Tag: Book Review

February 2023 Wrap Up

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In February I read three books and to short stories and also watch Glass Onion.

Books:

Women of Myth: From Deer Woman and Mami Wata to Amaterasu and Athena, Your Guide to the Amazing and Diverse Women from World Mythology by Jenny Williamson and Genn McMenemy is a nonfiction book about different women from myth and folklore through multiple cultures. I received advanced copy from the publisher through Netgalley. I loved seeing myths that I’ve never learned about before and all the art work depicting these women.

Abhorsen by Garth Nix is the third book in the Abhorsen trilogy and follows Lirael and Sam as they try to save Sam’s friend Nick and stop the necromancer Hedge from awakening the destroyer. I also have a full review posted for this book. This book is very action/plot heavy and I think I would have enjoyed this series more if the second and third books had been combined. While I like the series overall to me I feel like the first book Sabriel works better as a stand alone then a series.

As Yet Unsent by Tamsyn Muir is a short story in the Locked Tomb series that follows the events of Harrow the Ninth. The shot story is Judith’s report on the Blood of Eden and their activities. I read to to be ready to read Nona the Ninth but I feel like I will need to either reread it and read an explanation of it to really understand this story.

A Dowry of Blood by S.T Gibson is a reimaging/retelling of Dracula through the perspective of one of the brides. I read this initially when it was self published and wanted to see if anything has changed which it hasn’t but I still enjoyed it and I have a full review published. The one thing that I’m still a little disappointed in is the fact that there is nothing but a quick mention of the events that happened in Dracula as I would have loved to read that from the brides perspectives.

An Encore of Roses by S.T. Gibson is a short story from Alexi’s point of view years after the ending of A Dowry of Blood. This story gives us a glimpse into the lives of Alexi, Constanta, and Magdalena and how they are still in love though living separate lives all these years later.

Movies:

I only movie I watched this month was Glass Onion which I loved but don’t feel like I have much to say. However, if you liked Knives Out or murder mysteries you should give it a try.

Book Review: Abhorsen (Abhorsen #3) by Garth Nix

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Abhorsen by Garth Nix is the final book in the Abhorsen/The Old Kingdom trilogy though there have been more books added to the series since this ones publication. This book follows Lirael and Sam as they try to save Sam’s friend Nick and stop the necromancer Hedge from awakening the Destroyer. As the Destroyer is the enemy of all life and must be stop which only an Abhorsen can do however, there has been no word from the current Abhosren Sabriel and King Touchstone.

In comparison to the second book which focuses more on set up this one is very action and plot heavy and ultimately feel like if the second and third books had been combined I would have enjoyed the full story more. This series is a reread for me though I haven’t read the series in many years because of that while I liked the series overall I feel like Sabriel works better as a stand a lone book. However, If you liked Sabriel I do think you should try the other books in the series.

January 2023 Wrap Up

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In January I read seven books/short stories, including multiple non fiction books. I also watched Gudetama: An Eggcellent Adventure which I enjoyed but don’t have really anything to say about it. Also as a heads up I’m in the process of changing the blog name from reviewsbyallies to NightOwlReviews so if you see that, that’s what’s happening.

Books:

The Legacy of the Crystal: An Unofficial Guide to Final Fantasy by Darryl James is a non fiction book about the history of the Final Fantasy franchise that I helped kickstart. As a fan of the Final Fantasy franchise I loved this book and reading about the history of the franchise.

Changes by Jim Butcher is the twelfth book in the Dresden Files series. We find out that Susan Rodriguez had a child with Harry and never informed him that they had a child. She has been kidnapped by Arianna Ortega, Duchess of the Red Court to hurt Harry and those connected to him. This one was not one of my favorite in the series but the ending definitely will change things in the coming books. I also have a full review for this book.

The Nazi Titanic: The Incredible Untold Story of a Doomed Ship in World War II by Robert P. Watson is a nonfiction book about the history of the German ocean liner that was used in a German propaganda movie filmed in World War II about the sinking of the Titanic. I had heard mention of the Nazi Titanic movie that portrayed Bruce Ismay and others on the ship as “evil and money hungry Jews that let people die on the Titanic” and wanted to know the reason behind using the Titanic in this very unhistorical way. The history of the ocean liner is more interesting and tragic than the movie that it was in but I also will not watch the movie if it is still out there. The ship was used as floating barracks and troop transport. In the final days of the war the ship was packed with concentration camp prisoners and was mistakenly bombed by the British Royal Air Force and most of the prisoners were killed. I feel like this book uses the fact that this ship portrayed the Titanic as the main selling point even though that is not the main focus of the book.

The Titanic Disaster Omens, Mysteries, and Misfortunes of the Doomed Liner by James W. Bancroft is a nonfiction book about all the omens and mysteries reportedly connected to the Titanic and how people “knew” something was going to happen. I liked this book overall but felt like the author sensationalized/made things sound true when there is now evidence that the information was false or exaggerated. I received an early review copy from the publisher through Netgalley.

