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"we are all pieces of what we remember"
- City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare
![i lived through 10 heart attacks by the time i finished
i didn’t expect Green Bone Saga and Poppy War level of historical inspiration and for these characters to be so addicting to read about — my level of intrigue was ridiculous!
my current thoughts on The Bone Season series by Samantha Shannon [author’s preferred text only]
this series is difficult to grasp from the outside bc u risk spoiling a lot and i think it’s best to go in knowing little about the settings/plot. part of the fun is figuring out people’s motives and who to trust with a sarcastic mc
TBS as a series is a more character and politically-focused fantasy, exploring fascism and trauma. i understand why those looking for a queernormative world that takes out intentional and unintentional misogyny would resonate with this
something about it is both weirdly comforting and traumatic. no wonder ppl keep rereading. the depictions of platonic and romantic relationships full of love but found amidst trauma were enticing and heart wrenching… one poke and i was going to pass out (in the best ways). it explores being faced with the realities of a system that benefits u and the complexities that come with that kind of implied loyalty without feeling like you’re losing yourself — i didn’t expect it’s strong social commentary on colonization and i was so fascinated with the tangible use of literature as propaganda
miss shannon is committed to her first person POV and you know what, i respect that. even if she has to be creative in depicting characters’ history. she has a vision — i am seated and letting her cook. i do think u need to be prepared with the nature of the POV and wide range of clairvoyance, there are times when parts of the magic system are suddenly used at certain scenes which might be jarring if you’re used to multi or third person omniscient. i only really felt it’s disadvantages later on though
it’s biggest strengths are in it’s character plays, deep exploration on trauma, exhilarating action, fueled tension, and how effectively samantha shannon makes u feel every single thing the mc feels
i think Dark Mirror ended in a good place for me to collect enough peace to last until 2027](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/581643222_18074387537349188_2938634542848569092_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=doZvdtHucOgQ7kNvwEz4YaK&_nc_oc=AdmnEWu_yeA5zuuW6Br_fiI3aQR9npjoNA4NYsD81WueirQReOjXBuzLxZRhgPcr52Q&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=ZnRkzbtHq1uv79zQ9U71HQ&oh=00_AfghqyqIx4wUtZ1FkmQjyuyP6RDlVUVNiuCAcoZSfjSrnw&oe=69286DA2)
![i just finished watching frankenstein twice and i gotta say: adaptations don’t need to tell the same exact story
———
[short version of my thoughts on Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein vs Mary Shelley’s]
the beauty of classic literature is in its ever evolving interpretation, the tragedy of adaptations is in its inability to encapsulate every single one.
but does that even matter? any kind of adaptation that makes you curious enough to seek the original story or appreciate the heart and themes of the original work is successful in my books. if we lose the ability to sit with art, i feel like we’ve lost the whole point. Del Toro’s Frankenstein is vivid and a beautiful homage despite it’s melodramatic beats. i loved that Del Toro highlighted generational trauma, the grotesque creation process, and the issue of resources & funding — realistic problems given any time period. it’s the best changes of the movie and the story is better for it. i do, however, think that Del Toro has depicted his own characterization. bc in the books, you don’t know who to root for between Victor and the Creature. but i appreciate that we now have this version of the creature that’s softer — the movie would have been more palatable if the dialogue matched the narrating voice of Mary Shelley’s, something more whimsical
if you haven’t read it, you should pick up the book but i think there’s something poetic in Guillermo Del Toro ending a classic built on grey morality in something hopeful and soft while centering the simple human desire of wanting to be loved 🤍
———
i was going to further detail my thoughts on but i feel like others have said what i wanted to say better than i can so here’s a slide compilation of some that reflect my own + i highly recommend checking out the analysis made by @culture_dumper and @liyalibrary — they have been my favorite so far, backed by knowledge on the source material and discussing the true horror of Frankenstein: the subservient expectation for women in a patriarchal society
# sci fi fantasy bookstagram - fantasy hybrids](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/583069766_18074103911349188_1901862907037419115_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=lBvjrJkJuWcQ7kNvwHLK-Qp&_nc_oc=AdnbPPvoY0G7jrR_gloRXfHxLgastaAsBpaMoP9X7ah1eTbIDT0mEKI4dxjwbWzcGO4&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=ZnRkzbtHq1uv79zQ9U71HQ&oh=00_AfjfoqoZXZ-HApxXXV7ztwI571QCvVJIKwXCKXlfd_0dNw&oe=69288779)
![there is no one more disappointed than i am. (review + T. Kingfisher books ranking)
i actually think you can like this book if you’re in it for the character dynamics and romantic subplot.
