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June 2024

Sky of Ashes, Land of Dreams by Erin Jamieson: A Book Review

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(Bookstagram by catherinegv on Instagram, a.k.a me!)

 

Type Eighteen Books (Publisher)

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Genre: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Adult Fiction

Pages: 270

ISBN: 9798987830925

ASIN: B0CH4HWZVM

Format: Paperback, ebook (Kindle, Kobo, Nook)

Publication date: November 1st, 2023

Publisher: Type Eighteen Books

Type: Book, Novel

 

Huge thanks to Edelweiss+ and Type Eighteen Books a digital ARC of this book. I offer this review willingly and without any compensation whatsoever.

 

Introduction

 

I remember browsing the Edelweiss+ menu and stumbling across this gorgeous and intriguing cover. I love foreign cultures, so this called out to me immediately! Also, as I read the blurb, and it spoke of people living in Mongolia and the Gobi Desert, I just had to request it. Finally, a reading trip somewhere I hadn't explored before! With a culture and people new to me. Surely, this would be a magnificent read. And was it?

In fact, not only was it, but it greatly exceeded my expectations!

Want to know why? Read on, loves!

 

The Blurb

 

The enthralling story of three unforgettable young adults living on the cusp of great change in early 20th-century Mongolia. A captivating, beautiful saga from debut novelist Erin Jamieson about having dreams, finding love, and learning to survive in a harsh, ever-changing place.

In the winter of 1917, Bolormaa is introduced to the man she is to marry on her eighteenth birthday, over mutton stew and steaming buuz. She has spent her entire life in the Gobi Desert, living a nomadic life with her family, always moving with their animals in search of grazing lands. Reading about other places in a tent school, she dreamed of another sort of life. But now, her education is finished, and her future seems to be laid out before her like the colorful rugs in the family’s ger.

Ganbaatar grew up under the vast, blue-gray, Mongolian sky, the protective arm of his mother, and the withering gaze of his father. He has been a good son and a steady hand, working on the land with the herds, often feeling that he was meant for something different—if only he had the courage to reach for it.

When Aisin’s parents die, she leaves her siblings and everything she knows in China to live with her uncle in Mongolia. She’s unprepared for the level of prejudice she’ll face because of her heritage, but her bravery and stubbornness form a shield she readily dons. An accomplished horse rider and rare beauty, she works alongside her uncle and forges a path as a single woman during a challenging era.

A sweeping novel of historical fiction, Sky of Ashes, Land of Dreams follows these characters through the tumultuous decades following the October Revolution and outbreak of the Russian Civil War, and the Chinese occupation of Mongolia and rise of the Mongolian People’s Party, under whose leadership their nomadic way of life undergoes significant changes. Bound together in a unique love triangle that will span their lives, Bolormaa, Ganbaatar, and Aisin face these changes with courage and sometimes, with fear, and their journey of self-discovery and self-determination amidst the challenges and brutalities of life is an extraordinary tale of hope, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit.

 

The Positive Points

 

Oh, what an intriguing beginning! It mentions the visitors are rare, and in such an even farther away location there is a visitor in the Gobi Desert, her suitor, which is curious but makes him serious about a potential proposal. The author uses good action and visual verbs, such as “a sharp wind curls into the ger”. It’s full of imagery and cuts to the chase.

I love how Bolormaa thinks she is plain, and is aptly described as such in appearance. It’s different from most heroines who are either stunning, pretty, or said to be plain, but their description says otherwise. Plus, I love her adornments and Mongolian clothes. The fact that the author uses Mongolian words like ger and airag and a few others make it even lovelier, more accessible and immersive. We don’t read about Mongolia often enough, so yes please! The mentions of traditions and descriptions such as the first haircut which indicates a boy becoming a man delight me!

Aawwwwwwwww, Ganbaatar’s description of how he wants to love his wife is sooooo romantic! If only he’d kept to his word fully…

One aspect I love is that we have several POVs throughout the book. We got to know Bolormaa and Ganbaatar well, and three chapters from Aisin’s POV (I wish we’d had more because she is interesting), and in the last pages, Gerel’s POV, their daughter, and Quatan’s POV, their son. It shows the evolution of the characters and the passage of time. I am very fond of this writing choice!

