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moonlil-y · 4 months

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JO MOONLESS BOMB-REVIEWING

There’s a soon to be author, Jo Moonless, who is bomb-reviewing indie/debut authors for no valuable reasons.

She has supposedly read 12 books in a row by indie/debut authors whom she gave one star rating each on Goodreads (one has evolved into a 2 star recently but started with one star).

Her reasons for giving one star to each of these books ? Let’s get into it.

Reviewed on 08.12.2023 :

• Fear the Flames, by Olivia Rose Darling (debut author)

→ DNF at chapter 3

→ “not in the mood to hate read” (ah yes because that’s the book’s problem and not yours…)

→ doesn’t like a character’s name, says it’s too much of a fuck boy name to be respected (???)

→ the writing

Reviewed on 09.12.2023 :

• Heavenly Bodies, by Imani Erriu (debut author)

→ DNF at chapter 2

→ “I can already tell this is gonna be full of tropes and clichés” (but hasn’t read more than 2 chapters so how would she know)

→ “I am reading for quality, for more than just a good story” (…)

→ the writing

• The Curse of Ophelia, by Nicole Platania (indie author)

→ DNF

→ “smells like something I have read before” (???)

• Heir of Fates, by Rowan Redfield (indie author)

→ DNF at chapter 1

→ nothing she disliked but nothing that hooked her (so she gave one star and dnf at chapter 1… what?)

• The Goddess and the Hawk, by Chiara Gala (debut author)

→ DNF at chapter 1

→ great energy but the book needs heavy editing

→ smut

→ too much telling (backstories… in chapter one? Seems normal to me… how is it too much if she only read chapter one???)

• The King’s Weapon, by Neena Laskowski (indie author)

→ DNF at chapter 1

→ “feels like a story I have read before”

→ not interesting enough to hook me (maybe read more than chapter one…)

→ the writing

• Daughter of Darkness : Wielder of Shadows, by Allie Cole (debut author)

→ DNF after a few paragraphs

→ “the writing? Like something I wrote before I ever started taking writing seriously” (for someone who isn’t even an author yet… pretentious much?)

→ wasn’t hooked (but again, she read a few paragraphs only so… is she even trying?)

• How Does It Feel? By Jeneane O’Riley (indie author)

→ DNF at chapter 2

→ the MC is beautiful and the villains not good enough (buuuuut she only read a few chapters)

→ the writing and needs editing

• Dream by the Shadows, by Logan Karlie (debut author)

→ DNF

→ “too vague and too generic” (okay that’s a fair reason I guess)

→ “the story might not be something I have read before, but the writing itself feels like it” (nevermind)

→ the writing was something she read before (I mean, there isn’t millions of ways to write a book Jo!)

Reviewed on 14.12.2023 :

• Powerless, by Lauren Roberts (debut author)

→ “immediate no” (so I’m guessing she opened it and straight up closed it?)

→ “the prose was not posing” (does that even mean something?)

• The Stars are Dying, by Chloe C. Peñarando (indie author)

→ DNF at the prologue (the prologue??!!)

→ “the prologue is to die for (not in a good way)”

→ the writing

• The Silver Birds, by Apolline Lucy (use to have 1 star, now has 2) (debut author)

→ DNF after chapter 1 (maybe she hates reading?)

→ “the writing was okay but not enough to charm me”

→ “I missed the details that could really immerse me into the story and make me feel” (TRY READING MORE THAN ONE CHAPTER MAYBE JO?!)

→ stopped reading because of the writing even though the story was up her alley (I have read this book, the writing is exquisite by the way)

First you’ll notice how she DNF all the books (most of them at chapter one) but still has a lot to say about them.

Then, the dates these books were reviewed on : if not the same day, close. Not a proof because obviously she could have read them at any time, but still weird.

Third, most of these authors are debut authors, who are trying their best at writing. Maybe encouraging them instead of bringing them down would be a better thing to do? Or strategy, considering she’s about to put a book out herself soon…

She even posted online (Instagram) about how proud she was to be hated by indie authors :

Finally, I wonder if she even bought the books… just to DNF all of them at the beginning? As a soon to be debut indie author herself, she better…

When her book comes out, I’ll read it, but the writing better be like something I’ve never read before. And if I didn’t get into the story straight up at chapter one, I guess I’ll DNF and rate it one star. Just like she did.

I encourage you to seek these books and read them to make your own opinion. I’m sure some of them are good and will be to your liking. If you do like them, give them a rating on Goodreads and boost some confidence into these authors.

#bomb reviews #bomb reviewing #indie author #debut author #the silver birds #the stars are dying #powerless #dream by the shadows #how does it feel #daughter of darkness #the king's weapon #the goddess and the hawk #heir of fates the curse of ophelia #heavenly bodies #fear the flames #cait corrain

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zacksfairest · 4 months

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Top 5 favorite books of 2023 and 5 least favorite books, go!

Oh boy! I was so very kind to myself this year and read mostly bangers. Let's see what we've got.

The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang. Now, I love the entire Poppy War trilogy, make no mistake about that. It completely rewired my brain and has firmly taken up the spot of Favorite Series Ever. But The Dragon Republic specifically was just It for me. It gave me everything. A well thought out and executed campaign of war, not sparing us the grizzly details (civilian casualties, civilian displacement, the logistics of moving a large army, how ACTUAL BATTLES work), as well as WAR CRIMES. But in addition to that, I was given Rin and Nezha. The epitome of Show Not Tell where it comes to developing feelings. Hateful schoolmates turned comrades in arms turned almost lovers turned mortal enemies. A tragedy that serves as a mere backdrop to the larger tragedy happening in the country at large due to a lingering invading force and a newly sparked civil war. This was easily my favorite book of the year, and I have been chasing the high from reading it ever since. Outbound Flight by Timothy Zahn. Yeah, I've owned this book since 2006 and never read it. What about it? I am well aware that was a major blunder on my part. Perhaps had I read it sooner, I would have been able to hop on the Thrawn train much sooner than 30 years late. This book truly had me sucked in right from the start. Young soldier Thrawn? Dedicated to his troops and his people? Willing to do anything to keep his people safe from the dangers that lurk in the infinite abyss if the universe? Swoon worthy. And also watching Maris be all heart eyes over Thrawn was a big Same Girl moment. Mr. Zahn knew what he was doing to us all along. Yet another book that understands how battles work! And with characters at the helm that are actual good tacticians and understand how battles work also. Dark Force Rising by Timothy Zahn. Yes. Another Thrawn book. Shut up. I loved the entirety of the (original) Thrawn trilogy, but this one really stood out. Leia was allowed to do her thing and be a force to be reckoned with in her own right. Also it felt good seeing a pregnant woman not be sidelined just because she was pregnant. Leia Organa-Solo does not stop and will not be stopped. This was yet another book that understood war and tactics, as well as the espionage that goes into ensuring proper battle plans can be laid out. I owe Zahn my life for being so consistent with this content, as I am a drowning lass in a sea of books that do not fucking understand how this shit works. Also, Thrawn won this round, which felt good. Felt organic. Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo. AH, YES. The book that proved I was right to put my faith in Bardugo and her plans for Ninth House. We got hot demons! We got fucked up journeys to hell! We got vampires! We got it all here, folks! I'm still super hoping that we get to see someone fuck Darlington by the third book. I want to see that demon dick in action. I hope it's fucked up. The Stolen Heir by Holly Black. This one went an entirely different route than I thought. I expected your standard YA fare: hot dude and meek girl meet, are at odds for a bit, fall in love, etc., except with fae. I should have known better. It's Holly Black, after all. Instead I got a viscious girl as my main character, a hot fae dude (Oak, baby. You're all gown up!), but they have most definitely not fallen in love by the end of this book. I got to put this on my Problematic Villain Love Interests shelf on goodreads! And not even for the reason I usually do! I still think about that final line: "I can't pretend that I don't like the sound of him screaming my name."

