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My top ten reads of 2021
‘Tis the season for celebrating the best of the best here at The Charisian! In the span of ten spaces, I share the ten best books this year — number one is quite the wild boi!
Susan Dennard’s ‘Witchshadow’ is on another level (and why you should read the Witchlands books)
For real, if you haven’t heard of the Witchlands yet, or you have and are yet to venture into its depths, do drop everything and discover why Susan Dennard’s magnum opus is one of life’s necessities! (PS Baesult is life)
‘Iron Widow’ by Xiran Jay Zhao and ‘Crier’s War’ by Nina Varela are the queer YA books this world needs
The year is wrapping up, and with it, I’m accelerating on the book reviews: today’s spotlight is on both ‘Crier’s War’ and ‘Iron Widow’, both here, both queer, and both ready to dismantle the patriarchy. What more could we ask for?
‘Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World’ is pure catharsis
The sequel to one of the most beautiful coming-of-age stories of all time, yay or nay? (Hint: the title may or may not represent my feelings towards this book.) Come and see the book best paired with Friday nights, chocolate, some good music, and a steaming cup of tea.
Five stars and one f**k you to Hanya Yanagihara’s ‘A Little Life’
This titan of a five-star book left me sobbing at midnight last night, and I don’t know if I’ll be okay. It’s like ‘The Song of Achilles’ all over again, straight down to the everlasting emotional trauma! Woo!
Nathan Anderson’s ‘Deconstruction of a Symptom’ is a standout collection
Happy National Poetry Day from outside the UK! It’s not often I know the author of the piece I’m reviewing, but there’s a first time for everything! Even better, this is a collection you’ll want in your life — swing on by and learn why!
My top ten reads of 2020
I am counting the chocolates until 2021 rolls on through, but in the meantime, why not celebrate by cheering on the best books I encountered this year? For hilarious jokes and the cheerful perspective of an optimistic fatalist, come on by and see what books you should queue in for the new year — if you haven’t already!
Why ‘The Ember Quartet’ by Sabaa Tahir is worth your time
Heyo lovely people! Are you looking for a high-quality series that will impress you, introduce you to extraordinary characters, and simultaneously rip your guts out? Then look no further than the Ember Quartet! Come on by for my review!
‘The Song of Achilles’ by Madeline Miller is the current source of my crippled emotional status
So, this book has utterly devastated me. Anywhosen, come by and learn why this is 10/5 best book.
To be human: on Madeline Miller’s ‘Circe’
Heyo lovely people! I’ve got a brand new book review, this time on Madeline Miller’s glorious retelling, ‘Circe’! This book was my first proper foray into Greek Mythology, and I’m so happy it was! This book has everything you’re looking for, and in my review, I outline exactly why! Come and see!
Ideally read in bursts: on Clive Cussler’s ‘Golden Buddha’
Heyo lovely people! We’re back with a new book review, this time on adventure fiction grandmaster Clive Cussler! The first in the Oregon Files series, ‘Golden Buddha’ is an enjoyable read, but it’s not without its problems. I highlight the good, the great, the slightly problematic, and whether or not you should be checking this book out for yourself. Come and see!
Mostly good: on ‘Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ (the book)
One of the most beloved stories in fiction, and mostly harmless indeed! In my review of the book rendition of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, I try and comprehend why I didn’t fall head over heels with this novel, and instead turn to you, lovely people, in hopes of finding out: what did I miss? Also, 42.
A graceful and solemn song: on David Elliott's 'Voices: The Final Hours of Joan of Arc'
It’s a new dawn following my series of Star Wars reviews, and I have an exciting new book review for you lovely people! We’re talking about ‘Voices: The Final Hours of Joan of Arc’ by David Elliott, a unique and stunning take on the legendary Maid of Orléans! Though this review is comparatively short, given this book is short, this collection of poetry is worthy of your time. Come find out why!
Why ‘The Last Balfour’ is a book you need to read
A historical fantasy debut by Australian author Cait Duggan? With fantastically-well-written characters and one of the best magic systems fantasy has to offer? Want to know more? Read on to find out why you need this book!