justreaditalreadypod's reviews
474 reviews

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

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emotional hopeful 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

3.75

I have had this book for at least six years and decided to finally get to it this year thanks to my "read a book that spans five or more years" reading prompt. While I felt the book was missing something, I still enjoyed it and found it to be an emotional and thought-provoking look at love, loyalty, and the heartache caused by systemic injustice.
 
The story revolves around a married couple, Celestial and Roy. The two met in college thanks to Celestial's lifelong friend, Andre. Celestial and Roy are deeply in love and have been discussing starting a family since they married. When the two of them travel to Louisiana to visit Roy's parents, their lives are forever changed. The couple decide to stay at a motel rather than stay with Roy's parents, and it is at the motel that another guest reports being sexually assaulted by a man who snuck into her room at night. She claims that the man who attacked her was Roy. Celestial knows better. She knows that Roy was snuggled up next to her all night, but thanks to racist cops, Roy is jailed, tried, found guilty, and sentenced to twelve years in prison.
 
While incarcerated, Celestial and Roy stay in touch through letters, but eventually, their separation causes them to grow apart. When Roy's lawyer finally gets him out of prison after serving five of his twelve years, Roy returns home, hoping to reconnect with his wife and rekindle their love. But Celestial has moved on with Andre, and now she must decide whether she will continue her new and comfortable life or try to reconcile with Roy.
 
Overall, I really liked the format of the book. When it begins, we hear only from Roy and Celestial, and once Roy is incarcerated, we shift to letters exchanged between the couple. In the third act, Jones adds Andre to the mix, allowing us to hear from his perspective. By inhabiting each character's viewpoint, Jones challenges readers to withhold judgment and instead grapple with the difficult choices that all three characters are forced to make. Celestial's struggle with maintaining loyalty to Roy while discovering her own needs and desires is extremely honest. Roy's confusion, anger, and pain upon returning to a world that has moved on without him feel raw and authentic. Meanwhile, Andre's position as the once close friend to both Roy and Celestial and now Celestial's lover adds a layer of complexity that could have easily slipped into soap opera territory but surprisingly didn't. This gives us, as readers, a big-picture look at all of their lives, which I really liked.
 
What I appreciated most about the novel was its ending. The decisions made by Celestial, Roy, and Andre reflect the growth and scars they have accumulated throughout the story. Without giving away too much, the conclusion is both realistic and bittersweet. Rather than resorting to a neatly resolved happy ending, Jones chooses a path that feels authentic to the characters and their experiences.
 
That said, my one complaint about this book was that I felt a bit distanced from Andre. I felt like he came in too late. We read about him in earlier chapters, and I understood that he had known Celestial from the time they were kids but not much else. When we finally get inside his head, we slowly learn that he had been in love with Celestial even as a kid but never acted on it. He stepped aside so she could be with Roy. That said, I got the impression that Celestial wasn't interested in him back then, and I wanted to see her fall for him. I wanted to know what made her change her mind toward him. Why did she suddenly fall madly in love with him and choose him over Roy? Was it convenience or did she really love him? Whatever it was, I didn't feel it, which caused a lack of tension on my part.
 
In the end, this is both a personal and a political novel, shining a light on the deep, often unseen, emotional toll of systemic injustice. I liked the story and the message; I just wished I had been more invested in Andre. For anyone looking for a rich, character-driven story that explores the complexities of modern relationships and racial inequality, this book is a must-read.

Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor

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hopeful inspiring 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

This was a very interesting read. I wasn't sure what I was going to get when I started it, but I'd seen so many rave reviews that I had to check it out. As I was reading, I constantly found myself waiting to be blown away. I enjoyed the story but didn't understand why everyone was raving about it - and then the last two chapters hit, and the "holy crap" moment happened. An unexpected twist hit with such impact that it reframed much of the story for me. Now I get it.
 
