Man, the cover artist did a good job. Shoutout to them for doing their best with this train wreck.
@justokayemilay6029
Жыл бұрын
The illustration is amazing!
@nigelpalmer9356
Жыл бұрын
The cover artist did amazing. I was seduced by it and swore the book was amazing because of it
@paparoniandchaese7966
Жыл бұрын
Looked it up, the cover was designed by Karyn Lee and illustrated by Elliot Baum !
@definitelynotashark1799
Жыл бұрын
Right? I shop by visual aesthetics and brief read of a single page, this one 100% would have fooled me.
@chloesantos8637
10 ай бұрын
that's what I was thinking lol!
@ellys106
2 жыл бұрын
there's so few characters because the story is taking place under COVID filming restrictions and they had to limit who was on set
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
hahahahahahahah
@inkayork3331
2 жыл бұрын
Alternative to pale: His skin was like curdled milk, prominent veins raised to the surface like a slab of overripe gorgonzola.
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
I’m dead 😂😂😂😂😂😂
@geographconcept7523
2 жыл бұрын
this is A FACE LIKE GLASS by frances hardinge. i am not kidding
@sydneyalisonbaker
2 жыл бұрын
When referencing my own pasty pale skin, I prefer to refer to myself as “Casper the unfriendly ghost.” 😂
@geographconcept7523
Жыл бұрын
@@Topdoggie7 she is a British writer so this is incorrect!!! my note is extremely complimentary however
@Topdoggie7
Жыл бұрын
@@geographconcept7523 Oh yeah. Sorry for the late post while barely awake. Hardinge writes amazing stuff.
@danaslitlist1
2 жыл бұрын
The topic of the same group of YA authors being nothing but supportive of each other is so important to discuss; because it creates a bubble for the genre and leaves no room for improvement for authors. It also leaves room for problematic elements to thrive if the circle of author friends are not willing to be objective and call it out. I have to ask myself, would they be okay supporting these books if they were written by people they weren’t friends with? Like if I were publishing a book I would want 100% honest feedback and critiques to make sure my work is good.
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
Same. I would only want to ask my friends who I know will give me gentle but firm constructive feedback because I would WANT my book to be its best. I don’t want hype buddies I want feedback that challenges me.
@danaslitlist1
2 жыл бұрын
@@ReadswithRachel exactly this! And I’d want to know if elements of my work were harmful as well.
@cakt1991
2 жыл бұрын
You hit the nail on the head. With literally *every* controversial book I can think of, in recent memory, the author had other authors on their side, either blindly defending the book or their character in general. It’s not even just this group…there are literally different cliques depending on (sub)genre, and sometimes depending on whether it’s traditionally or self published. But the playbook is almost always eerily similar.
@scoutz0rs
2 жыл бұрын
I agree. It feels like every three to five years we cycle through different YA author cliques who promo and blurb each other come hell or high water. It’s definitely gotten more prevalent as social media became the mainstream way to boost your popularity.
@inkayork3331
2 жыл бұрын
Hard agree. My critique partner was a feral animal, and I loved her for it. Like, she ate my entire heart twice, but it was necessary to improve my story. The sensitivity readers I hired were much gentler in their approach, but I got just as much out of their feedback because it was so pointed. I'm open to gentle and harsh feedback, as long as it's honest and constructive and not wishy-washy or cruel. Author cliques are so prevalent on Twitter, and drama follows them everywhere. Also, I can't believe trad publishing won't stump up for sensitivity readers. I hired 5 for my first book (9 across the series of 6 books) and I'm just an indie who has no actual book income yet. Mostly because my books are still naked and I can't afford to dress them all in this economy.
@nox6687
2 жыл бұрын
I feel like it's a lot of toxic positivity. People are trying so hard to pretend that everything's okay, that they're scared to honestly admit when it's not. Critique is a necessary part of growth, but no improvement is made because feedback gets self censored
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
I absolutely agree with you
@kyokunskitty
2 жыл бұрын
Unless something has changed in the last decade, this is actually how "critique" is being taught in colleges, too (at least in the US). I almost failed my creative writing classes because I was "too mean" in my reviews by pointing out anything from flaws in the plot and banal dialog to straight up racism. The instructor pretty much only wanted us to point out gramatical errors in our peers stories, and then just asspat each other. I ended up having to have a mediation between myself and the instructor with a campus counselor where I snapped that I felt unchallenged in the class because no one ever did anything other than praise me and that I didn't pay to get my ego stroked. I got accused of thinking I was better than my peers (not true, I was asking to be given honest reviews) and ultimately ended up with a C in the class lmao. And looking back on the stuff I turned in for the course, it was all bad! They were just as littered with weird plot holes, boring dialog, and the occasional ignorant stereotype as everyone else's stories were but I couldn't see it at the time because no one was giving me real critique.
@EVILIMPproductions
2 жыл бұрын
@@kyokunskitty That is honestly insane. I am so sorry that your college did that to you and your teacher was completely wrong. That is the exact opposite of my experience in my under grad. In fact my creative writing teacher went out of her way to make sure we got negative critiques. Not in a horrible or insulting way. She just made sure we learned how to give critiques properly, that we learn how to word things in a helpful way without just insulting each other, but make sure we weren’t afraid of being honest. She even talked about how we needed to get used to getting critiques if we were going to be writers, that we needed to have a thick skin as well as knowing how to critique writers in a helpful way. Even now I am getting my masters and everyone in my writing workshop classes are encouraged to give honest critiques as long we can also suggest ways to help the author improve.
@kyokunskitty
2 жыл бұрын
@@EVILIMPproductions dang I'm jealous of your experience!
