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Genre: Fantasy, YA, Time Travel, Romance
Number of pages: 416
ISBN: 9780063024748

ASIN: 0063024748

Format: Hardcover, eBook (Kindle, Kobo, Nook), Audiobook (Audible, Kobo, B&N)
Publication date: August 19, 2025
Publisher: HarperTeen
Type: Novel, Series

Series: Trilogy

Previous books: Once a Villain (#1), Never a Hero (#2)

Thank you to HarperCollins and Edelweiss+ for giving me an e-ARC of Once a Villain by Vanessa Len. I receive no compensation whatsoever, and I write this review willingly.

This adventure all started when I read the first book of the Monsters trilogy: Only a Monster. I must say, it had the best world-building and time travel and angst I had seen in a long while. I became hooked. So much so I’d pre-ordered the second one, Never a Hero, with ALL the goodies (this included a gorgeous bookmark and a few postcards of a few scenes in the book), which I still cherish. Of course, I HAD to pre-order the last one, Once a Villain. But, little did I know that my enthusiastic request for an ARC on Edelweiss+ would be kindly granted by HarperCollins.

Here I am, reviewing the last volume of a trilogy that means so much to me, thanks to HarperCollins giving me the e-ARC of Once a Villain. I can’t thank them enough!

Once a Villain was the book I was most anticipating this whole year!!

Spoiler? It did NOT disappoint. At all. It succeeded my expectations (and trust me, they were high due to my love for this series expertly crafted by Vanessa Len).

How about jumping through book traveling with me to learn about all the ways this book (and trilogy) is really worth your time?

Here we go!

(I swear, you’ll wonder how you didn’t pick it up sooner!)

Blurb

The finale in the contemporary fantasy Only a Monster trilogy from Vanessa Len—which New York Times bestselling authors Holly Black, Chloe Gong, and Stephanie Garber called “delightful," "captivating,” and “unputdownable”—will take Joan into the darkest timeline in the monster world, as she fights to restore the world she remembers.

Joan has failed to stop Eleanor.

Now, Eleanor rules ruthlessly over a new London in which monsters live openly among humans, preying on them and subjugating them.

Only Joan, Aaron and Nick remember that there was once a better timeline. And now, wrenched between love and rivalry, they must negotiate their fractured pasts as they fight to survive the new world and fix the broken timeline.

But how will they defeat a whole world of monsters with power over time itself?

The sweeping love and high stakes of Divine Rivals meets the intricate worldbuilding and propulsive thrills of This Savage Song in this high-octane, cross-genre finale to the Only a Monster trilogy—where a breathless race against time is the only chance for Joan, Aaron, and Nick to restore the world they love.

The Positive Points

For starters, I really love that all this series is about a mismatched team pulled together due to circumstances. Plus, they all become friends, some warier than others, but the banter is fun and their friendship shows despite their intentions. They clearly care about one another and their team’s survival, although a few of them won’t admit this. It’s cute and much like a found family. It pleases me greatly and reminds me of the lovely Six of Crows gang by Leigh Bardugo (a high compliment on my part). Also, it’s worth noting how each character brings their own skills and thoughts, ideas, and opinions to the gang. Like, they’re ALL useful and interesting in so many different ways. They’re not just… filling up the space, which is usually the case in most stories.

Plus, Tom and Jamie?! DAWWWWW, they’re so freakin’ cute, I love and ship them so much. They remind me of Malec in Shadowhunters by Cassandra Clare, and there’s no gay couple I love more than Malec, so it’s a compliment right here. But wow, the heartache poor Jamie goes through (I love this character so much, he’s sweet, intelligent, caring, and poised)… and what about their marriage?! Ugh, anyways, I loved going on a roller-coaster ride with Tom and Jamie, they’re so sweet and loving.

On a another romantic note, the intensity of Nick and Joan’s love is something I love and crave, while the softness, kindness and loyalty of Aaron’s love is so beautiful I could cry.

I have to agree with Joan on a point: Nick is an excellent hero. (But so is Aaron; I always believed he was and could.) I hurt when something happened to Nick… because I might side with Aaron on their love triangle, I still really love Nick’s character. And Nick’s love, devotion, passion and intensity for Joan is unmistakable.

The fact the new horrible timeline and all the other timelines function as characters and worlds of their own. It’s amazing, impressive, and so immersive. It makes me giddy.

Also, this story took a dark turn and kept turning. It’s very good though, but yewwwww, it was nauseating at some point, yep, poor them.

Ah why not kill me again?! THAT’s when Aaron gets his chance?! Aaron is so achingly good and pained and sensible in this desperate situation. Why now, why why why?! Aaron deserves better. But now Aaron’s pain hurts me, so just kill me again yeah?! And wow, finally, for fuck’s sake she admits she’s got feelings for him. I’ve been waiting for three books. She’s not quick on that when it’s not Nick, is she? I know she tried to never think about difficult feelings, pushing it all down, but wow… Aaron really does get the shit end of her thoughts and feelings, right? Also, is she a player?! Because minutes ago she swore her life to Nick and kissed him, and then something really bad happens and she seeks solace with Aaron. And then, ONLY then, does she realize she loves him too and wants him right after that?! She sounds like a cheat to me or just a fucking player. I hated her for most of the book because of this. She does seem to play with Aaron… and I hate it. Gurl, give him to me! I’ll treat him well, like he deserves.

However, Aaron is the first to get a go at something important for her? Sounds about right. That’s redeemable for her. And iiiiiih, I bit my nail and squealed. Yes! Maybe my ship will sail! I spent most of the book being angry at Joan though, while hoping she wouldn’t just go back to Nick like “yeah, it was nice Aaron, but Nick’s back now, so ok bye?” It would have broken Aaron. And NO ONE hurts my baby!

I could ship Nick and Aaron in this new dark timeline, and I kept thinking that (and developing fanfic ideas of them together) while reading a specific chapter. I mean, they were close somehow, and Joan died as an infant there. And also the first word of the cipher is one of their names? Please, babe, we all know you’re in love. And OMG, my SURPRISE. I almost cried with tears of joy and iiiiiih cute feels. It’s beautiful and heart-wrenching. Heeeeeeeeeeeelp! This is glorious! My feels. I ship it. I can smell the fanfics!!! I already have two ideas for fanfics with that Nick and that Aaron, so, yep, I’m ready! All of this is pure gold, thank you very much, Miss Len!

A fun thing is I love that somehow, the dead Nick and Aaron in this dark timeline will help save our beloved gang via what’s left of them. Their messages, plan, etc. It’s awesome, like two timelines helping each other out. It’s brilliant. Plus, I love how neatly the author ties the first volume and timeline to this dark one in ways we hadn’t thought of and which seem so subtle or useless until they matter a lot. Like a certain accessory… What is fun about this series is that the information from the other books is well interwoven into the story. It’s not overwhelming, nor delivered through info dumps. And it’s so lovely to see how actions or details from past events and characters really come through and back in ingenious ways and uses in each sequel, and mostly the last one. There’s an impressive progression for the characters (all of them) as well as the events and possibilities.

Honestly, it’s really fun and satisfying to see Joan get more and more comfortable and at ease with her Grave power. A lovely arc progression. The need to feel the emotions to better control one’s power reminds me so much of a writer who needs to feel in order to write. It’s a crucial part. Power in the monster world and art are so similar. And feeling one’s emotions is at their center.

