Book Review – Page 3

A Melancholic Tale of Immigration and Resilience

Sing, Wild Bird, Sing carries a thread of melancholy as it weaves a journey that begins and ends in America, with glimpses of Ireland in between. At its heart is Honora, a woman who escapes poverty in Ireland to seek a new life in the U.S.—a story shared by countless immigrants.

Honora, both the protagonist and narrator, is not an easy person to love at first. She has built a hard shell around herself, a shield forged by hardship and survival. But as her layers slowly peel away, her resilience and yearning become clear. I found myself rooting for her, wanting her to soar, unburdened, like the wild bird in the title.

“Look for the one who sees the blessing.”

“The people you have been, they are ghosts, now, Honora, she told herself. Let them go. Set them free, and concern yourself only with going on, from now on.”

The novel also draws fascinating parallels between the struggles of Irish immigrants and the experiences of Native Americans in the mid-1800s, adding depth to its historical perspective. A compelling read for fans of American historical fiction.

Finding Love and Culture in Helen Hoang’s Beautiful Romance

Helen Hoang, a talented author from San Diego, has been on my radar for a long time, and I’m thrilled to have finally delved into one of her romance novels. Stella and Michael’s story is everything I hoped it would be—heartfelt, engaging, and beautifully written.

What makes this book even more special is the way Vietnamese food and culture are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding a layer of richness and authenticity that feels both intimate and celebratory.

Romance novels, in a way, are their own kind of fantasy—grounded in the realm of possibility yet imbued with the magic of love and hope. And let’s be honest, who among us doesn’t yearn for a happily-ever-after of our own? Helen Hoang delivers just that, with charm and elegance. Highly recommended for romance readers looking for a story with depth and heart.

Great start to 2025

I wish I could call this penultimate book “the storm before the calm,” but it’s so action-packed that I couldn’t stop turning the pages.

As I reached the final chapter, my stomach was in knots, filled with anticipation and dread for the characters I’ve grown to love. Liu’s storytelling continues to captivate, weaving intricate plots, intense action, and deeply emotional moments.

This book has set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable conclusion. It’s an exhilarating and nerve-wracking way to kick off my 2025 reading journey. If you’re a fan of epic fantasy, this series is a must-read!

2024 Reading Recap!

I read 32 books this year, and here are six of my favorites:

Chorus of Dragons series by Jenn Lyons—discovered a fantastic new fantasy writer and devoured all five books this year!

All the Light We Cannot See is another gem by Anthony Doerr—this one is an absolute must-read.

Atonement by Ian McEwan—read it on a friend’s recommendation, and it did not disappoint.

Ken Liu’s Dandelion Dynasty books 1 and 2—he’s a genius, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next two books!

My Lady Jane—an absolute delight that had me laughing and cheering.

Last Summer Boys by Bill Rivers—a brilliant debut novel.

What were your favorite reads in 2024?

7 out of 5 rating

The Wall of Storms by Ken Liu deserves more than a 5-star rating—it’s an absolute masterpiece. While I loved The Grace of Kings, this sequel surpasses it in every way. The pacing is relentless from the first page and doesn’t let up, keeping you hooked until the very end.

The introduction of the emperor’s children and Zomi is handled brilliantly. Zomi’s mentor-apprentice relationship beautifully mirrors the Guru-Shishya dynamic in Indian culture, adding a rich, cultural layer to the story. The Lyucu’s introduction, told across two timelines, is seamlessly executed and adds depth to the narrative.

The battle scenes, especially the unforgettable Battle of Zuthin Gulf, are nothing short of epic. The characters—particularly the female ones like Jia, Thera, Komi, and Gin—are complex and compelling, while the intricate political intrigue and technological marvels enrich the story further. On top of all this, Liu introduces us to the awe-inspiring new world of Ukyu.

“If the young do not have radical ideas, the world will never change”

“Sentiment makes us fools, and yet, without sentiment, we would be little better than dumb instruments wielded by the gods in their incomprehensible games.”

This book is a triumph, surpassing The Grace of Kings in scope, intensity, and brilliance. If you haven’t read it yet, do yourself a favor and pick it up. It’s a true masterpiece.

Book Review: The Hanging City

I previously read Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie N. Holmberg and loved its cozy fantasy vibes, so I was excited to dive into The Hanging City by the same author. This story follows Lark, who seeks refuge in the Troll city of Lamar, and it’s a wonderfully immersive tale. The world-building is good, with rich descriptions of the culture, social hierarchy, and the fascinating underground world of the trolls.

Lark ends up living with Unach and her brother Azmar, and while their relationship begins with misunderstandings and mistrust, she eventually finds acceptance with them. Despite their differences, love blossoms between Lark and ****, adding a sweet layer to the story. However, the danger Lark fled from catches up to her, forcing her to confront her fears and wield a weapon she despises.

