This felt really unique and different to me. I liked the small town sleuth/cozy mystery vibe mixed with some very arcane elements. It's quite meta. YoThis felt really unique and different to me. I liked the small town sleuth/cozy mystery vibe mixed with some very arcane elements. It's quite meta. You would have thought this would be predictable, but it didn't feel that way at all. It felt a bit like ifMidsomer Murderswas overtly paranormal, but the main sleuthy character was more like Jessica fromMurder She Wrote.
I really appreciate a slow-starter that hits it out of the park. I had some moments where I wasn't sure I'd like this, but I'm glad I kept listening.I really appreciate a slow-starter that hits it out of the park. I had some moments where I wasn't sure I'd like this, but I'm glad I kept listening. I really love middle grade horror, especially when the author leans into the dark and scary. The villain is a charismatic fellow who manages to exude evil to the wary, but also hooks the needy and desperate in by saying what they want to hear and ostensibly giving them what their hearts desire. It reminds me of current figures in society, and that was very uncomfortable and added to the spook factor.
Our young heroine Zee is a bit of a rebel and an outcast. She's had to develop a tough skin because of her family situation and because she was born with white hair, both of which make her the object of attention to bullies. As she's used to being an outsider, she's less susceptible to the silver-tongued new principal, who seems to be set on making his own little self-help empire in her sleepy little town. While Zee has longings of her own, her sense of foreboding is stronger.
The spooky atmosphere is great. This would make a good movie because the author's words renders everything in a cinematic way. The hauntings escalate to the point of genuinely frightening set pieces and a sense of overt danger to Zee, her friends and everyone she loves. The reader faces a threat that is unexplained, and they are given plenty of time to speculate on exactly what's going on. Zee also has a special ability that develops, which initially contributes to the spooky, eerie vibe.
While this is about the horror, it is also about the powerful bonds of friendship which develops and strengthens in adversity. I appreciated Zee's friendship with Elijah through thick and thin. They accept each other's idiosyncrasies and are there for each other in ways their family cannot be. It made me sad how Elijah's dad would bodyshame him because he was chubby. I thought it was interesting how Zee forms a friendship with her once greatest bully, Nellie as well. This might be spoilery, but it's a very important part of describing the story, so I apologize. Nellie comes off as an entitled brat, but it soon becomes apparent that Nellie craves genuine connection and envies Zee for what she seems to have and Nellie lacks, despite her family's wealth. There's a good message about how looks can be deceiving, and what appears to be a perfect family often hides a lot of dysfunction. Also, sometimes being yourself means being the outsider and outlier, and maybe that's not necessarily always a bad thing. And others envy your ability to be yourself no matter what.
I do think the villain was a bit on the one dimensional side, and I would have appreciated a little more development and backstory. It was pretty scary how he had taken over the town. I guessed what he was, so the reveal was fun and pretty dark. There was one aspect of the climax that felt a bit contrived but I understand where the author was going with that. I just wish she had picked another way to advance the narrative. With those things in mind, that's why this was only four stars. But otherwise, this was a very good book. I enjoyed the audiobook narration as well.
Thanks to Jordaline Reads for talking this book up on her Booktube channel....more
Although this had a shaky start, it finished smooth like butter. This was quite a read. I have had this checked out on audio from my library for sooooAlthough this had a shaky start, it finished smooth like butter. This was quite a read. I have had this checked out on audio from my library for sooooo long, and I am so sorry. No one put a hold on it, so I guess that wasn't too bad. But I still am glad it took me such an extended time to finish it. Honestly, I wish my library let us borrow than fifteen books. It's just not enough for a book hoarder like me.
Anyway, back to the review. I am eating up all the Rick Riordan Presents books that I am reading. Granted, I am off to a rather slow start. That said, these kids books about mythology and legends from a variety of cultures are so good. In this case, the focus is on Maya mythology. The Maya civilization actually still exists, but it goes back to the time before written history. Central America is the region from which the Maya civilization arose, including southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and southwestern Honduras and El Salvador (Wikipedia). The Maya folklore/legends are fascinating, beautifully illustrated in this novel.
