stitchsaddiction's reviews
1142 reviews

From the captivating cover to the enthralling blurb and the promise of an appearance from the legendary Knights Templar, this book had me hooked from the get-go. I'm a history buff at heart, and the way historical factions like these weave their way into my favourite games (Assassin's Creed, anyone?) just thrills me!

Our tale unfolds in the 14th century, set against the backdrop of the newly founded nation of Switzerland—a place I've always dreamed of visiting. Its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, as I've seen in countless photographs, are brought to life with such vividness in this book that it's like you're traversing the Swiss Alps alongside its characters. Especially our lead, Magda, a resident of the picturesque village of Morgarten.

And speaking of characters, the introduction of Walter Tell—the offspring of the illustrious Wilhelm Tell—was a moment of pure delight. I mean, who doesn't remember the tale of William Tell and the apple? The melding of this age-old legend with the book's fiction was sheer genius, especially as Walter doesn't share the same admiration for his father that I once did as a child.

This novel was everything I'd hoped for and more. It felt like an extension of the legendary tale I'd grown to love as a child, filled with suspense, intrigue, and a blossoming love between the nervous Tell and the fiercely loyal Magda. Their relationship was endearing to witness. The historical antagonists, the Hapsburgs, are the stuff of nightmares that keep you awake at night, adding to the myriad of mysteries and dilemmas that abruptly arise for the previously peaceful dwellers of Morgarten.

And let's not forget the Knights Templar! There's something about this legendary band of warriors that piques my curiosity every time they appear in a story. And true to form, they bring their fair share of chaos and complications, adding to the excitement. The chemistry between Magda and Sébastien was palpable, even though part of me longed for young Tell to find his own slice of happiness and tranquillity away from his father's shadow.

I can't wait to delve into more from this author!

Audiobook - ⭐️ PDF - ⭐️⭐️⭐️

As a poet myself, and one who is a lover of classic and modern poetry alike? I was really pleased to have an opportunity to review poetry as I often don't get the chance. I did as suggested and lay down with eyes closed and played the audio through my headphones.

It was surreal to hear how the voice seemed to move around me, and I found it very unsettling. I hadn't known what to expect with how this would be read as it's described as being '𝘢 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦.' The narration of the fifteen 'Love Is' poems alongside the further fifteen that are placed between them, are designed to draw you in and make you feel as though the narrator is talking to you of the experience and feelings of love. I understand that the idea is that it's atmospheric, but I think the layering and mixing is off as the music often drowned out what was being said, which was disappointing.

I found that the vocal techniques were akin to ASMR with the breathiness of the words, and this to, did affect my enjoyment of the audiobook. Instead of being an intimate experience of falling in love? It sometimes felt like I was hearing a woman who had become obsessed with the focus of their words.. which is a far cry from the intimate experience I was expecting.

All in all, I think that the audiobook wasn't for me, and I was very disappointed.

After I had listened to the audio, I decided to read the pdf file so that I could  understand what I'd not heard correctly during the hour long audio file.

This was a far different experience, and I read the poems and prose poetry, hearing the words with my own internal voice, and I felt the love and the emotions behind it? In a calming and relaxing manner, I could visualise the woman (the narrator had been female and its based on Anais Nin's words) as she fell in love. How she felt like she'd known and loved this person longer than she had - an experience I felt when I met my husband and spent time with him.

The poetry is beautiful. The story behind it as it enfolds is one I think many wish to experience at least once.

I just wish that the audiobook hadn't had so many issues that rather than enjoying the hour it lasted, I felt unsettled and sadly disappointed.

I hadn't read any of the previous books in the Animaux series before so I wasn't sure what to expect but The Other Side didn't disappoint in its quirkiness and tales that will draw children and adults alike into the world of the Animaux.
 
I love that the author had brilliantly woven together not only these five incredible stories but given them depth with messages that relate to the environment or emotions that are often difficult for children to process or vocalise. Don't get me wrong, children's fiction books should of course focus on the story itself but I do think it's important that these same quirky, or fun, or often chaotic stories should also be used to educate and support our future generations even if it's subtle. 

The illustrations in the book fully compliment the stories of Aubrey, Clifford, and Walli and the other residents of the perculiar Island of Animaux. I think they maybe ones children will want to copy, and create similar ones to, of the animals they read about which takes me back to my own childhood loving the illustrations in such books as The Twits etctera. 

If you've got a child or children between 9 and 12 years of age who love quirky stories and peculiar animals who end up on quite an adventure? Then this is ideal either as a book at bedtime or for a child to read on their own - I wish mine weren't too old.

Wrath Becomes Her by Aden Polydoros is a book that lingers with you long after you have finished reading it.  I haven't read a book like it before bar, the one that bares some similarity, and that is Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. 

