Tag: fantasy

July 2024 Wrap Up

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For more information on the books click the title.

  • I read 11 books this month
  • I DNFd 0 books this month
  • Genre: 3 fantasy, 2 contemporary fiction, 2 thriller, 2 romance,1 murder mystery and 1 sci-fi
  • Gender of authors: 10 women and 1 man
  • Race of authors: 5 white authors, 4 asian authors and 1 black author
  • Age range: 6 adult and 5 ya
  • Format: 6 paperback, 4 ebook and 1 hardback
  • 4.3 stars average rating for the month

The Restaurant of Lost Recipes – Hisashi Kashiwai (3.5 stars)

Another beautiful and delicious installment to this series. This book series really feels like coming home and allowing yourself to get lost in the memories of the past. I enjoyed the shorter nature of these stories and their simplicity. This book is a great one to read when you need a break from the world and the intensity of some books out there. Truly a palette cleanser in book form!

What You Are Looking For is in the Library – Michiko Aoyama (4 stars)

Maybe it’s because I am a bookseller but I just love books about books. This is the perfect book to read when you want something uplifting but not unrealistic. If you want to read a book about hope, second chances and life without feeling like it unobtainable then read this book! There will 100% be one character in this book that you can relate to!

I See Your Face, Turned Away – Rumi Ichinohe (4 stars)

I flew through this volume wholly invested in the characters and the complicated romantic dynamics that exist in this story. I love the blossoming relationships of romance alongside the steadfast relationships of friendship we see with our 4 main characters. I found myself quickly changing the page as we uncovered more and more of Hikari’s true feelings towards her classmate Ohtani and wondered how this would change the group dynamic. I felt a strong bittersweet feeling as I want everyone to be happy but I know this is a story where heartbreak is imminent but I can’t look away. I need to know how this series ends.

Death on the Nile – Agatha Christie (4 stars)

I DNFd this years a go after I tried to read it after watching the Ustinov film and I was too confused. Gave it some time and came back hoping to love it and I did. Definitely way too many characters and slightly too many sub plots but the tension and atmosphere was great.

The Au Pair Affair – Tessa Bailey (4 stars)

Tessa Bailey is just unstoppable at the moment and The Au Pair Affair is evidence of that. Just like Fangirl Down this is a super fun, passionate and exciting romance novel in the world of hockey and penguins! Following characters from the book Fangirl Down we watch the love story of Burgess and Tallulah and this book was just so much fun. The one thing I did want to shout out is that Tessa Bailey’s characterisation is getting better and better with each book she writes and her writing Tallulah’s back story was handled with a lot of care and nuance which I thought was great. I normally associate Bailey as being the Queen of the RomCom but it was great to see her tackle more serious themes in her novels as of late!

The Maid and the Crocodile – Jordan Ifueko (4.5 stars)

Now this is set after the event of the Raybearer series but you do not need to read that series before you read this one to understand what’s happening. The world-building was great, the characters realistic and incredibly likeable, the magic so interesting. The conversations surrounding disability were great and it was great to have it be written realistically and not have toxic positivity surrounding it. The romance was EVERYTHING AND MORE!

Gentlest of Wild Things – Sarah Underwood (4.5 stars)

I had super high expectations going into this due to how much I loved Lies We Sing to the Sea and this book proves that Underwood is not a one book wonder. Smashed it yet again! The plot, the characters, the atmosphere were curated so beautifully in a very unsettling way. I loved the nods to the Eros and Psyche myth. It is so refreshing to see Greek Myth retellings done in this way rather than just making it a carbon copy. Underwood is creating something fresh and exciting without losing the appeal of the original myth.

DallerGut Dream Department Store – Lee Mi-ye (4.5 stars)

The book was just a wonder to read. I lost myself in this vibrant, bustling, and incredibly unique world that blends retail work with fantastical elements. I love how imaginative this realm of dreams is from dreams being treated like movies to Santa Claus being a literal character to the ups and downs of customer service. It was genuinely so much fun to lose myself in this story. The pacing for me moved fast with each chapter being quite short and snappy and focusing on a variety of different characters and scenarios. This book balances humour and fun with heart-felt emotional moments that had me tearing up in the staff room. If you want a short and sweet speculative novel about dreams and how they influence our lives for good. Read this.

