Too Many Shadows, Not Enough Light by L.C. Ainsworth

Rating:

2 Stars

Themes:

Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Coming of Age, Young Adult

Thoughts:

First of all I found a few editing and grammatical errors in the book which I have discussed with the author themself. Overall I did enjoy this book, especially for my first real sci-fi style book in years.

The character of Izzy was more relatable as a teen than many I have seen (in shows and films) in this genre and she is still portrayed as a 15 year old girl despite her responsibilities and the war such as her comments in chapter 1 about fellow recruits being jealous of her skills and playful relationships with her cousins throughout. I also liked the reference to public housing (chapter 1, grade C housing) as in many science and dystopian things I have seen the poorer population are either forgotten about or left behind (e.g. snowpiercer) so it was refreshing to believe in a future where all citizens are still valued.

However, I did find the prologue a little long as it was split up chapter wise into three parts and found at some points there seemed to be a lot going off at once for me to keep a track of. Personally, I also took a small issue that in chapter 2 Izzy while mentally attacking her cousin used Anorexia as a rude kind of dig but it was not resolved or readdressed and as someone who has struggled with body image, food issues and ED behaviours in the past the comment came across as insensitive which conflicted with Izzy's character throughout the rest of the book.

Favourite Quote:

"Mothers are always worried about their children, even soldiers."

Comments

Vincent: A Graphic Biography by Simon Elliott

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Comic, Non-Fiction, Biography Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a great little book on Vincent van Gogh. It is very detailed containing pieces of his life such as changing careers and failed love interests that are often not considered when we think of van Gogh, instead favouring his art and mental health. The illustrations were really well done and at times helped to bring levity to the story which isn’t often the happiest of lives.

The War of Sober by Edward Rand

Rating: 4 Stars Themes: Non-Fiction, Self-Help, Addiction, Psychology Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a great book not just for addicts trying to establish and maintain their sobriety but also psychologists, counsellors and the people working with them. It approaches the experience of addiction from the perspective of going to war and may help those who can’t get along with the 12 steps, contingency management or other forms of therapy traditionally used. It’s also helpful to have Edward detail his own experiences and approaches throughout so it feels less clinical and shows he does know what he’s talking about when he mentions the difficulties so it comes across less patronising than some self-help addiction books. Favourite Quote: "It doesn't matter what happened yesterday. Win or lose, if we are still alive, we must decide to be different today and then make the correct choices today, because friends, ...

Broken Glass by Sarah Kay

Rating: 3 Stars Themes: Poetry Thoughts: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This collection is mixed for me, some of the poems were really good and all were definitely emotive but I think so many poems on the Hamas attack and subsequent war which is highly politically charged a little difficult to tackle. Favourite Quote: "What good is it to open my heart when in the end, you will stab it in the back?"

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