At the center of this novel is Zelu, a writer whose life is turned upside down after a series of personal and professional setbacks. Dropped from her university teaching job and dealing with the rejection of her latest novel, Zelu finds herself at an ultimate low point. This all happens during her sister's wedding, an event that should have been a moment of joy but instead serves as a backdrop for her mounting frustrations and feelings of inadequacy thanks to an overbearing family who, for some reason, treats Zelu like she is incapable of living a happy life simply because she requires a wheelchair to get around. After the wedding, Zelu retreats to her hotel room and makes a bold choice: she decides to write a novel entirely unlike her previous works.
 
From here, the narrative splits into two parallel stories. In the main narrative, we follow Zelu's struggles with her family and her identity as she deals with the fame that comes along with writing a bestselling novel that everyone in the world seems to be obsessed with. Simultaneously, the novel includes excerpts from the book Zelu has written - a science fiction epic about AI and androids navigating life after the extinction of humanity. These two narratives gradually intertwine, reflecting and reinforcing each other in fascinating ways that seriously had me tearing up at the end.
 
One of the book's central themes is the idea that stories - whether personal, historical, or fictional - have immense power. Okorafor emphasizes the importance of telling stories with care and integrity, especially when those stories involve marginalized voices. Through Zelu's experiences and the challenges she faces as an author, the novel explores how narratives can shape perceptions of truth and history. This message resonated deeply with me.
 
One of the things I enjoyed most about the novel was Zelu's character arc. She is a complex, slightly bitter, but determined character who refuses to let life's curveballs defeat her. She's not invulnerable; she experiences moments of doubt, fear, and frustration, but she always finds a way to move forward. I admired her strength and courage, particularly in the face of her family's judgment. The occasional chapters from her relatives' perspectives shed light on the complicated dynamics within her family, showing their love for her but also showing how their expectations both motivate and weigh her down.
 
Showing chapters from Zelu's novel is equally intriguing. The AI characters grapple with questions of existence and purpose, mirroring Zelu's own journey of self-discovery. As Zelu's life progresses and her novel gains critical acclaim, the tension between her real experiences and the fictional world she has created becomes increasingly significant, culminating in a reveal that will leave you in deep thought long after you've finished it.
 
I found this to be a compelling and ambitious novel that rewards readers who are willing to reflect on its deeper themes. While it may not immediately grab everyone's attention, those who stick with it will be treated to a deeply profound reveal at the end. I highly recommend it to fans of both literary and speculative fiction, particularly those who appreciate stories that challenge conventional boundaries.

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

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hopeful inspiring 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

4.0

I read Tia Williams' "A Love Song for Ricki Wilde" last year and immediately added this book to my TBR upon finishing the former. While I enjoyed "Love Song..." more, I still enjoyed this one. What I really appreciated this time around was how Williams foregoes tired romance tropes in favor of a more grounded, heartfelt exploration of two people who are shaped by their pasts and are trying to navigate their present. This is a story about reconciliation, both with others and with oneself.
 
The story focuses on two characters: Eva Mercy and Shane Hall. Eva is a single mother and a bestselling author of a successful paranormal romance series. On the surface, Eva seems to have it all: fame, a fiercely intelligent and somewhat precocious daughter named Audre, and a supportive circle of friends. But beneath the seemingly polished exterior, Eva is struggling. She's tired of writing about the same characters and feels that there is more to her writing career than witches and vampires. Eva also lives with chronic pain from migraines, a condition that Williams portrays realistically throughout the novel.
 
Shane, on the other hand, is a celebrated but enigmatic literary author. He's reclusive and haunted by past demons, including a troubled childhood and an ongoing battle with sobriety. Shane and Eva knew one another as kids and had a very strong bond until, one day, Shane abruptly disappeared from Eva's life. When Shane unexpectedly pops up at a literary event in Brooklyn, the two reconnect, and their chemistry is palpable. Seeing each other again after so many years stirs a whirlwind of conflicting emotions for both of them.
 
One thing that makes this book work so well is the way the author alternates between past and present to gradually uncover the depth of Eva and Shane's relationship. Their teenage romance is intense and electric but tinged with the pain of their respective traumas. Through these flashbacks, we gain a better understanding of the wounds that still define them as adults. As they reconnect over the course of seven days in a sweltering Brooklyn summer, they must confront their shared history and the secrets that kept them apart. Their emotional growth feels authentic and well-earned as both characters learn to forgive not only each other but also themselves. There's a lot to unpack in a week!
 
