Audiobook Review: Sacrificial Animals by Kailee Pedersen
Posted on October 4, 2024 7 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Sacrificial Animals by Kailee Pedersen
Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Macmillan Audio (August 20, 2024)
Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins
Author Information: Website
Narrator: Yung-I Chang
Billed as a supernatural horror that explores ancient Chinese mythology, this book almost went into the DNF pile, but in the end I’m glad it didn’t. The payoff, while slow in coming, was ultimately satisfying and illuminating, the final chapters packing such a punch that made it made the early struggle feel worthwhile.
Sacrificial Animals by Kailee Pedersen is a tense, atmospheric slow-burn and oftentimes brutal family drama that pulls the reader into the dark and deeply disturbed world of the Morrow family. Set in Stag’s Crossing, a farm in rural Nebraska, the novel introduces Nick, the youngest of two sons raised by the family patriarch, Carlyle, after the boys’ mother died in childbirth. Harboring a deep mistrust of outsiders, Carlyle isolated his family and was physically and emotionally abusive with Nick and his older brother Joshua, fostering tensions and resentment that strained their relationships. Feeling like the meeker and more mediocre son, Nick has long suspected that their father favored Joshua, the intelligent and handsome heir who has been chosen to take over the farm one day.
But then after college, Joshua committed the ultimate offense in Carlyle’s xenophobic, racist eyes—he married Emilia, an Asian American woman. Promptly disowned, Joshua was cut off from Stag’s Crossing, only receiving occasional updates about the farm from Nick, who later moved to New York. Eventually, there came the day when Nick had to inform Joshua that their father was dying, and that despite their long-standing estrangement, Carlyle wishes to have both his sons back under the same roof, hoping to make peace before his death. To show his sincerity, the old man even invited Emilia.
However, the ensuing reunion is a disaster. Carlyle’s toxic presence continues to drive a wedge between the family members, and regardless of his invitation to Emilia, he’s still bitter about Joshua’s marriage. Even worse, the presence of his brother’s wife has sparked an obsession in Nick for the enigmatic woman, and their resulting affair adds even more fuel to an already dangerous situation.
Initially, this book was a tough read because it seemed to do everything wrong in its first few pages. That is, if you’re not immediately turned off by the graphic killing of two fox pups in the opening scene, then you’ll probably find yourself gritting your teeth through some of the most pretentious and purplish prose I’ve ever read. Sure, it’s possible that it was more noticeable because I was listening to the audiobook, but seriously, enough with the overwrought metaphors! And how many times can an author possibly insert a word like “anodyne” into the first few chapters before it starts feeling like an affront to your sanity?
You might also be wondering, why is this categorized as horror? Where are the supernatural elements? These were the questions I was asking myself as well. To be fair, the horror aspect is somewhat recognizable. As the narrative shifts back and forth between past and present, the timeline following Nick’s traumatic childhood certainly stands out as truly horrific. Carlyle’s cruelty seemed to know no bounds, inflicting pain and trauma upon both his sons, but it was especially bad for Nick, who lived with fear and shame growing up as a queer teen in his father’s house. Carlyle’s hatred of foxes is also a recurring theme, and I want to caution anyone with a soft spot for animals that this book contains several scenes of violence towards wildlife that are very, very upsetting.
Still, at the end of the day, these examples remain grounded in the realm of earthly horrors. While they may inspire their own brand of fear, what happened to the supernatural and mythological elements promised in the blurb? Well, I guess that’s the crux of it. The answer to that question won’t come until near the end, when, at long last, all that gradual buildup culminates in an explosive final act. And when that moment comes, the payoff is as insane as it is satisfying.
So, here’s the TLDR: Sacrificial Animals isn’t going to be for everyone. It very nearly wasn’t for me. Reading it wasn’t easy, and there were many moments early on where I wondered if the story was losing me, with its heavy subject matters, sluggish pacing, and overly flowery prose. That said, by the time I finished, I did feel rewarded, if also completely exhausted. In the end though, I have to say the struggle was part of the experience. If you enjoy the work of authors like Andy Davidson (this book strongly reminded me of The Hollow Kind), and you can look past its technical flaws and have the stomach to endure the darkest and most uncomfortable themes, then I say go for it.
Book Review: The Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke
Posted on October 3, 2024 7 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Book of Witching by C.J. Cooke
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Berkley (October 8, 2024)
Length: 384 pages
Author Information: Website
Another winner from C.J. Cooke! The author was already a must-read, and The Book of Witching has only solidified that for me.
