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.
Book Review: The Mercy of Gods by James S. A. Corey
Posted on August 30, 2024 13 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 Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey
Mogsy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Genre: Science Fiction
Series: Book 1 of The Captive’s War
Publisher: Orbit (August 6, 2024)
Length: 422 pages
Author Information: Website
As a long-time fan of the Expanse series, I was beyond excited to dive into The Mercy of Gods, the start of a new series by the duo of Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck writing as James S. A. Corey. I had hopes that it would deliver more of what I wanted from an epic sci-fi saga—intricate world-building, compelling characters, the promise of a new universe that blends elements of hard science fiction and space opera that feels both intimate and all-consuming.
In hindsight, I may have set my expectations a bit too high.
Set in the distant future, The Mercy of Gods takes readers to the planet Anjiin, where its unsuspecting inhabitants are about to face an unprecedented threat. The Carryx, an alien species that has conquered countless worlds across the galaxy, has begun its invasion with intent to destroy or enslave the population.
But right before the attack, scientists had just made a startling discovery on origin of humankind on Anjiin, information that has been lost to time since the first colonies settled on the planet. Researchers who were involved in the breakthrough, some of the best and brightest minds humanity has to offer, are quickly rounded up following the Carryx invasion to be shipped off to a prison world where they would be forced to use their talents to help the enemy. Still, it’s arguably better than the fates of the roughly one-in-eight who were slaughtered almost immediately, or the many more who were ultimately cast aside to perish. The story then follows the struggle of the survivors as they grapple with the horrific reality of their captivity along with the members of other species that the Carryx have conquered. Humanity’s only hope may lie in how well our characters will be able to play their part, biding their time long enough to turn the tables on their captors.
Admittedly, things got off to a great start, with the story throwing readers into the chaotic soup created by the alien invasion right away. The initial chapters were packed with suspense and action as our POV characters, primarily scientists and researchers, are left scrambling to try and fight off the invaders. The godlike Carryx themselves are terrifying and almost caricature-like when it comes to their appearance and aggression, from their unsettlingly many-jointed insectile forms to their unsatiable need to subjugate everything they come across. Not gonna lie, I was feeling pumped; the book’s intro had me hooked right away, feeling excited and ready for the ride ahead.
But as the focus shifted from the invasion to a closer and more personal look at the characters, the whirlwind momentum of the early chapters started to fade a bit. The splitting of the narrative into multiple threads as the plot progressed was also reminscent of the structure of the Expanse novels, except in this case the changing perspectives had the unfortunate effect of watering down interest even as horizons were broadened. There simply wasn’t the emotional depth to make each character feel fully realized, and the resulting challenge to form meaningful attachments to any of them made it hard for me to care about their fates of the unfolding drama.
The themes that were so irresistible at the beginning—a planet’s hostile takeover by an alien race, the resulting destruction and humanity’s desperate struggle to resist and save itself—all gradually gave way to a lackluster middle. Despite the breathtaking world-building and lore associated with the story, the novel just wasn’t quite ticking all the boxes. Still, I am hopeful for the series’ future. It’s possible that, just like Expanse which took a couple books to find its footing, all it needs is a little time to grow and improve. I’m looking forward to seeing if the next installment will be able to build upon this foundation and bring back energy and momentum with the ingredients that are already there.
Book Review: Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid
Posted on August 27, 2024 9 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: Fantasy
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Del Rey (August 13, 2024)
Length: 320 pages
Author Information: Website
Ironically, few things excite me more than Shakespearean inspired fantasy, even if years of boring high school lit classes have killed pretty much any enthusiasm I have for the works of the great Bard. These days I’m unlikely to pick up Shakespeare for pleasure, but pitch me a reimagining of Macbeth as told from the perspective of one of literature’s most famous villainesses and throw in dragons, curses, and sorcery for good measure, and I’m like, where do I sign up?
Enter Ava Reid’s Lady Macbeth, and now that I’ve read it, I certainly have opinions, both complimentary and critical. To provide some context though, I think it’s important to acknowledge the elements that stand out, even those aspects which are likely to frustrate readers. The book is a dark and rather loose retelling of Shakespeare’s classic play with a quasi-historical fiction bent, centering around seventeen-year-old Roscille who has been thrust into a world dominated by men and violence upon her marriage to the fearsome Scottish warrior Macbeth. But Roscille, alone and frightened as she is, has some secrets of her own. Said to possess witch powers, she makes furtive attempts at manipulation and charming others with her beauty in order to survive, but her youth and inexperience often lead her floundering in the dangerous power dynamics of her new life.
Brutal as he is, however, her husband appears to trust her, even if it does stem from his regard of her as his own property. He reveals to her his hidden dealings with the world of the occult and his beliefs in magic and prophecy, perhaps giving insight into his uncanny bravado and charisma. Despite her efforts to maintain control over her life, Roscille finds herself surrounded by adversaries in Macbeth’s court, growing increasingly isolated. But just when she hits rock bottom and feels the most desperate, an unexpected alliance and romance may emerge from the least likely of places.
