fiction – Maria's Bookish Corner

The Dreamers: A Thought-Provoking Novel by Karen Thompson Walker – Book Review

Hello fellow booklovers!!!

I stopped posting for a while, because, what can I say… Sometimes life gets the best of us… But I’m here, I am back and very happy I can connect with everyone again and share more amazing books with you all!

I recently finished reading “The Dreamers” by Karen Thompson Walker, and it’s one of those books that sticks with you. Walker creates a captivating and eerie story that blends everyday life with the fantastical, making it hard to put down. This book has garnered attention for its compelling premise and lyrical prose, drawing us into a world that is at once familiar and deeply strange. Let’s dive into what makes this book so special!

This blog post may contain affiliate links.By clicking on these links and making a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. This helps support the blog and its content creation. Your support is genuinely appreciated. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information please click here.

About the Plot:

“The Dreamers” is set in the small, isolated college town of Santa Lora, California, where a mysterious illness begins to spread. The disease induces a deep, unending sleep in its victims, who then experience strangely vivid and mysterious dreams. As more and more people fall into this inexplicable slumber, the town is plunged into chaos and fear. The entire town is quarantined to prevent the disease from spreading to the whole country.

The story follows several characters, including students, professors, doctors, and families, each grappling with the epidemic in their own way. Their lives intersect as they try to understand and survive the unfolding crisis, while they are witnessing their loved ones sink into a lethat sleep…

Unraveling the World of Faerie in ‘The Wicked King’ by Holly Black -Book Review

Hello fellow booklovers!!!

Let’s delve together into the dangerous and treacherous realm of Elfhame once more and explore Holly Black’s captivating book, “The Wicked King”. In this review, we’ll discuss the intricate webs of politics, power, and betrayal that define this dark and mesmerizing story. From the cunning machinations and schemes of its characters to the lush and haunting world-building, join me and let’s unravel the secrets of this spellbinding and captivating dark fairytale.

This blog post may contain affiliate links.By clicking on these links and making a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. This helps support the blog and its content creation. Your support is genuinely appreciated. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information please click here.

About the Plot:

“The Wicked King” is the second installment of Holly Black’s “The Folk of the Air” series and sequel to “The Cruel Prince”.

In the aftermath of the shocking revelation that her brother Oak is the rightful heir to Faerie, Jude is faced with the daunting task of keeping him safe. In order to do so, she has cunningly bound the treacherous king, Cardan, to her will, making herself the true power behind the throne. However, navigating the ever-changing political landscape of shifting alliances of Faerie is no easy feat, especially with Cardan’s constant attempts to undermine and humiliate her. Despite all this, his intense fascination with her remains, making their dynamic even more complex. But when it becomes clear that someone close to Jude is planning to betray her, putting not only her life but the lives of those she loves in danger, she must use all her skills to uncover the traitor and confront her own conflicted feelings for Cardan in order to maintain her control as a mortal in a world of powerful and unpredictable Fae.

“The Little Red Chairs” by Edna O’Brien – Book Review

Hello fellow booklovers!!

Today, let’s enter together the mysterious world of Edna O’Brien’s “The Little Red Chairs,” where love, loss, and the complexities of life intertwine in captivating ways. Join me in this review as we dive into the rich tapestry of O’Brien’s storytelling, from the vivid Irish landscapes to the depths of the human experience.

This blog post may contain affiliate links.By clicking on these links and making a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. This helps support the blog and its content creation. Your support is genuinely appreciated. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information please click here.

About the Plot:

In “The Little Red Chairs,” a woman’s hopes for redemption are shattered when she discovers that the mysterious stranger she believed would change her life is actually a notorious war criminal. Vlad, posing as a healer, captivates the inhabitants of a small Irish village, especially Fidelma McBride, who desperately desires a child with him. However, everything unravels when Vlad is arrested and exposed for his crimes.

Disgraced and shattered, Fidelma flees to England, where she seeks solace among other migrants displaced by conflict. Her journey takes a dramatic turn when she confronts Vlad, her nemesis, at a tribunal in The Hague.

“The Little Red Chairs” explores themes of love and the quest for redemption, as well as humanity’s enduring fascination with evil. It delves into the complexities of the human experience and the winding path toward finding one’s true home.

Most Anticipated Book releases for May 2024

Hello fellow booklovers!

Get ready to mark your calendars because May 2024 is bringing some seriously awesome books to the table! Whether you’re into spine-tingling thrillers, heart-melting romances, or epic fantasy adventures, there’s a little something for everyone hitting the shelves next month. So, grab your reading glasses and let’s dive into the most anticipated book releases for May 2024!

This blog post may contain affiliate links.By clicking on these links and making a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. This helps support the blog and its content creation. Your support is genuinely appreciated. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information please click here.

1.”Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places” by Claire Kann

**Release date:** May 21st, 2024 **Gernres:** Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Contemporary, Queer
**Buy Here**

Lucky Hart has always had a knack for the supernatural, but in a world where parapsychology is often brushed aside, she struggles to be taken seriously. With strained family ties, lost friendships, and two rejections from graduate school under her belt, Lucky’s luck finally turns when she stumbles upon insider information about a troubled production company. Their latest show faces a strange problem: every actor who spends three nights in Hennessee House, an infamous Victorian mansion, mysteriously quits.

I Hope This Doesn’t Find You by Ann Liang – Book Review

Hello fellow booklovers!!

Witty and charming, “I Hope This Doesn’t Find You” is like a mashup of “Never Have I Ever” and “To All the Boys,” but with a twist: instead of love letters, it’s all about hate emails. Find out more about this fresh contemporary high school romance in my in-depth review!

