This was such a bittersweet short story. I liked the premise, and I totally understand the need. But it was also kind of sad. I love the idea of having memories unmoored from a location. Rather than just obliterating the memory of someone, removing it from its attachment so that you can still enjoy a place is kind of beautiful. It turns the hurts of the past to something that can be recalled as needed.
The end of this short story makes this whole tale feel like a bit of a misunderstanding. I mean, Felix might be continuing to go ahead with his decision to become unmoored. But, there is a moment when you wonder if he really should carry through with his plans. And whether or not untethering yourself is really worth all of the pain.
Saying goodbye to someone you love is always difficult. Which left me feeling a little bit heartsick at the end of this story. It was painful and a reminder that its sometimes more difficult for us to say goodbye than we would otherwise like.
I wanted to like this a whole lot more than I did. I mean, I’ve loved all of this series. But, something about the bulk of this and the convoluted nature of the story meant that I found it kind of a hard slog. It might have been a bit more palatable if the story was split into a few different novels if I’m being honest. Part of it is just the sheer size of this damn novel. I could probably knock someone unconscious with it if I’m being honest. In fact, once I got about halfway through, I found that I was just skim reading this – I wanted to know how it ended, but wasn’t invested enough to read every single word.
I think one of the aspects that I found so difficult about this was that there are SO many loose ends and convoluted story lines that need to be tied up. I mean, Maas has done a great job of world building in this, but it felt a little like there was a little bit too much going on. As much as I’ve loved this series, I didn’t really consider it an epic fantasy. Yet, that is how Kingdom of Ash reads – as though it is an epic with epic final battles. None of which were actually… well, epic.
I knew that everyone would get their happily ever after. Which, personally I do like – although I’ve enjoyed some books that don’t have a happily ever after, I did like that this one had that. I can imagine the loving cast riding off into the sunset with their partners, having children and just being… well, happy. I think that it could’ve been accomplished in a lot less pages though…
All in all, while I did enjoy this and I’m glad that the series got a nice ending. I did find that there was a lot of filler. I think I just found that Maas was trying a little bit too hard. I can imagine how difficult it would’ve been to finish out a number of character arcs, but I still wish that they were tidied up a little more succinctly.
I loved this little romance, it was sweet and cute. And, although I completely guessed that Prem was the one writing in and just why he was writing in, it was still a fun journey. After all, what better way to get advice on how to approach the person you are interested in, than by asking them? The fact that this involved food and gaining courage… well, it just made it all that much better.
Honestly, I kind of want to try this challenge – I mean, I’ve eaten out by myself before, but I’ve never done so without using some kind of “shield”. The idea of going out to a restaurant and eating out alone, without a shield, and just enjoying the world flow by. That kind of appeals, and scares me. Plus, doing so in new locations and with new experiences… that just makes it all that much more appealing.
I love that this is a story set in the between time of adulthood. That moment when you are about to jump into college and your first forays away from the parents. But, you’re not quite read to do so. Throughout this tale, the narrator sees people from her high school – and in a way says goodbye to that part of her life before embarking on the next steps. Her journey is not just about finding bravery in being alone, but also in saying goodbye to the past. A seriously enjoyable short story.
I definitely didn’t enjoy this novel as much as The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue. I think there was something about Monty’s chaotic existence and personality that drew me in. I just didn’t quite feel as attached to Felicity. This was still an amazing novel. But just not quite as grabbing as Monty’s story.
One of the aspects of Felicity that I found most difficult to connect to, but, also the most realistic, was how judgemental she was about other women. Its a conversation that is often had – there is no right or wrong way to be a woman. There is no right or wrong in being strong and independent and a feminist. Sometimes we are our harshest critics and its definitely something that needs to be changed. As is pointed out very beautifully in this story.
There is an element of asexuality in this story that I found beautiful. Instead of being a romance and ending with the off kilter couple running off together, there is that sense of me about romance and sexuality. I’m not sure if there was an aim for an asexual character, but it was definitely how I read it.
Lee is able to bring up a lot of very relevant social issues and realities in a seamless manner. It’s a rollicking adventure that had me smiling. One that I would happily read again. But maybe not for a little while…
Title: Tower of Dawn Author: Sarah J. Maas Series: Throne of Glass #6 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Fantasy, Romance, Strong women Dates read: 2nd – 17th October 2021 Pace: Fast Format: Novel Publisher: Bloomsbury Year: 2017 5th sentence, 74th page: She straightened.
