Gen’s Book Nook

      I first came across this series while I was browsing at the library. On a top shelf there it was, the first book, A Winter’s Promise. This quartet was written in French originally and translated into English. It’s an excellent translation, and the books have a French feel. Almost from the first page I felt transported into a different world. Christelle Dabos is a master at creating immersive fantasy systems similar to Diana Wynne Jones’ — strange and whimsical, beautiful and dangerous.        Book one introduces us to Ophelia, our protagonist. She lives on an Ark—one of twenty-one different land masses all suspended in air—called Anima. Anima gets its name from being home to Animists, those who can put life into objects. Ophelia has reached marriageable age and her mother is desperate to marry her off, though Ophelia would rather spend all her time in the museum she runs. Ophelia has the gift of “reading”, the ability to sense an object’s past an...

  I’ve read a few 12 Dancing Princesses retellings, but this one is my favorite. Set in 16th century Transylvania, Wildwood Dancing pulls from a variety of folklore and fairytales and the book shimmers with magic and whimsy. When I think of what I want a fairytale-esque story to feel like, Wildwood Dancing comes to mind immediately. The contrast of enchanting and sinister fairy land with the bleakness of Transylvanian winter swiftly draws one in, both worlds vivid and real.  Amid the splendorous fantasy, themes of love, learning to let go of control, and respecting others’ decisions provide a deeper layer.  I’m not going to tell you Wildwood Dancing will change your life, but if fairytales and sweet romances are your thing you may very well enjoy this. Happy reading! Gen

  You must allow me to introduce you to a new favorite of mine: I Hope This Doesn’t Find You by Ann Liang.  Sadie Wen is a model student, happy to do whatever is asked of her. Top of her class, except on the  occasions that Julius Gong beats her, she strives to excel in everything. Her rivalry with Julius has been going on for 10 years and she has to stay on top of her game to keep ahead of him. When the pressure is too much, she writes email drafts to anyone she’s upset with — a teacher who won’t raise her grade, a classmate who stole her work, but especially Julius. She’s written 42 to him alone over the years. She would never send them, but it’s a cathartic release just to write her feelings out. Until one day she is horrified to realize her drafts all got sent! Her reputation is in shambles and now Julius has more reason than ever to hate her. She’s desperate to fix things and get her life on track, but how? And just what will Julius do to get back at her? This was su...

Welcome to one of my top favorite series of all time.   My word. How do I begin to describe this spectacular series?  Immersive world building like Brandon Sanderson, deep and beautiful themes like JRR  Tolkien, hilarious dialogue like Diana Wynne Jones, and good pacing like Lloyd Alexander, all while being its own unique story.  The atmosphere feels similar to Ancient Greece and as the series progresses the rich culture becomes more fleshed out through myths, religion, and plays.  While each book is enjoyable in its own right, the entire series plot is stunning and well worth reading through to the end.  The audiobooks read by Steve West are an alternate way to imbibe them and he does an awesome job on the voices.  Prepare to be flummoxed by the protagonist, to be exasperated, amused, impressed, and moved, over and over.  If you haven’t read this series, consider this your sign to start! 10/10 recommend.  Happy reading!  Gen :)

While it’s not spooky season yet, I’m back with another review for the horror genre.  The story Long Lankin is based off a ballad by the same name, springing up  in the 15th century in Scotland, eventually becoming part of English folklore as well. It is unclear who the original author was, but the poem depicts a Lord leaving his estate and warning his Lady to beware of Long Lankin and to keep the house shut up while he is away. She is betrayed by their baby’s nurse, and Long Lankin finds his way into their home, killing them both. Quite a disturbing tale! Lindsey Barraclough’s version brings us to the 1950s where two sisters, Cora and Mimi, are sent to stay with their Great Aunt Ida in her countryside home while their father is away. Ida is quite displeased to see them, and attempts to send them away. When it becomes clear they have nowhere else to go, she grudgingly lets them stay. She then proceeds to give them stern and cryptic rules, they mustn’t open windows and can’t pl...

  Victoria Schwab is an author whose work I became acquainted with just this year. Gallant is the book that introduced me to her, and I fell in love at first read.  Gallant is a YA horror novel, and has a wonderfully gloomy atmosphere. While melancholy and grim, the book also explores finding where you belong, accepting your uniqueness, and love overcoming darkness. One of my favorite aspects of the story was that the protagonist, Olivia Prior, was mute, and it opened a window into the experience of navigating that communication barrier while attempting to survive deadly peril! This was the perfect blend of creepy and cozy for me. If you’re looking to dip your toes into the horror genre I highly recommend!  Gallant gets 5/5 stars for me.  Do you like horror? Have you read Gallant? Let me know in the comments!  Happy reading!  Gen :)