I love that there was some kind of arc with the Curia Monstrorum (the Monster Court) where we learned of them in the first book, got a glimpse of them. Then, the second volume was more involved with them, but still we couldn’t really see them. And in Once a Villain, THEN we see them. It felt satisfying, like a natural progression and curiosity of “when will we really get to see them and all their powers?” The title, Once a villain, is very fitting to a certain someone. Poor her, though. I understand her suffering and her deep love for her family and how she wanted to bring them back and protect them at all costs. I believe she is the child from the myths of the end of all times who tears into the void looking for their parents, dooming all of the timelines and people… She worked so hard to save her family that she is destroying the timeline, everything.

As for the villain herself, Eleanor is so powerful and so brilliant. She’s a genius strategist; a scary and intimidating villain. One who makes you believe Joan’s gang won’t win against her… It’s perfect. She’s an excellent villain. One of the best I’ve seen. Motivated by love, family, and ego, yet exceedingly cruel and ruthless and brilliant. Plus, I love Eleanor’s plan with Nick’s unpredictability. It adds even more substance to the timelines, and an element of surprise, like and that anything can happen at any moment with and around him.

It’s great that we get to see the Graves’ house. When we first saw it in this new, dark timeline, I hoooooped we’d get to go inside, or at least meet other Graves. Plus, I’m so glad Gran was in this volume too. She’s always been so awesome and kickass. I love her so much. I feared we wouldn’t see her again, but oh yes, we do, thank you! Annnnnd there’s a sweet Grave surprise, which is quite touching. Speaking of which, the “windows” part (you’ll see) just got me going awwwwwww so many times, my mom looked up at me quizzically from her phone. This scene is so touching and sweet. And omg, we do learn why Joan has always had the worst fadeouts ever out of the whole gang. So many explanations now, it feels rewarding as a reader. There are so many surprises, I love it!

A detail I’m so happy about is that this series has parents and grandparents and cousins… Like they matter, like they’re active parts of the story. So beautiful and so rare. Somehow, it’s always teenagers and, at rare moments or in rare series like Shadowhunters, it’s the parents too. But grandparents and other relatives? Fucking rare and I love to see it here. It’s utterly lacking in YA. Just like in movies and TV shows…

And awwwww yes, Aaron is me and I am Aaron. We’re always everyone’s second choice; I’ve been proved it, too. So, I feel him, deeply. His doubts, his jealousy, his low self-esteem of how much he matters to Joan… It’s so sad, yet relatable. And yet again Aaron is me and I am Aaron. I, too, believe I am a piece of shit. Sad truth. I felt for him so much throughout the whole series, but this book almost killed me with feels and emotions for him. I almost couldn’t stand it.

Honestly, the romantic development of this trio is really interesting. I won’t spoil it for you because it’s so worth it, and it satisfies me. It’s unusual, but great to see. And there’s no tearing apart between the two of them… I sided with my favorite (Aaron) all along, but you know what? I’m glad of this ending, of this resolution of their love triangle. I was ready to be mad, hurt, or whatever… (I honestly didn’t believe she would choose Aaron, because he DOES seem like a second choice to her, always beneath Nick…, but in a way, a big one, I was pleasantly surprised!) In the previous books, I had wondered sometimes whether this could happen, and I am so glad the author took that road for her main trio. I support! This endgame is the best Miss Len could ever have written for these beloved characters.

The paaaaaaain near the end, though. I screamed in silence with a hand over my mouth and tears in my eyes (I read the ending in bed at night). I knew he could save the whole world, but no please, no, not him! Not there in the void. No no no, there won’t be another version of him ever. Awwwwwwww, it’s making me nauseous, my feelings. No, why my favorite? Why why why? + Honestly, the emotional pain of what happens to my favorite is so paaaaainful, it’s similar to what I feel in real life when this happens to people I love. This fucking hurts. On a later side note (let’s call it this), the fucking RELIEF I felt. My heart just swelled and I squeezed my eyes shut, tears rolled down my cheeks, and I grimaced a smile. Thank you! The timeline reacted exactly as I thought it would, which is super duper appreciated on my part. And it was rather cute.

Speaking of the timeline itself, Joan did the right thing at the end with it. I hoped she would do exactly that. The good heart of my baby Joan didn’t fail—it never does, and I love her for it. 🙂

Also, the fact that Joan’s power awakened in its worst and most powerful iteration when a specific tragedy happened towards the end makes me really happy. She reacted most violently and heartbreakingly with him than in all the previous times where she used her powers involuntarily whenever she lost someone dear to her. Yes, I took a side, and that makes me pretty happy to see her react this way for him.

Look, this was the culmination of a FANTASTIC story. I devoured all of it. I had so many emotions and feelings (I still do, and always will). I loved the Monsters series SO MUCH so that it now stands beside my favorite series, which is Shadowhunters by Cassandra Clare (all of them). I mean it in a metaphorical way—no series could ever surpass Shadowhunters to me, I never even thought one would sit beside it in my heart, but here we are with the Monsters series by Vanessa Len. I talked to my people SO MUCH about it, and cared and loved and hoped and… felt deeply personal with these characters. I love that world. I love them. So, yeah, that’s how much that trilogy is amazing. Now, I’ve got two series I adore and which mean so much to me: Shadowhunters by Cassandra Clare and Monsters by Vanessa Len. This is NOT an easy feat. I’m very, veeeeeery picky with favorites. But Monsters just blew my mind, awed me, grabbed my heart, wrenched it, put it back, made it melt, and more. So, it’s won its spot fairly.

On top of that, this Monsters series is SO thrilling and emotionally loaded, and it has so much potential to explore other stories from both the monsters and humans’ point of views, along with historical events in that world, that I would take AT LEAST 15 books of this world! I NEVER say this about any series, except for Shadowhunters (and I’ve been lucky with that one, because Cassandra Clare DID explore a lot of stories within her Shadowhunter world); yet, this series by Vanessa Len deserves the same opportunity. I WANT to know what happened before, what happens next, what happens to that side character or another I haven’t met yet… Please, give me 15 more books of Monsters! Usually, I find most series end where they should, that there isn’t much potential for other stories within that world… But Monsters? Please, YES! I NEED MORE!

Speaking of ending, I love the very end of Once a Villain; it’s like it echoes the “true timeline” (the very first, the OG timeline), and it’s beautiful. Almost poetic.

Lastly, this book (and series) was filled with lovely and crucial themes: Hope, love, family, friends, fairness, sacrifices, grief, survival, despair, evil vs good isn’t black and white, courage, and coming into oneself. What more can you ask for?

The Negative Points

Surprisingly, there are negative points, but they are very few and do not impact my rating.

First, I noticed a big inconsistency: At some point, Jamie was out walking the dog, Frankie, but then he’s back without any notice or mention of his return, and he’s suddenly close to Joan and talking like he never left; he’s way too aware of the conversation going on for someone who was out a minute ago. We didn’t even know he’d been back.

Second, and this one is rather funny, it’s something that the author does in all three books… but in this one, she really went all in with “she released the breath she didn’t know she was holding”, with a variation for Nick at some point. I counted at least three occurrences throughout the book. I mean, it’s not bad, it’s just a tiny bit annoying and so tropey.

I thought it was still worth mentioning, although like I said, they don’t impact the rating.

In Conclusion

Overall, Once a Villain by Vanessa Len mesmerized me (the whole trilogy in fact!), and caught me so tight by my feels. For all the emotions, the awe, the thrills, the amazing world-building, the angst, and the perfect resolution, I give this fantastic book a rating of 5 stars out of 5. I would give it much more, but, well, I can’t go higher. So, a perfect rating it is for a much beloved adventure!

On a side note, I highly recommend reading the series from the beginning (you can start with Only a Monster, then go to Never a Hero, and finally Once a Villain). Otherwise, it could be confusing—very confusing. However, if you’re not too much into series, keep in mind it’s only three books, and it’s sooooo amazing, I urge you to read it!

