Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Title: Anne of Green Gables

Author: L.M. Montgomery

Genre: Fiction YA

Series: Anne of Green Gables # 1

Publication: January 1, 1908, 320 pages

Source: Libby Library

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This heartwarming story has beckoned generations of readers into the special world of Green Gables, an old-fashioned farm outside a town called Avonlea. Anne Shirley, an eleven-year-old orphan, has arrived in this verdant corner of Prince Edward Island only to discover that the Cuthberts—elderly Matthew and his stern sister, Marilla—want to adopt a boy, not a feisty redheaded girl. But before they can send her back, Anne—who simply must have more scope for her imagination and a real home—wins them over completely. A much-loved classic that explores all the vulnerability, expectations, and dreams of a child growing up, Anne of Green Gables is also a wonderful portrait of a time, a place, a family… and, most of all, love.

MY THOUGHTS

Every reader has either read or at least heard of the classic series Anne of Green Gables. Whenever someone mentions a beloved childhood book, you can be sure this series is among the favorites. After hearing about it for years, I finally decided to start the first book and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Written in 1908, the story still holds up beautifully more than a century later. I’m not sure if older adults were ever meant to be the target audience, but I found it utterly charming and the perfect change of pace from my usual fantasy novels.

Montgomery’s writing was simple yet elegant, and the world of Avonlea felt vibrant and immersive. Within the very first page, I was enchanted as Matthew and Marilla reluctantly set out to adopt Anne, an orphan. I loved getting a glimpse of how people might have lived in 1908. Life seemed simple and slow, but Anne infused everything with so much energy and joy. She was such a precocious child; open, honest, and unafraid to express her feelings.

It was fascinating to see how children grew up back then. I was astonished that by the age of seventeen or eighteen, they were already embarking on careers. I also adored all the supporting characters. Matthew and Marilla were so sweet, and it must have been a tremendous undertaking to take on the responsibility of raising a child at their stage in life. Even in the ordinary moments, school, chores, and everyday growing pains, there was never a dull moment.

I can absolutely understand why this series has been cherished for so long. I plan to continue reading the rest, and I can’t wait to discover what else lies ahead for Anne.

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.

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

Title: Yellowface

Author: R.F. Kuang

Genre: Fiction

Series: N/A

Publication: May 16, 2023

Source: Libby Library

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Authors June Hayward and Athena Liu were supposed to be twin rising stars. But Athena’s a literary darling. June Hayward is literally nobody. Who wants stories about basic white girls, June thinks.

So when June witnesses Athena’s death in a freak accident, she acts on impulse: she steals Athena’s just-finished masterpiece, an experimental novel about the unsung contributions of Chinese laborers during World War I.

So what if June edits Athena’s novel and sends it to her agent as her own work? So what if she lets her new publisher rebrand her as Juniper Song—complete with an ambiguously ethnic author photo? Doesn’t this piece of history deserve to be told, whoever the teller? That’s what June claims, and the New York Times bestseller list seems to agree.

But June can’t get away from Athena’s shadow, and emerging evidence threatens to bring June’s (stolen) success down around her. As June races to protect her secret, she discovers exactly how far she will go to keep what she thinks she deserves.

MY THOUGHTS

Yellowface had been on my list since last year, and this year, I decided it was finally time to dive into R.F. Kuang’s work. Since Yellowface is one of her shorter books, I thought it would be a good place to start. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a poor choice, as I found the book extremely disappointing.

Marketed as a sharp, satirical novel tackling controversial topics like cultural appropriation, racism, and diversity, Yellowface certainly addressed these themes. However, I couldn’t get past the revolting and deeply unlikeable main character, June. While I understand she wasn’t meant to be likeable, I personally need to feel some kind of connection or sympathy for the characters I’m reading about, and with June, I felt neither. I simply despised her.

Despite its promise of humor, I didn’t find the book funny at all. I’m not even sure what its ultimate purpose was. While it does highlight important issues, these are conversations that are already happening—and for many readers, I suspect they’ll nod along in agreement while reading, only to forget about it shortly after finishing. The novel didn’t leave any lasting impact or profound impression on me.

I’ve heard great things about Kuang’s writing, which makes me wonder if she intentionally simplified her style for this book. It felt basic and unremarkable.

