Friday Fun: Thanks, Witches and Toothless

After 2 months of living in China I have FINALLY sorted the wifi out for my apartment so hopefully I will be able to get back to normal posting now. I do apologise for the absolute lack of anything in the last few weeks, but I've had to adjust to working full time (I know, woe is me!), teaching, and living in China. I have, however, read some absolutely amazing books in these weeks without the Internet at my disposal for procrastination, so you've got those reviews to look forward to. I've already posted reviews for 2 of them, The Power by Naomi Alderman and the Russian classic Yevgeny Onegin by Alexander Pushkin, translated by A.D.P Briggs.

Also, just like me, Feature & Follow Friday was on a bit of a hiatus the last 2 months but returned last week. So it's only right that I join back in on the FF fun! FF is hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee! This week's prompt is:

What are you most thankful for (in the blogging world)?

This is solely based on my own experience blogging the last few years but I am so grateful for the general respect book bloggers have for each other's opinions. I know (mainly from Twitter rants) that there have been controversies and problems etc. but I have never felt like I had to change my opinion on a book or an author just to not get shouted at. If a reviewer doesn't like a book they are able to say so and, usually, it all remains very respectful. A second thing which I am, of course, grateful for, is the love for books that you find here. No matter what you read, we all love books and we all love reading. And dear God, all of your recommendations are BRILLIANT!

Now, for more memes! Book Beginnings and Friday 56 are hosted by Gilion over at Rose City Reader and Freda at Freda's Voice! Hop over to their blogs to join in on the fun! Today I'm featuring one of my current reads, The Witches of New York by Ami McKay.

The year is 1880. Two hundred years after the trials in Salem, Adelaide Thom (Moth from The Virgin Cure) has left her life in the sideshow to open a tea shop with another young woman who feels it's finally safe enough to describe herself as a witch: a former medical student and gardien de sorts(keeper of spells), Eleanor St. Clair. Together they cater to Manhattan's high society ladies, specializing in cures, palmistry and potions--and in guarding the secrets of their clients. All is well until one bright September afternoon, when an enchanting young woman named Beatrice Dunn arrives at their door seeking employment. 

Beatrice soon becomes indispensable as Eleanor's apprentice, but her new life with the witches is marred by strange occurrences. She sees things no one else can see. She hears voices no one else can hear. Objects appear out of thin air, as if gifts from the dead. Has she been touched by magic or is she simply losing her mind? Eleanor wants to tread lightly and respect the magic manifest in the girl, but Adelaide sees a business opportunity. Working with Dr. Quinn Brody, a talented alienist, she submits Beatrice to a series of tests to see if she truly can talk to spirits. Amidst the witches' tug-of-war over what's best for her, Beatrice disappears, leaving them to wonder whether it was by choice or by force. 

As Adelaide and Eleanor begin the desperate search for Beatrice, they're confronted by accusations and spectres from their own pasts. In a time when women were corseted, confined and committed for merely speaking their minds, were any of them safe?

Book Beginnings:

'In the dusky haze of evening a ruddy-cheeked newsboy strode along Fifth Avenue proclaiming the future. "The great Egyptian obelisk is about to land on our shores! The Brooklyn Bridge set to become the Eight Wonder of the World! Broadway soon to glow with electric light!" In his wake, a crippled man shuffled, spouting prophecies of his own. "God's judgement is upon us! The end of the world is nigh!"

New York became a city of astonishments. Wonders and marvels came so frequent and fast, a day without spectacle was cause for concern.' 1%

I simple had to include that second line, it's too brilliant not to. I really like how McKay creates atmosphere throughout The Witches of New York, especially in her descriptions of New York. Also, her witches are great!


Friday 56:

'"The grimoire doesn't lie," Eleanor replied. "Its wisdom takes many forms within its pages - recipes, spells, sagas... and yes, even fairy tales. Every word within it holds truth.' 56%

I wanted to share more but I fear it would have been a little bit spoiler-y, so I restrained myself and stuck with these 2 sentences. I absolutely love Eleanor's character so far, she is exactly the kind of witch I would like to be. I like how she describes her grimoire and, in essence, the magic of words. Words have power



Also, I just really need to share this picture of my kitten, Toothless, because she's too pretty not to be seen by everyone!

She is gorgeous and I love her! I hope you all have a brilliant Friday and an even better weekend! I'm still getting used to working 7 hours a day on Saturday and Sunday...