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. ★★☆☆☆

LEARNING TO DRAW IN 2024! DAY 116

LEARNING TO DRAW IN 2024! DAY 115

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. ★★★☆☆

LEARNING TO DRAW IN 2024! DAY 114

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. ★★★☆☆

LEARNING TO DRAW IN 2024! DAY 113

LEARNING TO DRAW IN 2024! DAY 112

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. ★★☆☆☆

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LEARNING TO DRAW IN 2024! DAY 110

LEARNING TO DRAW IN 2024! DAY 109

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LEARNING TO DRAW IN 2024! DAY 107

LEARNING TO DRAW IN 2024! DAY 106

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. ★★★☆☆

LEARNING TO DRAW IN 2024! DAY 105

LEARNING TO DRAW IN 2024! DAY 104

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. ★★★☆☆

LEARNING TO DRAW IN 2024! DAY 103

LEARNING TO DRAW IN 2024! DAY 102

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. ★★★☆☆