Moreover, this is such a precious book! We don’t have enough Mongolian YA fiction, or Mongolian fiction at all. We need more, and this one is an immersive and impressive stepping stone!!!!

Also, I love that it’s so realistic it hurts; there are no elements of “fairy tale” found in books where it’s bad and then gets so much better… nope, it’s like life can be sometimes: it goes from bad to worse, and sometimes in-between it gets awfully bad. And there are status quos as well and a few joys. It’s the book most similar to life I have ever read, and it’s beautiful in its broken, humane way. Up until the very end.

 

Bolormaa grabs Gerel’s hand, swallows hard, and then does the only brave thing in her life—something brave and cowardly at the same time.

She and her daughter run, leaving Aisin behind in the ger where the heat is building from the encroaching flames.

(p. 165, Sky of Ashes, Land of Dreams)

 

I have never read such a more realist story. It is wonderful, as it is sometimes painful to read. But that’s exactly part of its charm and why I love it so much.

Another fascinating point is that it really follows History what with the Soviet Union’s invasion, and the racism between Mongolians and Chinese. It is well done and, while unfortunate and sad, it is realistic and true. We also get to see the Mongolian independence as well, but the subtleties about the slowness of real changes are interesting.

The ending and where they are now in life and relationships has kind of been foretold in previous chapters what with Bolormaa’s dream, but it has not taken a necessarily positive turn… like so often in life, it can be disappointing. Or at the very least, not like we first imagined it to be.

One of my favourite things is that I learned from this book a few Mongolian traditions, and elements of their culture and history. It was a delight and helped me develop an interest in Mongolian language and culture. Here are a few videos I watched to get to know them better:

 

About the Mongolian Language

 

WIKITONGUES: Khulan speaking Mongolian

 

Mongolian language: Saying Hello (Easy & Practical Ways)

 

Also, there is always some kind of conflict, whether it’s personal, interpersonal, or environmental! It’s never boring, even though it recounts ordinary life for Mongolians in the Gobi Desert and Ulaanbaatar. Sometimes, events we witness or experience can shape us in different ways; sometimes it traumatizes us and other times it gives us a purpose. I love that this book explores this topic in depth and with a gentle but firm and true hand.

I found a certain scene to be quite memorable and well-written: When Bolormaa and Ganbaatar, young, are sharing their dreams in the evening outside her ger under the starry sky. It was beautiful, candid, and hopeful

Lastly, this book is a treasure what with going to the metaphorical end of this family, which is in some way a new beginning too. It encompasses everything from the parents’ marriage to one of them crossing the threshold. It’s beautiful, poignant and true. It resounds in one's feelings and emotions, and I cannot stress enough how the reading of Sky of Ashes, Land of Dreams is worth it on an emotional and cultural level!

 

The Negative Points

 

There aren’t negative points, unless you’re afraid of feels or dislike them during your reading. If so, this book is not for you.

There is a point I’d like to tackle, though: there is a situation of adultery, and it made me uncomfortable. So, if you consider adultery as a trigger warning, be aware there is no depiction of it, only subtle mentions.

 

In Conclusion

 

I will repeat it again: Sky of Ashes, Land of Dreams by Erin Jamieson is a real gem, and a story we need more of the likes! For this reason, and the sheer joy and feels I had while reading this book, which I kept telling my surrounding about ALL THE TIME, I give it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars! If I could give it 6 out of 5 stars, I would do it, but hey, we’ll stick with 5 being the best rating ever!

Cinq

If you want to learn more about Erin Jamieson, you can visit Type Eighteen Books' authors page. If you want to read more from Erin Jamieson, you can visit her Goodreads page. Don't forget to add Sky of Ashes, Land of Dreams to your Goodreads bookshelves!


How to Choose Your Next Read: Mood Reader Edition

As a mood reader myself, these are methods and techniques I experimented and found success with. I recommend using this article like a method bank because the same method won't always work. It hasn't for me because each "reading slump" brought by the end of the previous book is different and unique related to the story, characters, and the emotions and feelings it left me. So, I have to use either this one or that one at some time, and another time I have to try the other two again.

