Wolfsong: The First Book I DNF-ed

I try not to DNF, or Do Not Finish, a book. Mostly because I am a bit stubborn and want to finish a book before passing judgement. The closest I ever got to DNF-ing is when I don’t feel like continuing or starting a book I put in my Currently Reading tab. However, in those cases, I usually set them back into my Want to Read list because I know I’ll want to read them, I just don’t want to at that specific moment.

When it comes to DNF-ing, it ultimately comes down to the person. Just because I may try to finish a book, that doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong if someone else doesn’t. It really comes down to the person and the book.

Recently, I decided to DNF a book. Because, despite liking the concept, I couldn’t get behind one aspect of the story. The book, Wolfsong by TJ Klune, the reason, how the main character and his love interest’s relationship was set up.

Background: Why Did I Pick Wolfsong Up?

I’ve been trying to find some new fantasy books as well as more books with LGBTQ+ representation. Wolfsong initially sounded like it could have been a book with just that. I ended up grabbing it from Barnes and Noble since it was on sale and my initial glance at the ratings (not including the reviews) seemed positive.

What Did I Think it Did Well Conceptually?

The story was something I thought was conceptually interesting. The premise of the main character Ox, being abandoned by his father and stumbling up on a family/pack of werewolves as a pretty solid idea. Throw in a murder relating to a figure who terrorized the Bennett family that causes most of them to flee for three years and I felt like there was a good concept.

As a story, I felt like there was potential, and the concept is one that I feel is a good/solid one. After all, it was the blurb that caught my attention (as did the cover). However, while reading it, the concept/story soured because of a decision the author made.

Why I Dropped it: Age Gap at the Wrong Age

I won’t go into age gaps and how/when/if to use them. That is its own separate discussion that can always be discussed another day.

What I can say about it, in this case, is that the age gap itself isn’t bad, so much as when Ox and Joe met. For context, there is a five year age between the two. On its own, I don’t think a five year age gap is the problem. It’s how old the characters are when Joe and Ox “get together” that is the problem.

Joe is ten years old when he decides that Ox, who is fifteen, will be his mate/partner. It would be one thing if Ox met Joe when he was ten, Ox befriends him/Ox develops an older brother dynamic with Joe, and Ox fell in love with someone else in the Bennet family/pack. That, given how, and when, the author executed the age gap, would have felt more appropriate.

Source: Amazon

However, that’s not what happened. Joe, at age ten, decided that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Ox. It’s a decision that didn’t feel right for a ten year old. And even though nothing “romantic” happened between until years later, that is still something that made me feel uncomfortable.

To say that it makes me feel uncomfortable may be putting it mildly, but it does describe how it made me feel. And I know I’m not the only one who did. In fact, when I did get to looking into the reviews, that was something I was looking into. I wanted to see if I was the only one who had that criticism. After reading a few, I noticed I wasn’t the only one. I think it was even a reason some people reviewing Wolfsong dnf-ed it. Because of that, I didn’t feel as bad DNF-ing Wolfsong.

So I DNF-ed it, despite being about three fourths of the way done. I just couldn’t bring myself to finish it. Now, I did still mark it as “Read” on Goodreads, since I was three quarters of the way through it. The only real reason it’s marked as Read is because I was behind on my reading goal and wanted to rate and review it.

I just could not bring myself to finish it because of that. Which I know I am not alone on.

How it Could Have Been Done Differently

I have two possible solution for how this could have been changed. One being them meet as adults with a five year age gap. The other, have them be closer in age, with Joe not being ten when he makes the ultimate/final decision that Ox will be his partner. Either way, I think it could have worked out better.

If it were to have them meet as adults, I feel like having them getting meeting/getting together when Joe was twenty-one and Ox was twenty-six would be a solid alternative. That way it could keep the five year age gap (if the author wanted to keep it) while not making it as jarring. The three year time jump would also still be able to happen.

As far as the closer in age option, I could see it as them having a one or two year age gap and having them meet in high school. That way, if the author still wanted them meeting up while Ox was a teen, them being a year or two apart would be more reasonable. In this case, I would say Joe could be a sophomore or junior and Ox is a junior or senior depending on if they’re one or two years apart.

And as far as the romance aspect, I could see it play out as a high school romance or first love angle. Then when Joe and most of his family leave for that three year time jump, maybe they tried to get with other people, but realize they loved always loved each other. It’d be a little cliché, but workable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Wolfsong was a book that I had hopes for. As both a fantasy series and a book with LGBTQ+ representation, I had hope. However, how and when they implemented the dynamic and romance between Ox and Joe made this book uncomfortable. Especially when it came to ten year old Joe deciding that he was going to be in a relationship with the then fifteen year old Ox.

This was the biggest critique for me, with the only other major criticism I had involved communications, or lack there of, when Joe was leaving being another. Though that criticism has roots in how old the characters were to a degree.

If you’ve read the book, what were your thoughts on it?

Images are from Amazon (the image in the post) and Soundcloud (the cover).

Booked for Pride Month: Five Books I Would Recommend for Pride Month

To kick off Pride Month, I thought it would be nice to recommend a few books on or about LGBTQ+ individuals. For those of you looking for a book to pick up. I’ve read a few, myself, I have a few on my To Read list, and I have one sitting in my Currently Reading list.

These five books are ones that I’ve read and enjoyed. Some from last year, one from this year, and one from a few years ago. Even if they aren’t what you are looking for personally, I hope I have one that might peak your interest.

Miss Memory Lane: A Memoir by Colton Haynes

This was a read that I really wanted to get in 2022. Though my views on CW’s Arrow have changed over the years, Colton Haynes, who played Roy Harper, was always one of my favorite aspects of the show. Even though he wasn’t utilized as well or as often ad I would have hoped.

That said, this was my favorite biography/memoir to come out of 2022. It is a decent sized read at 256 pages and discusses an array of experiences the actor has gone through. And he doesn’t hold his punches either. Reading this, I could see that he went through quite a bit in life.

If you are looking for an insightful memoir, I would recommend Miss Memory Lane.

Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail by Ashley Herring Blake

I read this book earlier this year. I had read this around the same time as Back in a Spell, the third book of Lana Harper’s The Witches of Thistle Grove series. I was kind of debating if I wanted to one or both of them. With The Witches of Thistle Grove series, I liked the first book and was mixed on the second, while I wasn’t that impressed with aspects of Delilah Green Doesn’t Care the first book from Ashley Herring Blake’s Bright Fall series. In the case of the former, I am uncertain that I will read the fourth book, In Charm’s Way. I wasn’t all that interested in Back in a Spell and so far, the first book is the only one that I really like.

However, in the case of Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail, I ended up enjoying it more than Delilah Green Doesn’t Care. I will most likely pick up the third book Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date, when that comes out later this year.

It does have a rather romcom and/or formulaic concept, but it was still a fun read. I feel like the relationship between Astrid and Jordan felt better explored to me and it wasn’t tied to a bet like it initially was with Delilah and Claire (though they did genuinely fall in love in the end). I also enjoyed how it approached the conflict between them having to do with the show they are on, Jordan’s past relationship and marriage, and Astrid trying to figure out what she truly wants in her life instead of what her mother wants her to do with her life. Which I feel was handled better than the conflicts in Delilah Green Doesn’t Care.