Eva and Shane's relationship feels real because it's messy and complicated, a reflection of the challenges that come with rebuilding trust and overcoming personal baggage. The romance is tender, sensual, and refreshingly mature. Despite the characters' traumas, the novel never feels weighed down by darkness. Instead, it offers a hopeful message about healing and the possibility of finding love and creativity after years of pain.
 
Another thing that stood out to me was how Williams balances romance with larger themes of identity and healing. Eva's relationship with her daughter, Audre, is a highlight of the story. Audre is precocious and headstrong, providing both comic relief and emotional support to her mother. At the same time, Williams explores the long-lasting effects of motherlessness and abandonment through both Eva's and Shane's experiences, offering a nuanced portrayal of how childhood trauma continues to shape adult relationships. Eva's mother was present in her life, but she was very self-absorbed, and this is shown in the ways Eva connects with Audre, ensuring that she is the mother to her daughter that she never had.
 
The dialogue - another highlight - crackles with intelligence and charm. Eva's inner monologue, in particular, is laced with humor, providing levity to balance the heavier themes. The opening scene alone had me laughing out loud.
 
Overall, I found this to be a deeply moving story. Williams has crafted a romance that is as much about self-discovery as it is about rekindled love. With its rich character development, dual timelines, and witty dialogue, this book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a romance that is both heartfelt and thought-provoking.

Notes on Surviving the Fire by Christine Murphy

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dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I received an advance galley of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
 
Have you ever read a book that had you simultaneously wanting to tear through the pages but also set it aside because it was almost too much? This was that type of book for me. It is an unflinching exploration of trauma, survival, and grief, all at the hands of the patriarchy. It's gritty, raw, and unapologetic, and not for the faint-hearted. Even though I didn't care for the reveal/twist at the end (it felt out of place), I ended up completely captivated by this book.
 
The story begins with Sarah, a graduate student in a PhD program in Southern California, doing her best to live her life while simultaneously dealing with some pretty awful trauma. Sarah was sexually assaulted by another student in her area of study, and when she reported it to the authorities and the university, it was documented and then pretty much swept under the rug. The only person who believes and supports her is Nathan, her best friend and fellow grad student. When Nathan is found dead from a heroin overdose, Sarah immediately suspects foul play. Nathan had always stayed away from hard drugs, so his death doesn't add up. Driven by grief, fury, and a determination to uncover the truth, Sarah begins investigating what she believes is a murder.
 
The more Sarah digs, the more she begins to believe that Nathan's death could be part of a larger pattern: other students on campus have mysteriously died under suspicious circumstances. Is it the stress of college, or is something more at play? Murphy uses Sarah's investigation to paint a harrowing picture of rape culture and the ways institutions bury evidence to protect perpetrators.
 
The book plays out during a pretty brutal fire season in Southern California. Everything around Sarah is literally burning, which further illustrates how everything in her life seems to be going up in flames - both literally and figuratively. Another thing that really struck me in the book was how Sarah's isolation is further emphasized through her refusal to fully name most of the people around her. Instead, she gives them nicknames, a method of detachment that basically underscores her trauma.
 
The book is very well-written. Murphy's prose is both jarring and mesmerizing, fluctuating between curt, direct statements and long, wandering reflections that mirror Sarah's fractured mental state. The result is a narrative voice that feels intimate and brutally honest. I seriously felt like I was living in Sarah's head, which made the book very intense. Sarah's thoughts are often fragmented and contradictory, but this disjointedness is crucial to the authenticity of her voice. Trauma does not lend itself to linear narratives, and Murphy captures this complexity effortlessly.
 
While I loved a lot of this novel, it's not without its flaws. Toward the end, there is a significant twist that reveals the true motive of one of the key characters. While Murphy does lay some groundwork for this revelation, it feels somewhat out of place, almost like it belongs in a different book. The twist disrupts the carefully constructed tone of the story and seems really out of place. Sarah's journey to uncover what actually happened to Nathan and reclaim her agency is already compelling without this plot development, and the twist kind of took me out of the book a bit. It wasn't enough to completely ruin things for me; it just seemed unnecessary.
 