If you want to learn more about the author, Vanessa Len, you can head over to her website. She also has an Instagram account. You can also follow her Author Page on Goodreads. Don't forget to add Once a Villain–and the whole trilogy while you're at it!–to your cart, your bookshelves, or your wishlist!

What I’ve Read in January (Reading Wrap-Up)

Hello, lovelies!

I figured it would be fun to share my January readings with you, and perhaps you'd find some inspiration for your own reading! A few days ago, in the end of January, I posted my Reading Wrap-Up on Instagram. However, surprise! I finished one more book on the very last day of the month. So, I adjusted the number here in this article, which is 6 books read in the month of January.

Ready to learn more about the books I've read?

Keep scrolling, dear!

(They're not in order of completion.)

Fairest of All (Villains, #1) – (In French: Miroir, Miroir)

I checked out Miroir, Miroir (the French version) from my local library. I was skeptical about liking this book since I don't like Snow White, although I loooove Disney in general. And unfortunately, I ended up giving the book a rating of 3.5 stars, which was "ok". I wouldn't read it again, and I couldn't wait to get farther in the Villains series to reach Ursula and other villains I prefer (like Gaston and Hades, too!)

Fun thing: the books get way better after this one, you'll see why I know that later on in this article!

The Bear and the Nightingale (The Winternight Trilogy, #1)

This book was a book club pick from the first book club I ever joined! 🙂 Not only did I have a blast reading The Bear and the Nightingale, I also had a lot of fun chatting with others in the club! I gave this intriguing, slow-paced story with strongly defined characters in a magical Russian wintry setting a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5.

You can read my review on Goodreads and Fable.

Now, I can't wait to read the other two sequels!!

The Godfather Lover's Guide to Sicily – ARC

I've had the pleasure to receive an e-ARC of this book from Pen and Sword Books and NetGalley! I've finished reading it in January, and you'll get to know all about it in my review on March 30th! For now, I can tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed it; it was like having a tour guide being friendly to me while taking me on a Sicilian and Godfather tour. I learned so many details relating to the movies, as well as information on Sicily, its towns and people and culture.

I might not be a big Godfather movies lover, but I sure am one of this book!

Stay tuned for a review on March 30th!

Teach the Torches to Burn – Draw Challenge

This book has been on my bookshelves for about a year now. A Romeo and Juliet gay retelling? I'm all for it!

So, I randomly picked Teach the Torches to Burn as the first book to read in my Draw Challenge!

I can't tell you much about it now, because I'll soon post the review, BUT it sure defied my expectations (both in good and bad ways) and it gave me my fill of gay romance as well as friendship. It was not what I expected, and I found it slow at the start, but then I began to enjoy it until I would gladly pick it back up to resume my reading. Needless to say, this book surprised me, and for a forbidden historical gay romance, it's really good!

Stay tuned for my review of Teach the Torches to Burn soon in February!

The Conjurer's Wife – ARC

This was the first short story I've read from Amazon Publishing, and it didn't disappoint! Sarah Penner wrote an intriguing plot with a strong main character, Olivia, that I still think about. The plot twist is mind-blowing in my opinion, and I'd definitely take a whole book on Olivia. Also, if you want an Italian historical setting, look no further, because this story takes place in Venice in the 19th century.

I gave this book a grand rating of 5 stars out of 5 in my review.

Honestly, I recommend it to mysterious fantasy lovers as well as fans of historical fiction.

The Beast Within (Villains, #2) – (In French: L'Histoire de la Bête)

Beast Within, The-Villains, Book 2 : Valentino, Serena: Amazon.ca: Books

And surprise! That's how I know the Villains series gets better after the first book. I'd checked it out from my library in French, too. I've finished The Beast Within on January 31st, and I didn't stop reading it for a whole week. I was simply pulled back in every time I wanted to read. It was crazy! Not only is this book very entertaining, it also gives us behind-the-scenes to the Beast's past and experience as a Beast. I loved the cameos, and his friendship with Gaston is so lovely AND tragic; it explains a few scenes in the movie, too. However, I do think the ending is too cheesy and well rushed… Still, this book is worth a 4.5 stars out of 5, easy.

P.S.: I'm now reading Poor Unfortunate Soul with Ursula, yay! And let me tell you, it's quite amusing and informative about her.

In Conclusion

Tah dah! That makes my reading wrap-up hit 6 books in January! I think that's pretty awesome, since I usually read up to… two or three books. Of course, I have still been recovering from my open-heart surgery, and I was not working yet. So, that sure helps!

I hope these books have inspired you to try a few of them, or guide you into the direction of your next read, loves!

Is there one that caught your eye? Why? Do leave a comment!

See you next post, darlings!

The Draw Challenge: Choosing My Montlhy TBR Blindly

chit-chatting with Cat, Draw Challenge, What I'm Reading January 2, 2025 Leave a comment

Hello, lovelies!

Every month, I have so many books to read: ARCs, books for book clubs, books from my bookshelves, and so on. But oftentimes, my OWN bookshelves are put aside for the other readings. So, I decided to do a monthly draw challenge where I pick a book blindly for six months from my curated TBR list. This makes things a bit more fun, and ensures I read at least one of my own books per month, too.

I was inspired to do this by a certain book vlogger I just love to watch (she's my favorite, hiya!), Sarah Hafidh (a.k.a SarahsCozyCorner). I figured it would be the solution to my problem of not reading enough of the books I own, while being amusing, too!

So, I picked six books for January to June 2025 to choose from blindly:

Teach the Torches to Burn by Caleb Roehrig

The Modern Faerie Tales by Holly Black

La casa de los espíritus by Isabel Allende (Why not read also in Spanish when I can, huh?! So, to spice up this reading challenge, I decided to read in another language as well. As a polyglot, this is very helpful in keeping what I learned!)

The Witches of St. Petersburg by Imogen Edwards-Jones

Roseblood by A. G. Howard

Flowerheart by Catherine Bakewell

Then, I took out some brown paper to wrap them in, scissors, tape, and a Sharpie to number them. I would have preferred an ecological solution, but I didn't haven enough cloths lying around at home. So, I am trying with this method first, and another time if I repeat this endeavour, I will use cloth.

I wrapped them up, then numbered them. I made sure that when two-three were done to mix them up on my table so I couldn't know which was which, and I didn't number them in order at all–only after I'd mixed them up. Otherwise, what's the point of choosing my next read blindly if I know which one it is in advance?

And tah dah, all done! Isn't it just beautiful?! Now, there's no book I can identify–besides the mega one, I know which one it is (it's The Modern Faerie Tales by Holly Black), but STILL! The rest is still a surprise, and it's fun just to pick the books blindly through an app.

Now, only one last step for January 2025: picking the actual book!

I chose an app called LuckyDraw, so that I could input six numbers and it won't pick the same number twice (great feature! It makes this draw challenge easier.) I turned the wheel, got the number 3, annnnnnddd…

January 2025 Read: Teach the Torches to Burn by Caleb Roehrig!!! YAY!!!!

I've been longing to read this book since I ordered it a few months back, and I couldn't be happier for the number 3 to have been picked! You can watch my happy unwrapping reel.

You can now expect a review of Teach the Torches to Burn towards mid-February, and a new pick at the beginning of February, and so on for the Draw Challenge! Fun, right?

Here's the blurb of this Romeo & Juliet LGBTQ+ retelling:

In Teach the Torches to Burn, a breathlessly romantic remix of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet and seventh book in the Remixed Classics series, a queer teen boy discovers first love amid a bloody, centuries-old feud.

