THE THREE LIVES OF LYDIA by Delilah S. Dawson & A DUET WITH DARKNESS by Allison Pang

Carniepunk: The Three Lives of Lydia by Delilah S. Dawson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a story set in the Blud world, so I was excited about checking it out. And wow, glad I did!

When Lydia wakes up in a strange and dangerous, but exciting world, she meets Charlie Dregs and agrees to become the Tattooed Lady. But nothing is as it seems...

Like I said, this is an amazing short story. First, I got swept up in the mystery of how Lydia got to Sang. Then, I was captivated by the mutual attraction between Lydia and Charlie. Before I feared about her safety. Until I was shocked to find out the truth.

Yikes!

O.M.G.

This is definitely a story I'll think about often. It's so well written, and so dark. A twisted fairy tale that I enjoyed. A lot.

Fantastic!!

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Carniepunk: A Duet with Darkness by Allison Pang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the prequel to the Abby Sinclair series and features a few familiar faces.

Melanie is a gifted violinist trying to escape the pressures of someone else's expectations. She's happy touring with a band of OtherFolk and everything is fine until they hit the carnival...

I really enjoyed this! It's a great story that is able to establish a lot of worldbuilding without much effort. There's no infodump, everything is revealed very organically. And I loved the cast of characters.

Incubus. Werewolf. Fallen angels. And so much more.

One of the best things about this story is how well it taps into becoming a cautionary tale about pride. Melanie is a great musician but she's got a chip on her shoulder and is too arrogant to see what's happening right in front of her eyes. Instead of appreciating what she's got and the one person who truly cares about her, she does the unthinkable.

BTW, Nobu is such an intriguing character.

Awesome story!


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SALLY'S LAMENT by Mari Mancusi

Sally's Lament by Mari Mancusi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of my favourite movies. Sally is one of my favourite characters. Sally and Jack are one of my favourite couples. So of course I wanted to read this lovely book.

Remember when Jack discovered Christmas Town? Well, imagine it was Sally and Zero who actually discover the tree and find themselves in the snowy wonderland. Except, Sally discovers there's something really dark going on...

I loved this! I was captivated from the very beginning because the opening scene is directly from the movie, but seen through Sally's POV. After that, this becomes a whole different story, an amazing adventure that both Sally and Jack share together. And because of that, the way their connection grows is more organic, and romantic.

I found this reimagining of Christmas Town intriguing, and loved the new cast of characters that are introduced. Plus the scenery, because this adventure expands the winter wonderland to include some dangerous places. Not to mention that Sally having her own agency makes her mission to help those who need it most even more exciting.

Yeah, I LOVED this charming story. 😍


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THREADS OF ASH: SOUTH by S.H. Cooper

Threads of Ash: South by S.H. Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've wanted to read this book for a while now, and picked it up last night because I couldn't wait any longer. 😁

Yaveta has lost everyone and everything that mattered to her because of the weeping blight. So when a warrior called Wulfren saves her life, she decides to go with him on an adventure across a devastated world that provides more questions than answers...

Wow. What an awesome dark fantasy tale this turned out to be. It's got the right combination of fantasy and horror. Plus the worldbuilding is intriguing, and the writing is wonderful. It's set in a dangerous, but lovely, place that constantly surprised me and kept me glued to the page.

I really liked Yaveta, a young woman who's been through so much she doesn't realize she's strong at heart and might. Wulfren is a brooding big guy who hides behind his strength and isn't prepared to deal with someone like Yaveta. And together, they make an odd but great pair. Also, I love Svir! So cute.

Well, I enjoyed everything about this fast-paced, interesting book that has a bit of everything. Including some great body horror and plenty of gore.

Can't wait for the next book!


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SAGA #61 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples

 

Saga #61 by Brian K. Vaughan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've been waiting for the return of Saga, and this issue didn't disappoint. OMFG! There was a bit of everything, and I can't wait to see where this particular storyline goes. Especially after that ENDING!! 😳

 

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JUICE LIKE WOUNDS by Sean McGuire

 

Juice Like Wounds by Seanan McGuire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I finished reading In an Absent Dream last night, so of course I had to read this today.

Juice Like Wounds is such an awesome title, and tells the story of what happened when Moon, Lundy and Mockery go up against the wasp queen. Knowing the sad outcome didn't ruin this tale, and didn't lessen the blow. But it did deepen the friendship and consequences between Moon and Lundy. Highlighted why their strong friendship was doomed from the beginning.

I really enjoyed this!

If you're interested, you can read it HERE.