Despite the random reveal, I found this to be a powerful, gut-wrenching read. Murphy refuses to sanitize or soften Sarah's story, allowing the full weight of her trauma and rage to take center stage. While it is a story about vengeance, it's also about healing and the slow, painful process of coming back to oneself after being fractured by violence. For readers who aren't afraid of gritty books filled with trauma and rage, I would highly recommend this one. Just be sure to check the trigger warnings. There are several.

Devolution: A Firsthand Account of the Rainier Sasquatch Massacre by Max Brooks

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I really enjoyed Max Brooks' "World War Z", and I bought this book as soon as I heard about it. Much like "World War Z", this book takes a documentary-style approach to its narrative, combining journal entries, interviews, and expert commentary to craft a story that feels alarmingly real. I had been holding onto this book since its release, and after finally diving into it, I was thoroughly engrossed. Since it was a full cast recording with some pretty big names (Jeff Daniels, Judy Greer, Kate Mulgrew, and Nathan Fillion, to name a few), I decided to do a tandem read with both the hardcover and the audio. The dual format added an incredible sense of tension and immediacy that heightened the creepiness.
 
The story is centered around a bloodbath discovered in the ruins of Greenloop, a remote, eco-friendly community near Mount Rainier. The discovery was made during rescue efforts that followed a fictional eruption of Mount Rainier in 2020 (I think). While the site is being searched, journals belonging to a woman named Kate Holland - a resident of Greenloop - are recovered. According to the journal entries, Greenloop was cut off from the outside world when the volcano erupted. Supplies run low, communication is severed, and the danger escalates when creatures resembling the mythical Sasquatch begin to stalk and attack the settlement. What follows is a horrifying descent into survival, where the lines between humanity and savagery blur in the fight to stay alive.
 
Brooks paints Greenloop as an idyllic, tech-forward community that thrives on the illusion of control and security. However, that illusion shatters once disaster strikes, and the modern conveniences that once made the residents feel safe suddenly become useless. Through Kate's eyes, we see both the fragility of civilization and the terrifying power of primal instincts as the Sasquatch attack and the residents slip into survival mode. The residents all start out as ordinary people, many ill-prepared for survival. Some cling to denial, believing help will come, while others crumble under the weight of fear and helplessness. But as the story progresses, a few begin to adapt and embrace their primal instincts, willing to do whatever it takes to stay alive.
 
The book's format is its biggest strength. The combination of Kate's journals, expert analysis, and fictional interviews creates a sense of authenticity. Brooks blends fact and fiction so seamlessly that it's easy to get lost in the narrative. The scientific speculation about Bigfoot as a species adds a layer of plausibility that makes the story all the more frightening. Much like "World War Z", this book feels like a story that could actually happen, which is part of what makes it so effective. I had to keep reminding myself that none of this was real.
 
In terms of pacing, the book is perfectly structured. It starts with a slow burn, allowing the reader to get to know the characters and setting before the horror begins to unfold. But once the Sasquatch attacks begin, the story becomes relentless. Speaking of the Bigfoot clan, I really loved how the author portrayed them not as mindless monsters but as a cunning, organized species capable of strategic thinking. The tension builds as their presence goes from a vague threat in the woods to a full-blown nightmare. I could feel the dread creeping in as the characters realized just how outmatched they were. Every sound in the dark, every snapped twig, every shadow, every distant howl ratchets up the tension until it becomes nearly unbearable. I was completely breathless at times.
 
In the end, I really loved this book. It combines the thrills of a survival story with elements of horror done in a documentary style that makes it all feel very real. Max Brooks once again demonstrates his talent for blending fiction with realism, crafting a tale that is both wildly creative and eerily believable. If you're a fan of cryptid lore, survival horror, or speculative fiction, this book is a must-read. I can easily see myself revisiting it in the future. Highly recommended!

