This quote from T. Kingfisher's “Nettle & Bone“—“Nothing is fair, except that we try to make it so. That's the point of humans, maybe, to fix things the gods hadn't managed“—really spoke to me. I've often felt life, in general, is unfair. Some are handed fortunes, while others face hardship simply due to birth, time, or place. As humans, our best effort is to level the playing field and fight for the marginalized.
pick3/5
The main character walks around town meeting different people, through these encounters we learn about his life, his past, the town, and its inhabitants.
Some parts I like more than others, the more fantastic parts are also quite philosophical at times. I wonder how a young audience responds to this book, or if they really manage to connect with it.
It reads well as an adult, but I'm not quite satisfied with the ending.
pickWitchy vibes for October! I will admit that I was a bit annoyed we had to have a big strong man in this lovely story of women adventuring to save one of their sisters. I loved the characters here, even MC Marra who often felt a bit juvenile for 30, but her lifestyle explained this. The animals really made the book the demon hen, bone dog and little Finder chick. What a fun cast. A quick and easy read that has .e reaching for the book each day!
Loving this dark fairytale about a princess who takes a journey with a witch and dog made of bones to kill her sister‘s mean prince husband. If you love fairytales this is for you!
pickI love feminist retellings of old stories. Too often they‘re told only through a male lens and the egregious wrongs against women become simply part of the story. I loved that Young Hag and the Witches‘ Quest pointed out the wrongs and held the men committing them accountable! It‘s also a fun take on the tales of King Arthur and Camelot! 🗡️
pickThis was a light hearted magical rom-com with all the best bits — enemies to lovers, forced proximity, humour and silliness and spice. And yet…somehow also managed to be a very insightful look at abusive relationships, self-awareness and working to be a better person, and racial politics. This book was a bit of a ride, but I enjoyed every second of it.
I have fallen into a bit of a reading slump. Hoping finishing up the reading room with a fresh coat of paint and a new velvet chair pulls me out of it!
pickThis was such a fun read. Thank you @Reggie for this great MG horror. Evelyn moves to Blight Harbour to live with her witchy aunt after the loss of her parents. She struggles with PTSD and panic attacks. This book sets her on a paranormal quest to best a nasty spirit but aided by some more helpful ghosts and witches. An alternative to Coraline this spooky season 🧙👻🎃 Pictured are my ginormous witchy cats!
pickWhen a doll he‘s never seen before appears in his bedroom, Benjamiah Creek, who believes in science not magic, doesn‘t know what to think. When that doll becomes a monkey then a bird that leads him to a strange & wonderful land where danger & adventure await, Benjamiah finds his whole world, & that other one too, turned completely upside down. An engaging MG adventure which also touches upon grief, hope, & acceptance.
pickSO exciting to see a New Zealand author writing for Rick Riordan‘s series! This book was great on audio. Short snappy chapters and lots of action, loveable characters based on Korean folklore. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
