EXIT STRATEGY by Martha Wells

Exit Strategy by Martha Wells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love the Murderbot Diaries and in this installment we meet up with some familiar faces.

Murderbot might not care about humans, but when it finds out that Dr. Mensah has been taken, it tracks her down before the GrayCris Corporation can hurt her...

I have to admit that I'm hooked on this series, but I'm also making sure that I take my time so that it doesn't become a blur.

So, I enjoyed the hell out of this novella. It was such a blast to catch up with Mensah, Pin-Lee, Ratthi and Gurathin. It's also really cool to see that although Murderbot is awkwardly uncomfortable around humans and wants to stay away from complicated emotions, the friends its made along the way won't give up on it.

I always enjoy scenes between Murderbot and Mensah. She's so gentle with him and at the same time, very honest. She's such a great character and it's lovely to see Murderbot go out of its way to help her when she's taken.

The action is top-notch and kept me on the edge of my seat. I honestly thought Murderbot was going to meet its ultimate end a few times. 😣

I love the ending and can't wait to see where the story leads...

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Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory by Martha Wells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I finished reading Exit Strategy last night and decided to get stuck into this shorty. It's in the POV of Dr. Mensah, so it's interesting to see Murderbot through the eyes of someone else. I always enjoy their interactions and love to see it settling in with this lovely group of friends.

Also, I love how the documentary idea is shaping up. Hope there's more of that in future installments.

I love this series.

 

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MIDNIGHT ROOMS by Donyae Coles

Midnight Rooms by Donyae Coles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Here's another book that I've had my eye on for a while and finally decided to get stuck into.

Orabella Mumthrope is an outsider. A young woman living with her aunt and uncle, who are desperate to get rid of her. When Elias Blakersby asks her to be his wife to settle some of her uncle's debts, she accepts. But from the moment she arrives at Korringhill Manor, she starts to feel strange and weird things start happening...

Haunting. Delirious. Confusing. Mysterious.

I REALLY enjoyed this book. Wow. The Crimson Peak, Mexican Gothic, and Beauty and the Beast vibes are strong with this one. Yet, it's also very unique.

Reading this engrossing gothic tale is like slipping from one fever dream into another, while only stopping by for a reality check every now and then. It's so trippy. The family is absolutely terrifying, the house is like a decaying labyrinth, and the mystery at the heart of everything is chillingly gross.

Orabella is such a great character. One who, even though she's suffered a life of being put in her place or barely being tolerated because she's biracial, she still has the strength to push the limits. She listens to her husband's orders, but then breaks them. It's also interesting that although she mistrusts Elias, she's very much in lust with him because he's nice looking and shows her his kindest side. Most of the time.

Yeah, this is an awesome and very dark gothic fairy tale. Loved it.


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THE ECHO WIFE by Sarah Gailey

The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the next book that caught my eye. It's actually one that I've been curious about for a while.

Evelyn Caldwell is an award-winning scientist in the field of cloning. So when she finds out her husband is having an affair with her clone, she's devastated. And when that clone reaches out to Evelyn after a violent encounter, everything changes...

Well, that turned out to be a very interesting tale that really digs deep and makes you think.

I love reading stories about robots and clones because they always skirt around the ethical debate of how humans can/should treat genetically enhanced or engineered life. I mean, if people use/abuse/disrespect fellow humans, how would our world take advantage of them?

Personally, I believe such creations could enhance our existence and would welcome them into our society. Unfortunately, the corporations who would delve into this type of science only wants to make slaves. Which ties into the story, because Evelyn's research centres around making dupes for politicians, etc. for nefarious reasons.

Anyway, back to Evelyn, who is sometimes a really hard character to relate to, but other times is quite sympathetic. She's very ambitious, which is fine, but she also refuses to apologise. Her personality seems to have been shaped by years of emotional abuse by her father, which is also done by her self-centred husband.

That facet of the story is quite sad, and explains a lot about her personality. The detachment she has towards others, and her disinterest in having children. It's just poetic that Evelyn spends countless hours inside a lab creating life from scratch. Love the contradiction in her ways.

Yeah, I really enjoyed following Evelyn as she deals with the end of her marriage, struggles with the reason, and then finds herself drawn back several times because of the unexpected turn of events.

One last thing, I think Martine is an amazing character.