The lead character is a preteen boy named Zane Obispo who was born with one leg that is shorter than the other, causing him to limp. He is teased mercilessly by his schoolmates, leading to him taking a year off from school. He loves to spend time at an extinct volcano in his backyard in New Mexico, with this dog Rosie, who is also differently abled (she has three legs). Zane discovers a secret heritage that ties him to Maya legends and takes him an adventure that is dangerous, exciting, and life-changing.
At first, I was confused at all the things that were thrown at me, and I didn't think I'd rate this very highly, but I kept listening because I was curious. I'm glad, because I actually fell in love with this book. There's a lot of strange stuff happening, and there are nasty creatures that come after Zane. I didn't know what was going on, and I felt like that could have been a little better explained on page. But getting past that, I was very engaged to the point, I couldn't stop reading it. I loved how distinct the world-building is, even though if you've read any books about modern day characters engaging with gods and goddesses and creatures from mythology, you will recognize some plot devices. What I'm saying is the author puts their own spin and does a good job introducing readers to Maya folklore/legends.
As far as the characters, they were very vivid and fascinating. I came to love Zane and root for him. Honestly, Zane was frustrating in parts. He has a big chip on his shoulder. His father was never in his life and that led to hardships for him and his mother. But I loved his big heart and how he is unafraid to take risks and make sacrifices for those he loves. And he is fearless in the sense that even though he might feel scares, he still perseveres in the face some really scary and unpalatable circumstances. Zane evolves wonderfully over the course of the story in the journey he undertakes (in more ways than one) as he learns more about who is he is. The secondary characters were great as well. Brooks continues to have an air of mystery as she is portrayed through the 1st person POV of Zane. Even so, she was multi-layered and so brave. I loved how Zane's young uncle Hondo accompanies him on the journey. He was a lot of fun, and super brave as well as he has zero super powers. The other characters that Zane engages with and gets to know are really fascinating. I love reading book with Latin, especially Mexican culture, and I really appreciate that the narrator is Latinx, because the pronunciations were accurate and further immersed me in the cultural aspects. The cultural representation was so well done, and I appreciate how this book looks at the way people who are differently abled are treated in society. Zane had a very hard time with others and kids were so freaking mean to him. I had a hip problem and I had a limp and had to use a crutch for a long time, so I can tell you that is real. I felt for Zane because you can't erase something like that about yourself just to fit in, and nor should you feel like you have to be worthy. I could see why Zane was so attached to his dog Rosie because she was definitely his emotional support.
I have to say the villains are very scary and gross. They were so hateful and I was booing them. There are plenty of moments that have you thinking evil will win, but hang in there. All I'm going to say. There are some very unpalatable descriptions with bad smells and slime (and I am so sensitive to that because I'm such a germaphobe and I hate dirt/filth). I had a lot of ick moments as I read this book.
I love the juxtaposition between mythology/folklore and contemporary setting, which is why my favorite type of fantasy is urban/contemporary. It's so fun seeing these ancient beings interacting with the everyday, wearing baseball caps, jeans, sunglasses, etc. Also seeing this incredible world of legend under the everyday normality (that some people can't even see).
I think this book wraps out so great and I loved how it ended. It totally made up for the slow and questionable start. I had so much fun reading the book. It has some really good humor and great action sequences. I thoroughly recommend the audiobook. I'm really excited to listen to the next book in the series.
Kai wakes up in a watery tomb when an upstart poseur magician tries to take his magic. He has no idea how he got there, but he plans to find out. AndKai wakes up in a watery tomb when an upstart poseur magician tries to take his magic. He has no idea how he got there, but he plans to find out. And he's pretty mad when he wakes up. That’s just the beginning as his quest to find answers leads him to forming unlikely alliances to fight a tyrannous kingdom who has taken control over everything that Kai once knew.
Witch King feels epic, yet very personal as it’s through the eyes of an unique viewpoint, a demon who has the power to inhabit the bodies of humans. Demons are not like the Christian concept in this novel. Instead, they are beings who live in the Underearth but are able to inhabit the bodies of mortal, although their eyes are fully black, and they possess unique abilities based on their nature. So I think they are a very distinct sort of demon. Keep in mind, I am sure that more well read people in this genre may have read more stories with this kind of demon than me. Kai has magic abilities, and gains more when he takes over the body of an enemy.
