Tag: fantasy

Posted in Book Review

Review of Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

Posted on by writingkat95

The Hook:

In this mecha sci-fi fantasy novel, protagonist Zetian sets out on a quest of vengeance against one of the top mecha pilots and gets more than she bargains for. Soon, she finds herself known- and feared- as an Iron Widow. In this unexpected position, she has a behind-the-scenes view of the misogynist pilot system, and it’s up to her to find a way to change it.

My Impressions:

Admittedly when I saw this book being described as “Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid’s Tale,” I honestly expected it to be a huge bummer. It’s hard to take on topics like systemic sexism without draining all the enjoyment out of a book, but Zhao manages it. This book was shockingly fun despite the serious subject matter, seamlessly blending moments of high action with heavy emotional scenes.

The protagonist is incredibly fun to root for, enjoyable to see on the page in a way that deepens the overall experience of reading. In a lot of high stakes sci-fi and fantasy, protagonists can get a bit interchangeable, and Zhao has managed to avoid this entirely with Zetian, who is frankly unforgettable. Even the villains in this book are the kind you love to hate, rather than the sort you endure every mention of with stoic exhaustion.

If you’re looking for a fantastic YA/NA crossover with memorable characters, excellent world-building, and knife-sharp wit, this is your next read, hands down. If you’ve already read this one, feel free to hop into the comments and discuss.

Happy reading!

Posted in Book Review

The Top Ten (non-mystery) Books I Read in 2021

Posted on by writingkat95

While I read mostly mysteries, thrillers, and gothics this year, there were a few stand out books of other genres I wanted to draw attention to. These weren’t all published in 2021 but I did read them all this year. Here they are in no particular order:

1. What Big Teeth

I don’t know whether to consider this gothic or fantasy or both, but it easily slid to the top of the list of my all time favorite books. As soon as I finished reading my borrowed library copy, I bought a copy of my own to reread over and over as much as I want. Lovely book for fans of the Addams family.

2. The Magicians

Lev Grossman’s fantasy series pulled me out of a very rough place this year and got me through the loss of someone dear to me. It made me want to read again, to see wonder in the world. I ended up reading 225 books this year and it really started with this one. If you want fantasy that looks unflinchingly at the world and demands that you still see the wonder in it, this is the book for you.

3. Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Tea Shop

Deeply lovely book which, fittingly, felt like a nice cup of tea to read. It warmed me from the inside out and I plan to read everything the author writes from now on.

4. The Viscount Who Loved Me

The basis for the upcoming second season of Bridgerton, and so far my favorite book in that series (though I still have a few left to read). Absolutely lovable and a joy to read.

5. One Last Stop

A truly wonderful romance from the author of Red White and Royal Blue, and an absolute can’t miss. Beautiful and moving and more funny than I expected. I laughed, I cried, I recommended it to everyone I speak to.

6. Any Way the Wind Blows

The fourth book in the Carry On series from Rainbow Rowell, this book hit like a warm blanket after a cold storm. Loved it immensely.

7. Small Favors

If you want to feel a little bit stuck in the world of a book for days after finishing it, this is a perfect choice for you. Absolutely enthralling, this one is perfect to read on a chilly winter night.

8. The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics

Fantastic romance novel, so achingly lovely you’ll gasp from the emotional tidal wave of reading it. I adored the characters and I can’t wait to read more from the same author.

9. The Lost Apothecary

This one debatably could’ve gone on my mystery list, but it felt like it defied genre a bit and I’ve put it on this list instead. The dual timelines and incredible characters were quite well done. I absolutely loved it.

10. The Hollow Places

A lovely magical realism novel with great characters, spooky moments that build the tension perfectly, and beautiful prose all the way through.

I hope everyone reading has a lovely new year, and if you’re looking for books to read, the ones on this list and my other 2021 top ten list are all great picks. Support your local libraries and independent book stores!

Happy reading!

Posted in Book Review

Review: The Ghost Tree, by Christina Henry

Posted on by writingkat95

The hook:

Two girls are found dead in the placid town of Smith’s Hollow, and no one seems to be making much progress on solving their murders. When fourteen year old Lauren starts having visions about a monster and her four year old brother starts making strange predictions, Lauren begins to wonder if not everything in her hometown is what it seems.

