stitchsaddiction's reviews
1177 reviews

The Poisons We Drink is Bethany Baptiste's debut novel and one that is filled with expressive world-building where people are divided between humans and witches and animosity between the two groups is high and has been for decades.

Venus Stoneheart, an eighteen-year-old Witcher is our protagonist and works hard doing all that she can to support her family. Laws have to be broken, and risks taken because survival in this world for Witchers is paramount. She's strong-willed, and fierce despite her fragile place in society because of who and what she is and I thought she was the perfectly written underdog.

The magical aspects are refreshing and one I've not seen that often, specifically the concept of brewing the potions that witchers can create which adds to making the book stand out. The author takes time to lay down the fabric of the magical aspects without dragging the raider down with too much lore which given the length of the book is ideal. There's a perfect balance between knowledge and plot that ensures you can understand the more fantasy elements.

Whilst it may seem that the book is somewhat slow at first because such lores need to be laid out? The Poisons We Drink is a book I didn't want to put down, I became eager to know just how Violet would manage to balance protecting her family and facing the dire situations that arose thanks to the antagonism between the humans and Witchers. 

The racism that exists between the two (primarily human > Witcher) is written with the severity that is warranted and whilst yes, it's fantasy?  Would easily be placed as an example of racial issues across the world today. Baptiste's writing is so good in this area, and you as the reader will find yourself wanting to scream at characters to do better to not be beyond cruel because you do end up walking alongside Violet throughout the book.

I can't wait to see what is next for this author.

𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭? 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵? 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵? 𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦?

I first encountered Olivie Blake when I was reading fanfiction and knew without a doubt they were a born writer. Regardless of any difficulty they faced getting the plot from the mind to the page? It would be worth it because she was born to create.

I loved that fanfiction, I came away from the Atlas Six series with my thoughts in a whirlwind and promptly wanted more from Blake.

My love of their world-building and ability to make readers familiar with a place they've never been is once more done to perfection so Chicago comes to life for us this time in Alone With You in the Ether.

Not only is this a love story, but it's also a book that places a focus on mental health in a delicate and often profound manner and how it can not only affect the person suffering from it but how it can impact relationships whether it's familial, romantic or friendships. Even now, mental health is often neglected or misinterpreted in media, and still deemed to be something to hide away and pretend isn't affecting them.

Regan fascinated me with her ways of seeing the world and people and her almost dismissive yet blasé way of viewing everyone. Her way of coping with the dreariness of everything around her is to almost play make-believe or make an impulsive decision regardless of the outcome that could occur. She's complex and feels out of place in the world and yet, she also comes across as being delicate and breakable.

This is a character-driven book that will cause you to experience a plethora of emotions. I found myself crying, and angry and often smiling softly at the love Arlo and Regan have for one another and some of the words they utter to express their love and fears over falling in love. 

Alone With You in the Ether was everything I hoped for, and so much more. It displayed Blake's love of writing, exploring people's emotions and the fragility of humanity.

I thought the premise of this would be great fun sadly there was a cultural divide as I simply didn't know the stickers that the author mentioned as a way of telling his story as I didn't have them here in the UK.

The premise is really good, as each sticker is associated with something in the author's life and if it was perhaps able to be more relatable to a broader audience in my opinion? It would be a non fiction book you could easily relax and connect with.

I wish I'd been aware of the divide prior to reading this otherwise perhaps I'd not accepted my copy of the book. C'est la vie.

I feel that The Carnival of Ash had so much potential with the ideas of massive libraries, poets who'd draw my mind to the greats of history and a fantasy-styled world that reminded me of the Renaissance era of Italy.

What I got was far different and I was left feeling almost betrayed by the author.  Whilst I was hoping for intrigue, magical aspects and The Borgias meets fantasy it felt more like The Borgias met a dark horror.

