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The Written Review
two.5 stars
Evelyn Perdanu runs a tight transport.
She's beyond wealthy, surrounded by loyal servants and is just-so-happening to be harboring the darkest of secrets.
She returns from her latest voyage and about immediately her crew begins to act erratically before slipping into a deathless state.
Fearful that she'southward brought a plague upon the (crumbling) city, she begins
New Month, New Tierlist BookTube Video is upwardly - click the link to check out my August Reading Vlog!
The Written Review
2.5 stars
Evelyn Perdanu runs a tight transport.
She's beyond wealthy, surrounded by loyal servants and is just-and so-happening to be harboring the darkest of secrets.
She returns from her latest voyage and almost immediately her coiffure begins to human action erratically before slipping into a deathless state.
Fearful that she's brought a plague upon the (aging) urban center, she begins to investigate.
Simply what first seems to be a plague now appears to be something far more sinister.
As a skilled herbalist, and sometimes poisoner, she's well enlightened of the ways of the plants.
Only this? This madness and awareness and insanity is far beyond anything she'due south ever seen.
And...it's coming for her.
Whew. When this one started - solid 5 stars.
Absolutely INCREDIBLE beginning.
I loved the way the people were incrementally possessed. I loved the ho-hum reveal of Evelyn'southward dark (and disturbing) past.
And I adored the human relationship between Evelyn and her faithful partner in crime (hey-o queer rep!)
However, I feel like the book took a turn for the worse.
It began pulling ideas from every direction and lost that cohesiveness...and the grand reveal just left me really confused. I read it twice and I recollect I got the gist of it...but again. Really confused.
I feel like this volume would take really worked well if information technology was longer and all of these crazy-weird ideas were given fourth dimension to develop more.
Smashing concept, but didn't follow through for me.
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I wanted to read this story considering of two words, sapphic and horror. I didn't realize that this was also a historical fantasy? and a novell
3.25 Stars. This was an oddball little book. Parts of it I liked quite a bit, others not so much. I'grand glad I read it only information technology wasn't really what I was looking for. Nevertheless, I do see myself reading more of Starling in the hereafter. While I didn't love all her story choices, she impressed me in her writing skills so I will be keeping my eye out for her new books.I wanted to read this story because of two words, sapphic and horror. I didn't realize that this was as well a historical fantasy? and a novella too. I like novellas, especially when they are hearty in length and closer to book length and then a short story which this had that experience at around 170 pages co-ordinate to my Kindle.
I do want to point out I had some major issues with my early ARC copy. Non sure what happened with the formatting but all the words were stuck together with no spaces. The re-create was in an old-timey script which I could not darken or enlarge to make reading easier. And information technology got even worse because sometimes the first alphabetic character of a new sentence was really stamped over the last letter of the alphabet of the sentence earlier. Retrieve of an old-schoolhouse typewriter typing two messages correct on superlative of each other. It was not easy for me to read. No one else mentioned whatsoever issues so I think it was just me that had this weird trouble and I would not worry about it affecting you as a reader. I did not permit the formatting reflect in my rating at all since that would non be off-white, just there were times I know I skipped over a give-and-take considering I just could not figure out what it was supposed to be. Plus, I had to read at a much slower pace which I know did affect my enjoyment some.
The two reasons why I wanted to read this book were 2 reasons for a flake of disappointment. For one, I would non telephone call this sapphic horror. Instead, I would say this was a book with LGBTQ characters, and in my mind there is a difference. Information technology is non until the book is nearly over that it is even discussed at all about a possible WLW pairing. I would actually be tempted to say that the whole things was a gimmick, merely I do know from Starling'southward debut that her mains were in a WLW relationship in her book The Luminous Dead. I think the problem ended up being a lack of fourth dimension in a novella so Starling didn't build upwards the relationship that would have needed a sapphic tag.
I also found that I was not crazy about the horror. I was hoping for a flake more than scary horror, but this was more than creepy horror. I don't know what information technology was but this book felt to me a piddling similar what 'Arsenic and Old Lace' would be if it was not a comedy.
On the expert side, this novella stared actually well. I was hooked into this time and identify that could about be a real historic setting that I wonder if information technology was loosely based on something real. As I mentioned before, Starling writes very well and I found myself getting lost in her prose and I could non wait for things to start happening. I too was a fan of the main grapheme. She is super odd and weird but I honey a morally greyness character. A lot of this book was her having to come to grips with all she has done and having a taste of her own medicine and so to say. The problem is instead of this happening in a super creepy way, I felt things only got a fleck convoluted peculiarly towards the stop. I understood what was happening, just I withal wanted to scratch my caput wondering what am I really reading? I love weird but it was virtually likewise weird for me. It had such a skillful gear up-up that I think information technology just fell a flake flat in the end.
