Srivalli Rekha (Semi Hiatus)'s Blog, page 48

The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman - Book Review

Series: The Ill-Mannered Ladies #1

Publication Date: 07th June 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction (Darkish) 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining but darker than expected

1812, England 

Lady Augusta Colebrook (Gus) and Lady Julia, her twin, are forty-two-year-old twins living in their family home. Gus is unmarried and couldn’t care less for people who think she should be demure and drab. Lady Julia is mourning her husband but shares her twin’s opinion to an extent. 

The duo takes up a task to help their beloved friend, Lady Charlotte, which leads to another rescue mission. Gus and Julia have to rescue Caroline from her violent husband. The journey puts them on a highway robber’s path, who happens to be none other than Lord Evans Belford. The man was sent to the colonies for killing a person in a duel some twenty years ago. 

As life brings more changes and developments, the twins decide to help women who get little or no support from others. Of course, they also have to deal with their own issues on the way. 

The story comes in Lady Augusta’s first-person POV. 

Don’t rely on the Goodreads blurb. 

My Thoughts: 

Despite the lighthearted cover and blurb, the book deals with some heavy themes almost throughout. Some detailed descriptions of events may not suit every reader (check trigger warnings at the end). 

Not many books from the Regency era have a 40+ FMC, and I was immediately intrigued by this. Of course, it’s also clear that Gus doesn’t act her age in many instances (the book wouldn’t be fun if she did). 

The book has not one but three different cases divided into four sections. All cases are serious and involve great danger. Gus isn’t someone who makes a perfect plan but rather likes to wing it. This means she relies a lot on luck (and Lord Evans) to come to her rescue when things go out of control. It makes sense in a way because, despite her attitude, she is still governed by societal ideas of men and women. 

Lady Julia is relatively better with caution but can be a little too annoying at times. However, she’s got a good head and knows how to use it. Together, the twins make an interesting pair. Their love for each other shines throughout the book. Other characters like Weatherly (the butler), Tilly (Gus’ lady’s maid), and Mr. Kent are impressive. 

The setting and social conditions of the period were very well done. I couldn’t help but feel enraged about so many injustices that were brushed aside by men and the ton. I sure would have loved it if Duffy (the younger brother of the twins and their family head) got shot by a highwayman. 

Themes like social classes, mistreatment of women, health problems & the cure (or the lack of it), religion (God) and belief, social restrictions, impositions, etc., form a major part of the book. The cases take us through ballrooms, parks, brothels, and madhouses, and Gus’ commentary on the conditions works well for the plot. 

There are a few lighthearted scenes, too, which prevent the content from getting too heavy. The book is entertaining in many ways but isn’t humorous or a fluffy cozy mystery. Some of it is decidedly dark and can be uncomfortable to read. Though I see the need for them, some descriptions could have been shorter. 

The author’s note is informative and gave me more insights about the book. Apparently, a couple of characters are real people. I like how she incorporated them into the plot. 

The book ends on a cliffhanger (gasp!) after 464 pages. But at least the three cases are solved. The main track will continue and hopefully be solved in the next book. I should be annoyed (and I am indeed a little miffed). But I’m also glad that the sisters get a series of their own. They sure have the potential for it. 

To summarize, The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies is darker than what the cover and blurb suggest but is a great start to a new series. It will make you laugh but also inspire strong emotions for the injustices women face. 

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers Australia, for the eARC.  

#BenevolentSocietyOfIllmanneredLadies #NetGalley 

***

TW: Detailed description of mastectomy without anesthesia, references to pedophilia at brothel houses, abuse at the madhouse, many mentions of pee and excreta, references to incest and sexual abuse.

Kismat Connection by Ananya Devarajan - Book Review

Publication Date: 13th June 2023

Genre: Contemporary YA Romance (Indian) 

3.5 Stars (rounded up) 

One Liner: A decent debut; got its flaws but nails the rep. 

Madhuri Iyer’s senior year is full of struggles, according to her mother. Her horoscope says it, after all. But Madhuri is determined to prove things wrong. She doesn’t believe in stars and birth charts, and there’s no way she would have her happy-ever-after with her first boyfriend. 

Arjun Mehta is Madhuri’s best friend and neighbor. He believes in stars, love, and destiny and is pretty much the opposite of Madhuri. When she asks him to be her experimental boyfriend, Arjun knows he can’t say no, even if it hurts him. 

However, as Madhuri realizes her feelings for Arjun, she has to decide if she’ll admit that horoscope predictions are true or ignore everything to stick to her opinions. 

