The Wicked King Review

Book: The Wicked King

Author: Holly Black

Pages: 336

Date Read: October 20^th, 2024 to October 28^th, 2024

Date Published: January 8^th, 2019

Rating: 5/5

Genre: Fantasy

This book was such a wild ride. The Last book reads almost like a villain story so I wasn't sure what this book would be like. This series continues to surprise me and when I thought I knew where the book was going it circumvented my expectations and went into a different direction.

In this book Jude tries desperately to hang onto her power over Cardan as they navigate the treacherous waters of court politics and intrigue. I should hate Jude, she’s menacing, power hungry, and deceptive yet I have to admit that by the end of this book I was enamored with her. We see a tremendous amount of character growth for our violent vixen. One of the things that makes Jude such a fascinating character is her self-awareness, as well as her vulnerability which we see more of here. Jude Duarte is a refreshing female lead that is as ruthless, defiant, and bold as she is sensitive. It’s interesting to see a character that seems so fearless become susceptible to all too relatable fears.

As a character study alone, the Wicked King is an enthralling portrait of a heroine who is morally gray. This book was truly exciting and fun. I really wasn’t sure what direction this book would go in, and the few I had were subverted, yet it makes the story more compelling.

The Silver Kiss Review

 

Book: The Silver Kiss

Author: Annette Curtis Klause

Pages: 189

Date Read: October 17^th, 2024 to October 22^nd, 2024

Date Published: September 1^st, 1990

The Silver Kiss is a poignant and moving work about loss. It's a coming-of-age story that deals with death in a respectful and reverential manner. There's hundreds of teen vampire books out there but this is the only one that truly deals with what it means to lose someone.

 

Zoe has a tremendous weight on her shoulders. She is losing her mother to cancer, her dad is pulling away physically as well as emotionally withdrawing, and her best friend is moving. Zoe is completely alone in her despair and anger until she meets Simon, a mysterious teenager whose dealt with his fair share of loss. While Zoe and Simon form a bond based on shared loss a killer stalks the women of the city.

 

When I first read this as a preteen over 20 years ago, I loved this book even if I didn't truly comprehend what the book was dealing with on a deep level. Now that I've been in Zoes shoes, watching my own mother die of cancer, it really leaves an emotional impact. I found myself tearing up and crying this read through in a way I didn't previously. This book may be aimed at teens but it has enough depth for even an adult to appreciate. I recommend this book for teens or adults who appreciate YA vampire fiction.

A Crane Among Wolves Review

 Book: A Crane Among Wolves

Author:  June Hur

Pages: 364

Date Read: June 17^th, 2024 to June 23^th 2024

Date Published: May 14^th, 2024

Rating: 5/5

Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, YA

I was pleasantly surprised by this saga of a girl's search for her sister set against the backdrop of 16th century Korea during the Jungjong Rebellion.

        The story starts at the end of King Yeonsans later violent rule. Within the first few chapters we are introduced to an array of diverse and unique characters. Our story follows Iseul, a girl trying to rescue her sister. Along the way she meets a prince, Daehyun, our other main character who wishes to put an end to the king's violence. They form an uneasy partnership and Iseul becomes embroiled in a rebellion while meeting a cast of interesting characters with varying personalities and motives for helping our young heroes.

          Over the course of the story we see Iseul and Wonsik, A investigator, team up together to discover the person behind the murders of government officials. Iseul also forms an alliance with Daehyun as they work together to attempt a government coup. During this time we see Iseul and Daehyun grow and mature while finding mutual respect and appreciation for one another.

This story was deep, moving, violent, dark, dramatic and at times romantic and beautiful.  This book confronts a very dark history in which even the good guys aren't quite as noble as they appear. What would be a bleak and depressing story by anyone else is somehow hopeful and optimistic by June Hur.

 

Lucy Undying Review

Book: Lucy Undying

Author: Kiersten White

Pages: 446

Date Read: September 14^th, 2024 to October 2^nd, 2024

Date Published: September 10^th, 2024

Rating: 5/5

 I must admit that I bought this book solely for the spectacular cover art done by Audrey Benjaminsen. Many times there are books with phenomenal covers and less than stellar stories, this book is not one of them.

Lucy Undying is a sumptuous gothic tale full of atmosphere, interesting characters, startling plot twists, Sapphic romance, and feminist themes . The Story constantly moves with different points of view and varying timelines. There's so much depth and detail in this story that I'll be thinking about for this one for a while.

In this haunting tale we are introduced to Lucy Westenra, Mina Murrays ill fated friend from the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker. We follow her as she finds herself, reminisces about the past, deals with trauma, falls in love, and meets an eccentric cast of characters. I want to say more about this feminist take on a classic character of gothic literature but I can't say much without giving away a story that really has to be experienced for ones self.

