Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson: ARC Review

October 1, 2021September 27, 2021hasnitasinghauthor Leave a comment

I was fortunate to receive an audiobook copy from the publisher and author through Netgalley in exchange for feedback and my honest review. These are my opinions, uninfluenced.

Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson is a standalone YA Fantasy, releasing on October 2nd 2021. Artemisia is training to be a Gray Sister, a nun who ferries the dead and prevents that from turning into vicious souls that kill the living. When her convent is attacked by possessed soldiers, Artemisia awakens an ancient spirit. Now, bound to the spirit, Artemisia begins to uncover a sinister mystery that could destroy everything and everyone. Without any options, Artemisia has to betray everything she knows by putting her faith in the spirit with the hopes that it doesn’t betray her first.

I loved Sorcery of Thorns so my excitement for this off the charts. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

Margaret Rogerson’s writing style shines in this. It’s captivating, honest and so brilliant.

Anxiety, trauma and PTSD play a really important role in Artemisia’s story. Because of the way these hard topics were handled, the story really resonated with me. I could feel Artemisia’s pain in everything she did. More than that, despite not living through what she had, I completely understood it. Through all of her actions, the little things and the big decisions, to the things she said (or even didn’t say), it was really easy to understand her. And what made her the way she was.

Artemisia was such a complex character, with layers and layers. I wish this was a series so I could see more of her. The development arc we did get in this story was a delight. I loved reading about her growth and would’ve enjoyed it even more if I could stay with her in more books.

I was really happy with the pacing for this. It’s fast paced and full of action. We’re constantly on the move and constantly fighting to survive. It was simply exhilarating. So much was packed into this without it overwhelming.

One thing that catch me by surprise, was the absence of romance. I completely adored the romance sub plot in Sorcery of Thorns so I simply expected it in this. But it wasn’t, which is probably a good thing. There is so much to this story that I don’t think there was room for more.

I can see how everyone wouldn’t be able to appreciate this, but I highly recommend giving it a go. Especially if you’re looking for a fast paced fantasy that is unlike what you’ve read before.

House of Glass Hearts: ARC Review

September 29, 2021September 27, 2021hasnitasinghauthor 1 Comment

I was fortunate to receive an audiobook copy from the publisher and author through Netgalley in exchange for feedback and my honest review. These are my opinions, uninfluenced.

House of Glass Hearts by Leila Siddiqui is a unique magical realism story. One day, after her grandfather passes away, Maera wakes up with a greenhouse in her backyard. The greenhouse is supposed to be thousands of miles away and when her ammi doesn’t find that strange, Maera grows even more suspicious. Forced to confront her grandfather’s past, Maera investigates the greenhouse, only to find out that it may hold the key to uncovering what happened to her missing brother years ago.

This story was told in alternating point of views across a timeline. We follow Maera, in present day, and also see from her grandfather’s perspective from his youth days. This could potentially be confusing for readers, though I didn’t have any issues with it. I did find that at certain points, I only cared for one perspective and towards the end, I was more invested in Maera’s arc and not the past timeline.

The plot for this book is my favourite part. It’s twisted and brilliant. Full of culture, myths and wonder. There were some parts that I found jarring and confusing. I wished they had been better explained and more fleshed out but I still appreciated the concept.

I loved learning about Pakistani culture and there were some elements that I recognised. It felt real and relatable.

I did struggle with the pacing. For the first 60-70%, I wasn’t that invested. It started off slowly and there wasn’t much happening. After the 70% mark, the pacing really picked up. Like really. So much so, that some things happened too quickly.

There was a small romance sub plot, that for once, I didn’t care about. It didn’t add anything to the story for me. Maera has a crush on a boy named Rob, who she hasn’t interacted with in years. And suddenly he comes back into her life and this really intense romance is introduced out of the blue. There were some sentences that I just found strange. It pulled me out of the story. I can’t remember what the exact words were, but it involved ‘feasting her eyes’ on Rob.

The characters did feel a little flat, and one dimensional. With the exception of Shah Jehan. She was my favourite. I loved that we touched on women empowerment as she was so brave in such a ‘man’s world’.

The ending was incredible. I was really happy with how it wrapped up. This brought the book up in rating. It tied everything together and I liked how all the pieces that were set up through both timelines fell into piece. It was really satisfying.

I would recommend this for readers who enjoy historical fiction and stories full of culture. If you’re looking for a fast paced book, this probably isn’t for you.

Goodreads

Book Depository

Leila Siddiqui

Social Queue by Kay Kerr: ARC Review

September 27, 2021hasnitasinghauthor 1 Comment

I was fortunate to receive an audiobook copy from the publisher and author through Netgalley in exchange for feedback and my honest review. These are my opinions, uninfluenced.

