#bookshelf2022

[razreads]

Heat Wave by T.J. Klune

Wildcard ~ October

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

I was disappointed by this one and yet, in a way, this is almost sadly what I’ve come to expect from YA trilogies of late – gradual deterioration book-by-book (or a shocking final instalment) and the clear sense that, actually, it would have been stronger as a duology. I appreciated Klune’s continuity (such as keeping the odd “fanfiction” chapter and long-term running jokes), and the overall plot arc was acceptable. However, the book felt as if it had been written by someone completely different to the others (and a novice fanfic writer at that), and I cannot even put into words what on Earth was going on in the first half of the book.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

At its core, the storyline and the twists and turns it took were clever and well-paced. For me, however, the delivery let them down, with the narration being too obvious in its reveals of the clues. More subtle reveals would have ultimately led to a more impactful plot twist, which then in turn would appear more clever upon reflection when these smaller moments are noticed with the context of what they really are.

A warning for the book:

As much as book two didn’t set my world on fire (pun not intended), you’re probably better off finishing there and making up your own resolution (I’m no big superhero expert, but even I got a fairly good approximation of how things would turn out.) Equally, you can always skip the first three-quarters, assume they were just standard superhero training scenes, and go from there (although, again, don’t expect the finesse of book one). Would I say don’t bother with the whole trilogy off the back of this book? Probably not – I wasn’t even going to read book one as it didn’t sound up my street, but it totally knocked my socks off and was a top read of the year. But if you’re someone who prefers to never even have tasted what ultimately goes sour (to avoid the disappointment altogether), then I would recommend that this is a trilogy for you to skip.

[razreads]

Deadly Little Sins by Kara Taylor

Challenge #34 ~ “ A book with an academic setting or with a teacher that plays an important role.”

★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

Why do YA trilogies always seem to have a lacklustre ending? The characterisation, and as a result the tone, were rather muddled in this one, which gave it an entirely different vibe to the prequels (and not in a good way). To top it all off, the plot wasn’t as strong as the others either, and I couldn’t buy into the out-of-the-blue ending.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

The loose ends were all wrapped. However bizarrely or unconvincingly, Thomas uses this final book in the trilogy to actually resolve plot points and conclude the series as a whole. In such a way, it proves satisfactory, and therefore as a way to close the chapter, I wouldn’t necessarily say “don’t read”, I’d just add the preface that it’s worth being aware that it doesn’t read like anything else in the series.

A warning for the book:

This felt rather rough around the edges, as if an early draft or one the author wasn’t fully invested in (something that happens to us all – we are only human). The protagonist was off, which in turn affected both the tone and the plot balance. The ending came seemingly out of nowhere, and there were several characters (including a love interest) mentioned a couple of times only to never return – something I’d usually expect to be resolved during edits, especially given the strong standards from books one and two edit-wise. In short, the storyline may round things off, but the quality of the writing overall rates rather poorly.

[razreads]

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

Wildcard #14 ~ “A book that fits a prompt from a previous ATY challenge: ATY 2019, Challenge #35 ~ A book related to a pack of playing cards.”

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My opinion in three sentences:

This is one of those books that utterly exceeds expectations (no matter how high those expectations initially are) and sets the author up as a definite one to watch - I mean, what a debut! The characterisation was strong, the plot and pacing balanced, and the dual perspectives well-managed. Sure, it's not the most original of storylines, but Àbíké-Íyímídé gives it her own unique spin with some great twists and turns along the way.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

I was on the edge of my seat at many parts in this, and Àbíké-Íyímídé never failed to deliver. There was suspense, there was tension, there was drama - in short, no lack of a strong atmosphere at all. And this balanced well, too, with the plot development, creating an immersive read.

A warning for the book:

Ace of Spades is definitiely not a book you can pick up and put down as you please. Whether it's the plotline or the characters (or both, let's be real), something will suck its teeth in and then, aided by such high-quality prose, won't let go until the very end. Prepare for many "just one more chapter!" moments with this one.

Recommended for fans of:

     - Truth or Dare by Jacqueline Green      - When Our Worlds Collided by Danielle Jawando      - Prep School Confidential by Kara Taylor

[razreads]

A Pho Love Story by Loan Le

Challenge #21 ~ “A winner or nominee from the 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards.”

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

This was a sweet and enjoyable read with some strong writing and characterisation. The plot and story itself were adequate, but nothing to really set your world alight (I, for one, was expecting a lot more drama and tension from something described as a modern take on Romeo and Juliet.) I have to laud the audiobook version whilst I'm at it, though - there was a lot of Vietnamese speech which the narrators brought to life, but which as written text I feel may have not been so effective.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

Food played a key role in the book and was easily one on the USPs separating it from other similar contemporaries. Le more than did it justice with some exquisite (and dare I say, delectable) description of the culinary delights - I know I'm not the only one who found themselves hungry when reading this! With such great prose, I can see Le crafting some top reads in the future.

A warning for the book:

Whilst this doesn't make it a bad read, there's nothing that makes the book stand out particularly. It's marketed as a Romeo and Juliet set in the Vietnamese restaurant scene but actually lacked the tension and clashes I would have expected from such a book, rendering it pretty similar to many contemporary YA counterparts. So, gorgeously written, but nothing to particularly knock your socks off (which is the kind of read we all look for from time to time).

