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tristesse's reviews
52 reviews
Small Gods of Calamity by Sam Kyung Yoo
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Small Gods of Calamity tells a story about a spirit detective that is keen to unravel the mystery behind what other police officers believe to be suicide cases. Different from others, Kim Hangil is able to tell apart someone's soul based on its smell. And he is certain that this is another soul-eating spirit worm case that can't just be left alone, or it will find a new target and the cycle won't end.
I found the idea of this book to be very intriguing, for I am someone who enjoys consuming similar content seen in korean drama The Guest and korean movie Exhuma (that I saw a few days back).
Though I guess I could say that I had rather a high expectation going into this, I expected it to give off a suspenseful atmosphere from start until end that would leave me unable to forget about its content. However, it was only subtle. I also found the writing to be stiff, there were times I couldn't focus on the story and just wanted it to be over. That being said, the book isn't bad. I love how it has found-family trope and the ending provided is quite satisfying.
My sincerest gratitude goes to Interstellar Flight Press for providing me with ARC in exchange of honest review.
I found the idea of this book to be very intriguing, for I am someone who enjoys consuming similar content seen in korean drama The Guest and korean movie Exhuma (that I saw a few days back).
Though I guess I could say that I had rather a high expectation going into this, I expected it to give off a suspenseful atmosphere from start until end that would leave me unable to forget about its content. However, it was only subtle. I also found the writing to be stiff, there were times I couldn't focus on the story and just wanted it to be over. That being said, the book isn't bad. I love how it has found-family trope and the ending provided is quite satisfying.
My sincerest gratitude goes to Interstellar Flight Press for providing me with ARC in exchange of honest review.
The City of Stardust by Georgia Summers
The City of Stardust. Oh, the promise this book holds.
Once a generation, an Everly walks into the dark, compelled by the shadow beside them and they do not return. Terrified at the idea of her days being numbered, Violet Everly is doing everything she could to break her family curse and escape death. But with so little knowledge of the world, as her two uncles are so keen to keep her hidden in hope of safety, and her mother's disappearance with absolutely zero clue; she ought to seek help from people she barely knows.
The prose are hauntingly beautiful. Yet so many parts of the book lead the readers blindly from one door to the next, it's getting to the point where it feels frustrating, especially the switch from one point of view to the next is not shown clearly. Unanswered questions left in the wake.
I feel like this could be written in two books, because there are so many things to explore and the pacing feels rushed. I would love to know more about her uncles, Gabriel and Ambrose. What convinced Ambrose to give Violet permission is getting a job, what kind of job Gabriel does when he leaves home. And most of all, I want to learn more about Penelope. Her feelings, her life before. And the astrals.
I love Violet's character, she is strong. I find her fascination towards fairy tales and desire for adventure endearing. Overall it's still a gorgeous book with impressive writing despite its minor flaws.
Thank you HodderBooks for the ARC!
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
4.25
"Do you really believe the curse isn't real? That the divine never touches you? That the wheeling cosmos is but an abstract of chemicals? Do you not hear the stars sing, little dreamer?"
The City of Stardust. Oh, the promise this book holds.
Once a generation, an Everly walks into the dark, compelled by the shadow beside them and they do not return. Terrified at the idea of her days being numbered, Violet Everly is doing everything she could to break her family curse and escape death. But with so little knowledge of the world, as her two uncles are so keen to keep her hidden in hope of safety, and her mother's disappearance with absolutely zero clue; she ought to seek help from people she barely knows.
The prose are hauntingly beautiful. Yet so many parts of the book lead the readers blindly from one door to the next, it's getting to the point where it feels frustrating, especially the switch from one point of view to the next is not shown clearly. Unanswered questions left in the wake.
I feel like this could be written in two books, because there are so many things to explore and the pacing feels rushed. I would love to know more about her uncles, Gabriel and Ambrose. What convinced Ambrose to give Violet permission is getting a job, what kind of job Gabriel does when he leaves home. And most of all, I want to learn more about Penelope. Her feelings, her life before. And the astrals.
I love Violet's character, she is strong. I find her fascination towards fairy tales and desire for adventure endearing. Overall it's still a gorgeous book with impressive writing despite its minor flaws.
