When I was much younger, I found escapism in books and authors like Enid Blyton, J.K. Rowling, and Roald Dahl. They were a good time, but let’s not prWhen I was much younger, I found escapism in books and authors like Enid Blyton, J.K. Rowling, and Roald Dahl. They were a good time, but let’s not pretend they were winning any diversity awards unless you count Moonface as a breakout star.
Fast forward and I’m so glad things have become more inclusive in literature since I was a child. Heir has the revolutionary concept of different skin shades and tones amongst main characters (same deal for AEITA), one of them being brown eyes, brown skin, and black hair on a three-dimensional FMC, Sirsha Westering, and portrayed like it’s the most natural thing in the world, as it should be.
It’s painfully obvious this book hit home for me, making me feel seen in ways my childhood reads never did. But it wasn’t just my sassy queen Sirsha stealing the show for me. I also felt supremely connected to the other MCs, Quil and Aiz, and even the supporting side characters were serving up personality, layers, flaws and shades of grey.
Additionally, I thought the world-building was mesmerising—rich with culture and even language. "Jaldi" is a word I caught which is Hindi/Urdu, some characters have names with glottal stops etc.
Moreover, the storytelling and plot were ace, with brutal and painful themes that are all too relevant today, for example, as we pray Palestine is freed. Mind your triggers: Genocide, colonisation, war, death, poverty/suffering/classism, child death, mentioned family violence and abuse.
Furthermore, I never felt bogged down by info dumps or suffocated by action scenes (which are plentiful). You can truly see how much Tahir has levelled up as a writer from her debut to this book. It’s classified as YA, but it didn’t feel overly young. There’s some mild fade-to-black spice, and the characters are aged around 20, so it strikes a good balance.
My one nitpick? I prefer shorter chapters, and some of them are quite long. But that’s a minor quibble in the grand scheme.
Now, let’s address my bold decision to read this series out of order. Let me save you the suspense: If you don’t want spoilers for An Ember in the Ashes, do yourself a favour and read that series first. I only read the first book before diving into Heir, and while I did spoil myself a bit, it was fine. That said, knowing a little about AEITA characters like Laia, Elias, and Helene added an extra layer of enrichment and enjoyment. Bottom line: I highly recommend reading the entire AEITA quartet first. I’m not here to tell you how to live your life though, so if you wanna read this as a standalone, you definitely can.
I know I’ve seemingly given out plenty of 4 and 5 stars this year willy-nilly. Maybe I’m easily pleased, maybe I rate based on mood and enjoyment, maybe I have impeccable taste in bookish friends who filter out the duds (you know who you are), maybe I'm super picky with my reading choices, maybe I'm hyper-aware of what floats my boat, maybe I don't take star ratings seriously, maybe I'm a Starman waiting in the sky, or maybe it’s a mix of all that. Either way, yes, I’m giving this one another 5 stars (6 in my head) and I'm not sorry.
If you love high fantasy with incredible characters, you may need Sabaa Tahir in your life. Consider this my highest recommendation.
Special shoutout to my darling friend Heather, whose shared enthusiasm made this reading experience even more memorable. She wrote a fantastic review over here.
My heartfelt thanks to Hachette Australia & New Zealand | Atom for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
In my pre-review, I wrote, "Not quite sure what a fevered star is...". After reading Fevered Star, I can confirm it's the perfect description: intenseIn my pre-review, I wrote, "Not quite sure what a fevered star is...". After reading Fevered Star, I can confirm it's the perfect description: intense, dazzling, and it left me both starstruck and slightly singed around the edges.
Firstly, a huge shoutout to my beloved friend Ivana, who buddy-read this with me. Reading with you is always a joy, and sharing an epic series with an epic person is, well, epic.
Ultimately, Fevered Star didn’t suffer from middle book syndrome. While Black Sun laid the groundwork, Fevered Star took off and soared (like a giant crow). It introduced new characters and revealed deeper backstories, making me even more attached to the original cast. I'm wildly obsessed with Serapio (Crow God dude) and Xiala (exiled mermaid ship captain), and now I adore them even more. This book also made me grow to care for Nara, who I felt neutral towards in the first book. I relished learning more about her past and watching her character grow. Neutral no more!
Two characters really stood out to me, who weren't spotlighted in the first book, but definitely were here: Iktan and Denaochi. Iktan is utterly intriguing and every time xe was on the page I was riveted, and Ochi—what a cinnamon roll.