@DrawciaGleam02
2 жыл бұрын
@@kyokunskitty "straight up racism" OH HECK NO! You should definitely point that out in your critiques!! 😮😮
@banane2279
Жыл бұрын
I gotta say though, that cover slaps
@ReadswithRachel
Жыл бұрын
oh for sure, i agree
@thelexicon7294
2 жыл бұрын
I posted the first-ever negative review of After (on Goodreads, Amazon and my own blog). I subsequently had to take them all down for my own mental health. You're not joking about rabid fans and toxic fandoms.
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
oh my god you are a brave soul because that fandom is willing to go for the necks of any and every person
@soph996
Жыл бұрын
As a 1D fan.... We don't claim Harry Het Stans (aka the girls who projected onto Tessa) who hyped up the fics/books and got them where they are now. Most of the 1D fandom recognised the books for what they were and kind of let them be. Now, the After fanbase that's independent from the 1D fandom...that's whole separate issue ngl. They are even crazier.
@bearonatricycle1082
2 жыл бұрын
I don’t understand why authors are so scared of negative reviews. Critical reviews are a crucial part of the creative process. Scathing, unapologetic, and absolutely brutal reviews are vital to creating a better work. You don’t forge a sword by gently rubbing a piece of steel with a towel, you have to heat it and beat the hell out of it to get something worthwhile. Your reviews are honest and fair, and reflect your opinion as a reader and reviewer. People need to accept that.
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
i appreciate that! I try to be fair, i make jokes for the sake of my audience but if an author asks me for help i really do try to work with as many as i can to help make their books the best they can be
@bampo8436
Жыл бұрын
Your review doesn't need to be brutal. You can give criticism without being a ass
@danieltobin4498
Жыл бұрын
You know these reviews are just for fun right? Actual legitimate reviews need to be clinical, surgical, and full of substance. In other words, boring to us but critical to the person it’s meant for. A good review is a review that explains what’s wrong and how to fix it. That’s it. “Scathing reviews” implies that the reviewer is getting emotional and thus will put out an inferior review because they’ll be too blinded to give accurate advice.
@MewSakura12
Жыл бұрын
I think this is untrue, reviews are for the reader not the author. By the time the book is out and ready to be reviewed the author is already working on their next book. Scathing, unapologetic, brutal reviews are fine but they’re not vital to the authors growth because they shouldn’t be reading/watching that anyway. That’s how you end up with authors crossing boundaries and attacking reviewers.
@ghouling1111
Жыл бұрын
The problem is many have forgot the art of 'review' and tare apart the author as person based on the book (not to say a author shouldnt be called out a person with issues if it based on more then the work itself). More character assassination rather then provide out lines of a books issues. Why I'm glad I found this channel, because it's not hurtful towards the author or readers. It's a critical analysis of the work itself.
@Lentilsandbannanaz
Жыл бұрын
I had such a weird time listening to this because my name is Galen and not once have I heard it fictionally or in any kind of video ever. I imagine this is what people with normal names feel like lmao
@themermaddie
8 ай бұрын
the main character in Princesses of the Midnight Ball is named Galen!
@tigaliyt
7 ай бұрын
Try Dragon Quest, there's a famed bard by that name, he's got a town named after him and all.
@VickiWeavil
2 жыл бұрын
Authors are often asked by their publishers to blurb books -- not necessarily even books FROM that publisher. It can be a quid pro quo sort of thing between publishers too. So the author can be put in a bind. Maybe they don't want to praise a book, but... Which is why I give some of these authors a break, in terms of them giving blurbs.
@danaslitlist1
2 жыл бұрын
This! And this is also why I never buy a book for the blurb or even give the “opinion” a thought.
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
Yes! I truly dont understand being mad at an author for blurbing the book, the way people came for chloe over this was so disproportionate of a response
@malubarroso
2 жыл бұрын
Man, when you told me the synopsis I found the whole concept so cool. It really is a pity the execution was so lackluster.
@chelsey8737
2 жыл бұрын
Ik! The evil violent magic thing sound so cool as does the science-y find a cure thing but clealr yet doesn't work out 😕
@KNSLogon
Жыл бұрын
I picked up this book before realizing the behind-the-scenes drama with the author. It was a book that I read in about two days and when I finished I thought, "It was fine." Reflecting back a week later when I realized I couldn't remember anything I noted that the book was a big old ball of nothing. It looks pretty on my shelf though... :/
@dylancooper5728
2 жыл бұрын
I’m lowkey convinced these bad TikTok books are the first attempt at AI generated books, and the industry is using these tiktokers as figureheads to sell.
@afckingegg7585
Жыл бұрын
Lol, believe me when I say AI would write way worse books than this.
@mittag983
8 ай бұрын
I tried using AI once to test this theory AI for sure doesn't write like that it's worse it can write your a scene but nothing more it doesn't understand context
@skullmeerkat
2 жыл бұрын
I haven’t read this book but I’ve read a few fantasy books recently where I’ve just wondered how they ever got published. I didn’t quite figure out the mysterious antagonist in 20ish pages like you did, but some of the books I’ve read recently have had the most obvious plot twists. They’re so obvious that I can’t even call them twists. When I’ve read reviews for some of them, a lot of people rave about the twists and it makes me question if I’m taking books too seriously (but truthfully, some of the setups were so blatant, I don’t know how people couldn’t predict it). Some of the reviews made question if I had even read the same book. Some of them weren’t even YA and I felt like I was reading the equivalent to a children’s animated show when the goal is to teach a lesson so the animators literally pan to whatever object is going to be the subject of the day. I’m not looking for literary masterpieces, but I am looking for books with just a bit more, I don’t know, planning? Thought? The assumption that the reader has some level of critical thinking? I don’t even know.
