newbookcats

[newbookcats]

Why Do We Love to "Hate" the Unlikable Female Heroine? | A Discussion About Every Reader's Favorite Guilty Pleasure

To read more posts like this, visit my blog: https://newbookcatsreads.blogspot.com/

A reader's favorite guilty pleasure is assuming that the sharp wits, scathing remarks, and morally questionable actions of fictional characters are aimed directly at us. These books we have associated as our safety nets do anything to catch us during jarring experiences and the emotional turmoil that typically follows.

For instance, every time I revisit Cassandra Clare's The Infernal Devices trilogy where she showcases a love triangle with only right angles, I consistently brace myself from Will Herondale's cold remarks veiling his (obvious) affection for Tessa Gray and any cruel schemes completed by Jessamine, Nathan, Magister or other villains--not that the Magister's manipulation of his soul-fueled robot army sucks away any remorse I have toward his sorrowful past lending to his desires for revenge against Shadowhunters. Still, their flaws feel personal, their choices oddly intimate, and somehow, their imperfection makes the story better.

Moreover, despite the immediate hatred we are expected to feel for villains and their callous schemes, there are surprisingly many literature heroines widely disliked by readers--and by extension, the family members of said readers who have to listen to thorough dissections of the heroine's role in the story and cry spells resulting from the heroine's ultimate sacrifice to rescue their loved ones from poisoned cake.

And, while Joey undeniably reflects every reader in this scenario, I would also like to express how not-sorry I am for my past and future actions regarding my favorite novels and character.

Still, this begs the question: why do we love to hate these unlikable heroines, particularly the sharp-tongued, self-centered, and sometimes just plain mean ones that somehow steal the spotlight and keep us turning the pages until the night turns into day?

Warning: All of the declarations written by me and featured on this blog are my opinions. I'm an amateur literature dissectionist; further, I barely know how to write a story without one or many plot holes. Please respect my opinions. Moreover, if you share an opinion in the comments, I will respect your takes--even the burning hot ones--regardless of how I personally stand on an issue. If you come across a statement that you have an issue with, I highly recommend for you to consult your local librarian or book club to discuss incidental symptoms of hotheadedness, insomnia, snarky comments, frequent book hangovers, and possible death. This post is not recommended as book therapy or associated treatment for people with high prevalence of the above symptoms, and it is recommended for all readers to proceed and share at their own risk. Thank you!

First, let’s address societal expectations. Women in fiction are often expected to be likable, relatable, or at the very least, redeemable. For example, Sansa Stark from George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones is everything expected of a young woman readied to marry the heir to the Seven Kingdoms: obedient, soft-spoken, and well-mannered albeit a rare occurrence of sass reserved for her siblings. However, throughout a series of torturous character-defining moments as Martin's story progresses, Sansa transforms into a woman that readers strongly admire yet fear. Strong-willed, resilient, and loyal in favor of Daenerys and her brother Jon's resistance against the presently-ruling Lannister family, she earns both fans and enemies; however, her power-hungry tendencies and ambitious attitude show another complexity to her character--even allowing readers to outspokenly crave a downfall in her plans.

Another instance would be when Celeste in Kiera Cass’s The Selection series is painted as the vain and ruthless "mean girl" who is laser-focused on attaining Prince Maxon's heart and the deeply coveted title as Queen of Illéa. But as the trilogy progresses, Celeste surprises readers by risking her life to protect Maxon and America, her competitor. Slowly through the trilogy, her vulnerabilities are revealed, suddenly transforming her from a villain we loved to hate to someone we grudgingly admire. Similarly, Nina Zenik from Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows is introduced as unapologetically brash and self-assured. Despite included as a protagonist of the story, she undeniably embodies traits that readers often find polarizing, making her a magnet for both admiration and critique from readers. These are classic cases of an unlikable heroine being redeemed by layers of complexity and growth.

Meanwhile, male characters, can brood, break hearts, and make all kinds of morally questionable choices while still being applauded as society's next "bookish boyfriend" and excused as “complicated” or “nuanced.” So when an author drops an unlikable female heroine into our laps, she feels refreshing.

But here’s the thing: unlikable heroines reflect real women. Not everyone is a people-pleaser or a cinnamon roll who always says the right thing at the right time. And, let’s be honest, who wants to be?

Unlikable heroines challenge the idea that women must be palatable to be worthy of storytelling. Instead, they showcase flaws in ways that resonate with readers who might see themselves in the unfiltered messiness.

Take, for instance, Cersei Lannister from Martin's Game of Thrones. Yes, despite not being a heroine, Cersei's story is a masterclass in making readers simultaneously love and hate a character. Her snark, cruelty, and morally questionable choices make her divisive. Yet, when her full intentions of keeping her family, especially her children, not only safe but alive in the midst of a dragon-led rebellion are revealed, many readers, especially those who are mothers or caretakers of a family member, suddenly see her in a new light. Still, this begs us to consider if Cersei as a bitter, vengeful, yet deeply loyal woman deserves a redemption arc or if she is irredeemable and should be punished with more than just rotten tomatoes.

Moreover, there’s a fine line between flawed and unbearable. When done well, unlikable heroines make us question our own biases. 

Why does her ambition feel “too much” to me? Am I uncomfortable with her choices because they’re immoral or because they challenge societal norms?

But when done poorly, these characters turn into nothing more than plot devices for shock value or an author’s attempt at forced edginess, becoming caricatures overdressed in universally condemned values and unlikeable personality traits. For example, Storee from Megan Quinn’s How My Neighbor Stole Christmas is a prime example of this. On the surface level, she is quirky and sarcastic, traits that easily evoke adoration. But after further reading and analysis, her incessant snark crosses into grating territory, leaving some readers (ahem, me) rolling their eyes more than rooting for her. It’s a balancing act, and when that balance is off, even the most forgiving audience may find themselves not finishing that supposed "feel-good" story in lieu of reaching for another one.

Still, I believe unlikable heroines have a place on our shelves. They force us to engage critically with our stories, question our assumptions, and maybe even confront our own unlikable traits. Moreover, as I have matured and been exposed to more complex pieces or stories including advanced topics, I have come to enjoy reading about morally gray protagonists--even so far as looking forward to their written presence. Albeit their misunderstood pasts or questionable intentions within their fictional universes, it is refreshing to encounter characters who are neither strictly virtuous or are perpetually untarnished by faults or temptations. 

Albeit not a female heroine, it's refreshing to consider that even the holiest figure of them all, Jesus, in the Bible was admittedly tempted by the devil several times throughout His life and during His preparations. Moreover, He questioned His purpose and final sacrifice. These situations and similar ones dispersed throughout the Bible remind readers that absolute perfection is unattainable for anyone...even for the son of a deity.

And, returning to non-biblical figures, morally gray characters resonate with audiences, when written correctly, because they reflect this messy, intricate reality of humanity that is complicated, often selfish, and undeniably flawed. Everyday, we face that perfection is strictly an illusion, and these characters remind us that these slight imperfections can be captivating, successfully driving a story forward and establishing a character as a timeless literary figure and, oftentimes, an inspiration for others. The complexities of these characters not only challenge us to question our own moral compass but to find empathy in the most unexpected places. And, that includes the countless number of family members and friends I entrusted to hear my most vulnerable thoughts about these characters.

And on a higher note, these characters are fun to include in thoughtful debates and deep philosophical discussions when it comes to values and beliefs--and who doesn’t love a good bookish debate with both readers and non-readers alike?

So, what’s your take? Are unlikable heroines misunderstood gems or literary landmines? Albeit YOUR literal perfection, which characters or literary scenes encouraged you to reflect on your own morals or biases? Is it possible for these unlikable heroines (like Cersei Lannister) to earn redemption from readers, or what are some common traits and actions that make this option widely opposable (such as in the case of the Magister)? Leave your hot takes below (bonus points if you can name a heroine you loved and hated at the same time). Let’s keep this discussion spicy--just like our favorite morally gray protagonists--in the comments below or via my social media accounts.

Love,

Nicole

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[newbookcats]

Eleven Books in A Pre-Christmas Book Haul I'm Ecstatic to Marathon After Slaying Finals Season and Carb-loading with Oatmeal

After finals season, there are two activities I enjoy partaking in: reading books until the sun announces the next day and napping until my dreams resemble that of a dragon fever dream. And, when I passed all my classes of my first semester (of many) of grad school, I knew there was only one appropriate response: a pre-Christmas book haul. Especially when there is no truly no bad occasion to excuse bringing books into a good home. 

Thus, the following are only a few of the acceptable reasons for a (mandatory) book haul:

Earn good grades? You definitely deserve a book (or one for each A+)!

Get a bad grade on a test, or have a bad day? Sop up your tears with a breathtaking story to rejuvenate your motivation for school and other difficult challenges.

Bored of doom-scrolling on social media? Read for 5 minutes to achieve another addiction that is even harder to break and can be expensive on the wallet or the library card!

Left heartbroken by your last re-read of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince or Clockwork Princess?

Yep, you will definitely need a retail therapy session at your nearest bookstore or collect all the books from your town's library. The only trusted cure is to mourn your literature losses and read until your heart can be mended and eventually broken by another literary tale.

- - -

Since my finals have finished and I thankfully passed my classes, I have continued my mandatory 30-minute Anki sessions to actually retain this past semester's material; meanwhile, I have also been catching up on the hottest stories on my TBR list that I may have missed while studying. Below are some of the titles I will be marathoning during my Christmas/winter holiday break, and please let me know if I should prioritize one of the books over the others! 

Also, to build up my glycogen stores and maintain the energy required to tackle this challenge, let me know which snack is best. I am currently deliberating between hearty bowls of cake-flavored oatmeal or oatmeal-flavored cake. 