If you're looking for a deep work of gothic fiction and dark fantasy then reading this book needs to be a priority. If you find yourself in the mood for sapphic love, dark fantasy, and horror then look no further because Lucy Undying has it all. Really, I can't recommend this book enough.

Tithe Review

 

Book: Tithe

Author: Holly Black

Pages: 265

Date Read: October 13^th, 2024 to October 18^th, 2024

Date Published: October 1^st, 2002

Rating: 4/5

I read this book over 20 years ago in the early 2000s when I was a middle school student. I hated it, now though reading it again as a 35 year old I'm not sure what I hated so much about it. I think I was put off by Kayes and Ellen's relationship and Ellen in particular.

Kayes mother is super selfish, she struggles to make a living trying to live her dream as a singer but when you're a parent that's not fair. You should put your kid first and never once does Ellen do what's in the best interest of her daughter. Because of Kayes upbringing she is a high school drop out who steals, drinks, and smokes. She's kind of a bad kid.

She's rather impulsive and tenacious though which makes her interesting. As a 35 year old I found myself really rooting for her. When Kaye saves a mysterious handsome man her world is turned up side down. She finds out the truth about her circumstances and some of the magical abilities she has as well as her child hood friends. Kaye also makes friends with her bff's weird, standoffish brother.

 I admit the story is unusual and trying to describe it without giving away big plot elements is something I found to be quite difficult. It's a good book though and really should be experienced, not just as one of Holly Blacks original works but as an early 2000s YA/Urban Fantasy. Over 20 years later it's still quite distinct.

Honey Review

 

Book: Honey

Author: Isabel Banta

Pages: 336

Date Read: June 10, 2024 to June 17^th 2024

Date Published: June 4^th 2024

Rating: 5/5

 

I enjoyed this book immensely and sped through it in a few days. While I felt there could have been more depth and detail about the performance and business aspects of the job, I still loved this glimpse at the world of 90s pop icons. Underneath all of the glamour and celebrity I felt that this was a very human story with a character that I not only related to but empathized with.

Throughout much of this book I found myself reminiscing about my own late teen's years and early to mid-twenties while reading through Amber Young's journey.  Her decisions, choices, and ways of thinking were really nuanced and accurate to the ages she was portrayed as being. Now that I'm 34 I can see when a decision is wrong, but I know what it is to feel the heightened emotions and feelings she felt at such a young age and know I'd have not made any different choices in her position.

The development and growth of her friendship with Gwen, who was very real and multidimensional, was a big highlight of this story. Seeing such an enduring female friendship was really refreshing.  Her relationship with Axel Holm was also very interesting. Getting to see her as an artist grow, improve and share ideas with another artist was something that I found fascinating as an artist myself. It's so important to have someone that you can be creative with in your life to push your ideas and work.

The inclusion of magazine interviews, lyrics and wikis really helped flesh out the world and story. they really made me feel more immersed.

While I would have liked a bit more detail on some aspects of her life and career, I found this book to be a quick read that I couldn't get enough of.

The Cruel Prince Review

  

 

Book: The Cruel Prince

Author: Holly Black

Pages: 370

Date Read: September 29^th, 2024 to October 18^th, 2024

Date Published: January 2^nd, 2018

Rating: 5/5

The Cruel Prince is an unusual and unique story. It’s not a romance. In this story, there are no heroes. The world of Faerie is full of beautiful, ruthless, cruel decadents. This high fantasy story reads more like a dark gothic tale than anything and I am here for it.

In this story our heroine Jude is no blushing maiden. Jude is a ruthless, ambitious, aggrieved girl trying to make it in the world of Faerie after her parents are murdered and she is whisked away to live with their murderer. Jude and her twin sister Taryn go to school with the gentry of their world. The Cruel Prince, Cardan an arrogant, selfish prince of the high king and his ruthless friends torment the girls. After a particular incident Jude vows to become worse than them and fight back. Whether Jude is likable I cannot really say but she is a most unusual heroine that I find myself fully invested in.

There’s no one noble in this story. We watch our beautiful female main character lie, manipulate, and murder her way through the world. She’s a bad girl, which is what makes her so interesting and different from the usual female leads. Cardan, our handsome prince is just as reprehensible. Surprisingly this all makes for a fascinating read.

The Cruel Prince is worth the hype but it’s nothing like you expect it to be, which I feel is a good thing. It’s full of witty banter, shocking revelations, and surprising twists. If you’re looking for a well written, in-depth Faerie story this book is one you really need to add to your TBR.