Recommended for fans of:

     - Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean      - Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed      - Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han

[razreads]

Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells

Wildcard #13 ~ “An award-winning book.”

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

Given that both of the prequels were five-star reads, I was a little disappointed in this one – it took much more effort to get into and I just wasn’t as invested overall. A less plot-heavy novel in a series isn’t always a bad thing, but I’m not too sure what this added in terms of world-building or character development. Nevertheless, when things got going, there was the usual incredible atmosphere, pacing, and drama that I’ve come to love from Wells’ novellas.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

The greatest strength of the novella was the atmosphere Wells crafted. The plot would have been nowhere near as strong or effective without the tension oozing from each page. It upped the drama and certainly had me on the edge of my seat as the plotline unfolded.

A warning for the book:

This isn’t like the first two, and won’t be one to grab you from page one. However, it is well worth the perseverence to go to the meaty (and gorgeously written) plot-driven part. Equally, however, I don’t see any reason why you’d struggle if you skipped this one and started straight in on the next (which, excitingly, promises a reunion with folks from book one!)

Recommended for fans of:

     - Gemina by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff      - Wilder Girls by Rory Power      - Underworld by Cathy MacPhail

[razreads]

Artificial Condition by Martha Wells

Wildcard ~ September

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My opinion in three sentences:

When I discovered pretty much all of the characters I’d grown to love in book one did not appear in this one, I wasn’t sure how much I’d enjoy it – I wanted to know what happened next not some tangential storyline (or so I thought). The new cast, however, soon crept their way into my heart and (dare I say) I maybe even enjoyed this one more, with its engaging, twisting plotline and yet another sarcastic non-human to steal the show. Sure, I still have questions about the world and context (and quite what the data concerned), but I’m hopeful they’ll be answered in the upcoming instalments…

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

Everything about book one was good. Everything about this one was great. Which shows growth and development in Well’s writing over time – arguably two of the most exciting things to discover in a series as it bodes so well for the future works. Needless to say, I am thoroughly excited to witness this series going from strength to strength.

A warning for the book:

As much as I loved this one, I’ll admit that I wasn’t hooked from page one. It’s not dull or badly written, but don’t expect to be thrust headfirst into some action-packed adventure. It won’t last long, however, before you’ll be struggling to put this one down!

Recommended for fans of:

     - Obsidio by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff      - Avalon by Mindee Arnett      - Ender’s Game by Scott Orson Card

[razreads]

All Systems Red by Martha Wells

Wildcard #12 ~ “A novella or book of short stories.”

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

My opinion in three sentences:

I’d never have said I was a heavy sci-fi fan, but this series (starting from this, the very first book) certainly has me hooked. The protagonist (despite being a programmed-to-kill, part-human part-robot) is one of the most relatable characters I’ve read in a while, and laugh-out-loud fun. The side characters and plot arc were pretty solid too, making it an overall thoroughly enjoyable read.

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

There’s such a serious plot and tense atmosphere, yet there’s also an incredible light-heartedness and sense of humour to this novella. For a character called Murderbot, their(admittedly slightly morose) and sarcastic attitude was actually the predominant light relief for the book, and added both realism and relatability. In short, Wells balanced the tone exceptionally through characters and plot alike (and allowed Murderbot to steal their way into my hart without me even knowing!)

A warning for the book:

I’ll admit I was a little bit unsure as to the wider context of the story, particularly at the beginning. Understandable, of course, given that it’s a novella set in a whole new universe. However, whilst it did gradually improve as the story unfolds, there is still a lot I don’t know upon finishing which feels important for understanding the background of many characters and their actions, as well as fully appreciating the wider ramifications the plot developments from this tale will have. Hopefully, there’s more clarification to come in future instalments!

Recommended for fans of:

     - Unearthed by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner      - Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card      - Avalon by Mindee Arnett

[razreads]

Tokyo Every After by Emiko Jean

Challenge #18 ~ “A book by an Asian or Pacific Islander author.”

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

My opinion in three sentences:

This was enjoyable and not badly written, but for me, something was missing. The characters were solid and the plot well-paced (if a little far-fetched – an observation, not a criticism). The biggest let-down, however, was the romance which, whilst (for once) I agree was a necessary element, it was very much an instalove – made even more of a shame when contrasted with Jean’s finesse at creating and managing drama, as exhibited by the rest of the book!

(Without spoiling anything) the best bit:

The characters and writing style worked really well together to create an engaging and relatable story. Jean captures the tone well and proves particularly clever when using this effectively in relation to the plot, too (think unreliable narration).

A warning for the book:

Instalove is a definite pet peeve of mine and it really undermined this one. The romantic sideplot was a needed part of this story (and that’s coming from me), but the potential was lost. Coming out of nowhere, there was no reason or inclination for the reader to champion the relationship, and so instead of drama and angst, I was left feeling indifferent about such a significant development. A shame, really, and an opportunity lost. I don’t think it’s enough to put me off trying book two, though…

Recommended for fans of:

     - A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer      - Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston      - Always and Forever  Lara Jean by Jenny Han