cacodemonmania - Tumblr blog

[cacodemonmania]

Ello, ello, ello! I’ve just finished reading the Dance of Thieves duology but before I wrote my review I wanted to ask a question…would people prefer shorter reviews? I noticed my initial thoughts (and shorter post) on Divine Rivals was better received than the longer one and was wondering if people weren’t feeling like reading so many words…let me know! xx

[cacodemonmania]

Review - Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

Major Spoiler Warning!

Note: I’m writing this on mobile rather than desktop as I usually do, so I apologize for any formatting or grammar issues.

I’ve previously read one of Rebecca Ross’ books (Dreams Lie Beneath) and it was one of my favorites. When I got Divine Rivals I was excited to see a familiar author’s name! Fortunately, unlike Dreams Lie Beneath, Divine Royals is a series (I await the next book with anticipation).

I’d like to begin with the ending. Unfortunately, I saw tragedy coming. It was one of those moments where the happy ending has happened, you feel good, and you realize there’s too many pages left. The gas scene took me by surprise however, and it tore at my heart. Forest telling her not to look back, Roman *crawling* to her.

Roman’s POV in the entire story is both satisfying and aggravating. His pining over Iris and his innate need to protect her are definitely satisfying and fun to read. However the jarring change from Iris being whole heartedly convinced that he’s trying to upstage her to him just trying to protect his crush could be just a little frustrating. Iris, darling, I realize you’ve been through a lot but the poor man is just in love with you.

When Iris’ mom died, my heart nearly broke. The fact that she found out through an ad she had to write in the paper asking if anyone could identify a body and she *knew* breaks my heart. Then, of course, Roman delivering Iris’ jacket to her was also very sweet.

The war was a huge element of this story. This may sound like an obvious and silly thing to say, but I am very against war. I think in reviewing history and looking at numbers and dates, we forget the impact war has on actual people and families and countries. People tend to forget that armies and soldiers aren’t robots or just another factor in a battle. Reading this book, that was all described first hand and it made me very sad. That is not necessarily a bad thing, though something you should keep in mind if you read it. I think many people are surprised by how horrific war is, and the book does a good job (from my knowledge) of showing some of that. The Lieutenant who looked out for them dying as the last of his battalion (that may be the wrong phrase but I don’t have the book with me to reference, apologies) and telling Iris the story of their tree. All of the people in the infirmary. Keegan. Forest. Oh, Forest. The greatest example within the book of how experiences and trauma can change a person. I thought the description of the front lines, but especially the people affected by it (Attie, the injured soldiers, etc.) was well done. I was worried for the characters. Their pain, panic, fear, and sympathy felt real.

All in all, though this book was sad and had a hint of miscommunication, I still really like it. Though the main character could seem stubborn or hard headed at times, in my opinion it makes her more real. She is going through griefs of all kinds and protecting herself in the ways she knows how. The world building and writing itself were some of my favorite parts of the book. Rebecca Ross never ceases to enchant me with her words. The dynamic of the gods with the mortals was interesting and relatively unlike other similar interactions.

I would recommend this book highly, though with a few warnings. Rebecca Ross, you’ve won me over again and I’m super excited for the next book.

[cacodemonmania]

Some spoilers ahead for Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

A full review will come later, but I’m still reeling in shock. I’ve just finished Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross (and I loved one of her previous books by the way) but I’ve just been sat here with my mouth hanging wide open after I finished it. Rebecca-I love you dearly but this book tore my soul open, rummaged around, and ripped my heart out. The entire time he was so in love with her and when she finally came to realize it and they had one (singular) happy moment, it was ripped away once again. I knew it was an ominous sign as there was so much of the book left but still! Like that?? Good lord. I don’t think I’m going to recover for a while. Actual comprehensive review coming later

[cacodemonmania]

Hello! Not that anyone currently follows my reviews, but I wanted to tell the algorithm that exam season is absolutely brutal and I’ve had no time for leisure reading unfortunately. I did finish a book a few weeks ago, but when I sat down to write a review of it I really struggled. It was the Secret History by Donna Tartt. I enjoyed it but I’ve struggled to articulate my thoughts and feelings on it. I think I may be able to write it out after digesting it for a while, but that also requires time and energy. Anyway! This month has also been brutal to my mental health as well as dumping exams on me so I hope to get the time to read or relax soon. xxx

[cacodemonmania]

When I say I love Finnick Odair, know I’m not talking about sexy, sugar-cube eating, Finnick Odair. I am talking about the unstable, knot-tying, running through District 13 pant-less, in love with a poor mad girl back home, FINNICK ODAIR.