Thank you HodderBooks for the ARC!
Lonely Castle in the Mirror by Mizuki Tsujimura
Kokoro isn't going to school. She always gets this mysterious stomachache once it is time to go. She isn't faking any illness, it just happens, which brings up a question: what happened that the girl is so traumatized at the idea of going there? And what happens then, when the mirror inside her room radiates a glow so bright, that she feels a pull only to be presented by a castle so magical it's almost like a dream, except it isn't?
I honestly have no idea where to start. This book was so devastatingly sad I felt my heart was ripped into million tiny pieces then put back together. Their problems are not childish, each one seems so real I feel it in my bones. It is as if I was so desperately alone in my room and these people just entered to give me a big warm hug. The friendship they built is so precious. I just. Can I just continue my crying. I don't think I can form another coherent sentence at the moment.
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
"If I see you somewhere, and fate tugs at me somehow, I'll call out to you."
Kokoro isn't going to school. She always gets this mysterious stomachache once it is time to go. She isn't faking any illness, it just happens, which brings up a question: what happened that the girl is so traumatized at the idea of going there? And what happens then, when the mirror inside her room radiates a glow so bright, that she feels a pull only to be presented by a castle so magical it's almost like a dream, except it isn't?
I honestly have no idea where to start. This book was so devastatingly sad I felt my heart was ripped into million tiny pieces then put back together. Their problems are not childish, each one seems so real I feel it in my bones. It is as if I was so desperately alone in my room and these people just entered to give me a big warm hug. The friendship they built is so precious. I just. Can I just continue my crying. I don't think I can form another coherent sentence at the moment.
Territory of Light by Yūko Tsushima
4.25
The book follows a single mom and her daughter as they embark on a new life after being separated from her husband. I don't have many things to say, some part really resonate with me while others left me slightly in confusion. But it was a good book, 4.25 stars.
Soul Lanterns by Shaw Kuzki
This is a story that tells the readers the aftermath of Hiroshima bombing. The pain that permanently resides within the hearts of people being left behind, the survivors. It's about loss, remembering the loss, sharing the pain so it will not be forgotten by the rest of the world. I have always loved lantern-floating ceremony and the book made my heart ache while reading. Highly recommended!
emotional
5.0
The many-colored lanterns huddled together as they receded. They would float on and on, all the way to the sea. Like souls…
This is a story that tells the readers the aftermath of Hiroshima bombing. The pain that permanently resides within the hearts of people being left behind, the survivors. It's about loss, remembering the loss, sharing the pain so it will not be forgotten by the rest of the world. I have always loved lantern-floating ceremony and the book made my heart ache while reading. Highly recommended!
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Human beings are fascinating. They go to great lengths to prove their worth. When they catch a glimmer of hope, they grab and cling onto it tight, believing it is meant for them. A chance to be something greater, to gain power that will put them above their peers. Such ambitions, when becoming too excessive, not only it will endanger oneself, the risks could be fatal for the entire human race as seen from this book.
I understand that we, as a living being with the ability to think, never stop learning. We discover something new every day and the tendency of wanting to solve every universe's mistery is embedded in ourselves. Yet there must be a line we shouldn't cross.
adventurous
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow."
Human beings are fascinating. They go to great lengths to prove their worth. When they catch a glimmer of hope, they grab and cling onto it tight, believing it is meant for them. A chance to be something greater, to gain power that will put them above their peers. Such ambitions, when becoming too excessive, not only it will endanger oneself, the risks could be fatal for the entire human race as seen from this book.
I understand that we, as a living being with the ability to think, never stop learning. We discover something new every day and the tendency of wanting to solve every universe's mistery is embedded in ourselves. Yet there must be a line we shouldn't cross.
"Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world."
Where there is life, there is also death. What Frankenstein did, bestowing a life on a dead matter might be perceived a brilliant idea by those driven solely from burning ardour. In fact, it is unwise to cheat death and play God when your capability is limited.
"A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me."
Frankenstein believed he would be worshipped upon this creation of his. The idea fueled his progress and once it's all used up, he is faced with the horrid reality. It did not come to him then: how the "monster" would behave, if he would adapt to his surroundings, develop feelings, and able to procure complex thoughts.
