Book Review: The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness

The New Jim Crow

Michelle Alexander

5/5

I think that I speak for many Americans when I say that it's been difficult to find any "national pride" within the last few months. The pandemic has really displayed how inadequate our health services are, the information being pushed to the forefront with the BLM Movement has displayed how utterly we have failed our Black community. This book was written over ten years ago, I'm too young to have comprehended it then, but the information was obviously out there and should have been dealt with far before the nation was pushed to revolt during a global pandemic.

This book brings up valuable facts that I feel like a lot of people have been hearing throughout the last couple of months, or the people who are listening at least. With such direct links between the current system of mass incarceration and the previous system of Jim Crow, how can anyone question why people have reached the end of their tolerance? There are no excuses for the way the American government continues to fail these communities, but there's an obvious need for them to address it and work towards moving forward in a positive direction.

I learned a lot from this book and I believe that everyone could learn a lot from this book. I'm the kind of person who wants to learn though, so I don't know how to emphasize this sort of education for the people who are refusing to see a problem. The burden shouldn't fall upon individuals to learn about the horrible realities of the American system, bigger characters need to get involved. I don't know what the solution is, but it's good to have better facts to arm yourself with when you get into debates with your older relatives.

Book Review: Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1)

Lady Midnight

Cassandra Clare

5/5

I really thought that Cassandra Clare was going to mix it up and write a book where the main couple were upfront and honest with each other. I suffered through the issues of legality because I was like they're not lying to each other about their feelings at least. Well I was WRONG and Cassandra Clare has once again made me upset. Though in the best of ways because honestly this book hit me so hard.

Emma and Julian are parabatai, a sacred bond of the shadowhunters. There's a major rule to being shadowhunters, you can't fall in love with each other romantically. And oops, Emma and Julian fell in love with each other. It's throwing a major wrench into all of the other life-threatening things that are happening around them and causing a lot of general emotional turmoil. Also, trying not to spoil but I never expected that first romantic scene from Cassandra Clare- it was like BAM five years of build up just attacked them all at once.

I love the features of the other characters in this series- Magnus, Clary, Jem, and Tessa especially. I love the relationship that Emma and Julian have formed with Clary and Jace. I was afraid to read this book because I didn't want to see my favorites all grown up. I said this with Chain of Gold too, and once I had seen how well Cassie did that one I knew I had to read this one. Absolutely no regrets, I thought I wouldn't be able to handle it but seeing them in this new stage of their life is just amazing and gives me so much happiness.

I need these guys to be happy though. Everyone in the story, I know that the Blackthorns have taken up their own spot in the Shadowhunter universe for me now. Same with Christina, though we didn't get enough of her here. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, the only reason I'm glad I held off on reading these was because I get to read them all at once now!

Book Review: Inked (Cirque de la Lune #1)

Inked

Emma Hamm

3/5

I don't know I don't think I liked this one that much, but it was interesting enough for me to finish it in like one sitting. Irene can see ghosts and demons, she was raised in an intensely religious family and they see this as her being possessed and want to exorcise her. She gets guided by a spirit to Cirque de la Lune where she feels safe etc. She meets Booker, he's thoroughly tattooed and has a questionable past. The complete foil to her very pale and "ghostly" appearance and her sheltered upbringing. He vouches for her and promises to give her the ability to perform in the circus.

There was just so much filler narrative that didn't really contribute to the story line here. I know that Booker was supposed to be the dark character, sometimes his narration went way too far and it felt like psychotic rather than just dark. He like was envisioning causing her pain or something at one point, and I nearly DNFed right there. I though the concept of the tattoos and her being a seer was fun but it wasn't really explained at all. Like, ok his tattoos could move but why were hers able to? He said it was like a curse to be passed on but I don't really understand the curse part of it it just felt like magic without boundaries.

Yeah, 3 stars might be a little high thinking back on it but I really liked the magic. I think it just touched on too many tropes and topics that it wasn't quite developed enough to truly represent. Wasn't a totally horrible read, I just think it could have had more depth if it was going to try to go where it did.

Book Review: Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2)

Clockwork Prince

Cassandra Clare

5/5

I don't know if it's quarantine or just me going crazy, but this series is just hitting me so much harder than it hit in eighth grade. Like, I was seriously obsessed in eighth grade but I don't think the real magnitude of the situation hit me. I've been putting off getting back into Shadowhunters because it seems overly complex and I felt like I had outgrown that. Clearly, I was just doing that thing that happens a lot where I feel pressured to move on from my YA interests and not re-join fandom but I swear I'm about to get back on Tumblr.