Verona, Italy. Seventeen-year-old aspiring artist Romeo dreams of a quiet life with someone who loves him just as he is. But as the heir to the Montague family, he is expected to give up his womanly artistic pursuits and uphold the family honor–particularly in their centuries-old blood feud with a rival family, the Capulets. Worse still, he is also expected to marry a well-bred girl approved by his parents and produce heirs. But the more Romeo is forced to mingle with eligible maidens, the harder it is to keep his deepest secret: He only feels attracted to other boys.

In an attempt to forget his troubles for just one night, Romeo joins his cousin in sneaking into a Capulet party. During a fateful encounter in the garden, he meets the kindest, most beautiful boy he's ever encountered, and is shocked to learn he's Valentine, the younger brother of one of his closest friends. He is even more shocked to discover that Valentine is just as enamored with Romeo as Romeo is with him.

So begins a tender romance that the boys must hide from their families and friends, each of them longing for a world where they could be together without fear. And as the conflict between the Montagues and Capulets escalates out of control, Romeo and Valentine find themselves in danger of losing each other forever–if not by society's scorn, then by the edge of a blade.

Vilest Things (Flesh and False Gods #2) by Chloe Gong: A Book Review

Book Reviews December 28, 2024 Leave a comment

Chloe Gong's Website

Simon & Schuster's Author Page

Goodreads (Add it to your bookshelves!)

LibraryThing

StoryGraph

Fable

Genre: Fantasy, Sci-fi, Romance, Adult, Retelling
Number of pages: 372
ISBN: 9781668055014

ASIN:1668055015

Series: Flesh and False Gods (#2)

Format: Paperback, Hardcover, eBook (Kobo, Kindle, Nook), Audiobook (Audible, Kobo, B&N, CD)
Publication date: September 10, 2024
Publisher: Saga Press
Type: Book, Novel, Series, Sequel

*A HUGE thanks to Simon and Schuster Canada and Saga Press for a physical galley of this book! I get no compensation whatsoever, and I write this book review willingly.*

Fun fact: When I requested Vilest Things by Chloe Gong, all I knew was the blurb (which grabbed my interest right away!) and that it was a retelling of Antony and Cleopatra by Shakespeare. Honestly, I had not read the first book, Immortal Longings, but the description of Vilest Things captivated me so much I asked for it and I am fortunate enough to have been granted a physical galley of it! So, of course, I rushed and purchased a copy of Immortal Longings to know what happened prior to the second book. I was NOT disappointed, as it shows in my bookstagram review.

But what about Vilest Things?

Well, I was pleasantly surprised, and while it was different than the first book, it was nonetheless a great read!

Want to find out how so?

Just keep on reading, loves!

The Positive Points

The characterization in this book is excellent! Calla is not becoming a better person per se, but there is some character development to her. She is softer with orphans now and kids (who clearly remind her of when she used to be one), and she has a bit more trouble maneuvering the twin cities from a high standpoint since she reintegrated the royalty. It’s also interesting to note she admits to be at ease with some people while she would never admit this in the first book. She’s still not likeable person, yet she is as interesting as before, if not more as we discover more of her personality and past.

The angst is angstin’ so much in Vilest Things (even more so than in Immortal Longings, the first book)! There is such pressure on Calla and Anton, and between them, wow! The tension, ish! It’s chef’s kiss, so deliciously painful.

There is the truth. There is her pulsating heart, pulled bloody from her chest and harvested for the threads of deceit she wove into it herself. – Calla Tuoleimi (p. 57, Vilest Things)

The angst between Calla and Anton is strong in this story. And I love how it’s mostly Calla’s fault for it all, and that she admits it, at least to herself; this drives the story in Vilest Things, in my opinion.

Calla Tuoleimi has ruined him, so he’ll have to ruin everything in return. – Anton Makusa (Chapter 17, p. 177, Vilest Things)

As for Anton Makusa, this quote explains very well how heart-broken he feels, how vengeful, and how he altered his behaviour due to strong conflicting feelings. He loves her, and that’s part of the problem. So, he wants to take vengeance on Calla by ruining everything… except her, it seems. Because he’s a lovesick fool, and it’s so adorable AND angsty.

The main antagonist is a certain surprise someone from the ending of the first book: Otta Avia. Yes, that one… At least, to me, she seems like the villain throughout most of the book (of course, it doesn’t help that we’re mostly on Calla and Anton’s side as readers). When I learned something important about her though at the end of the book, my perspective wavered: she is the enemy, but for an excellent reason. She’s shrewd, and pulling the strings of everyone (yes, even Calla, and mostly Anton) like a master puppeteer. Otta is a little bitch, and she’s a pest, meddling in things she shouldn’t (or so we think) just for a grand plan of hers we don’t know anything about. Also, she loves to make trouble for Anton and Calla, and kind of puts herself between them sometimes, as well as against them. She’s also dangerous and well-versed in qi feats previously unknown to us as readers and to the other characters. In addition to that, or because of all these reasons most likely, she’s a very interesting character. I love to hate her, you see. It is clear Otta Avia’s got several aces up her sleeve… and so far, they’ve all blown my mind! Just who is she? 😉

On another note, I love that despite Anton having taken August’s place in his body, the author still uses Anton’s name in the descriptions. I’ve read books where the author uses the disguise’s name instead and it’s a bit silly because we KNOW who the character really is, and can sometimes be confusing. So, kudos!

Also, I’ve never read Antony & Cleopatra by Shakespeare (one of his rare works I haven’t read yet!), so I can’t talk much about the retelling aspect of the story. However, I am a big admirer of Cleopatra and what she did to save and help her kingdom. Thus, I noticed something: I love how the author cleverly weaved in Cleopatra’s story into the country of Talin in Vilest Things! It is both fascinating and entertaining, as well as it brings even more depth and intrigue to the story at hand. I can’t tell you how, it would be a spoiler. But remember this while reading the book: it’s about a great queen who was about to lose the war, and knew she had to do something about it.

This sequel really delves deeper into the question of identity. Who is Calla Tuoleimi? What happened to the real Calla, the child who was invaded by the Calla we know? Who is Anton Makusa, the guy who always jumps, never in his own body? Who does that make you when you jump and are not in your birth body anymore? What about it? The question is threaded throughout the book, and is strung tight with intensity, right up until the end for one of the biggest reveals I have EVER read (similar to the shock I had with Maven Calore in the Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard)!

Moreover, Vilest Things doesn’t read like an ARC. What I mean is that I focus on details and take notes for ARCs to write up my reviews, but with this book I read it like any other excellent book on my bookshelves! I picked it up and read through, it’s so intriguing and engrossing, a lot of times pleasantly forgetting to focus and take notes. So it did writing up this review a bit more difficult, haha, but the reading experience was fluid and so thrilling! It might have been slow in the beginning, but once things get in motion, omg, it’s exciting and pleasantly confusing the more you read because you learn things and connect the dots and it’s astonishing what is happening! Plus, some events occur that I was surprised by since it seems unbreakable rules in the first book. I won’t say which implicit rules, but it’s to do with the characters and their own limits. There were SO MANY surprises in Vilest Things! A captivating read that left me breathless, just like Immortal Longings! Now, when’s the third book coming out?!

The Negative Points

The story is slow compared to Immortal Longings. It takes a long while to truly become exciting and intriguing. It does, but it’s not the big fighting mess of the first book with threats and stakes around every corner. It’s more subtle, and more political. I like it, don’t get me wrong, but since I was expecting it to still be as thrilling with the fighting mess, I was surprised, so it needs to be mentioned. The intensity just shifted—it turned into severe angst between Anton and Calla, the return of Otta Avia, and Anton being the new King under the guise of August. So, like I said, it’s more subtle, yet it grows more intriguing and exciting as you read through the book.

