Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell

Monday, 28 February 2022

Carole's Monday: A golden age

Author: Tahmima Anam

Title: A Golden Age

(Bangla Desh #1)

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: Harcover

Pages: 276

Published: 2007

Where I Got It: My shelf (Pamida)

Summary:

Set against the backdrop of the Bangladesh War of Independence, A Golden Age is a story of passion and revolution, of hope, faith and unexpected heroism. The first volume in a planned trilogy.

As young widow Rehana Haque awakes one March morning, she might be forgiven for feeling happy. Today she will throw a party for her son and daughter. In the garden of the house she has built, her roses are blooming, her children are almost grown, and beyond their doorstep, the city is buzzing with excitement after recent elections. Change is in the air.

But none of the guests at Rehana's party can foresee what will happen in the days and months ahead. For this is 1971 in East Pakistan, a country on the brink of war. And this family's life is about to change forever.

Set against the backdrop of the Bangladesh War of Independence, A Golden Age is a story of passion and revolution, of hope, faith and unexpected heroism. In the chaos of this era, everyone—from student protesters to the country's leaders, from rickshaw'wallahs to the army's soldiers—must make choices. And as she struggles to keep her family safe, Rehana will be forced to face a heartbreaking dilemma. This is the first volume of a planned trilogy.

Review:

Years ago (maybe 2008 or 2009) I picked this bad boy up at the local store when I was a teen. It's been so long that the store isn't even there anymore. Finally decided enough was enough and to get myself to read it because of the TBR challenge I'm part of.

This is set during the Bangladesh War of Independence. Rehana Haque is a young widow with children. She decides to throw a party for her son and daughter. Outside the party the city is buzzing with excitement after the recent elections. Change is in air! However, East Pakistan is on the brink of war and her and her family's lives are about to change forever.

This started off really good. I was hooked. I was scared for the family and for the country. I couldn't stop reading!!!

And then we got to the middle point and I was.............tired. I was ready for this to end.

I know, I know...that sounds bad.

Not sure what changed for me. I soon found myself wanting to skim to just get to the end and find out what happens. I was still invested in the characters and their fates, but I was ready for the answer. It started feeling like a history book. Don't get me wrong...I like a good history book, BUT when I want one or I'm feeling like researching a topic. I fee like this got stuck on the details and feel flat.

I skimmed through Goodreads and there are so many people who love this and there is a small grouping of people who didn't.

Gah. I wish I had loved this!

In the end, it wasn't horrible or boring. I enjoyed our characters and I had been hooked for nearly half, but then it got too hooked on the details and started reading like a history book. I'll give this 2 stars.

Challenge(s):

- TBR Reading Challenge (#2)

Friday, 25 February 2022

Stay with me - Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀

Format: 298 pages, Paperback

Published: March 2, 2017 by Canongate

Library

Fiction

There are things even love can't do ...If the burden is too much and stays too long, even love bends, cracks, comes close to breaking and sometimes does break. But even when it's in a thousand pieces around your feet, that doesn't mean it's no longer love ...' Yejide is hoping for a miracle, for a child. It is all her husband wants, all her mother-in-law wants, and she has tried everything - arduous pilgrimages, medical consultations, appeals to God. But when her relatives insist upon a new wife, it is too much for Yejide to bear. It will lead to jealousy, betrayal and despair.

Tired. Will make it short!

Best book so far this year, sure sure, it is only February, but yes it was one of those that I picked up and it was just good from the first line. Great writing, I got pulled in at once. And the book kept throwing punches that I did not see coming, or even knew could come.

The book takes place in the 80s in Nigeria. Yejide and Akin are happy, but both their families keep pressuring about kids. And she tries everything. Then his family shows up with a second wife... This is where things goes downhill, and hits every bump on that hill. And it is heartbreaking too, but I do not want to spoil how.

A really good book. Always expect more than you see. Recommended

Thursday, 24 February 2022

Audio Review: Let it be me

Narrated by: Alison Larkin

Series: Blue Raven, Book 5

Length: 12 hrs and 15 mins

Release date: 08-12-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Historical romance

Own

I listened to this on my way to work. So it took a long time.

Make it quick!

