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imoganthebogan's reviews
77 reviews
The Meeting of the Waters by Caiseal Mór
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I am absolutely obsessed with fantasy that incorporates Celtic/Irish influences, it’s my favourite thing. I love stories that incorporate druids, priestesses, Arthurian legends so this book was right up my alley. I hadn’t heard anything about it and had pretty high expectations going in. Unfortunately, I’ve just read some amazing fantasy this year and this fell short.
Firstly the things I liked. I thought the story was interesting enough to keep me going, it was easy to read and perfect when I didn’t have a lot of brain power at the end of a work day and some of the concepts it explored were compelling. I loved the idea of the watchers as these mischievous spirits pulling the strings behind the scenes and the conceptualisation of the story’s title was really clear by the end of the book.
However there were just a lot of things I didn’t like. Firstly, I think the setting was not established enough. Yes, I know we were in a place reminiscent of Ireland but I felt a real sense of place was lacking in the book and so it never felt grounded. I was left wanting more from the dialogue as I found it info dumpy and stilted.
The characters of this novel never felt fully fleshed out which made it hard to root for them. There was my pet peeve of all the characters looking the same (almost every girl/woman had red hair and green eyes). I also found the characters motivations flippant and lacking in logic. So many times characters would make terrible ill thought out decisions without any explanation as to why. This really took me out of the story as I was constantly judging the characters and was confused at why things were happening.
Overall, I liked some of the storytelling in this book and appreciated the injection of Irish mythology but I wouldn’t recommend this book and will not be continuing with the rest of the series.
Firstly the things I liked. I thought the story was interesting enough to keep me going, it was easy to read and perfect when I didn’t have a lot of brain power at the end of a work day and some of the concepts it explored were compelling. I loved the idea of the watchers as these mischievous spirits pulling the strings behind the scenes and the conceptualisation of the story’s title was really clear by the end of the book.
However there were just a lot of things I didn’t like. Firstly, I think the setting was not established enough. Yes, I know we were in a place reminiscent of Ireland but I felt a real sense of place was lacking in the book and so it never felt grounded. I was left wanting more from the dialogue as I found it info dumpy and stilted.
The characters of this novel never felt fully fleshed out which made it hard to root for them. There was my pet peeve of all the characters looking the same (almost every girl/woman had red hair and green eyes). I also found the characters motivations flippant and lacking in logic. So many times characters would make terrible ill thought out decisions without any explanation as to why. This really took me out of the story as I was constantly judging the characters and was confused at why things were happening.
Overall, I liked some of the storytelling in this book and appreciated the injection of Irish mythology but I wouldn’t recommend this book and will not be continuing with the rest of the series.
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book was so tender, it brought me comfort yet it poked some spots that left me feeling sore. This was a shockingly relatable story about sisterhood, addiction, grief and the aching nostalgia for childhood.
This was my first book my Mellors and while there were bits of the writing that were stunning It wasn’t the lyrical, purple prose writing that I typically enjoy. The best part about the writing for me was that it flowed beautifully and just swept me away and didn’t put me down until the end. I felt so many emotions while reading this and it is a testament to the author that she was able to imbue so many emotions into her words.
I loved the characters so much. I can sometimes have trouble with unlikeable messy protagonists but I think the destructive coping mechanisms that these characters used just made so much sense. They were unique, solid, grounded and so human. As an older sister I cannot tell you the amount of times Avery’s chapters had me tearing up and nodding along and I love her with all my heart.
Another thing this book did so well were the dialogues and the relational conflicts. The author did not shy away from showing the selfish, ugly and horrible side of relationships (especially sisters). Again it was so relatable and so comforting to see realistic sister relationships spilled onto the page.
The reason this book wasn’t 5 stars was purely because it started to feel contemporary leaning. What I mean but that is, the middle of the book kinda felt a little lost and I found myself just wanting to focus on only one character so we could explore them deeper. I’m a sucker for a deep character analysis and I think my perfect book would have been just Avery.
I’ve seen people without sisters rave about this book but I think I would recommend this to sisters, grievers and peoples lives that have been touched with addiction. For me personally, I don’t think I would have enjoyed this book so much if I didn’t feel so seen.
