Rachael Arsenault's Blog - Posts Tagged "reading"
March Wrap-Up
I’ve decided to try a little something new this month. It’s an idea I’ve kind of been toying with a for a while, though originally I had envisioned it as something I could do for journaling, sort of as a way to help myself remember what I read, watched, and created throughout the year. But I’ve also been wanting to make better use of this blog space and was trying to think of a sustainable way to do it. I decided to combine the two ideas, and now I can present you with the first of my monthly wrap-ups.
What I’ve Enjoyed:
Books:
A Blade So Black by L. L. McKinney
Absolutely loved this book. It’s funny, emotional, action-packed, and masterfully blends the real world with the magical world in a way that makes me a little envious. Alice is a fantastic lead, the Black Knight is an intriguing antagonist, and all the other characters are lovable in their own way – especially when they’re all playing off each other. Definitely a full 5/5 from me.
Love Beyond Body, Space, and Time by Hope Nicholson (editor), et al.
I was so excited when my husband got me this anthology for my birthday. It’s full of a great variety of stories, though I particularly enjoyed the cute and sweet pieces like Né łe, which is about lesbians and puppies in space. I mean, what’s not to love?
Articles:
Star Wars fan with R2-D2 bionic arm has a big fan in Mark Hamill
This little story just checks all the boxes for me. Cool but practical technical advancements? Check! A community coming together to help a disadvantaged person improve their life? Check! A celebrity reaching out to and supporting a fan? Check! Just a sweet little feel-good read.
New Caledonian Crows Are Even Smarter and Scarier Than We Thought
I think crows are amazing animals, especially for their intelligence and playfulness. Learning that they’re even smarter than we previously thought just fills me with joy – even though crows’ intelligence is apparently scary to some people.
20 Slang Terms from World War I
I love language, etymology, and history, so this article was right up my alley. So many neat little tidbits and words we use casually without ever thinking about where they come from, as well as some terms and phrases I had never heard of before.
The Unsolved Case of the Most Mysterious Song on the Internet
In the digital age, we’ve all gotten fairly accustomed to being able to find information with a quick Google search. So it’s deeply frustrating and fascinating when something that seems like it should be straight-forward to identify is, in fact, an enigma. And sometimes you need a reminder that there are still enigmas in the world.
German Forest Ranger Finds That Trees Have Social Networks, Too
A super, super neat piece about how trees connect in more human ways than we expect. It may or may not contribute to how I write certain characters in the future…
Other:
Legend of the Dragoon
Technically I was enjoying this last month, too, but I wasn’t doing wrap-ups then and my husband and I are still working our way through it, so shhhh. In any case, this game is an oldie but a goodie. I had vague memories of playing this as a kid (might have been 8 or 9 at the time), but I didn’t get very far on account of the fact that I sucked at the combat system. Getting to properly take in the story and the worldbuilding while my husband plays through it (he absolutely loved this game as a kid) is pretty special. This game deserves way more hype.
Work I’ve Done:
Articles:
The Inventiveness and Ingenuity of South/Mesoamerican Indigenous People
I wrote this piece because I see a lot of misconceptions about indigenous people around the world, who are often portrayed as backward or primitive. This article is far from comprehensive, particularly because it only focuses on a specific region of the world, but I wanted to draw attention to the incredible skill and intelligence found in indigenous cultures. The ahistorical barbarian is a lie we need to do away with.
If You’re Angry About a Protest, Don’t Blame the Protestors
The public discourse around protestors and protests has always frustrated me, so I wanted to write a little piece highlighting the misconceptions/misinformation that often spreads about them, drawing especially on my own education on the subject.
What Can We Endure: Trans Representation in YA Fiction
For this, I wanted to explore a conundrum I’ve been facing when it comes to supporting diversity in fiction, with trans representation in YA fiction as a specific example. The issue I keep coming against is problematic or overly stereotyped portrayals, and the question of whether to support these works in the hopes that we get more trans characters who will hopefully be better written, or if supporting subpar representation begets more of the same problem.
Said is Not Dead
As a writer, I’ve seen a lot of different writing advice floating around the writing community. One popular tip is to avoid or limit using “said” in dialogue. I’ve always found this advice misguided, which is what I explore and explain in here.
