you can find your family anywhere.

My only super minor nitpick about this book would be that the writing at times felt a little amateur, as if it could have been edited just a bit more in certain areas. This was most noticeable with some of the dialogue where it occasionally felt a bit awkward or inconsistent. Again, this was something very minor and not something that I'd really say should discourage anyone from reading it, but I did want to note that it was something that stuck out to me at times. I highly doubt younger audiences would have any problems with it, though!

Overall, this was an adorable fall read with plenty of spooky characters and tons of heart. This can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike, but I think this will be an especially big hit with kids who love Halloween and all the monsters that go with it. 

*I received a copy of The Pumpkin Princess and the Forever Night in exchange for an honest review. This has no effect on my rating.*

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Review: The City in Glass by Nghi Vo


The City in Glass by Nghi Vo
Tordotcom
Publication Date: October 1st, 2024
Hardcover. 224 pages.

About The City in Glass:

"The demon Vitrine—immortal, powerful, and capricious—loves the dazzling city of Azril. She has mothered, married, and maddened the city and its people for generations, and built it into a place of joy and desire, revelry and riot.

And then the angels come, and the city falls.

Vitrine is left with nothing but memories and a book containing the names of those she has lost—and an angel, now bound by her mad, grief-stricken curse to haunt the city he burned.

She mourns her dead and rages against the angel she longs to destroy. Made to be each other’s devastation, angel and demon are destined for eternal battle. Instead, they find themselves locked in a devouring fascination that will change them both forever.

Together, they unearth the past of the lost city and begin to shape its future. But when war threatens Azril and everything they have built, Vitrine and her angel must decide whether they will let the city fall again."

The City in Glass is an evocative new fantasy featuring angels, demons, and a close look at the history of a city over time as it is built up and destroyed. I was immediately captivated by this premise and similarly taken in by Vo's ability to strings words together into something that sounds truly remarkable.

What I liked: As expected, Nghi Vo's prose is absolutely stunning. There's a lyrical quality to the writing that creates a gorgeous atmosphere and completely envelopes you in the world she’s created. You know that sort of mystical way in which fantasy prologues are often written? The entire book sort of feels like that--which, depending on your preference, could make this hit or miss (my best comparison is like something by Catherynne M. Valente where the writing is beautiful, but not for everyone).  The City in Glass reminded me a lot of Vo's Singing Hills Cycle, which I previously read and loved, particularly with regard to the writing style. I also really appreciated the entire concept of this book and its exploration of angels and demons in this story and their connections to the city, all of which added to the rich, mythical tone of the narrative.

What I didn't like: I struggled to feel connected to the story itself. Despite my interest in Vitrine's journey, I always felt like I was being held at arm’s length, as if I was observing rather than truly engaging. While the writing and vibes are beautiful, the narrative lacked a certain aspect that would've helped me become more immersed in the story. It sometimes felt as if were reading for the prose rather than for the plot or characters–which isn't always a bad thing, as reading lovely writing for writing's sake can be nice, but it still took away from the experience slightly.  The characters also occasionally felt a bit underdeveloped, though this might be intentional given the sort of myth-like quality of the writing. 

Overall, The City in Glass is a gorgeously written story that explores some interesting themes and ideas and is well worth a read, though the style may not be for everyone. 

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

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Review: A Rose by Any Other Name by Mary McMyne


A Rose by Any Other Name by Mary McMyne
Redhook
Publication Date: July 16th, 2024
Paperback. 384 pages.

About A Rose by Any Other Name:

"My name has only been whispered, heretofore…

England, 1591. Rose Rushe’s passion for life runs deep—she loves mead and music, meddles with astrology, and laughs at her mother’s warnings to guard her reputation. When Rose’s father dies and a noble accuses her and her dear friend Cecely of witchcraft, they flee to the household of respected alchemists in London. But as their bond deepens, their sanctuary begins to feel more like a cage. To escape, they turn to the occult, secretly casting charms and selling astrological advice in the hopes of building a life together. This thriving underground business leads Rose to fair young noble Henry and playwright Will Shakespeare, and so begins a brief, tempestuous, and powerful romance—one filled with secret longings and deep betrayals.

In this world of dazzling masques and decadent feasts, where the stars decide futures, Rose will write her own fate instead."

A Rose By Any Other Name is a historical fantasy–though heavier on the historical than fantasy–set in 1591 England that follows Rose Rushe, an outspoken and passionate young woman who wants nothing more than to become a court musician, a role uncommon for a woman. I really loved McMyne's previous book, The Book of Gothel, but A Rose by Any Other Name didn’t quite hit the mark for me in the way that The Book of Gothel did. That said, there were still plenty of aspects I enjoyed, so let's dive into some of those. 

Rose serves as our sole narrator, and I enjoyed experiencing the story from her perspective as she navigated the many tumultuous events in her life. I appreciated her boldness, her willingness to speak her mind, and how she took chances when opportunities arose. It was refreshing to meet her as an already independent young woman, passionate about music and unafraid to share her talents, even if she wasn’t the "perfect" daughter. I really loved seeing Rose’s relationship with her father—their interactions felt real and full of heart.

