Mini Book Reviews: The Listeners, A Touch of Darkness, We Live Here Now and more

The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater – 6/10

June Hudson (“Hoss”) is the general manager of the Avallon hotel, a luxury hotel and spa in West Virginia. She caters to high profile guests, anticipating their every need, until in January 1942 she’s asked (/told) to clear the hotel to make room for high profile German, Japanese and Italian diplomats, journalists and more, who are being detained in exchange for Americans captured in their countries. But the sweetwater that runs beneath and through the hotel

It was well written, well researched and the details of the characters are so fun – I loved June’s character. There was something of a dry humour to much of it. But the best way to describe my relationship with this book is that we just didn’t feel that spark.

I enjoyed seeing the inner workings of a hotel of this prestige and scale, especially run by a woman (of my age!) in this time period. And the magic and ever present threat of the sweetwater was promising. I would have liked more focus on the sweetwater, but I know that’s not really what this book was about – it built an excellent backdrop for the magic of the mountains and June’s childhood, but wasn’t explored far enough. That’s personal taste in books currently though I’d say!

The plot isn’t a driving one – it’s slow and meandering, sometimes it feels more like a collection of anecdotes with June and FBI agent Tucker connecting the narratives. There was beauty in the small, sometimes whimsical, sometimes eerie, details. I feel there’s more beneath the narrative than what you read on the surface, but parts of the story dragged and didn’t engage me well enough to pull all of those out.

I can see the amount of time, hard work and pure passion that went into this story. The author explains that it’s not a true story, but that many of the anecdotes are pulled from the time period – crazy little things like an Italian man setting fire to his shoe where he’d smuggled hidden documents! I’d give it 3.5 stars; it’s not 100% for me, but is a good book.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for a review copy of this book.

Destruction by Sharon Bayliss – 6.5/10

Well, I liked this a lot more than I expected to! This is one of my “catching up” Netgalley reads from waaaay back, and interestingly, one I added to my read next list without actually checking the synopsis to see what it was about. I went in thinking it was a YA fantasy then was surprised by the first few chapters where nothing seemed very fantasy-like. It was quite fun to go in blind and to be surprised as the book developed, so I’ll keep it like that for anyone reading my review!

David is father to 3 teens, but at the beginning of the book has a call, that we learn he has been hoping for, to say that his 2 missing children have been found and he can come and collect them. The story quickly develops as we discover these are children from an affair and are similar ages to his current family, but that they’ve been living somewhat off grid for a number of years and have been subject to abuse. His wife is, of course, not pleased to learn of their existence but welcomes them into her home, while initially kicking him out. As they adapt to their new environment, big secrets are revealed, but not just about the two new children, about the rest of the family too.

I’ll be honest, it was a dark read and some parts more so than others. Nevertheless, the story isn’t slow – it has a good pace and I raced through it. There are some great moments that would match up to any thriller, and other more introspective moments where you get to know each of the kids. I enjoyed getting to know their characters.

I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the series in future. This one is also available on Kindle Unlimited!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for a review copy of this book.

Read more: How to Get ARCs for Free and Write ARC Reviews

A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair – 8.5/10

I’m a little bit obsessed with this book. I knew I would be when I saw that the subject is Hades and Persephone – her cult was part of my dissertation topic at uni, so I’m always interesting in knowing more.

And this is a fantastic twist on that! It took a minute to get used to the fact that this retelling of the classic myth is set in the modern world, but once I got my head around that, I was engrossed in the story.

Persephone is an interesting character in this story. I believe there’s a bookish acronym of TSTL which means “too stupid to live”, and while I think that’s quite a harsh phrase, I think it does somewhat apply here – there are parts of the book where you’re wondering why on earth Persephone is doing something aside serving to drive the plot forward! Nevertheless, I was hooked by the story between her and Hades.

It’s not the most high brow of reads by any stretch of the imagination, but I really enjoyed how the ancient gods were modernised. It was a quick and easy read and I would happily pick up the next in the series at any moment.