I really did enjoy this book. But I won’t be dishonest. It was a bit confusing for me. The types of names and the places were hard to keep straight. It didn’t help that I would pick this up and put it down multiple times, as life has not allowed me to have much reading time (and I have so much going on, that it’s harder to focus on a book). It would take me a few minutes to get reoriented when I picked it up again, but I finally decided I didn’t need to pass an exam on what I was reading. Instead I just decided to embrace the experience. Once I did that, it became a lot lower stakes to read it as I could. I was just along for the ride.
I loved that the cultures are modeled after non-European civilizations and there is plenty of diversity (lots of shades of brown and evidence of different ethnicities), along with non-binary and LGBTQ representation.
I really liked Kai. He’s got a very wry sense of humor that I enjoyed. He’s also a complete badass. But he’s not the type whose a bragger about it. He’s just going to do the thing, and hopefully you are not in his way or the person who’s his opponent. I liked the secondary characters. I did get a little bit confused at first on who was whom, but eventually, I got into a rhythm where I was able to read their names and connect the characters to what part they played in the story. I liked how there are different kinds of magical abilities that seem to complement each other. Kai’s ability is very cool and kind of scary, and it gets magnified through different experiences through the book.
I feel like the story starts one way and ends up in an entirely different place, but there is some closure about the initial plot point. The open ending makes me wonder if this would be a series. If it is, I’ll be reading it.
This is not an easy read, in my opinion. It’s going to take some thinking through and focus to read, but it think it’s worth it. I really appreciate Martha Wells’ writing, and I definitely want to continue reading her backlist. I love her sense of humor but also the complexity of her characters.
Advanced Review Copy provided by Netgalley courtesy of Tordotcom for review....more
I've been a fan of Sarwat Chadda, and I'm so happy that he was able to write this book, that in his afterward, he states is very personal to him. I loI've been a fan of Sarwat Chadda, and I'm so happy that he was able to write this book, that in his afterward, he states is very personal to him. I loved how he presented a young character who is a devout Muslim and shows how that is an integral aspect to who he is, but at the same time, he is also a complex young man who shouldn't be pigeonholed. He explored the prejudice that Sik faces due to being an immigrant and being Muslim. While the novel wasn't about COVID-19, the plague storyline is very timely as it explored the hysteria and ugliness around that situation directed to people of Asian heritage due to misinformation and deliberate stirring up of prejudices in our country.
I knew next to nothing about the mythology presented in this story. I did know a little about Ishtar, but it was just scratching the surface. I loved what Chadda did with the story and how he integrated the legends of Gilgamesh and Sumerian mythology. This story has so many layers. It's about family and grief. It's about making a life for oneself after losing everything of value in one's old life. It's about moving on from tragedy. And it's about accepting who you are and grasping the potential for what you can be.
The action scenes were well plotted, and there such a good balance between the action/adventure/fantasy and the character interactions and development. Sik is a really great protagonist. He's sympathetic, but flawed. He grows and changes for the better over the course of the novel.
I loved how Belet starts out as a foil for Sik, and they have a bit of an antagonistic/reluctant allies relationship that grows into trust, respect and deep friendship. Belet is enigmatic, and I still feel like there is much more to learn about her. I hope she will be explored deeper in the next book. Daoud is funny and kind of weird. He seems so shallow, but people are never as they seem. His role in the story turns out to be a lot deeper than I expected.
While this is for middle grade/juveniles, there are plenty of dark moments and grotesque imagery as Sik encounters his worse enemy, Nergal, the God of Plagues, and his disgusting army of demons. Some parts were pretty horrifying and gross.
I honestly enjoyed the heck out of this book. The mix of humor, horror, action, fantasy, and emotional drama is so well done and thoroughly satisfying. I can't want to continue this series....more
It was great to read a Medieval setting romance from SK aka Kinley MacGregor again. The way that it ties into the Dream Hunter series isn't super obviIt was great to read a Medieval setting romance from SK aka Kinley MacGregor again. The way that it ties into the Dream Hunter series isn't super obvious at first, but it's very crucial. I loved the pairing of Ariel and Valteri. He's another tortured hero, but I love my tortured heroes, so that's fine with me. It has some interesting philosophical/spiritual elements that add a different level to the story. I'm still struggling through a reading slump and low spirits, but this book wasn't painful for me to read and I got drawn into the story. I'm grateful for that right now.
