It’s time to play “guess that book” and also watch our TBRs weep.
Book Beginnings is hosted by Rose City Reader and is all about the first line of a current/upcoming read. Friday 56 is a meme hosted by Freda’s Voice, where you turn to page 56 (or 56%) in what you’re reading a find a snippet that jumps out at you.
First Lines
56% Snippet
The gargoyle’s going to carry me. In his arms, I assume, although maybe he means in his claws? As ridiculous as I’d feel being carried like a fainted princess, I feel like that’d be preferable to being clutched like a mouse on its way to hungry eagle babies. None of which I say to him because I’m not sure how to ask not to be carried like dinner.
Book Reveal
Tavia is already at odds with the world, forced to keep her siren identity under wraps in a society that wants to keep her kind under lock and key. Never mind she’s also stuck in Portland, Oregon, a city with only a handful of black folk and even fewer of those with magical powers. At least she has her bestie Effie by her side as they tackle high school drama, family secrets, and unrequited crushes.
But everything changes in the aftermath of a siren murder trial that rocks the nation; the girls’ favorite Internet fashion icon reveals she’s also a siren, and the news rips through their community. Tensions escalate when Effie starts being haunted by demons from her past, and Tavia accidentally lets out her magical voice during a police stop. No secret seems safe anymore—soon Portland won’t be either.
Reasons to Read
✿ … there’s gargoyles, apparently? Did not know that!
✿ Super important narrative, especially at this point in time.
✿ Tackles a lot of pertinent social issues.
✿ Sirens are like mermaids, right? And mermaids are cool.
✿ Lots of mythical creatures in a contemporary setting.
✿ Great way to get a new perspective of the world.
This is a weekly meme hosted by E. @ Local Bee Hunter’s Nook meant to take place on Mondays, but since Fridays tend to be my TBR-focused post, I’ve decided to combine them here. Last Monday’s prompt (since I missed it and like it) is: LGBTQ+ Main Character.
I admit that Wolfsong doesn’t sound like my sort of book, but at this point, I’ve read and loved two of T.J. Klune’s books, neither of which really sounded like “my type,” so I’m just going to trust the author at this point and read all his stuff, okay?
I know a lot of people are looking forward to Cemetery Boys, so I’m just going to add myself to that list, since it comes out next week. I have an ARC, but I’m behind on those (are you surprise? No? Shucks). Still, this book just sounds brilliant.
I was supposed to have read Stealing Thunder already and I haven’t, but I’m still really looking forward to it! Transgender protagonist with a story based on the Moghul Empire. Sounds amazing.
I feel like I’m the only person who hasn’t read Carry On yet, but I’ve heard that Wayward Son ends with a cliffhanger, so I’m probably just going to go ahead and wait for book three and read them all together. This is not just an excuse for procrastination, I swear. xD
Honestly, I just really need to get my hands on a copy of Elysium Girls, because I’ve been wanting to read it forever and it sounds absolutely perfect and I’m going to have to break down and just buy it one of these days, because my library doesn’t have it. I’m sure it’ll be worth it, either way.
I had no idea a A Song Below Water was about mermaids! But I love the idea and the setting and I’m just going to have to add it to my list😁
Tammy @ Books, Bones & Buffy recently posted…The Friday Face-Off: Flight
Technically, it’s about sirens. Which are just mouthy mermaids LOL. I just finished it last night, and it was good! Reads more like a contemporary to me than a fantasy, though (obviously with fantastical elements), so I’d go in expecting more that.
Oh, my, the visual images conjured up by the 56 are intense. LOL.
Thanks for sharing, and enjoy. Here’s mine: “WATCH ME DISAPPEAR”
Right? I hadn’t read it when I posted this, and when I got to that part last night, I was excited to realize what it was actually talking about. xD
I just ordered this, so I’m extra excited to see that little bit from the book. Thanks for sharing!
Kristi @ConfessionsofaYAReader recently posted…Friday Face Off 6/5/20
I hope you enjoy it! I just finished it, and I wasn’t sure about it at first (it reads like a contemporary, and I’m not a huge contemporary reader), but I ended up really enjoying it!
Ooh, gargoyles? It’s definitely going on my tbr now. 🙂
Lauren @ Always Me
Yes! I was really surprised. There are a number of different fantasy creatures in this, which made the world even more fun!
What a gorgeous cover! I want this book now!!!
Nicole Santana recently posted…First-Line Friday #139
Isn’t it? The book was great! I liked it better than I thought I would.
Well, that’s a true description of Portland. 🙂 I know some YA readers here in Portland who would love this book! Thanks for sharing.
I’ve never been to Portland, but I’ve known some people and heard some things. xD Glad to hear it’s accurate haha.
I had just bought this book (though I haven’t started reading it yet) so I actually guessed what book it was from the quotes! I think that’s a first! 😀
Also, you aren’t the only one who hasn’t read Carry On. I haven’t either. On the other hand… I don’t plan to. I just read Fangirl, and while I enjoyed the Carry On, Simon snippets included in that book, I don’t feel a need to read a full volume based on it. I think it’s great that Rowell published it, though!
Nicole @ BookWyrmKnits recently posted…The Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag ~ 2020 edition
It’s not a *first* because I did Martha Wells, and I know for a fact you knew that beginning. 😛 It’s a second, so there.
I’m glad I’m not alone! I’m the opposite. I didn’t read Fangirl, and I probably won’t, either.
K, that 56 got me. Never read anythign with a gargoyle before and now I feel like I have to. *Shrug*
Happy weekend, stay safe!
Freda Mans-Labianca recently posted…The #Friday56 #Instagram56
Right? For some reason, they’re not present in a lot of fantasy, and now I’m disappointed. The gargoyle plays an interesting role in this book, though. 🙂 Hope you enjoy it!
I like the juxtaposition of mythical creatures in a modern setting, too. And it does sound incredibly timely. I will check it out.
Maybe you could request the library purchase Elysium Girls ? I have a friend that does that all the time and she says it works.
I think it was done really well and interesting, too. The addition of the fantasy creatures was pretty seamless.
I work at the library, and it sometimes works. It’s really a matter of whether or not they think other patrons will enjoy it (we’re a really teensy library with a niche group of patrons).
Ooooh, this looks so good. Thanks for sharing!
It ended up being a good read! I’d recommend it more for contemporary readers than fantasy readers, though.