It’s hard to say more because it'd be too spoilery, also mere words don't do this series justice anyway so I will conclude with this:
I adore this world, this story, and these characters. It’s everything I never knew I needed in an epic fantasy (refreshing diversity, unique magic, giant corvids). I will accept no criticism of this series. It’s possibly now my favourite high fantasy series ever, overtaking icons like Tolkien and George R.R. Martin, and I haven’t even read the third book of this trilogy yet. So take from that what you will.
Obviously, I highly recommend this to anyone who loves an epic fantasy series, but with tonnes more diversity and political equality of the sexes/outside of the binary. I can't wait to BR Mirrored Heavens with Ivana, although it's bittersweet because I don't want the series to end.
Ever heard of "backpack fantasy"? (Shoutout to Zana who enlightened me). At first, I had a little laugh at how oddly specific it is but then I found oEver heard of "backpack fantasy"? (Shoutout to Zana who enlightened me). At first, I had a little laugh at how oddly specific it is but then I found out Tolkien and T. Kingfisher are part of the crew, so apparently, I've been into it this whole time without even knowing.
Fast forward to A Dark and Drowning Tide, and it seems that we can go even more niche: I’m a folklore-inspired backpack fantasy murder mystery romance with a splash of dark academia stan because sentient forests that rearrange themselves at night, fantastical wildlife and botany, and a hiking buddy who’s your rival but also annoyingly charming checked all the boxes I never knew I had.
So yeah, Allison Saft is now firmly in my top new author discoveries for 2024, and I’m ready to add every book she has written or will write in the future to my TBR pile. This book had some of my favourite tropes, premise settings and rep:
• Grumpy cynic/sunshine optimist • Slow-burn academic rivals to reluctant allies to lovers • Forbidden romance vibes • Childhood friends group cast where everyone is in love with each other • One bed/tent • Fantasy adventure expedition/quest filled with nature and magical flora and fauna • Murder mystery • Sapphic romance • Jewish-inspired rep • Tortured yearning • Abundance of German folklore and fairytales • Unique magic system
Lorelai our self-sabotaging and aloof FMC, and Sylvia, our secondary FMC who is a ray-of-sunshine naturalist and basically Newt Scamander and Steve Irwin’s lovechild, make for an unforgettable duo.
Moreover, I cared not just for the main characters but also for the morally grey whodunnit supporting characters, who all had realistic motivations and desires. Sure, some are more insufferable than others but there are some fabulous trope subversions. Plus, there are multiple female friendships and queerness is normalised amongst multiple characters.
Notably, I always appreciate immersive world-building that doesn't bog me down with clunky info dumps and that's exactly what I got in this book. Set in the German-inspired kingdom of Brunnestaad, this tale swept me away on a magical expedition through vast rivers, enchanted forests, snow-capped mountains, magical secret springs and charming small villages. On top of that, it introduced a unique magic system and hinted at some deliciously devious political scheming. I found the style of prose really suited to my tastes, lush and descriptive yet refreshingly free of flowery excess.
Nonetheless, it’s not all whimsical escapades. The story also tackles serious themes like anti-Semitism and prejudice. It’s a fantastical journey that navigates both a mesmerising world and the complexities of the human experience, explorations of loneliness and belonging as well as imparting timeless lessons about respecting and revering the natural world. As a nature and wildlife enthusiast myself, I was pretty smitten!
For the ultimate experience, go in with as little knowledge as possible. The story, with its clever twists and incredibly unique characters and magical creatures and beings, is best enjoyed with a fresh perspective. Trust me, you’ll want to savour every surprise as it unfolds. Highly recommend!
My heartfelt thanks to NetGalley & Daphne Press for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect going into the middle book of The Scholomance series. But as soon as I had read a chapter or so of The Last GraduaI wasn’t really sure what to expect going into the middle book of The Scholomance series. But as soon as I had read a chapter or so of The Last Graduate, I knew I was in trouble because work, social obligations, all that humdrum jazz etc. was gonna get in the way of gobbling this book up faster than a maw-mouth on a rampage. I have finally finished this masterpiece, and I’m shook, exhilarated, thrilled and slightly dazed. I’m not even exaggerating. I’d interpret that as if you enjoyed A Deadly Education, you’re likely to enjoy this one even more.
Things get even wilder than they did in book one while retaining the same razor-sharp, snark-infused narration of alleged dark sorceress, Galadriel Higgins, plus immersive, cut-away exposition and world-building (you’ll either love or hate it), clever parallels to real-life in class and privilege, a gorgeous diverse cast full of authentic culture and languages, and a whole lot more of Orion, Aadhya & Liu.
