rgoth's reviews
365 reviews

This book overall is a quick entertaining read, making it an ideal companion for a cosy evening spent beside a warm fire, with a comforting cup of tea in hand. 

However, there were a few aspects that gave me pause, particularly about some repetitive elements within the text. While the book effectively highlights the fascinating ways in which oral traditions have evolved and transformed over time, as well as how they vary across different cultures and regions, I find myself agreeing with other reviewers who suggest that a different organisational structure might have helped minimise some of this repetition. 

One of the highlights for me was the inclusion of the Mari Lwyd, a tradition that I find particularly captivating and even though the book leans heavily towards a Eurocentric perspective, it does make an effort to incorporate examples from further afield, including intriguing references to Japanese traditions. 

Overall, this book sparked my interest and left me yearning for more depth. As an enthusiast of winter lore, I felt that this work provided only a tantalizing glimpse into a diverse array of cultural traditions. 

This pocket guide serves as a brief yet informative introduction to the subject of witchcraft. While it effectively covers the key concepts, there are moments where the writing can feel somewhat dry, and it tends to present a broad, generalised perspective. It's important to note that the focus is primarily on the relationship between witches and society in Europe, which means it lacks a more global perspective.

Nonetheless, if you're seeking a concise overview to familiarise yourself with the topic, this could be a worthwhile starting point. It provides a solid foundation to build upon, even if it doesn't delve deeply into the complexities or variations of witchcraft across different cultures.

At the onset, I found myself uncertain about diving into this story. While I typically enjoy narratives that shift between different points of view, the number of perspectives introduced early on felt overwhelming, almost bordering on chaotic. However, before I knew it, I was more than 30% into the book, completely captivated by the unfolding drama. In less than 24 hours, I had consumed the entire tale, and I must say, it was an exhilarating experience.

The characters, while some very stereotypical and obvious, were vividly portrayed. The parents of the missing girl were particularly compelling, caught in a web of despair as their relationship disintegrated under the weight of their grief. The father, a former police officer turned alcoholic, carried the burden of his past decisions like a shadow, while the mother grappled with her own struggles and sorrow.

The narrative also introduced a private investigator whose life mirrored the darkness surrounding him—alienated from his wife and child, he too was ensnared by addiction, relying on alcohol and Oxy to escape his reality. Yet, amidst this bleak backdrop emerged Hannah, the assistant investigator. She was a breath of fresh air; troubled yet resilient, her quiet determination shone through and provided a glimmer of hope within the chaos.

While the storyline does have its share of flaws, the pacing was relentless and the twists cleverly crafted, keeping me on the edge of my seat. Overall, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in this fast-paced thriller, and I am eager to continue exploring the series.

This book is absolutely wild! 

The premise is not only fantastic but also intriguingly complex, weaving together elements of thriller, drama, and a hint of futuristic sci-fi that kept me on the edge of my seat. It's fascinating to think about how such a concept could manifest in reality, and I can almost envision the particular types of individuals who might execute something like this in the real world. 

Anna is a perplexing character to me. She harbors a deep, desperate secret that she is hell-bent on keeping. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that her controlling husband begins to wear her down. Ultimately, she succumbs to his pressure and allows him unrestricted access to her mind, which is something I truly struggle to comprehend. The psychological dynamics at play are deeply unsettling; her husband presents himself as a loving partner, yet he constantly gaslights her, manipulating her at every turn and dictating her every movement. Given this oppressive situation, it baffles me that she willingly permits him entry into her thoughts even though she detests the extent of his control already on her through tech and apps.

I can’t imagine anyone actually wanting full access to my thoughts—honestly, I often find myself wishing I could escape from my own mind! 🤣 And I certainly wouldn't want to inflict it on my husband! 

Throughout the book, certain elements stretch the limits of believability, but despite that, I found it to be a thoroughly captivating read. I was completely engrossed in the storyline, even though both Anna and Eli emerged as unlikable characters. It’s hard to find redeeming qualities in either of them. Furthermore, I didn’t connect with Helen and Gavin either. It seemed that all four of them were entangled in a web of mutual betrayal, and I couldn't fathom why they continued to maintain contact after their university days. The only character I truly resonated with was Mandie. She stood out as a genuine friend, consistently looking out for Anna’s best interests. I genuinely wish Anna had heeded Mandie's advice more often. 

