Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 38
October 4, 2024
Book Review: When Among Crows by Veronica Roth
My book review of When Among Crows by Veronica Roth. When Among Crows marks a bold new direction for the author, blending dystopian elements with a dark, atmospheric fantasy world. This novel showcases Roth’s ability to craft complex, morally ambiguous characters while keeping readers hooked with sharp plot twists and immersive world-building.
Title: When Among Crows
By: Veronica Roth
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 166
Release Date: May 14th, 2024
Publisher: Tor Books
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:Step into a city where monsters feast on human emotions, knights split their souls to make their weapons, and witches always take more than they give.
Pain is Dymitr's calling. To slay the monsters he's been raised to kill, he had to split his soul in half to make a sword from his own spine. Every time he draws it, he gets blood on his hands.
Pain is Ala's inheritance. When her mother died, a family curse to witness horrors committed by the Holy Order was passed onto her. The curse will claim her life, as it did her mother's, unless she can find a cure.
One fateful night in Chicago, Dymitr comes to Ala with a her help in finding the legendary witch Baba Jaga in exchange for an enchanted flower that just might cure her. Desperate, and unaware of what Dymitr really is, Ala agrees.
But they only have one day before the flower dies, and Ala's hopes of breaking the curse along with it.
Roth’s world-building is one of the novel’s standout features. The setting is gritty and harsh, with elements of decay and danger at every turn. From the eerie landscapes to the terrifying Crows who control them, the environment feels like a character in itself. The oppressive atmosphere draws readers in, making them feel the weight of the world Kira inhabits. Roth’s use of dark magic and twisted power dynamics adds to the tension, creating a sense of constant unease.
However, while the plot is gripping, it occasionally feels slow-paced in the middle. Roth takes time to explore the intricacies of the power structures and Kira’s personal struggles, which adds depth but can also drag down the momentum. The action-packed ending, however, more than makes up for the slower moments, delivering a heart-pounding conclusion that sets the stage for future books in the series.
Roth’s prose is both evocative and concise, maintaining a balance between vivid descriptions and snappy dialogue. Her signature ability to write morally complex characters shines through, particularly with the secondary characters, many of whom challenge Kira’s beliefs and force her to question the world around her.
October 3, 2024
Three Things I Loved about The Orphan Collector by Ellen Marie Wiseman
Few books have the power to immerse you in a historical moment with such intensity that you feel every emotion the characters experience, but The Orphan Collector by Ellen Marie Wiseman does just that. Set against the backdrop of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, this novel struck a deep chord with me. As I turned the final page, I found myself thinking about the moments that left the greatest impact. Today, I’m sharing three things I loved about this heartbreaking and powerful story, and why it deserves a spot on your reading list.
Title: The Orphan Collector
By: Ellen Marie Wiseman
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 390
Release Date: July 28th, 2020
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:In the fall of 1918, thirteen-year-old German immigrant Pia Lange longs to be far from Philadelphia’s overcrowded slums and the anti-immigrant sentiment that compelled her father to enlist in the U.S. Army. But as her city celebrates the end of war, an even more urgent threat arrives: the Spanish flu. Funeral crepe and quarantine signs appear on doors as victims drop dead in the streets and desperate survivors wear white masks to ward off illness. When food runs out in the cramped tenement she calls home, Pia must venture alone into the quarantined city in search of supplies, leaving her baby brothers behind.
Bernice Groves has become lost in grief and bitterness since her baby died from the Spanish flu. Watching Pia leave her brothers alone, Bernice makes a shocking, life-altering decision. It becomes her sinister mission to tear families apart when they’re at their most vulnerable, planning to transform the city’s orphans and immigrant children into what she feels are “true Americans.”
Waking in a makeshift hospital days after collapsing in the street, Pia is frantic to return home. Instead, she is taken to St. Vincent’s Orphan Asylum – the first step in a long and arduous journey. As Bernice plots to keep the truth hidden at any cost in the months and years that follow, Pia must confront her own shame and fear, risking everything to see justice – and love – triumph at last. Powerful, harrowing, and ultimately exultant, The Orphan Collector is a story of love, resilience, and the lengths we will go to protect those who need us most.
Historical Immersion: Ellen Marie Wiseman masterfully brings to life the setting of 1918 Philadelphia during the Spanish flu pandemic. The way she portrays the fear, uncertainty, and desperation of the time is immersive, making it feel like you're right there with the characters as they navigate a world in crisis. The meticulous historical details and emotional depth really allow readers to connect with the era, highlighting the impact of this lesser-known catastrophe.