I have not been a big fan of William from the beginning. I found him amusing, and he was an interesting companion to the Lords. But he has many characI have not been a big fan of William from the beginning. I found him amusing, and he was an interesting companion to the Lords. But he has many character traits that are a turn off for me. As Showalter started setting up his story to a deeper extent in the later books, I wasn't that intrigued. I realize I am definitely in the minority. Having said that, as a completist, of course I was going to read his book. I am happy to say that I liked the book a lot overall. While William is still not my favorite, I understand him a lot more and I feel like his backstory was given justice, and also, I loved the way that his story arc concluded. Sunny was a very good match for him. I like that Sunny is not timid or shy, knows how to stand up for herself, and to get her way, but also stands up for those she loves. Her heritage was really cool. If you know me, you can imagine how much I enjoyed that.
Although I enjoyed this book, I think some aspects were glossed over and were not well explained. I listened to the audiobook, and some of the scene transitions were too abrupt, and I was left wondering when something happened and what I missed. The story was really complex, with a lot of moving parts, but I feel like things were kind of rushed. I recently readThe Evil Queen,which was 19 or 20 hours, and with good reason. I feel like this should have been longer as well, to give time to wrap up the varied plot elements. I do get that this story is clearly going to spill over into some other series that Showalter has going, which I am happy about. Perhaps she didn't want to reveal too much about those elements and that's why some things were left vague or unexplained. I am trying to keep this review spoiler-free as possible, so I can't say more than that I loved Axel's character and I want more. For the brief time that the other Lords (and their Ladies) showed up, that was great. I think that as Anya is William's bestie, I feel she should have been in this a little more than she was. Although I get that perhaps Showalter didn't want to take showtime away from Sunny.
There were a couple of things I really didn't like that were, shall we say, triggers for me. I won't go into too much details, but be warned if you're an animal lover. Also, I was really worried that Showalter was going to go into the kink stuff with this book. She teased at it, but definitely didn't cross that line, thankfully. Maybe she thought since William has slept with countless women it would be weird if she keep the sex scenes too vanilla.
I do like that while William was protective and affectionate with Gillian, it's clear that Sunny is really his other half and she owns a part of him he could never give away to anyone else. That felt convincing and authentic to me. I think the way that the evolution of his feelings for Sunny was very effective over the course of the book. While the love scenes were sexy and lusty, there was also a lot of tenderness as well. If readers like a rake hero getting tamed by love, this one is a good choice, for sure.
I started binging this series last year, and it really got me through a dark time with the COVID outbreak and a lot of personal stressors. While there is a whole lot of dark in these books, there's also plenty of humor and lighter moments, and these books fulfilled my need for an escapist read when I very much needed it. I had read the first four books and enjoyed it, and just hadn't had a chance to dive back in. I'm so glad that they were on Audible Escape, and then I got to the point that I bought a few of them in audiobook. I didn't have to buy this because my library had it. The moderator Max Bellmore made these a lot of fun. I got to the point where it just doesn't feel right not listening to the audiobook. I recommend the audiobooks if you get a chance.
I hope that William fans were satisfied with his long awaited story....more
I have loved Cameo from the start. Something about the air of tragedy about her appealed to me. To me, she is the Xhex (BDB) Arayal (Elder Races) analI have loved Cameo from the start. Something about the air of tragedy about her appealed to me. To me, she is the Xhex (BDB) Arayal (Elder Races) analogue from this series. If you know, you know. I always love them. My girl crush type is the stern, somewhat hardened female warrior beauty with the tough armor around her soft heart. At first, she seems like she'd rather beat you up then talk to you, or she's maybe just a little standoffish, or just all business. And for some reason, they always have black hair and gray/green/silver eyes. I would throw Michonne and Okoye in there too.
So when I knew Cameo was getting a book, I was like, heck yeah. And good news is, I love this book. I see that her and Kane are really good friends and that's good for both of them. I admit I liked her with Torin, although I totally see why they didn't work together. When that didn't turn out, I wondered who she would end up, and I didn't expect it to be a guy like Lazarus at all. So Lazarus isn't the kind of hero I typically gravitate to. He's arrogant, rude, on the surface kinda sleazy, and all the things I'm like, "no thanks" about generally. But, but, wow, the way he melts for Cameo and absolutely falls head over heels for her, it was a joy to read. This king would legitimately hand his crown over to his queen. Watching him fold for her turned me into mush. Now, I love them as a couple. I really want to do a reread because this is one of my top five from the series. I'm probably going to get dragged for this but I much prefer Lazarus to William. I think it's because Lazarus at heart really isn't a selfish person like William is. But this review is not about William bashing.