Set on the Orkney Islands, the novel immediately wraps the reader up in its thick and eerie atmosphere. Back in 1594, a woman wrongfully accused of murder was burned for witchcraft on these very isles, but over four centuries later, a modern woman with seemingly no ties to that distant past soon discovers that this dark history is about to turn her world upside down. In 2024, Clem is pulled into a nightmare she never saw coming when she is informed that her nineteen-year-old daughter Erin is in the hospital after being found unconscious along the shore, covered in severe burns. The body of her boyfriend was also found nearby, having succumbed to his injuries, while a third member of their group remains missing. The three friends had gone to the Orkney Islands for a hiking trip, but it was clear something far more sinister had unfolded.
But the mystery only deepens when Erin wakes up from her coma, no longer answering to her own name, instead claiming to be someone called Nyx. Her behavior, along with her cold indifference to the fates of her dead boyfriend and missing best friend leads detectives to consider Erin as a person of interest, but Clem refuses to believe her daughter could have played any part of the tragedy. Together with Erin’s father, Clem travels to the site of the accident, determined to find out the truth. The answer may lie in the history of the Orkneys, where a sixteenth century healer named Alison Balfour became implicated in a murder plot. The persecution of Alison led to her torture and eventual execution during a contentious period of political turmoil, which provided the backdrop for the North Berwick witch trials. In alternating chapters which run parallel with Clem’s in the present, readers follow Alison’s story of injustice which gradually reveal the connection between the two women.
The Book of Witching was my fourth book by C.J. Cooke, and I enjoyed it almost as much as I did her previous novel, A Haunting in the Arctic—which remains my favorite. Perhaps it’s not surprising, since the two share many similarities, including a familiar pattern of blending horror and fantasy, mystery and history, in addition to connecting past-present timelines, and, of course, the paranormal factor. However, this one did feature a very different and distinct angle, exploring witchcraft, folklore, and deep-rooted historical tensions.
Once again, the momentum is driven by the question: How are all these things related? The genius (and admittedly the frustration) of this novel is that it reads like two books in one—simultaneously trying to tell Clem’s story while juggling Alison’s as well. This time, the author keeps the answers under wraps for much longer than expected, waiting until near the end to reveal the connections. This may not be for everyone and depends on how much patience the reader has for books with layers that unfold slowly, but Cooke is such a good storyteller that even with the lack of clarity to all these secrets, I couldn’t stop reading because of the suspense.
It is also worth mentioning that Erin is herself a mother to a toddler, which only further convinces Clem that her daughter is innocent since she has so much to live for. Erin’s injuries also bring her estranged father and Clem’s ex back into their lives, and in many ways he’s even more ferociously protective of his daughter. Similarly, Alison’s story is one about resilience as she endures unspeakable pain and torture to keep her children safe. There’s this powerful overall emphasis on family, with the bond between parent and child serving as a central theme for both timelines, and both women feel more relatable and sympathetic because of it.
But the book’s strengths may be weaknesses for some. The constant jumping around between timelines, the way the author keeps the links between them close to the vest—it could be rough on the pacing. Still, I’ve always been a fan of a slow-burn narrative, especially when the payoff is worth it.
And The Book of Witching is definitely worth it. With its Gothic ambience and haunting atmosphere, this novel should appeal to readers drawn to complex family dynamics and the mysterious threads that bind the past to the present. While it doesn’t quite cross the threshold into horror territory, it still gave me chills. Recommended for fans of psychological and historical suspense.
Book Review: Buried Deep and Other Stories by Naomi Novik
Posted on October 1, 2024 5 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Buried Deep and Other Stories by Naomi Novik
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Short Story Collection
Publisher: Del Rey (September 17, 2024)
Length: 448 pages
Author Information: Website
Naomi Novik’s Buried Deep and Other Stories is a new collection bringing together thirteen short stories that explore not only a wide range of genres and themes, but also showcase the versatility of the author’s writing. Many of the tales compiled here have been previously published, most inspired by the various worlds she has built over the years, but it does contain two brand-new stories, including one set in the Scholomance universe. I think this book will appeal to longtime fans of Novik’s work, but like many short fiction collections, it comes with its fair share of ups and downs.
As such, while there were stories in here that I truly enjoyed, there were also others that felt so blah that they hardly seemed worth mentioning. That why instead of my usual approach to reviewing short story collections where I try to break down each tale with a summary of the plot and my thoughts, I’m just going to offer my overall assessment of the book, only highlighting those stories that stood out—for better or worse.