As for our bottom five... well. It's a bottom three. Like I said, I was kind to myself this year (also I read a lot of manga. Don't look at me.)

The Resistance Girl by Jina Bacarr. We don't talk about this one. I technically started reading it at the end of 2022, but I didn't finish it until we were decently into 2023. So it counts. It was awful. Terrible. An affront to the written word. And not for the reasons that everyone was up in arms about it. Writing was terrible. Characters were awful and indistinguishable from each other. Plot was bad. Dialogue was the worst slop I've ever laid eyes on. Descriptions not much better. It was just awful. A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber. This one was a spirit breaker. The Ballad of Neverafter was so goddamned good. The ending specifically was spectacular and left us off on a wonderfully torturous cliffhanger. I was so excited for what the final book had in store. However, I was so caught up in the euphoria of having a delightful fucked up immortal love interest in Jacks, that I forgot that Garber is Not Great at ending her series. The book overall really wasn't fantastic (a tragedy), but there was a Specific Line toward the end that fucking just. Ruined the entire book for me. Lowkey ruined the whole series, but I fight hard to prevent that from being the case. I loved the first two books so much. I refuse to let terrible storytelling and copouts and a single retcon ruin it for me. Final Fantasy VII Remake: Traces of Two Pasts by Kazushige Nojima. This one was really just a big letdown. It was just a meandering tale of Tifa and Aerith's childhoods. We somehow just completely skipped over how traumatic their respective experiences were at the hands of Shinra. We instead decided to give me boring as fuck stories about their everyday lives. Like. I get it. This is really just a money grab and a way to generate hype for FFVII: Rebirth. But still. Have some pride in your work, Square! Have pride in your characters! Let the writers have fun! I still stand by the idea that the translator might have had a bit to do with why I didn't enjoy it, though. The Kids Are Alright remains one of my favorite books, and the writing for that was fantastic. It was written by the same guy who wrote this book! And it had, what I would say is, the best english translation for a Japanese novel I've ever read. But the translator who worked on the FFXV novel The Dawn of the Future also worked on this Tifa and Aerith centric novel, and I wasn't a giant fan of the writing in the FFXV book either. So while the translator probably played a part in how much this book disappointed me, I don't think much could have saved the meandering plot and redundant experiences contained within.

#soartfullydone #answered #god i did not read anywhere near as many books as i should have lmao

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luxicides · 2 years

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bunny, oh bunny: a rambling on bunny by mona awad

"we never joke about bunnies, bunny."

— bunny (2019) by mona awad

(some spoilers ahead)

4.5 / 5 💌

my god. what a glorious mess of a christening this book is. a stunning display of mona awad’s linguistic prowess, a terrifying and torturous slip into insanity, neatly wrapped up with a frilly little pink bow.

may i just say that i absolutely adore mona awad? admittedly i have only read two of her works — this, and all’s well, which was equally harrowing and equally captivating — but i think just these two works alone have solidified my intense admiration for and fear of her.

mona awad writes with precision and intent. each metaphor she doles out, each drawn out paragraph and scathing remark her characters make bites you in the neck and leaves you out to bleed. you are left scratching at the wound and wishing, willing for more. because as much as it stings, what she writes about, as much as it hurts and gnaws at your heart strings, you come back. always come back. because she has a way with words, and her way is her will. you come undone under mona awad’s spell, not just because the world she weaves is so disgustingly wondrous you can’t bring your eyes to tear themselves away, but also because she is you. you are the reflection of her words, you are the narrator of her perilous plot, you are the titular endgame of endgames. and mona awad is speaking to you now, she is speaking directly to you and reaching out beyond the realm of pages and words and looking straight into your soul.

so, if you couldn’t tell, i feel quite strongly about this book.

if i may be permitted to get serious for a moment. let us operate on this, mutter and ponder about the gravitas of this book, its worth, its apparent suicidal ending. shall we do it? shall we? yes, i think so.

one of the things i like to do is go onto goodreads and read reviews from other strangers on the internet and see how they think. examine their mumblings, roam the crevices of their minds, peel back the curtain and judge them for what they’re worth. cunts, i’ll mumble if i see a review i disagree with. yes, i’ll nod serenely at another i agree wholeheartedly with.

but besides my clear lack of objectivity, i recognise that some may find bunny’s ending a little... trite. that they may be disgruntled with the — ah, how do you say it? — apparently “triumphant” ending of the book. i, however, beg to disagree, though i despise begging on the internet.

i think bunny’s ending isn’t a triumphant one. rather, i don’t think the word “triumphant” accurately captures it. what it is is cathartic, in a sense. we see [SPOILER!] samantha in a world without ava (who you could argue was damaging to samantha in her own way), without the bunnies, without the lion, without the pressure she put on herself as a result of going to Warren. not to say that her whole mindset and inner psyche is some sick, twisted result of the school she attends, no. but i am saying that we see her move beyond it. and i don’t think this is portrayed as a happy success — sure, she somewhat repairs her relationship with the lion. sure, she reconnects with jonah. sure, she leaves her mark on the bunnies and proves to them she is better than them, better than all of it. but at the end of the day, she still recognises that triteness. she recognises the sadness of her own ending, that ava is not here to celebrate, that she is alone (save for jonah, i suppose). but i do understand that it felt a little rushed, and i agree to an extent. and while it did throw me off a little, i think it’d be a stretch for me to say that it ruined the entire book for me, because there is so much else that shines and gleans and whispers tantalizingly, far too much for me to ignore in favour of — what is to me, at least — a minor sense of hastiness.