Strong, Resilient Heroine: Pia, the protagonist, is a character you can’t help but root for. Her journey, from a vulnerable young girl to a survivor who fights against insurmountable odds, is powerful and inspiring. Her love for her family and her sheer will to protect them drive the story forward, and I loved how her strength is balanced with her very human vulnerabilities.
Emotional Depth and Complex Themes: This book delves deeply into themes of loss, survival, and the effects of trauma on both an individual and a community. Wiseman doesn’t shy away from showing the harsh realities of orphans, immigrant struggles, and the brutality of the pandemic. Yet, amid the sorrow, there is a profound sense of hope and resilience. The emotional weight of the story, paired with its nuanced portrayal of human nature, left a lasting impression on me.
October 2, 2024
Book Review: A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
My book review of A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen. A Fate Inked in Blood is a compelling Norse-inspired fantasy, rich with myth, political maneuvering, and a fierce heroine who defies fate. With immersive world-building and a strong emotional core, this book will appeal to readers who love fantasy imbued with personal and political stakes.
Title: A Fate Inked in Blood
By: Danielle L. Jensen
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 432
Release Date: February 27th, 2024
Publisher: Del Rey
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:A shield maiden blessed by the gods battles to unite a nation under a power-hungry king—while also fighting her growing desire for his fiery son—in this Norse-inspired fantasy romance from the bestselling author of The Bridge Kingdom series.
Bound in an unwanted marriage, Freya spends her days gutting fish, but dreams of becoming a warrior. And of putting an axe in her boorish husband’s back.
Freya’s dreams abruptly become reality when her husband betrays her to the region’s jarl, landing her in a fight to the death against his son, Bjorn. To survive, Freya is forced to reveal her deepest secret: She possesses a drop of a goddess’s blood, which makes her a shield maiden with magic capable of repelling any attack. It was foretold such a magic would unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath the one who controls the shield maiden’s fate.
Believing he’s destined to rule Skaland as king, the fanatical jarl binds Freya with a blood oath and orders Bjorn to protect her from their enemies. Desperate to prove her strength, Freya must train to fight and learn to control her magic, all while facing perilous tests set by the gods. The greatest test of all, however, may be resisting her forbidden attraction to Bjorn. If Freya succumbs to her lust for the charming and fierce warrior, she risks not only her own destiny but the fate of all the people she swore to protect.
The setting is another highlight. Jensen brings Norse mythology to life, weaving it seamlessly into the political landscape. The gods, the land, and the magic all have a visceral presence that shapes the story, offering readers an escape into a brutal yet beautiful world. From bloody battles to cunning royal court dynamics, A Fate Inked in Blood keeps readers on edge.
However, the pacing can be uneven. The book takes its time building the world and establishing character motivations, which might feel slow in the beginning for readers craving faster action. But once the pieces are in place, the plot quickens and delivers high stakes, with tension rising until the explosive climax. Freya’s relationships, especially with certain key figures, are fraught with tension and passion, though at times, the romance subplot feels slightly rushed.
Jensen’s writing is smooth and engaging, though the descriptive passages occasionally felt overdrawn. This slows down the action in some parts, but also allows for a richer understanding of the world and characters. The balance between introspective moments and action sequences mostly works, though a slightly tighter narrative would have enhanced the overall reading experience.
The twists in the story are well-placed, keeping readers guessing about where Freya’s fate will ultimately lead. Jensen does a great job of blending personal growth with larger, epic-scale events, leaving room for even more development in future installments.
A Fate Inked in Blood offers a fascinating blend of Norse mythology, political intrigue, and character-driven drama. While it starts slow, the payoff is worth the wait, making it a great pick for fans of epic fantasy and complex heroines.
October 1, 2024
Book Review: A Reign of Rose by Kate Golden
My book review of A Reign of Rose by Kate Golden. A Reign of Rose is a captivating addition to her richly woven fantasy series. This book continues to enthrall readers with its blend of court intrigue, magic, and dynamic character growth, set against the backdrop of a world as beautiful as it is treacherous.
Title: A Reign of Rose
By: Kate Golden
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 496
Release Date: October 8th, 2024
Publisher: Berkley
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:From Kate Golden, author of viral phenomenon A Dawn of Onyx, comes the seductive, action-packed conclusion to her sweeping Sacred Stones trilogy.
They must save the world—but can they also save each other?
