Tag: #summerreads

The Poppy War

~ Lisa Helm ~ Leave a comment

by R.F Kuang

I love the Poppy War. It is intense. It is heavy. It is magical. It is heartbreaking. I thought about the characters and their choices long after I read it. 

When I first encountered Kuang’s work in Babel, I was struck by her distinctive writing style. It’s a style that I envy, one that I wish I could emulate. Her sentences are not just words on a page, but lyrical, concise, impactful expressions that brim with imagery and emotion. 

When you start reading The Poppy War, you’ll want to gulp the plot down as quickly as possible, but you will choke on its intensity and detail. No. You have to sip. There is SO much information regarding plot character and world building in each and every sentence.

Rin, our tragic hero, is a war orphan fostered in the Rooster province. She’s faced with a future dictated by her fate, one that she refuses to accept. Instead, she sets her sights on a different path, one that leads to the Kejee, the Empire-wide exam . Passing this exam would grant her entry into the most prestigious military school in the Empire, a chance to shape her own destiny. 

While at school, Rin uncovers her heritage, a revelation that sheds light on her unusually powerful gifts. This aspect of the story not only adds depth to Rin’s character but also enriches the world-building, as it reveals a hidden layer of the book’s supernatural realm.

Having yet to graduate, Rin and the rest of her fellow schoolmates are thrown into a war where they have to put to use the skills and strategies they have learned in real-life and death battles.

The Poppy War is not just a novel, it’s a rich tapestry of themes. It delves into the ethics of war, exploring concepts like genocide and the means justifying the end. It grapples with identity, power, and responsibility. And it celebrates the bonds of friendship. These themes are not just surface-level musings, but wonderfully complex and beautifully developed, with more to come in the second and third books of the trilogy. 

The world-building is enthralling. The political systems, cultures, supernatural realm, military, and educational systems are beautifully detailed, and all contribute successfully to the progression of the plot, the development of characters, and the strengthening of themes. 

The Poppy War has become one of my favourite books of the year. I am in the process of reading the second book the in the trilogy, and it’s starting off as just as wonderful as the first.

The Foxglove King and the Hemlock Queen

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books 1 and 2 of the Nightshade Crown by Hannah Witten

The Foxglove King

Who doesn’t like a novel about a young woman who has escaped from a cult using only her wits and her ability to wield Death Magic. Unfortunately her wits and her ability aren’t enough for her to escape her entrapment by the Presque Mort (yay for Warrior Monks). Lore is forced by the Presque Mort to work for the king, using her gift to find out what is behind the death of entire villages in the realm (these deaths are being blamed on an enemy country thus causing political tension). What a fabulous premise for great action. 

During this time, Lore becomes entangled in two complicated relationships; one to Gabrial, himself a warrior monk (so yes I’m partial to Gabrial) and the other to Prince Basitan the “pot stirring” heir to the throne.

The Foxglove King is an easy, enjoyable read with a likable heroine and a plot sprinkled with politics, the supernatural and glimmers of romance that is bound to develop in subsequent books.

A perfect series to start this summer!

The Hemlock Queen

So I had to take the time to read the first of Nightshade Crown Series before I could start The Hemlock Queen. Maybe I needed a palate cleanser of a different genre before I read the second in this series because I found the plot a bit plodding and therefore didn’t enjoy it as much as the first.

One of my favourite characters from the series is Gabriel but we didn’t see him as much and therefore was only mildly involved in the plot and in Lore’s character development.

Although I was bored at times, I still enjoyed being immersed in the world building and I still love Lore as our heroine so I will more than likely continue to visit the Sainted King’s Court.

The Heiress

~ Lisa Helm ~ 1 Comment

by Rachel Hawkins

Ok, Rachel Hawkins has again done what she does best…sucks you into a sticky web of murder and secrets, making it impossible to escape until you’ve read the last page. 

The wealthy widow (three times widowed) Ruby McTavish has died, leaving her estate to her son Cam, who wants nothing to do with his mother, her fortune, or his childhood. You see, Cam has made a humble life for himself as a teacher and husband to Jules. He’d much rather have his uncle and cousins deal with the family fortune.

