The Disabled Tyrant's Beloved Pet Fish Volume 1

Finished April 13

The Disabled Tyrant's Beloved Pet Fish, Volume 1 (Canji Baojun De Zhangxin Yu Chong) written by Xue Shan Fei Hu, translated by Yuka Mimi, illustrated by Ryoplica, Bonus Illustration by Kura, Cover illustration by Changle

This book came to my attention through one of my students, opening my reading world to a new subgenre, danmei, a Chinese romance between male characters. Here, the novel also employs an intriguing format where the narrator, Li Yu is a modern young man who wakes to find himself a fish, a carp, in the world of a book he'd recently read. (The Chinese pronunciation of the name sounds the same as the word for carp.) After a few terrifying adventures, he finds himself himself rescued by Prince Jing. 

Following that he makes two additional discoveries, the first of which is that he appears to be inside some sort of game. He learns this when he hears an announcement in his head that says that he has completed the first part of the 'Moe Pet System' main quest, and that he won't turn back into a human unless he completes the entire quest. The second discovery is that he is inside a recent webnovel that he'd read and he learns that the purpose of his existence here is to improve the tyrannical male lead's personality. 

As he learns how to be a fish, how to connect to his new owner, and how to navigate his way through the Moe Pet System, he also learns that there are side quests that he can take, that he can store things in his inventory, and that he can earn rewards, all of which are part of his expectations of a game system. 

He grows closer to Prince Jing and undergoes many more adventures, some of which change him, and some which give him different abilities. 

There is romance, but no descriptions of sex here, and the story is only the first part of a longer work, so it leaves you at a place where you want more. 

A very interesting and intriguing read that grew on me as I read it. Apparently the majority of readers of this type of book in China are heterosexual women, which is interesting. 

The Feather Thief

Finished April 11

The Feather Thief: The Natural History Heist of the Century by Kirk Wallace Johnson

This book was one I received as part of a book subscription. The author heard about the theft from a fly-fishing guide and was intrigued enough to follow-up, and spent years digging into it, travelling to interview and investigate and learning more about the story. 

Edwin Rist, a young American man studying in England at one of the best schools of music in the world was also obsessed with fly-fishing. He hatched a plan to break into one of the largest collection of birds in the world, take as many of the rare bird specimens that he could and get away. 

This is the kind of theft that police don't give the necessary attention to, as the items stolen are valuable only to science. Some of the birds stolen had been gathered more than a hundred years earlier and this kind of collection helped scientists study bird biology, evolution, and other areas of science related to these specimens. 

Fly-fishing has, from its beginnings, using bird feathers tied into 'flies' to use to attract fish. In more recent years, certain birds, due to their declining populations were prohibited from trade, including in their feathers. Interest in the creation of these 'flies has grown over the years, and many who don't even fish now compete in fly-fishing competitions, many timed. There is also passion for the more rare examples of feathers, some in birds endangered or extinct. Some collectors searched estate sales and auctions for old hats and other personal and home decor items for the feathers, but Edwin took things a step further.

His theft raised questions, about museum security, about whether he had help in the theft, about why the justice system doesn't treat this kind of theft with the seriousness the destruction of scientific knowledge should warrant. 

An interesting story that left this reader with more questions. 

Realm of Dragons

Finished April 8

Realm of Dragons by Morgan Rice

This is the first book in the Age of the Sorcerers series, which runs to eight novels overall. As with many first novels, there is a lot of world-building happening here, and lots of characters to get to know. 

The story takes place in a kingdom that has been in a tense standoff with one of its neighbouring kingdoms for years. The current king has decided to accept an offer of marriage for his oldest daughter from the neigbouring kingdom, hoping that it will lead to a more peaceful future for them both. His daughter is willing and her new fiancé is attractive and charming. But does his kingdom have an ulterior motive?

We see the stories of all six of the king's children, three women and two men, all teens and early twenties, and all quite different in nature. Besides the eldest princess, one is tomboyish and wishes for the battle training that her brothers have been given. One is quiet, bookish, and keeps to herself except when she is wandering in the forests, making some discoveries of her own. 