another common criticism i see levelled at the book a lot is that the characters are just... dicks. and i agree. i wholeheartedly, absolutely agree. but my question is — so what? this book doesn’t try to disguise the fact that everyone in it — samantha, the bunnies, fosco, even ava — is a bit of a cunt at one point or another. each of them are painfully flawed, and painful to watch. but isn’t that the point? the ludicrousness in samantha judging these bunnies without a single thought as to why, why do we hate them so? why do we hate their poof and flounce, why do we hate them for their cheery pinks and bunny smiles, why why why? only amplifies the superficiality of all these relationships, i feel. when she eventually slips into their ranks, and begins the long haul ramblings of a girl gone wild, we don’t see this as some perky happy fairy tale. because we have this set-up of samantha’s dislike, ava’s hatred, we see through the rose-tinted lens the bunnies try to pull over everyone else. mona awad does not permit us that sort of ignorant bliss — we see the bunnies in their prime, their glory, as well as their darkness and pits. though, i will concede and say that ava and samantha’s friendship was difficult to place. i still can’t quite put my finger on how mona awad characterised it — it feels both parts idealisation and criticism.

honestly, i much preferred this to my year of rest and relaxation. which is saying something, because i just made a post about how much i loved myorar. i think bunny might just be hopping its way to the top of my list (i apologise for the horrendous pun). and i highly reccommend having melanie martinez or nicole dollanganger on repeat whilst you do so.

i hope you enjoyed this rather hastily written review. i read bunny in a day and a half and was absolutely smitten. i am currently working tirelessly through eileen by otessa moshfegh - my progress has been... lacklustre at best, nonexistent at worse. also, i'm writing again, thanks to bunny. writing real things, not imaginary conversations with imaginary people. i write actual plots and create actual humans in my mind and transcribe them to paper. or, digital paper. mona awad seems to have a peculiar effect on my psyche and writing.

signed,

jaclyn

/the medea letters

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bookaddict24-7 · 2 months

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REVIEWS OF THE WEEK!

EVERY WEEK I WILL POST VARIOUS REVIEWS I’VE WRITTEN SO FAR IN 2024. YOU CAN CHECK OUT MY GOODREADS FOR MORE UP-TO-DATE REVIEWS HERE.

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60. Mislaid in Parts Half-Known by Seanan McGuire--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Falling into a new book in this series is always like falling mid-way into a dream--you're not entirely sure what's happening and you need a couple of chapters to recapture a hold of who the characters are and just where we are in the story.

MISLAID IN PARTS HALF-KNOWN is a slight continuation of the last book where we met a character who found herself in the in-between of doors. This is like a very loose sequel to that because we get to learn more about her "world" and how everything has led to the conclusion we get in this one.

I did really enjoy having these characters journeying through different worlds--even if some misadventures were more emotionally impactful for some characters over the others. I loved the exploration because it felt like I was going through these doors with these characters.

Also, why did the ending make me want to cry?

Will await the next one in this series because truly, this series could go on forever with the endless possibilities.

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61. The Titan's Bride Vol. 2 by ITKZ--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

While the cover is pretty self-explanatory for what awaited me inside this manga, I'm also coming to really enjoy the storyline. In this one, we find the MC starting to come to terms with his circumstances and the importance of whatever choice he makes.

I am also intrigued by the secret everyone is seemingly keeping from him.

And yes, this manga is very, erm, sexual, but there IS a storyline in there and it is, at times, quite heartfelt. I also like the fact that the MC has a big heart and his past trauma isn't something he just magically forgot when faced when um, certain large anatomies.

Will read the next volume!

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62. Barbarian's Mate by Ruby Dixon--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

At first, I thought that the BARBARIAN'S MATE was going to be my least favourite in the series because of how frustrating the characters were and how much of a let-down it (initially) felt like. But then as the story progressed and I got to know the characters and the reasoning behind their behaviours, my empathy started playing me and I started to better enjoy this book.

Some reviews talk about this having less smut and while this is true, it's also very fitting of the characters. The FMC has a hella traumatic past when it comes to sex and the MMC has a traumatic past when it comes to accepting mates and how they could change his life.

One of the things I'm surprisingly coming to appreciate about this series by Dixon, is how each book perfectly captures the mental health of its characters and the trauma they bring to the table. This was a perfect example of that. And although the FMC has been wanting a mate and a family of her own for forever, she had to work through her trauma before truly being able to accept that she deserves happiness.

Like I've said before on a different Dixon book, this author continues to surprise me because her writing is more than the smut she presents. She's actually really good at diving into the heart of her characters.

Will happily read the next book!

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63. Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Re-read February 2024

Ah, the craving to re-read this hit me again. I'm just such putty for this book series. It's so cheesy and the romance is so problematic, but there's just something about her being the epitome of the "not like other girls" trope and he is so clearly also the epitome of the "bad boy player with a heart of gold that likes to control everything" that I just can't not read this book every so often.

If I had known back when I first read this that this would be a tried and true re-read for me every few years to almost every year, then I would have laughed hysterically. I don't know what it is about this series and why THIS series in particular is the one I am destined to re-read as if it were the first time for the rest of eternity, but it is like chocolate covered popcorn--it's delicious, but there's hard bits I will always ignore for the pleasure of the overall taste.

Anyway, if you pick this up, be aware that it was written in like 2012 or something, so that should say more than enough because romance in the early 2010s was....something.

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64. Never Too Far by Abbi Glines--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Re-read February 2024

I think this one is where my love for the "surprise pregnancy" trope comes from, which I know is a very divisive trope. But I will always be a sucker for how the characters react to the pregnancy in this and how it changes everything but...doesn't? I think I also just really like the "woe is me" feeling that I get when I read certain scenes.

Listen, I know that if the MMC did half the things he does in this book in real life he would be someone I'd avoid like the plague, but because this is a (problematic) piece of fiction that I have accepted as one with many flaws, I will continue to read this addicting mess until the end of time.

I don't know, maybe it's the blond, big-boobed, blue-eye, thin FMC, or the hotter than sin MMC, but this series has its claws in me. LOL.

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65. Forever Too Far by Abbi Glines--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Re-read February 2024

Ah yes, the clusterfuckiest of all the clusterfucks of this series. I love the drama of this series so much. It's one red flag after another and it is so ridiculous, but I LOVE IT. I LOVE IT AND WILL DEFINITELY BE READING IT AGAIN NEXT YEAR.

