To say I enjoyed reading this book would be to say that space is "pretty big" or that the Atlantic Ocean is "damp." Once I began reading No CureTo say I enjoyed reading this book would be to say that space is "pretty big" or that the Atlantic Ocean is "damp." Once I began reading No Cure Required, it was all I wanted to do. I stayed up too late before finally putting it down, and I snuck in reading time any time I wasn't completely occupied by something else (work, child, showering, etc.).
No Cure Required is a work of romance, but it's also a deep and unflinching work of character exploration, limitations, freedoms, and risks. We are treated to the inner workings of Willow's (the main character's) mind. The reader is given a stark, vivid image of the realities of disability and how it it is a very real and interwoven part of an identity that not enough abled individuals attempt to understand. They also don't always understand that while it is a part, it is not the entire person. There's no pandering to the needs of able-bodied individuals that seem to crave "inspirational" disabled people, but the demonstration of a person who is whole, who does not want pity, and who can very much fight her own battles. We also get to see the world of kink through her eyes, someone who was unfamiliar with the scene in general, and often misread or misinterpreted what might be going on. It invites the reader to learn without any judgement.
Then we have Matt, the individual who is more than willing and eager to get to know the mysterious, sometimes acidic but always attractive Willow. He admires her strength and her resilience, and finds himself drawn to her for them and, well, he's also very much attracted to her physically. Chemistry in many aspects is important! On top of that, he's caring, he longs to love and be loved, he's pan, and he's a dom. I'm confused as to how the author might make him more attractive (to me, at least).
The overarching plot and the characters around these two mains are also diverse, not only in heritage and beliefs, but also in their depth of development. Since this book is book 5 in the New City Series, I can only assume (hope? pray?) that some of them had been established in other stories. Clearly, I shall have to ready ALL OF IT to find out.
All-in-all, this was a really enjoyable read. It had kink, it had love, it had danger, and it had a loud-mouthed Aunt that I'm pretty sure will be me in a decade or two!
And as an aside, I thought how kink was represented was far more accurate than other descriptions, which seem to follow a money-grubbing, false formula in order to give wider audiences the shock of BDSM. This was a refreshing and healthy look into a world misunderstood by so many, and I'm appreciative to see this sort of depiction.
Were there some typos? Yes. Luckily, they weren't egregious enough (or at all, really) to break the flow of the writing, which was a steady, even paced romance (and yes, it had a good amount of steam) that I think I would recommend to anyone who enjoyed reading romance with a healthy amount of character development, disabled representation, lgbtq+ representation, well-written kink, and a very romantic (very realistic) Happily Ever After....more
I have to be entirely honest, this was the hardest book in the series to get through. I really, really dislike Richard, though not from anyI have to be entirely honest, this was the hardest book in the series to get through. I really, really dislike Richard, though not from any short-coming of the author. This book is well-written, it has a healthy dose of intrigue and suspense, and it has all the characters we have come to know and love (*cough* Dom and Silas *cough*). We get a deeper look into Cyprian, his history, and I'm absolutely IN LOVE with his mother. But dealing with Richard got quite daunting. In the end, I don't regret pushing through. I LOVED seeing how Cybrian managed the situations he was faced with. And I will grudgingly admit that Richard's arc to growth and understanding made sense, but damn I just was sick of him by the time he finally LEARNED it. He redeemed himself.
This book is by far my favorite of all of the books by K.J. Charles that I have read. It takes an area of intimacy that many, many, MANY people writeThis book is by far my favorite of all of the books by K.J. Charles that I have read. It takes an area of intimacy that many, many, MANY people write about without having any real measure or perspective on and gives it the treatment it deserves. Plus, seeing how the characters interact with something they don't understand (especially Richard, who I really, really don't like) gives us this great diversity of thought and acceptance. I can't help but feel that it really holds up the Rickardians in a solid, good light. Even if they don't understand, they see each other as family, and they'll see each other through anything....more
I am starting to wonder if I should simply create a form review for KJ Charles' writing. It would basically be me saying, "I LOVED THIS STORY AND THEI am starting to wonder if I should simply create a form review for KJ Charles' writing. It would basically be me saying, "I LOVED THIS STORY AND THE CHARACTERS AND THE..." and so on and so forth.