The story comes in the third person POV of Arjun and Madhuri in alternating chapters. 

My Thoughts: 

This review will have a different structure, as I have too much to say. Let’s get started with what I like. 

• Racial Bullying and Culture 

I love this book for one of the major themes it deals with- micro aggression and everyday racial bullying Indians (Hindus) face online and offline as immigrants. Things are hard for first and second-gen immigrants as they need to balance their culture and the society they live in. 

Will you be proud of your culture, or hate it for being bullied? It’s time we stopped considering our culture as the reason for bullying and lay the blame on the right place, the bully with a superiority (& inferiority) complex. 

While the book does good justice to the Indian-Hindu rep and racial bullying, it doesn’t explore the concepts in depth. Yeah, this book is for YA readers, but they are the ones who need to know how to assert themselves and stop being defensive every single time. Still, it establishes the trauma of being bullied for belonging to a different culture. 

I love the bits about Bharatanatyam and Arangetram and how the traditional dance eventually helps the MC get back to her culture. A 14-year-old I know is giving her Arangetram this month in California, so I can only hope she continues to assert her cultural identity no matter what bullies say. 

• Hindu Rep (I refuse to call it South Asian) 

I’m always wary of books by NRI authors as they tend to fall into two categories- keyboard activism or OTT stereotyping. Both rely on establishing harmful tropes about the culture, religion, and people that feed bullies. Fortunately, this book belongs to the third category that presents a more balanced view. 

Madhuri and Arjun show two ways of handling their identity in a foreign land. While Arjun decides not to care about others and be comfortable following his culture, Madhuri hates everything Indian/ Hindu because of the bullying. 

Raina is at the next level, of course. She is super comfortable in her skin and flaunts her identity with pride. Iyer parents are typical first-gen immigrants but align more with their culture (though they want the American dream for their daughters). 

The rep is easily the best part of the book. I hope the author continues to explore the impact of society and how kids learn to hate themselves and their identities because they would rather blend in with the rest. 

• Subplots and Family Dynamics 

This gives mixed results as there are elements worthy of discussion but not all of them are handled well. Arjun’s relationship with Iyer Aunty and her role as his substitute mother is wonderful. Their scenes together are easily the best in the book. 

But Arjun’s relationship with his mother or the absence of his father (divorce) pales as we get only the surface-level treatment. Though we can see Arjun’s pain of not getting his mother’s love, we don’t really know what his mother thinks. She ends up more as a plot device than a parent (which kind of suits her role). 

In quite a few places, the writing relies on an assumption that readers already know these issues so they’ll understand. While readers indeed understand the topics, they cannot form an emotional connection with the characters unless the situation is re-established in the right context. Arjun and his mother’s backstory needed more details to create an impact. 

• Characterization 

This is the weakest part of the book. The main characters are teens, and they do act like one. That’s expected. However, the reader needs to root for them. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to like Madhuri. Arjun is a sweetheart, probably a little too good, but at least it makes sense with his abandonment issues. He would rather settle for scraps of affection from Madhuri than demand everything, as he isn’t sure he is worthy of being loved. 

TBH, I tried very hard to give Madhuri a benefit of doubt. But that girl is so mercurial (and not to mention self-centered) that I wanted to knock sense into her head multiple times. It gets difficult to support someone you don’t even like! 

I feel the issue is with execution. The idea of Madhuri and what she turned out to be in the book don’t align. She is supposed to be a coconut (borrowed from a friend) with a hard exterior and a vulnerable heart. However, most of the time, she comes across as selfish and entitled. Things get worse in Arjun’s POV as some of his mentions of Madhuri’s behavior are outright toxic. Too many red flags here (wonder how the editor missed this something this vital), and I can’t wish for them to be together. While Madhuri redeems herself in the end, the damage is done. 

However, Josie, Madhuri’s friend, is very well-etched. She’s the kind of friend one would want to have, especially when living in another country. Liam, Arjun’s friend, is good too, but there isn’t enough of him. Josie steals the show many times. This further affects Madhuri’s character arc and makes readers feel she doesn’t deserve Josie or Arjun. 

• Romance and Tropes  

The fake-dating trope is rather fun to read (when done well). Here, the foundation for the trope itself isn’t that great. Still, I wanted the romance to be more organic. It doesn’t matter if Arjun is already in love with Madhuri. The relationship can still process naturally. The whole ‘chemistry’ thingy doesn’t hit as it should. Awkward is fine as it suits the age group, but here it is wobbly and messy. 

