Tag: misogyny

REVIEW: Lia and Beckett's Abracadabra by Amy Noelle Parks

REVIEW: Lia and Beckett’s Abracadabra by Amy Noelle Parks

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free, electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Amulet Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

The Montgomerys and the Blackwells have been rivals since Lia’s grandmother, Matilda, and Beckett’s grandfather, Henry, divorced. The two families can hardly stand to be in a room together. And Lia knows Blackwell boys are troublesome – and forbidden.

But when she first meets Beckett, she thinks he’s just a cute guy who loves math like she does. But when she’s called in for the contest her grandmother has devised, she discovers Beckett is definitely a Blackwell.

With her grandmother’s Starlight Theater in Mirror Lake at stake – as well as her honor as a magician and a Montgomery – Lia is determined to win the contest. If she can take down some Blackwells and the unscrupulous good-old-boy network in Mirror Lake at the same time, all the better.

Review

Outstanding! This was a delight from start to finish. I loved everything here – Lia and her family, the Blackwell boys (There’s a Hawthorne brothers/Inheritance Games feel to the interactions here that I adored), and the entire journey. Even the magic was fascinating – which can be hard to pull off in writing. When I finished reading, I was desperate to HOLD this book in my hands and tell everyone how good it was. When I finally see this in a store, I will absolutely hug it.

This is the perfect sort of story for me – great chemistry in the characters, supportive family members, a quest that goes beyond the central characters, a plucky heroine with plenty of sass… Wow, I loved all of this!

This is a not-to-be-missed book. Grab a copy for yourself and settle in for laughs and heart eyes and a few “they must pay” moments wrapped in a fantastic, magical story. You can read my review of another great Amy Noelle Parks book here.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥+++*

♥♥♥♥♥+++ = Best of the best!

REVIEW: Harley Quinn: Reckoning by Rachael Allen

REVIEW: Harley Quinn: Reckoning by Rachael Allen

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Between Harley’s own experiences of abuse and misogyny and what happens to her friend, Bernice, at a frat party, Harley’s decided she’s not going to take it any more.

Her retaliation against Bernice’s attacker catches some attention, and other girls come forward wanting to punish some of the more egregious examples of sexism and abuse on campus. Together they become The Reckoning.

But when members of The Reckoning are targeted, including Bernice, who has become something more than just a friend, Harley is desperate to find out what is happening to the people who have become like family to her and protect them.

Review

Harley is not a character in the DC Universe I’ve read a lot about. I have mostly a passing familiarity with her. But I have enjoyed this DC Icons series for years, so of course I picked up the latest addition.

The author does an amazing job with teasing out Harley’s darkness while still keeping her endearing. You are rooting for her – to triumph over her family and living situation, to get to pursue her dreams. But at the same time you cringe at revenge (real or imagined) taken too far. I found myself torn between the visceral desire to see the misogynists and abusers brought low and the line between right and wrong in the eyes of the law. There’s a lot said here about what it’s like for women in STEM for readers to consider as well.

All of the things I know about Harley from previous encounters – her brilliance, her fascination with the Joker, her own penchant for violence, her sexuality, her interest in psychology – are all tucked into this story. Again, the author does this in such a natural way while still telling her own story. It’s really well done. My only complaint is that I feel the timeline could have been more clear. The book starts in one place, then jumps back in time, and then jumps a couple more times. Hopefully this will be more clear in the final published version of the story.

I didn’t realize until the end that this is launching a trilogy of books. I have my fingers crossed about the next subject after a teaser in the book. I’m not sure if “trilogy” means they will all focus on Harley, or if it is more of a Sirens trilogy – but I’m here for it no matter what. HQ fans and DC fans should be sure to pick this one up. (Some language, reference to sexual assault/child abuse and neglect/emotional abuse, grief and loss)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read

BONUS REVIEW: The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

BONUS REVIEW: The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Delacorte Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

On the day of Deka’s purity ritual, her village is overrun by the violent, monstrous deathshrieks. But with the power of her voice alone, Deka makes them leave. This skill, and the gold that runs through her veins, marks her as a demon – alaki. Her sentence is death, but no matter how the elders try, she just won’t die.

