The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Genre: Fiction

Series: N/A

Publication: June 13, 2017, 434 pages

Source: Audiobook, Library

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Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

MY THOUGHTS

While The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo has been on multiple bestsellers lists and featured on readers' top picks over the past few years, I never understood the hype. To be honest, it’s not a book I would normally pick up. However, a friend recommended it, and I thought, What the heck? Might as well give it a try. I’m glad I did because I enjoyed it more than I anticipated.

The writing and storytelling were immaculate, but what I loved most was the structure of the story. The book is written in an interview format, interwoven with tabloid headlines. It spans Evelyn’s life before, during, and after stardom. As the title suggests, Evelyn recounts her Hollywood career as well as the men she married along the way; some for love, others for strategic career moves, and some out of convenience.

I love Evelyn. From the early chapters, when we meet her as a fourteen-year-old girl, I immediately knew the kind of woman she would become. She’s strong, independent, and relentless. Words like no, impossible, and can’t are not in her vocabulary. When she wants something, she takes it. I love her blunt, straightforward, and unapologetic nature.

Evelyn is known as a glamorous, beautiful star, worshipped by both men and women. But the road to who she became was not easy. Throughout the novel, we witness the sacrifices and obstacles she had to overcome.

Overall, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was a great read. The pacing and plot were perfect, and I loved the unexpected twist at the end—Evelyn left in true Evelyn fashion. I can’t wait to see this book adapted for the big screen. If you’re looking for a standalone novel and want a break from long series, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

A Fistful of Charms by Kim Harrison

Title: A Fistful of Charms

Author: Kim Harrison

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: The Hollows # 4

Publication: June 27, 2006, 510 pages

Source: Personal Library

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The evil night things that prowl Cincinnati despise witch and bounty hunter Rachel Morgan. Her new reputation for the dark arts is turning human and undead heads alike with the intent to possess, bed, and kill her -- not necessarily in that order.

Now a mortal lover who abandoned Rachel has returned, haunted by his secret past. And there are those who covet what Nick possesses -- savage beasts willing to destroy the Hollows and everyone in it if necessary.

Forced to keep a low profile or eternally suffer the wrath of a vengeful demon, Rachel must nevertheless act quickly. For the pack is gathering for the first time in millennia to ravage and to rule. And suddenly more than Rachel's soul is at stake.

MY THOUGHTS

A Fistful of Charms throws us straight into the action, with Rachel, a newly recognized pack member is already facing a challenge from another Alpha. Luckily, she wins her first fight thanks to her spells. In this fourth installment, Rachel’s business takes her out of Cincinnati and deeper into the world of werewolf hierarchy and mayhem.

If you've read my previous Hollows book review, you know I’m continuing this series in the hopes of seeing more of David and Trent. To my disappointment, neither of them gets any real page time and we don’t even see Trent at all. Instead, Rachel’s out-of-town adventure consists of the characters I loathe most: Jenks, Nick, and Ivy. Literally the three I dislike the most.

Nick, being the spineless S.O.B. that he is, lands himself in trouble, and of course, the only person who can save him is Rachel. Jenks tags along because Nick has his son, Jackson. Ivy shows up later, either to help or just to be her usual possessive self. In my last review, I mentioned how much I dislike Ivy’s possessiveness over Rachel, and it gets even worse in this book. The first three books hinted at Ivy biting Rachel, and now she finally does, which only makes things more complicated. It blurs the line between friendship and lovers, even though Rachel isn’t interested in her that way. I still don’t like it and think it's disturbing.

The plot was more engaging this time around, as we got to explore werewolf hierarchy and territory. I appreciated the change of pace and scenery because I was getting tired of all the demon and vampire politics. Overall, this was another solid installment in the messy life of Rachel Morgan. I really hope Harrison brings Trent back soon. And is it too much to ask to get rid of Ivy and Jenks? I mean, at least Nick is finally gone gone.

