Friday 30 July 2021
Real Life Got in the Way...
Wednesday 28 July 2021
GIRLS WITH REBEL SOULS by Suzanne Young
Girls with Rebel Souls by Suzanne Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the last book in this very awesome trilogy and I've been looking forward to finding out where Mena's story takes her and her friends.
After what happened at Innovation Academy and Ridgeview Prep, Mena and the other girls—Sydney, Marcella, Brynn and Annalise—want to destroy the investors and finally get their freedom. But they can't trust anyone because everyone seems to have their own agenda, and someone is always one step ahead of them...
THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD! Like the other two, this one is another powerful addition to a totally awesome feminist SF story. A cautionary tale about what can happen if women's right are slowly stripped away.
Once again, the story starts where the second one ended and Mena finds herself in a very violent situation. And because of this she suffers both physical and mental pain that drives her to complete their impossible and complicated mission. But of course, things are never easy and not only do they have to split up, but face betrayal, lies and utter confusion.
Still, this is the final book so we do get explanations, revelations and closure. Plus the ultimate sacrifice. Oh, and an Epilogue that I wasn't expecting but really enjoyed. 😳
I think this trilogy did an awesome job at capturing just how toxic and dangerous the patriarchy can become if it's not reeled in. How easily girls and women become throwaway items, to the point where violence and murder against them is accepted by both genders. Because the patriarchy poisons a lot of women as well, and they can be so much worse than the men oppressing them.
Another thing I loved about this book is the strong and powerful sense of sisterhood between the main group of girls. And how they don't lump all boys and men into the same category. It's very cool because they're all so clever and crafty.
I had a great time reading these books because they were fun, deep, infuriating, awesome and these characters were definitely worth cheering for. Suzanne Young also did a formidable job at mirroring the awful things women have to put up with in our own world and provided a dark and entertaining tale.
Terrific trilogy!
Tuesday 27 July 2021
THE IMMORTAL CONQUISTADOR by Carrie Vaughn
The Immortal Conquistador by Carrie Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I recently finished reading the Kitty Norville UF series, so I was very excited about reading this book.
Ricardo de Avila, also known as Rick the former Master of Denver and new member of the Order of Saint Lazarus of the Shadows, is one of those interesting characters that always stands out. He's different and a trusty ally, plus one of Kitty's good friends. Reading about his early life, how he became a vampire and the hardships he was forced to endure just to be left alone because he wanted to live his own vampiric life, was a truly awesome experience.
The book is broken up into four parts and each follows Ricardo through the centuries. Every single one is as good as the one before and helped me to get to know Rick in such intimate detail, that it confirmed he really is nothing like other vampires.
While he might be considered cursed and thought of as a monster, he kept his wits and is a kind-hearted being who never forgot his faith and saw humans as friends rather than slaves. He also stumbled into some pretty fantastic situations and never once realised how strong and powerful he really is. He's totally kick-ass, too.
He's a vampire who doesn't like other vamps and refuses to put up with their BS.
Yeah, I love Rick. He's such a lovely character.
Oh, and I a got a real kick out of the Doc Holliday tale. It was SO much cowboy fun! 🤠
I enjoyed this book A LOT. It's one of the best origin stories I've read. A lot of times I feel origin stories ruin secondary characters, but this one deepened and strengthened one of my favourite vampires.
One last thing, asides from how wonderful this book really is, I also thought the writing was fantastic!
Monday 26 July 2021
THE FINAL GIRL SUPPORT GROUP by Grady Hendrix
The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I've been looking forward to getting my hands on this book since it was first announced. The fact Amazon Australia decided to take forever to send it out was super annoying, but as soon as it arrived I was itching to start.
The premise of this book is awesome. What happens to final girls when they grow up? Are they able to move on and wear the scars of their near-death experience in a way that allows them to get on with their lives? Do they become rich celebrities with book and movie deals while doing the talk show circuit? Can they trust anyone and forge meaningful relationships? Or does the violent experience become an open wound that never heals?
