Delia Owens: Where the Crawdads Sing

Hi everyone

Okay, I’ll admit it; I’m very late to the party with this one! Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens was a major hype a few years ago. And, if I’m honest, I don’t have the best track record with hyped books. So, I decided to skip it back then. But then, one of my nieces read it a few months ago (shoutout to Kaat!), and suddenly, it was back on my radar. This time, I was curious enough to give it a chance. 
I read this on my e-reader. 

"For years, rumors of the "Marsh Girl" have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life--until the unthinkable happens."

I have to say, I really enjoyed this book. 

Now, don’t get me wrong; the writing can be a bit too sentimental for my taste at times. Some of the characters behave and talk in ways that can feel quite unrealistic, and I found the courtroom scenes a bit dragged out. But despite those, I still found myself completely drawn in.

What I loved most were the characters. They’re so well thought out,  complex, layered people with emotions and thoughts that go beyond just moving the plot forward. Kya in particular, is a character who stays with you. She’s resilient, intelligent, and deeply connected to the natural world around her. The setting is absolutely breathtaking. Owens does an incredible job of bringing the marsh to life. I loved reading about Kya’s environment, her way of living, and her learning. 
I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the whole book. 

All in all, Where the Crawdads Sing was a quick and enjoyable read for me. It’s not perfect, but it’s beautifully atmospheric, and it left me with a sense of quiet reflection.
Have you read it? What did you think? Did you love the marsh setting as much as I did, or did the hype fall flat for you? Let me know; I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena

Grant Snider: The Art of Living

Hi everyone

I recently finished The Art of Living, the second collection I’ve read by Grant Snider. 
I got my copy from Bol.com.

"In The Art of Living , beloved cartoonist Grant Snider—author of The Shape of Ideas and I Will Judge You by Your Bookshelf —has created a humorous, uplifting look at mindfulness in this collection of one- and two-page comics that map his inner thoughts, poetic observations, and frequent failures at living mindfully."

Just like I Will Judge You by Your Bookshelf, this collection was pleasant, cozy and warming, but not much more than that. It never made me laugh out loud or feel particularly emotional. It was all a bit meh.

While it’s a charming little book, I wouldn’t say it’s a must-read.

Happy reading!
Helena 

Terry Pratchett: The Fifth Elephant

Hi everyone

I just finished The Fifth Elephant, the 24th book in the Discworld series, written by one of the best authors ever; sir Terry Pratchett. I’ve had my copy for ages, and I think this was my third time reading it, yet it's still as engrossing and hilarious as ever.

"They say that diplomacy is a gentle art. That mastering it is a lifetime's work. But you do need a certain inclination in that direction. It's not something you can just pick up on the job.
A few days ago Sam Vimes was a copper – an important copper, true – chief of police – but still, at his core, a policeman. But today he is an ambassador - to the mysterious, fat-rich country of Uberwald. Today, Sam Vimes is also a man on the run.
At some point during his ambassadorship, things went very wrong. It's snowing. It's freezing. And if Vimes can't make it through the forest, with only his wits and the gloomy trousers of Uncle Vanya (don't ask), there's going to be a terrible war.
There are monsters on his trail. They're bright. They're fast. They're werewolves - and they're catching up." 

I LOVED this book. 

The story had everything (with the exception of the witches) I adore in the Discworld books. Carrot and Angua and their relationship, the always hilarious Gaspode, multiple Igors, a pregnancy, Detritus and his piecemaker, Vimes and Lady Sybil, Colon and Nobbs, the lovely Cheery ...

My husband can attest to how laugh-out-loud The Fifth Elephant is. There's Colon's stupidity, Igor-speak, the lisping of the vampires, Vimes as an unwilling Duke, Gaspode's talking, ... This is a very, very funny book.  

I loved learning more about Angua’s past, and Lady Sybil remains one of my favorite characters. She feels like an inspirational person, someone I’d love to have as a friend.

Beyond the humor and brilliant storytelling, we can’t forget Pratchett’s signature blend of hidden morals and social commentary. He touches on coming out, acceptance, sexism (both overt and subtle), mixed-race relationships, racism, and the clash between traditionalism and modern thinking.

Highly, higly recommended. If you love a story full of love wit, heart, and a story that makes you think while you laugh, The Fifth Elephant is a must-read.

Happy reading!
Helena 

Jonathan French: The Free Bastards

Hi everyone

The Free Bastards is the third and final book in Jonathan French,'s The Lot Lands series.
I got my copy from Bol.com.

" The Hisparthan armies on the horizon are mighty, bolstered by divine champions, dread sorcerers, and gunpowder. It’s almost more than the half-orc rebellion can hope to repel.
But Oats has won impossible fights before. He’s a thriceblood, after all, more orc than man. And he hasn’t forgotten how to kill. He’ll stack the bodies high for his chief and his brethren, if that’s the price of freeing the Lots from human tyranny.
Besides, the invading forces are getting a damned sight more than they bargained for. They’re not facing a handful of half-orc hoofs, but a true army—one forged from all the peoples of the Lots. At its head are Fetching, in full command of the ruinous power that runs through her veins, and Jackal, armed with the blessings of a dead god.
Yet Oats can’t help but find his faith wavering. Once the strongest Bastard, he soon realizes that in this battle, even the strength of a thriceblood is easily conquered. And after a grievous loss strikes, he begins to fear that this war will lead the Lots not to freedom but to ruin.
So when another path to peace beckons, he has no choice but to walk it. Even if it means betting the Lots’ fate, and his own, on the promises of the Bastards’ wiliest adversary—and making a perilous journey into the heart of Hispartha itself."