The Labyrinth of Souls by Leslie Vedder

Title: The Labyrinth of Souls

Author: Leslie Vedder

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy

Series: The Labyrinth of Souls # 1

Publication: February 11, 2025, 336 pages

Source: ARC, I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

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In the Kingdom of Spinar, there are seven rules for safeguarding your soul from the Sorrows and Nightmare creatures—most importantly: never, ever enter the Labyrinth of Souls.

Ix Tatterfall has always been an outcast with big secrets: She can cross into the Labyrinth, home to the powerful Sorrows, and she can see strange Nightmare beasts when no one else can. Some, like the shadowy Inklings or bothersome Stubbed Toads, are merely a nuisance. Many more—like the Jimber-Jawed Hounds—are dangerous. Even deadly.

But something is very wrong in the Labyrinth. A terrible new Nightmare—a raggedy scarecrow called Jack—has been ravaging the misty maze, gobbling up wraiths and lost souls and allowing Nightmares to seep into the Waking World.

On one forbidden trip, Ix comes face to face with Jack. Worse, she’s apprehended by Candle Corps, an elite magical group that protects the kingdom against Nightmares. Instead of exile, Ix is allowed to enter the mysterious Candle Corps Academy. For the first time, she’s surrounded by others who can see what she sees: Morrigan Bea, a hot-tempered girl who might be a monster; Ollie Pembrooke, a shy boy who loves books and Dreamchaser dogs; and Hanky the Inkling, Ix’s faithful Nightmare companion.

But more and more Nightmares are bleeding into Spinar. Raggedy Jack is on the hunt for something—someone—from the Waking World.

Ix Tatterfall herself.

MY THOUGHTS

Have you ever heard the saying, "What's beyond the veil?", the barrier between the living and the dead? Well, in that in-between place lies The Labyrinth of Souls. There are three ways to enter: through death, dreams, or intentionally; if you're part of a magical elite team or a rulebreaker, like our heroine, Ix Tatterfall.

Ix has been slipping into the labyrinth all her life, but one night, she’s caught by the Candle Corps, a magical team tasked with protecting the waking world from Nightmares or from those who dare to consort with them. Given two choices, join Candle Corps Academy or face exile; Ix chooses the academy, hoping to protect her family and uncover more about herself.

I really enjoyed The Labyrinth of Souls it reminded me of a cross between Alice in Wonderland and Coraline, two of my favorite stories. I wasn’t expecting an academy setting, which was a pleasant surprise since I love books set in schools. The worldbuilding is straightforward and easy to follow. The story revolves around two main groups: Candle Corps and the Nightmares and Sorrows. Nightmares are small creatures that lurk in the dark, while Sorrows are more powerful, high-level monsters. There are seven Sorrows, most of whom rule over their own domains within the labyrinth.

Readers get an in-depth look at life inside the prestigious Candle Corps Academy, filled with eccentric professors and students. I adored Ix and her two best friends, Ollie and Morrigan. As they explore the labyrinth, we encounter the Sorrows and an array of Nightmares such as Inklings, Mistcats, and Blackout Bats, each more eerie and fascinating than the last. If you’ve seen the stunning cover, you’ve probably already spotted some of these creatures lurking in the background.

The Labyrinth of Souls is a fun, whimsical middle-grade fantasy that will appeal to readers of all ages. At its heart, it’s a story about embracing your uniqueness, self-discovery, and the power of found family and friendships. If you enjoy vivid, immersive tales in the same vein as Alice in Wonderland and Coraline, then you’ll love The Labyrinth of Souls.

Every Which Way but Dead by Kim Harrison

Title: Every Which Way but Dead

Author: Kim Harrison

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: The Hollows # 3

Publication: 501 pages, June 28, 2005

Source: Personal Library

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There's no witch in Cincinnati tougher, sexier, or more screwed up than bounty hunter Rachel Morgan, who's already put her love life and soul in dire jeopardy through her determined efforts to bring criminal night creatures to justice.