Bridget loves to play the piano, but do not dare to do it infront of others. I liked her, she was overshadowed by her sister and had to come into her own.

Off to Venice and someone who will teach her more.

Awww Venice. And a handsome Englishman to fall in love with....eventually.

I enjoyed it and great narration too

Bridget longs to meet a gentleman who doesn't mention her beautiful sister upon shaking her hand. But since being branded a shrew after a disastrous social season, Bridget knows she's lucky to even have a man come near her. It's enough to make a lady flee the country…

So Bridget heads to Venice for music lessons with the renowned Italian composer Vincenzo Carpenini, with whom she's been corresponding. But not only is Carpenini not expecting her, he doesn't even remember her! His friend, theater owner Oliver Merrick, does, though. And one look into her tantalizing green eyes has him cursing his impulsive letter-writing, which brought her across the continent. Yet before Merrick can apologize, Carpenini has ordered her away.

Little does either man know that they will soon be embroiled in a wager that will require the beautiful Miss Forrester's help—or that there'll be far more at stake in this gamble than money…

Wednesday, 23 February 2022

Review: A Time of Courage

First published April 2, 2020 by Pan Macmillan

Series: Of Blood and Bone (#3)

Format: 648 pages, Hardcover

Fantasy

Own

From not having finished many books, I am suddenly way ahead and have reviews to write!

So ok, this was about war war and WAR!. Planning for war, riding to war, gathering troops, sneak attacks and all hell is breaking loose.

This is the culmination of the two previous books, and well the ones before this series too. If anyone is crazy enough to try and jump in now I only say, no, a fantasy series needs to be read in order. And especially this one. Lots of people, lots of history.

But this is the last one and either they will loose or they will live to see another day. But lots of people will be dead before that, lots I am telling you.

I liked it. No more banished land for me now, but he does have a new series out. I am intrigued

The Demon-King of the Otherworld is finally free. And armed with mighty new starstone weapons, Asroth prepares to lead his demonic war-host south. With the help of his dark bride Fritha, he plans to crush the warrior-angels and their allies.

In the shadows of Forn Forest, Riv and the surviving Ben-Elim hold a war council. After the catastrophic events at Drassil, they are desperate to unite those who would stand against Asroth and his army. So they fly west, to join the Order of the Bright Star. But Drem and the Order are besieged by a demon horde – and their fragile defence may soon shatter.

Across the Banished Lands armies are heading south, to settle ancient grudges and decide the fate of humanity. Drem, Riv and the Bright Star’s warriors will need every ounce of their courage if they are to join the final battle. But will their combined forces be enough to face down their greatest foe?

Tuesday, 22 February 2022

TMST

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

2/22/2022 Has a book by your favourite author ever disappointed you badly?

Don't they all in the end? Ok not all, but yes even if you love an author that doesn't mean everything they write will be 5 stars for 50 years. And that is ok, you love some, some are meh, some might be bad. That is life

3/1/2022 If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?

3/8/2022 Share a new-to-you series you love.

3/15/2022 Would you like to be paid to blog/write reviews

3/22/2022 How do you choose what to read next?

3/29/2022 Do you leave blog comments? Do you respond to comments left on your blog?

Monday, 21 February 2022

Carole's Monday. Love at last

Author: Michelle Helen Fritz & E.A. Shanniak

Title: Love At Last (Bramley Hall Regency Romance #1)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Paperback

Pages: 272

Published: February 14th 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Summary:

As the Parson’s daughter, Mariah Morten has spent much of her life inside the stone walls of Bramley Hall. Before tragedy struck, she had fond childhood memories made alongside her two brothers and the Earl’s son: Harrison Pembroke.

Years later, she has done her best to ignore the yearning of past memories and futile dreams of becoming the next countess. If only she could secure her own happiness and let her heart have it’s one true desire.

Harrison Pembroke is the seventh Earl of Bramley. He’s spent the last four years trying to reconcile his heart after being jilted so that he can focus his energy on those under his care. Except no matter how much he wishes to keep his walls up, the draw he feels toward a certain set of sparkling sapphire eyes can’t be ignored.

