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currant7's reviews
478 reviews
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
medium-paced
3.0
From someone who typically avoids war themes, I was pleasantly surprised to pick up this book and like a lot of things in the book. The use of magic, myth, and "monsters" was well done, and everything felt real. I devoured the book like there was no tomorrow! The characters and plot were all good... the writing was captivating.
Ironically, I gave it a 3 vs. a 4 mainly because how Iris evolved by the ending did not feel suitable for someone who wrote articles from the safety of a city desk to moving to the frontlines trying to find the truth about the war. Her reaction to love and family was good and valid, BUT the execution didn't make sense or work for me. I have the same reaction as you to Iris' behavior and her change...but I liked the plot twist in the epilogue.
I will read the next book to see if I will be able to resolve why the Iris had to be this way...I am still rooting for Roman on how he will get them back together from the Gods who are separating them.
Ironically, I gave it a 3 vs. a 4 mainly because how Iris evolved by the ending did not feel suitable for someone who wrote articles from the safety of a city desk to moving to the frontlines trying to find the truth about the war. Her reaction to love and family was good and valid, BUT the execution didn't make sense or work for me. I have the same reaction as you to Iris' behavior and her change...but I liked the plot twist in the epilogue.
I will read the next book to see if I will be able to resolve why the Iris had to be this way...I am still rooting for Roman on how he will get them back together from the Gods who are separating them.
The Girl From the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún Deluxe Edition III by Nagabe
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I've been trying to venture out of novels and give graphic novels a go. I've started with the Lore Olympus series. It was an excellent start to keep things current. But when I heard a few friends gush over Nagabe's The Girl from the Other Side. I jumped to have a go. Thank goodness I ordered the whole series on a whim!
The Girl from the Other Side has an interesting premise of a girl (Shiva) and a monster (Teacher) as they navigate living in a harsh "outside world" while waiting for "Auntie" to come back. The revelations that kept coming after each chapter will keep any reader glued to the book!
I found the juxtaposition of a monster taking care of a girl. The Outside Monsters and Shiva's relationship is more loving than the humans that would think so high and mighty serving a higher being.
There were many revelations on simple joy, new experiences, survival, and connections in this book that I had a hard time putting down. Thus, the speedy read from Vol. 1-3. Vol. 3's ending got me choking and bawling my eyes out! It is not what I expected and seems to have gotten from a simple "creating a home" to heavy topics like love and sacrifice. How did it all turn 180 degrees on me in a split of an eye?
The pacing of the books was fast and good. The bonus sections between chapters gave me much reprieve from the cliffhanger cut-off scenes. It was good to laugh at one of the funny experiences. These bonus chapters look like drafts that didn't make it to the final chapters of the official book.
Conclusion: I highly enjoyed this book series and cannot wait for Vol IV. It is very entertaining and has all the elements of excellent, current, and relatable nuances.
The Girl from the Other Side has an interesting premise of a girl (Shiva) and a monster (Teacher) as they navigate living in a harsh "outside world" while waiting for "Auntie" to come back. The revelations that kept coming after each chapter will keep any reader glued to the book!
I found the juxtaposition of a monster taking care of a girl. The Outside Monsters and Shiva's relationship is more loving than the humans that would think so high and mighty serving a higher being.
There were many revelations on simple joy, new experiences, survival, and connections in this book that I had a hard time putting down. Thus, the speedy read from Vol. 1-3. Vol. 3's ending got me choking and bawling my eyes out! It is not what I expected and seems to have gotten from a simple "creating a home" to heavy topics like love and sacrifice. How did it all turn 180 degrees on me in a split of an eye?
The pacing of the books was fast and good. The bonus sections between chapters gave me much reprieve from the cliffhanger cut-off scenes. It was good to laugh at one of the funny experiences. These bonus chapters look like drafts that didn't make it to the final chapters of the official book.
Conclusion: I highly enjoyed this book series and cannot wait for Vol IV. It is very entertaining and has all the elements of excellent, current, and relatable nuances.
The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún Deluxe Edition II by Nagabe
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I've been trying to venture out of novels and give graphic novels a go. I've started with the Lore Olympus series. It was an excellent start to keep things current. But when I heard a few friends gush over Nagabe's The Girl from the Other Side. I jumped to have a go. Thank goodness I ordered the whole series on a whim!