The first book in the Society of Gentlemen series, A Fashionable Indulgence introduces us to Harry Vane, born of a noble father turned sedition-enthusiast and an educated by not well-born mother. He has nowhere to go, no way to get out of an existence of poverty and hunger, until he is found by his nobleman of a grandfather, and his entire world is tossed upside down. He's tossed into a world he never dreamed could be for him, and finds himself on the radar of one Julius Norreys.
What follows is a tale of romance, but it isn't without it's peaks and valleys of sedition, mixed loyalties, lies, deceit, and even -- dare I say -- MURDERS?!? Well, I said it, but the who's and why's are yours to discover. What I can say is that this is another proof of Charles' ability to write engaging plots, compelling characters, well-thought-out development arcs, and the right amount of steam to keep it all together....more
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I settled down with a hot cup of spiced Chai tea and my advanced copyDisclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I settled down with a hot cup of spiced Chai tea and my advanced copy of The Christmas Ball, ready to indulge in the warm, romantic story it promised to tell.
From the beginning, I was immediately taken by both Alice and Lisette, though I have to admit that I identify much more with the emotional woes that Lisette wrestled with. A young woman used to putting up walls around her soft, vulnerable points, Lisette immediately won my heart as she struggled with the strength of what she truly felt. Alice was an endearing character as well; her open honesty and sometimes frank emotional power, were both to be admired and feared.
They weren't the only characters worthy of admiration, it has to be said. From Rose and Rhys, both too adorable for words in their own unique way, to the upstanding Henry, who hid so much more depth than originally given credit for, this story treats the reader to a cast of characters that come together to form an environment both supportive and antagonistic, just one more hurdle to be overcome by the MCs. It adds to the myriad of influences and challenges that Lisette and Alice both face, and while not insurmountable, they certainly aren't easy to laugh off.
Overall, this was an absolutely delightful, slo-ish burn f/f holiday romance about how people interact, how they think others do, and how there's always room for loving surprises in life. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a cozy novel to ring in their season’s reading. So deck your halls, share your holiday cheer, but make space in your celebrations for some romance from Lily Seabrooke. I promise, you will love it!...more
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I cannot lie when I say I am a big fan of Adler's writing, and when I have anI received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I cannot lie when I say I am a big fan of Adler's writing, and when I have an opportunity I tend to make the time to enjoy her writing. When an ARC was offered, I snatched up the opportunity, and immediately dove in.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this newest work from Adler. It was fun to follow Callan and Derek as they navigated their worlds, their surroundings, and the challenges thrown at them. And the glimpse of the world in which they lived, the pressures, alliances, and conflicts was a fascinating one. However, I would have loved to see more. It feels like Adler has an entire world worth of interesting facts and events that could be explored, and the snapshot we're given in this particular work leaves me wanting more. There were more than a few places where it felt like we could dive deeper into the lore, deeper into the relationships, past and present, and really bring the characters and the world to life.
Regardless, I enjoyed the read, and would recommend it to those who are fans of fantasy and MLM pairings....more
Note: I was given a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
I have to admit, first and foremost, that winter is at the veryNote: I was given a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
I have to admit, first and foremost, that winter is at the very top for me, sitting unchecked and unchallenged as my favorite season. It's a time of cuddles, hot beverages, crackling fires, and gatherings of friends and family. Now, take all of that warm, gooey goodness and condense it into the pages of a novella, and you'll have Isabelle Adler's Irises in the Snow.
In the heart of a small town, Justin Rowel is struggling. Despite his own problems, he puts them aside to find some cheer and good will in his family's yearly Christmas traditions. One of the problems, or perhaps one of the balms to the rawness of his emotional struggles, is the addition of a person from his past that threatens to throw his entire life into further turmoil.
Or, it could be what he always dreamed of.
In a down-to-earth but heart-warming tale, we get to see how dreams, both attained and destroyed, have a way of coalescing in matters of the heart, and maybe creating a new dream, one that everyone can take part in. I would highly recommend this read. And, for clarity, yes, I both read the novella and am writing the review while listening to Christmas music and sipping hot cocoa.
Treat yourself to the hug-in-a-novella that Irises in the Snow offers. You won't regret it. ...more
if you are considering picking up this read, I would highly recommend it. When Nothing Stares Back is a staccato cacophony of horror, science fiction,if you are considering picking up this read, I would highly recommend it. When Nothing Stares Back is a staccato cacophony of horror, science fiction, and possibilities, and how much more terrifying the last can often be.