This was my first book my Mellors and while there were bits of the writing that were stunning It wasn’t the lyrical, purple prose writing that I typically enjoy. The best part about the writing for me was that it flowed beautifully and just swept me away and didn’t put me down until the end. I felt so many emotions while reading this and it is a testament to the author that she was able to imbue so many emotions into her words.
I loved the characters so much. I can sometimes have trouble with unlikeable messy protagonists but I think the destructive coping mechanisms that these characters used just made so much sense. They were unique, solid, grounded and so human. As an older sister I cannot tell you the amount of times Avery’s chapters had me tearing up and nodding along and I love her with all my heart.
Another thing this book did so well were the dialogues and the relational conflicts. The author did not shy away from showing the selfish, ugly and horrible side of relationships (especially sisters). Again it was so relatable and so comforting to see realistic sister relationships spilled onto the page.
The reason this book wasn’t 5 stars was purely because it started to feel contemporary leaning. What I mean but that is, the middle of the book kinda felt a little lost and I found myself just wanting to focus on only one character so we could explore them deeper. I’m a sucker for a deep character analysis and I think my perfect book would have been just Avery.
I’ve seen people without sisters rave about this book but I think I would recommend this to sisters, grievers and peoples lives that have been touched with addiction. For me personally, I don’t think I would have enjoyed this book so much if I didn’t feel so seen.
The Iliad by Barbara Graziosi, Homer, Anthony Verity
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was my first attempt reading epic poetry and whilst challenging and slow going, I’m happy I got to it. I would echo other reviews that suggested they loved the story for its historical legacy as well as its literary talent. It provides insight into how Ancient Greek society understood divinity, fate, mortality and the afterlife which I found so interesting.
This book focused on mortality (the only separation between gods and humans) and it was both comforting and unsettling to know that people so long ago grappled with mortality in similar ways that we do today. This is a story not about the Trojan War but Achillies rage and his reckoning with his mortal being.
First the positives, this book has dramatic dialogue from both gods and mortals which I loved. As a true gothic girly I love my over-the-top melodramatic dialogue and enjoyed its use the story. The act of narrowing onto so many individual deaths rather than focusing only on ‘main’ characters, highlighted both the omnipresence of the narrator but also the immense human cost of war. My favourite parts of the story were often when the gods were in focus showing their involvement in the war and squabbling between each other. As a big fantasy lover these moments did not disappoint. Another thing I loved were the countless beautiful nature inspired similes. These were creative, and it was so inspiring to think they were written down so long ago.
I think what hampered my enjoyment was the book was its repetitiveness. While I understand the reason behind this, as a helpful trick for oral retelling, it did make the reading experience feel like a slog. There is only so much of war, death and going through an individuals lineage that a sane person can take. I also wished I had more context about the epic cycle and that a lot of events that I thought would occur in this story didn’t. I would encourage anyone wanting to read it to do some research on the epic cycle to avoid disappointment.
At the sake of being reductive one of the best ways to describe the reading experience was poetic. I would recommend this for anyone that has always wanted to read it, the worst that can happen is you find out it’s not for you!
This book focused on mortality (the only separation between gods and humans) and it was both comforting and unsettling to know that people so long ago grappled with mortality in similar ways that we do today. This is a story not about the Trojan War but Achillies rage and his reckoning with his mortal being.
First the positives, this book has dramatic dialogue from both gods and mortals which I loved. As a true gothic girly I love my over-the-top melodramatic dialogue and enjoyed its use the story. The act of narrowing onto so many individual deaths rather than focusing only on ‘main’ characters, highlighted both the omnipresence of the narrator but also the immense human cost of war. My favourite parts of the story were often when the gods were in focus showing their involvement in the war and squabbling between each other. As a big fantasy lover these moments did not disappoint. Another thing I loved were the countless beautiful nature inspired similes. These were creative, and it was so inspiring to think they were written down so long ago.
I think what hampered my enjoyment was the book was its repetitiveness. While I understand the reason behind this, as a helpful trick for oral retelling, it did make the reading experience feel like a slog. There is only so much of war, death and going through an individuals lineage that a sane person can take. I also wished I had more context about the epic cycle and that a lot of events that I thought would occur in this story didn’t. I would encourage anyone wanting to read it to do some research on the epic cycle to avoid disappointment.