Whalefall by Daniel Kraus

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adventurous emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This book was all over my Bookstagram feed last year when it was first released. I was on the fence about reading it, mostly because the thought of being swallowed by a whale is terrifying, and I wasn't sure I could handle reading about it. I decided to give it a go after reading so many stellar reviews. In the end, I found it to be an interesting read, though I wasn't as blown away by it as many others were.
 
The book begins with our protagonist, Jay Gardiner, driving to the site where his father committed suicide a year prior. Jay is still burdened by unresolved grief and guilt. He didn't have the best relationship with his dad, and it ended up causing him to leave home at a young age, abandoning not only his father but also his mother and two sisters. In order to repair the rift between his mom and sisters, Jay decides to take a risky dive off the coast of Monastery Beach to recover what he can of his father's remains. Things take a horrifying turn when Jay encounters a giant squid and then ends up being swallowed by a massive sperm whale that is hunting the squid. From that moment on, he has only one hour to escape before his oxygen runs out.
 
This is a book best read in a single sitting, as the tension is so high that it's hard to put down. The pacing is quick once the core action kicks in, and the setting is - unsurprisingly - very claustrophobic. The whale's interior is vividly described, complete with unsettling darkness, gross digestive things, and a visceral sense of dread. The confined space and Jay's dwindling oxygen supply create an overwhelming sense of urgency. At times, it's almost physically uncomfortable to read.
 
The claustrophobia is amplified by Jay's psychological battle. Throughout the novel, he is haunted by memories of his father, who was both a towering and deeply flawed figure in his life. Their relationship was complicated by his father's unconventional way of thinking and high expectations. The dive is as much about ridding himself of these ghosts as it is about survival. While trying to escape the whale, Jay reflects on his fractured bond with his father and his lingering feelings of failure. These flashbacks are woven seamlessly into the present-day narrative, giving us a fuller picture of what made Jay who he is. In the end, his journey is not just about survival but about finding peace with his past and forgiving himself. The resolution is both satisfying and emotionally resonant.
 
While I enjoyed the story well enough, there were moments that stretched my suspension of disbelief. The idea of surviving inside a whale, particularly enduring the stomach acids and other physiological dangers, occasionally felt a bit far-fetched. Jay moved back and forth between stomach chambers and esophagus like a pro, suffering some wounds that, honestly, I felt would have been a bit more severe. Could he really have survived the stomach acid as easily as he did? I frequently found myself questioning how plausible certain events were.
 
This is one that I listened to while doing things around the house, and I found that the narrator, Kirby Heyborne, did an excellent job of keeping us inside Jay's head. He did a great job of matching the pace and making me feel like I was listening to Jay recounting his story.
 
While I wasn't as blown away by it as some were, this was still a fun read. For those who don't mind a little claustrophobia and can stomach (see what I did there?) the intensity, it's a quick-paced and thought-provoking read. I'd recommend setting aside an uninterrupted block of time to read it, as once you dive into Jay's nightmare, you won't want to stop until it's over.

Cross My Heart by Megan Collins

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I need to step away from thrillers for a while. I've only read a small handful over the last few months that actually delivered. This was not one of them. The synopsis offers a premise that felt rich with potential, but once again, I was left scratching my head at the "twists" and reveals.
 
In this book, we follow Rosie, a woman who has not had the best life. She is still mourning a failed engagement (working at her family's bridal shop certainly doesn't help heal THAT wound), and she suffered from cardiomyopathy, which resulted in the need for a heart transplant. However, this is no ordinary transplant story. Rosie becomes convinced that her new heart belonged to Daphne Thorne, the wife of local celebrity author Morgan Thorne. Rosie is a little obsessive (understatement) and begins digging into the Thorne family. She starts by following Morgan on social media. Then she reaches out to him via a website set up to allow donor recipients to anonymously connect with the loved ones of the deceased who donated their organ(s). What starts as a seemingly heartfelt exploration of trauma and second chances shifts into darker, twist-laden territory.
 
On paper, this book has all the ingredients of a compelling psychological thriller: an unreliable narrator, sinister secrets, obsession, and a tangled web of relationships. However, the book's execution often falls short, leaving me more perplexed than thrilled.
 