So, without further ado, welcome the latest additions to my already very full and toppling bookshelf.

Eleven Books in A Pre-Christmas Book Haul I'm Ecstatic to Marathon After Slaying Finals Season and Carb-loading with Oatmeal

1. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

Two years ago, my family and I visited Arkansas as a celebration of both my brother and me graduating from high school and university, respectively. Along that several hours of driving, we stopped at the greatest grocery store chain of all time--also commonly known as Walmart--and my mother and I immediately ran to the store's book section. My mother picked up the second book in this trilogy, Kingdom of the Cursed, without further researching the book on Goodreads. Thus, when she finished ten pages, she was left clueless and wondered who exactly Maniscalco intended to be cursed and why a fallen angel was the love interest of an Italian mortal. But of course, if an Italian does not take the time to season their sauce to perfection, only bad things happen from there.

2. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder Trilogy by Holly Jackson

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder and its subsequent books by Jackson sound just like perfection to me, particularly as my high school years would have been somber but more interesting if I had been given the chance to solve a murder...and that of a previous student. Thankfully, I graduated within the fifth class of the high school I attended, so there were not many opportunities for this mystery to present as my reality.

Still, this trilogy and Jackson's works receive praise from readers, the first book and overall series boasting 4.31 and 4.64 ratings on Goodreads, as of today. Therefore, it only seems reasonable to read this trilogy before the books are adapted into a blockbuster movie or a Broadway musical.

3. The Last Hours Trilogy by Cassandra Clare

Without a doubt, Clare was one of many authors who influenced my reading preferences in high school. From middle school to my first semester of college, I vowed to read 100 pages nightly--just so I could maintain the speed required to absorb Clare's mountain of supernatural drama and the colossal mound that became my TBR. Despite my faults in not maintaining my soon-to-be record-breaking reading speed, I hopefully have redeemed myself by purchasing this trilogy to complete the challenge I began in my middle school years. 

As with any of Clare's previous works, I’m absolutely certain that diving back into the world of Shadowhunters and folklore creatures will be a blast—right before I cry an entire river mourning my beloved literary heroes.

4. The Folk of the Air Trilogy by Holly Black

Subscribing to Amazon's KindleUnlimited has been a lifesaver, particularly as I have instant access to various popular novels and authors. Along with flying through Rebecca Yarros' Fourth Wing, I instantly loved Jude and Cardan in Holly Black's The Cruel Prince. Unfortunately, KindleUnlimited does not include The Wicked King. Instead of moping about the possibility that I would have to wait to see the trilogy's ending (because even my library did not have the last book in stock), I fought the fate initially set for me and ended up with the cheapest option for both my emotional river and pocketbook: the trilogy's boxset. So now, binging the series without interruptions is the best pre-Christmas gift I could ever ask for.

5. A Woman is No Man by Etaf Rum

My third home—after my family’s house and school—was the library. And my fourth? The cozy aisles of Half Price Books.

My mom and I recently browsed the brick-and-mortar bookstore, and I was able to convince her and myself to choose one book each as an early Christmas gift. After reading the first ten pages of at least 20 books with too many yawns in between page flips, my temporal lobe was alerted by this interesting tale of a woman's self-discovery in the midst of a possible forced marriage and obscure family past. From Goodreads' reviews, this book is a deeply thoughtful experience for many; moreover, I hope it is the same for me.

So, how would you rate this sleepy-eyed book haul I completed via Amazon immediately after finishing my FINAL final exam? If you loved any of the above books or heard about them, which ones would you recommend to others (aka, me!), and why? What bookish treasures or literature-themed gifts are you hoping Santa will leave under the tree tonight? If you do not celebrate Christmas, what holiday or occasion are you celebrating, and which traditions do you wish were more commonly known? Let me know by chatting with me in the comments below or on any of my social media.

𝓜𝓮𝓻𝓻𝔂 𝓒𝓱𝓻𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓶𝓪𝓼 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶,

Nicole

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[newbookcats]

Ten of Santa's Favorite Tales You Should Add to Your Library to Maintain the Winter Holiday Spirit Year-Round

Originally posted on my blog: https://newbookcatsreads.blogspot.com/2024/12/ten-of-santas-favorite-tales-you-should.html

Despite the Christmas celebrations ending several days ago, I continue to nibble peppermint bark and sip hot chocolate until my blood resembles a concoction similar to a minty chocolate slush. Moreover, I continue to celebrate the winter holidays past a socially acceptable date and much later than any radio station will play "Jingle Bell Rock" or "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree." So, as a naturally curious reader craving holiday stories even after the winter holidays conclude, I can only imagine the fictional favorites behind the twinkling eyes, rosy cheeks, and full heart that is the grand figure behind the Christmas festivities.

Although the year before and especially the days leading up to his Christmas flight are exceptionally busy as toys are prepared by elves and sleigh avionics are strategized by Claus's team of engineers and reindeer pilots, I can only assume that Santa's mind not only readies for a long flight but also craves stories as rich as his plates of cookies and as sweetly cozy as a crackling fire. Moreover, with Santa's identity majorly in folklore and the North Pole's chilling temperatures of -40 degrees Fahrenheit, it only makes sense that Santa has a library nestled between the toy workshop and the reindeer stable, of course. Of his library, I can only assume the ten books below would be his absolute favorites and include the fluffiest blankets, making these stories ever accessible to his elves, reindeer, and even his narwhal buddies--just as long as the books are kept in their mint conditions.

So, I present:

Ten Favorite Tales of Santa Claus You Should Add to Your Library to Automatically Make It Feel Like Christmas All-Year Round

1. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens 

There’s no way even Ebenezer Scrooge would skip this holiday classic tale, especially as his redemption reminds readers of the real reason to celebrate -- through compassion and generosity for others. Also, honestly, who could resist cheering as Scrooge's icy heart melts like snow on a sunny morning?

2. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

No book hits closer to home for Santa than this train ride to the North Pole. The tale’s themes of belief and wonder make Santa’s beard curl with pride. He knows firsthand that the magic of Christmas begins in the heart, and this story puts it beautifully in black and white (and, in the North Pole's case, plenty of twinkling lights).

3. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Winter without Christmas? Perish the thought! 

A childhood favorite of mine, I would expect Santa to rejoice in Narnia’s return of hope and warmth as the kids save the world inside of a wardrobe. Plus, Santa makes a cameo in this book, gifting the Pevensie siblings their much-needed weapons. It’s a reminder that he’s not just about toys but courage, too.

4. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Santa is all about the spirit of giving, and no book embodies this better than Alcott's story of the March sisters. Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy teach readers that kindness and love are the greatest gifts. I can imagine, particularly during the busy holiday preparations, Santa needs a heartwarming tale now and then to remind him of the strength of family, and this would be it. Moreover, if Santa wanted to forgo reading the large tome, I heard the 2019 movie was as great as any plate of chocolate chip cookies with a side of milk. 

5. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

Similar to anyone anticipating the arrival of their Hogwarts letter, Santa most certainly cannot resist a little magic beyond the North Pole. This story of friendship and courage is certainly a bestseller among Santa's elves, and Santa must have Dumbledore on speed-dial as they are both wise, bearded, and partial to good cheer. Regardless of any of the stories mentioned today, Harry Potter and his friends never disappoint.

6. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Santa is no stranger to the enchantment of hidden wonders, and the mysterious black-and-white circus resonates with the air of excitement he sprinkles on Christmas Eve. Le Cirque des Rêves, with its midnight charms and breathtaking spectacles, feels like the grown-up version of peeking into Santa’s own bag of tricks. Just be careful if you're reaching for coal since all readers should be on the "Nice" list this year and the next!

7. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

“Choose kind” might as well be one of Santa’s workshop rules. This heartfelt tale of August Pullman’s journey reminds Santa that the world’s best gifts are the intangible ones: empathy, understanding, and acceptance. Not just for young readers, this story is for everyone who believes kindness can change the world--which should be Santa’s mantra if tires of his "Ho, ho, ho!" chant.

8. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

Set in the icy landscape of Alaska, this tale is as delicate as frost on a windowpane. Santa would love how it echoes the myths of his own origin—a blend of mystery, loneliness, and love. The Snow Child’s subtle magic is the kind Santa uses to cover his sleigh tracks with snow, and the story is perfectly suited for those reading in a cozy armchair with a mug of minty hot chocolate.

9. The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann

No festive reading list is complete without this gem or its ballet adaptations. From sugar plum fairies to daring toy soldiers, this book embodies the enchantment of Christmas as a nutcracker soldier comes alive to protect a young girl from evil mice. Santa’s inner child rejoices at the whimsy and adventure that crackles through each page, and I will certainly have these classic tunes in my background for a long while.

10. Followed by Frost by Charlie N. Holmberg

If a fan of young adult fiction and wintery vibes, this fantasy would undoubtedly warm Santa's heart. This enchanting tale of Smitha, cursed to be followed by an eternal winter, is the perfect snowstorm of magic, redemption, and hope. Throughout the challenges designed for initially self-centered Smitha, the teenager inspires kindness and generosity in all as she delivers strength and compassion to those around her--a goal similar to Santa's on Christmas Eve.

- - -

As the best time of the year to snuggle with a great book, a fluffy cat--if not allergic to pet dander--, and a warm overpriced beverage, each of these books slays for unique reasons—stories of redemption, magic, joy, and even the simple pleasures of a quiet winter night. So, as you deck your shelves this holiday season, maybe take a page from Santa’s reading list. Afterall, it's the most read-erful time of the year!

