It’s time again to ask ourselves the three W’s:
What does our personal purgatory look like?
What would we be reincarnated as?
What would cause our untimely demise?
Wait, no, that’s not right. We ask these three W’s:
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?
WWW Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
★★★✩✩ || Goodreads
Don’t hate me, guys, but … I didn’t love it. I enjoyed it, so there’s that. I mean, I basically am Mateo, right down to the nerdy references to music like “Come What May” and “One Song Glory.” Which, by the way, I may have squeed about when it came up. I just need more of a plot than this had. It dragged for me. I’m really not a huge fan of purely character-driven work. I need some other genre mixed in, whether it’s humor or mystery or magical realism or something. That being said, I do enjoy Adam Silvera’s writing style and will be checking out more of his work! He’s got a fantasy novel coming out next year, Infinity Son, which is more my speed, and I was lucky enough to get an ARC for it, so I’m excited about that.
The Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo
★★★★★ || Goodreads
I didn’t want to put this one down. This book combines historical fiction with a whole host of Malaysian myths that create a surreal magical realism that left me wondering, in some cases, what was real and what wasn’t. Which, of course, is my favorite sort of magical realism. This book has a couple of my favorite superstitions: numerology, 49 days for a soul to cross over, spiritual connections, and humans becoming man-eating tigers.
Shatter the Sky by Rebecca Kim Wells
★★★✩✩ || Goodreads
This one was aaaalmost a DNF for me at 66%. Keri from Are You My Book? encouraged me to finish it, and she wasn’t wrong. All the action and excitement I’d been dying for the whole first part of the book was packed into about the last 20%, which was freaking awesome. Will I read the sequel? Yeah, probably. I think there was a little disconnect between what I was hoping would happen and what the book actually was. The relationship between Maren and Kaia wasn’t established all that strongly for me, and we don’t get to see a lot of Kaia, so she ended up being this shadowy perfect figure who was just too good for this world, basically. It made me not like her, even though she seemed like the kind of character I would like, because Maren seemed to think of her almost bitterly as this unattainable, perfect creature, despite loving her. So I didn’t feel that connection, unfortunately. I did, however, love Maren’s arc, and I really enjoyed the way she grew and came into her own. Also … DRAGONS! It’s hard to go wrong with dragons, but this book mixes dragons and aromatherapy, basically, in a really interesting way.
Split Second by Catherine Coulter
DNF @ pg 100 || Goodreads
I don’t have great luck with book club books, in general. I’m starting to think my tastes are just too different from the others in the book club. This is another example of that. I really don’t read crime/procedural books often, unless it’s maybe with a paranormal bent, but I did give this a try. This one just did nothing for me. Too many characters that I didn’t care about, little inconsistencies in the writing that bugged me, and so many random conveniences that are hard to buy. It wasn’t bad, per se, and it was a quick read so far, but I’m just not interested in this sort of book and figured my time was better spent on a book I might love.
Milton in Purgatory by Edward Vass
Status: 47%
Milton Pitt leads an uneventful life, with a dull job and a secret longing for adventure. One morning, after he is hit by a speeding car, he suffers an out-of-body experience and awakens back in his bedroom. Everything is just the same – that is, except for the bloody footprints leading to the chimney…
Is this his chance to lead a better life? Was it just a dream? Or is he
simply dead?
In this richly inventive and humorous novella, Edward Vass brings the themes of Dante’s Divine Comedy 700 years into the future.
I started reading this last night and I just did not want to put it down to to go bed. Unfortunately, I’m a weak soul who enjoys sleep, so there you have it. Milton in Purgatory is a novella, so it’s been a super quick read, but it’s so enjoyable. It’s written with the lovely dry, British humor, which I just can’t get enough of. I can’t stop laughing. This is a really interesting take so far on what happens after you die.
I read books this week! As in plural. Phew. I was getting concerned that I’d somehow forgotten how. I mean, I’m ridiculous behind on reviews now, so there’s that, but at least I’m reading again.
I watched the Netflix series The Haunting of Hill House and loved it, so I put a hold on an e-book copy so I could read the novella that inspired it all. It took a while, but my hold finally came through, so I want to read The Haunting of Hill House before it expires. I’m so ready for a little creepy reading, and I’m excited to start!