As someone who knows how hard it is to allow characters to romance each other on paper (and not try to control them), I can empathize with the author. That’s the reason I don’t write this genre. 

Furthermore, the writing tends to be clunky, and the time jumps are hard to follow. Mine is an ARC, so I hope some of these issues will be corrected in the final copy. The STEM FMC rep is cool, though it could have been better. 

To summarize, Kismat Connection is a decent debut that handles some themes well but doesn’t deliver its best. It should work better for the target age group (hopefully). 

The author is young and has enough time to learn and strengthen her writing. I hope she works on it. Her plot is endearing and cute. The execution needs a lot more effort. (Am I being liberal with my ratings? Absolutely. It’s not often that the Indian rep in a book makes me happy.) 

Thank you, NetGalley and Inkyard Press, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #KismatConnection 

A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality by Kate Khavari - Book Review

Series: Saffron Everleigh Mystery #2 (Standalone) 

Publication Date: 06th June 2023

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery 

2.5 stars 

One Liner: Shows promise, doesn't deliver much 

1920s London 

Research assistant Saffron is determined to prove her worth in the male-dominated field. Life at the University of London is not easy, especially after exposing the culprits at the top. However, she is busy working on a project with Mr. Michael Lee, reporting cases of poisonings in the countryside. 

Detective Inspector Green approaches Saffron to help him with a case. Women seem to be getting murdered after receiving a bouquet of flowers with a black ribbon. Saffron delves into floriography and gets involved in the cases with Dr. Lee at her side. However, the risk is high, and Saffron has to be sure she doesn’t get her own batch of fatal flowers. 

The story comes in the limited third-person POV of Saffron and Dr. Lee. 

What I Like:

The cover design is so clever! It is not only attractive but hints at the case and is perfect for the book. 

The mystery deals with floriography. It’s interesting to learn the meaning of different flowers (apart from the regular ones). As someone who likes such stuff, the scenes decoding the bouquets are my favorite. 

The first half of the book is quite good. We see Saffron in her new position at the university and her determination to prove her worth in a male-dominated field. 

Elizabeth is right in her element and easily gets more points than all other characters in the book (including Saffron). 

The mystery starts strong and has several elements that could have made it a great case. However… 

What Could Have Been Better for Me:

First, the mystery, though solved successfully, doesn’t end up as the main part of the book. Apart from a couple of loose ends (possibly kept as recurring characters for the coming books), the actual case somehow manages to be less appealing than it should be. 

Second, I don’t like it when one character’s arc is sacrificed to suit another character's actions. This happens quite often in retellings. Here, Ashton’s character is sacrificed to create the love triangle and make Saffron appear blameless. Not only does he come in the last quarter of the book, but also acts differently from book one. 

Third, I’m not a fan of love triangles. In most cases, we don’t even need them. It’s the same here. Saffron and Lee could have been frenemies, and the plot would have been smoother and sustained its focus on strengthening the mystery. Two people working together don’t always have to be attracted to each other.  

Fourth, Saffron says she has changed (says it more than once). Unfortunately, I can’t really see it. She’s just as impulsive and jumping into dangerous situations because she wants to. Feminism and all that is of no use if she gets killed because of her recklessness and disregard for her safety. 

Fifth, the plot would appeal differently to readers who read book one and those who didn’t. I don’t think that’s how we make readers root of either love interest. If the ending is any indication, I don’t really see the need for all that triangle. Let’s be honest. Saffron really needs to grow up and be sensible. 

Sixth, the two scenes with misogyny feel like mandatory insertions rather than necessity. This was very well handled in book one. In fact, despite a few issues, book one was a lot better than book two. 

To summarize, A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality could have been a great entertainer but ended up pretty mediocre for trying to include unwanted elements. I’ll read book three (I really want to) as it hints at Ashton’s life and could be his chance to start healing from the PTSD of war. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #ABotanistsGuidetoFlowersandFatality

Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall - Book Review

Publication Date: 06th June 2023

Genre: Regency Sapphic Romance, Fantasy 

3.3 Stars 

One Liner: Got its moments but a mixed read 

1814

Maelys Mitchelmore is cursed. Her entry into the highest Bath society puts her in dangerous situations, though she is rescued by the Duke of Annadale, aka Lady Georgiana. Lady G has quite a reputation as a witch and a murderess. 

However, as the threat mounts, Maelys and Lady G must have to work together to find the person responsible for it and break the curse. This proximity also creates some issues, which Maelys seems to like even if Lady G doesn’t. 