𝐻𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓎 𝐻𝑜𝓁𝒾𝒹𝒶𝓎𝓈 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂,

Nicole

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[newbookcats]

Anyone else watch one movie featuring a well-known actor, and that actor is forever imprinted in your mind as that character. Me first: Robert Pattinson = Cedric Diggory

[newbookcats]

Book Review: How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Megan Quinn

Visit my blog for more book reviews and book-fanatic discussions: https://newbookcatsreads.blogspot.com/

DNF - 10%

After finishing the intensely puzzling adventure that is Rebecca Yarros' Iron Flame, I desired an easy and heart-warming read that would increase my holiday spirit by three-fold -- much like the story of Dr. Seuss' Grinch that Quinn attempted to capture in HMNSC. Unfortunately, Quinn's take on her quirky and sarcastic main character Storee was not charming; rather, it was unalluring as I was only able to rake my eyes and imagination through little of this Christmas tale.

The main reason why Storee's narrative annoyed me was due to her criticisms and sarcastic remarks regarding anyone and anything she encountered…and I mean, EVERYTHING. So, by 10%, any of my expected holiday cheer for this book was exhausted by Storee's relentless negativity. Her voice, I believe, is opinionated and straightforward -- some will like it, whereas others will condemn it. That said, fans of Hallmark or Netflix’s annual lineup of over-the-top Christmas romances may adore this story -- I'm not exactly sure because I did not finish it. But, the vibes and story itself are reminiscent of the sickly sweet syrupy tree sap that Hallmark and Netflix movies exude, so I passed my copy to my grandmother, Hallmark channel's #1 fan, who will probably love it.

In conclusion, this novel just wasn’t for me, but if you enjoy sugary holiday tales filled with improbable romance, HMNSC could be the perfect addition to your Christmas reading list. For now, I’ll stick to stories with a bit more balance between charm and substance.

Happy Holidays from,

Nicole

[newbookcats]

Book Review: Fourth Wing (The Empyrean #1) by Rebecca Yarros | Climbing Trees Has Never Been So Sexualized, EDS Representation, and Fire-Breathing Dragons, Oh My!

Published on my blog: https://newbookcatsreads.blogspot.com/2024/12/book-review-fourth-wing-empyrean-1-by.html

Discussion:

                                               ⭐⭐⭐.5

Since its ever-anticipated release in 2023, Fourth Wing has become a novel reminiscent of the Twilight, The Hunger Games, and Harry Potter eras in that everyone and their mom is recommended this book. This tale quickly captured the internet and nearly the entire book community in flames because of Yarros' extremely addictive storytelling, unbelievably witty dialogue, and multifaceted characters. Moreover, Yarros mixes the ease of young adult reading with the new experiences many new adults face in her novel Fourth Wing, a first in a five-book romance fantasy series. Still, Yarros include trigger warnings for war, battle, hand-to-hand combat, perilous situations, blood, intense violence, brutal injuries, death, poisoning, graphic language, and sexual activities, so I highly recommend that new young adult readers or even young teenagers wait until they're older/more mature to read this book. Although marketed to a large audience via social media, this book should be solely targeted to adult audiences. Even at 22 years old, I found some of the explicit sex scenes uncomfortable to read, and I couldn't help but laugh at the repeated 'climbing tree' references made by our female protagonist Violet Sorrengail.

Not that I wouldn't climb [Xaden] like a tree if presented with the right set of circumstances.

And, this is only one of those references Violet makes regarding the love interest's sex appeal. Besides the sexual references, Violet does climb actual trees a few times to evade danger and mentions climbing trees in her youth, so I definitely would have chosen another analogy for the sexual situations.

More on Violet, at 20 years old, she has only expected to follow in her father's footsteps and enter the Scribe Quadrant to record the history of Navarre; however, her fantasies of working with books are quickly overturned when her mother, who is also the general of Navarre, forces her into the deadliest role of them all -- a rider. With her two siblings and mom enlisted as riders, Violet knows nearly everything riders face as they protect the citizens of Navarre with their bonded dragons. But, the mysteries within the Riders Quadrant where these riders train are kept secret from anyone on the outside. Expected to participate in hand-to-hand combat and ride dragons in their acrobatic maneuvers, Violet's already brittle bones and weak joints reminiscent of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, as well as her family's reputation, leave a significantly sized target on her back. To make matters worse, Xaden Riorson — the son of the rebellion leader who was killed by Violet's mother after that same rebellion claimed Violet's brother's life — is a wingleader in the Rider's Quadrant alongside other children of the rebellion. Especially with Violet's artistic representation of Xaden's appearance, it's obvious that Violet finds it difficult to keep her attention on not dying and instead introduces us to her love interest. 

He's tall, with windblown black hair and dark brows. The line of his jaw is strong and covered by warm tawny skin and dark stubble, and when he folds his arms across his torso, the muscles in his chest and arms ripple, moving in a way that makes me swallow. And his eyes...His eyes are the shade of gold-flecked onyx. The contrast is startling, jaw-dropping even -- everything about him is. His features are so harsh that they look carved, and yet they're astonishingly perfect, like an artist worked a lifetime sculpting him, and at least a year of that was spent on his mouth.

Within a few pages of reading this book, it was obvious this was a romance novel disguised as a fantasy, so those who may be expecting a deep dive into the history of Navarre, lots of details regarding Basgiath College and its surroundings (besides the well-detailed combat scenes!), and a well-described and well-balanced magic system between humans and mythological creatures as commonly associated with high-fantasy novels, I highly recommend you pick up another story. If you want dragons and well-balanced magic systems, you'll be more inclined to read Christopher Paolini's Eragon. If you want details of Xaden's genitalia and explicit information about Xaden's and Violet's sex lives, then Yarros' Fourth Wing is definitely your fix. Also, while we are on this topic, I can only emphasize the many times (okay, maybe it was only 5) that Xaden's genitalia is mentioned, but Violet's is only referred to as either the sensory region clit (or anatomically, the clitoris) and her entrance. How is "vagina" not allowed in this book but cock/dick is? This topic could easily warrant an entire discussion in a separate post. However, considering the author's background as a female romance writer, it's reasonable to assume that her primary target audience includes adult heterosexual women, though this doesn't exclude other readers who might also enjoy the genre or Yarros' content.

Further, as a romance, a love triangle between Violet, Xaden, and Violet's lifelong friend Dain -- aka, the "Gale Hawthorne" or boy-next-door is inevitable in the beginning. I'm not a huge fan of this trope, especially because I dislike the idea of leading someone on without clarifying romantic intentions. However, I appreciate that Violet makes it clear she only has feelings for Xaden as she interacts with him more. Also, I find it hilarious that Yarros describes Dain as the "boy-next-door-who-can-still-kick-your-ass." Still, the rivalry between the two boys is truly unserious and exercised my extraocular muscles by how frequently I rolled my eyes at their quips. 

But overall, I enjoyed Yarros' characters and the witty dialogue shared between them, especially with how quickly I warmed up to Liam and Ridoc as their sarcastic remarks reflected my exact thoughts for Violet's shenanigans. Further, Ridoc's sarcasm cuts through serious scenes, reminding the audience that Basgiath College is filled with young adults who are still immature and don't have all the answers. Minus the explicit sex scenes, this book could possibly be a young adult book with Violet and other cadets enrolled in Basgiath High School of Dragons and Magic. Still, while the dialogues contain an abundance of curse words and many of the conversations revolve around sex, it is reminiscent of some of my friends' attitudes in their first years of college -- and further, we did not fear dying from a difficult chemistry exam despite our professor's stern glare. Like freshmen in college, these cadets have more freedom to explore new ideas or people they would otherwise not have been able to before, so the large number of these characters exploring sex is not out of the ordinary for their age group. Rather, it makes the characters and their personalities more authentic as newly budding adults with natural curiosities searching for a bit of normalcy and comfort in response to the constant threat of death in their environment. I think this aspect and Yarros' inclusion of diverse representation in Fourth Wing deserves praise, especially as she includes a main character with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, the inclusion of sign language and a deaf character, the depiction of various races, and the use of multiple languages. I believe many readers will be able to identify with at least one character from Fourth Wing just because of this.

My only critique of the characters would be Violet's intelligence -- and not in the way you might think. Violet is consistently reminded that she has "the brain of a scribe," "thinks like a scribe," or is blatantly brilliant, and I agree. She has quick judgment and is able to assimilate information quickly, but I wish Yarros spent more time showing Violet's intelligence, such as during squad challenges when Violet conjured the plan to steal a confidential map in her mom's office, rather than telling readers that she is exceptionally intelligent. Further, I wish Yarros had not depended on Violet's memory solely for worldbuilding. Anytime that Violet is put in a vulnerable situation, she spouts facts like Eminem raps -- well-enunciated and direct. As a way to mediate this, I wish Yarros included more of Xaden's perspective throughout the book as a way to learn further about the Tyrrish rebellion or the organization of Basgiath College. Further, I would love to see a memory of whoever signed the unification treaty with Xaden after he binds with Sgaeyl because they probably were in so much trouble that rebellion children were obviously worthy enough for Navarre's dragons. Otherwise, Violet is a sensible narrator...until she feels like "climbing" someone.

Further, with the worldbuilding, Violet mentions several times that Navarre is desperate for more riders; however, nearly every trial throughout the Quadrant and even the Parapet start kills a significant portion of candidates and cadets -- all for the sake of weeding out the weakest members. Excuse me, is that not the role of the dragons? Readers are told that dragons reason who the best riders are by their innate traits such as bravery and integrity, so I do not understand the college's promotion of candidates killing each other (besides during sleep times) or these challenges with insane lethality rates. Would it not make more sense to have those who cannot complete these challenges move to another Quadrant, such as Infantry, rather than accumulating another death? Also, I would love more history into the benefits of humans and dragons binding, particularly as readers see the greed Jack Barlowe -- Violet's main villain in this first year -- has with power that eventually leads to him becoming a venin, so do these challenges successfully weed out potential stresses or are they more about pride? 

