Devi For Millennials by Bibek Debroy - Book Review

Publication Date: 5th Oct 2022

Genre: Non-Fiction, Spiritual, Hinduism 

4.5 Stars 

One Liner: The first step to understanding Devi (meant for young readers)

It’s hard to review a book like this one. Devi for Millennials is exactly what the title says. It is a book about Devi for contemporary readers with little or no knowledge about Hindu scriptures. It deals with the history of Devi worship in Puranas and Devi Gita. It also has slokas from tantra worship.

The book simplifies the content without diluting its essence. The author clearly states that the translations of the Samskritam slokas are his interpretations. Though the language is simple, it has a soft melody that makes the translations sound beautiful in some places. There are clear tables that describe how Devi was formed (which parts belonged to which devas) and the Shakti Peethas. 

The author also provides interesting insights into language and its limitations. For example, Durgaa is feminine, but Durga is masculine. Imagine how difficult it would have to correctly translate the slokas into other languages without confusing the gender dynamics. 

Small stories from the Puranas are also shared to provide the backstory or context for different avatars of Devi. The book is divided into neat sections, with some information and explanation, followed by the translations of a selected few stanzas from the suktams and stotrams. (There is also a short explanation of the difference between the two). 

The book deals with Sati Kanda from Shiva Purana and lists the 108 Shakti Peethas mentioned in various texts. The author also highlights the variations in the texts and how some of them tend to contradict each other. However, the bottom line remains the same- the places mentioned have a strong history of Devi worship. 

An entire chapter explains Navaratri, the pooja, and the nava durgaas worshipped during this period. He describes the avatar of each durgaa while emphasizing the importance of iconography. The topic is not explored in detail but provides enough material to get a basic idea. 

The next chapter deals with the thousand names of Devi mentioned in Lalitaa Sharasranama and ends with three versions of how Sankaracharya composed Soundaryalahari. The final section is dedicated to Devi Gita. Here, the author reminds us that he has merely translated the slokas and not interpreted them. 

There is a recurring mention of nature’s elements (fire, water, air, earth, and spirit) and their role in Devi worship. There are also references to triple elements (we can find parallels with other pagan cultures that worship triple goddesses in different forms). In fact, the yantra designs are similar to the symbolism in ancient pagan cultures (the triangle being the most prominent and common symbol). However, don’t expect a detailed analysis of symbols in this book. This work is the first step to understanding Devi and becoming comfortable with her iconography. 

To summarize, Devi for Millennials isn’t a book we display on the shelf or read and move on. It is to be treasured and referred to each time you want to know about Devi and her presence in this universe. 

I won a copy of the book in the giveaway contest organized by Indica. 

#IndicReads 

White Cat, Black Dog: Stories by Kelly Link - Book Review

Publication Date: 28th March 2023

Genre: Fairytale Retellings, Short Story Anthology 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: An interesting collection of weird fairytale retellings (may not work for everyone) 

The title of the original fairytale is mentioned with the story’s title. However, I don’t remember most of these and decided not to look them up. This allowed me to read each story as a standalone piece rather than a retelling. I feel this enhanced my reading experience for most stories. 

The plots of most stories reveal gradually and ease the reader into the settings. While all of them are not atmospheric, some sure make an impact. Even the characters are diverse, and a few of them are quite unlikeable. Yet, the package delivers satisfactory results. 

I rate the stories individually, so here it goes: 

The White Cat's Divorce: An aging billionaire sends his three sons on a wild goose chase, promising them to name an heir. This one starts with a light, sarcastic touch and grows into a heartwarming tale (with some action and drama thrown into the mix). It is creative, cute in certain places, and ends up as a satisfying read. 4.5 stars 

Prince Hat Underground: What does Gary do when his long-time partner and husband, the enigmatic Prince Hat, walks away? It’s the journey of a man into the otherworld, intent on getting his love back. Will he succeed? This story is long and detailed. I love the changing settings and Gary’s varying emotions. 4.5 stars 

The White Road: Umm… this is the story of a man from a traveling company and his recollections of how the white road has taken over regions. The narration starts with a little rambling but establishes the narrator’s voice and character arc. The plot is a little too vague to understand the setting. It seems like a mix of dystopian and historical. I’d have liked it more if there was some additional information about the inhabitants of the white road. The atmosphere was spot-on, though. 3 stars

The Girl Who Did Not Know Fear: A professor returning home from an official trip is stranded at an airport hotel for days. She needs to go home to her wife and little kid and be there in time for an appointment. Her mental health issues make the trip much hard, and the return journey has something in store for her. I have mixed feeling about this one. It kind of deals with some issues, but the ending doesn’t offer much. I’m left wondering what the purpose of the story is. 2.5 stars 

The Game of Smash and Recovery: A brother cares for his little sister and brings her up in the absence of their parents. They live with the Handmaids and vampires. Soon it’s time for the sister to complete the game and find out the truth. I knew the original but had a hard time relating it with the retellings. However, this one is imaginative and creative, even when I felt detached and bored most of the time. This is probably the weakest story in the collection (for me). 2 stars 

The Lady and the Fox: Miranda is eleven when she sees a stranger outside the Honeywell home on a Christmas night. She is intrigued by his jacket and the embroidery of a trapped fox. Years fly by, and Christmas becomes synonymous with the stranger for Miranda. Where does this lead her? This is a heartwarming story in the typical fairytale style. While it doesn’t provide answers to certain questions, it ends on a positive note. I like Miranda’s arc the best. 4 stars 