Poor Cameo. I feel like her demon is one of the worst because she makes everyone so sad. That must be awful to be so isolated. That's why I love how much Lazarus loves on her.
To me, Lazarus and Cameo are a power couple. I might to make some fan art of them. I love a big strong man who loves his tough strong woman.
The story is good, and I had no complaints, but I mainly fangirled over Camazarus when I read this. Obviously five stars!...more
As dark as the series is, this was by far the darkest. It's like Libba Bray leads the reader to the cliff, walks beside them and entertains them withAs dark as the series is, this was by far the darkest. It's like Libba Bray leads the reader to the cliff, walks beside them and entertains them with a disarming smile, and then goes behind them and pushes them off. I mean....
Yeah, if you got attached to some characters, I feel for you. I feel for me.
This book examines spiritual darkness but human darkness equally. The 20s was a time of frivolity, but beneath lurked many fears and prejudices that spilled over into hatred. She doesn't shy away from showing the truth of the bigotry that has always existed in the great nation of America. While the story focuses on the Diviners and their gift and blessing, it's a metaphor for the Other, be it black, foreign, Jewish, Muslim, Gay, Lesbian, poor, disabled, Communist. You name it. She also examines the way that we can betray our own due to our fears and suspicions and prejudices.
I think this series has gotten increasingly mature in its subject matter, although it was never one for the younger aged readers. This volume, I would hesitate to recommend to anyone under fourteen, or at least without a parent reading it first. But despite that, I think it has something really good to teach about American history. There have always been people who seek to control, and don't hesitate to use our fears against each others. There's always been demagogues who throw around catch phrases about Making American Great Again, but beneath it is a menace that stirs up hatred and violence.
There were aspects in each book that scared me. I feel that in this book, it's the human evil that scared me the most, if I'm honest. I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store for the remaining characters as I mourn those who have been lost.
This is an ugly story. No, the art isn't ugly. The art is beautiful (I mean I guess for the blood and guts parts, but even with that, the colors are sThis is an ugly story. No, the art isn't ugly. The art is beautiful (I mean I guess for the blood and guts parts, but even with that, the colors are so striking). No, Dylan's character arc is very ugly. He had a bad day and a bad moment and made a bad choice, and now he's beholden to a power that is forcing him to kill people. This novel puts you in his skin and you have to cringe your way through each moment that seems to get worse.
I was a little shocked at how far things went in this book. They show a lot. Now I have read adult graphic novels before, so don't @ me, but I don't know. Maybe it's been a while, but I had to blow up scenes on my Kindle to make sure I was seeing what I thought I was seeing. Suffice it to say, this one is not for the faint of heart. Graphic violence and plenty of very descriptive nudity. But also, the worst of human nature as well.
I like Dylan. I mean I feel bad for him. I can't stand Kira. She comes off as manipulative and wants to have her cake and eat it. I just feel like she's playing Dylan. Not to say she doesn't care about him, but on her own terms. She's hurting him more than helping him.
Will I read the next one? Well, I have to. I need to know what happens next.
Ed Brubaker can write. The artistic team of Sean Phillips and Elizabeth Breitweiser delivers. Read it if you want an interesting take on the masked vigilante.
Weird. Yeah, I know that 'weird' is essential to Hellboy. But this was really weird. A hodge podge of horror with science fiction. Hellboy is awesomeWeird. Yeah, I know that 'weird' is essential to Hellboy. But this was really weird. A hodge podge of horror with science fiction. Hellboy is awesome as always. His team kind of blurs together for me. Good action, but nothing that stood out and made me say wow. Having said that, it's Hellboy, so it's good....more
This is even darker than the first book. Ash's problems grow exponentially. He suffers a terrible personal loss that drives him over the edge and forcThis is even darker than the first book. Ash's problems grow exponentially. He suffers a terrible personal loss that drives him over the edge and forces him to return to the place of origin of his dark powers: India. This time, he is following the trail of Alexander Savage, his nemesis with strange companions, the street thief John and Parvati, a half-demon girl with a very ancient heritage. Ash has to face that the person he was before will never fit again. Too much has happened, and integrating all his past selves into that mundane existence doesn't work.
