Mystery

The ghost haunting the house has been murdered, and until he can solve the mystery of how he died, he refuses to move on.

Introduction/First Impressions: A Long-Awaited Read

This book was one that I had on my shelf for a while, waiting for the right time and the motivation to remove this book from my growing TBR list. The time finally came over the summer, and I wish I had read this book much sooner than I did.

I had very little prior knowledge of the story or even the characters, and since I purchased it a while before I got to reading it, I didn’t remember what had intrigued me, what had pulled me in. I figure that it was the name Olivie Blake that convinced me to set some time aside to enter this world, as I have enjoyed all of the other worlds that she has created. Other books of hers, such as The Atlas Six and the books that followed, have always intrigued me, and I was excited to see what else she had to offer.

Seeing as Masters of Death was released in 2018, before The Atlas Six in 2020, I wondered whether or not this book would have the same feel to it, or if it would feel like something else entirely. I am happy to report that Masters of Death did not let me down, even in the slightest.

Plot & Themes: It’s Never Just a Game

The quick summary on the back of the book shows that it begins with a simple real estate agent who has a ghost problem, and she needs to be rid of this ghost to sell the house. However, the book evolves into something much more complex: an epic quest to ultimately save humanity.

The story was one that I had never read before, and the plot was so unique that I was hooked almost instantly. With so much information that is unveiled throughout, your interest is kept piqued the entire time.

Upon my first read, I initially had some confusion on certain elements of the story, especially when the immortal game was being played. I found myself going “what?” more times than I would like to admit. But it is all worth it in the end when the story comes to a close, and all of the information that was presented to you finally clicks into place. By the end of the book, all of the confusion you might have felt was worth it, and you feel as if you had just gone on the journey yourself. There is no shortage of plot twists and fantasy elements to keep you on your toes, and the concept and themes of high stakes will certainly have you wondering what happens next.

Characters & Relationships: A Cast of the Dead and Undying

One of my utmost favorite things about reading is being able to understand a character: embarking on their journey, living their lives through them, and understanding who they are at their core. Watching a character change as the story progresses and finding out more and more about them until their journey ends at the last page is so rewarding, especially when you can imagine their lives long after that final page. Olivie Blake supplies us with so many characters to follow, each with their own unique stories and personalities that make it almost impossible not to immerse yourself in their journeys.

It is no easy feat to have so many characters and keep them all well-developed, but Olivie Blake does this beautifully and effortlessly. At one point or another, each had their moment to shine, and they are all equally distinct and memorable. With an array of both mortals and mythical creatures– demons, vampires, demi-gods, angels, reapers, and ghosts–there is no shortage of characters to love and root for.

I especially enjoyed the relationship between Fox D’Mora and Brandt Solberg. Their relationship was explored intimately and deeply, but we also were able to see them grow and learn who they are as individuals outside of this relationship. Similarly, I loved the dynamic between Viola Marek and Tom Parker. Their playful banter felt very refreshing, and while they ultimately got together in the end, Viola’s character was never defined by him. She was not tied or restricted to Tom’s story in any way, and she was able to grow and blossom on her own.
Mayra Kaleka and Calix Sanna’s relationship was also very comforting. We got to see them explore their relationship and watch as their love for each other overcame boundaries that kept them apart. Viola’s friend Isis was also a great addition to the story, and her quick and witty humor, as well as her experience as a demon, helped bring a new light to the book. Even smaller characters, such as the Archangels Gabriel and Raphael, and even Death himself, left an impact on readers that left you wanting more time with them.

Representation: A Beautiful Portrayal

One element of this book that I loved was the relationship between Fox and Brandt, and how their relationship was portrayed. Before reading, I hadn’t known (or had forgotten) that there was an LGBTQ+ couple in the book. As someone in the LGBTQ+ community myself, it felt refreshing and validating to see their relationship so perfectly handled and well-written. It felt both authentic and natural, and this was so inspiring to see.

Their relationship was not used as a major plot device and was never made out as unusual in the narrative; they were simply just two people in love. This subtle representation made me so happy to see, and so excited to see how their relationship would play out.