What an epic, roller-coaster, action-packed conclusion to the series. 

Oats has been one of my favorite characters in The Lot Lands series from the start so I was really looking forward to reading from his perspective. And Jonathan French definitely delivered! This book was everything I could have hoped for. We can truly see the vulnerable, lovable, caring side of Oats right alongside his angry and violent side. This deeper insight into his character, his struggles, and his loyalty to others made me love him even more.

The story isn't very tight. There are quite a few moments where things happen at just the right time, with help arriving exactly when it’s needed. It felt a bit too deus ex machina for my taste, and I couldn’t help rolling my eyes at some of the convenient timing. 
But honestly, that’s my only gripe. I loved hating the the enemies, I could cry over some of the deaths and I laughed so hard at the characters’ way of speaking and their humor. 
The book is fast-paced, with so much happening that there’s rarely a moment to catch your breath.

All in all, this is a highly recommended series! If you love action, complex characters, and a world full of grit and heart, The Lot Lands series is a must-read.

Happy reading!
Helena 

Bookhaul

Hi everyone

I just received the last of my pre-orders and regular orders from Bol.com, and I’m so excited to share these new gems with you!
So, here's what I got.

 - M. R. Carey: Echo of Worlds

 - John Gwynne: The Fury of the Gods

- Robin Hobb: City of Dragons

- Robin Hobb: Blood of Dragons

- Julie Leong: The Keeper of Magical Things 

- Sequoia Nagamatsu: Where We Go When All We Were Is Gone

I can’t wait to dive into these books! 
Have you read them? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Happy reading!
Helena  

Ben Aaronovitch: The Masquerades of Spring

Hi everyone

The Masquerades of Spring is a prequel novella in the Peter Grant series by Ben Aaronovitch. It is set before Peter joins the Folly but the story does include Thomas Nightingale; a character we all know and love. However, I wouldn’t recommend starting the series with this book. The writing style is quite different from the rest of the series, and it might not give you the best first impression. 
I got my book from Bol.com.

"Meet Augustus Berrycloth-Young - flaneur extraordinaire and Englishman abroad - as he chronicles the Jazz Age from his perch atop the city that never sleeps.
'Gussie' is not one to shun shut-eye himself, however. But his peaceful luxuriation is about to be rudely awakened by the arrival of an unexpected guest.
Enter his old friend Thomas Nightingale, who has braved the Atlantic passage pursuing the matter of a rather intriguing saxophone said to possess a strange power over those who play it.
This deeply inconvenient affair will rouse Gussie from his warm bed for the cold shores of Long Island - and down to the jazz clubs of Harlem where music, magic, and madness haunt the shadows..."

This novella felt quite different from Aaronovitch’s usual writing style. It reminded me of P.G. Wodehouse’s Jeeves and Wooster series, both in tone and in the character dynamics between Gussie and his valet. I enjoyed Gussie's clumsiness, his outlook on life, and his relationship with Nightingale and Lucien. And Nightingale is simply fantastic, whatever he does or says.

If you’re a fan of the Peter Grant series, this novella offers an interesting glimpse into the past, but it’s definitely a departure from the usual style (which I enjoy more). Still, it’s a fun, light read if you’re curious about Nightingale’s earlier adventures.

Happy reading!
Helena 

Cameron Johnston: The Maleficent Seven

Hi everyone

The Maleficent Seven is a standalone action-packed Fantasy from Cameron Johnston. After reading his Age of Tyranny duology I definitely wanted to try something else by his hand.
I got my copy from Bol.com.

"When you are all out of heroes, all that's left are the villains.
Black Herran was a dread demonologist, and the most ruthless general in all Essoran. She assembled the six most fearsome warriors to captain her armies: a necromancer, a vampire lord, a demigod, an orcish warleader, a pirate queen, and a twisted alchemist. Together they brought the whole continent to its knees... Until the day she abandoned her army, on the eve of total victory.
40 years later, she must bring her former captains back together for one final stand, in the small town of Tarnbrooke - the last bastion against a fanatical new enemy tearing through the land, intent on finishing the job Black Herran started years before.
Seven bloodthirsty monsters. One town. Their last hope."

This book was so much fun! 
The seven main characters all absolutely hate and despise each other, but they have no choice but to work together, which leads to some hilariously razorsharp dialogue and chaotic, dubble edged interactions. Each character has a fully fleshed-out backstory, so even though they’re villains, you understand their motives and why they do what they do. I found myself rooting for them, despite all of them being some kind of monster. I loved reading from their perspectives; all of them.
The book is dark, gruesome, and brutal, but it’s also hilarious, fast-paced, and packed with action. 
I love how Johnston puts forth the idea that religion and religious fanatics are worse than these seven monstrous captains. 
The worldbuilding is rich, with diverse races, multiple magic systems and powers.

My only regret? That this is a standalone novel. I would love to read more about these characters.