One of the book's key weaknesses is its mid-story twist. Without revealing too much, the reveal is disorienting and not in a good way. It introduces a convoluted plot element that initially feels like it's meant to shock but instead causes confusion. For several chapters, I found myself lost and struggling to make sense of the narrative's sudden shift. Eventually, the full explanation came to light, but rather than providing clarity or delivering a gut-punch twist, it left me rolling my eyes. The explanation felt forced and overly contrived, weakening the tension and mystery that had been building.
 
The final reveal at the book's climax is similarly underwhelming. While Collins tries to build suspense, the resolution is predictable for readers familiar with the genre. The "big reveal" lacked impact, and I found myself more annoyed than surprised by the direction the story took. It's a shame because the premise had so much promise. The concept of Rosie inheriting a heart that leads her down a dark and obsessive path could have been an intriguing exploration of grief and obsession. Instead, the twists seemed to prioritize shock value over narrative coherence, ultimately failing to pack the emotional or psychological punch I had hoped for.
 
That said, one redeeming quality of the novel is Rosie herself. While she is an extremely unreliable narrator (something I love), there's something compelling about her vulnerability. Her desire to find meaning in her second chance at life and her misguided search for love and belonging make her somewhat relatable, even if her decisions are often frustrating. Collins does a good job of painting Rosie as a deeply flawed, traumatized individual whose longing for connection drives her to make dangerous choices. I appreciated the moments when her humanity and fragility were on full display. Despite the book's structural flaws, Rosie's voice kept me engaged enough to continue reading.
 
Overall, this book isn't terrible - it just didn't deliver what I was looking for. There are moments of genuine intrigue, and Rosie's character is compelling enough to carry parts of the story. However, the novel's reliance on poorly executed twists and a predictable climax prevents it from reaching its full potential. As someone who enjoys thrillers, I was left feeling disappointed by the missed opportunities here. This book may still appeal to readers who like a basic popcorn thriller. However, for seasoned thriller fans, the weak twists and uneven pacing may be a dealbreaker.

The Mime Order by Samantha Shannon

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I read "The Bone Season" (the first book in the series) to kick off the new year, and even though it took me a little while to feel settled, I ended up really loving it. I couldn't stop thinking about it and really wanted to find out what happened to Paige, so I decided to go ahead and jump into the second book. I have to say, this is the perfect example of a second book in a series being even better than the first. It was packed with tension, action, and even deeper character development.
 
The book picks up right after the events of the first book. Paige, our fierce and determined protagonist, has narrowly escaped the horrifying penal colony of Sheol I, but freedom is fleeting. Now back in Scion London, Paige is a fugitive, branded a threat to society, and hunted by both the authorities and the Rephaim she left behind. But Paige isn't exactly safe at home with her section of Rebels. Jaxon, their leader, is a violent man who is hungry for power. When the ruler of the Underworld dies, it's time for a new leader. Jaxon decides he will fight for the title with Paige by his side. If he wins, he may be able to help keep Paige safe, but she fears what might happen to the others in the syndicate. Jaxon is a dangerous man - but Paige is two steps ahead of him.
 
The series - especially this book -  is structured like a political thriller mixed with an urban fantasy. The stakes keep escalating, and the mystery surrounding the Rephaim, Scion, and the syndicate deepens. The pacing is deliberate at times, allowing for rich world-building, but when the action kicks in, it really kicks in. The final act is a masterclass in tension and suspense, with a dramatic climax that flips everything on its head.
 
In this book, Shannon has expanded on her intricate, immersive world. This time around, the structure of Scion's criminal underbelly takes center stage, and we get a much deeper understanding of the syndicate's power dynamics. The clairvoyant community is divided into different mime-lords and mime-queens, each ruling over their own domains with ruthless cunning. This book gives readers a front-row seat to the political intrigue and cutthroat maneuvering of this underground society, culminating in a high-stakes battle for dominance.
 
"The Bone Season" introduced Paige as a resilient but uncertain young woman, and this novel sees her stepping into her own as a leader. Her character growth is one of the novel's most compelling aspects. She's no longer just a dreamwalker trying to survive - she's beginning to recognize the corruption within the syndicate and questioning whether Jaxon is truly the best person to hold power.
 
