Book Review | GENTLEST OF WILD THINGS by Sarah Underwood

GENTLEST OF WILD THINGS
BY SARAH UNDERWOOD | PUBLICATION: OCTOBER 1, 2024
HARPERCOLLINS | GENRE: YA FICTION
RATING: ★★★★

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Desire binds them. Hunger compels them. Love will set them free. . . .

On the island of Zakynthos, nothing is more powerful than Desire—love itself, bottled and sold to the highest bidder by Leandros, a power-hungry descendant of the god Eros.

Eirene and her beloved twin sister, Phoebe, have always managed to escape Desire’s thrall—until Leandros’s wife dies mysteriously and he sets his sights on Phoebe. Determined to keep her sister safe, Eirene strikes a bargain with Leandros: If she can complete the four elaborate tasks he sets her, he will find another bride. But it soon becomes clear that the tasks are part of something bigger; something related to Desire and Lamia, the strange, neglected daughter Leandros keeps locked away.

Lamia knows her father hides her for her own protection, though as she and Eirene grow closer, she finds herself longing for the outside world. But the price of freedom is high, and with something deadly—something hungry—stalking the night, that price must be paid in blood. . . .

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Sarah Underwood's novel, GENTLEST OF WILD THINGS, harnessed the power of mythological storytelling reimagined for a contemporary audience. The book delves into the ancient Greek myth of Eros and Psyche, but with a twist that infuses the narrative with a modern sensibility about love, desire, and the human condition.

Set against the backdrop of Zakynthos, a place where the concept of Desire is commodified, the story unfolds with Eirene and Phoebe, twin sisters whose bond is tested by the machinations of Leandros, a descendant of Eros. The novel explores the complexities of love—not as an abstract concept but as a tangible, powerful force that drives the characters to extremes.

Underwood's prose is a blend of lyrical beauty and dark intrigue, capturing the essence of a world where love can be both a blessing and a curse. The character of Lamia, Leandros' daughter, is particularly compelling, embodying the conflict between the longing for freedom and the dangers it entails.

While the pacing may occasionally slow, the overall narrative is a mesmerizing experience, GENTLEST OF WILD THINGS is a captivating novel that challenges the reader to consider the price of love, and the sacrifices made in its name. It's a journey through a landscape where myth meets reality, and where the stakes are life itself. Critics have praised the novel for its exploration of themes such as feminism, disability, and abuse, all woven into a rich tapestry of mythological retelling. For those who appreciate tales with profound emotional stakes and powerful female characters, Sarah Underwood's novel is a captivating read that lingers long after the last page is turned.

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About the Author:

Sarah Underwood grew up by the sea in Devon. A data scientist by training, she is a graduate of Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge and is now studying for her PhD at the University of Oxford. Sarah has been writing as long as she can remember and has always been drawn to stories of myth and magic. Her debut novel, Lies We Sing to the Sea, was an instant New York Times, indie, and international bestseller.

*Thanks to Simon & Schuster CA for the printed ARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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BBNYA Spotlight | MURDER IN VELVET by Sarah Wynne

About the Book:

MURDER IN VELVET
BY SARAH WYNNE | SEPTEMBER 1, 2023
GENRE: MIDDLE GRADE

13-year-old Grace loves her new charity shop coat. In fact, it’s perfect. Except for one tiny thing. When she wears it, she sees visions of the previous owner’s life ... and their murder! Grace and her best friend, Suzy, decide to investigate but digging up the past reveals secrets some people want to keep hidden. Can Grace stay one step ahead and solve a fifty-year-old murder or will she become the killer’s next victim? A gripping story of secrets and murder for fans of fast-paced middle grade thrillers.

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[The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) is celebrating the books that made it to the semi-finals with a mini spotlight blitz tour for each title.

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 16 finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.]

About the Author:

Sarah Wynne is from Chester in the northwest of England and lives with her husband, son and their little white ball of chaos, Daisy the dog. She spent over 10 years working as a primary teaching assistant but now writes full-time and provides editorial services to writers of children’s fiction. When she’s not writing she’ll usually be found with her nose in a middle grade book (or researching which book to read next or talking about books!).