Skinder's Veil: Andy needs to complete his dissertation but is finding it hard to focus when his friend offers him a chance to be a home-sitter in the middle of a remote place. This comes with rules, which Andy discovers only after he goes there. However, learns a lot more that helps in the most unexpected ways. This one takes time to settle but is an intriguing and complex story. It reads as if someone half-bored with life has written it. However, the reason for this style reveals itself towards the end. Another favorite story in the collection. I know the original tale, though I think, I’m more likely to remember this weird retelling. 4.5 stars 

To summarize, White Cat, Black Dog is an entertaining collection of stories, which, IMHO, should be read as standalone and not retellings. Pick it up if you like strange stories. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Random House, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #WhiteCatBlackDog

***

P.S: Which cover do you like? I like the ornate version. ;) 

The Secret of Matterdale Hall by Marianne Ratcliffe - Book Review

Publication Date: 15th Nov 2022

Genre: Historical Gothic Fiction, Sapphic Romance, Mystery 

4 Stars 

One Liner: An entertaining and steady-paced novel 

***

1863, Victorian England

Susan Mottram has a happy life with her parents and sister, Florence, until the untimely death of her father (a kind vicar) leaves them in deep debt. Desperate to keep her family afloat, she accepts the job of a teacher at Matterdale Hall. Susan soon learns that all is not well and things aren’t what they seem. Her life begins to change when she meets the mysterious Cassandra, but Susan has to first uncover the secrets around her before thinking about herself. 

The story comes in the limited third-person POV of Susan (with a couple of chapters from Cassandra’s viewpoint). 

My Thoughts:

Gothic novels in historical settings have their own charm. This one pretty much hits the mark and reminded me of Jane Eyre at times. Secrets, rude employers, noises at night, excess chill, locked doors, etc., are nicely woven into the plot. It is not spooky but is atmospheric enough to keep the readers engaged.

LGBT (lesbian), disability (deafness) rep, and mixed-race are wonderfully presented. In fact, the themes are integral to the main plot. The book also deals with mental issues and society’s reactions towards people they perceive as ‘different’. To include these elements in historical fiction and balance them isn’t easy, but the book does it effortlessly. 

Most characters are defined and established early on. Though they seem to have a façade, this is also evident to the readers. In a way, it works to maintain the classic style where everyone except the heroine seems to be what’s good and what’s not. 

Susan’s character is well-etched. She is too good, too compassionate, and a little too ready to jump and support people she likes. There are times when I wanted to knock sense into her (though I know her actions are exactly how they should be for a well-loved and protected vicar’s daughter). 

Cassandra, Mary, and Isabel stand out for being who they are. In a way, Anne’s presence also aligns with her characterization. 

There were a little too many references to Susan’s height or the lack of it. I didn’t particularly like it, being short myself. 

The last part of the novel has quite a lot of action, which ends in a detailed epilogue. Of course, we have HEA, but it is still realistic enough to suit the period. 

The romance is also old-school type, so it is quite clean and sweet. There are some dramatic scenes and reactions. But these are limited to keep the story moving. 

The mystery wasn’t much to worry about (I figured it out soon enough) as it gets prominence only towards the end. However, it serves its purpose well, so no complaints. 

I read the Prequel (free for author’s newsletter subscribers) after finishing the book and found it decent. It does provide a glimpse into the vicar’s character, though the book works very well even if you don’t read it. 

To summarize, The Secret of Matterdale Hall is an entertaining historical with a good atmosphere and well-crafted characters (flawed as humans). This easily graces the list of well-written #ownvoices #indie books. 

My thanks to author Marianne Ratcliffe for providing me with an eRC upon my request. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

The Daughters of Madurai by Rajasree Variyar - Book Review

Publication Date: 28th Feb 2023

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Dual Timeline, Drama 

*Outliner Opinion*

2 Stars 

One Liner: A book with an important topic, but the below-par execution ruins the impact 

***

1992, Madurai

Janani is a poor and young mother ordered to bear a son. She can keep her first daughter, but the others are taken away and killed. What happens when she decides to take control of her life? 

2019, Sydney

Nila has little knowledge of her parents’ past lives in India. When the news of her dying grandfather reaches them, they decide to come to Madurai for the final visit. Nila is excited and dreads the trip in equal measure. Does she want to know the past? And how does she intend to reveal her secret to her parents? 

The story comes in Nila’s first-person POV in the 2019 track, and third-person POV in the 1993 track. 

What I Like: 

I requested the book for its premise. Female infanticide has been a cause of concern in the country, and a book dealing with it while also presenting the bond between a mother and daughter intrigued me. 

The past track is comparatively better-etched characters like Subha, Kamala Amma, Priya Ammai, etc., Even though some of it reads like a boring TV drama, it does tackle the core issue. 

Kamala Amma is a midwife and my favorite character in the book. Midwives have since long held a subtly powerful position in our society while being victims in some instances. I like how the character handles different issues with grace. 

There are a lot of mentions of food. Idli, dosa, sambar, pongal, chutney, etc., are recurring and some of my favorite parts of the book. 

What Didn’t Work for Me: 

The issue with dual timelines is that it is very easy to lose interest in one track, especially if it is not executed properly. Here, the present track is set in 2019, and Nila is the narrator. My biggest issue was the lack of connection with her throughout. There wasn’t a single instance I could feel for her. Despite the 1993 timeline having a limited third-person POV, Janani stands out and controls the plot. Reading Nila’s whiny POV when Janani went through so many hardships in the other timeline was annoying, to say the least. 

Nila’s secret and the big reveal were lazy. Iphigenia deserved better. Heck, the entire rep deserved more than being a badly used plot device. 

I understand the need for descriptions in non-Western books. Readers alien to the culture will need this information for authentic feeling. However, this one was overly descriptive. A few bits of poetic prose felt odd, given the setting and backdrop. 

