Malice by Heather Walter

Book: Malice by Heather Walter

Read From: 17th November - 20th November 2021

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: Long ago, a wicked fairy cursed a line of princesses to die. A curse that can only be broken by a true love's kiss. Princess Aurora is the last heir to Briar's throne and forms a friendship with Alyce the Dark Grace, despite holding the same dark magic that cursed the royal family.

I’ve read my fair share of fairytale retellings, but surprisingly this was my first ever Sleeping Beauty reimagining! I’m so pleased to say that I absolutely loved it. I went in with high expectations, after all there’s a lot to be excited for within this book, and I couldn’t be happier that it delivered on ever single aspect. I mean, a sapphic romance between a princess and the villain? Told through the villain’s POV may I add! Dark magic, curses and fae… the list goes on.

The world building in this book was incredible and extremely well executed. It was info-dumpy, but in a good way (which is such a hard balance to strike - it definitely paid off though)! It was so detailed and really well thought out, the history of Briar was intriguing and genuinely interesting - I loved learning about the context behind the world, it’s rule and the magic system. Not to mention the involvement of the fae and the Graces, everything ended up working really well together!

The characters were incredible and if all honesty, what made this book for me. Alyce in particular. She is a complex character who blurs the lines between good and evil, she was written so well you can’t do anything but root for her - even in the instances where her actions are questionable at best. A lot of this is helped by the way she is treated by those around her. She receives hateful remarks and reactions from those in Briar whenever they see her around, but also her very own upbringing led her to be abhorred for her ‘dark magic’ - initially being treated like a test subject, an oddity, with the hatred instilled in the Graces she lives with lasting for years. I think there are many relatable parts to Alyce and being inside of her head only emphasises this. She is not only a great villain, but also a great protagonist and I think this portrayal is only testament to Walter’s writing. 

In all honesty I can’t believe this is a debut. It’s probably one of the best retellings I’ve ever read - it sticks to the original fairytale so well but in a way that makes it its own unique and compelling story. I’m stupidly excited for the second book to come out next year, I’m very invested in seeing how Alyce’s story transpires.

Gearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta

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Book: Gearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta

Read From: 4th November - 17th November 2021

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: Suffering at the hands of Godolia's tyrannical rule of giant mechanised weapons known as Windups, cybernetically enhanced Windup pilot Sona is determined to destroy Godolia from within. When she meets Eris in the prison, a Gearbreaker who is specialised in dismantling Windups, the two form an unlikely alliance. As the clock ticks down to their deadliest mission, Eris and Sona grow closer - as comrades, friends and perhaps something more.

I very much enjoyed this one - it was such a wild ride from start to finish. Of course you can tell from the synopsis that this is a kick-ass debut sci-fi, but it also encompasses so many of the things I love: fierce and determined female characters, found family, enemies (kinda) to allies to lovers and revolution. If any of this appeals to you, I think you’d really enjoy this book. And if you needed any more convincing, think a sci-fi Girls of Paper and Fire!

Sona and Eris… our Glitch and our Frostbringer. Both of the leads in this novel were incredible. You are immediately on their side right from the start but discovering their backstories makes you feel for them and their cause far more. I can’t not love a book with a strong female lead and I’m so glad that there are two featured in Gearbreakers. There are also a lot of side characters that make up the found family aspect, all of which are fascinating and have their own little quirks. I hope that we get to see more of them in the sequel and learn more about them - they were a great addition (Jenny in particular)! I actually liked all of the strategising, planning and interacting between the characters much more than a lot of the action which was only testament to how much I enjoyed following this little gang of rebels.

Overall, this book was so much fun and I would definitely recommend it to all you sci-fi lovers. The world-building isn't too heavy which is great - but the right balance has definitely been struck in that it's also a complex enough world to be really fascinating. Plus, the idea of gigantic mechanised robots isn't too far-fetched an idea in reality when you think about how fast technology is advancing these days... yikes!😅 There is so much to enjoy in this book and I can't wait for the sequel!

These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan

Book: These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan

Read From: 7th November - 13th November 2021

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary: In a bid to save her sister who was sold to the formidable King of the Unseelie Court, Brie defies her hatred of the fae to make a deal with him in the hopes of getting her sister back. Her task is to retrieve three magical artefacts from the Seelie Court, and the only way to achieve this is to pose as a potential bride for Prince Ronan. Caught between two courts, Brie must put her loyalty to the test - especially when she begins to work alongside a band of misfits, struggling to resist the seductive charm of their leader Finn.

I know you’re all thinking ‘ugh not another fae book’, ‘nothing will ever match up to ACOTAR’, 'same old, same old'... PLEASE GIVE THIS BOOK A CHANCE. I've seen a lot of mixed reviews on various platforms saying it's a 'dollar store ACOTAR', but for me this couldn't be further from the truth. Honestly, if we're talking first books only, These Hollow Vows trumped ACOTAR for me. At the same time, I think it's an amazing story in its own right. Yes, there are a lot of similarities, but the two works shouldn't be put up against each other because they each have their own strengths. It's so hard to rave about this book without spoiling anything so I hope my review will be somewhat coherent😅 it's seriously amazing.