Kane Ravenwood, King of Onyx Kingdom, would go to the ends of the continent for Arwen Valondale, but what if she’s beyond even that? Broken in ways he never imagined he could be, Kane must find a way to fulfill the prophecy and kill his father, Fae King Lazarus. And after what he’s endured, he’s willing to save Evendell by whatever means necessary—even if that spells his own death.
Little does Kane know, he’s not the only one fighting for revenge. Arwen is no longer afraid to fight—no sacrifice is too great, no enemy too daunting. Now, nothing will stop her from destroying Lazarus and his allies, because she knows if she fails, both realms will be doomed forever.
The world-building in A Reign of Rose is top-notch. Golden continues to immerse readers in a universe that feels alive with its political rivalries, hidden magical dangers, and lush landscapes. You can almost smell the roses or feel the chill of betrayal in the air as you turn each page.
However, the pacing in certain sections felt uneven. The first half of the book moved slower than expected, focusing more on character introspection than action. While this added depth, it sometimes made the plot feel stagnant. But once the second half picks up, the tension escalates, pulling you into an exhilarating ride full of twists, surprises, and the classic fantasy battles fans of the genre love.
Golden’s prose is beautiful, though at times overly descriptive. Some moments could have been trimmed for brevity to keep the story flowing faster. Despite this, her ability to craft sentences that are both poetic and precise remains a strength.
Overall, A Reign of Rose is a rewarding read, especially for those invested in Rose’s journey. The plot developments leave readers eager for the next book, and Golden proves once again she’s a force in the fantasy genre. While it may not be a perfect book, it’s one that will leave fans both satisfied and longing for more.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
September 30, 2024
Weekly Menu #576 And The Book Of The Week
As we settle into the rhythm of another week, it’s the perfect time to plan out some delicious, nourishing meals that bring a bit of joy to everyday life. This week's menu is full of easy-to-make, family-friendly dishes that balance comfort and creativity, with something for everyone at the table. Whether you're looking for a quick midweek meal or a weekend treat, I’ve got you covered with fresh flavors and simple ingredients that are sure to inspire.This week, I’ve been completely engrossed in The Night Bazaar London by Lenore Heart. Set in a mystical, hidden marketplace beneath the streets of London, the novel weaves together mystery, magic, and intrigue. With its rich world-building and vibrant characters, it’s hard not to get swept up in the wonder and danger lurking around every corner. If you're a fan of atmospheric reads with a touch of the fantastical, this one is sure to captivate you.
Let’s dive in!WEEKLY MENU
Monday
New Orleans Night
Kids - Chicken and Rice
Tuesday
Kids - Cheese Quesadillas
Wednesday
Kids - Ramen
Thursday
Kids - Chips and Cheese
Friday
Kids -
Saturday
Kids -
Sunday
Family Dinner
September 29, 2024
Sunday Confessions #273
As the week comes to a close, it’s time to gather my thoughts and confessions about the books that have captivated my heart and mind. Sunday is my sacred time for reflection, a moment to indulge in literary delights, and share the revelations that have unfolded between the pages. From the enchanting worlds I’ve explored to the characters who have stolen my breath away, this week’s confessions promise to be a tapestry of emotion, inspiration, and a dash of whimsy. So grab your favorite mug of tea or coffee, and let’s dive into the stories that have left an indelible mark on my soul.
Sunday Confessions #272~Weekly Menu #575 And The Book Of The Week~
Book Review: Han Solo's Revenge by Brian Daley~
Three Things I Loved About To Sir Philip, With Love by Julia Quinn~Book Review: Funny Story by Emily Henry
Weekly Menu #576 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: A Reign of Rose by Kate Golden~Book Review: A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen~Three Things I Loved about The Orphan Collector by Ellen Marie Wiseman~Book Review: When Among Crows by Veronica Roth~Sunday Confessions #274
Unforgettable
126/100 2024 Reading Challenge - Finished!~78/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~70/341 Gilmore Girls challenge~100/100 in my 100 books before you die challenge - Finished!
As I close the chapter on this week’s reflections, I’m reminded of the power of stories to inspire, challenge, and transform us. Each book is a journey, and I’m grateful for the literary companions that have walked alongside me, igniting my imagination and evoking emotions I didn’t know I had. I hope my confessions resonate with you and spark your own reading adventures. Until next Sunday, may your bookshelves overflow with tales waiting to be discovered and may your heart remain open to the magic within every page.
September 27, 2024
Book Review: Funny Story by Emily Henry
My book review of Funny Story by Emily Henry.