I was also very intrigued by Rose's relationship with her mother. It wasn’t openly hostile or anything too intense–initially–but it lacked warmth, which created an interesting dynamic—especially since her mother practiced witchcraft, and in many stories I’ve read there’s usually a deep mother-daughter bond over witchcraft. I appreciated that this book took a slightly different route, as my initial impression was that Rose didn't care much about witchcraft or learning the practice, which made it especially interesting to watch that angle grow and develop throughout the story.

As the story progressed, I enjoyed visiting new places with Rose once in London, and especially her interactions with Henry and William Shakespeare. It was really fun to explore this time period and see all the different types of people and how they interacted with the world around them depending on their station in society. I think McMyne did a good job of painting the backdrop of sixteenth century England and what it was like for those attempting to navigate its many different norms and traditions. I appreciated the clear research McMyne put into the setting and historical figures. It was fun seeing William Shakespeare through this lens, as well as other well-known figures like Henry and Jane Dee.

There's a couple romances in this story that I thought were done well, though some aspects felt a bit rushed here and there. I appreciated that McMyne explored different dynamics and allowed Rose to really explore her feelings with different people and figure out what was really most important to her. The romances played a significant role, but they didn’t overshadow the plot and instead worked to enhance the plot.

However, I had a few issues with the book. One of my main problems was that the story felt rushed and, at times, underdeveloped. The Book of Gothel had a thoughtful pace, well-rounded characters, and a story that unfolded naturally, which were all reasons I loved it, but A Rose by Any Other Name seemed to lack that same depth. Events happened quickly, and instead of immersing us in those moments, we as readers were often just told what occurred. It felt like things just… happened, and then we kept going. As much as I enjoyed Rose’s interactions with Will Shakespeare (despite how annoying he could be!) and her contributions to his work, those moments felt glossed over as well, and I didn’t get a clear sense of how everything unfolded and I was left wanting a bit more. This issue also existed with the characters, as I felt like they initially had strong personalities and development, but as the story progressed this seemed to fae away a bit and any change in character seemed to happen abruptly and only when it suited the plot's progression.

I was also a bit perplexed by how easily things were resolved at times. While Rose certainly faced struggles, there were too many moments where difficult situations seemed to be handled too easily. For example, she sneaked out often—without much caution after a while, or so it seemed—and yet she was never caught or suspected. I appreciated McMyne’s avoidance of basic plot tropes, but some moments felt unrealistic or inconsistent with the way things were initially set up. 

Overall, I've given A Rose by Any Other Name 3.5 stars! I unfortunately didn't end up loving this one as much as I did The Book of Gothel, but it's still a very solid and enjoyable historical fantasy read. I look forward to seeing what's next from Mary McMyne!


*I received a copy of A Rose By Any Other Name in exchange for an honest review. This has no effect on my rating.*

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Review: Navola by Paolo Bacigalupi

Navola by Paolo Bacigalupi
Knopf
Publication Date: July 9th, 2024
Hardcover. 576 pages.

About Navola:

"'You must be as sharp as a stilettotore’s dagger and as subtle as a fish beneath the waters. This is what it is to be Navolese, this is what it is to be di Regulai.'

In Navola, a bustling city-state dominated by a handful of influential families, business is power, and power is everything. For generations, the di Regulai family—merchant bankers with a vast empire—has nurtured tendrils that stretch to the farthest reaches of the known world. And though they claim not to be political, their staggering wealth has bought cities and toppled kingdoms. Soon, Davico di Regulai will be expected to take the reins of power from his father and demonstrate his mastery of the games of Navolese knowing who to trust and who to doubt, and how to read what lies hidden behind a smile. But in Navola, strange and ancient undercurrents lurk behind the gilt and grandeur—like the fossilized dragon eye in the family’s possession, a potent symbol of their raw power and a talisman that seems to be summoning Davico to act.

As tensions rise and the events unfold, Davico will be tested to his limits. His fate depends on the eldritch dragon relic and on what lies buried in the heart of his adopted sister, Celia di Balcosi, whose own family was destroyed by Nalova’s twisted politics. With echoes of Renaissance Italy, The Godfather , and Game of Thrones , Navola is a stunning feat of world-building and a mesmerizing depiction of drive and will."

I'm a big fan of Bacigalupi's work, especially The Windup Girl, and when I first heard about Navola's upcoming release and  that it was an epic fantasy, I had a strong feeling it would be incredible. I was wrong—it's far beyond incredible and is truly exceptional. This is easily one of my new all-time favorite fantasy books and I can't stop thinking about it. To my knowledge, this is Bacigalupi's first foray into fantasy of this nature–though he's no stranger to the speculative fiction genre–and I dearly hope it won’t be his last. This is pitched as a "literary fantasy," and I feel this story fits that well, though I would also say you might enjoy it if you like historical fiction as well, as it's not heavy on the fantasy aspects (outside of a different world, though one still like our own).

Navola follows Davico di Regulai, a young boy in a Renaissance Italy-inspired fantasy world, who belongs to a high influential merchant banker family. The Navolese are known for being especially cunning, treating everything as a game of chess (or cartalegge, perhaps), and must carefully navigate and who you can and cannot trust. Throughout the tumultuous events of this novel, Davico's own loyalties and values are tested as he must navigate this labyrinthine-like world of political machinations and determine his own place in it. 