Brie was an absolute badass, I loved her character development but also appreciated that her motives of saving her sister never wavered. She always knew what she wanted and didn't let anyone come in between that - such an admirable quality to have in a heroine particularly when that dedication centres around a familial bond. Sebastian and Finn were very interesting characters, and even better love interests. I'm not normally a fan of love triangles but I was constantly changing my mind about who's team I was on and so I could totally understand Brie's situation of not knowing who to trust (although I do admit that I had a soft sport for Finn…) 

I loved the plot - the different methods Brie had to use in order to get the magic artefacts were really interesting to read about. I love any kind of adventure story and this definitely met that mark for me. The world building was also great. It wasn’t complex but it was well developed nonetheless. I can see why people would get ACOTAR vibes from the world but I actually appreciated it’s simplicity in comparison to Prythian, it worked well in complimenting the story without being unnecessarily complicated.

If it’s not already obvious, These Hollow Vows is one that I would definitely recommend, especially if you love fae stories. There is so much to love in this book and I’m glad it was chosen for our November book club read. 

Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia

Book: Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia

Read From: 30th October - 3rd November 2021

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: In the real world, Eliza Mirk is shy, weird, and friendless. Online, Eliza is LadyConstellation, anonymous creator of a popular webcomic called Monstrous Sea. With millions of followers and fans throughout the world, Eliza’s persona is popular. Eliza can’t imagine enjoying the real world as much as she loves her digital community. Then Wallace transfers to her school and Eliza begins to wonder if a life offline might be worthwhile. But when Eliza’s secret is accidentally shared with the world, everything she’s built—her story, her relationship with Wallace, and even her sanity—begins to fall apart.

This book was SO much fun. It’s blurbed as ‘a love letter to fan fiction’ and I couldn’t agree more. Although we don’t get much first-hand of the ‘fan fiction’ aspect, it still plays a central role and the book very much emphasises the comfort a lot of us find in online worlds and communities, particularly when there is a mutual interest. Presumably if you’re reading this review, you’re a part of the book community and so that is an aspect of this book that will definitely resonate with you.

I loved the mixed-media in this book, it felt like Monstrous Sea was a real comic! It’s essentially a story within a story, although Monstrous Sea inevitably isn’t AS developed as the overall storyline, I still think that it worked very well. Both Eliza and Her Monsters and the comic generally had a very interesting and gripping storyline. It’s been a while since I read a YA contemporary and I forgot how easy and fun they are to get through. The comic was fantasy too, so it was great to have a mix between the two genres (and of course, accompanied by the most gorgeous illustrations).

Eliza and Wallace were brilliant characters. I loved Eliza's journey, it was relatable and it almost felt nostalgic (come on, I know we all know the feeling of pining over a new crush and how frustrating it is when parents don't 'get' online friendships). Wallace was just the sweetest character and I wanted nothing more than to squeeze him. Although, I couldn't shake how his actions towards the end of the book seemed so out of character. Regardless, the discussions of social anxiety (which both characters struggle with) were really well done and were approached with a lot of sensitivity, understanding and care throughout which was something I really appreciated.

This isn't the slimmest book but nonetheless, it was a quick and easy read that I absolutely devoured (especially considering how busy life was for me at the time). This book will be particularly poignant for creators but also anyone who has previously or still is a part of an online community (whether this is a specific fandom or a more general shared interest). It demonstrates the importance of friendships both on and off line and is overall a brilliant read. It's not one I would ever personally revisit but I'm super glad I read it, I can't wait to see what Zappia writes in the future, I think it's definitely a name in YA to watch out for.

The Devil Makes Three by Tori Bovalino

Book: The Devil Makes Three by Tori Bovalino

Read From: 27th October - 31st October 2021

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: When Tess and Eliot stumble upon an ancient book hidden beneath their school library, they accidentally release a devil from his book-bound prison. He will stop at nothing to stay permanently free - manipulate the library books to do his bidding, murder in the stacks and bleed every inch into Tess’ life. Forced to work together, Tess and Eliot need to trap the devil before he kills everyone they know and love, including, increasingly, each other.

This book was so much fun! I think the last book I read that was set in a library/centred around books was Sorcery of Thorns which I finished back in November last year and LOVED. So you can imagine my excitement when I heard about this book! And there is definitely a lot to enjoy. Not only is there a merciless book demon but also two loveable characters who are amazing in their own right but also develop the sweetest and most unlikely alliance. Tess is the sweetest soul who is so family orientated, everything she does she does for her sister and I loved the strong sisterly bond in this book! Eliot on the other hand is a cute posh boy and what’s not to love about that!?