So many reveals, so many fun times. I laughed so hard when a certain song is read aloud in the audiobook and the narrator says "this song is available to purchase on ITUNES." I howled.

Past the cringe, the revelations, Rush finally growing a backbone, and the reveal of the next book, I will forever fall too far for this series. There, I said it.

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66. Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I actually quite enjoyed CANADIAN BOYFRIEND, more than I thought I would. I didn't know what to expect and so I just assumed it would be a smutty rom-com of a read, but we all know what they say about people who assume.

First of all, if you're coming into this book for the smut, you're not going to get it. This is a closed-door romance that starts with friendship and ends under the sheets. And while I enjoyed their progression and growth as characters dealing with their own versions of trauma, I do wish we would have gotten steamy scenes to offset the heaviness of the plot. But I know, sex isn't everything.

I loved the father/daughter relationship between the MMC and his daughter. Grief is messy and when you're the surviving parent, it can be even messier. Being a kid who had to grow up with this type of grief, I know that fear of losing that remaining parent, so I empathized a lot with this kid--even if she came off bratty, there was usually a reason behind it.

I did enjoy how Holiday treated that reveal at the end and how emotionally mature the two characters were coming off of it. I liked that it wasn't made into a bigger thing than it was and that it was a perfect example of how the two characters have grown as people.

What I wasn't a big fan of were some of the smaller details--like the constant use of the MMC's full name. That felt weird--kind of the antithesis of the FMC telling the MMC that his fame doesn't matter to her. Every time she used his full name, it was like she was talking about this celebrity she couldn't believe was in her life. It's kind of how we usually use the full name of a celebrity instead of just saying their first name. It kept this weird distance between the MMC and the FMC and I don't know if this was intentional, but it felt a bit off-putting and admittedly very annoying.

But yeah, for the most part, I did really enjoy CANADIAN BOYFRIEND, more than I thought I would!

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67. My Love Mix-Up! Vol. 2 by Wataru Hinekure, Aruko, and Jan Cash--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This volume starts to show how this romance is going to get more complicated and how some of the characters might react to the central love story.

I loved seeing some of the character development and the support that other characters offered. I'm also just incredibly excited to get further into this series--especially knowing that I have all of the volumes waiting for me on my bookshelf.

I do find the MC to be incredibly dramatic and I actually love that. It's like the perfect contrast to the other MC's aloofness when it comes to love.

I can't wait to see this love story develop!

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68. The Titan's Bride Vol. 3 by ITKZ--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really liked the way this volume was done--specifically how it felt like a slice of life manga until the obvious fantasy aspects were introduced. Also, this one was definitely more about that spicy life, but I did enjoy how the author explored some of the complexities of relationships once the honeymoon stage is done.

I read these three books too quickly and now I must wait for volume 4. Sigh.

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69. Heroes by Alan Gratz--⭐️⭐️⭐️

HEROES wasn't my favourite Gratz novel, but I think a lot of younger readers are going to love the nonstop adventure and action, and heavy dose of history. These two boys somehow survive through fiery danger and deal with some heavy emotions along the way.

While this is historical fiction, I think that the MC could be a relatable character to young readers today because of his anxiety and his reluctance to do anything outside of his comfort zone/safe zone.

I do wish there was a bit more of character build up, so some of the moments were more impactful, but I think that just me wishing to get he REFUGEE emotional experience again.

Wasn't the biggest fan of the author's note, but well.

Will probably continue to read his books because they are super entertaining!

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70. The Abominable Snowman of Pasadena by R.L. Stine--⭐️⭐️

While some parts of this book were entertaining, the title of this book is a bit of a catfish. Yes, we do get some parts of this abominable snowman in Pasadena, but it's primarily set in Alaska. Which, okay, that's a whole other issue. What parent lets their preteen children roam around a place where polar bears roam? Or where said kids could also get lost because they literally have no idea where they are?

It takes parenting fails to a whole other level and as an adult, I heavily have to suspend my disbelief.

I don't know what I was expecting, considering so many of the past books have been meh, but this was...an experience lol.

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71. Skater Boy by Anthony Nerada--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love a great story that features a heavily misunderstood MC who is drowning in an identity he created for himself that isn't actually him. Wes's level of character growth in SKATER BOY makes this such an enjoyable read. I wanted to know what would come next in his ever-changing life and Nerada delivered.

I think of the great things about this book is that the MC isn't the only one who has the chance to grow as a character. Everyone around him is given the chance to grow and find their true selves. In a way, this whole was a redemptive arc for everyone in the MC's life. And I absolutely adored that because it made all of the characters feel bigger than their background or side roles.

At the beginning of the story, the author's note comments on how he didn't want to make this book about Wes's coming out and I can kind of see that. While yes, him being in the closet and contemplating the dangers and troubles of coming out are a big part of the story, this is more a story about a teenage boy finding his way in a world determined to make a certain role for him.

I loved his mom and their relationship, I loved the self-realizations, and I loved the flawed friendships and relationship. I just really enjoyed this book. It left me feeling so content by the end, to the point where I couldn't immediately start another book right after. I needed a brief break to fully bask in the joys of Nerada's writing.

Will definitely read more from him!

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72. That Time I Got Drunk and Yeeted a Love Potion at a Werewolf by Kimberly Lemming--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Just like the first book, THAT TIME I GOT DRUNK AND YEETED A LOVE POTION AT A WEREWOLF was a hilarious, sexy, and adventurous romp. I had so much fun reading this book and found myself laughing at least once every chapter. I never knew I needed a series like this one in my life until I finally dived in. I seriously can't wait for the third book to get to me (I pre-ordered these gorgeous covers).

I loved the FMC because she was very relatable in the sense of having the insecurities and thinking that failed past relationships were indicative of what her future with love would be like. I love that she was paired up with the MMC because he was able to give her the love she thought she would never get. And listen, not just the love but wow, the spicy smut was also something I think she very much deserved.

I enjoyed being able to see other characters from the first book and how they all interacted. The way they all work off each other is great comedic work and their dialogue? LOL please, this was so good.

Also, here's a gif without context but that those who've read this book would understand:

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73. Without You by Marley Valentine--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

One of the things I loved about WITHOUT YOU is how the toxic relationship with one of the parents is handled. I loved it so much that I'm starting this review with this instead of some random introduction. So many times I see stories with toxic parents who somehow find some sort of redemption and it's like nothing ever happened, but from the beginning I already knew this would go differently.

The two MCs find themselves drawn to each other a year after their mutual loss of someone very important in their lives. And while their love COULD be seen as somewhat taboo, I think it was a natural thing because the tension was there even before their connection happened. I DID find that said connection progressed a little too quickly for my taste, but I appreciated the healing it offered both characters.