The second half has a little too much drama. Some of it seems more like a way to justify Janani’s decision (which was easy enough to guess). It’s not like we don’t know what happened. 

And here is another big issue. The part that connects the past and present isn’t even explored! Most of it is left to the readers’ assumptions. Come on! When you talk about caste differences, family dynamics, and stuff, how come all of it is brushed off when needed the most?

And then the prologue… I love prologues and epilogues because they enrich the plot. But what use is a prologue that’s just one of the chapters from later on? It just shocks the reader and tries to introduce the core topic with zero subtlety. 

I am all for highlighting issues in society. However, I don’t appreciate bias presented as facts. What does it mean to say when Indians haven’t seen women joggers or runners on the roads? And what does it mean when a character says India is not like the US or UK, where a girl can go for a run without being teased or assaulted? It’s set in 2019, for god sake! I go to supermarkets, bookstores, and bakeries in my PJs and no one bats an eyelid. 

Also, can someone please tell me which country is absolutely safe for women? Shall we look at the stats in the countries mentioned in the book? Here’s what the reports say about violence against women in the US, UK, and Australia (where the MC lives). 

Andhra is spelled with an ‘h’. It is not Andra. I hope this gets corrected in the final copy. I hate to see my native state’s name misspelled. 

And please… thank Bhagavan is NOT the desi version of ‘thank god’. It sounds so cringe! I literally winced each time this phrase appeared in the book. 

Personally, I haven’t heard Indian women comparing themselves to cows, especially someone from a village (pig, bandicoot, donkey, monkey; yes). I’ve only read Western books where women joke about looking fat and unappealing like a cow. 

IMO, the book would have worked a lot better if the entire story focused on Janani. A first-person or third-person POV where Janani’s past and present are shown in alternate chapters. This would also help us see Nila through Janani’s eyes. 

Her overprotectiveness, the desire to hide the truth and its consequences on her daughter’s attitude, the pain she feels seeing her daughter pull away due to miscommunication, etc., will compel the readers to cry for her. Most importantly, it would have shown what Janani felt when she finally has a son. What was her first thought? How did this affect the upbringing of her children (because it clearly did)? 

This could have been spaced out with a few chapters from Sanjay’s POV (which are already present in the book). There is such potential in the premise, and most of it is left unexplored. 

To summarize, The Daughters of Madurai has its moments but fails to impress as a package. It might appeal to readers who know little or nothing about the setting and like books that claim to deal with social issues. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Union Square & Co. - A subsidiary of Sterling Publishing, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley 

The Curio Collectors by Eloise Williams - Book review

The Curio Collectors by Eloise Williams

Publication Date: 2nd March 2023

Genre: Historical Children’s Fiction

4.2 Stars 

One Liner: Such a cute adventurous book 

***

Digswell Water, 1896 

Lily and Tom travel with Ma Hawker, collecting interesting items, displaying, and selling them to people for money. When Lily gets duped into buying a bag of useless items, she finds scrimshaw in it. Flora Meriweathe is desperate to find the missing scrimshaw to know more about her mother. However, someone else also wants this mysterious item and will go to any lengths to grab it. Can Lily and Tom help Flora in her quest? 

The story comes in Lily’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

This is an adorable little story about 12-year-old Lily and her 10-year-old little brother Tom. Their characteristics are reversed. Lily is practical and handy with the tools, and Tom is a dreamer. I love Lily’s arc. 

The story has adventure, mystery, danger, and intrigue but for the kiddos. This makes a cozy mystery for adults. Some may find it too mild and easily solved, but it should work well for the target audience (well, I think I can include myself in that category). 

The book breaks stereotypes about women at varying levels. Be it Ma Hawker traveling alone with two kids or the other characters we meet towards the end, it puts women in assertive roles without making it preachy. At the same time, they aren’t flawless. 

The illustrations are in black and white but very atmospheric. My favorite is the one in the graveyard. And, of course, I’m totally in love with Lily’s flowing tresses. 

Being a short book, it packs quite a bit in less than 100 pages. While the beginning takes the time to set the stage and let readers meet the characters, the second half speeds by like a superfast train. This makes the climax a little rushed. The ending is perfect and can work as a lead for a sequel. I sure would love to read more adventures by the trio. 

To summarize, The Curio Collectors is a lovely little book about the adventures of young nomadic travelers from the Victorian period. The theme is less common in fiction writing and makes a good choice for kids to learn more about a different era. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Barrington Stoke, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheCurioCollectors

Black Candle Women by Diane Marie Brown - Book Review

Black Candle Women by Diane Marie Brown 

Publication Date: 28th Feb 2023

Genre: Family Drama, Women’s Fiction, Multicultural 

3 Stars 

One Liner: Interesting premise but lacking in execution 

***

Montrose women like in a two-storied house in California. They have their pasts, secrets, and burdens, unspoken and unshared with others, even in the same household. When the youngest, Nickie, brings home a guest on her birthday, she disrupts the house in more ways than intended. 

After all, the past has its roots in a voodoo shop in New Orleans’s French Quarter from the 1950s. And now, the time has come for each of them to face the truth of their lives, acknowledge their mistakes, and find a way to move on toward a better future. 

Can they finally reveal their secrets and turn their house into a happy home? 

The story comes in the limited third-person POV of the central characters (Augusta, Victoria, Willow, & Nickie). 

What I Like:

The cover is gorgeous. I love the color scheme and the candles at the bottom. 

The main characters are distinct personalities (even if their voices were hard to distinguish at times). They are flawed, make mistakes, keep secrets, and try to work things out somehow. 