The Girl from the Other Side has an interesting premise of a girl (Shiva) and a monster (Teacher) as they navigate living in a harsh "outside world" while waiting for "Auntie" to come back. The revelations that kept coming after each chapter will keep any reader glued to the book!
I found the juxtaposition of a monster taking care of a girl. The Outside Monsters and Shiva's relationship is more loving than the humans that would think so high and mighty serving a higher being.
There were many revelations on simple joy, new experiences, survival, and connections in this book that I had a hard time putting down. Thus, the speedy read from Vol. 1-3. Vol. 3's ending got me choking and bawling my eyes out! It is not what I expected and seems to have gotten from a simple "creating a home" to heavy topics like love and sacrifice. How did it all turn 180 degrees on me in a split of an eye?
The pacing of the books was fast and good. The bonus sections between chapters gave me much reprieve from the cliffhanger cut-off scenes. It was good to laugh at one of the funny experiences. These bonus chapters look like drafts that didn't make it to the final chapters of the official book.
Conclusion: I highly enjoyed this book series and cannot wait for Vol IV. It is very entertaining and has all the elements of excellent, current, and relatable nuances.
The Girl from the Other Side has an interesting premise of a girl (Shiva) and a monster (Teacher) as they navigate living in a harsh "outside world" while waiting for "Auntie" to come back. The revelations that kept coming after each chapter will keep any reader glued to the book!
I found the juxtaposition of a monster taking care of a girl. The Outside Monsters and Shiva's relationship is more loving than the humans that would think so high and mighty serving a higher being.
There were many revelations on simple joy, new experiences, survival, and connections in this book that I had a hard time putting down. Thus, the speedy read from Vol. 1-3. Vol. 3's ending got me choking and bawling my eyes out! It is not what I expected and seems to have gotten from a simple "creating a home" to heavy topics like love and sacrifice. How did it all turn 180 degrees on me in a split of an eye?
The pacing of the books was fast and good. The bonus sections between chapters gave me much reprieve from the cliffhanger cut-off scenes. It was good to laugh at one of the funny experiences. These bonus chapters look like drafts that didn't make it to the final chapters of the official book.
Conclusion: I highly enjoyed this book series and cannot wait for Vol IV. It is very entertaining and has all the elements of excellent, current, and relatable nuances.
The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún Deluxe Edition I by Nagabe
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I've been trying to venture out of novels and give graphic novels a go. I've started with the Lore Olympus series. It was an excellent start to keep things current. But when I heard a few friends gush over Nagabe's The Girl from the Other Side. I jumped to have a go. Thank goodness I ordered the whole series on a whim!
The Girl from the Other Side has an interesting premise of a girl (Shiva) and a monster (Teacher) as they navigate living in a harsh "outside world" while waiting for "Auntie" to come back. The revelations that kept coming after each chapter will keep any reader glued to the book!
I found the juxtaposition of a monster taking care of a girl. The Outside Monsters and Shiva's relationship is more loving than the humans that would think so high and mighty serving a higher being.
There were many revelations on simple joy, new experiences, survival, and connections in this book that I had a hard time putting down. Thus, the speedy read from Vol. 1-3. Vol. 3's ending got me choking and bawling my eyes out! It is not what I expected and seems to have gotten from a simple "creating a home" to heavy topics like love and sacrifice. How did it all turn 180 degrees on me in a split of an eye?
The pacing of the books was fast and good. The bonus sections between chapters gave me much reprieve from the cliffhanger cut-off scenes. It was good to laugh at one of the funny experiences. These bonus chapters look like drafts that didn't make it to the final chapters of the official book.
Conclusion: I highly enjoyed this book series and cannot wait for Vol IV. It is very entertaining and has all the elements of excellent, current, and relatable nuances.
The Girl from the Other Side has an interesting premise of a girl (Shiva) and a monster (Teacher) as they navigate living in a harsh "outside world" while waiting for "Auntie" to come back. The revelations that kept coming after each chapter will keep any reader glued to the book!
I found the juxtaposition of a monster taking care of a girl. The Outside Monsters and Shiva's relationship is more loving than the humans that would think so high and mighty serving a higher being.