At the sake of being reductive one of the best ways to describe the reading experience was poetic. I would recommend this for anyone that has always wanted to read it, the worst that can happen is you find out it’s not for you!
Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi
The reason this book isn’t 5 stars is 100% on me. I was immediatley hooked by this book and was rationing it out as I wanted to soak up the writing slowly however life got in the way and I needed to put it down for a few days. As with such an introspective novel, it was a challenge to dive back into the characters head and so the middle was a little more jarring and disconnecting than if I had been able to read it uninterrupted.
This book won’t be for everyone but I adored it and can’t wait to re/read it. A stunning debut by one of my new favourite authors!
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This is a powerful, complex and genre bending book that is about so many things. In its most simplistic form it is an autobiographical novel that oozes talent and is rooted in Igbo spirituality. This novel needed my full attention, I didn’t find it necessarily challenging it just deserved my full and undivided attention. The writing is like nothing I’ve ever read before, it is surreal and bloody. It’s soothing and unsettling and captivating and impossible to look away from.
Coming from a western psychological background I found myself falling into an almost reflexive action of naming symptoms and diagnoses but there was a part of my brain that knew I was missing something and I made an effort to let that go. After listening to a podcast with the author they discuss the harmful consequences of coloniser realities denying the existence of other realities and this really helped me open my mind to the ideas presented in this book. It explored how cultures and traditions that have been washed out/westernised make it harder for people to connect and understand themselves.
Coming from a western psychological background I found myself falling into an almost reflexive action of naming symptoms and diagnoses but there was a part of my brain that knew I was missing something and I made an effort to let that go. After listening to a podcast with the author they discuss the harmful consequences of coloniser realities denying the existence of other realities and this really helped me open my mind to the ideas presented in this book. It explored how cultures and traditions that have been washed out/westernised make it harder for people to connect and understand themselves.
The reason this book isn’t 5 stars is 100% on me. I was immediatley hooked by this book and was rationing it out as I wanted to soak up the writing slowly however life got in the way and I needed to put it down for a few days. As with such an introspective novel, it was a challenge to dive back into the characters head and so the middle was a little more jarring and disconnecting than if I had been able to read it uninterrupted.
This book won’t be for everyone but I adored it and can’t wait to re/read it. A stunning debut by one of my new favourite authors!
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This was my first Naomi Novik book and while it wasn’t my favourite, I can see why others would like it.
This book has a fairytale-esque atmosphere with pretty writing that weaves a spell on the reader. My favourite parts of the book were the explorations of the creepy Wood and the many different corrupt beasts residing within. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the last third of the book and feel satisfied with how everything was tied up.
There were aspects of the book that weren’t bad but just weren’t for me. Firstly, this was more fast paced and action packed which isn’t my favourite sort of fantasy. Secondly, I’m more of a gothic fairytale lover and whilst this was dark I wouldn’t call it gothic. Thirdly, the book had a soft magic system which I’m just not a fan of. It was interesting to explore the scientific vs more intuitive types of magic in the world but I find with a soft magic system just anything can happen and I don’t enjoy it as much. Lastly, I can struggle with stand-alone books as I love the depth that series can bring. This book had smatterings of romance and politics but these felt quite surface level and couldn’t be fleshed out enough in a single book.
I do think some of the plotting was very convenient and whilst I liked where the story ended I think the second part of the book meandered quite a bit and I would have loved to see it from a different angle.
In conclusion, for me this was quite a cozy read which I will look back on fondly for my love of the ending. It wasn’t really a favourite of mine but if you love creepy woods, soft magic systems, stand-alone fantasies and fairytale inspired tales, I think you’ll like it.
This book has a fairytale-esque atmosphere with pretty writing that weaves a spell on the reader. My favourite parts of the book were the explorations of the creepy Wood and the many different corrupt beasts residing within. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the last third of the book and feel satisfied with how everything was tied up.
There were aspects of the book that weren’t bad but just weren’t for me. Firstly, this was more fast paced and action packed which isn’t my favourite sort of fantasy. Secondly, I’m more of a gothic fairytale lover and whilst this was dark I wouldn’t call it gothic. Thirdly, the book had a soft magic system which I’m just not a fan of. It was interesting to explore the scientific vs more intuitive types of magic in the world but I find with a soft magic system just anything can happen and I don’t enjoy it as much. Lastly, I can struggle with stand-alone books as I love the depth that series can bring. This book had smatterings of romance and politics but these felt quite surface level and couldn’t be fleshed out enough in a single book.
