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Book Review: The Poppy War

Author: R.F. Kuang
Genre: Fantasy
Page Count: 544
Date Started: August 29
Date Finished: September 10
Spoilers? No, no spoilers ahead.

A Brief Description

A brilliantly imaginative talent makes her exciting debut with this epic historical military fantasy, inspired by the bloody history of China’s twentieth century and filled with treachery and magic, in the tradition of Ken Liu’s Grace of Kings and N.K. Jemisin’s Inheritance Trilogy.

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

But surprises aren’t always good.

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

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

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

Goodreads || Amazon (US)

Chaos does not discriminate…
R.F. Kuang

My Review

This book was a ride. I was drawn in by the first 50 pages. This book is about Rin who gets in to Nikara’s most prestigious school, Sinegard. Here she trains to be a warrior, but it’s so much more than that. This book was dark, gritty and political aspects of a world at war. This also dealt with some hard hitting topics, such as addiction, the consequences of war and how relationships struggle to survive with both of these aspects in play.

Rin, and all the other characters in this book are incredibly, un-apologetically morally gray. Rin, a war orphan, was raised in a provincial town, adjusts to the culture of Sinegard, where the children or generals and war lords are accepted. She struggles with feeling inadequate and grows into her new life.

The ending was tragic and unexpected. I became incredibly attached to the characters (and there are A LOT of characters) I am very excited to pick up the next book in the series “The Dragon Republic.”

One thing I’m going to note is that this book is very heavy on the plot, politics and characters. In addition, this book does not shy away from gore (there’s a lot of gore). It also does not shy away from the hard hitting topics, such as abuse, addiction, war, violence etc. If you aren’t interested in reading a book that has a lot of these topics and themes throughout, I would skip this one.

Have you read this one? What did you think? If not, do you think you’ll be picking it up soon! Let me know in the comments. I hope everyone has a wonderful day, and as always, keep reading 🙂

~Cam

Book Review: Darkdawn

Author: Jay Kristoff
Genre: Adult Fantasy
Page Count: 478
Date Started: 9/3/2019
Date Finished: 9/8/2019
Spoilers? YES. Steer clear if you don’t want to be spoiled

A Brief Description

This is the third book in the Nevernight Chronicles series. There WILL be spoilers ahead. Tread with caution, gentlefriends.

A ruthless young assassin’s journey for revenge comes to a stunning end in the conclusion of this acclaimed epic fantasy trilogy.

The Republic of Itreya is in chaos. Mia Corvere has assassinated Cardinal Duomo and rumors of Consul Scaeva’s death ripple through the street of Godsgrave like wildfire. But buried beneath those same streets, deep in the ancient city’s bones, lies a secret that will change the Republic forever.

Mia and her brother Jonnen must journey through the depths of the ancient metropolis. Their quest will take them through the Godsgrave underdark, across the Sea of Swords, back to the library of the Quiet Mountain and the poisoned blades of Mia’s old mentors, and at last the fabled Crown of the Moon. There, Mia will at last discover the origins of the darkin, and learn the destiny that lies in store for her and her world. But with the three suns now in descent, and Truedark on the horizon, will she survive?

Goodreads || Amazon

What doesn’t kill me had better fucking run
Jay Kristoff
pg 97

My Review

Wow wow wow wow. What a conclusion! I loved this. First of all, the cover for this book is beautiful. When I opened the package I was surprised to find that I had received a signed first edition! Now, on to my review: I cried, I smiled and laughed, and cried some more. I knew that characters would die, but each death gutted me more than the last. I hadn’t realized how attached I had gotten to each and every single one of the characters in Mia’s circle. There was some major character development that both Mia and her brother Jonnen underwent. I love how their relationship blossomed from hatred, to tolerance, to love. While I hated Jonnens’ character at first, I grew to love him as time went on. I loved the relation that formed with Eclipse and I was devastated with Eclipse’s conclusion. I think it was the death I cried the most on after Ashlinn’s of course. There were many plot twists that had me on the edge of my seat and craving more. When I wasn’t reading this book, I was THINKING about reading this book. The pacing was pretty good, and it felt logical. Also, I was not expecting Mercurio to be the narrator! I was expecting someone like Mister Kindly, but imagine my surprise, when instead it’s Mercurio (who I still loved by the way). I loved the action and fight sequences in this as they felt high stakes and well orchestrated. The quotes that stood out to me in this book were about empowerment an coping with loss. I loved every second of this book. I cannot recommend this series enough, and I know for a fact that this series will be a treasured favorite and I will re-read it many times.