So while it may have a simpler story, I would certainly recommend giving this book a read.

Pearl Sister by Lucinda Riley

Granted, this book isn’t explicitly about the relationship between the two leading ladies of this story, CeCe and Chrissie. However, it does involve CeCe figuring out who she is, without Star, and what she wants. And while the main plot of the story is CeCe investigating her birth family, readers do get to see her realizing that she may have feelings for Chrissie, who she meets during her travels and offers to help her.

CeCe’s story is one of self-discovery and realization. While Kitty’s, the person from the past who’s connected to CeCe’s family, is to make it on her own and ends up finding love.

This is my second favorite book in the Seven Sisters series by Lucinda Riley, so I would recommend this book, along with Moon Sister and Seven Sisters, regardless. However, I would also recommend it if you are looking for a read about an LGBTQ+ book about someone realizing and embracing that they are. Just now that while CeCe and Chrissie do not officially get together at the end, their relationship is confirmed in a following book (I believe in Moon Sister, but it could have been Sun Sister or Missing Sister. I can’t remember which, but it is confirmed).

Sandman by Neil Gaiman

I wanted to recommend a graphic novel series, which brings me here. I had considered the 2009 Red Robin series since Tim Drake has come out as bi in 2021 and that being one of his more beloved series. However, with the Netflix adaptation of Sandman debuting last year with a planned second season in the works, and the fact that I am am reading and enjoying it, I thought I would recommend Sandman instead.

Now, it is worth noting that this series does tackle a few sensitive topics. It is a series that can be dark when it needs to and can be. However, it does have moments where it can be lighter and inspiring moments. It’s also worth noting that the series did come out in the 80’s. So some of the language used may be dated.

The series itself follows entities of Destiny, Death, Dream, Destruction, Desire, Despair, and Delirium. Mainly Dream, also known as Morpheus. It’s also a horror fantasy series. I’m currently a few volumes in and have read the Death spinoff/side story.

When it comes to LGBTQ+ representation, it comes in the form of the non-Endless characters as well as the Endless, Desire. Desire is nonbinary and is referred to as They/Them, and has been even before the Netflix adaptation. And speaking of the Netflix adaptation, Desire is played by Mason Alexander Park, who is nonbinary.

Sandman has representation. Both in the comics and the Netflix adaptation. So if you are looking for a graphic novel series, I would recommend it. Again, just be aware that it covers some sensitive/mature topics.

The Avatar Kyoshi Duology by F.C. Yee

The Rise of Kyoshi and The Shadow of Kyoshi is a duology based on the Avatar the Last Airbender, Kyoshi. This Earthbending Avatar (two Avatars prior to Aang) has become a popular Avatar among fans. Her to the point nature and understanding that, sometimes, tough choices must be made, is recognizable. She has become a meme for her assertiveness and willingness to choose a violent route more times than not (which may be a bit of an overexaggeration, but a fun one at that).

These books explore the life of Kyoshi through the years. When Kuruk, Kyoshi’s predecessor and Waterbending born Avatar, dies young and suddenly, finding the next Avatar is a must. After Kyoshi’s childhood friend is mistaken for the Avatar, Kyoshi is thrown into an unexpected journey where it is revealed that Kyoshi is actually the Avatar. Along the way she deals with a looming conflict and teams up with a troupe that her late airbending mother was apart of. Traveling with her is Rangi, a firebending ally and friend, who Kyoshi realizes she has feelings for as her journey goes on.

This Duology is written by F.C. Yee and one of the co-creators of Avatar the Last Airbender, Michael Dante DiMartino has an acknowledgement/preface in it. If you were a fan of the series and a fan of Kyoshi (or not), I would recommend this duology. And for further reading, F.C. Yee has an Avatar Yangchen duology with The Dawn of Yangchen which was released in 2022 and The Legacy of Yangchen which is set to be released on July 18th of this year.

Conclusion

Though not the only LGBTQ+ books I’ve read, these are five, technically six on account of the Kyoshi duology, that I would currently recommend. I may have more at the end of June or in a later post, but for now, I hope you fins something to enjoy.

My Top Three Seven Sisters Books

With Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt just dropping, I thought I would take a moment to go over my top three books from the series. I have yet to pick up and read Atlas, but I will be soon and will do a review for it. In the meantime, though, and to get me writing something Seven Sisters related, I thought I would discuss my favorite books from the series.

General Disclaimer

As always, I do have my general disclaimer on the whole finding their birth family bit. I know the concept of the sisters searching out their birth family may have a mixed reception depending on who you talk to because adopted family is just as familial as birth families. Which is a valid observation/critique.

Now, do I think Lucinda Riley was being malicious with this concept? No. Reading the series, I never really interpreted it belittling adopted family. All the sisters still saw each other as sisters. Even after finding their birth family. Some of the sisters were closer than others, which I think is relatively normal. For instance, Star and CeCe were always close and still were when they realized that they needed time apart to explore who they are. Maia and Ally were also close and were there throughout the series to help each other out. That said, they always saw each other as family.

Reading the series, I interpreted the sisters choosing to look into their birth family as them wanting to look into their roots. To learn more about their heritage and where their family came from. They weren’t forced to do so, nor were they looking to forget their adopted family by doing so. The sisters relationship with each other stayed strong, even when they found their birth family.

With that in mind, here are my top three books from the Seven Sister series.

Seven Sisters

The first book in the series is my third favorite. If you asked me last year, I might have said it was my second. As the introductory book for the series, I thought it did a great job with introducing the premise. Maia was also a good character to start off with. While readers get to see how everyone initially responds to Pa Salt’s passing and their ensuing journeys, readers get to see how Maia viewed Pa Salt as the eldest.

Her story was probably the simplest in terms of following the set of of the series. Which isn’t a bad thing. Being the first book, I don’t think it needs to be super extravagant. So long as it sets up what it needs to, that’s okay. I also just enjoyed how it tackled her finding love again after breaking up with her ex (who periodically shows up throughout the series) and how she connected with her birth family. As well as the setting and scenery of Brazil.

With this being the introductory book, it does take time to set up. Which, while not inherently a bad thing, does take up a bit of time in the book. I just wish a little more time could have been given to Maia. The other sisters feel like they got a little more time since the only thing the reference back to from the first book is their thoughts and maybe a scene or two around the time they got the letters from Pa Salt.

Pearl Sister

I was initially going to put this as my third favorite since I couldn’t decide if I liked this book, Shadow Sister, or to a lesser extent Missing Sister as my favorite. I connected with Shadow Sister based on it being about writing and books, which are things I love. I also related to one of the secondary characters who helps Star because he had seizures, which I used to have growing up. Meanwhile, Missing Sister I loved for being centered on Ireland. However, I had mixed feelings about Merry.

However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized how much I enjoyed this book and CeCe’s story. Which cascaded Pearl Sister up to second place. I really liked how CeCe got time to become her own person and realize what she wanted. In some ways I can relate to that. I am a bit of an introvert and am learning more about myself as the years go by.

