Bed-Witch > Recent Status Updates

A few years ago I read some of Act I, and have returned to it in errant fashion.
Calling anyone a two legged wine skin should be revisited in popular culture; 'paper-ghosts of gold also.
Who decided we should shorten language so much?

I was going to wait and read this after all the books I’m popping in and out of right now, but I can’t - it’s too absorbing.

Sometimes I start at the beginning of a book and find myself balking through my current levels of exhaustion at the prospect of sequential reading. Sometimes I test the waters of a books worth by picking up a few pages in the centre to see if I’m interested still. In this case, I’ve had the book for over a year and 10 pages in the centre have me baked right in. Back to the beginning we go!

So I’m not actually a fan of romance or romantacy, (read heaps b4 deciding) so I haven’t read Leigh Bardugo before. I picked this up at my local bookstore because it built depth in layers of narrative which reminded me a little of Allende’s Eva Luna and of the flavour of Mexico. Also I crave more standalone fantasy. Let’s see - it’s got punishing reviews by romantacy nuts.

I am quite glad I have a stand alone book set aside for when I finish this. Transitioning out of a favourite is hard work.

So far lots of steamships, several characterisations of night, and quite a lot about death, futility, meaninglessness, a bit of pretty strong self disgust and particularly as it pertains to accomplishment or the self perceived lack thereof - and I think one (at least) very sarcastic critique of futurist modernity. Often quite beautiful. Definite misogynistic tones.

Still hits hard on re-read. I might have to take this a bit at a time - I’ve collected too much experience for this not to hurt in a personal way and my hindsight is kicking my heart.

Oh I am a huge off fan. I haven’t been this properly excited by a fantasy book for more years than I can count. Academic? Yes. Adventurous? Yeees. Fairies and bargains and changelings? Yes, yes, yes. Relatable MC? (Well - for me). Yes! Obligatory (ugh) romance actually not a primary feature? Yesssssssssssssssss (thank the gay gods). Also quite often funny and charming.

I’ve been dipping in and out of this collection for a few months - one poem here, one poem there and every time an interplay of words or expression has struck me in some unforgettable way or another. I’m now reading it like I’m invading the archives of a Substack because though the poems are often a bit disturbing, the other things they often are make some deep resonant sense.

I’m reading this one after it was recommended by someone I respect whose reading choices are similar to my own when burnt out. I hope it’s what I need because Battle-axe sure wasn’t.

This is my beach book. To be honest it’s too easy to put down. It’s a good fantasy from the time but I’m finding the genre harder to read as I’ve aged. There’s more to forgive now in order to enjoy it. Honestly I need more from characters these days. The plot so far is pulling me along and I am not committed. Probably going to DNF in favour of more Queer/Feminist characters.

Beach book. I’m far too casually wandering through it - starting to wonder if I’m half hearted rather than exhausted. Still not sure I love it - but still seeing where it goes.

Missed this in the fantasy reading phase of my youth, I can see it’s a little fantasy cliche in places and some of the naming conventions are absurd but I’m still enjoying it. When I consider the worst fantasy books I’ve read ( Dark Heavens Series among them thanks but NO) this is not hitting the barrel bottom … yet … forgivable and enjoyable so far.