One is a monster created from the dead and the element of a storm, the other from the clay of a river bed and once again, the dead - but that's where the comparisons end. This is a book where the author will make you a plethora of hard emotions, from grief, to fury, vengeance to despair and the glimmers of what it feels to be loved deeply in a romantic and familial manner. 

I hadn't known about the legend of the Golem of Vilna in Lithuania, (where our story also takes place) which is from an 18th century folktale but this Golem was to help feed and defend the Jews partially when they broke rules to observe their holidays in peace and these Golem would be there to ensure their safety. I've now read a fair about it thanks to Wrath Becomes Her - so thank you, Aden Polydoros, for the opportunity to learn something new.

Unlike these Golem, Vera is made solely for vengeance and to destroy the men who took away a teenage soldier, but she isn't a normal creature. Due to a rather macabre practise that breaks the rules of creating a Golem, Vera experiences memories of the girl she resembles and can recall the moments of her death. The author's care in writing this is apparent and whilst it is hard to read such a violent moment; it is set during a fictional attack in 1943 and war is violent, cruel, dirty and lingers with you always. 

To me, this is not just a tale of vengeance and war, but of grief and processing that loss.. You (and Vera) witness the grief that Ezra as a father experiences and how his sheer determination to restore elements of his daughter causing him to discard his morals and embrace his fury... and my heart ached for him even if I couldn't fathom how he could do what he did. With Akiva, there's so much loss, and I understood his too - he's lost his lover, his friend, and hope for a future, this even more than the father's loss? Caused me to need a moment and to cry a little, although both men's grief and experience of loss are one that shocks you and leaves a wound that never heals.

Vera's confusion of just who she is and where she belongs whilst feeling not only her own emotions but those of the girl she'd made to resemble? Had me wishing I could slip into the pages and reassure her that she matters and that her disheartment over humanity is one that all can relate to. She deserves so much more than she's given, and I hate seeing her hope and pain turn to anger and indifference as she sees the reality of the world she's been thrust into.

Wrath Becomes Her may well be set in war torn Lithuania with a creation that lingers in folklore and horror stories but I know that many will be like me when they come to the end and see how the world is sadly as dark and cruel as the one so beautifully written in its dark fragility by Polydoros. I had from the first look at the cover art and read the synopsis known it would stay with me... but I was left chilled and saddened that a creature made of clay was left (ironically) hardened by the reality of what humanity can be. It's an effective way of highlighting too how those who are deemed different can be seen as dangerous, and that too left me chilled.

I think I'll be haunted by Vera by a long time.

The Manor House Governess appealed to me straight away due to the homage to classic literature from the Brontë sisters and Jane Austen because from an early age, I was obsessed with the beauty of their world both that they lived in and the fiction they crrated Alongside that, there was the knowledge that the main character was genderfluid which we need to see more of in all forms of literature.

Everything about this appealed from the moment I read the blurb and wanted to get my hands on it as soon as I could because as a nonbinary person, I wanted to read a book where I could relate to the character even a little. I definitely resonated with how Brontë found comfort in clothing, which would be frowned upon, although for me, it was reverse - suits rather than skirts whereas our delicate Brontë often shines in his second hand dresses and shawls... I also loved the drawings throughout the book to show our protagonist in some of his favourite outfits. It's always lovely to show it's okay just as much as say it after all.

As much as I loved the orphaned Brontë whose life mirrors Eyre's for the most part; I did sometimes find the modern setting and phrasing of things quite disconcerting at first. Perhaps I expected the comfort he felt in his reading to continue not just in elements of how he dressed but in the way he spoke etctera. I just couldn't see Brontë Ellis (and I have to say again the nod to the trio of literary sisters with this name is lovely...) using slang nor relishing in technology, but he does. However, despite this and the somewhat slow start to The Manor House Governess, I began to relish the immersive detail  C.A. Castle has gone to, to bring the beauty of Cambridge to life and those who live there.

When we meet the Edwards family, whom Brontë becomes a Governess for? I knew we were in for a chaotic and troublesome time... because there is that link to Jane Eyre, and if Brontë is our twenty-first century Jane, then the brooding and somewhat evasive Darcy is indeed Mr Rochester. (My favourite Austen gentleman because he's far far from perfect... the original grey man to me.)  With Ada is a sweet and bubbly child who is enthusiastic and curious about pretty much everything she encounters and she's the breath of fresh air that runs throughout the book even when she's sad herself she's aware of others around her and I adored her. Her simple acceptance of Brontë is also so lovely to witness from the page, I liked how she wanted to know what he was comfortable with, and that was that.

