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reka111's reviews
270 reviews
Comfort Me With Apples by Catherynne M. Valente
I've written my review once, but it's lost somewhere between all the notes and stuff, and honestly I don't really remember what happened in this book anymore, but I'll try again.
Sophie was a lovable character in her own way, although she had some weird things, she gave me a bit of a twisted Barbie feeling (and basically the whole book).
The plot was fast - very fast - twisted and a bit tangled, to be honest, but for such a small book, I think that's acceptable. It was full of biblical references (the basic story itself could have come from there - Adam & Eve & Lilith) or something like that. A short read was fine in its own way, but I wouldn't say I liked it very much.
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Is she happy? She doesn’t understand. She has never considered it. It is possible to be so entirely happy you never ask the question.
I've written my review once, but it's lost somewhere between all the notes and stuff, and honestly I don't really remember what happened in this book anymore, but I'll try again.
Sophie was a lovable character in her own way, although she had some weird things, she gave me a bit of a twisted Barbie feeling (and basically the whole book).
The plot was fast - very fast - twisted and a bit tangled, to be honest, but for such a small book, I think that's acceptable. It was full of biblical references (the basic story itself could have come from there - Adam & Eve & Lilith) or something like that. A short read was fine in its own way, but I wouldn't say I liked it very much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Body horror, Fatphobia, and Gore
Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
But maybe this is how broken people keep living. They find someone as broken, fit them into the empty spaces of their hearts and, together, grow into something different.
The review contains spoilers!!!
PRELIMINARY
OK, I'm not saying it was an easy road because it wasn't. I've felt like I should leave this book an incredible number of times, but — for some reason — again I haven't done it. Maybe my soul felt I needed it, perhaps that was the only way the ledges could weave this into my life, but either way, I still don't know how to feel.
It was nothing special, simple Greek mythology, we all know the inevitable end, and we all know that nothing ever lasts forever. And now here I am, stupid and broken. Somehow, deep down, this broke me, not because I was particularly interested, but because it was about women who, despite trying to tear apart the men's world, stayed afloat and fought, each in their cunning way. My heart bleeds for them throughout history, throughout mythology, they deserved a thousand times better.
Either way, it wasn't a fairy tale, it wasn't a retelling, it wasn't an apology, there were no miracles, no hopes, no vengeful gods.
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CLYTAMESTRA
When I mention a strong female character, I mean someone like her. When I say I want to to be as persistent as they are, I mean her.
She wasn't a hero, maybe not even in her story, perhaps she wasn't the grace the world needed. But she was fire, wild and unforgiving, brilliant, certainly deadly to those who ventured too close to her.
Clytamestra broke so many times, and so many times she fell into nothingness, but I still don't understand how she was able to go on, how she was able to live, truly and really.
Either way, I required her more than ever, she opened my eyes, she simply tore open the fabrics that had held my universe together. She was so brave, she endured so long. Pity that no one ever remembers her. But I do, even if the songs sing lies, I believe — and I know — that she wasn't a monster. I will keep her name alive, I will keep it alive even in the darkest times because she will shine for me, she will shine more than a thousand stars, and she will lead me out of the darkness.
I will remember her.
AGAMEMNON
Perhaps the anger I feel for him will never die out—I pray to the gods it doesn't—because I don't believe he's worth saving.
Neither he nor his mythological self deserve it, not like this, not now. I've always wondered how far people like him can go when they feel something is breaking inside them. I wonder how much death it takes for them to feel again. And now I have an answer; never.
THE OTHERS
Tantalos, oh my dear Tantalos, had such a big heart and such beautiful dreams, he deserved a thousand times better. He was loyal and kind-hearted, sweet, a true noble king.
Leda, my poor Leda, began as a warrior woman and ended her journey as a broken, lost soul, all alone. I don't mean that I wouldn't be angry with her - because deep down I am - but I certainly understand the chains and threads that have caught her, making her impossible for her to move. But afterall I am sure of one thing; she loved her children terribly, more than anything, and I know she tried to protect them with every breath she took.