Unfortunately, Cam’s uncle dies, and Jules (who has never met his family and would like to learn more about her husband) encourages Cam to return to the family fold to help with issues surrounding the estate. 

Upon his return, the reader learns of Ruby’s dark past, the circumstances surrounding Cam’s troubled childhood, and the building of a fortune built on blood.

I really enjoyed this book for several reasons:

  • It was a suitable palate cleanser after the heavy literary fiction I had been reading.
  • It was a quick read with a fast-paced plot and interesting characters.
  • It had two storylines that worked successfully together.When I got tired of one, I was sent back to Ruby’s time. 

This is a great novel with enough twists to keep you reading until the very end. It’s a perfect title for your summer TBR.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin,s Press for the free copy

The Pole

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by J. M Coetzee


It’s taken me a while to write a review for this novel. How do I write an objective review about a story I so significantly identify? The Pole is a love story but not a love story. It is a story about friendship, but not much of a friendship. In this novel, Coetzee does what Coetzee does best, with razor-sharp precision; he concisely writes what we all have felt and, in this case, what a middle-aged woman feels when she meets someone who tells her: “She gives him peace. She gives him joy”. (pg. 32)

Beatriz is nearing 50 and is a mother and a wife. She is content in life, “an intelligent person but not reflective [however] a portion of her intelligence consists of an awareness that excess reflection can paralyze the will.” (pg 4).
Witold Walczykiezicz is a 70-year-old Polish pianist known for interpreting Chopin’s works. When he arrives in Barcelona to perform, he meets Beatriz, a socialite who seems forced to be a hostess during his visit. Witold immediately falls in love with Beatriz, claiming that she is Beatrice to his Dante.
But Beatriz is anything but attracted to Witold. In fact, she has “emerged from her explorations with no great respect for men and their appetites, no wish to have a wave of male passion splash over her” (pg 27).
But something about Witold compels Beatriz to join this strange musician’s world, but will it be as a friend or a lover?

This novel, with its unique structure that resembles a narrative poem, is a captivating read. I was initially provided a free digital copy from Netgally and the publisher, but I was so enthralled that I ended up purchasing a hard copy. I am certain to revisit it, or at least reread portions of it, in the future.

While the main characters of this novel may be middle-aged and elderly, their experiences and responses are deeply human, making them relatable to readers of all ages. The beauty of the prose and the depth of the sentences serve as expert examples of author craft, inviting readers to delve into the intricacies of the narrative.

2 New Mystery Novels

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The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill

I enjoyed Gentill’s novel The Woman in the Library, so I was excited to get my hands on this one. Although I wouldn’t say I liked it as much, I still enjoyed it. I liked The brother-sister dynamic between Theo and Gus, Horse (no spoilers), and plot elements (who doesn’t love conspiracy theories, the crazy lives of authors, and murder?).

I didn’t love the pace (too slow for me) and Theo’s stupid choices. I mean, I know she’s only 22, but COME ON!

Overall, I enjoyed this novel. It’s a suitable quick read with a somewhat intriguing mystery. Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the copy.

The Lake of Lost Girls by Katherine Greene

f you love true crime podcasts, unsolved murders, and a protagonist with a ton of baggage (none of it her doing), then you’ll love this novel.

Lindsey Fadley was only 10 years old when her sister Jessica disappeared, and she’s always felt guilty; she WAS the last person to see her. And now, years later, human remains have been found in Doll’s Eye Lake, the same lake where her sister was last seen. Lindsey’s past has literally come back to haunt her in the form of reporters harassing her for information, an old boyfriend that may have ulterior motives and memories that seem nothing but unreliable.

At first, I found this novel VERY predictable. I figured out a guilty party within the first 30 pages. However, there was a twist that made the plot redeemable and, in fact, quite intriguing. I did find Lindesy gullible to the point of annoying; however, the other aspects of Greene’s writing keep me engaged. Overall, it is an engaging mystery. I will be reading more of Greene’s writing.

This novel will be available to purchase in November 2024

Thank you to Crooked Lane and Netgalley for the free copy.