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the unique premise and compelling storyline. While a few elements tested my suspension of disbelief, I can certainly see how this type of technology could be misused in various ways. I'm eager to explore more works by this author in the future. 

I'd like to extend my gratitude to the author, the publishers, and Netgalley for providing the ARC of this book. This review reflects my honest opinion.

This book stands out as one of the most unexpected delights I've encountered this year. I was fully captivated by it. Having heard numerous positive reviews, I anticipated an enjoyable read, but I certainly did not expect to be as enthralled as I ultimately was.

Evelyn is an incredibly multifaceted character. She is simultaneously enchanting and formidable, embodying both grace and moral ambiguity. Throughout the story, she engages in profoundly troubling actions, yet we also witness many harrowing experiences inflicted upon her. Her exterior is strikingly beautiful, but her inner turmoil reveals an unsettling complexity beneath the surface.

The narrative deftly explores a plethora of intricate themes, including race, abuse, toxic relationships, LGBTQ+ dynamics, the impact of AIDS, love and loss, friendship, and the burdens that come with fame. Each topic is woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story, inviting deep reflection and discussion.

Monique, too, captured my heart. I admired her tenacity in confronting Evelyn, as well as her journey of grappling with the startling revelations that unfold towards the conclusion. The evolution of her character is profoundly moving, as she transforms into a formidable presence, showcasing her remarkable strength and resilience. I was particularly touched by her capacity for forgiveness, highlighting her depth and humanity.

Reflecting on how much this book resonated with me, I am both surprised and glad. It has earned a special place in my heart and has quickly become one of my favourite reads of 2024. I have no doubt that the themes and characters will linger with me for a long time to come.

I realise that my perspective on this book might not align with the majority, as many readers seem to have thoroughly enjoyed it. However, I found myself feeling quite underwhelmed by the entire experience.

To begin with, the writing itself was quite impressive. Right from the outset, I was drawn in by the engaging prose and the brisk pacing. The author crafted a narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns, which certainly kept me eager to turn the pages and see where the story would lead next. This aspect of the book was undeniably compelling and showcased the author’s skill in maintaining tension.

However, my enjoyment was significantly hampered by the characters, whom I found to be deeply unlikable. Sylvie, in particular, portrayed an incessant victim mentality that grated on my nerves. Instead of coming across as a strong potential judge—someone I could root for—she often resembled a petulant child, struggling to take responsibility for her circumstances and decisions.

Then there's Tess, who struck me as profoundly manipulative. While I could empathise with her due to her personal challenges, the way she interacted with Sylvie rendered their friendship toxic and repugnant. Rather than uplifting one another, their relationship felt like an emotional minefield, filled with jealousy and resentment, which overshadowed any potential for genuine connection.

As the plot progressed, I found several of the twists to be somewhat predictable. While I appreciate a good surprise, by the time the climax arrived, it felt lacklustre and disappointingly uneventful, especially given the clever build-up that preceded it. Instead of feeling a sense of satisfaction or closure, I was left with a sense of indifference, as if the story had fizzled out rather than reached a dramatic peak.

Despite my critiques, I want to acknowledge that there are certainly positive elements to the book. It’s evident that the author possesses exceptional writing talent, and I can appreciate their ability to weave a fast-paced narrative. However, the storyline itself just didn’t resonate with me on a personal level. That said, I would still be open to exploring more works by this author in the future, hoping for a storyline that aligns more closely with my tastes.

I think it's going to take me quite a while to fully process my thoughts on this book. From the very first page, it captivated me with its fast-paced narrative and exceptional writing style that pulled me in and made it difficult to put down.

The book delves into some exceptionally dark and troubling topics, notably grooming and child abuse. It's a difficult pill to swallow, especially given that the age of consent is 16 in the state where the story unfolds. However, I have no doubt in my mind that Nate, one of the central figures in the narrative, embodies the traits of a predator, which makes his character deeply unsettling.