Of the males, one is honest and resolute and his father sends him on a quest that may result in him not being where he needs to be. The second oldest is a party guy, who also goes through women quickly, and is always looking for a quick win even if he has to cut corners or take advantage of someone. The youngest is bookish and very intelligent and is looking for answers that may help his family in the long run. 

Besides these, there is also the sixteen-year-old son of a blacksmith, a young man who is naturally skilled with the sword, and finds that his fate may take him to places that he never dreamed of, even as it leads away from his family at first. 

I found the book interesting and with some interesting storylines starting involving dragons, monks with unusual skills, and danger coming from the seas. I would be interested in reading more in the series. 

A Cursed Inheritance

Finished April 7

A Cursed Inheritance by Kate Ellis

This is the ninth book in the Wesley Peterson mystery series set in Devon, a series that I'm gradually making my way through. Wesley is a senior police officer in Devon, England. He has a degree in archeology and is also Black. All of these things bring a unique aspect to his cases. 

Here, there is a new case of a freelance journalist who is found dead in the river. Luckily, he hadn't been in the water a long time, so once they identify the body they are quickly looking into what he was doing in the area and what may have led to his death. At the same time, a case where a man has been serving time for years is reopened after a woman who has been living abroad since the crime gives him an alibi. As the police take another look at the evidence and case notes, they must ask themselves why the previous investigation didn't get it right. 

The journalist had been looking at a crime from 1985 where nearly the whole Harford family and their staff at their sixteenth century house, Potwoolstan Hall, had been killed. At the time, it was determined that the young housekeeper had killed everyone and then herself. The police have to ask themselves whether maybe this case was solved with too little questions being asked as well, given that the journalist is also now dead. The house has been transformed into a wellness center offering lodging and treatment for guests willing to spend the high fees for the New Age treatments on offer. 

Wesley's archeologist friend Neil Watson is part of an exchange program, where he is off to Virginia in the United States to visit a dig there at a settlement founded by people who took a ship from this area of Devon centuries before, including one member of the original family of Potwoolstan Hall. Neil also has a personal task he has been given by a family member. 

As some of these cases converge and the historical dig gives uncovers interesting information about some deaths back then, we can see elements of similarity in some of the stories. 

I enjoy seeing Wesley's personal life as well, here with his wife Pam in the later stages of her second pregnancy, which is putting stress on their relationship as well. 

Secrets by Starlight

Finished April 5

Secrets by Starlight by J.R. Pearse Nelson

This is the first book in a series called Moon Garden Mysteries. Set in the small town of Crescent Bay on  the Northern California coast, the narrator Naomi Monday has inherited a large mansion called Covett House, a small museum called Museum of the Odd and Wondrous, and a gardening shop. She knew this was coming to her when her grandmother died, but she doesn't feel ready for it. She is recently divorced and lives in Sacramento, where she has an apartment and job. 

At first she is sure she is going to sell it all, but after a few days, where many things happen, she isn't so sure. 

One thing, a local woman called Cherise Tillson is murdered in the museum, and the police have a lot of questions. Another is that her grandmother's cat, who has been missing since her death, reappears and leads Naomi to discover a hidden key, a book that is part of a series written by her grandmother, and a secret garden that only appears at certain times. When Naomi enters the garden, she finds that there are things that expected of her, and that many creatures depend on her continuing a family tradition. 

As Naomi finds herself welcomed in town, and led to clues about the murder, she finds that this is a community she wants to be part of. 

This novel has elements of women's fiction, fantasy, and cozy mystery, which all come together in interesting ways. I enjoyed watching Naomi become more comfortable in herself and her situation and find a solution that will work for at least a while. I also, naturally, liked the cat and the role it played. 

This is a light read and promises for an interesting series. 

Burn

Finished April 4

Burn by Peter Heller

This novel absolutely gripped me. It is set in a near future time, where political tensions in the United States are high. Maine has talked about secession, as have some other states. 