Odysseus, the only mythological figure, the only person I can't decide if he was too smart or too dumb throughout the story. Obviously, he did things that were wonderful, but as many mistakes as he did, so many transgressions. In any case, I believe that his punishment was not in vain.
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THE PLOT/THE PACE/ETC.
The plot was relatively easy to follow and understand, especially since I was familiar with mythology and knew what was going to happen. Or so I guessed.
Time jumps bothered me immensely and I had to deduct a little from my rating for them.
The love story, especially at the end, was too far-fetched and weird for me, although that's obviously just my problem.
The Haunting of Alejandra by V. Castro
Well, it was terrible, i just couldn't connect with it, no matter how hard i tried. I can see in it what it was trying to say, but i cannot put into words how badly it was done.
Alejandra was incredibly incomprehensible, at least for me, definitely, but so were all the other women. I have understood their pain, curse, and suffering, but i cannot understand why they have given themselves up to this spirit for so many years.
However, i loved the flashbacks and the mythology, but the overall plot left me confused. It wasn't written for me. That's for sure.
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.0
There are many times in life we feel there are no choices. Sometimes that is true. But I feel perhaps the true answers to the choices we must make find our way to us.
Well, it was terrible, i just couldn't connect with it, no matter how hard i tried. I can see in it what it was trying to say, but i cannot put into words how badly it was done.
Alejandra was incredibly incomprehensible, at least for me, definitely, but so were all the other women. I have understood their pain, curse, and suffering, but i cannot understand why they have given themselves up to this spirit for so many years.
However, i loved the flashbacks and the mythology, but the overall plot left me confused. It wasn't written for me. That's for sure.
The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I see you, even when you hide from the rest of the world. I hear you, even when you're silent
The review contains spoilers!!!
PRELIMINARY
OK, maybe too much time passed between writing my review and reading the book, but not everything can be perfect. I don't remember most of the book, or at least not quite, so I'm sure there will be parts I'll skip or jump over because of this. I really should quit this already, right?
Basically, I liked it more than the second book, somehow I always found it difficult – no matter how much I love it – to read historical fiction if it wasn't about a real person. Yes, come for me because of it. I think this book series has a worthy, albeit somewhat quick, end. I wouldn't call it memorable because it wasn't, but it was readable and perfect for one occasion.
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DIANA
Diana has come an extremely long and difficult journey to this point, full of suffering and happiness, but I believe this was the first time she was able to really live, not survive, not exist, but live.
It's incredible that at the beginning of the series she abhorred her legacy so much and how insecure she was, but now she used and accepted it almost every day, not fighting it. It's been a massive growth that has taken place in her, and I think that's beautiful.
I was so happy that we got back the caring, compassionate, and devoted person we met in the first book, especially when she went back to her job, which was practically her life, so maybe that played a part.
She was honestly an incredibly strong character and something you could have fun with and learn from her at the same time. She deserved peace, a loving family, Rebeca and Philip, more than anything else.
MATTHEW
Matthew has an incredibly long history that has accompanied him throughout his life. He had bad choices, mistakes, and bad deeds, but despite everything, he never forgot what he had learned.
I understand him, but I don't. A brilliant scientist, a great protector, but also darkness itself—at least to his enemies, certainly. He had to fight an incredible number of battles throughout the story, as well as with others and himself, but eventually he managed to tip over to the side of the light.
I'm not saying I love him because his overprotective self is too much for me, but I can see him beneath so many shields, and no matter how much he denies them, his heart beats beneath them, full of good.
He's a soldier, but no one can ever fight forever, including him. He almost needed Phillip and Rebeca as much as Diana, if not more. Not only that, but he deserves peace and tranquillity, he does, more than anything.
THE OTHERS
Oh, my dear Ysabeau, I've missed you so much. It's unbelievable that she was left out of the second book, even though I would have been most curious to see how would she reacted to Diana. Basically, not much has changed about her, the same stalwart and persistent has become perhaps a slightly more human vampire. I owe her my soul for doing everything she could to get her family back on track.
