Tag: book recommendation

Why Year of The Mer works

I received an ARC copy of Year of The Mer by L.D Lewis. And when I read the description, I was hooked almost at once. A dark retelling of The Little Mermaid that is bloody and saphic? Yes, please. The Little Mermaid was my favorite Disney movie growing up. And, you know, bloody horror is kind of my jam.

Now that I’ve read it, I can honestly say that it surpassed even my high expectations. I feel confident comparing it to the work of Tamora Pierce. If you’ve been around here for any length of time, you know the sort of compliment that is. And yes, we need to talk about why it works.

What happens after happily ever after?

We all love a good fairy tale. But often we’re left with so many questions. Because, of course, life doesn’t end at happily ever after.

In the Disney version of Ariel, she and Prince Eric get their happily ever after. However, their lives go on after that. And I don’t know how much you know about royal marriages, but they’re not just for love. A marriage in which someone is going to inherit a throne, and in which someone else is going to abdicate their throne, has impacts for other people besides the two exchanging vows.

Especially when one of those two people is a totally different species and is considered a deity by half the population. It’s gonna make shit weird.

The fallout from this situation is where our main character, Yemaya Blackgate, finds herself. She’s the granddaughter of Ariel (Spelled Arielle in the book) and Eric, though I don’t think he’s ever mentioned by name.

Yemi’s parents spent their lives leading their country, Ixia, in war. Many of her people blame these wars on Yemi’s mother’s mer ancestry. And she has no relationship with her mer family at all. Given all that, she’s filled with rage.

The royal people actually love each other

It’s easy to see why royalty often has a reputation for not loving their family members. However, I feel like the whole Knives Out approach to family is a bit played out. (Maybe I read too much Phillipa Gregory.) So it’s wonderful in this book to see royal family members who actually love each other. Yemi misses her father; she’s scared of losing her mother. Yemi and Nova, who are engaged, love each other. There is none of the ‘I am raising you to be royalty, so I’m not going to show you any affection’ sort of bullshit. Just people who genuinely love each other, warts and all.

The story wasn’t about being gay

Our two main characters, Yemi and Nova, are gay. They are in a gay relationship. That’s not what this story is about.

Almost all of the characters are also Black. That’s also not what this story is about.

Now, a story about being gay in this very straight world is a great thing. So is a story about being Black in societies that are very, very white. But people who are gay and Black have stories that are not about being those things.

I can’t speak for the Black community, as I am very, very white. But I am part of the LGBTQ+ community. And yeah, it’s sort of exhausting that every gay character’s story tends to be about them being gay.

This was honestly a breath of fresh air. The characters simply are gay. It’s not a crucial plot point. They can just be. Just exist.

Yemi

Finally, I am thrilled with the main character, Yemi. She feels dangerous.

Yemi loves the people she loves fiercely. She wants to be a good person. She wants to take care of her people.

But she also wants to lead. Not because she thinks she is the best person for the role, but because she feels the throne is hers. That this is something that has been taken from her when a coup takes place.

This is a dangerous sort of person. Someone who believes they’re owed obedience, power, and respect. All of this means that Yemi is the protagonist, but not necessarily the good guy.

Which, of course, made her an incredibly fun character to read.

Overall, there was only one thing I didn’t like about reading Year of The Mer. It ended on a hell of a cliffhanger. And, since I read the book before it even came out, I have no idea when book two will be released!

Year of The Mer launches on April 7th. I highly suggest you preorder it right now. Then you can join me in waiting (in)patiently for the sequel.

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My top ten favorite books of 2024

The year is nearly over. And while the events of 2024 might have sucked (it sucked so hard) I read some great books. Like, some really great books.

So let’s focus today on the good books and not on the horrible life and world events.

Here are the top ten best books I’ve read this year. It was a tough decision. I was shocked that Rift didn’t make it, even though I loved that book. But here’s what made the cut.