But the good news is that there's always one method that works—the trick is finding the right one at the right time for us, mood readers.

What I noticed is that this state of indecision and generalized bleariness towards each and every book seems to stem from boredom and routine. 

So, let's explore my favourite methods to stave off that state and win over it!

Ready?

Okay, scroll!

 

How to choose your next read mood reader edition (2)

 

Go with the Season

Okay, this one sounds like a given, but have you reeaaally tried it? I mean, not only with the holidays it includes, but the season and moods themselves. If so, a bit of reviewing the pros of this technique will help! If not, get ready to find a few new ideas. 

 

Your Favorite Genre

Here's my favorite one: choose a book of your favorite genre which either fits the mood, the ambiance, or the holidays of that season.

For example, I was in October (Fall), and I loooove fantasy! I wanted something Halloween-like (holidays), yet familiar and cozy. So, I went with Long Live the Pumpkin Queen: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas by Shea Ernshaw (you can see my bookstagram and read my review here),  knowing Nightmare Before Christmas is my favorite Halloween movie (it's a tradition!), it's not that scary, and it fit all the boxes for the season all while being in my favorite genre.

 

Something You Love

Now, I mentioned this tip with the previous paragraph, but it's: choose a topic you love (like a TV show, or a book series), and try to find a book that is either set during the season in question OR that has the ambiance and vibes. Some will do special season books, or one of them is set during winter and that's what you're looking for, for example.

For me, it was during the month of December, and as a big Doctor Who fan, I wanted to read something about that TV show, yet I wanted to feel Christmastime and winter. 

I looked up Doctor Who books and I stumbled upon Doctor Who: The Twelve Doctors of Christmas, and it was an instant purchase! 

It did checked my favorite topic and seasonal boxes. The stories are warm and wintery, and perfect for Doctor Who fans!

 

 

Venture Out of Your Comfort Zone

This one is an old trick, but it is tough for a reason: it works. Not always, but it helps shake the routine and boredom.

For this one, I have two different methods: trying an unfamiliar genre and looking for a different trope.

 

Try An Unfamiliar Genre

More often than not, we read what we love most and what we're familiar with. For example, I'm all about fantasy and romance, as well as documentaries. But, if I wanna shake up my world and try a different genre, I will choose a memoir, or a travel book written by someone who went to that country. See?

 

Under the Tuscan Sun

 

The first travel memoir—or memoir, for that matter—I ever read was Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes because it's about Italy. Enough said. No, but, truth is, I love the Italian culture and I speak Italian as a self-taught language since I was 14 years old. So, it was meaningful to me. And, thanks to this book, I found another genre to read sometimes: memoirs.

So, if you read mostly fiction, try a non-fiction by a researcher, or a writer you like, a memoir by a celebrity of some kind, something other than fiction.

If you read non-fiction instead, try a light novel, or a poetry book. Something that can grip you instead of always giving you information to feed on (which is awesome, I love that too, but you know, to shake things up a bit ;)).

 

Look for a Different Trope

A trope is a certain pattern that comes back so often it's common. For example, in Romance books I always go to enemies-to-lovers, but once in a while, if you're like me, try a friends-to-lovers, perhaps? Ok, not the same stakes, but that's what we're looking for here. These are both tropes, but since I'm quite the enemies-to-lovers gal, changing it up to friends-to-lovers will shake up my perspective and routine. 

Another example is how I love morally grey characters (*cue April Jay's bookish song, Morally Grey*), then when I'm looking for a different trope, I'll try a goody-two-shoes. 

I know, I know, these examples can seem rather daunting, but that's the point with getting out of your comfort zone!

 

Establish the Mood You Want with:

 

Put On A Playlist

Playlists are a great way to establish mood and ambiance, whether it's for reading, writing, cooking, and other any fun activities. Some prefer a classical playlist, others a moody one, and some others a lyrical playlist...

Here are a few suggestions, feel free to try them out to find the mood you're looking for:

Reading Soundtrack

Music for Reading

LoFi Reading

Fantasy Reading

Reading Romance

Dark Academia Classical

Sometimes lyrics are too overwhelming and confusing as you read, but others will enjoy it. As for classical music, it's mostly great for thrillers and fantasy, I found from experience, or deep drama readings like the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo, or dark romance.

