Tigers, Not Daughters: A Book Review

What a thriller. The story starts out with four daughters trying to escape from their confining house and tyrannical father, and then shifts entirely when Ana, the oldest daughter, dies and comes back as a ghost. However, this book isn't really about the plot. It's about the daughters—their unique and maybe even strange personalities. And it's about their relationships with each other, which is probably why other reviewers draw the connection to Little Women.

When I learned that this book was inspired by the line "tigers, not daughters" in King Lear (by Shakespeare, and perhaps my most favorite play), my entire perception about this book changed. I agree with Samantha Mabry that these words have such power, and I think this book encapsulates what that phrase means in a modern setting. I felt empowered reading this book because I realized that the characters that aren't just daughters. Similarly, we aren't all confined to one title, one descriptor. We are much more, and can be much more—as much as we want. We can be tigers. It's a powerful message to explore in a book, and Mabry does it very well.

Clearly, this book made me think, and then it made me be all theoretical, and then it made me never forget. It's a haunting read filled with perfect character sketches, underlying meanings that I'm still teasing out, and an uncanny atmosphere. I absolutely loved it.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4.5
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Algonquin Young Readers, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Joy's Summer Love Playlist: A Book Review

Looking for the perfect summer read? Honestly, this book has it all: a fake relationship, pop-culture references, singing, and a carefree summer before college starts. This book honestly reminded me of my own summer after graduation (though without the fake relationship, thank goodness), when you still feel like a teen, but you're about to become a full adult. It's a fun, light read that you can easily finish it in an afternoon because it definitely pulls you in.

Okay so first, Joy has a great character voice. You get right in her head and right in her heart, and her voice stays true throughout. She is incredibly loyal and selfless, even to a fault. Cale and Jin are also amazing characters. You've got Cale's humor and easy friendship, and Jin's sexiness and soft-heartedness. I'm totally #teamjin myself, but I loved both of them and their relationships with Joy.

Piper Bee has written a solid debut. There's definitely tension with the plot and subplots weaving together, and it's easy to get lost in the story and keep turning pages. The characters are solid, and the themes are hopeful and inspiring. There were a few small things that distracted me from the story, but Piper's writing is overall funny, relatable, and delightful. I can't wait to read more from her!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Piper Bee, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!

Of Silver and Shadow: A Book Review

Jennifer Gruenke has written a solid fantasy debut, Of Silver and Shadow. While there's really nothing crazy new with forbidden magic, secret rebellions, enemies-to-lovers romance, and a messed-up royal family, I still enjoyed reading this book. I mostly enjoyed all the points of view we get (I think there's four?). The differing views kept the pace moving pretty quickly, and I liked seeing all the characters' developments, especially Kellen's and Adley's. Also, this book is pretty dark. Often, YA fantasy is a bit cushy, not showing too much violence and gore. But this book doesn't hold back, and all the violence is tastefully done and helps you remember the stakes. This book just felt different from a normal YA fantasy for that reason, and it was plenty entertaining. Perfect for fans of Night Spinner, Flame in the Mist, and The Shadows Between Us.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, NetGalley and Flux, for the ARC! This book will be released on May 26, 2020.

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!