Double Review: The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh & The Boy With Fire by Aparna Verma | An Alluring, Immersive YA Retelling and An Ambitious But Lackluster Fantasy Debut

Hello friends! Contrary to popular belief, I have not disappeared off the face of the earth, but I admit to disappearing of the face of the blogosphere because: school. My finals are coming up in a month’s time and to say that I’m nervous would be an understatement, so pardon my sporadic appearance, save for a few reviews I’m excited to share about!

Today, I’m finally writing my review of The Wrath and the Dawn, a YA fantasy that is well-loved, as well as The Boy With Fire, a new release that will bring out your inner arsonist. One completely captured my heart while the other broke it, especially with the comparison to The Poppy War.

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If You Liked That Marvel Movie, Read This Book!

Hello friends! I just realised that it has been 11 months on the blog and I haven’t declared this officially which is just, to say the least, preposterous, so here we go:

I’m seriously obsessed with the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe).

I thought I was over that phase of my life a few years ago but Disney + brought back all the nostalgia and all the new films and TV shows (Black Widow! TFATWS! Loki!) reminded me of my love for this fandom!

And hence, after reading Maya’s lovely review of Loki, I was inspired to put together a list of book recommendations based on some of my favourite Marvel movies, finally a recommendation post breaking the monotony of solely book reviews and wrap-ups this year, and one that won the popular vote as to what posts y’all wanted to see!

Without further ado, let the gushing commence. (click on the book titles which will lead you to their respective Goodreads pages.)

Review: These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong | A Brutal, Atmospheric and Kick-ass Romeo and Juliet Retelling set in 1920s Shanghai

A Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, whilst a monster rages across the city with a complex enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers that employs such atmospheric writing? Y’all were right, These Violent Delights is utter brilliance. And help me while I sob and go on a rampage till November when Our Violent Ends comes out.

Review: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig | Did it really deserve to be crowned the 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards Winner?

You know there are those few books you finish in a blur with a kind of quiet peace in your heart? Those that take a while to sink in and realise how beautiful it was? The Midnight Library was one of those books.

Review: A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir [An Ember in the Ashes #2] | A Compelling Sequel Edging Towards the Dark Side

Second books in series were never my thing, I mean come on, the infamous “second-book syndrome” is a real problem, where various middle books in series were essentially just extensions and filler books. Typically, only introductions or finales manage to engage and amaze, that is until I met A Torch Against the Night.

Review: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab | A slow yet sonorous and reflective historical fantasy with a unique premise

“And no matter how desperate or dire, never pray to the gods that answer after dark.”

*proceeds to publish a review no one needed because there are a ton of nuanced ones but doesn’t care because she HAS to talk about it*

I think that The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is without a doubt one of the most hyped-up books of this year… if not the most. Everyone has been gushing about it though there is a bit of criticism sprinkled here and there. Of course, I had to jump on the bandwagon and experience Addie’s story for myself.

I’m eternally grateful that I did. And I know proudly join the crowd of Addie lovers.

Review: Geekerella by Ashley Poston | A Sweet, Fluffy Yet Resonant Love Letter to Fandom

“Look to the stars. Aim. Ignite.”

I’ve finally unleashed my true fangirl side in Geekerella.

Honestly, I was pretty skeptical, and wasn’t expecting much upon going in. I have read my fair share of Cinderella retellings and it does get repetitive over time, thus I was wondering if Geekerella would spice things up. And it did and took me aback.

Review: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys | A Well Thought-Out War Novel that Failed to Emote

As an avid historical fiction fan, people have always been recommending me Ruta Sepetys books. And now I have finally experienced one.

Honestly, I have no idea how to feel about this one. I went in with high expectations of it being a haunting and emotional book. I came out with a bit of a mash-up. There are many aspects of it I love and many that were lacking in.

It was both haunting and dry. Harrowing and flat.

Review: We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter | A War Novel of Luck and Family based on a real life story

I haven’t cried over a book in such a long time.

But I weeped my way through We Were the Lucky Ones.

We Were the Lucky Ones was inspired by Hunter’s own family story and tells of the Kurc family surviving the war, different family members encountering different horrors and troubles: death camps, hiding as gentiles, exile… At a first glance, admittedly it does sound like your typical WW2 historical fiction novel, but let me assure you it is not.

Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth | Nah, Hunger Games Supremacy Forever, How is this a Comparable Title?

I LOVED The Hunger Games. It was one of those books that roped me into the YA genre and one that has shaped my reading life a lot! And everyone has been squawking: “Oh Divergent is the new Hunger Games!”, “You enjoyed The Hunger Games then read Divergent!” etc.

And so because I just needed more Hunger Games goodness (err that isn’t an appropriate word for killing children but you know what I mean), I picked up Divergent with sky-high expectations. I mean, I could see the obvious similarities of districts & factions and all but I think that is where the similarities ended. I was really disappointed. (who is surprised now, ugh hyped books)