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A Universe of Wishes
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A Universe of Wishes (December 2021) Buddy Read Discussion - Bopeep & Raquel
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Chapter 1: A universe of wishesOh, I did love the worldbuilding here! I find the idea of people having wishes/magic inside them amazing, and that life cycle.
Both Sage and Thorn are so cute, btw! <3
I think it's a nice story to start (and name) the anthology ^^
Chapter 2: The silk bladeThis is a totally personal opinion, but I don't like the writing style of this author. So many descriptions and forced relationships.
But I did love that there aren't only boys or girls fighting but a mix of them. That was cool.
I want to join this and plan on catching up tomorrow....
We'd love to have you join, the more the merrier! I'm also a day behind and plan on catching up tomorrow.I did get the first story read and I absolutely loved it! I also liked the worldbuilding. The magic in this feels so unique. I loved how different stones had different abilities and those abilities are also found in humans. I also thought Sage and Thorn were super cute ❤ I enjoyed everything about this short story. I can't remember the last time I was so invested in a story from the first page. I would definitely read a full story in this universe following Sage and Thorn.
I've never read anything else by Tara Sim but now I'm tempted to read everything by her.
Finished the second story! Wasn't as good as the first but I was intrigued by the worldbuilding. I feel like the world has a lot of potential to be made into a full story. I didn't really like the romance though. I've never been one to enjoy romances that stem from instalove. The two girls have one conversation together, never interact afterwards, and somehow are ready to give up their dreams for each other. Can't buy it.
Time to read the third story. It's over 30 pages long so hopefully it's good 😓
The third story was okay I guess. I probably would've enjoyed it more if I had read the series the short story is based on. I was missing way too much context. I also didn't like that the story didn't really have a conclusion. Over 30 pages long and somehow it still wasn't long enough to solve the mystery I thought the short story was about. It just felt like a very weird addition to this collection.I'm wary to read the next story. I didn't enjoy the last thing I read by Anna-Marie McLemore. Hopefully it'll be good.
Yes, Leslie, you're welcome everytime you want to start!About the second story: yeah, I don't like instaloves neither, and the author did something similar on the book I've read.
And about the third story I did love it and, though we had no context , I believed and could imagine the worldbuilding. As you, I don't like it doesn't have a proper ending... That's not what short stories are for. But I understand why the author has written really big books hahha I've fell in love with Gemma and what she thinks about men like Dwight. I should read something by her!
I considered adding the Gemma Doyle books to my TBR because it does sound like an interesting story and Gemma as a character was fun to follow, but I already have way too much on my TBR. About the fourth story: Despite not liking another short story I've read by Anna-Marie McLemore I really enjoyed this one.
It was an interesting retelling of Cinderella. I liked how she incorporated a refugee plot into the retelling. That's not something I typically see. I also really liked having a trans Prince Charming and a Latina Cinderella. The romance between them was well written. They didn't immediately fall in love with each other but they were both drawn to each other. Much better type of romance than instalove.
Never it's too much to put on a TBR xDAs Spanish I found so annoying the part of using Spanish terms in the middle of the sentences. It was so weird to read a term in Spanish and the same in English on the same sentence. (La corrección was a weird term too use here, idk. I use it more on the term of correcting an exercise than correcting people :/)
I did love the trans Prince though! I didn't think about refugees, but know that you said so... They are, yep.
@Raquel I agree on the Gemma Doyle story. I was left wanting more. And I already plan to read more of that series.In the first story I felt shorted, but I guess that is why they are short stories. The second story I felt was heavy on the combat scene, but yet it was an emotional heavy rather than a technical heavy.
I have to agree with you @Bopeep (and @Raquel) on the 4th story. I didn't care for the smattering of Spanish words in the middle of all the English. But I did really like the storyline and the idea of the trans prince and the Latina heroine. I did find it odd though that the king and queen were okay with the prince transitioning gender, but had an issue with the cohabitation of males with other males or women with other women. And I really felt like this story could be fleshed out to become a whole book.
Leslie wrote: "I have to agree with you @Bopeep (and @Raquel) on the 4th story. I didn't care for the smattering of Spanish words in the middle of all the English. But I did really like the storyline and the idea..."I think the idea was that the heroine traveled to a whole other country to ask for asylum because the rulers of her country didn't want same sex couples living together. So the prince's parents weren't the ones enforcing that.