“The gods made the stars, and through them made creatures in pairs: the fette and aerolass to rule the air, the merdan and gullop to rule the sea, and the humans and trolls to rule the earth. And so we did, before the earth changed and ruled us instead. According to the stories, in the time before, humans dominated, despite trolls being larger and stronger. War-torn brutes. Angry. Animals. Merciless. In all the tales told at bedside and campfire, trolls are always the enemy.”

“I believe,” he begins softly, “that error, made in ignorance, is forgivable.”

The ending ties up beautifully for Lark, making this a satisfying read. I recommend The Hanging City for fans of romantic fantasy (romantasy). It’s a captivating blend of adventure, romance, and richly imagined world-building.

Book Review: The Governess Game

The premise of Tessa Dare’s The Governess Game is delightfully straightforward: a charming rake unexpectedly becomes heir to a dukedom and guardian to two spirited young girls. Enter our accidental governess heroine, who steps in to bring order to the chaos. Amid mischief and heartwarming moments, love blossoms between them all.

Millicent’s funerals are oddly heartwarming in a way funerals shouldn’t be. They provide a unique backdrop for Alex and Chase to connect, allowing humor and tenderness to shine through. The antics of the two young wards not only add charm and mischief but also become a catalyst that draws Alex and Chase closer, creating moments that are both touching and laugh-out-loud funny. The blend of wit, romance, and unconventional family dynamics makes this story an absolute delight.

She’s dead.”

Now Alex was awake. She sat bolt upright in bed. “Dead?”

“Millicent. The consumption took her overnight.”

The doll. She meant the doll.

A male voice breezed into the room. “Such a tragedy. Deepest sympathies. A grievous loss.”

Mr. Reynaud had joined the group.

He bent to place a kiss on Millicent’s painted forehead. “Bless her soul. She looks just as though she’s sleeping. Or awake. Or doing anything else, really.”

Alex’s mouth twitched at the corners, but she bowed her head and tried to appear bereaved.

If you’re a fan of historical romance, I highly recommend The Governess Game! Tessa Dare’s writing is light, familiar, and genuinely funny—a perfect pick-me-up. I know I’ll be diving into more of her books in the future whenever I need a feel-good escape.

Slow Dance

I love reading Rainbow Rowell’s novels, and I’ve read every single one of them. So, you can imagine how excited I was to pick up her latest book, Slow Dance. That first chapter, introducing us to Shiloh and Cary, was everything I want from a book. Every time I read her stories, I fall in love with Nebraska—even though I’ve never been there. Who in North Omaha played golf?

One line that stood out to me was: “He was so familiar to Shiloh.” When she sees him after so many years, this single line encapsulates their entire relationship. Rainbow is a master at moments like this.

The side characters were also wonderful—Mikey, their mutual friend who brings them back together, both their moms, and Shiloh’s kids all had such depth.

My only small nitpick is that, in contemporary novels, authors sometimes have to create contrived reasons to keep the leads apart, which can make them act irrationally when it comes to matters of the heart.

“He always took Mikey home first, and then he’d take Shiloh home.”

Shiloh, my dear girl, that’s a big hint right there. How do you keep missing it?

In the historical romance novels I write, it’s easier to find reasons to keep my lovers apart because society had so many rules back then.

That aside, I absolutely loved the book. I highly recommend it to contemporary romance readers!

I was always heading your way, Cary.

My Lady Jane

I recently started watching My Lady Jane on Prime and enjoyed this quirky, alternate-history take on Jane Grey’s story. As someone who’s read Philippa Gregory’s Tudor novels, I was familiar with the real history. Then, as the credits rolled, I noticed the series was based on a book. You know me—I’m usually a “read the book before watching” kind of person (okay, except for Bridgerton). Naturally, I grabbed the book and devoured it in just a few days. It was an absolute delight—lighthearted, clever, and guaranteed to make you smile. Sometimes we adults feel guilty about reading purely for fun. Ignore that guilt and pick up this book if you want pure entertainment!

Afterward, I returned to the show, and I have to say, it didn’t disappoint. I don’t need adaptations to be perfectly faithful; I just want them to tell a great story, and this one delivered. It’s a shame Season Two was canceled, but at least the book tells the full, wonderfully weird alternate history.

Just finished my 25th book of the year!

The story follows Rose, who has always put her family first, often at the expense of her own needs, driven by a desire to honor her late father. A trip to Paris prompts her to reflect on what she truly wants, and the rest of the book captures her journey to find the courage to pursue it. I loved the Persian cultural elements, drawn from the author’s own life, which are beautifully woven throughout the story. The supporting characters, especially her mother and sisters, are excellent. My only critique is that Rose sometimes behaves more like a teenager in Paris than a woman in her thirties, though it can be seen as part of her late blooming. It’s an easy read with a happily-ever-after ending.

It’s been an amazing reading journey so far, and I’m already diving into the next one. What are you reading currently?