CHARACTER LIMIT BY KATE CONGER & RYAN MAC

Fascinating account of the Twitter debacle a couple of years ago. Learning more about what actually went on behind the scenes was equal parts illuminating and enraging. Definitely worth a read! ★★★☆☆

SIXTEEN WAYS TO DEFEND A WALLED CITY BY K.J. PARKER

Enjoyable fantasy novel about Orhan the engineer who happens to find himself in a city under siege. Unfortunately for him, it somehow falls to him to figure out how to defend it.

Amusing, interesting, and quite educational for anyone interested in siege warfare! I liked it. ★★★★☆

GIGA TOWN: THE GUIDE TO MANGA ICONOGRAPHY BY FUMIYO KOUNO

Thanks to NetGalley and Udon Entertainment for providing a DARC.

Brilliantly useful book! I don’t read a lot of manga, but I do watch anime on occasion and sometimes wonder how much I’m missing because I don’t understand the symbolic language of the genre. Though short, this book opened my eyes to subtext I’ve been missing.

Much is self-explanatory to my western eyes, an iconography I’ve been trained to understand via comics and cartoons, but a lot is completely new and will reveal hidden meanings, and deepen my understanding when I see them in the wild. Great book! ★★★★★

DRAW AMAZING FACES BY PYPAH SANTOS

Thanks to Quarry Books who allowed me to read a DARC of Draw Amazing Faces by Pypah Santos.

The book consists of a short introduction, eleven chapters covering, in order, Santos' approach, proportions and perspective, shading, lighting and rendering, drawing the eyes, nose, mouth, ears and hair, putting it all together, faces in color, and further practice, ending with a 2-page index.

Though the art style is not my personal favourite, there are lots of great drawings throughout. The book is well laid out with helpful in-depth tutorials, both the illustrations and text clearly explaining things. I particularly liked that Santos showed examples of rendering faces in different mediums, and covered the box method in addition to the same basic techniques usually shown in books of this ilk.

I really liked this book and will be buying a copy to add to my art shelf. ★★★★☆

FIGURE DRAWING: RHYTHM AND LANGUAGE OF THE HUMAN FORM BY GABRIELLE DAHMS

Thanks to NetGalley, I was able to read a digital ARC of Figure Drawing: Rhythm and Language of the Human Form by Gabrielle Dahms.

The book begins with a short introduction, then covers a wide range of subjects pertaining to drawing the human figure, and ending with an index. Though text-heavy, it is interspersed by a number of drawings in various styles, showcasing different techniques.

This is not for beginners or those wanting to learn how to draw. I’m not entirely sure who the target audience is. I suspect the companion workbook is needed to gain any real benefit, as the author seems more concerned with theory and contemplation rather than hands-on lessons.

In all honesty, it reads more as a love-letter to figure drawing than a manual in how to actually accomplish it. It’s not a particularly instructive book. I’m glad to have read it, but I personally prefer a more didactic style. ★★★☆☆

FANGIRL BY RAINBOW ROWELL

Quick read about a young woman navigating her first year of college, whilst trying to finish her increasingly popular fan-fiction series. Add in burgeoning romantic feelings, her twin’s withdrawal, some parental drama, and an ethical quandary, you get an engaging YA novel. Excerpts from the Potteresque “Simon Snow” books, as well as snippets of Cather’s fan-fiction, are interspersed throughout the text. Though, for me, it didn’t quite stick the landing, it’s an enjoyable read. ★★★☆☆

ORBITAL BY SAMANTHA HARVEY

This was so not for me, I’m shocked I finished it. A meandering contemplation of our planet as a group of astronauts aboard a spacecraft circle the Earth for multiple orbits.

Read for ruminations on the fragility and beauty of Earth as seen from space. Do not read for plot, characterization, dialogue, introspection or action, there is none. And, although the prose at times could be quite beautiful, most of the time it felt like wording for word’s sake. ★★★☆☆

JAMES BY PERCIVAL EVERETT

A retelling, or perhaps a reimagining rather, of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved man that joins Huck for a portion of his adventure.

