rage_among_the_page's reviews
328 reviews
Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
Silver Nitrate would be perfect for those wanting to dip their toes in horror. I’m often asked by friends (that aren’t as heavy into horror) to suggest something for book club reads. Something not extreme, has a creepy vibe and a developed story (not to mention, discussion worthy). This would fit perfectly.
In all honesty, I did not read Silver Nitrate straight through in one go. I did put it down and come back to it, which I’m very glad I did. I enjoy a slow burn, but sometimes life is too involved/chaotic to fully submerge yourself and the pacing was too slow for me to be able to read in brief “free moments” and come back to without needing to recap.
Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a fantastic writer and I enjoy her ability to weave varying genres and aspects into a story. Silver Nitrate is no exception. I love the film aspects and nod to the connection of film enthusiasts. Then comes the plot…there are likely other examples that fit this criteria, but for me personally, this is my first time experiencing a story that references Nazis and/or Nazi occultism, without going completely off the rails in a satirical direction. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy those too. This however was so refreshing for letting evils be evils without needing to add 8 legs and goo dripping fangs to get the point across.
As mentioned, it was rather slow, especially to start and I wish that some of creepy aspects were implemented earlier on to give more of “burn” to the slow burn aspect. That being said, there are some eccentricities and humor to characters and their actions that keep it moving. I almost would have preferred to not have read a synopsis before diving in as I was waiting for it to get to those parts.
Overall, I overcame the pace and definitely intend to reread on a relaxing day and try to catch a better flow.
I appreciate the opportunity from NetGalley to read Silver Nitrate prior to publishing.
In all honesty, I did not read Silver Nitrate straight through in one go. I did put it down and come back to it, which I’m very glad I did. I enjoy a slow burn, but sometimes life is too involved/chaotic to fully submerge yourself and the pacing was too slow for me to be able to read in brief “free moments” and come back to without needing to recap.
Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a fantastic writer and I enjoy her ability to weave varying genres and aspects into a story. Silver Nitrate is no exception. I love the film aspects and nod to the connection of film enthusiasts. Then comes the plot…there are likely other examples that fit this criteria, but for me personally, this is my first time experiencing a story that references Nazis and/or Nazi occultism, without going completely off the rails in a satirical direction. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy those too. This however was so refreshing for letting evils be evils without needing to add 8 legs and goo dripping fangs to get the point across.
As mentioned, it was rather slow, especially to start and I wish that some of creepy aspects were implemented earlier on to give more of “burn” to the slow burn aspect. That being said, there are some eccentricities and humor to characters and their actions that keep it moving. I almost would have preferred to not have read a synopsis before diving in as I was waiting for it to get to those parts.
Overall, I overcame the pace and definitely intend to reread on a relaxing day and try to catch a better flow.
I appreciate the opportunity from NetGalley to read Silver Nitrate prior to publishing.
Oceans in Your Lungs by Zainab Omotayo Raji
emotional
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
4.5
Rating poetry is a challenge. It’s so personal and diverse. Who has the right to rate that?
Starting with the title, this collection was speaking my language. I suppose a few didn’t resonate with me personally, but that’s what’s beautiful about poetry and especially collections. Some cut deep, some stir up reflections, then you’ll run into one that throws you off course and the next takes you on a whole new adventure in your mind and soul. That’s what poetry should do, or at least what I look for in it.
It’s wild that so few words can give you such depth and show you who someone is. It’s a true art to express entire aspects of your soul without writing an entire detailed story. Zainab Omotayo Raji expresses waves of emotions and processes on these pages. I hope that more collections follow.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and of course the author (a true poet) for allowing me the opportunity to review. I’ll definitely be adding a physical copy to my collection!
Starting with the title, this collection was speaking my language. I suppose a few didn’t resonate with me personally, but that’s what’s beautiful about poetry and especially collections. Some cut deep, some stir up reflections, then you’ll run into one that throws you off course and the next takes you on a whole new adventure in your mind and soul. That’s what poetry should do, or at least what I look for in it.
It’s wild that so few words can give you such depth and show you who someone is. It’s a true art to express entire aspects of your soul without writing an entire detailed story. Zainab Omotayo Raji expresses waves of emotions and processes on these pages. I hope that more collections follow.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and of course the author (a true poet) for allowing me the opportunity to review. I’ll definitely be adding a physical copy to my collection!
Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much by Natalie MacLean
We’ve all been scorned at some point, whether in relationships, business or friendships. You don’t need to have lived the life MacLean has to relate to what she’s experienced and feel empowered to rise.
Another aspect I thoroughly enjoyed…it reads like you’re chatting with a friend. The early mentioned transitions that through me off a bit and slowed me down are totally justified when I think about catching up with friends over wine or coffee, we definitely jump around in conversations, and this ties it all together.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
While I’m not a sommelier or a divorcée, there’s so much to relate to in this book. I always hope that if (when…I should say “when”) I get around to writing a book, someone will relate to the challenges, reflect on their own lives and find hope in the words, even if we have completely different lives. In that same respect, I truly appreciate when someone is willing to be open and share their experiences for those that may have never heard of them or their work.
I enjoy wine (and witch references), but I really don’t know much about it. I have enough knowledge to know what I can/can’t stomach, the only wine magazine I ever read just completely went over my head. I occasionally browse memoirs and biographies looking for something interesting, I life to bury myself in for a few days, but may never have come across this if it wasn’t for NetGalley and I appreciate the publisher and author for providing an ARC for an honest review. Point is, I wouldn’t have sought it out, never hearing of Natalie MacLean, and I’m so glad the catchy title caught my eye.
For some, it may be a fast read, but I personally didn’t find that flow with some of the structure and bouncing around. I found myself bummed at times, because I’d be really into a topic and it would switch, which lead me to the medium pace rating. As whole, it all comes together and I appreciate the writing style, the education…I’m still not a wine pro, but know way more thanks to the life/wine analogies that resonate way more with me than magazine descriptions.
I enjoy wine (and witch references), but I really don’t know much about it. I have enough knowledge to know what I can/can’t stomach, the only wine magazine I ever read just completely went over my head. I occasionally browse memoirs and biographies looking for something interesting, I life to bury myself in for a few days, but may never have come across this if it wasn’t for NetGalley and I appreciate the publisher and author for providing an ARC for an honest review. Point is, I wouldn’t have sought it out, never hearing of Natalie MacLean, and I’m so glad the catchy title caught my eye.
For some, it may be a fast read, but I personally didn’t find that flow with some of the structure and bouncing around. I found myself bummed at times, because I’d be really into a topic and it would switch, which lead me to the medium pace rating. As whole, it all comes together and I appreciate the writing style, the education…I’m still not a wine pro, but know way more thanks to the life/wine analogies that resonate way more with me than magazine descriptions.
I think MacLean herself puts it best…
Readers can’t identify with experts who remove themselves entirely from their writing. They touch your mind with their analysis like a cold point of steel, but they don’t open your heart with empathy.
We’ve all been scorned at some point, whether in relationships, business or friendships. You don’t need to have lived the life MacLean has to relate to what she’s experienced and feel empowered to rise.
Another aspect I thoroughly enjoyed…it reads like you’re chatting with a friend. The early mentioned transitions that through me off a bit and slowed me down are totally justified when I think about catching up with friends over wine or coffee, we definitely jump around in conversations, and this ties it all together.
Ancient Images by Ramsey Campbell
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
3.75
I feel a bit of shame for having not read this in the decades since it’s first publishing. Thanks to NetGalley, I had the opportunity to indulge in it for the republishing.
I love the chokehold beginning that eases into a slow burn. Even as a sucker for a slow burn, I did have a few moments of impatience. That being said, I still wouldn’t refer to it as a book that in itself is slow nor is it boring.
I would have loved to be a bit more invested in the characters, but I definitely latched onto the settings and plot of Ancient Images. Some areas of the story had me reminiscing about our less tech heavy times, and others had me excited about the references along with the hunt for the most obscure, banned or questionable (back then) movies.
Does it age well? Absolutely! It may not be 100% relatable to all, but it’s like a time capsule and if every republishing took the road of modernization, we’d never know the roots of the arts…or ourselves for that matter. While I’d be curious to see how all would have played out with modern resources, the state of society and lack of accessibility are (in my opinion) relevant to the plot.