First, I consider myself a fan of Naomi Novik. Whether it’s mythological or historical fantasy, fairy tale and folklore-inspired retellings or even far-flung future sci-fi, she’s demonstrated her storytelling and world-building abilities. Perhaps it’s not surprising then, that a couple of my favorite stories in Buried Deep featured some of the more familiar themes or distinctive narrative styles from her previous works. For example, I loved “Dragons & Decorum”, a retelling of Pride & Prejudice in which Elizabeth joins the Corps and gets her own dragon—obviously because it reminded me of Temeraire. Likewise, I enjoyed “Amarita, or, The Wreck of the Amphidrake,” which I believe is set in an original world but nonetheless gave me the same sense of adventure I first found in His Majesty’s Dragon. Finally, rounding out my top three is “Spinning Silver,” the precursor to the full-length novel of the same name but has a very different ending.
But therein lies the problem to this collection. A lot of the stories, particularly those set in the author’s established universes, require prior knowledge to fully understand and appreciate them (I’m look at you, “After Hours” and “Vici.”) And if you’re reader like me who doesn’t have the best memory and often forgets details from books you’ve read, you might have trouble getting into them too. These are stories that just don’t stand well on their own in that they can be confusing or feel like throwaway tales even when you’re familiar with their settings and characters.
Uneven pacing, lackluster endings, and lack of story depth were also issues in a few cases. No doubt I’ve been spoiled by the richness and complexity of Novik’s novels, but still. I get that the short fiction format naturally provides limited space for world-building and character development, but some of the ones in Buried Deep felt unpolished, even a bit rough around the edges when compared to what I’ve come to expect from the author. These are the stories like “Blessings,” “Seven,” or “Lord Dunsany’s Teapot” which were based on interesting ideas but barely scratched the surface. And in the case of “Commonplaces,” a short story featuring Irene Adler from Sherlock Holmes, I really wish Novik had taken a little more time to flesh out the character and plot.
Ultimately, there were a few gems in Buried Deep and Other Stories that captured the magic of Naomi Novik’s signature world-building and character-focused storytelling, but there were others that felt less impactful or left little to no impression on me. Because newcomers to the author’s work won’t find themselves as interested or invested in a lot of the offerings in this collection, I believe its appeal will also be limited. That said, her fans will not want to miss this one, for her creativity remains as strong as ever. However, if you’re new to her writing, I would recommend just starting with one of her novels.
Book Review: Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
Posted on September 27, 2024 10 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
Mogsy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy, Action & Adventure
Series: Book 1 of Dungeon Crawler Carl
Publisher: Ace (August 27, 2024)
Length: 464 pages
Author Information: Website
Although I’m a huge fan of MMORPGs and fantasy roleplaying games like D&D, Pathfinder, etc., Dungeon Crawler Carl might actually be my first legit, honest-to-goodness LitRPG novel, rather than broader gamelit genre which simply incorporates a game into its plot elements and framing. And since RPG mechanics like stat allocation, skill leveling, and similar features can be both some of the most exciting and also the most tedious of roleplaying games, I was also very curious to see how it would work out.
The book follows our eponymous protagonist, just your ordinary guy who one night finds himself thrust into a nightmarish game-like reality after an apocalyptic event destroys the Earth and wipes out most of humanity. It was a cold, wintry night when Carl was roused out of bed by his soon-to-be-ex-girlfriend’s prize-winning show cat, who decided at that fateful hour to get herself stuck in a tree. Wearing nothing but his boxer shorts and a hastily thrown on leather jacket, Carl goes outside to rescue Princess Donut when suddenly, every man-made structure on the planet was suddenly compressed, instantly smushing anyone and anything under any kind of roofed shelter when the world collapsed.
Long story short, Earth’s survivors become the latest victims to be forced into a deadly dungeon-crawling competition, all part of a massive, universe-spanning entertainment network created for the amusement of alien spectators. Carl, along with Donut—who gains the ability to talk after ingesting a special pet biscuit provided by the game—must face numerous monsters, traps, and other dangerous challenges in order to make their way into the deeper levels of the dungeon, adapting to complex RPG-style rules related to things like stat and experience farming, looting and rewards, and even race/class selection. In addition, since the dungeon crawl is a televised competition, there is the social media factor to consider, where crawlers must navigate the fickle world of views, favorites, and followers to gain an advantage.
To be honest, I’m surprised it took me this long to find Dungeon Crawler Carl. It’s been making big waves in the indie publishing sphere for the last few years, and I can safely say now that the hype is absolutely, indubitably real and well-deserved! As the first three books are re-released with the traditional publisher treatment this fall, I will definitely be devouring the series as fast as I can. This opening volume took me by surprise in the best way possible, taking even the most inscrutable concepts of RPGs and making them entertaining and immersive. This is waaaaay more than just a story about a guy living a real-life video game—it’s a thoroughly binge-worthy adventure set in a richly developed, fully fleshed-out dystopian universe. While gaming mechanics are key to the plot, they are integrated naturally and seamlessly without ever hampering the fast-paced momentum.