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
your review reminds me of me when i read caraval. I was so convinced by the reviews that I would love it so when i didnt i was like "is it me? am i the problem? am i taking this too seriously?
@sora1498
2 жыл бұрын
its a shame, the cover is so gorgeous and if i didnt know anything, i mightve picked it up
@3catday-writingandcats724
2 жыл бұрын
There's a part of me that is always afraid when I see a booktube title that says "did it deserve 1 star", because of my own self-published books. But"thankfully" mine are so unremarkable I don't even have any reviews. Ha-ha-ha... :sobs:
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
Noooooooo not this! Did you seek out beta readers? Those can help you get some early reviews but still allow you to utilize the feedback pre-publishing
@palindont9238
2 жыл бұрын
@@3catday-writingandcats724 Cat-a-tonic sounds too cute. I know the only having a few reviews thing can be disheartening. If I can carve out a little time in the next week or so, I'll try to read it and add another review for you. I know the self-publishing process can be trying and I wish you the best of luck!!
@3catday-writingandcats724
2 жыл бұрын
@@palindont9238 Thank you so much! I appreciate it.
@kenzashenna
Жыл бұрын
What's your books name?
@mononoke-san4754
2 жыл бұрын
Maybe a bit of an odd comment- but I've only just come across this channel and these critiques are amazing, very eloquent and thorough. As an amateur writer I think I'll start using these books as a guide for what not to do lmao.
@icantdecideonaname6354
Жыл бұрын
I feel like for a debut book it's decent, but there are some area where I get flashbacks back to when I was a 10 year old, determined to become an author, having a lot of cool or important things happening off page because I thought it would be too tedious and annoying to right. I'm still pretty young so some more mature themes tend to float over my head, but when I read the book it definitely felt a bit scrambled and disconnected. The whole book felt like a concept that someone really loved but that was all they had.
@dragonfire7965
2 жыл бұрын
God that is a pretty cover though, props to the cover artist/designer!
@mrsiz218
Жыл бұрын
Agree with you 100% about the anonymous review. It is sad that reviewers have to worry about backlash. As a self-published author, it's recommended that we NOT read our reviews as they are not for us they are for other readers. I stupidly still read some of mine and, yeah, the one and two star ones can sting, but those folks just aren't your tribe and that's ok. They're still entitled to their opinion what they think of my book is none of my business. Best thing to do is just keep writing, because just like any other skill the more you do it the better you get at it and oh boy, when you go back and read over your first books and cringe because even you can see your own improvement. Just keep on keeping on and leave the reviews and reviewers alone. Folks shouldn't have to be afraid to post their opinion.
@andreeabitirez7677
7 ай бұрын
I dieeeeed at your Malfoy/Weasley comment
@namelessname8484
2 жыл бұрын
sis your smart don't put yours self down like that.
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
I appreciate it but I legitimately do not think so!
@Topdoggie7
2 жыл бұрын
I literally had someone I critiqued for writing problematic content and bury your gays repeatedly for the straight character's development go to her writing circle and use them to validate her and she only takes inner circle criticism. I cringed so damn hard because that's vile to me and toxic positivity.
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
please tell me this wasnt a tradpub author
@Topdoggie7
2 жыл бұрын
@@ReadswithRachel They're an editor who toots their own horn on Twitter and they have a small following there. They encourage people to tradpub and almost all of their advice is so squeaky clean like never have a gay character ever ever display any negative personalities, trans people can do no wrong, the LGBT can never be a bad guy. I ran into them because I dared to have a gay character have anger issues. It's really weird because they write gay villains all the time but if one of their paying customers does it they freak out and scream.
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
What….. the utter f***
@fluffyfish2607
2 жыл бұрын
@@Topdoggie7 that's especially absurd because like do they think that anyone in the LGBTQ+ group is non human and therefore unable to have human emotions and flaws like everyone else?
@SongWitch
2 жыл бұрын
I was just looking at this book YESTERDAY on a list of upcoming F/F releases. I read the blurb and figured it wasn’t for me. Wild that all this has happened around it!
@cjandrews6967
2 жыл бұрын
People need to understand if you are a fan of a book or a book series and someone reviews it and don't like the book doesn't mean that the fans of the book should go and tell that person to do horrible things to themselves we are entitled to our opinions and not everyone is gonna like a particular book people have favorite genres or types of books I just find it childish that grown people are acting like children
@lunaeffe2383
Жыл бұрын
I have to thank you because I'm currently reading this book and you were able to give me more informations about what is going on than the book itself! First, I'm soooo annoyed by the absence of a map in this book cuz names are just dumped here and there and it took me idk how much to realize sunra is the royals surname and not a place! (or maybe it is? I have no idea?). I feel just stupid lol while continuing the reading, I'm even failing to understand this treaty purpose? And why there's no maid even dressing ranka up?? No change of dresses? No etiquette? It's just the 4 of them it's honestly boring
@mayatattershall5463
6 ай бұрын
I was definitely hooked by the cover but then I had to dnf after the cabbage man from avatar the last Airbender cameo bc WTF WAS THAT
@DisWriter
6 ай бұрын
In defense of Chole Gong: Here's what happens when you're successful, usually your editor/publisher or someone in the industry that's stood by you in your hardest moments gives you a book and says: "I really need you to blurb this." You're really busy but you both "owe" and like this person. So, you read the book quickly and with a bias you can't help as a human and you write a good sentence about the best of it. Also she's a Chinese American author. Just by existing she's gone through stuff, so give her a break.
