zoetic's reviews
934 reviews

"Things are so much sweeter when they have an ending; things are so much more painful when they can be ripped away." - Olivie Blake, Masters of Death

"Fuck is a good work, Fox. I like it. It fits nicely in my mouth. I like the way it feels like a weapon" - Olivie Blake, Masters of Death

Masters of Death is an intriguing story that features the consequential tomfoolery of immortals, bored by their eternal lives.

The narrative strikes a balance between satirical humor and profound philosophical depth.

"Balance is king." — Olivie Blake, Masters of Death

"You can never truly know a culture until you've been bitten by one of its myths." - Olivie Blake, Masters of Death

The story introduces a memorable cast of characters, including a gender-fluid—though open to interpretation—personification of Death. It brings to life gods, goddesses, and mythological beings from various religions, alongside Abrahamic angels like Gabriel and Raphael. Masters of Death plays with the trope of found family, giving it a fresh twist.

The relationship between godfather and godson was authentic and endearing. It was enjoyable to see the characters' development and how their relationships evolved.

"I forgave him the moment he came back to me. I would love him still, even if he left me again. I would love him through several lifetimes, I think," Fox determined, resigning himself to the truth, "and I would love him in every world, if he asked." - Olivie Blake, Masters of Death

The story is a relationship-driven exploration of the complexities of human connection and the weight of existence. The novel thoughtfully examines the consequences of indulging in vices and the pursuit of a fulfilling mortal existence, while prompting deeper, more nuanced introspection. The inclusion of queer representation, particularly the bisexuality of the male protagonist, Fox, further enriches the story.

I enjoyed the inclusion of the theme of forgiveness as something for oneself.

"To love, to forgive, to lose, to live - it was always a choice, and thus, the fact that he was a mortal was finally one worth celebrating. Because it would end! Maybe that was the entire secret, and therefore the whole thing was actually astonishingly simple. That over and over, he was presented with the same impossible decision - live and suffer, love and grieve - but still, every time, with all his being, his answer was and would always be yes. It would be difficult and painful, and however it ended, it would end - but still, he could choose it. To live, to love; it was always a choice, and inherently a brave one, to face down certain doom, with open arms." - Olivie Blake, Masters of Death

Overall, Masters of Death is masterfully written, and I would highly recommend it to New Adult and adult readers.

I would consider Masters of Death a favorite and could easily see myself rereading it and annotating it in depth.

Like Cats & Dogs was an engaging and unforgettable read! The reality TV backdrop added a fun and unique twist. While the romance is a slow burn—emphasis on slow—and closed-door, it goes beyond surface-level tension. Both characters undergo significant personal growth, doing the necessary shadow work to develop their romantic relationship. The back-and-forth banter and bickering between the feuding love interests was frequent. Overall, I highly recommend Like Cats & Dogs to anyone looking for a layered and entertaining romance.

Thank you Forever for my copy. 

Eleanor and Park is a poignant and compelling read, with a bittersweet and open-ended conclusion.

Told through the alternating perspectives of two teenagers, Eleanor and Park, the novel delves deep into the complexities of growing up in a world filled with harsh realities.

Eleanor, burdened by family secrets and an abusive home life, meets Park, a teen boy who provides the solace she desperately needs.

Park struggles with his own desire for social acceptance and must come to terms with his feelings and actions toward his peers, himself, and Eleanor.

Their unlikely bond grows, offering them the space for raw conversations, romantic firsts, and time to simply be teenagers.

With beautifully crafted characters and raw emotional depth, this book highlights the power of connection and understanding in Eleanor’s life, the help and solace she finds along the way, and Park, whom Eleanor helps embrace his quirks.

Thank you Wednesday Books for my copy. 

I couldn't put The Elric Undoing down; it kept me on the edge of my seat with its suspenseful, lyrical, and compelling narrative. 

With captivating prose, The Elric Undoing unfolds as an unsettling feminist horror set in a mysterious, secluded town. The writing is easy to follow and transportive, with scenes rich in disturbing images of chilling apparitions.

The story centers on Pyet, a woman shaped by isolation, trauma, and emotional distance, who longs only to feel a sense of belonging and love. Pyet experiences anxiety and panic attacks, and Cassandra Celia addresses these issues with sensitivity and finesse.

The cult-like town of Elric is steeped in rich history and lore, its atmosphere thick with menace. The distinctive characters are cold and dangerous, bound by their ties yet distrustful of outsiders. With a sentient manor where Pyet lives and vengeful, ghostly tenants, nowhere in Elric is safe. The subtle magic adds an eerie layer to this chilling horror. 

As the novel progresses, it gradually reveals the answers to its central mystery, leaving the final revelations at its ambiguous conclusion. With themes of feminism and a deep longing for love, The Elric Undoing offers a suspenseful narrative filled with frustrating characters and a main protagonist you can't help but root for. 

I would recommend The Elric Undoing to other horror readers. 

Content Guide: gore, abuse, cannibalism, cult, apparitions, murder.

"There is no line that divides us into the worthy and the unworthy. There is no body type, weight, shape, gender, sex, or color of human being that's wrong. People make mistakes. Sometimes we're train wrecks. But who we are is never wrong." - Fay Stetz-Waters and Karelia Stetz-Waters, Second Night Stand

Second Night Stand is a charming rom-com that explores the evolution of Lillian and Izzy's relationship, which begins as a one-night stand but quickly turns into something deeper. Set against the backdrop of a TV competition, their connection grows beyond just chemistry as they navigate both the high and lows of their relationship. Passionate, body-positive, and sex-positive, the book offers readers a blend of humor, entertainment, and heartfelt moments, with characters who evolve along the way. I would recommend Second Night Stand to other rom-coms readers.