MALICE BY HEATHER WALTER
Malice is a retelling of sleeping beauty. It takes a spin on this well know tale and focuses on sleeping beauty and the dark fairy turning it into a sapphic romance if they were both the same age and in their teens. It follows the life of Alyce, imagined as the dark fairy living in a household of “graces” who are “good” magic wielders, and she is the only one who is a dark grace. One day Princess Aurora comes to Alyce in search for a cure for a curse that will kill her in exactly one year. From there sparks fly and everyone knows how the story is going to end right? I loved this novel, as it is a fantasy retelling, it did take some time to dive into its world, but I would say quicker than the usual fantasy and I read it in one sitting thinking it was a standalone, it was left on such a large cliff-hanger. Thankful the sequel is coming out May 2022! I really enjoyed see a LGBTQIA+ focused romance in fantasy and am very excited to see more of the romance in the sequel to coming out soon. I would recommend to those looking for a novel with the classic “good” and “evil,” but with the back story and from the point of view of the villain.
Trigger warning: Abuse, torture, death, violence, bullying, homophobia.
Author: ennamaricreative
My favourite Books of 2021, part four. Excuse me while I ugly cry by Joya Goffney.
EXCUSE ME WHILE I UGLY CRY BY JOYA GOFFNEY
Excuse me while I ugly cry is a contemporary romance focusing on black main characters. A girl named Quinn Jackson is obsessed with lists and when her diary goes missing, she must join forces with Carter, who was last seen with her journal. This novel follows the journey of a budding romance and fierce friendships. It was an easy one sitting read written in first person from Quinn’s perspective with fun chapter names, great character development and a loveable storyline which might even make you laugh. I respected the author for tackling heavy themes without making it the focus of the story, this created a balance of light-hearted and intense moments. The chapter names were incredibly fun, it wasn’t just one-word names, they were full sentences, and it just added another lovely touch to the book. I also liked seeing the mild “enemies to lovers” aspect in this contemporary romance even if it wasn’t prominent for long. Overall, a charming novel.
Trigger warning: racism, trauma, death.
My favourite Books of 2021, part three. The girl from the well by Rin Chupeco.
THE GIRL FROM THE WELL BY RIN CHUPECO
The girl from the well is paranormal horror story and retelling of a classic Japanese ghost story called Okiku. This novel spins this classic story into an even darker one and it is written is the perspective of the ghost which is something that is not often done. It is exquisitely written in an almost poet way. The chapter names aren’t just numbers, they are names, words and short sentences that foreshadow what’s about to happen. The book is quite graphic and covers multiple sensitive topics. I really enjoyed this novel from the dark storyline to the uniqueness of the way the novel is written, the author wrote certain sections of the book by skipping lines, angling words, etc, to really emphasise a point. It was delightful to see a ghost story I heard when I was younger made into something completely different and I personally have seen barely any Japanese retellings that isn’t fantasy so it’s good to see. Overall, this novel was wonderful in every form and even might have frightened me a little while reading it!
Trigger warning: death, murder, strangulation, injury, graphic scenes [gore], possession, sacrifice, kidnapping, trauma, blood, etc. There may be more so please procced with caution.
My favourite Books of 2021, part two. Emma in the night by Wendy Walker.
EMMA IN THE NIGHT BY WENDY WALKER.
Emma in the night is a psychological thriller about two sisters who disappear. Cass, the fifteen-year-old, the younger sister returns without Emma who is two years older, but her story doesn’t really align. Dr Abigail Winter is a forensic Psychologist on Cass’s case, she investigates Cass’s family and uncovers the truth about her dysfunctional family. This novel is written in two points of views allowing to see both side of the story, it is written well, medium paced and the timeline of the novel is set within seven days with multiple flashbacks that are easy to understand. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and at the time when I read it, I wasn’t able to do a full book review unfortunately due to school exams, etc. This novel focused on narcissistic personality disorder, and it was interesting to see the trauma of Cass as well as Dr Abby’s. There were many unexpected plot points especially at near the end of the book and it truly shows how dysfunctional Cass’s family. I would take caution since this novel covers multiple sensitive topics. Overall, I delighted in this novel and will definitely read more of Wendy Walker’s books in the future.