Look around and you might see a lot of reluctance to call Lady Macbeth a retelling, and for good reason. Aside from the plot’s lack of faithfulness to the source material, you’re also looking at significant changes made to the key characters. But this, to me, was a positive. One of the book’s best features is the author’s ability to bring Roscille to life, even if she is a far cry from the strong, ambitious, and morally sketchy woman whom she was based on. Reid’s Lady Macbeth is her own creation, and she has written a protagonist whose trauma and subsequent resilience to those challenges have shaped her personality and motivations, which feel authentic and earned. The story also introduces new elements like magic and mythical creatures that have little to do with the original play, but as this is a fantasy novel, I’m quite happy for these changes placing it solidly into this category.
Still, there were other deviations that were less welcome. For one, we have the huge shift in focus from the main theme of the original Macbeth, which I felt was key to the play and should have been kept somewhat intact or at least present. Instead, opportunities to explore the darker side of human nature—unchecked ambition, the corrupting force of power, soul-rending guilt, etc.—were largely ignored in Lady Macbeth, and that was a little disappointing. Then there was the way the novel handled the relationship between Roscille and Macbeth. In this story, the latter holds all the power, and Reid doesn’t shy away from the harsher realities of their marriage. In her portrayal, though, Roscille is robbed of much of her agency, and the dynamics that exist between the couple in Shakespeare’s Macbeth are either diluted or flipped.
In terms of its technical aspects, the writing was rich and evocative, which enhanced the gothic vibes of the atmosphere. But unstable pacing made the first half a slow read, and in many ways, the fantasy elements were instrumental in helping things pick back up, even if they took the original plot off its rails. Such is nature of retellings or reimaginings—you have to take both the strengths and flaws that come with the author’s creative choices.
In the case of Lady Macbeth, those choices offered a fresh perspective. However, as much as I enjoyed some of Reid’s new interpretations, not all of them resonated with me the same way. In the end, I think readers will largely fall into one of two camps—those who appreciate the bolder changes, or those who would have preferred to see more of the familiar and important themes in Shakespeare’s play preserved.
Summer of DNF
Posted on August 24, 2024 12 Comments
Sorry for the slow month. There has been a lot of traveling for me this summer and I’m back from what is probably (hopefully) my last road trip before the fall season sets in, because I am feeling absolutely beat! I can’t believe I’m about to type these words but I am actually looking forward to September when school starts up for the kids again so my life can get back to its regularly scheduled programming. I feel like not much productive has been achieved in all this chaos. Not to mention my poor feet could use a break.
Plus, the other thing that has taken a hit is my reading. Mind you, not that I’ve stopped, and in fact I think I’ve been reading more than ever, but for some reason, nothing that I’ve been picking up for the last couple weeks seems to be sticking. I guess it’s natural to be pickier when it comes to book choice when you’re on the road and looking for a beach read versus something that’s a drag, but it’s been ridiculous. So you’ll be getting more of these DNF posts from me in the near future, I’m sure.
Granted, of the half dozen books I’ve been crazy sampling lately, not all have been banished to the abandoned pile just yet. Some just might need another chance when I eventually switch my mind off vacay mode, so for now here are comments from a few DNFs from earlier this summer I just need to clear off my plate. For most books, the DNF decision was made around the 25-33% mark, enough to safely say I gave it a fair shot. Keep in mind though, just because I DNFed a book doesn’t mean it was bad, just that, for whatever reason, I wasn’t feeling it and saw no compelling reason to continue. But what doesn’t work for me might work for others; hopefully my perspective can assist you in determining whether you’ll enjoy it or not.
I received review copies from the publisher(s). This does not affect the contents of my reviews and all opinions are my own.
The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim
Mogsy’s Rating: DNF
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Mythology
Series: Book 1 of Fate’s Thread
Publisher: Del Rey (June 4, 2024)
Length: 416 pages
This is a contemporary fantasy inspired by Asian mythology in which a nine-tailed fox pairs up with a trickster god to track down a demon before it can destroy the mortal world. If you like any of the elements described in above, I think it will be a match made in heaven. However, the book has also been described for fans of K-drama, and I really think that’s where the story and I had our disagreement. No judgement if you enjoy watching K-dramas, but I can’t think of anything I’d rather do less. It’s just not my thing. I prefer my stories with a little more action and a little less moody broody lovey drama, so no surprise this book and I ended up splitting. K-drama enthusiasts though, run to pick this up!
Cuckoo by Gretchen Felker-Martin
Mogsy’s Rating: DNF
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Tor Nightfire (June 11, 2024)
Length: 352 pages
It’s the 1990s, and five queer kids are forcibly sent to a desert converssion camp in the Middle-of-Nowhere, Utah by their families. Hey, sounds like a great premise for a terrifying novel about a group of characters who confront and persevere against the horrors of isolationa and abuses inflicted upon them! Problem is, in the effort to make the story as shocking and violent and repulsive as possible, the author appears to have forgotten to make it actually interesting. What’s going on? Who are all these people? Who cares! I’m no stranger to extreme horror but at the very least I expect a readable plot and decent character development. This is my first experience with the author and I’m willing to give her work another chance, but if this is indicative of her style, I’ll likely bail again.