Well, in the case of the women in this book, how about all of the above? I loved how different each of these survivors turns out, but how their nightmarish teenage experience keeps them connected. Sure, the support group helps too but these women are much more than that.
This book is so fast-paced that I raced through the thrilling and terrifying pages. Lynnette is a great narrator because she's turned out to be super paranoid and isn't surprised when the final girls become targets once again. She's convinced herself she's weak and useless, something others also manage to make her feel. But she's been through a lot and although she still remains vulnerable, she's also strong as hell.
I loved how each final girl's story was revealed, and how they were so familiar to slasher fans. Yet, they each had a slight twist of their own to separate them from the movies.
Another fantastic thing about this book is how unpredictable it was. I didn't know what was coming next, suspected just about everyone, and thought that final scene in Camp Red Lake read like a movie.
I LOVED THIS BOOK! It was fun and sad and SO very tragic. It was a fantastic tribute to the final girls we all know and love, while also introducing us to more.
Never forget Adrienne, Dani, Julia, Marilyn, Heather and Lynnette. Or Fine.
Thursday 22 July 2021
MR CABLES by Ronald Malfi
Mr Cables by Ronald Malfi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After finishing Stephen King's latest chunky book, hubby suggested I read something shorter. He actually suggested this book, which he surprised me with on the weekend!
Wilson Paventeau is a best-selling horror novelist. The day he crosses paths with a book featuring his name on the cover, one he didn't write, he's consumed with the mystery and is determined to figure out what's going on. No matter where it leads him...
Wow. This turned out to be quite a fast and spooky read. The kind of book that grabs you from the first sentence and consumes you until you reach The End because it's so intriguing.
Much like what happens in the novella. 😳
I enjoy stories that focus on the creative process and give it a creepy spin. Because writing really is one of those mysterious experiences that carries you away and... Anyway. Back to this gem with the perfect cover.
Loved it!
It's got the right amount of dread staining every page. The mystery kept me glued until everything was revealed. The revelation is shocking because it's callous and really awful. Plus, the creativity behind this idea is absolutely genius. Fantastic!
I'm looking forward to reading more Malfi, that's for sure.
Friday 16 July 2021
KITTY SAVES THE WORLD by Carrie Vaughn
Kitty Saves the World by Carrie Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well, there was no more putting it off. I've reached the fourteenth book in the very awesome Kitty Norville series, which also happens to be the FINAL BOOK! 😳
Kitty's feeling on edge and can't shake the darkness she feels closing in. But it looks like Cormac and Amelia have figured out a way to trap Roman before he gets started. Yet, it can't be this easy to defeat an ancient vampire determined to destroy the world...
Wow. Yep.
This is how you end a beloved series.
Starting the last book in one of my favourite series is always both exciting and sad. Exciting because I can't wait to see how everything turns out, but sad because I'll miss these characters and their world once it's over.
At least I still have two short story collections and a novella, set in Kitty's world, left to read.
The melancholy mood of this book is there from the get-go. As soon as Kitty's story starts, there's a blanket of darkness hanging over everything, threatening to overwhelm her. And this really sets the scene, makes sure the reader's instantly on edge. I kept waiting for Roman and/or his followers to storm in at any moment. Couldn't turn the page fast enough to find out what was going to happen next.
It was awesome to catch up with so many characters that were introduced in previous books and now turned up for the final battle! I also didn't realise how much I missed Rick until we caught up with him again.
This is the perfect ending to an outstanding series featuring an amazing cast of characters, and a fantastic heroine. I love Kitty. She's always been smart, brave, tough, kind and proved that some battles are won with brains rather than brawn. She's always let her heart lead the way and it was such a wonderful quality. Sure, sometimes it got her in trouble, but it was always worth it.
I couldn't wipe the smile off my face during the last few chapters because they were SO GREAT.