Blessings and curses fall on the wicked and the just alike. Fair is a fairy tale. Nothing’s claimed by those who don’t want it, and nothing’s kept by those who won’t fight for it. So let’s fight. Fuck the gods. Fuck it all. Let’s take the world by the throat and make it gives us what we want.
Jay Kristoff

One thing I will say about this is that the ending of the book…. will be very controversial to some. I liked the closure that we were given and the way that everything was wrapped up, but I realize that others may not feel this way. What did you think of Darkdawn? Did you like it? Love it? Hate it? Let’s discuss below! As always, have a wonderful day, and happy reading! 🙂

~Cam

Top Ten Tuesday: September 10th

T op Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl

TW: There is a safety pin on the cover of book number 8. I realize that this can be triggering for those who have struggled with self-harm and wanted to warn you ahead of time.

Books on my TBR that I’m Avoiding and Why

IT- Stephen King

This book is close to 1200 pages. Need I same more about why this book intimidates me and why I’m avoiding it?

2. Ninth House- Leigh Bardugo

Okay, so yes. This book has not been released yet. This one still intimidates me. I know that this book is very very different from the Grishaverse books that she has written. This book has had very mixed reviews and it’s rather controversial in the book community. I will still read this, but I’m going to be nervous beforehand.

3. The Obelisk Gate- N.K Jemisin

This is the second book in the Broken Earth trilogy. While I enjoyed the first book for the most part, it was written in 2nd person, which makes it incredibly difficult to enthrall myself with. I will be reading it at some point, I don’t know when exactly that will be.

4. The Way of Kings (Stormlight Archive 1)- Brandon Sanderson

Okay, so this book is a little over 1000 pages. Not only that, but it is dense high fantasy. I love Brandon Sanderson’s writing, as it is very easy to get into. The words wrap themselves around you and keep you enthralled very easily…. but it’s 1000 pages 🙂

5. Eye of the World-Robert Jordan

This is the first book in a 14 book, high fantasy, very wordy fantasy series. You either love this series or you hate it. The commitment needed to delve into this series stops me short. I will get to this one day, after I have had enough time to prepare myself for it.

6. Judas Unchained- Peter F. Hamilton

This next one is the 2nd book in a space opera series. Now, don’t get me wrong, I -love- space opera. This book has over 1000 pages (do you sense a trend here ;p) The concept of the first book was so incredibly interesting: Humans have beaten aging and death. Humans can pay to have their bodies “rejuvanated” and wake in a body decades younger, while they themselves are in the upwards of 1000 years old. Teleportation across 600 stars and their respective planets is achieved in moments through worm holes that connect humanity together. It’s a lot to take in and is incredibly scary to think about, need I say more?

7. The Children Act -Ian McEwan

This is a story about a judge who gets a case where a minor is refusing a blood transfusion, even though he would die without one. The child is a Jehovah’s Witness and his parents are also pushing for him to reject this life-saving treatment. Being that I grew up one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, this story hits close to home. I can’t tell you how many people I heard about that denied a blood transfusion on the basis of their faith, and they died because of it. I need to be emotionally prepared to enter that kind of world again.