I really enjoyed this. The book is well-written, and James in particular, is an agonisingly well-drawn character. The final lines gave me the good kind of chills. Read it, it’s very good. ★★★★☆

FACIAL EXPRESSIONS FOR ARTISTS BY OLIVER SIN

Thanks to NetGalley, I was able to read a digital ARC of Facial Expressions for Artists by Oliver Sin.

The book begins with a short preface of the importance of anatomy, and then dives right into the five chapters covering the skull and essential muscles of the head, anatomy of the eye, anatomy of the ear, mouth and nose, expressions and the ageing face, and finally capturing expressions. It ends with a four-page index.

This book is dense with text and beautiful drawings. Covering facial anatomy in-depth and with clarity, it’s a book to return to time and time again, but it’s absolutely not aimed at beginners. Confident artists who want to level up their portraits should immediately buy a copy and devour it, they won’t regret it.

I’m buying a copy upon publication and will study it to the best of my ability, but in truth this is more of an inspirational and aspirational work for me right now. Meanwhile, I’ll be returning to Sin’s previous book, “Drawing The Head For Artists” which is also fantastic but a little more accessible for my level. ★★★★★

DEBT-FREE ART DEGREE: FOUNDATIONS IN DRAWING BY MARCO BUCCI

Thanks to NetGalley, I was able to read a digital ARC of Debt-Free Art Degree: Foundations in Drawing by Marco Bucci. Caveat: a scant few illustrations were missing from my copy, so I’ve not seen every single picture contained within the final copy.

The book consists of a short introduction, then eight chapters covering 2D shapes, gesture drawing, 3D form and space, building the figure, capturing poses, shapes and characters, constructing the head, shading and lighting, and finally colour, before ending with a helpful index.

The introduction details Bucci’s own journey and concludes with a helpful section on how to effectively study using the book. The chapters are very informative and thorough. So thorough, in fact, that I can in all honestly only give a cursory review. I’ll really need time to absorb and study the information in order to fully understand it all.

The QR codes scattered throughout lead to some fantastic videos showing the concepts in a way that can be easier for some to absorb. I also really like that assignments are given at the end of each chapter. Another thing I really appreciated was Bucci using pictures of himself showing poses etc. throughout, it’s helpful in reinforcing references are useful and that you can and should make them yourself.

This isn’t a book for complete novices, but I believe any experienced beginners and those of higher skill levels will gain a lot from this book. I’m a somewhat experienced beginner and this is squarely aimed at my skill level and well above it. I can understand the concepts covered and studying this book will help me learn how to leverage them better.

I really, really, really liked this book. I’m buying a copy of this to add to my art library immediately. ★★★★★

A SORCERESS COMES TO CALL BY T. KINGFISHER

You get what it says on the tin with this one. A sprinkle of romance, some mild horror elements, a bit of cosiness, believable characters, and Kingfisher’s signature pragmatic protagonists.

While I vastly prefer her Paladin series this was an enjoyable read while I wait for the next White Rat book to be published. Could have done with a bit more fancy geese, but all in all, a nice read and I liked it. ★★★☆☆

UNCONQUERABLE SUN BY KATE ELLIOTT

This started out well, but lost steam around the halfway point. Too many characters to care for any in particular, and I barely know enough to spot the obvious Alexander the Great “nods” (Boukephalas, Sun’s relationships with Hetty and Eirene) never mind the sly ones.

I felt it got bogged down by interminable “action scenes” described in excruciating detail, and I honestly just got bored. It’s not a bad book, but not to my tastes and I read it during a period I needed distraction, not something I found myself avoiding picking up. ★★☆☆☆

A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC BY V. E. SCHWAB

I didn’t care much for this. Kell was an OK if somewhat dull protagonist, but I found Delilah tediously annoying. Neither the magic system nor the various Londons were particularly interesting, and I found the plot a bit thin. It’s a fair enough fantasy novel, but I’d rather try a different Schwab novel than continue this particular series. ★★★☆☆

TOOTH AND CLAW BY JO WALTON

A re-read of an old favourite, and I enjoyed it as much now as the first time. The writing is top-notch, the worldbuilding is delightful and so are the various characters. If you’re in need of a Victorian inspired romance featuring drawing-room politics and genteel manoeuvring you probably can’t do better than Tooth and Claw. Oh, and everyone is a Dragon. It’s pretty great! ★★★★☆

DOPPELGÄNGER: A TRIP INTO THE MIRROR WORLD BY NAOMI KLEIN

Not the book I was expecting but a stonking good read nonetheless. Klein is a clear, incisive and insightful writer, and gave me a lot to think about.