Have you read it? Or do you have another favorite "villain-centric" story? Let me know, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena

Wrap Up: September 2025

Hi everyone

September flew by in the back-to-school and -hobbies chaos, rainy Belgian weather, and weekends filled with fun excursions. The girls seem to have grown at least 10 centimeters since the end of the last school year. They astound me with their growth and their amazing personalities.
Now that fall is officially here, I’m looking forward to even more reading time (preferably under a blanket with a cup of tea and a peace of delicious chocolate).

Here's what I read:

- Lori Gottlieb: Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

- Brian Jacques: Redwall

- Robin Hobb: Dragon Haven

- M. R. Carey: Infinity Gate

- Jim Butcher: Academ's Fury

How was your month? What did you read? Let me know; I’d love to hear your recommendations!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Jim Butcher: Academ's Fury

Hi everyone

Academ's Fury, the second book in Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series is a hefty tome so it took some time to finish.
While you could jump into this book without reading Furies of Calderon first, I really wouldn’t recommend it. The story builds on the first book, and you’ll miss out on a lot of the worldbuilding and character development if you skip it. 
I read this on my e-reader.

"For centuries, the people of Alera have harnessed the furies—elementals of earth, air, fire, water, wood, and metal—to protect their land from aggressors. But no fury can save them from the dangers they face within. A mysterious attack from across the sea has weakened the First Lord. Should he fall, a bloody civil war is inevitable. The responsibility of fending off assassination attempts and treachery within the First Lord’s circle of spies falls on Tavi, the one man with no fury to call..."

Don’t expect this series to blow you away with groundbreaking magic or a completely unique world. If you’re looking for something totally new or different, this isn't it. But what Academ’s Fury lacks in originality, it more than makes up for in entertainment, action and fun. The plot is packed with political schemes, action, and characters you can’t help but root for.

Tavi is a compelling character to follow. I also enjoyed getting to know the other characters better, especially Isana, who is now the first female steadholder. I'm on the fence with the romance between Amara and Bernard. I like their love and happiness but the constant focus on her inability to have children felt repetitive. Once was enough, and the whole “breaking it off because of duty” twist just didn’t work for me.

What really stood out to me is how Butcher blurs the lines between good and evil. Characters you think are villains turn out to have understandable motives, and the moral gray areas make the story feel more realistic. Don't worry, there are still actual true villains as well. Villains you can truly hate.
The action scenes, as always with Butcher, are gripping and well-written. I could barely put the book down!

That said, there were moments where I felt some scenes dragged on a bit too long, certain points were repeated more than necessary (Amara) and some things were too easy or convenient. But that didn’t stop me from enjoying the world, the characters, and the tension Butcher builds so well.

I’m looking forward to seeing how the story unfolds in the next books. 
If you love fantasy with a mix of political intrigue, action, and characters who feel real, this series is worth checking out!
Have you read Academ’s Fury or any of the Codex Alera books? What did you think? Let me know; I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena

M. R. Carey: Infinity Gate

Hi everyone

Infinity Gate is the first book in the Pandominion duology by M. R. Carey.
I got my book from Bol.com and I have to say, this book really pulled me in.

"The a political and trading alliance of a million worlds. Except that they’re really just one world, Earth, in many different realities. And when an A.I. threat arises that could destroy everything the Pandominion has built, they’ll eradicate it by whatever means necessary.
Scientist Hadiz Tambuwal is looking for a solution to her own Earth’s environmental collapse when she stumbles across the secret of inter-dimensional travel, a secret that could save everyone on her dying planet. It leads her into the middle of a war on a scale she never dreamed of. And she needs to choose a side before every reality pays the price."

I really liked this book. The writing style is quite dense, and I’ll admit, the first few days I picked it up, it took me some time to get into it. But once I was a few pages in, I couldn’t put it down. It’s definitely not a light read, but it’s absolutely worth the effort.

The characters are what really made this story shine. You get to know them so well that you understand their choices, even when you know they’re not the smartest. The book focuses on a handful of characters, each with their own distinct personalities and plotlines. There’s never a dull moment, and I especially loved reading from the perspective of a machine; it was different, exciting, and made me question so much about our own world and what the future might hold.

The worldbuilding is rich and immersive. I loved learning about the different peoples and worlds, especially the races that evolved from completely different ancestors. It’s all so vivid and fascinating.
I’m really hoping we’ll learn more about the Ansurrection in the next book. It’s such an intriguing plotline, and I want to know how it came to be and how it all works. And honestly, I can’t wait to find out how everything ends! This book was so promising and left me with so many questions; especially about the narrator. Who are they/he/she? I have an idea but I can't know for sure. For now.

If you love sci-fi that makes you think and keeps you on the edge of your seat, Infinity Gate is absolutely worth your time. I’m already counting down the days until I can dive into the second book!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Robin Hobb: Dragon Haven

Hi everyone

Dragon Haven is the second book in The Rain Wild Chronicles by Robin Hobb. 
I got my copy from Bol.com.