Bacigalupi’s portrayal of and ability to capture and convey Davico's emotions is on another level. I consistently felt the intricate complexities of Davico’s feelings toward the people and environment he was surrounded by as if I were in his place. I experienced his frustrations, anger, triumphs, and anxieties; Bacigalupi captured it all so well that I’m just in awe thinking about it. It was easy to feel emotionally connected to the story because of how effortless it was to understand and relate to Davico at every turn. There were only a couple moments when I felt frustrated with him and thought he was being stubborn, but even then, it felt fitting.

Davico feels inadequate and is unsure if he has what it takes to be a wealthy, influential Navolese businessman like his father, and that anxiety and pressure weighs on him every day. He’s a bit naive and more good-hearted than those around him, and this is gradually challenged more and more as time goes on.  I really enjoyed getting to explore this world and the myriad of complicated characters through Davico's eyes. I'm also not usually drawn to revenge stories (and Navola is not one!), but the events that occur in Navole, as well as Davico's reactions to them, are crafted so well that I felt such a deep connection to Davico's feelings and could understand in such details the mixed myriad of emotions he experienced that I could definitely understand a deep desire for revenge.

There is an exceptional cast of characters to support Davico and I was drawn into Bacigalupi's vivid portrayals of each one. Celia, Davico's adopted sister, is a bold and outspoken girl whose interactions with those around her were also interesting to observe. Additionally, we have Davico's father who is viweed by Davico as a sort of master in his own right and someone who is always making plans and moves that are calculated and essentially does not mess up. I also really loved getting to know characters like Cazzetta, Furia, Lugo, and so many more who all had distinct personalities and brought something compelling to the story in their own way. 

The depth of the political intrigue in Navola is exactly what I love. All the subterfuge, secrets, and plotting reminded me a bit of the style in Kushiel's Dart where everyone's clever and duplicitous, but it feels quite subtle–until it's not, of course. Everything is also very intense, in a way that kept me hooked and desperate to find out what was going to happen next. This also applies to the no-holds-barred approach to some of the more graphic moments. I appreciated that none of the violence or intense scenes felt over the top or done for shock value, but rather I think they fit seamlessly into the story and added emphasis where it mattered most. The world-building also bolsters the political intrigue by providing us with enough glimpses into the world outside of Navola, but doesn't delve too deeply into any other location just yet, though I'm holding out hope that we'll get to explore more of this rather harsh world in a future book.

Additionally, I loved how incredibly consistent the pacing and writing style were. We follow Davico's first person POV and there's  no jumping between characters, huge leaps in time, and chapters often pick up right where the last one left off. This may not sound like a big deal, but it kept me from feeling fatigued the usual jumps and shifts in time that are in so many fantasy novels these days. (And don't get me wrong, I don't dislike multiple POVs and time jumps at all--some of my favorite books have them--but sometimes you just want something more straightforward). I didn’t have to constantly be on my toes to remember where everyone was or what time period we were in, and it made the world feel that much more vivid and alive.

Lastly, I should mention the fantasy elements—beyond the world itself—particularly the dragon eye that features prominently on the cover. I can’t say much without giving away spoilers, but it's one of the most intriguing aspects of the story, despite the fact that it doesn't technically play an overly large role through much of the story (and don't take that to mean the rest of the story isn't intriguing, the eye is just really cool to me). While the entire book fascinated me, this eye grabbed me from the start, hinting at much deeper layers of mystery and power in the world than I could have predicted. Bacigalupi has crafted something that feels equally mysterious, dark, and full of unknown potential.

Overall, I think it's very clear that I loved Navola, and it is of course getting five stars from me. If you like historical fiction or thoughtfully written fantasy full of intrigue and strong characters, then you must give this one a read.

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

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Review: Ruin Road by Lamar Giles

Ruin Road by Lamar Giles
Scholastic Press
Publication Date: September 17th, 2024
Hardcover. 368 pages.

About Ruin Road:

"Sometimes a little fear is a good thing...

Cade Webster lives between worlds. He's a standout football star at the right school but lives in the wrong neighborhood--if you let his classmates tell it. Everywhere but home, people are afraid of him for one reason or another. Afraid he's too big, too fast, too ambitious, too Black.

Then one fateful night, to avoid a dangerous encounter with the police, he ducks into a pawn shop. An impulse purchase and misspoken desire change everything when Cade tells the shopkeeper he wishes people would stop acting so scared around him, and the wish is granted...

At first, it feels like things have taken a turn for the better. But it's not just Cade that people no longer fear--it's everything. With Cade spreading this newfound "courage" wherever he goes, anything can happen. Fearless acts of violence begin to escalate in both his neighborhood and at school. Something monstrous is clearly at work and it's up to Cade to stop it. But just what did he buy and what's the price to undo the damage? After all, the devil's in the details."

 If anyone knows how to write a young adult thriller, it's clearly Lamar Giles!

First, is this not an incredibly striking cover that absolutely sets the tone for this book?  As soon as I saw that cover, I knew I was in for a ride. 

We mainly follow the POV of our protagonist, Cade, with a few chapters throughout that cover some background and provide insight into things going on with some other mysterious and dangerous characters in this book. Cade is an incredible kindhearted character who has genuine compassion and empathy for his friends and family, and this made it so much more interesting to follow him on this harrowing journey to see how he made his decisions and attempted to keep everything under control. He's an easy character to root for, and I think that's what made this a thriller that I felt more connected to, as I had someone to actually care about and want to succeed. Cade struggles with a lot in his life, and his resilience as a teenager is what really sets him apart. 