Alongside the modern aspects of social acceptance of those who don't follow traditional gender and sexual preferences with Brontë who is genderfluid, a transgender character along with characters who are gay, bisexual or pansexual and how that may affect those around them? There was the modern take on the tales written by Austen or Brontë with the gothic elements of, say, Northanger Abbey, Jane Eyre, or Vilette. I did think at times we lost sight of the true unsettling darkness that came with that kind of tale, as there was a lot of focus placed upon Brontë finding himself both within his employment/friendship within the Edwards family as he's rarely treated like an employee, and in Cambridge itself as our orphan hasn't travelled far. If you're looking for a modern Jane Eyre, it isn't quite that, nor does the author match Charlotte's sheer level of drama.. 

The will they/won't they between Darcy and Brontë is perfect for those who love a slow-burn romance with a plethora of mysteries, complications, and denial. It will frustrate, and you're going to wish Brontë would look elsewhere, but it's very much a heart wants what it wants.

Despite drawing on classic literature, C.A. Castle has created an original LGBTQIA tale that is lovely, the characters are diverse, wonderfully written and they bring Cambridge to life and I felt a brilliant sense of familiarity as I read this tale of love, acceptance and forgiveness amongst many other elements of humanity.

The Younglings Mayhem & Magic, the third instalment in this paranormal fantasy series for young adults, is an absolute addiction just like its predecessors.

Quinn Carter and his close-knit group of friends, who are more like family, find themselves facing a whole new level of nightmares and chaos. Their days are turned upside down while their nights are plagued with unsettling dreams, especially for Quinn, who happens to be a half-demon. Oh, and let's not forget the added element of time travel that spices things up.

I particularly enjoy how each book in the series connects back to the previous ones. Characters that made your skin crawl and unresolved situations make a reappearance. When I discovered a certain witch resurfacing in book three (no spoilers, I promise!), I couldn't help but internally groan. If trouble had a name in The Younglings world, it would undoubtedly be Joanna. She's the kind of character who instantly sends chills down your spine with her deceptively sweet smile. But of course, our beloved author, Helena, wouldn't let Quinn's nemesis vanish into thin air. I simply adore how she has crafted Joanna's character. The way she skillfully plays with the reader's emotions and sense of impending danger is truly remarkable. I found myself torn between hoping she would be taken down to the demon realm or continue wreaking havoc in evermore creative ways.

The introduction of time travel to the 17th century adds an enthralling dimension to the story. I found myself captivated by the author's attention to detail, vividly bringing to life the behaviours, fashions, and customs of that era, juxtaposed with the reactions of modern-day teens suddenly thrust into the unknown.

But witches aren't the only source of trouble for our eclectic group of teenagers. There's also a mysterious stranger in town, one who brings not just trouble but complete and utter destruction, laced with a twisted desire for revenge. Now, isn't that just the perfect icing on the cake?

Everything about The Younglings series is pure magic. I didn't want Mayhem & Magic to end, and I couldn't bear to put it down because I was desperate to know what would happen next. This is the brilliance of Helena's writing. She possesses a magical touch that breathes life into the world she has created, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader into the heart of The Younglings, the coven of Witches, and the enigmatic realm of demons. Every character, be they witches, demons, or other mythical beings, feels remarkably real and unique, making it all the more relatable.

The Younglings Mayhem & Magic is an embodiment of perfection, and I can guarantee that once you delve into this series, you will join the vast community of readers who are absolutely enthralled by the world Helena has crafted and the extraordinary heroes who strive to uphold goodness in every possible way.

This enthralling novel serves as the third instalment in the captivating Seacastle Mysteries series and proved to be an absolute delight to read.

Although I hadn't had the pleasure of reading the first two books in this gripping series, I found that this fact did not hinder my enjoyment of the cozy, engaging mystery that unfolds within the charming setting of an English seaside town. Growing up as a fervent admirer of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple novels and television adaptations, I was drawn to this book with an undeniable sense of nostalgia. The author has artfully crafted a tale that captures the essence of a tight-knit community where everyone is well-acquainted with each other's affairs.

PJ Skinner's vivid portrayal breathes life into the lovely fictional town of Seacastle. As someone who lived in a coastal region, I found it easy to relate to the various settings and colourful, eccentric characters that enrich this narrative. Among these intriguing figures is Tanya, our bold protagonist, and her stepson Mouse. As we follow their journey, we witness them being inadvertently plunged into the turmoil of a perplexing murder investigation.

The author displays undeniable finesse in enrapturing readers' imaginations from the very start and deftly immerses us within both drama and mystery. Who could be responsible for murdering a contestant in the National Talent Competition? Through skilful storytelling, Skinner leaves no stone unturned in casting doubt on virtually every character, which keeps you guessing until the very end.

Submerged within this twisted tale of misadventures at Seacastle, I simply could not put the book down. Having realized that I haven't experienced the previous two volumes in this thrilling series, I fully intend to catch up on all that has previously transpired within this delightful, drama-laden seaside town.