#rori i

Today it’s:

Mask Of Shadows by Linsey Miller

 Things I enjoyed:

Pretty much everything.

Sal’s background and motivations were powerful. Their actions were often questionable, which I find really important in a character who is pressed against the wall like they were. Humans make hard and often immoral decisions when they feel they must. It was also a point of character growth to go from a person who would do what they must for revenge, even risk their life for it (or take a life -_-), to somebody who had finally put their trust in others and would not prioritize their own wants.

I also really enjoyed the character’s relationship dynamics. The mentor-mentee bond between Ruby and Sal was my favourite, especially because both of them are sly and awfully dramatic. But the romantic plot was no less interesting, especially because it was constantly presenting Sal with some really complicated dilemmas.

Another exciting plus of this book was that it dealt masterfully with a main book plot, a main series plot, and a couple of subplots. They were woven into each other, a scene meant to advance one simultaneously complimenting another, and that for me is a sign of really, really good writing.

This book was just the right amount of graphic. It puts an edge to your regular fantasy story, giving it dark twists after dark twists, making sure we haven’t forgotten this is a book about assassins, and revenge, and death. Regular reminders of what the stakes were for Sal supported the action perfectly, making it even more adrenaline-inducing.

I was delighted to note that Sal, as a genderfluid character, was not actually heavily characterised by their genderqueer nature. It was personally uncomfortable to have them be misgendered, especially in a fantasy setting which could easily have accommodated an accepting society; however, I found Sal’s integrity and their peer’s support a welcome silver lining.

Most amazingly, Sal was not the only lgbt+ character on the page. If I noted correctly, Ruby showed interest in the same gender, and we had the pleasure of the love interest, Elise, admitting that “men are not the only thing” she likes.

A pansexual love interest, an Achillean mentor, a genderfluid MC? Sign me up.

(This is the point in the review to note none of the characters are defined by their identities, only enriched. It is just my extreme delight to find a story which lets lgbt+ people simply have adventures.)

Finally, the writing style was engaging, just the right amount of intense when needed, and just the right amount of easy-going when having a break from the action. Most importantly, the author knew when to take a step back, give us some exciting details about the world, then launch right back into the plot.

 Things I did not enjoy:

Too much scenery description. That is always tiring; it’s great to set the scene, but we don’t always need to know where the vines twine. Let the greenery be. ;) I admit I have a problem with too long pauses, so this is a completely personal thing. Some folks enjoy their scenery descriptions – it helps them submerge into the story. I prefer action.

Another thing: I liked Ruby too much and I didn’t approve of what happened. I am bitter. :/

 There is no certain explanation why this book is not ranking higher. Perhaps it is a matter of personal taste; perhaps it’s a grudge against the ease with which lgbt+ characters are incorporated, or not defined by their identities. Perhaps it’s the fact that a publisher made the ridiculous, always disastrous choice to name-drop another author.

In any case, I hope marketing does a better job, because the author has done an impeccable one.

 As always, stay readin’,

I am so extremely happy to announce I’m doing a 3-month colaboration with @sapphicliterature! 

Republic’s Chosen will be the temporary bonus read for the book club.

In honour of that awesome event, here’s a list of all the Rainbow Characters on the page. I’ve tried to include only those who have dialogue or are otherwise important to the development of the plot. 

Liana Blackthorn (bisexual)

Gareth Heights (pansexual demiromantic)

Richard Nash (gay)

Teddy Abbott (bisexual; polyamorous)

Salvador Bianchi (bisexual)

Niccolina Mao (lesbian)

Greta Talles (bisexual, demiwoman)

Trevor Leyva (gay)

Fred Kaziyski (bisexual)

Lawanda Clay (trans woman)

Kia Yao (sapphic) term taken from this list

Felicity Puccetti (pansexual, multigender)

Natalie Barrero (asexual aromantic)

Beatrix Tiang (pansexual; polyamorous)

Roxana Fossett (bisexual aromantic)

Vanessa Riley (aromantic)

Christian Colby (achillean) term taken from this list

Krum Suarez (enbian, trans man) term taken from this list

Deanna Novakova (bisexual)

Christian Williams (biromantic asexual)

Leor Swenson (nonbinary/stellarian; polyamorous) term taken from this list

As always, you can follow me on: Twitter | Tumblr | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram

Please read through the Trigger Warnings before Chapter One - just to be sure. 

Stay safe, stay you, stay readin’,

This is going to be fun! I’d apologize for the songs on this playlist, but I am not sorry at all, so... ;) 

You can find the entire playlist on my Youtube channel right here. 

I’ll provide links on song by song basis as well, if you’d like to click on particular ones. The explicit ones will have an E after the name. ^^ 

I recommend giving the entire thing a listen though - I’ve done my best to pace the list well for you. 