Ruin Road packs a lot into it in a short amount of time, touching on issues of class, race, family struggles, medical issues, supernatural elements, and more. This is a strong thriller with hints of horror sprinkled throughout, and it's one that is sure to keep you hooked and even a little on edge as you wait to find out what's going to happen next. The best part about Giles' inclusion of so many different topics and themes is that he manages to do so in a way that weaves them all together into a seamless narrative that tells a compelling and addictive story. I especially appreciated how well Giles captured the disparities in how Cade is viewed compared to other people at his high school, as well as the many additional layers of complications that follow him around as a black teenager, such as an incident that occurs on a bus and following interactions with police.

One of the big themes explored int his book is that of fear and how it can affect lives, both positively and negatively. I'll be honest that initially it wasn't entirely clear to me how Cade's wish for people to stop fearing him was being enacted in the real world, and the actions from various people didn't entirely make sense. I think Iw as focusing a little too heavily on the logical aspects of this and had a lot of questions, such as: how close did people have to be to Cade to be affected? does it last forever? what exactly happens and are they just not afraid of Cade or not afraid of everything? As the story progressed, It hik Giles did a pretty good job of exemplifying what it meant, but there were still a few things that didn't make sense to me. Fortunately, the nitty-gritty of this wasn't the crux of things, so I had no issues with still enjoying the story and understanding everything else going on. I also particularly appreciated how Giles did such an excellent job of showing how a lack of fear or burst in confidence can have a variety of effects, and while some may be positive, many more ended up having some stronger deleterious effects.

Ruin Road is also a surprisingly intense thriller that has some very dark angles that I didn't really expect–although having previous read Giles' thriller The Getaway, I really should expected it! Because of this, everything int his book felt like much higher stakes than I expected, and this really lent itself to the more highly charged atmosphere and curiosity to find out how everything would pan out. And let me tell you,  I was definitely not disappointed by the climactic moments of this book and eventual discoveries of everything happening. Giles doesn’t shy away from exploring the dark undercurrents of human nature and the lengths people will go to in desperate situations. There is also an incredibly bittersweet ending that I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about, but that I think was very brave and bold of Giles to do and left me appreciating his storytelling choices. 

Overall, I've given Ruin Road four stars!

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

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org

Friday, August 30, 2024

Review: Misinterpretation by Ledia Xhoga

Misinterpretation by Ledia Xhoga
Tin House Books
Publication Date: September 3rd, 2024
Paperback. 304 pages.

About Misinterpretation:

"'Xhoga writes with sly, benign wit. Read this novel.'—Tom Grimes

In present-day New York City, an Albanian interpreter reluctantly agrees to work with Alfred, a Kosovar torture survivor, during his therapy sessions. Despite her husband’s cautions, she soon becomes entangled in her clients’ Alfred's nightmares stir up her own buried memories, and an impulsive attempt to help a Kurdish poet leads to a risky encounter and a reckless plan.As ill-fated decisions stack up, jeopardizing the nameless narrator’s marriage and mental health, she takes a spontaneous trip to reunite with her mother in Albania, where her life in the United States is put into stark relief. When she returns to face the consequences of her actions, she must question what is real and what is not. Ruminative and propulsive, Ledia Xhoga’s debut novel Misinterpretation interrogates the darker legacies of family and country, and the boundary between compassion and self-preservation."

I've struggled with this review because this is a hard book for me to condense into a neat review, but as always I will do my best. I'm not entirely sure how to summarize this one myself, so feel free to take a look at the premise above if you'd like a better overview.  

Misinterpretation is what I consider a "quiet" novel. Plenty of things happens, but it's all told in a tone that's somewhat passive in nature and doesn't stray too far into extreme emotions. It captures an atmosphere that feels almost dreamlike in a hazy way with it's quality.

Although the entire story is told through the unnamed protagonist's POV, this book looks a lot at different perspectives on people's actions and how they affect relationships, and the authors makes it easy to put yourself in the shoes of those around the protagonist and how her choices affect them. You don't necessarily feel like you're on the side of the protagonist the entire time, but rather observing her thoughts in a way that puts into perspective the almost casual way in which she makes decisions and interacts with others.

Our protagonist has a very passive feel to her, as if she is going through all these regular motions and events but isn't offering all that much of a response. She's very generous and willing to help others without really realizing sometimes when things are going too far, but she embodies her generosity in a way that feels as if she's slightly removed from it, like she's just doing it out of habit and not really considering if it's to specifically be nice or helpful. This somewhat passive nature of living reminds me a bit of how depression can manifest itself, but it's hard to tell where exactly our protagonist may fall with this, especially with how she just seems to be moving aimlessly at times. Her actions often actually made me feel like I wanted to "side" with her husbands at times because many of her choices could easily come across as a bit selfish towards him, when that's not really her intent at all. 

Misinterpretation explores different sentiments, emotions, struggles, and experiences of immigrants and those who attempt to make a new life in a foreign place. whether from moving to a new place or returning to an old one. I thought the author captured these aspects really well and makes it easier to understand the different situations and mindsets that many immigrants have when attempting to be successful in a new country, especially while capturing how differently people approach issues as well.