Can the duo sort out the threats and rumors to find their happy-ever-after? 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Robin, a hobgoblin who follows Maelys Mitchelmore to write her story. 

My Thoughts: 

How you like this book depends on how much you like the narrator. Robin is the peeping tom who loves to tell stories and ramble. He (it?) also likes to control the narrative, meaning you will not know some details because revealing them would ruin the art of storytelling. Initially, I loved the idea and enjoyed it. But as the story progressed, I skimmed through Robin’s ramblings and focused only on the main story. 

My favorite parts of the book are the scenes with Mae, Lizzie, and John. They are such varied personalities that their banter and bickering end up like a cocktail experiment. They are great fun, though. Lizzie Bickle is the kind of friend you’d shudder to have but will appreciate when someone else does. She is my favorite character in the book. 

While the setting is interesting, with a blend of snobbish ton and references to witches, nymphs, faeries, etc., the detailing is overdone in quite a few instances and not enough in some places. Combined with the narrator’s opinions on just about everything, it can be super entertaining or annoying (the latter for me). Also, this is a book where you go with the flow and do not wonder about why, what, how, and when of things. 

This is a romance book with some steam (not much, as the narrator tries to be decent). I liked some parts but found most of it a little too melodramatic. I’m half convinced it’s a funny take on the ton’s love for excessive drama. If it’s not, it’s better to rely on your speed-reading skills. 

The plot, as such, is pretty basic and thin. The curse is solved by the halfway point, and the remaining is about Mae and Lady G’s relationship (if we can call it that). It feels more like Mae hounding Lady G, who acts like an alpha male with blocked emotions. I was waiting to see beyond her façade (after all, she hasn’t had it easy), but there isn’t much scope for character development. 

My biggest issue is how the romance and the main characters were handled. That made the whole thing awkward and even one-sided. While I understand the reason for her actions, there isn’t enough emotion to make an impact. I’m all for lighthearted reads, but this one stresses the wrong issues and ignores the important ones. The plot needs better structuring and pacing to allow readers to understand the motivations behind the characters’ actions. 

We also have a few subplots of sorts that go nowhere. John Ceaser’s personal track, the villainous uncle, the missing person, etc., are left with no resolution. Saying the narrator isn’t interested in them doesn’t make the book any better, IMO. It’s taking the easiest route to finishing the manuscript (unless the author intends to turn this into a series).

The book could have been at least 75 pages smaller. Enjoy the first half, skim through 35% of the second half, and see how the remaining goes for you. It almost feels like two books combined together. 

To summarize, Mortal Follies is a lighthearted dramatic-sounding regency Sapphic romance with fantasy elements. It’s easy and enjoyable if you don’t use your grey cells. Get into it with the right expectations. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #MortalFollies 

***

TW: The book has scenes of animal sacrifice. 

Gobi Goes Viral by Vibha Batra - Book Review

Gobi Goes Viral by Vibha Batra, Shamika Chaves(Illustrator)

Publication Date: 30th April 2023

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction 

4.3 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining (chota packet bada dhamaka)

Gopi loves studying at Primrose Academy. But the feeis high, and bullies are annoying. Nevertheless, he would rather struggle herethan go back to a school with no learning opportunities. But how? 

Pari is a smart girl who knows how to handlebullies. Yet, she can help Gopi only to a certain point, and that’s what shedoes. Pari convinces Gopi to participate in the Talent Show and flaunt hisrapping skills. But can he set aside his fears to get on the stage? How will itaffect his stay at Primrose Academy? 

The story comes in Gopi’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts:

This is a short and humorous book that seamlesslyblends many themes and keeps the content relevant for young minds tounderstand. 

Those who enjoy the flair of Bwood will love thebook for its natural dramatization and antics. However, nothing goes over theline or feels excessive. The book doesn’t intend to do more than what itpromises. This story is about a poor boy dreaming bigger and finding thecourage to make it happen with the help of a good friend. 

The writing is lighthearted but with enoughseriousness when necessary. It feels like conversing with a child (exactly howa children’s book should read). The descriptions are to the point but easy tovisualize. Of course, it helps that we already know the setting, be it a poshschool, a chawl, or a luxury villa. 

The plot is quite common and used in countlessbooks/ TV shows/ movies/ etc. However, it’s the writing and execution thatbrighten it up. I don’t enjoy rap (sorry, Ho Ho Funny Singh). So, it’s apleasant surprise to read it on paper and try to mimic it in the mind. Got toadmit that Gopi does it better than those-who-shall-not-be-named. 