Philippe, okay, he didn't get a real role in this book, but that letter. That letter broke me in so many ways I can't tell.
Gallowglass, he is the number one fan of the twins, for sure, and also the best “uncle” in the world. He is my heart and soul, he gives me pure golden retriever energy. I hope so much that he gets the ending you deserve, with a lovely partner by his side and surrounded by a big family because he deserves it.
Jack & Annie, my poor Annie, my poor little baby, she deserved a thousand times better. But Jack, he's still here, and ahh, I don't know how to feel about him. He was raised by a monster who ultimately has a heart, but somehow he was stuck in between. He lives lively and cheerful, but he has an incredible compulsion to conform and longs for Matthew & Diana's love. It hurts tremendously to know that he got his great-grandfather's illness (aka Matthew – don't want me to explain the family situation, it's complicated) and that he can't live life to the fullest, even if he wanted to. He deserves the whole world and all hope for a better future. Although he lived and did infinitely much—good and bad things — he will be forever my “innocent” little boy who wanted to rob Diana once.
Baldwin, all I can say about him is that I always knew he had a heart, even if his body was woven from the darkness itself. He went to war for Diana, even if it meant the world would collapse, but he did. It's not the best match—the two of them—but I'm sure deep down they respect each other, maybe they understand each other, but well, they won't get any closer than that haha.
Benjamin, I hated him so much that sometimes I couldn't even breathe. It's horrible what he did to those witches, horrible what he did to his family (if I can call it that). I'm so happy he's dead.
Sarah, my poor Sarah was so lost for a while without Emily, she fell into a dark place from which she could not come out on her own, which I understood, and I was unable to have either. Fernando gets my heart for taking care of her and doing everything he could to get her back to the light.
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THE PLOT/THE PACE/ETC.
OK, the plot was understandable to me, but it was also a bit confusing, especially when it came to the Book of Life and the various DNA stuff. Basically, I think it was fine, but there were some weird things about it.
The pace was extremely slow, sometimes too much, could have been a little faster in my opinion.
The ending was nicely closed, albeit in a bit of a hurry, somehow I expected there to be a big BUM, but it didn't turn out, which I regret, and I'm a bit disappointed about that.
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THE END
It's been an incredible journey, but really, from the very beginning to the end. I never thought a book could open so many worlds to me, it really did. It's terribly sad to say goodbye to them now, it feels so bad even though it's absolutely necessary.
Part of my heart will always stay with them, and one day I will come back here.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
Moderate: Torture
Minor: Miscarriage
The Dreams They Could Not Live by Angelo Di Tommaso
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Sometimes, it is for the desires and dreams of others that we fight. The unfortunate reality is, a war is fought for an empire, not for an idea.
Date: 2023/09/25-2023/09/27
Genre: Historical, Fiction, War
Rating: ★★★★.75
Spice rating: —
Age rating (I think): 17+
Publication date: 2023/09/25
Thank you for the e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
First, what you can expect from this book:
· 3rd person POV (sometimes 1st person)
· Medium-paced
· Found family
· Bonds of friendship
· Emotional & tragic end
· Horror of the world war
· Loss of indentity
· Mental Illnesses
· Strong Comradeship
· Character-driven
· Survivor's guilt & grief
· Desensitization to violence
SPOILER FREE REVIEW
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SPOILER FREE REVIEW
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PRELIMINARY
First of all, it was a huge journey for me - for which I am extremely grateful to the author - that ripped me out of the shell of calm and threw me straight into hell, into its deepest pits.
The characters have grown extremely close to my heart, I loved each one because of their own unique personalities and now it's so hard to say goodbye to them.
This classic work takes you back in time and depicts, from the perspective of British soldiers, the horrors and cruelties of war they had to experience. It is both a warning and a value of life that has yet to be appreciated. This book really screams that; Pay attention and live as long as you can, because you can't know when it would end.
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PETER
Oh my Peter. He was brave for so long and strong for so long - that he could hold his life together - that it was superhuman.