YouTube Recommendations for While You’re Self-Isolating
With the outbreak of corona virus and surge of preventative closures, cancellations, and calls for social distancing, I’ve seen a lot of people on Twitter listing book recs, movie recs, Netflix recs, etc. So I figured I’d add my two cents and offer some YouTube recommendations, especially for those who want something to watch but don’t have Netflix.
Defeating Grand Dragons on Disc One of Final Fantasy IX
I’m not gonna lie: This is pretty much pure self-indulgence. I love FFIX – it and FFVIII were a big part of my childhood – and slaying Grand Dragons on the first disc is a must-do undertaking for every playthrough. So I figured I would share my methods for doing so!
That's what I've been enjoying so far this month. Any recommendations on what I should check out next month?
What I’ve Enjoyed:
Books:
A Blade So Black by L. L. McKinney
Absolutely loved this book. It’s funny, emotional, action-packed, and masterfully blends the real world with the magical world in a way that makes me a little envious. Alice is a fantastic lead, the Black Knight is an intriguing antagonist, and all the other characters are lovable in their own way – especially when they’re all playing off each other. Definitely a full 5/5 from me.
Love Beyond Body, Space, and Time by Hope Nicholson (editor), et al.
I was so excited when my husband got me this anthology for my birthday. It’s full of a great variety of stories, though I particularly enjoyed the cute and sweet pieces like Né łe, which is about lesbians and puppies in space. I mean, what’s not to love?
Articles:
Star Wars fan with R2-D2 bionic arm has a big fan in Mark Hamill
This little story just checks all the boxes for me. Cool but practical technical advancements? Check! A community coming together to help a disadvantaged person improve their life? Check! A celebrity reaching out to and supporting a fan? Check! Just a sweet little feel-good read.
New Caledonian Crows Are Even Smarter and Scarier Than We Thought
I think crows are amazing animals, especially for their intelligence and playfulness. Learning that they’re even smarter than we previously thought just fills me with joy – even though crows’ intelligence is apparently scary to some people.
20 Slang Terms from World War I
I love language, etymology, and history, so this article was right up my alley. So many neat little tidbits and words we use casually without ever thinking about where they come from, as well as some terms and phrases I had never heard of before.
The Unsolved Case of the Most Mysterious Song on the Internet
In the digital age, we’ve all gotten fairly accustomed to being able to find information with a quick Google search. So it’s deeply frustrating and fascinating when something that seems like it should be straight-forward to identify is, in fact, an enigma. And sometimes you need a reminder that there are still enigmas in the world.
German Forest Ranger Finds That Trees Have Social Networks, Too
A super, super neat piece about how trees connect in more human ways than we expect. It may or may not contribute to how I write certain characters in the future…
Other:
Legend of the Dragoon
Technically I was enjoying this last month, too, but I wasn’t doing wrap-ups then and my husband and I are still working our way through it, so shhhh. In any case, this game is an oldie but a goodie. I had vague memories of playing this as a kid (might have been 8 or 9 at the time), but I didn’t get very far on account of the fact that I sucked at the combat system. Getting to properly take in the story and the worldbuilding while my husband plays through it (he absolutely loved this game as a kid) is pretty special. This game deserves way more hype.
Work I’ve Done:
Articles:
The Inventiveness and Ingenuity of South/Mesoamerican Indigenous People
I wrote this piece because I see a lot of misconceptions about indigenous people around the world, who are often portrayed as backward or primitive. This article is far from comprehensive, particularly because it only focuses on a specific region of the world, but I wanted to draw attention to the incredible skill and intelligence found in indigenous cultures. The ahistorical barbarian is a lie we need to do away with.
If You’re Angry About a Protest, Don’t Blame the Protestors
The public discourse around protestors and protests has always frustrated me, so I wanted to write a little piece highlighting the misconceptions/misinformation that often spreads about them, drawing especially on my own education on the subject.
What Can We Endure: Trans Representation in YA Fiction
For this, I wanted to explore a conundrum I’ve been facing when it comes to supporting diversity in fiction, with trans representation in YA fiction as a specific example. The issue I keep coming against is problematic or overly stereotyped portrayals, and the question of whether to support these works in the hopes that we get more trans characters who will hopefully be better written, or if supporting subpar representation begets more of the same problem.
Said is Not Dead
As a writer, I’ve seen a lot of different writing advice floating around the writing community. One popular tip is to avoid or limit using “said” in dialogue. I’ve always found this advice misguided, which is what I explore and explain in here.