Social Queue by Kay Kerr is a young adult, contemporary novel releasing tomorrow! Zoe Kelly is finally done with High School, and she’s so over the bullying and autistic masking. With an internship at a media company, Zoe ends up writing an article on her non-existent dating life which ends up going viral. Turns out, Zoe had just been missing the signs. Now, with a list of contenders from her past, Zoe’s spun away in a ride full of confusing signals, old sparks and new articles.

This was such a heart warming and fun read. It definitely delivered what the synopsis sold.

I loved Zoe’s character and found it easy to root for her. I can quite easily get bored with monologues but I found Zoe’s thoughts pretty fun to follow. She was a refreshing and quirky character.

Zoe’s relationships with the people around her (beyond romance) was a delight to read. I loved getting to know her sister. I didn’t enjoy the romance as much as I had expected. It’s not to say, I didn’t like it, I just wasn’t that invested in. However, that didn’t diminish my enjoyment for the story, I still cared a lot about where Zoe’s story went.

I was really happy with how the social anxiety portion of this story was handled. It felt honest and authentic. Personally, this was such an insightful read. I haven’t read a young adult book with autism rep (mc) before, so I’m glad we’re getting more neurodiversity.

I really liked the writing style. It was easy to read and enjoy. There was a great balance of dialogue and monologue. There were some moments that tugged at my heart strings and did make me emotional. They were probably some of my favourites.

If you’re looking for a refreshing coming of age story that tugs at the heart, I highly recommend this one.

Goodreads

Book Depository

Kay Kerr

Books Perfect for Halloween

September 25, 2021September 16, 2021hasnitasinghauthor 1 Comment

Halloween isn’t too far away so here are eight books that I think will be perfect for October. There’s everything from ghosts to unreliable narrators.

Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson is a young adult, paranormal fantasy.

Artemisia is training to be a Gray Sister, a nun who cleanses the bodies of the deceased so that their souls can pass on; otherwise, they will rise as spirits with a ravenous hunger for the living. After awakening an ancient spirit, Artemisia unravels a sinister mystery of saints, secrets, and dark magic, her bond with the revenant grows. And when a hidden evil begins to surface, she discovers that facing this enemy might require her to betray everything she has been taught to believe—if the revenant doesn’t betray her first.

This has ghosts, do I need to say more?

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas was one of my favourite books that I read in August. When Yadriel summons the ghost of Julian Diaz who refuses to leave, Yadriel is forced to help him uncover the mystery of Julian’s death.

I can’t explain how good this book is. It is so much fun and hooks you in all the way to the end. The characters are so loveable and is perfect for Halloween.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness is one of my all time favourite reads.

At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting – he’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. The monster in his backyard is different. It’s ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth.

A darkly funny story about real and imagined monsters that will stay with you for a long time.

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa is a unique and dark story about Allison who survives by scavenging for food and her hatred for vampires. When she gets turned into one of them, Allie must pass for human as she joins a ragged group of pilgrims seeking a legend—a place that might have a cure for the disease that killed off most of civilization and created the rabids, the bloodthirsty creatures who threaten human and vampire alike.

I read this a long time ago and couldn’t get over how impressed I was by the more twisted take on vampires. This was fast, fun and hard to put down. I’ll be picking this up for a re-read in October and I recommend that you do too!

Bone Crier’s Moon by Kathryn Purdie is a fun, enemies to lovers book that has a heavy focus on friendship.

Ailesse and Sabine are best friends, they’re also bone criers – those with the sacred duty of helping the dead pass over. This responsibility comes with a sacrifice, they must kill their one true love.

Bastien’s father died at the hands of a bone crier and he’s determined to get revenge. Yet when he finally captures one, his vengeance will have to wait. Ailesse’s ritual has begun and now their fates are entwined—in life and in death.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater is unlike anything you’ve read before. It takes a little bit to get into it, but when you do, it’s so worth it.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, he is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys. For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

The Archived by Victoria Schwab is a haunting tale where the dead, called Histories, rest on shelves like books. Mac, is a keeper, responsible for making sure violent Histories don’t awaken and escape. When someone begins deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters, Mac has to piece together what remains, in order to prevent the Archive itself from crumbling and falling.

A few years ago, I was obsessed with The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin. This Halloween, you can be too.

Mara Dyer wakes up in a hospital with no memory about what happened the night her friends died – and she survived. As Mara falls apart, everything around her does too. People alive seem dead, and the dead seem alive.

This is psychological thriller is twisted, intriguing and an incredible ride. Be prepared to find a new book boyfriend to add to your favourites.

Do you have some books that you think are perfect for Halloween? Drop them in the comments. Will you be picking any of these up?

