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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!

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!

Red Hood: A Book Review

Book Reviews August 20, 2020 Leave a comment

(Copyrighted by Catherine Girard-Veilleux, 2020)

Kobo

By Elana K. Arnold

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fairy Tales & Folklore, Adaptations, Retellings

Pages: 368

ISBN: 9780062742353

ASIN: B07S9S2SDV

Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook (Kindle & Kobo), Audiobook, Audio CD

Publication date: February 25, 2020

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Type: Book, Novel

*I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to Balzer + Bray, Harper Collins Canada, and Edelweiss+!*

Introduction

As for an introduction, I wanted to start in a very mature and serious way: WHERE WAS THIS BOOK WHEN I WAS A TEENAGER?! IT’S EXACTLY WHAT I WISHED FOR ALL THIS TIME! I NEEDED IT!

Now that this main thought and raw emotions have been made clear, how about we explore further together the reasons why I feel this way towards this book?

Blurb

This story, told in second-person point of view, follows Bisou Martel. She lives with her grandmother, whom she calls Mémé, and dates a wonderful boyfriend, James. But on homecoming night, Bisou finds herself fighting a wolf… but instead of a wolf in sheep’s clothing, she finds a wolf in men’s clothing. She will learn truths about her heritage, her loved ones, and make strong friendships all while navigating her love life, her womanhood. All for the sake of living life on her own terms, and vanquishing wolves that hide in plain sight.

Oh, what courage you have.

All the better to end you with.

The Positive Sides

I've been yearning for such a book for so many years! WHERE WAS IT WHEN I WAS A TEENAGER?! So I would know I wasn't alone with such a dark imagination… Love, love it! I kept reading and reading and wanting to find out and pushing away my much-needed sleep. Do I regret it? Not a drop!

Thank you LOADS for this ARC. It's my new baby. YIS! Now, why is it my new baby?

First of all, it is MARVELLOUS. It's so rich in terms of vocabulary, darkness and raw emotions! I loved the ongoing theme of blood, pretty well done and ominous. The characters are also something I appreciated. Particularly the main character, Bisou—I really love the depth and intensity of her worries, fears, and thoughts, as well as the honesty and truth of her character. Plus, I love that she calls her grandmother “Mémé” instead of “Mami”. Just like mine. And her strong but kind and open-minded and loving description of Mémé reminds me so much of my own! I felt for this character right away. Sue me. Bisou’s female friends really made me smile and feel warm inside; all that camaraderie, all that friendship! Lastly, James, Bisou’s boyfriend, is so kind, gentle, and understanding. He’s precious!

As for the writing, can I say fabulous? The second-person POV is so refreshing and unique. It also draws you into the dark easier such as when she or you are assaulted in the woods. It is gripping and very well done. It made me realize I would love more novels like this. Moreover, the descriptions are enough, precise, and very poignant. You get to know everything you have to and it touches you. Love this style. It is not crowded, just beautifully done. The way you remember things is awesome, artistic, and gripping, too. The flashbacks are artfully brought about and done. As well as all the intense emotions we feel with Bisou and her situations. I feel them so deep in my heart. And dun dun dun… What an amazing surprise! We get the awesome Mémé’s POV, too. I was thrilled and read it in one go! Since this is a retelling of “Little Red Riding Hood”, should I say “I devoured it”?

I adore how dark and mature this book is. It even tackles womanly periods, assault, sex, and STDs. And I loved the raw fight where Bisou didn’t have time to look good and her dress fell off her. So rarely done and so very realistic. Something that struck me with great positivity is the girl’s periods. The deal of periods in YA always amazes me because it is unfortunately so rarely tackled. But it is a reality for girls, one new they must learn to navigate. This book made me feel content about this aspect of womanhood. Sexuality is present, too, and while sex makes me personally unease, I think it’s a good move to insert it in a YA book (with such respect, too!) Indeed, there’s even a full sex scene with proper words used and respect. Then, Bisou admits to her grandmother she had sex with her boyfriend, James, and Mémé informs Bisou about how she can decide for her own body. It’s awesome and great, an awesome model for young women and teenagers who wonder about sex and/or none ever told them about respect of their own body and so on. It was brilliantly tackled! I would recommend it to all teenagers (yes, boys, too) so they can get a better understanding of what having sex/making love means. Now, let’s talk about how the gore and dark issues, topics, and descriptions are perfect! Oh, and don’t forget this story is highly feminist <3!

Here’s my favourite quote (it hit me hard with truth): “It’s that we need men to stop becoming wolves.” (p. 243, hardcover)

The Negative Sides

Sorry, none. Next?

In Conclusion

Honestly? I loved it so much I purchased my own hardcover copy (see above picture) because I wanted it on my favourite collection shelf, and it’s never leaving this house. Ever.

