Review: Gwen & Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love

Lex Croucher

Publication Date: November 28, 2023

Hardcover, 416 pages, Wednesday Books

Genres: YA, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ+

Goodreads

Heartstopper meets A Knight’s Tale in this queer medieval rom com YA debut about love, friendship, and being brave enough to change the course of history.

 

It’s been hundreds of years since King Arthur’s reign. His descendant, Arthur, a future Lord and general gadabout, has been betrothed to Gwendoline, the quick-witted, short-tempered princess of England, since birth. The only thing they can agree on is that they despise each other.

 

They’re forced to spend the summer together at Camelot in the run up to their nuptials, and within 24 hours, Gwen has discovered Arthur kissing a boy and Arthur has gone digging for Gwen's childhood diary and found confessions about her crush on the kingdom's only lady knight, Bridget Leclair.

 

 Realizing they might make better allies than enemies, they make a reluctant pact to cover for each other, and as things heat up at the annual royal tournament, Gwen is swept off her feet by her knight and Arthur takes an interest in Gwen's royal brother. Lex Croucher's Gwen and Art Are Not in Love is chock full of sword-fighting, found family, and romantic shenanigans destined to make readers fall in love.

My Review

If you're missing the fun of BBC's Merlin show or want a book similar to Alexis Hall's writing style, then Gwen & Art Are Not in Love might just be for you. It has some hilarious and disaster characters, along with some crazy situations with a bunch of young people just trying to find love. It's a lighthearted historical fiction comedy with romance and sword fighting thrown in.

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love follows two POV characters, Gwen, the current king's daughter, and Arthur, a descendant of King Arthur with none of his capabilities. Against their wishes, the two are engaged, even though Gwen likes a certain female knight and Arthur is very into men. So, they agree to make each others' lives easier and keep their secrets. What's entertaining after that is watching them become enemies to allies to sort-of friends. Both characters are complete messes.

I will say that in addition to the two protagonists, the other side characters, such as Bridget Leclair, the knight, and Arthur's friend, Sid, all are pretty flushed out characters. Bridget reminds me of Brienne of Tarth in personality, not appearance, which was very fun to read. However, I don't think the members of the royal family truly got a lot of development. I would've liked to have seen more, especially from Gabriel, Gwen's brother, and the king and queen. They felt a bit like afterthoughts at times.

Now, though I did enjoy this book, it took some time to get into. I think I had to get about 15% into the story before I truly immersed myself into the world, especially since I thought this was going to be an actual King Arthur retelling, just with gay characters, and instead it ended up having very little relevance to King Arthur at all. Honestly, that whole plot point could have been taken out. But anyway, I guess I should have read the description more closely. The plot overall, is very fun, though. Gwen and Art are trying to figure themselves out while fitting in some romance, and it's a wild ride. But the ending. I was not expecting the action that happened. Just when you think you're in a fluffy historical fiction book, BAM! Everything goes crazy! My eyes were glued to my Kindle.

All in all, Gwen & Art Are Not in Love is simply a cute, entertaining read. It will give you all the feels and make you wish to live in an age of knights and princesses. Just don't go into it thinking you're getting the actual tale of King Arthur, and you'll be all set for a quick, cheery read.

*Note: I received a copy of this book to review from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinion/review.

Review: These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

These Violent Delights

Chloe Gong

(These Violent Delights #1)

Publication Date: November 17, 2020

Hardcover, 464 pages, Hodder & Stoughton

Genres: YA, Historical Fiction, Paranormal

Goodreads

The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery. 

 

A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is eighteen-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper who has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang—a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their heir, Roma Montagov, Juliette’s first love…and first betrayal.

But when gangsters on both sides show signs of instability culminating in clawing their own throats out, the people start to whisper. Of a contagion, a madness. Of a monster in the shadows. As the deaths stack up, Juliette and Roma must set their guns—and grudges—aside and work together, for if they can’t stop this mayhem, then there will be no city left for either to rule. 

