Emma > Recent Status Updates

So far I am extremely convinced that Elizabeth Bathory did nothing wrong BUT the author is clearly equivocating in favor of her innocence. It is very strongly swayed in Bathory’s favor - if this is how the history truly reads, then maybe a bit more introspection or reflection on how the folklore has gotten it so wrong?

There’s a LOT of 17th century Hungarian politics going on and I’m not going to lie I’m more than a little confused 😭

starting to get into the period of accusations - fascinating to me how the serial killing accusations have become so pervasive when (according to Puhak) they are unfounded

Lots of Hungarian history!

Funny and action packed. Great book to listen to while I clean or do laser alignment.

Immediately grabbed me! Super descriptive imagery and a fascinating feminist reading on the legend of Countess Elizabeth Bathory. Excited to see where it takes me.

Hasn’t really grabbed me - characters don’t have a hugely distinguishable personality, and it’s falling flat in the urban dystopia/fantasy world building. Being set in Atlanta area is tough, since there’s so many other books that do urban fantasy in that area SO well.

ARGH She just took on Reshaye... the scene with Max's family GUTS ME every time I read it.

Really enjoying it! My only complaint would be I wish that she used different curse words since seeing our curse words takes me out a bit.

Currently reading this one on Kindle! I think I’ll fly through it - it’s a great read.

I’m not sure I’m liking the multiple POVs - part of the charm of Blood Song was the dual narration. Frentis’ storyline is extremely depressing, but his narrative reminds me of Vaelin’s in book 1!

Finishing this audio book during some down time in lab! #finally

Slowly becoming more and more unreadable as I get closer and closer to the end. This is my second listen through, and I don’t remember hating the narration as much as I do. Every line is overacted, and it exaggerates how melodramatic the novel is.

The child sexual abuse is excruciating to read.

Cool YA Horror that pulls elements from American Westerns, Romani culture, and fantasy. Plus, werewolves!

Going a bit slower on this one - I forgot that it moves pretty slowly in the opening!

Getting into Cholly's history and finding it incredibly hard to continue knowing that I am getting close to the CSA scenes. Absolutely gut-wrenching.

I NEED to talk to someone about this book… so much subtext and the writing has changed my brain chemistry.

The most current episode of the Zero to Well-Read podcast made it so I had to pick this one up. Toni Morrison has some of the most poetic writing I have ever read.

Quick re-read of one of my favorite books from middle school.

Part of my re-read backlog - love this one - it's one of my favorite epics, and the Venice inspired world of Camorr is fabulous!

Currently listening on Audible! Want to get this done before book club meets in a few weeks, only a few hours left!

Pre-ordered this one but am not loving it currently. Feels very much like a "One Dark Window" variation, down to the magic system and the leads. There was also a lot of info-dumping in a less than elegant way. We'll see how the rest of the book goes.

ALSO. It’s really hard to be listening to this on Audible what with all the Bryce/Hunt sex scenes. I think part of my issue is their relationship is a lot of sex and no substance. Each one of Bryce’s actions shows that she doesn’t trust Hunt like a mate would, and Hunt seems pretty 2D (I wish we got more of him because he is a really interesting character but alas) so the relationship just falls flat in my op.

the last 1/4 of this book is really hard to get through for me. Which is crazy, because I LOVED the last bit of CC1. But I just find Bryce’s behavior REALLY hard to stomach (Why not share her plans with Hunt? Her supposed mate?) and it doesn’t help that the dialogue is super stilted as well. We know SJM can write a compelling romance - why does Bryce and Hunt’s relationship fall so flat? All show, no tell.

In the mood for a romantic lyrical fantasy, and I happen to find The Otherworld Series in my write review bookshelf! Excited to re-read this quarantine read, as I remember it making me cry alone in my bed. Then again, I was also 19, so better to revisit with fresh eyes!

Ithan currently giving me motivation to power through the audiobook. ITHAN I LOVE YOU!
His only family in the world died and yeah, he took it out on Bryce but would anyone in that position do differently? And he redeemed himself in CC1! Hunt's inner monologue really annoys me re: Ithan. I almost wish I didn't get any Hunt POVs b/c they make me like him less. :/

Working through my backlog of reviews again! Will probably follow up with another since I've set aside the Tainted Cup for a rainy day and CC2 is via Audible!

Ughhh I wish I was as invested in the relationship between Bryce and Hunt as I have been in literally any other of SJM's protag relationships! Why do I struggle...