The book is primarily marketed in India (I think).There’s no glossary for non-English words. There’s a good sprinkling of Hindi,etc., but it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out. Most of the terms are usedfor relations. 

While I love Gopi’s character arc and his family (noalcoholic or abusive father here, phew!), I wish we get a little more insightinto Pari’s life. She is rich, clever, confident, friendly, and someone used toget this done her way. Except for the story behind her sunglasses, most of herarc is stereotypical. The same goes for the bullies, though we know nothingabout them. Even if Gopi is the main character, side characters with a littlemore depth would have helped. 

Seeti is a great character, and I wish he had agreater presence in the book. He shines in a couple of scenes he’s allotted.That kid knows how to handle life. 

Naturally, we have a happy ending, but with a weetwist. It blends reality and hope (and such events have indeed happened in reallife) and ends on a high with Gopi rapping yet another delightful poem. 

There are a few black-and-white illustrations tosupport the content. I like how they enhance the narrative without distractingthe reader. My personal preference aside (I like whimsical and detailedillustrations), the ones in the book are perfect for the story. They arelighthearted and cute, just like the main characters. 

What I love about the physical copy is the fontsize. The print is nice and big, easy for kids and seniors to read withoutsquinting at the page. The cover is vibrant and cool, hinting at all majoraspects of the book. 

And oh, don’t miss the acknowledgments page! It’stoo good. I wish there was an author’s note too. I love reading about theinspirations and ideas behind a book. 

To summarize, Gobi Goes Viral is a compact littlebook dealing with bullying, financial issues, the importance of havingsupportive friends, and knowing that courage can make things happen. You justhave to believe in it and do your best! 

Thank you, Blogchatter and Vibha Batra, for a copyof the book. This review is powered by Blogchatter Book ReviewProgram and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

You can buy the paperback of Gobi Goes Viral on Amazon. The book is marketed forchildren from the 8 to 12 age group, though anyone can read it (and enjoy ittoo). 

The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic by Linsey Hall - Book Reviews

Series: Charming Cover #1 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 02nd June 2023

Genre: Contemporary Paranormal Romance 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: Lighthearted and fun 

*****

Aria is a magical disaster. She’s a witch but cannot control her magic, putting her in complex situations. She does her best to avoid using her magic but ends up messing things up anyway. When Aria’s granny asks her to come back home to Charming Cove to participate in a competition, Aria is sure she’ll fail. 

However, she has to win the competition to save their shop, Seaside Spells. If only her magic would cooperate. Of course, things get annoying when Callan Hawthrone is back in the town and a fellow competitor. She hates this rich guy, even if it is not always ‘hate’.  

Can Aria learn to control her magic, win the competition, and maybe find her HEA?

The story comes in the first-person POV of Aria (more %) and Callan. 

My Thoughts: 

After my previous read, I wanted something light and enjoyable. I couldn’t have picked a better book. This is sweet, lighthearted, entertaining, and fun. There’s nothing intense about the book, so go into it with the right expectations. 

The small town setting is magical and beautiful. Witches are common here, and people have varying degrees of magical powers. Though we don’t meet a lot of the townfolk, those we come across are supportive and friendly (except for a mandatory person). 

The book deals with topics like bullying, loss, self-worth, finding oneself, and love. However, almost everything is on the surface level. This is an advantage and a disadvantage. Only Aria trying to overcome her insecurities and understanding her magic is detailed.  

There’s a sort of enemies-to-lovers trope, but it’s resolved too easily and is based on a weak misunderstanding, so it doesn’t really count. Callan is a sweet guy and easy to like. 

The supporting characters, Gran, Tabhata, and Catrina are a treat to read. Catrina is my super favorite. Who doesn’t like a confident seven-year-old witch in two pigtails? I love this little girl. 

My favorite part of the book is when Aria understands her magic and learns to work with it. The concept is so simple yet poignant. It aligns with the indigenous way of life, where people co-exist in harmony with nature. 

The climax has some action but is resolved quickly enough to not feel boring. The ending has HEA of sorts, though we’ll see more of it in the coming books. 

I’m not sure about Callan’s first-person POV. He has a few chapters, but I found it confusing to distinguish between his voice and hers. A limited third-person would have been better for him. 

Though I wanted a lighter book, I still wish this one went a little deep to explore the character’s emotions. I couldn’t connect with the characters despite liking them. Things were a little too superficial. 

However, the pacing is steady (surprising since Aria tends to ramble), and something or the other is always happening to keep the story moving. 