Little White Lies and Deadly Little Scandals – (5/4.5 stars)

Rarely do I read the sequel straight after the first book. Normally I wait a year or so before reading the next one but this book was sooo good that I needed to know how it ended ASAP. Such an intricate plot, characters you love to hate, honestly you might need to draw a family tree. EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED!

Strange the Dreamer – Laini Taylor (5 stars)

Words cannot explain the mastery at work in this book. Back when it first came out it was all over BookTube but it has since become an underrated gem. This is currently in the running for my no.1 place on my Top 20 books of the year!

The Thief and the Wild Review

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New Alms is a city of sin and vice, populated by all manner of criminals. The ruling Cerenite priests can barely keep order; not that they—or anyone else for that matter—ever try too hard. It’s a den of cutthroats and thieves, and there ain’t many thieves out there as talented or as skilled as Jackson Balor. When Jackson’s hired by a priest to steal an old mask, he thinks it’s just another job. But that’s before he sees the blasphemous shrine it’s housed in, before he starts getting followed around by bugs and birds and three-eyed cats, before he finds out that the mask was a vessel for the Wild God Ferengris, and that by filching it, he’s invited the Enemy of Civilization to take up residence inside his head. Now to save his own mind, Jackson’s gonna have to team up with the very Wild cult he stole the mask from and take it back from the Cerenite Temple. But the priests have their own plans for the Wild God’s artifact. They have their own ambitions for New Alms—and Jackson’s about to learn that there ain’t no room in their design for no-good criminal scum like him.

June 2024 Wrap Up

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For more information on the books click the title.

  • I read 10 books this month
  • I DNFd 1 books this month
  • Genre: 6 fantasy, 2 non-fiction,1 romance,1 murder mystery and 1 historical fiction
  • Gender of authors: 10 women and 1 man
  • Race of authors: 7 white authors and 4 asian authors
  • Age range:10 adult and 1 middle grade
  • Format: 7 paperback, 3 ebook and 1 hardback
  • 4.3 stars average rating for the month

A Letter to the Luminous Deep – Sylvie Cathrall (DNF)

This was actually super embarrassing as I said that this was going to be MY romantasy of 2024. I had posted it all over TikTok and then I got 50% of the way through the book and the pacing got so slow that I DNFd it. On paper this is my kind of book but as I said the pacing was super slow, the author focused on a lot of extra character lore/backstory but to the detriment of the plot. The writing was also super flowery which didn’t help the pacing issue.

Beyond the Clouds, Vol.1 – Nicke (3 stars)

The illustrations in this volume are absolutely stunning. Genuinely I was blown away by how beautiful this volume is. That being said the story at times felt a bit lacking and I didn’t feel a big pull to continue the series.

Quarterlife – Satya Nicole Byock (4 stars)

I am not always sure on whether self-help books are for me but I did enjoy this book explaining other peoples experiences of Quarterlife crises and what might cause them. I related to a lot of what was in this book and I thought it was a good starting point to handle questioning your life choices.

The Thief and the Wild – Seann Barbour (4 stars)

Review coming on Thursday.

Delicious in Dungeon, Vol. 1 – Ryoko Kui (4 stars)

This book came at the perfect time for me as I just got back into playing D&D! This was a super fun and inventive series that perfectly sets up the characters and the plot. I am intrigued by the mystery of the dungeon and I am excited to see what new food will get created.

Holy Island – L.J. Ross (4 stars)

This book has everything I want in murder mysteries. Small tight-knit community, cult themes, plot twists I can’t see coming and great setting. I have been wanting to read this series for ages and I was very happy that after years of waiting it did in fact meet the hype. I will say though that the romance element should have been expanded on or just had more development it felt too rushed for me.

The Game of Hearts – Felicity Day (5 stars)

A super accessible and informative book all about real lives and experiences of marriages in Regency Britain. A great book for fans of Bridgerton who was to learn more about the time period and the reality of the lives their favourite characters lead. I was immersed in this book and while there were things I expected, I was amazed by some of the exciting facts and tidbits the author gives us. We really follow these characters from debuting in the ton until after their marriage when kids are involved and war arrives. Sometimes it did feel that I was reading the gossip scandal sheet myself with all the juicy details compiled.