Augusta’s (Nana) backstory was quite interesting with good shades of grey. She also gets more space in the book (though it’s not enough). 

The concept of Lanora and hoodoo magic is intriguing. I wish it was explored in detail. However, the book nails the atmosphere of the house. It is heavy, stressful, suffocating, and oppressive even when the family appears happy. 

The ending is hopeful and positive. It doesn’t tie up everything but gives enough satisfaction to the readers. 

What Didn’t Work for Me:

The first quarter is very slow. Though we are thrown into the action right away (after a short prologue), the story goes around in circles. It’s only after the 30% that things start to move forward. 

While I don’t mind the miscommunication trope, I don’t want it all over the plot. In a way, this book wouldn’t have existed if the characters simply spoke to each other and had some sort of healthy communication. Things change around 75%. 

This should have been the story of Augusta, Victoria, and Willow. Nickie would have worked better as a catalyst rather than having a complete track of her own. The additional track cut into the space required to establish the other three stories, which further diluted the plot. Nickie acting like a petulant 17-year-old doesn’t help much. 

The book does have some bits of voodoo and spells, but most of them are to further the plot. I wanted more of that stuff as it forms the core of the book. There really isn’t any magical or paranormal element. Just some spells are mentioned here and there. A couple of drawings of the insides of the cookbook would have enhanced the reading experience. 

The climax wasn’t as effective as it should have been. When the entire plot is so focused on that curse part, the solution almost feels anticlimactic. An attempt to make it impactful doesn’t really deliver. 

To summarize, Black Candle Women has a solid foundation to build a generational drama but falls short of expectations. It has some good points though the overall impact is underwhelming. 

The premise has great potential, but the book doesn’t do justice to it. This should have been a duology or trilogy where the main characters would be explored in depth to create an emotional tale of love, loss, secrets, and voodoo magic. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Graydon House, for the eARC.  

#BlackCandleWomen #NetGalley 

The Clock in My Mother's House by Annalisa Crawford - Book Review

The Clock in My Mother's House by Annalisa Crawford

Publication Date: 10th Jan 2023

Genre: Short Story Anthology 

4 Stars 

One Liner: A wonderful collection of short stories (no theme) 

***

This book is a collection of short stories selected as finalists/ winners for various awards. Hence there is no common theme or underlying thread that connects them. The writing styles are also different. The best part is that no short story drags or feels boring. Each piece is concise and poignant in its own way. 

As with most anthologies, I loved some stories, enjoyed a few, and wasn’t that impressed by a couple of them. Here’s a list of the stories in the collection: 

The Clock in My Mother’s House Runs Backwards: You can guess the storyline from the title. But is it what it is? How does it affect the characters? It is beautiful and sad. 

The Woman in the Van: Why did the old mysterious woman stop at this small town? What’s with the teen grieving his dead mother? This is an emotional tale that ends exactly where it should. Bittersweet and hopeful. 

Vera Says: Does the GPS voice have a mind of its own? If so, what are its intentions? This is a short piece that seems almost causal but ends with an abrupt twist. The contrast highlights how things can change in an instant and spiral out of control. 

All the Magpies Come Out to Play: This story is set during the Covid lockdown. It has a slight dystopian feel to it with a reined-in emotional display. An interesting take on the topic. 

A Thousand Pieces of You: Written in the second-person POV, the story is laced with melancholy, confusion, frustration, helplessness, and pain. It is sad but with a subtly hopeful ending.  

Click: How does the young narrator deal with the sudden, unexplained change in her life? Do the pictures she clicks comfort her? This is a story of family, relationships, adjustments, coping, and resilience. The almost detached narration keeps the emotions from overwhelming the reader. 

One Minute Silence: It takes just one moment to change several lives forever. The story is presented in snippets that increase tension and accelerate the plot. It’s powerful and makes a lasting impression. Easily one of my favorites in the collection. 

Black Dog: This is a little too short and vague for me. The black dog seems to be a metaphor for anxiety or depression, maybe grief. 

The Fear of Ghosts: An interesting version of a haunted house plot but with a blind protag. This is my kind of horror story. I love it. That ending… perfectly sinister.  

Adventures in My Own Back Garden: What does the narrator’s garden mean to them? Why is it so important in their life? This is such a heartwarming story! A rollercoaster ride of emotions that ends on a hopeful note. A beautiful way to end the collection. 

To summarize, The Clock in My Mother's House is one of the best anthologies by a single author I’ve read in recent times. That’s because even the simplest of stories have a deeper meaning once you take the time to think about the character and their actions. 

Thank you, Book Sirens and author Annalisa Crawford, for the eARC. 

The Lady of the Loch by Elena Collins - Book Review

The Lady of the Loch by Elena Collins

Publication Date: 23rd Feb 2023

Genre: Paranormal, Historical & Contemporary Fiction, Dual Timeline 

*Outliner Opinion* 

3 Stars 

One Liner: Okayish; strong historical track but the rest isn’t as atmospheric as expected 

Ravenscraig Castle, Scotland, 1307

Agnes Fitzgerald, a spirited kitchen maid, flees to the north of Inverness when the castle is attacked by the army of Prince Edward of England. She takes shelter at the Ravenscraig Castle as Scotland is fighting England to retain its rights on the land. Agnes finds love and hope in Cam Buchanan, but danger threatens to tear them apart forever. 

Present Day

Twins Zoe and Leah are dealing with their own issues. A chance opportunity brings them to Ravenscraig Castle in Scotland. The place is everything one could dream about- lush landscape, gorgeous architecture, and rugged landscape. However, they begin to feel the lingering sensation of pain. Locals talk about ghosts and hauntings, but the twins aren’t sure if they want to believe the stories. Yet, it seems that they need to do something to end centuries of grief and lay the troubled souls to rest. 