This was not the book I hoped for just it did have some really nice writing and some good parts. I would not read this if y'all are looking for sapphic horror. I would read this if you lot are looking for good prose, a morally grey main graphic symbol, and lots of weird and slightly creepy stuff. I purchased The Luminous Dead last twelvemonth but have not read it yet. After reading this book I'1000 actually excited to read TLD since I now know that Starling can absolutely write.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
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while this novella didn't pack the heart-stopping punch of starling's visceral and claustrophobic the luminous dead, i still basked in her prose and knack for gothic horror—she's just so damn good at hitting all the ominous, eldritch notes that will leave you goosebumped and utterly drawn in.
i ADORE caitlin starling's writing.while this novella didn't pack the center-stopping punch of starling'due south visceral and claustrophobic the luminous dead, i however basked in her prose and knack for gothic horror—she's just then damn skilful at striking all the ominous, eldritch notes that volition leave you goosebumped and utterly drawn in.
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YELLOW JESSAMINE is a deliciously creepy read, total of characters you tin can love and hate, and just dripping with dread. Starling has a true gift for fleshing out codependent relationships, something I first establish out in her astounding debut The Luminous Expressionless. Information technology'southward going to be hard to pick a favorite for my top volume of the yr, because both are books past her. I might just take the easy style out and phone call this one it, because TLD didn't come out this year, I
Video Review: https://youtu.be/zM8legdcClwYellow JESSAMINE is a deliciously creepy read, total of characters you can dearest and hate, and merely dripping with dread. Starling has a truthful souvenir for fleshing out codependent relationships, something I kickoff constitute out in her astounding debut The Luminous Dead. It's going to be difficult to choice a favorite for my top book of the year, because both are books by her. I might just accept the easy way out and call this one it, because TLD didn't come out this year, I only read it this year. Herm...conflicted...
I read this volume a few months ago, equally Starling was kind plenty to send me an ARC, simply the characters take stayed with me, and if you lot follow my reviews y'all'll know that well-drawn, fully-developed characters are the offset affair I look for in a volume. I don't have to like characters to appreciate or understand them, in fact I prefer when I don't like a grapheme, because then I can root for something bad to happen to them. Pacing is second. Luckily, this one checks all of the boxes. I devoured this book, and immediately wanted to restart it once I'd finished.
The twists and turns the volume takes by the terminate were a treat to read. All the groundwork was laid without me having realized information technology, so when the reveal came, I but sat dorsum and smiled, nodding goofily at absolutely no ane. I love it when an author succeeds in sneaking one past me, and Starling did then beautifully.
The writing is something special, too. I highlighted numerous passages that resonated with me, but I can't share them here because spoilers. I want you to experience this for yourself. Delight feel this for yourself.
In summation: If you're a fan of Gothic settings, interesting landscapes different yet similar to our own, and books brimming with dread and terrific characters, this one should be on your radar. Caitlin Starling is at present an machine-purchase for me. I will purchase and eat upward anything she publishes. I tin't wait to get the audiobook on release 24-hour interval so I tin experience this in another format. I have besides pre-ordered the physical copy because it's GORGEOUS and I needs information technology on me shelf!
Final Judgment: Five outta five well placed skulls.
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cheers Netgalley and to the publisher!
Wow I actually actually enjoyed this! Fast paced and I was interested the entire fourth dimension. I wish this was a total length novel because I would've given it 5 stars if that were the example. I would have loved to encounter more than grapheme development and world edifice and more groundwork information. I enjoyed this nonetheless simply it left me wanting more and curious. That comprehend is astonishing also.cheers Netgalley and to the publisher!
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What a unique, unsettling and eccentric little volume! Having gone in pretty apprehensive about this ane, I was pleasantly surprised.
The first half of this was really tedious and I had a difficult time getting into it. Nevertheless, the slow showtime is non without reason and is well worth pushing through! By the second half, this book was really getting under my skin.
I recollect that if you lot're into short, Gothic weird books; this could really piece of work for y'all!
The atmosphere was very Gothic and dark. I feel 3.5*
What a unique, unsettling and eccentric niggling book! Having gone in pretty apprehensive near this ane, I was pleasantly surprised.
The first half of this was really slow and I had a difficult fourth dimension getting into it. Nonetheless, the tiresome first is not without reason and is well worth pushing through! By the second half, this book was actually getting under my peel.
I recall that if you lot're into short, Gothic weird books; this could really piece of work for you!
The atmosphere was very Gothic and dark. I experience that the ships and the ocean actually added to that tone very nicely. I also loved all of the different layers to the MC. She is a very flawed character but enlightened of it and I enjoyed that nigh her. She was a very interesting charter to follow and get to know.