Ah OK. I must have missed that point. For the story Liberia, was I the only one that felt like we were left hanging at the end? I did like the theme of the continuance of generations and the importance of remembering/honoring those left behind.
I did feel like I was left hanging. I want to know what happens after they make it to New Africa. Other than that though I surprisingly liked it! I say surprisingly because science fiction isn't really my thing, but I would love to read a whole book about Kweku and the crew of the Liberia. I also liked how Kweku cared so much about his plants because he didn't want to forgot where and who he came from. It was so sweet ❤ Harry was a jerk for not understanding him. He seriously needed to chill out. The next one is by V.E. Schwab and it sounds like it's a part of her Shades of Magic series. I have actually read the first book in that series, A Darker Shade of Magic, and really liked it. It sounds like this short story will be more of a prequel but I really hope it doesn't spoil anything for the next two books!
Yes, the main character went to another country... I didn't get it at first neither but it didn't make sense if not.About Liberia, I was so happy to have some science fiction! But it wasn't as expected. And I really didn't get the last part... :/
Oooh I loooved the Schwab story! I've read the first book too, and I think it's better this way since there's a little spoiler of the first book there. We don't know Alucard, and I don't know how he's portrayed on the books but after this I loooved. The character <3
Next one is from Roanhorse, one of my favorite authors so far. I hope her story is good!
EDIT: Oh yes, I liked it. Roanhorse is always a win for me! And it was science fiction too, which I love <3
I don't have any idea who the next authors are (except from Zoraida Córdova), so I'm looking forward to read new styles! Did you read any author from this book that you want to read a book?
The short story by V.E. Schwab makes me want to read A Gathering of Shadows more than the summary of the actual book. Emery is such a complex character and I feel bad for all that he went through. It feels like he has no one on his side except for his little sister. I really liked Kell in the first book but he was a real jerk in this one. I get that he wants to protect Rhy, but I felt like he was interfering too much in their relationship. On the other hand as much as I liked Emery I never understood why Rhy and him were attracted to each other. I needed more of a reason than being immediately throw into the middle of their relationship. The Rebecca Roanhorse one was really good! I haven't read any book by her yet but I've had books by her on my TBR for a long time. After finishing this short story I think I'll move them up on my TBR because I really like her writing.
This short story is probably my second favorite so far. I really liked the dynamic between Vi and Val. I wouldn't mind reading a whole story about them going around reclaiming artifacts that were stolen. It's such an interesting narrative that focuses on a real world issue that doesn't get a lot of attention in books.
So far out of all the authors we've read I really want to read a book by Tara Sim and now Rebecca Roanhorse. I've already had books by them on my TBR so I've moved them up on my list. I'll keep my eye out for books by Kwame Mbalia because I did like his short story, but it looks like he only writes kids books and none of them sound interesting to me.
I didn't care for the VE Schwab story and I'm not sure why. Maybe it was too many jerks in the story or maybe there needed to be more context to appreciate the snippet. Either way it was a "meh" for me.Now the Roanhorse story was great. I definitely want to check out more of her writing. I also really liked the Vi/Val dynamic and could see it entertaining me a while. So obviously I was left wanting more.
The Nic Stone story was okay. I liked the beginning part of it but lost interest part of the way through - maybe once I figured out who the monster was well before the reveal. And the repetitive description of the femininity of Dream kind of bothered me, like it was over emphasized. I've read other Nic Stone books and this was a little different than her normal style.
"Wish" is such a fun and sweet story. I like how it was a great combination of sci-fi and fantasy as well as a different take on the "genie-in-a-bottle" theme. I will definitely check out more of Jenni Balch's writing.
message 19:
by
mina, Group/Buddy Reads Procrastinator
(last edited Dec 09, 2021 03:15PM)
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rated it 3 stars
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The sentence in the beginning about wishes being granted by the dead was what hooked me a few days ago when I opened the book. However, now that I started it I skipped that little part (because I should be going to bed instead of starting a new book, so every little bit helps) and I was shocked that he firstly gets dirty in the cemetery and has dirt under his nails.. and now he's breaking into a coffin shop and I was... dude does weird things... and then I remembered 😅
I liked it, it's a great start to the book. Liked how crystals are powerful and how they became that way, by soaking up magic from the earth. I want a book set in this world.
