Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Most Disappointing Books of 2024


It is once again that time of year where we begin to get into everyone's favorite 'best of' and 'worst of' lists. As I've said previous years, I always like to start my series of lists off with my most disappointing reads at the end of December so that we can get it out of the way and start off January with some positive posts. I only chose six books for this year's post, and although there are still plenty of books I don't enjoy every year, I do feel like I'm pretty good at gauging what books are and aren't going to work for me, so there are less flops overall. 

I specifically name this post "most disappointing books" instead of "worst books" because this list, for me, is not a list of books that are "bad" or horribly written or anything (usually), but rather a list of books that for some personal reason just ended up being disappointing. I don't tend to hold any hate for these books–unless otherwise noted–and instead see them as books that maybe I was really looking forward to and ended up falling flat for one reason or another, or maybe they just really didn't connect with me and that was disappointing. As a result, they become my lowest rated books and end up on this list. (Also, I usually include my DNFs on this post, but I was looking the ones I DNF'd this year and I really just felt nothing about them, so I figured there was no need to include them this year.)

If you loved any of the books on this list, that's awesome! I love that we can all have such varying opinions on books and still come together as a group of readers. I always stand by the fact that I have found some fantastic books on other bloggers' "worst books" lists because what doesn't work for one person might be exactly what another person loves. And vice versa–favorites could be another person's least favorite book. It's all subjective and we all have so many different experiences to bring to our reading journeys, and to me that's the beauty of reading. 

And just a quick note to say that my 'best of' lists and end of year stats post will be up in January! I'm still reading through the 31st, so it's too soon for me to have them up before then, but once the year is done I'll get to work on those. :)

Now, with all of that out of the way, let's take a look at my 2024 Most Disappointing Reads!

         

Nineteen Claws and Blackbird by Agustina Bazterrica, translated by Sarah Moses
I absolutely devoured (pun intended?) Bazterrica's Tender is the Flesh and thought it was one of the best and most visceral and thought-provoking (and grotesque) books when I read it in 2021, so I was really excited about this new story collection from her. Unfortunately, this set of stories just felt like a bit of a mess and were all over the place, and I struggled to find much meaning in many of them. I really wanted to love these, but they just couldn't hold my attention or convey much for me to get invested in. I don't regret reading it, but I was definitely disappointed in the quality.  

Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan - Review
 It's always painful when a book with a cover as beautiful as this (and have you seen the Illumicrate special edition? The naked hardcase is absolutely stunning) is a disappointment, but here we are. This book had so much potential for a creative, intricate world with interesting characters, but unfortunately it felt like the author just tried to do too much and didn't really full flesh out any of it, and any complexities to the world were lost amidst everything else. The characters also sadly didn't have much that really drew me to them, so I found it hard to maintain my interest in the story. I would potentially consider reading a sequel if I heard it was leagues better than this one, but otherwise I'll probably leave this story here. 

         

The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey - Review
 I was excited to finally read James S.A. Corey... and then I was less excited once I started. It's hard to say exactly what didn't work for me, but I think a big part of it had to do with the somewhat cardboard-feel of the characters. Everyone had a specific role and they played that well, but it didn't leave much nuance for my preference. In my review (linked above), I stated that I would absolutely still read the sequel, but I'm going to wait and gauge my interest level once it's out. The premise for this one is still compelling enough to grab me, so I may just let it try to redeem itself with a sequel. That being said, I still felt this was one of those books that was a massive disappointed given how much I was looking forward to it and how many amazing things I've heard about. James S.A. Corey. 

Guillotine by Delilah S. Dawson
Before you come at me, this book is actually good! This is only here because it disappointed me that there wasn't more to it. It has a fun eat the rich premise, but it really stops there. There was no other depth or substance to it–and maybe that's enough, maybe that's all it's supposed to be, but for me, I wanted more. It felt like gore for the sake of gore and torture for the sake of taking out frustrations, and while that's not always bad, it was honestly a little boring at times. It felt like it existed just to exist. I still love Delilah S. Dawson and will happily read more from her, though! This short novel just was a miss for me, I guess.  (I do heartily recommend her book The Violence, which was fantastic. Also gory, which you may be able to deduce from the title). 

