Being Bookish

If you love Dark Academia, or Dark Fantasy, and haven't yet managed to get a copy of Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs, then what are you waiting for? This debut novel from the Minneapolis writer has everything from enchanted books to secret societies. It spans the generations of two families who are about as far apart in culture and status as it seems they could be, but they are tied by one thing that both are unaware of. So, what secrets have their relatives been hiding? Are they worth dying for? Find out what I thought of this May 2023 novel in my latest spoiler-free review...

Oh, and happy anniversary to me! 3 years ago this week I released the first episode of the podcast that became Being Bookish.

Featured episodes

Shanghai Immortal

Fourth Wing

Divine Rivals

I am back after a week off with an episode about a half-vampire, half-Huli Jing (fox spirit) rebel with this week's fantasy debut from author A. Y. Chao. Shanghai Immortal is set in 1930s Shanghai and introduces us to Lady Jing, who is sent on a mission by her guardian, the King of Hell, to find herself and discover who is plotting against him. With Mr Lee, a mortal finance expert, at her side, she ventures forth into mortal Shanghai and learns more about herself and her past than she expects. What did I think of Chao's debut? Did I like this new world she created for us? Listen to find out more, but remember, no spoilers!

You know how much I love cosy crime, so I thought that after almost 3 months I would take a trip down memory lane and remind you why this is a genre I think you may enjoy. This week I am taking a look at the first cosy crime novel by author Jesse Sutanto, Dial A for Aunties. It's a fun jaunt with a sort of 1980s Weekend at Bernie's twist. There are jewel heists, a dead body in a cooler, 4 incredible Indo-Chinese aunties who would do anything for their family and a woman who suddenly reunites with the love of her life at what could be legitimately the wedding from hell. So, find out what I thought of this novel brought to you by the author who wrote Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers. How did I like it!?

Featured Episodes

Cosy Crime Playlist

I am reviewing Science Fiction. Alert...you are not seeing things, for the first time in 18 months I am reading sci-fi!

It's been a while since we were here, but this week I am taking you on a journey into space in the year 2380 as I talk about and review the first in the Aurora Cycle series, Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. I wasn't sure what to think when I first saw this book (and the rest of the trilogy) recommended by someone over on Bookstagram, but I took a risk and ordered all three. It took me a few months to get to the point where I was ready to step out of the fantasy comfort zone I had placed myself in, but am I glad I did? Check out this review of the first book, released in 2019, and find out what I thought. And then give my last (and only other) science fiction episode an airing...

Featured episodes

Skyward

It's a tale as old as time and could be seen in many ways to be the origin tale for Beauty and the Beast (see what I did there?), but in this very modern YA retelling of the story of Hades and Persephone, Bea Fitzgerald has given us definite girl power. Girl, Goddess, Queen is a retelling of this dark Greek myth with a difference. Persephone didn't get dragged down to hell by an obsessive uncle, she jumped into the Underworld looking for salvation. But what did I think of this new version of an old tale that also happens to be one of my favourite (albeit unusual) myths? Give this episode a listen to find out...

Featured Episodes

Mythology playlist

I hadn't planned on posting this treat quite so soon, but work schedules (you know how it is). I was lucky enough to get the chance to chat with the author Kate Eberlen about her latest novel, Ever After, which is a fascinating and moving book following on from her 2016 release, Miss You. It follows Tess and Gus for 7 years of their lives after they meet and fall in love in Florence; their families, the changes they experience and the complexities of life as you're living it. We had a wonderful talk about Italy, about life, and about the characters she has created, who are so real that it's sometimes difficult to remember that they're not. To find out more about how Kate created them, and why Italy is such an inspiration, give this episode a listen, and then find her on Instagram and check out the beautiful pictures and videos of her Italian travels (they are stunning).

Kate's Links

Instagram

Website

Ever After Book - Buy the Book UK | US

Miss You - Buy the Book UK | US

This week I had the chance to speak with author Veronica Henry about her latest release, Thirty Days in Paris. It's a story of second chances, of new experiences and follows our main character, Juliet, as she travels to Paris to learn about herself after an amicable divorce. We talk about everything from au pairs to first and second loves, to redemption arcs and travel. And of course, the book, which is a perfect book to read around the pool on holiday or on your sofa on a Sunday afternoon with a cup of tea and a packet of digestives.

Veronica's links

Instagram

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Thirty Days in Paris UK | US

Divine Rivals was released at the beginning of March and, since that point, has enjoyed a lot of success, it's proved incredibly popular on socials such as BookTok and Bookstagram. The enemies-to-lovers element of this fantasy has really gripped people, almost as much as Fourth Wing (as an aside can you believe there are over 215,000 ratings for that on Goodreads now?). Any, this week I am talking about this fantasy that is based during a bitter war between the Gods. It is the story of Iris and Kitt, two journalists who are sent to the front line to report on what is happening to the people fighting. Find out what I thought as I revisited this book I read at the beginning of June in this episode that is truly unlike any other I have done before as I realise some things about my own reading pattern...

Featured Episodes

Fourth Wing

Godkiller

Raye's Links

TikTok

Being Bookish Website

Instagram

Psycho is not my normal fare, in fact it's been decades since I viewed the 1960 Hitchcock film starring Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins, but there is no denying that the shower scene is one that forever remains in your memory once viewed. So, when Lorraine suggested that we talk about this book, the 1959 novel by American author, Robert Bloch...I figured what could it hurt? So...how does the novel stand up against its much more famous namesake? Is it a book that will forever remain on my much-loved books shelf, or will it be destined to end up in the nearest charity shop for someone else to love? And what did Lorraine think about it? As a fan of true crime, and horror for a long time, did the book stand up to her memories of a film that is one of her favourites? Give this episode a listen to find out what we both thought...and if you want to do your own research into the grisly history of Ed Gein...be our guest.

Featured Episodes

Practical Magic

Firestarter

The Holiday

The Body

Misery Film | Book

This week, as we're halfway through the year, I thought I'd take a look at a few of the books I would recommend to any reader who loves, or is looking to dip their toes into, the world of Greek mythology retellings. There are now so many to choose from that it can get just a little bit overwhelming. So take a journey down memory lane with me and find out, not only how I got into the genre in the first place, but also where I am going next.

Featured Episodes

Elektra

Clytemnestra

An Interview with Luna McNamara

Featured Links

Being Bookish Website

Clytemnestra's Bind - a spoiler-free review