Emily Henry’s Funny Story offers a delightful blend of humor, heart, and emotional depth. Known for her ability to craft witty, character-driven romances, Henry delivers yet again with a story that feels as much about self-discovery as it is about love.
Title: Funny Story
By: Emily Henry
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 395
Release Date: April 23rd, 2024
Publisher: Berkley
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:A shimmering, joyful new novel about a pair of opposites with the wrong thing in common.
Daphne always loved the way her fiancé Peter told their story. How they met (on a blustery day), fell in love (over an errant hat), and moved back to his lakeside hometown to begin their life together. He really was good at telling it…right up until the moment he realized he was actually in love with his childhood best friend Petra.
Which is how Daphne begins her new story: Stranded in beautiful Waning Bay, Michigan, without friends or family but with a dream job as a children’s librarian (that barely pays the bills), and proposing to be roommates with the only person who could possibly understand her predicament: Petra’s ex, Miles Nowak.
Scruffy and chaotic—with a penchant for taking solace in the sounds of heart break love ballads—Miles is exactly the opposite of practical, buttoned up Daphne, whose coworkers know so little about her they have a running bet that she’s either FBI or in witness protection. The roommates mainly avoid one another, until one day, while drowning their sorrows, they form a tenuous friendship and a plan. If said plan also involves posting deliberately misleading photos of their summer adventures together, well, who could blame them?
But it’s all just for show, of course, because there’s no way Daphne would actually start her new chapter by falling in love with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex…right?
At its core, Funny Story is a testament to Emily Henry's signature sharp and witty dialogue. The banter between the characters is laugh-out-loud funny, balancing moments of lightheartedness with real emotional weight. The protagonist’s voice is relatable, and her humorous observations make for an enjoyable, quick read.
The romance is charming, but what really sets the novel apart is its exploration of deeper themes. Henry navigates friendship, grief, and the awkwardness of personal growth in a way that feels both authentic and nuanced. The characters are flawed but likable, and their emotional journeys are compelling.
One of the standout elements is how Henry handles the complexities of relationships, both romantic and platonic. The friendships in this novel are as important as the romance, giving the story more depth and realism. It’s refreshing to see how these relationships evolve and how the characters support each other through moments of vulnerability.
Though the humor and heart are spot-on, some readers may find the pacing uneven in parts. The story takes its time developing, and while this allows for strong character development, it occasionally feels like the plot stalls. Additionally, while the romance is well-written, it follows a familiar formula, lacking a certain unpredictability that might have elevated the story to a higher level.
There are also moments when the humor, while clever, can feel a bit too self-aware or forced, taking away from the emotional resonance of the more serious scenes. A little more subtlety in these moments might have made the overall tone more balanced.
Funny Story is a charming, witty, and heartwarming read that showcases Emily Henry's strength in writing lovable, multifaceted characters. While it may lean into some familiar romantic tropes, the humor, and emotional depth make it stand out in the contemporary romance genre. For fans of Henry’s previous works, this novel is sure to be a hit, delivering just the right mix of laughter and heartfelt moments.
September 26, 2024
Three Things I Loved About To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn
Welcome to this week’s edition of Three Things I Loved, where I share the standout moments, themes, or details that made my recent read unforgettable. Whether it’s a gripping plot twist, a character I can’t stop thinking about, or a piece of dialogue that hit me right in the heart, these are the elements that truly made the book shine for me. Let’s dive into the three things I loved most about To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn and why they made this story one to remember!
Title: To Sir Phillip, With Love
By: Julia Quinn
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 432
Release Date: July 1st, 2003
Publisher: Avon
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:Eloise Bridgerton couldn't marry a man she had never met! But before she knew it, she was in a hired carriage in the middle of the night, on her way to meet the man she hoped might be her perfect match.
Except . . . he wasn't. Her perfect husband wouldn't be so moody and ill-mannered, and while Phillip was certainly handsome, he was rough and rugged, and totally unlike the London gentlemen vying for her hand. But when he smiled . . . and when he kissed her . . . the rest of the world simply fell away. Could this imperfect man be perfect for her?
2. The Letters: The back-and-forth letter writing between Eloise and Sir Phillip adds an intimate and engaging layer to their relationship. This epistolary element allows readers to see their thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities in a unique way. It enhances the emotional connection and builds tension as they navigate their evolving relationship, creating a delightful blend of romance and personal growth.
3. Themes of Love and Acceptance: The novel explores themes of love, acceptance, and the complexities of relationships. As Eloise and Sir Phillip navigate their initial misunderstandings and emotional baggage, their journey toward mutual understanding and respect highlights the importance of communication and compromise in love. This exploration resonates with readers and adds depth to the romantic storyline.
