Review

Snow Globe
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SnowGlobe, read and discussed here by Wanda Hartzenberg

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Written by Wanda Hartzenberg for BluJeans Books

Snow Globe, a translated Korean dystopian story that resonates to the core.

Snow Globe. Live to entertain, entertain to live.

Discover the Groundbreaking Dystopian Thriller: Snowglobe

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
The groundbreaking Korean phenomenon that Entertainment Weekly called “The Hunger Games meets Squid Game” is now available in English for the first time!

Snowglobe, an immersive and utterly addictive dark dystopian thriller by Soyoung Park, will draw you in with the eerie, desperate, and exhilarating vibes reminiscent of Snowpiercer and The Hunger Games. This captivating novel is not just a story; it’s a profound exploration of personal identity and the modern obsession with fame.

In a world blanketed by constant winter, the citizens of the climate-controlled city of Snowglobe escape the bitter cold—but their idyllic society is shrouded in dark and dangerous secrets. Enclosed under a vast dome, Snowglobe is the last warm place on Earth. Outside lies a frozen wasteland, where brave citizens venture out daily to work at the power plant, generating the energy that sustains their bubble of warmth. Their only escape is through the twenty-four-hour television programming that streams directly from within Snowglobe—a tantalizing glimpse into a so-called perfect life.

The residents of Snowglobe seem to have it all: fame, fortune, and safety from the desolation beyond their walls. In return, their lives are broadcast to the less fortunate outside, who watch eagerly, dreaming of the chance to become stars themselves.

Enter Chobahm, an ardent fan of the shows produced inside Snowglobe. Her favorite is Goh Around, featuring Goh Haeri, Snowglobe’s biggest star—who has mysteriously died. In a shocking twist, Chobahm is chosen to take her place. Yet life inside Snowglobe is nothing like the television facade—reality is a lie, and the truth always seems just out of reach.

Translated from Korean for the first time, Snowglobe sparks deep reflections on our current culture while engaging YA readers with its thrilling narrative. It is the winner of the Changbi X Kakaopage Young Adult Novel Award and has garnered praise from influencers and critics alike.

Praise for Snowglobe:
“A thrillingly and ingeniously conceived allegory about where we are, and where we’re headed.” —David Yoon, New York Times bestselling author of Frankly in Love
“Utterly unputdownable… an addictive, twisty tale… perfect for fans looking for the next Squid Game or Parasite.” —Amélie Wen Zhao, New York Times bestselling author

Soyoung Park, the author, majored in information and communication, has worked as a reporter, and is recognized as a winner of the Original Story Award and the Changbi X Kakaopage Young Adult Novel Award. Snowglobe is just the beginning, being part of a thrilling duology that will immerse readers in a unique world.

This novel is poised to resonate with YA readers in South Africa and beyond, providing an exciting foundation for future discussions. As we delve deeper into the chapters of this sensational work, prepare for a series that uncovers the very essence of the story and its impact on our culture.

Join the conversation and become a part of the Snowglobe phenomenon!

#PenguinBooksYASA #PenguinBooksSouthAfrica #Dystopian #YAThriller #Snowglobe

Above is the photo of the copy I am reading for review and discussion.  It is a glorious cover.  

Where the dark stands still
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Review of -Where the dark stands still

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By A.B. Poranek

Review written for BluJeans Books by Wanda Hartzenberg

### Book Review: Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek

### Book Review: Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek

First things first, let’s get the negative out of the way. Yes, singular. I have only one pet peeve in this book apart from the name Leszy. The first 60-plus percent of this book was really slow at times. The world-building and character development could have been done with fewer words, in my opinion. Once the story takes off, it takes off with a bang, and you forget all about the slow start. But this slow start may be off-putting for some, so stick with it. Once it gets going, it really goes.