Speaking of Jaxon, we got a taste of him in the first novel, but his true character comes out in this book. Charismatic yet ruthless, he is both a protector and a manipulator, and his dynamic with Paige is captivating. The tension between them escalates as Paige starts to realize that she might not want to follow him blindly anymore. Watching her wrestle with difficult choices and ultimately take bold action is immensely satisfying.
 
And then there's Warden. I loved him in the first book, and while he is absent for much of the novel, his eventual return was more than welcome. The slow-burn tension between him and Paige continues to simmer, adding an emotional layer to the otherwise action-packed narrative.
 
And can we talk about that ending? The last few pages redefine everything that came before, leaving Paige (and the audience) at a crossroads that promises even more conflict and revolution in the books to come.
 
I found this to be a spectacular continuation of the Bone Season series. It expands on the world, deepens its characters, and sets the stage for even greater conflicts. Samantha Shannon's writing is immersive, her characters complex and compelling, and her plot full of twists and turns that keep you glued to the page. If you weren't sold on the first book, this sequel just might change your mind. It's a gripping, unpredictable, and richly detailed story that left me eager to dive into book three.


Isaac's Song by Daniel Black

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emotional hopeful reflective sad 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

4.5

 
This book is a follow-up to Daniel Black's "Don't Cry For Me," which is told from the POV of Isaac's father. I've not yet read that book (though I will be soon), but I never felt I was missing anything. In fact, I think it will be interesting to go back and read his father's letters after seeing how everything played out between the pages of this book.
 
This book begins after Isaac's father's death. Encouraged by his therapist to document his life story, Isaac embarks on a journey of reflection that takes him back to his roots. Through this process, he confronts the weight of generational pain, the expectations his family (in particular his father) placed upon him, and the cultural legacies that both shaped and constrained him. 
 
At its core, this is a story of self-discovery, resilience, and a quest to find where you belong. Isaac is a character who feels heartbreakingly real. He carries the burdens of toxic masculinity, stifled creativity, and the weight of societal expectations of what it means to "be a man" - burdens that many gay men of the era can relate to. 
 
As Isaac graduates and ventures out into the world and encounters other gay men like him, Black weaves Isaac's personal journey with other major events of the time. The AIDS crisis looms large in the narrative, casting a shadow of fear and loss over the gay community. For Isaac, just as he begins to embrace his true self and find a sense of community, the epidemic serves as a brutal reminder of the fragility of joy and the pervasive stigma that queer people endured. Similarly, the Rodney King beating and the subsequent racial tensions further underscore the harsh realities of systemic racism and an added layer of "otherness" that Isaac was made to feel.
 
For me, one of the most striking elements of the novel was the way it captured the inner emotional life of a queer man navigating an unforgiving world. Isaac's sensitivity, tenderness, and creative spirit are vividly portrayed, making him a character who feels achingly real. His struggle to claim his identity and find his place in a world that often rejects him is both deeply personal and universally relatable. There were moments when Isaac's experiences felt so eerily similar to my own that it was as though Daniel Black had peered into my childhood. I found myself deeply moved by Isaac's journey, often reflecting on how many of his struggles mirrored my own. Yet, while our experiences aligned in many ways, the added layer of Isaac's identity as a Black man highlights the intersectional challenges of racism and homophobia in ways that broadened my perspective. There was a lot to think about between these pages.
 
At just over 200 pages, this is a compact but potent book that grips readers from start to finish. Despite its brevity, the novel packs an emotional punch. I was so captivated by Isaac's story that I devoured the book in less than four hours, unable to tear myself away from his journey. A lot of this had to do with the fact that I also listened to an ALC of this while reading. JD Jackson is the perfect narrator for the audiobook. He captured all of the voices and emotions perfectly.
 
Overall, this is a beautifully crafted novel that will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt out of place in the world, but especially with gay men who grew up in an era marked by fear and rejection. It is a story of pain, resilience, and, ultimately, the transformative power of self-acceptance. If you're looking for a book that will move you, challenge you, and stay with you long after you've turned the last page, then this book is not to be missed.
The Family Inside by Katie Garner

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0