I don't knave a whole lot to say nigh this one considering it'due south so brusque and I don't want to say anything to spoil information technology. I went into this one pretty blind and I think that worked in my favor. (And yours too) But I will cease by proverb that I think this was very well done for what information technology is. I'd recommend giving this one a shot and pushing through the start half if you're interested in a curt, Gothic and finer unsettling book.
Give thanks you to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me an arc of this! ...more
I volition start by maxim that I'm non completely sure I got this. Horror endings are some of the most polarizing things to read for me, as them non resonating tin can pause the book, and I call back that'due south what happened here. The catastrophe made sense, and it wasn't necessarily underwhelming, but I still finished t
Xanthous Jessamine is a queer gothic horror novella following aircraft magnate, poisoner and pretend-widow Evelyn Perdanu as a terrifying plague of mysterious origin devastates her already dying city.I will kickoff by maxim that I'm non completely certain I got this. Horror endings are some of the about polarizing things to read for me, as them not resonating tin can break the book, and I think that'southward what happened here. The ending made sense, and it wasn't necessarily underwhelming, but I notwithstanding finished the novella thinking "that's it?": it didn't make sense to me on an emotional level. However, that's something and so personal that I don't think it should discourage others from picking the volume up, despite it being the principal reason I didn't get much out of this.
Considering there is a lot to love about Yellow Jessamine. A story that knows the potential of a creepy poison garden is a story I want to beloved, and so is a story that explores how someone's paranoia can be at the aforementioned time their forcefulness and their downfall. It is a creeping screw from misanthropy to paranoia, all rooted in a self-loathing so overwhelming that it masks every other feeling in Evelyn'due south mind.
That might be one of the reasons people aren't recognizing this as a queer volume, but information technology is, and it's clearly queer early on on. No, the master character isn't in a place where she tin think nearly loving or anything similar. However, anyone who isn't forcing heteronormativity on the novel can recognize that Evelyn is meant to be a portrayal of a lesbian who happens to exist deeply unwell, given that from the beginning Evelyn spends a lot of fourth dimension thinking about her maid Violetta undressing her, describes Violetta as (quoting) "special", "radiant", and the just skillful person in the world, and becomes clearly uncomfortable when men show any involvement in her.
I wish people realized that we're used to dismiss - often, even in ourselves - signs of women being attracted to women at every turn because of how homophobia and misogyny shape the way we understand and recognize desire. There'due south a reason "only gals being pals" virtually obviously gay situations is a lesbian meme. To not accept this at all under account and simply stating "this isn't actually queer" is to reinforce heteronormativity.
This isn't a dear story, this is a tale nigh devotion and obsession and downfall. Queer people exist - and should get to exist in fiction - outside of clear romantic storylines.
Overall, I didn't feel strongly about this. Reading Yellow Jessamine felt like following something to its inevitable consequence, but the atmosphere wasn't strong enough for that to work: it should have felt creepy and ominous, but everything was too vague and barely-grounded. Mayhap I would have liked it more had it sacrificed some of its readability (it is a quick read) for some heavier writing. More than item and clear indication of how things looked similar would have made the whole story feel much more claustrophobic. You can't feel trapped in a manor if the book doesn't even really carp telling y'all how it looks similar.
I still accept a lot of respect for how casually messed up this book gets, and Evelyn is a fascinating if somewhat static (that's kind of the point! She is rooted) character to follow, but I don't know how much it will stay with me.
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This was fine, a flake boring - I definitely had some VERY high expectations for this as I loved "Luminous Expressionless" so much. I wanted to read this short slice of fiction earlier diving into her new volume "The Death of Jane Lawrence," fifty-fifty though it didn't really audio interesting to me, and I'm not a HUGE fan of curt fiction/novellas/short stories. Then I'm not shocked I didn't care for this, and now I'yard excited to dive into her new book!
2.5/5starsThis was fine, a chip boring - I definitely had some VERY loftier expectations for this as I loved "Luminous Dead" then much. I wanted to read this curt piece of fiction before diving into her new book "The Decease of Jane Lawrence," even though it didn't actually sound interesting to me, and I'm not a HUGE fan of brusk fiction/novellas/short stories. So I'1000 not shocked I didn't intendance for this, and now I'one thousand excited to dive into her new book!
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The other merchant lords avoided death, simply Evelyn knew its contours and its character intimately, marking its creeping progress day past day.
On my web log.
Rep: lesbian mc
CWs: drug corruption, murder, gore
Galley provided past publisher
Yellow Jessamine is similar if you took The Monster of Elendhaven and made it sapphic. That's the easiest style to describe it. It's about scarily similar in vibes, in fact (which is to say, pocket-sized boondocks, creepy goings-on, a conduce of powerful people who volition cede whatev
The other merchant lords avoided death, but Evelyn knew its contours and its character intimately, mark its creeping progress day by twenty-four hour period.