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BLUE TICKET by Sophie Mackintosh

Blue Ticket by Sophie Mackintosh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While browsing through my Kindle books this one caught my eye and I decided to check it out.

In Calla's world, when girls start bleeding they have to pick a ticket. A white ticket leads to marriage and children, a blue ticket means a career and freedom. But years later, while Calla is living her life of 'freedom', she has a change of heart that changes everything...

Sad. Haunting. Devastating.

I have to admit that this book is very disturbing. I always find stories where women are stripped of their right to chose their own paths absolute nightmare fuel. And living during this shaky timeline makes it even worse. Still, I enjoyed Calla's tale because it's original and written in a very unique way.

The narrative is intimately hers. We get snippets of the conversations she has with the people that come and go from her life, but the narrative is in her POV and the story unfolds in a journal/diary style full of her observations and rampant thoughts. Her fears and desires, ramblings.

Sometimes it's hard to be in her head because she can be selfish and awful, not very nice. But other times she's vulnerable and lost, alone in her quest to choose the opposite of what she was assigned.

Either way, I really felt for Calla. Especially after the twist of betrayal is revealed. Her story is bleak and lonely, but what else can it be in a world where women are forced to accept their fate without personal input?

The subject matter is deep and personal to many of us. I liked the way a fictional story about a woman's search for her own choice reveals what happens when you try to control people.


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CACKLE by Rachel Harrison

Cackle by Rachel Harrison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've had this book on my TBR pile for a while, so it was definitely time to check it out.

After Annie's longtime boyfriend breaks up with her, she leaves New York City and moves to a small town to teach in a nearby high school. Her apartment is lovely, the people are nice, and she even makes an interesting new friend...

Cozy. Witchy. Charming. Wonderful.

I really enjoyed this super fun book!

Annie is such a great character. A people pleaser at heart, someone who doesn't want to cause any friction, puts up with a lot from others, and struggles with the burden of a broken heart... which leads to many tears and yearning for someone who clearly doesn't deserve her attention.

Yeah, I disliked Sam quite a bit. He's one of those guys who wants the comfort of knowing his girlfriend is willing to go along with everything he wants, and then pulls the plug because he's bored. An insufferable little man.

Forget about him, let's get back to how awesome the story is. Sophie is another fantastic character because she's an independent, powerful woman trying to live her life, and some people just can't handle that. And what about Ralph? Absolutely adorable.

Also, I love how Annie evolved. Sometimes, the thing we need the most has always been there.


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HERE LIES A VENGEFUL BITCH by Codie Crowley

Here Lies a Vengeful Bitch by Codie Crowley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With such a great title, and a brilliant cover with a very cool stepback, I couldn't wait to get stuck into this book.

When Annie Lane wakes up submerged in the river, she's dead-set on figuring out how she got there and why. But ends up finding out a hell of a lot more than she expected...

I was hooked instantly! The more I read, the deeper I got into the narrative and couldn't wait to find out more.

Annie's story is dark and, unfortunately, too familiar: a teenage girl murdered and dumped in the water. But what I love the most about her tale is how the storyline barrels past every expectation and throws the reader into a revenge plot that also introduces some really cool spectral situations.

The mystery at the heart of everything is what happened to Annie. Who killed her? Why? And where is her best friend? A true-crime situation about the victim trying to solve her own murder. But it's also packed with a hell of a LOT more. I like the subtle nature of the worldbuilding because the details are explained in casual conversation, or when things happen. In some cases, the reader can easily figure things out. The character connections, friendships, and complications also provide a few twists and turns along the way.

But most of all, I think Annie is a great character. She's flawed, makes mistakes, doesn't care what people think, follows her own path. You know? All the things society doesn't want girls and women to pursue. Watching her story unfold is very entertaining, and tense.

Loved it.


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HEMLOCK ISLAND by Kelley Armstrong

Hemlock Island by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kelley Armstrong writes great books, so I was excited about getting stuck into this one.

After her divorce, Laney Kilpatrick has to rent out the house on Hemlock Island because it's too expensive to run on her own. But when renters tell her about some strange tokens in their rooms and blood found inside the house, she decides to check it out with her niece. A quick trip turns into something a lot more serious when other people from her past arrive on the island...

I really enjoyed this!

At it's core, this is a horror story set on a private island. But it's also about the people who get stuck on the island.

