Reads by Moonlight

a miscellaneous collection of book reviews + other things

[readsbymoonlight]

February 2023 Wrap-Up

Going to be very honest here: Reading is hard. I'm actually really disappointed in myself to be saying this, but it's a truth I've found increasingly true even if I do read every single day. Whether it's fanfiction, a novel, a magazine, reading has become so hard for me and I don't know why. The only good thing (I suppose it might be considered a good thing), is that I'm not the only one who feels this. But the better thing is that Nanad's regime has really helped.

I've never really found it hard to form a habit. Once I start doing it at the same time each day, it becomes ingrained. It's just that... sometimes I pick the worst times. Life isn't constant, so random occurrences conspire to break my streak. Even so, I've managed to keep to half an hour a day at least, with an extra half an hour on top of that on the 14th and 28th. There have been allowances made and I had to shift 15 mins one day (with Nanad's permission, bless her) but it's worked.

I finished both books on my list for February (Marissa Meyer's Renegades and Joanna Russ' The Female Man. Right now, I'm working on the next book too! Honestly, the biggest issue I foresee is being able to jump straight into the next book. Not something I've been able to do, historically. After finishing Renegades, I took about 5 days off trying to finish a Chinese webnovel I started... at some point last year. Still working at it but I think it'll serve as a good read between reads. Hah.

It's looking good, really. So, onwards! I hope, if you're having reading troubles and are trying to get back into it, that it goes smoothly.

[splashyf]

renegades was such a good book series oml

[readsbymoonlight]

Book: Renegades

Author: Marissa Meyer

Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕

Recommended for: Every superhero-to-be out there

Published: 14th December, 2015

An essential function of books is to share one's ideas. At least, that's how I feel. They provide an alternative perspective, sometimes even creating new worlds to do so, prompting their readers to think, to question. Renegades asks some questions that might not be new, considering the amount of superhero media there is out there, but it sure does it in a fun and intriguing way. I love that the book doesn't take the easy way out for any aspect of its worldbuilding or plot. People aren't all just born with powers; some go through some truly traumatic experiences before coming out the other side gifted. The characters are multi-faceted and multi-dimensional. They're nuanced and don't just stay happily or obediently in their boxes of "hero" or "villain." Case in point, the main characters, Nova and Adrian. Though both have every reason to support the ideals and goals of the groups they belong to, they each see a better way, a better future. At least, according to them. It really makes us as readers both sympathize with them and root for change, for a resolution where as many people win as possible. And also where we can meet in the middle and compromise. However, we know that this isn't always possible. Add that to the fact that the two protagonists are starting to have feelings for each other, well. I think this is my first time reading one of the enemies-to-lovers books that became a trend for a while (is it still going, btw?). It's not a trope I particularly enjoy or think can work out easily, and that's true for this series too. Cough, not that I know yet whether I will finish it, so maybe I might change my mind. For now, I'm not convinced of their romance, but we'll see. When it comes down to it, this book was a fun and exciting read. Marissa Meyer's books have always been long, and I've heard complaints about them being too much. Yet, I've never felt like things could be cut out for better pacing or a tighter read. I hope you feel the same, or if you don't, push through regardless.

[readsbymoonlight]