Though there is some levity, much of it is absolutely chilling as it takes an unflinching look at the state of the world. Klein is no doomsayer but… it’s not looking good folks.

Decidedly worth reading, and a book I’ll be ruminating on for a long time to come. ★★★★☆

THE DEAD CAT TAIL ASSASSINS BY P. DJÈLÍ CLARK

Fun fantasy romp involving assassins and shenanigans I can’t mention because spoilers. My first P. Djèlí Clark book and I really enjoyed it. The characters were fun, the word building interesting and though it had a slight stumble here and there overall the pace was great.

Will definitely be reading more of P. Djèlí Clark’s writing, I can’t wait to see what a full novel reads like. ★★★★☆

COMANCHE MOON BY LARRY MCMURTRY

Fourth in publication and second in chronological order, it’s a good read that doesn’t quite live up to Lonesome Dove. The writing is good, and though it’s interesting to find out what happened before the events in Lonesome Dove, I didn’t find the story as compelling. There is also a section where a specific torture method described really bothered me and I had to struggle past it in order to finish. Worth the read, but I’m very glad to have started the series with Lonesome Dove. ★★★☆☆

MEET ME IN ANOTHER LIFE BY CATRIONA SILVEY

This book has an intriguing premise, but though the writing is fair, the protagonists are dull, and the book itself is basically chapter after endless chapter of conversation. The dénouement doesn’t save it, merely serves to point out how good this idea could have been in another’s hands. It’s also the softest sci-fi imaginable, and probably better suited to those who don’t generally read sci-fi. ★★☆☆☆

SOURDOUGH BY ROBIN SLOAN

About a woman working at a tech company in San Francisco who, after being gifted a sourdough starter, becomes enamoured then obsessed with baking bread and what happens. It started out fine, a bit odd but fine, and then gradually devolved into a silliness of a type I abhor. I really did not enjoy this at all. I don’t mind satire when biting and funny, but I found this pointless, boring and a waste of my time. Not for me. ★★☆☆☆

UNDER THE RADAR: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO AUTISM AND GIRLS BY EMILIA MISHEVA

A relatively thorough look at how autism can present in girls. The book has a fairly academic perspective of little use to me personally, but should be valuable for adults who spend time around children. An interesting read, and though this is a book I wish adults around me had read when I was young, ultimately it wasn’t particularly useful to me now. ★★★☆☆

SELF-CARE FOR AUTISTIC PEOPLE BY MEGAN ANNA NEFF

Perhaps this book might be most useful to younger people? Once you’ve been an adult for a few (too many) decades, a lot of the content is information you’ve no doubt seen many times before. That being said, I found a new-to-me technique called cognitive shuffling which sounded both interesting, and potentially very helpful.

Age and experiences aside, there is absolutely value in having actionable stuff listed in one place conveniently sorted into categories such as physical, emotional, mental, social, and professional self-care. ★★★☆☆

SOME DESPERATE GLORY BY EMILY TESH

At first, I was very taken with this and thoroughly enjoyed a good chunk of it. However, at a certain point the narrative veers into a type of sci-fi I don’t enjoy, and it became a slog to finish. Though well written, interesting and with well drawn characters, once the pivot happened I simply lost interest and found the rest of the book slow and long-winded. Regardless of how I felt about the book as a whole I also found the ending disappointing. ★★★☆☆/p>