The story comes in alternating timelines and limited third-person POV of three characters (Agnes, Zoe, and Leah). 

What I Like: 

The setting of Scotland in the past and present is beautiful. Even when the past track is filled with political treachery, the setting has a teeny place of its own. 

The historical track is done really well. The hustle and bustle of the castle kitchen, the uncertainty of the situation, and the constant need to stay alert but also be hopeful are clearly portrayed. 

Agnes and Effe, though not fully etched, create a strong impression. They are contrasting characters, which come out clearly at every stage. Rhonda is my favorite character. She is loving yet practical. 

The ending of the historical track is indeed sad and heartbreaking. The confrontation doesn’t drag but is just enough to bring the story to an end, at least from Agnes’s POV. Her agony really comes through in that chapter. 

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

I loved The Witch’s Tree by the author despite the slow pacing and repetition. The atmosphere and the constant presence of pain were beautifully portrayed. Unfortunately, this book falls short in this aspect. While the historical track has a good atmosphere, the present track is flat and pretty much on the surface. 

I see the reason to have twin sisters in the present track, but neither could make me care for them. Zoe was better in scenes where she feels a presence in the castle. Leah feels surreal almost throughout the book. Their individual romances were rushed, though I still like Zoe’s. 

Mirren Logan is another interesting character but underutilized. She could have played a vital role given her family history but ends up more as a prop almost throughout. A couple of things are left for the users to assume, which would have been sorted if Mirren’s arc was better. 

Also, the spookiness and the paranormal atmosphere just don’t hit the mark in this book. I kept waiting for it to click until the end and ended up disappointed. The climax tries hard but falls short of its potential. 

Too much happens in the present track, and some of it does nothing to the plot. Removing it would make the book smaller and more compact. It would also enhance the heaviness of the past and the need for the sisters to dig into history and do what’s needed. The book could easily have been shorter by 70 pages. 

To summarize, The Lady of the Loch delivers in some places but doesn't make a lasting impression as a complete package. I loved The Witch's Tree, but this doesn't give me the same satisfaction. 

Mine is an outliner opinion, so do read other reviews before you decide.  

Thank you, NetGalley, and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheLadyOfTheLoch 

The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi - Book Review

The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi

Publication Date: 16th Feb 2023

Genre: Gothic Mystery, Romance 

1.8 Stars 

One Liner: Fantastic premise… below par execution with too much prose 

He was obsessed with fairytales and mythologies, always looking for answers. She was an ultra-rich heiress with too many secrets. They meet and get married. However, the happy-ever-after of their marriage is threatened by the past. 

When Indigo’s estranged aunt is on her deathbed, the newlywed couple moves into The House of Dreams, a place with too many things buried and hidden in the dark. His naturally inquisitive nature makes it hard to keep his promise of not asking about Indigo’s past. 

What happens when the secrets are revealed? 

The story comes from two POVs. 

What I Like: 

The blurb is enticing and paints the picture of a gothic story with dark romance, danger, and maybe betrayal. Sadly, the blurb is a lot better than the book. 

The covers (yes, both) are eye-catchy and super attractive. I could use the cover with the girl’s face to tick off a reading challenge prompt. Small mercies! 

The toxicity of the characters and their relationships comes out really well. It would help people explain red flags by discussing these characters. 

The ending is rather good, despite everything. I’m glad for the characters. 

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

Oh, well… this could be lengthy. 

First, the excessive prose tries too hard to create a dark atmosphere. It succeeds in some places, but most of the time, it nudges the reader to zone out and think of anything else but the book. I could concentrate only after I started speed-reading. I requested the book after being impressed by the author’s work in Three Kisses, One Midnight. This promised something more but left me feeling highly disappointed. 

Second, the house is vital in gothic fiction. Giving it a character isn’t enough, though. The house should actually have a role to play. Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey makes the house an integral part of the plot, and I couldn’t help but feel claustrophobic when reading some scenes. Here, the setting has great potential but drowns in the excessive purple prose. Let it breathe and establish itself. 

Third, the plot is wafer-thin and almost non-existent. It doesn’t have to be new (there are only so many plots available), but it has to be effective. Personally, I love books that have a touch of magical realism. Here, it’s more of an illusion of magic. So much can be done with a setting like that, and we end up with a tangled mess of characters who need immediate medical help. (As much as I love lush prose, I want a plot too. One reason I dislike Where the Crawdads Sing.) 

Fourth, the nameless bridegroom ends up as one of the most underdeveloped and underutilized characters most of the time. Even his POV merely acts as a tool to advance the plot. This is clear in the bare minimum attention he gets. The other track looks like the author’s favorite. Having that track alone would have worked better, IMO. More space to present the sick and twisted minds of the characters. The dual POVs don’t help either, and those plot holes… Ahem. 

Fifth, the twist is painfully obvious. I would have rated it higher if this aspect was also dealt with a smoke screen to come up with a double twist. I could guess almost all developments after the 35% mark. While I don’t mind that in cozy mysteries, I do mind it in atmospheric and ‘dark’ novels. 

Sixth, with so many references to fairytales and mythologies, the book has tremendous scope to dive deep into the paranormal aspects. You can’t have characters obsessed with faeries and faes and not use them in a gothic novel. It’s confusing to determine the actual intent of the book. It is supposed to be ‘magical’ or ‘delusional’? Of course, a book can have both, but the intent has to be clear (at least by the last page). 