Boris the Badger is fun (must say, authors are coming up with creative witch familiars), though I hope his arc won’t be restricted to eating, sleeping, and a few one-liners. The pinklings are cute, and I’d like to meet them again! 

I like the fantasy elements and magic system in this one. While it’s not fully explained, I have an idea of how it works. Hoping the elements will be explored in detail in the coming books. 

To summarize, The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic is a cozy, sweet, and simple witchy story set with a small-town feel. Grab it if you want a breather from heavy reads. There’s a mini mild steamy scene (just 2-3 paras). 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bonnie Doon Press, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #TheModernGirlsGuidetoMagic

The Witches of Vardø by Anya Bergman - Book Review

Publication Date: 05th Jan 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction, Paranormal 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Mixed feelings 

1660s Norway 

Anna Rhodius is a physician and a mistress of the King of Denmark in her younger days. She is shipped to Vardø in disgrace, though her heart yearns for her previous lifestyle, and makes a deal that could affect many lives, including hers. 

Zigri has lost her son and husband to the sea. She begins an affair with a merchant and is accused of witchcraft and sent to Vardø for a trial. 

Ingeborg, Zigri’s sixteen-year-old daughter, is determined to save her mother. This is easier said than done in times when women could be arrested, tortured, and killed with little or no evidence. 

Maren, the daughter of Liren Sand, the most powerful witch in Denmark, helps Ingeborg. However, can they achieve their goals, or will the women and children face the same brutal fate as others accused of witchcraft? 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Anna (addressing King Frederick in the second person) and the third-person POV of Ingeborg. 

My Thoughts: 

Books about witch trials in different parts of Europe share similar stories of abuse, patriarchy, misogyny, and religious violence against women. This one is no different. The setting is atmospheric and adds to the intensity of the theme. 

The core parts are done well, presenting how women ended up being accused as witches and burned to death. The cruelty of the royalty also comes across clearly in the narrative. The mistrust and hatred for the indigenous community and their sufferings because of it are spot on. The bits about the Sami community are also well-presented, and I’d have preferred more of it. 

The folktales added in between are wonderful. They should have distracted me from the story, but I found them more interesting (since the story tends to drag in many places). 

The plot requires strong characters to enhance the reader’s emotions. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen here. Giving Anna a first-person POV doesn’t seem like a good idea. She sounds whiny, delusional, self-righteous, pretentious, and judgmental. Her addressing the king in the second person is the most annoying thing in the book. I skimmed through her chapters in the second half. 

Ingeborg starts out as an intriguing character but soon becomes a mess. While I understand her conditioning to love her mother (no matter what), it still doesn’t make her arc any better. Maren shows great promise but ends up stereotypical. Zigri is an example of why some people should not have kids. Only Kristen makes me feel sad for her. She’s a victim in almost every sense. 

A book about witches should have strong magic realism or be utterly realistic. This haphazard blend of both doesn’t help the narrative. It almost feels like the ‘magical’ bits are a later addition. 

If not for the violence, I’d classify this as a YA novel. The dialogues are made it seem like one. One advantage of it is that I could speed-read and not miss anything (0.5 stars extra for this). The emotions just don’t hit the mark, making it easy to stay detached and rush ahead instead of lingering and feeling for the characters. 

Despite the dark events and deaths, the book has happy endings for a couple of characters. I did like that, though one of them felt like stretching things a little too much (this comes from a HEA lover). 

However, the author’s note at the end is insightful. The glossary is detailed (I didn’t expect one, so that’s a plus), and there’s a list of recommended reads. I love that the author listed the names of women who lost their lives in the witch trials. They need to be acknowledged. 

To summarize, The Witches of Vardø deals with an important theme and presents yet another story of witch trials we should never forget. However, it could have been shorter, better, and more impactful. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Bonnier Books UK, and Manilla Press, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #TheWitchesofVardo

***

TW: Violence, rape, torture, suicide, death. 

The Path to the Last House Before the Sea by Liz Eeles - Book Review

Series: Heaven’s Cove #5 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 18th May 2023

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Small Town, Romance 

4.2 Stars 

One Liner: Enjoyable and heartwarming 

Alyssa is a former nurse, now living in Heaven’s Cove as a tour guide and part-time worker in a mini supermarket. She rents the caravan in Madga’s backyard and is doing her best to stay away from her past. 

Magda is a seventy-plus woman with a successful ice cream parlor and a love for baking. She has been in love with Stan, her best friend, for years but hasn’t yet gathered the courage to share her feelings. 