There's also some focus on traumas and how people react differently to them, whether having to continue on or how it affects slowly over time in the long term. There's a lot of ideas about avoidance in this book, as well as a lot of ideas around communication itself. We see a lot of this with interactions (and a lack of interactions) between our protagonist and her husband, as well as the protagonist and various other people, most notably her clients.

And, of course, as this book is about a translator, there are also themes of translation explored and what goes into being a translator for another. It's much more personal than one might expect, with more complications than may be anticipated. Additionally, the impact of a translator on another's life can be profound and lead to a variety of circumstances.

Overall, I've given Misinterpretation four stars. This was a really thought-provoking read that also taught me a little bit more about Albanian culture and had me pondering a variety of topics. The pacing is on the slower side, but I think if you start reading it and the story clicks, then you'll have no problems with it. 


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

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Mini-Review: Pay the Piper by George A. Romero, Daniel Kraus


Pay the Piper by George A. Romero, Daniel Kraus
Union Square & Co.
Publication Date: September 3rd, 2024
Paperback. 328 pages.

About Pay the Piper:

"In 2019, while sifting through University of Pittsburgh Library System’s George A. Romero Archival Collection, novelist Daniel Kraus turned up a surprise: a half-finished novel called Pay the Piper, a project few had ever heard of. In the years since, Kraus has worked with Romero’s estate to bring this unfinished masterwork to light.

Alligator Point, Louisiana, population 141: Young Renée Pontiac has heard stories of “the Piper”—a murderous swamp entity haunting the bayou—her entire life. But now the legend feels horrifically real: children are being taken and gruesomely slain. To resist, Pontiac and the town’s desperate denizens will need to acknowledge the sins of their ancestors—the infamous slave traders, the Pirates Lafitte. If they don’t . . . it’s time to pay the piper."

Pay the Piper is a masterful blend of the writing of the late George A. Romero and Daniel Kraus. When Daniel Kraus uncovered a unfinished manuscript from Romero, the Romero estate chose Kraus to finish the story for publication. Pay the Piper takes place in Alligator Point, Louisiana, where the legend of "the Piper" has haunted the local community for years. As the story progresses, the myths start to become reality and members of the community have to figure out what to do in order to stop it.

What I loved: I really loved the compelling lore and learning more about the culture history of Alligator Point. The writing style also made me feel really immersed in the story, especially with the inclusion of Cajun dialect that really brought everything to life. I feel like there was a mix of genres as well, with horror strong at it's root. We also dive into the history of the area and the myriad of things that have happened, including the area's history of slave traders, as well as local legends and the rich culture of the area. Romero and Kraus use vivid language throughout that make for a vibrant reading experience-and this also include some very vivid body horror-type moments.

What I didn't love: The pacing was fairly inconsistent and I found it a struggle to really feel strong desire to keep reading at points. When the pacing and storytelling was good, it was hard to put the book down, but when the pacing was disjointed, it became a lot harder for me to maintain my interest. There were a lot of extra bits here and there that were generally interesting, especially regarding characters, but didn't really add all that much to the plot movement and pacing and are what caused it to feel slower and harder to get through. Because of this, the story felt a little messy at times, which caused my interest to waver a bit at times. All that being said, I still can't say any of this was enough to deter me from this fascinating story!

Overall, this was a creative and immersive horror novel that dives deep into the culture and lore of Alligator Point, Louisiana and takes readers on an unpredictable journey. I've given Pay the Piper 4 stars!


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

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Review: The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey

The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey
Orbit
Publication Date: August 6th, 2024
Hardcover . 422 pages.

About The Mercy of Gods:

"How humanity came to the planet called Anjiin is lost in the fog of history, but that history is about to end.

The Carryx—part empire, part hive—have waged wars of conquest for centuries, destroying or enslaving species across the galaxy. Now, they are facing a great and deathless enemy. The key to their survival may rest with the humans of Anjiin.

Caught up in academic intrigue and affairs of the heart, Dafyd Alkhor is pleased just to be an assistant to a brilliant scientist and his celebrated research team. Then the Carryx ships descend, decimating the human population and taking the best and brightest of Anjiin society away to serve on the Carryx homeworld, and Dafyd is swept along with them.

They are dropped in the middle of a struggle they barely understand, set in a competition against the other captive species with extinction as the price of failure. Only Dafyd and a handful of his companions see past the Darwinian contest to the deeper game that they must play to survive: learning to understand—and manipulate—the Carryx themselves.

With a noble but suicidal human rebellion on one hand and strange and murderous enemies on the other, the team pays a terrible price to become the trusted servants of their new rulers.

Dafyd Alkhor is a simple man swept up in events that are beyond his control and more vast than his imagination. He will become the champion of humanity and its betrayer, the most hated man in history and the guardian of his people.

This is where his story begins."

The Mercy of Gods is a new sci-fi offering from James S.A. Corey, authors of The Expanse, which introduces a new story in which humans live on a planet called Anjiin and the new arrival of seemingly hostile aliens could mean the imminent end of humanity. I've been really excited for this book because, of course, it sounds amazing, and also because I've heard so many great things about The Expanse (which I still need to read!) and I've been dying to read something from James S.A. Corey.