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BBNYA Spotlight | MASQUERADE FALL by Estella G. Fogg

About the Book:

MASQUERADE FALL
BY ESTELLA G. FOGG | JANUARY 3, 2023
GENRE: HISTORICAL FANTASY

Recently orphaned Elodie Di Silva is about to make her debut into Society, sponsored by her mother's friend's family. Quietly grieving, she allows Lady Beaumont and friends to guide her. But with the arrival of Lady Beaumont's enigmatic son, Lord Lucan Beaumont, who sends chills down Elodie's spine, she senses her debut is about to be derailed.

Stalked by day, and haunted by night by glimpses of a dark-haired man, who is somehow both stranger and familiar to her, Elodie vows to discover his secrets, and why she is so drawn to him.

But things are not what they seem.

Elodie's history with Raphael Blackmore, Duke of Mistbourne, is more complicated than she could ever have imagined.

Thrust into the bright lights of the Ton, Elodie navigates masquerade balls, picnics and house parties - where revelations will present one final fateful choice. She must decide whether to spread her wings and embrace the truth of her past... or allow the gilded cage of lies to close around her, locking her in an unwanted future.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | THE STORY GRAPH

[The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) is celebrating the books that made it to the semi-finals with a mini spotlight blitz tour for each title.

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 16 finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.]

About the Author:

When not searching the backs of wardrobes for Narnia, the bottom of the garden for fairies, or exploring yet another Castle, E.G. can be found with her nose in a book or a pen in her hand.

Having previously worked at Cardiff Castle, she now writes full time while looking after her four children.

She lives on the beautiful South Wales coast with her husband, children and crazy dog.

Her debut book 'Octavia Bloom and the Missing Key' won a bronze award in the wishing shelf book awards and placed in the top ten of the Book Bloggers' Bovel of the Year awards 2021. Her first book for older readers 'Where Fate Whispers' has been nominated in the Write Blend book awards, and also the Indie Ink awards.

E.G. Tudor also writes under the names 'Estelle Grace Tudor' & The Pseudonym 'Estella. G. Fogg'.

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Book Review | DEVIL IS FINE by John Vercher

DEVIL IS FINE
BY JOHN VERCHER | PUBLICATION: JUNE 18, 2024
CELADON BOOKS | GENRE: LITERARY FICTION
RATING: ★★★★

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Still reeling from a sudden tragedy, our biracial narrator receives a letter from an attorney: he has just inherited a plot of land from his estranged white grandfather. He travels to a beach town several hours south of his home with the intention of selling the land immediately and moving on. But upon inspection, what lies beneath the dirt is far more complicated than he ever imagined. In a shocking irony, he is now the Black owner of a former plantation passed down by the men on his white mother’s side of the family.

Vercher deftly blurs the lines between real and imagined, past and present, tragedy and humor, and fathers and sons in this story of discovering and reclaiming a painful past. With the wit and rawness of Paul Beatty’s The Sellout, Devil Is Fine is a gripping, surreal, and brilliantly crafted dissection of the legacies we leave behind and those we inherit.

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Identity and Legacy

John Vercher's DEVIL IS FINE is a novel that delves deep into the heart of personal identity, legacy, and the intricate relationship between a father and son. The book opens with a scene that is as unforgettable as it is poignant, setting the tone for a narrative that is both intimate and expansive.

The unnamed narrator, grappling with the sudden loss of his teenage son Mal, finds himself on a journey not just of grief, but of self-discovery. The inheritance of a plantation from his estranged grandfather leads him to uncover layers of his own identity as a biracial Black man, as well as the heavy weight of a legacy left by the white side of his family.

Vercher's writing style is noted for its lyrical quality, which serves to draw readers into the narrator's world, feeling each wave of emotion as he navigates the complexities of his past and present. It is all-consuming. The novel is a masterful blend of reality and imagination, humor and tragedy, and the bonds that tie fathers to their sons.

