Time for another round of Yvo’s Shorties! This time around two ventures into genres I don’t read all that often, but both turned out to be very successful experiences. I have found a new all time favorite in The Ten Thousand Doors Of January, which turned out to be an absolutely stunning read. And I had a great time with the two Eileen’s in The Switch.
Title: The Ten Thousand Doors Of January
Author: Alix E. Harrow
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Historical Fiction
First published: September 10th 2019
Publisher: Redhook
Finished reading: June 19th 2020
Pages: 385
“Because the place you are born isn’t necessarily the place you belong.”
I admit that this was cover love at first sight, but as soon as I read the blurb I knew I was most likely going to love The Ten Thousand Doors Of January. And after seeing one glowing review after the other, I decided to save it until I was in need of a story that could really blow me away… That time had come, and my instincts about this book turned out to be 200% on point. What an absolutely stunning and breathtaking read! I don’t even know where and how to start explaining this beauty of a story, as The Ten Thousand Doors Of January is one of those books where you should go in blind in the first place to fully explore and capture its magic. Historical fiction is mixed with fantasy in the most exquisite way, and I loved discovering more about January, the mysterious Doors, the magic and Adelaide’s adventures. This story is complex, this story is stunningly written, this story fits so cleverly together once you have all the pieces… It’s an absolute masterpiece I cannot recommend enough. I’m truly lost for words here, and will just throw in the following cliche phrase to finish these rambles: ‘just read the damn book‘. Trust me, you will be in for an absolute magical treat!
Title: The Switch
Author: Beth O’Leary
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
First published: April 16th 2020
Publisher: Quercus
Finished reading: June 21st 2020
Pages: 336
“There is no elixir for this. All you can do is keep moving forward even when it hurts like hell.”
I know contemporary romance isn’t really my genre, but there are times when I crave a good contemporary and a select few authors can actually make me really enjoy the genre. I discovered last year Beth O’Leary is one of them when I read The Flatshare, and even the sexy scenes couldn’t put me off the rest of that story. I’ve been eagerly anticipating The Switch after that, especially when I discovered it involved an older main character as well as a life swap element. I must say that I had an excellent time with this story, and she is now officially another of my to-go-to authors when I’m in the mood for the genre. I think I might have enjoyed The Switch even a tiny bit more, mostly due to the focus on the relationship between the three generations of Cotton women and both Eileen’s more specifically. Sure, there were a couple of cliches involved. Sure, I saw the love interests coming from far far away. Sure, the story includes both the love triangle and cheating element I’m not a big fan of at all. But somehow, this just didn’t matter all that much, as I was having too much fun getting to know both Eileen’s and their adventures after the swap. This is both a fun and heartfelt story that will make you forget about your own problems for a little while… It’s the perfect escape from reality and the main characters will win over your heart in no time at all. If you enjoy the genre, The Switch is a little gem!
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Fantastic reviews Yvo! Do you think I’d enjoy the Ten Thousand Doors of January if I don’t like fantasy? xx
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Hmm that would be tricky… It does have more of a historical fiction and magical realism feel, but there are fantasy elements included too (the whole travelling to different worlds through doors thing). The writing is absolutely stunning though. xx
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I might give it a go as I quite like magic realism. xx
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Fab reviews! I’m looking forward to The Switch. I’ve only just got around to reading The Flatshare but I loved it! ❤️
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If you loved The Flatshare, you will most likely enjoy The Switch too! xx
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Oh that’s good to know! xx
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I love your enthusiasm for The Ten Thousand Doors of January! I’m really looking forward to reading this one!
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I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did! xx
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Everyone has been talking about The Ten Thousand Doors of January lately. I think I’m going to have to read that one just for all the hype. Really, I haven’t seen less than 5 stars yet. Nice reviews!
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I’m normally afraid of hyped books, but The Ten Thousand Doors Of January is worth it… It’s such a stunning story! xx
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I went ahead an requested it.
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Oh I didn’t realize it was on Netgalley! Fingers crossed you’ll get approved. xx
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Oh, no! From my library. 😉
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Ah that makes more sense. xD
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I’m even more keen to read The Switch after reading your fab review! 🙂 xx
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I hope you will enjoy it too! xx
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Love Beth O’Leary’s writing style, The Switch only confirmed it 😀
~ Corina | The Brown Eyed Bookworm
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Me too! She’s definitely on my auto-buy list now. xx
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I’m so excited to read The Switch! I’m glad to see you enjoyed it. Great review!
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I hope you will enjoy it too! xx
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I set down The Ten Thousand Doors of January because it was slower paced and I was needing something faster paced at the time, but I hope to pick it back up soon. Your review really has me curious about how things will progress! So glad that you enjoyed The Switch. I’m really looking forward to picking it up!
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Oh yes, The Ten Thousand Doors Of January isn’t a fast read so definitely wait until you are in the mood for something slower. I hope you will enjoy The Switch too! xx
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