I think you can tell, I wasn't impressed, however, I kept going and I found myself more and more led astray as I encountered poets who weren't genteel and filled with a plethora of emotions that made them feel almost capable of seeing the different than mere mortals but instead, they were pompous, pretentious and in dire need of a heavy book or two to the nose and jaw to stop their talking. 

There are very trigger-worthy subject matters on the first page and that was also extremely unsettling because there wasn't a single indication of what I'd face. 

(Su*cidal Idolisation, gore, violence including SA, Blood, M*rder, ableism, sexism, misogynistic views, Fatphobia, and familial ab*se)

Whilst the world-building to create this fictional world was incredible - I pretty much hated everything else. I think the author used the book to process his viewpoints on people and I was saddened by it all.

This could have been incredible instead it screamed small man syndrome.

This is a book that mixes wonderfully country music and the LGBTIQIA community in an excellent way with two male leads, Emmett who dreams of being a famous queer Country music star (something in the story is deemed near on impossible) and Luke who hates Country music with every fibre of his being. I enjoyed how you get their story from both perspectives and the reader is treated to little insights from the young men as their perspective is told.

Brian D. Kennedy brings the world of A Little Bit of Country and with him being a lover of Dolly Parton cokes through with the fictional Country music star who's the idol of Emmett; Wanda Jean Stubbs. I just love the slight comparisons in the character portrayal of Wanda with her larger-than-life personality and of course the theme park!

Emmett and Luke's love story unfolds from the initial (very large) spark of curiosity and desire at first meeting to their realisation that they've found their missing piece in one another and I loved every moment of it. They're both adorable and in their unique way, both need a big ol' hug and reassurance that it's more than okay to fight for what they want over what others demand of them.

Alongside their love story, is a mystery from the past involving Wanda Jean and Luke's late grandmother, Verna Rose and it weaves its way into the boys' lives as they try to understand why the two ladies fell out and that alone could have been a story in itself.

If you want a HEA with some angst along the way with a load of Country music thrown into the mix with that Southern hospitality that seems to be synonymous with Nashville and every TV show set there? This is for you.

Am I Trans Enough by Alo Johnston is an incredible read and one that is a excellent resource for any transgender on non-binary person, people who are questioning their gender and those who are allies and family members. 

I've read it several times as a non-binary adult with trans teenagers as it helped both with my own gender issues and dysphoria as well as being a font of information for me as a parent. I believe that this is a book all transgender people of all ages should be in possession of as it's insightful and reassuring to know that you're not alone with any fears, questions etc etcetera.

It's wonderful to see more books like this out there and hope that Am I Trans Enough (the answer is always yes no matter how along your journey you're on) and others out there will help you when you're feeling uncertain and it's so good to see them being available after many of us have been struggling without support for so long.

365 Gays of the Year is a brilliant read which does exactly what it says on the tin.

Laney Lewis has compiled 365 LGBTQIA people or allies and provides us with a brief insight into the person alongside wonderful portraits from Charlotte MacMillan-Scott. I loved the diversity of people that were chosen from aromatic and asexual Alice Oseman the creator of the Heartstopper book series (and producer of the TV series), to the infamous artist Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) whose sculpture David is famous throughout the world for its beauty. 

365 Gays of the Year is a wonderful read, and I was fascinated to learn more about some of the people featured. I didn't know much about Blair Imani for example and thanks to this well-written, informative and educational book. 

I'd like to think that this should be found in schools, and libraries around the world to help educate and show many people that they aren't alone. Perhaps through this; we could have more young people see they are allowed to be who they are, that it's more than acceptable to support their LGBTQIA friends and to stand proud regardless of their gender, or sexual orientation. There are so many members of the community who don't get the recognition they deserve or the life they were born to have... and I truly believe books like this truly help.

My only questionable entry in the wake of her behaviour to others, was Ellen DeGeneres; however, there is no denying her impact on LGBTQIA representation in the media especially as she showed herself and her character as a lesbian on a popular TV show at the time.

