btwnprintedpgs's reviews
1269 reviews

5 stars. 5 million stars. Every star in the universe. This is one of those books you finish and wonder if you've ever read a book this good before.

I want to just put a GIF of Captain Holt saying, "Pain," and end my review there, but this book deserves so much more so I'm going to try to put all my feelings on paper (screen?).

This book resonated with me on another and put so many feelings into words. I loved how the book sets up situations to build empathy in its readers. Even if you can't relate to the core of Brynn's feelings, the author makes it easy for people to understand why she's frustrated, why she's tired, and why things are just HARD. It was a phenomenal break down of both her emotions, her relationships, and her disabilities and needs.

If you have a disability, invisible or otherwise, I feel like you'd be able to relate so well to Brynn. From her pushing herself through pain, to her negotiating with her body to just do-one-more-thing-dang-it, to her feeling trapped beneath the weight of everyone's hovering and the idea that being chronically ill is pitiable and unimaginable. I loved that the author canonically included COVID-19 into the story to truly show that the world left us behind. Brynn feels so much throughout the story and Conditions of a Heart is truly a masterclass in turning feelings into words. I sobbed so much, yet also laughed a lot. Sometimes both at the same time which had be choking on my joy, which felt apt for this book.

I want to also shoutout the familial relationships that were addressed throughout the story, the idea that we need to be more than our disabilities to ourselves, but also to our family. The conversations they have are so important and I loved that it showed that growth is messy and full of errors and missteps, but putting in the effort shows that you're listening and learning. This made me so happy, and it was definitely a highlight of the story.

I also loved the end. While we get a nice HEA for Brynn, there are still things left open-ended. I think this worked well because it was truly showing that there's always more work to be done as people with disabilities continue to fight to be heard, seen, and respected. It was realistic and didn't try to paint the world with rose-coloured lenses.

In the end, I have so many feelings around this book, and so much love for Bethany Mangle and the characters she created. Please just read it and scream unintelligibly at me as you do!

Note: As an aside, as I feel like it's more of an editing issue than a writer issue - the final copy I read had some typos (words missing, weird turned around words), as well as inconsistencies (the whole issue with her car kept confusing me, her eating whatever off the street with her problems was weird, along with her other disabilities (POTS and MCAS) kind of not appearing after the initial couple mentions), which didn't ruin the book for me (obviously), but did make me question the editor for a sec. So this isn't the perfect book, but it's also perfect, so read it.

Rep: MC with hEDS, MCAS, and POTS, father with hEDS

TW: violence, injury detail, medical content, discussions around ableism and classism; mentions racism, panphobia, biphobia

Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Pacing: 5/5
Overall: 5/5

Finished copy gifted via Colored Pages Book Tours by Simon Teen in exchange for an honest review. 

This felt like YA ADSOM meets Pokemon ethics, which is a very specific niche, but it worked.

The real star of this book is the world building - the dynamics of the political system, the concept of paper magic and shikigami, the flying ships and pirate-esque vibes of the crew - it was all so well developed, I felt like I was in the world. This is definitely where the ADSOM comparison come in - the depth of the world-building and the unique magic system made me feel like I was a part of the action.

Pokemon ethics is very specific, but the concept of these magical paper creatures, shikigami, having a master versus having autonomous thoughts feelings and the ethics behind it was a huge part of the story. What gives people the right to have governance over something/someone else? Because they're magical creature, why aren't they allowed the right to live freely? It provides interesting insight into a similar kind of ethics system and was a huge part of Kurara's story line. Honestly, one of the aspects of the story I found most interesting as her own history and shikigami history and autonomy was explored more.

I also liked the three POVs and how they contrasted each other in thought and end-goals, and how they helped to build the world. It felt like we got more of the larger picture as a result of the three POVs as well as different perspectives regarding politics and magic. That being said, I feel like this gave less time for character and relationship building - Kurara's POV was mostly ethics and Haru focused; Himura's POV looked more at Kurara's training and Crafters' knowledge limitations, as much of their history was lost; and the Interlude POV that was focused on the Sorabito people and the Sohma rebellion. There wasn't much room for the secondary characters as a result, and it felt like we didn't really get to the hearts of our three leads either because there was a lot to juggle.

While there was an overarching plot to this book, the end felt abrupt. We were left with a lot of loose ends, and while I know this is a trilogy, I felt like there wasn't anything solidly settled by the end and it felt unfinished as a result. I definitely will pick up the second book, as I'm so curious about the shikigami and exploring more of that magic system, but I do hope future instalments delve deeper into the characters and their relationships to one another.

TW: fire/fire injury, death, murder, injury detail, animal death (paper animal death, not dog), kidnapping (of sorts), slavery (of magical creatures), militaristic abuse of power; mentions war

Plot: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 4/5
Pacing: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

ARC gifted by Tundra Books via Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review. 

A poignant collection of five short stories. Each story is a slice of life of sorts, mostly dealing with some kind of grief. The stories are reflective and emotional, some hopeful for a brighter future, and some deeper in their grief.

I did find that setting was hard to place. I didn't really think about the fact that some of these take place in America until I reread the synopsis. That does change a bit of a couple of the stories for me, but more in a way that affects my own reflections, assumptions, and societal perspective, which I guess allows for even more critical thought around these.

There were a few moments that didn't quite click - could be the writing, could be me - that required me to go back and reread some bits cause I'd feel like I missed something. Other times, I'd notice certain elements repeating that made these stories feel inexplicably connected through some thread of emotion and history.

As a whole, a solid, quick read, but it's definitely one of those collections that you feel like you need to think on for a bit after and maybe you didn't fully grasp it all.