There were many revelations on simple joy, new experiences, survival, and connections in this book that I had a hard time putting down. Thus, the speedy read from Vol. 1-3. Vol. 3's ending got me choking and bawling my eyes out! It is not what I expected and seems to have gotten from a simple "creating a home" to heavy topics like love and sacrifice. How did it all turn 180 degrees on me in a split of an eye?
The pacing of the books was fast and good. The bonus sections between chapters gave me much reprieve from the cliffhanger cut-off scenes. It was good to laugh at one of the funny experiences. These bonus chapters look like drafts that didn't make it to the final chapters of the official book.
Conclusion: I highly enjoyed this book series and cannot wait for Vol IV. It is very entertaining and has all the elements of excellent, current, and relatable nuances.
Burning Justice by Tee O'Fallon
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
It has been a long time since I enjoyed an excellent romantic suspense book, and the author did a fantastic job of pulling me back into this genre with Burning Justice!
I enjoyed the plot, the characters, and how the twists came out. The author took time to build the story and characters, yet the pacing felt smooth. Past characters in the series helped solve the arson case sweeping the Colorado Springs area, which was a nice treat!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Burning Justice! It has got everything I look into suspense books ~ unforgettable male characters, smart and sassy heroines, relatable drama, and heartstopping suspense, plus an adorable furry hero to boot in Blaze!
If this is an indication of how the author writes her other books, you know I will be there for it! I seriously cannot wait to see more from the author and will look into the previous books in the series!
I enjoyed the plot, the characters, and how the twists came out. The author took time to build the story and characters, yet the pacing felt smooth. Past characters in the series helped solve the arson case sweeping the Colorado Springs area, which was a nice treat!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Burning Justice! It has got everything I look into suspense books ~ unforgettable male characters, smart and sassy heroines, relatable drama, and heartstopping suspense, plus an adorable furry hero to boot in Blaze!
If this is an indication of how the author writes her other books, you know I will be there for it! I seriously cannot wait to see more from the author and will look into the previous books in the series!
Wrath Becomes Her by Aden Polydoros
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Rep: Jewish culture and tradition
Genre: Jewish folklore, Young Adult, Horror, monsters vs. villains
Wrath Becomes Her ticked many boxes on my reading checklist due to my fascination with the golem concept and discovering a new author in my book list!
NOTE: My golem concept needs to be revised, at best. I thought it was as simple as reanimating molded clay to do the maker's bidding, but as I researched the topic a bit more, it was more complicated than expected. It's knowledge of Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism) of "placing a soul" that brings both hope and terror.
Vera, a golem and main FC, becomes more than a pawn in the book. She embodied an entity beyond revenge and justice, which was an unexpected outcome by its creator. This book felt like a "coming of age" for Vera, who continues on Chaya's life but also "starts to pave her future" with her later decisions. She exposes herself to humans (more humanoid than her other counterparts) in a more vulnerable way than typical golems with a superiority complex. Her most distinctive characteristic is having a "soul" and being emphatic to all - humans and others. She had her creator's daughter's memories, thoughts, and feelings that made her unique and able to "outwit" her rivals. But given this "advantage," it is also the source of much internal conflict that makes her relatable versus just a "weapon." Her human side made the nuances she represents (especially to the Jewish community) urgent, current, and valuable. I cried during those times.
This book is character-driven versus plot-centered, wherein the actions and scenes happen because of the characters' decisions. Vera will make readers think, reassess, and want to fight for truth and justice!
The plot may sound simple - a grieving parent seeking revenge against the Nazis who killed his daughter and thought of using a golem to exact his revenge. But due to the reimagined and new nuances of this particular golem and a few new "food-for-thoughts" on Jewish ideologies infused.
The characters were complex and with a lot of internal and external conflicts. It wasn't only Vera, but all of the characters had to decide and weigh in what is important to them in the end and how they see their future. Vera came into this world as an innocent. Granted, she had Chaya's thoughts and mannerisms, but she is still an individual with her opinions and innocence. She needed to find a purpose after being "left behind," so that was something that anyone would relate to. It gives a "coming of age" feeling since any child will go through this - wanting to please parents while still being true to what they would want for themselves. It is not unreasonable to be selfish in a scenario one might not see tomorrow.
