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Out Of Oz (Book Review)

Rating: ⭐⭐ (2 Stars)

Information

Author: Gregory Maguire

Genre: Fantasy

Length: 588 pages

Format: Hardcover

Series: The Wicked Years #4

Summary

Oz is in turmoil: The Emerald City is preparing to invade Munchkinland, Glinda is confined to her home, the Cowardly Lion is fleeing from the authorities, and Dorothy has returned. Amidst the chaos and conflict, Elphaba’s green granddaughter, introduced at the end of Son of a Witch, comes of age. Rain will take up her broom and bring the series to its conclusion.

Thoughts

The final book in the series drags on far longer than it needs to, leaving readers with a sense of exhaustion rather than satisfaction. The introduction of Elphaba’s granddaughter, Rain, feels like a misstep. Her character lacks the depth and intrigue that made the earlier characters so compelling. In fact, Rain can come across as utterly boring, even borderline unlikable at times, which makes it difficult to stay engaged with her storyline. This lack of connection with the protagonist only adds to the feeling that the book is dragging, causing the pages to feel longer and harder to get through. In hindsight, the book would have likely been more impactful and focused had it been condensed into a more concise narrative, making it the third book in the series. A Lion Among Men could have been reimagined as a novella, serving as an optional side story for those interested in a deeper exploration of the universe. The pacing would have benefited by reworking the structure, and the series could have ended on a stronger note, with a more satisfying and well-paced conclusion.

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This was such a peaceful bookstore

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“Book collecting is an obsession, an occupation, a disease, an addiction, a fascination, an absurdity, a fate. It is not a hobby. Those who do it must do it.”

― Jeanette Winterson

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Any fantasy book recommendations without major romance?

I am finaly back on tumblr 💕

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Burned (Book Review)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Stars)

Information

Author: Ellen Hopkins

Genre: YA Poetry

Length: 531 pages

Format: Paperback

Series: Burned #1

Summary

Pattyn Von Stratten has always followed the rules, raised in a strict religious but abusive home—until a simple dream sparks forbidden questions about love, God, and her worth. When a real boy leads to real trouble, she’s sent away to rural Nevada, where she finds love and acceptance for the first time. But escaping her past isn’t so easy, and as old demons resurface, Pattyn’s journey takes a dark turn.

Thoughts

One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is Aunt J’s farm, which serves as a sanctuary for Pattyn as she navigates her religious deconstruction and becomes disillusioned with the Mormon faith she was raised in. Aunt J herself is a nurturing and supportive figure—exactly the kind of adult presence Pattyn desperately needs at this point in her life. The novel’s ending, however, is heartbreaking, leaving a lasting emotional impact.

That said, there are aspects of the story that feel somewhat questionable. While the romance between Pattyn and a college sophomore may raise some ethical concerns, readers may still find themselves invested in their relationship as it unfolds. Additionally, the ending leaves a sense of unease, as Pattyn’s implied plan for vengeance lingers ominously—I can only hope she chooses a different path.

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How to support indie authors without spending money:

Spread the word about their books!

Leave a rating and review!

Whisper story ideas in their ear while they sleep!

Cast a spell to curse rival writers!

Summon a demon to protect them from typos!

Follow them on social media!

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A Lion Among Men (Book Review)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3 Stars)

Information

Author: Gregory Maguire

Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Length: 309 pages

Format: Hardcover

Series: The Wicked Years #3

Summary

As civil war looms, the irritable oracle Yackle prepares for her final moments. But before death takes her, Brrr—the Cowardly Lion—arrives seeking answers about Elphaba Thropp. Yackle is willing to share, but not without extracting truths of her own.

Thoughts

One of the things I loved most about this book was finally getting a clearer understanding of the prophecy tied to Elphaba’s lineage. Throughout the series, this aspect has been shrouded in mystery, so uncovering more details about her heritage added a layer of depth that I really appreciated. Another highlight was the insight we gained into Mother Yackle’s character. She has always been an enigmatic figure, and learning more about her origins and role in the grander scheme of things made for a fascinating read.

That being said, I found the sections from the Lion’s perspective to be underwhelming. His storyline felt tedious, and I often found myself disengaged while reading his chapters. Given how pivotal Mother Yackle is to the series as a whole, I think shifting the focus to her instead would have been far more compelling. Her character holds so much narrative weight that I couldn’t help but wish we had spent more time delving into her experiences instead.

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Son Of A Witch (Book Review)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Stars)

Information

Author: Gregory Maguire

Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Length: 329 pages

Format: Paperback

Series: The Wicked Years #2

Summary

Son of a Witch picks up the narrative in the aftermath of the Wizard's downfall and the tragic death of Elphaba, the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. The story shifts focus to Liir, Elphaba's enigmatic and often uncertain son, who must navigate a world reshaped by the Wizard's absence and his mother’s legacy. As Liir steps out of Elphaba's shadow, the novel chronicles his struggles to define his identity and purpose in a land rife with political instability, social upheaval, and lingering prejudices against those connected to the Witch.