In conclusion, I highly recommend this novel if you want a romance with fantasy elements. After reading the second book Iron Flame, I reread Fourth Wing, and I appreciated the book for the fun, thrilling adventure it is. Yarros' writing enraptured me and is quickly addictive -- I actually finished this book in one night during finals week and still managed to pass my classes despite now having a new meaning to "climbing trees." Violet's conversations with her dragons are drama-filled and often revolve around her intense interest in Xaden, evoking the vibe of girl talk. Entertaining and well-paced, the combat and battle scenes kept me hooked. While the book offers some valuable morals and sex-education insights, I'll mostly revisit this story because it's a fun, engaging read — and indulging my reading addiction feels a bit healthier than doom-scrolling on social media.

If you loved this book, what was your favorite part? Do you get the hype, or are you still awaiting a dragon to bind to you and gift you with a signet that allows you to read Yarros' mind? What are you most excited about with Onyx Storm? And, are you Team Dain or Team Xaden? Correspond with me in the comments below or on any of my social media.

Love,

Nicole

[newbookcats]

Ten Noteworthy and Unforgettable Stories to Stash in Your Travel Bag to Explore Both Real and Fictional Worlds on Your Next Vacation or Olympic Games

Originally posted on my blog: https://newbookcatsreads.blogspot.com/2024/08/ten-noteworthy-and-unforgettable.html

Unless you live in the sun-blazing heat and humidity of Houston or anywhere close to the Earth's equator, Summer rolls around only once a year. Nonetheless, summer in the United States is a time of change: the weather itself turns warmer as the sun works overtime, tropical storms and hurricanes become more occurrent as beach attendance rises, another academic year ends and readies for the subsequent classes to come later, and the awaited summer vacation and family traveling. 

Whether I went to my local park or partook in a family road trip to Florida, each vacation was the most anticipated part of my summer. Moreover, partaking in exciting adventures only gave me more brownie points when I inevitably returned to school and expressed all the amusement to my classmates and friends. Nonetheless, I still left energy to read imaginary stories as well as listen to my classmates' summer stories. 

Meanwhile, to distract myself from the never-ending wait to reach a destination (seriously, how many times is too much to ask a parent "Are we there yet?"?) to the inevitable downtime needed for my family to recharge after too many waves on the lazy rivers, my requirement for serious entertainment was delivered in the form of binging episodes of true-crime from Forensic Files or a murder mystery novel...and from the title of my blog, I do not have a doubt which of the two choices I or you chose on our previous vacations. 

Thus, here are ten noteworthy stories to stash in your next vacation's travel luggage! In between glimpses of dragons and historical romances, do not forget to look up from the imaginary universe in your hands to explore reality outdoors! 

Ten Noteworthy and Unforgettable Stories to Stash in Your Travel Bag to Explore Both Real and Fictional Worlds on Your Next Vacation

 1. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

Need a break from home? If yes, then may I suggest traveling with Monty along with his younger sister Felicity and his best friend/crush Percy on their Grand Tour of Europe set in the 19th century?! Not only is Monty perfectly sassy and desired by the likes of many women and men, but his desires for trouble and flirts with danger only lead this trio to life-threatening adventures only heard in tall tales. Watch out for this impeccable novel that tackles both pirates and social issues in the midst of a historical comedy and romance!

Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men. But as Monty embarks on his Grand Tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy. Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.[Goodreads]

2. My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows

From the book that inspired the hit Amazon Prime series, it's only fitting to read the book before summer ends and compare the book to its television adaptation. Then, we may all decide whether the book is better than the series?

In My Lady Jane, coauthors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows have created a one-of-a-kind YA fantasy in the tradition of The Princess Bride, featuring a reluctant king, an even more reluctant queen, a noble steed, and only a passing resemblance to actual history—because sometimes history needs a little help. At sixteen, Lady Jane Grey is about to be married off to a stranger and caught up in a conspiracy to rob her cousin, King Edward, of his throne. But those trifling problems aren’t for Jane to worry about. Jane gets to be Queen of England. Like that could go wrong. [Goodreads]

3. The War Outside by Monica Hesse

It's 1944, and World War II is raging across Europe and the Pacific. The war seemed far away from Margot in Iowa and Haruko in Colorado--until they were uprooted to dusty Texas, all because of the places their parents once called home: Germany and Japan. Haruko and Margot meet at the high school in Crystal City, a "family internment camp" for those accused of colluding with the enemy. The teens discover that they are polar opposites in so many ways, except for one that seems to override all the others: the camp is changing them, day by day, and piece by piece. Haruko finds herself consumed by fear for her soldier brother and distrust of her father, who she knows is keeping something from her. And Margot is doing everything she can to keep her family whole as her mother's health deteriorates and her rational, patriotic father becomes a man who distrusts America and fraternizes with Nazis. With everything around them falling apart, Margot and Haruko find solace in their growing, secret friendship. But in a prison the government has deemed full of spies, can they trust anyone--even each other? [Goodreads]

4. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She’s even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy. And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she’s only watched from afar. Now they’ll see; she’s much more than just the girl on the train...[Goodreads]

5. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

Although this is my current read, Maniscalco has me completely trapped in impulsively purchasing a one-way ticket to Italy and engulfing plates of pasta while reading. Be sure to bring this book and a bookmark with you wherever you go to vacation because it will keep you hooked!

 Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe - witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family's renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin...desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister's killer and to seek vengeance at any cost—even if it means using dark magic that's been long forbidden. Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked—princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia's side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women's murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems...[Goodreads]

6. The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn

Anna Fox lives alone, a recluse in her New York City home, unable to venture outside. She spends her day drinking wine (maybe too much), watching old movies, recalling happier times . . . and spying on her neighbors. Then the Russells move into the house across the way: a father, a mother and their teenage son. The perfect family. But when Anna, gazing out her window one night, sees something she shouldn’t, her world begins to crumble and its shocking secrets are laid bare. What is real? What is imagined? Who is in danger? Who is in control? In this diabolically gripping thriller, no one—and nothing—is what it seems.[Goodreads]

7. Angelfall by Susan Ee

It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back. Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel. Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl. Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels' stronghold in San Francisco where she'll risk everything to rescue her sister and he'll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.[Goodreads]

8. Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller

If you are still mourning the last book of Sarah J Maas' Throne of Glass series, I highly recommend Miller's Mask of Shadows. The story follows Sallot who is training to be a royal assassin...but only if someone does not kill them first!

Sallot Leon is a thief, and a good one at that. But gender fluid Sal wants nothing more than to escape the drudgery of life as a highway robber and get closer to the upper-class—and the nobles who destroyed their home. When Sal steals a flyer for an audition to become a member of The Left Hand—the Queen’s personal assassins, named after the rings she wears—Sal jumps at the chance to infiltrate the court and get revenge. But the audition is a fight to the death filled with clever circus acrobats, lethal apothecaries, and vicious ex-soldiers. A childhood as a common criminal hardly prepared Sal for the trials. And as Sal succeeds in the competition, and wins the heart of Elise, an intriguing scribe at court, they start to dream of a new life and a different future, but one that Sal can have only if they survive.[Goodreads]

9. Any Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys Mystery

If your ideal read on a vacation is short but still encapsulates all the features of well-thought stories, then I highly recommend choosing a novel from either the Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys series. I might also recommend bringing several of these novels, particularly if you plan to travel for several days, as they might just leave you wanting more adventure after your first look.

10. Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold by Iain Reading

Reminiscent of the Nancy Drew series, this novel is for those who have read all the Nancy Drews and are looking for more history, action, and adventure!

Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold is the thrilling first installment in a new series of adventure mystery stories that are one part travel, one part history and five parts adventure. This first book of the Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency Series introduces Kitty Hawk, an intrepid teenage pilot with her own De Havilland Beaver seaplane and a nose for mystery and intrigue. A cross between Amelia Earhart, Nancy Drew and Pippi Longstocking, Kitty is a quirky young heroine with boundless curiosity and a knack for getting herself into all kinds of precarious situations. After leaving her home in the western Canadian fishing village of Tofino to spend the summer in Alaska studying humpback whales Kitty finds herself caught up in an unforgettable adventure involving stolen gold, devious criminals, ghostly shipwrecks, and bone-chilling curses. Kitty's adventure begins with the lingering mystery of a sunken ship called the Clara Nevada and as the plot continues to unfold this spirited story will have armchair explorers and amateur detectives alike anxiously following every twist and turn as they are swept along through the history of the Klondike Gold Rush to a suspenseful final climatic chase across the rugged terrain of Canada's Yukon, the harsh land made famous in the stories and poems of such writers as Jack London, Robert Service and Pierre Berton. It is a riveting tale that brings to glorious life the landscape and history of Alaska's inside passage and Canada's Yukon, as Kitty is caught up in an epic mystery set against the backdrop of the scenery of the Klondike Gold Rush. Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold is a perfect book to fire the imagination of readers of all ages. Filled with fascinating and highly Google-able locations and history this book will inspire anyone to learn and experience more for themselves as Kitty prepares for her next adventure - flying around the world![Goodreads]

Love,

newbookcats

What stories that you read on vacation were so noteworthy that it surpassed your trip experiences? Were any of the novels so good you felt forced to shout its praises from clifftops, or were any so bad that you hid the evidence of your bookish guilt in a dark cave for only Wilson volleyballs to find? Which of my above picks would receive Gold at the Olympics? Correspond with me in the comments below or via my social medias. Talk to you soon!

