#FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl

“Mary Craven didn‘t think about death until the day it knocked politely on her bedroom door and invited itself in.”

Next up! This all-female retelling of The Secret Garden with and Indigenous perspective has been on my TBR for too long. There‘s a queer element too, making it the perfect June read.

This was such a lovely book. Following along with Bird as he searches for meaning in a jaded world was both saddening and somehow hopeful. King drops shining moments of humour and insight into his writing that keep it from bogging down, and his characters are warm and empathetic. Bird is such a loveable grumpy old man that‘s is easy to forgive his idiosyncrasies, and Mimi is just a joy. The meandering journey they took is one I was glad to be in.

A bit of a slow start, but then I really got invested. Celaena is an appealing, if somewhat frustrating, mix of accomplished and naive, snobby and self-assured, yet vulnerable. Her quest for independence is a brave one, when I remembered how young she is. Her trials are engaging and the story is pretty gripping. I saw all the pitfalls coming miles away, but I think you‘re supposed to? Even though she does not. Great lead-in to a series.

Picked off the TBR for Canada‘s Indigenous History month — I think I‘ll make all my physical reads this month Indigenous-authored. Love King‘s work, so expect a good read with this one!

This was quite a fun read, full of sly humour and wit, with a tongue-in-cheek look at the tropes of classic fantasy. Gav, our hapless MMC, is struggling to find himself — literally and figuratively — and making a mess as he does so. A rumination on good, evil, and how one finds redemption when they‘re looking for it keeps the story from being entirely frivolous. A highly engaging and entertaining cast filled out the book really nicely.

This book started strong — lots of new fairy tale elements, angst, a quest or two. Evangeline‘s growth over the series is really rewarding, and the complexity of the plot as it progresses is really engaging. I will say that about two thirds through the book, things seemed to lose momentum, and the end felt a little rushed. Plus, lots of loose ends with side characters—although maybe they‘ll get books of their own? A soft pick, but a great series.

This fairy tale gets increasingly darker in this instalment, with curses and bad luck and all manner of lies and tricks and pitfalls. Evangeline and Jacks seem truly doomed, which surely means they‘ll get their ever after? Maybe eventually…Garber keeps the tensions very finely tuned in this book, which speeds along at a far clip. I loved Evangeline‘s growth as a person, and didn‘t anticipate that final twist. Jumped right into the next book…

I didn‘t particularly like Caraval, but I really enjoyed this one! A tale of seeking love with a slight Cinderella colour, with plenty of plot twists and an endearing anti-hero at its heart. The story is reasonably fast-paced and engaging, and Evangeline‘s voice is appealing and lively. The Magnificent North just oozes fairytale magic, and I‘m keen to see what happens next!

Patricia Briggs has a really compelling way of telling a story that I really appreciate — and this was no exception. An extension of the Mercy Thompson universe, this story hits the ground running and never really slows down. Werewolf politics, ancient history, dark witches, mysterious murders — it‘s all a rollercoaster that comes to a relatively satisfying conclusion. Will definitely read more in this series.

It took me a while to get into this book, which starts off with nothing new, really. But the characters grew on me, and the plot does take an interesting turn or two. The descriptions of the MCs home, Innisfree, are lush and lovely and cozy, and the romance — from enemies to star-crossed lovers — is very sweet. Not a lot of surprises, but a warm and largely peaceful read, with cheering elements of family, friendship, and love.

This was a sweet book, much like the jam it features. I loved the characters, especially Caz, and the warmth they brought to the story. And warmth is all through it, from the people to the setting to the conclusion — it‘s all like a warm hug. Themes of found family and finding one‘s true self run through the text, and there‘s a little adventure in there too. A wonderful escape into a lovely world. I mean, LOOK at that cover😍

Something soft and cozy for a cool and cloudy Sunday morning — and recovery from the Handmaid‘s Tale😅

This is a keenly incisive book, particularly striking as the narration has a sort of dreamlike quality, and the narrator herself is not entirely reliable. A dystopian world, but one not that far from ours—especially given the current state of politics. Looking at the US‘s Project 2025, it‘s even more striking. And terrifyingly realistic tbh. Certainly still a prescient and clever read, even so long after original publication—and a great reread.

This is a wonderful book, so beautifully written and evocative. Nature breathes in its pages with a subtle loveliness and vivid power. Our three MCs are fascinating, complex women, each with their own issues and challenges, but with a strong thread drawing them together over history. The question of power vibrates through the stories, and is reclaimed with a vengeance. I loved this evocative tale, and look forward to more from the author.

I love Ann Cleeves, but Inspector Ramsey was new to me. The tone of the book is definitely a bit dated, but the mystery is fast-paced and interesting, with Cleeves‘ usual key insights into human nature. She has such a masterful way of imparting a sense of place, with such evocative language, it really is impressive and always a good read. I wouldn‘t say I loved this book, but I did enjoy it. Soft pick.