Between "runs," she has her hands full fending off the attentions of her blood-drinking partner, keeping a deadly secret from her backup, and resisting a hot new vamp suitor.

Rachel must also take a stand in the war that's raging in the city's underworld, since she helped put away its former vampire kingpin - and made a deal with a powerful demon to do so that could cost her an eternity of pain, torment, and degradation.

And now her dark "master" is coming to collect his due.

MY THOUGHTS

Three books into The Hollows, and there hasn't been much improvement for our heroine, Rachel Morgan. Many of the problems she faced were entirely her own doing. Which would've been preventable if she stopped to think before rushing in. The demon Al continues to cause havoc, as always, trying to drag Rachel into the Ever After. Oddly enough, Rachel manages to outsmart Al toward the end, and I sincerely hope this is the last we see of him because his storyline has become repetitive and stale.

Nick, Rachel’s boyfriend, or rather, ex-boyfriend has finally left. I must say, I’m relieved. I never liked him, and his presence in the group added nothing to the story. As for Ivy, Rachel’s vampire friend and roommate, I’m tired of her as well. She’s overly possessive of Rachel in a way that comes off as borderline romantic, and honestly, it’s just creepy. The author tries to excuse it as a vampire trait, but… no. Just no. Even Rachel is growing frustrated with it! The codependency is pathetic, especially considering Ivy is supposedly next in line to be the most powerful vampire in Cincinnati. Powerful, how?

The only part of the book that truly piqued my interest was Rachel’s interactions with Trent. I enjoyed learning more about their connection and Rachel’s past. The more I read about Trent, the more I realize he’s not so bad. Compared to everyone else in Rachel’s life, he might actually be the most normal and sane one. We’re also introduced to a new character, David, whom I really liked. I hope to see more of him, especially after everything that happened at the end.

Every Which Way but Dead was a decent addition to the series, better than the first two. While Rachel remains frustrating, I’ll keep reading for now, if only to see more of Trent and David.

The House at Watch Hill by Karen Marie Moning

Title: The House at Watch Hill

Author: Karen Marie Moning

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: The Watch Hill # 1

Publication: 384 pages, October 1, 2024

Source: Personal Library

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Zo Grey is reeling from the sudden death of her mother when she receives a surprising call from an attorney in Divinity, Louisiana, with the news she has been left an inheritance by a distant relative, the terms of which he will only discuss in person. Destitute and alone, with nothing left to lose, Zo heads to Divinity and discovers she is the sole beneficiary of a huge fortune and a monstrosity of a house that sits ominously at the peak of Watch Hill—but she must live in it, alone, for three years before the house, or the money, is hers.

Met with this irresistible opportunity to finally build a future for herself, Zo puts aside her misgivings about the foreboding Gothic mansion and the strange circumstances, and moves in, where she is quickly met by a red-eyed Stygian owl and an impossibly sexy Scottish groundskeeper.

Her new home is full of countless secrets and mystifying riddles, with doors that go nowhere, others that are impossible to open, and a turret into which there is no visible means of ingress. And the townspeople are odd…

What Zo doesn’t yet know is that her own roots lie in this very house and that in order to discover her true identity and awaken her dormant powers, she will have to face off against sinister forces she doesn’t quite comprehend—or risk being consumed by them.

MY THOUGHTS

I've been a fan of Moning for a while now. Her Fever series (the first five books) is one of my favorites. Naturally, I’ve been eagerly anticipating Moning's next series. When I heard it was going to be about witches, I was thrilled. A gothic setting in Louisiana? Literal perfection. However, it saddens me to say that The House at Watch Hill did not meet my expectations. Honestly, I was surprised this was written by the same author as the Fever series.