Seventh, the romance isn’t exactly dark, especially if we refer to Indigo and the nameless man. I still don’t understand how he became a scholar. And whatever happened to his research? The hints of sick love are mostly found in the past track (in which case, the blurb is rather misleading). 

To summarize, The Last Tale of the Flower Bride could have indeed been a breathtakingly dark romance of fairytales, secrets, and betrayals. But it ends up much below the expectations it set for the readers. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton, for the eARC. 

#TheLastTaleOfTheFlowerBride #NetGalley

Spirit Guide by Byrd Nash - Book Review

Spirit Guide by Byrd Nash

Series: Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #3

Publication Date: 21st Feb 2023

Genre: Paranormal Historical Mystery; Gaslamp Fantasy Novella 

4.2 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining; the series is gaining momentum 

*****

Tristan, the Duke de Archambeau, brings a nobleman to Elinor to help find his missing daughter. With the Morpheus Society involved, Elinor is determined to get to the root of the matter and save the girl. However, things are hardly easy for her with an uninvited ghost, a bumbling but smart apprentice, and mounting danger. Can Elinor save herself this time? 

The story comes from Elinor’s POV. 

My Thoughts: 

This third book in the series has loads of laughs and serious moments. It also increases the danger levels and provides some information about the crucial subplot I’ve been curious about. 

Twyla Andricksson is a great addition to the story. She is silly, funny, annoying, irritating, and a sweetheart. A typical teenager sans addiction to technology, of course. Her natural ability as a medium and other special talents bring trouble but also help Elinor when she needs them the most. 

The love track between Tristan and Elinor has a little more progress (finally!). I wouldn’t mind if it picks up some extra pace in the next book, which might happen based on the sneak peek at the end. ;)  

The mystery isn’t the strong point, though it is a part of the plot. Instead, the paranormal elements are the highlight of the book. Be it the Beyond world or how Elinor explores her talents and stretches them when necessary. The climax is real good. I wish it lasted a wee bit longer. I love it when nature’s elements help characters finish the job. 

It isn’t really a spoiler, but there’s one chapter by Twyla. It made me laugh out loud despite the gravity of the situation. That girl needs a book of her own. A spin-off, maybe? *hint* 

We also get to know more about the Morpheus Society, and I’m guessing this is just a start. That place is a den of secrets, many of which might be revealed in the coming books. 

Like always, I enjoy the seamless commentary on society and hypocrisy as an integral part of the plot. It’s artfully done to advance the plot. 

To summarize, Spirit Guide is a solid continuation of the series and a fast-paced novella with varied elements. Those who enjoy Amanda Quick’s historicals will like this series (though this one doesn’t have explicit romance). The book won’t be as entertaining as a standalone piece. Read the series in order if you pick it up. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Rook and Castle Press, and IBPA Member Titles, for the eARC. 

The Tamarind Tree by Sundara Ramaswamy - Book Review

The Tamarind Tree by Sundara Ramaswamy, Aniruddhan Vasudevan (Translator)

Publication Date: 15 Nov 2022

Genre: Historical Fiction, Social Commentary 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Enjoyable but will work only for a specific audience

The tamarind tree has lived at the cross for decades. It has been a silent observer of the changes that took place, the good, bad, and the average, that affected people in a million ways. The tree and Damodara Asan are a source of information, intrigue, and entertainment for our nameless narrator. In this book, he takes us through the lives of a selected few who were connected to the tamarind tree in one way or another. 

My Thoughts: 

Firstly, my big thanks to my friend for reminding me what to expect from the book. I enjoyed the book more because I was prepared for it read like social commentary interspersed with stories rather than a structured novel. 

The events are narrated by a nameless character who is pretty much passive throughout the book. This means readers are doubly distanced from the events and don’t have anything to connect with. It’s like listening to a friend tell you the story of a movie they recently watched while you are only half-listening to it. (If this makes sense, then you know how the book reads). 

However, what makes the book interesting is this distanced view of everything that happens to people from the region. Local rivalries, village politics, national politics, communal clashes, rich vs. poor, and just about everything is presented without any drama. It’s impersonal. No taking sides or pointing fingers. 

The core human attitudes, fallacies, desires, etc., are presented similarly without making a hullabaloo of it. Whether or not the reader likes a character is not the author’s concern. Their role is to present the characters’ stories and leave it to the readers to decide the rest. It’s always refreshing to read such works, especially from Indian authors. There’s only so much pseudo-activism one can survive! 

The translation seems authentic enough, though I have no way of knowing if it is otherwise. As an Indian reader, I found no issues with understanding the nuances that are integral to my land. That said, I’m not sure how someone with limited or no knowledge of the country and its history would appreciate the book. Given that the setting is around the Independence period (the 1940s), it is even more vital to know the sociopolitical situation of the place to make sense of the majority of the book. 

What I thoroughly enjoyed were the observations of the people in the municipal park (those who read the book will know what I mean). And, of course, the fact that no character in the book is either good or bad is icing on the cake. They are the kind we see around us even today. After all, basic human traits don’t change much. 

To summarize, The Tamarind Tree is a different experience and one that I enjoyed much. The pacing is a little inconsistent, but you can speed-read. Pick it up if you want something different. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Amazon Crossing, for the eARC. 

#TheTamarindTree #NetGalley

***

P.S: The cover is perfect for the book. 

Stealing by Margaret Verble - Book Review

Stealing by Margaret Verble

Publication Date: 07th Feb 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction, Coming of Age 

3 Stars 

One Liner: The topic deserves more than what the book delivers 

*****

1950s, Arkansas

Kit Crockett lived with her father after her mother’s death. Her lonely days change for the better when she meets Bella, her new neighbor. However, a gruesome incident rips Kit from her Cherokee family. She is sent to Ashley Lordard, a religious school where Natives are ‘civilized’. Can Kit survive this fight for her identity and freedom?