Also, if the book in question is a horror book, assume that I reviewed it on Haunted MTL. Just in case you want a more in-depth perspective on one title.

You Like It Darker by Stephen King

I can’t believe a King book made the list at the bottom! Don’t worry, he’s coming out with a new Holly book next year, and I’m sure that one will make it higher.

I did a whole review of this one on Haunted MTL. But the short version is this.

You Like It Darker had stories for long-time King fans, like a follow-up to Cujo. But it also had some fantastic stories that any new reader will love. My favorite of the bunch is Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream.

A Well Trained Wife by Tia Levings

This is not an easy read. But it was so impactful. Here’s a link to my full review. But if you’re struggling with an abusive religion or an abusive marriage, this is the book to remind you that you are not alone.

Hekate by Courtney Weber

If you’re interested in witchcraft, or if you’re already practicing and want to deepen your understanding of the goddess of Witchcraft, this is a must-read.

Bad dreams in the night by Adam Ellis

If you’re not already following Adam Ellis on Instagram, do it. These stories were eerie, clever, and fun to read.

Hide comic by Kiersten White

This was a year of comic books for me, starting with Bone and ending here.

Last year I read Hide and loved it. When I found out there was a comic version, it seemed like a great read. And, it was. Whether you’ve read Hide the novel or not, you should check this graphic novel out.

Two sides to every murder by Danielle Valentine

If you’re a big slasher or true crime fan, like you know I am, this is a book for you. It had all the quaint and gorey charm of a good horror movie, with a modern feel.

The Hacienda by Isabel Canas

I read this book in January, and I haven’t shut up about it since. It’s a fantastic little ghost story with a love story built in. And, of course, a witch priest. Love it.

Three simple lines by Natalie Goldberg

I thought this would be a book about writing haiku, and in a way it was. But it was also about traveling to an unknown country and experiencing everything that had to offer. And, it turns out I needed to read that. Some of you might know I had to take a trip by myself out of my hometown alone for the first time in 16 years. But I had courage. Because if Natalie could go to Japan alone, I could go to another city alone.

So thank you, as always, Natalie.

Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay

This book was brilliant. It was so well thought out. The writing was so clever. It was so meta. The punchline was completely unexpected. I loved every second of it.

Mister Magic by Kiersten White

The fact that Mister Magic made number one on my list should not surprise anyone. This book wrecked me. I mean it led me down such a journey, I can’t begin to tell you.

If you are suffering from religious trauma, read this book. If you just want a beautiful, dark horror story, read this book. If you’re breathing, read this book.

Well, that is it for my top ten list and it for the year. But don’t worry, I’ll be back next Friday to start another year of reading, writing and struggling against the forces of evil.

See you then.

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Woven is now available in its entirety on Amazon! Click the image below to check it out.

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The top 8 best horror books I’ve read this year

Happy spooky season! It’s October, and it’s Friday the 13, so that’s pretty awesome.

While I always love a good horror book, they’re the best this time of year. There’s nothing better this time of year than curling up with fresh sugar cookies, a fire video on the TV, and a book about someone getting their face mauled in a haunted house.

Today I’m sharing with you the eight best horror books I read this year so far. Sadly there are only eight because I am well behind on my reading list. It’s not that I’ve been in a reading slump. It’s just that editing a podcast takes time, and life takes time. Then I decided to start reading Needful Things, which maybe wasn’t the best idea when I’m trying to finish my Goodreads goal because it’s almost 700 pages long.

But here we are, and eight is better than none. And I can honestly say, that not a single horror book I read this year disappointed.

(Speaking of podcasts, the second season of AA is out now. You can listen to all of it and season one right now on Haunted MTL.)

Now, some of these books I’ve talked about before. Some of them I either have already reviewed on Haunted MTL or plan to. So I’m not going to go into a ton of detail here. But any of these stories would be an eerie addition to your Halloween season.