8. Sad Perfect- Stephanie Elliot

This is the story of a girl who struggles with the eating disorder, ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) It is when you severely restrict the kinds of food you like, and stick to the safe foods that you like. The best way to describe it is extremely picky eating (mostly due to the texture or taste of foods) I myself have struggled with ARFID for as long as I could remember. I have, through determination and will, expanded my diet a lot since I was a kid. This matter still hits me right in the heart, and I’m worried that it will bring up rather unpleasant memories and feelings. I’m not sure if I will every be ready to read this, but seeing myself in literature is wonderful.

9. The Sacred Lies of Minnow Bly- Stephanie Oakes

This is the story of Minnow Bly, who grew up in a religious cult. She is now suspected of murder of the cult leader and this tells the story of what actually happened. Being that I grew up in a cult, it will bring up some unpleasant memories. While all cults are not the same in their teachings, the practices and methods they use to draw people in and keep them in are very similar. I have done meticulous research on this, and I know that I will draw comparisons. I would also be incredibly sad if it didn’t capture the menance that cults are to our society and the people trapped in them.

10. The Turn of the Key- Ruth Ware

Look, I know this was released last month. I’ve only heard good things about this book, and seeing that I haven’t had much luck with thrillers in the past, I’m worried about going in to this one. I plan on reading it in October (spooky season :D) I just feel that everyone has already read this one.

That’s the ten books I’ve been avoiding! What are some of yours? Are any of them on my list? What are your reasons for putting them off? If you’ve completed TTT today, link yours in the comments below. As always, have a wonderful day, and keep reading ❤

~Cam

August Wrap-Up

Here are the books that I read in the month of August along with some reviews linked. What did you read this month? Did you enjoy them?

Find my review here.

Find my review here.

Find my review here.

Find my review here.

I only started this at the very end of the month, so I have not finished it.

Book Review: The Cruel Prince

Author: Holly Black
Genre: Fantasy
Page Count: 370
Date Started: August 24
Date Finished: August 29

A Brief Description

Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.

And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences.

As Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.

Goodreads || Amazon (US)

The Review

This book has been so highly reviewed (I mean, it has a 4.16 star rating on Goodreads), but even with this I wasn’t in love with it. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it. The writing was beautiful and had an almost whimsical quality. It had a certain magic to it. The world building was there, but I didn’t get a good picture of how exactly the scenes appeared, save for a few. For example, no rooms that the characters entered were explained in detail, so I was left at a loss for how to imagine this in my head. There was a lot of descriptions about when the characters were outside walking through the forests of Elfhame etc, and those scenes were truly quite beautiful.

I just didn’t care about any of the characters beyond a mild interest, except for Jude, who I loved. Jude was a strong and ambitious woman. (Girl power!) She knows what she wants and she will not let anyone, or anything, stand in her way. She struggles with the internal turmoil of being a mortal in the land of the immortal and shackles that come with that. In addition, she loves her family and will do anything and everything to protect those she loves. The love interest, Cardan, is a jerk. I didn’t mind myself invested in the relationship that eventually ensued. I actually found it to be toxic, mostly due to the way that Cardan talks to and treats Jude. His interest also appeared to come out of nowhere and with no warning or build-up. I found him to be abusive and manipulative and he was probably my least favorite character out of the large cast of characters we did have.

The plot didn’t really capture me until I was almost 75% through the story, and that is when I was finally caught by the story enough to fly through it. Overall, I’d say that this was an interesting start to the story and I’d be interested to see where the story goes. While everyone thinks that a 3 star is a low rating, I think that it is something that I enjoyed, but didn’t love. I hope that I love ‘The Wicked King’ more than I did this one.

Have you read this book? What did you think?

I hope you have a wonderful day, and keep reading! 🙂

~ Cam

Top 10 Tuesday: Favorite Tropes

***Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018, where Jana posts topics in advance for other bloggers to make posts about. ***

Heists

Heists, thieves and sneaking around? Come on, what’s not to love? Six of Crows and The Lies of Locke Lamora have to be two of my faves fantasies out there, so it comes as no surprise that this is on my list.

