#5*s

[readsbymoonlight]

Book: Red, White & Royal Blue

Author: Casey McQuiston

Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕

Recommended for: Everyone! (Above the age of 16)

Published: May 2019

Okay so. I feel like I need to take a deep breath before writing this (even though I don't have to actually speak). This book is that much of a ride. First of all, I think I should mention that I expected to be disappointed by this book. I don't read many romances, but they all tended to be too romanticised (yes, I realise the irony) and too detached from the real world. Otherwise, they're draggy and boring and just have purely nonsense reasons for angst and difficulty between the main couple. Red, White & Royal Blue flips a bird in the face of all of that with a huge shit-eating grin. What immediately caught my interest was the book's humour. It's hilarious. The book itself has a personality and it won't let you forget it. But of course, it isn't just full of laughs. The book also brings up serious themes through its characters, the main ones along with all the others. It is solidly anchored in reality, with mentions of social issues such as racism, abuse, bigotry etc. Somehow, it still manages to strike a balance, never being too fluffy or veering too dark. The characters, from the main pair of Alex and Prince Henry, to their friends and family and beyond, are all well written and well-rounded. They each have hopes and dreams and stories and you can tell that even if they show up for just a tiny bit. Reading this book, I got a profound sense of culture shock. Not just because I live in Southeast Asia and have only a very surface understanding of the politics of the USA and the UK. Rather, what's more unexpected was how the book felt so much like something you'd read in fanfiction, not an internationally distributed book. Part of this is because of content (hello, royalty AU?) and part because of the language (so, so much swearing) and lastly because I was not expecting sex scenes of any kind. I think that's on me, really. I'd been expecting a typical YA book. I was dead wrong. This book is fun and isn't ashamed of it. It challenges the ideas of what a romance book should be, and it succeeds in every way. I cannot recommend this highly enough.

Disclaimer: Photo found on Google

[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: 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]

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: The Storm Crow

Author: Kalyn Josephson

Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕

Recommended for: Everyone!

Published: 2019

The kingdom of Rhodaire is in trouble. After being attacked by the expanding Illucian empire, it is currently grieving not only for its lost queen but its lost magical culture. Princess Anthia was lost in the depths of depression until she is forced into a marriage with the Illucian Prince Ericen. Plunged into the dangers of a foreign court is harrowing enough, but Thia must also hatch the Storm Crow egg she found to catalyze a rebellion against Illucia.

There are so many good things to say about this book. Before I start gushing, let’s talk about something I’ve seen many readers comment on. It was slow to pick up after the initial thrill of the opening pages. But bear with it, because the plot does progress. At the same time, the slow parts centred on Thia’s depression, the description of which really resonated with me. It’s great to see mental health issues depicted on the page and I’m here for more, along with respectful discussions of it. 

Gosh, now where do I begin? 

Okay, let’s talk magic. Giant crows with elemental magic that help to nourish and protect the land. I’ve never seen this before and I’m very into it. This is more than dragon riding, people. There exists a partnership between humans and crows and I hope to see even more of it in the sequel. 

The setting is unique for this kind of story. Rhodaire is tropical, though for the purposes of the story this aspect isn’t all too focused on. Nevertheless, it makes my heart sing in pleasure. The worldbuilding is brilliant. It’s detailed and each country is distinct. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook, because the narrator is truly amazing with various accents. 

With this book being described as having political intrigue, I was very worried that I would get bored or be left in the dark about what’s going on. But this was handled very well, with tension being present and pressing without making your head spin with various players in the game. Through Anthia’s eyes you could really see the scope of the region’s problems along with her own inexperience in power play.

I adored the characters and all their interactions. Each one was complex and you could see the amount of thought that was put into their histories and personalities. I usually don’t care all too much for characters and never have a favourite, but for this book everyone shines and I can’t even pick one. (I’m leaning towards Auma right now because she’s truly badass).

The YA-typical love triangle exists but it isn’t forced. I loved seeing Thia and Ericen’s relationship evolve and I want more. Honestly I’m shipping them and I don’t do this often. For all that Caylus is a cool and sweet dude (and not the son of a national enemy), I’m all for working through complicated circumstances. And Eri? He’s just much too compelling. 

If there’s one thing I hate about YA books is how hard they try to be dark by adding lots of violence. I despise it because most of it is pointless and borders on torture porn. This book isn’t lazy like that. There are reasons for the violence and it’s never outright cruel. The Storm Crow gets bonus points from me just for that. 

Honestly, just read this book. It’s detailed, diverse, and definitely intriguing. 

Disclaimer: Photo found on Google

[thedreamingdinosaur]

Hamlet - 26.08.2015 (WARNING CONTAINS 'SPOLIERS')

Hamlet – 26.08.2015 (WARNING CONTAINS ‘SPOLIERS’)

Directed By Lyndsey Turner Cast: Danish Soldier, Norwegian Solider – Barry Aird. Captain, Servant – Eddie Arnold. Horatio – Leo Bill. Ophelia – Sian Brooke Cornelius – Nigel Carrington Player King – Ruairi Monaghan Hamlet – Benedict Cumberbatch Guildenstern – Rudi Dharmalingham Priest, Messenger – Colin Haigh French Official – Paul Ham Player Queen, Messenger – Diveen Henry Gertrude – Anastasia…

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