Fayne

~ Lisa Helm ~ Leave a comment

by Ann Marie MacDonald

Well, I’ve been procrastinating about reviewing this one. Not because I hated it but because I loved it. And it is a long read deserving of engaging discussion and the investment of a reread. (and I hardly EVER reread novels). Ann Marie MacDonald is a force. Her creative brain is astounding. Her writing is filled with facts and philosophy, plot and poetry. She is a perfect mentor author who has written the ideal mentor text limitless in its potential for literary, thematic or personal discussion.

The novel is set in the late 1800’s. Our protagonist is Charlotte, a precocious child who spends days rambling about the family estate. Charlotte, motherless, loves her father immensely. But as Charlotte gets older, her curiosity and aspirations become too large for her father and the social constraints at the time; she is, after all, a girl and, therefore, should be raised to be a proper wife with no fanciful notions of pursuing academia. Aaaand, her curiosity may lead her to discover the unspoken truth behind her mother and her own identity. 

This novel was so good that I didn’t want to put it down, so I also purchased the audio copy, and both listened and read. I was so glad I did. The author herself narrates the novel, and may I say that it is one of the most engaging narrations I’ve ever listened to. I felt as though I was in seventh grade again, and my teacher was reading the Hobbit aloud….mesmerizing. And It made me appreciate the writing even more.

This novel discusses themes of identity, family, friendship, the confinement of social norms, gender issues, and legacy. 

Fayne is definitely a holiday read. Christmas holidays or summer so that you can devote the time to read/listen to it in its entirety. This novel is one of my favourite novels of all time… so far. : )

None of This is True

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by Lisa Jewell

This book ruined my plans for the day. Once I started it, I could not do anything else until I was finished. It was creeeeeeeeepy!!! A perfectly paced plot that created a crazy sense of suspense. In fact, he plot immediately sucks you in, and you can’t escape until you reach the “wtf” conclusion.

The story is about Alix Summers and Josie Fair. Two women, strangers to each other, who just happen to be “birthday twins”. But having the same day of birth is the only thing these two women have in common. They meet by chance at a restaurant whilst celebrating their birthdays! Alix is a beautiful, vibrant woman with a podcast celebrating the accomplishments of women who have overcome adversity. Josie is an unassuming part-time seamstress who is in want of a life different from her own. When Josie discovers who Alix is, she approaches her with a proposition; to tell the story of her life, a life she is determined to change.

However, Josie’s life has been anything but normal. Soon Alix uncovers uncomfortable truths about this birthday twin of hers (little objects are beginning to disappear from her house, and Josie is spotted on her home’s security camera rifling through recycling). Is Josie a victim? Or is she a psychopath?

Loved this novel. Perfect if you are looking for a quick-absorbing read.
Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for the free copy.

The Spider

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by Lars Kepler

Lars Kepler scared the crap out of me over ten years ago when I first read The Hypnotist. Since then, Kepler has published several Nordic murder mystery novels with detective Joona Linna as the central investigator. In The Spider, however, our focus is on another investigator Saga Bauer who has been on leave from the department with PTSD. Saga has been receiving little figurines of people, people who have a resemblance to people she knows. The killer has sent her a note saying that she will receive 9 figures, meaning 9 deaths, and it is up to Saga to find the murderer before the subsequent killing. Upon receiving a figurine, the person it represents is murdered in an incredibly gruesome manner. Kepler writes from various viewpoints, Joona, Saga, and the victims. It is by putting us in the shoes of the victims that creates an incredible sense of dread in the reader. A fast-paced, incredibly creepy crime novel that will keep you awake at night. A perfect summer or weekend read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin House Canada for the free copy.

The Left Handed Book Sellers of London

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by Garth Nix


Imagine living in a London, where an alternate dimension of goblins, zombies, and giant-sized wolves exist. You wouldn’t know this dimension exists except for the fact that you, yourself, may have some “magic” blood in you. But no worries, to help you navigate this peculiar London is a left-handed bookseller named Merlin, who you just happened to meet when he was saving your life from a Sipper, also known as a vampire.
Well, Susan Arkshaw is our protagonist who, at eighteen, has moved to London to go to art school. Still, the move isn’t going exactly according to plan.
This is a fast-paced novel with incredible world-building. I LOVED it and have already bought the sequel, The Sinister Booksellers of Bath, which you’ll want to buy because this first book has left you wanting to return not only to this wonderful fantasy world but to Susan’s story as well.
This novel would make an excellent read-aloud for any junior and senior high ELA class.