Now, let’s talk about the characters and character building—definitely not a negative. Liska rocks. Here’s a girl who’s grown up to be afraid of her own shadow, so she’s not overly afraid of anything else. She gets scared and frightened, but it never cripples her because she fears her own power. Isn’t that a beautiful way to describe humanity these days? Though admittedly, few of us rise to the occasion as she does, if and when we do, I hope we do it with the love and care Liska displays.

Leszy. What a weird name. Reading it made me giggle like a high schooler in biology class when the teacher says “sex” while blushing. But let’s move on. Leszy is sooo sarcastic—I loved that. The antlers and super blond hair were odd, but who cares if he appeals to me? It’s Liska who falls head over heels for him. His previous relationship with a man, forming a subplot, was beautiful. Love knows no gender, and even a demi-god gets that.

The sentient, crumbling manor was fascinating. I loved how it and the surrounding grounds rose to the occasion when called upon. Jaga is probably my favorite character. So much attitude in such a small form. Mosiko and Marys added humor and comic relief, but Jaga stole the show.

The love story ripped me to pieces. I’m glad the story wrapped up in the epilogue, but was that a tear I felt forming? It can’t be. I don’t do the crying thing. Must be allergies.

### What Made This Book Stand Out

**The Title:**
I’ve never felt the need to praise a book title before, but I must for this one. “Where. The. Dark. Stands. Still.” Such an evocative title that predicts harm and suffering to no end. I don’t recall ever being so taken with a book title.
**5/5 stars for the title.**

**The Cover:**
I must confess, I’m a true cover aficionado. Not necessarily a good thing, but it’s my thing nonetheless. This cover grabbed me and held me, only to be surpassed by the title. The combination had me convinced I had to read the book long before I got through my TBR pile. This one skipped to the top like a circus trapeze artist.
**5/5 stars for the cover.**

**The Skeleton of the Story:**
The found family theme. This makes me question my statement about the slow start. Liska’s negative relationship with herself was described with tenderness and realism, making it relatable. I’m not sure if the slow start would be better off without some of Liska’s and Leszy’s inner struggles. Leszy’s self-hate could have reminded me of the typical teenage angst trope, but his honesty and how he conveys it to Liska makes this a moot point. Liska’s negative relationship is not limited to young adults; it personifies the human condition, releasing her from typical teenage angst.
**4/5 stars for the story skeleton.**

**The World-Building:**
The Polish folklore added a lot to this story. Beauty and the Beast came to mind throughout, although it stands on its own merits. I loved the world where paganism is abolished and replaced by the church, yet that same church turns into worse demons than the pagans. The split between self and doctrine was handled so well that I have to tip my hat to the author. Well done. Neither side can take a stance against how this aspect was handled.
**4/5 stars for the world-building.**

### Final Note
I am blown away that this book is a debut novel. It doesn’t read like one at all.

**Interesting Fact:**
Did you know that the name Leszy is derived from Slavic mythology, where Leshy (or Leszi) is a forest spirit? This adds an extra layer of intrigue to the character and ties in beautifully with the folklore elements of the story.

#Lapa #BluJeansbooks #Penguinrandomhouse #PenguinbooksYASA

17th Suspect
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Oom Jan and the 17th Woman’s Murder club

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BluJeans Books and Wanda Hartzenberg

Lekker oom Jan has a crush on our Lindsay!

Buckle up, book lovers! The Women’s Murder Club is back in action, and let me tell you, it’s about time they got back in the limelight. “The 17th Suspect” by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro brings Sergeant Lindsay Boxer front and center once more, relying on her trusty squad to keep San Francisco safe from the shenanigans of yet another mysterious killer.

Now, let me introduce you to Uncle Jan, my trusty sidekick in unraveling the mysteries of the literary world. He’s got a knack for spotting the quirks and charms of our favorite characters. Take Lindsay Boxer, for instance. She’s not just a badge and a gun; she’s a woman of depth now, with her friends filling in her backstory like expert colorists. And her daughter? Well, let’s just say her one-word repertoire is a universal language we’ve all encountered. No! Ah, the sweet symphony of toddler rebellion.