"Return to the world of the Liveships Traders and journey along the Rain Wild River in the second instalment of high adventure from the author of the internationally acclaimed Farseer trilogy.
The dragon keepers and the fledgling dragons are forging a passage up the treacherous Rain Wild River. They are in search of the mythical Elderling city of Kelsingra, and are accompanied by the liveship Tarman, its captain, Leftrin, and a group of hunters who must search the forests for game with which to keep the dragons fed. With them are Alise, who has escaped her cold marriage to the cruel libertine Hest Finbok in order to continue her study of dragons, and Hest's amanuensis, Bingtown dandy, Sedric.
Rivalries and romances are already threatening to disrupt the band of explorers: but external forces may prove to be even more dangerous. Chalcedean merchants are keen to lay hands on dragon blood and organs to turn them to medicines and profit. Their traitor has infiltrated the expeditionand will stop at nothing to obtain the coveted body parts. And then there are the Rain Wilds themselves: mysterious, unstable and ever perilous, its mighty river running with acid, its jungle impenetrable and its waterways uncharted.
Will the expedition reach their destination unscathed? Does the city of Kelsingra even exist? Only one thing is certain: the journey will leave none of the dragons nor their human companions unchanged by the experience."

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, especially since the first one didn’t quite capture my interest. 

The character development is outstanding—everyone has grown in ways that make their thoughts and emotions feel authentic and compelling.
While I still don’t love reading from Sintara’s perspective, I really enjoy Mercor, so it’s definitely a Sintara issue, not a dragon one. The constant focus on love and relationships can be a bit much, as if there aren’t more pressing matters to consider, but it’s a minor gripe in the grand scheme.

The story moves at a slow pace, but this time, I didn’t mind as much. The depth of the characters, their interactions, and the excitement of the journey more than made up for it. And, as always, Robin Hobb’s worldbuilding is absolutely immersive and breathtaking. 

This is perfect for those of us  you’re who love richly developed characters, intricate worldbuilding, and a journey that’s as much about personal growth as it is about adventure.

Have you read Dragon Haven or any of Robin Hobb’s other works? What did you think? Let me know; I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena 

 

 

Wrap Up: August 2025

Hi everyone

August flew by in a blur of laughter, cake, and way too many books! We went on a family holiday, celebrated my daughters turning 8 and 4 (how are they growing so fast?!), and my husband and I toasted to 11 years of marriage. Summer was packed with joy, and now we’re easing back into the school routine—though the Belgian weather seems determined to remind us that autumn is just around the corner.

As always, I found rest, relaxation and adventure in the pages of some wonderful books. 

Here's what I read last month:

- T. J. Klune: Under the Whispering Door

- Tommy Orange: Wandering Stars

- Neil Gaiman: Coraline 

- Glen Cook: The Black Company 

- Vernor Vinge: A Fire Upon the Deep 

- Katherine Addison: The Tomb of Dragons

- Brandon Sanderson: Tress of the Emerald Sea

- Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter: The Long Utopia 

What about you? Did August bring any gems your way? Or maybe a new favorite? Let me know! I’m always on the lookout for recommendations!

Happy reading!
Helena 

 

Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter: The Long Utopia

Hi everyone

This was my second time reading the fourth book in The Long Earth series by Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter.
I have to admit, the experience was just as emotional and thought-provoking as the first time.

" 2045-2059. After the cataclysmic upheavals of Step Day and the Yellowstone eruption humanity is spreading further into the Long Earth, and society, on a battered Datum Earth and beyond, continues to evolve.
Now an elderly and cantankerous AI, Lobsang lives in disguise with Agnes in an exotic, far-distant world. He’s convinced they’re leading a normal life in New Springfield – they even adopt a child – but it seems they have been guided there for a reason. As rumours of strange sightings and hauntings proliferate, it becomes clear that something is very awry with this particular world.
Millions of steps away, Joshua is on a personal journey of discovery: learning about the father he never knew and a secret family history. But then he receives a summons from New Springfield. Lobsang now understands the enormity of what’s taking place beneath the surface of his earth – a threat to all the worlds of the Long Earth.
To counter this threat will require the combined efforts of humankind, machine and the super-intelligent Next. And some must make the ultimate sacrifice... "

I still find the ending difficult to read. Even though I don’t particularly like Sally, the way her story concludes left me surprisingly emotional. It’s one of those moments that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.

The scope of this series is staggering. The idea of alien species from another universe aiming to destroy the Long Earth is terrifying—it’s the kind of concept that makes you pause and wonder, What if? 

The shift in perspective for Joshua’s family history threw me off a bit. I think it would have felt more natural if it had been told from Nelson’s point of view or through the narrator’s voice.

Lobsang’s journey, however, was beautifully done. Despite being an AI, he’s so deeply human in his emotions and reasoning. His decision to escape to another world and start anew with Agnes is both heartbreaking and beautiful. They make such a sweet, unlikely couple.

And I’m so relieved Joshua and Sally never became a couple. It would have been too easy, too forced. Their dynamic works much better as it is, and I appreciate that the authors resisted the urge to push them into a romantic relationship.

The Long Utopia is a book that makes you think, feel, and wonder. It’s a great continuation of a series that challenges our perceptions of humanity, technology, and the universe itself.
Have you read The Long Utopia or any of The Long Earth series? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena 

 

Brandon Sanderson: Tress of the Emerald Sea

Hi everyone

Tress of the Emerald Sea is a standalone novel by Brandon Sanderson. It is set in The Cosmere so it is part of his multi-series world but you can read it without having read any of his other books. It's also more of a YA book so it's different in style.
I bought this book from Bol.com.