Ah, this book was a delightfully creepy trip and a half. Following along with #Dracula‘s Lucy and #JaneEyre‘s Bertha, this book explores the real cost of immortality, and the lies and machinations of the men that trapped the two in eternal life. I‘m not much of a horror fan at all, but this book was gruesome at times and had a serious gothic feel, it felt more melancholy to me than anything else. Fast-paced, very well-drawn, and fascinating.

Wow, that was a LOT. So much happened and our MCs went through so much! I really enjoyed the depth Walsh brought to the characters, and the different types of relationships that were explored. Honestly, Johnny and Gibs‘ friendship is probably my favourite thing about these books, with all its charming, slightly crazed intensity. This was a great duology and I would definitely read more from this author.

Meh idk. I really enjoyed the first book, but this follow up left me wanting. The obstacles felt fairly contrived, and Persephone seemed more reckless and fickle than anything. Her emotions were all over the place and I never felt like we got a satisfying explanation. Hades was barely present, and his actions seemed even more arbitrary and confusing. I doubt I‘ll bother going any further, which is a shame, because I really did enjoy book 1.

What a chonker omg. But it didn‘t feel long — I got sucked right in to the angst and the longing and the confused teen silliness. This book is kept from absolute nonsense by a strong current of abuse (not between MCs) and its fallout, the search for family and a place to belong. It‘s a very engaging read, with a busy plot, lots of action, and a good quick pace. FMC Shannon whines maybe a bit too much, but it‘s not that bad. Gone right into book 2!

So this read like a cross between A Dirty Job and a Finlay Donovan mystery and I was totally here for it. A great mystery, engaging characters, and an interesting premise. What happens to the souls we leave behind is an old question, and this book doesn‘t try to answer it, but rather, thinks about the implications in a funny, tongue-in-cheek sort of way. Lots to love here.

This was such a sweet read — quick and simple, but enjoyable and emotional. Logan and Addie make a great couple, filling in each other‘s needs neatly and with fantastic chemistry. I don‘t love the third act break up, so it lost points there, but at least there was a solid reason for it and didn‘t feel forced or needless. Also, the spice was excellent.

Phew, that book went by in a flash! I felt right in tune with the universe almost right away, which was nice and not usual for me in a series. The characters are almost painstakingly well drawn, and the emotional storyline pulls you right in. Things get very complex very quickly, and I was reminded of classic sci-fi/fantasy themes. If I have one complaint it‘s that the story felt a lot like a set up for consequent books. But I loved it anyway!

This series continues to be fluffy and fun, sweet as a hot chocolate on a cold day. The power dynamic of a boss/employee romance is tricky to navigate, but I think Gilmore does a fair job of it. Archer and Iris both grow a lot over the length of the story, and watching them become a family with the lost Olive is very charming. A light read, but an enjoyable one.

This was actually my first Garth Nix, but I don‘t think it will be my last. This was a great adventure, with dips into British myth and legend, and another world hiding in the shadows of our own. You get a very good sense of the time period, too (the 8os). But really, it‘s the characters that make the book shine — beautifully drawn and lively and sympathetic, you really feel like their story is unfolding in front of you. Loved it.

This was a sweet and funny tale, with lots of ups and downs and a few shenanigans for good measure. It wasn‘t difficult to see where it was heading, but getting there was enjoyable. I didn‘t like it as much as Half a Soul, but the writing was good and the characters endearing.

I don‘t read a lot of nonfiction but this was a fascinating one. Thoroughly informative, but told in a clever and witty, almost conversational, manner, that makes the information really accessible and easily comprehensible. Definitely a good choice for an audiobook — thanks for the tip, @Gleefulreader — as the author‘s voice is perfect here: wry, strong, and funny. Highly recommend if you have any interest in myths and legends.

This book was a RIDE, and no mistake. A strong thread of Beauty and the Beast, with a heap of violence and an enemies to lovers trope that really works. Unfortunately, the book is hampered by lack of a strong editor. It could easily have been 100 pages shorter, and the frequent wrong words or phrases were distracting. That said, I‘ll still read the next one to see what happens, so the story is compelling enough? I‘m torn between pick and so-so…

This is an absorbing book, a wild tangle of love lost and found, faith and belief, the wrongs we do each other as people. Ostensibly about a magical hunt, this story is really about finding what you need, reaching for dreams beyond safety and survival, the strong roots of family and how they shape us. The characters weren‘t strictly likeable but were hugely sympathetic, and I rooted for them every step of the way.

Up next on my quest for all the cozy reads…

This mystery was so cozy, it centred around a coffee shop! I love the woodland vibes in this series, and the small town coziness of the creatures that populate it. Vera the vixen does not disappoint, get her paws into the latest crime to hit Shady Hollow — but nothing about it is what it seems to be. Not a difficult puzzle to solve, although some of the details were interesting, but it was a fun little read.