 

Perfect for fans of The Last Magician and Descendant of the Crane, this heart-stopping debut is an imaginative Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, with rival gangs and a monster in the depths of the Huangpu River.

My Review

Romeo and Juliet as two rival gang members? In 1926 Shanghai? With paranormal elements? Sounds like a blast, right? For some of it, it was.

These Violent Delights is a unique idea with a unique location not seen very often in western young adult publishing, but something in the book just seemed to be missing. The exposition was kind of dry at times, even though the information about foreign powers interfering with Shanghai's political backdrop was super important to real events, the story kind of read like a history book in spots. Juliette Cai's narration was often the most dense, even though there were multiple POVs in the book.

There was also a lot of description of the city and political backdrop, which is completely fine, but as a character-reader, I felt like the characters' individual personalities didn't get to shine with so much description. The gang elements were kind of the same way. I went into this story expecting some heavy tension between the Scarlet Gang and the White Flowers, but I never really felt like any of our main characters were in danger at any point. Maybe some of the side characters, but not the two protagonists. And, more importantly, why do these kids just get to run around? Shouldn't the head of a major criminal operation have guards for their kids or keep tabs on them somehow? Maybe I'm modernizing the fictional story too much...

Now, to the actual Romeo and Juliet, a.k.a Roma and Juliette. Roma wanting to stop committing violent acts and Juliette being all about the gang life was a dichotomy I loved and did not expect going into These Violent Delights. Juliette was pretty fierce, but, as I mentioned, her exposition was looooong. She also had the longest chapters. I was disappointed that when the two characters were together, there was never enough tension and angst between them. I never really felt their love and longing (something that seems crucial in an R&J retelling), even though I wanted to. However, I was very happy with the diversity Gong added to the story in terms of her side characters. I may continue with book two just for more Mars and Ben content.

Personally, this book simply missed the mark somewhere. I honestly wish it had solely been a historical romance retelling of Romeo & Juliet without the whole paranormal/bug aspect. A proper gang war story would've been bada$$ and allowed for some true tension. Instead, it turned into a weird monster hunt. Unfortunately, the ending was all about the paranormal elements and the gang war storylines barely played a part, so the big cliffhanger has me hesitating to pick up the sequel.

All in all, I give Chloe Gong major, MAJOR props for writing something so unique and intriguing. Even when I wasn't super invested in the story because of exposition, I still found myself learning about 1926 Shanghai. Sadly, I think I went into this book expecting something that I just didn't get. Hopefully other readers will have better luck.

*Note: I purchased a copy of this book for myself. This in no way affected my opinion/review.

 

Can't-Wait Wednesday: By Force Alone by Lavie Tidhar

"Can’t-Wait Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted over at Wishful Endings, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, what's really got my pages in a twist is...

By Force Alone

Lavie Tidhar

Publication Date: June 16, 2020

Hardcover, 416 pages, Tor Books

Genres: Adult, Historical Fiction, Retelling

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A retelling of Arthurian myth for the age of Brexit and Trump, from World Fantasy Award-winner Lavie Tidhar, By Force Alone.

Everyone thinks they know the story of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table.

The fact is they don't know sh*t.

Arthur? An over-promoted gangster.

Merlin? An eldritch parasite.

Excalibur? A shady deal with a watery arms dealer.

Britain? A clogged sewer that Rome abandoned just as soon as it could.

A savage and cutting epic fantasy, equally poetic and profane, By Force Alone is at once a timely political satire, a magical adventure, and a subversive masterwork.

My Thoughts

I’ve heard really good things about this book, which is great, because I need a good Arthurian retelling in my life. I miss Merlin, Arthur, and the gang. I’ve even thought about re-watching the Merlin TV show, even though I know the ending just makes me sad. Plus, By Force Alone is supposed to make the story gritty and dark. And I just want it ASAP.

What book are you waiting for this Wednesday?