IN THE GARDEN OF IDEN BY KAGE BAKER

This was recommended to me years ago as something I'd love. A female protagonist involved in timey-wimey shenanigans mainly around in Tudor times? Made for me. If I'd read it back then I'd have loved it. Now it fizzled out as a merely OK read. The writing is fine, and I didn't dislike it, but the subtleties of the plot whizzed past me and though I know there is a compelling read lurking inside this book, I just couldn't seem to access it. Liked it enough to read the rest of the series at a later date when in a more compatible headspace.★★★☆☆

COSTANZA BY RACHEL BLACKMORE

I really struggled with this book, taking a long time to finish it because I found myself avoiding it. I hated the protagonist, didn't like any other characters, didn't get a sense of time or place, and just found it very dull. The prose was too florid for my tastes and without enjoyable or interesting characters, the plot was nowhere near enough to keep my interest. Not for me. ★★☆☆☆

LIGHT FROM UNCOMMON STARS BY RYKA AOKI

The blurb I read touted this as "Good Omens meets The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet in a defiantly joyful adventure", which is not how I'd describe it. Though I quite liked the prose itself, I was either annoyed or irritated by every single character, I hated the Faustian/sci-fi crossover, found the endless descriptions of music and food tedious after a time, and thought the ending was obvious and then silly. If this is your type of thing, you'll like it. I'm not overly sentimental and found it mawkish. Not for me. ★★☆☆☆

INVERSIONS BY IAIN M. BANKS

A reread of an old favourite. I still really enjoy it and though it's not my absolute favourite Banks book, it's in the running for a spot at the top. I love the writing, the characters, their stories, the layers. The puzzling out what's actually going on and lack of a true, definitive, answer is delicious. Do not read as a first Culture novel. If you appreciate sci-fi, absolutely do read it (ignoring the fact that at first glance it doesn't look like sci-fi) and the rest of the Culture series. ★★★★☆

SCALES AND SENSIBILITY BY STEPHANIE BURGIS

I was hoping for "Austen meets Pratchettian swamp dragons" in this novel set in fantasy Regency England. I did not get that. All the characters felt one-dimensional, the obstacles contrived, and the dearth of shoulder dragon world-building inexcusable disappointing. How do you breed them, train them, show them? Nothing! Romance fans who like fantasy may enjoy this, but it's becoming apparent that I don't appreciate some (many?) of the standard romance tropes and it might not be the genre for me. ★★★☆☆

LOLLY WILLOWES, OR, THE LOVING HUNTSMAN BY SYLVIA TOWNSEND WARNER

I didn't care for this almost 100-year-old novel at all. It's a slow, tedious meander through Lolly's life until she, around age 50, decides to go live in a village and then suddenly witches. I thought the book would be more enjoyable once the devil showed up but Warner sure showed me how to suck the fun out of a surprise Satan. Not a book for me, but at least it wasn't very long. ★★☆☆☆

MY DARK VANESSA BY KATE ELIZABETH RUSSELL

An uncomfortable but engrossing read and a mirror of sorts to the novel Lolita, which Russell clearly admires as much as I do. Though the prose is not as sublime as Nabokov's, it's well-written and engaging. Set before and after #MeToo Vanessa's story, what happens to her, and how she struggles with her experiences all feel extremely true and real. Though the subject matter is horrible, this is an important and compelling read, potentially at its best as a chaser to Lolita by Nabokov. ★★★★☆

THE LIBRARY AT MOUNT CHAR BY SCOTT HAWKINS

A strange and interesting fantasy novel set in a warped version of our world where magic, of a sort, is real. Featuring multiple interesting characters, some more unpleasant than others, and a good dose of weirdness, it was quite an enjoyable, though not pleasant, read. I liked being unable to predict where the story was going to end up, and had the ending been slightly more satisfactory it would have garnered 4 stars from me. Worth the read. ★★★☆☆

THE PASSIONATE TUDOR BY ALISON WEIR

Historical fiction about Mary I of England. I enjoy reading about this period but haven't read much about Mary Tudor herself. Most of the novel is tedious with uninteresting writing and characters, and though the last part, concerning Mary's final years, was more interesting it was still a stodgy read. Generally, I prefer Weir's nonfiction and this was no exception. Weir does not care for Mary and it clearly shows in both the novel and the afterword. Whatever your opinion of Mary, I'd skip this and choose another of Weir's books, almost all of them are better. ★★★☆☆