@badlilkitty96
2 жыл бұрын
All communities are vitriolic I feel like these days. Every community I take part in on KZitem has so much hate.
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
I remember being in the online vegan community and it was present there as well, lots of in-fighting
@Chyriuse
Жыл бұрын
I really wanted to buy this book the other day, and I'm glad I put it off. It sounded interesting and looked beautiful, but I'm so disappointed that that it isn't good.
@lrae9519
Жыл бұрын
I love this series, really helps me weed out my tbr list. Thank you for spending the time I can't on books like this
@kathrynreid2208
Жыл бұрын
Tbh the synopsis and intro make this book sound like a sequel
@ronanmaebee
Жыл бұрын
would love to see a video of you tier listing types of magic bc I also love death magic and necromancy
@ReadswithRachel
Жыл бұрын
Good idea!
@AliZmusic
2 жыл бұрын
When my book is released I want you to read and review it omg, you're so thorough I appreciate that so much in reviewers
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
i'd be happy to!
@AliZmusic
2 жыл бұрын
@@ReadswithRachel Oh my gosh hell yes
@Octoberdoomster1
Жыл бұрын
I finished my book. I'm terrified that it's no good, but my friend tells me that it's good.
@ReadswithRachel
Жыл бұрын
My advice: if you can… Hire a reviewer who’s reviews you respect for their honesty to help you as a beta reader.
@Octoberdoomster1
Жыл бұрын
I found an editor who liked a small sample and wants to work on it.
@Hobofish11
Ай бұрын
Friends don't let friends publish sub-par books...
@MrRorosuri
2 жыл бұрын
Rachel you're almost at 4k 🙌
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
I’m seriously shocked 😭
@SuperMaster000X
2 жыл бұрын
Isnt better the name "Berserker Witch" instead of "blood witch"? Or something like, Boiling blood witch, or Rage witch?
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah I agree, I would’ve liked to see Rage Witch used instead
@rhi393
Жыл бұрын
I got this as one of my fairyloot boxes and I was excited. Now I’m nervous 😂 I’m hoping it’s bad enough it’s funny but I am not feeling hopeful and I’m only a few minutes into the video 😂😂
@izzydog158
2 жыл бұрын
authors that arent on social media >
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
CLAIRE LEGRAND! And I love her for it. Elizabeth Acevedo is on but very rarely on. Those are my two favorite authors.
@justokayemilay6029
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the review. Loved it.
@KittenLynxARI
Жыл бұрын
I mean, the premise itself sounds interesting to me. It's sad the execution wasn't as good.
@ellys106
2 жыл бұрын
Every time I cover buy a book, it betrays me. Loved this cover and almost preordered the book 'cause of it
@cuteproxytobylover5279
2 жыл бұрын
I really think it's sad, that the book turned out so badly, because the plot could've been the base for an actuallly good storyline imo. Like, throw in some extra characters who interact meaningfully with the protags, do the important plot points ON screen, maybe write a bit more chronologically instead of just getting a starting point way ahead of the meat and potatoes only to infodump later.... The list goes on. And with building romance, you CAN turn banter and even serious fights into a bonding experience, platonically or romantically. I know I'm not a super-skilled writer either, but I like to think that my current fantasy novel is doing better than that... Simply because I kinda know how to write in differnt voices and give backstory through dialogue, character morals, and show-not-tell.
@AllisonMiller30
2 жыл бұрын
The pale thing made me think of Stephen King and JK Rowling and they always repeat a character’s physical trait or a tick they do. I get it, but not five times a page.
@Topdoggie7
2 жыл бұрын
Bro, he hasn't done that for years, but Rowling adores it for sure.
@AllisonMiller30
2 жыл бұрын
@@Topdoggie7 I haven’t read a Stephen King book since high school and that was one of the reasons why. I tried to reread the Stand, but oh buddy the repetition made me want to pull an Oedipus and rid myself of my eyes. It was melon baller time.
@Topdoggie7
2 жыл бұрын
@@AllisonMiller30 Oh man that is a terrible book to pick. Like I'm a huge fan but I can tell you that certain ones like Jerusalem's Lot and Salem's Lot, these are books that I do not recommend. The Stand itself is kind of one of those because it goes so deep into things like nipple hair that you get taken out of all of it. I highly recommend reading some of his new books because he does really good short stories and he does really good newer books.
@AllisonMiller30
2 жыл бұрын
@@Topdoggie7 yeah, I shouldn’t have read that book so young, I remember just reading along and then the butt sex happened and I was like “well this just came out of left field,” I don’t remember the character’s name, but his death wasn’t satisfying enough.
@Topdoggie7
2 жыл бұрын
@@AllisonMiller30 Yeah I definitely recommend his fat books to older audiences. The smaller ones are fine, though.
@ellys106
2 жыл бұрын
there's some authors who blurb almost anything under the sun, and I figure they are just doing it to be nice or 'cause they just want to blurb books. I simply don't take their blurbs seriously, even when I like the author's work.
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
i never take blurbs into consideration so when people were upsetty spaghetti with chloe for blurbing i was like.... why?
@cam4636
2 жыл бұрын
"All creators are pwecious and their work is VALID😊😊😊" -> "HOW DARE YOU SAY ANYTHING I COULD MISINTERPRET AS AN INSULT AGAINST SOMEONE ON THE INTERNET I'VE DECIDED TO PROJECT MY OWN INSECURITIES ONTO" circlejerking is so peak tumblr. I swear twitter is fermented tumblr and tiktok is distilled twitter. Booktok is tumblr flavored vodka.