I didn’t enjoy a single aspect of Yellowface. That said, I’m still planning to explore Kuang’s other works, especially her fantasy novels, which I hope will resonate with me more. If you’re curious about Yellowface, I’d recommend borrowing it from the library as it’s definitely not worth the purchase. 

The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen

Title: The Games Gods Play

Author: Abigail Owen

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series:The Crucible # 1

Hardcover, 509 Pages 

Publication: September 3, 2024

Source: Personal Library
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The gods love to toy with us mere mortals. And every hundred years, we let them…

I have never been favored by the gods. Far from it, thanks to Zeus.

Living as a cursed office clerk for the Order of Thieves, I just keep my head down and hope the capricious beings who rule from Olympus won’t notice me. Not an easy feat, given San Francisco is Zeus’ patron city, but I make do. I survive. Until the night I tangle with a different god.

The worst god. Hades.

For the first time ever, the ruthless, mercurial King of the Underworld has entered the Crucible—the deadly contest the gods hold to determine a new ruler to sit on the throne of Olympus. But instead of fighting their own battles, the gods name mortals to compete in their stead.

So why in the Underworld did Hades choose me—a sarcastic nobody with a curse on her shoulders—as his champion? And why does my heart trip every time he says I’m his?

I don’t know if I’m a pawn, bait, or something else entirely to this dangerously tempting god. How can I, when he has more secrets than stars in the sky?

Because Hades is playing by his own rules…and Death will win at any cost.

MY THOUGHTS

The Games Gods Play has been all over social media lately, with raving reviews and the promise of Greek gods drawing me in. However, I’m now wondering if I read the same book as everyone else because there was absolutely nothing worth raving about.

The story begins at the start of the Gods' Crucible Tournament, where Lyra and her gang of thieves are working a job. Our protagonist, Lyra, is in the process of walking away because her team is mocking her for having a crush on Boone, another teammate. That’s when she runs into Hades, the God of the Underworld. For reasons that are never explained other than she could win, Hades chooses Lyra as his champion in the Crucible, promising to lift her curse of being "unlovable" if she wins. The rest of the book follows Lyra and the other contestants as they navigate the 12 trials.

I have never been so bored in my entire life. By the time I reached the 30% mark, I was hoping the story would pick up or at least get interesting. It never did. Not at 50%, not at 80%, nothing. The trials, which were based on the gods themselves, were unimaginative and dull. I never connected with any of the characters and couldn’t bring myself to care about their fates. Even when some players didn’t make it, I couldn’t muster an ounce of concern.

Lyra, in particular, was insufferable. She tried to be a savior to everyone, repeatedly throwing challenges to help others even though most of them were against her from the start. Her constant humming was another source of irritation, especially since the author never explained its purpose. Was it meant to be an endearing quirk? Because it wasn’t. Lyra’s progress in the trials wasn’t due to skill but sheer luck, stupidity, or Hades cheating on her behalf.

Speaking of Hades, dear lord, he was as dull as a cardboard box. You’d think the Lord of the Underworld would be brooding and mysterious, but he was neither. The author kept telling us how feared and powerful Hades was, but there was no actual evidence to support this claim. Even the "telling" failed to make him remotely convincing as a fearsome deity.

The relationship between Lyra and Hades was as tiresome as the characters themselves. There was zero chemistry between them, and I never understood Hades’ obsession with Lyra, who had no redeeming qualities in my opinion. She's worse than those 'snowflake heroines' we read in most books. His nickname for her, “my star,” made me roll my eyes every time it appeared. Boone’s nickname for Lyra, “Lyra Loo Hoo” was also atrocious. Talk about cringy. 

The gods in The Games Gods Play weren’t the iconic figures from Greek mythology that people know and love. They were immature, bored immortals acting like spoiled children who meddled with mortals for entertainment. I don’t know why I expected anything different.

Ultimately, this book was poorly written, far too long, and entirely overhyped. I don’t recommend it. Please don’t make the same mistake I did by being fooled by a pretty cover and rave reviews. I’m starting to believe the Red Tower rumors...all they are, are pretty books that hide lackluster stories. 