TALK SWEETLY TO ME BY COURTNEY MILAN

Another in the Brother's Sinister series, but other than being a romance set in Victorian England I failed to see any connection. Rose Sweetly works as a computer for a scientist and has a crush on her rakish neighbourhood writer. All my previous complaints about Milan books are back in force; an overly rushed romance, an implausibly wonderful love interest, and an oh-so-exceptional protagonist. My biggest peeve is that Rose's experiences as a Victorian-era British Black woman seem under-explored but if you like Milan's "formula", you'll like this. ★★★☆☆

CLAIRMONT BY LESLEY MCDOWELL

I eagerly started this highly-rated novel about Clair Clairmont, being very interested in reading about her. After having finished it I can't understand the glowing reviews. I didn't care for it at all, finding it disjointed, tedious and brimming with unlikable, boring characters (Mary Shelley! Byron! Boring?!) wandering around in mind-numbingly dull settings (including the Year Without Summer FFS!) that skip back and forth in time. Not for me! Two stars only because I actually finished it. ★★☆☆☆

GOBLINS & GREATCOATS BY TRAVIS BALDREE

A very short, very sweet story set in the Legends & Latte world. I hope Zyll will show up in more of Baldree's writing. ★★★☆☆

THE TAINTED CUP BY ROBERT JACKSON BENNETT

A fantasy murder mystery served with a dollop of Pacific Rim, garnished with a hint of The Goblin Emperor, and a tiny sprig of romance. It was nicely written with interesting world-building and enjoyable characters; Ana, in particular, was a delight. The murder plot and its somewhat deflated resolution kept this at a 3-star rating for me. Though the opportunity is rarely afforded in fantasy whodunits, I like to follow along and solve crimes too! While it didn't guarantee a sequel a place on my to-read list, I might try more from this author. ★★★☆☆

THE DUCHESS WAR BY COURTNEY MILAN

The first novel in the Brother's Sinister series and my second Milan book. Again I found the romance much too rushed, and the male protagonist implausibly perfect. Also implausible is the notion of a peer thinking and acting as the Duke of Clermont does in this book. It just didn't work for me, I could not suspend my disbelief enough to accommodate it. Milan writes nicely and delivers escapism but I don't really enjoy her books. There simply isn't enough angst or "realistic" characters who behave credibly in them for my tastes. ★★★☆☆

THE SCANDALOUS CONFESSIONS OF LYDIA BENNET, WITCH BY MELINDA TAUB

A magical version of Lydia Bennet's story in her own words. I'm no Janeite but do enjoy reading Austen, her sparkling prose and ability to make "dull" romance/marriage plots interesting and funny is always a delight. I'm also fond of fantasy and a good retelling, but I did not enjoy "The Scandalous Confessions..." very much. The magic system was dull, the various subplots tedious, and I didn't care for the writing. I was vaguely bored throughout and didn't care about what happened to any of the characters. Original flavour for me from now on. ★★★☆☆

THE MINISTRY OF TIME BY KALIANE BRADLEY

I was excited to read this as the premise is brilliant. Sadly, I found it a bit of a dud. The story got progressively less engaging and incorporated a “twist” I found trite, and the middling resolution made the whole story weaker. No characters were particularly engaging and I found the arctic chapters and the musings of the main character more of a distraction than an enhancement. I didn't particularly care for the writing style, and also lampshading something doesn't magically make it not bad. All told, an ok read but not a book for me. ★★★☆☆

DARK FIRE BY C.J SANSOM

Matthew Shardlake, a barrister during Henry VIII's reign, keeps being charged with solving mysteries. In theory, I should adore Sansom’s Matthew Shardlake series, but I just don’t. The history is impeccable as is the ability of Sansom to evoke the Tudor period but the mysteries don't interest me, their solutions are unsatisfying, and the characters seem flat. Matthew should fascinate me, yet I remain indifferent. In conclusion, this series is not for me and I’ll stop trying to make Shardlake happen. ★★★☆☆