"The only life Tress has known on her island home in an emerald-green ocean has been a simple one, with the simple pleasures of collecting cups brought by sailors from faraway lands and listening to stories told by her friend Charlie. But when his father takes him on a voyage to find a bride and disaster strikes, Tress must stow away on a ship and seek the Sorceress of the deadly Midnight Sea. Amid the spore oceans where pirates abound, can Tress leave her simple life behind and make her own place sailing a sea where a single drop of water can mean instant death?"  

I have to be honest; I didn't really enjoy this. The story was ok but I found it boring overall. The plot felt a bit rambling, and the characters came across as dull and mediocre. What annoyed me the most, though, was the POV and the tone of the storyteller. Hoid (who is supposed to be witty and funny) just came off as stupid to me. Even when he was meant to be clever or humorous, he just felt dumb and idiotic. The book tried to be funny, but for me, it fell completely flat.
That said; the worldbuilding was, as is usual for Sanderson, amazing, interesting and unlike anything I’ve read before. The concept of the spore oceans and the deadly Midnight Sea is fascinating and imaginative. However, the main villain in this book was just absurd. Without giving too much away, her sudden departure at the end felt lazy and unsatisfying. She wasn’t in any real danger from Tress and the others, so why would she just leave? It felt like a cop-out, and it left me frustrated with the storytelling.

All in all, Tress of the Emerald Sea wasn’t for me. While the world was intriguing, the execution of the story, the characters, and the humor just didn’t work for me. But if you’re a fan of Sanderson’s imaginative worlds or enjoy lighthearted YA fantasy, you might find something to like here.

Have you read Tress of the Emerald Sea? Did you enjoy it more than I did? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Happy reading!
Helena

Bookhaul

Hi everyone

I have some exciting bookish news to share; I bought some new books and received an amazing surprise!
*    happydance    *

My parents went on holiday to the UK, and my dad came back with a very special gift just for me. And it is SIGNED! I was over the moon when I saw it. How cool is that? I’m still grinning just thinking about it. 

- Ben Aaronovitch: Tales From the Folly

 

 

And because no book haul is complete without a little self-indulgence, here are the books I treated myself to.

- Ben Aaronovitch:  The Masquerades of Spring

- Amy Bloom: In Love 

- Benedict Jacka: An Instruction in Shadow 

- Grant Snider: The Art of Living

- Emily Tesh: Some Desperate Glory 

I can’t wait to dive into these! Have you read any of them? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts. 
Which one should I start with?

Happy reading!
Helena

Katherine Addison: The Tomb of Dragons

Hi everyone

I just finished The Tomb of Dragons, the third and (sadly) final book in The Cemeteries of Amalo series by Katherine Addison. Like the other books in the series, this one has a gorgeous cover that immediately draws you in. This is actually the third book in the series but it's also the fourth book in the larger, overarching series, namely The Chronicles of Osreth. 
I got my copy from Bol.

"Thara Celehar has lost his ability to speak with the dead. When that title of Witness for the Dead is gone, what defines him?
While his title may be gone, his duties are not. Celehar contends with a municipal cemetery with fifty years of secrets, the damage of a revethavar he’s terrified to remember, and a group of miners who are more than willing to trade Celehar’s life for a chance at what they feel they’re owed.
Celehar does not have to face these impossible tasks alone. Joining him are his mentee Velhiro Tomasaran, still finding her footing with the investigative nature of their job; Iäna Pel-Thenhior, his beloved opera director friend and avid supporter; and the valiant guard captain Hanu Olgarezh.
Amidst the backdrop of a murder and a brewing political uprising, Celehar must seek justice for those who cannot find it themselves under a tense political system. The repercussions of his quest are never as simple they seem, and Celehar’s own life and happiness hang in the balance." 

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes this series so comforting to read. The maincharacter, Thara Celehar, isn’t exactly exciting, (he’s actually rather boring) but in the best possible way. He’s honest, always striving to be the best person he can be and to do the best he can. I find him incredibly likable because I can relate to him so much: his introverted nature, his love for reading, tea, and long walks, his insomnia, and his small circle of close friends. His friends, too, are such lovely, warm people that you can’t help but adore them.
The names of places and people are challenging to remember and keep apart because they are so different from ours. But Addison's worldbuilding is amazing, the people feel real, the "magic" is fascinating, and the plot, while simple, is also effective and engrossing. The entire setting is so unique and different from anything else I’ve read.
The story itself is heartwarming in the best way. It’s about learning to rely on others, discovering the value of friendship, opening your heart to love again, and questioning yourself. It’s charming, heartwarming, sad, bittersweet, lovely, and moving; all at the same time. 

The Tomb of Dragons is the last book in The Cemeteries of Amalo series but I truly hope and wish for other books in this world of The Chronicles of Osreth. There’s so much more to explore, and I’m not ready to say goodbye to these characters just yet.
Have you read The Tomb of Dragons or any of the other books in this series? What did you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena 

Vernor Vinge: A Fire Upon the Deep

Hi everyone

I recently picked up A Fire Upon the Deep, the first book in the Zones of Thought series by Vernor Vinge after seeing it pop up on someone’s Goodreads shelf. The premise sounded fascinating, so I decided to give it a try.
I read this on my e-reader.