I loved Schwab's short story, but I don't have the need to read Gathering of Shadows~ I didn't enjoy the first book as much. But what I love about Schwab's writing is character's relationships <3 and how they are so grey. Sometimes they seem good (Kell on the books) but are a pain in the ass (on the short story).Yes, yes, please read Roanhorse! Her stories are awesome. I loved Trail of Lightning :)
I think that, about the Nic Stone's story, when she mentions the feminity a lot is to differentiate "butch" lesbians to
"feminine" ones. That girls doesn't need to be boyish to like girls.
Wish was AMAZING. I loved it! Unfortunately, the author wrote this little story and hasn't any books yet, but indeed I will read more about her if she had.
And about the authors, I would love to read som Tara Sim books too~
@Mina, welcome! The first story was so good~ Comment as you like, we're talking about the stories and the authors too :)
I liked the Nic Stone story, which surprised me because I've only read one other book by her, Jackpot, and I found it to be an average read. I guess I just liked how fairytale-like this one was. I also liked the message that girls shouldn't have to fit a certain mold to be considered a woman. I thought the naming of the characters was clever too. Dream and Dare were so cute together. I definitely think this only works in a short story format, but I wouldn't mind seeing Nic Stone branch out into fantasy.
Mod
I feel underwhelmed by this one. I didn't mind the writing, and the world could be interesting in a long run, however it's too short for me to have a longer opinion on it. The fighting scenes were interesting, and I would've liked to see more of the trials. The insta love is an automatic no for me, I'm with Raquel on this one - Can't buy it.
The Scarlet Woman
I haven't read the Gemma Doyle books, but I've read the Diviners series by Libba Bray and I liked them, although the writing was a bit heavy on descriptions 😅 I like historical settings in general, plus we have some mystery mixed with the occult here.. which is *chef's kiss*
“We’re very close. Like sisters. But more like the Borgias than the March girls.”
😂 I love Gemma and Fee's friendship. Depending how this story goes I may be interested in reading the Gemma Doyle books.
Whaaaat? It just ends like that? No, I want more. This is definitely the one I like the most, and then comes the Universe of wishes.
Mod
Okay so the Spanish is throwing me a bit off. Some words I know, some I do not, which also makes me think that books that use a second language like this... simpler/mostly used words should be better as there's a higher chance of the audience knowing them.
Also another thing.. if you use a word in Spanish don't switch it to English three words later. Only if the author wanted to make the difference between men en pecado and women in sin, which I don't see the reason for.. if you see same sex relationships as sin, then does it matter if it's mxm or fxf?
I don't have any special thoughts on this story. I'm glad there's trans representation..but also it was short? I mean, I know it's a short story, but I guess I expected there to be more.
Mina, the Spanish on the Crystal story was so badly used there. Even being bilingual, it was weird to read the translation a few words later. As you said, aunt and tía, and glass slippers and zapatos de cristal... It was so weird to read xDI don't know if the author is bilingual or not, but I have a meme for that: https://icelandicpancake.tumblr.com/p... (it's long, but with the thre first comments is enough haha)
Wish was a good short story. I really enjoyed the different take on the genie-in-a-bottle myth. I would've loved to have learned more about where Lane comes from and how he became a Granter, but I actually enjoy not having all the answers this time. @mina The atmosphere for the Gemma Doyle short story was really good! I probably would've enjoyed it a lot more if it had just ended on a stronger note. I was hoping that maybe this short story would be a springboard for another book in that series, but that doesn't seem to be the case sadly.
The WeightThough I didn't like the writing style, the background was so thought-provoking.
I liked that it was based on the heart scale from Egyptian mythology, though in my mind I translated scale as fish's skin and not a weighting instrument haha It was so confusing until I worked out it wasn't "that" scale 🤣
Wish was amazing! I would love a longer story!
Mod
This one is a bit tricky.. Since I read the books and knew the characters it was interesting to read more about them, however if I hadn't read the books, I don't know if I would've cared much about the story. The writing was easy and it made the story a fast read.