The premise for The Mercy of Gods is fascinating! I was so intrigued about this future where humans populate a planet that they have no real memory anymore of how or why they ended up there, as well as the fact that there are aliens that we get to discover along with the humans in this book. It's a really compelling topic and I think the authors it in some really interesting ways, such as considering the worth of species based upon their abilities and contributions, as well as how different interactions between completely different species may occur. 

Unfortunately, I didn't really care for any of the characters, barring maybe Dafyd who I found a bit more compelling. Most of the characters felt oddly surface level and lacked any deeper development for me to feel like I really cared about them or what happened to each specific person. I did appreciate that there felt like a fairy wide array of personalities portrayed, which also allowed for some varied relationships and dynamics between people that affected how everyone cooperated together in their new, somewhat dire circumstances. 

The pacing of The Mercy of Gods was a little on the slow side in that it seemed like there was a lot of book with not always all that much happening, and when something did happen it seemed like it was either over very quickly or told in small bits rather than a larger experience. It also felt as though there was a lot of filler here and there that just didn't grab my attention and made this book a little more of a struggle to get through than I anticipated. This book has far too interesting of a premise for me to feel bored while reading it, and that was a little disappointing for me.

All that being said, I will absolutely still be continuing this series because I feel like a lot of this book felt like setup for more to happen and I have extremely high hopes that everything will be amped up in future installments. Although The Mercy of Gods ended up being a little hit or miss,  I still think it explored some really great ideas about alien life and humanity that will be ones to continue to ponder even after finishing this book.  Overall, I've given The Mercy of Gods 3.75 stars. 


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

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Review: The Crimson Crown by Heather Walter

The Crimson Crown by Heather Walter
Del Rey
Publication Date: August 27th, 2024
Hardcover . 544 pages.

About The Crimson Crown:

"Legends tell of a witch who became a queen—the heartless villain in the story of Snow White.

But now the wicked queen is stepping out of Snow White’s shadow to become the heroine of her own legend.

Her real “once upon a time” begins when she is just Ayleth, a young witch who lives in the forest with her coven. The witches practice their magic in secret, hiding from the White King and his brutal war against witchcraft.

Ayleth, however, faces a war of her own. Her magical gifts have yet to reveal themselves, and as the threat of the Royal Huntsmen intensifies, Ayleth fears she will never become the witch her coven needs.

To prove herself, Ayleth sets out on a perilous quest that sends her to the White Palace, a decadent world of drama and deceit. There, Ayleth encounters an unlikely figure from her past: Jacquetta, a witch who once held Ayleth’s heart—and betrayed her.

As events at the palace escalate, Ayleth finds herself caught in the web of the White King, whose dark charisma is as dangerous as the sinister force that seems to be haunting the palace—and perhaps even Ayleth herself. With the threat of discovery looming, Ayleth and Jacquetta must set aside the wounds of their past and work together to survive.

As she uncovers the secrets of the White Court—and those of her own heart—Ayleth must find the strength to transform into someone she never imagined she could be.

A powerful witch, the very wickedest of them all."

I loved Heather Walter's Malice duology, which was a dark villain-based Sleeping Beauty inspired story, so I was thrilled when The Crimson Crown–a dark Snow White villain story–was announced. If anyone has proven that they know how to write a villain origin story, it's Heather Walter, and this The Crimson Crown did not disappoint me in the slightest in that regard. 

We begin our story with Ayleth, a witch who lives with her coven in the forest, where the coven as a hole has to hide their magic from the White King who crusades against witchcraft. To stay hidden, the coven disguises themselves as Order Sisters from the King's new rule in order to maintain their safety. Although a witch herself and a direct heir of a powerful witch, Ayleth's own magic has not manifested its powers, and she struggles to feel ready to take on a higher role in the coven where her magic will be utilized and tested. After an unpredictable series of events, Ayleth ends up traveling to the lair of the witch's enemies, the White Palace itself, where she undertakes a quest that made end with grave consequences. 

Heather Walter truly excels with her villain stories and I thoroughly enjoying diving deep into Ayleth's mind as we followed along her journey that is full of deceit, betrayal, and discovery. Villains stories and stories of characters descending into darkness are my favorite, and I really loved these aspects of The Crimson Crown, particularly with watching how Ayleth is affected by everything that happens around her and builds her own versions of strength to deal with everything. Ayleth is an incredibly complex character and I though Walter did a great job capturing the many different elements of her personality and also showcased their constant evolution throughout the story. 

It's a testament to Walter's writing and her ability to portray such complex and multi-faceted characters that my feelings about Jacquetta-a witch from Ayleth's past who once held her heart, broke it, and who once again plays a rather tempestuous role in Ayleth's life-were continuously wavering. In the beginning, I was steadfast about hating her, but then Walter introduced some aspects about Jacquetta that made me more curious about her and less hateful, and then more things happened that changed that... and then even more things happened that changed that. Suffice to say, Walter deftly crafts characters that are so real and human that you can't help but start to feel some connections with them, or at the very least can better understand their motivations and complex feelings and actions that they have. 

There's also plenty of political intrigue at play in the White Palace, and watching Ayleth navigate the variety of characters that inhabit the Court was both intriguing and, quite frankly, a bit amusing at times as well. Ayleth is not someone who has spent a lot of time around mortals, and similarly does not have much experience with courtly politics and how to act around them, so this added some interesting dynamics to her interactions with others that was enjoyable to read. It would also be remiss of me not to mention Nettle, Ayleth's cat, who follows her on her journey and acts as the best companion one could ask for when she's around, as well as the young princess whom Ayleth befriends and earned a quick place in my heart. 