It's incredible how full the young man at the beginning of the war was with the enthusiasm and energy to fight. Like all his companions, he believes that the war will end soon and that it will be nothing more than a getaway, but over time he loses all innocence and begins to see what war is really like.
There is an extraordinary character development in him throughout the book, in which the two extremes contrast so strongly, as if they do not belong to the same soul.
I especially liked that no matter how much horror he saw, he was ready to fight even when he had nothing left. Throughout the novel, not only he but everyone else constantly questions the necessity and importance of war, but we don't get a real answer - neither do we in real life - because there is simply no right answer.
Peter wasn't evil, he wasn't good, but nobody is it, he's on the broad as anyone else, he's done morally questionable things, but we all would have done the same if our lives depended on it. He had the same nightmares of death as anyone else, and that didn't make him a monster.
His character is extremely inspiring and full of perseverance, which is exemplary. A true role model for everyone - adult, old or young - because we need to remember the past, to
prevent this from happening again in the future.
THE OTHERS
Gordon
My darling boy, I love you with all my soul. You are my light in the darkest times, my obligation in the troubled sea. He deserves so much, so much better. How could a teacher full of dreams (or at least he wanted to be) be sent to the front and so rudely ripped out every spark of hope?
Tim
He is the definition of the better deserved. He was an artist, an innocent soul, and war destroyed him. And i'll never forget that.
Miller
Miller was their leader—or something—their beacon. He is an extremely intelligent and strategic man for whom soul matters more than fighting. He did everything in his power to keep those he loved safe when they needed a helping hand, he was there, when they needed a word, he spoke.
Albert
I can't tell you how sorry I am for what this war has done to him. He was a healer, not a warrior. My heart bleeds from knowing that he could have done anything for his daughter and wife, even if it meant plunging him into dangerous waters that would not have happened had it not been for war.
Frank & Hunter
They were the bricks, the ones who lifted others up even in the darkest of times, who encouraged them to believe even when the situation was hopeless. They brought happiness and joy to a heartless war.
Stewart
He was their protector, their leader, and my only hope was that the worlds would move if he asked and everything would work out. But it didn't, even though I believed in him, if for no other reason than because he was just as soulful as anyone else.
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THE PLOT PACE/CONCEPT/ETC
The plot was easy to follow, although the beginning started slowly, which is not surprising because we needed to get to know the characters, their dreams and hopes that we would get through everything ourselves.
I'm not saying I liked everything, because it wasn't; The time jumps bothered me a bit, especially since we did it daily at the beginning and months at the end.
The idea itself wasn't new, but I wasn't expecting anything else, maybe that's why I liked it so much; It was simple, yet to the point, quite familiar and real. It conveyed well all the aspects of the war I was curious about and the process of soul development.
It held me captive all the way, with so much action and desperation to find their way. I cried and worried about them as if they were my friends, celebrated with them when they won, and fell into nothingness with them when the situation became hopeless.
The wording was beautiful, really. I loved it, it was almost poethic.
The ending was completely logical, almost necessary and predictable. It's not exactly happy, it's not sad, it's just a matter of perspective.
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FINAL WORDS
In conclusion, I really liked it and I think I will try to read more books like this in the future.
Thank you dear author for your trust, support and help in everything, I am extremely grateful to you. I'm happy to be part of your dreams.
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RECOMMENDATION
For all those who loved "All quiet on the western front" or just love the theme of world war. It is definitely worth reading at least once, because it opens one's eyes.
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Once there were creatures who swam like fish in the sea and others who wielded lightning bolts instead of spears. They are gone now, replaced with something new
The review contains spoilers!!!
PRELIMINARY
So, first of all, I would like to start by saying that, despite my love of English history, my modest knowledge extends only to monarchs - even those only minimally - just as much as I need, so to speak, I jumped blindly into a rough sea and waited for the miracle that would throw me ashore.
I wouldn't say I particularly loved this book, but I didn't hate it. I think that's okay, because it's been so long and no one would be able to keep the reader's attention for that long.
For me, I liked the previous part better, but everyone has their own opinion about this.