Spare by Prince Harry is Prince Harry’s memoir about his life starting shortly before Princess Diana’s death through his military career, his romance and marriage to Meghan and finally their decision to leave royal life. This is really an account of someone with a dysfunctional family who has been traumatized and is working through that trauma. While readers will never know 100% what is true, I do feel like the media the royal life is more toxic then we like to believe. I feel like this memoir gives Harry’s perspective of events that other have other perspectives on but at the same time I feel like this is his truth.

A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova is a fantasy romance without too much spice inspired by Hades/Persephone and Beauty and the Beast. For years the elf’s have taken a woman to be their human queen but the next chosen one is missing. When it comes out that Luella is meant to the next human queen she goes with the elf king to save both of their worlds and maybe fall in love. I enjoyed this and is good for fans of other Romanic fantasies.

The Mysterious Study of Doctor Sex by Tamsyn Muir is a short story set in the Locked Tomb series. It follows Palamedes Sextus and Camilla Hect at age 13 when the academics of the Sixth are about to open the study of Donald Sex. I liked seeing more of this world and some events with other character even though I often don’t understand everything in this series.

Book Review: Changes (Dresden Files #12) by Jim Butcher

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Changes is the twelfth book in the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher and true to the title this is the book where many things change and the book ends in a cliffhanger. In this one we find out that Susan Rodriguez, Harry’s one time lover, who earlier in the series was turned into a partial vampire had a daughter with Harry and never told him before now. She has been kidnaped by Arianna Ortega, Duchess of the Red Court, in a bid to harm Harry and he will do what ever it takes to save his daughter.

Changes is where plot elements and information that both Harry and the reader have gained though out the series is brought together and we see how far Harry is willing to go for those he cares about. It is also clear with that ending that the series will be different in some ways going forward.

Personally, while I liked see how many things are coming back I overall didn’t enjoy this book. That is mostly because I was never a fan of Susan and her relationship with Harry. However, with how it ended I definitely will be continuing with the series.

December 2022 Wrap Up

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In December I read five books most which were physical. I also work retail during the holidays so I’m surprised that I read that much.

Books:

The first book I read was Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir which was a reread for me and I have a full review posted. I liked this one much more on a second read as I understood so much more. Based on the format of this book it leans itself to multiple rereads as you will pick up on the hints that are sprinkled throughout the book. I plan to continue on with the series soon.

Final Fantasy VII Remake: Material Ultimania is a nonfiction book that contains art and other reference materials used during the devolvement of Final Fantasy VII Remake. I really like this book but its definitely a book for fans.

The Band that Played On: The Extraordinary Story of the 8 Musicians Who Went Down with the Titanic by Steve Turner is a nonfiction book about the Titanic. This book focuses on the band and the story that they continued playing until the ship sank. Provides great detail on who the band members were, how they ended up on the Titanic, and the memory of how they are remembered.

The Mistletoe Paradox is a short story collections that each story takes ideas about mistletoe and the traditions around it to write stories. As with most short story collections I liked some of the stories more than others but I want to see where these authors go next and the types of stories they will tell in the future.

The last book I read in December was Tales from the Hinterland by Melissa Albert. This is the collection of dark fairytales that are referenced throughout the Hazel Wood series. While I didn’t love The Night Country which was the second book in the series I was still interested in reading the fairytales mention in the books. Overall, I think that these dark fairytales are one of the best things in this series and I loved seeing where Melissa Albert took these types of fairytales.

Book Review: Lirael (Abhorsen #2) by Garth Nix

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Lirael is the second book in the Abhorsen series and the sequel to Sabriel. This book focuses on Lirael who is a daughter of the Clayr, who have the ability to see some aspects of the future however Lirael never gained the sight. She ends up taking up a mission to stop an ancient evil along with Sabriel’s son Sam.

This is a reread for me but I read it many years ago and don’t remember much about the story. Overall, I liked this book but enjoyed Sabriel more. The one thing that I didn’t enjoy was the switching of perspectives between Lirael and Sam as I just don’t like Sam’s perspective as much thought I get why it was needed for the plot. I do plan to continue reading this series.

October and November 2022 Wrap Up

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Since I only read one book in October I decided to combine the October and November wrap ups. For both months I read five books. In terms of watching tv and movies the only thing I remember watching was some documentaries and YouTube videos.

Books:

In October I decided to start a reread of the Locked Tomb series so that I remember more when I got to Nona the Ninth which I still haven’t read but I did finish rereading Gideon the Ninth in October. Gideon is the first book in the Locked Tomb series that focuses on space necromancers who are trying to become more powerful to help the emperor. I still loved this book and I have a full review already posted.

The first book that I read in November was Lirael by Garth Nix. This is the squeal to Sabriel and technically a reread for me but the last time I read it was years ago. Lirael focuses on Lirael who is a daughter of the Clayr but she has never gained to sight which allows the Clayr to see some aspects of the future. She ends up taking up a mission to stop the return of an ancient evil along with Sabriel’s son Sam, who is believed to be the next Abhorsen. While I enjoyed the book overall I don’t love it in comparison to Sabriel and I would have preferred that the book didn’t switch perspectives between Lirael and Sam.