 

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IN AN ABSENT DREAM by Seanan McGuire

 

In an Absent Dream by Seanan McGuire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wanted to start the year by returning to a series that I really enjoy but have fallen behind on. I've read and loved the first three Wayward Children installments, so I was looking forward to reading this one.

Katherine Lundy is a young girl who would rather spend time lost in the pages of her favourite books than being around people. She thinks adventures in stories are safe and exciting, but when she walks through a doorway located in a tree, she finds herself lost in the adventure of a lifetime...

You know, these books might introduce a new cast of characters each time, but they all have the same feeling of danger and excitement, tinged with a nice edge of darkness. Nothing is ever as it seems and in this particular book, the stakes are pretty high.

It's amazing how easily Lundy lost control of a situation she was so sure she understood. She played by the rules, but it wasn't enough to deal with the Goblin Market.

I really enjoyed this because it had a bit of everything. The writing is quirky, fantastical, peppered with themes of friendship and family. Not to mention that the ending is heartbreaking. 😥

Also, so much of this non-fairy tale seemed purposely disjointed because Lundy's story couldn't be told any other way.

Love this series!


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LONG LIVE THE PUMPKIN QUEEN by Shea Ernshaw

 

Long Live the Pumpkin Queen: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas by Shea Ernshaw
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of my favourite movies, and I read the Disney novelisation last week, so I wanted to check this one out as well.

Sally and Jack are finally married, but with Halloween celebrations around the corner, she has to perform her queenly duties. Except, Sally wants to live her own life with Jack, not have to fulfill a bunch of expectations for Halloween Town. Her need to escape all the unwanted attention and scrutiny leads her into the dark woods with Zero, where they stumble on something hidden...

Wow. I LOVED this! Sally's story is wondrous and magical. A beautiful fairy tale all of her own. Where she gets to discover new worlds, gets to know herself, and saves the love of her life.

Sally has been one of my favourite characters for a long time. So, reading a story told in her POV, as she goes on a nightmarish adventure outside of Halloween Town, is something I thoroughly enjoyed.

One of the things I dislike about continuations (of my most fave movies) is when the characters feel different. Wrong in a way that alienates me instantly, but that didn't happen here because everyone in Halloween Town sounds very familiar. In the best way possible. And more importantly, Sally is still the same rag doll. She still wears her patchwork dress, she still jumps out of windows to escape so she has to constantly resew her limbs, she's still a free spirit, and most of all, she loves Jack. The worst thing, but a vital detail in keeping in character, is that she carries over Dr. Finkelstein's whiny voice constantly berrating her thoughts.

The introduction of the other holiday towns was very well done. In a way that adds and expands Tim Burton's world. The details are vivid and so atmospheric that I felt like I was actually there. And Dream Town, with all its comfy aesthetics and stories, was my fave.

Not to mention the revelation that made me happy, then sad, until I was ecstatic all over again. 😊😫😁

Also, the cover featuring Sally, the Pumpkin Queen is beautiful. 🖤🎃🖤


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DEMON IN THE WOOD: A Shadow and Bone Graphic Novel by Leigh Bardugo & Dani Pendergast

 

The Darkling's origin story comes alive in this exquisitely illustrated prequel to Shadow and Bone.

Before he led Ravka's Second Army, before he created the Fold, and long before he became the Darkling, he was just a lonely boy burdened by an extraordinary power. Eryk and his mother, Lena, have spent their lives on the run. But they will never find a safe haven. They are not only Grisha - they are the deadliest and rarest of their kind. Feared by those who wish to destroy them and hunted by those who would exploit their gifts, they must hide their true abilities wherever they go. But sometimes deadly secrets have a way of revealing themselves . . . 

I really enjoyed the Grisha Trilogy, so of course I was interested in reading the Darkling's origin story.

Being Grisha means that Eryk and his mother Lena are constantly on the run. They need to hide from those who fear and want to kill them. But Eryk's power is different even amongst the Grisha, so they have to be extra careful...

This story might be short, but packs quite a punch. It's so strange to see the Darkling as such a timid young man who listens to everything his mother tells him, even though he dreams of living in one place where his kind can be safe. It was also bizarre to watch others trying to take advantage of him.

I mean, I know what he's capable of and everything he does afterwards. So yeah, it was nice to see he wasn't always an arrogant tyrant.

This is a graphic novel, and I need to mention how beautiful it is. Every illustration adds so much to the words, enhancing Eryk's tale while giving a visual peek into this dark and dangerous world. Not to mention, his power.

Demon in the Wood is another brilliant addition to the Grishaverse. It not only provides insight into a young man who simply wants a home, but is also chilling when you remember what comes next.

