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afi_whatafireads's reviews
589 reviews
King of Wrath by Ana Huang
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
dante aum
Bane of Widuri by Nadiah Zakaria
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Sinister, sorrowful, dark and heart-wrenching.
I never thought this book could made me feel so much, and yet it did.
Honestly, the best way to go into this book would be going into it blindly. I didn't know what the book was about; but I trusted the beautiful cover to do justice to story, and it definitely did. Looking back at the cover filled my heart with sorrow. I just kinda wished that this book would be longer, and I would've given it 5 stars no doubt.
Bane of Widuri is a story of loss, memories and greed. Its a tale that will get you goosebumps and will leave you gobsmacked. It somewhat turned out to be what I had expected, but when everything unfolds towards the end, it became a story that is filled with sorrow and sadness.
The highlight of the book will be the flowers, and I had fun with guessing which is which.
Overall, would def recommend this book for fans of goth, thriller. It leaves a lingering feeling and the overall execution of the story was pretty fantastic. Props to the author.
Personal Ratings: 4.25🌟
I never thought this book could made me feel so much, and yet it did.
Honestly, the best way to go into this book would be going into it blindly. I didn't know what the book was about; but I trusted the beautiful cover to do justice to story, and it definitely did. Looking back at the cover filled my heart with sorrow. I just kinda wished that this book would be longer, and I would've given it 5 stars no doubt.
Bane of Widuri is a story of loss, memories and greed. Its a tale that will get you goosebumps and will leave you gobsmacked. It somewhat turned out to be what I had expected, but when everything unfolds towards the end, it became a story that is filled with sorrow and sadness.
The highlight of the book will be the flowers, and I had fun with guessing which is which.
Overall, would def recommend this book for fans of goth, thriller. It leaves a lingering feeling and the overall execution of the story was pretty fantastic. Props to the author.
Personal Ratings: 4.25🌟
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Fire/Fire injury
Of Dogs and Walls by Yūko Tsushima
The story is somewhat like the aftermath after Dazai's death, from the perspective of the woman and her children. This story is by no means perfect, but it left a scar in my heart. The repercussions of a family barely holding on, of a mother who is trying to survive with children to feed, of memories and how vague and different they can be and mostly of the water, of its greatness but also its ability to take someone's life away.
I love how Tsushima played with the metaphors of the Water God as somewhat a villain in the story and how water became both her trauma and her saving grace; her means to survive. The complicated relationship that she had with the element reflected on the relationship that she had with her mother and how she grew up with her children as well. It was heartbreaking. It felt like Tsushima was writing her own experiences, and it made me bawl.
2nd Story: Of Dogs and Walls
Personal Ratings : 4🌟
This story was a hit and miss. I was a bit confused at first, but then ,looking through the story from a different perspective; its a story of boy and a dog and how the wall is the companion for those who seemed different in society. The story is disorienting at most, but its one that seeps through your heart slowly.
Overall, these two stories may not be for everyone, but I am super super stoked to read Tsushima's other works now. It has a sense of melancholic nostalgia that made my heart just in pain.
4.25🌟 overall for this one!
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
There's almost a disjointing feeling after reading this. I feel that the feelings that I left after reading this, felt hollow at most.
This collection from Penguin Modern Classics is a collection of two short stories from Yuko Tsushima. Reading this for #WIT and I feel that its a good short read if you're in need of something somber. I think I was a lot more taken to the stories in here as it felt somewhat like an autobiography of the author's life. One of the main reasons why I was interested and wanted to read Tsushima's stories was because that she was the last daughter of the infamous Osamu Dazai, and he had commited suicide after her birth. I loved Dazai's works and I wanted to see how her daughter's works are and I think because of that fact; the stories in here had hit me harder than I expected.
1st Story: The Watery Realm
Personal Ratings : 5🌟
Boy was I sad after reading this.
This collection from Penguin Modern Classics is a collection of two short stories from Yuko Tsushima. Reading this for #WIT and I feel that its a good short read if you're in need of something somber. I think I was a lot more taken to the stories in here as it felt somewhat like an autobiography of the author's life. One of the main reasons why I was interested and wanted to read Tsushima's stories was because that she was the last daughter of the infamous Osamu Dazai, and he had commited suicide after her birth. I loved Dazai's works and I wanted to see how her daughter's works are and I think because of that fact; the stories in here had hit me harder than I expected.
1st Story: The Watery Realm
Personal Ratings : 5🌟
Boy was I sad after reading this.
"People depend on their misfortunes.