"Thousands of years in the future, humanity is no longer alone in a universe where a mind's potential is determined by its location in space, from superintelligent entities in the Transcend, to the limited minds of the Unthinking Depths, where only simple creatures, and technology, can function. Nobody knows what strange force partitioned space into these "regions of thought," but when the warring Straumli realm use an ancient Transcendent artifact as a weapon, they unwittingly unleash an awesome power that destroys thousands of worlds and enslaves all natural and artificial intelligence.
Fleeing this galactic threat, Ravna crash lands on a strange world with a ship-hold full of cryogenically frozen children, the only survivors from a destroyed space-lab. They are taken captive by the Tines, an alien race with a harsh medieval culture, and used as pawns in a ruthless power struggle."

This book was… strange.

On one hand, parts of it felt like I was reading a children’s book. The writing and dialogue, in particular, came across as overly simplistic and childish, it really didn’t fit the story. On the other hand, I struggled to fully grasp the scientific concepts because some ideas were barely explained or left very vague. I loved the concept of the Zones of Thought; it’s such an interesting idea, but it wasn’t written in a way that made me feel connected to the story or characters. Instead, it left me wondering how life might be if this were real, without ever making it feel relevant to the plot.

The book was way too long for the story it told. There were multiple chapters where essentially nothing happened that hadn’t already been covered. There was no real character development, and the world-building felt almost nonexistent. Endless conversations about nothing, or the same topics repeated over and over, made it feel tedious and boring.

It has also aged really poorly. The futuristic elements are now dated and, at times, almost laughable.

By the time I closed the book on my e-reader, I’d already forgotten most of it. I had to push myself to keep reading because my mind kept wandering, and I even switched to other books just to stay engaged. The premise is interesting, but unfortunately, that’s about all it has going for it.

So yes, another award-winning novel that I didn’t love or even truly like. Sad, but true.

Have you read A Fire Upon the Deep? Did it work better for you than it did for me? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
Helena

Glen Cook: The Black Company

Hi everyone

For years I've been meaning to read something by Glen Cook but I couldn't find him in our local stores and when I started shopping online I kind off forgot about Cook. A few months ago I saw someone on Goodreads reviewing one of his books so I remembered! I decided to try his most popular series first.
The Black Company is the first book in his The Chronicles of the Black Company.
I read this on my e-reader.

"Some feel the Lady, newly risen from centuries in thrall, stands between humankind and evil. Some feel she is evil itself. The hard-bitten men of the Black Company take their pay and do what they must, burying their doubts with their dead.
Until the prophecy: The White Rose has been reborn, somewhere, to embody good once more. There must be a way for the Black Company to find her..." 

This was not for me.
I felt like it lacked a central plot. The story went from point to point like a little list Glen Cook wanted to check off. Endless boring card games and pointless conversations in between a few action scenes.
There's no character development and no worldbuilding. Every character was very cliché and predictable and while some had an interesting trait, most of the characters were forgettable. 

Also; flying carpets. Really? Really? 

Happy reading!
Helena 

Neil Gaiman: Coraline

Hi everyone

Believe it or not but this was my first time reading Neil Gaiman's Coraline. I have seen the movie when it first came out, so back in 2009 and I remember the story so that wasn't a surprise.
I read this on my e-reader.

"When Coraline steps through a door to find another house strangely similar to her own (only better), things seem marvelous.
But there’s another mother there, and another father, and they want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go.
Coraline will have to fight with all her wits and courage if she is to save herself and return to her ordinary life." 

This was ok. I don't think I would have liked this as a child even though it is a children's book but I was an anxious child so I wouldn't have sought this out. As an adult it was nothing special to be honest. 
It lacked atmosphere, it was too much to the point, too much one thing after another. Also, what's the point of the old neighbor and his mice? And how could the hand come over? And what child gets to choose something else to eat if dinner doesn't suit her? And finally, Coraline sounds much too wise to be a child in her observations and at other times she's childish. That last one especially was difficult for me to read, the inconsistencies in tone, age and character.

So yeah, another mediocre read from Neil Gaiman. 

Happy reading!
Helena 

Tommy Orange: Wandering Stars

Hi everyone

Wandering Stars is Tommy Orange's second book. It's both a prequel and a sequel to his first book There There which I have read before I restarted this blog.
I read this on my e-reader.

"Colorado, 1864. Star, a young survivor of the Sand Creek Massacre, is brought to the Fort Marion prison castle,where he is forced to learn English and practice Christianity by Richard Henry Pratt, an evangelical prison guard who will go on to found the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, an institution dedicated to the eradication of Native history, culture, and identity. A generation later, Star’s son, Charles, is sent to the school, where he is brutalized by the man who was once his father’s jailer. Under Pratt’s harsh treatment, Charles clings to moments he shares with a young fellow student, Opal Viola, as the two envision a future away from the institutional violence that follows their bloodlines."