It's a keeper!

Thank you Hachette Australia for sending me a copy.

Demon in the Wood: A Shadow and Bone Graphic Novel, September 2022, ISBN 9781510111141, Orion Children's Books

FORTUNATELY, THE MILK: Neil Gaiman & Chris Riddell

 

Fortunately, The Milk... by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My husband found this charming little book in a thrift store a few weeks ago, and after binging The Sandman series on Netflix, I was definitely craving some Gaiman. So, I picked this up this morning and read it in a few sittings.

When Mum's away, the kids depend on Dad. He seems to have everything under control, too. Until they realise they're out of milk and can't have cereal for breakfast. So, Dad goes to get some but is gone for ages, and when he gets back he's got a fantastical reason...

I loved this! It's funny and the story unfolds in such an easy and clever way.

The Chris Riddell illustrations enhance this very quirky and fun tale about one father's quest to buy milk and get back home. While squeezing in an alien abduction, a very interesting inventor, pirates, a wrathful god, vampires, dinosaurs, a lot of time travel, and piranhas.

Yeah, this book is packed full of awesome stuff.

Plus, I loved that ending!

Neil Gaiman writes some very engaging stories, and never lets genre restraints get in his way.



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A FAR WILDER MAGIC by Allison Saft

In the dark, gothic town of Wickdon, Maggie Welty lives in an old creaking manor. Maggie's mother is an alchemist who has recently left town, leaving Maggie with just her bloodhound for company. But when Maggie spots a legendary ancient fox-creature on her porch, her fate is changed forever. Whoever tracks down and kills the hala in the Halfmoon Hunt will earn fame and riches - and if Maggie wins the hunt, she knows her mother will want to celebrate her. This is her chance to bring her home.

But the rules state that only teams of two can join the hunt, and while Maggie is known as the best sharpshooter in town, she needs an alchemist.

Enter Wes Winters. He isn't an alchemist ... yet. Fired from every apprenticeship he's landed, this is his last chance.

Maggie and Wes make an unlikely team - a charismatic but troubled boy, and a girl who has endured life on the outskirts of a town that never welcomed her. But as the hunt takes over, the pair are drawn together as they uncover a darker magic that may put everything they hold dear in peril...

 

This book caught my eye when I was looking through the Hachette catalogue a few months ago. I thought the cover was lovely and when I read the description, I was definitely interested.

Maggie Welty lives in an old manor in the town of Wickdon. Her mother is an alchemist who often leaves her alone in a place where she's only liked by a handful of people. Weston Winters lives in the city with his mother and sisters. He desperately wants to become an alchemist. That's how he ends up on Maggie's doorstep, and begins a magical adventure with this strange girl...

Wow. What an amazing and super addictive tale. I couldn't stop reading because I wanted to know how this was going to turn out. And it didn't disappoint.

When I started reading this book I just wanted a sample, a small taste of what lay hidden between the pages of this pretty book. But before I realised what was happening, I was halfway through and didn't want to stop because I was instantly captivated by the interesting characters, the fascinating alchemical world, and the mysterious white fox. I also wanted to know where Maggie's mother was, and why she would be so careless about her responsibilities to a daughter who wants and deserves her attention.

I loved how the vivid descriptions of the town of Wickdon spring off the page as easily as the colourful characters we meet. And that brings me to Maggie and Wes. 

The story is told in the alternating POV of Maggie and Wes. I was instantly drawn to both of these characters for very different reasons. Maggie is a lonely, self-sufficient girl who is also stubborn, determined, and comfortable in her isolated existence. Wes is an outwardly cocky, somewhat arrogant guy who seems to get what he wants all the time. Yet, his charm only gets him so far, and he hides who he really is behind this well-constructed mask. Together, they're two opposites who will obviously attract, no matter how hard they try to fight it. 

Another thing that I thought was very well written and flawlessly woven into the narrative was the different religions, how they work and don't work together. It wasn't hard to figure out how each was influenced by the real world, but they're re-created in a different light and mixed with alchemy to feature some very interesting worldbuilding. Yet, are still troublesome and encounter the same prejudice.

A Far Wilder Magic is an exciting fantasy tale with a slow burn passionate love story at its wonderful core. It also deals with plenty of dark issues such as bigotry, parental neglect, malicious bullying, manipulation, and the mental scars grief leaves behind. And when everything is mixed together, it makes an unforgettable story that I absolutely fell in love with.

Thank you Hachette Australia for sending me a copy.