[cacodemonmania]

Review - Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Spoiler Warning!

It has been a goal of mine for about three years to read a book that makes me cry. I can tell you know, through very gross sobs, that I've achieved that goal.

First, I'll begin with some quotes.

"The place where we recorded those things you cannot trust to memory."

"The color of Finnick's eyes."

"Buttercup begins to wail as well. No matter what I do, he won't go...but he must understand. He must know that the unthinkable has happened..."

"'No, Katniss. They're not coming.'"

There are others, but I really don't have the heart to find them.

One of the most entertaining and heart breaking things about this book was the relationships. Katniss' relationship with Prim, Haymitch, Boggs, Squad 451, Finnick, Johanna, and more. It makes them all seem more human, I guess. The compassion that Boggs and 451 show Katniss, the way Suzanne describes how Mitchell is struggling to act and everyone is laughing with him right before brutally killing him off, Finnick always trying to help others. How Cressida seemed to care a lot more about Katniss and the rebellion, rather than just filming. It made her standing up to Jackson make more sense for me.

Gosh, so many people died. It kept breaking my heart, even though I knew it was coming. They kept developing those relationships! The bonds between them, the casual friendships! And then the next second they'd have sacrificed themself. One thing I will have to disagree with when it comes to movie to book comparisons is Finnick's death. I've seen people say that the movie didn't do Finnick's death justice, but I don't know if the book did it better. The movie almost spends more time on it-shows more of his motivation and how he wasn't able to get out because he was holding off the mutts. Shows more of the reason why Katniss activated the Holo's self destruction.

How I love Annie and Finnick. They deserve everything in the world. I came to a conclusion while reading this book, that I can choose to believe whatever I'd like to. The book is fictional, I'm an author, why not rewrite a small detail? In my mind, Finnick never died. He got out just fine and made it back to Annie in District 13. He helped Katniss overcome the loss of her sister, but when Peeta took over that role, he and Annie retired to a small cottage in District 4 on the outskirts of civilization. They live far away from the noise and violence of the districts, helping them both to heal in their own little bubble. Finnick is a doting husband, always rubbing Annie's ankles, and no one could imagine a better father. They visit Katniss and Peeta on holidays, and are one of the main reasons Katniss felt safe enough to have kids of her own. Tell me otherwise and I will become violent.

Something that I thought was incredibly well done on Suzanne's part was the deterioration of Katniss and Gale's bond. It's clear that as Katniss struggles with her place in the revolution and the trauma that she's been through, Gale is finding like-minded people who are just are violent and filled with rage as he is. What always clashed about their personalities develops and blooms as the opportunity for other connections come up. They both try to hold on to what they once had, but as Katniss said (rough quote estimation) their bond grew out of mutual suffering, and cannot last when that is gone.

Katniss' tendency to hide in small places is a well done detail. It's probably a combination of a trauma response and a need to be away from the constant action that creates the restless movement. It's also something I kind of understand, which is probably why it's a detail that I noticed. It's also one example of a variety of different, similar details that probably make the characters so well crafted in my eyes.

Again with my small details! This one is significantly sadder. As much as I appreciated the thought and detail that went into what sounds avox's would make if forced, I hate it. The descriptions of how Darius sounded as he was tortured to death (and for what??), the sounds of those poor, innocent people who just happened to get in the way of the mutts as they died, unable to cry out last words. It's just so horrifying. The cruelty astonishes me in the way that the cruelty of real people does.

On a lighter note, I also watched the Starving Games today. (If you don't know it's a spoof of the original Hunger Games movie.) It was pretty funny! It was really interesting to see the amount of effort, money, and people that went into making it though. It seems like something three teenagers would make over summer break (in the best way possible). I also really liked the middle finger, rather than the tribute hand sign, especially because if you look closely in one scene there's a kid using his ring finger instead (probably didn't wanna get busted by his parents lmao).

Anyway, as always I feel as though I have not articulated my thoughts well, but I hope it makes sense! The results of the poll I did a while ago are in (I did not realize how long a week could be!) and so I will try to buy the Lockwood and Co. series and start it soon! If you liked these reviews I'm hoping to keep on my reading streak and crank some more out so stay tuned! xxx

[cacodemonmania]

Review - Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Big spoilers ahead ->

Hey y'all! Thank you for the positive reception on my review of the first book, I really appreciate it!

