ginalucia's reviews
489 reviews

While The Maid and the Crocodile is a stand-alone book, I highly recommend reading the Raybearer duology first. Not because you need to, but because you should - okay?!

There are layers to this book! Our main protagonist talks to us every now and then which is intriguing, and each character is so complicated and in-depth it makes you root for them and despair for them at the same time.

The multi-layered political and societal undertones are woven in beautifully. It deals with ableism and classism particularly well.

I loved every part of it. The deep and varied characters, the extra dose of world-building in the world I already enjoyed from Raybearer, the relationships and how they build.

Plus, the added romance is done particularly well with all its dangers and excitement. It doesn’t steer the story or take away from it. It’s like a little sprinkle of something extra.

Wondering if this mythology book is for you? Here’s some at-a-glance info:

* Spice levels: Hinted at, but romance is there. It’s YA-appropriate.

* Fantasy levels: High and constant.

* Rep: Disability rep, queer rep (side characters), and more.

* Trigger warnings: Ableism, classism, emotional and physical abuse.

* The format I read it in: Physical.

For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt

Want to understand my book rating system? You can find it here: https://houselucia.com/book-reviews/

Content Warnings

Dreadful by Caitlin Rozakis

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Content Warnings

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.

I kind of wish we started the story before the two main characters got together.

Daughters of Bronze: A Novel of Troy by A.D. Rhine

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challenging emotional hopeful sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Daughters of Bronze is the conclusion to A.D. Rhine’s brilliant A Novel of Troy duology, and it was everything I wanted it to be.

It took me a little while to finish this one because, honestly, I didn’t want to rush, I wanted to savour the story.

I’ll talk about the duology as a whole here because if you’ve not picked up the first book, you absolutely should.

While this duology is a retelling of The Battle of Troy, the focus of the story isn’t really this - it’s the characters. Our attention is fixed on four women and how they navigate their lives in tragic circumstances.

It’s a book filled with inner monologue. So character motivations become complicated and drive the story forward as they become interwoven with each other.

If you’re looking for a series that explores the resilience of women while delivering a certain amount of hope and companionship in tragedy, this is it.

Plus, the author's note right at the end is *chef's kiss* delicious.

Wondering if this mythology book is for you? Here’s some at-a-glance info:

* Spice levels: Closed door, quite vague.

* Fantasy levels: None - historical focus.

* Rep: Mental health.

* Trigger warnings: War, death, sexual assault, and more (like most Troy retellings honestly).

* The format I read it in: Audio (I actually wasn’t keen on one of the voice actors but I’ve not let that impact my rating).

For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt

Want to understand my book rating system? You can find it here: https://houselucia.com/book-reviews/

Content Warnings

Heroes and Villians by Ana Sampson

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adventurous funny reflective medium-paced

4.0

Much like the previous installment, this selection of poetry was fun, reflective, and enjoyable to read. Made even better by the gorgeous illustrations.

Morning Star by Pierce Brown

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adventurous challenging tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Welp, that was a rollercoaster.

Spark Joy: An Illustrated Guide to the Japanese Art of Tidying by Marie Kondo

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.

I got this at a charity shop to give me a decluttering boost in the new year but while reading, I realised it didn't really teach me anything new compared to the first book. It's good, but I don't need it.

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ginalucia's reviews 489 reviews

ginalucia's reviews
489 reviews