Did you know there are also playlists compiled by the authors themselves for specific books or series?

Why not try and find one (if it exists) for the book you're about to read?

For example, the If I Stay playlist by the author Gayle Forman.

The Splintered Series playlist by the author A. G. Howard (my favorite Alice in Wonderland retelling).

Oftentimes the authors will leave a link to their playlists on their website, or do a manual search in your music app.

 

Brew Your Favorite Beverage

An essential in my opinion is a beverage. But not any beverage; it must be your favorite, or at least held in the same esteem.

For example, I am a coffee gal, but mostly iced coffee. I'm all about iced coffee; from Tim Horton's, Starbucks, from my home Nespresso, and more. I need that iced coffee, and what better way to drink it than to pair it with a book for a perfect mood?

Exactly what I thought: there is no better way than that!

If you're not a coffee gal or lad, how about some tea? You can use a little tea infuser with tea herbs, or you can use a tea bag. Either way, as long as it's a taste you love to sip and smell. 

And how about brewing your own coffee if you like that? This could get you into an enthusiastic mood with the smell and the movements, right before an interesting read!

Whichever drink you prefer, make sure to pair one of your favorites with a book. It never fails to delight!

 

Settle in a Pleasant Setting

Settings are as important in real life as in stories. For example, would the Shadow and Bone trilogy be the same without a Russian-inspired Ravka? Nope. How about Harry Potter without Hogwarts? Not the same feel at all.

Well, same goes for you!

Do you have a comfy chair? I call mine my "potato chair", because then I can become a potato on it and not move except for turning the pages and drinking my favorite iced coffee. 

Perhaps it's a cozy or favorite room in your house or apartment? Go there! 

If you prefer the calm and quiet of the library, or the cozy bustle of the coffee shop, why not spice things up by reading in these locations? I can lose myself for hours in a book in both the library and a coffee shop. Or if it's new to you, how about changing the pace of your reading and trying these places out?

In order for the reading to be more enticing and immersive, find yourself a pleasant spot.

 

Put On Comfy or Thematic Clothes

Clothes are often overlooked as a means to create mood. But sometimes, it can be the missing element!

If you want a cozy, calm and soothing reading experience, how about slipping on comfy clothes? Those baggy pants, or how about these leggings you bought last month? A big shirt or a tight tank top. Whatever your comfy is, make sure to aim for it. Clothes can put us in certain moods, and comfy is the one we're going for here for reading experience.

However, if you want to shake things up and be ready for the adventure at hand, let's say you're about to read a fantasy novel, how about putting on a Harry Potter shirt or scarf? If you have a shirt from Game of Thrones, it works, too! As long as it fits the topic/genre you're going to read, there's no trouble.

How about sexy underwear or cute pyjamas full of kisses or hearts for a romance book? 

I mean, why not? It's all about the right mood!

 

Change the Routine--Make it Special!

Remember when I mentioned how it's all about routine? Yeah, exactly, so let's make it special! Because, routine is good for daily life, but it can become tiresome, even in reading for we go to our favorite genres, things we like, but it sometimes loses that sparkle. You know the one! That sparkle that gets us giddy before a read, like we're an enthused two year-old before a new toy.

That one, yeah!

How do we find it back? Here we go!

 

Enjoy yourself!

You know how routines can become... well, routinely. Boring. Tiresome. Same old, same old. This happens with our reading, too! When our "want" changes to "must" because we've been meaning to read that book for so long, or perhaps we have a bookstagram or review coming up... But thing is, "I must read" is no fun, it's routine--reading's become a chore. Yikes! The horror! We love reading mostly for escapism (except those unique ones who don't and I can't relate, but hey, welcome to the party!), so when it stops being escapism... No, that's too terrifying to consider.

So, the trick is to subtly change the "I must read my book" to "I WANT to read my book". 

Start by changing the word in your thoughts and in conversations with people. That'll help. Then, try to view it as some me-time, to relax, to reappropriate your pleasure of reading. 

Don't let it be tiresome--make it awesome!