The House at Watch Hill is the first book in a planned trilogy. Despite being 384 pages long, there was a whole lot of nothing happening. For the majority of the book, about two-thirds, readers are left in the dark about key plot points, including why Zo's mother passed, her heritage, and why she was summoned to Divinity. The world-building was minimal at best; if it existed, I must have missed it. When Zo’s best friend, Este, finally arrived in Divinity, readers were bombarded with a heap of information dumping. But even that was short-lived, as Zo's temper tantrum almost took her friend out. The buildup to the mystery or any significant revelation wasn’t even suspenseful, just frustrating. I honestly expected better writing from Moning, given she's a seasoned writer with a long backlist.

As for the main character, Zo was an immature, unlikeable lead prone to constant temper tantrums. Throughout most of the book, her primary focus was on sex. Occasionally, she’d dwell on “woe is me” sentiments; lamenting her hard life, how everyone lied to her, etc. I didn't think she exhibited any redeeming qualities or intelligence, for that matter. Despite being twenty-four, she behaved like an impulsive teenager. Over the course of the book, she made no effort to improve herself or change her circumstances. The whole subplot with her mother was already weak but made weaker when readers discovered why she was ill in the first place...which plainly was stupid. Instead, being named Hier magically fixed everything for her. She made several mistakes in the story, but each time, the consequences were conveniently swept away. I don’t enjoy reading about "special snowflakes" or plots that advance without meaningful and purposeful change or character growth. The side characters weren’t much better. Este and the two potential love interests were as bland as vanilla, with no significant development or contributions to the story.

Additionally, the book included a few chapters from a character named Alisdair. I couldn’t figure out their purpose. Alisdair’s chapters consisted of him talking to himself and “warning” Zo except she couldn’t even hear him. I’m guessing he might be the Owl lurking around the house, but honestly, his chapters felt pointless. And really? Who cares?

All in all, The House at Watch Hill was a disappointing read. I can’t find a single positive thing to say about it. The only reason this book even made it onto my radar was because I’d read and loved the Fever series and hoped for the same spark I felt reading those books long ago. Unfortunately, this book is a far cry from the Fever series. With lackluster world-building, undeveloped characters, a weak plot, and mediocre writing, I can’t recommend it.

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

Title: The Poppy War

Author: R.F. Kuang

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Poppy War # 1

Publication: 527 pages, May 1, 2018

Source: Personal Library

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When Rin aced the Keju — the Empire-wide test to find the most talented youth to learn at the Academies — it was a shock to everyone: to the test officials, who couldn’t believe a war orphan from Rooster Province could pass without cheating; to Rin’s guardians, who believed they’d finally be able to marry her off and further their criminal enterprise; and to Rin herself, who realized she was finally free of the servitude and despair that had made up her daily existence. That she got into Sinegard — the most elite military school in Nikan — was even more surprising.

But surprises aren’t always good.

Because being a dark-skinned peasant girl from the south is not an easy thing at Sinegard. Targeted from the outset by rival classmates for her color, poverty, and gender, Rin discovers she possesses a lethal, unearthly power — an aptitude for the nearly-mythical art of shamanism. Exploring the depths of her gift with the help of a seemingly insane teacher and psychoactive substances, Rin learns that gods long thought dead are very much alive — and that mastering control over those powers could mean more than just surviving school.

For while the Nikara Empire is at peace, the Federation of Mugen still lurks across a narrow sea. The militarily advanced Federation occupied Nikan for decades after the First Poppy War, and only barely lost the continent in the Second. And while most of the people are complacent to go about their lives, a few are aware that a Third Poppy War is just a spark away.

Rin’s shamanic powers may be the only way to save her people. But as she finds out more about the god that has chosen her, the vengeful Phoenix, she fears that winning the war may cost her humanity ... and that it may already be too late..

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve had The Poppy War on my TBR for years. All I ever heard were endless praises about how great this book and series were. Having read Kuang’s contemporary work and found it lacking, I had higher hopes for The Poppy War, as it seemed more aligned with my interests: history and fantasy. However, the book ultimately ended up being disappointing and a complete letdown.