Book: Nubia: The Awakening

Author: Omar Epps & Clarence A. Haynes

Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑

Recommended for: Its unique worldbuilding and new form of climate fiction

Published: 8th November, 2022

As someone who studied environment in school, it struck me pretty fast upon reading this book how likely the future described in it could unfold. Honestly, as long as you keep track in any way with the news, I'm sure you know that the climate crisis is upon us. And even if you don't, you'd still notice the drastic changes in weather patterns lately. But I digress. The point is that a book that mentions climate disasters in any way makes me happy, especially when it's done so well, painting a grim picture, no doubt, but hopefully opens some eyes. Beyond that, the New York in Epps and Haynes' imagination is rife with class and wealth differences, ones that make living hellish for some and utopian for others. Sounds familiar? Well, the book is a pretty straightforward indictment of these things. It was a bit too obtuse for me in the beginning, especially when reading Zuberi's point of view. There were parts that made it very YA (though I was wrong about Zuberi being the main focus/character) such as the forced lingo (why does it have to be a scholar-pack when it can be a backpack?)and contrived romance. But otherwise, the story was very unique and fresh. The story centres very much on community. Though our protagonists keep their powers secret at the beginning, it's quickly made clear that the community will help and, in turn, they would help the community. It's unexpected since most books always put such importance in hiding, in not trusting anyone, and especially not adults. The way the kinetic (the powers) manifest is so special as well, forcing me to work to keep up with the lore of the world, but also opening my mind to new possibilities because of it. All in all, it was a really smooth and easy read. My issue was that I couldn't quite relate with the characters. They were, in their own ways, focussed on one thing only, and that made them more bland than I would have liked, even if their worldviews were challenged. Another issue I have is there seemed not to have been high enough stakes during the climax. The whole book was setting up for something and it happens, but it was expected and wasn't resolved in a very good way. I'm sorry for being vague but it could be considered a spoiler and perhaps you'll know what I mean if you read it. At the same time, everything escalated too quickly but not in a way that made sense. It felt more like we're being set up for the next book, not this one. Though the world is an interesting one, with stories and magic I'd love to revisit, I think there's a bar this book is not quite hitting to get me to the next one.

Disclaimer: e-ARC obtained from NetGalley, photo found on Google

[readsbymoonlight]

January 2023 Wrap-Up

In an effort to keep myself accountable with respect to my reading goals, I'm going to be documenting my progress in this journal of sorts. I definitely went through a slump in the middle of the month, but I did manage to finish 3 books that I started reading last year! It's not a lot, but it's something I'm proud of. It gives me greater faith that I can work harder to meet the goals I've set. Besides, I think I'm better prepared for what's to come. Namely, my friend Nanad's reading regime that she designed for me. Look at the effort she put in!

There's a book missing from this (and I can't even recall what it is) but we'll fit it in, I'm sure of it!

Some rules include:

read for 30 minutes every day (at least!)

extra 30 minutes every 14th and 28th of the month

That's basically it, along with the invitation to read together, do sprints, and discuss books. Of course, there's also punishments if I fail. Don't know about those yet and I hope I won't.

I've already started my journey yesterday with Marissa Meyer's Renegades and I'm quite excited to keep going.

Unfortunately, I feel like I'm a little behind. Having completed another NetGalley book in January (as part of Nanad's plan for me to finish up old books last month), I need to write up a review and post it. Also, there's one more book from last year that's sitting to one side and gathering dust.

But still, I'm trying to keep optimistic and have only positive thoughts.

As Nanad said, "Let's thrive, not try!"

[readsbymoonlight]

A 2023 Reading Challenge

With the new year, many of my friends have started setting reading goals, since they're mostly readers as well. This year, I've been hesitant to do so, thinking that I won't be able to meet it, something that has only ever happened in recent years.

Honestly, I'm not one who likes wallowing in my own perceived incapability. I want to try, even if I fail, even if I've failed before. As I thought about setting a reading goal (and did some spring cleaning), I came across an abandoned reading journal for 2021 and a reading record on my Notion for 2022. Suffice it to say that I'm not very hopeful for 2023.

Then again, hope doesn't get things done, does it? You have to do it.

So, to give myself some solid goals as well as several layers of accountability, I have decided to join some reading challenges hosted by others. Shameful as I am for only finishing 11 books last year, I'm determined not to let it happen again.

Both the Backlist Reader Challenge 2023 and the TBR 23 in '23 Challenge are geared towards finishing books on one's TBR, which is something I've been saying I'll do for several years now, but it's only ever grown.

Additionally, I've also managed to round up some help. Nanad, a reader that's proven to be even more avid and voracious than myself, is going on this journey with me. Well, hers is a more advanced one, to be sure, but she's going to wrangle me along with her very own regime. I'm both scared and excited to start.

Under the cut are the books I'm hoping to read this year.