I also like how CeCe and Chrissie’s relationship starts to develop. They do end up getting together. Pearl Sister takes the time to have CeCe wonder how she feels about Chrissie throughout the book and how she wants to pursue it. Them being together would officially be official in I think it was Moon Sister or Missing Sister. However, with CeCe being the more introverted sister who was looking to find out who she was, I thought it was realistic that she didn’t have all the answers right away.

The only reason that I don’t place this book at number one is because that book left more of an impression on me. And without it, I might not have picked up the series.

Moon Sister

In my previous posts I’ve mentioned that this book was the reason that I read the whole series. The premise caught my eye while I was working. However, since it was the fifth book, I decided to read the series in order. Yes, technically, each book can be read on their own. Each book focuses on a specific sister and, outside of the basic points, readers don’t need to read the previous book to understand what’s going on in the book they’re on. I, personally, thought it was just better to read the whole series. Which I don’t personally regret in the long run.

If there’s one thing that caught my interest, it was the fact that this book focused on Romani characters. Namely Tiggy and her birth family. I’m someone who enjoys learning about other cultures because I want better understand them and be as respectful as possible. And learning about other cultures is something I enjoy learning about in general.

So I thought it was pretty interesting that Moon Sister chose to approach a Romani experience. It has been a while since I’ve read the book, but from what I recall, I thought it did a fine job when approaching the Romani characters. I won’t say it’s perfect, but I thought Lucinda Riley handled it as respectfully as possible.

That said, I won’t say it’s perfect. In some of the stuff online, namely the synopses and the Q&A use a term that has been deemed offensive for Romani people. Now the blurb on the back of the book does not use it, and since it’s been a while since I’ve read the book, I don’t remember if it did there. I don’t think it did, but I’m going to be rereading it anyways. I only mention this since, while I do give her the benefit of the doubt when it comes to intent (based on what I know right now, I don’t think she had ill intent. If I’m wrong, I will mention it), it is something I do note as a heads up.

When it comes to the book itself, I was drawn to Tiggy’s story the most when I was first getting into the series. Being the empathy of the family and an animal lover were traits that interested me. I also really liked how it approached her journey. Readers get to see what she does in Scotland and how she helps out Charlie around his home. As she looks for answers, she ends up having to be rushed to the hospital for a heart condition that ends up connecting to her birth family. She learns more about herself as well as she recovering and traveling to Granada Spain, where her family, notably Lucía, who was the relative from the past segments, lived.

If I had to critique the book for anything in general, it would be how it handled aspects of Tiggy’s relationship with Charlie. I don’t mind that they got together, but I wasn’t all that into the whole cheating miscommunication plot point. I thought it was good that Tiggy at least recognized that she couldn’t act on her feelings towards Charlie due to his relationship with the mother of his daughter. If I recall correctly, Charlie was either in the process of divorcing his ex wife or. Either way, they aren’t married by the end, which is when Tiggy and Charlie get together. And there not being an affair was a good thing (I think that’s one issue I had with some of the past segments after Maia). It’s the misconception that they were having an affair was not needed in my opinion. Rather, I think it would have been better if the relationship aspect of her story was about her realizing she doesn’t need love, accepts that she can’t be with Charlie and moves on, or if Charlie was already a divorcee and Tiggy helps him see that he’s worthy of love. That and including Maia’s ex. I don’t think he was necessary for the story.

Overall though, Tiggy’s journey, Lucía’s story, and exploring a Romani perspective was pretty interesting. It may not be perfect, but it was engaging. At least for me. I also appreciate that Moon Sister at least tried to approach a Romani perspective with Lucía and her family. It’s the book that got me into the series and I knew this was going to be one that I liked. And I did.

Conclusion

These are the three books I would consider my favorite when it comes to Lucinda Riley’s Seven Sisters series. Most of the books I would say are pretty nice, though I know the concept may not be for everyone, which I respect.

I have one book left to finish in the series, Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt. I do plan on reading and reviewing it. Once I do, I’m plannig to do a general overiew on the series. So look forward to that in the near future.

A Series of Rereads: Book Series I Plan to Reread

I may not go back and reread books that often, but every now and then I will. I may because I like it well enough to reread it or because I want to refresh my memory. Typically, I’ll do this with series, and the series I have reread so far include:

• Mercy Thompson: I reread this once back in 2020 in preparation for the twelfth book, Smoke Bitten. I also ended up reading both this and the Alpha and Omega series since both take place in the same universe, but at certain points.
• Alpha and Omega: I read this series alongside my reread of the Mercy Thompson series in order that each book happens (Patricia Briggs’ website has a timeline for when each book takes place and what order they could be read in). This was also a good way to prepare for Wild Card, which came out in 2021.
• The Wings of Fire: I reread this for the final five books (Books 11-15). I had read the first ten, and it only made sense to reread through the series in honor of the other five. And though I thought these last five could have been better, it was only natural that I finish the series off.
• The Inheritance Cycle (Eragon): With this one I technically read through the first book and attempted to read the second a good decade, decade and a half ago. I never got around to finishing the second book, Eldest, and it wasn’t until 2021 that I decided to sit down and read the whole series. Which meant I ended up rereading Eragon and actually finishing Eldest.
• Excalibur (1980’s-1990’s): One X-Men series I plan to hop into. In general and for a Nightcrawler recommended reading list I am working on. I am slowly, but surely making my way through the older Claremont stuff. For X-Men, I can hop into the Classic X-Men stuff and then the 1990’s run. While Excalibur is one of the series that branches off of the X-Men stuff.

There are also a few series I plan to start reading. Those include, the Amina al-Sirafi series by Shannon “S.A.” Chakraborty, the Ending Fire Trilogy by Saara El-Arifi, and the Emily Wilde series by Heather Fawcett. I’ve started the first book of the Ending Fire trilogy and currently have the first book of the Amina al-Sirafi series checked out, but not started yet. I also have a few graphic novels, a few light novel, two manhua series, and maybe a manga series or two that I want to start.

However, that can be a post for another day. Alongside a post on standalone books I may want to reread and standalone books I want to start. Today, though, I just want to to talk about series I plan to reread in the near future. So far, I have four series I know I would like to reread for one reason or another.

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

This, alongside The Hobbit and Silmarillion, is a series that I’ve read at least twice. Though I did grow up watching the movies before reading the books, I did end up reading the books while I was in middle school. I read it again some years later, but since then hadn’t picked it up to read again. I want to read it again, and part of me would like to read it on a somewhat regular level. Kind of like how Christopher Lee (i.e. the actor who not only played Sauraman, but was the only member of the cast to meet Tolkien) read it every year.

I also intend to get around to Rings of Power. It along with House of Dragons are shows I’ve been meaning to start, but haven’t. Partially because of motivation, as well as time and the fact that sitting down to watch a new series or movie can be hard sometimes.

Lord of the Rings has always been a series I held close and I would like to go back to it. And now that I have a newer, hardcover release of the omnibus, now is as good of a time as any. I do also plan to revisit The Hobbit and The Silmarillion at some point as well. But for right now, the focus will be on The Lord of the Rings.

A Song of Fire and Ice by George R.R. Martin

I was pretty late to the Game of Thrones scene. It wasn’t a series I was necessarily avoid, so much as a series I was procrastinating on. However, with the HBO series coming to a close in 2019, I felt like that was as good of a time as any to give it a try. And while I know it is by no means a perfect series, and it’s violence being a bit hefty to put it mildly, I did end up enjoying it.