On my blog.
Rep: lesbian mc
CWs: drug abuse, murder, gore
Galley provided by publisher
Yellowish Jessamine is like if you took The Monster of Elendhaven and made information technology sapphic. That'south the easiest way to describe it. Information technology'south almost scarily like in vibes, in fact (which is to say, small town, creepy goings-on, a cabal of powerful people who will sacrifice any it takes for their cause, and murder).
First things beginning, information technology's a very atmospheric novella. It's short and almost similar the end of a longer story, only it immerses you in the world notwithstanding. That'due south probably the best part almost this novella, the writing and the atmosphere it creates. I'm not a huge horror fan, but I would really just go pick up everything Caitlin Starling has ever written on the basis of this writing.
Along with the creepiness of the atmosphere, information technology's likewise a story that keeps you on your toes. You'll retrieve you have everything figured out, merely so, at the terminate when it all becomes clearer, you realise that what y'all thought you knew isn't right.
I remember the only matter I would say nigh this novella is that, while information technology worked as a standalone, it felt like it should be prepare within a longer tale. I hateful, I approximate that's a simultaneously skillful thing and bad thing, because it made me desire more than, simply also made it articulate that I didn't get enough. What I'yard trying to say is that the didn't-become-plenty outweighed the wanting-more. I wanted more considering I didn't get enough, not solely because I wanted to read in that world for longer.
But anyway. If yous're a fan of horror, you won't desire to miss out on this i.
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I started out really liking this book, but in that location were a number of things that really bothered me about it.
Kickoff, it was listed in the LGBTQ+ category, which I would not file it nether. If I had not been told this was an LGBTQ+ novel, I would never take known that was the way it should have been read (and I all the same don't really run into it, even afterward existence told).
Secondly, I felt there was both so much filler, and then muc
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!I started out actually liking this book, but there were a number of things that actually bothered me almost it.
First, it was listed in the LGBTQ+ category, which I would not file it under. If I had not been told this was an LGBTQ+ novel, I would never have known that was the way it should have been read (and I even so don't really see it, even after beingness told).
Secondly, I felt there was both and so much filler, and then much left unexplained. We, as readers, are dropped into a mysterious earth where a rival government seeks to accept hold of the city of Delphinium, but we are given very few details other than that about the conflict. I all the same am not certain who the Judiciary serves, and was confused about a number of the characters' relationships to each other/the governments.
I also found Evelyn's character to be be very alien, as she seems torn between calling herself cowardly or dauntless, wicked or a product of unfortunate circumstance. Maybe this was meant to showcase her inner turmoil, simply it did not meet that way in my opinion. We also detect out about some of Evelyn's deportment that serve as plot twists after on, only not in a adept way. It felt like these elements were tossed in to tie the story together at the end rather than beingness woven throughout and alluded to along the mode.
On the positive side, I found the full general plot line interesting, though it was lacking in resolution. I was drawn in past the mysterious disease that begins to come up over the townspeople, and its connectedness to Evelyn. However, we don't exactly become answers (or at to the lowest degree not satisfying ones) nearly what it is, which I establish to exist a bit of a letdown.
Toward the beginning, this almost reminded me of The Haunting of Hill House, but with more than strangeness in identify of horror. The book begins with the line "To those harboring the weight of self-blame: may you bury it." I am assuming readers were supposed to focus on the message of how grief and guilt take hold and can be permit become, rather than the literal plot, but if that was the instance, the terminate message was a little startling.
Overall I would give this 2.5 stars (rounded upward to to three) for the promising thought and intrigue, but the execution left me disappointed.
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Evelyn is an awful master character, she'south poorly written and underdeveloped. On summit of that, I found it hard to connect to any of the secondary characters.
I also remember that advertizing this book as sapphic horror is misleading considering the queer representation is barely in that location. Evelyn and some other female grapheme accept feelings for eac
I normally like foreign books (I'm looking at you This Is How Y'all Lose the Time War) and take nothing against an unlikeable narrator, merely information technology didn't work for me here.Evelyn is an awful main character, she'south poorly written and underdeveloped. On top of that, I establish information technology hard to connect to any of the secondary characters.
I also remember that advertising this book as sapphic horror is misleading because the queer representation is barely there. Evelyn and another female character take feelings for each other, but in that location'south no actual romance (and don't become me started on that awful ending).
Caitlin Starling had some good ideas and the atmosphere was great, only the rest sadly fell flat for me.
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The author has done a lot of research on plants and their uses. That was impressive. I also loved her style of writing. It was lush in detail with an engaging plot and interesting characters. Permanently veiled Evelyn Perdanu is not the kind of woman who volition warm your heart. Death clings to her like a lover.