I was also lucky enough to get an ARC of The Doll Factory, so I’ll be picking that up before it comes out. This isn’t necessarily the sort of book I normally read, but I’ve heard really good things about it, and that synopsis has me all sorts of intrigued.
Thanks to Lilyfae from Lily and the Fae and her constant mid-grade recommendations that make my TBR weep, when I saw The Wizards of Once pop up in my library’s incoming cart, I snatched it up before they even had a chance to put it on a shelf. It looks super cute, and I love the little illustrations. It should be a quick read, and I’m hoping for a bit of fun and whimsy.
I haven’t watched the series yet, but last October I read The Haunting of Hill House. I thought it was an excellent novel. Though fictional, I loved the approach to trying to study the paranormal that the premise sets up. I hope you enjoy it too!
http://musewithmeblog.com/2019/07/31/www-wednesday-july-31-2019/
The series is a bit different than the novella, which is why I’m curious to see how it was done in the original. highly recommend the series, though! I think they’re doing another season of it. It was super spooky and well done.
Yeah, some friends of mine watched it and they spoke very highly of it. I really want to see the 1963 film adaptation The Haunting as well.
I’m really lol
Oking forward to reading The Night Tiger!
I hope you enjoy it when you get to it! It was a really good read. 🙂
It does sound like They Both Die At The End might just not be your cup of tea… I’m so excited about his newest title being fantasy though! I hope you will enjoy that one. Have a wonderful week and happy reading! xx
Yes, which is disappointing, but it happens sometimes. I am really looking forward to the new book, though, which I think WILL be my cup of tea, I hope.
Fingers crossed! 🙂
I’m sorry you didnt love TBDATE but I’m glad you got an ARC of IS too! Cant wait to read it!
Yes, I was so excited about that! I noticed it on EW right as I was finishing TBDATE, and it seemed perfect, and I was so glad I was approved. :3
Unfortunately I felt similar about They Both Die in the End. The premise and the world sounded so cool to me, so I was let down by the actual plot. I felt like the setting just was’t used to it’s fullest potential.
Glad I’m not the only one! Felt a little too quotidian. I’m super excited to read more from Adam Silvera, though, so it’s not a complete loss. :3
Omg, I’m so glad you enjoyed the ending of Shatter the Sky, because I would have felt so bad if it disappointed you even more after I encouraged you to keep going. 😅 I agree that the dragons and Maren were the best parts of the book (particularly the dragons, lol). And yesss, I’m really hoping the sequel will incorporate Maren coming to terms with how much she’s idolized Kaia and that we get to see more of Kaia as a real person.
Also, I’m SO JEALOUS you got an ARC of Infinity Son. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it!
Happy reading! 🙂
I’m so glad you encouraged me to finish it, because that ending was what I’d hoped most of the book would be, so thanks for that. 😀 I’m hoping the sequel will follow more along those lines, then. And I’m sort of actually hoping they ditch Kaia? Which is disappointing, since I was looking forward to a power female couple, but I just can’t wrap my head around this romance lol. And it’s not even poor Kaia’s fault.
Aww maybe you can get one, too. It was such a random thing. I just stumbled on it right after finishing TBDATE, and it was obviously meant to be. Especially after complaining that I want more sibling books lol.
Yay! 😊
AND OMG, IKR? I soooo wanted Maren and Kaia to be an awesome f/f power couple. I could still see it happening–maybe–if Kaia gets more focus and character development in the sequel (then I’d be happy if she stuck around). Like if Maren and Kaia take some time away from each other to continue growing (and Maren doesn’t fall into another romance) and then get back together in the end? Idk, that seems like too much to hope tho.
And that’s so funny and coincidental! How did ya get ahold of the ARC?
I don’t know. I almost think the first book has totally destroyed Maren/Kaia for me. I’m not sure there’s any way now that I can see them as a happy, healthy couple without this idea looming over my head that Maren idolized Kaia in a really unhealthy way. It almost makes me think it was a puppy love relationship, especially considering that the moment Maren is on her own there’s all this flirtiness and romance and such going on. I just feel like the romance has been tainted, and now I see them as too different to make it. I’m predicting it now: Kaia will betray her. Because of course she will. xD That’s officially my prediction for book two.