The rejection from Frankenstein as the monster's creator was very irresponsible in his part. I find myself (not justifying) sympathizing the monster, for Frankenstein brought this on himself. He is the cause of his own destruction.
Overall, I think it was a remarkable book. The prose is so mesmerizing that I feel like I'll be thinking of this book for a long time.
The rejection from Frankenstein as the monster's creator was very irresponsible in his part. I find myself (not justifying) sympathizing the monster, for Frankenstein brought this on himself. He is the cause of his own destruction.
Overall, I think it was a remarkable book. The prose is so mesmerizing that I feel like I'll be thinking of this book for a long time.
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
This is my third Fredrik Backman book. Each has been a spectacular ride that my amazement toward this author goes beyond measure. While I believe nothing can top A Man Called Ove as my all-time favorite, Beartown doesn't fall short.
Truth be told, I was having uncertainties to push through the first a hundred pages. I have never been fond of sport in general, let alone hockey. I was unfamiliar with the rules and whatnot. Yet there is zero regret upon finishing a four hundred something pages book of hockey-obsessed people and the town they inhabit.
It would be hard to overlook the ice sport when it could appear as the center of the story, but I promise you, this book offers more than that. You first need to understand that Beartown's denizen regard hockey as the town's chance at survival (in order to expand their job opportunities and promise the future to the younger generations so the town doesn't die out), so you see, the sport's significance is vital. Their views may seem strange for those who don't have hockey as years-long tradition and culture, because these people, they idolize the team, especially the best player the town has ever "produced."
The young boys that play are investments in the eyes of grown-ups. Anything that grants the team's success will be in their best interest. Unfortunately, that comes with a price.
It is said that the club's motto is: community, values, and culture. What does it actually mean? Sune says to David,
Which prompts a question: when one player is accused of a crime, how far would the townspeople go claiming what happens off-ice doesn't concern what's in?
It was so devastating, I cried a couple of times throughout. I will not recover I fear.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
“This town doesn’t always know the difference between right and wrong, I’ll admit that. But we know the difference between good and evil.”
This is my third Fredrik Backman book. Each has been a spectacular ride that my amazement toward this author goes beyond measure. While I believe nothing can top A Man Called Ove as my all-time favorite, Beartown doesn't fall short.
Truth be told, I was having uncertainties to push through the first a hundred pages. I have never been fond of sport in general, let alone hockey. I was unfamiliar with the rules and whatnot. Yet there is zero regret upon finishing a four hundred something pages book of hockey-obsessed people and the town they inhabit.
It would be hard to overlook the ice sport when it could appear as the center of the story, but I promise you, this book offers more than that. You first need to understand that Beartown's denizen regard hockey as the town's chance at survival (in order to expand their job opportunities and promise the future to the younger generations so the town doesn't die out), so you see, the sport's significance is vital. Their views may seem strange for those who don't have hockey as years-long tradition and culture, because these people, they idolize the team, especially the best player the town has ever "produced."
The young boys that play are investments in the eyes of grown-ups. Anything that grants the team's success will be in their best interest. Unfortunately, that comes with a price.
It is said that the club's motto is: community, values, and culture. What does it actually mean? Sune says to David,
"Culture is as much about what we encourage as what we actually permit. That most people don't do what we tell them do. They do what we let them get away with."
Which prompts a question: when one player is accused of a crime, how far would the townspeople go claiming what happens off-ice doesn't concern what's in?
It was so devastating, I cried a couple of times throughout. I will not recover I fear.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
My heart aches for what happened in this family. One was loved to the point that it was suffocating, while the other two seemed invisible to the parents. They projected their life goals onto Lydia, forgetting she may have her own goals that she wishes to be fulfilled. The constant push from left and right, to stand out and fit in, it was so frustrating I felt like exploding. The book was written nicely, and the title is very fitting for what it is. Parents never truly know their children, and sometimes they are the cause of their children being so secretive about what they feel. I really enjoyed it.
Dead-End Memories: Stories by Banana Yoshimoto
This book is made up of five short stories. Each is bizarre in its own way, like other Japanese literatures, but I learn a lot from every single one of them. The short stories are as follows:
1. House of Ghosts 4/5
It's about a person living in a haunted building. After developing a relationship with a girl, both of them decide to send off the ghosts with one last favorite meal of theirs as an offering. I think it was very thoughtful.