Hard Exterior/Gooey Interior

I love a character who exhibits the rough around the edges, “tough boy/girl” exterior while inside they truly do care about others strongly and deeply. I always love a character who tries to project that they don’t care, but fails due to how they empathize /sympathize with those around them.

Strong Female Character

Do I really need to elaborate on why I need this trope in my life?

Non Linear Timeline

Alright alright, hear me out: I love non linear timelines. I love to see the juxtaposition between past and present, present and future etc. I love to see the how things were and how they are now. I love to theorize how they got that way, or why. My favorite example of this is The Handmaid’s Tale . It leaves a lot of room for theories and twists.

Hidden Royalty

I love a “you’re actually a queen/princess/prince/king story” I love to see how the person changes after they find out they’re a royal. To be honest, I love stories that include royalty in general.

Found Family

I love found family. As someone who doesn’t have a “traditional family” I feel found family in a very profound way. There’s nothing more heartwarming than finding unconditionally supportive friends who are closer than family, especially in books.

SPACE

If you couldn’t tell by my theme, and my blog’s name, I love anything space. I find the topic of space so fascinating and so brilliant that I am always drawn to science fiction and books set in other galaxies, planets, worlds etc.

Quests

I love a well built world, I love the mystery and intrigue of trying to figure out how to solve a world shattering problem. Quests allow me to explore a world, while also having some major problem solving take place.

Intrigue/Politics

I love a world that has intrigue, politics, backstabbing, oh the drama! I love a character who feels like a fish out of water navigating the courts of some far off kingdom as they try to hide their identity and fit in. I love it all. It’s just very entertaining to read, and I love to read about the politcal strife that kingdoms/countries undergo and how our characters react to it.

Hard Magic Systems

I love a magic system that has rules. I love a magic system that limits our character to a certain extent so they have to use their problem solving skills to come up with a solution to defeat whatever villain they are up against.

What about you? What some of your #TopTenTuesday tropes? Do you share any of mine? Do you dislike any of mine? Let’s discuss below! I hope you have a wonderful day, and remember to keep reading. 🙂

~Cam

Book Review: Mooncakes (ARC)

Author: Suzanne Walker, Wendy Xu (Artist)
Genre: Graphic Novel
Page Count: 259
Release Date: October 15th 2019

A Brief Description

A story of love and demons, family and witchcraft.

Nova Huang knows more about magic than your average teen witch. She works at her grandmothers’ bookshop, where she helps them loan out spell books and investigate any supernatural occurrences in their New England town.

One fateful night, she follows reports of a white wolf into the woods, and she comes across the unexpected: her childhood crush, Tam Lang, battling a horse demon in the woods. As a werewolf, Tam has been wandering from place to place for years, unable to call any town home.

Pursued by dark forces eager to claim the magic of wolves and out of options, Tam turns to Nova for help. Their latent feelings are rekindled against the backdrop of witchcraft, untested magic, occult rituals, and family ties both new and old in this enchanting tale of self-discovery.

A Spoiler Free Review

I wanted to thank Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to review this wonderfully heartwarming story.

For starters, this book had wonderful representation for hard of hearing and LGBTQ rep. Nova is hard of hearing and wears a hearing aid. Tam is non-binary and goes by they/them pronouns. They are referred to as such for the duration of the story as well. Nova had two grandmothers who were in a relationship and this wasn’t questioned and there was no homophobia in this respect, or any other.

The friendship between Tam and Nova is pure and wonderful. Their relationships is even more so. I fell in love with their characters and found myself rooting for them and crying with them as well.

The art in this story is GORGEOUS. The drawings are cute and it’s very colorful and pleasing to the eye. I found it very engaging and it kept me wanting more. Most of the ARC I received had color but the last few chapters were not, but either way, the art style still kept me engaged.

The plot felt high stakes and engaging as well. It felt believable and I loved the characters and how they stood up for each other.

I highly recommend this story to anyone and everyone who wants a heartwarming coming of age story about queer witches set in New England in the months of autumn. This book comes out October 15th, 2019 and can be found below:

Goodreads || Amazon (US)