I seriously LOVED THIS BOOK.
Having said that, it's still bittersweet because now it's over. 😃+😫
Thursday 15 July 2021
THE MISFORTUNE COOKIE by Laura Resnick
The Misfortune Cookie by Laura Resnick
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
It's been a while, so it was definitely time to catch up with the Esther Diamond series.
Esther's finally got her job back at Bella Stella and is enjoying a shift during New Year's Eve, when the OCCB—led by the guy who failed to call her after an intimate Christmas Eve together—busts a bunch of mob guys and even arrest her. After that, she has no job, her money is disappearing, the weather is miserable and she can't stop thinking about Lopez. Lucky for her, she's about to fall into some trouble in Chinatown...
This started out like every other one in this series: a hilarious and mystical ride. But somewhere along the line, something happened. The usual fun factor started to fade a little because the magical mystery wasn't as exciting as it usually is. Actually, it really wasn't much of a mystery, tbh.
I don't know why, but all the characters seemed a little off in this book. Like they were mere shadows of themselves and didn't shine with their usual zany charm.
I'm all for relationship drama in all genres because it adds an extra level of complication to a story, but even I have to admit that what goes on in this installment is off the charts. I know Esther's an actress, but gosh, this was too much. I really wish these two would make up their minds already and stick to on or off. I mean, are they a thing or not? Will they or won't they? Maybe one day they'll choose one path. Hopefully.
Otherwise, what's going to happen is that everything that made their romantic mishaps funny and cute, will get old and boring. Because I was in fact, mostly bored by their ongoing problems and they started to feel silly to me.
Anyway, I liked the location of Chinatown and how Esther always manages to find herself in the middle of new problems and takes Max and Nelli along for the ride. She even lands another dead-end acting gig and meets new people via the mobster-in-hiding, Lucky.
Not too much excitement in this one. It lacked the usual suspenseful thrills. There was definitely too much padding and excess stuff that made this book drag in sections. And I'm starting to think that this Esther and Lopez thing has to end or it's going to doom a great series.
Hope the next book is back to speed!
Wednesday 14 July 2021
THE HOME by Mats Strandberg
Thursday 8 July 2021
LOW MIDNIGHT by Carrie Vaughn
Low Midnight by Carrie Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I've had my eye on the next Kitty Norville book for several weeks. Not just because it's the 13th installment in the series, but also because it's about the very mysterious Cormac Bennett.
Cormac's finally a free man. He has his papers and he's ready to get on with his life. Well, a shared life with the spirit of Amelia. And together they're going to help Kitty decode a text that will hopefully provide the answers they need to save the world from Roman. Unless his old life catches up with him first...
Loved this. I knew this book would be awesome! 😃
Like everyone else who enjoys this series, I've always wondered about the elusive Cormac. He doesn't say much and catching a glimpse of his thoughts sounded like fun. And it totally was!
Another very cool thing about his story is that we get to hear from Amelia. Not just whatever thoughts she sends his way, but also about her own life and death. Putting these two strong characters in one body sure turned out to be entertaining.
Although they share a body, this was essentially two stories about two very different people who find themselves interlocked in a very magical way. A way that not only proves beneficial for them, but also to help Kitty's plight.
I got a real kick out of seeing Kitty through someone else's eyes. Especially Cormac's, because I always felt there was so much he keeps inside about her. The way he thinks so highly and how affectionate he is towards Ben is lovely. Love that they're cousins but seem more like brothers.
The new mystery and angles presented in this book were also very interesting. Intriguing in the way they tie back to the original story, but also how it provided an intimate insight into Cormac's past and the many ways he's changed.
I loved this and can't wait to see what happens next...
THE MENOPAUSE MANIFESTO by Dr Jen Gunter
This is a book about a subject that is so often ignored and shamed, that as a woman, I couldn't pass up the chance to read something that helps shed some light on a very normal and natural transition.