This was a relatively quick read with some pretty great introspection, conversations about grief, the complicated relationships between parents and their children (especially the more toxic relationships), survivor's guilt, and mental health.

While some parts may have felt more surface level, this book overall dealt with so many important topics that the quick relationships could easily be overlooked. Definitely a great and admittedly sexy read.

___

74. Barbarian's Touch by Ruby Dixon--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I mentioned in my last review that Dixon writes stories that may seem, on the surface, as silly little romances, but secretly, they've got heart and they tackle some pretty important topics. BARBARIAN'S TOUCH isn't any different, since it touches on a disability and I loved how Dixon weaved that so seamlessly into the story.

The FMC is deaf and she herself goes through a process of loving herself for who she is, no matter the expectations others might have of her. I loved how she stood up for herself and how she fought to have a level of communication between her and her mate. I also enjoyed that of all of the girls, she was the one who was most empathetic because she was so new to the world she now inhabits. Of all the girls, I think she's one of my favourites because of her ability to stand up for herself, and her self-confidence in a new place and situation.

The MMC is a sweetheart in this and his empathy for his mate is something that would make me blush in real life. These alien men are better than most human men I've encountered. (Of course, they HAD to be written by a woman.) I also thought his physic-like abilities were pretty cool.

One of the things that really bugged me was the FMC's response to finding out about the resonance. I can understand the reaction, but I was still frustrated. Also, this is one of the longer books in the series, so it read a bit like a slowburn (which I was a fan of, but I know a lot of people who read this series for the smut might have to wait a bit for these two couples to get it on.)

I think that as Dixon wrote this series, she really grew as an author and the relationships became more than just a romp in the sheets. Her characters have continuously taken on more dimension and I'm excited to see what else she does.

___

75. When We Were Lost by Kevin Wignall--⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I've had WHEN WE WERE LOST on my ARC bookshelves for years. I remember picking it up at the event I found it at and thinking "this sounds exactly like the kind of book I would love to read." Five years later, I was super correct and so happy that it lived up to my expectations.

I spent all day yesterday finishing this book and stayed up until four in the morning reading BECAUSE I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. I'm such a sucker for survival stories, especially when the MC is no-nonsense about it and doesn't give into the teenage dramas happening around him. That being said, he felt more like an adult in a pool of teenagers.

I loved the adventure of their survival and not knowing who would make it to the end. I will admit that it was very coincidental (some of the kids that survived the crash were the perfect people to survive with) and the MC has the most luck I've ever seen, especially considering how his parents died. But honestly, I loved that.

I do wish one of the characters had gotten the karma he deserved, but it's fine lol.

I'm glad I finally read this and hope to find another survival book one day in the near future!

___

Have you read any of these titles? Would you recommend them?

___

Happy reading!

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goatsandgangsters · 2 months

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goodreads, can I interest you in the concept of outliers

ah yes. most of the books I've read were published sometime between 1750–2000. thank you.

this would be such cool data were it not for THREE ancient greek plays

#PLEASE #this would be very interesting to see #EXCEPT FOR. THE OUTLIERS #very helpful to know I've read some books that were published between 2000 and 2250

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cupids-chronicles · 7 months

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The Twisted series: Twisted Lies #4

Author: Ana Huang

Genre: Romance, New Adult

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5.

Spice: 🌶🌶

Goodreads rating: 4.2/5

Pages: ‎560

Published: 30 June 2022

Twisted Lies Review

Note: This book is intended for mature audiences over the age of 18 due to explicit content (steamy chapters).

Ana Huang is back, and she's twisting our emotions yet again! ‘Twisted Lies’, contrary to its name, unfolds a narrative with genuine emotional gravity. And yes, it’s also peppered with some sizzling spicy scenes. Let’s just say, if you need to know when things start to really heat up, flip to chapter 19.

This lengthy book, boasting 56 chapters, is the longest of the "Twisted" series. And in these chapters, we dive into the dual perspectives of Stella and Christian, a combination so fiery and contrasting that I’m surprised the pages didn’t combust. Stella's a social media influencer and a certified introvert. You know, the type that would choose a cozy night with Netflix over a bustling party? And then there’s Christian, the building's enigmatic billionaire owner, who might just have a marshmallow core beneath that brooding exterior.

Stella and Christian's relationship takes us through an emotional conga line – it’s fun, a bit chaotic, and occasionally someone’s stepping on someone else’s toes. With tropes like billionaire romance, forced proximity, neighbor romance, and the always-fun fake dating, it feels like Huang threw all our favorite romance elements into a shaker, poured it into a chalice, and served us a delightful margarita.

However, a fair word of warning: while this cocktail is mostly sweet and fizzy, it also has some heavy undertones. Huang doesn't shy away from real, gritty elements. We're talking stalking, graphic violence, kidnapping, and several poignant themes like Alzheimer’s and the death of a parent. This ain’t your grandma’s romance… unless she's into intense billionaire dramas. If so, go Grandma!

Perhaps the quote that stuck with me the most was, “You will always be my first, last and only love.” It’s sentences like these that make you go, "Ana, who gave you the right to tug at my heartstrings this way?"

The juxtaposition of Stella's quiet intensity and Christian’s seemingly brash exterior converges into a love story that leaves an indelible mark on the reader's heart. For every time Christian seemed like he might explode into a supernova of rage, there's a moment of vulnerability that makes you think, "Ah, billionaires. They're just like us. Kinda."

To wrap this up (before I begin gushing uncontrollably), 'Twisted Lies' is a masterclass in how to craft a layered romance. Slow burn? Check. Intense chemistry? Double-check. A plot that has you clutching your chest in emotional turmoil? Triple check.

So if you’re in the mood for a bumpy road of feels, complicated characters, and a narrative that goes between intensely tender and electrifyingly spicy, 'Twisted Lies' should be on your reading list. It’s the kind of book you dive into on a lazy weekend – and emerge on Monday, slightly dazed and wholly satisfied.

And as we bid farewell to the 'Twisted' series, I echo the sentiment: Ana Huang, whatever you're writing next, my heart and my cup of tea are ready!

Please note that this book is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone.

Wait a minute boys and girls, check out these trigger warnings first:

Alzheimer’s

Anxiety

Death/graphic violence

Death of a parent

Emotionally abusive parents

Kidnapping

Mention of suicide

Stalking/cyberstalking

Romance Tropes, you ask ?

Billionaire

Fake Dating

Forced Proximity

Morality Chain

Neighbors

Roommates

Who do we meet in this book ?