If you haven't read this trilogy, I still think it's got a lot more emotional depth than TMI though I probably should re-read that as well. Tessa doesn't know what she is at this point, she's kind of a warlock but not really because she doesn't have a demon mark. All she knows is that she can shapeshift and that there's a crazy man claiming to have created her who is trying to exterminate all of the shadowhunters. The shadowhunters are a society of warriors with angelic blood who are bound to defeating the demons who have made it to our world. At this point, I see this book as so mainstream that you probably don't need a summary but I don't know what else to say.

It's a great read, even seven years after I originally read it. I'd say if you're bored, this is the way to go. The world has a lot of content but don't feel too intimidated by it, I feel like I'm missing a lot of references but I'm still enjoying the story.

Book Review: Mercy (Deridia #1)

Mercy

Catherine Miller

3/5

Set a couple of decades after humans first arrived on a distant planet, the survivors of the crash have been reduced to living in squalor at a camp provided generously by the Arterians. Prim was sick of living in said camp and offered herself as a wife to an Arterian, most laughed at her but Rykkon saw an opportunity. As the village outcast, he would have remained alone for the rest of his life. With Prim, he could have a family.

It had a lot of awkward moments, and I really feel like it could have benefited from Prim's POV. It made her feel like more of a side character rather than the other half of the romance. Rykkon was a cool character, but it was difficult when we were looking at the events only from his limited viewpoint. It was weird because it was supposed to be about both of their quests to fit in somewhere and yet we're only getting his opinion. It also kind of made Prim feel callous, I understand her life was extremely rough but she just felt so unfeeling.

I also felt as though it dragged at times. I really liked the first two hundred pages, it was interesting to see them both acclimating to this new life and I felt like the central themes of belonging resonate outside of science-fiction. Then it got boring and then I felt like nothing was fully resolved, and if it was it was done in the last twenty pages. A fun premise for science-fiction, like Avatar, but not enough world-building.

It just barely hit three stars for me, it had it's sweet moments but could have been better. If I had gotten Prim's POV I think I would have understood things a lot better. As it is, it wasn't deep enough for me to love it.

Book Review: Murder in Chelsea (Gaslight Mystery #15)

Murder in Chelsea

Victoria Thompson

5/5

So good I'm losing my mind! The fifteenth book in the Gaslight Mysteries truly did not disappoint. If you haven't started these books by now, you're really missing out. When someone inquires about Sarah's "adopted" daughter, she's afraid she'll lose her forever because of legalities. Being a widow in the late nineteenth century, she hasn't been allowed to formally adopt Catherine and there are forces trying to pull her away.

I'm so invested in this series it's not even funny. As I've said before, there's really nothing bad about it. The character arcs? Amazing. The romance? Amazing despite it being the slowest burn I've ever encountered in my entire life. The actual murders? Constantly making me question everything as I go. I don't know enough about how each situation would have played out in the time period to know if it's entirely realistic to think there would be quite so many murders in a singular case, but I'm honestly just enjoying the mystery of it all.

But yes, this is the book to read. The other fourteen books? Completely worth it to get to this point because I can't imagine not reading that final scene. I only finished a few minutes ago but I can't imagine what my life would be like without those last few pages. Like I said, if you haven't started this series yet, you're missing out!

Book Review: Murder on Fifth Avenue (Gaslight Mystery #14)

Murder on Fifth Avenue

Victoria Thompson

5/5

Honestly, I'm ruining my review scores with inflation because of how invested I am in this series. If you haven't gotten it by this point, I love these books and I'm in love with the characters. At this point, there's not a lot that could happen that would make me stop reading.

Malloy and Sarah have these character arcs that are really amazing. Thinking about Malloy from the first book is just really unthinkable, he's a completely different person. Sarah isn't as different, but also has had some serious progress. Her parents? Amazing people and both growing exponentially. The best element here was Mr. Decker and Malloy's growing relationship. He didn't prevent Sarah's first marriage, but holding back his acceptance didn't really help much. He genuinely likes Malloy at this point though, despite his status. That's really amazing and I can't wait to see more of it. (That cliffhanger on their conversation really killed me!!)

So I need more and I'm already a fifth of the way into the sequel. The only thing I'm scared of is getting to the end, I can't imagine waiting twenty years for all these reveals. I need more and I don't think I can stop.

Book Review: War Bound (Elven Alliance #2)

War Bound

Tara Grayce

5/5

I'm giving a sequel 5/5 because wow this really just blew me away. Essie and Farrendel had a somewhat arranged marriage, abnormal for Farrendel's kingdom not only for the brevity of the engagement but for her humanity.  Elves live for like a thousand years, marrying within a few days like they did would be like minutes in a human's lifespan. But they made the most of it and their romance has truly progressed amazingly.