The book is made up of a mixture of short, satisfying bites of stories and longer writings that leave the reader feeling satisfied but with enough of an appetite for another quick bite before leaving the table. There's a great synergy of serious and tongue-in-cheek playfulness that keeps the writing fresh and flowing. The reader gets to follow along on an adventure that is both terrifying and exhilarating.
Overall, When Nothing Stares Back show us that there is no need to search the abysses beyond ourselves. There is nothing out there to stare back. All of the horror is already within us....more
This was an adorable read. Honestly. I mean, I have to wonder if the author didn't create Lamark just so they could take their frustrations out on theThis was an adorable read. Honestly. I mean, I have to wonder if the author didn't create Lamark just so they could take their frustrations out on the poor, accident prone boy. Even if they did, this story is a sweet, heartrendingly kind novella that I would recommend to anyone looking for action, adventure, (somewhat inept) pirates, and all the feels....more
A solid showing from Jorgensen, this novel introduces us to Eilian and Hadley. How they met, the path they followed, and how they ended up togetherA solid showing from Jorgensen, this novel introduces us to Eilian and Hadley. How they met, the path they followed, and how they ended up together are all woven into a narrative that is part adventure, part drama, part romance, and all heart.
This is not to say that the novel is without it's flaws. After the initial events that put Eilian in the position he is in, the book's pace seems to slow substantially. The tension feels like it dissipates, which makes continuing on through the book a bit of a chore in some spots. Not that it's bad; the prose itself is well-written and detailed, but the tug, the force ever pushing the reader on weakens.
That is, until the adventure takes them out of England and off on the big adventures.
Maybe it's just my genderfluid behind (a behind that is really pronoun neutral), but I adored, yes adored how the whole Hadley/Henry thing was handled. The way the author flowed between pronouns, and used clear descriptions to indicate the perspective through which we were seeing Hadley/Henry was refreshing! While I don't think Hadley was really meant to be genderfluid, her/his movement between the (admittedly binary) poles that had been accepted by English society at the time felt good. I really enjoyed that aspect of it.
Also, may I just say, as an ardent fan of Charlotte and Anne Bronte's writing, and of course a big fan of Jane Austen, the language used felt refreshingly accurate. Far too many authors seem to believe that the language of the time was very rigid and uptight, and perhaps by today's standards, we might see it that way, but language had evolved considerably in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, and it's nice to see hints and examples of that throughout the writing.
Again, though, pacing felt like a bit of an issue in a few spots, including the romance that was kindled between Eilian and Hadley. Once the couple was back in England, it felt like a rush to get to the end. I would have loved to see a bit more depth and drawing out of all of the events. However, despite that, this book ranks up there with a number of my favorites. I would recommend to anyone who enjoyed the genre, and I look forward to having the time to start the other books!...more
I literally woke up this morning @ 4am, started reading it before I left for work, then once I was at work, I was reading it between doing my usualI literally woke up this morning @ 4am, started reading it before I left for work, then once I was at work, I was reading it between doing my usual work-work, and I actually just finished it. I couldn't stop reading. I really like Jin. He's so flawed and problematic, and yet he's got this warm, gooey center that is just begging to be discovered.
Enter Alex, who seems to be an expert at discovering people's warm gooey centers. Everyone who knows him, even if only for a little while, recognizes how lovely he is to be around. It takes Jin a little longer than most, but half the charm and romance of this story is watching Jin fumble his way through dealing with experiences he had back in Captain Stellar, experiences he hasn't really come to terms with. Add to that pressure to get good grades, a broken heart from his ex, and a sometimes frustrating level of self-sabotage, and you have a great story.
I really, really enjoyed this read. It was light, but with a weight that felt compelling, if that makes any sense. There were no lives in danger. There were no supervillains out and about. There was just Jin, Alex, and the myriad of everyday challenges that attempt to trip us up when we aren't expecting them....more
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
When I first saw the blurb for this little gem, I knew I had to readDisclaimer: I was given a free copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
When I first saw the blurb for this little gem, I knew I had to read it. Friendships, dark secrets, underground dungeons? How could I not.