The alaki are thought to be descendants of the Gilded Ones – four demons who terrorized the kingdom until the first Emperor defeated them. But Deka can’t fathom how she could be connected to them. And she’s consumed with shame for her impurity.

Deka is taken to serve the Emperor, committing to 20 years of service where she can earn her freedom. She and her “bloodsisters” will train with the most skilled alaki. Then they will lead the Emperor’s campaign against hundreds of thousands of deathshrieks. They will wipe them out forever, or die trying, no matter how many times it might take.

Review

Wow, this was great! I loved the world building here and the fascinating magic structures in the story. I was not expecting the smash-the-patriarchy angle to this, and I loved it. (There’s a great author’s note for readers on the themes of the book.)

I was impressed with how the author builds her story. It’s satisfying and compelling while also holding back significant information until the later sections of the book. The story never suffers in the waiting, though, but I did feel some of the reveals were more rushed than I wanted. I think slowing down to give more time to them would have negatively impacted the pacing of the story, though. So I will “suffer” with less depth and detail than I wanted. Maybe I’ll get that in the next book. I expected a cliffhanger for this, but the book stands on its own. There is still story to tell – this is just the start of a series. But the book ends in a way that feels “whole.”

I loved Deka in this – her sweet nature with her friends, her immense inner strength and loyalty, and her resilience. All of the core characters are great, but Deka really shines.

While the story has a lot to say about patriarchy and misogyny, it also hints at some questions about religion and faith. This is meaty and would make an amazing book group selection. YA fantasy fans should not miss this one! (Some language, violence/abuse, TW: references to sexual assault)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ = I loved it! Would re-read.

REVIEW: Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

REVIEW: Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Bloomsbury YA in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Two hundred years after Cinderella died, the country of Mersailles has become an oppressive place for women. They may honor the story of Cinderella with repeated readings and magical thinking and an annual ball, but the magic is all a lie.

The king reigns with an iron fist. Men are the heads of households, and whatever they do is “right” and acceptable. Anyone who doesn’t fall in line is either executed or they disappear. Girls who attend the annual ball three times without being chosen by a suitor tend to disappear, too.

Sophia doesn’t want a suitor. She wants her best friend Erin. But same-sex relationships aren’t allowed. Both girls are required by law to attend the ball and go with whatever suitor chooses them, no matter what. But when everything turns ugly that night, Sophia runs off.

She meets Constance who shares the true story of Cinderella and her family. They had challenged the king of their day – and paid the price for it. Their example, though, is just the inspiration Sophia was looking for. Maybe there’s something she can do to change life for her people who have suffered so much.

Review

This was an interesting twist on the story of Cinderella with a strong “smash the patriarchy” vibe. I was completely on board with the girls destroying the misogynistic world they suffered through, but I wasn’t 100% sold on how the fairy tale tied into the way things were. I want my fantasy stories to have well-developed world building, so I wanted more here.  But I did enjoy the twists and the way the magic system played out in the big picture, though.

The characters are interesting. I liked Constance’s connection to Cinderella and the ways her story enhanced the typical Cinderella tale. I also liked Sophia’s strength and determination throughout the story.

The romance didn’t click for me. Sophia’s immediate draw to Constance and some of their flirtations and long looks and such felt a little forced, especially when Sophia was supposedly so devoted to Erin at the start. I did appreciate Sophia’s integrity in at least trying to talk with Erin before giving into her feelings for Constance.