Fiction

A Conspiracy of Truths Alexandra Rowland

Amok Anna Tan

Anatomy of a Murderer Tim Floreen

Cursed Bunny Bora Chung

Cyberpunk: Malaysia Various

Fate of Flames Sarah Raughley

Gemini Sonya Mukherjee

Malaysia's Best of Anthology Various

Melmoth Sarah Perry

More Than This Patrick Ness

Only a Monster Vanessa Len

Renegades Marissa Meyer

She Who Became the Sun Shelley Parker-Chan

The Binding Bridget Collins

The Female Man Joanna Russ

The Kingdom of Little Wounds Susann Cokal

The Maidens Alex Michaelides

The Oddfits Tiffany Tsao

The Scarlet Gospels Clive Barker

This is Not a Werewolf Story Sandra Evans

Non-Fiction

Adapt Amina Khan

Death on Earth Jules Howard

Working With Nature Jeremy Purseglove

[readsbymoonlight]

It’s possible to make a mistake and not be seen only as that mistake.

Nadine Brandes, Wishtress

[readsbymoonlight]

Book: Wishtress

Author: Nadine Brandes

Rating: 🌕🌕🌑🌑🌑

Recommended for: Those who like seeing characters fight through difficulties

Published: 13th September, 2022

Wishtress is a book that has a lot to say. That's expected, isn't it, considering it has 464 pages. The theme it tackles is the classic Good vs Evil, which might be considered cliché but remains relevant no matter how many times it's explored. In Myrthe's world, it's possible to gain a magic power, but whether it's a Talent or a Bane is up to you. When it comes to the plot, there's again lots going on. Everyone wants something, but above all, everyone wants a wish. To get it? Well, you need the Wishtress. Right off the bat, the book starts off pretty tragically, with Myrthe's Wishtress power causing chaos in her life because she's young and doesn't know how to control it yet. This is fine, but it unfortunately set the tone for rest of the story, giving her no chance at all to breathe or have any joy at all. It's my personal pet peeve, though, and some may find the fact that everyone wants Myrthe for something yet not being able to give it a character-building experience for her. For me, all the bad things she has to go through overshadow the things I like about the book, turning it into an agonising read. With the detailed way the book was written, it's clear to see that the author has spent a lot of time crafting the world and thinking about how things work. That's always lovely to have, especially when there is a magic system unique to it. The author takes time to walk you through what Talents are and how they came to be. The overall concept is immediately interesting and was what first prompted me to request the book. Tears that grant wishes! A curse that promises to kill! However, I have to say that all of it falls quite flat for me. It feels like, because of how overpowered such a Talent is, the author had to take it out of the picture as soon as possible after showing its potency (and its perils). It's great to see what someone does when you take away their strengths, but Myrthe was never allowed to use her powers, so it doesn't matter at all that she doesn't have it once she's cursed. I love that the battle of good and evil is so directly left in the hands of individual people. Everyone can choose the way they live their lives and use their powers. Good or evil, Talent or Bane, it's all very black and white. And therein lies the problem. There is no nuance anywhere, no shades of grey. The characters themselves also embody this fight by being good or evil. But there is no exploration of why someone is good or evil. They just are, and they have to choose one. And if you choose a Bane, which is more powerful and tempting and corrupting, you're evil. End of story. Speaking of an ending, I just want to say that I like open endings. For someone who doesn't like bad ones, it gives me the leeway to pretend everything's fine. If there's just the smallest sliver of hope, I'll hold onto it. But this book makes everything too easy, too convenient, without any rhyme or reason. Everything works towards fulfilling the plot and it slogged there. In the very same way I slogged through reading the book. All in all, it just seems like there were many other ways to go about handling this story. Of course, that wasn't the story the author wanted to tell, and that's fine. It's just that this one isn't for me.

Disclaimer: e-ARC obtained from NetGalley, photo found on Google

[readsbymoonlight]

"Good," she said. "Seek dharma, child. Find out how you fit in, who you are. Remember that everything around you has a purpose. Even you."