No matter what the patriarchy tries to sell about this mysterious topic, menopause is just another fact of life.
So, the more we know, the better.
“Menopause is puberty in reverse” is the best way to describe this next stage in a woman's life. And honestly, looking at it this way helps reshape how we feel about it and will hopefully eliminate some of the negativity.
Dr Jen Gunter sure has a way with words. Not only does she list all the scientific and medical terms associated with this transition, but she also informs us about the history. Of the condition, the actual word, and the sheer inconsiderate way men have mislabelled, dealt with, or stigmatised a part of life we should be talking about as easily as periods, pregnancy and sex.
But we know how this goes. We know how the patriarchal world tries to control the narrative to scare or excuse, not bothering to spend the time and money needed to research this thoroughly. To give women's health the attention it deserves.
That's why I wanted to read this book, to find out the truth and separate the myths from the facts. To understand what's going to happen. And most importantly, to be prepared rather than scared.
So much (of the little) I knew about this subject was tied to fear, and I wanted to change that. Sure, some of the symptoms sound awful and the possible complications even worse, but being properly informed will help change the way I look at what's to come. Instead of being terrified, I can now tackle whatever pops up in the future with knowledge. Both to know when it's an expected symptom, and when to consult a doctor because it could be more.
Having this reference book handy will definitely help.
The Menopause Manifesto: Own Your Health with Facts and Feminism is a book full of very detailed and relevant information, because there's a lot to learn and consider. It helped me understand why menopause happens, how it happens and what to expect.
This is a reference book ALL women should read. I know I'll be referring back to it when needed.
Thank you so much, Hachette Australia for sending me a copy.
Tuesday 6 July 2021
HEXED: Don't Get Mad, Get Powers by Julia Tuffs
After reading the blurb, I knew I had to read this! So I was very excited when I received a copy. Thank you Hachette Australia!😁
After her mother decides to move them to the Isle of Wight, Jessie becomes the new girl in school. She also hates everything about the old crumbling hotel she's forced to call home, wants to blend in without getting attention, but suddenly finds herself caught in the dangerous web of the school social elite. If only her witchy powers hadn't decided to manifest at the same time...
OMG. I loved this!
I was sucked into Jessie's story as soon as I started reading because her voice was so witty and funny, and the witchy side hits pretty quickly. So I was equal parts interested and intrigued.
This book is full of great characters and terrible characters, and their arcs are very cool. I absolutely loved how they all fit into Jessie's life and how they affected the overall conflict and resolution.
Jessie goes through a really hard time when she's targeted by a terrible sexist bully and things get pretty dark. And sometimes she even makes some frustrating mistakes, but the charming quality of the narrative is never lost. She goes through a lot of ups and downs, causing several angry situations, which are dealt with in a very teenage way.
How well the good, bad and in between is balanced while never dragging down the good vibes, is a testament to the awesome writing style.
Also, I absolutely LOVED Jessie's family. Her grandmother, mother and sister are a great group of women. And Nonna was the best! She's hilarious and super intuitive. Yeah, I have a weakness for awesome and cool grandmothers. 👵
Asides from the fun factor, this book deals with some very serious issues that affect girls and women every single day at work and school. The way everything was dealt with was creative and empowering.
HEXED: Don't Get Mad, Get Powers is a totally cute and super fun tale told by a witty and awesome narrator. It deals with some pretty serious issues: bullying, lies, consent and sexism, to name a few. And all of the awful consequences that follow these toxic situations. Along with these very real issues, the witchy angle works well too.
Sunday 4 July 2021
CHILDREN OF DEMETER by EV Knight
Thursday 1 July 2021
June's Revision Update!
- Monday: 29/151 (56,616w)
- Tuesday: 97/151 (56,414w)
- Wednesday: 151/151 (56,246w)
- Thursday: 151pgs / 56,264w
- April: Full edit of Wall of Dolls
- May: Full revision of Destiny
- June: Full revision of Victoria