Trigger warning: Narcissistic personality disorder, kidnapping, sexual assault, sexual harassment, rape, parental neglect, trauma, death, injury, etc. There may be more, please proceed with causation.
My favourite books of 2021, part one. Girls with sharp sticks by Suzanne Young.
GIRLS WITH SHARP STICKS BY SUZANNE YOUNG.
Girls with sharp sticks explores the themes of sexism and misogyny. Throughout the entire trilogy these themes are prominent. It reflects and exaggerates the issues in our society. This trilogy is all about taking back power in a world where girls are seen as nothing but objects and pretty flowers. Their whole purpose is to serve as wives, mothers and caretakers to a man and to attend to his command. They are taught at a school called, “Innovations Academy” by mainly male teachers who pretend to have the best interest of the girls. There was an element of medical procedures that was extremely unexpected, which I personally enjoyed but worn other to be wary. It is definitely a painful read since many of the comments and instances still happen today. It is plot driven with unexpected plot twists at the end of each book. It makes you want to fight for freedom and against the patriarchy.
A trigger warning for the entire trilogy: sexism, misogyny, medical procedures [lobotomy], sexual assault, sexual harassment, racism, graphic scenes [gore], murder, strangulation, poison, suicide.
The falling in love montage by Ciara Smyth
The falling in love montage by Ciara Smyth Trigger warning: dementia, trauma. Age rating: 13+ Overall rating: 5 out of 5. Genres: contemporary, romance (Sapphic). A spoiler free summary Saoirse wanted to do a couple simply things for the coming long summer holidays: go to parties, watch movies and kiss her troubles away with other girls. Saoirse feels like she deserves a break after dealing with the pain of her mother’s dementia and slowly getting over her ex, Hannah. Here comes Ruby, the most beautiful girl Saoirse has ever seen, but Saoirse is not ready to commit to another relationship. So Ruby, the romcom fan and optimist challenges Saoirse to try a summer romance, just like in the movies. But what could go wrong with a falling in love montage with an ending date? Review This was such a sweet sapphic romance to read. I liked the realness of it with its darker themes of the trauma of the main character, Saoirse. The novel was easy to dive into the world and it was written in first person of Saoirse which allows for the reader to really feel the feelings of what the main character is going through. There were points throughout the book where I wanted to shout at Saoirse to do something or communicate [yes, there is miscommunication but, in a way, where it makes sense, is done well and it’s not cringey]. The author added other elements such as illness, it’s nice to see the diversity in that way too. I personally cannot say if it’s an accurate depiction, but it is not the main focus of the story. The parents of Saoirse are quite involved in the plot of the story, which is a nice touch. I really enjoyed the relationships, especially Oliver and Saoirse frenemy type. I loved the aspect of the big movie moments Ruby and Saoirse had to tick off their list, as another plus the author refenced many real movies [many I didn’t get since I’m not a movie watcher], but I’m sure if you like movies, particularly romcoms it will make the book just a tad better and the author added a large list of movies called, “Saoirse and Ruby’s Rom-Com watchlist.” There was great character development, obviously Saoirse as well as other side characters. There is one small side character named Barbara or Barb and she is such a loveable character I honestly wished she was more involved in the novel. The writing was easy to understand but had a lot of depth and overall, I really enjoyed this book. Quotes “As a great philosopher once said: shake it off.” “Oh wisht. You think I could work in the business of love this long and not get some of that gaydar? I’ve known some brides in my day who shouldn’t have been marrying grooms, that’s for sure. You still get the odd one here and there who doesn’t know it yet, poor dears. I try and give them a hint, you know subtle, would you not like a nice pantsuit, dear. That sort of thing.” “Whether that relationship lasts a week or fifty years is not what makes it special.” Recommendation If you want a sapphic read with big movie moments this book is for you. This novel is light-hearted and heavy at the same time, filled moments that will make you want to shout and laugh. Pros: I love when authors add the reader into the acknowledgments, it makes the novel special. This was done in this book. There was sapphic rep and it wasn’t set in the US, nothing against the US but it’s nice to see a different location. Cons: Not too many I can think of in the moment, apart from a little more diversity in the race department [if there was it wasn’t clear], but I’m not sure if it’s a valid complaint/con, since there is diversity in other categories.