Papathi Iyer

Camron Wright, The Orphan Keeper

[readsbymoonlight]

Book: The Orphan Keeper

Author: Camron Wright

Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕

Recommended for: Kids, young adults, adults, EVERYONE

Published: 4th October, 2022

So, time to spill the beans—I didn't actually realise this version is for younger readers despite knowing there's another one already published with the same title. For some reason, I totally justified it as yeah, okay, they're just republishing it, nbd. But okay, I can see in hindsight that how it's likely been pared down and with some very moral of the story bits. Even so, I think it can be consumed by readers of all ages and I actually feel like reading the adult version too. Not now, though. Maybe some day.

Perhaps it's tough to imagine how getting kidnapped as a kid and shipped off to be adopted by parents of a completely different ethnicity and background half a world away can be made into a palatable story. But lbr we've read darker things as kids. But Camron Wright is an amazing writer who managed to balance humour and solemnity excellently. Personally, it took a bit of time to get immersed in the story, but once I did, it was a lightning-fast read. Well, compared to my reading speed this year, at least. I thought the way the book was written was very fragmented and pulls you out of the flow of the story. However, these elements tie up beautifully once you reach the end. Even though it was slightly jarring, the staccato beats of some seemingly unrelated anecdotes can be considered as setting the tone, laying groundwork, injecting flavour. So it's fine.

The book might better be served if split into two sections since that was essentially how the story-telling went. There's a huge gap between the time our protagonist, Taj Rowland, just arrived in the US and when he's grown up and graduating high school and beyond. It's like a movie style fast forward without the convenient scene change/montage. At the same time, I'm not very sure how the introduction that says "some of it is fiction" affects the experience of other readers. For me, it made me feel prejudiced against it for some reason. While I understood that it's unfair to claim that stories like these are purely true or purely fiction considering it's a lived experience by people and people forget things, I still got influenced by the idea that it should be more black and white. Which was very wrong of me, and it affected my own enjoyment of the book. Thankfully, I got over that quick.

When it comes down to it, this book is a great read because it's real. If it served as the basis for a completely fictionalised story, I think it would still be amazing because, at its heart, it is about life and how it can be sometimes. There's no easy happy ending and every turn prompts you to give up. But in the end, that's exactly what makes the resolution worth it, especially because Taj could have very well failed to find his family despite trying so hard. But he did and we can all witness his journey.

Disclaimer: e-ARC obtained from NetGalley, photo found on Google

[readsbymoonlight]

Sorry

I know probably not many people even bother with book review blogs anymore and mine certainly isn’t on anyone’s top list to check for opinions. 

However, that doesn’t change the fact that I have so many complex feelings about not reading much anymore or writing reviews. Life is a mess for me right now but I still want to hold onto the things I like and enjoy. 

So I guess I’m writing this as a reminder to myself that this is something I created and that it can be inspiration to keep going. Even if one person likes my reviews, that’s more than good enough for me.

[rhetoricandlogic]

In all her twenty-two years, Lanie had mainly kept company with forty thousand skeletons (mostly furniture), a ghost (megalomaniacal), and a revenant housekeeper (seldom garrulous).

C.S.E. Cooney: Saint Death's Daughter

[readsbymoonlight]

Book: Saint Death’s Daughter

Author: C.S.E. Cooney

Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕

Recommended for: Anyone wanting a unique read

Published: 12th April, 2022

I have to admit that what I expected from this book based on its blurb and summary was completely different from what I got. However, I don't think that's a bad thing at all! Saint Death's Daughter is wholly unique in its plot and worldbuilding, making it a rare 5-star read for me.

Honestly, if I were to start singing praises, I don't think I'd stop anytime soon. As such, it might be prudent to list a few things that made it challenging to like at the start (but only for a while!) First off, the barrage of new information—all the gods, the days and months—made it so tempting to close the book and move along. Coupled with the fact that you need time to get used to and appreciate the writing, it might lose some readers right at the beginning. I also think that there might be some confusion as to what the story is about when it comes right down to it. There's a lot going on and something for everybody. However, it feels rushed or incomplete. Perhaps it would have been better to turn this book into a series and flesh things out more. Just from reading it, I could guess that the author has much more up their sleeve and might be holding back for the sake of brevity.