We curse them, but actually we're wedded to them, proud of them even.
And you're no exception.
You're afraid of the water that stole your husband, but all you can do is consort with it.
-
Water is your greatest fear, but the world of water is also where your deepest fears find a hearing.
The story is somewhat like the aftermath after Dazai's death, from the perspective of the woman and her children. This story is by no means perfect, but it left a scar in my heart. The repercussions of a family barely holding on, of a mother who is trying to survive with children to feed, of memories and how vague and different they can be and mostly of the water, of its greatness but also its ability to take someone's life away.
I love how Tsushima played with the metaphors of the Water God as somewhat a villain in the story and how water became both her trauma and her saving grace; her means to survive. The complicated relationship that she had with the element reflected on the relationship that she had with her mother and how she grew up with her children as well. It was heartbreaking. It felt like Tsushima was writing her own experiences, and it made me bawl.
2nd Story: Of Dogs and Walls
Personal Ratings : 4🌟
This story was a hit and miss. I was a bit confused at first, but then ,looking through the story from a different perspective; its a story of boy and a dog and how the wall is the companion for those who seemed different in society. The story is disorienting at most, but its one that seeps through your heart slowly.
Overall, these two stories may not be for everyone, but I am super super stoked to read Tsushima's other works now. It has a sense of melancholic nostalgia that made my heart just in pain.
4.25🌟 overall for this one!
Sleepless by Marie Darrieussecq
Insomnia and all its glory.
Sleepless is a memoir on being an insomnia; the journey of the author having insomnia for the past 30 years - in the indulgence of drugs, alcohol and anything that can get her to sleep. A quiet-chaotic mess of thoughts on the world and mostly of being (not) able to sleep.
I find as someone who suffers what the author has gone through for the past 10 years of my life, I can say that reading this was like calling me out in various languages and names. Insomnia can be a lonely journey, and not everyone will understand the fights you have between the voices in your head throughout the night, knowing that you want to sleep, but you simply; just, can't . There is almost a comical way in somewhat being seen by reading this memoir. I felt that I wasn't alone in this journey, and that there were loads of others - big big names - that suffered the same problem as well.
The author had done a thorough research on everything that is related to sleep. The infamous works from Woolf and Kafka, were amongst the many that were quoted in here. One of the things that I liked was that, not only the author had written about her own struggles; she had also written about sleep and the state of not being able to do so in different context. There was a chapter in the book that spoke on 'forced insomnia' ; where privilege plays a part to actually let people know that you are in a safe place; seemingly awake with your own demons - whilst there are other who couldn't sleep not beacause they didn't want to, it was because they dint't have a choice but to stay awake. Its these themes that made this book an enjoyable read. She not only delved into her own state of mind; but also became reflective of the circumstances that she was born into.
Its also interesting to read through her state of mind - one I can imagine writing the book at 4.04 AM. Its almost comical how 4.04 AM its like a universal time for insomniacs. There is a sort of solidarity reading this book but it didn't feel self-victimizing, instead; its written in just a matter-of-fact way and paired with loads of references that made it a very insightful and educating read as well.
I do recommend reading this. Its a deep dive into the world of insomniacs; and its in the matter of being able to understand those who are stuck in their beds with their thoughts. Definitely an interesting one.
4🌟 for this !
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this ARC! I highly appreciate it :)
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
The irony of reading this in the midst of sleeplessness as well.
"The world is divided into those who can sleep and those who can't.
Insomnia and all its glory.
Sleepless is a memoir on being an insomnia; the journey of the author having insomnia for the past 30 years - in the indulgence of drugs, alcohol and anything that can get her to sleep. A quiet-chaotic mess of thoughts on the world and mostly of being (not) able to sleep.
I find as someone who suffers what the author has gone through for the past 10 years of my life, I can say that reading this was like calling me out in various languages and names. Insomnia can be a lonely journey, and not everyone will understand the fights you have between the voices in your head throughout the night, knowing that you want to sleep, but you simply; just, can't . There is almost a comical way in somewhat being seen by reading this memoir. I felt that I wasn't alone in this journey, and that there were loads of others - big big names - that suffered the same problem as well.
"Sleeping means trusting the night, believing in a reunion after the commotion of dreams."
The author had done a thorough research on everything that is related to sleep. The infamous works from Woolf and Kafka, were amongst the many that were quoted in here. One of the things that I liked was that, not only the author had written about her own struggles; she had also written about sleep and the state of not being able to do so in different context. There was a chapter in the book that spoke on 'forced insomnia' ; where privilege plays a part to actually let people know that you are in a safe place; seemingly awake with your own demons - whilst there are other who couldn't sleep not beacause they didn't want to, it was because they dint't have a choice but to stay awake. Its these themes that made this book an enjoyable read. She not only delved into her own state of mind; but also became reflective of the circumstances that she was born into.