Yellow Jessamine was my first adventure with author Caitlin Starling and it will not be the final. I beloved eerie and creepy and dark (and fifty-fifty depressing), and this novella has it in spades.The author has washed a lot of research on plants and their uses. That was impressive. I also loved her way of writing. Information technology was lush in detail with an engaging plot and interesting characters. Permanently veiled Evelyn Perdanu is non the kind of woman who will warm your middle. Decease clings to her similar a lover. But maid Violetta seems to conduct a torch for her mistress though.
This novella has a queer label on it, just I found that rather a stretch to be honest. However, other reviewers seem to be happy so I permit you determine for yourself. The volume is a great read regardless.
At that place was a problem with the ARC I received. Information technology was illegible. They used some sometime-timey script that was miniscule. If you tried to enlarge information technology, it would all blend together and so I had so try out various e-readers until 1 picked information technology upwardly. But then that one wouldn't brandish the concluding 2 chapters and so I went dorsum to squinting my way to the stop with the original file. No fun and I promise they will gear up this for future publications.
I love the cover fine art! Well done!
f/f simply information technology was a hell of a stretch
Themes: veiled, expiry runs in the family, a new plague, herbalist, poison, a city under siege, a tattooed stranger.
iv Stars
* A free re-create was provided by Netgalley and Neon Hemlock Press for an honest review.
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Y
I want to preface my review past stating that I received an ARC through Netgalley, however the re-create I received was very flawed. Luckily enough Starling saw a comment I had posted on Twitter stating the file was messed upwards and reached out and sent me another file. Super thankful that she took the time to reach out to me and send the second re-create! Yellow Jessamine was my first Starling book but it will non be my final. I already have her first volume on my radar and you should too ( The Luminous Dead).Yellow Jessamine is not just a beautifully written book it is STUNNING ( gold foil!). I have nothing against E-books but this is a book worth splurging on a physical re-create!
There is a lot going on in such a short volume and the twists kept me flipping pages like a mad woman trying to effigy information technology all out. Is there a plague?? Possession?? Is this woman only bonkers? I am not going to tell you lot! GO READ IT!
Overall I loved the creepy and gothic vibes prevalent throughout the book. I loved the main character Evelyn Perdanu although I probably shouldn't. Starling developed Evelyn and the other characters phenomenally. If I am honest, I deceit point out a single affair I disliked about this volume. Ane of my favorites of the year for sure!
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Writing style was bang-up, for me and I'd definitely read another past CS. What a strange little book that was. Saying that, I found it okay. At times , I hadn't a clue what was going on! 😂
Writing style was great, for me and I'd definitely read another by CS. ...more
Chile...this book was not information technology.
I'g start with the positives:
ane. The writing in this book was very squeamish. I quite like how the writer described little aspects of the setting and the characters.
two. The premise is very interesting. Strange affliction that seems to exist following the main character effectually? Sounds interesting to me, but sadly the execution was not it.
Now for the negatives.
1. This volume is tagged at LGBTQIA+. At present that isn't entirely
CHILE...this volume was not information technology.
I'm start with the positives:
1. The writing in this volume was very prissy. I quite similar how the author described little aspects of the setting and the characters.
2. The premise is very interesting. Strange illness that seems to exist following the chief character around? Sounds interesting to me, merely sadly the execution was non it.
At present for the negatives.
1. This book is tagged at LGBTQIA+. Now that isn't entirely wrong (Evelyn and Violetta practise have feelings for each other) but I feel similar marketing this book every bit a queer horror is misleading. Particularly since yous don't even know it's queer until about 70% into the book.
two. This book made no sense whatever. At first, everything seemed interesting but the plot didn't feel fleshed out. I feel like this story needed another 100 pages to properly mankind out the story. The disease was barely explained and when it finally was, information technology was explained poorly and fabricated no sense to the narrative.
three. Evelyn. Evelyn as a character annoyed me to no cease. Not her personality per say simply the fact that her character was poorly written. One minute you saw her not care most anyone only herself but suddenly care about her dead family and Violetta? Brand it make sense.
I'm giving this 2 stars. I might check out Caitlin Starling'south time to come books, since I enjoyed her writing style, just this volume was not it and I do not recommend it.
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"Something had come back on her ship, looking for her. And it was spreading."
My fourth main read for The Olympic Games Readathon, created by Ishi; as a daughter of Aphrodite. This book fills the following prompt:
🕊️ Every bit his lover, Aphrodite spends a lot of time with Ares. Complete a prompt that honours
him: Read a book featuring a morally grey character.
This novella tells the story of Evelyn, a woman that had t
Thanks, NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest review!"Something had come up back on her ship, looking for her. And it was spreading."