The reason I want to reread it, is to see how it would hold up upon a second reading. Catch what I might have missed, and see if I still enjoy it. And maybe it will give me the motivation to read Fire & Blood, which I’ve been meaning to read, but haven’t gotten to.

As far as the show, I never finished it. I started the eighth season, but never finished it. Part of me wonders if I even should, given what I’ve heard. I may revisit the series someday. Perhaps not the seventh and eighth seasons, but me revisiting the show could be a possibility.

The Daevabad Trilogy by Shannon “S.A.” Chakraborty

With the first book of her new series dropping recently, I may want to revisit her first series. I own all three books in paperback format and plan to buy the paperback copy of The River of Silver (a series of short stories taking place in the Daevabad universe) when it is released this October. I really enjoyed this trilogy and wouldn’t mind rereading it.

I really enjoyed this trilogy. Most of the main characters were likeable enough and the world was pretty interesting. I also like how this trilogy was rooted in and inspired by Middle Eastern lore. There are stories that have, though I cannot say I have read them all. All in all, I would like to revisit this series.

The Avatar Kyoshi Duology by F.C. Yee

Believe it or not, but I still have to read The Dawn of Avatar Yangchen. I got it when it was released, but still haven’t started it yet. I will get to it. And maybe if it gets a second book, that will be the motivation I need to read it.

Until then though, I think I’d like to reread the Avatar Kyoshi duology and The Dawn of Yangchen. Avatar the Last Airbender was a great show and exploring the past lives of Aang and Korra is something that I feel, not only expands on the universe and history of the series, but also explores the past lives of Avatars viewers have heard about.

With Kyoshi being a well known and rather popular Avatar, it does make sense that she would get some kind of material. Having read it, I do think it is a nice read. As well as an interesting look into the longest living Avatar. So rereading this series I feel will be worth it.

Conclusion

These are the four book series I plan to reread at some point. Hopefully this year, but it’s still pretty early in the year to tell. Have you had a book or a book series that you wanted or planned to reread? If so, why? Have you ever reread a series before?

Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail: A Review

I recently just finished the second book of Ashley Herring Blake’s Bright Falls series, Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail. This series, along with the the Witches of Thistle Grove series were series I picked up around the same time. I wanted to read some more romances and with me finding them in June, I ended up working it into a LGBTQ+ focused reading month (note that this wasn’t the only time I’ve read LGBTQ+ book, I just ended up deciding that I would try to focus on LGBTQ+ centered books since it was Pride Month).

I was initially hesitant if I wanted to continue on with this series, because after finishing Delilah Green Doesn’t Care and reflecting on issues I had with that book after, I wasn’t sure if I really wanted to continue the series. However, I ended up decided that I would read Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail to give the series a chance outside of the first book. The reason for giving it a chance was because I didn’t want to decide if I wanted to drop it solely on the first book. I wanted to give it a chance in the event the second book ended up being better than the first. And I ended up enjoying Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail.

Though not perfect, I do think Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail was a better book when compared to Delilah Green Doesn’t Care.

Positives

I can narrow it down to characters, how they developed, and the story. This story does see the return of characters from the previous book, like Delilah, Claire, and Iris. And Astrid, who Delilah and the gang plan to end her engagement to her fiancé, is one of the main characters alongside Jordan and part of the eventual main romance. That said, the secondary returning characters were solid enough for what they were needed for and the new characters for the most part worked.

Off the characters, I feel like Astrid and Jordan, mostly the former, had some of the best development in the story. Granted, that’s to be expected with them being the leading ladies, but their progression was done well and felt natural. They didn’t rush into a relationship and both tried to figure out what they wanted in the relationship and for the other person. I enjoyed how Astrid was able to become her own person and not what her mother wants, while also making mistakes along the way. As for Jordan, I’m glad she was finally able to find happiness after how things ended with her ex wife Meredith.

Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail also had a pretty solid storyline. While mostly from the perspectives of Astrid and Jordan, there was enough time to give the secondary characters time to shine. Astrid’s mother, Delilah, Claire, and Iris had good moments and helped Astrid when needed, with her mother being a source of conflict that she needed for personal growth. Then there’s Meredith and Jordan’s brother. Jordan’s brother brought a nice sibling dynamic between the two with her brother looking out for Jordan, while Meredith is a character that Jordan had her own personal conflicts over as Jordan started to realize that she deserved happiness and love too.

And while I may have felt like the plot was relatively simple, I thought it did a good job with the story it wanted to tell. I also feel like it did a better job with it compared to Delilah Green Doesn’t Care.

Critiques

As far as criticisms, I only really have two. This critique isn’t super serious, but it’s fine that I feel like addressing. That being some tropes that this book falls into,

Now, tropes aren’t inherently a bad thing. They are just elements that aren’t uncommon. When done well, they can be good. When not done as well, it’s noticeable. It really just depends on the book.

The tropes used here aren’t bad by any means.

Those include:

• Opposites Attract: Both have different visions for the project they’re working on, one’s vision is more modern while the other is traditional, Astrid aesthetic is bright and girly while Jordan’s ids rugged and kind of tomboyish.
• Second Chances: Both Astrid and Jordan find second chances at love with each other. Astrid finds love after calling things off with her ex fiancé and Jordan finds love again after the rough divorce between her and Meredith.
• Work Partners: They start off as work partners on renovating a house for a show. From there, they end up falling in love.

Again, I am not saying that tropes are bad. However, Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail does utilize a few romance tropes. And while I might not mind them, for the sake of critique I will say that is the one criticism I have. They don’t diminish the story enough for me to say I dislike the book. If these are tropes that you don’t particularly like, than this is your forewarning.

What I Feel it Did Better Than Delilah Green Doesn’t Care

As I mentioned at the beginning of this, I was debating if I wanted to continue on with the series. While I had initially enjoyed Delilah Green Doesn’t Care after some time had passed, I did feel like it could have been better. I was going to do a review on it, but ended up not getting it up due to motivation and my thoughts not being as concise as I would have liked when I was working on it.

Initially, my main issue with Delilah Green Doesn’t Care was that, similar to Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail, it did feel like it hit some common tropes (ex. the bet, Claire being the best friend to Astrid, Delilah’s stepsister, and happy ending). However, unlike Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail, the plot for Delilah Green Doesn’t Care to me felt like it fell to something you’d find in a Hallmark movie. Namely how it’s about Delilah coming back to her hometown, a past that had Delilah and Astrid become estranged into adulthood, making a bet with her sister to get Claire to like her, how and when it was revealed, and how it seemed to clear up almost instantly in the last chapter or two.

This isn’t necessarily a jab at Hallmark movies, but based on the ones I have seen, they do tend to share a lot of similar stories and/or tropes. And while I can say that both could possible fall into that umbrella, something about Delilah Green Doesn’t Care felt more blatant with it to me.

Since then, I have come to agree with a particular critique with Delilah Green Doesn’t Care. That being how the whole plan to break Astrid and her fiancé up feels unnecessarily over the top, where a simple conversation might have been better.