Beyond that, The Last Graduate was a surprisingly lot more emotional read for me than A Deadly Education. I really cared about El’s character growth, her relationships, and her choices. The book really builds up to one of the biggest crescendos I’ve ever experienced and I’m so darn relieved I don’t have to wait for the third book to come out to find out what happens because I would not know how to cope.
My heartfelt thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey and author Naomi Novik for the opportunity to read this work in exchange for an honest review.
I'm in my made too many requests on NG and had a flood of approvals and need to catch up phase. Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey for the DRC, looking forward to this one after recently having finished A Deadly Education....more
EDIT: Adding on to some of the criticisms that the book has faced. I was born in Australia, and am part of the South Asian diaspora. I did not find thEDIT: Adding on to some of the criticisms that the book has faced. I was born in Australia, and am part of the South Asian diaspora. I did not find this book racist in the sense that El is biracial and isn't connected to her paternal side in India. There are people, yep, like myself, who experience similar to El and we should be mindful not to invalidate that. However, I do acknowledge that there is a harmful comment on dreadlocks, which Naomi Novik has humbly apologised for.
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4.5 stars. I did not want to put this book down! I get the comparisons to Hogwarts without teachers, but the Scholomance is an extra labrinthine, sinister magical school that serves as both a haven and a death trap for young wizards filled with demon monster things called mals/maleficaria who feast on “mana” (magic power) and as a result, the students face 50/50 odds of graduating or dying.
Surviving the Scholomance is a clever parallel to real life--to survive and thrive, it’s not just about skill, it’s about social status, wealth and privilege, and mana is the currency. We see that contrast in the two main characters:
- Galadriel/El (MC narrator), who lives in a yurt in the woods and has to work really hard to build mana/magic, and has no friends except her mother, and - Orion Lake, a kid from a prestigious enclave who is put on a pedestal and has access to immense amounts of ‘mana’/magic.
I really enjoyed the main character Galadriel/El’s narration. I know she’s not for everyone, and I understand why. She’s snarky, sarcastic, dark-humoured, cynical and morally ambiguous, and her great-grandmother prophesised that she will “bring death and destruction to all the enclaves in the world” if she wasn’t stopped, probably because she’s a vessel of immense power with an affinity for mass destruction. But at her core, she really doesn't want to hurt anyone despite her struggles with isolation, fear, and the moral implications of her power.
Orion Lake, on the other hand, doesn’t have any real friends either for completely different reasons. He is treated as a hero and saviour and put on a pedestal. That’s because he is a hero, with an affinity for combat magic and heroism. Still, this means that people kinda worship the ground he walks on, which lends itself to isolation, especially when you're just an awkward kid who hates the limelight. It comes as a refreshing surprise when El doesn’t fawn over him and even does her best to insult and push him away.
I adored how diverse and cultural this book was. If you love culture and languages, you’ll appreciate this book big time. However, there is a LOT of info dumping in this book. I admit, I found some of it quite dense to get through. It’s an artistic choice to build a really intricate, detailed world, which might not be everyone's cup of tea.
Still, personally, that didn't prevent me from being completely sucked into the Scholomance, and I can’t wait to devour the next one! I’ve also seen this is getting made into a movie, so I really hope they do the book justice.
My heartfelt thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey and author Naomi Novik for the opportunity to read this work in exchange for an honest review.
You know you've found a new favourite author when they leave you questioning the very fabric of your star-rating reality.
This book ticked every box, You know you've found a new favourite author when they leave you questioning the very fabric of your star-rating reality.
This book ticked every box, hit every sweet spot, and cemented a piece of its soul into my mind. How are we meant to rate such a transcendent experience with these star-shaped symbols that we use to try to assign personal meaning to books that made an impact on the very core of our being?
Am I being melodramatic? Perhaps. But anyway, have the whole galaxy of stars, Ms. Gillig. I guess that's all just a long-winded way to say I loved it and if you have similar tastes to me, you might love it as well. And if you don’t, that’s cool too.
A creepy mist-plagued village and woods, a 500-year-old mercurial mind monster who talks in rhymes, a book within a book, and beautiful poetic writingA creepy mist-plagued village and woods, a 500-year-old mercurial mind monster who talks in rhymes, a book within a book, and beautiful poetic writing without being too flowery. Rachel Gillig’s darkish fantasy gothic fairytale, was an atmospheric read with elements of slow-burn romance and a small touch of spice, which had me ensnared.