What I wasn't expecting, however, was the depth and honesty with which Cristela/Clara lives her life. Child of a father who abandoned the family shortly after she was born and a mother who preferred the deception of a happy life over the harshness of reality, duplicity is a knack Cristela picks up quickly, and it walks with her throughout her life.
Following this character through the ups and downs of her life, and meeting these characters, workers and clients alike, that all had depth and a number of facets gave this book a great flow and really drew the reader into the experience. I'm glad I was able to read a copy of this book, and learn a little bit about Cristela's world and how she moved through it. It was a great experience, one that I highly recommend....more
Okay, first and foremost, I have to admit to some very mixed feelings about this book. While I enjoyed the characters, the events, and most of theOkay, first and foremost, I have to admit to some very mixed feelings about this book. While I enjoyed the characters, the events, and most of the plot, I couldn't escape the uneasy feeling of Stockholm syndrome and the unending, tenuous depiction of consent that felt like they were woven throughout the entire story. In fact, there were some classic Stockholm syndrome red flags psychologically, including a captive taking kindness as a deeper gesture than it might be, and deception/redirection of captor in ways that made me feel uneasy.
Otherwise, I thought this was a good read. The plot was solid, the characters were fascinating, and the setting was one that lent itself to the wild ride that was the novel. I suppose I could recommend this if you're a fan of the sort of "Beauty and the Beast" re-telling, but it just wasn't entirely my cup of tea....more
Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first adventure into the creative writing ofDisclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first adventure into the creative writing of Cristina Salat, and I have to say that it held some unexpected, though not unpleasant, adventures for me. This installment of Salat’s Gathering the Dreamcatchers novels follows Amelia as she travels to and settles in at Esoterica. She finds both a place she belongs and a place where she is a stranger and watching her grapple with the odd juxtaposition offers a really interesting take on what feels very much like a coming of age story.
Without going into too many details (as I would hate to spoil it), the author has a very unique approach to telling the story, interweaving different snippets and factoids into the story in order to enhance the reader’s experience. At least, this is the intent. I would say it succeeds around two-thirds of the time, whereas the less than successful attempts serve more to interrupt the story than add to it. The ending also felt, to some degree, unresolved, though not necessarily in a dissatisfying way. It is hard to explain. I wish there was more in some instances; more detail, more explanation, and perhaps more time spent on the finer details, but overall, this was a very interesting and unique read....more
I will be the first to admit that this was a messy book. Messy in good ways and messy in bad ways. Here, let me explain:
The messy good was the factI will be the first to admit that this was a messy book. Messy in good ways and messy in bad ways. Here, let me explain:
The messy good was the fact that many of the real world issues portrayed in the book were explored in a very real, very unforgiving way. The author doesn't shy from addressing racism, sexism, and homophobia, and does so in a way that is both in your face and in the background. This creates an undercurrent that gives the reader a deeper look into each character, into their flaws and their redeeming qualities. And let me tell you, the main character, Sana, is FLAWED. All capitals. No denying that. Jamie is also not without her faults, and those faults seem to both clash and mesh with Sana's.
Now, the messy bad. It felt very much like the latter half of this story was rushed. There were a number of different plotlines going on (Jamie & Sana, Jamie & ex, Sana & Caleb, Sana & her group of friends, Sana & Christina's conflict, Sana & her mother, Sana & her father, Sana & herself) and in an effort to tie them all up, things felt fairly disorganized. Things fell through the cracks, or were tied up in an obviously contrived and glossed over fashion. It didn't feel like it came to a resolution, so much as it ended abruptly and the audience was left to assume a happily ever after. It wasn't bad just disruptive in a way I wish it hadn't been.
That being said, though, I would still recommend it....more
This was a solid read. I was surprised in many instances, at how deep and dark the narrative got. There were a number of times where I felt that I wasThis was a solid read. I was surprised in many instances, at how deep and dark the narrative got. There were a number of times where I felt that I was "on the edge of my seat," to go with the cliche. It kept me engaged. Yes, there were a few things I might have done differently, but overall, it was a good read. I would recommend it....more
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Going into this book, I have to confess that I wasn’t sure what toDisclaimer: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Going into this book, I have to confess that I wasn’t sure what to expect, and during the first few chapters, the writing style can be a bit tricky to follow, but I am begging you to STAY WITH IT. Why, you ask? Because this is one of the more creative and emotional stories that I have read for a while.