YouTube Recommendations for While You’re Self-Isolating
With the outbreak of corona virus and surge of preventative closures, cancellations, and calls for social distancing, I’ve seen a lot of people on Twitter listing book recs, movie recs, Netflix recs, etc. So I figured I’d add my two cents and offer some YouTube recommendations, especially for those who want something to watch but don’t have Netflix.
Defeating Grand Dragons on Disc One of Final Fantasy IX
I’m not gonna lie: This is pretty much pure self-indulgence. I love FFIX – it and FFVIII were a big part of my childhood – and slaying Grand Dragons on the first disc is a must-do undertaking for every playthrough. So I figured I would share my methods for doing so!
That's what I've been enjoying so far this month. Any recommendations on what I should check out next month?
October Wrap-Up
What I’ve Enjoyed
Books
Out of Sight, Out of Time and United We Spy by Ally Carter
The finale of the series, and all the twists and grim changes definitely hold up on a second read through. I loved seeing Cammie get her happy ending, especially with all the trauma and hardship she had to endure to get there.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit and other stories by Beatrix Potter
My husband picked up a whole little collection of these books earlier this month in preparation for us having our first baby, and he’s taken to reading them out loud to my stomach. Not only is this very sweet (and exciting to baby, if the kicks I got are any indication), but the stories themselves are adorable and beautifully illustrated.
Articles
A Brief History of Traveling With Cats
There was a lot of stuff in this I already knew – Egyptians revered cats, cats were often brought aboard ships as mousers, cats are not technically fully domesticated even to this day – but there were still a lot of details and nuances that I wasn’t aware of going into this article. Having the whole timeline laid out neatly and fairly succinctly like this helps make sense of exactly how cats became the furry house companions we love today – and including pictures of cats from throughout history certainly doesn’t hurt.
10 Types of European Breads with Fascinating Stories
Reading this mostly filled me with a mix of wanderlust and hunger, but it also taught me some snippets of history, so I’d say it’s all in balance. Now I just need an excuse to go to Europe…
The World’s Most Efficient Languages
When I was younger, I wanted to learn a language from every continent. I’m less ambitious now, but I still find language fascinating and love learning all the oddities and nuances of different tongues, especially how they can say the same thing in wildly different ways. This article explores and explains those differences beautifully.
Invisible No Longer
Reclamation and revitalization of traditional practices is, unfortunately, a common experience for many indigenous cultures around the world. That the moko kauae of the Māori almost disappeared due to the pressures and cruelties of colonization is, without question, a tragedy and the result of the many atrocities committed by European settlers – but seeing it return can be a source of hope and pride, especially for the Māori women who wear these sacred tattoos.
There’s Drama in the Queer Penguin Community
Sometimes you just need a light-hearted story, and gay penguins stealing eggs from their lesbian penguin neighbours definitely fits that bill.
Other
How These Cycling Dogs are Delighting Islanders during COVID
What’s better than dogs? Dogs in goggles. This adorable, wholesome story is straight from the Island that raised me. Makes me miss walks through Victoria Park.
What I’ve Created
Articles
Your Body is a Canvas – But You Aren’t Always the Painter
This is a more personal piece than my usual fare, as it explores my experience of being diagnosed with cancer when I was 19 and learning to accept the scars that left me with. Writing helped me a lot during that time, and this is no exception. I also entered this piece into the Body Art contest on Vocal, so it would mean a lot to me if you liked and shared it. <3
Writing for an Audience vs. Writing for Yourself
This is a discussion I’ve seem over and over for years – even back in middle school when I was browsing the Writers’ Forum on Gaiaonline (yeah, that’s a throwback), I saw people debating over this. So I put together some of my own thoughts and advice on the matter.
The Nova Scotia Fishing Dispute and Canada’s Systemic Racism
This one is close to home, both because I’m an Atlantic Canadian and because I wrote my thesis on systemic racism against Canada’s indigenous people. Seeing that same history continue to repeat itself is infuriating and disheartening, and writing this was my small way of contributing to the cause and trying to support the Mi’kmaw nation.
Ontario in the Eyes of a Small Town East Coaster
I wrote this on a whim one evening – I totally meant to chill out and take it easy, especially since I had just completed another article earlier that day, but I was hit with a sudden wave of inspiration. I’ve learned over the years not to ignore that sort of feeling, so I sat down and wrote. 2500 words later, I had this piece. It was fun to write, and kind of cathartic to reflect on such a happy, free time after spending so many months cooped up and wracked with anxiety. I hope reading it provides as much relief and escape as writing it did.