Worlds with forbidden magic aren’t anything new, and if you’re an author building such a world, it needs to be done with care and originality; otherwise, you risk getting flagged as tropey. However, I found One Dark Window gripping and innovative, where how using magic always comes with consequences, making the stakes much more fascinating and dangerous. I think, personally, it’s best to go into this book with not much knowledge, so I won’t describe the system of magic or much else. Go into it in the dark, read and enjoy.
5 stars for pure enjoyment levels. I need book 2 ASAP!
Re-reading Divine Rivals for a second time before Ruthless Vows was a nice refresher for my brain, and this cynic2nd read 5th Dec 2023- 25th Dec 2023
Re-reading Divine Rivals for a second time before Ruthless Vows was a nice refresher for my brain, and this cynical Grinch was still completely besotted, enthralled and invested the second time around.
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Back for another rendezvous with my besties Winnow & Kitt. RTC.
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1st Read 21st July - 31st July 2023
How much I adored this book and Iris Winnow and Roman Kitt surprised me as BookTok recommendations can be a hit or miss. But this was a sublime read.
Set in a destructive heart-wrenching war between gods (trigger warning for war and heavy war themes), Iris and Roman are both pure and adorable and I loved both of them, their quirks and their flaws.
Despite using a well-worn premise of academic rivals to lovers, the story and world are innovative, intricate, evocative and heavy-hitting, combining fantasy and historical fiction, including the rich mythology of gods, amazing supporting side characters and more.
An agonising wait for the sequel, that's for sure!
I am in constant awe of the world, the creatures that inhabit it, and the connection and bonds that form between different species. Whether it’s a dogI am in constant awe of the world, the creatures that inhabit it, and the connection and bonds that form between different species. Whether it’s a dog and a dolphin, a magpie and a dog, or a human and an octopus.
If you have seen the My Octopus Teacher doco and loved it, you’ll probably also appreciate this book.
I always had a hunch that diving into Leigh Bardugo's work is a safe bet, and so far, my instincts have proven right, in everything I’ve read of hers.I always had a hunch that diving into Leigh Bardugo's work is a safe bet, and so far, my instincts have proven right, in everything I’ve read of hers.
I don’t know why I waited so long to read Hell Bent, the sequel to Ninth House. It didn't just meet my expectations; it obliterated them in the most fantastic way possible. Here's why:
Worldbuilding
“Every inscription and piece of decoration described at Yale, in New Haven, and in Sterling Memorial Library is real…” - Acknowledgements section.
Leigh's attention to detail is nothing short of impeccable. She lays bare the dark history of Yale and Sterling Memorial Library, sparing no uncomfortable truths, including the Ivy League's grim ties to slavery.
Characters
Already enamoured with the morally grey FMC Galaxy Stern, the second book allowed me to delve into the lives of other characters in Hell Bent. The gritty introspective exploration of their pasts and presents, coupled with subtle social and political commentary is seamlessly woven into the story without being preachy.
Also, I’m here for buildings with charisma and character. It particularly shines for me in dark academia, fantasy, and horror genres, e.g. Hogwarts, The Overlook Hotel (The Shining), and the Scholomance (A Deadly Education). In this series, Il Bastone stands out as another compelling character in its own right and I loved it.
Storytelling
It's simply superb. I went through the gamut of emotions – shock, surprise, astonishment, and it was a breathtakingly wild ride.
(view spoiler)[Darlington as a demon Darlington in his underworld form is stark naked for a lot of the book and has a giant glowing demon (hide spoiler)]...more
Poignant and heart wrenching story written in verse that takes place over 60 seconds in an elevator, exploring the senseless cycle of gun violence, thPoignant and heart wrenching story written in verse that takes place over 60 seconds in an elevator, exploring the senseless cycle of gun violence, through the eyes of main character Will, whose brother Shawn had just been shot. Extremely powerful, emotional and moving, despite being a fast-paced read. ...more
I read to escape reality, and nothing pulls that off better than fantasy, horror, or sci-fi for me, personally. Who needs real life when you can have I read to escape reality, and nothing pulls that off better than fantasy, horror, or sci-fi for me, personally. Who needs real life when you can have dragons, fairytales, haunted houses, aliens and multiverses? But I’m a contradiction because I’m also a sucker for speculative and dystopian fiction that feels like it’s holding up an unflinching mirror to our world. So An Ember in the Ashes—a fantasy-dystopia mash-up was the perfect balance of escapism with a side of "well, that hits a little too close to home."
