Thursday Thriller Audio: Insomnia by Sarah Pinborough
Posted on May 12, 2022 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.
Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Thriller, Suspense
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: HarperAudio (April 12, 2022)
Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
Author Information: Website | Twitter
Narrator: Sarah Durham
Sarah Pinborough has certainly found her niche when it comes to twisty, blow-your-mind thrillers. Speaking as someone who often struggles with trouble sleeping and knowing how much it messes with your brain, I admit the premise of the author’s latest novel Insomnia intrigued me. From the synopsis, it’s clear she’s taken the concept to a whole other level—a frightening one.
In Insomnia, we follow protagonist Emma Averall, an ambitious working mom of two busy making her way up the corporate ladder at a high-powered law firm while her husband stays at home and raises the kids. It’s an arrangement everyone has been happy with, that is until recently, as Emma’s fortieth birthday approaches. That was the same age when her mother lost her mind, and something so heinous happened that Emma and her older sister Phoebe had to go into foster care. Emma was only five at the time.
Now Emma is terrified that what afflicted her mother will come for her as well. And the fact that lately she can’t sleep is adding to her worries. As the insomnia worsens, Emma also starts losing time during the day, putting her career and all that she’s worked so hard for at risk. Above all, she’s done everything in her power to put the past behind her, but try as she might, she just can’t keep her childhood horrors from coming back.
And that’s all I’ll say, because Sarah Pinborough’s books are always best enjoyed the less you know going in. As usual, she’s brilliant at writing unreliable narrators, and Emma is a testament to that. Anyone with a busy lifestyle will find her sympathetic; a successful lawyer trying to juggle long hours at work and still spend quality time at home with her husband and children, what our protagonist is doing is the very definition of burning the candle at both ends. She loves her family and cares for those around her, which just worsens her fear. It was disconcerting to watch this successful, well put together woman just start coming apart at the seams. Slowly going insane. Or is she? It was such a trip, not knowing which way this story was going to go.
That’s where things get fun. Because the truth is, it’s hard to see anything in this book coming. Every time I thought I knew what was going on, something else would happen to blow all my theories apart. It was overwhelming, but at the same time, it wasn’t. I was simply having a great time watching and anticipating what came next. It was the perfect combination of suspense and strangeness—and this being a Pinborough novel, you know there will be strangeness. If this is your first rodeo with her thrillers, just hang on tight and go with it. In the end, it’s easy to get sucked in.
Eventually, you’ll get to the big reveal. The big twist, or the WTF ending. You may need to suspend your disbelief, but again that’s par for the course. I’ve read crazier from the author (Behind Her Eyes, anyone?) but this one was pretty wild too in its own way. I liked it, though I can also understand why it wouldn’t work for everyone, because it’s a bit over-the-top.
At the end of the day though, I had a blast with Insomnia, as I knew I would because Sarah Pinborough’s thrillers never fail to disappoint. If I need to read something entertaining, fast-moving and addictive, her books always deliver, and in audio format, they are even better. Sarah Durham was fantastic as narrator for the audiobook edition of Insomnia, impressing me with a performance that kept me riveted from beginning to end.
Waiting on Wednesday 05/11/2022
Posted on May 11, 2022 8 Comments
Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme that first originated at Breaking the Spine but has since linked up with “Can’t Wait Wednesday” at Wishful Endings now that the original creator is unable to host it anymore. Either way, this fun feature is a chance to showcase the upcoming releases that we can’t wait to get our hands on!
Mogsy’s Pick
Notorious Sorcerer by Davinia Evans (September 13, 2022 by Orbit)
It’s Wyrd & Wonder month, so Waiting on Wednesdays in May are all about the fantasy releases I’m looking forward to. I just found out about Notorious Sorcerer recently, but the fact that it’s a debut releasing from Orbit is enough to get me interested, and publisher description sounds promising.
“Since the city of Bezim was shaken half into the sea by a magical earthquake, the Inquisitors have policed alchemy with brutal efficiency. Nothing too powerful, too complicated, too much like real magic is allowed–and the careful science that’s left is kept too expensive for any but the rich and indolent to tinker with. Siyon Velo, a glorified errand boy scraping together lesson money from a little inter-planar fetch and carry, doesn’t qualify.
