Toxic by Lydia Kang

Ebook provided by NetGalley for review. Thank you.

Read October 2020

A remarkable, well-written, well-plotted novel full of interesting characters set in a very insular, almost claustrophobic location. This novel is like nothing I've ever read before, but maybe that's because I don't read much sci-fi...

I liked that there weren't any huge info-dumps, everything was dribbled through slowly. Only thing is it left me wanting more! To know more about this world, how far in the future is it? How did everything come to pass? A sequel, prequel, companion novel or something please!

I loved Hana and her growth and progress over the whole story from timid to assertive. I also loved Fenn and his internal conflicts about stealing and his guilt over his sister's accident. I loved his and Hana's relationship though it was a little instalove. I wonder what their prospects are long term though...

I thought that the other characters were interesting and I wish we could have learned more about them. The progression of Cyclo as a character and an entity was fascinating and so unique! And again after the way it ended I would love a sequel or something, anything set in this world!

5/5 stars

Stef Out x

January 2021 Reading Round-Up

I disappointingly only read 5 books in January and one of those was started in December. I think a bit of depression - seasonal or otherwise - has set in over the last couple of months or so and it's making focusing on most things a bit of a struggle. It's something that going to the doctor about would probably be a good idea but my surgery are doing 99% phone appointments and I struggle with the phone. Hearing what they're saying, organising what I'm saying, describing things effectively etc. All in all I'm trying to avoid it and only use it for physical things at the moment, like a rash in my ear that I'd had for months. Luckily I obviously described it well enough as the treatment I was given appears to have worked in a matter of days!

Anyway books!

City of Heavenly Fire - Cassandra Clare

5/5 stars

Re-read

Tales From the Shadowhunter Academy - Cassandra Clare + others

5/5 stars

New to me

Clockwork Angel - Cassandra Clare

4/5 stars

Re-read

Clockwork Prince - Cassandra Clare

4/5 stars

Re-read

Clockwork Princess - Cassandra Clare

4/5 stars

Re-read

As you can see I'm on a bit of a Cassandra Clare/Shadowhunters kick at the moment. There are a few I haven't read so I decided to do a complete read and then move onto the newer ones. So far the Infernal Devices trilogy is my least favourite simply because of the period setting. Things were so sexist then it's frustrating, I also find it boring to read about taffeta and silk gowns and being dressed. I would also say on the whole Cassandra struggles with endings a little. Take Clockwork Princess for example. The battle is over, everyone is happy but then it just ends, there's very little aftermath. Then you get an epilogue that's almost a whole other book in itself.

Anyway the Shadowhunter spree will continue into February, maybe March depending on my speed, as I have another 5 left to read!

Stef Out x