Initially, I didn’t think about that. It was just kind of there. But after reading over the criticisms of this, and actually thinking about it, I agree. I do think the story could still work for the most part with a tweaked version of Delilah and the group breaking Astrid and her fiancé up without going to the lengths they did. Maybe collect evidence as to why they feel that way, but actually sitting down with Astrid about instead of going to the lengths they did.

Conclusion

I would give Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail a four out of five stars. I thought it was a nice little romance with a natural progression and character growth that didn’t feel rushed. My only real critique would be that it utilizes a few common romance tropes. Though they aren’t done poorly, so it doesn’t really hinder the book.

Since I ended up enjoying this book, I will be continuing with this series. Which as of right now, appears to be a third and potentially final book in the form of Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date. Said third book is set to be released on November 7th 2023.

Most Anticipated Books for 2023

Now that we’re a month into 2023, the thought of books being released this year is something that’s been on my mind. Like every year, there are plenty of new releases for anyone and everyone to enjoy. For me, I have a few, ranging from fantasy to fiction to romance. And while I am sure there will be a few surprise releases that I may want to read, these are the books I am currently anticipating the most this year.

Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt by Lucinda Riley and Harry Whittaker

What will most likely be the last book in Lucinda Riley’s Seven Sisters series, Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt will tell the story about the enigmatic Pa Salt. The man who adopted and raised the six main sisters, and is the father to the “missing sister”. From what I can guess, this will cover questions about Pa Salt that were left unanswered. Who was Pa Salt? What inspired him to do what he did. And get a deep dive into his character while he was alive.

With Lucinda Riley passing not long after the release of The Missing Sister, her son Harry Whittaker took it upon himself to finish his mother’s book. She already had a bit of a start and an outline, so he already had a general idea for what to do.

I’ve been following this series since Moon Sister (book five) was released. And while part of me will miss it when it’s over, I’m glad that I found this series.

Mercy Thompson Book 14 by Patricia Briggs

According to Patricia Briggs’ website and Goodreads, the fourteenth book in the Mercy Thompson series is set to be released some point this year. And though I may be feeling some reading fatigued for the Mercy Thompson series, I will probably read it anyways. I’m already caught up, so I might as well.

Not much is known about this book at this time other than it is set to release this year. It doesn’t currently have a title or synopsis yet.

Sins of Sinister by Kieron Gillen

As for comics/graphic novels series I am looking forward to three runs. Sins of Sinister is one of them. Much like Back in a Spell Sins of Sinister has already started. However, Sins of Sinister is currently an on going series.

This series looks into High Council member and known X-Man antagonist Mister Sinister (Nathaniel Essex). Sinister has been scheming from the beginning and is putting his plans into action. This also includes a series of Nightcrawler hybrid chimeras, which I think is what I’m most interested in. Especially given Nightcrawler’s current state. It looks to be an eleven issue series including three, three part series (Storm and the Brotherhood of Evil, Immoral X-Men, and The Nightcrawlers).

It looks to be a wild and interesting ride and will end before the Fall of X event.

Sons of X by Simon Spurrier

There is going to be four ,four-shot stories set before the Fall of X event. Under the moniker Before the Fall one of those stories is Sons of X. Appearing to pick up from where Legion of X will leave off, Sons of X will focus on David Haller (Legion) and Kurt Wagner (Nightcrawler) dealing with Mother Righteous and Margali Szardos. I’ve been enjoying Spurrier’s Krakoa stuff and I really enjoy the dynamic between Legion and Nightcrawler that has been building since Way of X.

Sons of X will probably answer whatever questions Legion of X will leave off on. Which will most likely include: Kurt’s monstrous condition, fighting Margali, a fight against Mother Righteous, and Nightcrawler regaining the Hopesword (read Legion of X #10). I hope this won’t be the last run with Legion and Nightcrawler since I love their dynamic so much. However, I also can’t wait for Sons of X to be released.

Fall of X

This event starts in summer of 2023. There isn’t much on what this event will be about, but current theories include Krakoa falling, the system on Krakoa falling, and this possibly implying Charles Xavier (Professor X) will fall, be it death or morally. Whatever the case, something big will be happening.

The Battle Drum by Saara El-Arifi

I’m making my way through the first book of this trilogy, The Final Strife, and I’m hooked. I’m always looking to expand my fantasy reads and this was one that I stumbled upon at my library and ended up buying. Since this will be a trilogy, I think I’m going to have a really good time with it.

With The Battle Drum coming out May 23rd of this year, that gives me time to finish The Final Strife. I’ve just been taking my time with it since it is a longer book, the hardcover totaling at 644 pages, and I didn’t want to brush through it like I can with smaller books. I’ll probably end up purchasing The Battle Drum when it is released since I am enjoying it and would like to have it in my collection.

The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by S.A. Chakraborty

Similar to The Final Strife, S.A. Chakraborty’s Daevabad Trilogy was a trilogy that I came across while looking for new fantasy. Said trilogy utilized Middle Eastern tales and creatures and spun an interesting and engaging stroy.

The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi kicks off Chakraborty’s next trilogy, which has been described as the tale of Sinbad with a twist. It’ll have pirates, magic, artifacts, and a female lead, and sounds like a fun new trilogy. This first book is set to be released on February 23rd, so it won’t be long before this book hits shelves.

Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date by Ashley Herring

I had started the Bright Fall series by Ashley Herring around the same time I started Lana Harper’s The Witches of Thistle Grove series. I am currently working on the second book of the Bright Fall series, Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail, which was released towards the end of last year and the third book, Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date appears to have a November 2023 release date. That will give me plenty of time to finish Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail.

I’ll admit, I am a bit mixed about this series, or at the very least the first book, Dalilah Green Doesn’t Care. The story itself was fine enough, if a little formulaic/cliché. Essentially about Delilah coming back to her hometown and getting involved with her estranged step-sister’s wedding. Delilah ends up stringing a plan to break things off between Astrid and her fiancé upon realizing Astrid’s fiancé isn’t a great guy. She also makes a bet with Astrid that she can get Claire to like her.

I’ve seen critiques for the breaking up Astrid and her fiancé plot being not as good as it could be and over the top where a simple conversation could have helped. I can see how people may have that criticism, though mine is more so with the approach to Delilah and Claire getting together. I do think they could make a good couple, but the whole bet concept Delilah had with Astrid, to me, felt akin to a Hallmark movie plot. Especially with how it concluded.

Now, I am still willing to give this series a try seeing as each book seems to focus on a different character. So I may enjoy Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail and Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date. Wish I could say the same with The Witches of Thistle Grove series, where I enjoyed the first book, the second was okay, and I’m not sure what I’ll think of the third (I just want to finish the series out at this point).

Bewitched by Laura Thalassa

I’m not someone who consciously looks into BookTok books. I may pick a book or two up that are talked on BookTok and periodically check into what BookTok is talking about, but I usually look for books that I think I’ll enjoy. It’s just sometimes that overlaps into what BookTok is discussing/recommending unintentionally. This author happens to be one that has been talked about on BookTok apparently.

Note: BookTok, for those of you who may not know, is a side of the app TikTok that’s dedicated to talking about books. This can include recommendations, ratings, what their reading, and so on. It seems to be a popular side of the app, though, I only really follow one person who’s a BookToker and willo.