But when Siyon accidentally commits a public act of impossible magic, he’s catapulted into the limelight. Except the limelight is a bad place to be when the planes themselves start lurching out of alignment, threatening to send the rest of the city into the sea.
Now Siyon, a dockside brat who clawed his way up and proved himself on rooftops with saber in hand, might be Bezim’s only hope. Because if they don’t fix the cascading failures of magic in their plane, the Powers and their armies in the other three will do it for them.”
#WyrdandWonder Audiobook Review: Amongst Our Weapons by Ben Aaronovitch
Posted on May 10, 2022 12 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Amongst Our Weapons by Ben Aaronovitch
Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Book 9 of Peter Grant/Rivers of London
Publisher: Penguin Audio (April 12, 2022)
Length: 10 hrs and 35 mins
Author Information: Website | Twitter
Narrator: Kobna Holdbrook-Smith
Every time I come to a Rivers of London book, it’s like putting on a cozy sweater or snuggling under a warm blanket. Part of it is the comfort of returning to a series I love, and another part of it is knowing that I’m pretty much guaranteed a good story. That’s because Detective Constable and wizard apprentice Peter Grant is always on an interesting case.
Amongst Our Weapons is the ninth volume of the series by Ben Aaronovitch, and picks up not long after the previous book. Peter is about to be a father to twins, with Beverly’s due date coming up fast. The hidden world of magic isn’t going to rest though, and as the story opens, our protagonist is investigating a murder at the London Silver Vaults with his partner Sahra Guleed. As usual, nothing is as it seems. The victim, who had been in the middle of trying to rob the place, was apparently interrupted by a flash of blinding light. The next moment, he was dead on the floor with a hole in his chest. All witnesses to the scene have also seemed to develop memory loss, unable to provide the police with anything useful.
Gradually, Peter works out some of the details. The dead man had been after a ring—and it’s a very special ring by the sounds of it. Peter has no doubt it was magical, based on the descriptions of its markings and symbols. The problem though, is that no record of it exists at the Vaults, and that’s not the strangest part. Peter is finding it difficult to read the vestigia surrounding the entire crime scene, and not even his mentor DCI Thomas Nightingale can make much sense of it.
Traveling around London and beyond, Amongst Our Weapons takes us on another whirlwind paranormal journey that should be a real treat to fans of the author and series. Is it the best book of the bunch? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t have fun. In fact, this is probably one of the better installments, with a solid mystery at its core. The plot is well-paced and entertaining, introducing even more new elements into the world of Rivers of London, which is impressive and pretty damn cool considering we’re nine books deep at this point. There’s still absolutely plenty to keep longtime readers entertained, and as always, there’s something to learn at every turn—especially if those little nuggets of architectural history are something you enjoy.
The evolution of Peter Grant is also amazing to witness. He’s come a long way since the first book, becoming a skilled wizard in his own right, even though Nightingale is still the magical heavyweight. As Peter’s career continues to flourish though, so too does his personal life. I like that Beverly has become a steady presence in his inner circle, and that they are now a family. Guleed is also a great supporting character and I’m happy to be seeing more of her with each book.
As for the negatives, I feel the fact that Aaronovitch keeps bringing back elements from earlier on can be a sticking point for some. Don’t get me wrong, I generally don’t mind when subsequent books build on what came before, because that’s how great series are made, especially in the urban fantasy genre. Plus, there are certain things that I’m glad have stuck around, like the foxes. That said though, as much as I understand the need for an arch nemesis for Peter, it still bugs me a little that Lesley is like a canker sore that keeps coming back. I suppose it’d help if I found her more interesting, but I don’t. A completely fresh story arc with a new villain—new everything—might be something this series needs in the near future, but on the positive side, at least we’ve mostly moved on from the Faceless Man which is a huge relief.
On the whole, Amongst Our Weapons might not have been the best book of the series, but it was still a strong entry. Having read all the previous books in print, this was also my first experience with a Rivers of London audiobook, and holy crap guys, the hype is real. Kobna Holdbrook-Smith is a fantastic narrator and now I understand why his Peter Grant has so many fans. For the next book, I’m definitely coming back to the audio.