After the Ink Dries: Book Review

September 24, 2021September 14, 2021hasnitasinghauthor 1 Comment

After the Ink Dries by Cassie Gustafson is a young adult novel that released in July this year. Sixteen-year-old Erica Walker is a webcomic artist who wants to fit in at her affluent new high school. After a party, Erica wakes up half-clothed, and discovers words and names drawn in Sharpie in intimate places on her body—names belonging to Thomas’s lacrosse friends and his own. Told in alternating viewpoints, Erica seeks to uncover what happened while battling to keep evidence of her humiliation from leaking out, as Thomas grapples with his actions and who he thought he was. Woven throughout, illustrated graphic novel interstitials depict Erica’s alter ego superhero, Erica Strange, whose courage just might help Erica come through to the other side.

First of all, I’ve never read anything like this. The story alternates between the survivor’s pov and one of the perpetrator’s perspective – something I’ve never read before. This was a really unique idea that was executed really well.

This is not an easy read, but it’s one I encourage people to pick up (do check trigger warnings). This tackles assault in every aspect – the trauma, the guilt, the frustration. Reading about Erica was heartbreaking and angering. There were several points where I cried. Even a time, where I was so frustrated, I thought I was going to chuck my phone across my room.

Watching this unfold from Thomas’ perspective and seeing how the families of the perpetrators reacted, was interesting to the say the least. By no means was Thomas a character I liked or had sympathy for. But it was a really important perspective.

It reminded me how horrible high school could be for some and just how cruel teenagers could be.

The illustrations woven in through the story added another unique touch. They were so beautifully done by Emma Vieceli. They added another dimension to the book and were just as relevant as the writing.

I was really happy with the direction this book went in. The only thing that would’ve made it more satisfying would be a bit more closure – but I suspect that may have been the intention.

This is one that I highly recommend and will not stop talking about for a long time.

Unfinished Series: A Reading Challenge

September 21, 2021September 14, 2021hasnitasinghauthor 2 Comments

I’m normally very good with keeping up with series. But when I slipped into my huge reading slum, it got too hard to keep up with new releases. More than that, not long ago, I placed a book buying due to the insane amount of books I had which weren’t read. Now I have a new rule: I read an ebook and if I love it, that’s when I buy a physical copy. Exception: it’s an author I trust or a sequel to a book I loved.

Those factors combined, I’m left with too many unfinished series. So I’ve made a list of books that I want to read. I’ll probably have to re read their prequels first.

There’s no deadline for this challenge, but hopefully within the next two months. I’ll be posting a review of the challenge!

Fair warning: this is going to be a long one.

Jennifer L. Armentrout is hands down, my favourite author. As soon as From Ash and Blood came out, I devoured it. Not long after, book tok discovered it and everyone wouldn’t stop fawning over it (rightfully so). So, the first book one my list is the sequel, A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire.

We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faisal is the sequel of one of my favourite reads last year. I ate up the angsty, slow burn, enemies to lovers romance. Hence, I’ve been eager to get my hands onto this.

Rebel of the Sands was such a fun read. I remember so many scenes from this book so vividly, even though it was like two years ago. Because of that I had to add Traitor to the Throne by Alwyn Hamilton.

A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir is the third book in the Ember of the Ashes series. I have loved the first two books so much. There are so many questions I need answers to.

Windwitch by Susan Dennard is the second book in the Witchlands series. I really enjoyed the first book. Everything from the world building to the characters.

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas is a novella that follows the third book in the series. It’s supposed to be the bridge between the first half of the series and the second half that follows other characters in the world. I love this series and even though I’ve heard mixed things about the rest of the series and this novella, I’m still excited.

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor follows Daughter of Smoke and Bone. I haven’t read the first book in a long time so I’m hesitant about picking this up. I didn’t love the first book and I don’t know if I can go through that again. There are chimera and angels and Laini Taylor’s beautiful writing (hence why I’m still hooked on this series.

Their Fractured Light by Amie Kaufman and Megan Spooner is the third book in the Starbound trilogy. I have loved the first two books soooo much. The science fiction series takes us

I honestly don’t remember much about Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin. All I remember is that I fell in love with it.

I remember reading Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller and being like “why aren’t more people talking about this?”

The first time I started The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater, I didn’t get far into it. The second time I picked it up, I fell in love. The story stayed with me for a long time.

I really liked The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh. It was so good and I didn’t want to read the sequel until I had it physically in my hands. By the time I had it in my hands, I’d forgotten what I’d read about.

I loved The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken and I loved Passenger just as much.

The Forever Song

Have you read any of these? What’s an unfinished series you want to get to?