Campbell is a beast when it comes to providing vivid imagery and making the reader uneasy…all accomplished without the shock value fluff. It’s refreshing to read a story that can carry its own without a sprinkle of jump scare gore every few pages. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy those too (when they don’t feel like plots picked out of a hat), but I love substance, eeriness and build up.
I love the chokehold beginning that eases into a slow burn. Even as a sucker for a slow burn, I did have a few moments of impatience. That being said, I still wouldn’t refer to it as a book that in itself is slow nor is it boring.
I would have loved to be a bit more invested in the characters, but I definitely latched onto the settings and plot of Ancient Images. Some areas of the story had me reminiscing about our less tech heavy times, and others had me excited about the references along with the hunt for the most obscure, banned or questionable (back then) movies.
Does it age well? Absolutely! It may not be 100% relatable to all, but it’s like a time capsule and if every republishing took the road of modernization, we’d never know the roots of the arts…or ourselves for that matter. While I’d be curious to see how all would have played out with modern resources, the state of society and lack of accessibility are (in my opinion) relevant to the plot.
Campbell is a beast when it comes to providing vivid imagery and making the reader uneasy…all accomplished without the shock value fluff. It’s refreshing to read a story that can carry its own without a sprinkle of jump scare gore every few pages. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy those too (when they don’t feel like plots picked out of a hat), but I love substance, eeriness and build up.
Betty White's Pearls of Wisdom: Life Lessons from a Beloved American Treasure by Patty Sullivan
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
3.0
I enjoyed this book for what it was, not what I expected it to be. I think it’s important to know going into it that it’s not a book solely on Betty White and her life lessons, but more focused on Patty Sullivan, her life and how her life intertwined with Betty White’s along with the impact of their friendship.
I do appreciate that it’s not a “tell all” on Betty White, which would be in poor taste. That beings said, I feel the combination of the title and cover may help sales, yet result in lower review ratings. I swayed back and forth deciding if I was disappointed or content, I would have loved it to be varying impacts/examples of wisdom broken down by chapter, but I also enjoy a casual memoir that reads like you’re listening to a friend tell their stories over coffee.
I’m as much a sucker for dogs as I am for Betty White, so I thoroughly enjoyed reading more about her love for and interactions with pets. It’s always pleasant and relaxing to hear stories of the imprint people (especially Betty White) leave on others.
I did catch some mild editing hiccups, but again, it reads so casually that they don’t heavily distract from the story.
As for pace, it was slow to moderate for me personally, but very light and easy to follow/enjoy.
I do appreciate that it’s not a “tell all” on Betty White, which would be in poor taste. That beings said, I feel the combination of the title and cover may help sales, yet result in lower review ratings. I swayed back and forth deciding if I was disappointed or content, I would have loved it to be varying impacts/examples of wisdom broken down by chapter, but I also enjoy a casual memoir that reads like you’re listening to a friend tell their stories over coffee.
I’m as much a sucker for dogs as I am for Betty White, so I thoroughly enjoyed reading more about her love for and interactions with pets. It’s always pleasant and relaxing to hear stories of the imprint people (especially Betty White) leave on others.
I did catch some mild editing hiccups, but again, it reads so casually that they don’t heavily distract from the story.
As for pace, it was slow to moderate for me personally, but very light and easy to follow/enjoy.
The Unofficial Big Lebowski Cocktail Book: Over 50 Mixed Drink Recipes Inspired by the Cult Classic by André Darlington
funny
informative
fast-paced
5.0
Truth be told, I thought this was just going to be a goof with mediocre drinks for fans of The Dude. I jumped at the chance to check it out on NetGalley and strapped in for some laughs…this is actually a brilliant, well thought out and executed cocktail book! I’m thoroughly impressed that something I expected to be a bit of gimmick turned out to be so stellar.
This book makes me want to have a party just as an excuse to try out every single recipe. A few aren’t my taste and I wouldn’t make for myself, but I’ve spent enough time behind the bar to know (just from the ingredients and methods) that they’re great cocktails and will be well loved. What’s even better is that the majority of the recipes are right up my alley.