Its also interesting to read through her state of mind - one I can imagine writing the book at 4.04 AM. Its almost comical how 4.04 AM its like a universal time for insomniacs. There is a sort of solidarity reading this book but it didn't feel self-victimizing, instead; its written in just a matter-of-fact way and paired with loads of references that made it a very insightful and educating read as well.
I do recommend reading this. Its a deep dive into the world of insomniacs; and its in the matter of being able to understand those who are stuck in their beds with their thoughts. Definitely an interesting one.
4🌟 for this !
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this ARC! I highly appreciate it :)
Stereograf: 33 Esei by Ridhwan Saidi
Sebuah kumpulan esei yang aku kira santai dan bercerita tentang hal-hal yang niche dan mungkin tidak diketahui oleh semua orang, tetapi ia seronok untuk dibaca sebagai bacaan ringan. Esei-esei yang ditulis ada yang mengundang nostalgia, dan ada pula yang mengkritik masyarakat dengan cara yang halus; dan sebanyaknya tentang hal-hal literatur, seni, muzik dan sinema.
Antara benda paling aku suka adalah kekerapan penulis menerapkan konsep menimba ilmu untuk menjadi manusia yang lebih baik - dari pelbagai aspek. Ada juga esei yang memperkenalkan aku dengan beberapa penulis yang akan aku baca karya mereka selepas ini.
Secara kesuluruhannya, koleksi yang membuka mata dan juga memberi perspektif baru terhadap beberapa perkara.
4 🌟 untuk buku ini
informative
fast-paced
4.0
"Ilmu persis teori evolusi Darwin yang tidak statik, dan sentiasa berubah dan berkembang - sepertimana alam semesta."
Sebuah kumpulan esei yang aku kira santai dan bercerita tentang hal-hal yang niche dan mungkin tidak diketahui oleh semua orang, tetapi ia seronok untuk dibaca sebagai bacaan ringan. Esei-esei yang ditulis ada yang mengundang nostalgia, dan ada pula yang mengkritik masyarakat dengan cara yang halus; dan sebanyaknya tentang hal-hal literatur, seni, muzik dan sinema.
Antara benda paling aku suka adalah kekerapan penulis menerapkan konsep menimba ilmu untuk menjadi manusia yang lebih baik - dari pelbagai aspek. Ada juga esei yang memperkenalkan aku dengan beberapa penulis yang akan aku baca karya mereka selepas ini.
Secara kesuluruhannya, koleksi yang membuka mata dan juga memberi perspektif baru terhadap beberapa perkara.
4 🌟 untuk buku ini
Hotel Iris by Yōko Ogawa
Deeply disturbing, Hotel Iris tells the story of 17 year old Mari and a translator she met while manning the front desk at the hotel that her mother owns. A gothic-tale that will leave you queasy and questioning your morals; a story that of exiles, loneliness and a form of love that is frowned upon by society and a story of two souls that found each other in their own messy form.
I don't know how to properly write this review without sounding like a creep, but I lowkey enjoyed this book really much. Its to a point ; that I'm sad that it ended the way it did. With this book, Ogawa lamented her ways to write in such a way that will question every moral fibre in your body. The act of the translator with Mari is most definitely frowned upon; and its to show a dark side of human emotions in such that questions Mari's upbringing in the first place. Was her childhood that bad? Was the treatment of her mother made her the way she is? Was the affection that she so badly crave can only be fulfilled by the translator? Ogawa's writing will coerced the readers to a point of breaking. She had shown the complexity of the human's nature into accepting things and the expression of desire.
If Ogawa is a man, I would question every single things about this book. It leaves me to wonder, the power dynamics that she holds over the readers had made it seemed like the relationship between the translator and Mari in some ways. The story is relentless; in a way that makes the readers so so so so uncomfortable and yet, there is a beauty behind the story. And no matter how we see it, everything that was done in the book is both consensual; which further leads you to question yourself. Ogawa had splendidly narrated the story; with its beautiful prose and vivid detail, in human complexity in its darkest core.
Not a book for everyone mind you. But what I can say is , Ogawa is an exceptional writer.
Would have been 5🌟 if not for the ending.
4.5🌟 for this gem
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Disclaimers :
1) Before you go into this book, please know that this book will leave you extremely uncomfortable.