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[newbookcats]

The Cruel Prince's Epic Song Playlist from Cardan to Jude…As Long As Current Pop Songs Can Be Played By Goats On Lyres

Originally posted on https://newbookcatsreads.blogspot.com/2024/07/the-cruel-princes-epic-song-playlist.html

All foundations of great relationships rely on two things: partners with shared interests and specially made mix-tapes presented on anniversaries or all-nighter parties. Meanwhile, if you were in a relationship that resembled the great 80's and 90's classic movies, then the above statement is nothing but an obvious necessity for the relationship to continue.

Although I cannot relate to burning songs to CDs or creating playlists for a significant other, my high school years were spent scouring Spotify and YouTube for the next "it" song. Thus, my time spent on these platforms were in the top 1% as a musical theater nerd and overall shy, hoodie-wearing hermit crab. Consequently, after engulfing Holly Black's Folk of the Air trilogy within three days and while surviving the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, I immediately began to soak my sorrows with both tissues and sad break-up songs. These sorrows were eventually subdued after re-reading the stories again, leading me to identify all the dramatics, shared smirks, and obvious romance between Cardan and Jude.

Thus and in the spirit of the riddling fey, it only seems fitting for Cardan, if he were to grow up in the mortal world, to establish his relationship status with Jude via a mix-tape. However, instead of spectacular guitar riffs rumbling over the radio or MP3 player speakers, Cardan will have them recited by the lyre at any time Jude wishes...if only she doesn't attempt to kill him due to today's current pop hits.

Cardan's Epic Playlist of His Relationship with Jude...If She Can Even Trust His Music Tastes

Sabrina Carpenter's "Please Please Please"

Jude may have been exiled from Elfhame in The Wicked King/The Queen of Nothing but definitely not from Cardan's "shabby, worm-eaten, and scabrous" heart. Whether it is Jude's mortal ability to lie or Cardan's affinity for cruelty, Jude and Cardan have reasons to not trust each other; however, theses attributes level these morally gray characters and enhance the success of their kingdom. Still, there are moments when Jude's fruitless attempts to protect her ego from further potential heartbreak goes wayward with a classic Cardan smirk or when Cardan needs to pull Jude away from the knight-life. 

Carpenter's "Please Please Please" not only reflects Cardan and Jude's emotional rollercoaster of a relationship but can undoubtedly be the theme song of this trilogy.  

Olivia Rodrigo's "So American"

While Cardan may swap the lyrics to "So Mortal" for Jude's sake, Rodrigo's lyrics and voice are so reminiscent of Cardan's constant reminders of Jude's mortality. It's perfect!

Princes can be cruel year-round, not just in the summer. Still, readers know that even Cardan's "[F]ever dreams high in the quiet of the night" his gaze cannot keep from slipping to Jude...whether she is dancing in darkness or planning her next espionage.

Olivia Rodrigo's "Love Is Embarrassing"

While Cardan and Jude's relationship only heightens throughout the trilogy, we cannot ignore the growing pains both he and Jude experienced in their trials of romance. Cardan cannot help but be disgusted by his own desire for Jude; meanwhile, Jude remains confused and obsessed with besting him. Previously, Cardan was betrayed by Nicasia with his best friend, and Jude was manipulated by Locke while he was in a courtship with her sister.

Rodrigo's ode perfectly captures the embarrassing woes of love, whether its a first or a subsequent one. And, what a better way to describe the imperfect relationship of enemies to lovers?

Coldplay's "Viva La Viva"

Anytime Jude has to sneak into the Court of Shadows' lair, anytime she has to manipulate a situation to her gain, anytime she has to risk everything for the safety of others, Jude should have a "Get Psyched" mix ready. I can fully imagine Jude enacting her schemes of preparing Elfhame her forever home and chessboard while her heart rate rises with the beat of "Viva La Viva." 

Dua Lipa's "Dance the Night"

Jude may be busy with the paperwork and daily delegations of ruling a kingdom in The Wicked King; however, Cardan is busy with his endless number of parties overfilled with booze and excitement that trail into the next morning. Cardan may be stepping more into his role as High King near the end of The Wicked King, but that does not mean that Jude cannot forget the pleasantries of Elfhame.

Also, this pop hit would be an exhilarating addition to any coronation or celebration.

Queen's "I Want To Break Free"

Although Cardan's initial indifference in being the High King prevented him from enjoying his royal duties in the beginning, this quality along with his selflessness advanced him from ruler by birthright to a just, beloved leader. 

However, before all this pleasantness could resume, Cardan needed to express his trust to Jude and ask for her to remove her command over him. Plus, who would not love a rendition of Queen's "I Want to Break Free" featuring Cardan belting "I've fallen in love"? 

If no one else, then I will petition this for the movie when it eventually is made!

Queen's "Killer Queen"

"Seelie and Unseelie, Wild Folk and Shy Folk, I am glad to have you march under my banner, glad of your loyalty, grateful for your honor." [Cardan's] gaze goes to [Jude]. "To you, I offer honey wine and the hospitality of my table. But to traitors and oath breakers, I offer my queen's hospitality instead. The hospitality of knives."

Now they see me as the murderess queen.

Dua Lipa's "Don't Start Now"

Cardan did a full 180 degree turn from elfin-eared, magical Nicasia into the mortal Daughter of Clay Jude's arms. As this song was on-repeat while I read The Queen of Nothing, this song commemorates any passive aggression of Cardan's directed toward Nicasia after she betrayed and a subsequent murder/not murder attempt...if otherwise, I will not be able to produce more posts when she finds this playlist.

Imagine Dragon's "Dream"

"We all are living in a dream, 

But life ain’t what it seems"

Both Jude and Cardan could be said to live in a dream land. 

Jude's parents were brutally murdered in front of her before she was whisked to Elfhame and forced to live amongst faeries; however, in the time she has lived in Elfhame, she has been raised like any other faerie - participating in academic studies and revelries held by royalty, learning swordsmanship and war strategies from her pseudo-father Madoc, and raised in a stable household (if you ignore the initial demise of her biological parents by Madoc). Yet, she still faces discrimination from other fey due to her mortality to which Jude responds with: 

"I am going to keep on defying you. I am going to shame you with my defiance. You remind me that I am a mere mortal and you are a prince of Faerie. Well, let me remind you that means you have much to lose and I have nothing. You may win in the end, you may ensorcell me and hurt me and humiliate me, but I will make sure you lose everything I can take from you on the way down. I promise you this is the least of what I can do."

Cardan, on the other hand, is the envy of all as a prince of Elfhame. From his expensive clothes to his large friend group to the reverence bestowed to him, there is much to desire from Cardan's life. However nice this may seem, Cardan was the product of two absentee parents, fed food scraps and dressed in tattered clothing as a young infant, and later assaulted by the instruction of his older brother. Add these traumatic childhood experiences to his hunger for a stable, loving family, and the reader is left to wonder whether Elfhame is as superior to the human world as the fey embrace it to be.

Imagine Dragon's ode puts into perspective both Jude's and Cardan's struggles, both while they are together and apart. 

Imagine Dragon's "Demons"

The majority of the trilogy is focused on the cruelty of Cardan, and this quality lends itself to the titles of The Cruel Prince, The Wicked King, and the overall environment Jude is in. As Jude has more interactions with Cardan, however, his toxic actions are revealed to be fueled by his spite for Jude and encouraged under Balekin's care and by his family's absence. 

I know what it is to say the clever thing because you don't want anyone to know how scared you are. 

Cardan's explanations do not excuse his behavior and treatment toward others, but Jude also lacks empathy for others as she attempts to gain power over other fey. Both Jude and Cardan have demons to hide but try their best to grow from their mistakes, particularly as they rule Elfhame in tandem and prepare Oak to become the next High King. 

Sia's "Unstoppable"

Lastly, Cardan and Jude have been an unstoppable pair since the beginning of The Cruel Prince. I cannot imagine a better ending of Cardan's playlist to be gifted to Jude, especially when he knows Jude herself is unstoppable. 

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As there were spoilers (considering this was a playlist overviewing The Folk of the Air trilogy), which of the books or novellas was your favorite? Furthermore, what quality of Black's intricate world made it so swoonworthy? Additionally, what songs would you have liked to see featured in this playlist? As many of these songs are on-repeat in my mind and Spotify soundtracks, I am incredibly biased but in love with the playlist above. Correspond with me below in the comments or via my social medias.

[newbookcats]

Annual Reading Review: 2023 | The Good, The Bad, and MCAT Studying in Post-Grad

Good morning to 2024! Although 2024 is halfway done, I still have yet to re-wire my brain to write nor type out the correct year; yet, that doesn't mean we have to stop the celebrations!

This is my review of 2023 and all the posts written this year! Share with me your favorite posts from your blogs, Instagrams, Twitters, Goodreads, TikToks, etc.!

2023's Posts:

12 Questions with Lil' Bro Reviewing The Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan | Another Success or a Boring Quest?

Recent Mainstream Popular Books and Authors I Have Not (YET) Read But Are On My TBR | Featuring My Cold Soul and So Many GIFs to Shame Me But I'll Shake It Off

Stacking the Shelves | So You Want to Be a Doctor...