[SPOTLIGHT] Lies on the Serpent's Tongue by Kate Pearsall + Excerpt

With Halloween upon us, I’m excited to share a sneak peek at Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue, an upcoming YA horror romance thriller by Kate Pearsall! Set to release January 7, 2025, readers are invited to return to Caball Hollow, the hauntingly atmospheric setting from last year’s Bittersweet in the Hollow. This time, to follow James’s daughter, Rowan, as she embarks on a chilling new adventure.

BOOK 2, in the Bitter in the Hollow Series

Out wherever books are sold, January 7, 2025!

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As Caball Hollow slowly recovers after a tumultuous summer, the James family must also come to terms with their own newly revealed secrets. 18-year-old Rowan James has spent her whole life harboring unpleasant truths—that’s what happens when you can smell people’s lies—and building walls around herself to block them out. Like her younger sister, Linden, who can taste the feelings of others, Rowan has long resented her gift, which has taught her that everyone lies, and no one is who they seem to be. So, when her old nemesis, Hadrian Fitch, the biggest liar of them all, shows up on her front porch—bloodied, broken, and asking for help only she can give—her first instinct is distrust. But something new is stalking the Forest that surrounds Caball Hollow. Now things are disappearing. At first, it’s small stuff—like letters, photos, and keys. But then, Rowan notices people around her are losing their memories. And when the body of a neighbor is found in the middle of town, Rowan knows there’s a link between this death and all the events disturbing the Hollow. Can she find what—or who—the link is before it takes another life?

Lies on the Serpent's Tongue, Book 2 Excerpt

Chapter Seven

 

I turn to look at the door, standing wide open with my pack in front it. Just beyond, I can see the edge of the approaching storm. A rim of thick clouds as dark as night. In two long strides, I cross the room and bolt the lock.

Thunder rumbles off in the distance, and the wind kicks up, howling ominously between the trees. Low pressure makes the air heavy with anticipation, sending birds to find refuge, insects to fly low to the ground on weighted wings, and worms to flee rising groundwater. It’s a silence like the inhale before the howl.

A big gust blows across the ridge, and something strikes the wall with a thud. I move back away from the door. And that’s when I hear it. A footstep just outside, I’m almost sure. Though that’s not exactly right. It was more of a shuffle than a step. It could have just been the leaves, blowing in the walkway. The silence that follows isn’t proof nothing is there. It’s the opposite. And I know I’m no longer alone. Something, or someone is out there. My breath comes faster as I strain to hear. A muted thud. Then a crash against the door hard enough to make it shudder in its frame. I race to the woodstove and reach for the metal poker.

There’s no one to call for help. No one who could get here before a person determined enough could break through the flimsy piece of old wood standing between us. There’s only me. Holding the poker over my shoulder like a baseball player at bat, I slide back the lock and yank open the door. There, lying across the doormat like something the cat dragged in, is a bloodied and unconscious Hadrian Fitch.

***

Book 1 - Available now! 

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In rural Caball Hollow, surrounded by the vast National Forest, the James women serve up more than fried green tomatoes at the Harvest Moon diner, where the family recipes are not the only secrets.

Like her sisters, Linden was born with an unusual ability. She can taste what others are feeling, but this so-called gift soured her relationship with the vexingly attractive Cole Spencer one fateful night a year ago . . . A night when Linden vanished into the depths of the Forest and returned with no memories of what happened, just a litany of questions--and a haze of nightmares that suggest there's more to her story than simply getting lost.

Now, during the hottest summer on record, another girl in town is gone, and the similarities to last year's events are striking. Except, this time the missing girl doesn't make it home, and when her body is discovered, the scene unmistakably spells murder.

As tempers boil over, Linden enlists the help of her sisters to find what's hiding in the forest . . . before it finds her. But as she starts digging for truth--about the Moth-Winged Man rumored to haunt the Hollow, about her bitter rift with Cole, and even about her family--she must question if some secrets are best left buried.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Pearsall is a creative thinker, an award-winning copywriter, and a storyteller. She has a degree in business and public relations and has written for magazines and newspapers. Bittersweet in the Hollow and Lies on the Serpent's Tongue were inspired in part by a childhood listening to her mom’s stories about growing up in the Appalachian Mountains and visiting family in West Virginia.