Review: And I Darken by Kiersten White

And I Darken

Kiersten White

(And I Darken Series #1)

Publication Date: July 7, 2016

UK Paperback, 484 pages, Corgi Childrens

Genres: YA, Historical Fiction

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No one expects a princess to be brutal. And Lada Dragwyla likes it that way.

Ever since she and her brother were abandoned by their father to be raised in the Ottoman sultan’s courts, Lada has known that ruthlessness is the key to survival. For the lineage that makes her and her brother special also makes them targets.

Lada hones her skills as a warrior as she nurtures plans to wreak revenge on the empire that holds her captive. Then she and Radu meet the sultan’s son, Mehmed, and everything changes. Now Mehmed unwittingly stands between Lada and Radu as they transform from siblings to rivals, and the ties of love and loyalty that bind them together are stretched to breaking point.

The first of an epic new trilogy starring the ultimate anti-princess who does not have a gentle heart. Lada knows how to wield a sword, and she'll stop at nothing to keep herself and her brother alive.

My Review

Vlad the Impaler as a teenage girl. For some reason I expected more violence. Not to say that there isn’t some violence, but I think it was toned down quite a bit. That could be good or bad, depending on your reading tastes.

The main characters of this book are, of course, Lada, or the genderbent Vlad, her brother Radu, and the son of the sultan, Mehmed. While Lada was an interesting character, I couldn’t help but gravitate towards Radu’s chapters after finding out what Radu and Mehmed’s relationship was like in real life. It sometimes seemed like Lada just got in the way, almost like the romance between her and Mehmed was unnecessary and she could have remained a he with the story instead told from Radu’s point of view. However, I stress the almost because I did enjoy Lada’s determination, and I think book two will really let her shine. As for Radu, he’s just a darling cinnamon roll. Love him! Mehmed, I’m wary of. I’ll make a final decision when I finish book three.

Now, the plot of the book wasn’t what I was expecting. Because I don’t know much about the Ottoman Empire and its history, I would suggest to readers life myself to sort of treat this story like a fantasy. It made my life easier to not try and place locations and such in the everyday world. If you know your history and geography, I applaud you, good sir or madam. Please don’t judge me.

My biggest complaint—but not a deterrent from keeping me reading—is that I was expecting more action. Everything was a little dry at first. I didn’t realize half the story would follow these characters in the years before they even reached their thirteenth birthday. I mean, again, if I knew more about the Ottoman Empire, maybe I would have realized this. But in general, things were pretty slow-paced and monotonous, not necessarily all in a bad way, though. I mean, I was hooked pretty early on because of the short chapters and unique atmosphere/tone of the book.

All in all, And I Darken is just different. It’s super different compared to Kiersten White’s other books. It’s different compared to what’s lining shelves today. And it’s different for me because it’s a historical fiction book, something I rarely read and enjoy. So don’t let the historical fiction category intimidate you, just give it a try if you haven’t already. It might surprise you.

*Note: I purchased a copy of the U.K. edition of this book for myself. This in no way affected my opinion/review.

Review: Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young

Sky in the Deep

Adrienne Young

Publication Date: April 24, 2018

Hardcover, 352 pages, Wednesday

Genres: YA, Historical Fiction

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OND ELDR. BREATHE FIRE.

Raised to be a warrior, seventeen-year-old Eelyn fights alongside her Aska clansmen in an ancient rivalry against the Riki clan. Her life is brutal but simple: fight and survive. Until the day she sees the impossible on the battlefield — her brother, fighting with the enemy — the brother she watched die five years ago.

Faced with her brother's betrayal, she must survive the winter in the mountains with the Riki, in a village where every neighbor is an enemy, every battle scar possibly one she delivered. But when the Riki village is raided by a ruthless clan thought to be a legend, Eelyn is even more desperate to get back to her beloved family.

She is given no choice but to trust Fiske, her brother’s friend, who sees her as a threat. They must do the impossible: unite the clans to fight together, or risk being slaughtered one by one. Driven by a love for her clan and her growing love for Fiske, Eelyn must confront her own definition of loyalty and family while daring to put her faith in the people she’s spent her life hating.