Another standout point is the humor, which leans heavily into explosive slapstick and unapologetically pokes fun at the worst aspects of human nature, often in the most inappropriate and crass ways. The contrast between the main character’s grim reality (billions dead, millions more dying by the second for the entertainment of bloodthirsty viewers cheering on every brutal death) and the absurd situations in which he finds himself (partying up with a fame-obsessed talking cat, encounters with a lewd AI harboring a secret foot fetish, using meth to incite a goblin-llama gang war) ensures that even in its bleakest moments, Dungeon Crawler Carl had me rolling with laughter.
Carl himself is an instantly relatable protagonist and convincing despite the circumstances. His personality is a mix of goodness and sensible pragmatism, the perfect counterbalance to the haughty and unpredictable Princess Donut, which results in a dynamic that is endlessly entertaining. The book also has creativity in spades, even with its world-building rooted deeply in familiar RPG worlds and their fantasy settings. Thanks to the alien apocalypse and reality TV angles, Carl and Donut find themselves in imaginative and often bizarre scenarios that keep the story feeling fresh.
But before I offer up my full recommendation, a couple caveats to keep in mind. First, the humor isn’t going to be for everyone. Expect crude comedy and jokes of the over-the-top-omg-I-can’t-believe-they-went-there variety. Second, readers unfamiliar with RPG mechanics may find the sections explaining the ins-and-outs to be too dense and info-dumpy. Certainly, non-gamers can still enjoy the story but there’s the real risk of being overwhelmed by the sheer amount of detail.
Much like Ready Player One was a love letter to the pop culture of the 80s, Dungeon Crawler Carl can be seen as a tribute to roleplaying games. It reads like a mashup of World of Warcraft, The Hunger Games, and War of the Worlds—in other words, an absolute blast! I deem this a must-read for RPG enthusiasts, especially those who enjoy wild humor and action in their stories. This novel is a true gem, and as of this writing, I’m already deep into book two. Can’t wait to continue this crazy journey with Carl!
Book Review: The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel
Posted on September 24, 2024 19 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel
Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Mystery, Suspense
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Berkley (September 24, 2024)
Length: 352 pages
Author Information: Website
I’m not a Hitchcock fanatic myself, but being married to one has made me quite familiar with the Master of Suspense and his films. That said, it wasn’t the movie references that attracted me to this novel. While I believe The Hitchcock Hotel would be an enjoyable read for both Hitchcock fans and newcomers alike, what really drew me in was the promise of a locked-room mystery, a reunion of old friends harboring dark secrets, and, of course, murder!
Sixteen years ago, six college students came together and formed a film club, quickly becoming close-knit and inseparable. However, following an irreparable rift that resulted in the casting out of one of their own, the group drifted apart after graduation and went their separate ways. Samira became an entrepreneur, balancing motherhood with running a successful sex toy company. Julius, the class clown and heir to his grandfather’s fashion empire, now lives the life of a carefree playboy philanthropist. Zoe worked tirelessly in college and realized her dream of becoming a top chef and running her own restaurant. TJ, once a bookish nerd, has undergone the most dramatic physical transformation, becoming a muscular gym enthusiast who works as a bodyguard. And then there’s Grace—driven and ambitious—who meticulously planned her path to becoming a wealthy corporate exec and working mom, seemingly achieving all her goals.
Now, the five of them find themselves back together on the grounds of a sprawling estate nestled at the foot of the White Mountains, just a stone’s throw from their old alma mater. They have all been summoned here by the sixth member of their group, Alfred Smettle. Named after Alfred Hitchcock, Alfred grew up idolizing the legendary filmmaker. His passion led him to create The Hitchcock Hotel, a massive Victorian converted into a themed luxury inn. Perched impressively on top of a hill and filled with relics, decorations, and memorabilia related to Hitchcock’s movies, the property even boasts an aviary complete with fifty crows in residence. And to celebrate the hotel’s first anniversary, Alfred has invited his old college buddies for an all-expenses paid reunion.
Not surprisingly, Samira, Zoe, Julia, TJ, and Grace find the invitation odd—Afred hasn’t spoken to any of them since college, not after what happened to cause their massive falling out. Could this be his way of reaching out to mend old wounds and move on? Or might Alfred have something more sinister planned for the friends he once trusted most?
Tensions flare immediately once all the characters are gathered, each one currently afflicted by personal or professional problems. Without revealing too much about the plot, these individual grievances only add fuel to the already strained relationships among the former friends, dredging up old grudges and creating even more resentment. If this was meant to be a friendly reunion to let bygones be bygones, that theory is quickly dispelled by the snide jokes and veiled insults that start flying immediately, setting everyone on edge. From the outset, it’s clear that all six characters are hiding something, and certain odd mannerisms and behaviors signal to the reader that something is off, even if the reasons for the bad vibes remain unclear. All these secrets create an undercurrent of subtle but palpable conflict.