Review of Whispers Underground (Book 3)
Review of Broken Homes (Book 4)
Review of Foxglove Summer (Book 5)
Review of What Abigail Did That Summer (Book 5.3)
Review of The Furthest Station (Book 5.7)
Review of The Hanging Tree (Book 6)
Review of Lies Sleeping (Book 7)
Review of False Value (Book 8)
Bookshelf Roundup: 05/07/22: Stacking the Shelves & Recent Reads
Posted on May 7, 2022 7 Comments
Bookshelf Roundup is a feature I do every weekend which fills the role of several blog memes, like Stacking the Shelves where I talk about the new books I’ve added to my library or received for review, as well as It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? where I summarize what I’ve finished reading in the last week and what I’m planning to read soon. Mostly it also serves as a recap post, so sometimes I’ll throw in stuff like reading challenge progress reports, book lists, and other random bookish thoughts or announcements.
Received for Review
My thanks to the publishers and authors for the following review copies received, and be sure to click the links to their Goodreads pages for more details and full descriptions!
Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for a review copy of horror/noir mashup Friend of the Devil by Stephen Lloyd. I can’t wait to start this one! Anyone who knows me knows I can’t resist any story set in elite boarding schools, though I’ve been seeing some mixed reviews and now I’m getting a little nervous.
With thanks to the amazing folks at Del Rey, I also received an ARC of The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez, who also authored the splendid novel The Vanished Birds. I hope this one will be as unique and fun to read.
Courtesy of the awesome team at Pyr, I also received The Hourglass Throne by K.D. Edwards. It feels like I’ve been waiting forever for this third book of the Tarot Sequence, even though it’s only been a few years since the last book The Hanged Man. I’m looking forward to continuing the series.
Huge thanks also to Tordotcom for sending me a review copy of Rosebud by Paul Cornell, a sci-fi locked room mystery. Enough said.
And finally, with thanks to Grand Central Publishing for The Night They Vanished by Vanessa Savage, which will satisfy my psychological thriller fix for the week. The story has a “dark tourism” element, a type of tourism that involves traveling to and visiting sites associated with death, suffering, and other macabre events.
Just one book in the digital haul, if you can believe it. Thank you to Penguin Audio for Darling Girl by Liz Michalski, because how can I say no to anything Peter Pan related?
Wyrd & Wonder 2022
The big news around the blogosphere this week is of course Wyrd & Wonder 2022, which is now live! You can check out my announcement post for my plans and what I’m hoping to read this month.
Reviews
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher (5 of 5 stars)
Tear Down the Throne by Jennifer Estep (4 of 5 stars)
Roundup Highlights:
What I’ve Been Reading
Have you heard of or read any of the books featured this week? What caught your eye? Any new discoveries? I hope you found something interesting for a future read!
#WyrdandWonder Book Review: Tear Down the Throne by Jennifer Estep
Posted on May 6, 2022 11 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Tear Down the Throne by Jennifer Estep
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 2 of Gargoyle Queen
Publisher: Harper Voyager (May 3, 2022)
Length: 464 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
I’m sure I’ve said this before, but I’m so glad I discovered Jennifer Estep through her Crown of Shards series. For accessible epic fantasy with a strong dose of magic and just dash of romance, and books that are just plain fun to read, you really can’t ask for more. And with her new series Gargoyle Queen which is set in the same world, Estep continues to bring more of that same goodness.
In Tear Down the Throne, which is the second volume, we once again join protagonist Gemma Ripley of Andvari on her quest to save her kingdom and discover the mystery behind why their rivals are collecting large amounts of tearstone, a material that can be used to make powerful weapons. While Gemma maybe the crown princess, there is also more to her than meets the eye. Being a mind magier, she is able to sense magic and read people’s thoughts, making her the perfect spy. However, all her plans are about to be derailed when Queen Maeven of Morta suddenly declares a challenge during the Summit, when all the leaders of the world are gathered.