Zodiac Academy: The Awakening by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti – 7.5/10

I’ve had this one on my list for months as one of the most iconic romantasy BookTok reads – it pops up constantly as a recommendation for me and several books I’ve read have been said to have Zodiac Academy vibes, so I was very excited to read it. This was one of my last Kindle Unlimited reads before I paused it again (I’m aiming to restart in September if I can get through my current list!) so it was kind of “treat” or “reward” book for me.

And I enjoyed it, I really did, but it didn’t live up to the hype 100% for me. I knew it was a bully trope book, but I must not have really read any of these before as some of the behaviour in it was…not great in my eyes, problematic at times. I can’t say it’s a trope that will be become a favourite for me as I didn’t find all of it that enjoyable. I’m sure that what’s happening now in the first book is setting the stage for amazing character building as the twins gain more power throughout the series, and I imagine they’ll eventually enact revenge. But I think I was kind of hoping for a twist at this point that would show that the bullies were all doing it for a reason, something to redeem them. Maybe that’s coming, or maybe that never happens, but some parts were tought reading for me.

Nevertheless, it wasn’t a bad read at all and I’ll definitely be continuing the series. It’s probably what I would call a “trashy” romantasy as it’s not beautifully written and doesn’t yet appear to have some big grand scheme behind it, but it was still an absorbing read.

The magic system was an interesting one, and seeing it through the twins’ eyes for the first time is a great way to introduce it as we have the wool pulled over our eyes just as much as they do. I think there’s something about us feeling the vulnerability and the not knowing alongside them that helps us to understand their characters. Their new friends and acquaintances are an interesting bunch (although I think I feel something rumbling behind the scenes there – interesting to see where my predictions go!). As I said though, the leading men are the pack of bullies, and I’m just not sure I like the feeling of where that’s going to go. I guess if I’m being honest, I’m hoping for a Rhysand situation, and I don’t think we’re going to get that!

Alice With A Why by Anna James – 8/10

This is a gorgeous, wonderful imagining of a new Alyce – the original Alice’s granddaughter (“with a why” as she is described!) – on her own journey through Wonderland.

I haven’t read the original Alice books for years, but I have watched various versions of the films in recent times thanks to having a daughter at the right age for them. Even though I can’t say I remember the writing style all that well of the originals, I feel that the author got the tone just right for this. It’s whimsical and nonsensical, but also witty. The strange thing is that some of the little jokes, like Alyce searching for the “Time Being”, would have seemed like nonsense to me if I’d read it as a child, but as a grown up, they’re like little in-jokes. I’m sure there are ones that I missed in there too!

This Alyce has heard her grandmother’s tales of adventure in Wonderland but isn’t quite sure she can be believed. That is, until she finds a strange invitation and tumbles after a paper boat into a new world herself. The new Alyce meets a few of the old cast of characters, including the Mad Hatter, March Hare, Dormouse, the Mock Turtle and Cheshire Cat, but she also meets some new friends, including a wise fox who accompanies her on her journey. This journey is, like the original Alice’s, somewhat accidental where each step makes sense at the time – including finding the Time Being, helping the Sun King and Queen of the Moon find a truce in their war, and searching for the right papers to allow her passage through the land.

Unfortunately as my version was an advance copy from Netgalley, I didn’t have the illustrations -the author actually refers to them at points, speaking to the reader directly (which is a lovely touch and very fun!). I’d love to get my hands on a physical copy in the future to see the illustrations and to share it with my daughter. She’s just turned 6 and I feel like she would be just on the edge of the age where she might enjoy it, but it’s one of those stories that gets better with time.

This is a lovely, faithful new rendering of a classic which I highly recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for a review copy of this book.

We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough – 8/10

I loved this. It was such a great, creepy, twisty thriller that had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was coming next.