The story comes in Kit’s first-person POV. 

Don’t read the Goodreads blurb, as it summarizes the entire book. 

What I Like:

The book presented the hardships faced by Native Indians and the constant interference of religious people intent on converting them. It also dealt with how different tribes of Native Indians had their own opinions and prejudices of other tribes.   

The scenes with Kit and Bella were rather sweet. Kit’s a smart kid and capable too. Her interactions with other characters presented a lot of information through insights that helped me visualize them easily. 

The scenes at the Reverend’s house were some of the best in the book. We don’t need much to see the intent and the lengths to which people go to make things happen the way they want. And, of course, the power imbalance in society causing irreparable damage to countless innocent kids.  

The limited scenes set in Ashley Lordard boarding school gave a glimpse of what little kids faced in the name of being ‘straightened out’. Despite the school housing white and native kids, the discrimination in treatment couldn’t have been more evident. 

What Could Have Been Better for Me:

The book is described as “…an ambitious, eye-opening reckoning of history and small-town prejudices…”. While it does deal with the topic of religious schools ‘civilizing’ Indian kids, the book was predominantly Kit’s story. This means that the focus was on Kit rather than the said theme. 

Since the story was written by a young girl, it goes in loops and circles. I could handle it in the first half, but it got way too loopy in the second half. This seemed more like an attempt to sustain the suspense of the ‘incident’ instead of focusing on what Kit goes through at school.

Kit would blank out at the most convenient places for the story to progress. While there are no rules for kids to react to traumatic situations, it got tiring when this happened whenever the plot needed it. My issue is that this wasn’t really necessary. Native kids got separated from their parents for the smallest of reasons (based on the articles I’ve read on this topic), so the core point shouldn’t be why Kit was taken away but what happened after she was. 

The book has two graphic scenes of sexual assault. These come out of nowhere as the writing, until then, mentions abuse but doesn't go into detail. I was better prepared for the second scene (which was more graphic), thanks to my reading buddy, Rosh, who mentioned it in advance. Unfortunately, the scenes don’t add to the story (and contradict Kit’s habit of blanking out when things get tough). 

The ending was open-ended and left to the reader’s interpretation. That meant many questions were unanswered. I wanted a hopeful ending, so I decided everything was eventually sorted out (somehow) for Kit. 

To summarize, Stealing deals with crucial topics of religious conversions, control and abuse of natives, and the horrors of boarding schools for natives. However, it could have been a lot more impactful and poignant. 

I’m a minority here, so read other reviews before deciding. I really wanted to love the book and tend to be liberal with my ratings for topics close to my heart, but with this book, I couldn’t help but feel dissatisfied with the treatment on many levels.  

Thank you, NetGalley and Mariner Books, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #Stealing 

***

The book talks of ‘service’, ‘help’, etc., and how much of this is used as a tool for conversion. Interestingly, I came across this write-up when reading the book that discusses the concept of service from two perspectives (dharmic and commercial). 

***

P.P.S.: This was a buddy read with Rosh, and I’m glad we could discuss the book (& get it out of the system). It was a tough read for both of us. Do check out her review. 

Also, Rosh, thank you for explaining about Jezebel (& the interpretations) that helped me make sense of a couple of points I wasn’t sure of. 

The Sorcery of the Senses by Tanima Das - Book Review

The Sorcery of the Senses by Tanima Das

Publication Date: 1st Jan 2023

Genre: Fantasy, Multi-timeline

4.2 Stars 

One Liner: An entertaining debut novel 

Disclaimer: The author is a friend of mine. I won a copy of the book in a giveaway hosted by the publisher. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

Dhruv is at crossroads and unsure of his life when Dristi, the sense of vision, shows him a glimpse of his past life. She reveals his duty for this lifetime and expects that he step up and deliver the results. But can Dhruv take responsibility and complete the mission on time? 

The story comes in the third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

This book is hard to categorize based on the genre. It blends historical, contemporary, paranormal, fantasy, romance, and drama. Despite this, the narration is seamless and easy to follow. 

The beginning is slow and takes a few pages to gain momentum. But once it does, the story flows well, especially in the past timelines (those are my favorite). 

Our main character is a man and not a likable one either. Pretty much a regular guy with very few redeeming qualities. However, his (past) story is intriguing enough to keep the pages turning and know more. I still don’t like him, but I know he is real and commonly found in society. 

The narration alters between ‘showing’ and ‘telling’. The contemporary track is mostly ‘told’, but it works in the book’s favor as it allows the readers to breeze through and get to the past timeline. It also limits character development, which will probably continue in the next book. 

The past tracks with Ghriz and Moong are complete stories. One is set in tribal lands, and the other is a kingdom. They have a few similarities necessary to link the overall plot. However, the characters are independent. 

The characters are flawed and display identifiable human emotions, irrespective of the settings, cultures, customs, etc. Of course, I like ladies with flaws more than the male protag (so he doesn’t get my sympathy).

Having read the author’s works before, I know she combines philosophy with mythology and everyday humor. The book does the same, though the philosophical aspect is carefully reined in and used when necessary. This is a plus for someone who doesn’t prefer too many musings in fiction.  

I do wish the climax was stronger and more dramatic. I wouldn’t have minded a little bit of action or active danger to spice things up and end the book on a high. That dimmed my enjoyment a little, though I’m curious about what happens next. 

To summarize, The Sorcery of the Senses is a blend of genres and themes that create an engaging and intriguing start to a series (duology or trilogy). The ending is semi-open and sets the stage for the next book. I hope the author is working on it. 