Fangirl Down – Tessa Bailey (5 stars)

This book is probably my favourite Tessa Bailey story to date. I found the plot devices and structure to be super fast-paced and incredibly engaging. I love a good competition/tournament for a foundation of a story. I enjoyed our main characters both together and separately. Josephine’s search for body autonomy and to be scene as capable and independent in a world that reduces her to just her diabetes was incredibly poignant and I loved how Bailey maintained her independence throughout the novel even with the love interest seeking to help. Wells story about letting people in after a series of betrayals was done so well and handled in a way that perfectly fits the character that Bailey had created. All these personal storylines just made them getting together so much for fulfilling and satisfying to read.

Babylonia – Costanza Casati (5 stars)

If you love complicated female characters, complicated male friendship dynamics, and political storylines similar to Game of Thrones and Ancient Civilisations/Mythology this book is for you! I never considered myself a character-focused reader or a reader who enjoys political storylines but Miss Casati had me eating my hat. I loved being nervous every time there was a council meeting or any time Semiramis didn’t honestly literally everything. I was on the edge of my seat for this entire book and despite this book being nearly 500 pages – you don’t feel it. Every word, every paragraph, every page is intentional and time flies by as you get lost in this gory, powerful, and intense world of Assyria. The characters in this story are so dynamic, tortured, and complicated. Not one interaction in this book is without intention, emotion, or poignancy. The power dynamics shift and change on a six pence and when you think you have figured these characters out Casati will through you a massive curveball that has you questioning the last 100 pages you have read. I could not put this book down. I was enveloped in it and had book blues after finishing it.

Other Books I Read:

  • Children of the Whales, Vol. 2 – Abi Umeda
  • Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Vol. 1 – Kanehito Yamada (Re Read)

July 2024 TBR

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June was a weird month where I read a lot but not as much as I thought I would.

New Releases

  • Title: One the Edge
  • Author: Sarah Turner
  • Series: Standalone
  • Format: Paperback
  • Age Rating: Adult
  • Genre: Contemporary Fiction
  • Pages: 307
  • Publication Date: 04/07


Plot: Joni’s always felt like an outsider in her blended family, and as an adult she’s done all she can to avoid them. The only person she’s remained close to is her beloved Nana. When Nana dies, she leaves behind something an itinerary of pre-arranged activities for the whole family to complete over the course of a week. After years of trying but failing to bring Joni back into the fold, this appears to be Nana’s parting shot. After all, nothing says ‘family bonding’ quite like abseiling and ballroom dancing. With marriage and kids on the horizon, the life Joni’s always dreamed of is finally within touching distance. The last thing she wants to do is revisit the past. But Joni’s about to discover that a lot can happen in seven days. Nana’s Week of Fun is about to change everything…

  • Title: The Au Pair Affair
  • Author: Tessa Bailey
  • Series: Big Shots #2
  • Format: Paperback
  • Age Rating: Adult
  • Genre: Romance
  • Pages: 384
  • Publication Date: 16/07


Plot: Tallulah is smart, vivacious, and studying to be a marine biologist. She’s also twenty-six and broke. So when Burgess, a battle-scarred hockey veteran and newly single dad, offers her a job as his live-in nanny, she jumps at the opportunity to get paid while living in a super fancy neighborhood and being around Lissa, his cool but introverted tween. Her tween charge isn’t the only one who could use some help fitting in, though. According to…well, everyone except Burgess, he needs to get back on the dating scene, and adventurous Tallulah is just the girl to show him how. But as boundaries are slowly crossed and Burgess finds himself pulled between his daughter, who wants her parents back together, and his insane chemistry with Tallulah, a huge rift is formed, and Tallulah does the “right” thing—breaks her own heart and walks away. Though Burgess knows it’s for the best—he’s too jaded, with too much baggage—a chance meeting, and a new push from his daughter, forces him to put everything on the line and fight to prove he learned his lessons well and is worthy of a happily ever after with Tallulah. 

  • Title: The Maid and the Crocodile
  • Author: Jordan Ifueko
  • Series: World of Raybearer
  • Format: Paperback
  • Age Rating: YA
  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Pages: 304
  • Publication Date: 13/08


Plot: In the magic-soaked capital city of Oluwan, country bumpkin Small Sade needs a job—preferably as a maid, with employers who don’t mind her unique appearance and unlucky foot. But before she can be hired, she accidentally binds herself to a powerful god known only as the Crocodile, who is rumored to devour pretty girls. Small Sade entrances the Crocodile with her secret: she is a Curse Eater, gifted with the ability to alter people’s fates by cleaning their houses. The handsome god warns that their fates are bound, but Small Sade evades him, launching herself into a new career as the Curse Eater of a swanky inn. She is determined to impress the wealthy inhabitants and earn her place in Oluwan City . . . assuming her secret-filled past—and the revolutionary ambitions of the Crocodile God—don’t catch up with her. But maybe there is more to Small Sade. And maybe everyone in Oluwan City deserves more, too, from the maids all the way to the Anointed Ones.