The author introduces the four main characters, Phoenix, Glacia, Arin, and Ariel. Four elements, four girls who seem 10 years old but who have been, to varying degrees, hardened by what they have had to endure. Through trial and tribulation, they learn of the deceits and manipulations they have been subjected to, the hurt and pain that they have caused and been caused, and it changes each character in ways that the reader can’t always predict.
Along with these four are the people who show them kindness, cruelty, and sometimes even just tolerance. Following each girl as she struggles with her own challenges while still trying to navigate the external dangers around her kept me honestly riveted.
Now, the reason it has a 4- instead of a 5-star review from me is that there were places where it felt that the author expected the audience to have more knowledge than we were necessarily given. There were opportunities for the audience to learn so much more about the origins and motivations of not only the main characters, but also secondary and tertiary characters. This would have added to the creation of the environment where this story was set.
There were also a few spots where it felt like the narrative would jump and it took a moment or two to reorient myself in the story.
Otherwise, this was a really enjoyable read, and I would highly recommend it to readers who enjoy in-depth character development, exciting science fiction, and the ever-present attempt of these girls to find their place in the world.
Also, the epilogue! THE EPILOGUE! *gasps*
No, I won’t spoil it. Go read it and find out what happens!...more
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Shayna Grissom's debut novel, A Soul Reclaimed details the adventuresDisclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Shayna Grissom's debut novel, A Soul Reclaimed details the adventures and dangers of a young woman attempting to discover not just herself, but how she fits into the Hellscape that is her life. I don't mean that to be figurative. Grissom creates a rich world of Hell, dividing it into seven regions and showing us much of the world through Nora's eyes.
While an interesting adventure, I must admit that I felt myself wanting more from much of the text. There were many opportunities to add depth and breadth to the world and the characters that felt like they went unfulfilled. However, it was still a fun and exciting read, with interesting characters that, despite not having more depth, were still engaging. Closer to a 3.5 than a 4, but I usually round up, and would recommend this read to anyone who is a fan of the sort of paranormal fantasy Grissom writes about....more
This audiobook became so much more than it started out as. It was powerful and heart-wrenching, the story of one girl's struggle to understand what isThis audiobook became so much more than it started out as. It was powerful and heart-wrenching, the story of one girl's struggle to understand what is going on around and within her. She explores herself, her situation, her parents, and a myriad of other subjects that a girl of 11-12 might be going through. I would recommend this book to those who want to see a caring treatment of LGBTQIA+ representation in middle grade reading, as well as stories regarding complicated families and how they can deal with unplanned events....more
This was an enjoyable read with a happy ending, in more ways than one! If you're a fan of VERY steamy encounters becomingEnjoyable Encounter
This was an enjoyable read with a happy ending, in more ways than one! If you're a fan of VERY steamy encounters becoming opportunities for love, then I can highly recommend this read. I can't wait for what the author comes out with next!...more
If I could give any book 6 stars on a 5 star scale, it would be this one.
I don't even think I am exaggerating. I really, really enjoyed reading thisIf I could give any book 6 stars on a 5 star scale, it would be this one.
I don't even think I am exaggerating. I really, really enjoyed reading this book. From the action and adventure to the depth and breadth of friendship and loyalty that was expressed within its words. I mean, it was great to see Monty and Percy again, but I LOVED getting to know and understand Felicity and see things from a more level-headed (read as: "Less Monty-ish") perspective. I would highly, highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. In fact, that's exactly what I have been doing since I finished it....more
I have to admit that this book took me entirely by surprise. What I thought I was getting into was a sort of run-of-the-mill romance story. What I wasI have to admit that this book took me entirely by surprise. What I thought I was getting into was a sort of run-of-the-mill romance story. What I was actually getting into was an adventure of almost legendary proportions, where I was treated to a development and growth in a main character through trials and tribulations that weren't even hinted at by the description. Pirates, alchemy, love, adventure, injury... it had it all. I cannot recommend this read highly enough. I thoroughly enjoyed it....more
I received a complimentary copy of “The Exile Prince” from Netgalley.com, in exchange for an honest review.
Another episode of "The Castaway Prince"I received a complimentary copy of “The Exile Prince” from Netgalley.com, in exchange for an honest review.