A Far Wilder Magic, March 2022, ISBN 9781510110755, Orion Children's Books

THE BONE SPINDLE by Leslie Vedder

 

Filore, a treasure hunter with a knack for riddles, is busy running from her own deadly curse, when she pricks her finger on a spindle. Bound to the sleeping prince Briar Rose with the spindle's magic - and chosen as the only person who can wake him - Fi is stuck with the prince's ghost until she can break his ancient curse and save his kingdom.

She's going to need a partner. A warrior huntswoman with an axe to grind (literally), Shane couldn't care less about curses and ancient texts. But instead of riches, the two girls find trouble.

Dark magic, witch hunters, nightmarish beasts - and of course, curses - all stand in their way as Fi and Shane undertake the dangerous journey into a forgotten kingdom where the sleeping prince's body waits.

Firstly, I want to thank Hachette Australia for sending me an advanced copy of this lovely book. 

Fi and Shane are treasure hunters. Fi is interested in the wealth that books, spells and knowledge provide. Shane loves the wealth in treasure. Together, they set out to find a forgotten kingdom where a prince lies asleep inside a tower waiting to be rescued. Fi has secrets and a curse, while Shane just wants to escape her past and collect payment. But what they find will test them every step of the way...

O.M.G. I absolutely loved this fantastic fairy tale retelling. It's the best kind of fantasy story. One that focuses on the strengths and flaws of different girls by treating them like people. Actually, one of my fave things about this happens to be how inclusive it is, and how everything just is.

I mean, Shane is referred to as a huntsman throughout. And her sexuality is never questioned or judged. It just is. I loved that!

In this tale, the girls save themselves and everyone else as well. There's nothing they're not prepared to tackle and I was there for every new obstacle, confrontation and surprise that stood in their way.

The story is told in the alternating POVs of Fi and Shane. And also includes a few snippets from Briar, which really rounds everything out perfectly. Through each narrator, we not only get to experience a thrilling, fast-paced adventure as everything unfolds, but we also get a glimpse of each character's tortured past. I especially liked finding out why each girl became a hardened treasure hunter. These flashbacks provided a wonderful thread woven into the overall tapestry of this intriguing tale.

The Bone Spindle is a magical wild ride full of adventure, interesting characters worth investing time with, a touch of intoxicating romance, and the worldbuilding is totally amazing. There are plenty of familiar tales included within the pages of this awesome book, but the overall plot stands out on its own and hooked me in right away.

I'm really looking forward to following Fi, Shane and Briar's next adventure.

Also, I love the very pretty cover. 

The Bone Spindle, January 2022, ISBN 9781444966145, Hodder Children's Books

IRONSIDE by Holly Black

 

Ironside: A Modern Faerie Tale by Holly Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another book I've had on my bookshelf for way too long. It's also the last book in a trilogy and it's about time I read it.

Kaye is a pixie. She's also a changeling and is in love with Roiben, who will soon become king in the Unseelie Court. Lost and miserable, she's convinced she doesn't fit in either world, even though she's part of both...

I'm so glad that I finally read this because it's a direct sequel to the first book, Tithe, and I loved that book. It's also a fast and entertaining story that doesn't shy away from the wickedness of the Fae, the cruel games they play, and the violence they're responsible for (and enjoy so much).

I love the way Holly Black superimposes the faerie realm alongside the human world. It's the best kind of disorientation, because one minute you understand exactly where the characters are and what they're doing. Then, when everything slips into the very unfamiliar, shadowy realm of the fae folk, anything goes.

I really like Kaye because she tries so hard to be helpful, though she doesn't need to. Even after finding out what she really is and falling for one of them, she still feels like having a foot in each world means she gets left behind in both. At least she has her best friend, Corny.

Well, Corny has his own trauma and secrets, and is willing to do just about anything to get revenge. While also hoping/pursuing his ambition on being different, which has some very unexpected results. 👀

I had such a great time following Kaye to the end of her adventure because it was great and so very satisfying.

So glad I read this awesome story because it was well overdue. And it's a great finale!



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YOU MUST NOT MISS by Katrina Leno

 

You Must Not Miss by Katrina Leno
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So far this year I've read books I've had my eye on for a while, and this is another one. I actually bought this one a few months ago but have been looking forward to checking it out for a lot longer than that.

Also, will you look at that beautiful cover! It's colourful and full of rage and features pretty birds. Yeah, it really caught my eye.

Magpie's life fell apart six months ago. Her father hurt her mother. Her mother started drinking herself to oblivion. Her older sister left. And her best friend stopped talking to her after a big party. Now, she's finally starting to open up to her new group of friends, but she's also discovered Near. A place she wrote about in her yellow notebook...