A point that really bothered me is how Galipei, who clearly loves August romantically (I am sure, don’t tell me otherwise!), takes sooooo long to realise that August is in fact… Anton now, because Anton jumped into August. I understand there was no flash of light or anything they stand by as rules for jumping, but when you love someone, you notice how different and weird they sound as another, it seems to me… Yes, he does know something IS off with his August, but… it’s not enough. He doesn’t seem to be really taking action about it or truly trying to seek him out in private (I know he did try, but it’s only mentioned, we don’t see it). This annoyed me because Galipei is not an idiot, and he obviously loves August, so this should be obvious something is wrong with his love… But he acts just a bit different with August, more worried and more distant, as we see in his own chapters. However, he does plan things behind August’s back, which is interesting—but it never mentions that he knows it’s not August, it’s always as though he thinks something is off but nothing more. At last, a great thing is that Galipei now has his own chapters, yay!

In Conclusion

Overall, I give this gripping and exciting read with a bit of a slow start a solid rating of 4.5 stars out of 5! Vilest Things is an excellent sequel to Immortal Longings, and I can’t wait to read the third book! Please please please, will it be out soon?!

If you want to learn more about the author, Chloe Gong, you can visit her website, follow her on her Instagram account, her Goodreads Author Page, her Tumblr account as well as her Pinterest (you can view her boards for her books! <3). You can even listen to her series' playlists on her Spotify! Don't forget to add Vilest Things to your wishlist, your cart, or your bookshelves!

Gentlest of Wild Things by Sarah Underwood: A Book Review

Book Reviews December 22, 2024 Leave a comment

Sarah Underwood's Website

HarperCollins' Author Page

Goodreads (Add it to your bookshelves!)

StoryGraph

Fable

Genre: Historical fiction, Fantasy, LGBTQ+, Romance, Retelling
Number of pages: 400
ISBN: 978-0063234529

ASIN:B0CRQG9R8F

Format: Hardcover, eBook (Kobo, Kindle, Nook), Audiobook (Audible, Kobo, B&N)
Publication date: October 01, 2024
Publisher: HarperCollins
Type: Book, Novel, Standalone

Trigger Warnings: Emotional and physical abuse by a parent.

*A HUGE thanks to HarperCollins Canada and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book! I get no compensation whatsoever, and I write this review willingly.*

As soon as I saw the cover and the blurb for Gentlest of Wild Things, a sapphic Ancient Greece story, I yearned to read it! I’m so delighted HarperCollins Canada offered me an e-ARC of this book, iiiiiiiihhhhhh!!! It was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024, and I am proud to bring you this review! 😀

Do you want to know why I’m so thrilled about Gentlest of Wild Things?

Read on, loves!

Blurb

On the island of Zakynthos, nothing is more powerful than Desire―love itself, bottled and sold to the highest bidder by Leandros, a power-hungry descendent of the god Eros.

Eirene and her beloved twin sister, Phoebe, have always managed to escape Desire’s thrall. Until Leandros’ wife dies mysteriously and he sets his sights on Phoebe. Determined to keep her sister safe, Eirene strikes a bargain with Leandros: if she can complete the four elaborate tasks he sets her, he will find another bride. But it soon becomes clear that the tasks are part of something bigger; something related to Desire and Lamia, the strange, neglected daughter Leandros keeps locked away.

Lamia knows her father hides her for her own protection, though as she and Eirene grow closer, she finds herself longing for the outside world. But the price of freedom is high, and with something deadly―something hungry―stalking the night, that price must be paid in blood . . .

The Positive Points

What a thrilling beginning chapter! I wasn’t expecting that chase. The prologue is confusing, but in a thrilling “I need to know MORE” kind of way. Honestly, the more I kept reading, the faster I read it and I couldn’t stop thinking about this story. I was so enraptured by this book! Another great thing was how the gods were mentioned in expressions such as “Damn her principles to Hades and back”, and other times Eirene thinks about the gods and how she works and none has ever helped. Like, they’re here and alive, but she only believes in them and doesn’t know they’re real. Like it’s a hint to us, readers. About what’s to come and how the story is more supernatural than we think at first.

As for the characters themselves, I must say that both Eirene and Lamia are loveable in their own ways. Their first meeting was explosively dramatic, emotional, and fun as a ready. I wasn’t expecting that to go this awry! It was different from the usual “I like you already” or “love at first meeting” that is prevalent in so many stories it’s become bland. Eirene is so cute and protective, I love her! She is the strong determined sister to protect her sister Phoebe, weaker in health and in a bad situation. On a side note, I love how each girl has a passion. For Eirene, it’s plants and herbs. For Phoebe, it’s weaving. And for Lamia, it’s drawing. It’s more realistic and it’s nice to see they have something, a hobby, to hold onto, something they love. Lamia is such a cutie! Poor her though, she is so ignorant of the world and abused for the villain’s own riches. She was brainwashed into thinking what her father was doing was good… I love her, she is so kind-hearted and caring, and, poor her, innocent, too! What Lamia has as a special gift, I thought it was just so beautiful and poetic, and well handled throughout the story, with an evolution tied to the character’s arc. Wow! Her character arc is where she becomes more assured and grounded in reality. It was beautiful to see! And the fact that Lamia tried so much to save and help Eirene even if it meant she might run away… Awwwwwww, my FEELS! Plus, there is some closure I wasn’t expecting for one aspect of Lamia’s life later on which echoes the very first chapter. What a great thing to weave into the story!

As for the villain, wow, he’s very dangerous just like I thought before we actually met him. Even with Lamia, his own daughter! He emanates shrewdness, danger, and violence. He is so cruel and abusive, both with Lamia and Eirene, mostly with words, and threats, and mean tricks and lies, but also with physical violence and manipulation. I’m sure he’s a beast—at least, to me.

Speaking of Eirene and Lamia, the sapphic romance is sweet and easy to follow. I love how Eirene is rebellious with boys and wishes not to marry, while Lamia is all compliments and admiration for Eirene. Great ways to show them being sapphic before getting to know each other and falling in love. It’s innate even though they don’t know what it is or means. Their little attraction and romance is so cute. It’s soft and sweet by moments, throughout the big problematic mess they’re in. It’s also really sweet how their affection grows naturally and you can notice it through thoughts, awkward touches, and words like “Our Lamia” when Eirene is proud, and more. For example, it is romantic and soft and sensual per moments with them discovering they desire each other. Like how being close to the other feels, and wishing she would just lean over and kiss her… I also let let out a gasp when I learned that Eirene’s goal is in direct conflict with Lamia herself and her affection and love for her. Ouch! You’ll see! The longing was real, I was so waiting for them to get together, iiiiiiihhhhhh! It was very satisfying! This is a story of love (in many shapes), and also of a void of loneliness being filled by someone you come to love.

Fun fact: I didn’t know wrapping a bandage could be so sensual and romantic, but wow, it is, and it’s beautiful.

Awwww, I love when FMCs cut their own hair. I did it twice too for the unease I felt with my long hair and I was at a time where I couldn’t pay for a haircut, so I tried to cut my hair and felt thrilled and wild. And it wasn’t so bad. I love when the FMC feels the same and tries the same thing. It’s also an act of rebellion and to seek wellness in one’s body.

Oh, and I love how Eirene discovers the source of Desire. I have been waiting for their two storylines to merge like this for the intrigue to have its answer. The “how” took me by surprise because I wasn’t waiting for it anymore. Fun!

Gentlest of Wild Things is a clever retelling in ancient times of Psyche and Eros, but make it sapphic. It’s lovely and magical. It’s also a strong “do it yourself” story, which I always love.