Stella

Christian

What to read next:

Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey

The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams

Taken by a Sinner by Michelle Heard

#bookworm #book review #books #books and literature #romance books #twisted series #twisted lies #stella and christian #stella alonso #christian harper #review #booktok #book tumblr #bookstagram

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angorwhosebabyisthis · 1 year

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looking at the goodreads reviews for five's legacy while trying to decide whether to try the audiobooks was a Mistake, because i forgot that 99% of them were from 2014 fandom and therefore unbridled rabid hatred lmfao

reviews: i don't care if they try to make him sympathetic, he's an unlikable spoiled brat!!

me, staring at the kid who literally thought homelessness was a luxury because he could steal food, clothes, and pocket change to watch movies without having all of it systematically taken away from him by someone who controls his entire life; destroyed every one of his drawings for years so he could have them at all for a minute before he did, because if he kept them they'd be Belongings; was eventually found out anyway, and monitored constantly afterward to keep him from doing even that; and still destroys them out of habit years after escaping: ah yes. much brat. very spoil

#lorien legacies #LL number five #LL tag #the salt files #abuse cw #homelessness cw #when i say have zero patience for five hate; including love-to-hate; this is why lmfao #the entire fandom was a wall-to-wall tidal wave of mindless; horrific cruelty for years #with at best the occasional 'well i mean he is kind of sympathetic and i feel a little bad for him BUT HE'S STILL AN EVIL BITCH I HATE HIM'#it was really truly fcking awful; especially as someone he resonated with in some raw; painful; and deeply personal ways #and except for unpacking the text itself i just have no interest in seeing or having it anywhere near me ever again #don't even get me started on the constant graphic gory public fantasies about maiming; torturing; and killing him #often explicitly naming him being fat as a factor #that would get like tons of notes lmao #It Was Very Bad Squirtle #and why i take spiteful satisfaction in being able to loudly and unabashedly hate canon!nine in my own space now lol #It is My Turn to Go Ape Shitt #anyway. i have a lot of thoughts about how even the most paranoid and uncharitable of five's assumptions about the other garde #stem from him desperately wishing they would come and rescue him from his abusive home; and after years of isolation #and dashed hopes he ended up coming to the conclusion that they don't care because they think he is worthless #in exactly the ways that rey has tried to make him so #i hurt squirtle #fatphobia cw

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sapphorrific · 9 months

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summer book diary 2023

this is just my general big post about books i read this summer plus a bit of my thoughts! a bit like my personal goodreads comment section exept other peoples bad takes only make me angry. if i ever have a take that makes you angry im really sorry:(

june

Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov | my first venture into the genre of magical realism! fun and whimsical but not only that! the writing and story structure was just captivating and as someone who normally does not resonate with religious themes in the context of this book being written by a Soviet author, it felt natural and magical indeed, an act of rebellion against a totalitarian regime.

A little life by Hanya Yanagihara | i feel like this was falsely advertised to me as 'a booktok book about traumatized college friends that makes you cry' and i cannot stress how much this book was not that. i mean there was a group of college friends but the story focused mainly on only one of them. they did have trauma but i never expected the ammount of it. and i did cry a little bit once but i mostly felt angry. and i absoluthely understand why is it so controversial among people since i dont think anything can prepare you for experiencing a little life in its 600 page entirety. my feelings about this book are extremely mixed, on one hand i dont regret picking it up however i never want to read it again. the book felt like how i imagine watching a child torture small animals feels. absolute psychological warfare of a text. if you are sensitive to any sort of triggers i recommend looking them up before you read this. i do not want to label it as 'problematic' or say it was overall bad tho. it really did make me feel strong emotions and i think it really captured the helplessness and complicated emotions of watching someone close to you really struggle and refuse to get help. it does explore the themes of abuse, illness and addiction but also friendship, found family and love. also everyone who read this and went ah yes this is a hurt/comfort gay love story literally what is wrong with you how do you read this book and proceed to go make moodboards

july

Prague Spring by Simon Mawer | i feel like this book would be a better experience if i knew next to nothing about prague spring since it is written by a british author about events taking place in czechoslovakia in the 60's from a point of view of two young british hitchhikers and a british diplomat. so i really felt like im not the target audience here. the decision to tell the story from the point of view of foreigners was an interesting one, however i also had to witness with my own two eyes how the author described czech women. the brithish female characters are described as dainty and traditionally beautiful but the czech women always had a 'square slavic jawline' or an uneven face or something. the characters overall felt flat and the plot itself was not well executed since it essentially ended with the invasion of czechoslovakia and the evacuation of the main characters back to the uk. the book laid a heavy focus on the romantic relationships of the characters which, since the characters were one dimensional, felt one dimensional as well. a very mediocre experience for me, if you want to learn about the prague spring and are a foreigner maybe this would be of value for you but, i would probably not suggest you read this

Another Country | James Baldwin even though i did learn about american classic literature in high school, unfortunately my high school (and the czech curriculum in itself i think) does not put much emphasis on classic literature written by afroamerican writers so i have never really heard of james baldwin until i saw someone recommend this in a youtube video and honestly loved it! it really had all the things i was hoping it would have, the complexity, nuance, incredible characters who feel like living breathing people and last but not least the atmosphere of new york in the 50's and early 60's. definitely the kind of book i would read multiple times and this is not the last time i read something by james baldwin either. really recommend!

The Handmaid's Tale | Margaret Atwood quite uncomfortable to read but that was obviously the point. nevertheless, read it in one day since it was very hard to put down. i liked that it did not shy away from showing women actively participating in keeping other women in a patriarchal society in check. what i found a little limiting about handmaids tale is the lack of incorporating racial dynamics into what was essentially a dystopia based on the control of womens bodies, eugenics and religion which of course affect women of color differently than white women, therefore in that direction the book felt a little one dimensional. still i feel that its an important book to read

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid | oh boy heres when the unpopular opinions come i really thought this book was very mid. a fine beach read you pick up at the airport to read on a holiday but i feel that its a little overrated. the story focused of a journalist interviewing a fictional holywood actress at the end of her eventful life, and it promised me an unpolished view of complicated womans life. i felt like i was already reading the published biography the main objective of which was for me to still like evelyn hugo and fondly remember her legacy as a beloved movie star even though she does not even exist. i feel like the choice to tell a story of a fictional celebrity provides a way to really delve into the rotten world of hollywood and show its ugly uncomfortable side. shows like bojack horseman or hacks take advantage of this. but i dont think this book attempts to do this in any shape or form. sure, she admits to doing one extremely fucked up thing which affects the journalist interviewing her very personally. but this is just the way to tie the plot neatly together and is not really explored in depth or properly dealt with. there is also the question whether we as a reader can trust evelyn hugos account of her own life, as she is the only one alive to tell it. i feel like seven husbands of evelyn hugo had a lot of potential, which it ultimately did not deliver on for me. if mild enrichment is the kind of book you want to go for rn i think it serves a purpose in that way