The tips and tools are all covered for beginners and this is definitely not another “I’ll buy it to have on my bar shelf and never use”, it truly has some twists on originals I’ll be exploring. Anyone can slap a character name or reference on a drink, but Darlington actually pulls it off with the perfect mashups. I found myself nodding in a “yesss, I totally get that” way. I appreciate that thought process and love when people create from character inspiration.
The illustrations are fun, yet not distracting. Sprinkled throughout are “Dude Facts” and song pairings that really drive home the thought and passion that went into this.
Even if you’re a White Russian die hard that can’t imagine dabbling, I promise you will find something to either enhance your experience, be it an ingredient, a prep tip, etc. Hey, there’s even a snacky portion as well as menu/pairing plans.
This was a fun journey that will only continue as I restock the home bar and experiment with more recipes. Love the opportunity to check this out in advance, I’ve already hopped on and pre-ordered a physical copy.
Darlington is clearly an artist and I’m eager to checkout other publications.
This book makes me want to have a party just as an excuse to try out every single recipe. A few aren’t my taste and I wouldn’t make for myself, but I’ve spent enough time behind the bar to know (just from the ingredients and methods) that they’re great cocktails and will be well loved. What’s even better is that the majority of the recipes are right up my alley.
The tips and tools are all covered for beginners and this is definitely not another “I’ll buy it to have on my bar shelf and never use”, it truly has some twists on originals I’ll be exploring. Anyone can slap a character name or reference on a drink, but Darlington actually pulls it off with the perfect mashups. I found myself nodding in a “yesss, I totally get that” way. I appreciate that thought process and love when people create from character inspiration.
The illustrations are fun, yet not distracting. Sprinkled throughout are “Dude Facts” and song pairings that really drive home the thought and passion that went into this.
Even if you’re a White Russian die hard that can’t imagine dabbling, I promise you will find something to either enhance your experience, be it an ingredient, a prep tip, etc. Hey, there’s even a snacky portion as well as menu/pairing plans.
This was a fun journey that will only continue as I restock the home bar and experiment with more recipes. Love the opportunity to check this out in advance, I’ve already hopped on and pre-ordered a physical copy.
Darlington is clearly an artist and I’m eager to checkout other publications.
Ivy in Bloom: The Poetry of Spring from Great Poets and Writers from the Past by Vanita Oelschlager
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
This was a beautiful book and I love any opportunity to give children a nod to the classics.
The concept is really great and likely sounds way easier than it really is to create such a mashup. Some parts may not seem to transition as smoothly, but that seems unavoidable due to it essentially being a remix and it ultimately all tied together nicely.
The illustrations are so sweet and fitting. I received a chance to preview this book through NetGalley, but need to purchase a physical for my shelf. I’d love to see a version for adults as well, though this one is enjoyable for all ages.
The concept is really great and likely sounds way easier than it really is to create such a mashup. Some parts may not seem to transition as smoothly, but that seems unavoidable due to it essentially being a remix and it ultimately all tied together nicely.
The illustrations are so sweet and fitting. I received a chance to preview this book through NetGalley, but need to purchase a physical for my shelf. I’d love to see a version for adults as well, though this one is enjoyable for all ages.
The Little Book of the Occult by Astrid Carvel
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
2.75
I’m left feeling conflicted after reading. Beginner style book that feels best read by the more experienced. I wish I could review as two separate books and that it was written as such. With so many aspects, practices and belief systems that fall within the occult, reviews and perceptions are guaranteed to vary and get critical.
The first portion of the book read more as what I was expecting. A brief history and synopsis on varying topics. The writing is both engaging and to the point without much fluff or romanticizing. I would have loved for the book to continue on with additional topics and systems as sort of an “intro” to expand understanding.
Once the book starts touching on practices, tools and takes a dive into the “how to”, my interest began to waver and brought the occasional head bow and exasperated exhale. While I’m in no place to gatekeep, I feel some of the tools and topics can’t safely be delivered in such bite sized snippets. I would have liked to see more of disclaimer approach and a greater respect for closed practices. Ideally, if mentioning the tools and practices, the information would have been delivered in more of a clarification of cultural roots.