The Takeback Tango
Staying past your usual bed time and wanting to read didn't end up well. "Reading" this one took more time than it should've because my eyes would close after a few sentences, so it wouldn't be a surprise if I missed something. I agree with Raquel on the issue of stolen artifacts, that's something that's not talked about, and to be honest I didn't think much about displayed artifacts in museums, or even private collections, where they are from or if they have the right to display/collect them. If nothing else this story opened my eyes a bit.
The story writen by Mark Oshiro was... angsty. I loved the idea of erasing memories, but the ending was so abrupt and overdramatic(?) for a hertbreak.At least here the bilingual was well done! Hahaha
The coldest spot on the universe
It was shocking and, same as "the weight", thought-provoking for me. It's so sad to know that our planet could be unhabitable in a few years... But the most shocking thing was that politicians used freacking bombs to cool down the planet. WTF! The worst thing is that it doesn't seem irreal to me...
Mod
I really liked this one, and even though it was short I didn't mind it or felt like I was missing something more like with some of the other stories we read.
The Weight
This one is so fascinating. I want more... but also it was enough 🤔 I don't know if this is the one I liked the most so far.. but it was the most innovative.
Unmoor
I agree, the memory erasing was interesting, would love to have a book about that.. although there may be one or few out there. And yes, the last memory erasing was way too dramatic for a heartbreak.. although I can't really judge what's "too dramatic" for someone and the intensity of pain they feel.
Kudos for the bilingual. I felt a bit weird when it switched from English to Spanish in the sentence BUT it was so much better than the other story.. and it had a few other Spanish words but it felt natural and not forced.
I also liked the Egyptian mythology present in The Weight! That was a unique spin the author did on it. I wasn't a huge fan of the ending but I understand why it ended the way it did. They both were probably completely aware of what their heart would show but were just in denial. I like stories that show that your first love doesn't have to be your only love. I actually really enjoyed Unmoor despite how angsty the ending got. I feel like it has real potential to be a full story and I would totally read it. I think it would be interesting to read a book from the perspective of someone who has willingly forgotten someone. Though I also think Arturo and Felix don't make the best couple since I also wouldn't enjoy my SO checking out multiple people right in front of me.
The one thing that did bother me with Unmoor was the use of magic to do simple things like taking out a phone and swiping through it. It just seems so unnecessary. The rest of the magic in the book seemed cool, like how it was being used to help people with their mental health, but I rolled my eyes every time they mentioned taking out their phone with magic. Am I the only one who gets irritated when magic in books is used for something so easily done without magic 😅
message 31:
by
mina, Group/Buddy Reads Procrastinator
(last edited Dec 14, 2021 11:59AM)
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rated it 3 stars
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I like that this was a post-apocalyptic setting, and that it was talking about environment and how politicians, and older generations, did nothing because they won't live that long to feel the consequences. But besides liking the setting and the message, I didn't enjoy much that it was repeating itself in the beginning when it was switching from one character to the other, telling us things we already knew from the previous pov.
The Beginning of Monsters
The futuristic feel of this, to be able to change your body only because you are bored and have money reminded me of Altered Carbon the TV series.
The An/ans that started appearing when Insarra's child came is confusing me so much, that it makes my brain hurt. Is it a pronoun?
Hmm, this story felt a bit to cold? distant? to me.. but the world sounds interesting.
Raquel wrote: " I like stories that show that your first love doesn't have to be your only love."Yes, I agree! There isn't a lot of people that are with their first love all their life.
Reminding of the Coldest spot in the universe still crushes my heart and soul :( It's awful and amazing that such a short story makes me feel like this.
The beggining of monsters
Yeah, it reminded to a super futuristic story!
I don't think an and az are pronouns on out planet (?), and they confused me a lot too haha I knew pronouns "xe", but an (being a proeposition too) confused me. But at least we had a non-binary character that didn't use the "they" pronoun.
But at the end it was confusing and, as you said, distant.
HabibiGods , those two final letters destroyed me. I'm genuinely crying, but that was a good ending for this book.
I agree with mina on The Coldest Spot in the Universe. It was thought-provoking and had a good message, but I was bored for most of it. The ending did make me cry though.I did not like The Beginning of Monsters. I was so confused by everything. I was also tripped up by the word an being used as a pronoun. I tried looking it up on Google but nothing came up so I don't know where that's coming from. What frustrated me the most was the worldbuilding, I could not picture anything in this short story. I have no idea what falling force, flow force, ecstatic force, and rising force were supposed to be. I don't even know how I got through the story that's how much I wasn't enjoying it. I've read one other short story by Tessa Gratton before and I felt the same way, so I guess this author just isn't for me.