Rep: Japanese MCs, albinism, schizophrenia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia

TW: suicide, death, gun violence, war; mentions rape, murder, pregnancy, violence

Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4.5/5
World Building: 2/5
Writing: 4/5
Pacing: 5/5
Overall: 4/5

eARC gifted via NetGalley by Querencia Press in exchange for an honest review. 

This was such a fantastic story. I loved learning more about the lion dances and seeing the differences between Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean ways of celebrating Lunar New Year.

I also love how the different types of love were presented - love in friendship, in family, and in romantic love. It was so heartwarming and a little bit magical combined with everything else in the story.

That all being said, the grandma was definitely my favourite character. We love a fun granny.

The art was stunning, the story was heartwarming and hopeful, this book was definitely a win for me.

TW: alcohol consumption; mentions death of a parent, violence, cancer 

This book is everything. The only thing you're allowed to criticize is how they spelled Zac Efron's name. Otherwise, no one is allowed to touch this perfection omg.

This presents the perfect template of a man, a relationship, and of life. I literally don't know what to say. Five stars isn't enough. I feel like Sheldon from Big Bang Theory with all those gift baskets still coming up short. This deserves all the stars. I need everyone to pick up this book and read it and learn from it and pick themselves up and live for this moment, this now, because that's all we know of for sure. My heart is beating so fast cause I'm just tearing up thinking about the beautiful love and care and joy in this book. I don't know how I'm ever going to read romance the same again. 

Rep: Black MMC, Black FMC with lupus

TW: vomit, medical content, alcohol, death of a parent, discussions of sexism, racism; mentions infidelity, pregnancy, bullying, cancer 

This was such a cute finale, omg. My heart is so warmed by the end. I loved the little twist and the opportunity to see these character get a happy end!

TW: death, murder, war, fire, injury detail, blood; mentions death of a parent 

Loved seeing the characters a bit more grown up. I really liked their dynamic with the new added cast. It was a lot of chaos and magic and love for each other. I adored the friendships and the quieter romantic moments that came to pass.

While the last volume established everyone's roles, this one delved more into morality. What is right when it comes to taking back autonomy and power? Who should get hurt or who do you hurt to regain that control? A lot of prevelant discussions occur in the book about the good, the bad, and the in between. Should we only see the world in black and white? Is there room for nuance and forgiveness?

TW: fire/fire injury, injury detail, kidnapping, racism (against witches), death, death of a parent, murder

This was such a fun time. The art is absolutely beautiful! I read a bit of this way back when and I do see they it was really cleaned up for the publication. The story is cute and fun, and I love the found family vibes and magical chaos. Excited to see what happens next!

TW: death, fire/fire injury, kidnapping, racism (of witches), death of a child; mentions death of a parent 

I don't know how I feel about this one. It presented an interesting depiction of slavery and indenturement positioned in a world outside of the Americas. But the execution kind of fell apart at the end.

Ramson was not the hardened criminal mastermind we were promised. He does think through his plans, but, whether it's his age or his original privilege, he is outsmarted by basically everyone he comes across. Some of his plans bear fruits, but he really does go through it, at the end of the day, despite all his planning. I did love how his character was fleshed out through flashbacks, but I couldn't get behind his overall characterization.

The same goes for Ana. She's said to be fierce and a badass, but she loses her battles often too. She doesn't have a good handle on her power and her own limitations (until suddenly at the end). Again, I loved how her story is built up, but there's definitely something missing from her.

It was so interesting seeing the Affinites' different powers. It really helped with the world building and the magic. Again, the slavery and indenturement aspect was so interesting and full of nuance in a way that breaks your heart. Additionally, the rebellion is presented in a way that you want to get behind, but also notes the impact and consequences of over correction. There are a lot of questions of morality, particularly what action goes too far? At what point is the hero a villain?

Lastly, the end was so staged. I hated how dramatic it was cause I thought of the solution immediately and it made me mad that everything was just yelling in a court room. Felt flimsy, though, again, I guess it was the age showing, in that Ana believed yelling crimes out in court would really change the tides. I don't know. This was a miss for me for the most part, but I truly do feel like this will set up the rest of the series well. I'm also curious to see how Amelie's writing improves as I go through her repertoire.

TW: blood, death, injury detail, murder, slavery, imprisonment, kidnapping, racism, drowning, fire/fire injury, death of a parent, branding, child death 

Heisty, reflective, and chaotic, Women of Good Fortune is a fast-paced read that explores familial expectations and the weight the next generation carries because of them.

Examining beauty standards, the impact of the one child rule, societal and familial standards for both men and women, and relationships (both with friends and love), I was surprised by the depth we got for all these characters. Of course, we couldn't fully dive into everything, but the large cast really helped to build this image of Chinese society and everything that comes with it. All the rot under the glittering facade.

A big focus is the heist and the three MC's friendship. We have Lulu, the bride-to-be who's always been trapped by her family's guilt for letting her (the second child and daughter) live; Jane, who's always been told her face was nothing pretty and is married to a man who originally wedded her for her apartment; and Rina, a workaholic who's afraid to let go of control. They have been friends for years, and want to use the heist to take back the reins of their lives.

I loved the exploration of their friendship along with their personal relationships - with their parents, their partners, and other people in their lives. The development of everything came together so well at the end that I was honestly a bit surprised. There are some relationships that I felt like needed a bit more page-time and a bit more work to get to where it all stands at the end, but overall, I was really happy with this chaotic ride of a story.

Women of Good Fortune is really great at providing an introduction to how Chinese society looks and feels, and shows that gilded cages are still cages. All in all, definitely a strong read and a solid debut from Sophie Wan!

TW: body shaming, emotional abuse, sexism, burnout, classism, misogyny, vomit, alcohol; mentions abandonment

Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
World Building: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Pacing: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

eARC gifted via NetGalley by Graydon House via HarperCollins Canada.