Switching from cozy fantasy to cozy mystery…still in that mood but looking for a little more plot!

This was a pretty little story, with just enough magic and mystery to give it depth. The representation was so naturally part of the story, it was top notch. I thought it very interesting to approach depression and other mental illnesses from a magical perspective. The ending was…not entirely satisfying though, which moves this from a firm pick to a soft one. But a fun read overall.

Apparently I am in the mood for soft and quiet right now…gentle does seem to fit spring, too.

I thought this was a beautiful book — inside and out. Whimsical in some ways, terrifying in others, thoughtful and thought-provoking. The imagery was bright and real, the journey engrossing, and Kei and Hana‘s developing relationship was lovely. I didn‘t see the final twist in the tale coming, and the plot moved at a good pace to a satisfying conclusion. But I‘m a sucker for a happy ending. Also, I loved folding the cover into a wee boat😍

My next read — seems like a good premise for a quiet Sunday…

This was an interesting read. The narrator is not so much unreliable as hiding things even as he tells his life story — so what‘s real and what isn‘t? No one seems to know, and so we don‘t either, which is frustrating at times but an interesting conceit. The “twist” at the end is more of a final reveal that makes sense in line with everything that comes before it, although there were a few details I didn‘t predict. I enjoyed well enough.

Sweet, funny, fluffy. A cute read, but without much to it. Some elements of found family, of growth from grief, and finding a place in the world, but not a lot of depth to them? I enjoyed it, but it was very much just fluffy — not that that‘s a bad thing, especially these days. And I mean, I‘d take on a baby dragon any day, so. One big plus was the actual COMMUNICATION between the two MCs. A nice escapist read.

Another borrowed book, and it‘s got a good hook! The format is interesting, though I‘m not sure it will hold up for a whole book. We‘ll see…

I think this was a pick? It‘s a doubtful book, wavering between realities, until you aren‘t sure who‘s being honest and who‘s right or wrong. I‘m still not sure. But it‘s a beautifully written book — Pulley has a lovely way of expressing ideas and putting images in your head that‘s immensely appealing. I think this is a series and I don‘t know if I‘ll continue, but it was a very interesting read for how it made me think.

This book was a bit silly and a lot fun, just the right kind of palette cleanser for a tired brain. Not a lot actually happens, but the plot does more or less hang together, and there are hints at a much deeper story that may develop in further books in the series. An interesting look at the perils of climate change, and a very different take on the shifter world. Don‘t know if I‘ll seek out more in the series tho

This book is stunning, really — almost like an exploration of the flip side of the wonder of discovering that magical world. Filled with pain and loss and anger, and the horror of discovering the darkness behind the light. Bree learns a lot in this book, and I think she comes out stronger for it, and more prepared to take on what‘s waiting for her. Just as evocatively and deliberately written as the first book, so well done.

Another TBR deep dive — #shoppingmyshelf these days, as much as I can. I remember when I bought this book I was seeing it everywhere and it felt necessary…then I never read it🙄 It definitely starts off with a bang!

This was a good story, although it didn‘t bring anything new in particular, with some solid growth and enjoyable characters. I would, however, have liked some more depth in the world-building, particularly the magic system, so that objects and actions had a better root. I also found the pacing a little odd — the plot was slow, but the relationships between characters grew insanely fast. ⬇️⬇️

Finally picked this up last night in anticipation of book 3 — too late, of course, but I‘m pretty much always late to the party😂 And I guess I‘ll have to pick up the Kobo edition instead of the Kindle…

Excited to start this one I picked up from a friend. I‘ve heard such good things!!

Meh, idk about this one. The MC/narrator‘s voice was funny for a while, but the consistent self-deprecation and dislike got wearing after a while. This book is really just about Greg and what happens to him because of this girl who‘s dying, except not that much really happens? He doesn‘t seem to change that much, although he is clearly affected more than he pretends to be. Sort of coming of age without much self-actualization, I guess. Soft pick.

I almost forgot it‘s Freedom to Read week here in Canadia, but I managed to find this on my TBR. I‘m 100 pages in and not much has happened, but it‘s pretty funny and sharp. Don‘t forget to #readbannedbooks!

Have a draggy, sick week, so am comfort reading old favourites to give my brain a break and my soul some comfort. There‘s nothing like a comfort read to feel cozy — what are your comfort reads?

This just didn‘t fulfill its potential, in my opinion, and I feel like 40% through is a fair shake. The characters felt really surface-level, and the situations were more silly than entertaining. The book felt more like a series of loosely connected short stories that weren‘t that great — this may be a translation issue, or maybe this one just isn‘t for me. There are just a lot of books I‘d rather be reading.

#dnf #hailthebail