@elyelsonfree
Жыл бұрын
I'm not super familiar with the industry so I could be way off base here, but I wonder if the issue re: people with big online followings getting publishing deals and producing sub-par work is due to the publishers deciding, since they can get the sales, they can slack on actually helping develop the book. Whereas, imo, you should spend the money you're saving on marketing on helping the author produce a good product.
@sentientstarz
Жыл бұрын
i was really looking forward to this book because it sounded cool to me, so i'm extremely disappointed to hear that it wasn't done well😭
@Ziggi_onthe_RISE
Жыл бұрын
How can everyone be pale? They pale in comparison to one another 🥁 🥁baddum tsss
@Ziggi_onthe_RISE
Жыл бұрын
Also, pale used this much makes me think they all must be sickly, because when I hear pale used to describe skin, it is usually in instances where the face pales due to shock or illness. Are the P@L3 people ok?
@EDDIELANE
Жыл бұрын
As a budding author, I enjoy the truthful looks you take. :) But is it shadenfreude for me to be looking up all the reviews on bad books? I fully admit it makes me feel good, lol.
@equinoxcrow
2 жыл бұрын
This a badly written Serpent and Dove fanfic.
@whoisashanyways
2 жыл бұрын
This implies that Serpent and Dove isn’t already badly written
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
i love this thread yall
@steverainbow2.0
3 ай бұрын
Every time i see this book the withcyndi video starts to play in my head 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
@KaelWrit
8 ай бұрын
Honestly this sounds fun to read to me.
@delicateBruise
Жыл бұрын
I enjoy your rambles
@TheAquamarine4
Жыл бұрын
I unfortunately don’t trust Marines’s opinion after watching some of their comments on an author that degraded them as a person but i used to respect them so I understand why you would want to cite them in multiple videos i just can’t get by them
@Financiallyfreeauthor
Жыл бұрын
That blurb is so long! I do love the title :-/
@Hyuchii
2 жыл бұрын
if almost sounds like she skimmed a summary of the relationship between harrow and gideon and then sort of….. copy pasted it? but completely missed the point
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
God i wish this book had had the banter harrow and gideon have
@forsythia-me2lx
8 ай бұрын
dont do that. dont act like only one iteration of the big tough lesbian x small smarter lesbian can exist. dont be boring.
@nursemain3174
Жыл бұрын
I love ur channel but I just don’t bother reviewing books anymore or leaving my opinion on book channels, I’ve experienced so much toxicity for not liking popular books or some classics, you and Erica mariness are the only two channels I actually feel safe commenting
@ReadswithRachel
Жыл бұрын
I’m glad you’re here and I’m so sorry you experienced that.
@katherinedonovan974
2 жыл бұрын
This doesn't make sense to you?! I think my brain hurts from all what's going on!
@BlushingRose714
2 жыл бұрын
I'm mad this sucked because I do love the coverart. Ugh
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
I think many people feel this exact way! The artist really went all in
@Aarkwrite
8 ай бұрын
The color of library paste
@rossyblossom25
Жыл бұрын
I think the book could've been better like rachel spoke if it was written in a more refined way with heavy beta'ing cuz tbh I was thinking how if some of the characters were fleshed out and the book took a different pace maybe divide into a trilogy to flesh out the bg info it could be a fun read.
@TwoSarahs
2 жыл бұрын
I understand the story is written poorly, but what were your feelings about all the other allegations (re:racial problems) about the book?
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
I didn’t personally observe anything overtly racist BUT I say that with a huge caveat: Like Mari says in the tiktoks I linked to, “what are you as a white person going to decide on if something is racist?”. I can only say what I observed based on my own perceptions. And reading this as a white person there’s the possibility that I did not pick up on micro aggressions or stereotypes within the text. I cannot wholly and effectively sensitivity read for that issue. So I feel like my perception of the book on that issue is a moot point.
@TwoSarahs
2 жыл бұрын
@@ReadswithRachel Thanks!
@lilz
10 ай бұрын
Wait but I thought nobody was born a witch so why is the princess ineligible???
@steverainbow2.0
3 ай бұрын
As she hasn't awakened her powers until now (because she's probably not a witch) she can't be eligible, they want people with magic to be in the throne
@TheresesNook
2 жыл бұрын
This books sounds terrible and now i wanna read it so i can see HOW bad
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
All it really is, is an executional failure. Everything she tried to do was a flop here. There’s nothing enjoyable in it whatsoever. The prose itself isn’t bad but it doesn’t stay with you the way that like, NK Jemisin’s writing does.
@TheresesNook
2 жыл бұрын
The issue I’m having with a lot of new YA is that the idea at its base, is solid. Like the synopsis and the concept of this book sounds super interesting, but publishing wants people to get published super fast and they leave their authors to get published off of what is literally a first draft. Maybe even a second draft, if we’re being generous. Like in no way shape or form should an editor not have been like “yo. What is this, fix it”
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
THIS^^^^^ you nailed it. 100%. The time, resources, and care are really not being put in to create good books, everything’s being channeled into simply selling books no matter what the inside looks like.
@vainpiers
11 ай бұрын
Is it hands of Salome or Solome, solomay?
@whitneymouse
2 жыл бұрын
We are 0:40 in and I'm noticing Chloe Gong blurbed this one, as well as Lightlark and I think another one you mentioned? 😂 no shade to her as an author, but if you're doing Popsugar this year and Chloe Gong is your fave, there should be no problem finding a book she blurbed for that prompt! Edit: I continued with the video and want to make it very clear, I'm not in any way, shape, or form wishing or encouraging bad behavior on or towards Chloe Gong. She just does a lot of blurbs. If you're wishing harm on her or harassing her in any way, that's not cool as it's not cool to do so for any author who is just trying to do their job 🤷🏽♀
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
Uncontroversial take: I think we can say definitively that Chloe Gong is reading books left and right.