Thoughts

One of the most compelling aspects of the story is the chance to accompany Liir on his transformative journey from a lost, uncertain boy to a young man searching for his place in the world. His struggles with identity and purpose in the complex and often unforgiving land of Oz are not only engaging but deeply human, making it easy for readers to empathize with his challenges and growth.

However, the narrative is not without its shortcomings. A particularly disturbing and contentious moment arises when Candle takes advantage of Liir while he is unconscious and vulnerable, recovering from a dragon attack. This scene feels both unnecessary and deeply unsettling, detracting from the story and leaving a sour note in an otherwise engrossing tale.

Adding to the frustration, the book concludes without resolving several key plot points, leaving readers in limbo. The fates of Candle, Liir, and their enigmatic green newborn remain unanswered, forcing readers to wait until the final installment for closure. While this cliffhanger adds an element of intrigue, it also risks alienating those who crave a more complete and satisfying resolution within each installment.

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Lately 💫💕

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Down The Drain (Book Review)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Stars)

Information

Author: Julia Fox

Genre: Autobiography

Length: 297 pages

Format: eBook

Series: N/A

Summary

Fox chronicles her tumultuous journey to cultural prominence, detailing a childhood split between Italy and New York amid her parents' volatile relationship, leaving her to largely raise herself. She recounts surviving an abusive, drug-dealing boyfriend, her stints in jail and a psychiatric hospital, work as a dominatrix, and a complex entanglement with a sugar daddy. Her battle with heroin took her to New Orleans trap houses, culminating in recovery only after the tragic overdose of her best friend. The narrative includes her near-fatal overdoses, the loss of friends to drugs and suicide, a high-profile romance with “The Artist,” a whirlwind marriage, and the struggles of single parenthood.

Thoughts

Julia offers an unflinching and raw account of her tumultuous childhood and harrowing battle with drug addiction, laying bare the chaos and pain that defined much of her early life. Her story is a journey through the darkest corners of human experience, marked by loss, heartbreak, and resilience. She doesn't shy away from sharing the devastating moments, including the loss of friends to addiction, which adds a profound sense of gravity to her narrative.

What stands out is Julia's remarkable strength and determination to rebuild her life from the depths of despair. Her candidness invites readers into her world, evoking both empathy and admiration for the sheer willpower it took to overcome such immense challenges. However, while the memoir is undeniably gripping and heartfelt, one area that felt underexplored was the author’s self-reflection. As a reader, I found myself yearning for more insight into how Julia processes her past in the present. How does she view her decisions and the events that shaped her life now that she’s on the other side?

This missing layer of introspection could have added an even greater depth to the memoir, offering readers a chance to connect with her on a more philosophical and emotional level. Despite this, Julia's story remains a compelling testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and recover, making it a worthwhile and thought-provoking read.

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Cult (Book Review)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Stars)

Information

Author: Camilla Läckberg & Henrik Fexeus

Genre: Thriller

Length: 580 pages

Format: Paperback

Series: Mina & Vincent #2

Summary

The second book in Läckberg and Fexeus' suspense series brings Mina Dabiri and Vincent Walder back together for another chilling case. When a little boy goes missing from a preschool in Stockholm, Mina and her team realize it’s eerily similar to a previous kidnapping that ended in tragedy. With time running out and more kids in danger, Mina reaches out to Vincent, the quirky mentalist she hasn’t spoken to in years. Their odd but effective partnership is just what the case needs—but can they solve it before it’s too late?

https://camillalackberg.se/en/book/cult/

Thoughts

Julia’s resilience and determination were some of my favorite aspects of the story. Despite her husband’s tantrums and his insistence that she stay at home with their newborn, Julia stands her ground, showcasing her strength and independence. Ruben’s storyline is equally compelling as he visits his ex and discovers he has a 10-year-old daughter. This revelation propels his character to mature and reflect on his past behaviour with women, adding depth to his arc. The twist that Ines is Mina’s mother was an unexpected revelation that added intrigue, though it wasn’t what I had anticipated. Additionally, the author’s clever use of a red herring involving Nova’s father faking his death was a brilliant way to throw readers off-track and keep the suspense alive.

On the other hand, some aspects of the book detracted from my overall enjoyment. The frequent shifts to the perspectives of various members of the police department felt unnecessary and diluted the focus of the story. Similarly, the excessive descriptions and details made the book feel overly long without adding much value. Vincent’s marriage to Maria was another element that felt superfluous. Maria’s character didn’t contribute meaningfully to the plot and instead added unnecessary drama. Her unlikeable personality made it difficult to empathize with her, further diminishing her relevance to the story.