Books
Out of Sight, Out of Time and United We Spy by Ally Carter
The finale of the series, and all the twists and grim changes definitely hold up on a second read through. I loved seeing Cammie get her happy ending, especially with all the trauma and hardship she had to endure to get there.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit and other stories by Beatrix Potter
My husband picked up a whole little collection of these books earlier this month in preparation for us having our first baby, and he’s taken to reading them out loud to my stomach. Not only is this very sweet (and exciting to baby, if the kicks I got are any indication), but the stories themselves are adorable and beautifully illustrated.
Articles
A Brief History of Traveling With Cats
There was a lot of stuff in this I already knew – Egyptians revered cats, cats were often brought aboard ships as mousers, cats are not technically fully domesticated even to this day – but there were still a lot of details and nuances that I wasn’t aware of going into this article. Having the whole timeline laid out neatly and fairly succinctly like this helps make sense of exactly how cats became the furry house companions we love today – and including pictures of cats from throughout history certainly doesn’t hurt.
10 Types of European Breads with Fascinating Stories
Reading this mostly filled me with a mix of wanderlust and hunger, but it also taught me some snippets of history, so I’d say it’s all in balance. Now I just need an excuse to go to Europe…
The World’s Most Efficient Languages
When I was younger, I wanted to learn a language from every continent. I’m less ambitious now, but I still find language fascinating and love learning all the oddities and nuances of different tongues, especially how they can say the same thing in wildly different ways. This article explores and explains those differences beautifully.
Invisible No Longer
Reclamation and revitalization of traditional practices is, unfortunately, a common experience for many indigenous cultures around the world. That the moko kauae of the Māori almost disappeared due to the pressures and cruelties of colonization is, without question, a tragedy and the result of the many atrocities committed by European settlers – but seeing it return can be a source of hope and pride, especially for the Māori women who wear these sacred tattoos.
There’s Drama in the Queer Penguin Community
Sometimes you just need a light-hearted story, and gay penguins stealing eggs from their lesbian penguin neighbours definitely fits that bill.
Other
How These Cycling Dogs are Delighting Islanders during COVID
What’s better than dogs? Dogs in goggles. This adorable, wholesome story is straight from the Island that raised me. Makes me miss walks through Victoria Park.
What I’ve Created
Articles
Your Body is a Canvas – But You Aren’t Always the Painter
This is a more personal piece than my usual fare, as it explores my experience of being diagnosed with cancer when I was 19 and learning to accept the scars that left me with. Writing helped me a lot during that time, and this is no exception. I also entered this piece into the Body Art contest on Vocal, so it would mean a lot to me if you liked and shared it. <3
Writing for an Audience vs. Writing for Yourself
This is a discussion I’ve seem over and over for years – even back in middle school when I was browsing the Writers’ Forum on Gaiaonline (yeah, that’s a throwback), I saw people debating over this. So I put together some of my own thoughts and advice on the matter.
The Nova Scotia Fishing Dispute and Canada’s Systemic Racism
This one is close to home, both because I’m an Atlantic Canadian and because I wrote my thesis on systemic racism against Canada’s indigenous people. Seeing that same history continue to repeat itself is infuriating and disheartening, and writing this was my small way of contributing to the cause and trying to support the Mi’kmaw nation.
Ontario in the Eyes of a Small Town East Coaster
I wrote this on a whim one evening – I totally meant to chill out and take it easy, especially since I had just completed another article earlier that day, but I was hit with a sudden wave of inspiration. I’ve learned over the years not to ignore that sort of feeling, so I sat down and wrote. 2500 words later, I had this piece. It was fun to write, and kind of cathartic to reflect on such a happy, free time after spending so many months cooped up and wracked with anxiety. I hope reading it provides as much relief and escape as writing it did.
February 2021 Wrap-Up
I know February is the shortest month of the year, but this February felt especially short. Even still, I managed a decent amount of reading! It helps that I've been reading library copies of ebooks on my phone so I can snuggle the baby while I read. Also, I've learned that I can read anything - not just kids books - to help lull him to sleep.