Thank you Lewis Laney and Charlotte MacMillan-Scott for giving us this beautiful book..  it was truly inspiring.

Welsh Giants, Ghosts and Goblins by Claire Fayers is a wonderful read filled with a blend of education about various creatures from Welsh legend and Fayers's way of weaving them into stories that are as enticing to adults as they would to a younger reader (albeit they may find themselves looking around warily for a goblin or two to come get them.)

I've always loved myths and legends from around the world, and with Wales being within sight across the sea from me? The creatures that can haunt the night, rile up farmers and perhaps play with the infamous Red Dragon or 'Y Ddraig Goch' have been ones that I'd read about on holidays to Anglesey or Conwy. Discovering this lovely book reawakened the child in me who would stare out of the window at bedtime waiting to see the infamous Gwrachod, or a Bwbach (Witches or a particularly friendly Sprite).

I do love how Fayers takes care to have the various characters of myth and legend be called by their Welsh names and not English which unfortunately I've seen. It adds to their stories and legends for me and acknowledges that these are unique to Welsh culture even if there may well be similar ones around the world.

My favourite has always been the Talwyth Teg who are the fae and how they were often responsible for Changelings finding their way into mortal homes. Seeing a story about them in Welsh Giants, Ghosts and Goblins had my adult self be as swept away as I had at the age of nine. Thank you so much for that joy once again Claire Fayers!

This is a wonderful book with vivid storytelling, fantastical characters and world-building that brings these legends to life for all.

The Sleeping Stones by Beatrice Wallbank is a wonderful blend of Welsh myth and legend and is a perfect book for any middle-grade child whose curious nature has them wondering about mermaids and other mythical beings.

I couldn't put the book down so I can guarantee a young reader who loves the idea of being something 'more'. The author has brought an isolated Welsh island to life, with atmospheric description that swept me away to childhood holidays in Anglesey climbing hills and swerving for shells and rocks along the shoreline. With a blend of the beauty of the countryside, and the bleakness of the secluded isle, the reader can wander alongside Gruff at his sheep farm, and newcomer Matylda as adventure crashes into them head-on.

The attention to detail with the inclusion of the Welsh language makes this book a unique one and Wallbank has given the reader a story filled with spirits, magic and a legend that's united the residents of the island for centuries. A storm that can destroy everything in its wake is just around the corner and it's already left Gruff's family shaken before and then there is The Sleeping Stones.

Woven into every legend both dark and light, these vast stones are dangerous and enticing. I loved how Beatrice Wallbank brings these monoliths to life and gives them a legend that feels real. 

The Sleeping Stones is a wonderful book, and I can imagine if it's a bedtime story there will be many a call for 'just one more chapter' because Wallbank's storytelling and ability to keep you on the proverbial edge of your seat; is as magical as the legend she's created.

Can't wait to see what else this author will bring to capture young readers' imagination.

Pride: A Seek-and-Find Celebration is a wonderful book that is both a game and a form of education for young and old.

With vibrant and extremely detailed artwork, the reader searches for famous people as well as objects from LGBTQIA history as well as the various milestones the community has experienced in a 'Where's Wally' manner. I had great fun searching the pages as each era unfolds before you both good and bad - for example 'In The Closet' (1800s to 1960) which is a long and very dark period in LGBTQIA history and one that is important to talk about where you can look for the homosexual author,  Oscar Wilde as well as poet and essayist Walt Whitman. 

This is a wonderful book, both by how it looks because it's so vibrant and beautifully drawn, but it also is educational as it's not just a picture book. The author has taken the time to educate the reader but not make it overwhelming. I'd love to see this book in primary schools, and in many children's homes because representation matters and helping children understand that people not only come in different shapes and sizes etcetera but also can fall in love in different ways too. In 2024, families are looking more and more different, people are also able to become more aware of their gender at a younger age and books such as Pride: A Seek-and-Find Celebration can help with understanding and acceptance from not only a young age but in a creative way.