Enter the Gauntlet, an old and obscure tradition which would require a contender to overcome a series of difficult and sometimes deadly tasks to win the grand prize. The only problem? Gemma’s hand in marriage is the grand prize. And Queen Maeven has arranged for her own son and Gemma’s sworn nemesis Prince Leonidas to compete in the Gauntlet, no doubt as part of her grand scheme to one day to take Andvari for herself. Furious at this turn of events, Gemma knows she must not let Maeven’s plan come to fruition, yet at the same time, she’s dealing with some very conflicted emotions where the diabolical queen’s youngest son is concerned. The worst part is, Leo seems truly sincere when he vows that he will conquer the Gauntlet and win Gemma’s heart, and in spite of herself, our protagonist can’t deny her growing feelings for him either.
I mean, how do resist such a tantalizing premise? If you’re a fantasy reader who enjoys some romance in your stories but aren’t really a fan of the romance genre itself, the Gargoyle Queen series would be perfect. The hate-turns-to-love romance between Gemma and Leo is a good example of one that strikes a good balance, giving prominent focus to their relationship development yet being careful not to overdo the cloying or cheesy elements. It was also paced exactly right, and the novel was a compelling and addictive read all around, thanks to a solid plotline which acted as a foundation for everything else to be built upon it.
In fact, I feel Tear Down the Throne was a huge improvement over its predecessor, Capture the Crown. Being the second book has its advantages, of course, since the groundwork has already been laid and we’re able to jump right into things without preamble. Capture the Crown was also heavy on the court intrigue, whereas this one had a lot more action, though many highlights from the first book returned as well, including the magical aspects and Grimley the gargoyle. World-building remains a strong point for this series and it’s further developed in this sequel, revealing more details behind the inner workings of Gemma’s abilities.
Speaking of which, Gemma as a protagonist really came into her own in Tear Down the Throne. I felt she didn’t really have much of a personality when we first met her in Capture the Crown, yet here she has a lot more agency and we’re starting to see what she’s capable of. Her voice has also abandoned that younger, “YA tone” which was such a distraction in the first book, as she’s no longer trying to cultivate the “pampered, inexperienced princess” reputation. This gave the book an overall more mature vibe. As a result, I was also able to take her romance with Leonidas a lot more seriously, and so the change is definitely a win any way you look at it.
My takeaway? No middle book syndrome here. For all the reasons discussed above, Tear Down the Throne improved upon the weaknesses from Capture the Crown while taking everything that worked and made them even better. The ending also wrapped up the novel’s main story arc nicely while leaving plenty of look forward to in the next book, which I shall now await with great enthusiasm and impatience!
Waiting on Wednesday 05/04/2022
Posted on May 4, 2022 7 Comments
Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme that first originated at Breaking the Spine but has since linked up with “Can’t Wait Wednesday” at Wishful Endings now that the original creator is unable to host it anymore. Either way, this fun feature is a chance to showcase the upcoming releases that we can’t wait to get our hands on!
Mogsy’s Pick
How to Sell A Haunted House by Grady Hendrix (January 17, 2023 by Berkley)
Sometimes the fantastical can come in the form of paranormal thrills, and as a fan of Horrorstör I am so pleased Grady Hendrix will be back with another “haunted” story!
“Your past and your family can haunt you like nothing else… A hilarious and terrifying new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Final Girl Support Group.
Every childhood home is haunted, and each of us are possessed by our parents.
When their parents die at the tail end of the coronavirus pandemic, Louise and Mark Joyner are devastated but nothing can prepare them for how bad things are about to get. The two siblings are almost totally estranged, and couldn’t be more different. Now, however, they don’t have a choice but to get along. The virus has passed, and both of them are facing bank accounts ravaged by the economic meltdown. Their one asset? Their childhood home. They need to get it on the market as soon as possible because they need the money. Yet before her parents died they taped newspaper over the mirrors and nailed shut the attic door.
Sometimes we feel like puppets, controlled by our upbringing and our genes. Sometimes we feel like our parents treat us like toys, or playthings, or even dolls. The past can ground us, teach us, and keep us safe. It can also trap us, and bind us, and suffocate the life out of us. As disturbing events stack up in the house, Louise and Mark have to learn that sometimes the only way to break away from the past, sometimes the only way to sell a haunted house, is to burn it all down.”