An invitation arrives, sweeping Mariah and Harrison into the midst of balls, soirees, family meddling, and one memorable night under the stars. Will outside forces keep them separated forever, or will their own wants persevere allowing them to find Love At Last?

Review:

Couldn't resist this one! Def up my alley and I love friend-to-lover romances.

We follow Mariah and Harrison. Mariah is the Parson's daughter and Harrison is the Earl of Bramley. They were childhood friends, but people grow up and life gets complicated especially since they are from different social classes. Harrison has spent the last four years trying to reconcile his heart after being jilted by another woman and Mariah just wants Harrison to be happy, but she wants happiness too. Things happen and they realize their friendship might be more. However, will outside forces keep them separated forever, or will they be able to finally have the love they so desperately want.

Awwww I simply adored both Mariah and Harrison. They were just so adorable and sweet. I really wanted them to realize they need each other. It took a minute, because of their social difference AND Harrison had his heart broken already so he is for sure scared.

This was just so sweet and charming! There are some outside and social issues that keep them apart, but there wasn't a crazy amount of drama which was nice. Sometimes a sweet romance is needed.

Oh! The side characters were fun too. I loved Mariah's parents and her siblings. They were adorable too!

This really did have a Jane Austen feel which I highly appreciate and love!

Now, my only issue was that there were some repetitive sentences and language here and there. Easy to look past though.

Overall, I really adored this novel. It was so delightful! I loved all of our characters and you can't help but "awwwww" at the end. Mariah and Harrison really deserved all the love. They had some struggles at finally getting past their social classes and their friendship....but it was worth it in the end. If you like Jane Austen, this def had that Jane Austen feel, so I recommend it for sure. I'll give this 4 stars. Some repetitive parts, but it was easy to look past and just enjoy the story. I can't wait for the next book!

Friday, 18 February 2022

Audio: Hunt the stars

Narrated by: Frankie Corzo

Series: Hunt the Stars, Book 1, Starlight’s Shadow, Book 1

Length: 12 hrs and 2 mins

Release date: 02-01-22

Publisher: HarperAudio

Sci.fi romance

To review

Sci fi romance, yes that is always fun. Here two enemies must find common ground to solve a case. And it sure is not easy. There was an intergalactic war between humans and the Varlovs. Tavia is still a wanted woman there.

Tavia fought in the war, got famous after a battle, quit and now she travels space with her crew. Solving a crime here and there.

Torran was a famous general, and he comes to her for help cos she always finds her mark.

But they are enemies, and they fancy the pants of each other!

Dark things are brewing....

Romance, danger and fights. I was always wondering cos they are still enemies, but then again, she had her issues, he had her issues, in the end I understod how they could overcome these things. And get it own

Sadly book 2 is about another couple. I know, heartbreaking. They were around in this book at the sidelines and get to shine now. I guess I have to be happy with that these two found each other and hopefully I will see some nice moments in the next one.

Fun times!

I actually think this was the first time listening to this narrator. But she was excellent and got the feel of different characters, and that they are from different planets too. I really got the feel for it

Octavia Zarola would do anything to keep her tiny, close-knit bounty hunting crew together—even if it means accepting a job from Torran Fletcher, a ruthless former general and her sworn enemy. When Torran offers her enough credits to not only keep her crew afloat but also hire someone to fix her ship, Tavi knows that she can’t refuse—no matter how much she’d like to.

With so much money on the line, Torran and his crew insist on joining the hunt. Tavi reluctantly agrees because while the handsome, stoic leader pushes all of her buttons—for both anger and desire—she’s endured worse, and the massive bonus payment he’s promised for a completed job is reason enough to shut up and deal.

But when they uncover a deeper plot that threatens the delicate peace between humans and Valoffs, Tavi suspects that Torran has been using her as the impetus for a new war. With the fate of her crew balanced on a knife’s edge, Tavi must decide where her loyalties lie—with the quiet Valoff who’s been lying to her, or with the human leaders who left her squad to die on the battlefield. And this time, she’s put her heart on the line.