The social media references paired with the “how to” presentation bring the now commonly used term “baby witch” to mind. Personally, I’m not a fan of the term nor the context it’s used in, however these portions of the book bring it to mind as the target audience. Personally, I don’t take issue with the spells chosen with the exception of one or two, but I would have preferred they just be in a separate book altogether with more elaboration. It also feels a bit inconsistent to have so many social media nods, yet not acknowledge the heavily discussed controversies and address appropriation.
Some things that stood out:
The Ouija board portion(s): I’d have liked to see more history and disclosure in the beginning at first mention. In fairness, the book does touch on using it safely though much further on and let’s be real, if someone is curious and just starting out, they’re likely not reading the full book without dabbling along the way. I’d have also liked to see the practice portion address how to properly prepare, rather than summed up as others having issues and just recommending a doctor visit should you have any.
Crowley mentions: While I appreciate the neutral approach of such a controversial figure, I’ve never seen him so passively mentioned. Again, if this was broken into separate books with more topics on history, I may feel differently here. With the verbose portion of the book being so brief before diving into practices, there’s not much room for things to resonate and it be to choose their path. This starts to feel more like a handbook of “this is who is relevant and how I recommend you practice”.
Hecate: While it may not seem like Hecate needs elaboration, if the book is meant to be consumed as a reference, it’s likely that beginners or those with curiosities are who it will appeal to most. The description felt to brief before just throwing out to “call on Hecate by…”. I’d have liked to see more on paying respects, when/what/why, etc. Sure that’s a bit much for a “Little Book of…”, but further iterates my point of keeping it to reference and having an entirely separate volume on practices.
The author does in fact address some portions of my concerns as the book wraps up, however I know this bite-sized life we’re in. A new reality where mere seconds on Tik Tok spark a practice or belief, the disclaimers feel a bit “too late” at that point. We’re in an age of searching for key words and getting to the point.
This is the first book of Astrid Carvel’s that I’ve read. While it wasn’t a home run for me, I did feel it was well written and off to a great start, I will be purchasing additional titles (this ARC copy was provided by NetGalley) and exploring more of Carvel’s work as I enjoyed the delivery of information and am always eager to learn the perspectives of others, taking what resonates with me.
There’s so much potential in this style and the book has it’s place, but the practice portion reminds me of something that would accompany a Home Goods, budget priced “Spell Kit” that contains unethically sourced herbs and stones. Carvel has a gift in providing knowledge and history that isn’t met with a yawn, I genuinely hope to see these skills expanded upon with a more historical and basics of approach.
There’s so much potential in this style and the book has it’s place, but the practice portion reminds me of something that would accompany a Home Goods, budget priced “Spell Kit” that contains unethically sourced herbs and stones. Carvel has a gift in providing knowledge and history that isn’t met with a yawn, I genuinely hope to see these skills expanded upon with a more historical and basics of approach.
I'm a Therapist, and My Patient is a Vegan Terrorist by Dr. Harper
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Haha, what? Okay, so I thoroughly enjoyed this series. I felt things were going strong in the 2nd book and couldn’t wait to get to the third. I do feel like this one got a bit chaotic and there should have been another between the last book and this one. I feel like we jumped from zero to a billion and have a lot of questions.
What I enjoyed mostly about this particular installment is the humor…the humor that come from living in this day in age and seeing the absolute absurdity of some “influencers”. There were quite a few “oh I can totally see that” or “got ‘em” moments. As far as writing goes, I found myself genuinely impressed at how the POV transitions were clear before it was made obviously clear. The author does a fantastic job of changing narration tone and portraying the inner thoughts of differing characters without blatantly saying “hey, I’m X” and “I’m Y”.
While I liked the book in itself and as a wrap up to the series, it felt a bit rushed and chaotic. Sort of a “let’s wrap this up…but add some more nonsense and a dash of feel good” vibe. It does bring closure to the series, but I wanted more.
We caught enough of the characters in the previous installments to get the gist, but some of the developments could have used more elaboration. I have not yet read the prequel, perhaps that will round things out a bit more, but I definitely wish there was another between 2 and 3.
If you’re reading on Kindle, note that once it says “The End”, the review/ad page pops up…go back and keep reading.
I get that Dr. Harper identified and thwarted this whole trafficking operation, but I’m still lost as to how he’s suddenly a super investigator and his services are needed on the island.
