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Perhaps this story can have a happy ending: Reviewing Juniper and Thorn by Ava Reid

Hello everyone! I hope your summer is still going well and that you are having fun when you can. I don’t have any exciting updates or preambles before this review. I’m just excited to share another review with you all. Now, it’s time to talk about Juniper and Thorn.

Content Warning: Graphic Imagery, Graphic Sexual Content, Violence, Sexual Assault, Discussions and Depictions of Misogyny

Marlinchen is the third daughter of a wizard on the outskirts of Oblya, a city slowing changing from magic to industry. As one of the last witches in the city, Marlinchen and her sisters use their talents to help clients who still believe in magic. Her cruel and unforgiving father does everything within his power to keep his daughters under lock and key, but the Marlinchen and her sisters have found ways to sneak out and enjoy the ever-changing city of Oblya. While on one of these secret outings, Marlinchen becomes enthralled with a principle dancer in the ballet and she begins to think that one day she can be free from her father. Marlinchen’s freedom, however, comes with a price. When dark magic begins to invade the city, Marlinchen decides to take matters into her own hands and slay the monsters, even if it means facing an even darker truth.

You all know that I do love dark fairy tale retellings and Juniper and Thorn has everything that makes the genre so much fun. Inspired by eastern European fairytales, Juniper and Thorn does not shy away from the more gruesome aspects of fairy tales while also reinventing the traditional fairy tale structure. Ava Reid creates an atmospheric, enchanting, and harrowing story that balances nostalgia and modern themes of feminism. I also did particularly the enjoy how Reid included a romance that was indeed like a fairy tale. This was such a fun and immersive book to read, as well as creepy and unsettling. If you need a dark fairy tale adventure, then Juniper and Thorn should be at the top of your TBR pile.

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The woods were full of madmen: Reviewing Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher

Hello everyone! I was not expecting to be back this soon, but here I am with yet another review. T. Kingfisher is quickly becoming one of my new favorite authors, so I definitely plan to read more of their books in the future. In fact, I know that they are coming out with another book so that is going to be Southern Gothic. It is on my too long list of books I want to read that is constantly being updated. Feel free to check out my review of What Moves the Dead. Let’s continue on by talking about Nettle and Bone. (Minor content warning at the very bottom).

Marra is the third born daughter of the king and queen and has never been comfortable with being royalty. Her parents send her away to a convent, where she gets to be free of the duties of a princess. Her two older sisters, though, are not so fortunate. After her eldest sister dies at the hands of a prince, her other older sister is quickly married to him. Marra quickly realizes that something sinister is afoot. She decides to take matters into her own hands to save her sister and her kingdom. With the help of some unusual characters, Marra sets on an impossible journey to take down an entire kingdom.

Kingfisher crafts together a unique heroic journey off the bones of fairytales that are reminiscent of the Brothers Grimm. There was something so different yet so familiar as the story follows a rather traditional fairytale structure, but with a darker feminist narrative built in. Marra is a relatable protagonist who confronts her fears in a way that readers may find relatable. This is also a pretty quick read, coming in at 240 pages. If you are looking for an interesting dark fairytale, then go ahead and check out this novella by T. Kingfisher.

(Content Warning: Discussions of Abuse, Discussions of Miscarriage, Death of a Child)

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To Seeking and To Finding: Reviewing The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

Hey everybody! I’m here with my first book review of 2020! I already mentioned I had gotten Morgenstern’s sophomore novel over Christmas and I just became so sucked into it. I reviewed her first novel, The Night Circus, already so feel free to go check out that review. Now, I am incredibly excited to bring you this review as I stayed up way too late finishing this novel. Anyways, here’s my thoughts on The Starless Sea.

When he was a child, Zachary Ezra Rawlins saw a door with a bee, a key, and a sword painted on it. The door called to him, to something unknown. Years later, he find a book in his college library. The book contains fantastical stories of pirates, magical cities, mute acolytes, and…his childhood. The book also has the familiar symbols he saw on the door all of those years ago. Shocked, Zachary goes on a mission to find why he is in this book. He ends up at a masquerade party where he meets two enigmatic strangers, a pink-haired and intense painter named Mirabel, and a handsome and adventurous man named Dorian. The two lead Zachary into a mysterious and wondrous world full of books, parties, and magic. But the fate of this underground world hangs in the balance and it is up to Zachary, Mirabel, and Dorian to learn the mysteries of the Starless Sea and figure out what they are willing to sacrifice in order to save this refuge.