Oooooh. This is one amazing book that's hard to put into one single genre because it fits into so many. It's a serious commentary on rape culture. It's a complicated look at friendship and family. It's a thorough study about the effects trauma has on someone. And it's a dark fantasy story with a wicked horror lining.

Also, there are so many trigger warnings that can be applied to this story, it's easier to say all of them. I'm not kidding or trying to make light of it. I mean it.

The writing style is so nice, I found myself falling headfirst into the narrative. Magpie's story is full of mystery from the very first sentence and the more I read, the more intoxicating her words become because we get hints about the series of events that destroyed her family and friendship, but it's obvious there's so much more under the surface.

Another thing that I absolutely loved about this book was the weirdness. And I'm not even talking about the surreal appearance of the land of Near. It's everything. In Magpie's school days, her home life and everything in between. I often found myself wondering what was real and what was imagined, but all of it is tinged with darkness.

All the characters in this book are interesting in their own way. Some because they are so kind and nice (Ben, Clare, Brianna, Luke, Jeremy), others because they are awful (Allison, Brandon, Dad), and the rest because they are absent or just don't bother noticing what's really going on (Mom, teachers).

This story is quite confronting and disturbing in so many ways. It also highlights how a nice, average person who's constantly shoved aside can slowly morph into an angry monster determined to enact revenge.

It's sad, relatable and such a fantastic book. I really (really) enjoyed this. I loved the cover before, but after reading it's also a perfect representation of Magpie's experience.


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KINGDOM OF THE WICKED by Kerri Maniscalco

 

Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe - witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family's renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin . . . desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister's killer and to seek vengeance at any cost-even if it means using dark magic that's been long forbidden. 

Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked-princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia's side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women's murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems . . .

I've had my eye on this book for a while and as soon as I started reading, I was hooked.

Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are witches hiding what they really are from humans to avoid persecution. They're close and have been warned about the Wicked since they were little.

One twin loves to cook in her family's restaurant. The other loves to keep secrets. When Emilia finds her sister's mutilated body, she vows to get revenge on the killer. Even if it means teaming up with the demon Wrath, and everything that entails...

This book turned out to be well written, mysterious and contains some very intriguing worldbuiding. It also deals with the demonic, which happens to be one of my favourite subgenres.

The location and setting is lovely, lush and the descriptions so vivid I felt like I was transported to Italy. Every meal Emilia mentions is done in a way that is guaranteed to make the reader hungry. And the sense of strong family ties seem tight at first, but are soon revealed to be full of secrets that hurt the twins in the worst way possible.

I liked Emilia because she's stubborn and determined to find out what happened to her sister. I liked Wrath because he's mysterious and cheeky enough to entice any summoner. But I didn't like them together. Unfortunately, I didn't buy the romance between them, so I couldn't invest in their connection as a couple.

There are a lot of things I enjoyed about this book, but I also had some issues with the events leading to the end, and how Emilia conveniently stumbles into some of the more important answers.

Kingdom of the Wicked is an addictive story that captivated me from the start and most of the way through. This world of witches and demons is interesting and fully developed, but led to a disappointing conclusion.

Thank you Hachette Australia for sending me a copy! 

Kingdom of the Wicked, November 2020, ISBN 9781529350456, Hodder & Stoughton

VASSA IN THE NIGHT by Sarah Porter

Vassa in the Night by Sarah Porter

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've had this book on my Paperwhite for a while and have been meaning to read it even longer. But this weekend, I decided it was definitely time.

Vassa lives in an apartment in Brooklyn with her stepmother, stepsister and half-sister. They're not your average family, but Vassa isn't an average teenager. For one, she has a pesky magical companion. And the nights seem to last longer all the time.

The night one of her sisters sends her off to buy lightbulbs, she finds herself stuck inside a very dangerous store working for a wicked woman, inside a patch of land that plays by its own freaky rules...

What an awesome & bizarre book this turned out to be. In the best way possible.

I was absolutely enthralled from the beginning, because this story takes the reader on a wild and fantastical adventure through some murky locations and macabre situations.

It's weird and wonderful, dripping with atmosphere and told in a beautiful way. At times, it feels like falling from one nightmare into another, and then waking inside a beautiful dream. Only to once again tumble deep into an abyss where logic doesn't matter and magic is the only answer. Everything feels upside down and like there are pieces missing, because there are. And finding them is only half the fun.

This story is based on the Russian folktale, Vasilisa the Beautiful. I'm a fan of Baba Yaga tales, so of course I enjoyed this version. Those BY's stores were creepy as fuck, and the imagery so perfect that the bright colours in-store totally matched the all-consuming darkness outside, and the horrid poles around the perimeter.