Connect with Kate!

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Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop

Title: Daughter of the Blood

Author: Anne Bishop

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Black Jewels Trilogy # 1

Paperback, 384 pages 

Publication: March 1, 1998

Source: Personal Library
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Seven hundred years ago, a Black Widow witch saw an ancient prophecy come to life in her web of dreams and visions. Now the Dark Kingdom readies itself for the arrival of its Queen, a Witch who will wield more power than even the High Lord of Hell himself. But she is still young, still open to influence—and corruption.

Whoever controls the Queen controls the darkness. Three men—sworn enemies—know this. And they know the power that hides behind the blue eyes of an innocent young girl. And so begins a ruthless game of politics and intrigue, magic and betrayal, where the weapons are hate and love—and the prize could be terrible beyond imagining...everything.

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve heard about The Black Jewel Trilogy for as long as I’ve been reading fantasy, which is quite a long time. I’ve even read Bishop’s The Others series. So, I’m not sure why I never picked up The Black Jewels Trilogy sooner, but I’m glad I finally did because the first book in the series, Daughter of the Blood, was absolutely incredible!

Bishop didn’t waste any time and threw her readers right into the story, opening up with a prophecy of a girl the entire realm has been waiting for. I’ll be honest; the first 25% of the book was very hard to understand. The author gave a brief description before the story of the Jewel ranks and Blood Hierarchy, but that’s it. The world is complex, and there are a lot of major players to get through, but once readers get pass the 25%, I guarantee you’ll be glued to the pages, as I was.

Daughter of the Blood has one of the most deliciously dark worldbuildings I’ve ever read. It was intriguing and sexy, yet brutal and unforgiving. I’m not sure if the book was ever intended for the young audience it reached, but this book is not for the faint of heart. There were so many trigger warnings and topics that normally raise my red flags that would put me off reading a book, and still, I continued reading and found myself not only enjoying the book but loving it. Definitely check the warnings before you read!

Most of the characters in Daughter of the Blood were truly morally grey characters. I loved them all with their faults and flaws. Bishop did an amazing job showcasing the horrendous and beautiful sides of people’s humanity. I’ve never seen it done so well until now.

Daughter of the Blood was written back in the late '90s, specifically 1998, and I can say without a doubt that this book has truly stood the test of time. The themes and topics posed in the book were relevant then and are relevant now. I’ve read many books over the years, and I could already tell this book is something special and a book that I know I will return to time and time again. It’s no wonder it is so loved and so highly spoken of. Many of the books being published today cannot even hold a candle to this book, nor do come close. 

I can't wait to read the sequel!

The Queen of Days by Greta Kelly

Title: The Queen of Days

Author: Greta Kelly

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy/Steampunk

Series: N/A

Hardcover, 384 pages 

Publication: October 24, 2023 by Harper Voyager 
Source: Personal library 
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For Balthazar and his family of thieves, stealing a statue during the annual celebration of the god Karanis was just a good bit of fun…or a way to stick it to the governor who murdered his parents. And yeah, the small fortune in reward doesn’t hurt—even if his boss also hired the mysterious Queen of Days to join the crew as “the weapon of last resort...”

Whatever that means.

But Bal doesn’t know the ceremony isn’t simply empty words and dusty tradition; it’s true magic. The kind of magic that rips open a portal for the god himself. Only the idol that Karanis planned on using for a body now lies broken at the Queen of Days’ feet. And half of it is missing.

With the aid of a lovable brawler, a society lady turned bomb maker, a disgraced soldier, and a time-eating demon, Bal must hunt down the missing half of the statue if he has any hope of earning his money, keeping his crew alive…and perhaps even saving all of humanity. But as his journey sends him racing through the city—and across realities—he discovers that doing all this might just doom the city.

The city be damned. It’s time to kill a god.

MY THOUGHTS

I'm always looking for a good hiest novel and The Queen of Days delivered. Bal and his crew is hired to steal an artifact from the Governor's temple with one stipulation. They must aquire assistance from the infamous thief, The Queen of Days, Tass.