Every one of Eirene’s task was fun and exciting, but the last one was the most thrilling and exciting, and full of magic and mythology. What a retelling, and what turn it took! I noticed, like I mentioned earlier, that Lamia underwent the most changes in her arc. Eireine’s is more subtle, yet still there.

This story respects mythology, like the path to Hades not being for mortal eyes, and more. Also, same respect with the time period, like with men acting out the plays.

Lastly, this is a doubtlessly a story of women who stand up to men who abused them in more ways than one. It’s powerful. As for the conclusion itself, it was veeeery satisfying and had me feeling all warm and fuzzy and giddy, rocking my legs and smiling.

The Negative Points

Hm, let’s skip this, shall we? None was to be found, whatsoever. The writing, the character development, the intrigue, everything was great!

In Conclusion

All in all, Gentlest of Wild Things was excellent to the end! It is a feminist, and cutely romantic sapphic tale! And the villain gets what he deserves… Mythology was well mixed with magic and romance as well, it was so nice! I give Gentlest of Wild Things a rating of 5 amphoras out of 5, because it was such a great read and sweet from the beginning to the end with strong emotions, thrills, and a soft romance. I loved all of it! Honestly, I would take a dozen more books like this one!!

If you would like to learn more about the author, Sarah Underwood, you can visit her website, follow her on her Instagram account, and on her Goodreads Author page. Don't forget to add Gentlest of Wild Things to your wishlist, your cart, or your bookshelves!

Sky of Ashes, Land of Dreams by Erin Jamieson: A Book Review

Book Reviews June 17, 2024 Leave a comment

(Bookstagram by catherinegv on Instagram, a.k.a me!)

Type Eighteen Books (Publisher)

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Genre: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Adult Fiction

Pages: 270

ISBN: 9798987830925

ASIN: B0CH4HWZVM

Format: Paperback, ebook (Kindle, Kobo, Nook)

Publication date: November 1^st, 2023

Publisher: Type Eighteen Books

Type: Book, Novel

Huge thanks to Edelweiss+ and Type Eighteen Books a digital ARC of this book. I offer this review willingly and without any compensation whatsoever.

Introduction

I remember browsing the Edelweiss+ menu and stumbling across this gorgeous and intriguing cover. I love foreign cultures, so this called out to me immediately! Also, as I read the blurb, and it spoke of people living in Mongolia and the Gobi Desert, I just had to request it. Finally, a reading trip somewhere I hadn't explored before! With a culture and people new to me. Surely, this would be a magnificent read. And was it?

In fact, not only was it, but it greatly exceeded my expectations!

Want to know why? Read on, loves!

The Blurb

The enthralling story of three unforgettable young adults living on the cusp of great change in early 20th-century Mongolia. A captivating, beautiful saga from debut novelist Erin Jamieson about having dreams, finding love, and learning to survive in a harsh, ever-changing place.

In the winter of 1917, Bolormaa is introduced to the man she is to marry on her eighteenth birthday, over mutton stew and steaming buuz. She has spent her entire life in the Gobi Desert, living a nomadic life with her family, always moving with their animals in search of grazing lands. Reading about other places in a tent school, she dreamed of another sort of life. But now, her education is finished, and her future seems to be laid out before her like the colorful rugs in the family’s ger.

Ganbaatar grew up under the vast, blue-gray, Mongolian sky, the protective arm of his mother, and the withering gaze of his father. He has been a good son and a steady hand, working on the land with the herds, often feeling that he was meant for something different—if only he had the courage to reach for it.

When Aisin’s parents die, she leaves her siblings and everything she knows in China to live with her uncle in Mongolia. She’s unprepared for the level of prejudice she’ll face because of her heritage, but her bravery and stubbornness form a shield she readily dons. An accomplished horse rider and rare beauty, she works alongside her uncle and forges a path as a single woman during a challenging era.

A sweeping novel of historical fiction, Sky of Ashes, Land of Dreams follows these characters through the tumultuous decades following the October Revolution and outbreak of the Russian Civil War, and the Chinese occupation of Mongolia and rise of the Mongolian People’s Party, under whose leadership their nomadic way of life undergoes significant changes. Bound together in a unique love triangle that will span their lives, Bolormaa, Ganbaatar, and Aisin face these changes with courage and sometimes, with fear, and their journey of self-discovery and self-determination amidst the challenges and brutalities of life is an extraordinary tale of hope, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit.

The Positive Points

Oh, what an intriguing beginning! It mentions the visitors are rare, and in such an even farther away location there is a visitor in the Gobi Desert, her suitor, which is curious but makes him serious about a potential proposal. The author uses good action and visual verbs, such as “a sharp wind curls into the ger”. It’s full of imagery and cuts to the chase.

I love how Bolormaa thinks she is plain, and is aptly described as such in appearance. It’s different from most heroines who are either stunning, pretty, or said to be plain, but their description says otherwise. Plus, I love her adornments and Mongolian clothes. The fact that the author uses Mongolian words like ger and airag and a few others make it even lovelier, more accessible and immersive. We don’t read about Mongolia often enough, so yes please! The mentions of traditions and descriptions such as the first haircut which indicates a boy becoming a man delight me!

Aawwwwwwwww, Ganbaatar’s description of how he wants to love his wife is sooooo romantic! If only he’d kept to his word fully…

One aspect I love is that we have several POVs throughout the book. We got to know Bolormaa and Ganbaatar well, and three chapters from Aisin’s POV (I wish we’d had more because she is interesting), and in the last pages, Gerel’s POV, their daughter, and Quatan’s POV, their son. It shows the evolution of the characters and the passage of time. I am very fond of this writing choice!

Moreover, this is such a precious book! We don’t have enough Mongolian YA fiction, or Mongolian fiction at all. We need more, and this one is an immersive and impressive stepping stone!!!!

Also, I love that it’s so realistic it hurts; there are no elements of “fairy tale” found in books where it’s bad and then gets so much better… nope, it’s like life can be sometimes: it goes from bad to worse, and sometimes in-between it gets awfully bad. And there are status quos as well and a few joys. It’s the book most similar to life I have ever read, and it’s beautiful in its broken, humane way. Up until the very end.

Bolormaa grabs Gerel’s hand, swallows hard, and then does the only brave thing in her life—something brave and cowardly at the same time.

She and her daughter run, leaving Aisin behind in the ger where the heat is building from the encroaching flames.

(p. 165, Sky of Ashes, Land of Dreams)

I have never read such a more realist story. It is wonderful, as it is sometimes painful to read. But that’s exactly part of its charm and why I love it so much.

Another fascinating point is that it really follows History what with the Soviet Union’s invasion, and the racism between Mongolians and Chinese. It is well done and, while unfortunate and sad, it is realistic and true. We also get to see the Mongolian independence as well, but the subtleties about the slowness of real changes are interesting.

The ending and where they are now in life and relationships has kind of been foretold in previous chapters what with Bolormaa’s dream, but it has not taken a necessarily positive turn… like so often in life, it can be disappointing. Or at the very least, not like we first imagined it to be.

One of my favourite things is that I learned from this book a few Mongolian traditions, and elements of their culture and history. It was a delight and helped me develop an interest in Mongolian language and culture. Here are a few videos I watched to get to know them better:

About the Mongolian Language

WIKITONGUES: Khulan speaking Mongolian

Mongolian language: Saying Hello (Easy & Practical Ways)

Also, there is always some kind of conflict, whether it’s personal, interpersonal, or environmental! It’s never boring, even though it recounts ordinary life for Mongolians in the Gobi Desert and Ulaanbaatar. Sometimes, events we witness or experience can shape us in different ways; sometimes it traumatizes us and other times it gives us a purpose. I love that this book explores this topic in depth and with a gentle but firm and true hand.