Another episode of "The Castaway Prince" series, this particular novella follows Stephan and Warren from where we last left them. I was excited to get back to these two, as I find them each to be characters with depth, flaws, and shining endearments.
To see how they each interact with each other and the world/circumstances around them is always an exciting and fascinating adventure that drives the reader to continue for page after page. Stephan, who is always eager to believe that his past is behind him, and Warren, who sometimes feels like he lives too much in the worry of that past to appreciate the present. They complement (and sometimes conflict with) each other in a way that's both endearing and, at times, lovingly frustrating.
Of course, most readers are familiar with the opposition between the practical thinker and the more exuberant, hopeful character, but Adler breathes new life into the interactions between the two, and shows how they not only grow themselves, but how they grow because of the other.
The introduction of a new character, Mala, was also a welcome addition to the story. She was fierce for her time in the tale, and I’m not exaggerating when I say that I would love to see her again somewhere in the later adventures of Stephan and Warren. Whether we will or not, well, I suppose that’s left for us to wonder!
I've always loved this author's writing style. It balances a casual reading accessibility with the sweeping excitement of a swiftly unfolding story and the emotional investment that not many authors can encourage from their readers in the short form of a novella. Adler does an amazing job of creating a vivid world of sights, smells, and sensations for the reader to escape into, and in doing so keeps us riveted to the adventures of Warren and Stephan as they search for a place they can truly call home....more
That saying has been drilled into the heads of every superhero fan for decades. Captain Stellar comes atWith great power comes great responsibility.
That saying has been drilled into the heads of every superhero fan for decades. Captain Stellar comes at this question in a fun, adventurous, and at times heartachingly serious manner. What is that responsibility? To one's loved ones? To people in general? To oneself? We follow Cal's journey as he attempts to learn about a world he never dreamed could exist, and if he had, never once thought to be a part of. With imperfect characters who are just trying to do what they think is best, we are treated to a cast of people who feel genuine and whose struggles feel all the more real because of it.
It sometimes seems that the morality or ethical weight of good and evil, right and wring, heroes and villains, is often left unaddressed in superhero fiction. We are left to believe that they heroes are always beneficent, the villains always self-centered and self-serving. But, as with all things, it is never so black and white. Sorrento does an amazing job of approaching this and so many other issues in Captain Stellar. Make no mistakes, it's an exciting adventure of self-discovery and heroism; it just also has some delightfully deep realizations and revelations that make the reader all the more invested in Cal, Fernando, Margo, and the rest of the crew....more
All right, I finally finished up this short read. It was very much worth it. This book was filled with the subtle, creeping fear that many darkerAll right, I finally finished up this short read. It was very much worth it. This book was filled with the subtle, creeping fear that many darker novels during Chambers' time boasted. Not only is it full of it, but it does it so well. This book had four short stories in it, so I will give you a quick rundown of all of them and how I felt about them.
"The Repairer of Reputations" ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ This story was my least favorite of the book, but that isn't to say it isn't good. At all. It feels like a strange tale of an egotistical man and a really creepy sort of information dealer. The reason this tale falls so low on my list is because it felt like it was a lot of setup that was maybe a bit TOO subtle to hint at anything, then everything happens very quickly at the end. It feels sort of sudden and abrupt, but Mr. Wilde makes up for a lot of it by being really creepy, especially due to his relationship with his cat.
"The Mask" ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ This felt like the beginning of the author's preoccupation with art and artistry and what it means to be an artist. The story begins with a sculptor who has discovered a formula that turns living things into marble. From there we are introduced to a love triangle, a strange fever, and some uncanny magic. While I will admit that this story isn't so much "creepy" as it is "strange," I felt like it had some really great aspects of storytelling. I can't decide if it's my favorite or not.
"In the Court of the Dragon" ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ This. This was where the creepy factor got turned up. At first, it was a little confusing to follow. In the end, the interweaving of dreams and wakefulness, the overwhelming idea of being unable to escape, unable to flee, was glorious and terrifying all at once.
"The Yellow Sign" ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Once again we visit the world of artistry. This was another one that had much more of a creepy vibe than the first one. There's an almost constant building of unease between the two main characters, their dreams, and an other that seems to cross all of those things. In the end, things escalate quickly, but unlike "The Repairer of Reputations," this story has built a solid foundation of horror, and the execution comes off much better.