Vassa was such a great character. She seems so immature and her reckless actions get her in trouble. But at the same time, she handles everything thrown in her path with strength, and doesn't question when things get really strange. She's also caring, and someone who is able to win over the most unexpected creatures because of her determination to do the right thing. And to be honest, the grief she's suffering as a result of her parents is truly heartbreaking.

There are a lot of very cool things that happen, and also plenty of bloody stuff. There's no holding back the horror, and I loved it. Babs is especially horrible, and doesn't care about how barbaric she has to get to keep order in her store.

Oh, and I have to mention Erg because she was cheeky, sneaky, snarky and her journey is as important as Vassa's.

I loved this book. It's special in so many amazing ways. It's got a bit of everything packed into a wondrous violent little package. It also captures the true nature of fairy tales because it's wicked to the very core. 😈

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FAIREST: Levana's Story by Marissa Meyer

Fairest: Levana's Story by Marissa Meyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Next up on my Reading Books I've Wanted to Read for Ages binge is this wicked tale. A story that fits between the third and fourth Lunar Chronicles books, and features the villain in this series.

Levana is Lunar royalty and her sister has just ascended to the throne. She's the scarred, abused ugly duckling no one sees or hears. All she cares about is the one man she can't have. The one man she will do anything to possess...

This is such an awesome book!

Although it's labelled as Book 3.5 in the series, it takes place before the series begins. Yet, it does a great job showing us who Levana really is before she became the cold and evil mastermind who destroys so many lives.

And wow, she's quite a lot. 😳

Where do I start? Well, I felt sorry for Levana for about five seconds. It becomes very clear early on why she's so weird and emotionless. Even though the neglect by her parents and abuse by her sister rouses a degree of pity, spending time inside her head quickly reveals just how screwed up she really is. She's twisted. Demented. Obsessed. Self-destructive. A total bitch.

OMFG, the way her obsession for the Guard she's fixated on since she was a kid is truly awful to watch. Disturbing in its cruelty.

It starts as a harmless crush, but soon morphs into something dark and dangerous. It was so terrible to watch what she does to this poor man. And because I already know where this was going... it's also devastating. Nothing she does is for anyone but herself. Even when it outwardly seems like she's about to perform a selfless deed, inwardly we see that everything she does is for herself and no one else.

The deterioration of this character is both slow and fast. It hits simultaneously. As much as I disliked (hated) her so very much, I couldn't stop reading because it's such an interesting story. The writing style hooked me in, the familiarity of the world kept me there, and the trainwreck about to happen ensures I raced through the last half.

I also despised her older sister Channary. She was cruel and gross, and very much responsible for helping make Levana into the delusional monster she becomes. I liked how this glimpse into the cold, scheming heart of the Lunar royals helped us understand so much about what happened in the three previous books.

The mention of so many familiar characters is also very cool. This is definitely a brilliant prequel that works perfectly with all the others installments.

As far as genre goes, I really liked that while this is definitely a SciFi series, this one has a fantasy vibe as well. That the story takes place entirely on Luna is also great, and kept things fresh.

I seriously loved this. And now I'm ready to read the final book! 😁

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THE LAST WISH by Andrzej Sapkowski

The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After watching and LOVING the hell out of The Witcher on Netflix, I decided I wanted to read this book of short stories in 2020.

THE VOICE OF REASON:

Well, that was a short and very well-written introduction to the world of the witcher's easy seduction.

THE WITCHER:

When Geralt, witcher of Rivia arrives in Wyzim, things take a violent turn. But he's there for a reason that involves King Foltest and the striga terrorising his land...

I really enjoyed this story about a cursed princess, the father determined to believe she can be saved, and the witcher who might be able to help them both.

Loved how on the surface, this story seemed so simple but introduced the shitty prejudices against Geralt, the undermining of a clever king, and how many shadowmen are willing to exert their shifty ways into the mix.

THE VOICE OF REASON 2:

Oh! The interlude that started with The Voice of Reason continues to reveal Geralt is inside a temple (after his encounter with the striga) with an old wise friend immune to his charm.

A GRAIN OF TRUTH:

While Geralt and Roach are travelling through the forest, they stumble on a few corpses, a beast and a very mysterious woman...

This was such an excellent story! I love how Geralt and Roach have wonderful conversations when they're alone together. It was also awesome how this is a very loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast, with a wicked twist I wasn't expecting.