I know spooky season is basically over now, but the gothic vibes alongside the dark academia aspect made this book PERFECT for October! It was eerie and atmospheric throughout - just what I needed when I read it.

I thought this book was brilliant overall, but my only ‘criticism’ would be that I wanted more of the devil! It was sort of touched upon as to who they were and why they ended up in the library but this book could maybe benefit from a prequel? I think that has the potential to be really interesting, but nonetheless, it was great as a stand-alone.

This is definitely a book I would recommend and I can 100% see it becoming really popular in the bookstagram community. Even if you’re not the biggest fantasy fan, I still think a lot of people would enjoy this because it’s low fantasy so it doesn’t have a complex magic system or world building, it’s very easy to read and understand but at the same time it’s super creepy and filled with tension. It also centres around books which we all love!

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Book: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Read From: 21st October - 28th October 2021

Rating: 2/5 stars

Summary: When Tate meets Miles, the only thing they have in common is a mutual attraction. When their desires are out in the open, they realise they have the perfect set-up. He doesn't want love, she doesn't have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement can be seamless as long as Tate sticks to Miles' rules: never ask about the past and don't expect a future. They think they can handle it, but realise almost immediately they can't handle it at all. Hearts get infiltrated. Promises get broken. Rules get shattered. Love gets ugly.

CoHo fans… I am SO sorry. When I tell you I desperately wanted to love this book I really mean it, but I just couldn’t get on with it! October was evidently a rocky month for my relationship with Colleen Hoover’s characters - I didn’t think it could get much worse than Leeds and Layla but Tate and Miles definitely have to take the top (or bottom!?) spot. Their relationship was nothing but unhealthy from the start and if I’m not rooting for the characters in a romance novel then my interest is completely lost. I appreciated the character (and relationship) development but I still couldn’t find it in me to care about them.

I feel like I’ve said this so much about books recently but I’m going to say it again… it was also too insta-lovey for my liking! We get two timelines: Tate’s POV is in the present and Miles’ POV is 6 years prior and involves his ex-girlfriend. BOTH ‘love interests’ (if you will) were very quickly developed, maybe I’m just a slow burn lover but I didn’t find it swoown-worthy at all. Plus, I found Miles to be really possessive. I know that’s some peoples vibe and that’s totally fine, it’s just not for me. ESPECIALLY when the love interest is acting like he’s making a claim on a woman he’s known all of about 5 minutes. No thank you.

I think I’ll stop now before the Ugly Love fanatics come at me with their pitchforks (I joke, I joke) but please rest assured that no one wanted to love this book more than me, and I couldn’t be more disappointed if I tried. It hasn’t been a great CoHo month but rest assured I’m treating it as a blip in the road and I’m definitely not done with reading her works. Whilst I don’t necessarily recommend this book (there are plenty of people who do though so maybe check out their reviews if this one interests you), I’d really recommend Verity and It Ends With Us instead.

Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

Book: Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney 

Read From: 24th October - 26th October 2021

Rating: 3/5 stars

Summary: Adam and Amelia are spending the weekend in the Scottish Highlands. The remote location is perfect for what they have planned. But when their romantic trip takes a dark turn, they both start to wonder - can they trust the one they’re with? Because every couple tells little white lies. Only for Adam and Amelia, the truth is far more dangerous.

It's been a while since I picked up an adult thriller and I forgot how easy they were to sink your teeth into. This is my second Feeney novel (my first being His and Hers which I read this time last year!) and I’m pleased to report that it was just as addictive and filled with plot twists!

Domestic thrillers are by far my favourite kind and I was gripped when finding out all of Adam and Amelia’s secrets. The story itself was also told in a great way, it’s interspersed with letters to Adam written on each anniversary (very much Gone Girl vibes with the inclusion of traditional anniversary gifts too)! Ultimately, the letters and the plot lead to the big twist which I’m kicking myself for not seeing coming - it was definitely a shocker.

Something I also really appreciated about this book was the disability rep, whilst it did aid the plot in some way it didn’t just read like a plot device; it was educational because I wasn’t aware of the condition myself (Adam has prosopagnosia meaning he can’t recognise faces). I feel like disability rep is something you’d typically see in a contemporary (or some fantasy) so I really liked that it was included in this book and definitely something that should appear in an array of different genres!

It’s very obvious why this book has received so much praise recently. The only let down on my end was that the very ending felt a little rushed - I would have liked to see more ‘aftermath’ and an exploration of the impact this had on the characters, instead it felt like it was over a bit too quickly for my liking. I’m pleased this is being adapted into a TV series because the atmosphere Feeney created was incredible - both in terms of the escalating tension between the characters and the isolated wintery vibes of rural Scotland. I think it will translate so well onto our screens! I would definitely recommend reading this book, it was so enjoyable and I guarantee that you will not be able to put it down.