Madeline

MadelineA queer detective of the supernatural in an alternate, steampunk Cairo full of djinn in 1912!? Yes please!! This book delivered on all fronts. Most of the main characters were women of various backgrounds and religions striving to succeed in a Cairo thrown into modernity by the gift (or curse) of the mysterious Al-Jahiz. I loved the scathing commentary on colonialism, colorism, and sexism along with the all of the evils that come with modernity and “progress.” I loved Fatma, Siti, and Hadia!! They were all complex characters who had to go through some growth throughout the book, and the romance was amazing. I appreciate the blending of Arabic culture and Islam with the re-emergence of the ancient Egyptian religions. While the true monsters in this book are the colonizers, the angels scared the heck out of me they were so disturbing. I’m super excited to read the short stories associated with Clark’s universe, and I sincerely hope he choose to add more books to this universe. I need more Fatma, Hadia, and Siti (and maybe Aasim!).

MadelineThis was a nice cozy romance to start my new year. While it was a nice light read, the plot wasn’t really there for me. I have to agree with a lot of the criticism this book got. I’m demisexual, and I didn’t think the representation was really there with Ellie’s character. I also hated how all of the other characters, but especially Jack, treated her. Overall, a good book to start the year but the plot was a miss for me.

MadelineI was both reluctant and excited to start this book after receiving it as a gift from a family member. I adore everything the Nutcracker, but usually, retellings fall flat with little character depth or growth. I was pleasantly surprised! While there were a few grammatical mistakes here or there, Wallwork wrote a fun and lighthearted retelling of both the Nutcracker and the Pied Piper, which I thought was creative. It still wasn't overly deep or anything, but I can see myself re-reading this around the wintertime season. Plus, the cover art is just gorgeous!