THE VOICE OF REASON 2:

Looks like the interludes just took a violent turn with the introduction of the obnoxious Knights of the Rose entering the temple of Melitele in Ellander with threats and warnings. But Nenneke's relentless nature keeps them at bay and pushes them towards trouble.

I have no doubt about that.

THE LESSER EVIL:

When Geralt arrives in Blaviken it's to a warm reception from an old friend. But as he discovers a wizard is also in town, things take a turn for the worst...

Loved this one too! It was just like watching the show, but with an awesome addition of Snow White. Renfri was just as dangerous, clever and ruthless as she was on-screen, but I got a deeper attachment to her plight. It was a shame that she was poisoned from such a young age, but it made for an amazing tale.

THE VOICE OF REASON 3:

A very clever interlude where Geralt talks freely about his past, how he became a witcher, and how talking it through helps him feel better. Not to mention, he teases about the child and Yennefer. 😳

A QUESTION OF PRICE:

During a banquet hosted by Queen Calanthe of Cintra, where she's meeting possible husbands for her young daughter, things take a strange turn when her use for a witcher twists their destinies together...

This was quite action-packed and full of devious political turns that get shattered by an unexpected voice. It's so much like the scene in the show, yet has several differences. Some, which strengthen and further explain why destiny is so important to Geralt the witcher.

THE VOICE OF REASON 4:

An awesome way of meeting the cheeky poet and bard, Dandilion. And a great way for Geralt to ponder about the ever-changing world and his refusal to kill anything that isn't an actual monster.

THE EDGE OF THE WORLD

While travelling with Dandilion looking for work, Geralt stumbles on a beautiful field that is being tormented by what the locals call a devil. But there's a lot more hiding in the flowers...

I loved this story, and Dandilion is a great companion. He's annoying and foul-mouthed, doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut, but he's also a very loyal friend. And I enjoy their banter so much. Plus, adding a member to this group is very cool.

Not to mention that I'm intrigued by the elves, and especially Lille.

THE VOICE OF REASON 5:

Another interlude consisting of Nenneke and Geralt. This time they're in a beautiful cave full of flora and are discussing what a bad idea it is for him to leave the temple before he's fully healed. Oh, and then the mysterious Yennefer becomes the focus of their uneasy exchange.

She's finally taking shape as a real person and the importance of her in Geralt's life. Can't wait to meet her.

THE LAST WISH:

While trying to do a spot of fishing, Geralt and Dandilion stumble on a djinn that gets them into so much trouble they end up crossing paths with a powerful sorceress who has some very wicked plans...

Yennefer! We finally meet Yennefer in this crazy story, and she doesn't disappoint. This is one powerful and wicked woman who does what she wants, even if that involves holding an entire town hostage. Yikes.

Personally, I think Yennefer and Geralt are totally meant for each. They're so different, yet so alike. Two very powerful beings warped by magic and living their lives by their own rules who don't really fit anywhere... Yeah, soulmates. 😍

THE VOICE OF REASON 6:

Ah, the Knights of the Rose are waiting for Geralt to leave the temple and things don't go the way these morons expected.

Great way to end the book!

Wow. This short story collection is something else. It's an incredible introduction to a magical and dangerous world full of monsters. The people who live in it lead complicated lives, the creatures are dwindling away, and the royals are too busy trying to get the upperhand.

I loved how the interludes happen in a different timeline to the main short stories, yet complement each other. Not to mention how well the fairy tales we all know are interlaced into this world, but have a bloody twist of their own.

Oh! And the writing was outstanding. I'm really fussy with fantasy stories and that's usually because I get bored with the stilted writing style. That didn't happen here! The storytelling is smooth, modern, and reveals all the relevant information via very cool dialogue.

And Geralt. I love Geralt. He's one of those misunderstood characters who's just trying to live his life under the shadow of labels other people put on him. He doesn't need to explain who he really is because he shows them with his actions. He's awesome and I can't wait to find out more about him.

I LOVED this book as much as the show. The differences are small and varied, but also shed a brighter light on the important stuff.

I'll DEFINITELY be reading more books in this world. Definitely.

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ADDITIONAL NOTES:

In December, we decided to watch a fantasy show on Netflix called The Witcher.

I wasn't expecting much because fantasy stories often disappoint and I didn't know much about the games. Still, we decided to give it a go and were hooked instantly. We loved it so much we ended up watching the whole season over the weekend.

There was so much to love about the show: awesome characters, interesting monsters, complicated relationships, the magical and dangerous world of the Continent. It was AWESOME!