Not only do they have to deal with the mystery of what's going on around them, but there's also the relationship problems between Laney and Kit. The friendship troubles between Laney and Jayla. The uncomfortable connection Laney barely has with Sadie. Laney trying to be a worthy guardian. And the secret they all share that threatens to destroy everything.

Yeah, there's a lot packed into this book and I enjoyed the way everything is revealed. The creepy vibes were great and kept me turning the page. Not to mention that Hemlock Island really leaps off the page as well.


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THE NOTHING MAN by Catherine Ryan Howard

The Nothing Man by Catherine Ryan Howard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While going through my Kindle books I stumbled on this one and decided to check it out. Except, I couldn't stop reading.

Eve Black was twelve when her family was killed by a serial attacker/killer named the Nothing Man. Now an adult, she publishes a book about her experience. Jim Doyle is a security guard who stumbles across Eve's true-crime memoir. The more he reads, the more Jim realises he has to find her. Before she finds him...

Great story, and I really like the format!

This is a book inside a book, told in two perspectives: Jim Doyle's POV, as an old man, reading the memoir from the survivor of one of his crimes, and Eve's actual memoir. It's like we're reading Eve's book along with the killer, while also getting insight into his miserable life.

I disliked Jim as soon as he hit the page. There's something really off-putting about him. He's a despicable piece of shit. His presence made my skin crawl, and when the story begins to unravel, I hated him even more. His obsession with the book is another thing that made me sick because he actually enjoys the trip down Memory Lane littered with his atrocious crimes.

This is a fictional true-crime story that's very well written. It's creepy and dread hangs over the narrative all the way through, during both perspectives. And there are a few killer twists.

It also reminds us that the victims are the ones we should remember, not the serial killers who are always useless, nothing men.


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WE LIVE HERE NOW by Sarah Pinborough

We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love reading Sarah Pinborough's books because she writes very addictive thriller/horror stories.

After a terrible accident and months in hospital, Emily arrives at her new house in the country with her husband, Freddie. Larkin Lodge is a lovely house in the middle of nowhere, but as soon as she gets there, Emily gets a bad feeling about the place...

O.M.F.G. Yikes! 😳

I was hooked from the beginning and got lost in the unstable lives of the married couple who move to the country after a tragic accident.

Although I was initially fascinated with the isolated house, it was the introduction of Emily and Freddie that totally grabbed me. Their marriage outwardly appears to be a happy one, and now that Emily is out of hospital, they can get back on track. But reading their individual inner thoughts reveals the complete opposite.

This couple has a lot of problems, resentments, and secrets. Not to mention how awful and selfish they are, or that so many of their decisions and actions are questionable. Honestly, it feels like they're constantly competing with each other. And lying.

Still, no matter how awful Emily and Freddie are to each other and everyone else, I really enjoyed figuring out the mystery as Emily investigates the history of Larkin Lodge.

The ending is perfect. For so many reasons.

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CLAIRE DEWITT AND THE CITY OF THE DEAD by Sara Gran

Claire DeWitt and the City of the Dead by Sara Gran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sara Gran is the author of Come Closer, a novella that I read years ago but still often think about because I loved it so much. I also really enjoyed The Book of the Most Precious Substance, so I decided to start reading her Claire DeWitt series.

Claire DeWitt is a PI. When she's hired by a man to find his missing uncle in New Orleans because of her reputation, she travels to the ravaged city to find out what happened...

Grim. Disturbing. Sad. Entertaining.

Claire DeWitt isn't your average private investigator. Her methods aren't conventional, and she uses the book, Détection by Jacques Silette, as her guide for conducting her business. She's been obsessed with it since her teens and it helps her through every case she tackles.

It's also a reminder of the mentor she lost. I enjoyed reading about her memories of Constance, and the two friends that put her on the investigation path during her teens.

Claire is snarky, pushy, odd, funny, and seems to possess an otherworldly connection during her investigations. It's how she's able to find clues that others miss. She also has plenty of secrets and vices. The use of dreams to work through the puzzles is another very cool addition to her technique.

The investigation she tackles during post-Katrina New Orleans begins as something simple, but when the devastating truth is revealed, it's all quite sad.

I think this is a great start to an intriguing series featuring an unlikable female character that I like quite a bit!


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THE HOUSEMAID by Freida McFadden

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've had my eye on this book for AGES! So, it's about time I got stuck into it.