  • Title: The Restaurant of Lost Recipes
  • Author: Hisashi Kashiwai
  • Series: The Kamogawa Food Detectives #2
  • Format: eBook
  • Age Rating: Adult
  • Genre: Contemporary Fiction
  • Pages: –
  • Publication Date: 26/08


Plot: Chef Nagare and his daughter Koishi serve their customers more than delicious food at their Kamogawa Diner down a quiet street in Kyoto. They can help recreate meals from their customers’ most treasured memories. Through ingenious investigations, these “food detectives” untangle flavors and pore through old shopping lists to remake unique dishes from the past. From the swimmer who misses his father’s lunchbox to the model who longs for fried rice from her childhood, each customer leaves the diner forever changed—though not always in the ways they expect…

  • Title: The Dollmakers
  • Author: Lynn Buchanan
  • Series: Standalone
  • Format: Paperback
  • Age Rating: Adult
  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Pages: 400
  • Publication Date: 13/08


Plot: In the country called One, dollmakers are vital members of the community. An artisan’s doll is the height of society’s accomplishments, while a guard’s doll is the only thing standing between the people of One and the vicious, cobbled monstrosities that will tear apart any structure—living or dead, inanimate or otherwise—to add to their horde. Apprentice Shean of Pearl is a brilliant dollmaker. With her clever dolls, she intends to outsmart and destroy the Shod, once and for all—a destiny she’s worked her whole life toward accomplishing. But when the time comes for her dolls to be licensed, she’s told her work is too beautiful and delicate to fight. A statement that wounds and infuriates her; the Shod killed everyone she loved. How could her fate be anything but fighting them? In an attempt to help her see a new path for herself, Shean’s mentor sends her on a journey to the remote village called Web, urging her to glean some wisdom from Ikiisa, a reclusive and well-respected guard dollmaker. But Shean has another if she can convince the village of Web of her talents, the Licensor Guild will have to reconsider and grant her a guard’s license. And what better way to convince them than challenging Ikiisa and instating herself as the official dollmaker of Web? Once she’s done that, proving her dolls’ worth in the fight against the Shod will be simple. As simple, that is, as calling the Shod to Web…

  • Title: Gentlest of Wild Things
  • Author: Sarah Underwood
  • Series: Standalone
  • Format: Paperback
  • Age Rating: YA
  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Pages: 352
  • Publication Date: 15/08


Plot: On the island of Zakynthos, nothing is more powerful than Desire―love itself, bottled and sold to the highest bidder by Leandros, a power-hungry descendent of the god Eros. Eirene and her beloved twin sister, Phoebe, have always managed to escape Desire’s thrall. Until Leandros’ wife dies mysteriously and he sets his sights on Phoebe. Determined to keep her sister safe, Eirene strikes a bargain with Leandros: if she can complete the four elaborate tasks he sets her, he will find another bride. But it soon becomes clear that the tasks are part of something bigger; something related to Desire and Lamia, the strange, neglected daughter Leandros keeps locked away. Lamia knows her father hides her for her own protection, though as she and Eirene grow closer, she finds herself longing for the outside world. But the price of freedom is high, and with something deadly―something hungry―stalking the night, that price must be paid in blood . . .

  • Title: How to Fit All of Ancient Greece in an Elevator
  • Author: Theodore Papakostas
  • Series: Standalone
  • Format: Paperback
  • Age Rating: Adult
  • Genre: Non-Fiction
  • Pages: 266
  • Publication Date: 01/08


Synopsis: In How to Fit All of Ancient Greece in an Elevator, acclaimed archaeologist Theodore Papakostas takes the reader on a spectacularly iconoclastic and hugely engrossing journey through Ancient Greece, from its beginnings in prehistory to its end. Marvelling at the exalted moments in Ancient Greek history as well as the more mundane, Papakostas introduces the reader to countless fascinating stories about the cradle of western civilization – many of which upend received wisdom about the empire as well as about archaeology itself. Along the way, he settles questions such What did a Minoan princess pack for a trip to Egypt? How did a Mycenaean public servant kill time when he was bored? How did a raunchy dance lead to the birth of Democracy? Why did Heraclitus suggest that Homer should be slapped? Why are the Cyclades called the Cyclades? A whistle-stop tour through three hundred years of Greek history, How to Fit All of Ancient Greece in an Elevator is an unforgettable love letter to the treasures we’ve inherited from the ancient world, as well as to those who have helped us unearth them.