Now, I came across this author when looking for something new while at Barnes and Noble. I spotted the first books for her Bargainer and The Four Horsemen series (Rhapsodic and Pestilence respectively) and thought I might check them out. I didn’t end up getting to either series, though mostly due to life, motivation, and other books. I may try to give them a try later, especially since they are on my to read list and Goodreads let me know they were holding a giveaway for the entire Bargainer series. It’s because of that giveaway notification that I ended up checking into what else the author has written and I ended up finding this book.

It comes out on April 18th so I may give it a try.

When You Wish Upon a Star by Elizabeth Lim

On series I have been keeping up with, but not reading every book, is the Twisted Tales series. This is a YA series that takes Disney properties and twists the tale with a simple what if question. An example would be in Reflection another book in the series Elizabeth Lim worked on. This book takes Mulan and asks, “what if Mulan had to go to the underworld?” It’s set up after the fight with the Huns, and after Shang takes a fatal blow, it’s up to Mulan, or Ping as the troops know her, going to the underworld to bring Shang back.

Though a series, each book is a standalone book. So the only ones you have to read are the ones that interest you.

When You Wish Upon a Star is the newest book. This one focusing on (the movie) Pinocchio and asks, “What if the Blue Fairy Wasn’t Supposed to Help Pinocchio?” With that in mind, it looks like this book will focus on the Blue Fairy or Chiara as she will also be known as in the book. It would appear there will be a few Twisted Tales books released this year, including an anthology, and When You Wish Upon a Star appears to be the first of these, set to release in April.

Conclusion

So far, these are the books I am looking forward to reading this year. Some fiction, some fantasy, even a few graphic novels. And though not the only books I plan to read this year, I can’t wait to get started on them.

Cry Wolf: A Review

Since I’ve talked a few times now about Patricia Briggs’ Alpha and Omega series, and recently reviewed the prequel novella, it’s time for a review of the first book. Cry Wolf is the first book in the series, excluding the Alpha and Omega novella (which is considered a prequel) and the This is my favorite of the series and is the book I have read the most.

Disclaimer

While this story doesn’t go into graphic detail, it does touch on some sensitive subjects. Mainly referenced trauma and violence against Anne while she was in her previous pack.

Synopsis

The story picks up some time after the events of Alpha and Omega. Anne is the mate of Charles, the first and only born were wolf and son of the pack leader Bram, who is trying to get acclimated to the new pack. As she tries to adjust, she and Charles go to a funeral for a pack member, she meets Asil, a downdraught with a drinking habit. Due to Anne being a rare Omega, who’s role is to be a soothing presence in the pack, she .

Positives

I think this book set up the world pretty well. Since it does it’s own thing, away from the Mercy Thompson series, this is something it would have to do to keep it as it’s own separate thing. And I think it does it pretty well. It might feel a bit more contained since it does focus a lot on Anna, Charles, their pack, and the few people they do interact with, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. I see this series as really focusing on building the relationship between Anna and Charles alongside their relationship with the pack and how they handle situations that they are needed for.

I also think it sets up a number of characters really well. The dynamic between Anna and Charles is a bit different when compared to Mercy and Adam. Which I think is kind of important since they are the couple readers are following in this series. Individually, Charles

I also think that how they set up why two werewolves cannot have kids and the dangers of trying. That might seem like something that feels a bit like a trope, but I don’t think it’s set up in a way that feels bad. Plus, it also helps further explain why Samuel, Charles’ (half) brother, thought having kids with Mercy, a Coyote shifter, would be potentially safer had they gotten together. Basically, it would be very high risk and the mother would die because of it. They mention this in Alpha and Omega, which devastates Anna, who had always wanted kids even prior to her changing. And again here when explaining how Charles’ mother, who Bran changed in order to save her life, had died giving birth to Charles. So it kind of explores why it’s avoided from two different perspectives.

Negatives

Having read this book as many times that I have, I won’t say it doesn’t have flaws. I’ve narrowed it down to common tropes, some of the characters, and how Asil seems to be the only one with first hand experience with Omegas.

While not always a bad thing, it does have some of the typical tropes you would expect from the genre. Like how urban fantasy a lot of times will focus on vampires, werewolves, witches, and fae. Or how Charles is essentially the enforcer for his father, who is the head, the North American werewolves, which would probably fall into a subcategory of supernatural enforcers. Though, typically, Charles is sent to check in on or handle other werewolf packs as needed as opposed to all of the supernatural creatures. The only time he does is if his father needs him to, but usually it’s to keep the werewolves in line.

I would say this may also hit the Chosen One trope but to a lesser degree. By that I mean that Anna could fit the “chosen one” archetype because she is an Omega, which is a rarity in this universe. I feel like this could be the main trope, with the only other trope in it being the “everyone wants the MC” trope to a lesser extent. Some members of the pack do show an interest in Anna, but its dealt with pretty quickly. Plus, the only reason Asil is interested in Anna was because Anna reminded him of his late wife, who was also an Omega.

Now tropes/clichés aren’t necessarily bad. I just know that what some people might either enjoy or find annoying may vary. However, I don’t think the ones here were terrible to the point where I found it distasteful. Then again, I don’t read a lot of urban fantasy. So while I might not find it as bothersome, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t for others. That said, I feel it’s worth a mention for those of you who might find some of the common tropes in this genre bothersome.

Speaking of Asil, one of the other main complaints I had with this book was how he acted in some instances. On the one hand I do think it’s understandable that he would be a bit more closed off and grieving after his wife dies. I also understand that he and Charles might not have the best relationship at the start. Those in and of themselves aren’t bad as plot points.

However, part of me felt that Asil was being a bit too stubborn/confrontational at times. There’s a point in the story where Charles approaches him about how to approach Anna as an Omega. Since Omegas are pretty uncommon. Asil does provide some advice, but he also seems a bit confrontational, but as restrained as restrained as he has to be. And while the relationship between them does seem to improve over the course of the book, I just feel that their confrontational relationship could have been done differently. Especially since what connects them is the fact their partners are Omega.

Now, I’m not saying that every conflict that that takes this route has to end with a smooth and positive resolution. I’m just saying that this feels like one of those instances that does. Especially since Charles and Anna’s relationship with Asil improves by the end of the book. And if that was what it was going for, then I think it could have been done better.

Though I cannot think of any other flaws at the moment, these were the big ones I had. Again the clichés/tropes used may not be enjoyable depending on the reader and more than anything, I just think that how Asil was approached in regards to his relationship with Charles and working to improve their relationship through Anna could have been done better.

Conclusion

I would probably give this book an eight and a half out of ten. Overall, I think this was a solid enough first book in the series. I feel it sets up the world and characters well. And while it does fall into some of the common tropes/clichés Urban Fantasy is known, they aren’t egregious. I also would have preferred if certain interactions with Asil could have been a bit better. This is my guilty pleasure read and was a fun one at that.