As for the characters themselves, I found it challenging to like any of them. They are all fundamentally flawed and grappling with their own personal demons, which makes for a complex but uncomfortable reading experience. Despite my reservations about their morality, I found myself wanting Nate to get the justice he deserved by any means possible.

The twist at the end of the book genuinely left me in shock, rendering me speechless for a moment with my mouth agape! There were so many layers to this revelation. First and foremost, it completely blindsided me—I absolutely did not see it coming. Secondly, without wanting to divulge any spoilers, I find myself grappling with the character of Eve. I can’t quite determine whether she was genuinely naïve or if her mathematical skills were not as sharp as we had been led to believe throughout the story. 😂

Although this isn't my usual reading genre, I found myself pleasantly surprised by how quickly I became immersed in the world of the story. The pacing felt a bit slow at the beginning, which initially made it challenging to stay engaged, but as I continued, the narrative picked up momentum, and by the halfway point, I was utterly hooked. 

Emily, the main character, truly won me over with her determination and passion. Her drive to pursue her interests is incredibly inspiring and adds depth to her character, making her relatable and admirable. 

The rich history and intricate lore surrounding the Fae captivated me as well. The author did a fantastic job of weaving these elements into the narrative, creating a magical atmosphere that feels both enchanting and believable. I'm definitely eager to explore more of this series and see where the story takes us next.

After diving into the first book of the series earlier this year, I was initially set on continuing through the remaining books in their chronological order. However, the next selection for my book club happened to be this particular title, which turned out to be a fortunate twist of fate.

Reading the author’s debut and then transitioning to a much more recent release provided a fascinating perspective on their growth. It's impressive to see how much Carter has evolved as a writer. While I found enjoyment in the first book, I had a strong dislike for the character Hunter; he really grated on my nerves. Yet, to my surprise, I found myself warming up to him in this instalment. This newfound empathy makes me eager to follow his journey through the series, as I believe it will offer valuable insights into his character development.

The plot was nothing short of captivating. The crime scenes were ingeniously crafted—graphic and intense, drawing me in completely. I was genuinely shocked by the unexpected twists and turns, particularly the conclusion; it was brilliantly executed, with all the various threads of the storyline woven together seamlessly. 

I will admit that the climax felt a bit over the top at times, but it managed to retain my interest. Additionally, there was a loose plot thread that lingered throughout the narrative, and I was delighted to see it resolved right at the very end, providing a sense of closure that I truly appreciated.

Ultimately, I’m grateful that my sister encouraged me to explore this series. I have a strong feeling that it’s on the path to becoming a future favourite. 

I loved listening to this audiobook, with Nadyia herself narrating her words, infused the story with a profound authenticity that truly enhanced my connection to the book. 

Nadyia has always held a special place in my heart ever since she emerged as my favourite contestant from The Great British Bake Off. However, my admiration for her has deepened significantly, particularly after she courageously opened up about her mental health challenges. 

Her writing is a beautiful blend of honesty, raw emotion, and wit; it carries layers of humour and frustration while remaining profoundly relatable. She delves into deeply emotive subjects, exploring her upbringing, the dreams she aspired to, and the often conflicting expectations placed upon her as a Muslim woman with Bangladeshi heritage.

One of the most striking elements of the book is her intricate relationship with her parents, which she portrays with poignant vulnerability. While I cannot fully grasp the specific experiences of being a Muslim person of colour, I can empathise with the struggle of simultaneously loving and resenting one’s upbringing and navigating societal expectations that can feel restrictive.

Though I acknowledge that some sections of the book may come across as a bit disjointed, I believe this only serves to emphasize the authentic, human aspect of her narrative. These imperfections didn’t diminish my overall enjoyment of her storytelling; if anything, they made it more relatable and real. 

Overall, I feel this book only makes me love Nadiya more, and I can only thank her for her open, authentic writing and for allowing herself to be completely vulnerable. There are some difficult topics explored and it takes guts to open up like this.