         

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
I feel like I shouldn't have been surprised by how much I really, really disliked this, and yet I still chose to read it so clearly I thought there was something promising. I always know I shouldn't go for the books that have Classics and Greek professors and subsequent secret societies in them because I know it's all just going to end up frustrating me when it's done poorly, but still I fall into the trap and then I regret it. This felt so scattered and all over the place and the characters were unlikeable in a way that I don't like (I really like a well-written unlikable character–this was not that) and the plot progressions just made no sense half the time. It was just one of those that you keep reading because you really need to see where the author is going with everything. And maybe that's the mark of an author who does know what they're doing because it kept me reading, right? Nevertheless, I won't be fooled again and will probably not pick up something from this author again in the future (never say never, but...). 

Sleep Tight by J.H. Markert
I feel like this book catfished me because the cover looks like horror and all the marketing I saw for it screamed horror... and yet it was more of a mystery/thriller. I know the synopsis talks about a serial killer and a detective, but for some reason I was thinking it would be less crime procedural/basic kidnapping story and more... I don't know, horror-y? Silence of the Lambs-esque? Police procedurals/FBI agents/detectives are all usually keywords that make me pass on books, but I went for this one anyway and let is sneak under my radar, and honestly, I shouldn't have. It's not a bad book, I'm sure so many people who love those types of things will love it, but I am not one of them. 


Did you read any of these books? If so, what'd you think of them? I'd love to hear if you loved them, hated them, felt so-so, etc. in the comments! And be sure to let me know what your most disappointing reads of 2024 were either in the comments or with a link to your own posts, I'd love to read them. :)


Monday, December 30, 2024

Anticipated January 2025 Releases

 

Instead of trying to wrap our heads around the fact that 2025 begins in two days let's instead focus on all the wonderful new books being released in January (and just a head's up, there are... a lot)! As always, I've listed an array of January 2025 releases below–though I've no doubt missed many great ones–so be sure to have a look and let me know which ones you're most looking forward to reading (and let me know if I missed any that you're excited about!). Happy reading!


All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall || January 7th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

We Do Not Part by Han Kang || January 21st -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

At Dark, I Become Loathsome by Eric LaRocca || January 28th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

Realm of Ice and Sky by Buddy Levy || January 28th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

Old Soul by Susan Barker || January 28th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor || January 14th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

The Devourer by Alison Ames || January 7th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

The Lamb by Lucy Rose || January 30th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

We Lived on the Horizon by Erika Swyler || January 14th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao || January 14th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

Babylonia by Costanza Casati || January 14th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

Wake Up and Open Your Eyes by Clay McLeod Chapman || January 7th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

Lightfall by Ed Crocker || January 14th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear by Seanan McGuire || January 7th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

Our Winter Monster by Dennis A. Mahoney || January 28th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

Darkmotherland by Samrat Upadhyay || January 1st -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

Breath of the Dragon by Fonda Lee & Shannon Lee || January 7th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

The Last Bookstore on Earth by Lily Braun-Arnold || January 7th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

Save Me, Stranger: Stories
 by Erika Krouse
 || January 21st -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

The Way Up Is Death by Dan Hanks || January 14th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

A Crown So Silver by Lyra Selene || January 23rd -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

A Calamity of Noble Houses by Amira Ghenim, trans. Miled Faiza & Karen McNeil || January 14th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

The Secrets of Underhill by Kali Wallace || January 28th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson || January 7th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang || January 21st -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

Outcast Mage by Annabel Campbell || January 28th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

Homeseeking by Karissa Chen || January 7th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

The In-Between Bookstore by Edward Underhill || January 14th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang || January 28th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

The Afterdark by E. Latimer || January 7th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

The Queen's Spade by Sarah Raughley || January 14th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

Level: Unknown by David Dalglish || January 14th -- Amazon | Bookshop.org

What are your anticipated January releases?

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Can't-Wait... Tuesday?: Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear by Seanan McGuire, The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang, & The Secrets of Underhill by Kali Wallace

      

Can't-Wait is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights exciting upcoming releases that we can't wait to be released! This meme is based off of Jill @ Breaking the Spine's Waiting on Wednesday meme.

Since tomorrow is Christmas Day for those who celebrate, I figured I'd go ahead and post my Can't-Wait Wednesday post today instead. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season! :)

Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear (Wayward Children #10) by Seanan McGuire
Publication: January 7th, 2025
Tordotcom
Hardcover. 160 pages.
Pre-order: Amazon | Bookshop.org

From Goodreads:
"Giant turtles, impossible ships, and tidal rivers ridden by a Drowned girl in search of a family in the latest in the bestselling Hugo and Nebula Award-Winning Wayward Children series from Seanan McGuire.

