Review: The Star-Touched Queen

The Star-Touched Queen  | Roshani Chokshi

Published by: St Martin's Griffin, April 26th 2016

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Mythology, Diverse

Pages: 342

Format: Ebook

Source: Purchased

Fate and fortune. Power and passion. What does it take to be the queen of a kingdom when you’re only seventeen?

Maya is cursed. With a horoscope that promises a marriage of death and destruction, she has earned only the scorn and fear of her father’s kingdom. Content to follow more scholarly pursuits, her whole world is torn apart when her father, the Raja, arranges a wedding of political convenience to quell outside rebellions. Soon Maya becomes the queen of Akaran and wife of Amar. Neither roles are what she expected: As Akaran’s queen, she finds her voice and power. As Amar’s wife, she finds something else entirely: Compassion. Protection. Desire…

But Akaran has its own secrets—thousands of locked doors, gardens of glass, and a tree that bears memories instead of fruit. Soon, Maya suspects her life is in danger. Yet who, besides her husband, can she trust? With the fate of the human and Otherworldly realms hanging in the balance, Maya must unravel an ancient mystery that spans reincarnated lives to save those she loves the most…including herself.

A beautiful story of love, self-discovery, and magic. This book is so good at showing the beauty and wonder in even the darkest hells and monsters, and I just fell in love with it for that - and for the main chararcters. The Star-Touched Queen is everything I wanted it to be - romantic, detailed, immersive - and full of so much more mythology, legends, and creatures. I was ensnared from page one.

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world ★★★★★

Writing ★★★★★

Review: Suicide Squad, Volume Two

Suicide Squad: Volume Two: Going Sane  | Rob Williams, Jim Lee, Stephen Byrne

Published by: DC Comics, June 13th 2017

Genre: Comics, Science Fiction, Superheroes

Pages: 144

Format: Ebook

Source: DC Comics, via Netgalley

From writer Rob Williams, superstar artist Jim Lee and Philip Tan comes the new Suicide Squad! 

The government has once again handpicked the worst of the worst for its Task Force X: Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, Katana and Killer Croc. Following their clash with the Justice League, the team faces a new challenge as the dark energy of the Black Vault starts to drive the prisoners of Belle Reve insane--except for Harley Quinn, who seems to be more rational and level-headed than...well, ever. 

Collecting: Suicide Squad 5-9

This was confusing. Awesome ... but confusing. I got lost so many times as to whether something was happening now or in the past, if it was real or not, and sometimes that mind trip is pretty cool, but with this comic I got frustrated. The story was just ... okay. And while Harley being suddenly sane was a cool plot device, super problematic handling of mental health there.

BUT the characters continue to be strong as hell. We got to see Harley in a less sexualised, more human-being light. It gives more backstories for the gang (which I loved) and cleverly uses this format to introduce a new character. My favourite part has to be June and Killer Croc though. O-T-fricking-P. They're so cute and wholesome and pure and I want them to stay together forever, which probably means one of them will die in the next volume... But I just loved this sweet little romance between a murderous monster and a girl possessed by a nightmare of a witch. In the middle of the crazy, the action, the confusion, I really needed that.

I did enjoy this, but I didn't 100% love it. Still gonna read the next volume though, because I'm a sucker for this team.

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world ★★★☆☆

Writing ★★★☆☆

Review: Doom Patrol, Volume One

Doom Patrol: Volume One: Brick By Brick | Gerard Way, Nick Derington, Tamra Bonvillain, 

Published by: DC Comics, June 6th 2017

Genre: Comics, Superheroes

Pages: 168

Format: Ebook

Source: DC Comics, via Netgalley

The spirit of Grant Morrison's groundbreaking Doom Patrol is captured in this debut series starring the cult-favorite misfits as a part of Gerard Way's new Young Animal imprint.

Flex Mentallo, Robotman, Rebis, Crazy Jane, and more are back to twist minds and take control. This new take on a classic embraces and reimagines the Morrison run's signature surrealism and irreverence. Incorporating bold, experimental art and a brash tone to match a new generation of readers, Gerard Way's Doom Patrol establishes radical new beginnings, breaks new ground, and honors the warped team dynamic of the world's strangest heroes.

This abstract and unexpected ensemble series nods at the Doom Patrol's roots by continuing to break the barriers of the traditional superhero genre.

Collecting Doom Patrol 1-6

More now immediately please thank you.

This is the craziest comic I have ever read. It doesn't make any kind of sense, but also it makes perfect sense. The characters are weirdos, and they don't really make sense either, and I love them for it. And the art is perfect and colourful and echoes how hopeful the story is despite the impending apocalypse. Doom Patrol is the kind of weird I have been waiting for without knowing I've been waiting for it.

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world ★★★★★

Writing ★★★★★

Review: Supergirl, Volume One

Supergirl: Volume One, Reign of The Cyborg Supermen | Steve Orlando, Brian Ching, Mike Attiyeh

Published by: DC Comics, April 4th 2017

Genre: Comics, Superheroes

Pages: 166

Format: Ebook

Source: DC Comics, via Edelweiss

A part of DC Universe: Rebirth! 

Supergirl moves to National City! As Kara Danvers, average American teenager and high school student, Supergirl must balance her life as a superhero with her new life on Earth. But some demons from her Kryptonian past are coming back to haunt her, and Kara will find herself face-to-face with her father: the sinister Cyborg Superman!

Critically acclaimed writer Steve Orlando (Midnighter) comes a new beginning for Kara Zor-El in Supergirl, Volume 1, Reign Of The Cyborg Super-Men a new series that is sure to appeal to fans of the TV series!

Collecting: Supergirl 1-6, Rebirth

I thought I'd like Kara but I LOVE her. And I love the story, how Kara's struggles to adjust are woven so seamlessly with CYBORG SUPERMEN KILLING EARTH and then back to Kara struggling to fit in among humans. This is just so well written, and after Superwoman Volume One (which I did not connect with), it was such a surprise and delight. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE the art. It has such a charming quality to it and suits Kara perfectly. PLus I'm extra happy with how the story arc wraps up cleanly in this one volume, but still has threads to follow into the next volume. It really bugs me when a volume ends with the story unresolved. 

I'm so happy I read this. I cannot WAIT for the next volume.

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world ★★★☆☆

Writing ★★★★☆

Monthly Round Up (15)

Monthly round up is a journal where I record my reading progress each month.

What I've read this month:

I had the best month, reading wise. The best!

What did you read this month? Leave a comment!

~Saruuh