——
who would have thought we would be getting a medical student-like pov from one of the most unique mcs i’ve read with the personality of Maomao from Apothecary Diaries in a subversive fairy-tale retelling…
but it would get lost among the non-existent mystery and flat prose in the second half. it’s a tragedy that the in-court politics, medical ethics, and social commentary did not get the room to flourish when the foundation was already so well-established. this could have been a much stronger story than it is. i didn’t hate it and i thought the character dynamics would be enough for me but i just couldn’t overlook everything else. [ full review —> ]
📖: Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher — #altheasreviews
~ have you read it?](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/579625623_18073916294349188_628196064893771864_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=oAwnL5MVHzoQ7kNvwFlm4ZE&_nc_oc=Adl7JQJ_bzElPeu3ONN2j7jlHp_Zv2EFD1AmYKfbATJk2hmgjzKmOAJKieVA0ylSbeQ&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=ZnRkzbtHq1uv79zQ9U71HQ&oh=00_Afj19dqZkys_x1qAhw5xRO-zLZ1UYEp0IB6vcAJROTXqgg&oe=69287785)
![— finished 2 of my 10 before the end
[ some recent reads + manhwas ]
i’ve committed myself to not posting monthly wrap ups this past few months because i find it too constricting and sometimes overwhelming, waiting at the end of the month while subconsciously competing with myself instead of reading for the sake of reading. nothing against those who make monthly wrap ups but not doing it takes away that little voice in my head whispering that i need to finish a certain amount of books within a certain period of time. it’s freeing, with the nature of bookstagram, and i like to hope maybe someone out there is finding comfort in it too. i tell myself that the best parts of a story is all the pages in between and not just turning the last one.
my own little way of focusing on the quality of my reading
a long winded way of saying this is the style i’ve found to look back on my reading without the self-inflicted pressure, yay — i feel less like i’m overwhelming myself and u, reading this
——
books mentioned:
the honjin murders by seishi yokomizo
the book of disquiet by fernando pessoa
the decagon house murders by yukito ayatsuji
the mask falling by samantha shannon
the dawn chorus by samantha shannon
hemlock & silver by t. kingfisher
manhwas mentioned:
secret lady by banana & anngato
no office romance by dooboo & namsoo
—
p.s. hemlock & silver was a lil tragic. i have the review ready for after this 😭 i’m currently watching GTD’s Frankenstein and LOVING it](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/574759227_18073744112349188_4320755693706842639_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=cFcZRLwbwhcQ7kNvwHq7-pc&_nc_oc=AdlC8sXGRFhhBM3cJAntQKTpMg88XIzkFL1236mq2puciyZyKn2QtIv_HOy05cu7Nls&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=ZnRkzbtHq1uv79zQ9U71HQ&oh=00_AfhvSighY7CHSNtdzqmORUhsn7IdzeSs-m4qbVKMzkJ0bw&oe=6928668D)
![this series lost it’s tension and character focus (imo)
my current thoughts on the stormlight archives by brandon sanderson (spoiler-free but note context)
[preface: i finished OB a few months ago and even though there were parts i liked, it felt like i was dragging my feet, i started a few chapters of book 4 but put it on hold]
one of my main gripes with OB and where i stopped in RoW is how i feel like characters i was invested in for the first 2 books have been sidelined. while i do love Kaladin, there are other central figures that have been built up that aren’t getting the chapters they should have at this height of the plot
moreover, the tension doesn’t feel proportional to the conflict. it’s hard to internalize the danger and i’m finding it to difficult to pull from my emotional bank during action scenes — like i’m just watching them go through the motions. the tension died down the more that POVs outside the kholinar family, kaladin, and shallan were added. i felt it most while reading OB but it’s as if we’re being overstuffed with what to feel about the antagonists through chapter povs that don’t feel like they’re adding much that we don’t already know from what has been established/implied in previous interactions and arcs. the more i’m separated from the characters in books 1-2, the lower my investment, especially when i don’t feel the weight of the plot.