So awesome that I wanted to read the short story collection it was based on. And, now that I have, I want to read more. 😁

CIRCE by Madeline Miller

Circe by Madeline Miller

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just finished reading this stunning book and absolutely loved it. It took me a few weeks to read because we've been really busy doing real-life stuff, and that means that I went days without picking it up. 😞

But, none of that matters because taking my time with this mythological blend of dark fantasy, adventure and horrific monsters was great.

I love Greek mythology, and have always been fascinated by Circe, so of course I enjoyed the hell out of this book.

Helios might be the sun god and a Titan, but he's also a mean bastard who doesn't care about his daughter. Circe's not pretty enough and her voice grates on his nerves, so he rejects her. But he's not the only one, even her mother and siblings ridicule and ignore her.

Circe leads an isolated, unloved existence, so she turns her attention to witchcraft and her fascination with mortals. When one of her spells angers Zeus, she's exiled to the island of Aiaia.

Her exile serves as a personal adventure that helps her power grow, leads to exciting discoveries, heartbreak and some horrific situations...

Wow. This book is full of so many familiar players in Greek mythology. All seen from the POV of Circe. It was so cool to see Hermes pass himself off as a friend while seducing and spreading gossip. Daedalus was such an interesting and great man. Odysseus was an interesting, yet vain man. Athena was as wrathful as expected.

There were a lot of very cool characters and monsters, but the ones that surprised me the most were Penelope and Telemachus. I didn't expect Odysseus' family to serve such a vital part in Circe's story.

Yeah, let's talk about how awesome the characterisation of Circe is. I mean, she might be a goddess and a powerful witch, but she's also a woman easily lost in her loneliness. She never fit in with her family, everyone who ventured into her life ended up taking advantage of her (or left her) and no matter how hard she tried to make people happy, it always backfired.

Even when she offers hospitality to the needy, they manage to betray her in the worst possible way. It was truly sad, but great to see how she uses experience to hone her skills. No matter what happens, Circe still managed to open her heart and home because it was in her nature.

I love stories about girls/women who have often been described as evil or cunning, but are really kind and powerful, posing such a threat that they're turned into false villains. And Circe seems to be one of many in Greek mythology.

The shitty behaviour of the Gods and Titans was something else I enjoyed. Not to mention how cool it was how other nations and gods are mentioned and co-exist alongside the Greeks. Very clever.

I'm so glad I finally read this because it was just as wonderful and dark as I hoped it would be. The writing is beautiful, the story fantastic, the cover gorgeous the main character is amazing, and THAT ending... Loved this!

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RED AS BLOOD AND WHITE AS BONE by Theodora Goss

Red as Blood and White as Bone by Theodora Goss

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found this story online yesterday and because the title is so cool and the cover is beautiful, today I decided to read it.

Klara is a young girl who works in the kitchen of a castle. She's also obsessed with fairy tales and is convinced she's going to someday stumble into one. Not as the main player, but one who is in the background.

When a naked woman stumbles into the kitchen one rainy day, Klara's convinced this stranger is a princess. So she decides to help her, with surprising results...

That's about as much as I'll reveal about the plot, because this is a story worth reading. It's a fairy tale in its own right. It's the story of a girl considered so unimportant she's virtually invisible, and shows how this revelation shapes her life and turns her into a courageous woman.

I loved Klara. She was so pure and even though her days were filled with endless chores, she was so full of life. And the way she adored fairy tales was absolutely charming. It was almost as if she expected to find one around every corner.

Oh, and you know what was absolutely awesome too? That this story takes place before WWII and beyond. It's so refreshing to read such a magical fairy tale set in 20th-century Europe. Loved that!

The ending was also very cool, because it leads right back to one of my fave creatures of myth.

BTW, you can read this awesome story for free right HERE.

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I AM BELLE by Andrea Posner-Sanchez & Alan Batson

I Am Belle by Golden Books

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Beauty and the Beast and have very fond memories of Little Golden Books, so when hubby found this adorable gem on a clearance table at Dymocks, of course I HAD to buy it.

This is the story of Belle. A young lady who lives in a small town with her father, a quirky inventor. Every day is pretty much the same, so going to the bookstore makes her happy because she loves to read.

When her father goes missing, she dares to go searching for him in the forest and finds a Beast who turns her life into an adventure...

I loved this! No matter how many times I read this story, I still love it. And I really enjoyed how this version was written in a very simplistic way for kids to totally understand and fall in love with Belle and the Beast.

The artwork is gorgeous-- colourful and so very pretty.

Also, because I'm a fellow bibliophile, I got a kick out of all the book and reading references. And just like Belle, I think the best room in any castle (or house) is the library. 😉

I'm going to add this to my Beauty and the Beast collection.

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