My fourth main read for The Olympic Games Readathon, created by Ishi; as a daughter of Aphrodite. This book fills the following prompt:
🕊️ As his lover, Aphrodite spends a lot of time with Ares. Complete a prompt that honours
him: Read a book featuring a morally greyness grapheme.
This novella tells the story of Evelyn, a woman that had to take control of her family aircraft business, afterward her whole family unit died. When one of her ships arrives in her declining city, called Delphinium, bringing a strange sickness, she gets suspicious. Specially at how it spreads, and information technology seems to be going after her.
Information technology was such a proficient read! The writing was neat, immersive, fastened to a gothic, atmospheric setting. I don't wanna talk much about what happens considering of spoilers, just information technology took some turns that I was not expecting. For that, I loved it!
The characters are morally gray, specially our main character and her maid Violetta. As for the representation, it features a F/F romance, what'due south perfect since we are, currently, in Pride Month! I'one thousand not and own-voices reviewer, so keep that in mind. Information technology'southward not the primary focus at all, just it'south in that location. I really enjoyed information technology.
Definitelly recommend this quick and intriguing novella!
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Everyone knows I adore Caitlin'due south work, and The Luminous Dead was 1 of my favourite books that I read last twelvemonth (encounter the residuum of the list here). I read Yellow Jessamine for the first time in Nov as the first book in my clearurshit readathon TBR, and decided to read it once again this month so that I could review information technology. Definitely wasn't merely an excuse to reread Evelyn'due south atmospheric and creepy story about a travelli
Full review on my blog, February 11th 2022: https://inkandplasma.com/2021/02/11/y...Anybody knows I adore Caitlin's work, and The Luminous Dead was i of my favourite books that I read last yr (encounter the rest of the listing hither). I read Yellow Jessamine for the starting time time in November every bit the beginning book in my clearurshit readathon TBR, and decided to read it again this calendar month so that I could review it. Definitely wasn't merely an excuse to reread Evelyn's atmospheric and creepy story almost a travelling sickness, a woman who is mired in her own paranoia and obsession and fear.
The atmosphere in Yellow Jessamine is as flawless as I've come to expect from Caitlin. Eerie novellas are some of my favourite types of read, and I dear the way that YJ builds. The mysterious sickness starts off distant and gets closer and closer, creating a actually tense reading feel equally I waited to detect out what the hell was going on nether the surface. Evelyn is blatantly hiding far too many secrets, and I loved the way they unfolded throughout the course of the novella as Evelyn is drawn closer to the centre of her ain web of lies and they all commencement to unfold effectually her. I adore the mode that, even in just 130 pages, there were twists and turns that could accept me by surprise. And, speaking of length, Caitlin knocks it out of the park with tight and concise writing. Not a word of description is wasted in this story, and when I reread information technology, knowing the ending, it was only as impactful and potent as the first time considering of the underlying imagery threaded throughout the unabridged story. It'due south 132 pages of perfection, with brilliant pacing that congenital to an catastrophe that was similar a punch in the gut.
Unsurprisingly, I adored Evelyn and Violetta and their dynamic. I don't desire to say too much considering I don't want to spoil a matter about this book, but I loved the fashion that the complexities in their relationship played out – especially when it came to that spider web of lies of Evelyn'due south. Evelyn is every bit the disaster lesbian, seeing danger and consequences everywhere she turns. There'south also the soldier, and the office he plays is – oof – it's incredible. I peculiarly love the way Evelyn acts with the soldier versus the way she acts with Violetta. We get to encounter two sides of her, i barbarous and calculating and the other obsessive and devoted. Everyone should read this creepy novella, just try not to get dragged likewise deeply into Evelyn'southward garden because who knows what you'll notice there.
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three.5 stars. This novella was a step outside my comfort zone, since I don't usually read horror, merely I'm glad I read it, as it was an interesting read. It started out a bit slow, with some of the descriptions hard to understand. It's hard to keep rail of the relationships between the characters at commencement, and I kept having to reread passages to solidify my understanding. The 2nd one-half of the novella, in my opinion, is where the st
Cheers to NetGalley and Neon Hemlock for the ARC of this volume.3.5 stars. This novella was a footstep exterior my condolement zone, since I don't usually read horror, but I'yard glad I read it, as it was an interesting read. It started out a bit slow, with some of the descriptions hard to understand. It's hard to keep rails of the relationships between the characters at kickoff, and I kept having to reread passages to solidify my agreement. The 2d one-half of the novella, in my stance, is where the story comes to life and seizes y'all like a vine from a bewitched garden. It gets weird and macabre and fast paced -- practiced luck putting it down later you've reached the fifty percent mark!
Our protagonist, Evelyn, is strong, ruthless, grieving, conflicted, and morally grey. I love that Caitlin Starling was able to solidify Evelyn's complexity in such a short story. Though I establish this book under the "LGBT" category, I don't recall that the LGBT themes are obvious enough for it to exist marketed as such. I would accept loved a few pages exploring the twisted f/f love story more in depth, as I think there was a lot of potential for that.