With regards to world-building, we learn a good deal about this world and the magic that exists, including things such as the Veil that holds back Malum, a tide of dark entities that could wreak havoc upon the realm if it is not upheld (and which naturally poses a large threat to this story). However, since we largely stay in a two main areas, I would say that not all that much of the physical world is explored in this story, so it didn't feel quite as explored or explained as I might prefer. Despite this, I didn't feel lost within the world and I still really enjoyed everything that we do learn about this world, and I can only hope we'll learn even more and have more expansion in the next book. 

Overall, I've given The Crimson Crown four stars! I'm not sure that I enjoyed this one quite as much as Malice, but it's hard to compare to something that I loved as much as I did Malice, and I think The Crimson Crown is still an exceptional fantasy that will surely delight readers of dark retellings, as well as general fantasy fans alike. 


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

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Review: Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan

 

Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan
Orbit
Publication Date: August 27th, 2024
Paperback. 464 pages.

About Long Live Evil:

"When her whole life collapsed, Rae still had books. Dying, she seizes a second chance at living: a magical bargain that lets her enter the world of her favourite fantasy series.

She wakes in a castle on the edge of a hellish chasm, in a kingdom on the brink of war. Home to dangerous monsters, scheming courtiers and her favourite fictional character: the Once and Forever Emperor. He’s impossibly alluring, as only fiction can be. And in this fantasy world, she discovers she's not the heroine, but the villainess in the Emperor's tale.

So be it. The wicked are better dressed, with better one-liners, even if they're doomed to bad ends. She assembles the wildly disparate villains of the story under her evil leadership, plotting to change their fate. But as the body count rises and the Emperor's fury increases, it seems Rae and her allies may not survive to see the final page.

This adult epic fantasy debut from Sarah Rees Brennan puts the reader in the villain's shoes, for an adventure that is both 'brilliant' (Holly Black) and 'supremely satisfying' (Leigh Bardugo). Expect a rogue's gallery of villains including an axe wielding maid, a shining knight with dark moods, a homicidal bodyguard, and a playboy spymaster with a golden heart and a filthy reputation.
"

Long Live Evil is a clever and entertaining twist on the epic fantasy with a portal fantasy style and where the protagonist takes on the role of the villain. Sarah Rees Brennan embraces and provides a self-aware take on stereotypical fantasy tropes, offering a fresh perspective highly entertaining story. 

Rae is dying in her hospital when she's met with a choice: continue on her current path or have a chance at life by entering the world of her favorite fantasy book and completing a specific quest. As one might expect, her grim reality was pushed aside and a trip to the fantasy world was in order. Once Rae is plopped into her new fantasy world, Rae discovers she's actually the villain of the story and must embrace her new role in order to outwit her opponents, forge alliances, and be clever enough-and more importantly, evil enough-to complete her quest.

Rae's is easily the highlight of this book as she embarks on this new journey, and I loved following along with her development. She is cynical and general resigned to her fate, but her sharp wit, dry humor, and sarcasm leave her with threads of defiance that prompt her to continue trying at every turn. Rae is someone with a bit of a hard outer shell who tends to keep things close to her chest, as well as someone who possesses plenty of anger at everything that's happened, and her journey throughout the book really allows her to explore her own emotions and undergo some great growth and development along the way. I felt that Rae's journey added some much-needed depth to the narrative and made this a much more compelling story.

There are a lot of other equally engaging characters in this book that made it that made it an even more enjoyable experience. I was particular taken by Key, Rae's (or rather, Lady Rahela, her villain counterpart) bodyguard of sorts, and was fully entertained by his somewhat psychopathic-leaning tendencies. Scenes with Key always made me laugh, even though he is technically not a great person. In addition to Key are a variety of different characters (including one known as Cobra who is a true delight to meet), from evil to 'good' to everything in between, and I had an incredible time meeting all of them. 

The self-awareness of Long Live Evil allows for clever engagement with traditional fantasy tropes, as Rae directly addresses them and often critiques them with sarcasm and often a good deal of exasperation. This 'meta-commentary' can feel overdone or overutilized at times, but overall it made for a really entertaining time and really lets us as readers feel like we're in on the joke. 

This book is well written, but I struggle with whether I think this is really a "good" book. I found the pacing was really hit and miss, often times going really quickly and other times it felt like we were just dragging along with a lot of extraneous content added in. Things are honestly a bit messy at times, but somehow it fit with the story so I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it. I think the only way this book really works is because of the meta/self-aware aspect that makes it somewhat campy and therefore makes the sometimes weird or awkward dialogue and predictable story beats work. Without this, this book simply wouldn't work, and I think that's sort of what makes this such an entertaining and successful book, because Brennan hits those notes excellently. 


Overall, I've given Long Live Evil 3.75 stars! This is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy a campy, self-aware story with a focus on deconstructing fantasy tropes and plenty of laughs along the way. This is also a perfect book for anyone who loves villains and would love to follow someone along as they embrace their role as villain and have a lot of fun doing it. 


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

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org


Monday, August 5, 2024

Review: The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean

  

The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean
Orbit
Publication Date: August 13th, 2024
Paperback. 496 pages.