In an attempt to prevent war between the elves and humans once again, Farrendel and Essie have to prove that her brother didn't sell weapons to the trolls. To do so, they're on a diplomatic mission that doubles as Farrendel's first real introduction to her family. I love the family dynamics here so much, neither of them have completely tragic lives. Essie has a pretty normal arc and an extremely supportive family. Farrendel has mostly a supportive family (keyword being mostly the ending killed me) but the circumstances of his birth have prevented him from feeling as though he ever really belongs. Somehow, with the overly emotional humans who push him to the edges of his tolerance for socialization, he finds a place where he belongs.

That's what truly gets me about this series thus far. It's not just about belonging with their husband or wife, they have to carve their own places in their respective families and their respective cultures. It may not be as deep as some fantasy novels regarding the actual magical elements, but the relationships really make up for it. I don't think you see the kind of strength and support you saw here in most novels of this genre.

I'm still obviously standing behind what I said in the last review, this series is amazing and I'm completely recommending it. I love it and I can't wait to see where it goes!

Book Review: Fierce Heart (Elven Alliance #1)

Fierce Heart

Tara Grayce

5/5

An arranged marriage where the two main characters are both reasonable and optimistic about their situation? I knew from the start that I'd love it. It feels like Grace Draven's Radiance- not so much of a copy but just of similar tropes. No ugly element here though, but the same kind of mutual understanding that built a solid relationship.

Essie's such a great character. She sees the possibility of war between elves and humans, a resurgence of a war that killed her father when she was very young. Instead of stepping aside and allowing her brother to deal with it, she offers herself in a strategic marriage that would unite the kingdoms. Her brother doesn't even support it really, she pushes it because she knows it's the right choice. There's a major culture shock, the elves and humans haven't really interacted so intimately in hundreds of years and she had no real idea what she was getting herself into. She dives right in though and refuses to be put down by the rigidity of the kingdom.

I think she's really a great character for me because she's so good at doing the rational right thing. No one's ever perfect, but protagonist sometimes make such painfully wrong decisions that it doesn't feel natural. Essie communicates her shortcomings and tries to fix them, she makes a great princess. Farrendel has had a lot more struggles in life than Essie has, his silence is a really great balance for her spirit. There's no implication that either of them has to change, they build on one another to make for a really strong and beautiful growing relationship.

I'm recommending this one strongly because I love tropes like this. The actual conflict is kind of weak here, it's mostly just great for the strength of the characters and their relationship together. There aren't any graphic scenes, the most the character's do is kiss and that's seen as a great concession in elf propriety which is kind of funny. I'd still label it as New Adult though because the character's are both early twenties? Difficult to pinpoint though with elf age. Endearing romance, quick read, and fantastic universe.

Book Review: Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1)

Clockwork Angel

Cassandra Clare

4/5

It's so difficult for me to think critically about a book series that I'm rereading- especially one that I loved as much as I loved this one. I first read this series in eighth grade, and while I can acknowledge the writing level is catered for people around that age, I was still entertained by it seven years later. Maybe it's because it's coming so close to reading Chain of Gold, but all the characters had me really nostalgic.

Will is a lot more angsty than I remember, especially in comparison to CoG. I've read the entire series so I understand the reasoning, but it truly felt that every step forward was a step backward. Reading this series in comparison to Cassandra Clare's recent writing is really indicative of her progression as a writer. This series and TMI feels so insta-love, and while I love the romance here and wouldn't want it any other way, the connections in TLH feel so much more authentic.

I never thought I'd be recommending shadowhunters in 2020, but it's been a crazy year. I think I'm going to reread them all because generally the world-building is just beautiful and unique. I love Jem and Will and Tessa and don't think I will ever stop loving their stories.

Book Review: Murder on Sisters' Row (Gaslight Mystery #13)

Murder on Sisters' Row

Victoria Thompson

4/5

Another great read in the Gaslight Mystery series! After being escorted to a brothel to deliver a baby, Sarah Brandt gets involved in a charity organization set to rescue women who have had to resort to such professions. Unfortunately (or fortunately for the mystery), the main patroness of this organization is murdered soon after Sarah becomes involved. Now, her and Malloy have to weed out who had the most to gain from it all.