Backlist

  • Title: Strange the Dreamer
  • Author: Laini Taylor
  • Series: Strange the Dreamer #1
  • Format: Paperback
  • Age Rating: Adult
  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Pages: 532


Plot: The dream chooses the dreamer, not the other way around—and Lazlo Strange, war orphan and junior librarian, has always feared that his dream chose poorly. Since he was five years old he’s been obsessed with the mythic lost city of Weep, but it would take someone bolder than he to cross half the world in search of it. Then a stunning opportunity presents itself, in the person of a hero called the Godslayer and a band of legendary warriors, and he has to seize his chance or lose his dream forever. What happened in Weep two hundred years ago to cut it off from the rest of the world? What exactly did the Godslayer slay that went by the name of god? And what is the mysterious problem he now seeks help in solving? The answers await in Weep, but so do more mysteries—including the blue-skinned goddess who appears in Lazlo’s dreams. How did he dream her before he knew she existed? And if all the gods are dead, why does she seem so real?

  • Title: Appointment with Death
  • Author: Agatha Christie
  • Series: Hercule Poirot #19
  • Format: Paperback
  • Age Rating: Adult
  • Genre: Murder Mystery
  • Pages: 303


Plot: Among the towering red cliffs of Petra, like some monstrous swollen Buddha, sat the corpse of Mrs Boynton. A tiny puncture mark on her wrist was the only sign of the fatal injection that had killed her. With only 24 hours available to solve the mystery, Hercule Poirot recalled a chance remark he’d overheard back in Jerusalem: ‘You see, don’t you, that she’s got to be killed?’ Mrs Boynton was, indeed, the most detestable woman he’d ever met.

  • Title: The Sun and the Star
  • Author: Rick Riordan
  • Series: Camp Half Blood Chronicles #17
  • Format: Hardback
  • Age Rating: Middle Grade
  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Pages: 480


Plot: As the son of Hades, Nico di Angelo has been through so much, from the premature deaths of his mother and sister, to being outed against his will, to losing his friend Jason during the trials of Apollo. But there is a ray of sunshine in his life–literally: his boyfriend, Will Solace, the son of Apollo. Together the two demigods can overcome any obstacle or foe. At least, that’s been the case so far… Now Nico is being plagued by a voice calling out to him from Tartarus, the lowest part of the Underworld. He thinks he knows who it is: a reformed Titan named Bob whom Percy and Annabeth had to leave behind when they escaped Hades’s realm. Nico’s dreams and Rachel Dare’s latest prophecy leave little doubt in Nico’s mind that Bob is in some kind of trouble. Nico has to go on this quest, whether Mr. D and Chiron like it or not. And of course Will insists on coming with. But can a being made of light survive in the darkest part of the world? and what does the prophecy mean that Nico will have to “leave something of equal value behind?”

May 2024 Wrap Up

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  • I read 19 books this month
  • I DNFd 4 books this month
  • Genre: 6 fantasy, 3 romance, 3 thriller, 2 murder mystery, 2 sci-fi, 2 non-fiction and 1 gothic
  • Gender of authors: 14 women and 5 men
  • Race of authors: 11 white authors, 6 asian authors, 1 black author and 1 Egyptian-Canadian author
  • Age range: 14 adult and 5 YA
  • Format: 10 ebook, 8 paperback and 1 hardback
  • 4 stars average rating for the month

DNFS

  • The Stars Too Fondly – Emily Hamilton
  • Rouge – Mona Awad
  • The Mermaid of Black Conch – Monique Roffey
  • The Duke and I – Julia Quinn

Fake Flame – Adele Buck (3 stars)

A super fun and engaging romance that took me not time at all to finish. We had characters that had incredible chemistry off the bat, engaging side plots discussing important topics, brilliant supporting cast, great use of communication. This was just such an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to any contemporary romance fan. And shoutout to the 40 year old FMC. I want to see more characters like Eva in romance fiction!