The book had many emotional segments, but the author provided a counterbalance of suspenseful action scenes and many "rage revenge" moments that made me cheer for Vera. I was stunned by how happy my reaction was to the bloody fight scenes after reading through so much of the injustices and cruelty succumbed by the Jews just because of their heritage. If you have a weak stomach for deadly fight scenes and gory details, readers can skip these but note that some get pretty vivid.
Overall, I found Wrath Becomes Her insightful and enlightening. There is the usual revenge aspect entailed with the folklore, but I was in it for the mystics and nuances of family, love, and compassion. Even with all the violence in a few scenes, I would encourage young readers to read this book since it gives a lot of new nuances on humanity, life, and hope.
The emotions and empathy spring out in the pages from the beginning, and even after the last chapter, these things lingered in me and were impossible to forget. This book impacted me and will be considered one of the most memorable ones I have encountered. Based on the initial letter to readers by the author in this book, I will look through the author's past books to learn more about Jewish culture and traditions.
The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
POV: First-Person
Coming into The Scarlet Alchemist, I was stoked! Although this is not the first time I have read the author's work, and there might be a few similarities and might be related to her past books, The Scarlet Alchemist is a refreshingly new take on the Chinese culture, its outlook on alchemy, immortality, politics, and power!
Fan Zilan ("Zi") is an orphan with a unique gift that will allow her to escape being married off and have a "secure life" for herself and her family. The problem is that this "gift" cannot be known to all because only a royal alchemist is supposed to practice this skill. Also, Zil - a woman shunned in this profession, is expected to be married off and bear children as society dictates. But what would a strong-headed, determined, and brave woman like Zi do when faced with such misogyny and a patriarchal system - takes the rigorous royal alchemy exams! This story is about her journey to greatness while stumbling over more problems to balance her alchemist duty and humanity.
As per the author's earlier books, Lee's forte in creating a ghostly setting with a down-to-earth countryside, then transforming to the lavish surroundings of the royal palace, was terrific to read through. It flowed like I was walking through the scenes, from the grim of the soil to touching the intricate golden wallpapers. The transformations were intriguing and mystical.
The characters were diverse in their outlook and personality. You have the brave and strong-willed Zi, the nerdy scholarly brother in Wenshu, the quirky partner-in-crime sister Yugei, a mysterious prince, the "evil" Empress Wu, the absentee father, etc. There are many more than I mentioned here, but I won't spoil it, especially as Zi met her rivals and alleys in the alchemy field. I enjoyed diving into these characters and dissecting their motives in helping/hindering Zi.
It's impossible not to adore Zi in general. Aside from being the main character, Zi is an excellent example of an ever-developing, learning character in the book. Zi was not born with anything but a loving couple, nor was she brave after she lost it all. She had to strive to be "seen" and worked through several dire situations. She was resilient in learning what she could and earning her way to the alchemy examinations. Her quick wit and ever-adaptive mind saved (and won) her many moments in the book - all this with no formal training but reading her father's notes and whatever she could scrimp to purchase old books on alchemy only.
I love the historical reimagination infused in the book. The author made me want to look back and research more about Empress Wu and the other Chinese emperors with their lives and deaths concerning the Chinese stance on alchemy and how it would later relate to Chinese medicine, qi, etc. My background as an Asian reader helps, but I realized how little I know and want to further "investigate" this side of my heritage.
My favorite part of the book was the author's exploration of the infinite possibilities of alchemy. There were many amazing "manipulations" and "jump-starts" with the alchemy concept - beyond gold creation that was riveting! The book kept me hooked even further as Zi became more comfortable with her alchemy abilities. I appreciate the author's extensive research and constructive reinterpretation of the elements used and marrying a theory in Chinese history, further explained through the book's disclosures and notes.
On the ending...I am still reeling from what happened!!! There were no words to describe how shocked and unexpected things turned out. Just when I could not see any other way than "death," Zu did a reverse 360 (slang for something "out-of-the-box" move) that brings everything where it should be...or so I thought. I should have expected as much since the author's previous books also left me wanting to grab Book 2 immediately! (Note: Book 2 was still months beyond my reach then.) Although the ending would have been sufficient as a standalone, I know the author has more plans for Zu and the rest of the "gang."