Millie desperately needs a place to stay, as well as a job. So when she lands a housemaid position with the Winchesters, she can't believe her luck. It's a beautiful house, she doesn't mind the work, but Nina is a little erratic, and Andrew is too tempting. Then there's the attic room...

Wow. What a fantastic thriller! I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't stop reading. Was totally captivated all the way through and enjoyed the many twists and turns. Yikes.

Not only is this a great story that kept me reading because I got swept up in the sense of dread and suspicion, but the writing style is so smooth. Plus I loved the characters.

I really liked Millie, and was actually surprised when we got a glimpse of Nina's POV. The two POVs bring everything together, and reveal the bleak mystery at the core of the story.

I've heard the hype, and I have to totally agree. I loved everything about this book! It's just so addictive, and just a great story.

Now I need to get my hands on the next two...


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ROGUE PROTOCOL by Martha Wells

Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's time to get back into reading, and I thought I'd start with the next Murderbot novella.

Our favourite Murderbot is back for another adventure, one that it hopes will answer some of the outstanding questions about what the GrayCris Corporation has been doing...

Another awesome addition to what's quickly becoming one of my favourite series!

Murderbot might not technically be a full-on SecUnit anymore, but continues to board ships in order to reach a precise destination. Sometimes it befriends the onboard AI system, other times it's all about sharing files, but Murderbot sure knows how to get around. And this time, it meets a friendly robot who happens to be loved/appreciated by its humans.

I really liked Miki! It was another cool character to add to the many Murderbot keeps crossing paths with. It's fascinating to meet the different types of robots that inhabit this world.

Also, the thing that cracks me up about Murderbot is how hard it tries to hide from people and surveillance cameras, but somehow always ends up getting caught up with a crew. And then ends up having to protect these humans. 😅

Everything seems to slow down in this one, until the fast-paced action swept me away. I had a blast with this one.


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CONVENIENCE STORE WOMAN by Sayaka Murata

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading and enjoying Earthlings last year, I bought a copy of this book for my Kobo. And decided to get stuck into it today.

Keiko Furukura is a single woman who doesn't have too many friends, keeps to herself, and loves her job. If only other people would understand how much the convenience store means to her... 

OMG. This book! It's SO good. I couldn't put it down and read it in one afternoon/night.

Furukura is such an innocent and unfiltered character. She spends so much of her life learning how to behave and how to dress in order to fit in because she learned pretty early on that not acting normal gets you shunned by others. She's pretty good at fitting in, but even that's not enough. It's never enough because everyone expects her to get married and get a better job and have children and fit the norm instead of acting weird.

It's exhausting how many hurdles people expect others to jump over in order to be accepted. But Furukura doesn't care about all those things because all she needs is the convenience store. I love how she describes everything about her workplace like it's an organic being that keeps her on track. Not just during her shifts. Her job ensures she stays healthy and even helps her sleep. And you know what? She's really good at her job and never asks for more than she deserves. So I got really angry with her so-called friends, co-workers, and family for being so freaking judgy.

And for the record, I really disliked Shiraha. The sexist incel who takes advantage of an opportunity that Furukura offers in order to keep her working for him. Even though he doesn't like her and treats her like crap. She really is too good for him.

Anyway, I love the final scene because there was no other way to end the convenience store woman's story.

Irasshaimasé!


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MISTER MAGIC by Kiersten White

Mister Magic by Kiersten White
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Here's another book I've had on my Paperwhite TBR pile for a while.

After Val's father dies, her small world is shattered when three people, she can't remember from her past, appear out of nowhere. According to Isaac, Marcus, and Javi, they were all part of a cult children's TV show. Mister Magic shut down thirty years ago, but now a podcast wants to interview them to reboot the series...

Wow. What an amazing and darkly imaginative book this turned out to be. It's creepy, mysterious, and packed with engaging characters.

Val's story is as fascinating as it is frightening. A woman living a quiet and isolated life with her father finds out about her past when it comes knocking on her door after his death. Rediscovering her childhood and the friends she left behind takes her on a very dark journey into the desert. To a bizarre house in the middle of nowhere and the townspeople who helped conceal a menacing secret.

It's an intriguing tale about loss, rediscovery, and facing human evil disguised by malicious magic. And the ending is so freaking melancholy, because while it's the best conclusion, it's very sad.