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russel | as much as evelyn hugo did not deliver my dark vanessa deliveredd!! a really captivating story of a imperfect victim of child abuse within a teacher student relationship. really shows how this kind of experience can haunt a person their entire life even if they refuse to believe they are not a victim in the first place. even though it covers a difficult subject, it really does go through the whole process of denial and acceptance so it does not leave a reader absoluthely hopeless and it does feel like the author did her research and did not write this as a sort of traumaporn but with care for the victims of this kind of abuse.

august

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov | i was inspired to read lolita (and my dark vanessa for that matter) after listening to the lolita podcast by jamie loftus which really felt like a good introduction before reading lolita itself as it covers not only the book but lolita as a cultural phenomenon by which i mean everything from the movies to the tumblr nymfette/coquette subculture. it gives a great context for the story and i really recommend listening to this podcast first as it helped me to better navigate the book as someone who did not know that much about it prior. it really is a complex multilayered text with a great ammount of references, anagrams and double meanings, there is an unreliable narrator manipulating you with his stunning flowery language and seemingly self aware sarcastic humor and on top of that it is a book about child abuse. so it really is a lot. still an unforgettable experience, had to rush through it as it made me sick to my stomach, truly an icredible read. kudos to the czech publishers for the new cover design of the book its really beautiful and honors the authors wishes.

#summer reading diary #i will update this as i go #hope you enjoyed my little rambles

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finnlongman · 1 year

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Ah yes, it is time for the point in the publishing process where I rediscover the way book reviewers will go "absolutely loved this, can't wait for the next book!" and then give it 4*s.

Aka the point in the process where I need somebody to steal my laptop and block Goodreads for me because I do not have the self-control to do it myself.

#i can't blame them i did the exact same thing when i was a book reviewer #as an author though it does drive you a little bit round the bend #the fact that the final star seems impossible even when everything in the review is positive #the fact that people round down from 4.5 instead of up -- that one's rough too #today we had 'the perfect sequel' 'incredibly written' - 4 stars #beloved readers. you're killing me

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tfrohock · 1 year

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A flock of tweets cast asunder--All the places I am

Ah well, here we are all over again. This isn’t the first time we’ve all decided Twitter is for the birds.

At least there are a lot of different places we can go, and while I don’t intend to leave Twitter right now, I will be posting in a larger variety of places. Diversifying my online collateral, so to speak.

For those of you who are thinking of leaving Twitter and would like to join me elsewhere, here is a brief list of all the other places I am:

The website/blog www.tfrohock.com Okay, you’re already here, unless you’re looking at this on Tumblr, but this is the top spot, especially since I can also run my newsletter through the blog (and you can sign up for the newsletter here). Also, all posts on my website/blog also run through …

Tumblr https://teresafrohock.tumblr.com/ So if you want immediate updates, you may follow me there. I usually followback on Tumblr unless all your posts are videos (some are fine, but nonstop videos aren’t my thing). Frankly, the short posts and threads you once saw me post on Twitter will probably find their way onto Tumblr.

Mastodon @[email protected] I still don’t fully understand Mastodon—I’m not sure anyone does, but here we are. I don’t post often right now, because I’m still getting a feel for the place. That may change, it may not, I really don’t know. The overall experience is more like Discord, and I am on Discord, but I’m not leaving the link here, because I’m rarely if ever there, because I hate Discord. That should give you a good indication of how I feel about Mastodon. The main rule I have for Mastodon is that I don’t follow bots or allow bots to follow me.

Facebook facebook.com/teresafrohock Yes, I’m still on Facebook. My job requires I make occasional posts to our Facebook page, and I belong to several groups there, which I enjoy. I don’t generally refer to my author’s page there, because I’m phasing it out and will eventually drop it altogether. I’m also much more picky about who I follow back on Facebook.

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tfrohock/ This site is kind of meh for me. Sometimes I post several things in a few days and then nothing for months. That might change.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/teresafrohock Follow me there if you want to see what kinds of books I’m reading. Fair warning, I’m sporadic about updating my Goodreads page, but I do tend to at least give stars to any books I read. I keep my Goodreads account more for me to remember what I read during a given time period than anything else.

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/teresafrohock/ No, seriously, I do have a Pinterest page. I don’t followback, but my blog posts also go through Pinterest. So if you’re getting the posts via a subscription service, Tumblr, or the newsletter, you can probably skip this one. If you want to see what color I’d like to paint my kitchen, Pinterest is for you.

And those are the major sites where I post outside of Twitter. Fair warning, though, my posts have sort of fallen off everywhere but here of late. Regardless of where you choose to tag along with me, I’ll watch for you.

#Twitter #Facebook #Instagram #Tumblr #social media #Pinterest #Mastodon #Goodreads

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mohit-trendster · 1 month

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2014 Interview (SW Site)

Can you recall your earliest writing endeavor?

Absolutely! My inaugural venture into storytelling was with a patriotic poem-story titled "Ye Desh hai Un Verro ka," inspired by the Kargil War circa July-August 1999. It found its way into print later that year, courtesy of the regional Hindi newspaper "Rashtriy Sahara." At the tender age of 11, seeing my work laid out in print, complete with all the newspaper trimmings and ads, was an indescribable, truly memorable experience.

Could you walk us through your writing process?

Certainly! To start, I endeavor to infuse my core story concept with a unique essence by experimenting with various combinations of settings, characters, scenes, and subplots. Then, I meticulously tailor the language to suit the characters and situations, eschewing the temptation to rely on a repetitive style, which can be detrimental in the long run. While non-fiction may offer less room for flexibility in research compared to fiction or poetry, I find that delving into less-explored subjects, particularly dissecting the statistical aspects, can yield remarkable results.

Interestingly, I adopt a somewhat spontaneous approach (plus, a hint of minimal effort) when tackling comedy, poetry, tragedy, and darker themes. Surprisingly, despite investing only a couple of hours in crafting such pieces, the feedback and ratings from readers tend to surpass those of my more labor-intensive works.

What strategies have you found most effective for marketing your books?

Ah, marketing—the perennial puzzle! My arsenal includes regular and targeted engagement across various social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and even the nostalgic Orkut. I also leverage blogging communities and platforms like Goodreads, Writers.net, Published.com, and Smashwords for listings, backlinks, keyword optimization, reviews, and recommendations. Additionally, tapping into the network of regional newspapers, magazines, publications, and NGOs can be instrumental in orchestrating book launches, press releases, and promotional activities. When liaising with NGOs, aligning the book's theme with their cause or providing tangible support can amplify the promotional impact.