Book Review: SawKill Girls by Claire Legrand | Following Psychic Moths and Throwing Delicious Casseroles at Paranormal Monsters for Feminism

Book Review: Alone by Cyn Balog | Can You Ever Be Truly Alone When You Have Cake? Ft. Murder Mysteries

Book Review: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan || Three Perspectives, Two-Faced Gods, and One Bad Enemy

Book Review: What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera | When a Meet-Cute at the Post Office is Misdelivered

2023's Books:

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling- both ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell - ⭐⭐⭐

Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Clockwork Angel Trilogy by Cassandra Clare - each was ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Percy Jackson and the Olympian series by Rick Riordan - each was ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan - ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera - ⭐.5

Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand - ⭐⭐⭐.5

Autonomous by Andy Marino - DNF/0

The Revolution of Jack Frost by K. M. Robinson - DNF/0

Figure 1. Fiction vs. Non-fiction Books Read 

Figure 2. Star-ratings of Books Read in 2023

Figure 3. Genres of Read Books

In conclusion, the books I read were mostly a success - although many of them were guaranteed 5-star reads as 12 of these were also re-re-reads.

What Can Be Expected for 2024?

More posts, more books, more Coco-Puffs (in nutritionally balanced cow's milk)!

See you soon,

newbookcats

[newbookcats]

Mini Book Review: When Dimple Met Rishi by Menon | Can Romance Triumph the Woes of a Coffeeholic?

Originally posted on https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2184474801

When everyone shouts that the whole world should read one book, what should I do? Run head first into the bookstore and demand that someone should show me the book? Ignore everyone and hide in a cave with my already humongous tbr list? For When Dimple Met Rishi, I ran to this book. Once I finished the book, I immediately wished that I found a cave with a cuddly bear because I made a terrible decision.

Literature has caught up with the diverse nature of our world, particularly as of recently. In 2017, this book sparked much exclamations due to its female protagonist's Indian ethnicity. While this was a step in the right direction as to including characters of all backgrounds, this was the only good aspect of the novel.

Dimple, the female MC, was aggravatingly annoying, rude to nearly everyone, and embodied the 'manic pixie dream' girl. And, of course, no Cupid's bow would ever fix Dimple's attitude as she would continue to throw her iced coffee at me.

Further, there is much to say about the expression of feminism, particularly women majoring/working in STEM fields, within these pages. Dimple builds websites out of paragraphs and is excited to further her coding expertise at a summer camp. This is an amazing opportunity for Menon to display a powerful female character and how her strengths carry in a male-dominated industry; unfortunately, Menon took the title of 'girl-boss' a little too extreme, as it should be up to the person (male, female, those who identify other genders) to embrace their passions -- not just for the sake of being different. (Plus, coding is fun as a beginner...encourage others! Don't minimize the efforts of others!) Further, Dimple's reactions to Rishi, the love interest set to code his name into Dimple's heart as part of an arranged marriage, only seem to belittle those who seek a romantic relationship and, moreover, any career besides web developing. As a previous Chemistry major, I desired to see Menon destigmatize female presence in STEM careers; rather, I was disheartened by Dimple's sour mood and inability to empathize with others.

Thus, this novel is a strict no from me, and I will not be continuing with the sequels.

[newbookcats]

A Poem of Gratitude for Books: Ten Reasons Why I Always Return

Originally posted on https://newbookcatsreads.blogspot.com/2024/07/a-poem-of-gratitude-for-books-ten.html

Dear books whose spines have cracked from countless pages turned,

for the novels whose covers were folded and worn,

for the scenes captivating enough to be performed,

and for the stories and endings I will faithfully mourn.

Nothing is better said than the ten reasons why I faithfully return

to the stories with tens of thousands of words.

Firstly, a long-awaited escape from my world to others is mine to yearn.

But, this is second to the witty banter and tension between lustful characters and ruling lords.

Thirdly, the diversity in characters, personalities, and conflicts inspire me daily

To be courageous, authentic, and honorably sarcastic in every way.

Fourth, magnificently designed book covers and sprayed edges are great to display,

But the familiar smell of libraries and well-read books are still triumphant without further say.

Moreover, an author's recipes for controlled disasters may coax me to resist slumbers.

Perfect deliveries of slow-burn romances and cliffhangers fuel better than caffeine.

However, ending stories and bidding farewells are still outnumbered

By the lessons learned without the real-life dramatics of a guillotine.

Although I have reached the ninth reason,

books still hold more places than few

In my heart and bring my soul to completion.

For the friends and travels from books are my cue

to thank you always as Nicole with the book reviews.

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Book Review: Truly, Devious by Maureen Johnson | How to Solve a Century-Old Murder as a Teenage Prodigy

Review also available to read at https://newbookcatsreads.blogspot.com/2018/01/book-review-truly-devious-by-maureen.html

Stevie is experiencing a My Lottery Dream Home moment; however, instead of a multi-million dollar prize leading to a new house and bonding time with the show's host David Bromstad, Stevie is enrolling in Ellingham Academy, a school known for teaching the brightest teenagers as well as the site of the near-century-old murder of previous student Dottie Epstein and the kidnappings of the school founder Albert Ellingham's wife and daughter. Both the murders and kidnappings are known to be done by the anonymous Truly Devious -- evidenced by a ransom poem crafted and sent nights before the terrible night in April 1936. 

Inclined to solving the school's cold-case with her passion for forensics, Stevie becomes engrossed in a group video project staring the school's Hollywood star Hayes Major. Their focus is to recreate the series of unfortunate events after Albert became aware of his wife and daughter's kidnappings; unfortunately, Hayes is murdered after a night of filming the group project. 

Amidst her awkward attempts at romancing an upperclassman and balancing her school work, Stevie investigates if Truly Devious has made a possible return to the school. However, with stolen badges, the school's underground tunnel network, and teenage drama, Stevie begins to wonder if she can really trust her classmates, especially the ones in her own dorm, in this young adult mystery. Discussion:⭐⭐

A girl from Pittsburgh came to Ellingham Academy and she wanted to see a dead body. She got her wish.

A story involving two murders, separated by nearly a century, at a famous entrepreneur's school for prodigy children should be exciting. A story of the young woman solving these crimes should be inspiring, if not jaw-droppingly impressive. Truly, Devious should be a novel of twists and turns, consistently leaving readers in awe as the main character Stevie navigates the mysteries of Ellingham Academy. Rather, this novel leads with the above interesting premise, struggles with a slow middle section to attempt a concerning romance, and attempts to redeems itself with 50 pages of absolute adrenaline. 

The writing itself is not an issue -- I absolutely adored Johnson's wit and humor she instilled in her characters and their dialogue. For example, within the first paragraph, the reader meets Dottie, one of the brightest students in Ellingham's 1936 class. Dottie is meeting with her school counselor and is berated for "acting smarter than everyone else," to which Dottie blatantly replies with:

"But I am." Not out of arrogance, but because it was true. 

Dottie's personality is reminiscent of Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory/Young Sheldon, and I am here for the sassiness. Even Stevie's friend Nate quickly becomes my favorite character with his Dottie-esque straightforward replies and limited social skills, though he initially presents as stoic and nearly as infuriating as an angry hormonal teenager.

Instead, my main issue with the novel is the lack of depth and development in the characters, particularly with the main character. Johnson's original image of a quirky, rebellious, and "super" intelligent female lead are consistently undermined by Stevie's inability to handle simple situations, such as crossing the boundaries of her boyfriend's past or withholding crucial information from police. Although her passion for solving crimes and her ability to use her experiences with anxiety and panic attacks as strengths are redeeming qualities, Stevie's isolation tactics and poor decisions lead to the demise of her friendships and ultimately leave a bad taste in my mouth. Overall, Stevie as a relatable main character has yet to capture my love for wearing black hoodies and listening to My Chemical Romance songs on-repeat when I need to mourn a heart-wrenching book. And, I promise this is not just a phase, mom!

 As for the rest of the novel's innards, it appears that Johnson is attempting to throw diverse cultures and relationships into the story without much regard. In the beginning of the novel and when Stevie first enrolls at Ellingham, a female student wearing a hijab is mentioned; however, this student never reappears within the novel. Maybe, Johnson is attempting to show the wide range of students accepted into the prestigious school; however, 'hijab-wearing student' doesn't even get a name or an interaction with Stevie. Then, Johnson introduces Stevie's best friend Janelle as lesbian and eventually writes a romantic relationship between Janelle and a classmate. At the discretion of the publishing author, including a diverse array of relationships and characters is essential to represent our community and its values; however, the relationship is not given the quality or the depth of even being a side romance. Not even Stevie and David's back-and-forth flirting and eventual kissing sessions are given time to develop or mature into a realistic relationship. In a romance, I am looking for a slow burn; unfortunately, this novel was unable to accomplish what Johnson may have sought to do although she had enough pages to build the storyline and develop the characters and their relationships with each other. Moreover, Janelle's relationship launches Stevie into fits of jealousy in fear of losing her relationship with Janelle. Consequently, I wish Stevie had shown half the support that Janelle responded with to her passions and overall respect for their friendship; unfortunately, Stevie remains self-absorbed in her own drama throughout the story's entirety.

Lastly, despite the flaws of Truly, Devious, I appreciate the attention Johnson brought to Stevie's passion for forensics. As someone who meticulously researched cold cases in high school and now hopes to enter a career in medicine, it has been essential for me to remember that there is face to every situation or problem encountered. Bettering or fixing a problem can lead to intense focus for solely the solution; however, the spreadsheets of data and creativity needed to address an issue all stem from the individuals directly affected by the case. 

"This is about real people, not figures from fiction. [C]rime itself is popular. But crime has a human face. If you're going to study crime, you have to remember the people involved."The above quote sums up the previous paragraph and includes an important lesson. Stevie, as she typically does with adult advice, shrugs it off in the moment but does use it to her advantage when working through Hayes crime, which did surprise me in the end. 