Fans of fairy tale retellings, fantasy stories, and fans looking for F/F romance in young adult novels should check this one out. (Language, LGBTQ+: F/F relationships, reference to M/M relationship)

Rating: ♥♥♥½

REVIEW: Grace and Fury by Tracy Banghart

REVIEW: Grace and Fury by Tracy Banghart

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Serina has trained all her life it seems to be a Grace. The Superior of Viridia has chosen three women of beauty and refinement to be his Graces every three years for ages. And now it is his oldest son, Malachi, the Heir’s turn.

Nomi is wild where her sister is meek. Their culture holds little value for women. They aren’t allowed to go to school or learn to read. They have no real choices in their own lives. And Nomi hates it. How could Serina choose the empty, shallow life of a Grace? Nomi has a duty to her family to be Serina’s handmaiden, but she doesn’t have to like it or do it without complaint.

Things with the Heir don’t go at all like Serina expected. One heated exchange in a hallway with Nomi and he chooses HER to be one of his Graces. Serina is relegated to handmaiden status. And if that’s not bad enough, Nomi is keeping a secret that could get their whole family in trouble. But Serina is caught and blamed instead.

Now Nomi is alone at the palace, unsure of who she can trust and desperate for any scrap of news about what happened to her sister. And Serina has been given a punishment usually reserved for the worst female offenders – prison on the volcanic island Mount Ruin.

Review

This was excellent! Initially I wanted more world building and character development up front. The rules for the world were unclear, and the action starts immediately. But I only felt off kilter for a couple chapters before everything was clear. And once I hit that point I couldn’t put the book down until I was finished.

The characters are great. I was furious with Nomi whose own carelessness and rebellious nature ruined her sister’s life. But the evolution of Serina through her trials was fantastic.

The story was riveting – the fight for survival, the alliances and betrayals, the secret source of the misogynistic culture of Viridia. And the action runs clear up to the final page with no happily-ever-after in sight. I loved it!

I saw one of the twists coming only because it’s been done before in another series I read. But the author really did a great job setting it up. Readers who have read that other series might recognize the set up, too. But others will be delightfully caught off guard. I have no complaints for this – just praise. This is fantastic. I’ll be counting down the days until the sequel! (Violence)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu

REVIEW: Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Vivian is a junior at a small high school in Texas. The football team is the pride and joy of the town, whether they are winning or losing. The whole town shuts down for games so absolutely anyone and everyone can go.

The team is the pride of the school as well. Money is funneled to the football program while other areas – girls soccer, textbooks, the science lab – are making due with decades-old material and supplies. And the football players themselves are untouchable.

Vivian has watched these things play out for years. The boys on the football team make derogatory comments to girls or make sexual references, and they never get called out by a teacher. In fact, the principal’s son is one of the worst offenders – but his daddy protects him at every turn.

Vivian is starting to take notice of her mom’s old feminist zines and music. And she’s tired of watching the injustices around her. She doesn’t want to just duck her head and endure the harassment anymore. If she could dare to show a little “moxie” at school, would anyone else step up and push back, too?

Review

This was exceptionally good. And also completely infuriating. The injustices going on in the story made my blood boil. And Viv’s reaction was realistic. She wanted to speak up, to fight back. But she also wanted to spare herself and her family any trouble. She felt helpless to stop a culture of misogyny that had been around for ages. The system was set up against the girls. What power does one 16-year-old girl have in such a situation?

Part of the power of the story was the message of what can be accomplished when enough people decide to be brave. Viv took the first (anonymous) step. But Moxie wasn’t just her thing. It became a counter-culture, little by little. It let students feel like they weren’t alone.

One of my favorite parts of the book was Viv’s clueless, well-intentioned  boyfriend. He’s a great guy who sees and recognizes the big issues, but some of the more subtle pieces he misses. He’s been indoctrinated in some ways – we all have. And that is explored in the novel, too.

This is an important and timely story for teens – and adults – regardless of gender. These issues need to be seen and discussed so we can make things better for those who come behind us. I highly recommend this novel. It’s one my whole family will be reading and discussing this summer.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