Words by Enna Mari
Words Help, help, help, help, help, help, help, help, help, help, help, help, help, help, help, help, help, help, help, help, help, help, help, help. Hoping saying the words makes it true. Alone, depressive, monsters, anxiety, hurt, inner voice, a broken heart, nothing, empty, shivers, nerves, self, words, silent screams. Something I truly know, as close as friends. Fine, okay, happy, book reader, smart, thriving, going through a rough patch, understanding, empathic, speak up, know it all, great student, part of four. A farced played by me and blurred by others. Smile, anxious, internalised, glimpse, angry, understood, enough, never truly, tired, wonderful student, reader, wise, gives, takes, allies. Something they see but I’ve filtered it all. Gapes, sad, confused, dislike, hate, lonely, never, why, difficulty, know, a mess, trying, climbing but falling, cruel, harsh, tough, fragile, broken. Negative but true, something I've excepted. Fantastic, wonderful, great, good, well, fine, okay, bad, surviving, alive, lost. Starting with the biggest lie.
I wrote this poem recently, I know, some people might not consider it to be a poem but it’s up to you to decide what you think of it. It is quite a dark poem and yes, in case you are wondering I’m okay. I called it words [it’s quite self-explanatory] because of repeated words and just words in general. Apoligies for the format, I’m still learning.
I know you did it by Sue Wallman
I know you did it by Sue Wallman. Trigger warning: murder, mentions of a death of a young child. Age rating: 13+ Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5 Gernes: Contemporary, mystery, thriller. A spoiler free summary On Ruby Marshall’s first day of school, she gets a written message on her locker: I KNOW YOU DID IT. Now she’s petrified someone knows about the death of young girl she caused many years ago and the incident she ran away from is following her. When students start dying Ruby might be framed as the killer or she might be next. A story that follows a high school student exploring the struggles of moving schools and even a murderer on the loose. Review The beginning of the novel was a little slow paced and felt dragged on. The main mystery plot of the story started to roll halfway through the novel. But the second half of the book was quite enjoyable. The characters involved were easy to decipher and it was clear what their personality traits and their role in the plot was. During the second half of the novel there were several unexpected plot points thrown in [they were small plot points but added flair to the story], especially in the last couple chapters. A number of plot points were predictable, but I would say there was a wonderful balance of predicable and unpredictable. The writing in the book wasn’t amazing, it was very simple and would be easy to understand for a younger audience. I liked how the author incorporated music into the book without making it the central plotline. The relationships between some of the characters were quite stereotypical but fortunately it was well done. The entire novel was written in first person from the perspective of Ruby Marshall. The adults were very present in the story which is quite unusual so that was nice. Overall, I enjoyed the book and liked many of the characters such as Georgia, Euan and Mara. Quotes “I went to bed, feeling as if our friendship was evaporating slowly, like the reed diffuser Mum was given last Christmas which started out strong, but after a few months nothing but a faint smell and dry sticks in an empty bottle. Recommendation If you want a book with easy-to-understand language this would be a good book. Although murder is the main plotline there’s a sprinkle of a sweet romance. Pros: Loved the dedication at the beginning of the book which was: “For every student who missed their school library during the pandemic.” Cons: There was no diversity at all, if there was it wasn’t clear to me.
From a single smile by Enna Mari
From a single smile
Still the past bites and crawls, Haunting me to the end with gore, Bleeding and hurting forever more, One action led to the end of it all, It started with a single smile, After running a hundred miles, Though they knew what they were doing, Nobody saw where they were going, Leaving the rest in the dust, It filled the admirers with lust, Unexpected surprises were to come, Led to the battle of internal war, Against themselves and against the law, With no help or support, The shell of hardness began to grow, Never letting the others fully in.