2) I for one do not condone pedophilia (yes biggest trigger warning here)
3) Again, do read this book on your own discretion. If you can't handle these kind of topics, be warned and do not proceed.
This book left me with the same feelings after I read Earthlings.
I was not only perplexed, but Ogawa had brought forward such a whirlwind of very, very, very, strong emotions that this book was unputdownable. In fact, its been 10 minutes after finishing this book -whilst I'm writing my thoughts here- and I find that the story will haunt me in such a way that I don't think I can forget this story at all.
1) Before you go into this book, please know that this book will leave you extremely uncomfortable.
2) I for one do not condone pedophilia (yes biggest trigger warning here)
3) Again, do read this book on your own discretion. If you can't handle these kind of topics, be warned and do not proceed.
This book left me with the same feelings after I read Earthlings.
I was not only perplexed, but Ogawa had brought forward such a whirlwind of very, very, very, strong emotions that this book was unputdownable. In fact, its been 10 minutes after finishing this book -whilst I'm writing my thoughts here- and I find that the story will haunt me in such a way that I don't think I can forget this story at all.
"He had inflicted every sort of misery and humiliation on me, and every sort of pleasure, there in the pale of light of the candles. The mouse was the only witness, floating in the bucket.
Deeply disturbing, Hotel Iris tells the story of 17 year old Mari and a translator she met while manning the front desk at the hotel that her mother owns. A gothic-tale that will leave you queasy and questioning your morals; a story that of exiles, loneliness and a form of love that is frowned upon by society and a story of two souls that found each other in their own messy form.
I don't know how to properly write this review without sounding like a creep, but I lowkey enjoyed this book really much. Its to a point ; that I'm sad that it ended the way it did. With this book, Ogawa lamented her ways to write in such a way that will question every moral fibre in your body. The act of the translator with Mari is most definitely frowned upon; and its to show a dark side of human emotions in such that questions Mari's upbringing in the first place. Was her childhood that bad? Was the treatment of her mother made her the way she is? Was the affection that she so badly crave can only be fulfilled by the translator? Ogawa's writing will coerced the readers to a point of breaking. She had shown the complexity of the human's nature into accepting things and the expression of desire.
If Ogawa is a man, I would question every single things about this book. It leaves me to wonder, the power dynamics that she holds over the readers had made it seemed like the relationship between the translator and Mari in some ways. The story is relentless; in a way that makes the readers so so so so uncomfortable and yet, there is a beauty behind the story. And no matter how we see it, everything that was done in the book is both consensual; which further leads you to question yourself. Ogawa had splendidly narrated the story; with its beautiful prose and vivid detail, in human complexity in its darkest core.
"It's not a matter of being sad or lonely. I no longer feel lonely. No, it's as though I'm being sucked silently into some hole in that atmosphere, to disappear altogether. Pulled in an overwhelming force, and once I'm gone, I'll never get back."
Not a book for everyone mind you. But what I can say is , Ogawa is an exceptional writer.
Would have been 5🌟 if not for the ending.
4.5🌟 for this gem
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
Plot and Writing Style
Hobb is an exceptional writer. The story sets of in a lyrical prose that may take time to get used to but not one that makes it seem too much like an overachiever. Her proses are flowery but not to a point that it will disrupt the reading exprience. There is a flair to her writing that makes the story such a breeze to follow through - and I love how the plot started with following Fitz recalling his journey from a young boy to the person that he is now. The worldbuiding and plot moves along with the characters and I liked that we get to experience each part of the world with Fitz.
Characterization
I feel that , in every fantasy book, if we were to follow a single person's POV with an annoying character, it will become a chore to read the story. However, Hobb excelled so much with her characters. I had found myself crying over characters that was only perceived from the lenses of Fitz. Its fascinating how all of these characters became endearing to me as we read along Fitz's journey. And Fitz? Ma Boy? I will protect him with all cost. I love him to a point that it pains me every time I read of his misfortunes. I liked that Fitz has a quiet but strong personality that shows how human and young he can be. And the rest of the characters? Hobb had built each of the characters well even through the lens of a single character. We experienced each and every array of emotions that Fitz felt for everyone and even can form perceptions to the other characters in the book. This made me really quite taken with Hobb and towards the Epilogue of the book - I find myself knowing that this series will be one that I will very much enjoy reading.
Magical System
There is an intricateness to Hobb's magical system. I liked that its somewhat interwoven with the depths of a person's character and makes you know your own inner strengths and wrongs. I honestly can't wait how it unfolds more in the second book!