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Wicked (Book Review)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.5 Stars)

Information

Author: Gregory Maguire

Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Length: 406 pages

Format: Hardcover

Series: The Wicked Years #1

Thoughts

This book had some amazing moments and a few that really missed the mark. First off, Elphaba’s razor-sharp wit was an absolute highlight—it made her such a fun and complex character. And Fiyero falling for her, even though he’s married with kids? Messy, but in the best way. Nanny was hands down my favourite character. She’s one of the only people who treats Elphaba like a person instead of some cursed freak, and I love her for it. Dorothy accidentally kills Elphaba while trying to put out the fire. Heartbreaking. And can we talk about Glinda magicking those shoes onto Dorothy? That girl is definitely up to something.

On the flip side, there were some things I could’ve done without. The author’s weird obsession with describing Elphaba’s genitals? Unnecessary and added nothing to the story. There were also way too many random details and conversations that didn’t need to be there. And I really wish we got more info about the Wizard’s backstory and maybe even some clarity on whether he’s Elphaba’s biological dad or not. There’s so much potential left unexplored!

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The Stillwater Girls (Book Review)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Stars)

Information

Author: Minka Kent

Genre: Thriller

Length: 246 pages

Format: Paperback

Series: N/A

Summary

Nineteen-year-old Wren and her sisters, Sage and Evie, have grown up isolated in a primitive cabin, warned to avoid civilization. When their mother vanishes after leaving to seek help for a sick Evie, the sisters are left alone, struggling to survive. As supplies dwindle and a brutal winter looms, a stranger arrives, demanding answers and refusing to leave. Forced to break their mother’s rule to never go beyond the forest, Wren and Sage discover a house with chilling secrets about their past—and the truth of what they’ve been running from their entire lives.

Thoughts

I really enjoyed the unexpected twist at the end—it took the story in a direction I hadn’t anticipated. I also appreciated that no one thought to exclude Wren once her sisters were reunited with their birth families, which added an emotional layer to the narrative. The author did an excellent job building suspicion around Nicolette’s husband, only to reveal that he was innocent of any criminal or ethical wrongdoing, which was a clever subversion of expectations.

On the flip side, I wish the story hadn’t started with Sage and Wren’s mother already missing. It would have been interesting to explore the dynamic between the women before the disappearance. Additionally, I found it puzzling that Nicolette’s father never discussed the large sums of money being transferred from her trust fund with Grant. Given Nicolette’s past, I would have expected him to consider the connection to his missing granddaughter, which felt like a missed opportunity in the plot. It almost seemed as though her father was trying to cause trouble in Nicolette’s marriage.

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Home Before Dark (Book Review)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5 Stars)

Information

Author: Riley Sager

Genre: Thriller

Length: 384 pages

Format: Hardcover

Series: N/A

Summary

After her father’s death, Maggie inherits Baneberry Hall and returns to renovate it in preparation for sale. However, her return is far from welcoming, as figures from the past—immortalized in the infamous House of Horrors—linger ominously in the shadows.

Thoughts

In Home Before Dark by Riley Sager, the narrative is rich with intriguing twists and chilling discoveries that keep readers hooked. One of the most compelling aspects of the story is Maggie's return to Baneberry Hall to uncover the truth about the sinister property that shaped her childhood. As the layers of the house's dark history unravel, readers learn that Petra, the housekeeper’s eldest daughter, mysteriously vanished on the same night Maggie's family fled the home in terror. This revelation adds a haunting complexity to the plot.

The tension escalates when Maggie and the groundskeeper stumble upon a skeleton during renovations, a chilling find that deepens the mystery surrounding Baneberry Hall. The story further shocks as it reveals that Ewan and Jess, Maggie’s parents, believed their daughter might have been responsible for Petra’s disappearance and went to great lengths to cover it up. The supernatural elements of the tale come to a head when Petra’s vengeful spirit claims justice, killing Marta Carver for the role she played in Petra’s death twenty-five years earlier. These revelations create an intricate web of mystery and suspense, making the book a captivating read.

However, not every aspect of the story is equally satisfying. Maggie’s frustration at her parents’ refusal to reveal the full truth about their time at Baneberry Hall is palpable—and understandable. Their reluctance to share vital information feels unfair, especially given Maggie’s personal stake in the events. This withholding of the truth diminishes the resolution Maggie deserves.Additionally, Maggie’s quick dismissal of Brian as a suspect in the strange occurrences at Baneberry Hall is perplexing. Given his presence in the house at odd times—such as the moment she finds him waiting for her—it seems plausible that he could have been responsible for certain incidents, like turning on the chandelier light. These inconsistencies detract slightly from the otherwise gripping plot, leaving readers with lingering questions. Despite these frustrations, Home Before Dark remains a masterfully crafted story filled with suspense, twists, and an eerie atmosphere that lingers long after the final page.