I found a certain scene to be quite memorable and well-written: When Bolormaa and Ganbaatar, young, are sharing their dreams in the evening outside her ger under the starry sky. It was beautiful, candid, and hopeful

Lastly, this book is a treasure what with going to the metaphorical end of this family, which is in some way a new beginning too. It encompasses everything from the parents’ marriage to one of them crossing the threshold. It’s beautiful, poignant and true. It resounds in one's feelings and emotions, and I cannot stress enough how the reading of Sky of Ashes, Land of Dreams is worth it on an emotional and cultural level!

The Negative Points

There aren’t negative points, unless you’re afraid of feels or dislike them during your reading. If so, this book is not for you.

There is a point I’d like to tackle, though: there is a situation of adultery, and it made me uncomfortable. So, if you consider adultery as a trigger warning, be aware there is no depiction of it, only subtle mentions.

In Conclusion

I will repeat it again: Sky of Ashes, Land of Dreams by Erin Jamieson is a real gem, and a story we need more of the likes! For this reason, and the sheer joy and feels I had while reading this book, which I kept telling my surrounding about ALL THE TIME, I give it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars! If I could give it 6 out of 5 stars, I would do it, but hey, we’ll stick with 5 being the best rating ever!

If you want to learn more about Erin Jamieson, you can visit Type Eighteen Books' authors page. If you want to read more from Erin Jamieson, you can visit her Goodreads page. Don't forget to add Sky of Ashes, Land of Dreams to your Goodreads bookshelves!

How to Choose Your Next Read: Mood Reader Edition

Reader Edition June 13, 2024 Leave a comment

As a mood reader myself, these are methods and techniques I experimented and found success with. I recommend using this article like a method bank because the same method won't always work. It hasn't for me because each "reading slump" brought by the end of the previous book is different and unique related to the story, characters, and the emotions and feelings it left me. So, I have to use either this one or that one at some time, and another time I have to try the other two again.

But the good news is that there's always one method that works—the trick is finding the right one at the right time for us, mood readers.

What I noticed is that this state of indecision and generalized bleariness towards each and every book seems to stem from boredom and routine.

So, let's explore my favourite methods to stave off that state and win over it!

Ready?

Okay, scroll!

Go with the Season

Okay, this one sounds like a given, but have you reeaaally tried it? I mean, not only with the holidays it includes, but the season and moods themselves. If so, a bit of reviewing the pros of this technique will help! If not, get ready to find a few new ideas.

Your Favorite Genre

Here's my favorite one: choose a book of your favorite genre which either fits the mood, the ambiance, or the holidays of that season.

For example, I was in October (Fall), and I loooove fantasy! I wanted something Halloween-like (holidays), yet familiar and cozy. So, I went with Long Live the Pumpkin Queen: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas by Shea Ernshaw (you can see my bookstagram and read my review here), knowing Nightmare Before Christmas is my favorite Halloween movie (it's a tradition!), it's not that scary, and it fit all the boxes for the season all while being in my favorite genre.

Something You Love

Now, I mentioned this tip with the previous paragraph, but it's: choose a topic you love (like a TV show, or a book series), and try to find a book that is either set during the season in question OR that has the ambiance and vibes. Some will do special season books, or one of them is set during winter and that's what you're looking for, for example.

For me, it was during the month of December, and as a big Doctor Who fan, I wanted to read something about that TV show, yet I wanted to feel Christmastime and winter.

I looked up Doctor Who books and I stumbled upon Doctor Who: The Twelve Doctors of Christmas, and it was an instant purchase!

It did checked my favorite topic and seasonal boxes. The stories are warm and wintery, and perfect for Doctor Who fans!

Venture Out of Your Comfort Zone

This one is an old trick, but it is tough for a reason: it works. Not always, but it helps shake the routine and boredom.

For this one, I have two different methods: trying an unfamiliar genre and looking for a different trope.

Try An Unfamiliar Genre

More often than not, we read what we love most and what we're familiar with. For example, I'm all about fantasy and romance, as well as documentaries. But, if I wanna shake up my world and try a different genre, I will choose a memoir, or a travel book written by someone who went to that country. See?

The first travel memoir—or memoir, for that matter—I ever read was Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes because it's about Italy. Enough said. No, but, truth is, I love the Italian culture and I speak Italian as a self-taught language since I was 14 years old. So, it was meaningful to me. And, thanks to this book, I found another genre to read sometimes: memoirs.

So, if you read mostly fiction, try a non-fiction by a researcher, or a writer you like, a memoir by a celebrity of some kind, something other than fiction.

If you read non-fiction instead, try a light novel, or a poetry book. Something that can grip you instead of always giving you information to feed on (which is awesome, I love that too, but you know, to shake things up a bit ;)).

Look for a Different Trope

A trope is a certain pattern that comes back so often it's common. For example, in Romance books I always go to enemies-to-lovers, but once in a while, if you're like me, try a friends-to-lovers, perhaps? Ok, not the same stakes, but that's what we're looking for here. These are both tropes, but since I'm quite the enemies-to-lovers gal, changing it up to friends-to-lovers will shake up my perspective and routine.

Another example is how I love morally grey characters (*cue April Jay's bookish song, Morally Grey*), then when I'm looking for a different trope, I'll try a goody-two-shoes.

I know, I know, these examples can seem rather daunting, but that's the point with getting out of your comfort zone!

Establish the Mood You Want with:

Put On A Playlist

Playlists are a great way to establish mood and ambiance, whether it's for reading, writing, cooking, and other any fun activities. Some prefer a classical playlist, others a moody one, and some others a lyrical playlist…

Here are a few suggestions, feel free to try them out to find the mood you're looking for:

Dark Academia Classical

Sometimes lyrics are too overwhelming and confusing as you read, but others will enjoy it. As for classical music, it's mostly great for thrillers and fantasy, I found from experience, or deep drama readings like the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo, or dark romance.

Did you know there are also playlists compiled by the authors themselves for specific books or series?

Why not try and find one (if it exists) for the book you're about to read?

For example, the If I Stay playlist by the author Gayle Forman.

The Splintered Series playlist by the author A. G. Howard (my favorite Alice in Wonderland retelling).

Oftentimes the authors will leave a link to their playlists on their website, or do a manual search in your music app.

Brew Your Favorite Beverage

An essential in my opinion is a beverage. But not any beverage; it must be your favorite, or at least held in the same esteem.

For example, I am a coffee gal, but mostly iced coffee. I'm all about iced coffee; from Tim Horton's, Starbucks, from my home Nespresso, and more. I need that iced coffee, and what better way to drink it than to pair it with a book for a perfect mood?

Exactly what I thought: there is no better way than that!

If you're not a coffee gal or lad, how about some tea? You can use a little tea infuser with tea herbs, or you can use a tea bag. Either way, as long as it's a taste you love to sip and smell.

And how about brewing your own coffee if you like that? This could get you into an enthusiastic mood with the smell and the movements, right before an interesting read!

Whichever drink you prefer, make sure to pair one of your favorites with a book. It never fails to delight!

Settle in a Pleasant Setting

Settings are as important in real life as in stories. For example, would the Shadow and Bone trilogy be the same without a Russian-inspired Ravka? Nope. How about Harry Potter without Hogwarts? Not the same feel at all.

Well, same goes for you!

Do you have a comfy chair? I call mine my "potato chair", because then I can become a potato on it and not move except for turning the pages and drinking my favorite iced coffee.

Perhaps it's a cozy or favorite room in your house or apartment? Go there!

If you prefer the calm and quiet of the library, or the cozy bustle of the coffee shop, why not spice things up by reading in these locations? I can lose myself for hours in a book in both the library and a coffee shop. Or if it's new to you, how about changing the pace of your reading and trying these places out?