What I’ve Enjoyed
Books
A Phoenix First Must Burn
I really, really enjoyed this anthology – I loved the variety it offered, and new spin some of the stories put on familiar tropes or subgenres. Definitely something for everyone in here. I highly recommend you check it out if you’re ever in the mood for some SFF short stories.
Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
AMAZING! Not only was the plot of this story really intriguing and well-executed, but the characters were all extremely well-developed and I LOVED the magic system and world-building. Give me more giant rideable crows, please! Plus, Serapio and Xiala’s relationship was wonderful and heartbreaking. The inclusion of multiple queer characters doesn't hurt, either.
Articles
A 3000-Year-Old Painter’s Palette from Ancient Egypt, with Traces of the Original Colors Still In It
A super fascinating peek into Ancient Egyptian history and culture, as told through the symbolism of paint colours in art.
The Lost World of Socotra – One of the Most Alien-Looking Places on Earth
Super interesting look at the history and ecology of one very strange island. I loved the photos included in this article – makes me wish I could visit Socotra and witness its bizarre beauty for myself!
What I’ve Created
Articles
4 Tips For Titling Your Book
I’ve always struggled to come up with titles, and I know I’m not alone. So I decided to put together a quick little list of tricks that have helped me over the years!
5 Strategies for Overcoming a Reading Slump
I’ve struggled with various reading slumps throughout my life, including recently during quarantine. So I put together a little list of some strategies I’ve found helpful. Hopefully they’ll help you, too!
And that was February. I really enjoyed the work I read this month, and I'm glad I managed to find time to write a little, too. Now to see what next month and the anniversary of the pandemic have in store.
What I’ve Enjoyed
Books
A Phoenix First Must Burn
I really, really enjoyed this anthology – I loved the variety it offered, and new spin some of the stories put on familiar tropes or subgenres. Definitely something for everyone in here. I highly recommend you check it out if you’re ever in the mood for some SFF short stories.
Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
AMAZING! Not only was the plot of this story really intriguing and well-executed, but the characters were all extremely well-developed and I LOVED the magic system and world-building. Give me more giant rideable crows, please! Plus, Serapio and Xiala’s relationship was wonderful and heartbreaking. The inclusion of multiple queer characters doesn't hurt, either.
Articles
A 3000-Year-Old Painter’s Palette from Ancient Egypt, with Traces of the Original Colors Still In It
A super fascinating peek into Ancient Egyptian history and culture, as told through the symbolism of paint colours in art.
The Lost World of Socotra – One of the Most Alien-Looking Places on Earth
Super interesting look at the history and ecology of one very strange island. I loved the photos included in this article – makes me wish I could visit Socotra and witness its bizarre beauty for myself!
What I’ve Created
Articles
4 Tips For Titling Your Book
I’ve always struggled to come up with titles, and I know I’m not alone. So I decided to put together a quick little list of tricks that have helped me over the years!
5 Strategies for Overcoming a Reading Slump
I’ve struggled with various reading slumps throughout my life, including recently during quarantine. So I put together a little list of some strategies I’ve found helpful. Hopefully they’ll help you, too!
And that was February. I really enjoyed the work I read this month, and I'm glad I managed to find time to write a little, too. Now to see what next month and the anniversary of the pandemic have in store.
September & October 2022: The Good, The Bad, The Apocalyptic
Okay, so I didn’t update with my reading and writing from September. It’s not that I wasn’t reading – I just wasn’t enjoying what I was reading enough to be worth sharing. October was also a minimal reading month, in part because I had family visiting for a week and a half.
But I do have quite a bit of writing to share! And something a little new. 😉
What I’ve Enjoyed
Books
Counting Down with You by Tashie Bhuiyan
This book was equal parts sweet and heart-rending. Watching Karina struggle to balance her dreams for the future and the expectations of her parents was so difficult, and I can only imagine how hard that representation must hit for readers who come from a similar family background. On a lighter note, Karina’s best friends were a delight – I loved reading their group chats, which felt true to life. And Ace was a total sweetheart. The anxiety rep was also much appreciated; I could deeply relate to some of the scenes were Karina was on the brink of an anxiety attack and struggling to hold it together until she was in private. Overall, a super excellent book. Well worth the read.
Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon
Great little book. It was a quick read and super easy to follow – highly recommend to anyone who’s looking to learn more about trans, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming folks, and especially to those wanting to be a better ally.