This one is difficult to review.
The story itself felt real, harrowing, eye-opening. The characters were real people with real struggles, good and bad choices made, people around them and circumstances that influence and change them. 
I loved the generational aspect. Reading about multiple family members and how their life's choices, pain, friendships, trauma, ... influence their children, brothers, ...
But the writing was so bad. Orange jumps from one thing to the next, his prose is almost childish. The characters all blended together because they sounded the same to me, they had the same voice. Orange also switches from first to third person and back; and every time it changed I felt thrown out of the story. 
And the book felt unfinished. It goes too fast from one person to the next. I wanted more time with them, I wanted to find out more about their life. The book was ultimately too shallow and the writing bad enough to make the book forgettable. 

Happy reading!
Helena 

  

T. J. Klune: Under the Whispering Door

Hi everyone

I've been seeing and reading great things about T. J. Klune's Under the Whispering Door for months so I finally gave it a try.
I read this on my e-reader.

"When a reaper comes to collect Wallace from his own funeral, Wallace begins to suspect he might be dead.
And when Hugo, the owner of a peculiar tea shop, promises to help him cross over, Wallace decides he’s definitely dead.
But even in death he’s not ready to abandon the life he barely lived, so when Wallace is given one week to cross over, he sets about living a lifetime in seven days." 

I didn't love it. 
I didn't really like it. 

It's a combination of things. 
I disliked Wallace immensely. Of all the characters in the novel he was the worst cliché. From page one he read like a character and not as a realistic person. Every single character is shallow, there's no real depth to them. Sure, they have a background that gets talked about but they are all so one-sided, so very black-and-white, they didn't feel like real people. The characters are written as if in a book for children where they are supposed to be all bad, and turn all good out of nowhere.
Secondly, the writing and pacing felt off. The characters talk in sighs, stares and Instagram platitudes. It's all Hallmark quotes meant to be put on a fridge or a toiletroomwall. It could be inspirational but it's just trite and boring. The novel goes very slow; tediously so and suddenly wham, we're two weeks further. 
Thirdly; don't get me started on the romance. For the record, I do not care who you love, if you love someone at all or not. But I do care about the portrayal of love and this is not how it should be done. It was fake from start to finish. And it aggravated me no end.
Lastly, the ending. That's a nice fridge-quote. Complain enough to the manager and you get what you want. 

Not recommended. It wasn't big so I finished it but you should not feel like you have to. 

Happy reading!
Helena 

Wrap Up: July 2025

Hi everyone

July was a great reading month! We were on holiday for two weeks (and the first week of August) soI read a lot in the evenings because there are less chores to do when you're not at home. :) With two daughters and lots of fun activities it's hard to find the time and quiet to read during the day but once they're in bed and we're done with the cleaning up, it's time to read! Although I did read quite a lot during the day too, whenever they were nicely playing together. 

Here's what I read in July:

- Brian McClellan: Promise of Blood

- Yuval Noah Harari: Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow

- Ilona Andrews: Magic Burns

- Peter Brown: The Wild Robot Protects

- Christian White: The Nowhere Child

- Terry Pratchett: Carpe Jugulum 

- David Dalglish: A Dance of Mirrors 

- Marie Brennan: The Waking of Angantyr 

- Margaret Atwood: Surfacing 

How was your month?
Do you read more or less when on holiday?

Happy reading!
Helena 

Margaret Atwood: Surfacing

Hi everyone

It's been I while I read something by Margaret Atwood so I wanted to try something I hadn't read before. Her books have been very hit and miss for me. For example; I love The Handmaid's Tale but I'm not sure I will read The Testaments, I had to DNF Oryx and Crake and I found Lady Oracle to be Ok.
I read this book on my e-reader.

"A young woman returns to northern Quebec, to the remote island of her childhood, with her lover and her two friends to investigate the mysterious disappearance of her father. Flooded with memories, she begins to realise that going home means entering not only another place but another time. As the wild island exerts its elemental hold and she is submerged in the language of the wilderness, she sees that what she is really looking for is her own past."

The only reason I finished this is because it was only 200 pages. But it was a struggle.
To me, it felt like Atwood wanted to write Great Literature; she really tried to write a deep, thoughtful and inspirational novel . Instead she ended up with a boring story that didn't go anywhere with characters I could not care about.

Happy reading!
Helena

Marie Brennan: The Waking of Angantyr

Hi everyone

The Waking of Angantyr is a standalone novel written by Marie Brennan.
I read this on my e-reader. 

" The bondmaid Hervor is used to dead men whispering in her sleep. They’ve been doing it for as long as she can remember; it’s the living she has to watch out for. And when a new arrival at her holding triggers her into a berserker fury, she’s forced to flee the contract that enslaves her and into the arms of an uncertain future.
Unchained from the living, Hervor goes in search of a way to silence the dead, but it will take much more than grit and determination to make that happen. She’ll need the help of a ruthless Viking, an ailing jarl, a mad witch, and more―for the treachery that killed her ghosts isn’t nearly as dead as they are, and the path to peace must first traverse a river of blood."

This had its ups and  (mostly) downs.
The pacing was definitely off. The book started out rather slow but it did pick up. The plot itself was all over the place and I didn't really like that. There was just too much she was trying to do. Brennan would skip months at a time and every time it felt jarring and I felt out of place.
The characters were mediocre too. Hervor herself was ok, and I love her strength and determination but she hasn't got a lot more to her, there's not much to like about her character. The other characters were very one-dimensional. By two thirds in I didn't care for anyone because they would all die so what's the point. And that made loose even more enjoyment.