My impressions:

If you want to read something that will haunt you, this book will do the trick. This was my first time reading a Christina Henry book, and I didn’t know what to expect, but having read this, I think it’s safe to say I’m adding the author’s other works to my reading list immediately.

The lore of Smith’s Hollow weaves together seamlessly with the unfolding story, with the buried secrets of the town informing the events as they happen. By turns both heartbreaking and terrifying, it’s impossible to look away as the macabre plot descends.

Fans of Rose Szabo and Silvia Moreno-Garcia are likely to enjoy this deeply creepy fantasy horror tale.

Happy Reading!

Posted in Book Review

Review: What Big Teeth, by Rose Szabo

Posted on by writingkat95

The hook:

Eleanor Zarrin’s family is not normal. Estranged from them for years, she returns home after an incident at boarding school. While trying to come to grips with how she fits into her strange and spooky family, she uncovers secrets that reveal more darkness than she expected.

My impressions:

This book honestly blew me away. I loved every minute of it, from the luxuriously gothic setting to the Addams Family-esque characters. Eleanor was impossible not to root for, and I felt pulled along into her world as she settled into it herself.

If you enjoy whimsical gothics, you will almost certainly adore this book as much as I have. I get most of my books from the library, and I loved this one so much that upon finishing it, I bought myself a copy to keep forever so that I can read it as often as I want. The writing style is lush, sometimes bordering on almost purple prose, but to such magnificent effect you’ll want to keep a little notepad to write quotes down in while you read. It’s not often that I gush so unabashedly about something, but this is honestly one of the best books I’ve read in years.

Perfect for curling up with this fall, you’ll want to drink this book in with a strong cup of tea and a plate of cookies. Let yourself be chilled and enthralled by Eleanor’s spooky family, you won’t regret being along for the ride.

Happy reading!

Posted in Book Review

Review: House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland

Posted on by writingkat95

The Hook:

When Iris Hollow’s sister, Grey, goes missing,
she is forced to confront the strange dark
things in their childhood. She begins to
unearth unbelievable fairy-tale like secrets,
and must decide what is and isn’t true.

My impressions:

Reading this book was like an excellent Cup of
hot coffee. It woke me up and got my brain
going inthe best way. The characters were
beautifully written and felt both real and
surreal at the same time. Many books use
the setting to create a feeling of wonder
and suspense, but in this book, it’s the
characters themselves who feel like magic.

I don’t know whether to call it gothic or
magical realism, but the atmosphere in this book
is gorgeous. IF you’re looking for a book to
read slowly and savor, this one is sure to
be delicious. Fans of the Hazelwood books are
likely to enjoy the style and tone of this book,
which has a similar fairy-tale like mood.
Also, fans of Erin A. Craig will enjoy the
characters and world building.

All in all, this book was refreshing and Fun
to read. I highly recommend it to anyone
looking for something out of the ordinary
to read.


Happy Reading!

Posted in Book Review

I Finally Started Reading Percy Jackson

Posted on by writingkat95

This is not a formal review, mostly because I’m so very late to the party.

I’ve been hearing for years that I should read the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. I’ve watched as friends and aquantinces gushed over the characters, and I’ve scrolled through a wealth of fandom material on Tumblr.

Finally, I gave in and decided to read them. Oh my god, you guys.

THEY ARE SO GOOD

In all seriousness, this may be one of the the best series I’ve ever read. Some of my initial skepticism was rooted in snobbery: so many people who loved the series were reluctant readers, and I assumed, wrongly, that this was because the books were overly “easy.”

Like I said, total snobbery on my part. These books are fabulous, full of depth, and fantastically fun.

Also, the positive (and accurate) portrayal of ADHD warms my heart more than I can say. As a fellow ADHD-er, I found myself relating to Percy and feeling empowered by his successes. I can’t imagine how much of an impact this kind of representation has on kids. Rick Riordan is a hero.

If anyone out there hasn’t read these books yet, get out there and find them! You’re never too old for Camp Half-Blood, wise centaurs, and rollicking adventures.

Happy reading!