@bookish_rona - Circe by Madeline Miller -
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A book that resonates with me everyday, and powered me back into my love for reading.
This was one commanding book, the ideas and themes brought up in this book are so perfectly situated for today's day and age. Although you are reading a story set in mythological times it feels at one with today's issues.
The development of Circe from a meek and defenceless child to strong, powerful, and independent witch is so inspiring.
This novel pushed me to believe in myself, no matter the odds always be a powerful woman and be unashamed for it!
@emmathebookowl - Wilder Girls by Rory Power -
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I went into this book expecting to like it. And boy was I wrong, because I loved it!
Body horror is what gets me, that and jump scares. There was a lot of it in this book, which I was expecting because it was a horror. This book had me squirming and cringing and grossed out (which in this case means it did its job). The detail Rory went into with the various things the Tox did with these girls' bodies was outstanding. There was so many different variations of this disease.
This book reminded me a lot of Lord of the Flies, but I'm in no way saying Rory copied that book. I just saw the similarities of children being confined, not knowing what to do, and waiting to be helped.
You need to read this book. Seriously. It's amazing.
@aoifereads_ - Birthday by Meredith Russo -
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Maybe that's what life is about: surviving what you can't control and clinging to the good things the winds whip up.”
This book gave me all the feels. Warning: Have a box of tissues at the ready.
Birthday by Meredith Russo tells the story of a trans teenager and the author herself is trans.
Eric and Morgan have known each other since birth— they were born on the same day, at the same time, in the exact same place.
Even though Morgan and Eric have been friends since birth, the story starts when they’re both 13 and continues on, in time jumps, to their 18th birthday.
This book is told in the first person point of view following the two characters.
As soon as I read Morgan’s view I felt heartbroken for him because of his mum. I cried so much reading this book! I also really liked Eric. He was such a good person and a caring friend despite having a difficult relationship with his brothers and dad.
Their struggles felt so real and the secrets they live with made me ache for them. I just wanted to give them a hug at so many parts of the book.
Both boys went through life doing what their dads wanted even though they felt unhappy with it. Eric wanted to play the guitar, while Morgan struggled with who he is on the inside.
At each birthday, l read about their struggles, from feelings to friendships to family. One particular aspect I really liked were the letters that Morgan would read from his mum on his birthday that she wrote before she passed away.
I genuinely think so many people will relate to this book and it will potentially save lives.
Themes; LGBTQIA+ relationships, family, teenage school life, ya literature
TW: suicide, death of a parent, homophobia, transphobia, bullying, alcohol abuse.
@toomanybooks2020 - A Good Girls Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I picked this up in a little newsagents in the way home from a girls trip, I just wanted something easy to read for the bus. It’s was described as a YA whodunit mystery thriller. It wouldn’t have been something I would normally have picked up but there wasn’t much other choice
Wow, am I glad I picked this! I devoured it in 2 days! Could not put it down!!
It’s written in journal-like entries decorated with newspaper clippings, charts, text screenshots, and interview recordings. During your reading, you’ll feel like you’re right there solving the crime alongside Pippa.
The book is filled with plot twists. I have read many thrillers and successfully guessed who might have been the culprits but with this book each time I thought I knew how it would end there was another twist.
I got so wrapped up and felt for the characters especially the relationship forming between Pippa and Ravi. You could barely tell the book has romance as it was quite subtle. You also get to see how Pippa and her relationship with her family which is heartwarming.
So many questions go through your head whilst reading this! Who killed Andie, who is threatening Pip, will she ever find out the truth?
@booksandteabreaks - The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book made me cry multiple times- both from the content and from what it means. Finding prominent LGBTQ+ characters in fiction is hard. Finding them in fantasy stories is even harder which is why this book is so important. It follows Magnus and Alec’s relationship while maintaining the right amount of romance and thrilling fantasy. I loved seeing their relationship in greater depth and it warms my heart to think that kids who are questioning their sexualities will be able to find representation and role models in their much loved fantasy books. I just wish books like these had been around when I was younger. As soon as I finished it, I felt upset because I couldn’t read it for the first time ever again. Also, read the author’s note (which may have ruined my mascara!). It’s eye opening and shocking and just please read it.
@onlyforthebooks - Birdbox by Josh Malerman
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It wasn’t a long book however I wish it had another 200 pages as I needed more details. It was an amazing read and it keeps you on edge. I had been putting off watching Bird Box for a while due to the hype which it had and I was sure that it wasn’t as good as people were making it out to be. Then I found this gorgeous cover and realised that I can read the book as watching movies is something that I like doing that much.
Something which I wanted to find out was what the creatures were however there was never any specific details about them. Every time that someone went outside it was always a risk with them seeing something that could drive them crazy. Will definitely be seeing the movie now to see how much they follow the book.
@stvllaric - Heartless by Marissa Meyer
⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“When pleased, I beat like a drum. When sad, I break like glass. Once stolen, I can never be taken back. What am I?”
Heartless is the prequel to Alice in Wonderland, telling the readers the heartbreaking story of how the Queen of Hearts (Catherine in the book) went from a kind and sweet baker to the cruel, ruthless woman known for beheading people.
her.
This story transitioned smoothly from character introductions and developments, to describing in precision the whimsical world that is Wonderland;
not to mention the memorable characters, such as Raven, Chesire and Hatta who possess similarities to the original characters, courtesy of Meyer’s own unique spin.
What kind of a person would I be if I didn’t mention one of my newest book boyfriends, the mysterious Jest, also known as the King’s Joker? He had me swooning the second he was introduced and the romance between Catherine and him was *chef’s kiss*; their chemistry was undeniable.
The most interesting part— and also the most heart-wrenching — was when we learn about the circumstances that lead to Catherine’s transformation from a lovable, headstrong girl to a cold, remorseless Queen. Though I knew when I picked up the book that it would not end well, I was still utterly devastated when the big turning point appeared before my eyes.
This book absolutely destroyed me. It was beautifully tragic and I’d like to give Marissa Meyer a round of applause for another amazing fairy tale retelling.
@belvaandthebooks - City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty ⭐⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is probably my new favourite series (I have read book 1 and 2), especially because it hits too close to home as I am a Muslim woman pursuing a medical degree. I LOVE the aspect of Islam history and laws being brought into this fantasy world, also all the medicinal properties mentioned. Although it is not a very positive representation of a muslim (we see it through Ali’s POV mostly), I’m still super ecstatic to see it.
The characters are all so relatable and Nahri is one of the most badass female main character I’ve seen so far. We follow two POVs here, hers and Ali’s — the prince of Daevabad. I caught myself more immersed in Ali’s POV because I can relate to him more, while Nahri is more of an inspiration, someone I would like to be.
The world building is wonderful. If you’re a fan of An Ember in the Ashes and Rebel of the Sands you might be more familiar with it. Everything was weaved in nicely and I was just in awe with how Chakraborty put all of this together.
One con that I did find within this first book is the info dumping in the first few chapters. I was left slightly confused as it goes back and forth in different perspective that you don’t know which is right or wrong. BUT FEAR NOT! It gets easier to grasp along the way and the sequel takes it to the next level.
Would I recommend this book? DUH! This one gets 4.5 stars from me⭐️❣️
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