When I read The Night Circus, I definitely fell in love with Morgenstern’s combination of whimsical, fairy tale-eque writing and solid, adult centric themes. The Starless Sea delivered that and more. I absolutely loved the very structure of this book. The chapters alternate between the main story and fairy tale side stories that all tie together in the end. She mixes descriptive, classic prose and the stylistic writing one would expect in fables. It is initially a little confusing to read but it ties together in such a satisfying way. The mechanics or “magic” of the world is just specific and just vague enough at the same time. Morgenstern sets it up so you don’t find yourself wanting to question the magic of the Starless Sea and the Harbor. The characters, in the main plot and side plot, all feel fleshed out even in their magical worlds. I loved Zachary as a main character. This book came to me at a perfect time as he is a struggling grad student who just wants to find a new world to explore. I feel as though I’ve gushed about this book enough. I’ve discovered my new favorite genre is “novels about novels.” I am also loving “new adult” fantasy. Honestly, I liked this better than The Night Circus, but I would still recommend it. The Starless Sea was a wonderful read with beautiful writing and fantastic characters. I had a very difficult time putting down this book and will definitely be revisiting it in the future. I actually really enjoyed how the romances in this novel were handled, as someone who does not typically like romance. I loved the world-building and unique narrative structure of the novel. It is all so involved in the best way. Also, bonus points for including LGBTQ+ characters. I am so glad this is my first official book review of 2020 and I cannot recommend this one enough.

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At Night, We Shine: Reviewing Stardust by Neil Gaiman

Hi everyone! I’m glad to be back and to have finally finished another book. Along with all of my important adult jobs, I’ve also been busy in the world of ebooks. I have finally caved and started using my Kindle. I’ve been one of “those” stubborn people who have adamantly refused to use any sort of electronic book, but I have a hard time saying no to cheap books. Let’s get on to reviewing yet another book by one of my all time favorite authors.

Tristran Thorn is a young man who will do anything for the love of his life, Victoria Forester. When they see a star fall to Earth, he promises her to retrieve the star in exchange for her love. Tristran then embarks on a perilous journey through lands far beyond the Wall. He must race against unknown dangers to save the star and learn that his world was not what he once thought it was.

I can best describe this novel as a fairy tale for adults. Gaiman combines the classic language and structure of a childhood fairy tale and his signature fantastical writing. It is a more upbeat story with a nice, romantic ending. The story definitely reminds me quite a lot of The Princess Bride, with its quirky characters and how it embraces many fairy tale tropes. The story is nicely paced, as well as straightforward. It has some “adult” moments, but nothing extreme or overly graphic. The novel is a fun mix of romance, magic, and adventure. I would definitely recommend it if you are feeling nostalgic. I am biased when I say this but, I love Gaiman’s Stardust.

On another note, if any of you think that this novel sounds familiar, it is because a movie of the same name based on the novel came out a while ago. I saw it in the theaters as a kid and loved it then. It’s available on Netflix, if you are interested. It’s not a great movie, but it is a fun movie. It has a great cast that includes: Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Robert De Niro, and Michelle Pfeiffer. I hope some of you remember this because I’ll be disappointed if no one else remembers this movie.

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The Princess, the Damsel, the Queen, and You: Reviewing The Princess Saves Herself in this One by Amanda Lovelace

Hello everyone! I know I had promised another book review to you earlier but (of course) I get sidetracked with other books because I have no self control. Back to the topic at hand, I am excited to talk to you about Amanda Lovelace’s first collection of poetry, the princess saves herself in this one. I may have mentioned that I’m really not a diehard poetry fan but that doesn’t mean I’m not willing to explore the territory. You can read my reviews on Rupi Kaur’s poetry collections. Before that, please read this review of the princess saves herself in this one. 

In her debut collection of poetry, Lovelace does not hold back from exploring the difficulties that she has faced in her life. Her whole narrative is beautifully tied together with her fairytale metaphors, that help the reader to better understand the situations she is describing. Personally, I felt a deep connection to Lovelace through her poems. She often describes herself as “bookmad” and I think that is a wonderful term. Though the book does cover very heavy topics, such as abuse, self-harm, death, and bullying among others, there is still a message of hope. Modern poets, such as Lovelace, are unafraid to express their fears and hopes, which makes such an impact on the reader. If you are a fan of Rupi Kaur, I highly recommend Amanda Lovelace to you.

Note: Lovelace recently released her second collection of poetry, the witch doesn’t burn in this one. Stay tuned for that review.