Mod
Longer than the threads of life
I liked this one. I don't know what much to add about it. Maybe it would've been nice to know more about her mother giving her to the sorcerer to lock her in the tower, and about her power.
As for the last story.. I don't know, I didn't care for it and just wanted to finish it.
I'm usually not a fan of short stories, and although that hasn't changed much 😅😂 I liked this one more than I expected.
Thank you for discussing the stories, this is how I like to see BR threads 😃 it was nice reading with you.
For Unmoor, I really felt it was an ideal short story. Many of these before in the book have felt like they are excerpts of bigger stories/books. But this one felt complete. I actually kind of enjoyed the string-along: "one more", "just one more" as he realized how many places pulled on his memories and heart. And the question at the end you are left with is how far is too far when it comes to avoiding a broken heart.I kind of liked The Coldest Spot in the Universe, though I admit it was slightly colored by me not just reading another post-nuclear apocalypse story (Dawn) but also watching one too (Finch) all around the same time as reading this. I enjoyed the back and forth in time as I saw it as one person's living of what's happening and then another's perspective many years later upon learning what happened to the other. And it felt so real.
I enjoyed the world build in The Beginning of Monsters. The an/ans and az/azs were a bit disconcerting, however, as it was hard to figure what they were indicating (which was maybe the intent), but it was revealed a little late for my taste. And the idea of 4 genders was odd for me (I guess I'm too duality-reliant). But it was still a nice love story.
I expect to finish this tomorrow...
Longer Than the Threads of Time teaches us all why we shouldn't get swept away by instalove 🤣 In all seriousness though I liked this short story, but it feels incomplete. There's a lot of potential for this to be a full length story, and I think it would do well since fairy tale retellings are popular. I liked the world the author created and I think it would be cool to learn more about the history between the magic users and the hunters. Let me tell you, I was all ready to not like Habibi just because I'm not a fan of stories told through notes and I didn't like the font. I quickly came to like it though. It is such an interesting premise and the discussions between Quincy and Omar were thought-provoking. And that ending! I actually had to take a break from reading after Omar's last full letter because I wasn't ready to get my heart broken. Luckily my heart wasn't broken like I thought it would be. I was crying tears of happiness. While it does work as a short story I think it makes a great beginning for a fuller one though. I would love to follow Omar and Quincy after they meet (if they do, which I believe they do).
This buddy read was fun! I really enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts. I agree that active buddy reads like this are always the best.
What ended up being everyone's favorite (or some of your favorites)? I would say mine is A Universe of Wishes, but The Takeback Tango and Habibi are close follow-ups.
Yeah, it was fun commenting with you! I think my favorite was Wish, and my second was The Coldest Place on the Universe -since I love climatic post-apocalyptic settings.
Mod
I agree with you @Raquel on Longer Than The Threads of Time. It was an interesting take on the Rapunzel fairy tale. I really wished we had learned more detail on what Danae did magically-speaking to make her mother betray her and get her locked up. I actually didn't care for the Habibi story. It was one of my least favorite in the collection. Not sure why, but it just didn't keep my interest very well.
I actually starred my favorite stories in the collection in my book journal so I would remember them and the authors: A Universe of Wishes, The Scarlet Woman, The Takeback Tango, Wish, and The Coldest Spot in The Universe topped my list. Can't wait to enjoy more works from the authors!
I enjoyed the discussion with you all - it worked really well with a collection like this.
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Each day we will be reading by chapters or page numbers. Page numbers are an approximation based on the hardcover or paperback that is the default on Goodreads. The suggested Buddy Read discussion schedule is as follows:
Week of 12/01
December 01: Chapter 1
December 02: Chapter 2
December 03: Chapter 3
December 04: Chapter 4
December 05: Chapter 5
Week of 12/06
December 06: Chapter 6
December 07: Chapter 7
December 08: Chapter 8
December 09: Chapter 9
December 10: Chapter 10
December 11: Chapter 11
December 12: Chapter 12
Week of 12/13
December 13: Chapter 13
December 14: Chapter 14
December 15: Chapter 15
PARTICIPANTS
~ Bopeep
~ Raquel