The Immortals: A Book Review

The Immortals is a remarkable book about the sinking of the Dorchester during World War II and the men who sacrificed and the men who survived. Just when I think we don't need another WWII book, one comes along and proves me wrong. This is a story that needed to be told, especially about Charles Water David Jr., a black man whose story was lost for decades. 

I will say that this book is quite slow. The entire first half of the book sets up what is to come and gives detailed background stories on significant people aboard the Dorchester. But once on the ship, the story becomes gripping. Steven T. Collis has obviously researched a great deal to make this story as accurate as it can be, and he also suggests interesting connections and ideas about loving and accepting people who believe differently than you. I do feel like this book could have been a bit more inspirational, but I still very much enjoyed reading it and learning about the four brave chaplains and Charles. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves learning about WWII.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Shadow Mountain, for the ARC!

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

Sky Breaker: A Book Review

Let me start out by saying I really enjoyed the first book, Night Spinner. I loved the idea of a gender-bent Hunchback of Notre Dame retelling in a fantasy world with magic and warring kingdoms. Unfortunately, Sky Breaker didn't live up to the first book for me. Here are a few reasons why. 

First, Enebish started to get on my nerves with how little she trusted everyone and her generally negative attitude throughout the book. Subsequently, I didn't really care about the plot that much. Second, I didn't love Ghoa in this book. I didn't love being in her head and her ending in the book (no spoilers from me). Third, the ending overall was just a bit weird. I didn't love the sudden focus and reality of religion. It's my pet peeve when authors mix omnipotent gods with humans in the plot. 

Anyways, this book just didn't do it for me, but I do like Addie Thorley's writing. I'll be sure to visit her future books, and I'm interested to see what she does next. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 2
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Page Street Publishing, for the ARC!

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

Isabelle and Alexander: A Book Review

Isabelle and Alexander is a bit of an unconventional romance, but I absolutely loved it. I think it's best described as a Victorian version of Me Before You, with elements from North and South. So if you love these two books/movies, be sure to give this one a try! 

I adored the main character, Isabelle. She is the perfect mix of patience and kindness, yet she stands up for what she believes. I loved watching her navigate her relationship with Alexander.

I think my favorite part of this book is that it starts with Isabelle and Alexander already married. So often in period romances, the book ends with marriage. So it was very interesting and entertaining to read a romance starting with marriage. This book is definitely a slow burn romance, and I thought the plot was interesting and captivating. The only think I didn't like in this book was Alexander's character growth. He did have growth, but it didn't have a clear path to me. Because of this, the ending felt a little rushed and too convenient for me to really believe. But Isabelle and Alexander have such a sweet story, and I really enjoyed it all the way through. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Shadow Mountain, for the review copy!

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