What I’ve Created
Articles
How to Create a Style Guide for Your Novel
A style guide is one of those tools I didn’t realize I needed until I was basically halfway through my series, A New Age of Magic. But I swear by it now. It makes so many nitty-gritty details and elements of editing WAY easier.
Fall Book Recs for Readers Who Don’t Love Horror
I love fall, I love books, but I don’t often love fall book recommendations. The ones I’ve seen tend to lean pretty hard into horror – which I get; it’s Halloween season. But as a reader who isn’t a fan of horror, I can feel a bit left out of the excitement. So I decided to make my own book rec list!
Academia, Tradition, and Love: A Review of Braiding Sweetgrass
I knew from the moment I read this book that I wanted to write a long-form review and encourage others to pick it up. It was just hard to find the words to describe a reading experience that was honestly… kind of perfect? Robin Kimmerer Wall not only has an incredible wealth of knowledge when it comes to botany and traditional teachers, but she very clearly loves nature. I think everyone could benefit from reading this book.
Not Good Feminist Fiction, Not Good Apocalypse Fiction: An In-Depth Review of ‘Into the Mist’
This book, on the other hand, I immediately knew I would be writing a very lengthy, very negative review about. As has been the trend with this particular author’s works, Into the Mist is rife with harmful representation and misrepresentation, despite being praised and promoted as feminist fiction. I always think it’s important to encourage discussion about when and why certain media is harmful, and that’s what I aimed to do with this review.
Other
Not Good Feminism, Not Good Apocalypse Fiction | INTO THE MIST by P.C. Cast [Vlog Review]
But wait! There’s more! While reading this book, I had so many thoughts that I couldn’t wait until I was done reading to share them, so I vlogged my thoughts as I read. The result is this very long, ramble-y review, which hopefully gives a more off-the-cuff display of my first impressions.
And that does it for September and October. Keep an eye out for my next wrap-up, as I have high hopes for my two current reads. 👀
But I do have quite a bit of writing to share! And something a little new. 😉
What I’ve Enjoyed
Books
Counting Down with You by Tashie Bhuiyan
This book was equal parts sweet and heart-rending. Watching Karina struggle to balance her dreams for the future and the expectations of her parents was so difficult, and I can only imagine how hard that representation must hit for readers who come from a similar family background. On a lighter note, Karina’s best friends were a delight – I loved reading their group chats, which felt true to life. And Ace was a total sweetheart. The anxiety rep was also much appreciated; I could deeply relate to some of the scenes were Karina was on the brink of an anxiety attack and struggling to hold it together until she was in private. Overall, a super excellent book. Well worth the read.
Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon
Great little book. It was a quick read and super easy to follow – highly recommend to anyone who’s looking to learn more about trans, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming folks, and especially to those wanting to be a better ally.
What I’ve Created
Articles
How to Create a Style Guide for Your Novel
A style guide is one of those tools I didn’t realize I needed until I was basically halfway through my series, A New Age of Magic. But I swear by it now. It makes so many nitty-gritty details and elements of editing WAY easier.
Fall Book Recs for Readers Who Don’t Love Horror
I love fall, I love books, but I don’t often love fall book recommendations. The ones I’ve seen tend to lean pretty hard into horror – which I get; it’s Halloween season. But as a reader who isn’t a fan of horror, I can feel a bit left out of the excitement. So I decided to make my own book rec list!
Academia, Tradition, and Love: A Review of Braiding Sweetgrass
I knew from the moment I read this book that I wanted to write a long-form review and encourage others to pick it up. It was just hard to find the words to describe a reading experience that was honestly… kind of perfect? Robin Kimmerer Wall not only has an incredible wealth of knowledge when it comes to botany and traditional teachers, but she very clearly loves nature. I think everyone could benefit from reading this book.
Not Good Feminist Fiction, Not Good Apocalypse Fiction: An In-Depth Review of ‘Into the Mist’
This book, on the other hand, I immediately knew I would be writing a very lengthy, very negative review about. As has been the trend with this particular author’s works, Into the Mist is rife with harmful representation and misrepresentation, despite being praised and promoted as feminist fiction. I always think it’s important to encourage discussion about when and why certain media is harmful, and that’s what I aimed to do with this review.