this isn’t necessarily about the length bc u can have a long and slow-paced book without losing focus on the plot and its characters... but i may be on the side that thinks some of these chapters don’t need to be as long as they are. i also think BranSan’s use of in-world scholars to info dump tech functions is done a few too many times.
i’m putting RoW on the backburner bc maybe i need to recaliberate what i’m expecting from this series. it does seem like a lot of ppl loved RoW but i’ve seen some who also favored WoR, rate RoW lower than OB…
while i do love these characters, life is short. Mistborn still has the crown.](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/571998250_18072388157349188_1836042811910489482_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=yek6QYSpNBEQ7kNvwEySU2q&_nc_oc=AdnN18Vg_jx3GTyWKj7R6YEfqhFB09YWiM_sQWwhEaI1hF-ZrAFAI9sDEaT0dEIcXHc&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=ZnRkzbtHq1uv79zQ9U71HQ&oh=00_Afi14SmZ4DgYjfe2-UH-c_GEZpl-GLrNud0TWKjqUQlngw&oe=69288247)
![some recent reads ep. 2 + mini reviews
i don’t track my monthly reads (highly recommend) but it’s that time of the year where i get the “so many books, so little time” feeling but i like to remind myself it just means that i’m excited to be reading the books i got
——
favorite of the batch: [too hard]
• 4 out of 6 of these books are from the same two authors and the genres are too different so it’s difficult to pick faves. one thing i appreciate in reading authors’ works back to back is seeing how their writing style and approach to the genre develops in between releases. i also realized that i actually do like mystery crime fiction, i may have just been reading the wrong kind of mystery books. i’m currently reading The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo and i’m liking it! it has more character development than uketsu’s works for those who are looking for that.
p.s. i always debate putting my star ratings because it’s so subjective and based on my style/preferences. i do end up still adding them since i think it helps ppl judge whether or not a book might be for them relative to my taste :>
books mentioned:
strange houses by uketsu
strange pictures by uketsu
thornhedge by t. kingfisher
the factory by hiroko oyamada
the song rising by samantha shannon
what moves the dead by t. kingfisher](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/568153060_18071617139349188_215219860620482587_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=x31JEPUY6WgQ7kNvwFoF0yP&_nc_oc=Adk4z8aUnQehWwp1nulXW8Pz3WE0UDGjGXcjUAh4TeVAY6CmPo8JnjqIgo6vZzD4nJs&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=ZnRkzbtHq1uv79zQ9U71HQ&oh=00_AfjrN67HzlySrP1FxWRgPT52IVQucWQhB017ILo29DbVvw&oe=69287859)
![bone season and it’s portrayal of media & literature as propaganda — a review
[note: i read the revised editions, the old editions are there since i already bought them heh]
in honor of the past banned book week: bone season series — a dystopia inspired by greek myths highlighting the use of literature and media as propaganda while blending old to modern england aesthetic — might be one of the most creative crossovers i’ve seen
the series brims with tension and exhilarating moments but i wanted to spotlight how effectively samantha shannon depicts propaganda through in-world literature. you see how, when dressed up in flair and drama, propaganda is that more subtly persuasive and effective.
the layers of censorship is subtly done, shaping their current cultural ecosystem — from music to art. all this is wrapped into a story full of tension and well-placed exhilarating moments. despite being caged in the middle of a crime syndicate… the beats of warmth, the tender relationships, and dynamics between various characters make them so deeply addicting to read about.
samantha shannon’s writing only gets better with every arc, and with it, my curiosity + investment on the overall lore and character motivations grows. i’ve been told that it only gets more stressful from here and i’ve already gone ballistic so… i know i’m doomed.
p.s. Arcturus should be on all those list of yearners!