Jack is back in Heaven’s Cove to take a break and care for his father, Stan. Jack’s impending divorce and other troubles make him appear broody and rude.  

How will things change when Jack and Alyssa cross paths, and Alyssa finds a map of an old secret connected with Jack’s family history? 

The story comes from the limited third-person POV of Alyssa, Jack, and Magda. 

Don’t rely on the Goodreads blurb. It’s not 100% accurate. 

My Thoughts: 

This book is the fifth in the series and reads very well as a standalone. A few recurring characters appear for a brief while (Rosie and Liam finally get married in this book). 

The use of three POVs (in the third person) makes it easy to understand their backstories and views without any unnecessary jumps. There’s a prologue from the past, and it connects with the central plot. 

The book has sort of enemies to lovers and grumpy vs. sunshine tropes, though the focus is not entirely on romance. It’s one of the subplots and adds an additional flavor to the story. 

Jack and Alyssa are easy to understand, though Alyssa’s secret doesn’t feel as complex as it sounds. I did feel a little disappointed here, especially since there isn’t much exploration of the secret or her feeling about it after the reveal. Comparatively, Jack’s track is more defined and clear. 

However, Alyssa’s desire to dig deep and find out more about the smugglers and Charity’s death shows how much she needs others to be happy. She is a sweet person, ready to help and support, but respects boundaries.  

The writing flows well and sustains a good pace throughout. I could finish the entire book in a couple of hours. It blends a bit of mystery, family drama, friendships, love, etc., to create a wholesome package.  

I also love that not everyone gets a perfect happy ever after but still has something to live for and cherish. The ending is bittersweet yet heartwarming. The touch of reality works well in this one. Quite a few types of love are explored seamlessly, each unique yet similar to the other.  

To summarize, The Path to the Last House Before the Sea is a beautiful addition to the series and a highly satisfying read. Pick it up when you want something relaxing, entertaining, and touching. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #ThePathtotheLastHouseBeforetheSea

Mother Sea by Lorraine Wilson - Book Review

Publication Date: 18th May 2023

Genre: Literary Fiction 

2.5 Stars 

One Liner: Great premise; not happy with the execution 

Sisi de Mathilde lives on a remote island in the Indian Ocean. Climate change is affecting their lives in a million little ways. The yields are less, seas are inching closer, and babies die soon after birth. 

Outsiders, scientists, and authorities want the islanders to relocate; to leave their homes and the only life they’ve known to become refugees in other lands. The community thinks otherwise and is determined to rely on their sacred ways to protect themselves. 

Sisi is a scientist but also an islander. Widowed and pregnant, she needs to decide the best thing to safeguard her unborn child. 

Kit arrives on the island with his uncle and aunt, a member of the authorities, but with heartbreak and grief of his own. Can Kit somehow help Sisi, or will it be the other way around? 

The story comes in the limited third-person POV of Sisi and Kit. 

My Thoughts: 

The premise and the cover are interesting, so I knew I had to read this. The setting is beautifully described with a liberal dose of the dangers the islanders face every day. It makes the whole thing more real, instead of limiting the island’s role to being something ‘exotic’. 

The story comes in almost alternative POVs of Sisi and Kit. While Sisi’s chapters are easy enough to read, Kit’s are as messy as his mind (the poor guy is struggling with just about everything). The writing reflects his thought process, a great idea in theory, but hard to read at a stretch for a reader. 

The book has a non-binary rep seamlessly woven into the plot. I like how this is done. There are quite a few non-binary characters, though Nuru gets the maximum space. I like Nuru’s initial arc, them being Sacare (a wise guide of sorts), but by the end, their character became predictable. 

The book pretty much hinges on the science vs. faith dilemma. I see the merits and issues on both sides and understand the deep-rooted fear of Indigenous people in allowing outsiders to have more control over their lives (our ancestors have been there and done that). I also know the advantages of science and technology. 

However, the writing also reminded me of a video I saw recently. We pretty much know the possible ending of the book. There’s only one way it will lead despite all the drama, and that’s what happens here too. It did lead to disappointment, especially when the open ending leaves a lot of threads unanswered. Yeah, life’s like that, which is why I read books. 

The book is tagged as lit fiction and is character-driven. But unfortunately, I couldn’t connect to either. I understand Kit a lot more and feel sad for him. There are too many stories similar to his. Sisi has potential, but it’s like we have a screen between us and couldn’t reach other to each other no matter what. 