And then there’s Alfred. While his invitation appears generous on the surface, anyone paying even the slightest attention can sense the manipulation beneath the surface. His creepy obsession with Hitchcock’s films and his fanatical recreation of their unsettling themes and atmospheres through his hotel create a looming sense of dread. Here, author Stephanie Wrobel’s deep knowledge of Hitchcock’s work is apparent; all the references and the eerie vibes she creates are spot-on. You get the sense that all these elements are converging to set the stage for something much bigger and darker, as Alfred’s true intentions gradually come to light.
The plot really explodes once the group settles into the hotel. As the elaborate threads of the story begin to unravel, the narrative shifts to a classic locked-room mystery. We end up with a dead body, and everyone is a suspect. Wrobel does an excellent job layering the mystery with unexpected twists and more than a few surprises, weaving together secrets from both the past and present to form a compelling and cohesive plot. She also manages to succeed in an area where many lock-room mysteries with large casts falter—balancing attention among all the characters, giving each one equal focus and depth while keeping them all integral to the story. While none of the characters are particularly likable (as is often the case in this genre), I nevertheless found myself thoroughly engaged with all their backstories, motives, and personal hangups, never losing track or interest in who was who or what drove them.
If you find yourself drawn to the novel’s tribute to Alfred Hitchcock films, whether iconic or lesser known, you will not be disappointed. Even if you’re not familiar with Hitchcock’s work, but enjoy suspenseful thrillers and murder fiction, The Hitchcock Hotel will still captivate you with its entertaining and richly layered mystery. I had a great time with this book, which delivered a smart, twisty, and engaging read.
Book Review: Tiny Threads by Lilliam Rivera
Posted on September 19, 2024 6 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Tiny Threads by Lilliam Rivera
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror, Paranormal
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Del Rey (September 24, 2024)
Length: 256 pages
Author Information: Website
The fashion industry meets creepy paranormal in Tiny Threads by Lilliam Rivera, a novel that merges elements of gothic horror with West Coast glam. It’s a book that first piqued my interest when it was pitched as Get Out meets Black Swan meets The Devil Wears Prada, but I believe it works better as an atmospheric slow-burn suspense thriller than a true supernatural horror.
The story centers on Samara, a young Cuban American woman who has left her tightly knit family behind in New Jersey to pursue her dream job in glitzy and sunny California. It is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to be able to work with the legendary designer Antonio Mota, who has established a new headquarters in Vernon with an aim to transform it into a fashion hub that could rival New York City. But Samara has another, more personal reason for wanting to work with Antonio. Decades ago, her late grandmother, a new immigrant, had built her own reputation as a skilled seamstress in Vernon. By returning to the place where her grandmother’s journey began, Samara hopes to feel a deeper connection to the woman she still mourns.
At first, her new life is everything she’s ever wished for. Samara quickly becomes Antonio’s rising star, earning his trust and admiration. Her days are spent helping him develop his brand’s new collection and shape his vision, while her nights are filled with corporate events and parties where she makes influential business connections. Very soon, however, her star begins to fade. Her new apartment keeps her awake with strange noises, and her dreams become increasingly unsettled. The overall atmosphere in Vernon also feels off—especially the lingering stench hanging over the entire town from its long-established slaughterhouse—casting a shadow over the plans to turn it into a fashion hotspot. Things at work begin to deteriorate as well. Antonio’s relentless demands begin to take their toll on his team, and Samara struggles to keep up with deadlines, earning disappointment from her colleagues. To make matters worse, bizarre incidents at work leave her with the chilling sensation that someone or something is haunting her.
There are many things Tiny Threads does well. With her prose, Rivera superbly sets a foreboding and almost claustrophobic tone for her story, especially in its descriptions of Vernon, an industrial setting where the fashion house is trying to flourish. There’s a pervasive sense that this was always going to be an uphill battle. For one thing, a class divide is present, and neither the blue-collar workforce nor the very culture of the town itself seem ready for the new fashion wave to take hold. There’s a sense that something is deeply wrong beneath the surface, in Vernon but also in Samara’s own mind. She experiences weird things at home, at work, and even outside her apartment building, leaving you wondering if these encounters are real or merely a reflection of her rapidly destabilizing mental state.
