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ClareR (6256 KP) rated Body of Stars in Books

Jan 16, 2024  
Body of Stars
Body of Stars
Laura Maylene Walter | 2021 | Dystopia, Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Body of Stars is an enjoyable YA novel set in the near future. This is a world where the markings on a woman’s body predict the future for not only themselves, but for their families as well.

Instead of this phenomenon giving women autonomy over their own lives, it seems that it’s the same old story. Their bodies are a commodity, mapped out by a government organisation, checked over by their fathers when their markings change during puberty. They are warned not to show themselves off or be by themselves, lest men can’t control themselves as they’re driven wild with lust. So far, so stereotypical.

Celeste Morton is excited by the prospect of this transition, and her brother Miles is desperate to practice his interpretation skills on his sister. But when Celeste transitions, a terrible fate is revealed. And in a desperate bid to keep this a secret, Celeste experiences the worst thing that can happen to a changeling.

I have to admit to being very frustrated whilst reading this. There’s nothing feminist about this story - there is a good argument for why feminism is necessary though. Misogyny is rife in the world of this book! To be honest, the story could have run in exactly the same direction without the need for freckles, moles and other markings. It was depressing that even in an alternative near future, women would be experiencing the same restrictions and abuse that so many live through today.

This was a novel that I loved to hate - the frustration was immense! Do I recommend it? Well yes, but be prepared for the deep breathing, calming exercises that you’ll need!
  
Lover's Moon (Gladstone Shifters #7)
Lover's Moon (Gladstone Shifters #7)
Alexander Elliott | 2025 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
LOVER'S MOON is the seventh book in the Gladstone Shifters series, and I definitely recommend you read this after the others. There are a lot of couples and families that have already had their stories told, and they may confuse you if you don't know them. Opposites collide, and bonds are forged as the Gladstone pack drags the shifters into the modern world.

This book primarily focuses on Brent and Milo, although Camden, Robyn, and Trevor also have their roles to play. Brent is exuberant, Milo is introverted - a real case of opposites attract. And the thing I loved best is that they weren't immediately matched by Luna! Instead, they worked on their relationship, proving it just as strong as any other type of mating.

My biggest complaint with the last book was that there was so much going on, I got lost. With this book, there is still a lot going on; the overall arc continues to move forward, but it all seemed to work better, giving the mating couples their time to shine.

I adore how many omegas and True Elders there are now, and I sincerely hope Camden gets his own story, as I loved every scene he was in.

This was a fantastic book that I couldn't put down. A great addition to the series, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.

** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 18, 2025
  
40x40

ClareR (6256 KP) rated The Winners in Books

Mar 8, 2023  
The Winners
The Winners
Fredrik Backman | 2022 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry, Sport & Leisure
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I finished this book in absolute bits. Awkward on a dog walk. But how does Fredrik Backman do this?!

Over the course of this trilogy I have become involved in the lives of everyone in Beartown and Hed. I don’t watch Ice Hockey (my son plays field hockey, and I imagine that’s slightly less dangerous - although he’s had his share of black eyes and sprained ankles!).

This book is about the lives of the people of the two towns. How, despite their animosity towards one another, there is more that joins them together than drives them apart. They just have to learn that.

The novel starts with the storm of a generation: trees are blown over, houses and businesses damaged. In fact, this is something of a sign of things to come for these people.

Life isn’t necessarily easy for any of the characters in this. We read of the trials and tribulations of their lives, their successes and failures. The observations made by Backman are so full of insight , like he has really taken the time to understand these people.

Emotions run high between the towns, especially when it’s discovered that the council want to shut one of the rinks down. They’ve clearly not thought this one through and have no understanding of their constituents!

This novel contains all of the struggles of so many small towns today: addiction, violence, families in trouble, people in need, corruption, criminality, love and loss.

It’s a long book, but it flies by - and that’s all Backman’s writing (and the translator Neil Smith’s translating!). I’m so sorry to see this trilogy come to an end. It’s been quite the ride.