This is the book I yearned and waited for when I was young (and even today). I needed to read something dark, feminist and thrilling for a young fantasy readership. Red Hood bumped up in my list of all-time favourites to the top with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Finally, Arnold wrote the book little me needed. That I still need. It will stay with me always, and I hope it can fulfill a young girl’s (or boy’s) desires, unfortunately considered weird and different. We’re not alone.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Miss Arnold! You reached out to a deep part of me and made me feel understood. I will never cease coming back to Red Hood.

For all these reasons, I give Red Hood a rating of 6 out of 5 stars. What? I can’t go above 5 stars? Just watch me! Okay, fine, but I still give it the highest rating possible, good? Perfect!

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit her Web site, you can also follow her on Twitter, her Amazon author page and Goodreads. You can also add Red Hood to your bookshelves on Goodreads and LibraryThing.

Praising the Paradox: A Book Review

Book Reviews May 29, 2020 Leave a comment

Genre: Poetry

Pages: 112

ISBN: 9781597096171

ASIN: B07V26DRJB

Format: Paperback, eBook (Kindle)

Publication date: July 9th, 2019

Publisher: Red Hen Press

Type: Poetry collection

I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to Red Hen Press and Edelweiss+!

Introduction:

Schumann’s cover caught my eye with its different dimensionality and pleasing aesthetic. The blurb tugged at my interests and emotions, so I decided to give Praising the Paradox a chance. Poetry, you know, is something I can’t live without.

And this book left a positive memory in me.

Let’s see how together, shall we?

The Blurb:

This full collection of fifty-six poems reflecting on the concept of self, loss, fragility, and the constructs we must create in order to face the transient nature of life was named a finalist in the National Poetry Series, The New Issues Poetry Prize, The Four Way Books Intro Prize, and others. It was also listed as a "remarkable work" in the Tupelo Press 2012 open submission period.

The Positive Sides:

Let’s start with the beautiful and elegant cover. In my opinion, the caged bird in a woman's head really fits the poems' themes such as the feeling of entrapment and freedom, as well as exploration. It suggests pain yet something more, something to reach for.

Her raw choices of words make for a delicious read. She uses essential ideas like breakfast and morning mixed with notions of ennui and flowers and jackets with confusion. Different, lovely, and captivating in its own right. I love, just love the manner in which the author transcends ordinary things and concepts with deeper meanings such as freedom, routine, solitude, boredom, feeling trapped… Moreover, the author tackles topics that are hard to hear about, to admit and to think about. I both congratulate and thank her for this initiative. It was fun, good, and refreshing to read about such truths that are rarely seen. I don't necessary mean horrible things like (rape, racism, and others), no, I mean like our own redundancy, our inability to have compassion or the energy to care at some point in our lives, and so on. These are rarely touched upon, but she did. In addition to these topics, her extensive culture and knowledge show on the pages. Interesting!

As for the writing itself, I LOVE her line breaks. They make you want to read more, it's a nice "pause" and it always feels like some renewal. The words are well-chosen and the imagery is good.

But what about the poems themselves?

Central Ave. is the one that made me feel. It had deeper meanings and a hard one at that. The choice of words was well done.

Ode to Time, Lance and December Rain is so different (she wishes things we usually don't, and that's beautiful in its own way). I love the format like a staircase, it's long but the verses are short. Her thoughts and emotions and personality are exposed in this one. As well as the story surrounding this poem. And that makes it a beauty.

I (In the Absence of You-Meaning Me) goes well beyond the surface both in words and meaning. It's a fun read and it makes you ponder about the self, yourself. Loved the different approach here!

As If really got me. It seems to speak about pretence and the lack of knowing oneself and others. We keep up the pretence, as if…

Momentary Mother is sweet and delightful and just. So. True. Most of us will protect a child or at least make sure they're all right.

For a Single Summer. Wow. Just wow. About our fears, insecurities and how we want to leave them behind or get rid of them, forget them "for a single summer". How they impact our lives at home.

Facing the Rain. Love it! About our courage, our resilience, how we face the bad things in our life, how we dare Life and The Reaper to send us more problems, but to give us a new chance also.

The Mass Migration of 60 Million Monarch Butterflies May Soon Be History. What guts the poet has! She writes about such a hard and conflicted topic: why care about global things if we can't even care about ours first? Won't we be history too at some point? Ourselves first, and then if we still have compassion and energy, we'll care about bigger things. We always need to deal with bigger things (like one's beloved person suffering from dementia, her father, my grandfather… and others).

I have to admit the last few poems are heavy with meaning and emotions. I love them!

Finally, the last verse of the last poem really fits the end of this poetry collection. It's honest, it FITS, and it's true to her style.

The Negative Sides:

Unfortunately, while the poems are enjoyable to read, you forget them soon after. Why? They didn't make me feel anything. They were beautiful, well-crafted, but my emotions weren't stirred (except for Central Ave.)