Overall, this was a good read and I'd recommend information technology to anyone who wants a unique, creepy story to read during a thunderstorm!
PS: the cover is a blessing. whoever designed the cover delight design my life thank u
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I'd similar to echo what several other reviewers have said - this was a good novella, but would likely have been an splendid novel. The pacing made sense for a novella, just just every bit I'd begun to feel invested in the characters and their relationship, it ended.
I'm definitely planning to check out Starling's novel The Luminous Dead and
Yellowish Jessamine was an fantabulous horror novella with sapphic undertones. It was incredibly well written, and the e'er escalating tension and paranoia were palpable.I'd like to echo what several other reviewers have said - this was a skilful novella, but would likely have been an excellent novel. The pacing made sense for a novella, just just as I'd begun to feel invested in the characters and their human relationship, it ended.
I'm definitely planning to bank check out Starling'southward novel The Luminous Dead and volition be recommending Yellow Jessamine to a few friends who I know volition enjoy it!
Permit's exist friends!
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ARC Note: Thanks to Neon Hemlock and Netgalley for an advance re-create of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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I really enjoyed this sapphic gothic horror - I recall gothic horror is mayhap my favourite kind of horror - and I think the narrator did an amazing job! I was a little confused past the catastrophe which is why I'm definitely going to try re-reading information technology equally a physical copy, just I actually recommend this to everyone who wants to effort out horror but doesn't desire anything also intense or too gory!
4.5/v StarsI really enjoyed this sapphic gothic horror - I think gothic horror is maybe my favourite kind of horror - and I call back the narrator did an amazing job! I was a little confused by the catastrophe which is why I'thou definitely going to endeavour re-reading information technology as a physical copy, but I really recommend this to everyone who wants to endeavour out horror simply doesn't want annihilation as well intense or too gory!
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I oasis't read much by Caitlin Starling, only she's one of those authors whose concepts I'grand generally interested in, and this is 1 that I've been looking forrard to for a while. Finding good queer gothic and horror stories is frustratingly difficult, which is particularly abrasive because I recall the themes of those genres (gothic especially) tin really resonate with queer experiences.
Disappointing seems like a loaded give-and-take, though I don't know if I enjoyed thi
Well, this was an interesting one!I haven't read much past Caitlin Starling, but she's ane of those authors whose concepts I'yard generally interested in, and this is 1 that I've been looking forward to for a while. Finding expert queer gothic and horror stories is frustratingly difficult, which is peculiarly annoying because I think the themes of those genres (gothic especially) can really resonate with queer experiences.
Disappointing seems like a loaded word, though I don't know if I enjoyed this 1 every bit much as I wanted to? It's pretty solidly 3 stars for me. The writing was dainty, the story was interesting, but I didn't get sucked in or creeped out as much as I would like to. I had difficulty connecting with Evelyn every bit well — she was terrible, but some part of me wanted her to be even more than terrible? And in some ways I feel like the horror of the story somewhat plateaued from the center to the end, it didn't really daze or scare or chill me.
The story is queer, and it has some tragic romantic elements, but it isn't necessarily a romance. That's okay — being somewhat familiar with Starling's other works, that didn't entirely surprise me — but I still didn't observe myself super invested in the human relationship or in either of the characters. I was actually most intrigued by Violetta, but I feel like we got then lilliputian of her actually within the story, rather than only Evelyn's perception of her.
I read one review that mentioned they would take preferred more exposition, and I agree — I call up that in describing the location a fleck more, it would accept created more of that cloying, claustrophobic atmosphere that is expected with gothics. No, this story isn't a haunted house story, merely I think that the lack of clarification made it experience somewhat...unanchored at times, it was hard to immerse myself in the setting.
They're quite different, just I think fans of The Monster of Elendhaven might similar this one! Sketchy gays, gothic, some weird biology going on, tragedy....
I listened to this one as an audiobook! The narration was overnice, simply information technology is possible I would have preferred it had I read the physical copy.
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Days subsequently and I am still thinking about it. It'southward one of those kind of books that gets into your blood and slowly sinks its roots downward until they curl effectually your very bones.
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iii.five⭐
Yellow Jessamine is Caitlin Starling'due south second volume, and I loved being able to run into her range betwixt this i and The Luminous Dead since they are different styles. This is a gothic novella, and the writing fits the story so well.
It took me a minute to become into the story, merely once it got going, I was invested and curious. Nevertheless, the story went in a direction that was confusing to me, and I ended upwardly feeling like I never knew what was
"She had earned this hurting. She had earned this oblivion."3.5⭐
Yellow Jessamine is Caitlin Starling's second book, and I loved being able to see her range betwixt this one and The Luminous Dead since they are different styles. This is a gothic novella, and the writing fits the story so well.