Every year Jess and his friend Storey have gone away for a few weeks to hunt, going to different areas of the country. Both men grew up in small town Vermont, and Storey still lives there with his wife and two daughters. Jess now lives in Colorado and split up with his long-term partner a few months ago. 

Jess is the narrator of the novel. 

As the story begins, the hunting time is nearing its end, and the two men hike back to their truck and head south, but they find the bridge on the road is out. When Storey looks at it, he says that it was a deliberate act, but he doesn't know why, maybe they need to rebuilt it. So they try a different route, but they discover another destroyed bridge. They also note that they've met no one else on the road. 

As they head towards a small service centre, they run out of fuel and decide to walk up to get some. But the buildings are burned to the ground and there are bombed out vehicles on the road. 

When they find a small town in a similar condition, and no internet service, they know something big has happened, but don't know what. Is there a civil war? Is something bad happening locally? Storey also has his family to worry about. They are in a nearby state, must be worried about him, and he has no way of reaching them. 

They note that while land transportation options seem destroyed, there are still boats at the docks on the lake, and they might have supplies they can use. As they are now on foot, they look for options and hide when they see others, not sure who to trust. They aren't even sure what direction they should go in. Home is south and west, but south seems difficult. The ocean is east, and maybe others who have fled from this area might go there and they might find a way out. There is also Canada to the north, and that might be an option, except the border might be well-guarded.

As they move as quietly as they can, look for clues as to what their new reality is, and then find another complication that makes their situation both more difficult and more risky, they are in nature, camping and moving through the beautiful inland Maine landscape. 

Jess finds himself spending time in memories as well, of his childhood growing up with Storey and spending time with his family. We learn about how they became close and the experiences they've shared, and the occasional secret they've held apart from each other. This really enriches the story and shows the depth of the friendship and gives us a sense of how their characters formed, and what issues they might have. 

Because of the current American political situation, this novel felt so possible and so scary. Being cut of from everything but each other and the skills they have, these two men search for the truth and a way to stay alive and, for Storey, to return to the family he loves. 

A story that moved me, and that will stay with me. 

The Guest

Finished April 2

The Guest by Emma Cline

I grabbed this book from the library to fill a challenge. I would say that it's a book that made me feel kind of like I was watching a train wreck in slow motion.

The main character Alex is very unlikeable. She behaves very much like a narcissist, and tries to manage the relationships, but doesn't necessarily put a lot of work into it. She moved to New York City as a young woman and lives with roommates. She has been in the city for a while as the book opens, and it appears that she worked as an escort, but never made a lot of money at it, and now is finding it more difficult to draw the men that she wants to. She has also missed rent payments and her roommates have kicked her out. 

After an encounter at a bar, she has decided to go in a different direction, beginning a relationship with an older man with the expectation that it will be long term. He doesn't pay her, but he does buy her things like clothing and accessories. She has traveled with him to his vacation home on Long Island, and accompanied him to various dinners and parties. When she makes a misstep at one of the parties, she finds him distancing himself from her and the sending her back to the city. His assistant buys her a train ticket and leaves her at the station. 

But Alex has another issue. She has got on the bad side of a man who doesn't suffer fools, and he is looking for her to return something she's taken from him. We do eventually find out what that it, but he has been calling her and trying to get her to meet him, so she is wary of taking a chance and going back to the city.

As she maneuvers herself into various living situations through meeting people and pretending she knows them, she has a plan to go back to the man who has sent her away, timing it for a party he has planned for Labour Day. 

Alex is desperate, but also very manipulative. She looks for opportunities to ingratiate herself into others' lives for her own benefit. She can be charming, but also cold and uncaring. I found myself wondering what crazy thing she would do next. 

An interesting and unique look at a life situation beyond anything I could imagine. 