In Conclusion:

For all these reasons, and the lack of emotional connection, I give Praising the Paradox a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The first half wasn't really thrilling… But when it picks up, it's amazing!

I will definitely be on the lookout for more from Tina Schumann.

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit her Web site, you can also follow her on Facebook and her Goodreads author account. You can visit her publisher, Red Hen Press. You can also add Praising the Paradox to your bookshelves on Goodreads and LibraryThing.

*Please note that some links are affiliate links. This means I get a percentage off your purchase if you buy through my link, without any extra costs to you! Thank you very much.

Alchemy’s Air: A Review

Book Reviews April 8, 2019 Leave a comment

by Stacey Tucker

Alchemy’s Air: Book Two of the Equal Night Trilogy
by Stacey Tucker
Publisher: SparkPress

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Action & Adventure

Pages: 352
ISBN: 9781943006847
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook (Kindle & Kobo)
Publication date: May 14th, 2019
Publisher: SparkPress
Type: Novel (2nd in a trilogy)

*A special thanks to SparkPress for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion via Edelweiss+.*

The Blurb:

The ancient secrets of the Book of Sophia were entrusted to Skylar Southmartin. She needs to succeed at a deadly mission where she journeys to the Underworld of the Earth to restore a vital memory to the Akashic Library. This Now that she’s passed her trial by fire, Skylar Southmartin has been entrusted with the ancient secrets of the Book of Sophia. Ahead is her greatest mission to date: a journey to the Underworld to restore a vital memory to the Akashic Library that will bring her face to face with the darkness within. Many seek this library because they believe the future of human potential is at its core.

Will Skylar and her friends survive the darkness hidden in all of us and the risk of it destroying their very souls?

Introduction:

When I read Alchemy’s Air’s blurb on Edelweiss+, I simply had to give it a go even though I hadn’t read the first one, Ocean’s Fire. Fiction related to the spiritual, mythologies, and witches’ powers (or the likes!) interests me a great deal.

Thank you so much for this opportunity, SparkPress and Edelweiss+!

The Positive Sides:

First of all, the ideas themselves of the Book of Sophia, the realm of the spiritual, the Akashic library an the Underworld of Earth just held my attention quite forgive the pun religiously. I genuinely liked that a fiction book dares to dive deeper into the depths of the magic of the world and the spiritual as a main objective (from what I can assume). I’ve read other books like Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Heroes of Olympus series where they DO get to the Underworld and such other books, yet while greatly enjoyable, never gets past the surface of the topic. But Alchemy’s Air does it!

Moreover, the sheer details of the underworld and the spiritual realm (hinted at the very beginning) are immersing and glorious! The words paint a stunning picture of the concepts and objects such as a special Tree of Life which is scorched to us, but gorgeous and quite alive on the spiritual side. Love that we get to experience the sensation (almost!) of what it’s like to see such things!

As for the characters, they’re interesting. I like them and how they care about something else too such as veterinarian care and studies. It makes them lovelier to me. And that run from Milicent’s husband to President? That’s fun and different in a fantasy novel. I must admit I greatly enjoy those down-to-earth sides of the story. They’re awesome and much welcomed.

Furthermore, the stakes are high, pressing and essential to humankind. Also, I love the use of different concepts from all kinds of religions and beliefs. It’s a beautiful, carefully chosen melting pot.

The Negative Sides:

Sadly, there’s no way around this: The dialogue killed my enthusiasm quite early on. They’re not only forced, but they are 3-4 sentences long with each character. It’s not realistic. Plus, it TELLS us in dialogue what we figured out most of the time. It’s the main negative side and a dealbreaker for me. I couldn’t believe in the story (even though the rest is great!) and kept rolling my eyes every time a character spoke. I swear, I was enjoying myself in the narrative… until a line of dialogue popped up.

Speaking of narrative, it takes a good while before things get heated. While I truly loved the passages where we glimpse at the other world (the spiritual world), the story took too long before starting up. But maybe you like things to go slow in books. If so, then go for it!

In Conclusion:

Rating this one was tough. On the one hand, I LOVE the ideas in the book, the amazing details about the supernatural world, and got involved in the story. On the other, my involvement stopped as soon as any character spoke. So, torn between two polar opposites (I’m loving this versus oh no here’s the unrealistic dialogue again), I’m giving Alchemy’s Air by Stacey Tucker a rating of 3.5 out of 5.

Let me be clear: If, like me, the summary interests it, read the book! I’m sure some of you will enjoy it because it IS enjoyable, hence the rating. But, to me, the false dialogue rang too loudly. But do I recommend this book? Absolutely! The idea is still kick-ass and I swear the details and concepts about the spiritual world are the best I’ve read yet!