***

P.S.: This is what I’d call a desi (Indian) fantasy, though it has elements from different cultures. The contemporary track is set in urban India (sans the caste, religion nonsense). Global readers will enjoy the book if they go with the right expectations. 

Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall - Book Review

Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall

Publication Date: 07th Feb 2023 (first published on 1st March 2022)

Genre: Historical Women’s Fiction, Multi-timeline 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: A much-needed theme, but the storytelling isn’t great 

*****

Angela Creighton discovers a letter with a confession and decides to find the receipt. It leads her to the 1970s when abortions were illegal, and a group of women ran an underground network with a code, Jane, to help women get abortions through safe medical practices. 

In the 1960s, a young Evelyn Taylor is dropped at the home for unwed mothers and forced to give up her baby for adoption. Years later, she is Dr. Taylor and a part of the Jane Network. 

 It’s the 1980s, and Nancy discovers a truth about her life. How does it affect her? How do the lives of the three women meet in the present in 2017? 

The story comes in limited third-person POVs of multiple characters. 

What I Like: 

The plot presents the true stories of countless women (300,000 Canadian women, according to the statistics shared by the author) who were forced into homes for unwed mothers and had to give up their babies for adoption. 

The book combines the Canadian version of Magdalene laundries and the lack of a woman’s choice to decide whether or not she wants to keep her pregnancy. It also deals with the trauma of infertility and recurring miscarriages (presenting them as two sides of the same coin). 

Many real-life events are woven into the story. Dr. Henry Morgentaler also makes an appearance in the book. As someone with limited knowledge of Canada’s history, I could learn a little more about the country’s past. 

The sections dealing with the Jane Network and the House of Unwed Mothers are very well-done. These are the strong points of the book. There are itsy-bitsy pieces of sharp, dark humor that add to the narration. 

What Could Have Been Better for Me:

The book is more like a collection of events than a proper story. While it has an intricate and complex plot, there are many loose ends and plot holes. The book relies on the emotional impact theme to carry off the plot, which doesn’t always work. 

The characters are distinct but don’t have a proper arc. We know who they are, and that pretty much sums them up. While it is easy to connect to themes, it is hard to connect to the characters (feels like watching them on the screen). 

The ‘twist’ or revelation is predictable, and I guessed it halfway through. The ending, though perfect for the title, leaves many unanswered questions. That’s not something I like after reading 400 pages. 

To summarize, Looking for Jane is a poignant debut novel about women’s rights over their bodies. The book is a debut novel and it shows in narration and execution. But read it for the themes- the past, present, and future. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #LookingForJane 

***

P.S.: Rounding it up to 4 stars because of the theme, the author’s research, and because I could speed-read it without missing vital plot details. 

***

P.P.S: I saw posts about St Brigid of Kildare (Ireland) on my social media feed when reading the book. Brigid (Brigit) is supposedly a pagan mother goddess Christianized as St Brigid, and Imbolc in the Gaelic calendar ended up as St Brigid’s Day (on 1st Feb). 

A certain post mentioned that Brigid wasn’t only a mother goddess but especially took care of unwed pregnant girls and helped them. I couldn’t help but think about how a land that worshipped Brigid went on to become a home for the Magdalene Laundries and continued to have such harsh abortion laws until recent years. 

The Witch of Tin Mountain by Paulette Kennedy - Book Review

The Witch of Tin Mountain by Paulette Kennedy

Publication Date: 1st Feb 2023

Genre: Historical Dark Fiction, Paranormal 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Atmospheric but drags a little 

*****

1931, Arkansas

Nineteen-year-old Gracelynn helps her adoptive grandmother, a healer and a midwife, treat the citizens of Tin Mountain. The arrival of Reverand Bellflower triggers a series of events that determine her fate and that of the land. Can Gracelynn understand the truth from the past and acknowledge her powers to settle the scores forever? 

 The story is presented in two timelines, with the third as an interlude. The narration is in Gracelynn and Dierdre’s POVs in their respective timelines. 

What I Like:

The book starts with a bang. The prologue and the first chapter are equally engrossing. The setting comes alive on the pages. It has a solid spooky atmosphere (but I need more power, considering the themes). 

Gracelynn is definitely easier to like. Her adopted granny does what a witchy granny would do. I rather like Ebba’s character arc, though Esme shows potential before fading away. 

The hypocrisy of villagers (and people in general) comes out very well in how they interact with Gracelynn. The references to natives and the fear of ‘witches’ (while still approaching them for help) really stand out. 

The book deals with LGBT themes using multiple characters. While it feels repetitive, it is cohesive and blends into the overall plotline. 

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

The premise requires both timelines to have certain similar events. However, too many elements feel the same in both. Given how temperamental the narrators sound, it gets confusing to keep the tracks separate in my mind. Somehow, using first-person and third-person POVs didn’t help much. 

While I like books that can be speed-read, my primary intent as a reader is to NOT speed-read and enjoy the story. But this one reads better when I up the pace, which points out the drawn-out narration in some places (things seem to go in circles at one stage). 

The climax is the key books like this. I want that impact to resonate and linger for a while. Here, the build-up is stronger than the actual climax. (I slowed to a normal pace to savor the scene, but it was done a little too soon). 

To summarize, The Witch of Tin Mountain is an atmospheric novel that presents witch trials with an interesting plot. The author’s note provides more insights into the story and the land. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #TheWicthofTinMountain 

***

P.S: Rating this was hard as I continued to waver between 3.5 and 3.7 stars. The theme is something I like, and the fact that I could speed-read without missing vital information makes it a 3.7-star book. So, here we go and round it up to 4 stars.