June reading wrap up (novels)
Review; Very interesting concept with the magic scissors and imperial tailor etc, also found the romance intriguing and quite well done as I didn't realise they were supposed to be love interests at first (as enemies to lovers should be done) overall exciting and whimsical, can't wait to read the second book. However, I did find it slow at times and felt that it was longer than it needed to be (I have no problem with long books but I felt some parts were unnecessary.)
Genre: classic/literary fiction?
Review; Absolutely beautiful, I knew this book would make me cry and oh God, it did. I decided to read this for pride as it is a queer classic and it is just so good. James Baldwin is a genius, he did such a good job of making me annoyed by the main character and yet still able to sympathise with his situation. The whole book was perfect idc, please pick this up if you haven't already.
The Herbwitches Apprentice
Rating: 4.5/5 if you're 16+, 5/5 if not
Review; The first Chau book I read was To Sway A Soul, which is the sixth book in a romantasy novella series called Tempting Thieves. I then discovered she had a more popular trilogy, The Witches Of Olderea, so once I had enough money I decided to pick it up, and I have no regrets. Once again I was sucked into this world of witches and balls and insanity. Both of the main characters had such interesting personalities, and I really respected them as people. The mmc was very funny and charming but not in a way that felt fake or pretentious, and he was a genuinely good person. The fmc was my favourite character, which I find quite rare in romantasy (not when Ireen Chau is writing), I found her to be such a kind and genuine person, whilst not being an easily pushed around "innocent" young girl, showing it can be done. Overall, an incredibly magical book and I am very excited to read the next, would recommend to most but bare in mind that the writing is slightly juvenile due to the target audience being 11-16 however I still believe older can enjoy it (coming from an 18 y/o who's favourite genre is adult horror)
Genre: historical fiction
Review; I will admit, this book had been on my tbr for well over 2 years before I finally picked it up, and I regret not doing it sooner. Gosh, I loved this book so much. I cried, I laughed, I was sat on the edge of my seat mumbling to myself like a crazy person. Both the romance stories in this were incredible and GUT-WRENCHING, especially the one between Vianne and her husband. I loved how Hannah managed to portray people falling for propaganda, only getting out of it when it was too late, and how she added a different perspective on WW2 and the holocaust (that of the French citizens), giving us the truly haunting line of, "They had been lied to by there government," to start off the nightmare that was to await. One specific thing I wanted to point out was the mention of Romanian immigrants and homosexuals etc in the camps and being deported as it is rarely brought up in conversations surrounding the holocaust so I appreciated it. One of the best books I have read this year
The Blind Earthworm In The Labyrinth
Genre: literary fiction/magical realism
Author: Veeraporn Nitiprapha
Review; favourite book of this month, if not this year. Genuinely felt like I was put in a blender with two foxes and a screaming man. But like, in a good way. Veeraporn has such phenominal writing abilities, giving us the line "The girls leapt out of the charred ruins of their parents' marriage with only a few scars on their hearts. They rolled about in the orchards all day like animal cubs, scooping laughter and joy out of thin air as if by magic." It was absoutely magical but also horrifying, and I loved the political mentions as it helped me learn a bit about the political history of Thailand. Nothing negative to say, also the translator did an amazing job especially considering the grammatical differences in languages.
Genre: Horror/speculative fiction/philosophical fiction
Review; To quote Negan Smith, "you are creepy as sh-" anyways, creepiest book I read this month, although to be fair I only read one horror novel this month other than a re read of The Reformatory, which doesn't count. Absolutely loved the questions this brought up about religion and the irony Peck points out, really close to giving me an existential crisis in only 104 pages. Personal favourite scene was the mormon main character drinking coffee for the first time. Had a great time icl.