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DIANA
I used to try not to judge and keep all my thoughts to myself, but now I am free to say them. Diana has changed tremendously, and I don't know if it's for better or for worse. For me, she is so complicated — and not in a good way — that I can't figure her out. Sometimes she obeys as simply as if it's the other thing besides breathing that keeps her alive, and other times she resists so fiercely that I think I'm the one who went crazy.
In short, she stopped and stopped developing her character as if it never existed. I want the old Diana back in the next book, I really want her back.
I am extremely glad that she managed to understand herself and her magic, or at least set out on the path to make this possible. I'm not saying it was a short road for her — and there's so much more left — but I do say that she dragged herself toward her destiny if necessary. She has been through so much and suffered too long to endure it again, and for her sake - and for the sake of her unborn children - I hope she finds the peace and tranquility she is looking for.
MATTHEW
Perhaps I should give up believing in his salvation. He is the devil, a demon, the darkness that consumes the light and even now – for inexplicable reasons – I forgive his sins. I understand the reasons for his actions, I understand them and consider the consequences, I sincerely forgive him.
I have to say that he has sunk too far back into the patriarchal order and tried to control what he could not. If he had been my husband and commanded me like that, I would have left him in the hell place (and then run back into his arms in case of danger, because let's face it, no matter how bad things he did, he is an indomitable warrior and a great defender.)
He had an extremely complicated relationship with everyone, but especially with his father. I couldn't really decide at the beginning if they loved each other now or if they were just angry. Either way, the fact that he had to kill him — because my poor Ysabeaum couldn't — in his deathbed is something that will chase me forever.
THE OTHERS
Philippe, I'm crying for him and because of him. Somehow I thought he would be kinder, and then I thought he would be crueler. However, he did everything for his family and loved them all with all his heart, even those who caused him so much trouble. I especially liked that despite years passing, he continued to honor the old gods and traditions, the customs of his ancestors. My heart bleeds so much from the knowledge that he couldn't meet his grandchildren.
Gallowglass, he's the corner of my heart, the other half of my soul, really. I could give him everything I had for caring so well for Diana, even though he had nothing to do — Louisa could learn from him— with her. I hope we see him again, because I want to know what happened to him.
Jack & Annie, my lives, my little babies. They have grown so close to my heart that I can't even tell you. They both deserve so much, so much better. I cry knowing that Annie will die - her life as a witch is finite - but Jack will live.
Goody & other witches, they really put their heart and soul into - even though they were afraid of Diana for a while - to help her in everything, even when they knew all her secrets and sides. I am extremely sorry that we will not get more of them, but as they always say; Don't revisit what's already done.
Elizabeth, I didn't think I'd love her, but hey I'm here and I do adore hre. There was a lot of reality to the character (like cavities), and even though I believed how badly she was treating Matthew, it turned out that a little toothache and a tiny moment of weakness were enough to melt the heart of ice. They were so cute, the way they nicknamed each other (Lizzie & Sebastian) is honestly one of my favorite scenes.
Kit, I don't understand him, but meanwhile I do. I don't think he was the evil one in this story, he was just offended and felt abandoned and desperate souls - just like him - could do anything. Property has gone a long way, but who hasn't?
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THE PLOT/ETC.
For me, the plot was a bit confusing, maybe even untraceable at some points, or illogical, but everyone has flaws.
The pace was good and we got very authentic period descriptions, which i was very happy about because I thought I would be disappointed.
The love thread was still a bit far-fetched for me. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love them, but I couldn't get married to someone after four weeks and then have kids.
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THE END
I can't wait to continue and find out about the continuation of their story!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Miscarriage and Pregnancy
Minor: Child abuse, Drug use, Torture, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
All right, come for me for writing a review of this book just now, but it didn't occur to me the last time, and now that I've read it all over again, I feel it's time to give it meaning.
I didn't remember much from my last reading – but enough to know the essence of the plot – so I had to “learn” everything about this world again.