A good mystery, but it felt too similar to the other books in the series and the ending was predictable. Luckily though, I'm completely invested in the plot progression of both Sarah and Frank and I don't think I could be all that upset about it. I keep saying that this is a slow burn, but it's really taking its time. I've said it before and I'll say it again, these characters are truly unrecognizable from who they were in the beginning. Sarah has the same motivations, but she's really come out of her shell and is getting super involved in assisting her community. Malloy is so much more trusting of Sarah's expertise and such a better police officer for it. Not that it's easy to be a good police officer.

It draws some very interesting parallels to present day corruption, when I started reading I was thinking that I'm glad it's so much better, but it really isn't. It's fun to see how it all started and how it was all doomed from the beginning. I'd strongly recommend this series if you're interested in historical fiction, murder mysteries, or just great character growth.

Book Review: Daughter of No Worlds (The War of Lost Hearts #1)

Daughter of No Worlds

Carissa Broadbent

5/5

This is one of the best books I've read this year and I'm still recovering! Tisaanah was enslaved at a young age, forced to use her magic to perform and beg for scraps. She spends nearly a decade saving money to purchase her own freedom but is quickly denied that right. Her journey to revenge and saving her friends is insane with twists that I never saw coming, all the while maintaining her strength of character balanced with her innate goodness.

This is a pretty long book, it has two formal parts but I felt more like there were ten. There are stages as we are given little insights into both main characters, Tisaanah and Maxantarius. Both of their arcs are beautifully defined and I really love the development of their relationship. We shouldn't praise men for doing the bare minimum and being considerate of people who have had traumas (which Tisaanah has had a lot of) but Max is just so genuine. I thought he was going to be the typical male angst-lord, like Rowan from Throne of Glass, but he's unique and so good for Tisaanah. They both have their own friends and all, there's no toxic reliance on each other. Yet simultaneously, they've created this amazing support system that just made me tear up it's so good.

The magic is also a little insane here. There powers are all over the place, like I would love being a magic-user in this universe because the opportunities are crazy unlimited. I hope to see more explanation on what it means to be Fragmented in the sequel, maybe some details into Tisaanah's parentage. I swear I could read a whole book just on the definition of magical principals. Another fun thing that was done here was the use of different languages. It's so easy to say that there's a common-tongue or something, but Tisaanah went through the struggle of self-teaching herself a completely foreign language independently. Then her and Max had a whole little thing where they made their little hybrid language trying to understand each other. It was so cute, and the ways she struggled with certain grammatical things was super endearing and well-explained.

I would strongly recommend this book, I think it deserves so much more credit than its gotten because it was so entertaining. It dealt with difficult topics (like PTSD and Stockholm Syndrome-type-things) extremely well. Can't wait for the sequel!

Book Review: Princess of Smoke (Desert Nights Novels #3)

Princess of Smoke

Elm Vince and Helena Rookwood

4/5

Another great book in this series! I was questioning its status as a fantasy romance, but I feel like the relationship between Kassim and Zadie was finally validated in this one! After two books of struggling and doubt, their wedding is finally here and they've never been closer. Unfortunately, their rivals are eager to exploit the wedding as a distraction.

I think that the conflicts are a little weak, like especially towards the end it moved a little quickly. I'm not super mad about it, it's still a fun and action-packed read. I just feel as though some of the political concepts could have been explored a little deeper. I also don't know how I feel about the introduction of her sister, since it feels like she was introduced solely as a new female "rival" for Zadie. We'll see how it all pans out in the finale, but I'm hoping for a little more balance! Would still 100% recommend this series!

Book Review: Palace of Wishes (Desert Nights Novels #2)

Palace of Wishes

Elm Vince and Helena Rookwood

5/5

I liked this book even more than I liked the last one! Most of the questions that I had were answered and there's major potential for further exposition in the third book. Zadie is a strong heroine, not without her faults but also not without people looking out for her and waiting to correct her on those faults.

I know that this is a fantasy romance and I liked the romance element a lot more in this one, but I'm still waiting for more! I was right on the border between 4 and 5 stars here because of a couple lapses in the flow of the character progression. Overall though, I'm seeing a lot of growth and I'm excited to see where it goes.

Would recommend this series if you have Kindle Unlimited, it's super quick and the characters are all very endearing.

Book Review: Throne of Sand (Desert Nights Novels #1)

Throne of Sand

Elm Vince and Helena Rookwood

4/5

I really enjoyed this book! Kind of reminded me of Rebels of the Sand because djinni and all. I really love djinni as fantasy characters and there really aren't enough books with them in it. As the middle child, Zadie's never had grand ambitions. When her older sister wants to run away and marry for love, Zadie helps her and takes the role future Sultana to a neighboring Sultan. The best part is the way she embraces the responsibility, she wants to be a Sultana because she wants to help people and she puts the work in to do so.