Getting into the thick of it, I read Catching Fire this afternoon in approximately one sitting. You could say it was pretty riveting. That being said, I had a lot of conflicting feelings on the developments.

The narration and pace are still very entertaining (that tends to stay the same with authors) but I noticed differences in Katniss' attitude, especially as the book went on and she became more and more focused on keeping Peeta alive and only on keeping Peeta alive. You see it a lot when she abandons her other interests and own will to live in favor of saving him. Like the way that she fully condemns Haymitch and Plutarch and even Peeta when she realizes that he wasn't saved with her at the end. I feel bad for her because it isn't really her fault, though I don't agree with the way that she responds when she wakes up (not hearing Haymitch out mostly), I also realize that she's probably shut down as a survival technique and focused on saving Peeta and when that falls apart she kind of loses it. It's a unique situation; grappling with what to do when you're still alive after coming to terms with and preparing for your own death, realizing your life has been prioritized over your dear "friend" (wink) that you'd been ready to die for, also recovering from probably a concussion, and more. I dunno. It's just interesting to see the shift in Katniss' thought process and worldview.

I was happy to find that I like Finnick in the book as much (if not more) as I liked him in the movie. He is a very sentimental, decent person and that tucks him into a special place in my heart. His and Katniss' relationship also makes me happy. I'm not sure if that's because I like his character or if it's because he and Katniss go through so much together (i.e. the jabberjays and when Annie and Peeta get captured), which makes them understand each other in a way no one else does. They also both go out of their way to help and be happy for the other.

Two things that really stand out to me when I try and think back on the whole book rather than just talking about the end is the way that Katniss didn't get to say her goodbyes and Darius. I don't know why, out of all the things, Katniss not getting to say her last words that she'd prepared for the people she'd never see again (from her POV) bothers me. It's something that doesn't affect the Capital at all, but means everything to Katniss and her family and friends. Maybe because it's such a small thing and taking it away is so cruel. And then Darius. Darius and the red-headed girl always break my heart because they're both so kind. Cray was a lesser evil, but Darius seemed funny and good hearted and his punishment was so harsh for such a small act of kindness.

I am NOT excited for Mocking Jay 🫶. I hate seeing Peeta tortured and it breaks my heart that he has to go through it. I've seen a lot of takes along the lines of "Peeta will never know how much he loved Katniss before :(" and that makes me want to cry so I am instead choosing to take the opinion of the one comment I saw that was along the lines of "Peeta's love of Katniss before began as a crush, and for a lot of it that's what it was because it was often unrequited, but the second time around he grows to love her despite everything" (the og comment said it better but I deleted tiktok so I can't find it).

However, I've heard the movie is vastly different from the book so I have a lot of optimism! And despite what I've said, I am still am very much enjoying this series and its characters. Stay tuned :)

[cacodemonmania]

Review - The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Big spoilers ahead!

Unlike my Normal People review, which I wrote a few weeks after I'd actually finished reading it, this review is nice and fresh as I finished the book about four minutes ago. I'm choosing to do my review by book, rather than the whole series, for four reasons.

I like doing reviews fresh. It helps to convey the actual thoughts I had when finishing/reading the book. Also, I have a lot to say (whoops!).

Unfortunately, I watched the movies before I read the book(s) and I have a sneaking feeling that I will not like the later books as much.

I have a hard time distinguishing between books in a series after I've read them. All the events kind of blur together. Not super helpful as reviews go.

I'm trying to keep my activity streak going. Consistency is my weakness and I have a tendency to disappear from Tumblr for months at a time. Here's to holding ourselves to stuff! (Hopefully) This is also a good way to force myself to read more.

My first concrete thought is that my heart is breaking at the end scene. The way that Peeta was so oblivious to Katniss playing it up for camera and all. Poor guy had no idea. Also, how can anyone ship Katniss and Gale? I don't mean that in a rude way, it's just kind of baffling after the amount of times Katniss said her feelings for him weren't romantic.

I thought the movies were relatively loyal to the books. Several scenes and plot lines were near exact and that's hard to do! I appreciate it, especially the details (i.e. Katniss holding the red rose as they ride in on the chariots). I do feel like they took a lot of emotion out of it, particularly Katniss. She seems a little lifeless and numb to everything in the movies, which I'd assumed was kind of just her default for going through a traumatic event like that, but after reading the books she is much livelier. Her narration, emotions, and feelings as everything is going on really sold me for how much I enjoyed the book. However, I respect the choices of the people involved in the filmmaking (because they are, in fact, good films) and perhaps that is a stylistic choice.