Other
Not Good Feminism, Not Good Apocalypse Fiction | INTO THE MIST by P.C. Cast [Vlog Review]
But wait! There’s more! While reading this book, I had so many thoughts that I couldn’t wait until I was done reading to share them, so I vlogged my thoughts as I read. The result is this very long, ramble-y review, which hopefully gives a more off-the-cuff display of my first impressions.
And that does it for September and October. Keep an eye out for my next wrap-up, as I have high hopes for my two current reads. 👀
November 2022: Queer Fantasy, Everywhere You Look!
I considered waiting a month and combining November and December into one wrap-up, because I felt like I didn’t do much… But I read three books! Four, if you count a reread via audio. The issue, I guess, is that I didn’t write – or rather, publish – very much, so this particular wrap-up is very top heavy. But hey! Sometimes that’s just how the month works out.
What I’ve Enjoyed
Books
In Deeper Waters by F. T. Lukens
This was such a wonderful read. Tal and Athlen were delightful, both as characters and a couple, and I loved how complicated the conflict got as the story progressed. There was a sense of history to the world, even though we only see a small part of it over a relatively short period of time. Lots of good foreshadowing and payoff, as well.
The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas
Everything about this was delightful. I loved the high stakes of the trials, all the clever little details in the world-building and character work, the diversity and how queer-normative the world was, and that TWIST. So cruel, but so perfect. Absolutely elated that this is a duology and there’s more of this story to read, and can’t wait until I can get my hands on the conclusion.
Fevered Star by Rebecca Roanhorse
I’ve been dying to read this book since it came out, but I needed to reread Black Sun before I could dive in, which itself was a significant undertaking. But I finally did it! And it was great! While Fevered Sun definitely feels like a middle book, it’s still a strong and enjoyable read. I loved all the unexpected directions it took, the internal/emotional journeys the characters went on, and the new conflicts and players introduced in the build-up to book three. So, so pumped to see how this trilogy concludes.
What I’ve Created
Articles
How Many Ways Can You Fly in 5e Dungeons and Dragons?
I love doing these weird little thought experiments with D&D character building, and this one… has an unexpected result. Like, I might actually play the character build that came out of this!
Like I said, a bit top-heavy this time around. But definitely a very enjoyable month of reading!
If you want to see more of what I’m up to, follow me on social media! My handle is @rachaellawrites on Instagram, TikTok, Medium, YouTube, and… Tumblr. Yeah. Yeah, I jumped back on to Tumblr because of the rapid collapse of Twitter. So you should follow me over there! It’s fun!
And keep an eye out on my YouTube. I vlogged as I read this month and I'm hoping to have that video up on the weekend.
What I’ve Enjoyed
Books
In Deeper Waters by F. T. Lukens
This was such a wonderful read. Tal and Athlen were delightful, both as characters and a couple, and I loved how complicated the conflict got as the story progressed. There was a sense of history to the world, even though we only see a small part of it over a relatively short period of time. Lots of good foreshadowing and payoff, as well.
The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas
Everything about this was delightful. I loved the high stakes of the trials, all the clever little details in the world-building and character work, the diversity and how queer-normative the world was, and that TWIST. So cruel, but so perfect. Absolutely elated that this is a duology and there’s more of this story to read, and can’t wait until I can get my hands on the conclusion.
Fevered Star by Rebecca Roanhorse
I’ve been dying to read this book since it came out, but I needed to reread Black Sun before I could dive in, which itself was a significant undertaking. But I finally did it! And it was great! While Fevered Sun definitely feels like a middle book, it’s still a strong and enjoyable read. I loved all the unexpected directions it took, the internal/emotional journeys the characters went on, and the new conflicts and players introduced in the build-up to book three. So, so pumped to see how this trilogy concludes.
What I’ve Created
Articles
How Many Ways Can You Fly in 5e Dungeons and Dragons?
I love doing these weird little thought experiments with D&D character building, and this one… has an unexpected result. Like, I might actually play the character build that came out of this!
Like I said, a bit top-heavy this time around. But definitely a very enjoyable month of reading!
If you want to see more of what I’m up to, follow me on social media! My handle is @rachaellawrites on Instagram, TikTok, Medium, YouTube, and… Tumblr. Yeah. Yeah, I jumped back on to Tumblr because of the rapid collapse of Twitter. So you should follow me over there! It’s fun!
And keep an eye out on my YouTube. I vlogged as I read this month and I'm hoping to have that video up on the weekend.