A Lesson in Vengeance: Book Review

September 20, 2021September 16, 2021hasnitasinghauthor 1 Comment

A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee is a young adult new release that’s been pitched by the author as ‘dark academia but make it lesbian’. We follow Felicity Morrow, who after the death of her ex-girlfriend, has finally returned to Dalloway School. She even has her old room in Godwin House, the exclusive dormitory rumored to be haunted by the spirits of five Dalloway students—girls some say were witches. The Dalloway Five all died mysteriously, one after another, right on Godwin grounds. As Ellis Haley, a prodigal and methodic writer, turns up at Godwin House, Felicity is roped into researched the Dalloway Five. And when history begins to repeat itself, Felicity will have to face the darkness in Dalloway–and in herself.

I want to start by speaking about the characters. Felicity and Ellis were such great characters. They felt so real to me, they had personalities, flaws, and motivations that weren’t just driven by the plot’s demands. There were parts of them that were twisted and complicated and I just wanted to sit down and untangle it all.

The entire plot is brilliant and wicked. It’s a great concept that was executed really well. There were a few points that took me by surprise and I loved how they were executed.

I really enjoyed Victoria Lee’s writing style. It’s a combination of sophisticated and also very haunting. The writing style created a brilliantly twisted atmosphere and characters. You can tell how intelligent Ellis and Felicity are by their choice of words – not just dialogues. The words are chosen deliberately to create tension. Even in scenes where there wasn’t much happening, the vibe itself had my heart racing.

The most well-done part of this book is the atmosphere it creates. The vibes that the characters, the writing style and the plot give are so dark. Which contributes to making this a true ‘dark academia’.

My only complaint was the slow start. This took me a little bit to get into but my patience paid off. Despite the slow beginning, when it kicked off, it kicked off.

Going into this, I was under the impression that this was more fantasy than suspense (thanks Goodreads). This did disappoint me a little, but that’s a me problem and not a book or writing problem. I’d recommend going into this not expecting a fantasy element but more dark academia and suspense.

In closing, this is an incredible book that you must pick up. If you’re looking for something that’s dark academia, sapphic and has gothic vibes this is it for you.

Daughter of Sparta: Book Review

September 18, 2021September 16, 2021hasnitasinghauthor 2 Comments

Daughter of Sparta by Claire M. Andrews is a young adult, Greek mythology, fantasy. Daphne has been training her entire life so she can accepted by the Spartans. When Artemis, the Goddess of the hunt and moon, turns up with a mission to restore the nine stolen items from Olympus, Daphne has no choice but to accept. If she fails, the gods will lose their powers and Daphne’s brother will lose his life. Alongside Apollo, Daphne begins an empowering journey filled with action, Gods, and mythological legends.

Going into this, I had low expectations. I love Greek mythology but rarely do I find a retelling or mythology inspired book that I thoroughly enjoy. But Claire M. Andrews understood the assignment. This reinterpretation of Daphne and Apollo was so well done.

The entire journey was exhiliarating and I was so invested. This is a fast paced story filled with action, that hooks you from the start and never lets you go. I loved the characters we met along the way, to the allies we made and to the foes we fought.

The characters were all lovable and multi-faced. Daphne is a complex character that felt real. I cared about her and was so scared for her in so many scenes. I was really happy with her development and the direction her character went in. Apollo’s character was also handled really well. It was a great combination of the sinister actions the Gods are known to make and a refreshing take on his character.

The romance between Daphne and Apollo was swoon-worthy. The slow burn, hate to love arc was die to for. The tension was described really well and I was really happy with its development.

The banter was really funny. Not just between Daphne and Apollo, but with all the other characters we meet.

I loved how the story wrapped up and I was really satisfied with the ending, despite all the questions I have. I’m so excited for the sequel and I can’t wait for it. Why does it have to be so far away?

I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a fast paced fantasy with a badass heroine. If you love Greek mythology, you need to pick this one up.

True Loaf by Austen Johnson: Short Story Review

September 16, 2021September 12, 2021hasnitasinghauthor Leave a comment

I was fortunate to receive an audiobook copy from the publisher and author through Netgalley in exchange for feedback and my honest review. These are my opinions, uninfluenced.

True Loaf by Austen Johnson is a fantasy, childrens/middle-grade short story. Inspired by Balkan Folklore, the story follows Riley who works at a bakery. When a strange man has a strange request for her, Riley goes on an adventure to finding an essential ingredient. Along the way, she realises that not all is as it seems.

This was short, sweet and fun. It started off a little slow, but then it hooked me in. I felt immersed into Riley’s world and became invested in her journey. The story finished on a high with some unanswered questions. I think this would’ve been more satisfying, if a few more of my questions would’ve been answered. A younger audience will really enjoy this and it will provoke enough thought for the gears in their heads to turns.

All the characters were quite interesting. Riley was an easy to love character. Her thoughts were witty. It was a short story, so there was not a lot of development and complexity, but I wouldn’t expect that from a short-story.

Listening to the audiobook was really good. The narration was engaging and easy to follow.

Overall, this was a great, quick read. It would definitely keep younger kids occupied and interested.