With its themes, Tiny Threads also attempts to comment on the dynamics of race, class, and power. At times, though, this can feel a bit heavy-handed. Samara herself often appears fixated with inequality and exploitation, and while these are important issues to explore, this tendency to let them define the way she sees the world or interacts with others can be very distracting. It also makes her character less convincing as the focused and ambitious woman the story tries to paint her as, not to mention it pulls attention away form the main plot and the eerie mystery of the supernatural events surrounding her. In addition, Samara’s desire to reconcile her identity as a minority Latina woman in the fashion industry is constantly and frustratingly waylaid by her excessive drinking, general immaturity and naivety, as well an inability to separate her personal life from her professional one.
Perhaps not surprisingly, pacing was uneven in places. The beginning of the book moves pretty fast, but the middle flounders and becomes repetitive as we follow Samara through her day-to-day life. Tensions aren’t being built quickly or engagingly enough, and when the supernatural elements finally do kick in near the end, it feels a little messy and rushed. Sometimes the novel seems confused as to what it wants to be—a gothic ghost story, or a psychological thriller? It tries to juggle both at once but isn’t really hitting all its goals. What you end up with is something more like a slow, simmering paranormal suspense mystery. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it doesn’t quite resemble what the blurb is trying to get at.
Still, with the right expectations, Tiny Threads can be a brilliant read. While the horror doesn’t fully materialize, and some of its more genius moments can be hampered by wonky pacing, the novel excels in rich atmosphere and themes. I think it would be worth picking up for fans of slow-burn paranormal and psychological suspense stories.
Book Review: The Sky on Fire by Jenn Lyons
Posted on September 16, 2024 6 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Tor Books (July 9, 2024)
Length: 435 pages
Author Information: Website
Dragons and heists seemed to have been the recurring themes in my reading this past summer. This is the premise of The Sky on Fire where the author Jennifer Lyons has created a world divided between the mountain cities ruled by dragons and the lawless jungles of the Deep inhabited by the poor and less fortunate. In this setting, a motley crew of adventurers carry out a high-stakes plot to steal a dragon’s treasure with the help of a reluctant exile who simply wants to be left alone.
Anahrod is a woman who has been laying low in the Deep, when suddenly she is thrust back into the world she had been so desperately trying to escape. After she is saved from a bout of trouble by a group of rebels and outcasts, her enterprising rescuers all but kidnap her and demand that she helps them with a job—to break into the stronghold of a powerful dragon of the cloud cities and steal his hoard. The problem? The dragon in question happens to be Neveranimas, and he and Anahrod have a history of bad blood.
The world-building is where The Sky on Fire truly shines. Despite some of its more simplistic concepts, the setting is nonetheless rich with intrigue, such as its divided society which adds nuance to the story’s central conflict and shapes the characters’ motivations depending on their origins. Furthermore, there are the dragons, arguably one of the biggest draws of this book, who are gifted with their own personality quirks, unique abilities, and even loyal followers. There’s even the nifty idea that each dragon only hoards a very specific thing, and the items can be as random as weathervanes.
Story-wise, the novel also leans heavily on plot-driven elements. It reads very much like a quest narrative in this sense, whisking our adventuring group across several locations while working through the different phases of their main mission, occasionally sending them off on side quests. However, due to this, pacing was a bit of a mixed bag. We have bursts of fast-paced chapters, but also just as many sections that lack a clear focus and don’t build up enough momentum. Still, to be fair, often whenever I felt things slow down, the plot would pick up again before it turned into a slog. The number of subplots kept the interest up, and these typically involved character relationships including a bit of romance. Given that this is a heist story, action and chaos are also at the heart of the book and they fuel the entertainment by throwing in all kinds of clever surprises.
There were a couple other areas that I felt could have been better, including meatier side character development as well as streamlining the plot to cut down on unnecessary tangents. But at the end of the day, that still leaves The Sky on Fire a pretty solid entry into the epic fantasy genre, and an entertaining one at that. I never say no to more dragons and heists.
Book Review: Fear the Flames by Olivia Rose Darling
Posted on September 11, 2024 8 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Fear the Flames by Olivia Rose Darling
Mogsy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of Fear the Flames
Publisher: Delacorte (September 17, 2024)
Length: 384 pages
Author Information: Website
Fear the Flames by Olivia Rose Darling kicks off a new series featuring warring kingdoms, dragons, and a reluctant allies-to-lovers romance, and it is absolutely perfect for fantasy romance fans. But overall, while I enjoyed reading this novel, it was also a good reminder why I can only take this genre in small doses. If you’re reading this for the romance aspect, I believe it will tick a lot of boxes, but it does feel weaker in some areas of storytelling and world-building.