First off, I want to say that this book is extremely well-written. I recall hearing that this was Kuang’s debut novel, which she wrote when she was17–19 years old (?). That’s incredible. The research and attention to detail in the characters and the world are evident. I appreciated how Kuang incorporated various branches of philosophy' metaphysics, epistemology, aesthetics, as well as religion and even more obscure or taboo topics like astral travel and psychedelics. It was fascinating to see how these elements shaped the worldbuilding and the characters’ actions.

I enjoyed the first portion of the book, following Rin’s journey from the small village of Tikany to the prestigious militia school in Sinegard. The story spans several years, and from there, we see Rin and her classmates thrust headlong into a brutal war with the Federation. Everyone knows war is gruesome, and Kuang does not hold back in depicting its horrors. The scenes are vividly detailed and graphic, so much so that I found myself questioning whether I could continue reading. At one point, I had to stop and debate whether to continue. I applaud Kuang for her ability to vividly portray the realities of war, but I have to ask: was it necessary? Many authors manage to convey brutality without delving into such explicit, detailed accounts. It felt excessive to me, perhaps intended for shock value but it ultimately made me feel sick rather than engaged.

As for the main character, Rin, I did not like her. At first, I respected her tenacity and her faith to dream big and create a better life for herself. However, as the story progressed, she became someone unrecognizable. Was this change due to the war? Probably. But the transformation wasn’t for the better. Rin has always been selfish, and even by the end, she insists she’s doing everything for her people and for those who suffered during the war but is she really? She condemned the Federation for its atrocities against innocent civilians, yet when faced with a similar choice, she committed the same horrors. What a hypocrite.

In the end, Altan chose Rin as his successor. How that happened is beyond me. She’s an immature child with no qualifications to lead. But apparently, having the power of a god overrides everything else right? This series has a lot of potential and is loved by many, but I, unfortunately, cannot tolerate the unnecessary depictions of senseless death or Rin’s character. For these reasons, I won’t be continuing the series.

The Good, the Bad, and the Undead by Kim Harrison

Title: The Good, the Bad, and the Undead

Author: Kim Harrison

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: The Hollows # 2

Publication: 405 pages, January 25, 2005

Source: Personal Library

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It's a tough life for witch Rachel Morgan, sexy, independent bounty hunter, prowling the darkest shadows of downtown Cincinnati for criminal creatures of the night.

She can handle the leather-clad vamps and even tangle with a cunning demon or two. But a serial killer who feeds on the experts in the most dangerous kind of black magic is definitely pushing the limits.

Confronting an ancient, implacable evil is more than just child's play - and this time, Rachel will be lucky to escape with her very soul.

MY THOUGHTS

The Good, the Bad, and the Undead is the second book in the Hollows series, following green witch Rachel Morgan. In this installment, ley line witches are turning up dead, and Rachel is determined to find the killer. She suspects her archnemesis, Trent, whom we met in the previous book. However, Trent turns out to be the least of her concerns, as it seems everyone is after her, including the person hunting down the ley line witches.

I like Rachel as a protagonist, but half the time, she comes across as extremely immature and impulsive. She frequently does reckless things without considering how her actions affect the people around her. That’s not to say she doesn’t care for or love her friends, but she has plenty of lapses in judgment. These mistakes often lead to her screwing up, feeling guilty, and then scrambling to fix the problems she’s caused. Honestly, the book would probably be half as long if she used her head more often.

The overall plot of each book so far feels fairly typical for the urban fantasy genre; a quick, one-and-done case. However, the author does introduce an intriguing history between Trent and the demon Al, which is the main thing keeping my interest. I actually enjoy the dynamic between Rachel and Trent more than with any of the other side characters. Jinx is whatever, and Nick, Rachel’s boyfriend, is a complete bore. Honestly, I hope Rachel dumps him soon; he’s the least interesting character, following Glen and his dad.

I’m interested in continuing this series, but I really hope the author gives Rachel some serious character development...and fast. With 17 books in this series, I’m not sure I can stick with her current personality for the long haul.