Overall, I will stick to the Sherlock Holmes, the Agatha Christie novels, and many other of my beloved mystery stories rather than trial the subsequent books in this trilogy. I'll never say never; however, from my reading experience with Truly, Devious, I expect for the other books of this trilogy to be drawn-out versions of the main murder mystery that ominously attracted me first. Additionally, I do not have the patience for Stevie's irrational antics or the troubling romance between her and David. 

What are your thoughts of Johnson's Truly, Devious or the complete trilogy? What are some of your favorite mystery books, young adult or not? What steps would you take to solve the murders of your new friend and a previous student from 1936? Hopefully no steamy make-out sessions, but it's your case! Chat with me in the comments below or via any of my social media.

Love, 

newbookcats

[newbookcats]

I'm a Gay Wizard by V.S. Santoni | A Slow-Paced Gay Romance Book Attempts To Be A High-Stakes Magical Fantasy

You can read the full review here: https://newbookcatsreads.blogspot.com/2024/02/im-gay-wizard-by-vs-santoni-slow-paced.html

You try magic once and it sticks to you like glitter glue . . .When Johnny and his best friend, Alison, pass their summer holidays dabbling in magic, they never expect it to have consequences. Sure, it’d be great if they could banish bullies or change their lives for the better, and what harm could come from lighting a few candles and chanting a few spells? When they cause an earthquake that shakes Chicago to its core, they draw the attention of the Marduk Institute, an age-old organization dedicated to fostering the talents of young wizards.

Once there, Johnny and Alison are told they can never return to their previous lives, and must quickly adapt to a new world shimmering with monsters, fraternities, and cute boys like Hunter and Blake. But when they’re pulled into an epic, supernatural fight that could cost them both their lives, Johnny and Alison find strength they never knew they had as they battle for love, acceptance, and their own happy ending—all with the help of a little magic.

Discussion:

DNF - 20%

You can find hidden gems on Wattpad and fanfiction sites. For example, I loved A. V. Geiger's Follow Me Back when I read the duology several years ago, and my teenage years were spent crawling through The Hunger Games and Harry Potter fanfiction. Hence, I was excited to jump cannonball into a high-stakes magical fantasy book; however, I was quickly disappointed by Santoni's I'm a Gay Wizard. Trigger warnings: homophobia, bullying, kidnapping, assault

I don't know if a story can be 'too Wattpad' but this is. The magical aspects are not executed well nor are they explained at all. The pacing is inconsistent, in that some scenes are rushed through as quick, action-packed thrillers while others are snail-slow and leave a gooey residue everywhere. The romances feel cliche. However, I will give the book the benefit of the doubt since I did not read past 20%, so the instantaneous love possibly gets better. Also, the main character Johnny is unbelievably awkward and just so different from everyone else. Despite the age range for Johnny and his classmates to be 16-18-year-olds, the characters, except for possibly Johnny's best friend Allison, act like 12-year-olds, based on their limited communication skills and the number of times "freak" is used as an insult.

Moreover, there is also just a lot to unpack with the string of homophobic slurs and assaults targeted on the main characters, and I am not comfortable that no actions were taken to charge the assailants, particularly by the assaulted main characters or any of the bystanders at the busy mall where the assault takes place. This situation is not too realistic, especially as most events are recorded by observing phone cameras nowadays.

Last but certainly not least, the school that kidnaps Johnny and Allison also forbids good, tasty food. At least provide good food if you're kidnapping underage wizards! That should be common sense. From other reviews on Goodreads, this is a good story for some and not for others. I just am in the latter group, unfortunately.

Love,

newbookcats

What Wattpad stories were your favorite? Have you read Santoni's stories? If so, would you recommend them? What fantasies featuring own-voices LGBTQ+ romances would you recommend to a newb like me? Being a fanfiction lover from several years ago, what were your favorite fanfiction stories/subjects? Chat with me in the comment section below or via any of my social medias!

[newbookcats]

Book Review: The Plastic Magician (The Paper Magician Book #4) by Charlie N. Holmberg | A New Sequel to an Old Favorite to Ease My Ever Aching Heart

Also, can be viewed at https://newbookcatsreads.blogspot.com/2018/07/book-review-plastic-magician-by-charlie.html

     ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Material made by man, your creator summons you. Link to me as I link to you through my years until the day I die and become earth."

Polymer chemistry involves the synthesis, characterization, and the study of the properties of large molecules consisting of units of repeating chains, such as hydrocarbons. The polymerization of these large molecules are then used to synthesize plastics, rubbers, and so many of the materials we use in everyday life. Although Holmberg did not write a book solely to quench my ever aching heart for a  story of an aspiring young chemist, I did thoroughly enjoy this addition to her Paper Magician series.

Our female protagonist Alvie Brechenmacher is an aspiring Polymaker, or a magician that focuses her craft on plastics and their properties. Alvie, like The Plastic Magician's Ceony, is extremely intelligent and courageous throughout the book. She is undoubtedly passionate in regards to her chosen skills in plastic, and I embraced returning to a world I adored. The only things keeping this addition from a 5-star rating like the rest of the series was the slow pacing and predictable ending, particularly as Alvie had the answer to the plot's conflict in the beginning. There are instances in which a slower plot is necessary to build a world properly and sanely or to develop the plot thoroughly and without holes; however, when it gets so slow that I need to take a break, that means...

In conclusion, I am grateful for the opportunity to dive deeper into this magical world. Although this book is sorted into "Young Adult," I would also consider it to be "New Adult" since Alvie is a twenty-year-old woman, but Holmberg's writing style, easy-to-read plot, and relatable characters make this story a good addition to any reader's bookshelf. This magical adventure is surely a slam dunk that will forever keep me wondering what could happen next. *Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an advanced copy in exchange for a honest review. Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy! Love, newbookcats

[newbookcats]

Book Review: Alone by Cyn Balog | Can You Ever Be Truly Alone When You Have Cake? Ft. Murder Mysteries

Also can be read at https://newbookcatsreads.blogspot.com/2017/12/book-review-alone-by-cyn-balog.html

Of course, they don't see the one detail they should be noticing, a hole ripping their perfect little plan so wide apart that their lives will never be the same. 

Because there's something they don't know: they won't hear him. Not until ut's too late. That freezer door is far too thick.

Seda, the main protagonist, is the surviving half of her mother's first pregnancy.

My mother has a womb for twins.

When I was six or seven, I found a baby name book in my mother's dresser with two names circles: Seda and Sawyer...I feel him in my gut, pushing against my stomach as with the head of an ax, testing to find a way out.

The topic in which a baby or fetus becomes absorbed while still in the womb during multifetal gestation is familiar to me through my studies in biology; however, none of my previously read books have ever grasped me this hard with this spooky of an element. Not even learning the chemical properties of radium could have prepped me for this story. While learning of Seda's situation with Sawyer, I was intrigued to imagine Sawyer's direct influence on Seda's mind, body, and maybe soul. However, as a non-licensed nor non-skilled talker of puppies, I am currently not equipped with the correct magical materials to find that sort of material. 

So, while Seda's life seems normal with her lofty gang of friends, a list of college applications, and doting parents, the creepiness begins to set in after she takes a visit to an old cabin in the woods. Now, I'm not saying that a solitary vacation isn't nice. Just the thought of snow-covered trees, a house with the heat on full-blast, and a library stocked with enough books to last me a century sounds relaxing. However, we cannot forget the lovely cup of peanut butter hot chocolate oatmeal, obviously. 

But, in Seda's situation, she's currently surviving the elements alongside her younger brothers and sisters in a creepy cabin with a creepy backstory including a creepy character with a creepy thought pattern. I mean, "Can it get anymore creepy?"

So, with my logic, I would become a scaredy cat and leave the creeping cabin that I am creeping living in...duh; however, when hot guy shows up, all caution goes to the wind. That's when I bring out the popcorn!

In conclusion, this book is amazing and is filled with several plot twists that knock your socks off with such immense and brute force! This book is suspenseful, and Balog cruises through the story with a perfect pace and puzzles along the way. Reading through Seda's perspective was both insightful and confusing, and I am extremely excited to pop back into another story written by Cyn Balog. Otherwise, if she never publishes again, I will never be sane.

Love,

newbookcats

*Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an advanced copy of Alone in exchange for a honest review.

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Are you a fan of psychological thrillers, or is right now too late for a book intended for spooky season but read during the holiday/Christmas season? What are some of your favorite mystery or paranormal fiction authors? I recently read Claire Legrand's Paranormal Young Adult Fiction Sawkill Girls and had some mixed feelings about it. Do you think a child from a multifetal gestation can be controlled by their twin or a member of their triplet, quadruplet, etc.? If you could only have one thing while stranded in a snow-covered cabin, what would it be? What books will you be reading before 2023 ends? Converse with me in the comments below or via any social media!

[newbookcats]

Book Review: The Grace Year by Kim Liggett | Can Logic Be Overtaken by Lies and Emotion? Ft. A Story of Love, Punishment, and Magic

Book review can also be found at https://newbookcatsreads.blogspot.com/2024/01/book-review-grace-year-by-kim-liggett.html

The open water, the breeze, the unobstructed sun glaring down on us - it feels like freedom, but we know it's a lie. This is how they break us. They take everything away, our very dignity, and anything we get in return feels like a gift.

A perfect mash-up of The Lord of the Flies and The Hunger Games during the Salem Witch Trials, Liggett's The Grace Year features a patriarchal society that fears the power of women, claiming a woman's luring gaze is downright witchcraft. 

[Women are] told we have the power to lure grown men from their beds, make boys lose their minds, and drive the wives mad with jealousy. They believe our very skin emits a powerful aphrodisiac, the potent essence of youth, of a girl on the edge of womanhood. That's why we're banished for our sixteenth year, to release our magic into the wild before we're allowed to return to civilization. 