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit her Web site, you can also follow her on Instagram, her Pinterest account, and Goodreads . You can visit her publisher, SparkPress, https://gosparkpress.com/. You can also add Alchemy’s Air to your bookshelves on Goodreads.

Alchemy ‘ s Air: A Review

Book Reviews April 8, 2019 Leave a comment

by Stacey Tucker

Alchemy's Air: Book Two of the Equal Night Trilogy
by Stacey Tucker
Publisher: SparkPress

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Action & Adventure

Pages: 352
ISBN: 9781943006847
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook (Kindle & Kobo)
Publication date: May 14th, 2019
Publisher: SparkPress
Type: Novel (2nd in a trilogy)

A special thanks to SparkPress for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion via Edelweiss+.

The Blurb:

Will Skylar and her friends survive the darkness hidden in all of us and the risk of it destroying their very souls?

Introduction:

Thank you so much for this opportunity, SparkPress and Edelweiss+!

The Positive Sides:

The Negative Sides:

In Conclusion:

Lady Mechanika: La dama de la muerte: A Review

Book Reviews November 1, 2017 Leave a comment

35541317

Genre: Comics, Steampunk and Fantasy

Pages: 88

ISBN: 9780996603065

*I received an ARC of this book through Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review*

Lady Mechanika arrives into Santa Catrina, a small village, during the Día de los Muertos festival after suffering a loss. The Jinetes, horseback-riders from the world of the dead, come to the village to collect their offerings. Lady Mechanika then decides to act to save the villagers.

By Joe Benitez

What struck me first was how gorgeous all the artworks are! In fact, they are jaw-dropping with the flamboyant colours and numerous details in their clothes, build, bodies, and objects. I really enjoyed how all the acts’ titles (even the main title) are in Spanish—now that speaks of culture and experience! Because, if you don’t know, the Día de los Muertos is celebrated in Mexico, where the people speak Spanish. Did I say acts? Yes, I did. Instead of chapters, acts divide the whole book, just like a play, a movie, or most stories for that matter (depending on the technique used, there can be from 3 to 6 or 7 of them in a novel).

Moreover, the characters’ clothes and makeup are sensational. Wow! They even serve the story which is doubly amazing. The panels are dynamic (sometimes we even get a glimpse from Lady Mechanika’s point of view under her big hat). Fun times, I’m telling you! Last note about the graphic aspect of Lady Mechanika is how the panels’ borders are made of pipes and gears which really make for a steampunk feel to it! The background has got scratches like used paper, which feels old too… A subtle but great touch!

Now, what about the story? The beginning is intriguing and jumps right into the subject. It doesn’t wait around. Instead, it sets the tone for the rest of the story and is creepy enough while being stunning. It also sets up the setting and the events quite early on and this comic does it quite nicely. You’d have to be blind to miss the information! The story itself is exciting and starts drastically, mixing folk tales with the Lady Mechanika’s invented story. The use of children as important characters in the story impressed me—it is rare but exquisite and fun when it happens! As for the other characters, they are all different and lovely in their own ways. But most noticeable, they all have their own agendas, stories, thoughts, and everything else that makes them unique. It is enjoyable to see them all mix and react to each other!

It’s hard to feel for Lady Mechanika, the main character, at the beginning, but the more I read the more lovable she became. After all, she’s courageous, a trait I respect. Moreover, we get to see a bit of her backstory, which helps us understand more about where she comes from and why she’s so different. Mostly for people who don’t read Lady Mechanika (like me) and thus don’t know her well over several comics.

On top of that, I found it to be culturally respectful of Mexico and El Día de los Muertos. The author and artist really made La dama de la muerte a pleasure to dive into. I felt like I was there, sucked into these magnificent pages and trying to do good alongside Lady Mechanika. It was insightful, that’s for sure. The emotions are well-portrayed. We can identify them without any problem. The action is thrilling and nice in terms of visual. I’m not one who likes fight scenes much in comics, but I can say those are entertaining.

The story is intriguing and sometimes misleading (a real treat!) as the plot unfolds. I admit it emotionally destroyed me (I cried, yes), but it was SO good! The ending… Awww, what can I say about the ending? I loved it! It’s such a surprise even I couldn’t see coming (and I usually detect all the major twists in a story).

There is only one negative point and I think it’s somewhat big. Let’s say the villagers’ reaction to the tragedy befalling them is… strange to say the least. I didn’t find it realistic, but it was cute and soothing—if not comforting.

I give this comic a rating of 5 out of 5 despite the negative point because I had such a wonderful time reading it. Seriously, it is well-done and impressive. I have fond memories of this book and I am certain I’ll keep them for a long, long time… Why? Because I will buy and read Lady Mechanika’s other comics! I am a fan now.

If you want to learn more about Joe Benitez, creator and artist of this gorgeous comic as well as the series Lady Mechanika, do head over to his Web site.