The book follows Elowen Atarah, an exiled princess from the kingdom of Imirath who became bound to five dragons when their long thought fossilized eggs miraculously hatched in the little girl’s presence. Through their soul bond, the creatures not only became her protectors but became as close as kin. Alarmed by his young daughter’s new powers, King Garrick tried all he could to keep her dragons from Elowen, going as far as to imprison and torture her until she was rescued by her uncle Ailliard. Together, they fled Imirath and established a new home for themselves, but there was no choice but to leave behind the five dragons, who remained held captive by the king.
Now a young woman, living in the newly established queendom of Aestilian, Elowen still feels her bond with her dragons and is determined to rescue them and seek revenge against those who harmed her. But without allies, this would be an impossible task. Left with no other choice, she is forced to enter into a deal with Cayden Veles, the military commander of the neighboring kingdom of Varaveth, who holds his own beef against King Garrick. In exchange for helping Elowen, she must promise to then help him and the armies of Varaveth wage an all-out war against Imirath. Seeing no other way to reunite with her dragons, Elowen agrees even though her interactions with Cayden are strained. And yet, she can’t help but be drawn to him, a mutual attraction which only deepens as they plot together to carry out a grand heist on her father’s heavily guarded fortress.
Avid romance readers will recognize the romance between Elowen and Cayden as resembling the classic “rivals to romance” trope, conveying the idea of characters with opposing goals who eventually develop feelings. But in some ways, the author may have relied too heavily on the reader’s own expectations to do the heavy lifting. The trajectory of the romance feels predictable and rushed, and though all of this is what we know will happen—even what we want to happen—I feel like more attention could have been given to beefing up the romance. Sure, the witty back-and-forth between them could sometimes be entertaining, but I was also frequently distracted by pet peeves like Cayden’s overprotective and over-possessive toxic alpha male jerk routine. To be fair, lots of sparks do fly between him and Elowen, but it is also a rather superficial kind of chemistry, and I wish the story had given their relationship a tad more emotional depth.
The world-building also has potential, but not all of it is realized in this first book. Important questions like, what’s so special about Elowen, and why did the dragons choose her? What is the nature of dragon-human bond anyway? Overall, Fear the Flames has this vibe about that feels fan fiction-y, with broader elements like the magic system, history behind the kingdoms, and dragon lore feeling incomplete. Some plot points are also skimmed over, leaving the reader craving more context. Hopefully, the next book will patch up some of these holes.
On that note, I will likely continue the series, when the mood for a fantasy romance strikes. While Fear the Flames is a strong addition to the genre, it still feels strictly tailored for readers who are already fans of this specific niche. Others will probably find other areas not related to the primary romance arc lacking, but this is where I hope the sequel will deliver improvements.
Book Review: Guillotine by Delilah S. Dawson
Posted on September 7, 2024 7 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Guillotine by Delilah S. Dawson
Mogsy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Titan Books (September 10, 2024)
Length: 208 pages
Author Information: Website
Guillotine by Delilah S. Dawson follows a talented but inexperienced fashion designer named Dez Lane who is struggling to find a job. And so, even though she loathes Patrick Ruskin and thinks he’s an arrogant sleazebag with too much money and not enough brains, she agrees to go on a date with him. Her reason? Patrick is the son of Marie Caulfield-Ruskin, the powerful editor-in-chief of the haute couture magazine Nouveau. Dez is not above using sex to get ahead in the world, and if it means having to endure Patrick’s clumsy advances in exchange for a chance to meet his mother and get her foot in the door of the fashion industry, well then so be it.
After only a few dates, Dez’s gamble pays off. Patrick has plans to travel to his family’s island mansion for the annual Ruskin Easter reunion, and she manipulates him into letting her tag along. Once they arrive, Dez is both awed and disgusted by the display of decadence and excess. Yet, despite the island’s well-appointed amenities and its army of pink-clad staff, the welcome she receives is cold and reproachful. After the NDAs are signed and her cell phone confiscated, Dez realizes she has left herself at the mercy of Patrick and his creepy family. She reminds herself that she only needs an introduction with Marie—ten minutes to convince the magazine mogul to give her the big break she needs–-but when things suddenly take a sinister turn, Dez begins to question if it is all worth it.
The plot of this book leans heavily into the “Eat the Rich” trope, and it is NOT subtle about it. The typical criticisms abound—class disparity, exploitation and oppression, white privilege, male privilege, the moral bankruptcy of wealth, and so on and so forth. Then, of course, at the end of this excoriation comes the bit about revenge and retribution. Problem is, the delivery feels incredibly heavy-handed and overly simplistic, perhaps by design, but this lack of nuance also caused the story fall short of being anything meaningful and made it much harder to take seriously.