I also have to mention that you shouldn't skip the acknowledgements page. After reading the author's words, everything about Mister Magic made even more messed-up sense. The line between religion and cult is almost non-existent.

Awesome book about a cult TV show that slipped into the shadows. Let's be honest, a lot of children's programming is creepy as fuck. I enjoyed this so much!


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DEAREST by Jacquie Walters

Dearest by Jacquie Walters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've had my eye on this book for a while because that cover is super creepy, so I got stuck into it the other night.

Flora, a new mother with a newborn, feels isolated. Her husband is deployed, she's lonely, is having trouble sleeping, and is permanently uncomfortable. Then she reaches out to her estranged mother, and is surprised when she turns up at Flora's door...

Ooooooooh. The fever dream quality of this eerie horror tale sucked me into Flora's nightmare from the very beginning. I couldn't wait to find out what was really going on.

At times, I was convinced Flora was suffering from a severe case of postpartum depression and exhaustion. Then I thought she was slipping away from reality because of being alone all the time. I even suspected that there was a monster after her. But one thing's for sure, this story is very disturbing, and perfectly captures the raw and hardest parts of being a new mother.

I enjoyed Flora's heartbreaking tale SO much. The writing style kept the narrative dark and mysterious, with dread creeping up in every scene. The revelations are shocking and sad. The family secrets are terrible. The way Flora deals with everything gave me whiplash. And the ending is: 😳!!!

Excellent, trippy book.


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OUR WIVES UNDER THE SEA by Julia Armfield

Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I started reading this book the other night and was instantly absorbed by the melancholy tone.

Miri and Leah are married and live in an apartment with the permanent noise of their neighbour's TV filtering in through the walls. Leah is a marine biologist who left on a three-week submarine expedition but didn't come back until six months later. And now that she's back, she's not the same. Leaving Miri with a wife who feels and looks more like a stranger every single day...

Wow. What an eerie and intriguing book.

Miri and Leah's alternating POVs tell their separate stories so we find out about their relationship, friends, and jobs. Miri delves into the awful six months living without knowing where her wife was. Leah reveals what happened under the sea and how it changed the three-person crew. Both experiences are interesting and captivated me for different reasons.

While the story is grimy, sad, and leaves you feeling a little sick from the effects of how the sea changes Leah and destroys their relationship, it's also full of inspiring situations and connections. I particularly liked the way the events unfolded. How well the past and present are woven together, leading to a tragic, horrifying conclusion. At the same time, the ambiguity stitched into the very core of this book also offers up an even sadder conclusion, similar to what is presented in the message board Miri frequents during Leah's abscence.

Either way, this tale of love and grief is written so well that both narratives work. Fantastic!


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THE MOST WONDERFUL CRIME OF THE YEAR by Ally Carter

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's December and I've got a few Christmas-themed books on my Paperwhite and Kobo, so I decided to start reading them. Starting with this one.

Maggie Chase is a cozy mystery writer who doesn't like the festive season. Ethan Wyatt is a popular thriller writer who gets on her nerves. But when they're both invited to England, Maggie and Ethan stumble into a mystery involving one of the most well-known mystery authors in the world...

This is such a charming romantic mystery that fits perfectly into the festive season. It's fun, isolated, and absolutely cozy. Not to mention that the chemistry between Maggie and Ethan makes the story even better.

The rom-com banter and seemingly mutual hate between the two main characters keeps things light, but the reality of what makes these two so real (and perfect for each other) is their backstory. Maggie, the lonely woman everyone abandons and her ex-husband's gaslighting pushed her to the point of not trusting her own instincts. Ethan, the son of a soldier who failed to live up to his father's expectations. Both with shattered pasts that left mental (and physical) scars.

I really enjoyed the mystery at the heart of the story because Eleanor is another cool character who makes a huge impression even though she's missing for most of the book. Also, the snowy location inside a huge manor in the English countryside matches the mysterious/dangerous vibes.

Terrific story!


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WITHIN THE SPACE OF A SECOND by Elise Helliwell

Within the Space of a Second by Elise Helliwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first thing I noticed about this book was how beautiful it is. Yes, I've got the special edition with the lovely moon-sprayed edges. So pretty.