GEEK LOVE BY KATHERINE DUNN

A book about the chicken-biting type of Geek Love. An engineered “freak”, the hunchbacked dwarf protagonist Oly, tells the story of her childhood and teen years living deeply enmeshed with her family in a travelling carnival, interspersed with chapters of her life at 38. It’s a strange but interesting read for the most part, though at times, horrifying. The first third grabbed me, but later in the book my attention waned at times and I found the ending a little unsatisfactory. I’m not sure I like it very much. ★★★☆☆

HOW LUCKY BY WILL LEITCH

A novel reminiscent, in some ways, of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”. Diagnosed as a child with spinal muscular atrophy much of the book is preoccupied with the effects this has and continues to have on the protagonist’s life. This was also the aspect I enjoyed the most.

Though, overall, a relatively enjoyable and readable book I found the ending too abrupt and quite meh, with the “mystery” driving the plot uninteresting and lacking a satisfactory dénouement. ★★★☆☆

HOOKED BY EMILY MCINTIRE

Touted as a modern-day “Peter Pan”-flavoured dark romance. Definitely not a retelling, more an AU take. The writing was fair but I didn’t enjoy the overly simplistic characterisations. I found the violence tediously cartoonish, the plot paper-thin, the characters bland and the twist not only telegraphed but semaphored, phoned and texted at me.

Unrealistically beautiful people falling in “Twue Wuv” practically instantaneously is just not something I can suspend my disbelief for, and don’t enjoy it. I also have Thoughts about the sex scenes when seen in context of the time frame they’re portrayed as occurring. Maybe Romance just isn’t the genre for me. All in all, meh. ★★★☆☆

THE STEERSWOMAN BY ROSEMARY KIRSTEIN

This was a re-read to get me ready for the sequels. In 2016 I rather enjoyed it, liking the world building, the Steerswoman conceit and the writing, even if I found the plot a little lacking and the “villains” too reasonable.

This time it just didn’t work for me, finding it tedious and meandering. Just goes to show how much my mood influences how I feel about a book. Not sure I like that about me. ★★★☆☆

A LADY OF ROOKSGRAVE MANOR BY KATHRYN MOON

Not the book I expected. Thought I was getting a victorian historical novel, turns out it’s actually a monster fucker porn-with-very-little-plot book. This will teach me to actually read dedications and blurb. The writing was fine and it was a quick read. However, I did not like the protagonist, a hyper-sexual “pick me girl”, who is perfect in every way, and the immediate and total lack of any actual tension in her “arrangement” strained all credulity. Not for me. ★★★☆☆

WHALEFALL BY DANIEL KRAUS

This short novel, described as a scientifically accurate thriller about a scuba diver swallowed by a sperm whale, was not for me. It seemed to be chapter after chapter of either repetitive daddy issues, long-winded descriptions of diving and diving equipment, or tedious descriptions of escape attempts. The writing was marred by flourishes clearly meant to ramp up tension but which just became extremely annoying. I almost put it down multiple times, but forced my way to the end. I wish I hadn’t bothered. ★★☆☆☆

UNSPEAKABLE SHAKING PLEASURES BY LUCY DEBUSSY

A selection of short stories billed as a collection of erotica. The stories definitely had erotic elements and overtones, but I’m not sure I’d classify them as erotica per se. However, I found the prose lush and the stories odd and interesting. Erotica that isn’t up your alley can often be rather tedious but I enjoyed these stories quite a lot. ★★★☆☆

THE GOVERNESS AFFAIR BY COURTNEY MILAN

A short historical romance novella that moves along at a very snappy pace with a plot less straightforward than the title implies. The romance felt a bit rushed, very “love at first sight”, and the male protagonist was a little too good to be true.