When Women Were Dragons

~ Lisa Helm ~ 1 Comment

by Kelly Barnhill

On April 25, 1955, thousands of women spontaneously morphed into dragons. Some flew off without incident, but others left a trail of death and destruction behind them. What would cause these women to do such a thing? After all, they should have been perfectly happy and content in their socially suitable lives. But to change into something fierce and beautiful and utterly independent! What a horrible tragedy. And all hoped it would never happen again….but it did.
This novel follows young Alexandra (or Alex as she prefers to be called) from childhood to young adulthood as she navigates a world where female role models struggle to figure out their identities. Alex’s aunt Marla is a dynamic woman who flew aircraft in the war, works in a garage and has never married. Alex’s mother was a gifted mathematician who built a name for herself in banking and investment but chose to become a wife and mother and leave her mathematical aspirations behind. And seeing how the story takes place in the 1950s and 60s, this struggle for identity is divisive both in society and the family dynamic. To make matters worse (or better), it seems that those women breaking from the societal norm of how “womanhood” is defined spontaneously turn into dragons. Alex must first decide how she views herself in a society defined chiefly by men and then decide what path she will take to live as her authentic self. Will that include turning into a dragon? Read the novel to find out.

A Court of Thorns and Roses

~ Lisa Helm ~ Leave a comment

by Sarah Maas

Well, this was a perfect summer read for me.

Easy to read ( like gulping a lemonade or a Corona on a hot summer day), escapist (who doesn’t like faerie realms?), romantic (who doesn’t like a bad boy…or two?), and a kick-ass female protagonist who does more saving than being saved herself.
A fast-paced, spicy fantasy. I will undoubtedly be reading the rest of the series.

The Invisible Hour

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by Alice Hoffman

I had forgotten I liked Alice Hoffman’s writing. The Invisible Hour was THE perfect re-introduction to her storytelling. This is a novel about the power of books, a belief I hold near and dear to my heart because I have seen it manifested over and over again in my students. When Ivy is little more than 17 years old, she becomes pregnant and disowned by her parents. Being in such a precarious situation, she is easily convinced to join a cult where she is partnered with none other than the cult leader himself, Joel Jacobs. But when her baby Mia is born, she recognizes the prison in which she has placed her daughter and looks for ways to instil a sense of freedom in her daughter. This freedom includes finding sanctuary in the town’s library, where Mia falls in love with the writing of Nathanial Hawthorn; in fact, the first book she picks up is The Scarlet Letter, and in it is an inscription from Hawthorn himself that seems weirdly and intimately linked to Mia herself born over a hundred years after Hawthorn’s death?
When Mia is threatened with torture and imprisonment within the cult, she finds strength in Hawthorn’s words and escapes the only world she’s ever known.
This story has a little bit of everything: time travel, romance, and drama, but mostly it is a novel about how we can find strength and belonging in books, and I love this.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for the free copy.

You can buy The Invisible Hour August 15!

Morgan is My Name

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by Sophie Keetch

In High School, I loved Mary Stewart’s Arthurian Legend series. My favourite character was Morgan, sister to Arthur, apprentice to Merlin, sorcerous in her own right, but a minor character with the likes of Arthur and Merlin being the story’s focus. On the other hand, Sophie Keetch has written an entire book telling Morgan’s story. Yay!
The novel starts when Morgan is a young girl and her father, the king, is killed. King Uther comes to court and forces the Queen (her mother) to marry him and then pretty much dictates the lives of everyone in the land as most kings were wont to do in the middle ages. Ever the rebel, Morgan is sent to a convent where she is delighted to have the opportunity to study (her passion, anatomy and healing). But her stepfather king eventually interrupts her happiness and orders her back to court, where she has to stifle the powerful woman she is if she is to survive the politics of the land. But just how long will she be able to live a life dictated?
I loved and loved LOVED this book. I loved the characterization of Morgan. I loved the strong female characters presented. I loved the love story, the political intricacies and the elements of “Arthurian legend” woven throughout. What a great addition to my summer reading.
Keetch writes in prose that is accessible to every reader.
Thank you to Random House and Netgalley for the free copy.