Mariella Adams is afraid she's going to inherit her mother's mental illness, and waking up with a strange buzzing beneath her skin doesn't help. The day she meets two strangers, Rose and Parker, everything she thinks she knows about herself is turned upside down...

Wow. I raced through the pages of this book, hooked on every detail and clue peppered throughout. And I had a blast!

Imagine meeting someone you're in love with in the future. Someone who's already lived a relationship with you but all you have is an instant attraction. Yeah, that's (some) of what happens in this intriguing time travel story about a young woman who desperately wants to be normal so she can escape her unstable and heartbreaking past.

Determined to become a psychologist, Mariella is convinced that understanding psychology will help her find out the truth about what really happened to her mother. Little does she realise that her differences might be the only skills she needs.

Enter Parker and Rose. Two strangers to Mariella, but both know her in their own way. And my favourite thing about these two characters is how easily they open up the world building and help shape the rules and mystery that's at the core of this excellent tale.

Although the biggest mystery—Mariella's mother—isn't solved in this installment, a lot of other things are revealed slowly. If you pay close attention, it helps make sense of a lot of things. I've actually got a theory about her mother, so I can't wait to see if I'm right.

Anyway, I loved this book. The characters, the setting, the writing, the clues, the romance... All of it.

Looking forward to book two!


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HAUNT SWEET HOME by Sarah Pinsker

Haunt Sweet Home by Sarah Pinsker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I started reading this last night and couldn't stop.

Mara starts a lot of things, but lacks motivation and can't complete anything. So when her cousin mentions the ghost hunting/home makeover show he hosts is looking for a production assistant, she accepts the challenge...

What a great novella! It's a ghost story at heart, but also deals with the sham of reality TV, a restless young woman trying to find her place in the world without a plan, doubting your own ability to create, and accepting that sometimes you need a helping hand.

Another thing that really stood out for me is how the main character is portrayed so well that her existence makes her appear to be the most ghostly figure in the whole story. For example, she's seemingly invisible to the rest of her extended family because she's so young. But everyone else treats her the same way. It's sad, but also very relatable.

The ghost angle is also very satisfying because most of it is staged, but I enjoyed the surprises that popped up. Although I guessed the twist, I didn't expect the ending.

Overall, I found this novella intriguing, fun, and full of interesting characters.


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HEKATE by Nikita Gill & ROSALINA'S STORYBOOK (Nintendo)

Hekate by Nikita Gill
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Greek mythology and always enjoy reading retellings. Whether set in the time of gods and goddesses, or putting these familiar characters in modern day settings, I'm interested. I've even written quite a few stories featuring figures from Greek mythology.

So I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one!

Hekate, the daughter of the Titans, Perses and Arcadia, finds herself alone in the Underworld with a handful of dark gods she can trust to keep her safe. But a promise made to her mother isn't enough to keep Hekate from seeking out her fate...

Wow. What a beautiful retelling. I loved every minute of this book. Ever word counted. Every sentence filled my head with vivid imagery. Every new page took me deeper into the life of a very fascinating goddess.

For me, this book combined several of my personal favourites: the Underworld inhabitants and Hecate/Hekate. It was also written in a way that really captured the spirit of the mythology. While most of the story unfolds in verse, several sections are in full paragraph narrative. And it all works together very well.

Also, I have to say that I loved Thanatos. He's such a calm and kind character, yet he's one of the most feared gods. Same goes for Charon. I loved his portrayal. But the best thing about this lush tale is Hekate herself. Watching her grow from an abandoned young girl to a woman who embraces her own power, is fantastic.

Loved this! So much.

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Rosalina's Storybook by Nintendo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My husband received this gorgeous hardback today and suggested I read it. Of course I jumped at the chance. By the way, this is the storybook featured in Super Mario Galaxy.

The day a young girl finds a rusted spaceship with a star child inside, the girl and Luma go on a journey to find Luma's mother and instead discover a whole lot more...

This is such a beautiful picture book that tells the heartwarming, and oftentimes, sad story of how Rosalina befriends a lonely Luma and eventually becomes a mother to a whole family of Lumas. It's an adventurous tale, one with a lot of heart, and a found family that enhances how strong, smart, and kind Rosalina really is.

I love the bright artwork, and even the size of the book is lovely. It's a quality product, and a must for all Nintendo collectors.

Also, it's always cool when another form of media is released to double the enjoyment of the original game, movie, or show.


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