#altheasreviews](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/565523100_18071040887349188_4928364282055757674_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=6orXgHHUbD0Q7kNvwGKPFbN&_nc_oc=AdlF9pkX-GF35pJevSy8yl4rlwgEEYUKC67rwmC_37KrjqHpA3j3UogXfe3eR9VXbLI&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=ZnRkzbtHq1uv79zQ9U71HQ&oh=00_AfiGUDJsmx0lzSwSWmIAKfw54AC16JBHWElMAuvXpoLP7Q&oe=69286DDB)
![— there’s no stronger bond than a girl and the 14-book series that got her out of a reading slump (it wasn’t really a slump i was just busy)
[ A WHEEL OF TIME CHAT: no spoilers ]
the reason we’ve gathered here today is because i feel the need to tell people that one episode in season 3 of The Wheel of Time (iykyk — the one with the harvest song) managed to rewrite my brain chemistry. i was really just there for funsies (s1-s2 wasn’t really the best) but it ended up dragging me through the dirt bc of how limp i was from my neurons not comprehending why i didn’t see it coming. i gotta give them credit where credit is due.
about the actual book: this isn’t my book review yet but i need to say that this might be the first book/series where i 100% agree with the criticisms and praises.
it it wordy? yes.
but is it immersive? also yes.
is there a lack of female characterization? yes.
but is there a point to it? also yes.
are there scenes that i think it could have done without? yes.
but am i hooked? also yes.
yes, i genuinely see why robert jordan is so loved for this series and also why he is criticized for certain parts of it. BUT I SEE THE VISION! I SEE THE LIGHT!! (lol)
after being so back and forth about starting it for years bc of the dedication needed, i don’t regret the time i’ve allowed myself to be fully immersed and invested.
robert jordan’s writing style is a lot more digestible than i thought. i’m told it builds up well and i appreciate that i don’t need to stretch my brain too much. his writing style makes me feel i’m lying at the back of a wagon, slowly getting pulled into the depths and weaves of the pattern of the wheel of time. slowly and surely.
this is a beginning.](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/531512122_18063989231349188_1572549592666384780_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=ZylxgUAs8Q0Q7kNvwE-UJIh&_nc_oc=AdkFSi3EKD-74UMUVXtLhQB1iJjtOFzGcGsiwFiVpLyEZ3TR5yKl0J-eWe1GAzk-naI&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=ZnRkzbtHq1uv79zQ9U71HQ&oh=00_AfjdDDo-jUZuM4AWKqSnEwg48VszI_401VMbRAsctN6-dQ&oe=69287ED5)
![thoughts on blood over bright haven by m.l. wang (spoiler-free review) 📖✏️ + annotations
this is feminine rage that actually demonstrates the full arc of being faced with a system that is built against you, including the turmoil and crash outs that come with it
it explored the very real fact that when a system falls and fails, the people who suffer the most are the ones who have already been oppressed in the first place (i.e. the women + Kwen/minority)
I am convinced M.L. Wang has unlocked the formula to slicing out a part of a fantasy world within a much bigger world while feeling like all you need is right here — the secret formula to writing Standalone Fantasy that is, in every sense of the word, complete. This is apparent in both Sword of Kaigen and Blood Over Bright Haven wherein you feel a story has begun before we started reading and there will be a story that continues on even after turning the last page. It’s very realistic in the sense that we know, in our own real life, how there’s so much to explore but we have a place right here that’s brimming with experiences and love. It made the characters and who they are relative to their setting feel that much more real
it exemplified systemic injustice to the dot. IN A STANDALONE FANTASY!!! It did in one binding what takes other series 3+ books to do… sometimes not even that well
it also highlights a discussion on privilege and how we aren’t absolved from one kind of prejudice just because we experience another – through complex characterizations through morally complicated characters that you also can’t help but get attached to 🫂 *breathes*
I can scream and cry about this all day but really all i want is to relive this book and i’m glad i took my sweet time reading. She was very clear with what she wanted out of this story and her ability to flush out incredible characterizations within limited settings and pages is incredible. If you haven’t already read it, this is required reading. Go read it right now. But if you want my opinion: take your time reading it as I did.
a customary: *chef’s kiss*
[swipe for full review —>]
5.0
#altheasreviews fantasy bookstagram](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.75761-15/498698648_18054974867349188_2670736918283753105_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=juwItGyYueEQ7kNvwEaMzvM&_nc_oc=AdlmFh67nK4E5t9x8ZQSs_p_aJ1ymnHYjFwSCqprlQhCUyKNaHT86TGedEXKYjkofV0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=ZnRkzbtHq1uv79zQ9U71HQ&oh=00_AfgEX1oI8MtPdtZulvLzCLHGAD0aB-M7Og1zoIb4Bytleg&oe=69288B00)
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