Clever Little Thing

Finished April 2

Clever Little Thing by Helena Echlin

This psychological thriller is set in England. Charlotte, who is English, is married to Pete, an American. Pete works for a startup company using mushrooms to make biodegradable packaging. They have had some success, but are trying to get a big company on board, so Pete is working long hours. The couple have a daughter, Stella, who is eight, and Charlotte is pregnant with their second child. 

Stella has a lot of the signs of being neurodivergent, but they've not had her tested. She is very sensitive to noise, likes her food separated, and taught herself to read early. She very interested in birds and science, and as we see at the beginning, on a trip to the beach, she finds a dead bird that she wants to bring home to examine. Some of her behaviours can be offputting for the neurotypical kids in her class, and Charlotte is trying to socialize her more. 

Charlotte has a babysitter that looks after Stella, a woman named Blanka, who is very patient with her, and doesn't talk a lot. When Blanka suddenly quits without explanation, Charlotte is surprised and disappointed. When she finds out Blanka died a few days after quitting she is saddened. Shortly afterward, she begins to notice changes in Stella, who seems to be losing her fear over some things, but is becoming more withdrawn. She is using phrases that Blanka used to use like "Oh yes" in her responses, and doesn't seem interested in her usual passions. As Charlotte tries to make sense of these changes, Pete seems to think that Charlotte is making too much of it, and increasingly Charlotte feels herself alone, without anyone to tell her worries to. She reaches out to an unlikely ally and finds herself trusting to herself more than ever before.

This is a story that escalates slowly. We can see the changes in Stella as Charlotte notes them, and understand her growing worries, and why she takes some drastic actions. Charlotte loves Stella as she is, and while she wants Stella to be able to function more easily in school and have friends, she also feels that Stella isn't herself and finds herself thinking about Blanka and how Stella seems to be exhibiting more and more elements of Blanka's personality. 

This is a story of manipulation, of love between mothers and daughters, with an eerie underlying tone. The touches of creepiness are so well done, and you feel Charlotte's frustration and desperation as she tries to understand and save her children. 

Hard to put down. 

April Reviews for the 18th Annual Canadian Reading Challenge

 This is where you post links to the reviews for books that you finished in April that met this challenge. 

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Save the Date

Finished March 31

Save the Date by Mary Kay Andrews

This novel has romance, drama, and intrigue, all set in Savannah, Georgia. Florist Cara Kryzik is a recent transplant to the city, coming from Ohio with her now ex-husband Leo. She had been working as a florist, when the owner retired and gifted her the business and its assets. She put her own money into it, and it is now an up-and-coming favourite for weddings, thanks to a previous client. She has an assistant Bert, who she also considers a friend. 

As the book opens, there is much drama around last-minute changes and work needed for an imminent society wedding. The mother-of-the-bride, Lillian calls several times a day, and has high expectations. 

When Cara's golden-doodle Poppy slips her collar, she is searching the neighbourhood for her, and sees her with a strange man who refuses to give her back. She and Bert have to leave for the wedding venue, so she can't deal with it at the time, and the police don't seem to consider it a priority.

As is usual, Cara stays at the wedding awhile, and sees the man, Jack, who had her dog there. He turns out to be related to the groom. 

The wedding goes well, and the next day Cara is pleased to find she is one of the florists being considered for another society wedding. Her competition is new in town, recently expanding from another city. When she gets the contract, the bride insists that she do it all, and Cara is put to the test. 

And when Jack keeps showing up at the weddings she is working at, she finds him growing on her. 

Cara is tight financially, having put all her money into her business, and dealing with an unresponsive landlord, a building that needs a lot of repairs, her ex wanting her back, and a possible lawsuit over a missing decor item a client entrusted her with, so there is a lot going on. 

I liked Cara for the most part, but she definitely has some baggage, but she's also worked through a lot starting her business and really making it her own, with her own flair and style. She works hard and has a high standard that she sets for herself. She is also one who creates relationships with her clients, so there is ongoing business that comes out of the initial contract. 

I also liked Jack. He's another hard worker with high standard, but also has some baggage. I was definitely rooting for them. 

A fun read.