The book didn't grip me. I never felt the urge to start or continue reading it. Once I was reading, it wasn't bad but I would get easily distracted and that's not the sign of a great book. It was boring to be honest. And that's a strange thing to say about a book filled with fighting and gore, but it was.

Happy reading!
Helena 

David Dalglish: A Dance of Mirrors

Hi everyone

A Dance of Mirrors is the third and final book in the Shadowdance series by David Dalglish. 
I read this on my e-reader. 

"Haern is the King's Watcher, protector against thieves and nobles who would fill the night with blood. Yet hundreds of miles away, an assassin known as the Wraith has begun slaughtering those in power, leaving the symbol of the Watcher in mockery. 
When Haern travels south to confront this copycat, he finds a city ruled by the corrupt, the greedy and the dangerous. Rioters fill the streets and the threat of war hangs over everything. To forge peace, Haern must confront the deadly Wraith, a killer who would shape the kingdom's future with the blade of his sword. 
Man or God; what happens when the lines are blurred?"

I did not enjoy this. I find Haern to be so, so stupid in his decisions and actions. He had me rolling my eyes countless times. How can he not see what his actions will bring? 
There's no depth to the characters, and contrary to what I had hoped, this doesn't get better further in the series. 
It's easy to read and a lot happens but then again, there's no real point to it all. It doesn't go anywhere.

I'm not sure I'll try anything else by Dalglish and if I do, what I should read. Do you have a suggestions?

Happy reading!
Helena 

Terry Pratchett: Carpe Jugulum

Hi everyone

Carpe Jugulum is the 23rd book in Terry Pratchett's wonderful, amazing Discworld series.
I've had my copy for years, it's an older edition but I so love their covers.
This was my third time reading Carpe Jugulum.

"Mightily Oats has not picked a good time to be priest. He thought he'd come to Lancre for a simple ceremony. Now he's caught up in a war between vampires and witches.
There's Young Agnes, who is really in two minds about everything. Magrat, who is trying to combine witchcraft and nappies, Nanny Ogg ... and Granny Weatherwax, who is big trouble.
And the vampires are intelligent. They've got style and fancy waistcoats. They're out of the casket and want a bite of the future. Mightily Oats knows he has a prayer, but he wishes he had an axe." 

I adore the Nac Mac Feegle. They are a wondrous, hilarious and genius addition to The Discworld. And their interaction with the witches especially never ceases to make me laugh out loud. 

Carpe Jugulum's plot is not my favourite; I find it to be a bit too slow.
But I love the witches, I adore the Nac Mac Feegle, Perdita is amazing, Magrat as a mother is quite an emotional read, everytime any Ogg is in a scene I can't help but smile, the humor is out of this world, the writing flows easily and I wanted to keep reading. I love the scenes where Nanny becomes 'the other one/witch' those were out of this world fantastic. 
Pratchett's take on religion (through the character of Oats) was once again thought-provoking, respectful, funny and introspective all at the same time.

It's not my favorite Discworld novel, but with so many to choose from (there are 41 Discworld books, not counting the little extra ones in between) I couldn't name one favorite, there have to be 10 number one books in my opinion. And this isn't one of those because of the pace, but it is amazing nonetheless.  

So. 
Go read some Discworld novels!  

Happy reading.
Helena 

 

Christian White: The Nowhere Child

Dit overzicht is niet beschikbaar. Klik hier om de post te bekijken.

Bookhaul

Hi everyone

I got some new books! 
After reading Brian McClellan's Promise of Blood I immediately ordered the second and the third book in The Powder Mage series because I'm sure I'll love those too.
Same goes for Jonathan French's The Lot Lands series. 

I'm so happy! Like a kid in a candystore. :) 

Here's what I got:

- Moniquill Blackgoose: To Shape a Dragon's Breath 

- Jonathan French: The Free Bastards

- Claire Keegan: Small Things Like These

- Brian McClellan: The Crimson Campaign 

- Brian McClellan: The Autumn Republic

- Dennis E. Taylor: Not Till We Are Lost 

I can't wait to get to these.

Happy reading!
Helena 

Peter Brown: The Wild Robot Protects

Hi everyone

The Wild Robot Protects is the third and last part (I think) in Peter Brown's The Wild Robot series.
I got my copy from Bol.

"Life for Roz and the animals on their island is perfect: wild, natural, harmonious. Her son Brightbill has even found a mate! But then, one day an injured seal washes ashore and warns of dangerous, cloudy waters that are flowing toward the island—and soon the animals are forced inland to fight over dwindling resources.
Roz calms and organizes the animals, but the poison tide takes a terrible toll on the island. And when the robot discovers that her new body is waterproof, she marches into the waves and sets out across the ocean, determined to stop the poison tide."

The Wild Robot is a series for children, something my almost 8 year old daughter would read if I had bought it in Dutch (our mother tongue). It's certainly entertaining, the illustrations are wonderful and the story is easy to read and fun. But this particular book was boring. The plot is really slow and I felt my mind wander multiple times. It takes ages for the islanders to do something and it takes even longer for Roz to reach her destination. There's not much else going on. The tone was very preachy. Humans = bad. Animals = good. There's no nuance and it's too moralistic.
So yeah, the first and second book in the series were very enjoyable, this one not as much.

Happy reading.
Helena