• If you’d like to read my review for the prequel novella Alpha and Omega, you can find it here: https://the-little-library.org/2022/07/19/alpha-and-omega-by-patricia-briggs-a-review/
• If you’d like to read why I consider this my guilty pleasure read, feel free to check it out here: https://the-little-library.org/2022/04/17/alpha-and-omega-a-guilty-pleasure-read-and-why-i-prefer-this-series-to-mercy-thompson/

The Power of the Dog: The Book vs The Movie

Believe it or not, it has been about six months since I last talked about the novel and Netflix Oscar Nominee The Power of the Dog. While I had a few ideas for possible posts, motivation and ideas had stagnated. However, if there was one thing I hadn’t considered doing at the time, despite having read the book not long after seeing the movie, was doing a comparison between the book and movie. Because while the movie did keep pretty close to the book, there were a few differences between the two.

Similarities

Starting off with similarities between the two, as an adaptation, the movie does hold true to elements of the book its based on. There’s the story, characters, and the relationship between said characters.

As for story, it does follow the book pretty faithfully, save for the events behind the death of Rose’s husband and Peter’s father, which I will get to momentarily. It still tells the story of two brothers who are quite different and how George ends up marrying Rose after the death of her husband. And Phil’s torment her throughout is still a prevalent factor.

There’s also how Phil treats Peter throughout the movie. Starting out with picking on/tormenting Peter to the slight shift where he decides to take Peter under his wing (which to some degree was kind of a ploy to isolate Rose). Then it gets to where Phil seems to see a lot of Bronco Henry, a man Phil looked up to and was close to, in Peter.

The characters were pretty consistent from the novel to the movie. How opposing Phil and George are is still there. As is how Rose and Peter react to them.

The focus put on the mountain range, how Phil views Bronco Henry, and the eccentricities of Peter that were pretty accurate. And while the movie has some areas where it has quiet pauses, I think that body language could be used in place of some of the introspective the book had.

Overall, The Power of the Dog as a movie was a pretty faithful adaptation. It kept the characters consistent from the book to the movie, kept the interactions and relationships intact, and it followed the story pretty faithfully minus one or two scenes. However, for how faithful it was, I do feel that it had one or two key differences between the two.

Differences

The main differences would be the details behind the death of Rose’s husband, how that might effect Peter from the viewer’s perspective, and how it uses the third person perspective the novel.

When it comes to the overarching perspective from Phil’s point of view, there are a few instances in the book where it feels like there is more of a focus from Phil’s point of view. Now, the book is written in the third person, so it can lend itself to not having to worry about focusing one character. However, there are a few instances of Third Person Limited perspective, which is where it feels like it focuses mostly on one character.

It does this in two different ways. The first few chapters, where it focuses on Rose’s family and her husband. There it sets up what readers will come to expect with Rose’s family. There’s also a period where it focuses on everybody, or who the scene may call for, like when Rose is moving in with George. Then, at some point, it does feel like this limited third perspective falls on Phil, later on in the book. An example being towards the climax when Peter and Phil are in the farm working on the rope, where it has him reflecting on the last time he was close with anyone (excluding his brother).

In the movie, viewers get a general third person perspective. Some scenes will focus on George and Phil, George and Rose, Rose and Peter, and Phil and Peter, depending on what the scene calls for. If I had to give the movie a character it might have given more of an overarching focus on, it would be Phil. Because, regardless of the fact that Phil is inherently the antagonist of the story, it seems like he is a driving force and focus of what goes on as the story progresses.

Also worth mentioning is the Native American family. If I recall correctly, it was a father and son or grandfather and grandson duo. In the movie, they do have a few scenes, the one where Rose gives them the leather, which Phil was adamant about not selling to them, being the important one. This family does have a few more scenes in the book, with this aforementioned exchange happening as well. I thought I should include that, because while this Native American family does show up, they did have a little more development in the book.

The biggest difference does come in the form of Peter’s father and how that might affect how people perceive Peter in the movie. In the movie, viewers will learn that Peter’s father took his own life. This event shown and is only mentioned in a conversation he and Phil have.

This conversation still happens in the novel. However, the novel addressed this within the first few chapters of it. It sets up who his father is and how he was a doctor and what the motive behind his death was. In the novel, we learn that he does worry about Peter, who at the time wasn’t as healthy as he could be, and was a target of Phil’s jokes. Which was something that had been prevalent in the book later on as well as in the movie when Peter and Rose are living with George.

Without spoiling too much, Peter’s father was worried about Peter, and comments about Peter being a “sissy” were something that really bothered him. And like it was referenced in the later scene in the book and movie, Peter was the one to find his body.

The reason I say that this can effect how viewers might breakdown Peter’s character. I had seen a case made that Peter might have been something of a sociopath and/or having a hand in his father’s death. In the case of him being a sociopath, I’m not entirely sure if that was the case, since I feel like what he did later on in the story could have been a form of trauma response and wanting to protect his mother, who didn’t really stand much of a chance when it came to Phil’s torment. However, that may depend on who you talk to.

As far as Peter having a hand in his father’s death, I can see how that could have been assumed or considered in the movie. Because of how his father’s death is addressed and Peter’s actions later on, along with the theory that Peter might be a sociopath, I could see why some viewers might have deduced that he could have been responsible. That’s not necessarily the fault of the movie, but because viewers never got to see what happened to his father, it could leave itself up to interpretation. Had the movie included a scene addressing his father, be it a scene at the beginning with a time jump to when the movie actually starts or a flashback, I think it might have helped explain things just a little more.

In conclusion, the major differences in the film include how the third person perspective seems to be used and the scene expanding on what happened to Peter’s father. As well as a scene or two more with the Native American family.

Conclusion

Overall, as an adaptation, I would say 2021’s The Power of the Dog Netflix adaptation was a solid and faithful adaptation. It followed a lot of the core elements of the novel it was based on. And though it might not have included some of the context behind the death of Peter’s father, I don’t think that hurt the movie. Though it could lead to some differing interpretations of Peter. All in all, though, I would say it was a pretty faithful adaptation.

Almost There by Farrah Rochon: A Review

The thirteenth book in the Disney Twisted Tales series, Almost There asks the question: What if Tiana Made a Deal that Changed Everything? A question that this novel looks to answer.

When I first heard that this book was coming out, I was intrigued. Though 2009’s Princess and the Frog didn’t catch my interest when it was initially released, it is one that I have revisited and really enjoy. The art and music were really good and the direction it took the story was interesting. This is also the movie that introduced us to Tiana, Disney’s first black princess. All and all, I would say that The Princess and the Frog was a solid movie and deserves the appreciation and enjoyment it has received in the years since its release.

Almost There is the thirteenth book in the Twisted Tales line and was the one I had the most curiosity for after the last two books. Go the Distance was a nice one and What Once Was Mine wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for when I read it (loved the concept, wasn’t fond of certain decisions). And while I had an inkling for what they might have gone with in terms of twisting the story (Tiana taking the deal), how it was executed was neat.

And having just recently finished the book, I thought it was time to review it. Note: I will try to avoid as many spoilers as possible, but as always, Possible Spoilers Ahead.

Synopsis

The story begins with a few scenes from Tiana’s past. A lot of it being about her father and establishing moments from the movie and built off of it. Readers then jump to the present where Tiana makes a deal with Dr. Facilier that will give her her father back in exchange for an elixir his friends from the other side want her to use.

When she agrees, with one little detail missed, she gets what she had always wanted. Her friends safety, her own restaurant and her father. However, when eerie things begin to change. And when Dr. Facilier comes back a year later to collect and follow upon that missed detail, Tiana finds herself thrown into a world of trouble, and it’s up to her, Charlotte, and Naveen to reverse what the Shadow Man created.