Now, onto the amazing things I loved about this book!

The prose really gave a sense of the setting of the book period-wise, even if the world is completely new. It was whimsical yet classic, the perfect fit, though it takes some time to digest (and look up words in the dictionary!) There's a biographic quality to the book, which makes it seem like you're reading a journal or something just vaguely academic. I liked it, but I'm not sure if it would have helped if the format changed into that completely. Either way, it worked for me!

The story and worldbuilding are engaging even if the events are seemingly mundane. All the characters have a strong voice and each is complex and three-dimensional. I loved that Lanie was such a fun and kind character and that this did not make her weak. The romance was reserved but no less strong and I personally wish I had myself a Canon Lir in my life. The twists of the story were most unexpected and made me look forward to each.

To echo Oliver Twist, I'd love more, please!

Disclaimer: e-ARC obtained from NetGalley, photo found on Google

[readsbymoonlight]

Book: Obsidian

Author: Sarah J. Daley

Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑

Recommended for: Anyone who loves good worldbuilding

Published: 25th January, 2022

I was ready to give this book a 4-star rating pretty soon after I started reading it just for the worldbuilding alone. I'm not sure what this says about the kind of reads I've been completing recently but I do have to say that having an interesting and immersive world is always one of the best ways to get me into a book. However, that's never enough. By the time I got to the end of the book and started thinking more about what I read, the cracks started to show. 

Right from the get-go, I think that labelling this book as an adult fantasy is what causes the disconnect for me as a reader. For one thing, the main character acts very much like a teenager despite the crimes that have been pinned on her and the burdens she carries. The violence is quite graphic, so perhaps that's why. However, I think it's still quite reasonable considering that the magic is based on power coming from one's own blood. There are depictions of sex but those seemed so forced and came out of left field for me. The romances she gets entangled in are so extraneous to me, especially because much of the feelings there were developed off the page. 

In fact, the same can be said for many other things, such as part of the action, why Shade was so feared as the Black Witch, everything of her past that seemed to have made her who she was. The pacing of the book is middling, with things happening to push things along, but it's all to make the plot progress, not due to any conscious choice of the characters. There's even a part where Shade says the sacrifice she needs to make to raise her Veil is too great that she can't pay it. But she'll still do it. And I hated that, thanks. 

The characters in the book are so one-dimensional, often taking one aspect and turning it extreme. This aspect makes it much harder to relate to the characters and you need to invest yourself into the overall point of the book, the raising of a new Veil, to push through to the conclusion. The story also makes it seem like we're being set up for a full and expansive series, yet Obsidian is meant to be a standalone. Even the worldbuilding reflects this, as well as the ending of the book. 

Definitely read the book if you want to discover a new world and be swept away from your problems by reading about someone else's. This is an entertaining and adventurous book that will give you some fun. There are so many aspects to the world that you can learn about and it never really feels enough. It's really hard to put down the book once you pick it up because there are so many things that keep you coming back for more. Still, I wish we did get more--more plot, more action, more nuance--because the worldbuilding really deserves it.

Disclaimer: e-ARC obtained from NetGalley, photo found on Google

[readsbymoonlight]

Book: None of the Above

Author: I. W. Gregorio

Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑

Recommended for: A relatable experience

Published: 2015

According to the author herself, this book was written to bring awareness to the existence of intersex people and the issues that they face. While it succeeds in this endeavor, there’s a lack of authenticity, I think, that makes the book seem superficial even though it does get you thinking. Kristin’s experience is very relatable even if most people get bullied and ostracized for reasons much less life-changing and othering. All in all, it’s a hard book to write about and it mostly just makes me want more books with intersex characters since I’ve only read one other and it’s completely different. (It’s Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, btw)

The beginning of the book made me very fearful of what to expect from the rest of it. It told of a very cookie-cutter American teenage experience with the very same typical worries that gets portrayed in other contemporary YA books. I feel like I should feel bad for enjoying the book better when Kristin’s life promptly goes to shit when she gets her diagnosis and the school finds out about it. She gets bullied bad and retreats into herself. All that is very well done even as she tries to learn more about her condition and find a way to fit it into her life.