Katniss' narration, emotions, and reactions were all (for me) spot on. I felt like she was a real person who was aware of herself and developed over the course of the book due to the things that she was going through. Her narration was personal without sounding monologue-y, and I really enjoyed reading it. I always feel the need to acknowledge when the general feel of the writing or narration is well done because that can kill a book and make it unbearable or a chore to read.

I love the characters. They're well thought out, three dimensional, and the way that Katniss views and interacts with them is very realistic. In my mind this particularly applies to the stylist assistants, Haymitch, and Peeta. Katniss tries so hard not to judge the stylists, even though they are the very embodiment of what she dislikes about the games (i.e. their frilliness and comments, especially right after she's won). Because it's not really their fault, and she knows that they're people. She is very humane and empathetic which I think I see in myself. It's nice to see it reflected, especially in a main character. Especially in a main character who is seen as ruthless or lethal or dangerous. Her violence has motivation and she does all of the things, including killings, for real reasons. That's such an important, unique, significant thing about this book for me. Fantasy and dystopia often try to make strong (cough female cough) main characters who are badass and assassins and whatever (which is cool!! I love badass women!! I'm making a different point here), but their motivations are often lacking or cold or vague. They kill a hundred men for revenge over their slain little sister, but there is no connection to their little sister. They don't think about their little sister apart from "REVENGE!". We don't see a bond between them. I don't know, Katniss is just real and how she experiences and feels things is too. Woah! Bit of a detour we took there. Let's get back on track. Haymitch is probably someone who has been discussed a thousand times (pure vibe speculation). It's interesting to see him go from a drunk, no care, jerk to someone Katniss relies on and cares for. (cough three dimensional cough) It's also cool to see Katniss realize that and realize that the reason he's an alcoholic is due to what the Capital has put him through. Peeta. Oh, Peeta. The way Katniss views Peeta is kind of funny. She talks about how hard he is to predict, how mysterious, how strategic, when he's just a teenage boy in love. She's always trying to figure out his secret, ulterior motives and it's just that he likes her.

I have a lot of thoughts but I think many of them are ranging into hard to put into words and mostly just general feelings territory which is never nice to try and explain. Plus, I've talked a lot already. I realize, editing this, that these aren't really "reviews" so much as a dumping of my major thoughts and feelings. Maybe I should rename the series. Thoughts?

I would recommend reading this book! (You probably have already)

See you for Catching Fire :,)

[cacodemonmania]

Question!

Sorry to post three times in like ten minutes, whoops! I think all of the stuff I haven't posted is coming out at once.

I watched all of the Hunger Games movies yesterday in a row and my FBI agent put every Hunger Games tiktok on my fyp afterword, which made me very tempted to read the books. (I know! I haven't read them yet, it's crazy. I don't know how it happened either.)

Lockwood and Co. is my favorite thing. I love it and them so much. I don't know why I have a large apprehension around reading the books, but I do. Are they worth it?

[cacodemonmania]

Review - Normal People by Sally Rooney

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Very minimal spoilers ahead

I read this book in about two days, which I think was assisted by the flow of the writing. The scenes were well written and kept me intrigued and not waiting for a scene to end. (Which I definitely have before!) I enjoyed Connell and Marianne's dynamic and the way that they understood each other. I liked that we got to see their social statuses switched and the way that it affected each of them. (And how, in the end, they both realized that it didn't really matter or make them happier.) It was also nice to see Connell struggle with mental health. We don't usually mental health in literature in general, but I feel like we especially don't see it in men. (This could be based entirely on what I've consumed.)

I had a sort of love/hate relationship with the whole chronological order that the book was laid out in. The time skips, although the chapter titles were helpful, could be a little startling. However, it also kept the story fresh and kept any one scene or situation from going on for too long and getting stale.

Things I didn't like about the book included the lack of quotation marks ("") and that I felt like a big part of it went over my head. The first thing I think a lot of people have talked about and is probably a culture shift (i.e. in Britain or Ireland they don't use ""). The latter is harder to explain. I didn't really understand Marianne or Connell's motives (respectively) at times and I felt like something in their dynamic went over my head but, in truth, that sounds like a me problem.

I have yet to be able to watch the show (I have to figure out if I have a Hulu subscription and if I do what the login is) but I have heard good things! I've seen snippets of interviews with Daisy and/or Paul and they seem lovely and as though they have good chemistry.