Campfire Stories: Tales from America’s National Parks by Dave and Ilyssa Kyu is what it say it is. This is a book that features short stories and experts of Tales from different National Parks that could be told around a campfire. I liked the concept of this book but was not a big fan of most of the stories.

Paperback Crush by Gabrielle Moss is a nonfiction book about the paperback teen and preteen books from the 80s and 90s. As someone who grew up on some of these books I liked reading about how these stories came to be and the history of the genre.

Queen’s Peril by EK Johnston is a Star Wars novel focuses on Padme as she becomes Queen of Naboo and the events of The Phantom Menace movie. I loved the introduction of the Handmaidens and how that system works but I wish we got more of Padme’s thoughts and emotions.

Book Review: Seasonal Fears by Seanan McGuire

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Seasonal Fears by Seanan McGuire is a companion book to Middlegame and the second book in the Alchemical Journeys Series. We follow Melanie and Harry as they must become the holders of Winter and Summer if they want to stay alive and together. Melanie’s father at one point tried to gain control over winter but failed and end up causing Melanie to be chronically ill. While different from Middlegame this book works with the same concepts and is set in the same world. Roger and Doger from Middlegame make a brief appearance which shows us where they are now and their current plans.

While I enjoyed Seasonal Fears I didn’t love it like I did Middlegame. It took while for me to connect with Melanie and Harry unlike how quickly I liked Roger and Doger. I feel like this was because we see Roger and Doger throughout their childhood where as with Melaine and Harry we are not given as much before the plot kicks off. I also liked the villains and the conflict in Middlegame more as I felt like to had more at stake. The only thing I didn’t like at all in Seasonal Fears is the crazy sister that Melaine doesn’t know about but I overall liked this story.

Book Review: Turn Coat by Jim Butcher (Dresden Files #11)

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Turn Coat by Jim Butcher is the eleventh book in the Dresden Files series. Since I read this a while ago I don’t a lot to say about it but I want to continue reviewing each book in the series and I hope to write the next review shortly after finishing the book.

In Turn Coat Morgan has been accused of treason and murder and come to Harry for help. We doe get a little more information on some of the darker forces that are in play when what really happened comes out at the end. I did enjoy Harry and Molly’s interaction with Morgan and all the information on how the White Council works. I can tell that this book is laying ground work for future books and I plan to continue with this series.

September 2022 Wrap Up

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As I’ve mentioned before I’m currently playing catch up on posting abut I hope to be all caught up in the next month or so. In September I read six books in total and finished Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle.

Books:

The first book I finished was Turn Coat by Jim Butcher which is the eleventh book in the Dresden Files series. In this one Morgan has been accused of treason and murder and comes to Harry for help. I really liked Harry’s and Molly’s interactions with Morgan and the information on how the White Council works. I can tell that this book is laying ground work for the next books in the series and possibly bigger events.

Lucky Girl by M. Rickert is a horror novella that takes place over multiple Christmases. At the first party one of the guests tells a story about Krampus that Ro uses as inspiration for a novel in the future. However, as time goes on Ro learns that horrors that have been hidden often come back. While I found this story to be creepy I expected more. It felt to me that most of the horror elements happened off page or were only implied. Also it claims to be a Krampus story but Krampus doesn’t really appear.

The Betrayal of Anne Frank by Rosemary Suillivan is a nonfiction book about the cold case investigation into who betrayed Anne Frank and her family. While an interesting concept the evidence to me is too circumstantial and I don’t believe or agree with the conclusion that the investigation team came to. However, this is a good book to look at in terms of who writes history, what history is being written, who has the power in writing history, and the biases of the writer.

Seasonal Fears by Seanan McGuire is a companion book to Middlegame and the second book in the Alchemical Journeys series. We follow Melaine and Harry as they must become the holders of Winter and Summer if they want to stay alive and with each other. Melaine’s father attempted to gain control over winter before she was born but ended up causing her to be chronically ill for her whole life. While different from Middlegame it works with the same concepts and is set in the same world. Overall I enjoyed Seasonal Fears but not like how I loved Middlegame. I do plan to have a full review posted in a few weeks.

Breakable Things by Katie Wismer is a poetry collection. While I’m not a huge fan of poetry Katie’s speaks to me. This one focuses on those small things in life that we often take for granted but end up being important.

Lore Olympus Volume One by Rachel Smythe is the physical collection of the web comic series. This follows Hades and Persephone in the modern age. This was my first time reading this story and I loved it.

Video Games:

I also finished my play though of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. This is a turn based tactics/adventure game that includes both Mario characters and the Rabbids as the travel though the Mushroom Kingdom to defeat corrupted Rabbids and make sure the world is fine. I had a lot fun with this game and think that most people would have fun playing it.