Lucien: A Novel by J. R. Thornton

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A gifted yet financially disadvantaged artist falls victim to the manipulative control of his wealthy, enigmatic Harvard roommate in this incendiary novel from the author of Beautiful Country—a piercing exploration of class, ambition, identity, and the perilous cost of reinvention in the tradition of Patricia Highsmith and Donna Tartt.

The son of working-class Czech immigrants, Christopher “Atlas” Novotny is a talented painter who arrives at Harvard on a full scholarship. Raised amid hardship, he is unprepared for the privileged world introduced to him by his freshman roommate, Lucien Orsini-Conti.

Born to wealthy European diplomats, Lucien plays the part of the confident, sophisticated bon vivant. Where Lucien is bold and brash, Atlas is timid and introverted. Growing up a lonely outsider, Atlas is insecure, impressionable, and in awe of his brilliant roommate. But is Lucien all that he seems?

Sensing a willing disciple, Lucien introduces Atlas to a glittering new world of lavish parties and elite social clubs. When Atlas struggles to afford his new lifestyle, Lucien offers a solution, convincing the naïve artist to become a forger, passing off fakes to galleries and dealers.

But Lucien’s charismatic facade conceals something darker and more sinister. As Lucien’s behavior grows increasingly unstable, Atlas is forced into escalating risks with devastating consequences.

Drawing inspiration from the true crime stories of Christian Gerhartsreiter (a.k.a. “Clark Rockefeller”) and Adam Wheeler, Lucien is as darkly seductive and addictively readable as The Secret History, The Incendiaries, Creation Lake, and The Talented Mr. Ripley.

my thoughts:

Wow. Loved Lucien to bits. This new novel by J. R. Thornton is excellent. I love dark academia stories set at an Ivy, and this time round it's Harvard. We get the haves and have-nots, the art world, lavish wealth, the concept of reinvention and the consequences of trying to fit in. This book has it all and in spades. It's a gripping story that will hook you right from the start. These characters that you can't help but love and hate, their misadventures that get wilder, darker, and dangerous. And, the beautiful trappings of wealth that lure you in, only to leave you choking on the ugliness lurking just beneath it all. It's mesmerizing, thought-provoking and one hell of a ride. Lucien is a definite must-read. 

I would happily recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you most definitely do not want to miss out on this gem. Make sure to grab a copy ASAP and dive right in. Happy reading!

Thank you to the publisher and edelweiss for providing me with a copy of this book!

Black. Single. Mother. :Real Life Tales of Longing and Belonging by Jamilah Lemieux

(Thank you the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A personal meditation on, examination of, and tribute to Black single motherhood, unapologetically told through poignant essays and candid interviews, by a celebrated cultural critic.Through her signature candid, humorous and yet often biting takes, Lemieux suffers no fools while also courageously revealing the scars of her own parenting journey and search for self-acceptance in a world that doesn’t see the full worth of women like her. With a particular verve and relatability—honed, in part, from her many years among “Black Twitter’s” most prominent voices—Lemieux puts the lived reality of Black single uncertainty, fierceness, and sensuality on full display. Interspersed with beautifully written personal narrative, readers will find cultural and historical analysis, and interviews with single mothers from all walks of life, telling it how it really is. Baby Mamas Day is a bold testament to the multifaceted Black single mother and an invitation to all readers to finally recognize this powerful figure for who she is—not bad, but so, so good.

my thoughts:

Wow. Jamilah Lemieux has written a book that is raw, honest, and brutally real. In Black. Single. Mother.: Real Life Tales of Longing and Belonging, she lets it all out and it is eye-opening and thought-provoking. Talk about reality at its most real. 

Lemieux writes about single motherhood in all its beautiful and ugly glory. Her candid confessions can break your heart and make you laugh. She is smart, clever, and transparent. Her writing is tender, hard, and all the feels. She doesn't temper anything and so, you are going to feel the pain, the struggle, the hope and the love. And it is fantastic. 

Black. Single. Mother. is a gem of a book. I would most definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read. You are going to fell in deep with this one. Make sure to grab a copy! Happy reading.  

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

Entwined: The Entwined Duology by H. M. Long

(Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Three sisters join the hunt for a stolen magical artefact in the start of this Gilded Age fantasy duology. 

Ottilie Rushforth hides from the mighty Sorcerer’s Guild as secretary to a has-been detective. She is Entwined – threads of magic run beneath her skin, and the Guild would trap her in service. 

But Ottilie has a plan to escape the Guild forever with her estranged fiancé, the enigmatic poet, soldier and smuggler Lewis Illing. All she must do is track down a mysterious artefact, claim the bounty, and leave the city forever. But Ottilie's sisters – Pretoria, a quick-witted sorceress and thief recently emerged from exile, and Madge, a guild mage to the core, appear to make equally unwelcome offers. A new life at the cost of everything she has ever wanted, or prestige and safety in a gilded cage. 