To Sir Phillip, With Love is a charming and heartwarming addition to the Bridgerton series that beautifully captures the complexities of love and self-discovery. With Eloise Bridgerton's strong-willed personality and the delightful correspondence between her and Sir Phillip, readers are treated to a witty and poignant exploration of romance and the courage to follow one’s heart. Julia Quinn's masterful storytelling and engaging characters make this novel not just a romantic escapade but also a thoughtful reflection on societal expectations and personal fulfillment. If you're looking for a book that combines humor, emotion, and unforgettable moments, To Sir Phillip, With Love is a must-read!
September 25, 2024
Book Review: Han Solo's Revenge by Brian Daley
My book review of Han Solo's Revenge by Brian Daley.
Brian Daley's Han Solo's Revenge takes readers on another swashbuckling adventure with everyone's favorite rogue smuggler and his faithful co-pilot, Chewbacca. Set in the gap between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, the novel captures the essence of Han Solo's persona—cynical, opportunistic, and always on the lookout for the next payday.
Title: Han Solo's Revenge
By: Brian Daley
Genre: Sci-Fi
Pages: 198
Release Date: October 12th, 1979
Publisher: Del Rey; Ballantine Books
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Summary from Goodreads:SLAVERS BY CHANCE
There's always work for a space-faring freighter captain who doesn't ask awkward questions, and Han Solo quickly got a job that would pay him a cool 10,000 credits. It would also, he discovered as soon as he made planetfall to pick up his cargo, earn him and Chewbacca summary execution. The Corporate Sector Authority could overlook many crimes, but the slave trade carried with it mandatory capital punishment.
Thanks to the quick thinking of Blue Max, a computer-partner of Han's work 'droid Bollux, Han was able to turn the tables on the slavers and free their captives. But he and Chewie were dead broke, with not many prospects in sight.
Figuring that somebody still owe him 10,000 credits, Han kept a rendezvous the slavers had arranged with their shadowy boss. But the lovely girl who kept the date didn't fit his idea of a slave trader. And she wasn't. Rather, Fiolla was a full-fledged officer of the Sector Authority...most of whose laws Han had already broken. Now he was in real trouble!
The pacing is fast and action-packed, with plenty of space battles and narrow escapes to keep the story moving. Fans of the original trilogy will appreciate the familiar setting and tone, as Daley successfully captures the feel of the Star Wars universe.
While the action is engaging, the plot lacks depth. Han’s motivations revolve mainly around money and self-interest, which can make the story feel somewhat one-dimensional. The villains are forgettable, with no real threat or gravitas to make them stand out. For a reader hoping for more character development or complexity, Han Solo’s Revenge might feel a bit underwhelming.
There’s also a sense that the stakes aren’t high enough. While the novel delivers on adventure, it doesn’t add much to Han’s overall arc in the Star Wars saga. You don’t get much new insight into his character beyond what’s already well-known from the films.
Han Solo’s Revenge is an enjoyable, if somewhat shallow, read for Star Wars fans who want more of Han’s escapades. It doesn’t reach the heights of other entries in the expanded universe, but it offers a solid dose of entertainment. If you’re looking for light, action-heavy Star Wars fiction, this book fits the bill—but don’t expect much in the way of deeper storytelling.
September 23, 2024
Weekly Menu #575 And The Book Of The Week
Welcome to another week of culinary inspiration! As the seasons begin to shift and the air takes on a crisp edge, it's the perfect time to dive into cozy, comforting dishes that nourish both body and soul. This week's menu is packed with hearty favorites, seasonal produce, and a few surprises to keep things exciting. Whether you're planning meals for a busy family or looking to try something new, I hope these recipes spark joy and satisfy your cravings!This week, I’m diving into Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson, an author whose debut novel, Black Cake, I absolutely loved. Wilkerson has a way of weaving together family secrets, history, and culture in a way that feels deeply personal and universal at the same time. I’m excited to see how Good Dirt explores themes of legacy, identity, and the connections we have with the land. If it’s anything like Black Cake, I’m expecting rich, layered storytelling that lingers long after the final page.
Its time to dive into this weeks menu. Enjoy!
WEEKLY MENU
Monday
Kids - Chicken Noodle Soup
Tuesday
Kids - Calzone
Wednesday
Kids - Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Thursday
Kids - Beef Ramen
Friday
Kids - Chicken and Couscous
Saturday
Kids - Waffles
Sunday
Leftovers Night
