May 7, 2023
Hello, how has your weekend been so far? It was rainy here yesterday so I just stayed at home cooked and read my books.
seen from Malaysia
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Hello, how has your weekend been so far? It was rainy here yesterday so I just stayed at home cooked and read my books.
SHADOWS ON THE MOON BY ZOË MARRIOTT
RATING: 5 out of 5 ⭐️
DESCRIPTION:
Sixteen-year-old Suzume uses her shadow-weaving, ability to recreate herself in any form, to escape her past. But who is she really? Noble girl living under the tyranny of her mother's new husband? Lowly drudge serving in the kitchen? Or the most beautiful courtesan in the Moonlit Lands? Whatever her true identity, nothing will stop her from capturing price’s heart and getting her revenge, not even love.
REVIEW:
The story treats Suzume’s trauma and desire for revenge with due seriousness, she doesn’t get over it overnight just because of love, but at the same time it’s not too dark and depressing either. Unique setting inspired by Japan and fantastical elements just enhance the story further. The one thing I loved the most however is definitely the sweet romance between Suzume and Otieno. It strikes just the right balance between overdone and underdone. Otieno is understanding and patient with Suzume and doesn’t just abandon her, which makes him one of my favourite characters.
wow wtf
also, this book’s tagline is “this Cinderella doesn’t crave love. She only wants revenge.”
This is 1) victim-blaming, 2) a complete misunderstanding of Cinderella that is unfortunately abundant in our society, and 3) misogynistic and devaluing of femininity
I can’t wait to read this 🙃
Z osoby, której kiedyś nie zamykały się usta, z dnia na dzień zmieniłam się w kogoś, kto z trudem mówił “dzień dobry”.
Zoe M a r r i o t t “Cienie na Księżycu”
Such a beautiful cover. What kind of book covers do you like?
The Hand, the Eye and the Heart by Zoë Marriott
goodreads
Have you read this trans book?
Yes and I liked it
Yes and I didn't like it
No
No but I'd like to
I've never heard of it
Zhilan was assigned female at birth; despite an unusual gift for illusions, they know they will live out their life in the perfumed confines of the women’s quarters. But when civil war sets the country aflame, Zhilan is the only one who can save their disabled Father from death on the battlefield. By taking his place. Surviving brutal army training as a male recruit – Zhi – is only the first challenge. Soon Zhi’s unique talents draw them into an even more perilous fight, in the glittering court of the Land of Dragons, where love and betrayal are two sides of the same smile. The fate of an Empire rests on Zhi’s shoulders. But to win, they must first decide where their loyalty, and their heart, truly belongs.
Mod opinion: I hadn't heard of this Mulan inspired story before, but if you're into queer retellings this might be interesting.
If you like Shadow and Bone, and Alina in particular, consider reading Daughter of the Flames by Zoe Marriott.
A truly terrific book with many similarities! (Though I am nor nearly as fond of the second book, FrostFire. But the first one can just as easily be read as a standalone - as someone who has re-read it countless times.)