Thursday, 17 February 2022

Audio: Crescendo

By: Allen Cheney, Julie Cantrell - contributor

Narrated by: Allen Cheney

Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins

Release date: 07-16-19

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Historical fiction

Own

I got it from audiosync. I did not mean to open it when I did, but I did and then I could not stop listening. Cheney did an amazing job narrating. I was pulled into the story at once.

It is about Fred who grows up with horrible parents. They are poor, he is abused, and then one thing he is good at, music, slowly fades from him cos he just can not care anymore. But it is also an uplifting story as he finds great friends, teachers who believe in him and a community that helps him.

He studies music, he falls in love and he must make a choice of what he wants most.

A good story and I had to know how it all played out for him. Great narrator as I said. He did well with this story

More than eighty years ago, a musical prodigy with a brilliant mind was born into a poor, uneducated, and abusive family in rural South Georgia. At three years of age, Fred Allen could play Mozart sonatas on the piano without missing a note. But in spite of his obvious talent, Fred’s parents discouraged him from expressing his creativity and intelligence, even going so far as locking him away from the old piano in their home. Forced to fend for himself through his adolescent years, Fred knew that if he was ever to make something of himself, he would need to find a way to rise above his broken background. With incredible effort, and a few miracles along the way, Fred managed to do just that, eventually earning acceptance into The Julliard School in New York City. While simultaneously attending Juilliard, Union Theological Seminary, and Columbia University, he also began directing a local church choir, where he caught the attention of the music industry.

During the musical revolution of the 1960s, Fred earned numerous Grammy nominations and built a growing reputation within the industry. But just as his new career was beginning to take off, Fred was faced with an impossible decision. His wife announced that she no longer wanted to raise their daughter in New York City and was heading home to the South. Fred had come so far from the pain and brokenness of his past, he couldn’t imagine giving up everything just to return to his childhood home.

Trying not to think about what could have been, Fred took a job as a high school music teacher in his hometown of Thomasville, Georgia, a community of only 30,000 people. Far from the executive suites of RCA and the allure of Broadway, Fred never could have imagined that his new role would not only transform his life but also change an entire community forever.

Wednesday, 16 February 2022

Audio: Poemsia

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

Length: 6 hrs and 26 mins

Release date: 12-03-19

Publisher: Listening Library

YA FIC

Own

I enjoyed this one (but yes there were issues I will discuss lateR.) Verity writes poetry, lives in a bookshop, and then things change. Her friend urges her to try to get heard, because they live in a world where poets are super famous it seems. And through instagram she gets noticed and she will be on her way to fame.

But before that there is friendship, a blossoming romance and a question of what she wants. And I did enjoy it.

Ok, so to the issue. The author seems to dislike goodreads and reviewers. She talks about a site called Readers and they are superevil there, and have secret groups where they talk about how to take down authors, and then one star everything. And most read books they hate to one star, like wtf? So Verity questions why read a book that you will hate? Well VERITY, how the f would I know that?! There are authors I have loved, and then yes book 2 has gotten a 1 cos how the f will I know?!

Also the evil person in the book is a reviewer on goodreads and she is famous for it *snorts*

Saskia is a great narrator! I also liked her accent. So yes she made it great

Verity Wolf dreams of being a poet—not that she’d ever admit it to anyone. Her best friend Jess thinks she’s definitely got what it takes, while her cat, Zorro is characteristically indifferent. As for the cute boy she’s just met, he’s about to discover her best kept secret.

When Verity stumbles on an old, mysterious book, Poemsia, she finds herself suddenly thrust into the dizzying world of social media stardom, where poets are the new rock stars and fame is sometimes just a click away.

Tuesday, 15 February 2022

TMST

2/15/2022 Valentine's Day Share your favorite romance moments: movie, book, story, etc.

Favorite romantic movie.

Austen! Humour! And Brits, yes, that is the thing

Book.

To be honest, I want to mention something, but then again when I think about it quickly then my favorite romantic book is romance itself. I LOVE historical romance, Contemporary romance, you name it.

But sure I can name someone; Nalini Singh, both pnr and modern. Omg her books. All the feels

But mostly, just romance itself :D

2/22/2022 Has a book by your favourite author ever disappointed you badly?

