Mini Thoughts
Hello, all!
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| Pub Date: 9-1-26 Adult - Historical Fiction/Fantasy |
A Time of Witches- Madeline Martin: Ever since her mother's death, Lilith has started experiencing strange happenings. She swears she can hear nature, her birthmark keeps tingling, and she keeps having the same nightmare about a woman being burned at the stake. When her best friend convinces her to see a psychic, Lilith expects to hear the same tired script they give everyone, but instead, Lilith learns that she must save the woman in her vision or cease to exist. Lilith's investigation into her family history takes her from Savannah to the decaying Brackenmere Manor in England, where the past begins to blur with the present. Lilith uncovers a legacy that ties her to a woman named Sybil Brantham, who was tried as a witch and put to death in 1645. Now, Lilith has only a few days to rewrite history, or else she forfeits her future.
I've only read one other book by this author, but it immediately made me want to read everything by her, so I couldn't wait to pick this up. I loved the blend of historical fiction and fantasy. The dual timelines worked so well together. Martin did a brilliant job at weaving them together and making me equally invested in both women. It was harrowing watching everything that Sybil had to endure after being accused of witchcraft. I was so angry and frustrated on her behalf. It was interesting how she and Lilith were tied together, and I liked how no one seemed to make a big deal out of Lilith's powers. Even though I figured Lilith was going to find a way to save Sybil and herself, I couldn't help but feel so stressed about how she'd pull it off. If you want an atmospheric story about women reclaiming their power, I highly recommend checking it out.
I've only read one other book by this author, but it immediately made me want to read everything by her, so I couldn't wait to pick this up. I loved the blend of historical fiction and fantasy. The dual timelines worked so well together. Martin did a brilliant job at weaving them together and making me equally invested in both women. It was harrowing watching everything that Sybil had to endure after being accused of witchcraft. I was so angry and frustrated on her behalf. It was interesting how she and Lilith were tied together, and I liked how no one seemed to make a big deal out of Lilith's powers. Even though I figured Lilith was going to find a way to save Sybil and herself, I couldn't help but feel so stressed about how she'd pull it off. If you want an atmospheric story about women reclaiming their power, I highly recommend checking it out.
Rating: 4/5
*Big thanks to the publisher for the copy!
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| Pub Date: 8-4-26 Adult - Mystery/Thriller |
The Unknown- Riley Sager: Marin Keane is a struggling actress who lands the opportunity of a lifetime when she's cast as a lead in a new indie horror film with a well-known director. The film is about the mystery of a small island in Vermont known as New Avalon, and Marin and the rest of the cast are tasked with spending a week there to get into character. In 1926, a group of women used the island to commune with spirits until they all vanished, leaving behind only their clothing hanging from trees. Marin is immediately uneasy on the island, and when a sudden emergency leaves them stranded, the disappearances start again. Armed with the diary of a former occupant, Marin takes it upon herself to discover what happened all those years ago before history repeats itself.
Sager's books have always been hit-or-miss for me, and this lands firmly in the middle-of-the-road column. It wasn't bad, but wasn't great. I liked the eerie atmosphere of the secluded island. The characters being stranded with no way out or means of contacting the outside world made for good tension. I liked the dual timeline, but the dialogue during the past chapters felt almost like a caricature. I appreciated how matter-of-fact Marin was, and how she dug into everything to find the truth. My issue was with the plot reveals. The mystery started strong, but I lost interest as the story progressed. The twists just weren't as impactful as I hoped, and I didn't enjoy the ending. Like Sager's previous books, it was a quick read, but ultimately, pretty average.
Rating: 3/5
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| Pub Date: 6-9-26 Adult - Fantasy |
This Immortal Heart- Jennifer Saint: Aphrodite rose from the sea, radiant with ancient magic and beauty powerful enough to captivate gods and mortals alike. She avoids the petty squabbling of Mount Olympus, choosing instead to devote her energy to helping mortals realize their desires. But when Zeus summons her back, she is forced to confront the brutal war god, Ares—and Aphrodite's fate is forever transformed. Ares is her opposite: surly, tempestuous, and reveling in strife. Yet, the two are irresistibly drawn together. What begins as a fleeting affair soon becomes something deeper, leaving Aphrodite questioning her own divine purpose.
Ugh, I will never get over how brilliant Saint's prose is. She has a way of fully immersing readers into her stories. I love seeing her take these myths and put a fresh spin on them. She makes these familiar characters wholly her own, and her take on them is always thought-provoking and beautiful. Aphrodite is usually portrayed as just an egotistical, flirty goddess, but Saint gave her so many layers and complexities. I enjoyed seeing how she interacted with mortals, and how much she truly cared for them. I also liked her relationships with her attendants and the other Olympians. The highlight of the story for me was her relationship with Ares. I loved seeing how they were drawn together, and I appreciated how Saint depicted Ares. He wasn't just some macho, bloodthirsty being. There was so much more to his character, and I liked how Aphrodite brought out this almost softer side of him. Saint continues to be one of my favorite authors for retellings, and I look forward to seeing what she tackles next.
Rating: 4/5
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