Hide by Kiersten White

A tantalizing offer of money and fame lures fourteen strangers to an abandoned theme park for a massive game of hide and seek. This is not the story I thought was going to tackle the deep theme of generational guilt, but boy did it. Watch for my full review on Haunted MTL.

How to sell a haunted house by Grady Hendrix

This review is out. I read this book in a day, and it has me on a serious Grady Hendrix kick.

This book has family drama, generational pain, and Southern charm. What else could you honestly ask for?

Delicate Condition by Danielle Valentine

Again, I have talked on and on about this book, its tie-in with American Horror Story, and how this was a whole thing for me.

It’s a great book, and it’s led to a great season of AHS so far. However, if you have any trauma related to miscarriage, birthing, or anything baby-related, this is your trigger warning.

Dread Nation and Deathless Divide by Justina Ireland

Again, I went into great detail about these books here and here. If you like historical fiction, you’ll love these. If you like zombies, you’ll love them.

I do need Ireland to write another one in this series, though. Like, today.

Silver Nitrate by Sylvia Moreno-Garcia

I love this author so much. And after being kind of disappointed in the last book of hers I read, this one was such a relief.

It’s got witchcraft, movie trivia, love affairs. Watch in late November for the review.

How to survive your murder by Danielle Valentine

Again, this was something I read because of American Horror Story. You can read the whole review here. But while I was expecting a light, fun slasher book, I instead got one that talked about some very disturbing questions.

Check out my whole review here.

The Roots Grow Into The Earth by Bert S. Lechner

What says Halloween more than a collection of Lovecraftian horror stories?

I got an arc of this book to review for Haunted MTL, but it’s out now. And it is well worth the read.

So now it’s your turn. What’s the best horror book you’ve read so far this year? Let us know in the comments.

You can get my own horror novel, Quiet Apocalypse, on Amazon

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My favorite banned books and why everyone should read them

Banned Books Week is winding down. But frankly, I don’t think it should. With all the attacks on literacy this year, I think we should keep right on celebrating banned books.

So today I want to share with you my ten favorite banned books. Some of them are fun, some are heavy. Some I was blessed to be taught about in school. Some I only discovered because of events like Banned Books Week.

None of them should be banned.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

The absolute irony of banning a book about people controlling the thoughts and actions of their citizens is not lost on me.

I talk about The Giver all the time. Everyone should read it. There are so many lessons here about valuing people for more than just their productivity, for championing individuality, and for bulking authority.

I wonder why some people don’t want us to read that.

1984 by George Orwell

1984 is, in my opinion, the next step up from The Giver in terms of anti-conformity, anti-government overreach, and overall pro-individual life choices. It has many of the same themes as The Giver, with some frightening additions. Our main character writes news reports and masterfully lies to the people. If the ration of chocolate is being cut, he’ll write about the great increase in the chocolate rations.

Then, of course, there are the rats.

Maus by Art Spiegelman

If you never thought you could get emotionally broken by a comic, you will know better after reading Maus.

Maus is a messy, dark, horrific tale of the Holocaust, told with cartoon mice and cats and pigs. In it, the author tells the story of his family and friends during one of the most horrific events in history. And it pulls no goddamned punches.

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This is my favorite book. This is why we named our cat Harper. When Harper Lee died, I cried in public.

I was taught To Kill A Mockingbird in school. It was a dark story of false accusations, horrific racism, and the penalties for standing up for what’s right. This book has given me courage during some dark times in my life.

This is the great thing about dark books. They can give us strength during hard times.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

I wonder why some people don’t want us to read this.

Just on the off chance you haven’t read this book or seen the show inspired by it, this is a dark tale of a dystopian future in which birth rates have plummeted.

But of course, people with money and power will not be denied anything they want. Even if it means enslaving women and forcing them to have sex and carry babies against their will.

This felt a lot less realistic before last year. Did you know women needed their husband’s permission to have a credit card before 1974?

1974.

Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling

Yes, Rowling is a problem. And I’m not gonna defend her. I’m gonna defend trans women and men.