DEVIL IS FINE challenges readers to consider the legacies we inherit and those we leave behind. It's a story that is as much about the personal inner struggles of its protagonist as it is about the broader societal issues of race and heritage. With a narrative that is both darkly humorous and deeply moving, Vercher has crafted a novel that resonates with the complexities of being human, the pain of loss, and the hope of reconciliation.

A power of storytelling in exploring the depths of human emotion and the ties that bind us across generations. DEVIL IS FINE is a compelling read for anyone interested in the nuanced exploration of identity, the enduring impact of family history, and the redemptive power of facing one's past. It stands as a poignant reminder of the stories we carry within us and the importance of confronting them with courage and honesty.

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About the Author:

John Vercher lives in the Philadelphia region with his wife and two sons. He has a Bachelor’s in English from the University of Pittsburgh and an MFA in Creative Writing from the Mountainview Master of Fine Arts program. John serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of English & Philosophy at Drexel University and was the inaugural Wilma Dykeman writer-in-residence at the University of North Carolina, Asheville. His debut novel, Three-Fifths, was named one of the best books of the year by the Chicago Tribune and Booklist. It was nominated for the Edgar and Strand Magazine Critics’ Awards for Best First Novel. His second novel, After the Lights Go Out, called “shrewd and explosive” by The New York Times, was named a Best Book of Summer 2022 by BookRiot and Publishers Weekly, and named a Booklist Editor’s Choice Best Book of 2022.
Photo from Celadon.com, No infringement intended.

*Thanks to Celadon Books for the printed ARC
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | LIKE MOTHER, LIKE MOTHER by Susan Rieger

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE MOTHER
BY SUSAN RIEGER | PUBLICATION: OCTOBER 29, 2024
THE DIAL PRESS | GENRE: WOMEN FICTION
RATING: ★★★★

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An enthralling novel about three generations of strong-willed women, unknowingly shaped by the secrets buried in their family’s past.

Detroit, 1960. Lila Pereira is two years old when her angry, abusive father has her mother committed to an asylum. Lila never sees her mother again. Three decades later, having mustered everything she has—brains, charm, talent, blond hair—Lila rises to the pinnacle of American media as the powerful, brilliant executive editor of The Washington Globe. Lila unapologetically prioritizes her career, leaving the rearing of her daughters to her generous husband, Joe. He doesn’t mind—until he does.

But Grace, their youngest daughter, feels abandoned. She wishes her mother would attend PTA meetings, not White House correspondents’ dinners. As she grows up, she cannot shake her resentment. She wants out from under Lila’s shadow, yet the more she resists, the more Lila seems to shape her life. Grace becomes a successful reporter, even publishing a bestselling book about her mother. In the process of writing it, she realizes how little she knows about her own family. Did Lila’s mother, Grace’s grandmother, die in that asylum? Is refusal to look back the only way to create a future? How can you ever be yourself, Grace wonders, if you don’t know where you came from?

Spanning generations, and populated by complex, unforgettable characters, Like Mother, Like Mother is an exhilarating, portrait of family, marriage, ambition, power, the stories we inherit, and the lies we tell to become the people we believe we’re meant to be.

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Of Motherhood and Survival

Susan Rieger's novel LIKE MOTHER, LIKE MOTHER delves into the intricate tapestry of mother-daughter relationships, exploring the themes of abandonment, survival, and the enduring impact of familial bonds. The story follows Lila, a successful media executive who, despite her professional triumphs, grapples with the shadows of her past and the choices she makes as a mother.

Lila's journey is a poignant reflection of the sacrifices and decisions made in the name of survival and ambition. Her character, though flawed, is portrayed with a depth that invites readers to ponder the societal expectations of motherhood. Rieger's portrayal of Lila challenges the conventional narrative, presenting a woman whose approach to motherhood is unorthodox and unrepentant, yet undeniably human.