Positives

What I thought was really good about this book had to do with the story, some of the characters, and the setting. It was also interesting to see how it worked off of the established connection Tiana had with her father and their love for cooking. It was also really nice to see these two bonding and how it eventually dealt with Tiana’s love for her father and the grief that comes along with it.

For the story, the direction they went with made sense. I did speculate that Tiana would take the offer Dr. Facilier gave her, but where such an offer would go, I wasn’t sure. That said, it does feel like a logical direction for it to go the way it did, and I think it was executed well for the most part.

As for characters, I did enjoy how this story developed Charlotte a bit more. While Charlotte would be a sort of iconic character in the movie, she only had so many scenes. Here, readers get to see more of her and Tiana’s friendship and Charlotte having some development. Naveen also got a little development too. Like him reflecting on possibly going back to Maldonia after receiving an invitation back, and what that would mean for him. Of course, Tiana got quite a bit of development as the protagonist, which includes how she handles Facilier and the restaurant. As well as how she approaches Naveen now that everyone is back to “normal”.

The setting of the story is also pretty neat too. It still takes place in 1920’s New Orleans which is nice. And while holding onto the music, food, and character the movie had while set in this time period, it does have a moment where it seems to address (if only in an implication sense) about the climate at the time in regards to race. While the movie has that scene with Tiana and the investors at Charlotte’s party with how they present her not getting the building she had her sights set on, Almost There has a scene involving Charlotte and Tiana at a clothing store where one of the workers states Tiana isn’t allowed to shop there (Charlotte does try to defend Tiana in this situation to her best ability while Tiana doesn’t want to start a conflict because of it).

Negatives

As for negatives, while I wouldn’t want to say it feels like it is formulaic, but I suppose the ending could have been a little different. On the one hand, I did like how it was a sort of psyche out. On the other, I kind of saw something a little different (like Facilier “running out of time”). But that’s just me.

One other thing I think they could have done was more scenes with Mama Odie. They do go to see her, but I feel like there could have been more scenes with her. Especially since there was a whole scene with Charlotte being perplexed that everyone but her knew who Mama Odie was. I just felt they could have done more with it.

Conclusion

I would probably give this book a 4.25 out of 5 stars. It’s certainly one of my favorite of the Twisted Tales series and I love how it approached the story. From the characters to how it addressed the plot and setting. I only wish they had done one or two things differently.

The next book in the series is one I heard might be a possibility. That being a Pinocchio set book. The title is When You Wish Upon a Star and is written by Elizabeth Lim, who previously wrote the Mulan Twisted Tale Reflection. When You Wish Upon a Star will focus on the Blue Fairy and asks: What if the Blue Fairy wasn’t Supposed to Help Pinocchio? and is expected to be released on April 4th 2023.

Atlas the Story of Pa Salt, the Final Book of The Seven Sisters Series: My Hopes and Expectations.

When The Missing Sister came out back in 2021, I initially thought this would be the last book in the series. Since each book focused on a sister and the seventh being based on the one that went missing, it would make sense. However, checking Goodreads, like I do, I found out that there will be an eighth book. From my understanding this was in the works prior to her passing and announced not long after The Missing Sister’s release.

According to an interview for The Missing Sister (https://lucindariley.co.uk/seven-sisters-series/the-story-of-the-missing-sister/q-and-a/), Lucinda Riley initially planned for this book to be seven books long. However, she didn’t feel like The Missing Sister could tie up all of the loose ends, feeling that she wouldn’t be able to do it justice. So she started on Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt to finish the series.

And while she did pass away a few months after the release of The Missing Sister, that doesn’t mean it will go unfinished. Since she already had passages and key notes on the story in the works, her eldest son Harry Whittaker, will continue, and finish, the story. According to Goodreads, the book has an expected release of January 2023, however, her website states that it has an expected release in Spring of 2023 (https://lucindariley.co.uk/seven-sisters-series/atlas-the-story-of-pa-salt/).

With that said, I thought I would take a moment to discuss some hopes I have for this book. As well as some things I am expecting. I suppose both are interchangeable, but I do feel some topics might fit more as expectations while others fit more so as thing I hope they include.

Honoring Lucinda Riley’s Memory

With this being not only the last book in the series, but the last book by Lucinda Riley, I feel like this book could be a ceremonial way to say farewell to the author. Whether that be in the form of an “in memory of” section” or some form of tribute to the author in the acknowledgements or notes at the end, I think there should be some form of way that the author is remembered. I’m sure there will be, and that’s not to say that Harry Whittaker shouldn’t get credit for his part, just that this book could be a way to honor Lucinda Riley’s memory.

Exploring Pa Salt’s Character

This is titles Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt, so it’s pretty much a given that it will be about Pa Salt. He had a presence throughout the series, but readers never really got to know the character on a personal level. Only how each sister remembers him.

My hope is that this book will give some closure with Pa Salt as a character. Since his character has been dead since the very beginning, I would hope that this goes over who he was as a person, exploring why he adopted each sister, and the lead up to his passing. Let his story be told in a way that works with the story and wraps it up with the sisters learning more about their father.

The Past and Present Storytelling

This might sound odd, but I would hope that it keeps up the tradition of it being told in the present as well as the past. Not only because the series is known for it, but because I feel that it has to. Again, with Pa Salt being deceased, readers won’t exactly be able to get a first hand account of the character. Rather, the sisters learning more about the man who brought them all together. That would be the present bit.

As for the past portion, it would focus on Pa Salt’s life. Here, readers would get to learn about who he was as a person, where he came from, how he became the man he was, and how he found each sister. And much like the other stories, it should go through a big part of his life. It can start with him as a child or young adult (preferably the latter) and go all the way up to his death.

As far as perspective, I could see this taking a slightly different approach. Normally, each book would be told in the first person for each sister and third for the person from the past. I believe The Missing Sister was the only book that told it from the third person perspective for both. Here, I can see it using solely the third person for both perspectives since it would be his story and D’Aplièse getting answers and learning more about Pa Salt. Alternatively, it could be written from third person for the present part and the first person for Pa Salt’s. That would be a nice change of pace while also utilizing something that the series was known for. There is also the chance that the present could shift a first person perspective for each sister, but I feel like that would be unnecessary and could get confusing.

Ending the Series on a High Note

Since this will be the conclusion to the series, I feel like it should end on something of a high note. That would include wrapping up the loose ends it didn’t get to in The Missing Sister, ending with each sister having learned something, show where each sister ends up, and ending the series on a good conclusive note. While I’m not expecting perfection, I do think that it should resolve what it needs to and feels gratifying. Not rushed. Nor do I think it should end on a happily ever after. It would be nice to see it ending on a happier note, but I’m not looking for a happily ever after necessarily. If one or more of the sisters feel like they have to reevaluate their life or how they viewed Pa Salt, that’s okay. But at the same time, they did get a sort of happily ever after at the end of each of their story, and I don’t think that has to be tossed.

Conclusion

These are just a few things I hope for when Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt is released. If you’ve read the series, what are your expectations for it? Is there anything you hope gets addressed? Are you excited for it?