#bookguide

The Secret History

Author: Donna Tartt

Book: 1/1

Genre: fiction, mystery/thriller

Summary: The Secret History is a thrilling novel told through the eyes of Richard Papen. He narrates the story of his and his college classmates’ act of murder and the desperate measures taken to keep their secret hidden.

Review: If a work of art could be transformed into literature, The Secret History would be it. It was dark, mysterious, fascinating, and fulfilled all my dark academia dreams. Tartt’s story structure and pacing was perfect; it was as though each major part of the story blossomed before my eyes as new details were revealed and secrets were uncovered. What made this book stand out to me was how the plot emerged. Tartt would reveal key plot points before they would happen, making it almost feel like a spoiler. This was what grabbed my attention and made me desperate to read more; every page turn was thrilling. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in mysteries, thrillers, and a dark academia aesthetic.

Rating: 5/5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Nona the Ninth

Author: Tamsyn Muir

Book: 3/4

Genre: sci-fi, fantasy

Summary: Nona wakes up in someone else’s body on an unknown planet, surround by a city that is falling apart. The Blood of Eden forces take control and wait for call from the Emperor Undying, while Nona fears she may have to give her body back and leave her normal life with her family.

Review: Nona the Ninth was like a breath of fresh air after reading Harrow the Ninth. This book was funny, unique, mysterious, and well-structured. I loved how the plot evolved, knowing that one loose end of the story was going to unravel as the book went on. My only critique was the lack of pacing in this book; like Gideon the Ninth, there were waves of slow, boring parts of the story with intriguing, exciting parts of the book to follow. I understand that not every plot is a perpetual climb, but the pacing in Muir’s writing seems to be lacking. Otherwise, this book kept me invested, despite the slow sections. Nona the Ninth is so unique in comparison to Gideon and Harrow, that I couldn’t help but let my curiosity guide me through each page turn. I always had questions while reading, like “who is Nona? Where did she come from?” “Why are there chapters about the Emperor’s past?” Speaking of which, I liked the addition of John’s past and how he told his story. The hidden names left some mild confusion at first, but the set-up and slow reveal struck at my urge to know more, keeping me intrigued. I loved the dichotomy of Nona’s personality and this necromantic/apocalyptic universe. Nona is so funny, sweet, quirky and innocent, which makes her seem like a bright light in a world riddled with darkness and death. I am so excited for Alecto the Ninth to be released and to see all Hell break loose. I would recommend this series to anyone interested in the science-fiction or fantasy genre, funny characters and dialogue, or a wild mystery.

Rating: 4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️