I was approved on Edelwiess+! Which is so weird, because I’m normally declined there. I am soooo not complaining, though. :3
Dammit, I totally wanted Maren & Kaia to end up together, but you make some really really good points. Ahhhh, you’re totally right. Or ooooh, maybe Maren with end up with the prince dude and Kaia will end up with that other chick in the rebellion (lol I so don’t remember her name either).
And that’s awesome! I have an Edelweiss account, but having to fill out a box about why you want the book always freaks me out and the few times I’ve tried I’ve gotten rejected. I’ll have to give it another go…
… I don’t remember her name, either. Dang. xD I don’t mind if they separate and it goes a different way. The only thing that would really annoy me about it was that it was marketed so strongly as LGBTQ that it would feel so dang cheap if the MC suddenly just went with a hetero relationship, even if she’s bi. Because that’s not why I picked up the book, dang it, and if that was endgame, they should’ve pushed more bi rep than F/F. From the summary and all the buzz, I was totally sold on this power F/F couple that would go to the ends of the earth for each other, and I don’t think it quite delivered on that. But we’ll see. That’s really more of a marketing issue than a book issue, and that’s not really the author’s fault, so I’m trying to sort of separate the two, but I still feel lied to haha.
Yeah, that’s why I don’t request books often. I like the anonymity of NetGalley where I don’t have to give a reason. So I only do EW on books that I feel really strongly about so that I feel confident that I can actually give a good reason other than “it looks interesting.” As far as I know, I’ve never promised my firstborn yet (though, you know, for The Toll, I totally would), but I won’t swear by that. And if anyone wants to come and collect, by all means, she’s here and she’s mouthy.
YES YES YES! I feel the same way—you basically took the words right out of my mouth. The f/f relationship was also my main motivation for picking up the book. Yeah, I guess there must have been a disconnect between the author and marketing? Who knows? *shrugs*
But ahhhh, all our conversation on this book really makes me wish we had the sequel in our hands. I wanna know how things turn out for Maren and her baby dragon! But instead we gotta wait until Fall 2020 aaaaaaaah
And LOL 😆
Awww man. I hadn’t even looked at the release date for the next one yet. Fall 2020 is soooo far away. =/ Maybe we’ll get lucky and they’ll move it up next year. That happened to a couple books I was looking forward to that were supposed to come out early next year, but now come out late this year. :3 Cross our fingers!
Oooh yes, fingers crossed it gets moved up!
The Night Tiger has been calling to me, so maybe it’s time to officially add it to my TBR 🙂
Do iiiiit. *chants “one of us”* Honestly, if you like books with a heavy focus on superstitions, especially Malaysian ones, this book is for you!
OMG you got an ARC for Infinity Son?! Not at all jealous! Haha I was reading some threads on Twitter a few days ago about other popular authors crying over the book. I’m SO excited for it! Sorry to hear that They Both Die At the End wasn’t for you though… (Also, now queuing up One Song Glory because the minute I read those words it started playing on repeat in my head!)
I’m really keen to read The Night Tiger. This is one that has been rotating in and out of my immediate TBR list for a while and I don’t know why I keep putting off reading it coz so many have loved it!
I did! I’m not sure how. But I did! Probably, an approver was rage quitting and was like, “Approve all of these requests, muahaha!” I’m not sure it’ll make me cry, but I’m going in with guarded emotions, just in case. I’m 100% here for more books about siblings.
Gosh, I just need to watch RENT this weekend. I’ve already decided lol. It’s been a while, so it’s time.
I honestly don’t know what took me so long to read it, either? Other than I’m just silly. highly recommend it, though! It was eerie, but in a good supernatural way. 😀 And I will always be here for East Asian superstitions.
I’m so jealous! I tried to get an ARC of Infinity Son and was turned down – looking forward to seeing your review Sammie.
Thanks! I guess now we’re even for the Bone Houses thing. 😛 I’m so curious about accept/reject criteria, since it seems several bloggers with a significantly larger reach than myself have been turned down. I don’t get it. All I know is that I’m always so surprised and excited when any request is accepted.