A GLORIOUS EMPIRE A DESPERATE QUEST AN ANCIENT SECRET
Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq have arrived in the shining city of Antica to forge an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent, whose vast armies are Erilea’s last hope. But they ahve also come to Antica for another purpose: to seek healing at the legendary Torre Cesme for the wounds that Chaol received in Rifthold.
After enduring unspeakable horrors as a child, Yrene Towers has no desire to help a young lord from Adarlan, let alone heal him. Yet she has sworn an oath to assist those in need – and will honour it. But Lord Westfall carries darkness from his own past, and Yrene soon comes to realise it could engulf them both.
And deep in the shadows of distant mountains, where warriors soar on might ruks, long-awaited answers slumber. Answers that might offer their world a chance at survival – or doom them all.
I did struggle with this book more than I had expected to. I’ve been putting off the last 2 books of the series. Partly because I know that it will destroy my heart (seems to be a talent of Maas). But, more so, because I just don’t want this series to be over! Sure, I can reread it… but it just won’t be the same. Having said that, I didn’t fall head first into this book like I have the others.
I think that the thing that takes me a while with this story is that Chaol spends the first part just being incredibly whiney. I get that he’s been dealt a hard hand, but my lordy, he’s just a bit too bitter and painful. For those who feel the same… Read on! Once I got to the second part, I started to fall head first into the storyline as expected.
Of all the characters in this, it was Yrene that I loved the most. The fact that she has an intertwined past (like many of the other characters) just makes her all that much better. I love how much of this story involves her fight to get over her horrible past and move forwards with her life. Her story, when Chaol’s was a bit painful made this book still a 5 star I my view.
Whilst I had a few moments of discomfort and “huh” throughout this, ultimately I loved this book. After the first 200 pages, the character development is so wonderful and intense that I couldn’t put it down. And, much of the whiney that was irritating made so much more sense.
Title: The Fountains of Silence Author: Ruta Sepetys Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect) My Bookshelves:Historical fiction, Romance, War Dates read: 14th – 15th August 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: Penguin Books Year: 2019 5th sentence, 74th page: He’s about to reach for his camera when he hears the laugh.
‘TRUTH BREAKS THE CHAINS OF SILENCE’
MADRID, 1957
Daniel, young, wealthy and unsure of his place in the world, views the city through the lens of his camera.
Ana, a hotel maid whose family is suffering under the fascist dictatorship of General Franco.
Lives and hearts collide as they unite to uncover the hidden darkness within the city.
A darkness that could engulf them all…
This is one of those “holy crap” “wow” “Oh My God” kind of stories. I had no idea if I was going to like this when I first started it… but then I got my teeth hooked in… and… I just can’t even. I pretty much read this whole 500 page book in one sitting. It was just impossible to put down, look away, forget about. And then, like the fool that I am, I finished it late at night and couldn’t sleep. Because. So many thoughts. Too many thoughts.
I think the thing that really threw me about this book was the fact that a lot of the history in this book is only recently coming to light. The fact that an estimated 300,000 babies were taken from their parents and put up for adoption (after telling the parents that they had died) is… unfathomable. And it happened RECENTLY. It’s not a part of history that we can say, oh, that was another time, it happened forever ago. It happened in the past forty-odd years. And it’s only just coming to light and people are only just being bought to task for what they’ve done… it’s… unfathomable. Like, my brain literally cannot grasp this fact.
There is a sweet romance throughout this story. It’s not at the forefront and it’s not as in your face as the actual romances that I read. But it is incredibly sweet. Ana and Daniel are that quintessential falling in love when young romance. That one that sticks with you for the rest of your life. Some of us are lucky and find that we are actually going to spend the rest of our lives with that person. But the others? Well, it’s those stolen moments in time, in this one summer that Ana and Daniel are able to spend together.
This is a brilliant story. It is filled with history and the darker parts of our recent past that need to be bought to light. There is an intense feeling of humanity and intensity throughout that plucks at your heart strings. You can’t stop reading and look away from the pages. There is mystery and horror, all lightened by the love, both romantic and familial that ties all of these amazing characters together.
Title: The Phoenix’s Fault Author: Cynthia So In: Proud (Juno Dawson) Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Chinese mythology, LGBTQI, Romance Dates read: 15th August 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Short story Publisher: Little Tiger Year: 2019 5th sentence, 74th page: An infinite variety of them, as manifold as human hearts.