Writing Style: Blake’s Lyrical Craft

Olivie Blake is such a talented author, and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style in Masters of Death. The dialogue was engaging, and we were able to learn so much about the characters through how they interacted with each other, instead of just through exposition. We saw the characters through the eyes of the other characters, instead of just as a reader.

Each new chapter brought a different character’s perspective, allowing us to see situations through different characters’ eyes, as well as with their different emotional angles. This helped give a deeper look into what they were thinking and their different reactions to these situations. I also love how beautifully and seamlessly Blake was able to bring us to the past while also keeping us in the present. This helped reveal what motivated certain characters in the present and allowed for a cleaner way of unveiling new information about the story’s mysteries.

Final Thoughts: A Story that Lingers like a Ghost

Overall, Masters of Death was an amazing read, and I loved being fully immersed in this exciting world through Blake’s beautiful writing and intricate storytelling.

With this beautiful writing came equally beautiful artwork on the physical book. The inside cover art–both front and back– and the illustrations woven in some of the chapter breaks made it that much more enjoyable to read. Those small, thoughtful details added so much to the reading experience and made the book memorable long after I turned the final page.

If you are looking for a fun, witty, and magical experience, then Masters of Death is definitely worth the read!

She even has her old room in Godwin House, the exclusive dormitory rumored to be haunted by the spirits of five Dalloway students—girls some say were witches. The Dalloway Five all died mysteriously, one after another, right on Godwin grounds.

First impressions: A Sapphic Mystery

I initially picked up this book because I was so excited to finally read a sapphic mystery/thriller. Most sapphic books I’ve read lean towards romance, so this felt just like what I was looking for. It ended up being exactly what I hoped for, and more. In fact, it became one of my favorite reads of the year. 

Even though it was released in 2021, I think this novel is still severely underrated. I hope more readers discover it, because it truly feels like a hidden masterpiece. 

Dark Academia: A Perfect Example

And then one day a charming and charismatic stranger called Floyd walks into a café and sweeps Laurel off her feet. Before too long she’s staying the night at this house and being introduced to his nine year old daughter.

Poppy is precocious and pretty – and meeting her completely takes Laurel’s breath away. Because Poppy is the spitting image of Ellie when she was that age. And now all those unanswered questions that have haunted Laurel come flooding back.

What happened to Ellie? Where did she go? Who still has secrets to hide?

First Impressions: Filled with Goosebumps

I was super excited to pick up Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell, especially considering my love for thrillers. I was also reading this book at the same time as a friend of mine, so it was great to be able to talk to someone about the book while I read.

Overall, I relatively enjoyed this book. It was an intense, fast paced thriller, and at some points almost impossible to put down. Before I read the book, I tried to stay away from any summaries, since I heard that it’s better if you go into it knowing very little about the story. I was happy I did this, because I was not expecting the way this story would go. It was a very dark concept, but I enjoyed its originality. It was very complex, and had multiple layers to the story, which made it confusing at times. But, by the end of the book, it felt like all of the pieces had come together.

The Story: A Puzzle Full of Pieces

While I felt that the story was a little predictable at times, it was still a very enjoyable read. I appreciated the layers of mystery in the story, especially the confusion surrounding Floyd. Since we knew for a fact that Ellie was missing, it was nice to have more than one mystery element to keep you on your toes.

The Characters: Conflicted Feelings

I also enjoyed learning more about the characters, especially because Jewell gave us heavy insight into each of the characters backgrounds and stories. Each character felt very strong willed and passionate, and you could easily tell what was important to each of them. It was also interesting to see how certain pieces of the story developed, especially because readers were finding out through Laurel. Even though it was relatively early when I figured out the mystery, it was still exciting to wait for the rest of the characters to catch on.

A small issue that I faced while reading was I had a difficult time connecting with the characters. I don’t know if this was because I didn’t find them relatable, or if I just had a hard time liking them. Of course you felt sympathetic for Laurel, but she was a hard character to like. I was immediately suspicious of Floyd and Poppy, and felt weird about him and Laurels relationship. Because I had a hard time caring for Floyd and Poppy, I found it more difficult to engage in the story, but otherwise, it was an enjoyable read.