Bal and his crew thought The Queen of Days was nothing more than myths and legends since they've never personally seen her and they're born and bred of Cothis. Except she's real and not entirely human. In exchange for helping them retrieve the artifact, they must each give up a month's time of their life. From the get-go the assignment goes sideways when an ancient God inhabits the Governor's body and it seems like everyone in Cothis is after Bal, his crew and Tass.

I enjoyed The Queen of Days much more than I expected to. The main storyline of vengeful Gods trying to takeover the human realm has been done many times but what stood out from this novel were the characters. As I got to know more of Bal and his crew, his family and of Tass and her background I grew more invested in their lives and was rooting for them to take out the bad guy. However, the downside is this is a standalone so all that character development felt a bit surface level and rushed. The book was open ended but I could see more possible stories involving these characters. The stories are there and I hope the author gives these characters more stage time.

The Magic system was fascinating. Tass is a demigod, part god-part human and her life-force hinges on taking time from human or energy from the netherworld (I think). It was funny to see the Crew's realization that the Gods they worship are truly living beings and some of them resides alongside humanity in every day life and no one is the wiser. We met Tass's brother, Uncle and Grandfather...and I want to meet more of the family. Finger crossed for more books in this world!

Overall The Queen of Days was a great read. There's plenty of action and heart and characters you can't help but root for. If you love a fun and thrilling heist novel; I highly recommend Tbe Queen of Days!

 

 

 

We Made It All Up by Margot Harrison

Title: We Made It All Up

Author: Margot Harrison 

Genre: Contemporary YA, Thriller

Series: N/A

Hardcover, 384 pages 

Publication: July 12, 2022 by Little Brown BFYR

Source: I received a review copy in exchange for honest review.
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Celeste is the talk of the town when she moves to Montana from Montreal, but the only friend she makes is Vivvy, the heir to the town’s name and a social pariah. Inspired by a passion-fueled school incident, they begin writing a love-story fan fic between the popular guy and the school stoner, one that gradually reveals Celeste’s past. While their bond makes Celeste feel safe and alive again, Vivvy keeps prodding Celeste to turn fantasy into reality. When they finally try, one drunken night on a dark mountainside, Celeste is the one who ends up kissing golden boy Joss. And Joss ends up dead.

Celeste doesn’t remember the end of that night and can’t be sure she didn’t deliver the killing blow. Could she still be that scared of getting close to a boy? Secrets are hard to keep in a small town, and even Vivvy seems to suspect her. Exploring the winding passages of the cave where Joss died, Celeste learns he had his own dark secrets, as does Vivvy. The town isn’t as innocent as it appears.

 

MY THOUGHTS

We Made It All Up is whodunit thriller mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. The story focused on Celeste, who recently moved to a small town called Kray in Montana. She ended up befriending the eccentric Vivvy, the town’s heir. After witnessing and obsessing over a school incident, the girls turns their obsession into fanfic; penning a story that involved their classmates. But what started as a bonding guilty pleasure and fun experiment turns into a horror story when one of the subject of their story turns up dead…murdered! What ensues was endless questions, accusations and betrayals.

I absolutely love a good thriller mystery and We Made It All Up didn’t disappoint! The story took place over the course of about two and half months as it alternated from the present and the past leading up to a shocking finale. Each time the story alternated, readers were given more clues to how the events transpired and who the killer was. I must say Harrison kept me on my toes! Just when I thought I knew who the killer was I was thrown twists where everyone started looking suspicious!

 The plot was quite complex. It was more than just two girls obsessing over the most popular boy in school. And although at the center of it all is a murder there was so much more that went behind the scene in the small pious town of Kray. In trying to fit the puzzle pieces of her lost memory of the night of Joss’s supposed murder; Celeste uncovers Kray’s sinister secrets involving the town’s legacy heirs. I  thought the story/plot was very well- written and it kept me engaged from beginning to end. The characters were all distinct and well developed. And while I love flawed, morally gray characters I unfortunately didn’t quite connect with any of them.

Overall We Made It All up hits all the high notes for me. I enjoyed the small town murder mystery, secret society vibes. I definitely would recommend this book to those who enjoy thriller mystery more on the darker, mature YA side. Fair warning, there were a lot of sensitive subjects and triggers, so check that out before you give it a go!