The Secret Adversary – Agatha Christie (3 stars)

I haven’t read many Christie thrillers apart from 2 many years ago. So I was excited to jump into this story and read about characters I have never met before. This was a good jumping off point for a fresh new series and brand new characters. The characters were engaging, witty and I enjoyed following them around on their escapades. The plot kept me guessing and I enjoyed how intense it was. I wasn’t expecting myself to fear for the life of a Christie protagonist. I had to pure satisfaction of guessing the elusive Secret Adversary which was a fulfilling moment. I will say I prefer her murder mysteries over her thrillers. I can only suspend so much disbelief and I find her murder mysteries to be more structured and therefore more enjoyable for me.

You Must Be This Tall to Propose, Vol. 1 – Fumi Mimifyu (3.5 stars)

A super sweet and funny YA rom com that puts my gorgeous tall girlies on a pedestal. We love to see it. With funny comedy of error moments, this manga is beautiful coming of age tale about a young man trying to grow in order to propose to his childhood crush. I devoured this volume and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has in store. I am too invested in these characters now.

Good Girl, Bad Blood – Holly Jackson (3.5 stars)

Compared to the previous book in this series, I was underwhelmed. I found the interpersonal relationships and Pip’s character arc to be incredibly engaging and compelling. I am very interested in how Pip’s character is developing especially after the events of this book. But the plot was just not on the same level as the first book and I guessed a lot of key elements. And the elements that I didn’t guess kind of came out of left field too much for me. Hopefully, I will enjoy the last book more.

Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun Vol. 1 – Osamu Nishi (4 stars)

This volume genuinely had me laughing on my commute home. A perfect comedy of errors story about a boy who gets sold to a demon and has to attend Demon School. I love how the author uses very on-the-nose plot armor and coincidence to allow Iruma to get through this first initial volume. It is done with so much nuance and is incredibly hilarious. I love the message about kindness and avoiding violence. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the series has to offer.

Covenant – LySandra Vuong (4 stars)

A friend of mine had read this WebToon and for ages was raving about how incredible it was. I knew I had to try the series out for myself. This was an exhilarating, action-packed series about angels and demons and saving humanity. I feel that this volume gave us a really solid look into our key characters and the main plot points we need to understand the series going forward. How the magic system works, the politics surrounding the different churches as well as the interpersonal dynamics between our core characters. I am looking forward to seeing all of this expanded upon in future volumes!

The Devil’s Flute Murders – Seishi Yokomizo (4.5 stars)

Probably my favourite book in this series since the very first book, The Honjin Murders! I really feel that this book is Yokomizo on top form. Eerie atmosphere that builds with each chapter, complex characters that have you guessing even yourself and a plot that is liking walking through a labyrinth it has so many twists and turns. I really enjoyed every second of reading this book and read it in 2 days.

The Worst Ronin – Maggie Tokuda-Hall (4.5 stars)

This graphic novel was a great showcase in balance. Tokuda-Hall did a great job of giving you laughs and moments of sadness. She delivered you moments of outrage and moments of calm. I felt every emotion under the sun reading this story – it was amazing. The characters are complete opposites of each other and therefore balanced each other out. Watching them bicker and fight was hilarious but I did enjoy their more tender moments towards one another. The art-style was amazing. The fights scenes were great and Schaffer knows how to make me laugh with a single illustration. I hope we will see more books from these two and this world!

Before the Fact – Francis Iles (4.5 stars)

This book is such a compelling and thrilling read from start to finish. Diving head first into the intricacies and toxicity of a marriage based on lies and betrayal I found myself enraged for the whole 300 pages towards the main character’s husband. Looking at this book through a modern lens the way that Iles constructs a slowly growing suspenseful and harrowing narrative where each turn of a page makes you feel even more anxiety-induced is astounding. I loved the way you could watch the problem get bigger and bigger when it started off small and you get to the end and you can and cannot believe you have got to this moment.

Other books I read

  • Griz Grobus – Simon Roy (3 stars)
  • Mortal Monarchs – Suzie Edge (4 stars)
  • The Examiner – Janice Hallett (4 stars)
  • Burning Roses – S.L. Huang (4.5 stars)
  • Sorcery of Thorns – Margaret Rogerson (5 stars)
  • Unlikeable Female Characters – Anna Bogutskaya (5 stars)