@moustik31
Жыл бұрын
A lot of BIPOC authors are getting 1 star reviews bec. readers are racist (similarly to how mainstream reviewers reacted to Turning Red). If you would ever chose to platform one of them, I think you might even enjoy the reading experience.
@ReadswithRachel
Жыл бұрын
I’d be happy to. Can you list a few? I’ll make a note
@DrawciaGleam02
2 жыл бұрын
Well. the cover of this book doesn't deserve one star IMO......
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
I think it’s been a cover buy for a lot of folks!
@Shadowwing1994
11 ай бұрын
What a waste of a premise! Like the synopsis actually sounded interesting but the execution was horrible.
@steverainbow2.0
3 ай бұрын
Ok eu tenho que falar mais toda vez que eu penso em ver um video seu eu sempre penso nesse nao sei pq tem algo nesse video que sempre me traz de volta para ele toda vez eu sinto vontade de ver esse video de novo 😂😂😂😂😂😂🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤ acho que essa vontade e pq eu quero muito mais muito mesmo reescrever esse livro e essa vontade nao passa 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 a história desse livro tem muita oportunidade para fazer algo bom e legal ea vontade de tornar esse livro em algo bom e muito forte comigo 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
@amandaredd3057
2 жыл бұрын
Damn, that's a whole lot of pale, dude 😉
@thiirdofdecemberr
2 жыл бұрын
This plot sounds like a ripoff of legend of Korra
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
I'll take your word for it! I am so out of touch and still havent watched that
@kerensamcelrath4771
2 жыл бұрын
The author has been pretty open about being a fan of Avatar (specifically the last airbender I think but I bet she watched Korra too) and she's compared Ranka to Zuko a bunch on her tiktok. Beyond that, the prince kinda gave me Aang vibes and Percy felt like a more two-dimensional Sokka. So basically, yeah you're probably right!
@sydneyalisonbaker
2 жыл бұрын
Kinda off topic and a little controversial. You also have to look at it from other angles. I’m not defending this book, I haven’t read it and don’t plan to. I also think witch themed books can be hard to pull off without it feeling cartoonish. But I just want a good story! No racism in ANY direction, no overdone tropes, no woke virtue signaling quotas. Can authors get back to focusing on the actual story and character development? It seems like lately authors are forcing all these different check marks into stories because they are so afraid of being canceled if they don’t. If you don’t have lots of gay or trans people in the book you’re cancelled or get bad reviews. If there aren’t enough black/brown characters then you get bad reviews. But somehow being openly racist in books is ok as long as the victims aren’t black? It’s still racism. I picked up the Inheritance Trilogy by Jemisin. She basically made every white character evil, and then entire 3 hours I listened to it was just the main character sitting around complaining. Very slow book. Too slow. Way too preachy. I couldn’t finish it. I just want a good story.
@Teajay21
Ай бұрын
Racism against white people doesn't exist
@AngelsoftheUnknown
Жыл бұрын
i really enjoyed this book, i had a lot of fun reading it. disappointed the hate campaign based on nothing have skewed people's perspective so severely.
@ReadswithRachel
Жыл бұрын
Personally, nothing skewed my viewing of the book I just didn’t think it was good at all.
@AngelsoftheUnknown
Жыл бұрын
@@ReadswithRachel i was talking about the freaks that were review-bombing on goodreads and going crazy on twitter/tiktok. i get this book isnt for everyone and that its not some critical masterpiece, but i had fun with it and even disagree on some of your points. we all experience things differently and have different tastes so im not here to try to change your mind. i just wanted to share my thoughts. i love your authors behaving badly series, keep up the good work!!
@KrisMF
2 жыл бұрын
speaking as a writer, I think many of us would RATHER not be on social media lol (myself included.) it's the publishing industry that demands pre-built audiences, viral tiktoks or "easily pitchable" premises to even consider our stories and it kinda backs us into a corner... so many books these days are a product of, like you said, a person's "online presence preceding them" and it creates this cycle of mediocre stories getting skyrocketed to the top of people's most anticipated reads. I don't think rebecca's an awful person at all. it's just a lotttt of books are getting published prematurely/carelessly, including this one, it seems. thanks for breaking this down though lol, I was gonna pass this one up.
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
"published prematurely" is EXACTLY how i would put this case, absolutely. I think that publishing is really unfair to authors, and having to rely on online presence in order to sell books is going to cause this to keep happening. Publishers should instead be willing to do more to help efficiently get books ready for publishing, then do more to market books.
@vainpiers
11 ай бұрын
@@ReadswithRachel it's just a way to cut costs with marketing, if you have a big enough platform to market your own book they don't need to spend as much.
@covu5699
6 ай бұрын
As a writer currently writing my debut novel, your words resonate so much with me. I'm very shy in public and online so the thought of implementing multiple social media accounts to try marketing my books sound terrifying
@JMIvie
2 жыл бұрын
Fantasy sapphic romance is SO hard for authors to get right, I feel like. I want a good one. I'm begging the universe, please give us readers a well written fantasy sapphic romance book. DX
@plutoisaplanet5243
2 жыл бұрын
The finale strife has a sapphic romance.
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
i am officially moving up the final strife on my tbr cinderella is dead is a sapphic fantasy that i enjoyed!