In this part of the book, we learn a lot about Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS), Kristin’s condition, as well as the kinds of support systems that can be sought out. I loved that she went to therapy and it made me think of my own sessions and the feelings I had during them. I was really sad that she made a big, irreversible decision out of fear and grief but I think was important. 

When it boils down to it, I love that the book tells us that we all need to find our place in the world and that how we thought we belonged might change. Life is hard and it’s only more challenging because we keep being thrown by new things that happen. It’s up to us to find a way to deal with it, with the help of friends, family, therapy, etc. 

A lot of the book is really dramatic but that’s okay because it’s a huge thing she’s dealing with. Kristin’s friendships are very believable and realistic despite the very stereotypical presentation. The big climax of the book I just couldn’t stand. It was glossed over and used to resolve everything when I don’t think much of anything was resolved at all. 

This is an important book, but it shouldn’t be considered good just because it’s meant to shine a light on an issue. It could be much better. Once again, I just wish we had more intersex perspectives to read.

Disclaimer: photo found on Google

[readsbymoonlight]

This is life. Don't go rewriting the past out of pain.

Cadwell Turnbull, No Gods, No Monsters

[readsbymoonlight]

Book: No Gods, No Monsters

Author: Cadwell Turnbull

Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑

Recommended for: Literature/fantasy lovers who want a twist

Published: 7th September, 2021

The world is changed when the Fracture occurs. Suddenly, everyone knows that monsters exist. Mysterious things start happening even as people deny that monsters are real. 

Often when we read speculative fiction, we do it as a form of escapism. We want to travel to a universe where, at least for a while, the world and our lives are different. We want to believe in fairytales, that love prevails, and justice triumphs over all. This isn't the experience you will be getting when reading No Gods, No Monsters, but that isn't a bad thing.

With powerful secret societies that influence much of how we perceive and interact with the world, the book shows us how biases work through the existence and revelation of supernatural creatures. This is the first story I've read that has people being in denial that supernatural creatures, or 'monsters', exist. Uncomfortable with the idea that the world is much more complicated than what they're used to, most of the general populace in the book do their best to avoid talking about the Fracture, the incident that changed the world. Or not really.

I love how diverse the characters are. The monsters aren't your typical werewolves, witches and vampires, oh my. The former two are involved, but there are techno witches and that's a win in my book. I also love that open relationships and asexuality are presented well in the story. While I'm glad that there are more LGBTQ+ voices and stories now, most still have very limited points of view. Additionally, the way the book talks about cooperatives makes me start a cooperative bookshop myself.

The main issue I have with this book is that I'm not sure what the main theme is. There's a lot to unpack and it's great, but I'm honestly a bit lost even though I enjoyed reading the book. The way some people used the presence of monsters and the possibility that some already marginalized communities may be hiding them as an excuse treat said minorities worse really resonated with me. But that's not the central point here either. I like the message that it also highlights, that you shouldn't be too hung up by the past, but once again I'm not sure if that's the underlying connection between all the threads within the book. Maybe I need to reread it.

The style of writing is not lush or poetic or particularly beautiful. But that's fine; everything still gets conveyed, if leaving some details somewhat unclear. Reading this book requires quite a lot of concentration and effort, as there are many clues and threads to pick up on. The chapters are short and the focus jumps from character to character. The fragmented way the story is told can be confusing, but it all ties up pretty well in the end. The unfortunate thing is that a lot of questions have yet to be answered by the end of the book. Every character has their own story and much is still left up in the air.

The book turned out much more literary than I expected. It's a series, but I'm not sure I'll be picking up the next book even though I'm definitely intrigued. At its heart, I think the author has a lot to say through this series, and it's worth picking up to find out what. For me though, it's enjoyable and interesting, but not enough for me to keep going.

Disclaimer: e-ARC obtained from NetGalley, photo found on Google