Nadya had three mothers: the one who bore her, the country that poisoned her, and the one who adopted her.

Nadya never considered herself less than whole, not until her adoptive parents fitted her with a prosthetic arm against her will, seeking to replace the one she'd been missing from birth.

It was cumbersome; it was uncomfortable; it was wrong.

It wasn't
her.

Frustrated and unable to express why, Nadya began to wander, until the day she fell through a door into Belyrreka, the Land Beneath the Lake--and found herself in a world of water, filled with child-eating amphibians, majestic giant turtles, and impossible ships that sailed as happily beneath the surface as on top. In Belyrreka, she found herself understood for who she was: a Drowned Girl, who had made her way to her real home, accepted by the river and its people.

But even in Belyrreka, there are dangers, and trials, and Nadya would soon find herself fighting to keep hold of everything she had come to treasure.
"

I'm honestly still a bit behind on catching up with this series, but I'm always excited to hear about a new one coming out. I'm also a little surprised sometimes that it's still going, but I'm curious to see what else McGuire has up her sleeve.

The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang
Publication: January 28th, 2025
Sphere
Hardcover. 400 pages.
Pre-order: Amazon | Bookshop.org

From Goodreads:
"An astonishing story set in 1800s China. Little Flower is sold into slavery, and Linjing into marriage . . .

As a child, Little Flower is sold to Linjing's wealthy family to become a muizai. In a fit of childish jealousy over her new handmaiden's ladylike bound feet and talent for embroidery, Linjing ensures Little Flower can never leave her to ascend in society.

Despite their starkly different places in the Fong household, over the years the two girls must work together to secure both their futures through Linjing's marriage. As the two grow up, they are by turns bitter rivals and tentative friends.

Until scandal strikes the family, and Linjing and Little Flower's lives are unexpectedly thrown into chaos. Linjing's fall from grace could be an opportunity for Little Flower - but will their intertwined fates lead to triumph, or tragedy for them both?
"

I'm always on the lookout for some great new historical fiction and this one sounds really promising!

The Secrets of Underhill by Kali Wallace
Publication: January 28th, 2025
Quirk Books
Hardcover. 320 pages.
Pre-order: Amazon | Bookshop.org

From Goodreads:
"This immersive fantasy adventure combines vivid world-building with timely themes of environmentalism is perfect for middle grade readers of Kelly Barnhill and Jessica Townsend.

Nick Sixsmith has spent her whole life on the road. The daughter of a traveling arborist, she and her mother move from town to town, caring for the ironwood groves the communities rely upon. When a dangerous blight takes hold of these magical trees, they must journey to the city of Mistwood—her mother’s hometown—for answers.

Nick can’t wait to explore the prosperous city of Mistwood and all it has to the bustling markets and workshops, neighborhoods built under a roaring waterfall, and the vast ancestral grove of ironwood trees. But dark secrets simmer beneath the surface as people start to disappear, and tensions rise in the city.

As the mystery grows, Nick and her new friends must follow the trail where it leads underground, to a strange, enchanting world called Underhill. Only then, among the roots of ancestral grove, will Nick find a way to save her new home and the ironwood trees.
"

I've only had a chance to read Kali Wallace's adult sci-fi/horror so far, and I'm really excited to finally check out some of her middle grade work because I do love some great middle grade.

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Review: The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door by H.G. Parry

The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door by H.G. Parry
Redhook
Publication Date: October 22nd, 2024
Paperback. 464 pages.

About The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door:

"All they needed to break the world was a door, and someone to open it.

Camford, 1920. Gilded and glittering, England's secret magical academy is no place for Clover, a commoner with neither connections nor magical blood. She tells herself she has fought her way there only to find a cure for her brother Matthew, one of the few survivors of a faerie attack on the battlefields of WWI which left the doors to faerie country sealed, the study of its magic banned, and its victims cursed.

But when Clover catches the eye of golden boy Alden Lennox-Fontaine and his friends, doors that were previously closed to her are flung wide open, and she soon finds herself enmeshed in the seductive world of the country's magical aristocrats. The summer she spends in Alden’s orbit leaves a fateful mark: months of joyous friendship and mutual study come crashing down when experiments go awry, and old secrets are unearthed.

Years later, when the faerie seals break, Clover knows it’s because of what they did. And she knows that she must seek the help of people she once called friends—and now doesn’t quite know what to call—if there’s any hope of saving the world as they know it."