The novel's pace and structure allow readers to immerse themselves in the multigenerational saga, with each character's imperfections adding to the richness of the narrative. Rieger's skilful writing ensures that the characters' hardships resonate with authenticity, particularly in the depiction of domestic abuse. The author handles these sensitive topics with care, bringing them to the forefront and compelling readers to confront the harsh realities faced by the characters.

One of the most captivating aspects of the book is the mystery surrounding Lila's mother. This element serves as a subtle yet persistent force driving the narrative forward, culminating in a conclusion that, while not providing all the answers, mirrors the often-unresolved nature of real-life family dynamics.

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE MOTHER reflects the complexity of human relationships and the resilience of the spirit. Its narrative invites introspection, asking readers to consider the multifaceted nature of motherhood and the indelible marks it leaves on both the giver and the receiver of that profound love. Rieger's novel is a compelling read for anyone interested in the nuanced portrayal of family, identity, and the enduring question of what it means to truly understand one another.

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About the Author:

   

Susan Rieger is a graduate of Columbia Law School. She has worked as a residential college dean at Yale and as an associate provost at Columbia. She has taught law to undergraduates at both schools and written frequently about the law for newspapers and magazines. She is the author of The Heirs and The Divorce Papers. She lives in New York City with her husband. Photo by Nina Subin

*Thanks to Penguin Random House CA for the egalley
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | THE CRESCENT MOON TEAROOM by Stacy Sivinski

THE CRESCENT MOON TEAROOM
BY STACY SIVINSKI | PUBLICATION: OCTOBER 1, 2024
ATRIA BOOKS | GENRE: FANTASY
RATING: ★★★★✬

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A cozy and uplifting debut novel about three clairvoyant sisters who face an unexpected twist of Fate at the bottom of their own delicate porcelain cups.

Ever since the untimely death of their parents, Anne, Beatrix, and Violet Quigley have made a business of threading together the stories that rest in the swirls of ginger, cloves, and cardamom at the bottom of their customers’ cups. Their days at the teashop are filled with talk of butterflies and good fortune intertwined with the sound of cinnamon shortbread being snapped by laced fingers.

That is, until the Council of Witches comes calling with news that the city Diviner has lost her powers, and the sisters suddenly find themselves being pulled in different directions. As Anne’s magic begins to develop beyond that of her sisters’, Beatrix’s writing attracts the attention of a publisher, and Violet is enchanted by the song of the circus—and perhaps a mischievous trapeze artist threatening to sweep her off her feet. It seems a family curse that threatens to separate the sisters is taking effect.

With dwindling time to rewrite their future and help three other witches challenge their own destinies, the Quigleys set out to bargain with Fate. But in focusing so closely on saving each other, will they lose sight of themselves?

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Set in a world where magic is as common as a cup of tea, the story of Anne, Beatrix, and Violet Quigley captivates readers with its heartfelt exploration of destiny and sisterhood.

The Quigley triplets, each graced with their own unique personalities and dreams, navigate the complexities of fate intertwined with the love they share for one another. Their journey is a dance of individual aspirations and collective loyalty, set against the backdrop of a charming tea shop that also offers reading services.

Sivinski's narrative weaves a cozy fantasy that invites readers to ponder the depths of relationships and the sacrifices one makes for family. The well-crafted chapter titles contribute to the overall aesthetic and mood of the book, sparking curiosity and interest. The enchanted house, almost a character in its own right, adds a layer of mystique to the tale, enriching the atmosphere with its silent stories.

As the sisters' paths converge and diverge, we are reminded of the beauty in pursuing one's destiny while cherishing the bonds that define us. THE CRESCENT MOON TEAROOM is a story of magic and fate. Also, a celebration of sisterhood and the unspoken promise to protect each other against all odds.

For those who have experienced the joy and turmoil of sibling relationships, this book offers a mirror to their own lives, encouraging them to embrace their journeys with courage and love. The Quigley sisters' tale is a gentle reminder that in the tapestry of life, every thread is essential, and every pattern is part of a larger, beautiful design.