Final Thoughts: Give It a Read!

Even with my light criticisms, I still thrououglhy enjoyed the book, and would absolutely recommend it to people. It was a great thriller/mystery, and is great if you want an intense, fast paced story to keep you entertained. Please check this book out and I hope you guys enjoyed!

The sky is clear, the waters calm, and the veneered, select guests jovial as the exclusive cruise ship, the Aurora, begins her voyage in the picturesque North Sea. At first, Lo s stay is nothing but pleasant: the cabins are plush, the dinner parties are sparkling, and the guests are elegant. But as the week wears on, frigid winds whip the deck, gray skies fall, and Lo witnesses what she can only describe as a dark and terrifying nightmare: a woman being thrown overboard. The problem? All passengers remain accounted for and so, the ship sails on as if nothing has happened, despite Lo’s desperate attempts to convey that something (or someone) has gone terribly, terribly wrong.

first impressions: a mystery that found me when i needed it

I was so excited to read this book after I randomly stumbled upon it during one of my Barnes & Noble walks. I am a lover of classic mysteries, and this one felt like the perfect read. During this time, I was actually experiencing a reading slump, and so I wanted a book that would bring back the energy that I love so much about reading. And The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware did exactly that.

the story: a murderer among us

I found the story of this book so incredibly interesting, but I also had these feelings of nostalgia. The classic WhoDunnit mystery immediately drew me in, and I knew this would be the perfect read to get me out of my reading slump. One of my favorite mystery tropes is exactly this story: a multitude of people in a confined space, where a murderer walks among them, but you don’t know who it is. To me, this story felt very authentic and very natural, and that is exactly what made this a great mystery.

Ware knew exactly how to write a mystery, and she knew exactly how to draw in her audience. I loved the aspect of taking her readers along for the ride, only supplying them with clues when they were found in the story. The reader is truly kept in the dark as the story moves forward, and I felt that this made the story that much more exciting.

the characters: seeing through lo’s eyes

I also loved how Ware handled the characters in this story, and they felt very realistic and authentic. I loved how we were able to see deeper into Lo’s personal life, and how her experiences and behaviors in her personal life carried over to how she acted on the ship. Just because she was solving a mystery, it didn’t feel like she suddenly became capable of doing everything, or that her character traits changed. She felt like the same anxious Lo that we got to see, and I thought this was perfect, and made the story much more relatable.

Lo was also an unreliable and flawed main character, which added some moe mystery into the story. As we were battling with the main investigation, I also found myself wondering if I could trust what Lo was telling us. It felt like she was telling the truth, but there was also a part of me that wondered whether I could trust her story, and that made this book so much more engaging.

final thoughts: the woman in cabin 10

Overall, I thought this was a brilliant read and was a classic mystery novel. If you are looking for something to get you out of your reading slump, or even just an enjoyable read, I would definitely recommend it. Happy reading!

As one of seven young actors studying Shakespeare at an elite arts college, Oliver and his friends play the same roles onstage and off: hero, villain, tyrant, temptress, ingenue, extra. But when the casting changes, and the secondary characters usurp the stars, the plays spill dangerously over into life, and one of them is found dead. The rest face their greatest acting challenge yet: convincing the police, and themselves, that they are blameless.

first impressions: a tragedy written for me

I had heard about If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio on many social media sites, and I was instantly drawn to the story. The plot, focusing on seven Shakespearean students as they navigate their lives through a tragedy, was written for me. Of course it wasn’t, but it felt like the perfect story, exactly what I wanted to read. I am definitely one for dark academia, boarding school mysteries, and being centered around Shakespeare? It was my perfect read.