My Review

After reading Adrienne Young’s Sky in the Deep, I can safely say there are not enough Viking books—both in YA and adult—in the world. I need more fierce female warriors and complicated clansmen. Please! Give me more, YA editors! I deserve this!

This book starts off right in the action. Eelyn, our main character, is mowing down her enemies with her bff by her side, when she sees her supposedly dead brother on the battlefield. Eelyn then goes on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but she’s never run over by them. I think that’s what made me like her so much as a character. She didn’t cry or whine—she got angry, and rightfully so. And, while there wasn’t a lot of info given about the side characters in this book, Eelyn’s thoughts and feelings made the side characters, like her father, brother, Fiske, and Myra, stand out.

Also, those action sequences were pretty good. Some of the time—okay, a lot of the time—it’s hard to follow action scenes in books, but Young did a good job of slowing things down for the reader. The well-written action combined with a plot that continued in one steady storyline made for a fast-paced and gripping read. I only wish it wasn’t a standalone. I would have loved to have seen more Eelyn and Fiske and Iri and Myra.

Speaking of wishing the book had been longer, I do think the ending was rushed. Hence only 4.5 stars instead of five. Characters made super quick and often uncharacteristic decisions towards the end. I mean, if you’ve been at war with a clan for years, I don’t think you’d be too happy to find out someone you know has been aiding the enemy. I would have liked to have seen more of the drama and angst that should have been there play out in the end.

All in all, Sky in the Deep shows that the YA is missing out on some great writing potential. Vikings are sorely lacking in literature, and I for one am ready to see more books like Sky in the Deep on my shelves.

Waiting on Wednesday: Bright We Burn by Kiersten White

 "Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, what's really got my pages in a twist is...

Bright We Burn

Kiersten White

(The Conqueror’s Saga #3)

Publication Date: July 10, 2018

Hardcover, 416 pages, Delacorte Press

Genres: YA, Historical Fiction

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Haunted by the sacrifices he made in Constantinople, Radu is called back to the new capital. Mehmed is building an empire, becoming the sultan his people need. But Mehmed has a secret: as emperor, he is more powerful than ever . . . and desperately lonely. Does this mean Radu can finally have more with Mehmed . . . and would he even want it?

Lada's rule of absolute justice has created a Wallachia free of crime. But Lada won't rest until everyone knows that her country's borders are inviolable. Determined to send a message of defiance, she has the bodies of Mehmed's peace envoy delivered to him, leaving Radu and Mehmed with no choice. If Lada is allowed to continue, only death will prosper. They must go to war against the girl prince.

But Mehmed knows that he loves her. He understands her. She must lose to him so he can keep her safe. Radu alone fears that they are underestimating his sister's indomitable will. Only by destroying everything that came before--including her relationships--can Lada truly build the country she wants.

Claim the throne. Demand the crown. Rule the world.

My Thoughts

Well, I still haven’t read And I Darken or Now I Rise, but I’m definitely anticipating this one. I’m still a little wigged out by the cover, so I’m hoping the UK one is better. Then, I plan on getting all three via Book Depository.

What book are you waiting for this Wednesday?

Waiting on Wednesday: My Plain Jane

 "Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, what's really got my pages in a twist is...

My Plain Jane

Cynthia Hand, Jodie Meadows, Brodi Ashton

(The Lady Janies #2)

Publication Date: June 26, 2018

Hardcover, 464 pages, HarperTeen

Genres: YA, Historical Fiction

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You may think you know the story. After a miserable childhood, penniless orphan Jane Eyre embarks on a new life as a governess at Thornfield Hall. There, she meets one dark, brooding Mr. Rochester. Despite their significant age gap (!) and his uneven temper (!!), they fall in love—and, Reader, she marries him. (!!!)

Or does she?

Prepare for an adventure of Gothic proportions, in which all is not as it seems, a certain gentleman is hiding more than skeletons in his closets, and one orphan Jane Eyre, aspiring author Charlotte Brontë, and supernatural investigator Alexander Blackwood are about to be drawn together on the most epic ghost hunt this side of Wuthering Heights.