Furthermore, even in the absence of a formal book launch, I focus on cultivating my author brand through various avenues, including event appearances, contests, online Q&A sessions, and volunteering for creative endeavors during events.

How did your upbringing influence your writing?

My formative years were spent traversing multiple cities in Uttar Pradesh, India, courtesy of my father's employment with the state government. This nomadic upbringing exposed me to the rich tapestry of Indian society, with its myriad contrasts and diversity—a veritable kaleidoscope of experiences. From witnessing India's transition from a closed-license regime to a more liberal economy in the early '90s to navigating the intricacies of regional, religious, linguistic, and geographical variations, each facet has left an indelible mark on my writing. I find myself drawn to exploring social issues against the backdrop of India's multifaceted landscape, constantly marveling at its uniqueness and beauty.

What's your preferred e-reading device?

I gravitate towards both Kobo and Kindle devices for their user-friendly interfaces and the popularity of the epub format. However, I harbor a desire to see more affordable devices enter the market to democratize access to e-books and bolster the share of the e-book market in the near future.

What literary indulgences do you seek for pleasure?

When it comes to leisure reading, I find solace in a diverse array of materials, including comics, research journals, and non-fiction. Regrettably, I've only managed to explore a handful of novels in my lifetime thus far (up until January 2014).

When did your journey as a writer commence?

My foray into writing began at the age of 10, with a collection of devotional songs penned during the nine-day Hindu festival of Navratr. However, it was during the tumultuous period of the Kargil War that I crafted my maiden poetic narrative. Despite the constraints imposed by a school environment that wasn't particularly conducive to extracurricular pursuits, I found an outlet for my burgeoning literary aspirations in topics that captivated my interest, predominantly revolving around current affairs. It wasn't until college liberated me from the shackles of institutional constraints that I fully embraced my passion for writing, succumbing to the relentless allure of storytelling.

What's the inspiration behind your latest literary venture?

Periodically, I embark on research projects delving into uncharted territories, seeking respite from the monotony of my creative endeavors (with the added bonus of contributing to social causes). "Postpartum Reproductive Health: India" stands as a testament to one such endeavor—an incisive sociological study shedding light on the postnatal health challenges and associated medical and economic hurdles faced by Indian women. In a landscape inundated with health studies, the dearth of research focusing specifically on postnatal reproductive health care spurred me to undertake this endeavor. Collaborating with Shanu Sharma, the study was conducted in Saharanpur, India, aiming to fill the void in scholarly discourse on this critical issue.

Why did you choose the path of an indie author?

My penchant for exploring diverse genres and topics often renders my work too experimental and noncommercial for traditional publishers, resulting in frequent rejection. While some of my works do find a home in traditional publishing houses, my high rejection rate necessitates embracing indie publishing as the primary avenue for disseminating my voluminous output of experimental creations. While achieving a mainstream commercial balance is not a priority for me, the prospect of self-censorship or compromise poses a formidable obstacle. Ideally, I envision a future where my mainstream rejection rate dwindles to zero, yet I remain committed to publishing indie works regardless.

How has Smashwords contributed to your journey as an author?

Smashwords—a veritable boon to independent authors like myself! Its myriad offerings, from facilitating thousands of downloads and attracting new readers to enhancing my online presence and providing a platform for publishing books in various formats, have been invaluable. Moreover, the opportunity to receive regular feedback from esteemed authors active within the Smashwords community has been immensely enriching. To the formidable team behind Smashwords, I extend my heartfelt gratitude!

What significance do your fans hold in your creative journey?

Fans are akin to renewable wellsprings of virtual wealth, infusing vitality into my brand and fueling my motivation to persist in my endeavors. Their numbers and responses serve as both a testament to my efforts and a guiding compass for refining my craft. Indeed, their feedback serves as a catalyst for evolution, prompting me to adapt my approach to certain genres or refine my writing style. Moreover, the delightful surprises wherein fans share obscure tidbits about myself and my works serve as poignant reminders of the profound connection forged through literature.

What projects are you currently immersed in?

Currently, my creative energies are channeled into a multitude of endeavors, including:

The "Infra Surkh Shayars" Poetry Project, spanning multiple languages.

Comic series featuring characters such as Psycho Devi, Baali, and General.

A novel titled "Maa ka Monologue."

The daunting task of transcribing a backlog of poems and stories originally penned in Hinglish into Devanagari Hindi for publication. While the sheer volume of pending work may seem daunting, I remain committed to publishing several collections of stories and poems in the near future.

Who are your literary influences?

I draw inspiration from the works of esteemed authors such as Bharat Kumar Negi and Gregory David Roberts, whose storytelling prowess and thematic depth continue to captivate and inspire me.

What compels you to rise each day and engage in your craft?

Each day beckons with the promise of unfurling creativity, a veritable canvas waiting to be adorned with the strokes of inspiration. The passage of time—86400 seconds—serves as a constant reminder of the boundless potential waiting to be unlocked. The allure of creativity, the obligations entwined within the fabric of society, and, above all, the enduring love for my craft propel me forward with unwavering resolve.

Could you share your approach to cover design?

When it comes to cover design, I firmly believe in the power of collaboration. Teaming up with exceptionally talented illustrators and colorists, I embark on a collaborative journey aimed at capturing the essence of my work visually. The fusion of ideas, expertise, and artistic vision invariably yields exceptional results, ensuring that each cover serves as a compelling visual representation of the narrative within.

Is "84 Tears" your magnum opus?

While "84 Tears" may not claim the title of my magnum opus, it undeniably stands as one of my most successful endeavors to date, boasting an impressive 700,000 downloads within a span of two years. Special recognition must be extended to the remarkable talents of Mr. Ravi Shankar, whose artistic contributions breathed life into this project.

Given certain language and formatting constraints, as well as considerations regarding copyright, I am regrettably unable to showcase the entirety of my oeuvre on Smashwords. For a comprehensive overview of my works, I invite you to peruse the official weblinks provided on my Smashwords profile.

Would you be willing to share some exclusive keywords with us?

Certainly! Here are a few exclusive keywords associated with my creative endeavors:

#Mohitness #mohitsharma #mohit_trendster #Trendster #Trendy_Baba #Freelance_Talents #421_Brand_Beedi_Federation #Infra_Surkh_Shayars #Sameer #Zahan

#mohitness #mohit trendster #mohit-trendster #मोहित शर्मा ज़हन #art #comics #india #book #event #books #interview

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