Mogsy’s Rating: DNF
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Flatiron Books | Macmillan Audio (April 9, 2024)
Length: 400 pages | 12 hrs and 57 mins
Another unpopular opinion time. I’m a big fan of Leigh Bardugo, especially as of late with her adult fiction, namely the publication of her Alex Sterns novels. Needless to say, I was eagerly anticipating The Familiar, but in the end it fell short of expectations. Granted, there’s nothing really “wrong” with the book, and I think it will perfectly satisfy the author’s fans. However, I really am starting to doubt the abilily of authors, and not just Bardugo, to write historical or folklore-inspired fantasy for adults that are not simply a rehash of the same thing we’ve seen a thousand times before. Honestly, the only author I can think of who reliably and consistently still has fresh takes and unique ideas in this subgenre is T. Kingfisher. The Familiar, unfortunately, exhibits the same pitfalls as everything else–too tropey, too predictable, too unimaginative. I lost interest about half way through, when I realized I could already guess the remainder of the major plot points and how the book will end. Just as an experiment, I skipped ahead and confirmed I was right, so at that point, I saw no more reason to continue.
Review: A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
Posted on August 10, 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.
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
Mogsy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Tor Books | Macmillan Audio (August 6, 2024)
Length: 336 pages | 11 hrs and 8 mins
Author Information: Website
Audiobook Narrators: Eliza Foss, Jennifer Pickens
As always, absolutely brilliant! Honestly, I’ve not been disappointed by T. Kingfisher yet, and even though I’ve generally been more partial to her contemporary horror in the past, A Sorceress Comes to Call is now a new favorite.
The story begins with an introduction to 14-year-old Cordelia, who has grown up under the harsh thumb of her mother, the cruel and powerful sorceress Evangeline. In many ways, Cordelia’s life is quite literally a living nightmare, as she is constantly being subjected to Evangeline’s “obedience” mind control, a particularly evil kind of magic. Evangeline is also ambitious, and after tiring of her current benefactor and wreaking havoc upon his family and their small town, she’s packing Cordelia off to the country manor of a wealthy Squire, already having set her sights on a new suitor.
But while Evangeline may have the Squire ensorcelled by her beauty and charm, his sister Hester is not fooled. The manor may have seen its fair share of women come calling, drawn to her brother’s status and money, but this one unsettles Hester. She quickly realizes something is wrong when she notices Cordelia’s fearful behavior around her mother and seeks to build a connection with the girl to draw her out. The two become fast friends and Cordelia, relieved to have someone to confide in, finds herself revealing her mother’s abuses to the older woman and her society friends. Still, even with her new allies, Cordelia fears Evangeline is too powerful to let anyone, even her own daughter, stand in the way of marrying the Squire. Her mother has dark magic on her side, including the control of a demon familiar in the guise of beautiful white horse, who acts as a spy for the sorceress, reporting back to her everything he sees and hears. To save her brother, Hester will need Cordelia’s help to defeat Evangeline before it’s too late.
Described as a reimagining of the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale “Goose Girl,” A Sorceress Comes to Call is set against a richly atmospheric gothic regency-esque backdrop, and in the middle of it all is an unsettling mother-daughter relationship twisted by fear and control. Interestingly, I found that my unfamiliarity with the original class tale actually made reading this novel all the more enjoyable, as coming to it with a blank slate allowed the plot to unfold unexpectedly and offer up more than a few surprises.
One such surprise is the book’s strikingly dark tone. Of course, being familiar with the author’s penchant for stories that blend fantasy, horror, and heart, I had anticipated some level of darkness. However, this book dives into psychological horror with an enthusiasm that’s almost a little too eager. Evangeline’s Imperius-like spell is disturbing enough (there’s a reason it’s an unforgivable curse) but there’s also an eye-popping amount of violence including bloody murder and headless demons. That said, I did enjoy the resulting tensions and pervasive sense of dread. Occasionally, we still get Kingfisher’s characteristic humor and moments of lightness, but it’s hard not to feel the thrill as the stakes grow higher with each passing chapter.
But as I alluded to before, Kingfisher’s stories aren’t just about doom and gloom; they also have a great deal of love and heart. I was especially taken by Cordelia who, despite being a timid mouse at the start, evolves into a fierce and resilient fighter. She and Hester form an unlikely but dynamic duo, with the older woman stepping in as both protector and teacher—roles that Evangeline failed to fill. Though their alliance was initially one forged out of convenience—Cordelia seeking a way to escape her horrible mother, Hester seeking to get Evangeline to take her claws out of her brother—it eventually becomes the emotional core of the book. Additionally, Hester has a romantic side plot that is just sweet enough to provide a contrast to the darker main narrative, infusing it with a sense of hope.
In short, A Sorceress Comes to Call is more than just a retelling. It’s an addictive novel featuring memorable heroines and a wicked villainess. It’s a delightful blend of gothic horror and regency-era charm. It’s a journey of resilience and friendship through tough times. It’s pure T. Kingfisher. If you’re a fan, this one’s a must-read!
The BiblioSanctum 