A couple move to a big isolated house on the moorland after the wife, Emily, has suffered through a fall and a subsequent coma brought on my sepsis. The husband, Freddie, has decided that getting out of London will be the best move for them. But when they arrive at the house in the depths of winter, it’s not quite as Emily imagined from the photos – something feels wrong. Strange things immediately start happening, but is it really a haunted house, or is it hallucinations of her post-sepsis condition? What secrets are both they and the house hiding?

I’ve read a couple of Sarah Pinborough’s books before, including the now iconic Behind Her Eyes. I wondered if this one would take the same direction, and while it has similarities (in that it’s not your standard mystery), it has a very different feel too. While the characters are, of course, a big part of this plot, the house itself is also a very key component. It’s the type of story that leaves you wondering if you’re going crazy reading it, as there are parts that just seem unbelievable, but you believe them anyway!

It’s hard to describe the plot without ruining the fun ride of it, but trust me when I say it’s worth it. It’s a little bit paranormal, a lot of morally grey characters, and truly eerie. It had me sitting upright in our (new build!) house, wondering if I should worry about the noises – I was so absorbed and gripped by the atmosphere of it.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for a review copy of this book.

The Night Counsellor by L. K. Pang – 8/10

This was a great read! Gothic and oppressive and quite terrifying in parts – the monsters aren’t always who you think they are.

Jane, a counsellor who is also a single mother in the 1950s, is enlisted by the Beaumont Asylum to assist with Patient A, an anonymous woman who has turned up at the hospital mute and barely able to even move of her own accord. She appeared naked, covered in blood and mud, with no ability to communicate what had happened, and she is quickly embroiled in a murder investigation. It’s Jane’s job to try to get the patient to talk to help untangle exactly what happened.

The setting in a 1950s asylum is brilliant – such an iconic era, and especially terrifying as a woman confined to it. I also really enjoyed the wider setting of West Yorkshire which added a lot of depth to the novel.

I enjoyed reading about the exploration of the mind through unorthodox methods, particularly including during sleep. It was a time of emerging therapies and, while much of it seems barbaric now, it’s fascinating.

Jane is a great character, both in her professional and personal life, as these stories sit alongside each other. Of course, Patient A’s story along with another’s is also interwoven throughout the novel, and these characters are also well written.

The book reminded me of a slightly more historic and English version of some of those by my all time favourite author, Carol Goodman, so if that’s your jam, I’m sure you’ll love this too.

Thank you to the author and the publishers for a review copy of this book – I received it earlier this year via a request in a local Facebook group (the author is local to me), and have only just managed to get it compatible with my Kindle – but I’m so glad I did! I have her first book on my list to read soon now too!

Read more: A Guide to the Best Bookshops in York (Walking Bookshop Tour)

The Sight of You by Holly Miller – 7/10

This was a beautiful engrossing read that pulls at the heartstrings in the best and worst possible ways.

It’s told from two perspectives, alternating chapters from Joel, who has prophetic dreams about people he loves, and Callie, the woman he falls in love with. And when the worst happens, he dreams about her fate, they have to make a decision if it will tear them apart or keep them together.

This was very well written. There were scenes, particularly ones set in nature, that were stunning. You could feel the anguish and longing of both characters, and each had a very full backstory that built them into strong, relatable people. It’s a story that will stick with me.

The only tiny criticism I had was that the story was somewhat predictable so some parts felt that they were dragging, but this doesn’t matter too much as it feels more character driven to me.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for a review copy of this book.

Ask No Questions by Claire Allan – 6/10

This book was quite the ride of twists and turns – a great crime thriller that’s very true to its genre.

On Halloween 25 years ago, an 8 year old girl goes missing. Her body is found in the local “rezzie” (reservoir) by twin boys from her school. Now, on the anniversary of her death, journalist Ingrid is digging deeper to uncover what really happened – did an innocent man go to jail? And why are the twins suddenly back on the scene?

The pacing was a little bit off to me, while it was a quick read, it’s mostly because I sped through it as it wasn’t particularly one to savour the words or the writing. There were times where they seemed to be going over old ground again, but other times where it sped up.