This blog post may contain affiliate links.By clicking on these links and making a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. This helps support the blog and its content creation. Your support is genuinely appreciated. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information please click here.

I Hope This Doesn't Find You by Ann Liang — **Buy Here**

About the Plot:

Sadie Wen appears flawless on the surface. She’s a school captain, a valedictorian, and the ideal student. But behind her perfect facade, she channels her frustrations into unsent email drafts, venting about everything from her demanding English teacher to a classmate taking credit for her work. However, her fiercest emails are reserved for her infuriating co-captain, Julius Gong, whose arrogance has always rubbed her the wrong way.

But when these emails are accidentally sent out, Sadie’s carefully curated world comes crashing down. Suddenly, everyone knows her true thoughts, and she’s faced with the repercussions of her unfiltered honesty. Amidst the chaos, Julius begins to see a different side of Sadie, one he’s growing to appreciate, despite their sworn animosity.

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir – Book Review

Hello fellow booklovers!!

Sabaa Tahir’s debut novel, “An Ember in the Ashes,” is a thrilling fantasy adventure that transports readers to a brutal world of oppression, rebellion, and the fight for freedom.

This blog post may contain affiliate links.By clicking on these links and making a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. This helps support the blog and its content creation. Your support is genuinely appreciated. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information please click here.

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. Aesthetic Photo — **Buy Here Photo Credits: Amaryllis_Book_Reviews**

About the Plot:

Set in a dystopian society inspired by ancient Rome, the story follows two protagonists (Dual PoV): Laia, a young woman living under the oppressive rule of the Martial Empire, and Elias, a soldier trained to enforce that rule. When Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, she makes a desperate bargain with rebels to spy on the empire in exchange for his freedom. Meanwhile, Elias grapples with his loyalty to the empire and his desire for freedom from its tyranny. When the two meet by a series of events, together, they discover their intertwined destinies and the power of their choices to reshape the fate of the Empire.

Springtime Reads: Best Books to Read in Spring to Brighten Your Days

Hello fellow booklovers!!!

Spring, the season of blooming flowers, gentle breezes, and the perfect excuse to laze around with a good book, is finally here! If you’re on the hunt for some delightful reads to match the mood of the season, look no further! Here are a few recommendations to sprinkle some literary charm into your spring days!

This blog post may contain affiliate links.By clicking on these links and making a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. This helps support the blog and its content creation. Your support is genuinely appreciated. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information please click here.

1. “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Mary Lennox, a spoiled and unhealthy child, moves to Misselthwaite Manor in England’s Yorkshire moors after her parents’ death. There, she encounters a lively housekeeper, a grumpy gardener, and her sickly cousin Colin, whose cries echo through the house. Guided by a robin, Mary discovers a hidden garden and decides to restore it secretly. As the garden blooms, it becomes a symbol of healing and joy, bringing health to Colin and happiness to Mary. Let Frances Hodgson Burnett’s timeless classic whisk you away to a world of wonder and discovery.

2. “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens

In the quiet fishing village of Barkley Cove, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” swirl around Kya Clark, a wild and untamed young woman. When popular Chase Andrews is found dead in 1969, locals immediately suspect her. But Kya, a naturalist with minimal schooling, finds solace in the land and yearns for love. Drawn to two young men from town, she opens herself to a new world until tragedy strikes. “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens intertwines a mesmerizing ode to nature with a captivating coming-of-age tale and a haunting mystery. Delia Owens’ evocative prose vividly brings the marsh to life, making it the perfect backdrop for a springtime escape.

How’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones – Book Review

Hello fellow booklovers!!!

“Howl’s Moving Castle” is a fantasy novel written by British author Diana Wynne Jones. The book was first published in 1986 and has since become a beloved classic in the fantasy genre. The book is is filled with surprises at every turn, humour and cozy vibes and is guaranteed to lift your spirits no matter what kind of mood you are in.

This blog post may contain affiliate links.By clicking on these links and making a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. This helps support the blog and its content creation. Your support is genuinely appreciated. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information please click here.

Howl's Moving Castle novel by Diana Wynne Jones in an aesthetic background with flowers and other books displayed — **Buy here**

About the Plot:

The story follows a 18 years-old Sophie Hatter, the eldest of three sisters, who lives in the town of Market Chipping in the Kingdom of Ingary. As common belief dictates she has no choice but to accept her fate as the eldest of three that she will never be successful. However, her mandarin and somewhat boring life takes a dramatic turn when the ruthless Witch of the Waste curses Sophie and transforms her into an old lady. As a consequence, Sophie is forced to flee her home in order to seek a way to break her curse. That’s when she stumbles upon Howl’s Moving Castle, a magical and mysterious walking fortress owned by the reclusive, powerful and notorious wizard Howl. As Sophie becomes entangled in Howl’s world, she discovers that there is more to him than meets the eye and becomes embroiled in a war between kingdoms.

The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafón – Book Review

An atmospheric, dark young adult thriller that you shouldn’t miss

Hello fellow booklovers!!!

If you’re a fan of atmospheric mysteries with a touch of the supernatural, then Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s debut novel “The Prince of Mist” should be right up your alley. Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s has created a haunting and atmospheric novel that combines elements of mystery, history, and the supernatural, a captivating story in its essence that lingers long after the final page is turned. I can promise you one thing, and that’s that this book will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end!

This blog post may contain affiliate links.By clicking on these links and making a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. This helps support the blog and its content creation. Your support is genuinely appreciated. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information please click here.

The Prince of Mist novel by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Aesthetic background — Buy Here