It was almost a five star read, but I would've liked a little more background into her history. Maybe a couple flashbacks of interactions with her sister? Maybe that's just me looking for a tragic backstory, she has a pretty average life other than that. It would make her seem more selfless and heroic- she isn't shallow she just hasn't had a lot of outside interactions.

I would also like some more interactions between her and Kassim, it's advertised as a fantasy romance but I'm not really feeling it yet as they haven't talked much. I like that the Vizier is a woman in power, but it's interesting how problematic she's being. It's pretty reflective of a constant theme of people who have risen in power, the need to hold back those coming from the same position as them. I'd like to go a little deeper into that rather than just framing her as a typical mean girl.

Looking forward to the next book and totally recommending it thus far!

Book Review: Queen of the Wildwood (Tales of the Enchanted Wildwood #1)

Queen of the Wildwood

Angela L. Ford

3/5

I was excited to read this one, I literally got Kindle Unlimited again using this book as one of my rationalizations. Unfortunately, I didn't realize it was such a novella. It felt as though it was a part of some larger universe, maybe it is and I haven't been able to figure it out? A lot happened but it didn't feel very connected to a larger story line. The characters were thrown together and just kind of had chemistry, though it was implied they had a deeper backstory, that story didn't really resonate here.

The ending was predictable but not boring. I think that the main issue here was, like I said, with the length. If it had just been a full-length book there would have been ample time to flesh out the themes which were alluded at, then it could have been a much better book. Because everything felt so abrupt, it wasn't anything more than okay.

Book Review: Chain of Gold (The Last Hours #1)

Chain of Gold

Cassandra Clara

5/5

I had very much convinced myself that I was done with the whole Shadowhunter phase of my life. This book really proved me wrong because I'm about to reread the entirety of Cassandra Clare's work just to feel something again. The children of Will and Tessa and the other characters from The Infernal Devices series, this book is the perfect mix of nostalgia and originality. I didn't think I could love characters like I loved Will and Tessa and Jem, but here I am loving Will and Tessa's kids.

I think Cassandra Clare has majorly stepped up her game. The Mortal Instruments probably had a better plot than the Infernal Devices, but the TDI characters resounded with me a lot more than the TMI characters did. In this book, I didn't have to choose between plot and characterization. It's also not limited to a singular love triangle, every character mentioned is experiencing an amazing arc that just contributes to the impact of the store.

I also didn't want to read this book because of the family tree in Clockwork Princess, if we know who everyone is going to end up with then what's the point of reading? I don't think she's holding with that family tree though? Which is annoying for the sake of continuity, but I'll honestly let it slide if I get more of the twists and turns that this story went through. I also don't like to see another love triangle building up, but I trust that Cassandra Clare is going to twist it in a way that no one is ever going to expect once again.

Looking forward to the next book in the series and looking forward to going through all the books and rereading them now with fresh eyes. Would totally recommend this one for anyone who though they got over their phase in middle school because it definitely will have you crying.

Book Review: Reborn Yesterday (Phenomenal Fate #1)

Reborn Yesterday

Tessa Bailey

2/5

When I saw the cover, I thought it was going to be a cliche contemporary romance. When I read the description and saw the inclusion of vampires I was like uh paranormal contemporary romance? You have my attention. Unfortunately, this one fell kind of short of what I was anticipating.

Working as a coroner, Ginny started off strong and stuck with those "not like other girls" statements that really grind my gears. When she meets Jonas, she's "cute and quirky" but really just weird? I don't know I really didn't vibe with the choices made in their first interaction. Honestly, all their interactions were kind of weird? Also the whole life-threatening situation thing felt severely underplayed, she straight up didn't tell anyone that she ended up in the middle of the ocean one night? Like, sleepwalking is a thing and she could've tried to get help? Was very weird and random all around in that respect.

The reveal was obvious- the book is titled Reborn Yesterday, I was kind of expecting rebirth in some aspect. All of the vampire powers really made no sense to me though. What was the point of the heartbeat? It made them more vampiric? And he didn't understand their connection until days after meeting but understand it perfectly well from a distance last time? There were too many plot twists for it too be a great paranormal read and too little chemistry for it to be a good romance.

I didn't hate it entirely, it had its moments and I finished it so it was pretty entertaining. I just felt like it hit the same problem as Breaking Dawn did, oversimplified where it felt like young adult but like too graphic to be young adult. Not that young adult is simple, but like obviously intended for a younger audience. This one was surprisingly graphic, so don't go into it without knowing that! If you were super into Twilight, this one falls pretty similar with less filler material.