@JMIvie
2 жыл бұрын
*adds both to TBR*
@SongWitch
2 жыл бұрын
The Elemental Logic series by Laurie J Marks is the gold standard for me and literally no one knows about it. Multiple queer characters in a literal found family (they live together and raise a child collectively), a fascinating magic system, in-depth discussions of the morality of war, and Le Guin-level prose
@jojobookish9529
2 жыл бұрын
Tasha Suri's Burning Kingdoms may be what you're looking for. I just finished the second book and I don't think my heart will recover.
@oddeyes9413
Жыл бұрын
As an author of 12+ years myself, I feel like this almost epidemic of poorly executed/written stories is happening - to a degree, at least - because publishers are almost forcing the hand of authors to promote themselves 100% and build an audience before a book releases(a lot of times, before a book even exists and is just an idea even.) when originally Publishers were responsible for that to a larger degree in prior years. Now authors aren't just writing and doing some marketing, we're a lot of times doing the jobs publishers used to do, plus some, even while Trad Publishing. That being said, social media is definitely at the root of this issue in a lot of ways and is an extremely double edged sword for us, but unfortunately is all we can do now to stand a chance in an already extremely difficult industry to get into, let alone thrive in.
@pancakestea1380
Жыл бұрын
4:06 Since I have no self control, I decided to "fix" the synopsis a bit: "Ranka is tired of death. All she wants now is to be left alone, living out her days in Witchik’s wild north with the coven that raised her, attempting to forget the horrors of her past. But when she is named Bloodwinn, the next treaty bride to the human kingdom of Isodal, her coven sends her south with a single directive: kill him. Easy enough, for a blood-witch whose magic compels her to kill. Except the prince doesn't seem to be what the coven thinks. And it’s his sister-the wickedly smart, infuriatingly beautiful Princess Aramis-who seems to be the real threat. But when witches start turning up dead, murdered by a mysterious, magical plague, and coup draws nearer, Ranka is forced to decide between the coven that raised her and the people who see beyond the monster she's been shaped to be. But as the bodies pile up, a monster may be exactly what's needed."
@LACHRYMA
Жыл бұрын
i actually like this better than the official one! i like how you stuck to the og vision and really worked off the bones of the synopsis without just completely changing it, though it probably wasn't hard cuz the concept it had was really cool, the execution just sucked on the authors part. all in all, neat job!
@steverainbow2.0
3 ай бұрын
I think not putting the part about the prince and princess would be better it make the idea that they are "evil" or bad stay a little longer, keeping the mystery
@troycoolerbigbrain1723
Жыл бұрын
Whole situation made me think of the “Crier’s War” series . Though the author of that book is not a poc, the two protagonist who fall in love are described to be. She does an amazing job of writing two characters and not overly reminding the reader just to mark a check in a diversity box. This story exploring the meaning of what it is to be human, and the protagonist just happen to be people of color. Glad I wasn’t the only who was trying to figure out what was going on in “The One’s Who Burn.” The flashbacks had me fighting for my life. I still don’t understand the whole “nail” thing😭. Like are their nails talons, inky black, or all of the above. Besides that I’m genuinely confused on why the book is so length if significant events and characters are glossed over repeatedly.
@KayKay-dq5gm
Жыл бұрын
Omg the nails!! I still don't get the thing her sister poured on her hands to make it lighter? How it could be make lighter? What's the reason for them to be black? Fr a no-brainer
@LiciaM
Жыл бұрын
There was a twitter thread about in response to authors always describing poc characters with food (ie: mocha, honey, caramel skin) and that poc authors should do it for their yt characters. Responses tickled me.
@CyanHope
Жыл бұрын
Wait? Saying that author should describe us(white) like mozzarella, cheese, milk, yogurt😂😂😂😂
@DelilahDarling17
Жыл бұрын
@@CyanHope "Her skin was whiter than mozzarella, and softer than mayonnaise. It tasted of plain yogurt." Edit: Now that I think about it, I probably just wrote something a cannibal would. 🤔
@CyanHope
Жыл бұрын
@@DelilahDarling17 a cannibal who apparently really likes dairy🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@DelilahDarling17
Жыл бұрын
@@CyanHope Either someone already wrote a book about that, or someone is about to! 😂
@CyanHope
Жыл бұрын
@@DelilahDarling17🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@TheWaywardCheckpoint
Жыл бұрын
Listening to your vids and other like it while trying to write a lesbian love story with sirens. I may not be a lesbian or even a woman (well anymore🏳️⚧️) I still feel like trying to put out good written women/lesbians by men so yeah. You're amazing Rachel
@ReadswithRachel
Жыл бұрын
I look forward to seeing your story someday!
@TheWaywardCheckpoint
Жыл бұрын
@@ReadswithRachel Thank you! I really look up to you so you have no idea how happy that makes me
@MrRorosuri
2 жыл бұрын
I was so excited for this one 🥺. I need to stop looking at covers 🤣🤣
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
THE COVERS GET US EVERY TIME!!!
@danaslitlist1
2 жыл бұрын
Literally this book and “we fall down” got me for the covers but both are apparently just awful💀
@DrawciaGleam02
2 жыл бұрын
Don't feel bad. I pick up books for their covers too! But who drew the art? We need to support them!!
@sydneyalisonbaker
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, pretty covers have given me many duds. Look good on the shelf though. Lol.
@BinturongGirl
Жыл бұрын
16:39 You thought Weasley, but I instantly thought "that's Beaker from the Muppets"
@ReadswithRachel
Жыл бұрын
Hahahahahaha
@whimsydearest
2 жыл бұрын
I'm so glad that I canceled my preorder for this one. 😭
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
Honestly… money well saved. Not worth your cash.
@aasha8759
2 жыл бұрын
im about to see if i can cancel mine... wish me luck !