My Thoughts

I love Cynthia Hand’s and Brodi Ashton’s books, so why haven’t I read My Lady Jane yet?! I really need to read it before this one comes out. Historical fiction isn’t normally my thing, but I feel like with the combined writing styles of these three authors, there’ll be enough humor, wit, action, and romance to make this at least a four-star read for me.

What book are you waiting for this Wednesday?

Waiting on Wednesday: Into the Bright Unknown by Rae Carson

 "Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, what's really got my pages in a twist is...

Into the Bright Unknown

Rae Carson

(The Gold Seer Trilogy #3)

Publication Date: October 10, 2017

Hardcover, 432 pages, Greenwillow Books

Genres: YA, Historical Fiction

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The stunning conclusion to Rae Carson’s New York Times–bestselling Gold Seer trilogy, which Publishers Weekly in a starred review called “Simply terrific.” A historical fantasy brimming with magic, romance, and adventure—perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Sarah Maas, and Westworld.

Leah Westfall, her fiancé Jefferson, and her friends have become rich in the California Territory, thanks to Lee’s magical ability to sense precious gold. But their fortune has made them a target, and when a dangerous billionaire sets out to destroy them, Lee and her friends decide they’ve had enough—they will fight back with all their power and talents. Lee’s magic is continuing to strengthen and grow, but someone is on to her—someone who might have a bit of magic herself. The stakes are higher than ever as Lee and her friends hatch a daring scheme that could alter the California landscape forever. With a distinctive young heroine and a unique interpretation of American history, Into the Bright Unknown strikes a rich vein of romance, magic, and adventure, bringing the Gold Seer Trilogy to its epic conclusion.

My Thoughts

I haven’t started this series yet, but I really enjoyed Rae’s Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy. I know that this trilogy isn’t exactly like her other fantasy series, but the writing style has to be similar because of the author, right? However, I’m not sure how I feel about the historical setting, as I’m not much of a historical reader unless it’s romance. We’ll see, though.

What book are you waiting for this Wednesday?

Waiting on Wednesday: Blood Rose Rebellion by Rosalyn Eves

 "Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This week, what's really got my pages in a twist is...

Blood Rose Rebellion

Rosalyn Eves

(Blood Rose Rebellion #1)

Publication Date: March 28, 2017

Hardcover, 416 pages, Knopf Books

Genres: YA, Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Book Depository | Amazon | Goodreads

The thrilling first book in a YA fantasy trilogy for fans of Red Queen. In a world where social prestige derives from a trifecta of blood, money, and magic, one girl has the ability to break the spell that holds the social order in place.

Sixteen-year-old Anna Arden is barred from society by a defect of blood. Though her family is part of the Luminate, powerful users of magic, she is Barren, unable to perform the simplest spells. Anna would do anything to belong. But her fate takes another course when, after inadvertently breaking her sister’s debutante spell—an important chance for a highborn young woman to show her prowess with magic—Anna finds herself exiled to her family’s once powerful but now crumbling native Hungary.

Her life might well be over.

In Hungary, Anna discovers that nothing is quite as it seems. Not the people around her, from her aloof cousin Noémi to the fierce and handsome Romani Gábor. Not the society she’s known all her life, for discontent with the Luminate is sweeping the land. And not her lack of magic. Isolated from the only world she cares about, Anna still can’t seem to stop herself from breaking spells.

As rebellion spreads across the region, Anna’s unique ability becomes the catalyst everyone is seeking. In the company of nobles, revolutionaries, and Romanies, Anna must choose: deny her unique power and cling to the life she’s always wanted, or embrace her ability and change that world forever.

My Thoughts

The synopsis says this is for fans of Red Queen. Well, guess who’s a major fan of Red Queen? Moi. I’m not a huge fan of historical fiction, but I think I can see past that if this book is as epic as the magic system sounds.

What book are you waiting for this Wednesday?