All those with a phoenix are supposed to present themselves to the Emperor and his dragon. But Chilli Oil and her owner don’t want to do that… they’ve got their heart set on someone else.
There was a great intersection of Chinese mythology in this story. The use of the dragon and phoenix as symbols of marriage and happiness. What I enjoyed most though was the way in which the author was able to use this symbol to show another kind of marriage and happiness.
I desperately was hoping for a happy ending to this story. Considering the collection it was in, I thought it might happen. But, honestly, up until I turned that final page… I just wasn’t sure.
The imagery in this story was brilliantly done. And the way that the mother accepts her daughter… just beautiful. Definitely a short story that I will read again.
Title: The Silk Blade Author: Natalie C. Parker In: A Universe of Wishes (Dhonielle Clayton) Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:LGBTQI, Medieval fantasy, Romance Dates read: 30th June 2021 Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast Format: Short story Publisher: Crown Year: 2020 5th sentence, 74th page: I have him exactly where I need him to be, but before I can swing around to his other side, Rabi is there.
It’s the competition of a lifetime – three competitors competing to be the consort to the ruler of them all – the Bloom. But a chance meeting just before the final battle may change everything.
I love that from the get go of this story, gender and sexuality isn’t even a thing. There are multiple attractions and couples, but no set expectations for which genders are together. The way that there is no big deal made out of this needs to happen more frequently in YA stories as far as I’m concerned.
The idea of a great big challenge to be the consort of the Bloom was fun. There was this beautiful poetry and feeling of elegance that I got throughout this book. One that I wasn’t really expecting. But definitely enjoyed. Especially when there is that final challenge / battle at the end…
All in all, I loved this short story. I found it adorable and fun. With a great sense of action and drama. Add to that the romance and connection that weaves through the tale and the fantastic world building… I was sad when this ended.
Title: Kissing Tolstoy Author: Penny Reid Series: Dear Professor #1 Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again) My Bookshelves:Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Romance Dates read: 25th January 2021 Pace: Medium Format: Novel Publisher: SmartyPants Romance Year: 2014 5th sentence, 74th page: I couldn’t bring myself to look at him again, so I directed a short wave at the room.
What do you do when you discover that your super-hot blind date from months ago is now your super-hot Russian Lit professor?
You overthink everything and pray for a swift end to your misery, of course!
I fell stupid, crazy in love with this novel. Like, completely, totally and utterly head over heels for it. Not only was it fun and brilliant. But, as with every one of Reid’s books, the characters were a little quirky and impossible not to love. Particularly Anna with her slightly zany and very unique outlook on life. And Luca? Oh my goodness! Completely drool worthy! (Nobody look at my book… there are drool stains through the pages).
Every time I read a story that features academia, I kind of want to return to that world. Although, this is a perfect way in which to return without having all of the crap that actually comes alongside a life in the area. It’s a great window into a world that is seriously intense and complex. One that is fascinating and intriguing. The fact that it’s the setting for this book, and series, but not really a feature of it left me thinking of all of those wonderful positives. Whilst not dwelling on any of the negatives.
This is one of those stories in which things seem to go wrong, one thing after the other. That no matter what Anna tries to do, she’s drawn into Luca’s orbit and just isn’t quite sure how she got there. But, she wants to stay. It’s got that fate kind of feel to it that makes you think that those who are meant to be together will be, even if they’re not quite sure how to go about it. Which, honestly is the kind of thing that I love in a good romance – that feeling of inevitability that lends itself to a happily ever after.
All in all this was a fantastic, fun and impossible to put down book. I completely fell in love with it and don’t know that it is one that I will forget anytime soon. I most definitely can’t wait to sink my literary teeth into Kissing Galileo now!!!
A gargoyle with a crush realises that the woman he’s been crushing on might just be his ticket to looking… well, less gargoyle-like. But he has to sacrifice his Heart first.
This was such a cute and sweet short story. I love that there are so many different meanings to the title, depending on what point of the story you are at. The different meanings drew me in completely and left me feeling very happy and content.
I don’t get the privilege of reading many stories about gargoyles. But, ever since watching The Hunchback of Notre Dame, I’ve been fascinated with gargoyles. Happily looking forward to any of the stories I can find that feature these creatures.
The lore and the worldbuilding in this short story are intense. I honestly can’t believe that there aren’t more books set in this world. It is just so damn textured and detailed. I want more!
Earth and Skye 