I still believe H.G. Parry is criminally underrated and I need more people to read her work!

The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door is a stunning story of fae, academia, friendships, thoughtful writing and a captivating narrative. I am always most captivated by Parry’s meticulous care for language and how well she crafts her prose into such immersive and enchanting stories. This standalone fae/academia fantasy is perfect for readers seeking a magical adventure without committing to an entire series, and I know that there are plenty of people looking for more standalone, so this is for you!

Set in the aftermath of World War I, we begin following our protagonist Clover as her brother returns home from the war gravely injured by a fae curse that was caused when a fae broke through into the human world and wreaked havoc on the battlefield. Determined to help him recover from the effects of the curse, Clover sets out to study magic and discover how to reverse the curse–despite the fact that she lacks any magical blood and is not from a "Family" (longstanding bloodlines that carry magic down family lines). Still, this doesn't stop her from earning her place at Camford, a prestigious university of magic that is hidden from the non-magical, where she embarks on a brand new phase of her life.

Clover is a determined and fairly headstrong young woman, but she is more of a 'keep your head down and focus on what you need to do' person rather than someone who stands out and makes a fuss or big name for herself. At Camford, she meets the charming Alden Lennox-Fontaine and is subsequently introduced to Hero and Eddie, and the four quickly form a tight friend group. We see Clover initially struggle to find her footing at Camford and among her new friend group, but over time she eventually figures out where she stands and even manages to achieve a sense of comfort and almost belonging at this new school and in her life.

Alden is a hard character to pin down. He’s hard to get know on a deep level and is also very much focused on furthering his own goals, which we eventually learn intersect with Clover’s. While he’s not the kindest person, his charm makes him compelling and hard not to want to be friends with, which Clover finds herself struggling with.

Hero is as equally headstrong as Clover, though sometimes in different ways, and is determined to break barriers for women in magical academia and the magical world in general, which is currently dominated by men. She’s steadfast and loyal and truly a force to be reckoned with.

Eddie, however, was my favorite. Eddie brings a unique depth to the group and could be described as quiet, insightful, and deeply passionate about plants, botany, and hedge witch magics. He is a quietly loyal friend who often fades into the background or is taken for granted by his friends, especially since he is often outshone by the strong personalities of Alden and Hero. His contributions are subtle at times, but significant–I would never underestimate him–and I felt for him throughout the story.

One of the highlights of the book is the evolution of the friendships within this group. The dynamic relationships—sometimes changing for the better, sometimes for the worse—are intricate and deeply explored. Parry masterfully develops each character and their connections, showcasing how they grow in complex ways both individually and together.

The world-building is equally fascinating. I loved the idea that magic could be learned by anyone with the determination to study it, whether a part of a Family or not. I loved the deep dive into fae theories and how curses work and how they make their way to the human world. I wish we’d spent more time delving into other mechanics of fae magic and the fae world itself, but I understand that that may have changed some of the focus of the book. I actually appreciated that the focus on Clover’s studies kept the scope of the story tight, which instead added to the mystique of the fae world. For me as a reader, I tend to lean towards a ‘sometimes less is more’ preference, and Parry strikes a delicate balance here, leaving just enough to the imagination.

The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door story gave me subtle Harry Potter vibes (in a good way!) at times, particularly with the hidden magical world and the enchanted university setting. However, it had plenty to make it’s own world unique and stand out. Camford’s dark, magical ambiance always felt rich with hidden details, and the academia-focused first part of the book was developed incredibly well. And although the majority of the first portion of the book takes place at the university, there is a small variety of additional settings we visit as well. I found there to be nice balance of places and things that happen in this book that prevents it from ever getting boring or feeling like it was dragging.

I’d also like to point out that this isn’t a romance-heavy book. There are hints of potential romance, but it’s subtle and secondary to the story. Instead, the focus is on magic, friendship, and the complexities of this world, which felt really fresh and rewarding.

The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door tells what is truly a rather monumental story within a single, standalone volume. The character work is exceptional, the world expansive yet mysterious, and Parry’s writing is gorgeous—sharp, witty, and deeply immersive.

If you haven’t read H.G. Parry yet, this is a fantastic place to start. If you have, whether or not you enjoyed her previous works, I encourage you to give this one a try. It’s a brilliant, unique fae fantasy that offers something a little different from what’s out there. Overall, I’ve given The Scholar and the Faerie door five stars!