@aasha8759
2 жыл бұрын
i cant until i receive it,,,
@whimsydearest
2 жыл бұрын
@@aasha8759 Oh, no. That sucks.
@scoutz0rs
2 жыл бұрын
I’ve only reviewed books anonymously ever since 2012 and all of the authors behaving badly (and even an agent behaving badly wrt The Selection), Stop the Goodreads Bullies doxing reviewers, etc. Modern social media (especially tiktok and twitter) has made it even worse. And not to be grossly cynical, but so many current YA books (and some adult crossover books) feel like popularity grabs from people who already have popularity, and not a love of storytelling/craft. Like, they want to skip the work and time and go for the IP and fandom idk.
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
i think you're absolutely right also... i forgot about stop the goodreads bullies. what a wild time on the internet.
@Topdoggie7
2 жыл бұрын
Wtf, they dox negative reviews???
@ViolaQueen12
Жыл бұрын
Huge THANK YOU! I’ve been binging your videos and you’ve truly helped me as an author. As I’m going through my manuscript, I’m looking for moments where I can see you roasting me, and fixing them. You’re the best! ❤❤
@ReadswithRachel
Жыл бұрын
I'm so glad!
@katemacdonald3765
Жыл бұрын
This is beautiful. I, too, write like I can imagine someone roasting me XD
@XTooManyShowsX
2 жыл бұрын
I was looking forward to this book but im also used to tiktok recs being crap but people hyping them up anyway. Thank you for saving my time and money.
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
Just doing my civic duty!
@עינת-כ5ט
2 жыл бұрын
Your reviews are important to both the authors and others. I personally take notes for myself by watching your videos. because I want to write a good book. Maybe there are people who think it's cruel, but only by criticism the writer can grow.
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
This means so much to me, thank you!
@UnicornHunterbooks
2 жыл бұрын
I'm really glad I skipped this one. That's so weird that so many people don't even show up and a lot of stuff just happens off the page. That would frustrate me a lot.
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
the off-page stuff kills me. Im not asking every scene be a GRRM level case of political scheming but to have entire groups just not on page? come on
@abookishmess
2 жыл бұрын
Okay so I'm from America and I'm kind of tired of the new government always being defacto Democracy. Like bruh there's better systems or even ways we can improve democracy. But it's so cut/dry
@fluffyfish2607
2 жыл бұрын
It's so boring when that happens, and sometimes it even sounds mildly like propaganda lol
@gracieisbored9191
2 жыл бұрын
omg i nearly bought this book cause i liked the cover. so glad i went with a comic instead 😭
@neliaaa
2 жыл бұрын
Ito of pale, call them ghostly or ghostlike 😆 (I've been called a ghost ~too many~ times by the kids in school ✌🏻)
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
I got called white as death once! i'll take that lol
@cosmicsloth1870
2 жыл бұрын
As an aspiring author, I watch lots of videos on new and promising (YA) fantasy books, especially those that seem to fail their expectations. I'm on the fence about whether or not to buy this book just to get a first-hand idea of what went wrong and teach myself not to make the same mistakes, but the comments tell me that it would be a waste of 20$ lol
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
This might be a book you’d wanna grab from your library, if you have access to one, so you don’t waste your money trying to learn what went wrong here!
@KittyxKult
2 жыл бұрын
I think regardless of any of the poor writing, the discussion surrounding this book is the reverse racism and harmful stereotypes. The book probably could have been garbage and not been one star bombed but the problematic issues pushed it over the edge. But it’s good you went thoroughly and addressed the poor writing too.
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
I’m aware of the discussion that led to it being one star bombed.
@CaffeineWords
2 жыл бұрын
So blood witches are basically berserkers? Why do we need magic to explain a murderous rage? Did she think no one would like her character if she was just Like That?
@ReadswithRachel
2 жыл бұрын
Whatever symbolism she was trying to write in the witchery in this book was completely lost on me
@DrawciaGleam02
2 жыл бұрын
I dunno, witches acting like your typical DnD barbarians seems like a fun concept. I'd watch an animation of that for sure!!
@CaffeineWords
2 жыл бұрын
@@DrawciaGleam02 I would too, but, well, look at it this way. A witch that acts like a barbarian is interesting, but doesn’t need to have some magical explanation behind it. If she was cursed that way, or if she just happened to be a berserker, it would probably be something she had to overcome to achieve her goal. That would be interesting and plot-relevant. And assuming, of course, she doesn’t want to be a berserker. In this case, however, I got the impression she doesn’t seem to care. It’s just an excuse for her to kill people as the plot demands while still leaving her as “likable.” It isn’t necessary, because plenty of people would love her, as you mentioned. And it tells me the author didn’t trust her own ability to write a likable berserker woman, and therefor didn’t bother to try. (Also, the MC ISN’T a witch acting like a DnD barbarian. She has magic. It does nothing besides make her enter berserk mode when angry. That’s it.)
@honeyrogerswrites
Жыл бұрын
So youre telling me, a princess, doesnt know how to read?
@Atlas0fStars
2 жыл бұрын
man the cover really is gorgeous though
@asherscott3151
Жыл бұрын
Goodreads is so useless for reviews. Every damn book has just about 4 stars unless it gets bombed, and half the time the bombing is total BS
@ReadswithRachel
Жыл бұрын
I think it depends on how you use it. I ignore the rating and go read the reviews from people who's reviews I'm familiar with. Both reviewers whos tastes do and don't align with mine. This helps me get a feel for whether or not something might interest me.
@cristinavirlann
Жыл бұрын
i could watch your videos all day 😭 your humor is unmatched u just keep it so real
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