Overall, I enjoyed my time with this book tremendously. Its such a good opening to well-loved series among the fantasy lovers and I for one am happy to join in the bandwagon.
4.25🌟 for this gem
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I've finally started my journey to one of the biggest magical realm book worlds ever - The Realm of Elderlings - and its becoming a journey that I know I will love.
The first book to the Farseer Trilogy was not only a great start to a trilogy, its main point in opening to the doors of a great magical world that I feel will become more intriguing and complicated as the story goes. Interwoven with lyrical proses, a magical system that is interwoven in the depths of a character's worth and messy court politics - Hobb had managed to make and create the story from a single person's POV, which makes her an exceptional writer. We follow the journey of this world through the eyes of Fitz, a lowborn bastard to a prince, as he venture out to the world. I won't spoil all the fun for you guys - its more fun to go in the book blind - but I will write out some of my keypoints that makes this series one of which I feel that will become my own personal favourite.
The first book to the Farseer Trilogy was not only a great start to a trilogy, its main point in opening to the doors of a great magical world that I feel will become more intriguing and complicated as the story goes. Interwoven with lyrical proses, a magical system that is interwoven in the depths of a character's worth and messy court politics - Hobb had managed to make and create the story from a single person's POV, which makes her an exceptional writer. We follow the journey of this world through the eyes of Fitz, a lowborn bastard to a prince, as he venture out to the world. I won't spoil all the fun for you guys - its more fun to go in the book blind - but I will write out some of my keypoints that makes this series one of which I feel that will become my own personal favourite.
"And your duty is the same. To live so that you may continue to present possibilities.
Plot and Writing Style
Hobb is an exceptional writer. The story sets of in a lyrical prose that may take time to get used to but not one that makes it seem too much like an overachiever. Her proses are flowery but not to a point that it will disrupt the reading exprience. There is a flair to her writing that makes the story such a breeze to follow through - and I love how the plot started with following Fitz recalling his journey from a young boy to the person that he is now. The worldbuiding and plot moves along with the characters and I liked that we get to experience each part of the world with Fitz.
Characterization
I feel that , in every fantasy book, if we were to follow a single person's POV with an annoying character, it will become a chore to read the story. However, Hobb excelled so much with her characters. I had found myself crying over characters that was only perceived from the lenses of Fitz. Its fascinating how all of these characters became endearing to me as we read along Fitz's journey. And Fitz? Ma Boy? I will protect him with all cost. I love him to a point that it pains me every time I read of his misfortunes. I liked that Fitz has a quiet but strong personality that shows how human and young he can be. And the rest of the characters? Hobb had built each of the characters well even through the lens of a single character. We experienced each and every array of emotions that Fitz felt for everyone and even can form perceptions to the other characters in the book. This made me really quite taken with Hobb and towards the Epilogue of the book - I find myself knowing that this series will be one that I will very much enjoy reading.
Magical System
There is an intricateness to Hobb's magical system. I liked that its somewhat interwoven with the depths of a person's character and makes you know your own inner strengths and wrongs. I honestly can't wait how it unfolds more in the second book!
Overall, I enjoyed my time with this book tremendously. Its such a good opening to well-loved series among the fantasy lovers and I for one am happy to join in the bandwagon.
4.25🌟 for this gem
Whiskey & Sin by Emily Rath
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The other plots of the book like the found family, the trauma, the action was actually pretty spot on.
But the chemistry between the characters was really meh..
I LOVE Bear and Silas is a strong guy for real, but I expect more ANGST and PINING :')
3🌟
But the chemistry between the characters was really meh..
I LOVE Bear and Silas is a strong guy for real, but I expect more ANGST and PINING :')
3🌟
Pucking Around by Emily Rath
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The fact that I finished this MAMMOTH of a book? A record for me cause I usually prefer a story with more plot.
Honestly, there are a lot more things that could’ve been done better for the book, especially on the characters and their insecurities.
But you know what, I knew what I was coming into the book (no I didn’t expect it to be THIS LONG), but I did came in for the spice.. and I ate it up. Easily spiciest book I’ve read this year. The boys was sweet too :’)
3.75🌟
Honestly, there are a lot more things that could’ve been done better for the book, especially on the characters and their insecurities.
But you know what, I knew what I was coming into the book (no I didn’t expect it to be THIS LONG), but I did came in for the spice.. and I ate it up. Easily spiciest book I’ve read this year. The boys was sweet too :’)
3.75🌟
That One Night by Emily Rath
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5