Information technology took me a minute to get into the story, but once it got going, I was invested and curious. However, the story went in a direction that was disruptive to me, and I ended up feeling similar I never knew what was going on. I wish there would have been more background / caption. That existence said, I still liked it overall, and I'm always on lath for any Caitlin Starling does adjacent.
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At just over 130 pages in print form which is about 4 and a half hours in audio, Yellow Jessamine is a lightweight novella—which probably isn't e'er the best format to judge a writer, I am aware. Yet, I call back it's pretty safety to say Caitlin Starling'south manner isn't for me; I wasn't also crazy for her debut novel The Luminous Dead either but was hoping that this one would strike a meliorate chord with me, merely in some means it
two of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2020/09/10/...At just over 130 pages in print form which is nearly iv and a one-half hours in sound, Yellow Jessamine is a lightweight novella—which probably isn't ever the best format to approximate a author, I am aware. Notwithstanding, I think information technology'south pretty prophylactic to say Caitlin Starling'south manner isn't for me; I wasn't too crazy for her debut novel The Luminous Dead either but was hoping that this one would strike a ameliorate chord with me, just in some ways it was even more than confusing and frustrating.
Evelyn Perdanu is the protagonist of this tale. As heir to her family'due south lucrative shipping concern, she'due south rich, she's powerful, and she knows how to manage her people. Just when one of her ships go far to the port of Delphinium, carrying a strange disease, her nerves are rattled and she begins to suspect there may be more than to the story. She's all that's left of her family now, her urban center is dying, and at present information technology appears she may be the target of something sinister.
And then there's the manner the new illness spreads, striking its victims with a feverish craze before making them fall catatonic. Even every bit Evelyn is trying to convince the authorities that the outbreak is non her company's fault, more and more are falling sick. To a 1, they plow their fierce fixation on her, driving her into hiding. Frightened and cornered, Evelyn is left with no pick but to dig into her own past, trying to find the connections between her family's checkered history and the anarchy unfolding in the city.
Looking back, for a story that kicked off with such fascination and intensity, information technology amazed me how rapidly everything shifted in the contrary direction. First off, the novella format is simply too limiting for what the author was trying to accomplish, holding down what could have been truly amazing. Listening to the audiobook, I thoroughly enjoyed the setup of the beginning hour or so, but soon subsequently that, the plot went downhill equally Starling tried to do also much besides quickly. Information technology feels bad maxim this too, because it's clear she had a bigger vision for Yellow Jessamine, aptly titled for the beautiful merely highly poisonous flower, considering the story's themes.
Only while the book'south second one-half may take been packed to the gills with rich detail, I struggled to make heads or tails out of well-nigh of information technology. The few threads I was able to follow too weakened over time due to the deluge of newly introduced information that ultimately amounted to filler. Evelyn'south character ended up being such a mess, giving me flashbacks to Gyre in The Luminous Dead, some other one of Starling's characters whose personality seemed to be all over the map. The worst part was that Evelyn'south human relationship with her maid Violetta too suffered, and what originally had the potential to mature into an emotionally deep romance instead fell apartment and came beyond like a perfunctory nod towards diversity and representation.
By the time Yellow Jessamine was over, information technology had nearly lost me completely, and the concluding disappointment was the lack of horror elements, unless you counted weird as horror. This might also accept something to do with that the fact the book was too short and strange to develop any real sense of atmosphere. The world-building was sparse, and while Delphinium every bit a setting would brand a solid foundation for futurity stories, at that place was insufficient description in this tale to make whatsoever of the city'due south history or politics disarming.
That said, you could arguably view this novella equally a character study and an introspective exploration of emotion, and maybe find value in it from that perspective. In that instance, Evelyn would accept been a compelling subject, though as I said, I found too much about her personality contradictory. If the story had meant to focus on the internal conflict roiling within Evelyn, to the author'southward credit I think she managed to achieve this goal by the end, even if the execution could have been better.
Had the book been longer, assuasive for more improvement in these areas, I might have had a better time. Ironically though, in my review of The Luminous Dead, i of my criticisms was that it dragged on for too long and might have packed a bit more punch had the story been pared down and streamlined, so perchance Starling nevertheless needs to piece of work on ironing out pacing issues. In sum, Yellow Jessamine had hope, but a potent start gave fashion to a convoluted end with lackluster plot, earth, and graphic symbol development.
Audiobook Comments: Heather Wilds did a smashing job narrating, and I enjoyed listening to her voice, which had this strong, dignified, and mesmerizing quality. The book itself was simply not my cup of tea, just it was through no fault of the narrator, whose performance was lovely.
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