The characters aren’t particularly all that likeable, but for this type of story, they shouldn’t be anyway! It had that kind of dirty, gritty feel that you associate with a police/murder /journalist story, and that was done very well.

Personally, I think I’m just not in my crime thriller era right now – a few years ago, I probably would have given this book 4 or 5 stars, but right now, it just wasn’t the type of story I reach for. I’m glad I read it and I would read more by the author in future as I’ve enjoyed her past books too, but I’ll wait for the right time for me again.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for a review copy of this book.

Dear Child by Romy Hausmann – 7/10

Twisty and twisted – this was distressing in many ways but a very good read that had me absorbed all the way through, searching for a happy ending in as many ways as possible.

Lena and her two children live in a cabin in the woods, held by the man who kidnapped her and who meticulously controls every element of their lives. But when Lena manages to escape, it’s only a matter of time before the real truth comes out.

This book has a lot of layers – the abuse to women, to children who’ve never known a different life; the escape; fear and coming to terms with living in the real world. It also tells the story of grieving parents and the authorities as they try to figure out exactly what has gone on all these years, and why so much of it doesn’t add up.

It had me hooked on finding out who the mystery kidnapper and abuser was – surely it can’t be some random person who abducts women by chance?

The chapters told by one of the children, the daughter Hannah, are so harrowing. She is a clever child but has had to grow up in a world so unfamiliar to us that it’s hard to connect to her, but you feel so sorry for her. Especially having children now, seeing the world through the eyes of a child brought up in this environment is so sad.

This has similarities to Room by Emma Donoghue which is also a very good, fast paced, dark thriller. If you enjoyed that one, you’ll like this too.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for a review copy of this book.

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi – 7.5/10

This is a book I’ve seen all over BookTok as a highly recommended one, so when it was down to 99p recently, I snapped it up and added it to my reading schedule.

Honestly, I was expecting a mind blowing fantasy, and while this was very good, it wasn’t groundbreaking. I really enjoyed reading it and will absolutely read the rest of the series. I love a dystopian world, with a bit (/lot) of romance (very much Insta-love, maybe the ground breaking twist is yet to come?! Hold that thought for me!) and a main female character who fights for her place in it.

It definitely had a feeling that I tend to associate with a newer YA author which isn’t a bad thing in itself. It reminded me a lot of books I read in my late teens and early 20s, so it felt a bit nostalgic for me weirdly!

It’s very fast-paced, in some areas a little too much so as I wonder how they were in a situation and suddenly out of it, then jumping straight into the next, but it meant it had me reading like crazy and finishing this book in a day.

Definitely a good read, but be prepared that it’s classic of a YA dystopian world novel rather than a big epic romance, which is what some TikToks had me believing!

Read more: A Guide to Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas (Books Reading Order)

Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez – 9/10

How can a non-fiction book make you cry? Let it give you some cold, hard truths that explain how the world around us has not been designed for women, and there you go.

One story that made an impact on me was a small one, one that doesn’t even affect me personally – travel sickness. Did you know that women are more likely to suffer from travel sickness? Any why? Well, it’s just the way it is, apparently. Until someone actually decided to look into it and realised that women’s bodies sway differently to men (even differently throughout the menstrual cycle apparently), but we don’t know the details yet – thanks to our old friend, the gender data gap. But when someone thought just a little bit more about it, maybe the headrests in cars that are designed at just the right height for men might be influencing the numbers of men that experience car sickness compared to women. And that’s not even to mention the safety aspect of car headrests – the motion sickness thing is just a minor inconvenience for women, right? Don’t get me started on seatbelts and crash test dummies.

This book not only summarises the real data that exists – and points out where the data doesn’t exist too – but it also provides useful anecdotes alongside it, stories that bring the harsh realities of living in the world as a woman more clearly to light.

It’s a crazy read – so much rings true in this, there are minor and major shockers at every turn of the page. I read out so many passages to my husband in surprise. It’s everything you didn’t know you didn’t know.

The catch-22 of this book? It exposes how women are excluded, but might be excluded from the reading lists of the men who need it most.