But let’s not forget Jo, Lindsay’s better half. Uncle Jan’s got a theory brewing that if Lindsay ever crossed paths with him, Jo would be left in the dust quicker than you can say “detective drama.” Personally, I’m inclined to think Jo’s a stand-up guy, but hey, when it comes to opinions, the Hartzenbergs reign supreme, right Uncle Jan?

So, from the cozy corners of BluJeans Books, we’re giving “The 17th Suspect” a solid nod of approval. It’s a quick, breezy read that’ll keep you turning pages faster than Lindsay chasing down a suspect. We’ll slap a three-star rating on it and send you off with a smile and a promise of more antics from the Women’s Murder Club. Who knows, maybe Uncle Jan will even make a cameo in the next installment. One can only hope!

 

"Gert van Rooyen en Joey Haarhoff - Sinonieme van Verdwyning en Mysterie"
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Gert & Joey deur Pieter van Zyl

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Resensie gedoen deur Blujeans Books

Gert & Joey: Nuwe lig op ‘n raaisel van dertig jaar by Pieter van Zyl | Goodreads

Gert & Joey

Gert & Joey: Nuwe lig op ‘n raaisel van dertig jaar

Vir Suid-Afrikaners het hierdie begrippe sinoniem geword met die name van Gert van Rooyen en Joey Haarhoff. In die dertig jaar sedert die tragiese verdwyning van ses jong skoolmeisies en die dramatiese skietdood van die land se berugste egpaar, hang onbeant- woorde vrae steeds in die lug. Die makabere raaisels wat hulle agtergelaat het, het nie saam met hulle gesterf nie.
Joernalis Pieter van Zyl gee in hierdie boek, waarvoor hy eksklusiewe toegang tot Huisgenoot se uitgebreide argief gehad het, ’n volledige oorsig oor dié voortslepende sage. Rolspelers wat direk by die saak betrokke is en was, se insigte en ervarings word betrek om opnuut sin van die tragedie te probeer maak. Naasbestaandes van die meisies wat verdwyn het, asook dié van Van Rooyen en Haarhoff, is deur die skrywer genader. Kenners, waaronder sielkundiges, kriminoloë, baasspeurders, handskrifontleders en selfs sieners, verskaf ’n sonderlinge blik op die gebeure wat by Suid-Afrikaners blý spook.
Die tragedie verkry ’n nuwe dimensie wanneer dit beskou word teen die agtergrond van Suid-Afrika drie dekades gelede. Dit blyk ook dat Van Rooyen en Haarhoff nie in isolasie kon optree nie, maar waarskynlik deel was van ’n uitgebreide misdaadnetwerk.
Hiertoe boek sal niemand koud laat nie.

Wat ek gedink het van die boek:

Nou ja. Meeste van Suid Afrikaners ken vir Oom Gert van Rooyen. Hy en Joey was snags gelykstaande aan die Boogyman as jy nie wou gaan slaap nie. Bedags was hulle die mense vir wie jy moes uitkyk. Die ‘vreemde’ mense met wie jy nie mag praat in die openbaar nie. Daar is nie regtig veel mense wat die details onthou van die saak nie. Die wat onthou was wat hulle ouers vir hulle vertel het of iemand wat hulle ken. In hierdie boek word baie van daardie detail wat verlore gegaan het in oorvertellings, verhaal. Dan kom ‘n mens agter wat werklik gebeur het en hoekom jy as kind gewaarsku was teen die mense en mense soos die. 

Sodra jy die boek klaar gelees het, skryf jy vir jou ouers ‘n dankie se briefie omdat hulle jou gewaarsku het teen die mense en veilig gehou het bo op dit alles. Die boek laat regtig niemand onaangeraak nie.

A killing in paradise
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A Killing in Paradise

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by Elliot F. Sweeney

Narrated by Elliot Fitzpatrick

Find the blurb info on Goodreads.

Where does Paradise end?