2. Mama! 3/5
Of a daughter reminiscing her childhood. She begins pondering the whereabouts of her mama upon a misfortune that befell her unexpectedly.
3. Not Warm At All 4/5
Tells about a boy who yearns for the "light" from a small family of a girl he befriends with. How he thinks that warmth doesn't come from bright lights, rather it's radiating from the people that shine.
4. Tomo-chan's Happiness 3/5
Focusing on Tomo-chan and how she makes peace with the world, finding happiness in even the smallest things.
5. Dead-end Memories 5/5
About holding on to something that's already slipping from your fingertips and learning how to live a life again. I love this one best.
4.25
"I was also learning that every single person in the world had been hurt by their family at some point. I wasn't special at all—some people dealt with it well, and some didn't, but that was the only difference, and either way, we were all nourished and cherished by our families, and at the same time limited and defined by them—that was what it meant to be human, I understood."
This book is made up of five short stories. Each is bizarre in its own way, like other Japanese literatures, but I learn a lot from every single one of them. The short stories are as follows:
1. House of Ghosts 4/5
It's about a person living in a haunted building. After developing a relationship with a girl, both of them decide to send off the ghosts with one last favorite meal of theirs as an offering. I think it was very thoughtful.
2. Mama! 3/5
Of a daughter reminiscing her childhood. She begins pondering the whereabouts of her mama upon a misfortune that befell her unexpectedly.
3. Not Warm At All 4/5
Tells about a boy who yearns for the "light" from a small family of a girl he befriends with. How he thinks that warmth doesn't come from bright lights, rather it's radiating from the people that shine.
4. Tomo-chan's Happiness 3/5
Focusing on Tomo-chan and how she makes peace with the world, finding happiness in even the smallest things.
5. Dead-end Memories 5/5
About holding on to something that's already slipping from your fingertips and learning how to live a life again. I love this one best.
The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
This book.... this book is truly something. Let's first state the obvious, The Shadow of the Gods is the first book from Bloodsworn Saga trilogy. It is told from three different perspectives: Orka, Varg, and Elvar.
When ancient war is over and the gods are extinct, what remains of the world? It should be peace. But with all the monsters lurking about, power-hungry warriors lured by the temptation of fame and fortune promised in the bones of the dead gods and its powers still rested within, wouldn't it only lead to destruction, even greater than afore?
I'm attempting to spoil the story as little as possible by revealing what's necessary. It may be confusing at first (I was left in confusion during the first half of the book due to some unfamiliar phrases and everything), but when the pace begins to pick up, it will altogether make sense. Out of the three POVs we are presented; I like Varg best, while Orka comes closely afterward. I have to admit that I share little affection for Elvar, but!!!! her last chapters are exceptionally good. The huge reveal in the end SHOCKS me. It's greatly affecting my rating, for I originally wanted to give it a 4,5 due to a couple of shortcomings I have mentioned above. I think the second book will be much better and I'm excited to prove it true.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
5.0
"I am blood. I am death. I am vengeance."
This book.... this book is truly something. Let's first state the obvious, The Shadow of the Gods is the first book from Bloodsworn Saga trilogy. It is told from three different perspectives: Orka, Varg, and Elvar.
When ancient war is over and the gods are extinct, what remains of the world? It should be peace. But with all the monsters lurking about, power-hungry warriors lured by the temptation of fame and fortune promised in the bones of the dead gods and its powers still rested within, wouldn't it only lead to destruction, even greater than afore?
I'm attempting to spoil the story as little as possible by revealing what's necessary. It may be confusing at first (I was left in confusion during the first half of the book due to some unfamiliar phrases and everything), but when the pace begins to pick up, it will altogether make sense. Out of the three POVs we are presented; I like Varg best, while Orka comes closely afterward. I have to admit that I share little affection for Elvar, but!!!! her last chapters are exceptionally good. The huge reveal in the end SHOCKS me. It's greatly affecting my rating, for I originally wanted to give it a 4,5 due to a couple of shortcomings I have mentioned above. I think the second book will be much better and I'm excited to prove it true.