Monday, 14 February 2022

Carole's movie: Crazy rich Asians

Film Name: Crazy Rich Asians

Length: 2 HR

Released: 2018

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: HBO Max

SUMMARY:

This contemporary romantic comedy, based on a global bestseller, follows native New Yorker Rachel Chu to Singapore to meet her boyfriend's family

REVIEW:

Finallllly got myself to sit down and watch this movie. I've been wanting to watch it since I read the book.

The story follows Rachel who flies to Singapore with her boyfriend to meet his family. Little does she know she is about to walk into the hornet's nest. They are rich. Beyond rich. They are snobby and judgey.

Poor, poor Rachel. She is just a professor in love with a boy she thought was normal. He is normal...personality-wise. He likes the simple things. However, he comes from big and old money. Dumb boy for not giving her a head's up and preparing her properly. Literally dropped her among wolves. Sighs. I love Nick..he's a good egg....but uncool bro.

I loved that we did get to see Astrid's drama unfold with her husband. Love her. She has a heart of gold too and deserves the world.

From what I remember of the book, I felt like this did a good job in balancing the book and the director's vision. It was nice. No issues there.

They need to do the 2nd book now. You can't just LEAVE it like that. There is SO much more drama ahead for these lovebirds and the side characters!!!!! MOVIE TWO NOW!!!! Especially with how they ended this one!! EEEEEE.

Okay. I loved the cast. Some popular faces here and even a couple comedians. Loved Ken!! I didn't expect to see him. He was hilarious AS normal.

There is comedy sprinkled around here. I felt like it was a nice balance of comedy and drama. It felt like real life in a way. Sometimes there is humor in our pain....and sometimes just pain in our pain.

In the end, I really enjoyed this movie. It was much better than I thought it was going to be (I always get nervous with book-to-movie adaptations). The cast was great. The script was a perfect balance. You don't need to read the book to enjoy the movie. This is a goodie for Valentine's Day that is for sure. I'll give this 5 stars.

Friday, 11 February 2022

Friday Night Movie Captain Marvel

Carol Danvers becomes one of the universe's most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races.

Directors: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck

Writers: Anna Boden (screenplay by), Ryan Fleck (screenplay by) |

Stars: Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn

Well this was boring. Why was everyone raving about this one? Truly one of the more dreadful Avengers movies. Boring, boring, messy, nothing special about the character. What was even the point of her? Acting meh.

Best thing was the cat, the cat was awesome! And Samuel L Jackson and the cat together was pure gold.

Recommend? No way

Watch again? Ha no.

Watch more? Hopefully not!

Thursday, 10 February 2022

Audio: Bruised by Tanya Boteju

By: Tanya Boteju

Narrated by: Angel Pean

Length: 9 hrs and 19 mins

Release date: 02-08-22

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Contemporary LGBT Young Adult

Own

If I pick YA, I try to pick issue YA. And this girl has issues. She lost her parents in a car crash and she feels guilty. She escapes that guilt by causing bruises on herself. Then there is some deeprooted problem about how her dad always told her to be strong. But sometimes it is totally ok to be soft too.

She meets a rollerderby crowd, and yes with her issues she wants to join, because think of the bruises she could get.

Family drama/angst. Self-harm. It fits together very well on this arena.

There is also a chance for romance and Daya meets Shanti at the rollerderby. And perhaps a chance to heal.

I enjoyed it. I did have a rough start cos I feel asleep but I soon got back on track.

Good narrator. She did well with everyone, especially with the whole soft and strong thing

To Daya Wijesinghe, a bruise is a mixture of comfort and control. Since her parents died in an accident she survived, bruises have become a way to keep her pain on the surface of her skin so she doesn’t need to deal with the ache deep in her heart. So when chance and circumstances bring her to a roller derby bout, Daya is hooked. Yes, the rules are confusing and the sport seems to require the kind of teamwork and human interaction Daya generally avoids. But the opportunities to bruise are countless, and Daya realizes that if she’s going to keep her emotional pain at bay, she’ll need all the opportunities she can get.

The deeper Daya immerses herself into the world of roller derby, though, the more she realizes it’s not the simple physical pain-fest she was hoping for. Her rough-and-tumble teammates and their fans push her limits in ways she never imagined, bringing Daya to big truths about love, loss, strength, and healing.