Nevertheless, it had its moments. Guillotine was a fun read, despite the protagonist being almost as repulsive and unlikeable as the people she’s railing against. Kind of rich of her to sneer at Patrick when she herself comes across just as shameless and morally bankrupt (and also DUMB) but hey, I can and do often appreciate a book filled with characters you love to hate. Plus, once Dez gets on the island, the weirdness surrounding the Ruskin family pulls you in, not to mention the mysterious behaviors displayed by their staff.
Unfortunately, that’s as good as it gets. First of all, it’s important to note that, at least to me, Guillotine didn’t start off openly as satirical, though it sure was veering towards that direction near the end. The first half also gave no indication that the second was going to turn into such a bloodbath, but here we are. Next, the ending was simply a hot mess—rushed and disorganized with no real thought to plot, character development, or even logic—just plenty of sadistic violence which I generally have no objection to in my horror fiction, but then I also tend to prefer all the gore and bloodshed to be accompanied with, you know, actual tension and a reason to be shocked.
Overall, while the concept behind Guillotine was decently solid and entertaining, the ending sadly felt like a lot of wasted potential. Rather than a satisfying conclusion, we get what feels more like a formality, with little depth or impact. Still, even though I’ve read better books by Delilah S. Dawson, I didn’t regret reading this one. Despite the disappointing ending, the story was twisted enough to be interesting and thankfully short enough that it was over before its flaws could drag it down.
Book Review: So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison
Posted on September 4, 2024 6 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Berkley (September 10, 2024)
Length: 304 pages
Author Information: Website
From the queen of chick-lit horror, So Thirsty was one of my most anticipated releases this fall, but compared to her previous novels, it didn’t quite reach the heights of, say, Black Sheep or Such Sharp Teeth. Still, I’m firmly of the mind that it’s impossible for an author like Rachel Harrison to write a bad book. While this one was not her strongest, it nonetheless delivered an enjoyable read.
The story follows Sloane Parker, a thirty-something food industry manager who is facing the dreaded prospect of another birthday feeling lost, sad, and unfulfilled. Her husband Joel’s idea of a celebration is to send her off with her best friend Naomi to a posh resort in the Finger Lakes, ostensibly for a girls’ weekend of wine tasting and spa treatments. But Sloane knows the truth. She suspects that Joel is having an affair, and that the trip was his way to get her out of the picture. After all, she’s caught him cheating before.
Perhaps sensing Sloane’s distress, Naomi attempts to play the part of supportive BFF, though the two women are polar opposites, and have been since they first met in junior high. Sloane, having had a negative experience in college, prefers to play it safe, choosing stability and caution over risk and uncertainty. Meanwhile, Naomi has always been the wild one, the social butterfly, world traveler, and party girl. Her idea of a good time is to be as unpredictable as possible, and she’s determined to bring Sloane out of her funk.
Despite Sloane’s protestations, Naomi accepts an invitation from a handsome stranger she met at the bar to attend a posh shindig at a glitzy mansion with a group of his friends. However, their hosts turn out to be vampires, and when a fatal mishap occurs, Sloane and Naomi must agree to become vampires themselves. Sloane gradually finds herself drawn to Henry, the enigmatic leader of the group, who, despite being an undead immortal, introduces her to a whole new perspective on living.
Rachel Harrison is no stranger to writing about the paranormal and her stories often feature supernatural creatures, so it’s no surprise that she has chosen to explore the world of vampires in her latest novel. But given her track record of taking familiar ideas and doing fresh new things with them, I was a little disappointed with how frequently So Thirsty seemed to fall back on well-trodden territory when it comes to vampires, such as the moody, broody love interest or the fact that the lore surrounding them doesn’t quite break new ground. The romance aspect also leans heavily on established tropes, which, while enjoyable, feels somewhat predictable for the author.
One of the key themes of the book, like in so many of Harrison’s novels, is also the idea of female friendship. However, Sloane and Naomi’s relationship sometimes rubbed me the wrong way, with an undercurrent of toxicity that made it less appealing. As a result, the bond between them didn’t feel as authentic as the emotionally rewarding friendships featured in the author’s previous works, lacking the sympathetic, meaningful, and touching qualities I’ve come to expect, nor did it give off the same warmth.
That said, what really resonated with me was Sloane’s character, even though many of her internal struggles were heavily overplayed to the point of feeling corny or clichéd. Still, there’s no denying that many of her worries and insecurities reflect some of the quiet battles that average people face daily. It made her a relatable and endearing protagonist, and so it was also incredibly easy to fall right into the story.
At the end of the day, while So Thirsty isn’t making it onto my list of favorite Rachel Harrison novels, that doesn’t make it a bad book or unworthy of picking up. It’s still a great read if you’re a fan of the author’s work, especially if you’re in the mood for a vampire story that offers a solid dose of her signature style.
The BiblioSanctum 