I do think some of the plotting was very convenient and whilst I liked where the story ended I think the second part of the book meandered quite a bit and I would have loved to see it from a different angle.
In conclusion, for me this was quite a cozy read which I will look back on fondly for my love of the ending. It wasn’t really a favourite of mine but if you love creepy woods, soft magic systems, stand-alone fantasies and fairytale inspired tales, I think you’ll like it.
So Late In The Day by Claire Keegan
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
If you are in the mood for a short story that you can read in one sitting, are a fan of Irish literature and feel like you haven’t felt enough rage for today, pick this up!
This deceptively simple story explores how misogyny is created and cultivated in society and how the refusal for self reflection leads to bitterness and isolation. The book highlighted that even when misogynistic beliefs lead to unhappiness there is still this obstinacy to reflect and change which further perpetuates this cycle.
As with any Keegan novel there are no words wasted and I loved finding all the small clues scattered throughout the text and watching other people dissect it. As always my only criticism of her work is I want more!!
This deceptively simple story explores how misogyny is created and cultivated in society and how the refusal for self reflection leads to bitterness and isolation. The book highlighted that even when misogynistic beliefs lead to unhappiness there is still this obstinacy to reflect and change which further perpetuates this cycle.
As with any Keegan novel there are no words wasted and I loved finding all the small clues scattered throughout the text and watching other people dissect it. As always my only criticism of her work is I want more!!
The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was an epic conclusion to probably the best trilogy I’ve read so far this year. I think this last book really laser focused on the experience of motherhood and the necessity of not doing life alone.
The world building was really expanded in this book which I think can be rare for the third book in a trilogy. We got a lot of complex lore that, for me, leaned more heavily on sci-fi concepts. As a newbie to sci-fi I found this book a little more challenging than the last however, I was just so locked in and soaked everything up like a sponge.
This book continued with what this series has done best like grounded social commentary, realistic and flawed characters and real consequences for decisions made both in the past and the present. I loved that we focused more onto the personification of the Earth and the overarching climate warnings that have been omnipresent in the whole series.
The character arcs for both Essun and Nassun were executed flawlessly and although the ending of the trilogy was tense and bittersweet, I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
I can understand why some people had an issue with this book as it is extremely plot heavy and the beginning was a little slow. However, I was so attached to the characters and the world that I enjoyed the pacing.
This trilogy is incredibly immersive and well written and ultimately explored demanding the impossible of society.
The world building was really expanded in this book which I think can be rare for the third book in a trilogy. We got a lot of complex lore that, for me, leaned more heavily on sci-fi concepts. As a newbie to sci-fi I found this book a little more challenging than the last however, I was just so locked in and soaked everything up like a sponge.
This book continued with what this series has done best like grounded social commentary, realistic and flawed characters and real consequences for decisions made both in the past and the present. I loved that we focused more onto the personification of the Earth and the overarching climate warnings that have been omnipresent in the whole series.
The character arcs for both Essun and Nassun were executed flawlessly and although the ending of the trilogy was tense and bittersweet, I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
I can understand why some people had an issue with this book as it is extremely plot heavy and the beginning was a little slow. However, I was so attached to the characters and the world that I enjoyed the pacing.
This trilogy is incredibly immersive and well written and ultimately explored demanding the impossible of society.
The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I’m so glad I picked up this second book in the trilogy right away, this was even better than the first book (in my opinion). This dark trilogy picks up right where we left off and questions in a world so full of abuse, brutality and survival is there any room for love.
All the things that I loved in the last book were here, the detailed and well thought out lore, intriguing world building , the dark overtones, and the social commentary but the thing that really shone for me were the characters!
The character dynamics that Jemisin is able to spill onto the page are phenomenal and feel so grounded, raw and real. The exploration of inter-generational trauma and parent child relationships was incredible. The father/daughter scenes in this book completely shattered my heart and I thought were reminiscent of the complex dynamic of fathers starting to resent their daughters for losing their innocence.