 

These Are Not Just Words

No, I did not make a mistake. Books are NOT just words. The ever so practical will tell me : "Of course not, there is glue, paper, ink...." Yes, alright, but dear fellow, that's not what I mean, so sit down.

What I mean is books are much more than words. There are mental images, stories, knowledge... and the best of all: they give us friends! Come on, don't tell me you never loved a book character so much as to think of them outside of your reading time, and some of us go as far as purchasing items about them and writing fanfics, making fanvids, and more.

These friends we find in the pages of books are our friends and no one else's. Why? Because every one reads a bit differently, so every one has their own versions of said characters. And that makes it unique, because books contain more than words--they contain friends we yearn to discover and develop a friendship with in the first read, or reconnect with through a second or third reading.

 

The Ultimate .gif Database

 

And that, my dears, is beautiful.

Magic is what it is, I think.

Magic of the heart, and mind, and soul... Magic of the story!

So, keep that in mind to enthuse yourself about your read, ok? ;)

 

Friendship: Lessons from "Harry Potter"

 

Dance, Laugh--It's an Adventure!

Last but the funniest is please please please make it fun. Sometimes, to go back to my "tiresome routine" point, we can lose ourselves in the daily grind. But, reading is no simple feat (psychologically and emotionally). We immerse ourselves into these worlds or into that knowledge. At least, make it some kind of privileged time! A party, if that's what it takes.

For me, I do love to dance and laugh on music to psych me up before sitting down with a book. Perhaps you'd like to play a game to have a good mood before reading, or read jokes.

Geez, you're going on an adventure to discover and befriend people (fiction) or learn tons (non-fiction) on how the world or people work! 

Don't make it something casual or too ordinary--reconnect with its fantastic nature! Put a movie in the background, or listen to classical music while reading.

Whatever you do, remember: reading is an adventure. 

So act like it's one!

 

Round 3: Holiday Adventure - Monks - Nerd Fitness Rebellion

 

I hope you enjoyed this article and found it useful. Don't forget to try out these tricks any time you get stuck as a mood reader (which happens, let's be honest, every day!).

See you next post, lovelies!


Suicide Squad: KtJL Does a Traversal Move Into The Comic World

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League” but GENERALLY better…by YOU. How  would you redeem this better than Rocksteady? : r/SuicideSquadGaming

 

Rocksteady Studios, the studio behind the Batman: Arkham game series, Gotham Knights, and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, has an unofficial comic book tradition. Every time one of their new Batman games is released, there will be a prequel comic explaining some more shadowed part during the game or how the characters got to this point of entry in the game. While Rocksteady isn’t the instigator of this endeavour nor do they treat these comics as canon material, DC Comics always takes advantage of a new game release set in the Batman world to produce more comic materials in sync with it.

True to their tradition, DC Comics are publishing an official prequel to the Suicide Squad: KtJL, titled Suicide Squad: Kill Arkham Asylum. It will have five issues written by John Layman, and art by Jesús Hervás, which tells the story of how the inmates are in a fight against each other to run the asylum. The first issue is already out since February 06th, 2024.

The game Batman: Arkham City has a prequel comic book by Paul Dini and Carlos D’Anda, and the same is true with Batman: Arkham Knight, which features the story of how the Arkham Knight came to be in Batman: Arkham Knight: Genesis.

In these Batman games, the comics and their characters are closely intertwined with the stories gamers get to play through and immerse themselves in.

While not part of the Suicide Squad: KtJL game per se, reading about a potential situation of what happened before and how these four inmates (Harley Quinn, Boomerang, Deadshot, and King Shark) found themselves to be under Amanda Waller’s thumb to save the world from aliens might just be what is needed for a richer immersive experience. Rocksteady Games have a precious habit of being quite true to the comics in their games, so completing the gaming experience with a comic would make a lot of sense—and could be a blast!

Why not jump into the Comic Elseworld of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, then?

 

Sources:

Suicide Squad: Kill Arkham Asylum | Comic Trailer | DC

SUICIDE SQUAD: KILL ARKHAM ASYLUM #1

BATMAN: ARKHAM KNIGHT – GENESIS

My own Batman: Arkham City comic book

Rocksteady Studios