#WyrdandWonder Book Review: Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
Posted on May 3, 2022 15 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
Mogsy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Tor Books (April 26, 2022)
Length: 256 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
If T. Kingfisher (AKA Ursula Vernon) wasn’t already becoming one of my favorite authors, Nettle & Bone just sealed the deal. Every time I pick up her books, I look forward to being whisked away to another one of her exquisitely imagined fantasy worlds and meeting the charming characters. Needless to say, this one did not disappoint.
In Nettle & Bone, we follow protagonist Marra who is the youngest daughter of the Queen of Harbor Kingdom. Her older sister Kania was married off to Prince Vorling of the Northern Kingdom in a political alliance, and by all accounts it is not going well. Marra knows that the prince is abusing her sister, and that Kania is treated as little more than a brood mare to give him the male heir he needs. Every time she miscarries or gives birth to a daughter, he becomes even more violently cruel and unstable. Horrified, Marra can only take steps to avoid the same fate, agreeing to join a convent so she will be safe from Vorling in case his eyes turn towards her, and also so she can bide her time.
For you see, Marra is carefully hatching a plan to rescue Kania, but that path will not be easy. First, Marra will need to gather some resources and allies, and she’ll also require further training in the magical arts. As soon as she is able to, Marra makes the journey to seek out the aid of a dust=wife, someone who can instruct her on how to acquire rare enchanted materials and to craft powerful items. Still, even that is only the beginning. In order to save Kania, Marra must also figure out a way to get Vorling out the picture—for good.
The author has so many talents, it’s hard to know where to begin with this review! But since her protagonists are always a highlight, I suppose it only makes sense to start with Marra. When Nettle & Bone begins, we are already in the middle of her quest, but through the brilliant and creative use of flashbacks, readers are quickly caught up with her backstory. So much about her personality, from her precociousness to her immense courage, could be gleaned from her experiences in the past, and I do so love character development like this that feels natural and authentic. Marra’s aversion to anything to do with marriage and childbirth is also understandable, given her early exposure to Kania’s abuse at the hands of her husband and the deep-rooted fear that all relationships inevitably lead to this, but getting glimpses of our protagonist as a young girl also helped solidify what we know of her as a caring person with a heart of gold who is also fiercely loyal to her family.
That said, this kind-hearted young woman also has a ruthless, vengeful side. She’s patient, calculating, and will go to great lengths to do what’s right, especially where her older sister is concerned. This duality is also reflected in the tone of the story, which at once possesses the darkness of a more mature epic fantasy (featuring abuse, murder, etc.) juxtaposed with the whimsy of a fairy tale, with dialogue and themes that occasionally skew more towards Young Adult. The effect was not unpleasant, and made Nettle & Bone a quick read—not too heavy, not too light.
Or course, the fast-moving, entertaining plot had a lot to do with this, and Kingfisher also flexes her creativity, wowing me with some of the best, most imaginative ideas I’ve ever seen from any of her novels. Particularly memorable to me was Bonedog, who was delightful and endearing despite his lack of flesh. The last scene of the book had me practically in tears, which is really saying something—only the most emotionally well-written and multilayered stories have ever managed that, and there was no doubt I cared deeply about Marra, the outcome of her quest, as well as what happened to those around her. In the end, there was even a sweet slow-burn romance to soften our protagonist’s long-held views on relationships, and though she may not have been looking for a lover, the chemistry between Marra and Fenris was undeniably there, and you can bet I was rooting for them all the way.
Bottom line, Nettle & Bone was most certainly a book that made me feel invested in it with all my heart. I loved everything about it, from the magical, riveting plot to the astoundingly imaginative world that practically leapt off the page. And most of all, I adored Marra, who was genuine, multi-dimensional, and inspiring—a T. Kingfisher protagonist through and through. As the author continues to make waves in the SFF world and gain recognition for her incredible work, I can only cheer because all the praise is well-deserved.
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May is Wyrd & Wonder: A Fantastical Month Of Fantasy
Posted on May 2, 2022 17 Comments
May is here, so you know what that means! It’s time for Wyrd & Wonder, and to celebrate its fifth year running we also have five hosts: big thanks to Imyril, Lisa, Jorie, Ariana and Annemieke for bringing this event to us in 2022!
