A fresh, feminist take on a Beauty and the Beast retelling; the compelling characterizations made the book such a page-turner.
May 11, 2020
Refreshing and Romantic: The Beast of Beswick by Amalie Howard
11May
April 24, 2020
A Vindication of Twilight?: Re-read 10 years later
24April
The last time I read Twilight I was 12 years old and loved it. Now, currently in the midst of finishing my feminism dissertation on patriarchal norms in popular culture, and currently self-isolating, my curiosity was peaked: is the Twilight I remember one that was read through naive rose-tinted glasses? Does it actually have an anti-feminist rhetoric? Over the past two days, I have read Twilight (note only the first book in the series) and have taken notes of my thoughts while reading.
April 15, 2020
Tantalizing Yet Disappointing: The Young Elites by Marie Lu
15April
The premise was tantalizing, a dark YA, high fantasy, an anti-heroine with powerful abilities, yet I wasn't emotionally invested.
August 5, 2019
Enchanting and Atmospheric: The Beholder by Anna Bright
05August
A fantastical novel that incorporates aspects of Cinderella and The Odyssey following Selah as she seeks to save her country.
July 25, 2019
Thrilling and Introspective: We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal
25July
An introspective fantasy that explores themes of morality, love, truth and honour and how they shape self-identify.
July 8, 2019
Why I’m So Done with “Bad Boys” in New Adult Romances
08July
Anyone else just done with certain types of “bad boys” in new adult romances? I’ve decided to start something new on my blog called an opinion piece which targets an issue of mine that I’ve discovered in literature and where I use a specific book (In this case After by Anna Todd) to demonstrate my point. I have come to believe that the propagation of certain types of cliched “bad boys” should not be romanticized; what are the damages of rationalizing behaviours that are demeaning, womanizing and, in the context of this piece, abusive? Please remember this is my opinion and you’re welcome to disagree!
Books are works of fiction but at their core, they can reflect the realities of society and therefore what we’re taught as “dismissible behaviour.” Therefore, I think it is worth discussing the impact of the cliched bad boy when they’re depicted in certain ways as media in all forms is such a huge influencer in our lives.
February 28, 2019
Surviving Amber Springs by Siobhan Davis
28February
3.75-stars • An emotionally visceral reverse harem romance that explores the impact secrets have on our relationships and mental health. However, I didn't appreciate how the bullying the Heroine experienced wasn't acknowledged with the seriousness it deserved. One of the Heroes, Heath was, also incredibly frustrating with his self-centeredness.
February 22, 2019
The Wedding Night by Kati Wilde
22February
An adorable opposites attract, marriage-of-convenience romance that challenges the frigid ice queen trope and features a Heroine business mogul!
February 13, 2019
The Gladiator’s Downfall by Kristen Banet
13February
A high fantasy reverse harem romance that has it all: great world-building, a kickass heroine, and a multifaceted supporting cast.
December 6, 2018
Summer and Smoke by CoraLee June
06December
A surprisingly compelling and angsty sequel that focuses on character growth, yet Summer's martyrdom creates a tedious subplot.