With her life on the line, Ottilie must track down the artifact in a city torn apart by prejudice and violence, and choose between the two sides of herself – the fugitive and the Entwined.

my thoughts:

Love, love, loved this first book in H. M. Long's new duology, Entwined. Sisters. Magic. Artefacts. Romance. And, fantasy. How awesome does that all sound? Especially, when family drama is at the core. Yep, three sisters that are not all on the same page at all. Ottillie is entwined and she wants out. She wants to find a magical artefact and cash in on the bounty, then she can peace out with her fiancé. Except, her sisters, Pretoria and Madge, have plans of their own and let's just say they can definitely complicate matters for Ottillie. Yikes! And, that is all I will share about this exciting new story. It's a definite must-read and one I would happily recommend to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read. You are going to fall in deep with Ottillie and the Guild. Plus, there is a still a second book to come that you just know is going to fill in all the blanks in a thrilling and fun new story. I can't wait!

Make sure to grab a copy ASAP. Happy reading!

Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

Marvel Studios' The Infinity Saga, Black Panther: The Art of the Movie by Eleni Roussos

(Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Following the events of Captain America: Civil War, T’Challa returns home to Wakanda to take his place as king. But when two new enemies conspire to destroy the country, the Black Panther must team up with members of the Dora Milaje, Wakanda’s special forces, and CIA agent Everett Ross to protect his home from being dragged into a world war. Go behind the scenes with stunning concept artwork and in-depth analysis from the filmmakers in this collectible volume.

Discover everything you need to know about the making of the movie from all the key players—including Director Ryan Coogler, Executive Producer Nate Moore, Production Designer Hannah Beachler, the talented cast, concept artists, and other talented individuals who worked on the set and behind the scenes to create the art of Marvel Studios’ Black Panther.

my thoughts:

Wakanda Forever, indeed. As a fan of Black Panther, I was thrilled to receive a copy of this beautiful book by Eleni Roussos. It's chock full of art work that depicts the concepts behind the film's scenes and story. There's so much information about the different tribes of Wakanda, which is fascinating. Plus, all of the details about the costumes - so cool to learn about. I couldn't help but geek out over the awesome imagery and commentary included in this book. What a fun and wonderful book! 

I would definitely recommend this Marvel Studios' The Infinity Saga, Black Panther: The Art of the Movie, to fans of Black Panther and fans of Marvel - you are going to thoroughly enjoy this amazing book. Make sure to check it out ASAP! You are going to love it!

Thank you Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

Shadows Over Innsmouth edited by Stephen Jones

(Thank you to Titan Books for proving me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Today’s masters of horror dare to conjure terrifying tales inspired by H. P. Lovecraft’s classic work. In this anthology, discover a monstrous secret beneath a derelict church, a search for buried treasure gone terribly wrong, a blood sacrifice gone horribly right, and a return to the legendary forsaken New England fishing village full of sparkling treasure, loathsome denizens, and unspeakable evil. 

Featuring 17 chilling stories curated by World Fantasy Award-winning editor Stephen Jones, as well as the original masterpiece of horror by H. P. Lovecraft. This newly redesigned edition also includes a revised and updated Introduction and Contributor Notes, along with additional artwork exclusive to this printing.

Including stories from: 
H. P. Lovecraft
Ramsey Campbell
Adrian Cole
Basil Copper
Neil Gaiman
David Langford
D. F. Lewis
Brian Lumley
Brian Mooney
Kim Newman
Nicholas Royle
Guy N. Smith
Michael Marshall Smith
Brian Stableford
David Sutton
Peter Tremayne
Jack Yeovil

my thoughts:

Wow! How awesome does Shadows Over Innsmouth sound? Short stories inspired by H.P. Lovecraft - yes, please! Plus, the book was edited by Stephen Jones, an award winning horror story writer. I mean, c'mon, what more do we need to convince us to grab a copy of this new lovely. Not only is the book's cover screaming horror fantasy in a terribly bright green, but it is reaching out to you with lighthouse lights and asking to be read. I love the cover and yes I love that green. However, I also just love the idea of writers so inspired by a favorite author that they have to create a story of their own that pays homage to that favorite author. And in this case, it's H. P. Lovecraft. How fun and exciting, right? 

As a fan of horror stories and science fiction books, I am keen to sink my teeth into this updated and revised edition of Shadows Over Innsmouth. I'm thrilled to read shorts by some of my favorite writers and check out some new-to-me authors. Plus, it just sounds like this book will be a good time during these chilly winter days. I would happily recommend anyone and everyone who wants to dip their toes into the horror genre to check out Shadows Over Innsmouth to see what all the fuss is about when it comes to science fiction, horror, and the all around weird stories that abound. I bet you'll find a gem or ten in this lot. Happy reading!

Thank you Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!