So, what is Wyrd & Wonder? As the post title says, it’s a month-long event emphasizing all things fantasy. Naturally, as a fan of SFF, it’s right up my alley. This is the BiblioSanctum’s third year participating, though rest assured we won’t stop covering other genres and the usual book reviews, weekly memes, spotlights and features will stick around as always. However, you’ll definitely be noticing an emphasis on fantasy-themed posts which will be marked with Wyrd & Wonder tags or the banner you see above.
As for what I’ll be covering, I’ll be honest, I’m much less organized this year so I’ll probably be winging it (that is, even more so than usual!) Luckily, Wyrd & Wonder is super casual and easy to join up if you feel like jumping on board. Just fill out the form here here! I just love how stress-free and low-commitment it is, and there’s not even an obligation to stick to books. Everything from movies to TV shows, to comics and video games are fair game as long as it’s fantasy-related. There are also prompts provided at the main W&W page and even though they are entirely optional, I’ll most likely be using some of them for ideas this month!
So yep, here’s to winging it! But of course, no introductory post would be complete without putting together a reading list, which is my favorite part of any event. As always, my TBR can change on a whim depending on my mood, but the following is what I hope to read this month for Wyrd & Wonder, a mix of new books and some catch-up.
If I can I would also like to get a jump on some June releases, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves 😉
So, are you planning to participate in Wyrd & Wonder this year? If so, what’s on your reading list? Make sure to grab the banner if you haven’t done so yet, and let’s dive right in!
Bookshelf Roundup: 04/30/22: Stacking the Shelves & Recent Reads
Posted on April 30, 2022 12 Comments
Bookshelf Roundup is a feature I do every weekend which fills the role of several blog memes, like Stacking the Shelves where I talk about the new books I’ve added to my library or received for review, as well as It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? where I summarize what I’ve finished reading in the last week and what I’m planning to read soon. Mostly it also serves as a recap post, so sometimes I’ll throw in stuff like reading challenge progress reports, book lists, and other random bookish thoughts or announcements.
A quick update this week! My reading has picked up, but I still need to work on getting those reviews out, and I know I’ve also fallen behind on replying to comments as well as checking out my fellow reviewers’ blogs. Thank you for your continued patience while I get caught up on all the time I lost earlier in the month. As soon as I can, I’ll be up and commenting again!
Received for Review
My thanks to the publishers and authors for the following review copies received, and be sure to click the links to their Goodreads pages for more details and full descriptions!
With thanks to the kind folks at Simon & Schuster who have been introducing me to a lot of new and interesting Middle Grade and Young Adult titles as of late, earlier this week I received a finished copy of The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson with Sarah Durand which is a young readers adaption of the author’s bestselling book about American biochemist Jennifer Doudna.
Thank you also to Orbit Books for sending me a finished copy of One Foot in the Fade by Luke Arnold. I love that title! This is the third book of the Fetch Phillips Archives series of books featuring our eponymous protagonist who is a human P.I. for hire in a fantasy world where magic is fading. I am so looking forward to accompanying him again on his investigations.
And courtesy of the amazing team at Subterranean Press, I received an ARC of To Blackfyre Keep by Anthony Ryan, book four of The Seven Swords. One of these days I’ll need to catch up with all these novellas, and I really should do it soon if more keep coming out at this pace!
In the digital haul, a big thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for a listening copy of Speaking Bones by Ken Liu which comes hot on the heels of The Veiled Throne, the final two installments of The Dandelion Dynasty series.
Thanks also to Penguin Random House Audio for the following: All the Seas of the World by Guy Gavriel Kay is one I’m very excited for, because any new book by GGK is a cause to rejoice; The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray is a book I immediately requested as soon as I saw who the author was, and I’m doubly intrigued because it is a historical mystery; Heroic Hearts by Jim Butcher and Kerrie L. Hughes is a collection featuring stories from some of my favorite urban fantasy authors and their series; Hide by Kiersten White sounds very different from her usual stuff, but this is one of my most highly anticipated releases for the year; and finally, When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill is a book I’ve been seeing everywhere lately, and the things people are saying about it definitely made me curious.