I really wanted the asylum to come into play and create another installment, but was equally relieved, because we were getting so over the top that it sounded exhausting, like “seriously, what else are we going to cram into this?”.
Let’s be real though, I’m only mad because it was good enough to get me invested.
What I enjoyed mostly about this particular installment is the humor…the humor that come from living in this day in age and seeing the absolute absurdity of some “influencers”. There were quite a few “oh I can totally see that” or “got ‘em” moments. As far as writing goes, I found myself genuinely impressed at how the POV transitions were clear before it was made obviously clear. The author does a fantastic job of changing narration tone and portraying the inner thoughts of differing characters without blatantly saying “hey, I’m X” and “I’m Y”.
While I liked the book in itself and as a wrap up to the series, it felt a bit rushed and chaotic. Sort of a “let’s wrap this up…but add some more nonsense and a dash of feel good” vibe. It does bring closure to the series, but I wanted more.
We caught enough of the characters in the previous installments to get the gist, but some of the developments could have used more elaboration. I have not yet read the prequel, perhaps that will round things out a bit more, but I definitely wish there was another between 2 and 3.
If you’re reading on Kindle, note that once it says “The End”, the review/ad page pops up…go back and keep reading.
Spoiler
What the sh*t with Kierra? I’m not sold on this redemption and how did she get in with Zach at all? Maybe I’m not the most forgiving person, but still.I get that Dr. Harper identified and thwarted this whole trafficking operation, but I’m still lost as to how he’s suddenly a super investigator and his services are needed on the island.
I really wanted the asylum to come into play and create another installment, but was equally relieved, because we were getting so over the top that it sounded exhausting, like “seriously, what else are we going to cram into this?”.
Let’s be real though, I’m only mad because it was good enough to get me invested.
I'm a Therapist, and My Patient is In Love with a Pedophile by Dr. Harper
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Would I have randomly picked this up? Negative. I jumped into this and me based on intrigue following the first book in the series. This is actually the first book in quite awhile that I read straight through in one session. It is rather short, but the structure and story keep you rolling through.
Personally, I feel this one improves my impression of book 1. I felt the “patient files” and interactions had more depth and intrigue. We also learn more about Dr. Harper (as well as others) and I felt way more invested in the characters this round. Sure, it reads more like a diary than actual patient files, but I’m here for it. Where I felt some execution fell a bit flat and lacked depth in book 1 (perhaps intentional), the author seems to come into their own this round.
Comparing the two, Book 1 read like an idea or assignment, entertaining yet a bit forced. Book 2 seems to speed up as though the author was on a roll, caught on and was like “hell yeah, let’s do this” while frantically writing in a daze of this alternate reality.
I’d also like to touch on the titles here, they’re daunting to me. I really would not have picked this one up, the first one…maybe, the third sounds hilarious. I really did not want to bury myself into some graphic or deep story relating to what is assumed to be the subject matter. It’s not like that at all, it touches on the topics and character involvement, but there is no description or diving deep into trauma. While some may not enjoy any dark lit, this is truly lighthearted on the topics and have more focus on the plot and characters than what may be assumed.
Personally, I feel this one improves my impression of book 1. I felt the “patient files” and interactions had more depth and intrigue. We also learn more about Dr. Harper (as well as others) and I felt way more invested in the characters this round. Sure, it reads more like a diary than actual patient files, but I’m here for it. Where I felt some execution fell a bit flat and lacked depth in book 1 (perhaps intentional), the author seems to come into their own this round.
Comparing the two, Book 1 read like an idea or assignment, entertaining yet a bit forced. Book 2 seems to speed up as though the author was on a roll, caught on and was like “hell yeah, let’s do this” while frantically writing in a daze of this alternate reality.
I’d also like to touch on the titles here, they’re daunting to me. I really would not have picked this one up, the first one…maybe, the third sounds hilarious. I really did not want to bury myself into some graphic or deep story relating to what is assumed to be the subject matter. It’s not like that at all, it touches on the topics and character involvement, but there is no description or diving deep into trauma. While some may not enjoy any dark lit, this is truly lighthearted on the topics and have more focus on the plot and characters than what may be assumed.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Trafficking and Violence
Minor: Pedophilia and Suicide