Wednesday, 9 February 2022

Audio review: Loveboat reunion

By: Abigail Hing Wen

Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller

Length: 11 hrs and 33 mins

Release date: 01-25-22

Publisher: HarperAudio

YA romance fiction

To review

I am glad I managed to forget what happened in book 1, because reading my spoiler and trusting my intuition, I did not like Sophie in the previous book, and I seemed to have wanted Xavier with someone else. And that is why it is awesome starting from a new slate.

Sophie is new too. She has started college, she wants to work hard, she is trying to get into this awesome AI class. But she still loves clothes and everything like that. But hey, you can have both worlds Sophie! I liked this Sophie, she is trying.

Then there is Xavier. His family thinks he is an idiot just cos he is dyslectic. Shame on them. And he tries his best by avoiding everything.

There is a slow romance building. They start at friends, but they will be more again. But before that there will be a crazy reunion in Taipei, family drama and more.

I liked it, but yes I did like that I listened to this one a year after book 1. The characters are more new then.

Great narration, I always like her voice and she always does a great job. Great listening to

It’s a classic tale of girl-meets-boy, boy-meets-other-girl, heart-gets-broken, revenge-is-plotted, everything-blows-up. Spectacularly. At least they’re friends now. They’ve left the drama behind them back in Taipei—at their summer program, Loveboat—forever.

Now fall is here, and it’s time to focus on what really matters. Sophie is determined to be the best student Dartmouth’s ever had. Forget finding the right guy to make her dreams come true—Sophie is going to make her future happen for herself. Xavier, on the other hand, just wants to stay under his overbearing father’s radar, collect his trust fund when he turns eighteen, and concentrate on what makes him happy, for the first time ever.

But the world doesn’t seem to want Sophie and Xavier to succeed. Sophie’s college professor thinks her first major project is “too feminine.” Xavier’s father gives him an ultimatum: finish high school or be cut off from his inheritance.

Then Sophie and Xavier find themselves on a wild, nonstop Loveboat reunion, each trying to resist the chemistry that originally led to them to combust. As they grow closer, they hatch a plan to take control of their own futures. Step one? Break all the rules.

Tuesday, 8 February 2022

TMST

2/8/2022 What’s the chore you resent having to do the most?

First, I missed last week's tmst, I am so behind on everything. Been feeling tired after my booster. So first, last week, Alyssa Cole rocks. There, one done, lol.

This week, why do I always answer these minutes before going to bed. Always in a hurry. Chore....emptying the dish washer! Ugh, if it was finished and empty that would be heaven! Now u have to empty, and then fill, and I do not so they just leave there. I need a robot.

edit. I meant dishwasher, sigh, tired

2/15/2022 Valentine's Day Share your favorite romance moments: movie, book, story, etc.

2/22/2022 Has a book by your favourite author ever disappointed you badly?

Monday, 7 February 2022

Carole's Monday: Mrs. Shakespeare

Author: Robert Nye

Title: Mrs. Shakespeare

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: hardcover

Pages: 224

Published: 1993

Where I Got It: My shelf (Flint Library book sale)

Summary:

In a memoir written seven years following her famed husband's death, Anne Hathaway recalls her life with William Shakespeare, especially a remarkable week spent in London, in April 1594, in his lodgings over a fishmonger's shop.

Review:

This has been collecting dust on my shelf for about 3 years now. I bought this at the Flint Library book sale a while back. Finally dusted this off and gave it a chance.

This is a memoir of Anne Hathaway...the wife of the famous William Shakespeare. It has been 7 years since her husband has died and she has decided to sit down and recall her life with him.

The first thing you'll notice is that the formatting of this is really different. Which fun and different of course. It's written in verse-style. Anne wanted to honor her husband by writing her diary and reflections in this way. Different and not for everyone. I liked it because it seemed to fit and it was fun!

However...........I did have issues with the jumping around in the timeline. I would've liked her to tell their story from when they first met and so on. I would've loved to see their relationship develop and change and then she at the end they finally understand each other. This felt....hollow in a way.