Reviews
In a Garden Burning Gold by Rory Power (4 of 5 stars)
City on Fire by Don Winslow (4 of 5 stars)
What I’ve Been Reading
Have you heard of or read any of the books featured this week? What caught your eye? Any new discoveries? I hope you found something interesting for a future read!
Book Review: In a Garden Burning Gold by Rory Power
Posted on April 29, 2022 14 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
In a Garden Burning Gold by Rory Power
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of Argyrosi
Publisher: Del Rey (April 5, 2022)
Length: 432 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
I found Rory Power’s YA to be a bit on the weird side, but this was definitely more my speed. Her adult debut In a Garden Burning Gold is a fantasy novel that hews more strongly to the traditions of the epic fantasy genre, which is probably why it may receive more mixed responses from longtime fans but worked so well for me.
At the center of this Greek-inspired tale are twins Lexos and Rhea. Together with their younger siblings Nitsos and Chrysanthi, they live under the watchful eye of their ruthless father who is the all-powerful ruler of their small island nation. Members of their family are also endowed with magical abilities which make them near immortals, and the twins in particular are gifted with control over certain natural phenomena, even if these powers come with a steep price. For example, Rhea’s ability to influence the changing of the seasons means regularly having to choose a suitor from the many neighboring territories, and after the wedding, the killing of her husband would be the catalyst required to usher in a new season. Despite this bloody business, there have been no shortage of candidates over the centuries willing to offer themselves up as sacrifice, since in doing so, their nations would gain favor from Rhea’s family—and especially from her father, who controls death.
Lately, however, the old man’s behavior has been growing increasingly erratic, to the consternation of his children. Lexos, ever loyal to his father, has been helping him consolidate his rule by using his powers to control the stars and the tides, but now dangerous rumors have been spreading and the northern territories are on the brink of rebellion. Not knowing when or even if their father will get better, the twins realize they must act quickly on his behalf to keep everything from falling apart. But what would happen if Lexos and Rhea, who have always been in tune with each other, suddenly decide they want different things? Lexos only has the best interests of his family’s sovereignty at heart and believes his sister will go along with any plan he devises, but Rhea has become weary of being responsible for so much death. For once she may have a chance to save someone and gain some happiness, but her twin may be too blinded by his own goals to understand.
I highly enjoyed the major elements of this novel, specifically the world-building, and magic, and the focus on family dynamics. The story is mainly told through the duo perspectives of Lexos and Rhea, who are together at the beginning of the book but then spent the rest of it mostly apart, with the former remaining with their father on the island while the latter travels to the land of her new suitor to fulfill her role in their plans. In this way, readers get a fuller picture of the world and a better idea of the stakes at play. Their separation also heightened the suspense of not knowing how deep the trust between the two siblings truly goes.
I also find the author’s writing style very appealing. She has a way with words and a talent for bringing even the most abstract concepts to life. While the world-building itself isn’t as well-defined as it could be in this book, Power’s prose is solid and so some of the vagueness behind the magic systems can be forgiven because she makes up for it with the sheer originality and mystique behind her ideas. I loved the idea of this desperate family doing everything they can to hold on to the power they have enjoyed for centuries, fearful now that they know it can all just slip away. The bond between Lexos and Rhea is also complex and nuanced, and ditto goes for their relationship with their crazy, awful father. Like I said, the family dynamic is a main highlight for me, almost to the detriment of the other character relationships in the novel because hardly anyone else really stood out. That said, later on I did start to develop an emotional attachment to Rhea’s minor romantic subplot, if only because it started to change and reveal so much about her core personality.
Story wise, In a Garden Burning Gold is solid, and the pacing is what I would describe as more of a slow burn. For avid readers of epic fantasy though, it’s more or less what you would expect, with a gradual buildup to a strong finish, leaving lots to look forward to in the next installment.
Bottom line, Rory Power’s adult debut is quite different from her YA, but she’s got the epic fantasy conventions down pat, creating a world and characters that will make genre fans feel right at home, while enhancing the experience with her own imaginative flourishes. I can’t wait for the next book.
The BiblioSanctum 