*I received a copy of The Scholar and the Faerie Door in exchange for an honest review. This has no affect on my rating.*


Buy the book: Amazon | Bookshop.org


Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Can't-Wait Wednesday: Lightfall by Ed Crocker, We Do Not Part by Han Kang, & Voice Like a Hyacinth by Mallory Pearson

      

Can't-Wait is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights exciting upcoming releases that we can't wait to be released! This meme is based off of Jill @ Breaking the Spine's Waiting on Wednesday meme.

Lightfall by Ed Crocker
Publication: January 14th, 2025
St. Martin's Press
Hardcover. 384 pages.
Pre-order: Amazon | Bookshop.org

From Goodreads:
"No humans here. Just immortals: their politics, their feuds—and their long buried secrets.

For centuries, vampires freely roamed the land until the Grays came out of nowhere, wiping out half the population in a night. The survivors fled to the last vampire city of First Light, where the rules are simple. If you’re poor, you drink weak blood. If you’re nobility, you get the good stuff. And you can never, ever leave.

Palace maid Sam has had enough of these rules, and she’s definitely had enough of cleaning the bedpans of the lords who enforce them. When the son of the city’s ruler is murdered and she finds the only clue to his death, she seizes the chance to blackmail her way into a better class and better blood. She falls in with the Leeches, a group of rebel maids who rein in the worst of the Lords. Soon she’s in league with a sorcerer whose deductive skills make up for his lack of magic, a deadly werewolf assassin and a countess who knows a city’s worth of secrets.

There’s just one problem. What began as a murder investigation has uncovered a vast conspiracy by the ruling elite, and now Sam must find the truth before she becomes another victim. If she can avoid getting murdered, she might just live forever.
"

I have an ARC that I've just started getting into and it's been super promising, I can't wait to keep reading!

Voice Like a Hyacinth by Mallory Pearson
Publication: February 1st, 2025
47North
Paperback. 367 pages.
Pre-order: Amazon | Bookshop.org

From Goodreads:
"Five young women eager for success rely on the unspeakable to make their dreams come true in a chilling novel about martyrdom, ritual, and obsession by the author of We Ate the Dark.

Art student Jo Kozak and her fellow classmates and best friends, Caroline, Finch, Amrita, and Saz, are one another’s muses—so close they have their own language and so devoted to the craft that they’ll do anything to keep their inspiration alive. Even if it means naively resorting to the occult to unlock their creativity and to curse their esteemed, if notoriously creepy, professor. They soon learn the horrible price to be paid for such a transgressive ritual.

In its violent aftermath, things are changing. Jo is feeling unnervingly haunted by something inexplicable. Their paintings, once prodigious and full of life, are growing dark and unhealthy. And their journey together—as women, students, and artists—is starting to crumble.

To right the wrong they’ve done, these five desperate friends will take their obsession a step too far. When that happens, there may be no turning back.
"

I'm really intrigued by this premise–I'm always up for something involving a group of friends/people that sounds a little bit messy and complicated. 

We Do Not Part by Han Kang
Publication: January 21st, 2025
Hogarth
Hardcover. 272 pages.
Pre-order: Amazon | Bookshop.org

From Goodreads:
"Han Kang’s most revelatory book since The Vegetarian, We Do Not Part tells the story of a friendship between two women while powerfully reckoning with a hidden chapter of Korean history.

One winter morning, Kyungha receives an urgent message from her friend Inseon to visit her at a hospital in Seoul. Inseon has injured herself in an accident, and she begs Kyungha to return to Jeju Island, where she lives, to save her beloved pet—a white bird called Ama.

A snowstorm hits the island when Kyungha arrives. She must reach Inseon’s house at all costs, but the icy wind and squalls slow her down as night begins to fall. She wonders if she will arrive in time to save the animal—or even survive the terrible cold that envelops her with every step. Lost in a world of snow, she doesn't yet suspect the vertiginous plunge into the darkness that awaits her at her friend's house.

Blurring the boundaries between dream and reality, We Do Not Part powerfully illuminates a forgotten chapter in Korean history, buried for decades—bringing to light the lost voices of the past to save them from oblivion. Both a hymn to an enduring friendship and an argument for remembering,it is the story of profound love in the face of unspeakable violence—and a celebration of life, however fragile it might be.
"

I've actually already read an ARC of this and thought it was a very thoughtful and occasionally heavy read that I think any Han Kang fan would enjoy.