I would've also loved to learn more about her and the kids from her POV. You see it a little bit here and there, but she focuses so much on him and his career. They are pretty much forgotten in good ol' Willy's shadow so it would've been nice for this to focus more on them. Yes, I get he was her hubby and a big part of her life, but it would've been nice to know her before she met him too and her life after him. That is what I was hoping for when I picked this up 3 years ago.

Overall, I did have fun with this. Some humor and it was nice learning a bit about Anne. I did have some big issues though. I'll give this 2 stars.

Reading Challenge(s)

- TBR Reading Challenge (#1)

Friday, 4 February 2022

Audio: Daughter of the Moon Godess

By: Sue Lynn Tan

Narrated by: Natalie Naudus

Series: Celestial Kingdom, Book 1

Release date: 01-11-22

Fantasy

To review

Publisher: HarperAudio

I always like mythology inspired fantasy. I read a lot of mythology as a kid, from all over the world, but that was a long time ago.

Xingyin is the daughter of the Moon Goddess. Imprisoned on the moon for all eternity, yes, that does suck. But then Xingyin has to flee, hide and find a new life for herself. She was resourceful and one helluva fighter when she learns. But then her father was a famous archer.

Immortals, demons, and the mortal round. Her adventures takes her everywhere as she fights monsters and well spoilers.

There is also a promise of romance, but this is her story and not a romance in the end. But I always like some romance and it will have some twists and turns.

I enjoyed it, and it had a nice ending to it. But it is a duology so there will be more, but for now all is peaceful, sort of.

Good narrator who incorporated different voices and made these immortals come to life

Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin’s magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind.

Alone, powerless, and afraid, she makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, a land of wonder and secrets. Disguising her identity, she seizes an opportunity to learn alongside the emperor's son, mastering archery and magic, even as passion flames between her and the prince.

To save her mother, Xingyin embarks on a perilous quest, confronting legendary creatures and vicious enemies across the earth and skies. But when treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, she must challenge the ruthless Celestial Emperor for her dream—striking a dangerous bargain in which she is torn between losing all she loves or plunging the realm into chaos.

Thursday, 3 February 2022

The Reluctant Queen by Sarah Beth Durst

Series: The Queens of Renthia (#2)

Format: 358 pages, Hardcover

Published: July 4, 2017 by Harper Voyager

Fantasy

Own

I finally finished another print book. I think I have to blame my phone, you scroll away and no time to read.

Gonna make it short, just happy to have read a book ;)

This is a horrible world to live in, spirits everywhere that wants you dead. And one woman trying to control a country so they do not all die.

And the queen is dying, and they need a new one fast.

Horrible world, so freaking scary to live in. It has to be said.

I liked Naelin who we meet in this one. She is older, she has kids, and she does not want to power that can make her a queen.

I liked it. I will def read the next one cos damn this poor country and now more bad things are happening.

Everything has a spirit: the willow tree with leaves that kiss the pond, the stream that feeds the river, the wind that exhales fresh snow . . .

And those spirits want to kill you.

It’s the first lesson that every Renthian learns.

Not long ago, Daleina used her strength and skill to survive those spirits and assume the royal throne. Since then, the new queen has kept the peace and protected the humans of her land. But now for all her power, she is hiding a terrible secret: she is dying. And if she leaves the world before a new heir is ready, the spirits that inhabit her beloved realm will run wild, destroying her cities and slaughtering her people.

Naelin is one such person, and she couldn’t be further removed from the Queen—and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Her world is her two children, her husband, and the remote village tucked deep in the forest that is her home, and that’s all she needs. But when Ven, the Queens champion, passes through the village, Naelin’s ambitious husband proudly tells him of his wife’s ability to control spirits—magic that Naelin fervently denies. She knows that if the truth of her abilities is known, it will bring only death and separation from those she loves.

But Ven has a single task: to find the best possible candidate to protect the people of Aratay. He did it once when he discovered Daleina, and he’s certain he’s done it again. Yet for all his appeals to duty, Naelin is a mother, and she knows her duty is to her children first and foremost. Only as the Queen’s power begins to wane and the spirits become emboldened—even as ominous rumors trickle down from the north—does she realize that the best way to keep her son and daughter safe is to risk everything.