Stay with the music,

Ro-ri

1.      Nightwish – 10th Man Down

Reason: Original Concept song. Back when I was 14, it got me thinking of the consequences of war: not about the civilians or the countries affected, but the soldiers. The way that people change when they’re asked to take a life, then another, and another…

2.      Panic! At The Disco – Crazy=Genius 

E (for text not video)

Reason: For the smart cookies in this series. For Kemball, and Liana, and Gareth, and Felicity. Excuse the ablist language in the title – they don’t know better. *sigh*

3.      Royal Blood – Figure It Out 

E (for video not text)

Reason: It’s the most fitting soundtrack for all high-speed chases, races through the battlefield, and cases of Liana driving like a lunatic. There are a few throughout the series.

4.      K’NAAN, Snow The Product, Riz MC, Residente – Immigrants (We Get The Job Done) 

E (for text not video)

Reason: We do. We get the job done.

5.      In This Moment – The Fighter

Reason: De-romanticizing the idea people with mental health problems need a saviour. Promoting self-care, choosing your own feelings, and living a life without being defined by your illness.

6.      Nina Simone – Feeling Good

Reason: For Richard, one day soon. For smiling when the clouds clear. For strength meaning so many different things.

7.      Disturbed – The Sound Of Silence

Reason: Depression. Loneliness. The innate need to connect to people and to find in us the hope of friendship and love.

8.      In This Moment – Whore

E (for text, plus ITM videos can cause a bit of a sensory overload)

Reason: For Liana and her particular brand of survival. Because sometimes you keep the kindness inside, but your soul still grows claws and teeth. And that’s okay too.

9.      In This Moment – Roots

E (for text not video)

Reason: Survivors can have adventures. Lives. Loves. Friendships. Careers. Dreams. They are not their pain.

10.  Sonata Arctica – I Have A Right

Reason: Humane treatment for all, in war and civil life. Everybody has the right to normalcy, to safety. Disputing that casts immediate doubt on the asker’s good intentions.

11.  Parkway Drive – Writings On The Wall

Reason: Resistance. Revolution. Uprisings. Enemy of the state – hero of the people. It’s about those times when the comfort you live in is really the abusive hold of a tormentor who lies to you the rest of the world is evil. And this one has the name of a country. This is for the times we must fight back.

12.  Machine Head – Sail Into The Black

Reason: The willingness to walk into danger when you know danger is waiting. Staring into the abyss when it stares back.

13.  Black Stone Cherry – War

Reason: “War, huh/Yeah/What is it good for?/Absolutely nothing”

14.  Sabaton – Screaming Eagles

(video contains depictions of war/violence)

Reason: Because any team lead by the Blackthorns is deadly. They have no fucking chill. But mostly, this is a song for the S-400: those elite badass soldiers who kick major ass.

15.  Jack Savoretti – When We Were Lovers

Reason: Loves that could not be are the hardest. Unlived and forbidden, but have you known such things to stop Liana? ;)

16.  Darren Hayes – Insatiable

Reason: Some things are hot, okay?

17.  Nightwish – Slow, Love, Slow

Reason: Some loves end and that’s okay. We must let them go, if we are to find a better us, a better life, a better future

18.  Nightwish – While Your Lips Are Still Red

Reason: Live life now. Love to the full potential of your heart. Let it be overfilled. Let people in. Don’t be scared. Let love begin – and may it never end.

19.  Nightwish – Shudder Before The Beautiful

Reason: This song talks of the awe as we gaze upon Earth from above; it’s a celebration of science. This concept fits with the Latin Republic’s philosophy to protect the planet, make sure they don’t worsen the effects of the Great Disaster (and climate change) while working for the development of science and technology.

20.  Nightwish – Ever Dream (live version from Showtime, Storytime)

Reason: Sometimes loved don’t last but they are still precious. Every smile, every breath taken away, every beating heart set to happiness. Loving doesn’t have to be a goal – it’s a journey.

21.  Nightwish – Elan

Reason: To life! Being aware of the things around us, which make us happy, which make it worthwhile to live. The people who bring those smiles to our faces.

22.  Hans Zimmer & Tina Guo – Wonder Woman Main Theme

Reason: Because if Liana had an idol, it would be Diana Prince. They might take a different path, but they are both warriors and their ultimate motivation is their drive to help people; they are protectors, with kindness in their heart the world tries to extinguish.

23.  Xandria – Sacrificium

Reason: Ideas never die. This book is more than its characters, more than a plot. It’s about revolution, about right and wrong, and about which one wins, in the end.

I’d like to tag some writers, if they want to share their playlists: for writing, or songs they associate with their WIPs/finished works. 

@enchantersbooks @sapphicauthor @crowgale @sunshinealexanders @apollo-reads @kclenhartnovels 

“Lieutenant Richard Nash should have died alongside the troops like all good commanders did.

But by now he should have been aware: he was not a good commander.”

Chapter 1, Blacklight by Rori I

Release date: December 31st 2017