I understand the variability in reviews because I think this book was slower and had less of a mystery surrounding its narrative structure. However, I think that let Jemisin’s great characters shine through.
This trilogy has been one of my standouts of 2024 and I cannot wait to finish it. Ultimately this book showcased characters facing the traumas of their past and accepting the long-term consequences of their actions.
I understand the variability in reviews because I think this book was slower and had less of a mystery surrounding its narrative structure. However, I think that let Jemisin’s great characters shine through.
This trilogy has been one of my standouts of 2024 and I cannot wait to finish it. Ultimately this book showcased characters facing the traumas of their past and accepting the long-term consequences of their actions.
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Ok, I completely get it, I understand the hype. This is one of the most original, unique and refreshing reading experiences I’ve had from the world building down to the narrative structure.
I really liked the structural choices made in the novel. I think the second person narration worked well and the narrative voice had a dry wit that I really enjoyed.
I was surprised at how dark this book and the wider world is however, I think it’s such a powerful reflection of society. This world is brutal and the author provides an excellent commentary on important topics like race and oppression that never feel forced. I struggle to think of a world that has explored these topics in a way that is so embedded in the story and it’s no coincidence that the author is an African American woman. I also loved the almost personification of Earth in the story and the cautionary tale of climate change that is integrated in the novels premise.
I will admit it wasn’t until the last 100 pages that I was in love with this book. I was confused for the majority of it (hint there is a glossary in the back I only discovered at the end) and I’m not a fan of child POV’s. But the last 100 pages were so tense and emotional that I feel rewarded for sticking it out.
Now that I have the first book under my belt I have a feeling I’m going to enjoy the next two even more. The characterisation in this book is amazing and I’m still figuring out new ways of understanding them long after I’ve read it.
I really liked the structural choices made in the novel. I think the second person narration worked well and the narrative voice had a dry wit that I really enjoyed.
I was surprised at how dark this book and the wider world is however, I think it’s such a powerful reflection of society. This world is brutal and the author provides an excellent commentary on important topics like race and oppression that never feel forced. I struggle to think of a world that has explored these topics in a way that is so embedded in the story and it’s no coincidence that the author is an African American woman. I also loved the almost personification of Earth in the story and the cautionary tale of climate change that is integrated in the novels premise.
I will admit it wasn’t until the last 100 pages that I was in love with this book. I was confused for the majority of it (hint there is a glossary in the back I only discovered at the end) and I’m not a fan of child POV’s. But the last 100 pages were so tense and emotional that I feel rewarded for sticking it out.
Now that I have the first book under my belt I have a feeling I’m going to enjoy the next two even more. The characterisation in this book is amazing and I’m still figuring out new ways of understanding them long after I’ve read it.
My Husband by Maud Ventura
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. This book explores themes of obsession and infatuation and questions whether these extreme emotional states are akin to love.
This was a book where EVERYTHING worked for me. The writing was simplistic yet vivid and flowed, the pacing was excellent and made for a refreshing read, everything came together in a satisfying way and the MC was so seemingly detached from reality that it was entertaining.
This book was an almost subtle thriller with no plot all vibes which I really enjoyed. It was so refreshing to be in the head of a character that was so unhinged yet logical to the point where you would find yourself agreeing with some of the points she brought up. Additionally this book is saturated in wit and irony and was just so damn clever.
I can understand why this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but this book was just so readable that I can’t help but recommend it. My advice, go in blind. I see a lot of people let down because they were waiting for a certain thing to happen and because I had no knowledge of the plot it made it more enjoyable.
This was a book where EVERYTHING worked for me. The writing was simplistic yet vivid and flowed, the pacing was excellent and made for a refreshing read, everything came together in a satisfying way and the MC was so seemingly detached from reality that it was entertaining.
This book was an almost subtle thriller with no plot all vibes which I really enjoyed. It was so refreshing to be in the head of a character that was so unhinged yet logical to the point where you would find yourself agreeing with some of the points she brought up. Additionally this book is saturated in wit and irony and was just so damn clever.
I can understand why this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but this book was just so readable that I can’t help but recommend it. My advice, go in blind. I see a lot of people let down because they were waiting for a certain thing to happen and because I had no knowledge of the plot it made it more enjoyable.