More specifically, it was a brutal, edge-of-my-seat, emotionally devastating ride that reminded me of real-world tragedies, like war, genocide, colonisation, child abuse, child soldiers, slavery and rape (mentioned), but, you know, set in a fantasy world with magical beings and romance so I guess if your idea of escapism is a brutal gut-punch, then this book has you covered. (Mind your triggers!)
At the outset, Laia and Elias are dual first-person POV narrators. Laia’s family is decimated and she’s on a mission to save her last remaining kin, her brother Darin. Then there's Elias, the Martial soldier who’s tired of stabbing people under a tyrannical regime, except he’s been chosen to participate in a version of deadly trials that could guarantee his freedom.
We also have not one but two love triangles which I normally am not a fan of, but for some reason, it all worked for me, and I think it's because the underlying stakes served to deepen my understanding of Laia and Elias’ personal conflicts and their journey of self-discovery.
But anyway, if you’re pondering why you should dive into a new series when your TBR pile is the Leaning Tower of Pisa, let me save you some time: I only regret not reading this sooner. I’m pretty sure this is the second book in a row I’ve read that is going to go on my favourites list and with another new favourite author discovery for 2024.
I’m doing something a bit odd, and reading Heir next, which is a standalone spinoff series for this world, and will be spoiling myself a little for the rest of the AEITA series in a mild capacity, but I’m glad I got to get a feeling for this world before diving in. Thanks so much to Zana who was such a fun and astute pal to read with ...more
Shape-shifting dragons, forbidden magic, evil stepmothers, a cursed princess and princes, ensorcelled kingdoms, and a delightful companion in the formShape-shifting dragons, forbidden magic, evil stepmothers, a cursed princess and princes, ensorcelled kingdoms, and a delightful companion in the form of a chatty paper crane named Kiki. Six Crimson Cranes takes East-Asian mythology and culture and blends it with classic fairytales (The Wild Swans by H.C. Andersen/The Six Swans by The Brothers Grimm) to give it a modern and innovative twist.
Out of all the books I've read in 2023, Six Crimson Cranes may be the standout of the year thus far. But full guilty disclosure, I do adore some Disney movies (i.e. not the racist, sexist ones, gosh), and grew up on a staple diet of The Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen, so this vibe is right up my alley.
Delighted to have discovered Elizabeth Lim and her flawless prose and I highly recommend this book.
This could be my favourite science fiction book ever. I went into this with no expectations and came out completely floored and with a giant book hangThis could be my favourite science fiction book ever. I went into this with no expectations and came out completely floored and with a giant book hangover. Highly recommend, even if you’re not partial to sci-fi. Because it’s way more than a sci-fi book.
Firstly, a huge shoutout to my treasured friend, Ivana, who buddy-read this with me. Reading with you was such a treaThis was a rollicking good time.
Firstly, a huge shoutout to my treasured friend, Ivana, who buddy-read this with me. Reading with you was such a treat and made this epic even more effervescent and exhilarating! Thank you for all the lols, insights, fun and emoji-smorgasboards. You’re the best, ILYSM! ...more
You had me at evil goat sorcerors and death bats! I’m new to Sylvia Moreno Garcia’s work and went in with no expectations, and despite a slow start (wYou had me at evil goat sorcerors and death bats! I’m new to Sylvia Moreno Garcia’s work and went in with no expectations, and despite a slow start (which was probably my own fault because I was reading jaggedly), became fully invested. About halfway, the world-building and vivid prose sucked me right into Middleworld and the Xibalba underworld, and I learnt so much about Maya mythology and Mexican Jazz-era history. I also appreciate that Garcia made me feel empathy for demons and death gods.
The gorgeous, trope-subverting, satisfying ending bumped it up to 4.5-5 stars and made me misty-eyed. I can’t wait to read more of Sylvia’s catalogue! ...more
I'm not the most patient reader, so diving into this one took a bit of perseverance. But once I got lost in its surreal world, it was worth it. RecommI'm not the most patient reader, so diving into this one took a bit of perseverance. But once I got lost in its surreal world, it was worth it. Recommend this for people who don't mind meandering, enigmatic and whimsical, and being okay with not knowing what is going on.
Don't spoil the fun by overloading on reviews beforehand; half the joy is peeling back the layers of this atmospheric tale yourself....more