I love historical fiction, but I haven’t read much romance and don’t understand the conventions of the genre. Perhaps this book fits into a specific sub-genre thus written perfectly to fit a category? Personally, I’d have liked a bit more character development and more historical bits, but it was a fun enough read. Unsure whether I’ll read the rest of the series however. ★★★☆☆

MODERN STILL LIFE BY SARI SHRYACK

Thanks to NetGalley, I was able to read a digital ARC of Modern Still Life: From Fruit Bowls to Disco Balls by Sari Shryack.

The book is comprised of a short introduction, then ten chapters covering supplies and mindset, still life setup, drawing for painting, value studies, colour, warming and cooling, discoballs, modern still life, style sandwiches, and cleanup and closure, before ending with a conclusion and an index.

The chapters are short and succinct with examples clearly showing the various principles. Some would have benefited from a little more instruction. Almost all of them contain handy tips, such as using a hand mirror as an analogue version of flipping the canvas when using digital painting methods.

I liked this book. It’s very pretty and full of colourful images. Techniques covered are not necessarily explained sufficiently for complete novices. For instance, various drawing tools are mentioned, but no actual instruction is given so if you don’t know how to measure with a rod/pencil/whatever it’s not something you’ll learn here.

I am not at the point where I’m interested in actually painting with acrylic/gouache/oils, but still found it an interesting read as some chapters offer valuable information regardless of medium, such as the ones on composition, value and colour studies.

In summary, this is a lovely book but not one for total beginners. Nor does it offer much to the advanced painter. ★★★★☆

SLEEPING GIANTS BY SYLVAIN NEUVEL

Beginning with an intriguing mystery, Sleeping Giants uses interviews, journal entries, transcripts and articles to slowly inform the reader. I quite enjoy this style of epistolary-like storytelling, though I would have liked to see stronger "voices". It was a fine read, but because the plot ultimately didn't particularly interest me and I hadn't come to care for or about any of the characters, I probably won't read the sequels. I'm just not invested enough. ★★★☆☆

A PALE VIEW OF HILLS BY KAZUO ISHIGURO

The second Kazuo Ishiguro book I've read, and had it been my first it would also have been my last. I found the story lacking and the dialogue irrelevant and banal. The characters felt flat and affectless. There was just nothing here for me. Apparently a book too subtle for me to enjoy.

The biggest surprise about it was how much I disliked it after really enjoying Never Let Me Go. ★★☆☆☆

SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE BY CLAIRE KEEGAN

Novella about a man who grew up the son of an unwed mother in 1940s Ireland. Mainly concerning his inner life as he goes about the daily grind of life, and how something in him changes after some chance encounters at the local nunnery (aka Magdalen Laundry). This one was not for me. The writing was fine, and the topic something I feel strongly about, but I didn’t enjoy this nor did it elicit any strong feelings in me. Found it vaguely tedious. ★★★☆☆

THE ANGEL OF THE CROWS BY KATHERINE ADDISON

I enjoyed the characters, the worldbuilding, and found it a fresh and interesting take on Holmesian fiction, and I really liked Crow in particular. At times it felt a little disjointed, and though I really liked some parts, there were other parts that didn't appeal quite so much. Overall an enjoyable read. ★★★☆☆

GODKILLER BY HANNAH KANER

The fates of a Godkiller, a baker, and a young girl and her pet God intertwine in this fantasy novel. I really wanted to like this more than I did, but for some reason neither the world, the story nor the characters really captured my interest. However, it really picked up by the end and pushed me into probable sequel-reading territory. ★★★☆☆

ALL THE HIDDEN PATHS BY FOZ MEADOWS

Though I devoured this as fast as I did the first book in The Tithenai Chronicles series, I didn't enjoy it quite as much. There was a little too much rumination on self-worth (or the lack thereof) for my tastes. Still enjoy the worldbuilding and the characters a lot. I did like the addition of the new POV character and could easily have read a chapter or two more of their story. Liked it enough to read a threequel. ★★★☆☆

A STRANGE AND STUBBORN ENDURANCE

I really enjoyed A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows. A unabashedly queer novel deliciously somehow saturated with both tenderness and sweetness even though there are a lot of rather grim situations (murders/rape/abuse). After finishing I was left with the same kind of feelings I have after Becky Chambers or Katherine Addison novels. Absolutely delightful.