Basically, now something caught me (maybe the late Twilight era lol) and I vowed to read the book series, no matter what. So, here we are, praying to a greater being that my vows won't be in vain.
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Basically, I didn't have a problem with her, she didn't hold me as well as she should have, and I didn't feel as much pressure to understand her, but I definitely sympathized with her. She had walk and will walk an extremely long way (especially after the end) in her mortal life to finally find peace.
Diana was an extremely complex character, with too many layers to know from a single book, but one thing is for sure; She fights not with her mind, but with her heart, and at the moment of death she would act not out of cruelty, but out of grace just like the goddess after whom she is named.
Gods, I love and hate this man at the same time. It's so hard to know him — and it's not because he's a vampire — beacause I never really know whose side he's on and where his boundaries lie. He lives by a completely different code of grace than Diana and has completely different habits. He is a warrior, not a healer and a commander, not a follower.
Basically, I could list his good qualities for as long as the bad ones, and somehow at the end of the day I would still say, huh, which side is he really on? I think he's very grey, maybe grayer than normal, but I understand why. I would surround myself with so many walls and dance under the stars with the same number of weapons as he. In short, I would drink the same poison as he does, if I had to go through what he had to go through, so I don't judge.
I can't ephasise enough the fact that he's too protective and too caught up in the past, and he looks to others for understanding of his actions that he knows aren't exactly accepted, he expects absolution that he can never get, not really. I understand that he has lived in a patriarchal order almost his entire life, but if a man were to say to me what he said to Diana (no matter how much he loves me or what he is willing to sacrifice for me), then he is on his own way. And I understand that he wants to protect her, but that's too much sometimes, she can't breathe alone. Then he judges Ysabeau, even though he knows exactly what she had to go through not so long ago. If he lost his "partner," wouldn't he go crazy like she did?
Ysabeau, she was undeniably my favorite character, I just empathize with her so much and understand her so much, she has a reason for every single action, she doesn't just wield her power in the air, she thinks.
Marthe, she was extremely clever and cunning, she is at the heart of my heart and I am extremely grateful to her for taking such good care of the whole family, her loyalty is unquestionable.
Marcus, basically I'm a little sorry that he often has to live in his father's shadows, but he loves his family very much and seems to do anything in his power for them, if they needs a helping hand, he jumps, if they needs a kind word, he comes, he just has such a good heart that they don't deserve him.
Miriam, I like her and I would like to know more about her tragic past. They often don't take her seriously, even though she has an incredible mind and she is good problem solvers.
Sarah, gosh I loved her very much. She has my heart, from the bottom to the top. She did everything — literally everything — to keep her niece safe, there's just the kind of connection between the Bishops that I'd love to explore.
Em, ohh my dear Emily. She has a heart of gold, but she is serious and has a grandmotherly mood that would make me want to hug her. She deserves the whole world with everything in it.
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THE PLOT/ETC.
The plot was easy to follow, although it started off quite slowly and there were parts where we got a little too much description that we shouldn't have, but I'm not complaining because ultimately not everything can be perfect. The composition was beautiful, something that showed that it was indeed written by an educated author.
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I'm going to continue with the second book, which I'm really going to read completely and I can't wait to start the series as well, because I heard - thank you from here too, dear Instagram user - that it follows the book relatively well and it can be enjoyed!
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
relaxing
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Just because something seems impossible doesn't make it untrue
The review contains spoilers!!!
PRELIMINARY
All right, come for me for writing a review of this book just now, but it didn't occur to me the last time, and now that I've read it all over again, I feel it's time to give it meaning.
I didn't remember much from my last reading – but enough to know the essence of the plot – so I had to “learn” everything about this world again.
Basically, now something caught me (maybe the late Twilight era lol) and I vowed to read the book series, no matter what. So, here we are, praying to a greater being that my vows won't be in vain.
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DIANA
Basically, I didn't have a problem with her, she didn't hold me as well as she should have, and I didn't feel as much pressure to understand her, but I definitely sympathized with her. She had walk and will walk an extremely long way (especially after the end) in her mortal life to finally find peace.
