Whew, I have many thoughts about these so settle in.
Strange the Dreamer, Laini Taylor: 9,5/10
I feel like it’s been ages since I read the kind of fantasy book that simultaneously fills me with wonder and dread the way this book did. I loved the writing, it was extremely well done and in such a way that just sucked you right into the story and did not let you go. I loved the diverse characters and what they all represented. I loved that each character was distinct from one another. I found the story and the history of this world very interesting. There were certain themes in this book that were quite heavy, but I felt they were properly dealt with. Of course, it’s not like I speak from experience having never been kidnapped by an all powerful “god” and taken to his palace for a year to be abused before my memory of the whole event was wiped and I was let go… but still. One thing I will say, the *plot twist* at the end regarding Lazlo, I saw it come from a mile away. In hindsight, there were really only two clues dropped throughout the story to help you figure it out. If you’re like me and you picked those up immediately then it is a very easily guessed plottwist.
Muse of Nightmares, Laini Taylor (8/10)
This book made work of explaining every unkown from the previous book. And I cannot say I liked all of it. I felt much was very sudden and not fleshed out properly. I did like the addition of new characters and I loved the decelopment of old ones from the first book (looking at you, Nero). But that doesn’t change that I did not like this book as much as the first one. I found Nova extremely interesting and her powers were just *cheff’s kiss*. I found her very unhinged in both the best and worst way possible. I also hated her ending. As for Lazlo, I found it such a weird struggle he was faving because what do you mean you needed Sarai to convince you not to let miss So iopath down in the city to slaughter everyone? How was this even a debate? I hated the instalove between Sarai and Lazlo that started in book one but I fear this book made it worse. What I absolitely did adore was Lazlo’s interaction with Sarai’s siblings and I wished there’d been more of that.
Two can play, Ali Hazelwood (7/10)
Ali Hazelwood is one or the few straight romance authors I as a lesbian actually enjoy. This book was a fun read, just cozy and casual, no high stakes whatsoever (I mean, it’s an Ali Hazelwood book, the stakes are never very high). I read this in a couple hours on a Subday afternoon and I quite enjoyed myself.
Wuthering Heights, Emily Brontë (8/10)
I read this book purely because of the shit I saw people say regarding the most recent adaptation. I have not seen nor do I plan to see this movie, the online discourse is more than enough for me. But it did make me curious for the book.
And oh god. First of all, to whatever person started marketing this book as romantic: I hope you burn in hell. I am most certainly convinced Emily Brontë herself had nothing to do with this being viewed as romantic because this right here read more like a horror story to me. Every single character was so mean and miserable and all they ever did was make others miserable, Heathcliff most of all. Yes this is a story about obsession and passion and gods know what else, but most certainly not in a good way. I hate this book. I hate these characters and I hate the story.
Anyways, it’s an 8/10 for me