This poem was written by me. I wrote it a year or so ago. The poem is about a friendship “break up” and how trauma can affect someone. This particular friendship involved another person who was quite close to me and even three years later I was still hurt by it. Nothing extremely dramatic happened, on the outside we had looked like two best friends who had a fall out. But behind closed door it was deeper than that. I do not know if this person intentionally hurt me, but on multiple occasions they have done things that were quite upsetting especially when I reflect on the past. I currently don’t have any hard feelings towards them as I have grown from this experience, but I would certainly say I have had bitter feelings in the past. We made countless wonderful memories together and I am grateful for it, she was my best friend but I’m not sure if she felt the same way throughout the entirety of the friendship. I considered this as a friendship break up because I continued to try and stay in touch when we started to drift apart, but one-sided relationships never work. In a way I wasn’t surprised especially since the whole event came with a change, a transition from primary to high school. I received a book on my birthday, she pulled me aside and gave me a book on how to make friends. Although I was a shy child, I have improved immensely throughout the years and looking back it hurt more than it should have. I requested we stayed friends, whether it was best friends it didn’t matter, I couldn’t let the person who knew the most about me go. It is clear now that she was suggesting we weren’t going to be close friends from the reluctant nature in her voice. Ignorant little me thought it was a nice and thoughtful gift. How I was wrong.
I hope in this poem you find your own meaning and even find it relatable. Friendships can be complicated and even more so when involving life changing situations.
If you are going through a rough patch specifically to do with friends, just know you will find your people it takes time, but it will happen and don’t under value yourself, don’t let others use you. You are worth so much more.
Shine your icy crown by Amanda Lovelace
Shine your icy crown by Amanda Lovelace Trigger warning: provided by the author! Age rating: 14+ Overall rating: 5 out of 5. Gernes: Poetry A spoiler free summary Shine your icy crown is a collection of poems written by Amanda Lovelace. She explores many sensitive themes without being too overwhelming. It is the story of a girl who loves fairy tales but can’t understand why she needs a prince. It is written in a cryptic way and can apply to anyone. This empowering poetry collection is the second instalment of “You are your own fairy tale.” Review I love Amanda Lovelace’s books. I really enjoy their poetry. I think it was important that she provided to a trigger warning since their poems explores sensitive topics. I’m not going to lie; I felt a little emotional when reading their poems. These poems are empowering and touching, you tell the author has been through many of the experiences they have written about. I appreciated the style of her poetry, it’s less structed then traditional poetry, it’s looser. Their poems aren’t as cryptic as many of the old poets, sometimes you really must think about what the poet is trying to communicate with you but with Amanda’s poetry it is very straight forward. I knew I was going to enjoy this book because I have read some of their other works and will continue the two books of theirs, I haven’t read yet and of course more when she releases them. Quotes/poems “she always looked up to strong women protagonist that is, until the day she finally realized that she is the strong women protagonist. determined is she to weave an even better tale. -taking the pen back.” “no, hurting herself is not something she does for the attention. some days, it’s the only thing that tethers her to the earth. -she feels like she might float away any day now.” “her parents screamed at her more than they ever told her they loved her. -disappointment” “i deserve to have good things even if i have not always done good things. -perfection is a lie; flaws are real.” “no more fake friends. no more following the crowd. no more hiding my feelings. no more pretending. -authenticity only.” Recommendation If you are looking for a contemporary poetry, discussing themes of self-doubt, empowerment, loving oneself, recognizing your struggles, sexism, mental illness, etc. this is perfect for you. The book itself is so aesthetically pleasing with beautiful images and a simplistic cover design. I would recommend all of Amanda Lovelace’s poetry books. Pros: The book is gorgeous with pretty images. Just the whole book it the aesthetic. I love when authors write a note to the reader, it makes it more personal. Cons: I don’t have any complaints or anything really.
Enna Mari 