Diana was an extremely complex character, with too many layers to know from a single book, but one thing is for sure; She fights not with her mind, but with her heart, and at the moment of death she would act not out of cruelty, but out of grace just like the goddess after whom she is named.
MATTHEW
Gods, I love and hate this man at the same time. It's so hard to know him — and it's not because he's a vampire — beacause I never really know whose side he's on and where his boundaries lie. He lives by a completely different code of grace than Diana and has completely different habits. He is a warrior, not a healer and a commander, not a follower.
Basically, I could list his good qualities for as long as the bad ones, and somehow at the end of the day I would still say, huh, which side is he really on? I think he's very grey, maybe grayer than normal, but I understand why. I would surround myself with so many walls and dance under the stars with the same number of weapons as he. In short, I would drink the same poison as he does, if I had to go through what he had to go through, so I don't judge.
I can't ephasise enough the fact that he's too protective and too caught up in the past, and he looks to others for understanding of his actions that he knows aren't exactly accepted, he expects absolution that he can never get, not really. I understand that he has lived in a patriarchal order almost his entire life, but if a man were to say to me what he said to Diana (no matter how much he loves me or what he is willing to sacrifice for me), then he is on his own way. And I understand that he wants to protect her, but that's too much sometimes, she can't breathe alone. Then he judges Ysabeau, even though he knows exactly what she had to go through not so long ago. If he lost his "partner," wouldn't he go crazy like she did?
THE OTHERS
Ysabeau, she was undeniably my favorite character, I just empathize with her so much and understand her so much, she has a reason for every single action, she doesn't just wield her power in the air, she thinks.
Marthe, she was extremely clever and cunning, she is at the heart of my heart and I am extremely grateful to her for taking such good care of the whole family, her loyalty is unquestionable.
Marcus, basically I'm a little sorry that he often has to live in his father's shadows, but he loves his family very much and seems to do anything in his power for them, if they needs a helping hand, he jumps, if they needs a kind word, he comes, he just has such a good heart that they don't deserve him.
Miriam, I like her and I would like to know more about her tragic past. They often don't take her seriously, even though she has an incredible mind and she is good problem solvers.
Sarah, gosh I loved her very much. She has my heart, from the bottom to the top. She did everything — literally everything — to keep her niece safe, there's just the kind of connection between the Bishops that I'd love to explore.
Em, ohh my dear Emily. She has a heart of gold, but she is serious and has a grandmotherly mood that would make me want to hug her. She deserves the whole world with everything in it.
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THE PLOT/ETC.
The plot was easy to follow, although it started off quite slowly and there were parts where we got a little too much description that we shouldn't have, but I'm not complaining because ultimately not everything can be perfect. The composition was beautiful, something that showed that it was indeed written by an educated author.
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THE END
I'm going to continue with the second book, which I'm really going to read completely and I can't wait to start the series as well, because I heard - thank you from here too, dear Instagram user - that it follows the book relatively well and it can be enjoyed!
The Scepter by J. Bree
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Uhff it wasn't for me. It was weird and too fast to understand anything. I don't know if I want to continue.
The Seventh Raven by David Elliott
Well, I didn't really know much about this tale, just the basics, so it was interesting to read.
Honestly, it didn't catch me as much as I hoped, but it could be my fault. Otherwise, its poem was nice, perfect for reading English, but I wouldn't say I would read it more than once, once it was good and brought the mood I expected.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Though all I whisper in your ear is true, truth's not always evident or just; sometime's it's brutal as a fist
Well, I didn't really know much about this tale, just the basics, so it was interesting to read.
Honestly, it didn't catch me as much as I hoped, but it could be my fault. Otherwise, its poem was nice, perfect for reading English, but I wouldn't say I would read it more than once, once it was good and brought the mood I expected.
Feathers of Blood by Alice Ivinya
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I don't remember it — I know I should — but anyone who knows me knows how horribly terrible my memory is, but that's okay, no one is perfect. I do have flashes of this book, some sort of shred, but they wouldn't be enough to give a well-written review.