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About the Author:

Stacy Sivinski was raised in the Appalachian mountains of Virginia and now is a writing and literature professor in the Midwest. She holds a PhD in English from the University of Notre Dame with a specialty in sensory studies and nineteenth-century women’s writing. In her fiction, Stacy focuses on themes of sisterhood, self-discovery, and magic. The Crescent Moon Tearoom is her debut novel. Photograph by Stacy Sivinski

*Thanks to Simon & Schuster CA for the eARC access
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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Book Review | PAYAL MEHTA'S ROMANCE REVENGE PLOT by Preeti Chhibber

PAYAL MEHTA'S ROMANCE REVENGE PLOT
BY PREETI CHHIBBER | PUBLICATION: SEPTEMBER 24, 2024
PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE | GENRE: YA
RATING: ★★★✬

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This laugh-out-loud debut romance introduces perfectly imperfect Payal Mehta, whose plan to get her longtime crush to finally notice her is destined for success, but only if she ignores her budding feelings for her archnemesis...

Payal Mehta has had a crush on popular, athletic, all-around perfect Jonathan Slate ever since he smiled at her in freshman–year Spanish class. At a party during spring break of her junior year, Payal finally works up the courage to ask Jon to hang out. However, her romantic plans are derailed when he vomits on her Keds. Twice. But when Jon offers to take her out to lunch as an apology, Payal is convinced this is the start of their love story.

Over chalupas and burritos at Taco Bell, Payal's best jokes are landing as planned. Jon is basically choking on his Coke—and then it happens. "Do you have a boyfriend?" Payal is (finally) about to get the guy. And then he tries to set her up with his Indian friend. Payal's best friends, Neil Patel and Divya Bhatt, are just as mad about the microagression as Payal is, but they think she’s a little too hung up on him.

Determined to teach Jon a lesson by making him fall for her, Payal ropes in her archnemesis, Philip Kim, to help. It’s the perfect plan. Minus Philip’s snarky, annoying quips and lack of faith in its success. But as Payal lies to the people she loves, hides the too-Indian parts of herself in front of her crush, and learns that maybe Philip isn't the worst, she starts to wonder if what she's been looking for has been scowling at her all along...

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PAYAL MEHTA'S ROMANCE REVENGE PLOT is a narrative that delves into the difficulties of identity, cultural expectations, and interpersonal relationships. The protagonist, Payal Mehta, is an immigrant who grapples with societal perceptions and her own self-worth as she navigates a world that often demands proof of her identity.

The book's portrayal of Payal's struggle against the prejudices held by her own love interest, Jon, is a poignant reflection of the real challenges faced by many in similar situations. Payal's journey towards self-acceptance and the realization that she need not prove her worth to anyone is an empowering message that resonates deeply, particularly with readers who share her background.

While the romance between Payal and Jon is a central theme, the story also cues a deeper connection with Philip, an academic rival who shares common interests with Payal. The desire for more development in Payal and Philip's relationship is an indication to Chhibber's ability to create characters that readers care about and yearn to understand better.

The book also touches on themes of friendship and redemption, showcasing Payal's genuine efforts to mend her relationships and grow from her experiences. Her comedic timing adds a layer of levity to the narrative, making her character relatable and appealing.

PAYAL MEHTA'S ROMANCE REVENGE PLOT is a tale that will likely strike a chord with younger audiences, especially those who can see their own lives reflected in Payal's story. It's a reminder of the importance of being true to oneself and the power of humor in overcoming life's obstacles.

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About the Author:

Preeti Chhibber is an acclaimed author living in Atlanta, Georgia. She’s usually writing the stories she wants to read starring her favorite characters, like Spider-Man, Luke Skywalker, and Payal Mehta, among others. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading a ridiculous amount of YA, jumping into brand-new fandoms, or food-traveling her way through different countries. She’s also the co-host of the Desi Geek Girls and the Women of Marvel podcasts, where she geeks out on the regular. You can learn more about Preeti and her work at PreetiChhibber.com. Photo by Randy Fontanilla.

*Thanks to Penguin Random House CA for the eARC access
in exchange for this unbiased review.

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