Tierney, our female protagonist, is sixteen-years-old and is expected to marry and start a family, as is many of the other girls in her town. However, before she begins her role as a dutiful spouse and mother, she must embark on her Grace Year, during which all sixteen-year-old girls in the town will reside collectively in the wilderness until their "magic" dispels. Entirely alone and free to make their own decisions, these girls' choices will either strengthen or weaken their relationships, thus affecting their safety. Yet, when loner Tierney is unexpectedly courted by her best friend Michael, she is plunged into the female-female rivalries she spent years avoiding. Will Tierney be able to survive the year, or will her "magic" and the competition drive her to madness?

        - - -

In the past year, the word "feminism" has been frequently raised on social media - to the point that I question whether I know what actual feminism is or if TikTok's toxic version has come to dominate my world. My initial thought of Liggett's feminist story was, "Like The Handmaid's Tale?" Although the story is placed in a dystopian era, the culture is more traditional and the practices can be compared to those done during the Salem Witch Trials, especially as the opinions of females are challenged with deathly punishments such as hangings. However, Liggett's take on a heavy subject and her storytelling easily made this an exciting and gripping novel. 

Liggett's prose is executed wonderfully and places you exactly in Tierney's shoes. Although learning about the history of the town and its events from varying perspectives would have been interesting, the intimacy of following young Tierney makes the story so unputdownable. As Tierney readies to participate in the forty-seventh Grace Year, the reader is told that Tierney's mother previously underwent the ceremony as well and possibly her grandmother. Thus, since Tierney's knowledge of the the Grace Year is limited to what she has been told, there is so much mystery involved in the world itself. This quality not only lends to the reader's role as a detective aiming to understand the reasons behind the characters' actions but also unravels the town's repulsive and toxic nature. For example, women are plotted against each other from a very young age. In the town, men prey on and brainwash them; outside of town and during their Grace Year, this toxicity is fueled by their insecurities. Further, beyond the town's outskirts, ruthless poachers seek to kill these girls during their Grace Years and present their remains as trophies to be sold to the town's men and woman seeking to preserve their youth. However, as noted by the quotation marks surrounding the women's "magic," it's all false - a lie maintained to control these young girls as they develop into women.

There is no doubt that Liggett aims to reflect our society, particularly its cliques. The mean girls lead the young women during their Grace Year and inevitably punish anyone who disagrees with them. Tierney, with her set of survival skills, sets to improve the lives of the girls during their Grace Year. Rather than drink from an algae-infested well and rely solely on the rations they packed before their trip, she attempts to produce several solutions to help the overall experience of the Grace Year. Rather than the expected praise I would give Tierney for her creativity and resourcefulness, she is mocked and banished from the main pack. It's truly remarkable how Liggett skillfully portrays the influence of brainwashing over several decades and how much I literally want to hug each of these ladies.

However, Tierney's banishment leads to an unlikely romance with a poacher Ryker. Although I was at first flabbergasted with Tierney falling in love, Ryker fit the story extremely well. Tierney, at the beginning, is wanting her life to be entirely up to her. Since women are basically treated like property in her world, she despises courting, the Grace Year ritual, and anything to do with marriage. Tierney's initial wish is to not be chosen for marriage at the choosing ceremony and work in the fields where she can remain free. Although her plans are turned upside down after being courted by Michael, I enjoyed  Tierney's love for Ryker was her choice, and I love that Liggett included this romance in this story, especially since it is not un-feminist to fall in love or do tasks that are stereotypically feminine. I love the maturity and bravery exhibited by Tierney during her time with and after Ryker, and these scenes definitely encompassed the strength and intelligence of Tierney wonderfully.

Moreover, the symbolism with the flowers! Quite a unique concept that I have not seen yet in the books I have read, and I enjoyed learning each flower's meaning!

Lastly, the ending! Although I am somewhat confused by the ending, it was peaceful. There are spoilers ahead in this paragraph; therefore, I warn any socially awkward turtles to proceed with caution and read this masterpiece so we may discuss at our next meeting. Thank you!

So, the ending! Um...Liggett ended the story vaguely. Passing by Tierney's dismay of a betrothed, her subsequent send off into the scary wilderness, and her life's desire to give women the freedom to pursue their own passions, she gives birth to her daughter and experiences this:

As I close my eyes and let out my next endless breath, I find myself walking in the woods, weightless, free.

And, then Tierney is flashed to a scene of a very much alive Ryker walking around although the reader most definitely witnessed him die. So, it begs the question: is Tierney in too peaceful of a moment in which she dies during childbirth? With Tierney's mom freeing her hair and Ryker's dreamlike appearance, it's assumed that Tierney dies. Nonetheless, Book #2 will have to explain something about this ending scene and the legacy of Tierney's daughter. 

What did you think of Liggett's The Grace Year? Was it the feminist novel of the year, or do you have a differing opinion? What one object, if you were set to be stranded in the woods with nothing else, would you bring? What books will you be reading in 2024? Converse with me in the comments below or via any social media!

Love,

newbookcats

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Book Review: We All Fall Down by Natalie D. Richards | A Memoir for Gen Z But with Ghosts and Bad Memories

Also, you can view this blog post at https://newbookcatsreads.blogspot.com/2024/01/book-review-we-all-fall-down-by-natalie.html .

I love him. Then. Now. Always. In a movie, it would be enough to undo every bad thing. Out here in the real world, though, love isn't enough. 

High school parties are supposed to be fun. Nights of hot cocoa topped with a gallon of marshmallows, a Harry Potter movie marathon, and frequent dance breaks to Queen songs played at reasonable volumes sound like the best parties.

However, the lives of Paige and Theo, at their last senior party, are jumbled after Theo's fight with his classmate Chase sends Paige to the emergency room. Diagnosed with ADHD and ODD, Theo has always been labeled as trouble, but his mistake of punching Paige in a jealous rage haunts him. Paige, on the other hand, has had a crush on Theo for ages but has decided to pursue someone else when her feelings for Theo are not returned. Or, so she thought?! Now, since the accident, Paige is expecting to enjoy her newfound freedom from her overbearing parents (and Theo) as she attends a summer research program at her local college; however, as the program progresses, Paige's anxiety and paranoia worsens, especially as memories of that dreadful night return. The only thing that Theo and Paige can deduce is the bad energy from the party is rooted in the history of the haunted bridge it was hosted on. Together, they recount their individual experiences on their town's bridge and set a plan to stop the hauntings before it's too late, all whilst rebuilding their friendship into possibly more.

Richard's paranormal and psychological thriller was just that: a thrilling read with self-destructive, deeply flawed characters and a plot that leads you in various directions. Both Paige and Theo have been diagnosed with mental disorders and are not the most trustworthy narrators, particularly as both of them are experiencing flashbacks and hallucinations regarding the previous party. In Paige's case, she is uncompliant with her anxiety medications and paranoid of anyone potentially communicating with her parents in regards to this. Theo, on the other hand, is taking a large number of medications to help with his insomnia, ADHD, and now his hallucinations. Although Theo is trying to resume his life by working with his uncle, I wondered periodically if Theo's perspective could be trusted or if the voices and otherworldly spirits were imagined. Richard's fast pacing moved the story along well and kept me entertained. From the alternating perspectives of Theo and Paige, each of their stories connect so well, painting each other as multifaceted people.

I especially enjoyed Richard's message, particularly as Theo and Paige support each other multiple times throughout their friendship and there is so much power in forgiveness. Although their relationship was toxic at times, Theo never intentionally meant to harm Paige; in the end, it was Paige that needed to apologize to Theo for several of her wrongdoings. They both just needed the right help, and that includes therapy. 

The ending was a cute ribbon to end the story; however, Richard leaves several plot holes scattered throughout the book. For example, Richard stations Paige at her local college's research program in which she is assigned a science project. Paige and her lab partner Melanie, while testing water samples for chemicals, detect an elevated level of arsenic from their water sample near the bridge. Paige does more testing and determines the bridge is damaged in one area, which is where arsenic may possibly be leaking into the main water supply of the town. No one alerts the town's government or a construction/architecture company to determine if the bridge is structurally sound or safe. Further testing by a professional laboratory is not conducted. Paige just goes ahead, gives her end-of-summer presentation, and sets the issue aside. If the arsenic did not serve as the solution to Paige and Theo's problem, why would Richard focus a bulk of the story on a puzzle piece that is unnecessary? (Or at least should go to another puzzle set...)

Also, throughout the novel, this bridge is in its *spooky era*.

Denny, Theo's uncle, and a town kid who helps Theo research the bridge both recount weird, spooky experiences whilst on the bridge. Denny's weird encounters are not delved into, and the town kid's family drama is brought up to only leave a trail of questions. I wish more time was spent uncovering the powers of the bridge and less of Paige's arsenic science project. 

In conclusion, Richard's caters a story for Generation Z audience and with a paranormal flair of ghosts and unknown voices. In the grand scheme, this book centers around the troubles of two codependent teenagers who are both dealing with mental illnesses and are on the verge of breaking down. So, it's definitely my type of party! 

Also, for all the great readers of young adult fiction, a breath is not the only thing you can forget to hold.

I turn as I hear his voice, my fingers uncurling from the fists I hadn't known I'd been holding.

Love, 

newbookcats

Goodreads

If you're looking for an entertaining read after watching Netflix's Wednesday, this may be your darkly-steeped cup of tea with crunchy, neon-orange cheetos, but what do you think? Which perspective do you care to read more from: a goody two shoes heroine who is iced with a delicious buttercream or an intentionally unlikeable, deeply flawed character who dresses in all black and listens to all emo music? Any other paranormal young adult books you care to recommend? Feel free to socialize with me in the comments or via my social media accounts.