Yes, these books have a host of issues. Yes, they’re still fun to read. And the reason they were banned was not because of the author’s opinions of womanhood, or the cringy way she named characters of other nationalities.

These books were banned because they contained magic. Gee, wonder why that might piss me off. It’s not even real witchcraft. Censoring magic in a child’s life is just never going to make sense to me.

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

It really is amazing how many dystopian future books about all-powerful and abusive governments get banned.

Hunger Games is a great series. It has a lot of dark things to say about how media is used to manipulate and control us. Which is something we all need to be more aware of.

Have you ever wondered, for instance, why there are so many cop shows?

Bone by Jeff Smith

Unlike the rest of the books on this list, Bone is not heavy. Well, the copy I have is physically heavy because it’s the whole damn run in one hulking volume.

But this is not a massively deep tale or one with problematic undertones. It’s just a cute adventure story about a little bone and a warrior princess.

I honestly am not sure why Bone was banned. I suppose there’s some drinking, some suggestive situations. But it’s nothing serious.

And if you’re going to read the other books on this list, you could probably use something a bit lighter afterward.

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Reading the work of Maya Angelou always makes me feel like I’m sitting in the room with her, listening to her talking just to me.

This first book begins the tale of her life, which has been a fascinating and difficult one. It tells of her childhood, living with her grandmother, father, and mother. It tells of her childhood and teenage triumphs and the horrible tales of her abuses.

If you’ve never read I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, read it now. It is astonishing.

A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo by Jill Twiss

I have purchased copies of this book for every friend of mine who has a small child. Let it never be said that spite can’t create something beautiful.

This is the story of a bunny named Marlon Bundo, who happens to belong to Former VP Mike Pence. Marlon is gay and has a beautiful relationship with another boy bunny.

It’s cute, sweet, and a great book to explain LGBTQ+ to little kids. And that’s something we could use more of.

So that’s it for today. I see no reason to stop reading banned books just because Banned Books Week is over. And I’d love to hear from you in the comments. What is your favorite banned book?

Don’t forget, we’re officially in Preptober! You can get my Pretober Planner right now on my ko-fi shop.

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My top ten books of 2021

It’s that time again. With just a few weeks left of 2021, it’s time to look back with fondness at the good this year brought to us.

I mean, there’s not a lot of good. This year was another dumpster fire from start to finish. But at least I had lots of good books to read. 

So today I want to share with you the top ten best books I’ve read in 2021. Most of them didn’t come out this year, it’s just the year I got around to reading them. And if you haven’t read them yet, 2022 might be the year to do so.

The books are listed from least to best. I’m not going into a lot of detail about any of these books, because either I reviewed them here or on Haunted MTL. Or, I’m going to. 

Velvet was the night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

I think this is the weakest of her novels so far, and it’s still on my top ten list. That should tell you something about her other books. 

Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva 

I said this last week, but it bears repeating. This is Silva’s first book. I am just blown away. 

Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King

This book is clever, dark, and disturbing. So, you know, it’s a King novel. Keep an eye out on Haunted MTL for my review.

Dexter by Jeff Lindsay 

Dexter was a mood for me this year. 

Ms. Peregrins School for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. 

This whole series was fantastic.

The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury

If you haven’t read this book, go get it right now and read it. 

Savage Legion by Matt Wallace 

I have the second book in this series sitting on my desk staring at me. I cannot wait to get my hands on it. But, you know, life. 

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

This was a real treat. I just got lost in it. 

Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff

I read this during a vacation in Spring. It was delightful. 

The Ocean at The End of The Lane by Neil Gaiman

Gaiman has the amazing ability to write fairy tales for adults that scare the hell out of me and make me feel like a little kid again at the same time.

So that was it for my list this year. Now I want to hear from you. What was the best book you read in 2021? What are you most excited to read in 2022? Let us know in the comments below.

You can support Paper Beats World on Ko-fi. 

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