Reading If We Were Villains was one of the best choices I have ever made. It easily became my favorite book of all time, and I have yet to read another story that I love as much as this. This review is actually coming after my third reread of the book, because I simply could not get enough of it. I wanted to read it again and again, and I don’t think I could ever read it too many times. Each time I read, I only grew more connected to it, finding new details that had gone unnoticed and having a deeper understanding of the stories and characters.

the story: everything happens quietly

What first drew me in, and what continued to keep me connected to the book, was the storyline. In the beginning, we are introduced to certain events that occur, and as the story progresses, we see these events unfolding and their consequences. Rio did a fantastic job at keeping readers engaged, and it felt as though the story was happening all around me. I was immersed in a world that felt so authentic, and the characters’ rash decisions and the choices they made, and their consequences felt heavily realistic. As much as I might have wanted to, I could not pull my eyes away, feeling hypnotized by the story but terrified of what might happen next.

Another aspect of the story that I absolutely loved, and I applaud Rio so much for this, was that everything in this story happened quietly. The story is centered around a mystery, but what it’s really focused on is the aftermath and the unraveling that occurs in times of high stress and tension. There was never any loud action, never a shout or a yell. Sure, harsh words were exchanged, and the tension was so strong you could wield a knife and cut it. But everything happened in a whisper, so quiet that if you made no sound, it felt as though you could pretend that it wasn’t happening. That if you didn’t speak it, you wouldn’t have to believe it.

the characters: seven students, seven tragedies

This quiet unraveling worked so well for our characters, and I feel I was really able to get to know them by getting inside their heads. Rio wrote them in such a way that I was able to really connect with them, in all of their complexity and instability. And there was certainly enough complexity to go around. Oliver, especially, caused me to look deeply into his character and wonder what was going on inside his head. By seeing the story through his lens, readers were only able to go off of what he determined to be the truth. Through an unreliable narrator, Rip perfectly encapsulated the descent into madness throughout these characters’ friendships and relationships, and I wondered how much of what Oliver was thinking was actually the truth.

As their acting lives began to blend into their real lives, it was difficult for them to maintain their characters on and off-stage, and it was so captivating to watch as they battled with keeping themselves alive as their characters began to drown them out. Could we believe Oliver, or were we just witnessing his own descent into madness? I loved being able to think of these questions while reading, and it made reading this story a much more engaging and thought-provoking experience.

Each character felt so different from one another, each with their own personalities and desires. I loved how, even though we were told the story of If We Were Villains primarily through Oliver’s perspective, this didn’t stop us from still being able to thoroughly understand the other characters of the story. Each one was filled with depth and intricacy, never feeling as though we were only given the surface value of who they are at their core.

The characters’ connections to each other were also interesting to see play out, with multiple dynamics occurring at once. We were able to see Richard and Wren’s family dynamic, along with the potential romances between Oliver and Meredith and James and Wren, at one point. But what I loved most about these connections was seeing them through Oliver’s point of view. Oliver sees James and Wren becoming closer, and he believes that this must be a romantic development between them. But in reality, James and Oliver had been battling their growing feelings for each other quietly, and it was interesting to see what Oliver presumed to be true and what was actually the truth.

the relationships: oliver and james, a burning flame

These relationships between them ran so deep, and this immense connection to them I felt caused
me to be devastated by the end of the book. I so deeply loved Oliver and James’s relationship because of how intense and tragic it was, and how long both of their feelings had gone unspoken. The passion was always there, feeling connected to each other in a way that they could not explain, and that they would never feel with anyone else. But they had gone through the entire book unknowingly of what the other felt, and they were only able to experience these feelings with each other for a moment before everything crashed down around them. It is so emotionally devastating, and I can barely think about their relationship without tearing up. They loved each other in such an intricate and complex way that it didn’t present itself as a “normal” relationship, and this went unrecognized until it was too late.

Rio wrote a beautiful representation of a queer relationship, focusing on the quiet signs and realizations of being queer without explicitly stating the fact. Both James and Oliver had such intense longings for one another, but these feelings weren’t realized at first. They simply believed it was passion for one another, a deeper connection that they couldn’t understand. But Rio perfectly encapsulated the moment of realizing what these feelings are, and the timing of this understanding could not have been more tragic.