In order for the reading to be more enticing and immersive, find yourself a pleasant spot.

Put On Comfy or Thematic Clothes

Clothes are often overlooked as a means to create mood. But sometimes, it can be the missing element!

If you want a cozy, calm and soothing reading experience, how about slipping on comfy clothes? Those baggy pants, or how about these leggings you bought last month? A big shirt or a tight tank top. Whatever your comfy is, make sure to aim for it. Clothes can put us in certain moods, and comfy is the one we're going for here for reading experience.

However, if you want to shake things up and be ready for the adventure at hand, let's say you're about to read a fantasy novel, how about putting on a Harry Potter shirt or scarf? If you have a shirt from Game of Thrones, it works, too! As long as it fits the topic/genre you're going to read, there's no trouble.

How about sexy underwear or cute pyjamas full of kisses or hearts for a romance book?

I mean, why not? It's all about the right mood!

Change the Routine–Make it Special!

Remember when I mentioned how it's all about routine? Yeah, exactly, so let's make it special! Because, routine is good for daily life, but it can become tiresome, even in reading for we go to our favorite genres, things we like, but it sometimes loses that sparkle. You know the one! That sparkle that gets us giddy before a read, like we're an enthused two year-old before a new toy.

That one, yeah!

How do we find it back? Here we go!

Enjoy yourself!

You know how routines can become… well, routinely. Boring. Tiresome. Same old, same old. This happens with our reading, too! When our "want" changes to "must" because we've been meaning to read that book for so long, or perhaps we have a bookstagram or review coming up… But thing is, "I must read" is no fun, it's routine–reading's become a chore. Yikes! The horror! We love reading mostly for escapism (except those unique ones who don't and I can't relate, but hey, welcome to the party!), so when it stops being escapism… No, that's too terrifying to consider.

So, the trick is to subtly change the "I must read my book" to "I WANT to read my book".

Start by changing the word in your thoughts and in conversations with people. That'll help. Then, try to view it as some me-time, to relax, to reappropriate your pleasure of reading.

Don't let it be tiresome–make it awesome!

These Are Not Just Words

No, I did not make a mistake. Books are NOT just words. The ever so practical will tell me : "Of course not, there is glue, paper, ink…." Yes, alright, but dear fellow, that's not what I mean, so sit down.

What I mean is books are much more than words. There are mental images, stories, knowledge… and the best of all: they give us friends! Come on, don't tell me you never loved a book character so much as to think of them outside of your reading time, and some of us go as far as purchasing items about them and writing fanfics, making fanvids, and more.

These friends we find in the pages of books are our friends and no one else's. Why? Because every one reads a bit differently, so every one has their own versions of said characters. And that makes it unique, because books contain more than words–they contain friends we yearn to discover and develop a friendship with in the first read, or reconnect with through a second or third reading.

The Ultimate .gif Database

And that, my dears, is beautiful.

Magic is what it is, I think.

Magic of the heart, and mind, and soul… Magic of the story!

So, keep that in mind to enthuse yourself about your read, ok? 😉

Friendship: Lessons from "Harry Potter"

Dance, Laugh–It's an Adventure!

Last but the funniest is please please please make it fun. Sometimes, to go back to my "tiresome routine" point, we can lose ourselves in the daily grind. But, reading is no simple feat (psychologically and emotionally). We immerse ourselves into these worlds or into that knowledge. At least, make it some kind of privileged time! A party, if that's what it takes.

For me, I do love to dance and laugh on music to psych me up before sitting down with a book. Perhaps you'd like to play a game to have a good mood before reading, or read jokes.

Geez, you're going on an adventure to discover and befriend people (fiction) or learn tons (non-fiction) on how the world or people work!

Don't make it something casual or too ordinary–reconnect with its fantastic nature! Put a movie in the background, or listen to classical music while reading.

Whatever you do, remember: reading is an adventure.

So act like it's one!

Round 3: Holiday Adventure - Monks - Nerd Fitness Rebellion

I hope you enjoyed this article and found it useful. Don't forget to try out these tricks any time you get stuck as a mood reader (which happens, let's be honest, every day!).

See you next post, lovelies!

How to Decorate Your Kindle eReader

Bookish DIY, chit-chatting with Cat April 16, 2024 Leave a comment

A few weeks ago, I stumbled across many Instagram reels and Youtube videos (such as this one by ItsRissa and that one from asmr rifa) about ladies who'd decorated their Kindles. How amazed I was! While I did like my pale pink flap case, I thought it lacked images and theme. And here was the solution!

So, how about we decorate your Kindle eReader together?

Materials

This project doesn't require many tools nor materials, but it does need for you to make a certain purchase (a transparent case).

Here's the stuff you'll need:

A transparent case for your kindle (I bought a purple-flapped with the back transparent by Moko because I want the front to be protected as well)
Images (from a fandom like mine from the Grishaverse by Leigh Bardugo, or thematic like nature, preferably something literature-related since it's for a Kindle eReader)
A sticker machine (like mine, which is a Xyron Create-A-Sticker Mini) or glue
Various cute stickers
Thin carton of your style
Pair of scissors

The Steps

First, I looked up images (pictures, illustrations, collages) I liked on Pinterest. Two of my stickers are made by Casthavian, No Mourners No Funerals and Na Rasrusha'ya E'ya Razrushost (which is a favorite of mine!) Then, I printed and cut them.

If you've got a sticker machine like I do, just pass them through the process right now. If you don't, we'll use glue a bit later.

I recommend trying out different compositions with the images on the carton before applying the glue or turning them into stickers.

Now, with our images printed and cut, we take the pair of scissors and the thin carton you chose to your liking.

Next, we do a superpositioned fitting of the cardboard into the case, then we cut according to said dimensions so it fits inside. As you can see, I cut the thin carton according to the size of the Kindle case (I left a bit of room so you could see what I did), approximately to the correct size. You can use a ruler if you want to be more precise than me.

Once that's done, that's where the glue comes in and you stick your images in a pattern that suits your taste. If you have the stickers made with the machine, you just use those.

Lastly, you add small stickers you like such as stars, plants, cats… And you insert the carton into the case, then put your Kindle on it. Et voilà!

Summary of the steps:

1- Look up images you like on Pinterest and other such sites

2- Print the images and cut them

3- Try out different compositions with the images over the transparent case

4- Superposition the carton to the Kindle case and cut according to its dimensions

5- Make the stickers with the Sticker machine

6- Stick your images

7- Use your cute stickers

8- Insert the thematic carton in the case, face towards the plastic case.

9- Put your Kindle on it

10- YAY! 😀 You've got yourself a decorated Kindle case to your liking!

The Result

Now, you should have a sweet (or fire!)-looking Kindle eReader! Mine is Grishaverse-themed with pairings, characters, quotes, and colours I like.

You can also see it in the background of my Crooked Kingdom (by Leigh Bardugo) bookstagram. I think it came out quite pretty and exactly like I wanted for a thematic case!

What's yours? What theme or book did you choose to display?

Tell me how it went. Did you have trouble decorating your Kindle or was it a breeze?

See you next post, lovelies!

How to Choose Your Next Read: Mood Reader Edition

chit-chatting with Cat, Reader Edition, Writing (Routine, Tips, and Discussions) March 1, 2024 Leave a comment

But the good news is that there's always one method that works—the trick is finding the right one at the right time for us, mood readers.

What I noticed is that this state of indecision and generalized bleariness towards each and every book seems to stem from boredom and routine.

So, let's explore my favourite methods to stave off that state and win over it!

Ready?

Okay, scroll!