Overall, I really, really enjoyed this book. You have to be familiar with the writing style and time, though. It isn't the same as more modern horror. The language and perspective may feel alien to many readers not used to it. However, if you're feeling brave, give it a try, and pick up a copy of this utterly eerie book....more
I was both surprised and impressed by this book. It tackled so many issues in ways that seemed utterly natural. Mental health, toxic masculinity, rapeI was both surprised and impressed by this book. It tackled so many issues in ways that seemed utterly natural. Mental health, toxic masculinity, rape culture, sexism, and so much more. Watching Jordan and Max grow and learn through failures and successes was a very visceral experience; it all felt real and emotional and as if you were listening to a friend tell you a story about what happened to them.
Max is the kind of guy that gets by with a smile. I don't mean he's shady, but that he takes what life throws at him and smiles. Except, in doing so, he isn't really dealing or coping with many of the issues he faces throughout the story. He is simply attempting to "warrior up" so that he doesn't feel them, something so many young men are encouraged to do instead of dealing with their emotions.
Jordan is stuck in a world where all he wants is to save the woman who gave birth to him. His mother exhibits so many different sides, to the extent that her mental health is obviously something that needs to be dealt with. And Jordan tried. In many ways, he does all he can to help her, and when it isn't enough, he is so quick to take on the blame for it. For things that aren't his fault.
Throw these kids together in a food truck and force them to work together, and you get a story about two young adults who are attracted to each other, but have to learn to navigate the other's world. In the end, doing so helps them grow into two beautiful individuals, and I am so happy I was able to experience their story.
PS. I have to say, since this is the audio version, I ADORED the voice for Max, but the one for Jordan constantly sounded like he was affecting a fake sort of 'teenage' voice that just grated on me....more
I thoroughly enjoyed this short story? novella? The story falls into this glorious in-between that makes it engaging and compelling without being tooI thoroughly enjoyed this short story? novella? The story falls into this glorious in-between that makes it engaging and compelling without being too short or too long. A quick, satisfying read that gives the reader a sense of closure while still wanting, to be quite honest, a bit more. My favorite part of stories that are of a shorter length is that they feel more like weekly episodes than they do entire novels. I hope to read more of Stephan and Warren in the not-too-distant future. I really liked them, their chemistry, and the world in which they are forced to navigate their path....more
((Note: I received an advanced review copy (ARC) in exchange for a review, and I have to admit that I am glad I did.))
"Raven" picks up not long after((Note: I received an advanced review copy (ARC) in exchange for a review, and I have to admit that I am glad I did.))
"Raven" picks up not long after "Masks" left off, and we're once again in the familiar (if sometimes dark) space of Avari's perspective. This is one thing I love about novellas, especially ones written in a series: they can lend themselves to being episodic, and feeling very much like coming back to your favorite television show for a new episode. What's going to happen next? What does this episode have in store for us?
Avari is the same flawed, sort of well-meaning protagonist (anti-hero?) that we’ve come to know and love, and the characters he interacts with continue to baffle, confuse, and even delight him in ways that are fun to experience along with him. Of course, we’re also with him as he finds himself in hotter water than he had expected, in so many different ways. I’m not sure about other readers, but I found it difficult not to be protective of the former-villain as he tried to deal with the challenges his less-than-heroic past brought forward.
Chayton is ever the bastion of understanding and empathy, and the chemistry between him and Avari is both palpable and sweet. He grows and changes with Avari, as significant others should really do (as we all grow and change) and takes his emotions and reactions into account. His insistence on requesting consent is another (HUGE) point in his favor, and offers a stark contrast to Kaiden, who seems less about consent and more about blackmail when we first meet him. He also develops, in a manner that truly surprised and impressed me, but you will have to read it for yourself to find out how and why!
Overall, the author’s prose has improved between the first and second novellas (and really, all writers/authors know that they always keep improving). It’s easier to slip into Avari’s perspective and experience the world through his eyes. The pacing improved as well, though there were places where the English Lit. major in me wanted to see more of the characters, the events, and the interactions. All in all, though, I would recommend this installment of the "Masks" series to fans of sweet romance, superhero-esque adventure, and a taste of the unknowable. I know I really enjoyed it, and I look forward to the next one....more
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