The community aspect is very well done and quite realistic. Grief, choices, decisions- it’s not easy. While colonization is not explicit, wherever we see on the island is a result of it. We know we cannot escape the trauma of it even after generations (again, living proof). 

Nuru’s faith is wonderful and dangerous for them and others. It should have been the driving force of the conflict. Yet, we get a third-party version of it. I didn’t feel the certainty, the fear, the risk, the conflict, the pain… nothing. Observing something and being that are two different things. 

The execution, the little-too-convoluted writing, and the ending didn’t help. Most importantly, I think the book couldn’t establish Nuru’s faith the way it should. We see it only through Sisi’s eyes, which is not the right approach since she is already struggling. So, Nuru, who should have been utterly compelling (and shows glimpses of it), ends up being a tool to establish the pre-defined goal. 

It took me a while to figure out why the plot feels wrong. This story reinforces the colonizer’s perspective of indigenous people. It’s white saviorism all over, albeit from a scientist’s POV (instead of East India Company, we have environmentalists and conservationists trying to ‘help’). It re-establishes that the indigenous people rely on blind faith and going back to the old ways means doing nothing but believing nature (Mother Sea) wants sacrifices. 

The book shows why we ‘need’ people like Sisi and Kat to show the right path because Nuru and Mothers are intent on surrendering in the name of faith. Going back to the old ways doesn’t mean one turns a fanatic. It means digging deeper into ancient knowledge and using today’s insights to combine the best of both worlds. It means to understand the ancestors’ wisdom without looking at it through the colonial lens. 

To summarize, Mother Sea has its merits and comes with some good writing, but it didn’t make me go wow or introspect the concepts as I wanted to. Please check the content warnings before you pick the book. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Fairlight Books, for the eARC.  

#MotherSea #NetGalley

***

TW: Suicide attempts, child death  

The Stories Grandma Forgot by Nadine Aisha Jassat - Book Review

Publication Date: 25th May 2023

Genre: Middle Grade, Poetry 

4.5 Stars 

One liner: Heartwarming!  

Nyla Elachi, a twelve-year-old girl, loves her Grandma Farida the most. Her father passed away when she was four, or so she’s been told. Grandma Farida has Alzheimer’s, and Nyla takes care of her during the evenings while her mom works back-to-back shifts to keep the family going.

One day, Grandma Farida tells Nyla that she saw her son in the supermarket. Nyla is not sure, but she loves her grandma the most. When the lady asks Nyla to bring her son home, Nyle decides it’s time to turn a detective and trace her history. 

Can the grandmother and granddaughter find what they are looking for? 

The story comes in poetic verse from Nyla’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

This is a beautiful and heartwarming book! I love the characterization, be it Grandma Farida, Nyla, Ruth (Nyla’s mom), Jess, or Ray. 

The book is written in poetic verse, which was a little hard to read until I remembered my friend’s advice (Rosh, thank you) to read such books the same way I’d read prose. So I stopped bothering about the rhythm and paid more attention to the plot. It really helped. 

The story deals with different issues like racism, bullying, parental loss, family and relationships, friendships, Alzheimer’s, etc. None of it goes overboard or preachy (kids might feel a little overwhelmed when Nyla is bullied). This isn’t a book about stories but about people. 

The plot is well done (though it needs suspended belief in some places). I guessed half of it right and was surprised by the rest. A majority of it is realistic enough, though as MG fiction, the book does simplify a few issues towards the end. 

Nyla does take a few risks but doesn’t come across as reckless. In fact, her vulnerability is highlighted, showing that what she did wasn’t exactly a smart thing. However, kids should realize that such acts of bravery are risky and can lead to scary situations. 

The presentation is quite intriguing. I like the use of concrete poetic styles to emphasize emotions. However, I’m not sure how it’ll work on Kindle or smartphone. I found it easier to read the book on my desktop. 

There are no illustrations in the ARC. I expected at least a couple of them, so that’s one major disappointment. With a cover like that, I hope the final copy has a few illustrations to enhance the story. 

The book has happy and sad moments. Jess is a delightful character, and her dialogues are too good. She’s far from perfect, which makes her even more endearing. 

I love the use of Elachi (cardamom) and Haldi (turmeric) as last names. Such a wonderful idea! 

The aspects of being a mixed-race child, the sense of uncertainty stemming from the lack of belongingness, etc., are effectively portrayed. 

To summarize, The Stories Grandma Forgot is a heartwarming book for kiddos and adults. It’s not without a few flaws but will leave you with a sense of satisfaction and peace. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Hachette Children's Group, and Orion Children's Books, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheStoriesGrandmaForgot