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Live like your head is on fire: Reviewing She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker – Chan

Hello everyone! I’m back much sooner than I thought I would be. I try to pace myself while reading but I read faster with the more invested I get. You know how it is: you get to a point in a book where you just have to know what happens next or how it ends. I’ve been pretty lucky and haven’t had any DNFs yet. It’s very rare I don’t finish a book because, even if I don’t like it, I probably still want to talk about it. Thankfully, that is not the case this time around so let’s talk about She Who Became the Sun.

Content Warning: Graphic Violence, Graphic Bodily Injury, Harsh Language, Graphic Sexual Content

In 1345, a girl learns that she has no notable fate. Her brother, on the other hand, is destined for greatness. When her brother and father die after bandits invade her home, the girl seizes an opportunity. She takes her on her brother’s identity, Zhu Chongba and becomes a monk. Under the guise of a man, Zhu finds her place at the abbot until one fateful day when it is destroyed by an infamous general who wants nothing but vengeance. Still seeking greatness and now revenge, Zhu joins a rebel army known as the Red Turbans and quickly rises up in the ranks. With her very fate at stake, Zhu Chongba must take the greatest risk of her life in order to secure her place in history.

I love an epic tale of heroism and She Who Became the Sun absolutely fulfills that genre. I love the mix of history, fantasy, and drama that Shelley Parker – Chan blends into this novels. It had a sweeping scope, while still moving a steady pace. I am no expert on Chinese history but I did a brief bit of research on this book because it is loosely based off of real events and found the real story just as fascinating as Parker – Chan’s take on history. I also loved how wonderfully complex all of the characters were and the intense emotions that flow through the writing. Zhu Chongba is a fantastic main character who you can’t help but root for throughout the story. I am so glad that I read She Who Became the Sun and you should read it too.

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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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Go forth and find the one who calls your name: Reviewing The Sun and The Star: A Nico Di Angelo Adventure by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro

Hello everyone! Happy Pride Month to all! I hope every single one of you feels loved and accepted for who you are! This is actually the perfect book to kick off Pride Month with. As you might know, I don’t read young adult books that often (if at all), but I have been invested in the Percy Jackson universe for a long time. You are more than welcome to check out my reviews for the Trials of Apollo series. I know another Percy Jackson book is coming out sometime this year, and I will obviously review that one when it comes out. In the meanwhile, let’s talk about the latest entry to this universe, The Sun and the Star.

Nico Di Angelo is no stranger to darkness or despair. As the son of Hades, Nico has been surrounded by death, has been to the Underworld more times than he’s cared for, and struggled with his identity. His wonderful boyfriend and son of Apollo, Will Solace, has been a ray of light (literally) in his life. The two can get through just about anything together. Nico,, though, has been plagued with nightmares lately. A prophecy from Camp Half Blood’s Oracle, Rachel Elizabeth Dare, confirms Nico’s worst fears: he must venture into Tartarus and free Bob, the reformed Titan. Will insists on coming along but has no idea what the deepest part of the Underworld holds for them. Together, Will and Nico must face dark forces that threaten to tear them apart and face their pasts once again.

The Sun and the Star is a great addition to the Percy Jackson universe and a great chance for some fan-favorite characters to shine. Rick Riordan has always done a great job with character development. Mark Oshiro brings sensitivity and understanding when it comes to LGBTQ+ representation. Together, the two do a wonderful job balancing the adventure aspects of the novel and the more serious topics, like struggling with one’s identity and coping with trauma. I’m really glad that young adult audiences are getting well-written and in-depth representations nowadays. Nico Di Angelo is easily one of my favorite characters in this series and I am glad that both he and Will Solace (another fan favorite) were given the spotlight. Percy Jackson fans of all ages will love this thrilling adventure featuring everyone’s favorite demigods.

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I am blood. I am death. I am vengeance: Reviewing The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne (Book 1 of The Bloodsworn Trilogy)

Hi everyone! I am back and have not forgotten the blog, I promise. I have just been getting through some longer books. I do pride myself on being a fast reader, but I also read four to five books at any time. There are some novellas sitting in my TBR if that is more your speed, though. I did notice I got quite a few new followers recently so, if you’re reading this, thank you so much for reading my reviews. I do this for fun in my spare time because I am a bookworm and I love to share my thoughts with others. Now, let’s get into what you all came here for. Here are my thoughts on The Shadow of the Gods.

Content Warning: Violence and Gore, Graphic Bodily Injuries and Death, Harsh Language, Discussions and Depictions of Slavery, Harm Towards Children, Animal Death, Battle Scenes

The gods fought and killed each other. What remained was their bones and their descendants. War looms over the land of Vigrid and the gods might not be as dead as everyone thought. Three warriors, all with different paths, find themselves entangled by fate. Elvar, a young warrior, is determined to earn her battle-fame as she seeks out the land of the gods. Orka, a noblewoman, is on a quest for revenge after her husband is killed and her son is taken. Varg, an escaped thrall, joins the elite Bloodsworn warriors in hopes of finding out who killed his sister. They soon find themselves facing a threat that could tear apart their land and must fight to survive, no matter the cost.

This was an incredible fantasy adventure and I loved every page of this book. Heavily inspired by Norse mythology, The Shadow of the Gods is a truly epic tale that unputdownable. I do have some experience with Norse sagas and this novel jogged my memory, taking me back to all of those tales I read in the past. John Gwynne introduces elaborate world building, along with a narrative that comes together in a satisfying way. The fight scenes were also so well written (albeit very gruesome). Every character was well fleshed out with great development along the way. This first book really set the tone for this trilogy and I will absolutely be getting the next book soon. Any fan of fantasy adventure novels must go pick this up immediately.

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Those born of darkness will carry it in their nature: Reviewing The Foxglove King (Book 1 of The Nightshade Crown series) by Hannah Whitten

Hey everyone! I’m still around and still reading diligently. Adjusting to a new sleep schedule is never easy at first. I’m also back with a fantasy novel for the first time in (what feels like) forever. Feel free to read my review of Hannah Whitten’s The Wilderwood Duology if you are so inclined. I don’t want to ramble on too much more so let’s talk about The Foxglove King.

Content Warning: Graphic Depictions of Death, Some Harsh Language, Some Sexual Content, Discussions and Depictions of Substance Abuse

From a young age, Lore has honed her wit and cunning to survive on her own. She was able to survive by running poison for a local cartel that gave her a second chance. Lore has also had to hide her ability to channel Mortem, a substance used in death magic. When a job goes terribly wrong, Lore finds herself in front of the Sainted King himself. Instead of sentencing her to death, King August offers her something else. Whole villages are being wiped out by some kind of death magic. The king suspects that his only son is somehow behind this. Lore must use her magic to find out what is happening or be sent to the pyre. Thrown into the world of court intrigue, Lore must carefully navigate the suspicious nobles. What she finds, though, could mean the beginning of the end.

I might have said this before but I think what I enjoy the most about Hannah Whitten’s books is that they remind me of the young adult fantasy series I used to enjoy, like The Mortal Instruments or The Vampire Diaries. This book, however, is elevated to a more “adult” level with fun yet complicated characters and circumstances. I like the way that this book incorporates bits and pieces of tropes (like a love triangle) but avoids making them cliche. I personally really liked how dark magic was at the center of this novel and how it wasn’t villainized in any obvious way. This was a fun, dark escapist fantasy and I will definitely keep an eye out for this rest of this series.

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May warrior’s fortune be ever in your favor: Reviewing Star Wars: Thrawn: Treason by Timothy Zahn

Hi everyone! I’m back! I recently started a new job and am now settled into a new schedule. My TBR pile has grown exponentially because I have no self-control when it comes to buying books. Also, I am still very much fixated on Star Wars at this moment. This will be the last Star Wars related book I read for a bit but I do want to read more in the future. I am just looking for more suggestions at this moment. I won’t go on too much longer because it’s time to talk about Thrawn: Treason. (I did finally finish watching Star Wars: Rebels so this was good timing).

During his time serving the Empire, Thrawn has proven himself to be an invaluable asset, cunning tactician, and fierce warrior. His next goal is to secure the funding for his TIE Defender program but his plans are halted by Direct Krennic’s top secret Death Star program. Knowing that his reputation and rank is at risk, Thrawn must further prove his loyalty to the Empire. Meanwhile, Eli Vanto is working closely with the Chiss Ascendancy as a familiar enemy threatens their home world. With Thrawn’s loyalty in question, he is forced to decide between the future of his people and his duty to the Empire. Either choice means treason and Thrawn must choose which path is worth his life.

Timothy Zahn continues to capture the high stakes action and political espionage of the Empire in a way that is unputdownable. I have to say it is kind of fun reading about all of the Empire higher ups backstab and ultimately destroy each other in the process. Even though most of the additional characters are insufferable, they are insufferable in an entertaining way. I think what I like the most about Zahn is how he captures the tense space battles that are so key to any Star Wars project. This trilogy, overall, has been a satisfying delve into the Dark Side. Also, this is fully cannon to Star Wars which is makes it all the more interesting. Anyways, I am going to give this trilogy my stamp of approval and call it a must – read for any Star Wars fan who wants to spend a little time with the Dark Side.

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This is the way the world ends. For the last time: Reviewing The Fifth Season (Book 1 of The Broken Earth Trilogy) by N.K. Jemisin

Hi everyone! I hope you are all doing great. Everything is doing alright in my little corner of the world. I’m about to be pretty busy soon, but I do have some shorter books I can read so there isn’t as much of a lull between reviews. I try to vary the lengths of the books I read since some people have more specific preferences about that. To be completely honest, though, I go into a majority of the books I read with little to no details about the contents. Sometimes, I don’t even know the plot outside of a single line or it’s a genre I like. I prefer to remain as unbiased as possible. I will stop rambling now and get into The Fifth Season.

Content Warning: Death of Children, Harm Towards Children, Graphic Violence, Sexual Content, Some Harsh Language, Apocalyptic Imagery

This isn’t the first time that the world ended for Essun. It will be the last, though. One seemingly ordinary day, she comes home to find her youngest son dead and her daughter missing along with her husband. The Earth begins to fall apart soon after. With nothing to lose, Essun goes on a journey to find her daughter and must face the past as old wounds are reopened.

I normally try not to be hyperbolic but this was truly an incredible book. N.K. Jemisin does an amazing job creating a narrative that twists and flows in a way that is unpredictable, yet satisfying in the end. The world building is so intricate and it honestly threw me off for a bit. I loved, however, being thrown into such an intense scenario. I also loved Jemisin’s use of second person perspective (“you” pronouns) and the way all of the different stories flow together seamlessly in the end. If I really had to compare to something, it gave me similar vibes to The Locked Tomb series. I am honestly regretting not buying the trilogy as I so want to know where this story is going. Go put this book straight to the top of your TBR. Believe the hype surrounding The Fifth Season.

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I have sensed a disturbance in the Force:Reviewing Star Wars: Thrawn: Alliances by Timothy Zahn

Hi everyone! I hope everything is looking up for you all. The weather is finally nice and I finally have some good life updates. I also am kind of hyper-fixated on all things related to Star Wars. I am reading some other books but wanted to finish this one since the first trailer for Ahsoka where Thrawn will be making his live-action debut. I hope you all like my Star Wars-related reviews. There are quite a few more I want to read in the future and I promise that not all of them will have to do with Thrawn. But, for now, we will talk about the sequel in Timothy Zahn’s series.

Emperor Palpatine has sensed that a new threat against the Empire lurks in the Unknown Regions. In order to stamp out this opposition, he orders his ruthless right hand Darth Vader, and brilliant tactician Grand Admiral Thrawn to work together. The two are hesitant to work together as both vie for the Emperor’s favor. This isn’t the first time that the two have encountered each other. Years ago, General Anakin Skywalker went on a mission to find Padme Amidala after she disappeared while visiting a friend. During this mission, he met Commander Mitth’raw’nuruodo and together they uncovered a deadly conspiracy together against the Republic. Now, the two find themselves working together once again. Darth Vader must face his past and Thrawn must face his future.

Timothy Zahn has done it again with a compelling and action-packed entry in this particular series. I loved the drama and tension between Vader and Thrawn. I also greatly appreciated the inclusion of Padme in the flashback portions of this novel. While I am normally not a diehard fan of flashbacks, Zahn does an excellent job building on the lore of Star Wars and further fleshes out the characters. I’ve always enjoyed a complicated protagonist and, while you don’t want the Empire to win, you still find yourself fascinated by the inner-workings of one of the most famous villainous forces in pop culture. Overall, this was a successful sequel in this trilogy and I look forward to reading more from Zahn.

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The future could not be taught by the past: Reviewing Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel

Hi everyone! I hope you are doing well. I am finally bringing you a book that is based on a mythology that is not Greek. Excitingly enough, this is my first foray into Indian mythology. I am only somewhat familiar with some of the gods and goddesses associated with India so I was incredibly interested in learning more. I also just really, really, really wanted to talk about this book in general. Now, let’s finally talk about Kaikeyi

Content Warning: Some Battle Scenes, Some Descriptions of Injuries, Discussions and Depictions of Misogyny

As the only daughter among seven sons, Kaikeyi was raised on the grand stories of the amazing feats of the gods and goddesses. It is her only escape from the reality faces as the raja’s daughter. As she grows older, she witnesses her father banish her mother for seemingly no reason. Soon after, he arranges a marriage for her as the third wife of a powerful raja. As much as Kaikeyi prays, the gods never seem to answer. She decides, then, to take matters into her own hands. She discovers how to use magic to strengthen her influence, which allows her to become a respected radnyi as she paves the way for women’s independence. When evils that only existed in childhood tales become very real threats, Kaikeyi must fight to save everything she loves. She soon, however, must make a choice: to save the family she so dearly loves or prevent a war between her homeland and the land she made her home.

I don’t like to be hyperbolic in my reviews but I truly mean it when I say that this novel was incredible. Vaishnavi Patel does an incredible job balancing fantastical story elements, compelling drama, and heart-wrenching tragedy. Kaikeyi is such a fascinating narrator who is so wonderfully complex in her own unique way. I love the way all of the characters are so complex in a way only families can be. No one is really the villain while no one is really the hero in this particular retelling. The writing itself is equal parts beautiful and serviceable to the overall plot. I really cannot stress just how fantastic every last element of this novel was. I was truly entranced by every element of this novel as it was unpredictable in the best way. Put this book at the very top of your priority list. Kaikeyi is a one – of – a – kind experience that everyone should give a chance to.

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Who decides what is a monster?: Reviewing Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes

Hello everyone! I hope everything is going well for you. I promise that this is my last Greek mythology-related book for at least a bit. I don’t want you all to think I only review one type of book anymore. I just have a soft spot for Greek mythology and I felt this book was perfect for Women’s History Month. If you want to you can check out my review of Natalie Haynes’ other book A Thousand Ships. This is her latest novel and it came out not too long ago. I can’t contain my excitement anymore so let’s finally talk about Stone Blind.

Content Warning: Discussions and Depictions of Sexual Assault

Medusa was once a young girl trying to find her place in the world. She lived a quiet life with her fellow Gorgons, Euryale and Sthenno. She also had wings and enjoyed the sea, her sister’s flock, and the birds who flew with her. One day, she decides to visit the temple of Athena. It is there she is assaulted by Poseidon, god of the sea. Unable to punish her uncle, Athena punishes Medusa by giving her snakes for hair and a gaze that can turn any living being to stone. Medusa decides to confine herself to her cave but is unaware that a young man named Perseus is on a quest to retrieve the head of a Gorgon.

Natalie Haynes delivers once again with a feminist retelling of one of the most classic Greek myths. This book follows a similar format to A Thousand Ships where it follows multiple characters who are all connected to the central myth. This was a quick read, but no less impactful, tragic, and thought-provoking. Haynes also incorporates many witticisms that make the characters more relatable or human, if you will. There is no denying that female rage and sadness are what lies at the heart of this story, though. Medusa really is a tragic figure and the other female characters, whether they are gods or mortals, are not exempt from crushing patriarchal standards. I don’t mean to go full English major here but this is a perfect book to dissect and examine. Before I go on a tangent, I am going to say go read Stone Blind as soon as you can and let your feminine rage consume you. We don’t just support women’s rights, we also support their wrongs.