Title: A Killing in Paradise
Author: Elliot F. Sweeney
Narrator: Elliot Fitzpatrick
Review:

Disclosure: I received an Advance Listening Copy (ALC) of this audiobook from the author, publishers, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Elliot Fitzpatrick, the narrator of “A Killing in Paradise,” truly excels in bringing this gripping police procedural to life. His narration is impeccable, with a crisp pace that keeps listeners engaged throughout. As someone whose second language is English, I appreciated Fitzpatrick’s clear enunciation and the way he skillfully brought out the nuances of the characters without overwhelming accents. His talent for pacing is particularly noteworthy, adding depth and tension to the narrative.

The book itself, as described by reviewers, is full of sharp psychological insights and grips the reader by the throat from the very start. Set in the notorious Paradise estate in London, where a young man has been murdered, the story is a promising and hard-hitting debut, according to the Sunday Times. It’s a gritty, unflinching thriller that satisfies on many levels, as noted by Woman’s Own.

Sweeney’s narrative follows the out-of-work private investigator Dylan Kasper as he navigates the complexities of the case, uncovering layers of deception and corruption. The plot is riveting, with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.

Expected publication date: June 6, 2024.

In summary, Elliot Fitzpatrick’s stellar narration truly enhances the experience of “A Killing in Paradise.” I wholeheartedly give him five stars for a job very well done. Fans of police procedurals will find much to enjoy in this captivating tale.

#AKillinginParadise #NetGalley

The Wych Elm
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A Review of “The Wych Elm” by Tana French

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40958489-the-wych-elm?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=MvWCneXWrq&rank=1

A Review of "The Wych Elm" by Tana French

Title: Unraveling Identity and Deception: A Review of “The Wych Elm” by Tana French

Have you ever found yourself lost in the labyrinth of your own mind, questioning the essence of your identity and grappling with the shadows of your past? Tana French’s “The Wych Elm” plunges readers into the enigmatic world of Toby, a character whose life takes a tumultuous turn after a harrowing assault. Presented with an opportunity to review the book courtesy of NetGalley and Penguin Random House, I embarked on a journey through the pages with eager anticipation.

Initially captivated by Toby’s humanity and the vivid portrayal of his injury, I soon found myself grappling with mixed emotions as his character evolved. While I appreciated the raw authenticity of his reactions, I couldn’t shake the growing sense of frustration with his self-absorption and entitled demeanor. Toby’s descent into mean-spiritedness served as a stark reminder of the flaws and complexities that often lurk beneath the surface of individuals in our society.

Amidst Toby’s internal turmoil, the discovery of a skull hidden within the ancient wych elm in the garden sets in motion a riveting tale of mystery and introspection. As detectives delve into the unsettling revelations surrounding the Ivy House and Toby’s family history, the narrative unfolds with tantalizing suspense.

However, despite moments of intrigue and the endearing portrayal of characters like Toby’s uncle, I found myself wading through prolonged stretches of the story where the plot seemed to stagnate. The absence of significant developments left me yearning for more depth and momentum, ultimately diminishing my enthusiasm for the book.

Reflecting on “The Wych Elm,” I am reminded of the profound impact of pivotal moments in our lives—the dark hinges that alter our trajectories and force us to confront the shadows that linger within. Through her masterful prose, Tana French explores themes of identity, memory, and the deceptive allure of nostalgia, inviting readers to ponder the intricacies of human nature.

In conclusion, while “The Wych Elm” offers glimpses of brilliance and thought-provoking insights, its meandering pace and uneven characterization may deter some readers. Nevertheless, for those willing to embark on a journey of self-discovery and unraveling secrets, this novel presents a compelling exploration of the blurred lines between truth and illusion, leaving us to ponder the enigmatic question: What do we become when we no longer recognize ourselves?

As I close the final chapter, I am left contemplating the delicate balance between perception and reality, and the enduring mysteries that lie beneath the surface of our own identities.