I know little to nothing about Indian mythology and folklore, but this book fills in a lot of those gaps. Ash has powers endowed by the black goddess, Kali, and that means that he draws from death energies. A horrible thing when it becomes apparent that those closest to him give him even more energy. Ash is learning the cost of his abilities and what powers they give him. He gains the accumulated knowledge of his past lives, but must suffer through the violent memories of those past selves and for them not to take control of him. The people, history, and places of India are vividly illustrated in this book.
Chadda writes excellent action, and there are no opportunities to be bored. Ash is an ideal hero, likable and snarky, and while he's powerful, he has not allowed those powers to give him a sense of overpowering arrogance, knowing how flawed those abilities truly are.
This book isn't for those who balk at seeing young people in danger. Oh, there is plenty of danger for the youngsters in this book. Some blood and guts, but not over the top. Ash and his companions end up in some nasty scrapes, and the bad guys aren't afraid of harming a young boy, or anyone else who gets in the way.
The characterizations are complex and layered. There are no blacks and whites, but instead each person has a little of both inside of them. Ash has to decided what path he will take and what he is willing to sacrifice to defeat Alexander Savage and to gain his greatest hope in this book.
The narrator does an excellent job with the various accents, Indian and British, not stereotyping either. I have enjoyed both books on audiobook and I hope to continue listening to the series in the future.
This series is a distinctive one, touching on a culture that is not often explored in young adult books. While the ending isn't strictly a cliff-hanger, it ends in a way that will make readers eager and ready for the next book, myself included. I'm looking forward to more adventures with Ash Mistry.
This is definitely hardboiled horror. I read this during the day, but I wouldn't read this before bed. It's very dark and some of the aspects and imagThis is definitely hardboiled horror. I read this during the day, but I wouldn't read this before bed. It's very dark and some of the aspects and imagery are pretty disturbing. I couldn't tell if the author was going for a Lovecraft mythos kind of vibe or more of a Satanic/black magic kind of thing. Maybe both. There are many questions, particularly about the lead female character. What is she? Who is she? Why does she lead every man she encounters down the road of destruction. The author who is a prominent character did not inspire my sympathy in any way. The sad results of his choices did bother me, but moreso because of the innocents who were hurt because of his obsession with that woman. I am not sure if I will continue this. Part of me is curious, but I didn't like the way this made me feel as I read it. I've learned to go with my gut in my reading choices. Having said that, if you like the strange intersection of genres, particularly hardboiled/noir crime thriller and horror, you might pick this up. I would give this four stars because it's very well-written....more
This was a trippy one. Wolverine wakes up in Hell, but there's no explanation for how he ended up there, at least not at the beginning. You find out dThis was a trippy one. Wolverine wakes up in Hell, but there's no explanation for how he ended up there, at least not at the beginning. You find out dribs and drabs of information as the story goes along, but plenty of disturbing scenes in the process. I can't decide what was more disturbing: Wolverine in Hell or the fact that he was doing his darnedest to send his friends and loved ones there along with him and not getting why. A little bit confusing of a read to me. And just the subject matter was kind of odd. I'm not used to Wolverine being in a metaphysical context (especially with sorcery and demonic possession as a factor.) It was interesting, that's for sure....more
"Veil" is an effective horror graphic novel from a proven writer in Greg Rucka. It's about a creature who was summoned from dark magic but seems to re"Veil" is an effective horror graphic novel from a proven writer in Greg Rucka. It's about a creature who was summoned from dark magic but seems to retain an innocence and vulnerability that makes predators want to prey on her and protectors want to keep her safe. The artwork is beautiful but also disturbing. The prevalence of sewer rats will creep out those with musophobia. They have a weird psychic connection with Veil that adds a disturbing connotation to the story. The urban setting adds to the atmosphere of fear in that the urban jungle is full of predators of all kinds. Add a secret group who resorts to black magic to achieve desired goals and the creepy factor gets very high. Although a dark story, there is some light in it that makes the ending satisfying for me. I would read further volumes....more
Danielle The Book Huntress
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