The Scarlet Alchemist is a fantastic, spine-tingling (check out the last few chapters) story of family, connections, patriotism, and survival. The book shows resilience, hope, and the cost and determination for a better life. Readers who love dark fantasy, horror, yokai/monsters, courtesan/political intrigue, a few deaths, and bad things mixed in with a big mystery about the Royal Palace that explodes at the end that I (for once) saw coming. Overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one!
TW: character deaths, misogyny, blood, gore, violent and horrifying scenes
**I would suggest this book for older YA audiences, given the above TW.
Her Radiant Curse by Elizabeth Lim
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I almost forgot how engaging and compelling a storyteller the author is.
Coming into the book as a fan of the series, I wanted to hate Channari (being a fan of the Six of Cranes series - where she is written as one of the morally grey characters that cursed the protagonist), BUT my love for grey/flawed characters won over. This book is "her hero/villain story that gave me a better understanding of why Channari did what she did and made me appreciate this prequel much more than I expected.
Character development was spot-on for Channari. The author fully articulated the difficulty of Channari's life and the choices she faced in trying to save her family, especially her sister. It was impossible not to love Channari in this book! I am ashamed of my previous reaction to reading the sequel since learning Channari's life story, who won me over with her perseverance and resolve to protect those she loves and holds dear. She also empathizes with many other characters in the story, and ultimately, it broke my heart to see how much she had to give up to be where she was in the succeeding books. Channari had to do what she did with the life that was "fated" to her. It was not an easy path, but she dealt it all with grace, dignity, and bravery beyond any characters I encountered. Her determination to rise at impossible moments is beyond comprehension - an admirable trait that would determine her and her sister's lives.
The story's vivid imagery and exciting characters enhanced my reading experience. Every leaf and dragon scale described was I was holding on to that leaf or touching those scales that I could not help but relate to them. The plot to rescue Channari's sister and her family is captivating because these "predicaments" never seem to end! Just when I thought things were looking up, something grave happened, so I stayed put.
Overall, Her Radiant Curse is a fantastic journey with Channari and the wonder of magic. The author's world-building was beautiful and written in great detail, with so much love and emotion that it felt like the author lived through these lands. The story had many spine-tingling twists and non-stop suspense, and the "new developments" made the book an unputdownable page-turner from start to finish. If this doesn't convince you to read this book, let the heart-warming theme of sisterly love bring you to pick up this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Abandonment
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, and Death of parent
Minor: Body shaming
Almost In Amalfi by Leigh Adams
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
POV: Dual POV - Raymond Smith and Valeria Aguilar
This book was an enjoyable and easy read. I enjoyed the second chance themes and the calm and rational main characters. I felt ample angst moments and internal conversations that justified each character's actions, like self-doubt and worthiness for the other partner. Based on that, some misunderstandings happened but flowed with the story.
I enjoyed the reconnection / friendship-building between Val and Ray as they discovered the beauty and magnificence of Italy. They explored the famous sights of Amalfi but also the quiet places of a small winery and hikes around the fantastic location. It was like I revisited Amalfi (and more) with the cinematic descriptions. The "spicy scenes" were just right, especially with the irresistible chemistry between Val and Ray!
Overall, I enjoyed reading Almost in Amalfi. It has a good balance of exploration (of Amalfi) and reconnection between the main characters. I also appreciate the author taking the time to build their friendship beyond the second time. I recommend this book to readers who love their best-friends-to-lovers, second-chance tropes, and destination-discovery themes.
This book was an enjoyable and easy read. I enjoyed the second chance themes and the calm and rational main characters. I felt ample angst moments and internal conversations that justified each character's actions, like self-doubt and worthiness for the other partner. Based on that, some misunderstandings happened but flowed with the story.
I enjoyed the reconnection / friendship-building between Val and Ray as they discovered the beauty and magnificence of Italy. They explored the famous sights of Amalfi but also the quiet places of a small winery and hikes around the fantastic location. It was like I revisited Amalfi (and more) with the cinematic descriptions. The "spicy scenes" were just right, especially with the irresistible chemistry between Val and Ray!
Overall, I enjoyed reading Almost in Amalfi. It has a good balance of exploration (of Amalfi) and reconnection between the main characters. I also appreciate the author taking the time to build their friendship beyond the second time. I recommend this book to readers who love their best-friends-to-lovers, second-chance tropes, and destination-discovery themes.