LAKE OF SOULS

As a huge fan of Ann Leckie, but not someone who generally enjoys short stories very much, “Lake of Souls” was a bit mixed bag for me. I enjoyed the final two stories the most, the penultimate being the absolute delight that is “Saving Bacon”. I loved it, and I love Slale Vachash-Troer and his family so, so much.

THE SUNNE IN SPLENDOUR

The Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Kay Penman was both interesting and well-written. I found it particularly interesting as it deals with a time frame I’m not very familiar with as most histories, biographies, and novels I’ve favoured previously have covered the Tudor period.

Obviously reading it for the first time in 2024 changes how I came to it as a reader. The de-villianisation of Richard III has been going strong for a few years now, but I can imagine this would have been a very different and interesting take when first published.

In conclusion, my short, very reductive review of this book is that I did not expect to finish it having the hots for Richard III, but here I am.

DYNAMIC CHARACTER DESIGN

Thanks to NetGalley, I was able to read a digital ARC of Dynamic Character Design by Fernanda Soares de Carvalho.

The book is comprised of a short introduction, then five chapters covering, in order, tools, tutorials, sketching, drawing digitally, and tips.

I really liked this book. The art style is quite lovely, and the book is laid out very nicely. I found the tutorials very helpful, the illustrations and explanatory text clearly explaining things in nice easy to digest chunks. I would have loved if the tutorial and sketching sections were longer.

The digital drawing chapter is mostly software agnostic and is more about concepts applicable to process of drawing digitally rather than how to use the digital tools available. That being said, the author uses the Procreate app, and has a couple of software specific tips that can be very helpful to beginners.

In summary, this book will not teach you how to draw photorealistic people, but does a nice job of guiding you through the process of creating stylised characters.

As I embarked on a drawing everyday challenge this year, and struggle terribly with people and faces, I really hope a few months of studying this book will get me closer to where I want to be. I’m definitely buying this book on publication.

KAWAII BIRDIES BY JEN BUDROCK

Thanks to NetGalley, I was able to read a digital ARC of Kawaii Birdies by Jen Budrock.

After a short intro of the artist, there’s a brief explanation of kawaii which is followed by notes on tools how to use the book. Pages of simple outlines showing the shapes of various anatomical parts, like wings, crests, beaks etc follow, before a directory of facial expressions and a quick guide to colouring.

A couple of pages categorising the various orders of bird follow, with a little bird drawn for each type. And they are adorable! So, so cute. The artist has really nailed the kawaii factor.

Most of the rest of the book is short one-page tutorials on how to draw specific types of bird, so they actually look like the type of bird you’re aiming for. A section at the end shows how to draw the birds in adorable poses, or with fun or cute accessories. The final section consists of four double spread colouring pages full of little birdies to colour.

Just flipping through this book is so much fun. It made me want to try drawing some myself, and I shall be giving it at try. Budrock makes it look easy. Admittedly there might be a bit of the a draw-the-rest-of-the-owl vibe, but how un-cute could they turn out?

Full disclosure, I really like birds, I love kawaii art, and I’m terribly biased in favour of kawaii animal characters that have little x’s for buttholes. Those x’ s make this an automatic 5 stars from me.

BOOK REVIEW: VIBRANT WATERCOLOR

Thanks to NetGalley, I was able to read a digital ARC of Vibrant Watercolor: A creative and colorful exploration into the art of watercolor painting by Geethu Chandramohan.

The book is divided into two main sections, The Basics and Projects. The Basics is split into eight sections detailing tools and materials, watercolour basics, colour theory, watercolour techniques, perspective, composition, light and shadow, landscape painting.

The author includes recommendations and useful tips throughout, and each chapter is full of photographs illustrating concepts introduced in the text.

The remainder of the book consists of 14 projects, which detail step-by-step how to achieve the finished product. The text and photos are clear and seem easy to follow.

This is a very nice book for beginners, and those new to watercolour. I have added it to my wish list along with some watercolour supplies and can't wait to use Geethu Chandramohan's techniques and advice to improve my painting skills.