About The Phoenix Keeper:

"As head phoenix keeper at a world-renowned zoo for magical creatures, Aila's childhood dream of conserving critically endangered firebirds seems closer than ever. There's just one glaring caveat: her zoo's breeding program hasn't functioned for a decade. When a tragic phoenix heist sabotages the flagship initiative at a neighboring zoo, Aila must prove her derelict facilities are fit to take the reins.

But saving an entire species from extinction requires more than stellar animal handling skills. Carnivorous water horses, tempestuous thunderhawks, mischievous dragons... Aila has no problem wrangling beasts. But mustering the courage to ask for help from the hotshot griffin keeper at the zoo's most popular exhibit? Virtually impossible.

Especially when that hotshot griffin keeper happens to be her arch-rival from college: Luciana, an annoyingly brooding and insufferable know-it-all with the face of a goddess who's convinced that Aila's beloved phoenix would serve their cause better as an active performer rather than as a passive conservation exhibit. With the world watching and the threat of poachers looming, Aila's success is no longer merely a matter of keeping her job..."

The Phoenix Keeper has easily become one of my new favorite books and is one I absolutely could not get enough of. I may or may not still be harboring hopes to work at a zoo one day (and made me feel slightly jealous of Aila's job!), so this book pretty much felt like a love letter to zoos and my desire to be a part of taking care of so many different animals and making sure they are happy and healthy, and even helping those who are slowly inching towards extinction (something that seems to be happening more often these days). 

The Phoenix Keeper follows Aila, a phoenix keeper at the San Tamulco Zoo, a zoo for magical creatures. The Silimalo phoenix population has been slowly dying out, and Aila wants nothing more than to be a part of the breeding programs to help recover their decreasing population. When a neighboring facility's newly hatched batch of phoenixes are stolen, Aila has to prove that her facility is prepared to take on the challenge and bring more phoenixes into the world.

Aila is incredibly passionate about phoenixes and probably knows more than almost anyone else about them.  I found Aila's passion and love for her animals contagious, and it made me smile many times throughout this book. She also deals with some intense anxiety that impacts her daily life working at the zoo. Working with animals and making sure they have the best care ever and everything they could ever want? No sweat. Talking to visitors of the zoo, her rival, or her crush? Forget it. I really liked how MacLean portrayed Aila's anxiety in a way that felt realistic, didn't romanticize it, and showed the real life implications of how it can affect someone's life.

We also meet Tanya, Aila's best friend and coworker, as well as Aila's crush and one of her arch rivals (also both coworkers, though in different areas). I loved Tanya and thought she acted as a perfect foil to Aila as someone who is not afraid to speak her mind and is always there to assist Aila with whatever she needs. I think Tanya is far too supportive of Aila at times than Aila sometimes deserved, but that's very much a part of her loyalty and friendship with Aila, and there was resolution on this topic that I thought was handled really well. The romance has some interesting twists in this book and does take on a fairly large role in the story, but I would say it never really fully overtakes the larger overarching plot surrounding the phoenixes. 

I would be remiss to not mention the magical creatures in this book, as they are the main event and truly the highlight of the whole book. MacLean did a truly incredibly job of bringing all of the magical creatures to life in such detail that I genuinely could've believed these were real animals–and there were so many creative magical creatures in this book that I couldn't help but feel captivated by this idea of being in a zoo so full of magic and wonder. I couldn't help but fall in love with all of them and feel a desperate wish that this were a real zoo. We are treated to so many descriptions of the different animals, their needs, how to care for them, the exhibits they inhabit, and so much more and I appreciated how much realism this brought to the story. Some may not appreciate so much detail, but it's something I personally was fascinated by. Archie in particular is a bird of chaos who will steal your heart, and of course the resident Silimalo phoenix Rubra is a delight to get to know through Aila.

I previously mentioned Aila's anxiety, and I just wanted to touch on that again because of how well I think MacLean handled it. She showcases it as something that really impacts the lives of those who struggle with anxiety and how those who struggle with it learn to manage with it. It showed the real impact intense anxiety can have on relationships, friendships, careers, and all aspects of life. There are also no quick fixes, which she exemplifies through Aila's slow but gradual growth over the course of the novel and her slow build up of confidence and skills to better manage her anxiety. This all resonated a lot with me as someone who also struggles with anxiety. 

The Phoenix Keeper is not a fast-paced or action-packed book (mostly) and is told at a slower, steady pace. I can certainly see how some people could be a bit bored by some of this book if they are looking for something more fast-paced, but I love books like this that have a bit of a slice-of-life feel so had no issues at all and was in fact hooked on this and could barely put it down. It also has some 'cozy' vibes to it that I think will be really popular right now. MacLean's writing really lets you get into Aila's head and understand a variety of aspects to being a zookeeper. It's a lower stakes books overall, but I would also argue it as being a high stakes book for those of us who are also passionate about animals. 

Overall, I've given The Phoenix Keeper five stars! MacLean captured an extreme love and passion for animals and animal care in this book and it showed on every page, and is also likely a huge part of what drew me to this book so much. She also mentioned in an author's note that she grew up visiting the San Diego Safari Park (or Wild Animal Park, as I recall it), and I loved connecting over this since that is also a place that holds a special place in my heart. I don't believe this has a sequel planned, but I would absolutely read a sequel of this book if offered. 


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

Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org