booktok fails me again 🥀 reading a book that doesn't exist (the octunnumi review / rant)

Go to squarespace.com/caricanread to get a free trial and 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.
absolutely adored the marketing of this book and all the details that went into making this book feel more like an artifact from another world/dimension. the creativity is much appreciated :') unfortunately the book fell a little flat for me in terms of the actual story and im not so sure it needs to be stretched into 12 books... Let me know what you thought about the Octunnumi! Sending loooove!
Mentioned:
www.the-octunnumi.com/
✨NEW VIDEOS Every Friday 8am KST✨
🍰 My main channel: ‪@caricakes‬
☕ Donate a coffee?
ko-fi.com/caricakes
💖 FAQ
What’s my job? (Non-teaching job in korea) - bit.ly/3aeNl6x
Where do I live? (Korean apartment tour) - bit.ly/2kJK1Hk
Where am I from? - bit.ly/2xzc7hz
You can also find me here:
Instagram: / caricakez
Bookstagram: / caricanread
Twitter: / caricakes
Website: www.caricakes.net/
Goodreads: bit.ly/2kNnPjc
StoryGraph: bit.ly/3feHU8Z
Links may be affiliate links, thank you for helping my channel!
booktok fails me again 🥀 reading a book that doesn't exist (the octunnumi review / rant)

[@caricanread]

sorry about the focus in the beginning, my camera apparently doesn't like my mood lighting hahah noted for the future :')

[@danielleoliver1734]

The marketing shouldn’t be the best part of the book 🤗

[@caricanread]

hahaha exactly!

[@ruriva4931]

I mean, if you have a bad book and want to make money off of it, having good marketing is the only way to go.

[@SheConsumes]

THIS!

[@babyxblue]

@@ruriva4931 when it comes to money, yes, but when it comes to quality, no

[@ScarsOfTime100]

It's a shame that the book is SO gorgeous and the packaging is amazing just for the contents itself to be disappointing.

[@dubbingsync]

Probably a problem with being just a Prologue… at least that’s my guess with any story problems. Having not read it.

[@doryy9360]

Nice decoration

[@waltwhite8126]

@@dubbingsync but it's not really a prolog if it is released as a standalone book of 450 pages. The author can't use the "it's just a prolog" to justify his bad writing.

[@waltwhite8126]

@@doryy9360 the book looks nice, but it seemed made of cheap materials, since the golden details were already falling apart just by putting it in a bag.

[@plantemor]

This is how gimmicky books almost always are. It often feels like the author fell in love with the gimmick and then realized too late that they don't really have a compelling story. 13 Reason Why is a perfect example of that, as well as the Kayhy's Book series which I absolutely adored in theory, yet despised the actual story and characters.

[@jhillz48]

The way this book is marketed/packaged in the “there’s no information available outside of what we’re controlling and we’re going to rely heavily on the hype being built up by the readers who are able to flex their ownership of it on social media to make sales” seems so elitist for something that doesn’t seem to have a good balance of plot/character-driven story or good world building 😭 I’m lowkey so glad it isn’t a must read because I definitely would’ve felt like I was selling out just to read it haha. Thanks for this Cari!

[@caricanread]

and the fact that i've never seen it available in a library :''')

[@SuraiyahBaksh]

Almost like we were liars 😗😗

[@k80_]

“Oooh nothing is known about this book” because it seems there’s nothing to find!!

[@waltwhite8126]

it seems like those "exclusive" products made for rich kids, that is actually just overpriced common products with fancy envelope.

[@GooseEnthused]

This feels like one of those “wizardology” books you’d always get in the elementary school library. The story was not the cool part, yes it was a glorified pop-up book but it felt special

[@corbanbausch9049]

I loved those! Dragonology was my favorite

[@sylvie_on]

bro spyology had a great story

[@emackenzie]

Mildly unrelated but I got wizardology and dragonology at a goodwill a few months ago. I always wanted them as a kid but they were so much more expensive than my book fair budget allowed lmaoo

[@angelaberardo9204]

I found some at barnes and noble the other day and had to resist the urge to buy them just for the memories

[@deltavictor8369]

400+ pages and nothing actually happens, "but it's okay because it's just the prolog" is such strong fanfiction energy. Wild to see that in a published book, instead of like, wattpad.

[@Mngjanice]

“The prologue to a 12 part series” 👁👄👁

[@caricanread]

:'''''')

[@sadnessofwildgoats]

Don't worry, I've read all of a 17 part series :')

[@Topdoggie7]

@@sadnessofwildgoats It's not the part part it's the fact that these are so hard to get and also so elusive, and they're hyped up so much but nothing happens in the first one. Spoilers, nothing happens in any of them.

[@harmonium5495]

So like, do people have to go buy 12 other books to read the complete story

[@Topdoggie7]

@@harmonium5495 Yes.

[@bookishcreature8907]

Well, as an object this book is pretty incredible, including the whole buying and packaging experience. I studied book publishing in university, and this really reminds me of our projects for our Experimental Book Publishing class, you know, high concept, every detail thought out, but not necessarily great content/reading material 😂

[@caricanread]

yeah i looooved the idea behind it all but i really wanted a plot too hahaha

[@amperbm]

Maybe it would've been better if it was a shorter story, even if it wasn't very deep or complex, but just something entertaining to go with the whole experience

[@skippythewonderchicken7511]

Sounds like someone read Lemony Snicket as a kid and figured out the coolest marketing gimmick in the world without ever actually putting much effort into reverse engineering how Lemony Snicket approached tone, setting, action, or character development.

[@metumortis6323]

I said something similar aloud when she read the intro. How disappointing

[@ss-tv7ij]

the whole time I was thinking this reminds me of lemony snicket

[@sukerbole2463]

Am reading the unfortunate events series for the first time as a 25 year old rn and am enjoying it so much haha, not dependent on the marketing at all it's still so good

[@oh_hey_sarah]

I’m not even past the point in the video where you show the “pronouncery” but I just had to comment that those names are giving “we let an AI generate fantasy character names and the results will make you LOL”

[@caricanread]

lmao it does hahahha

[@dubbingsync]

And yet I find that some of those names aren’t that difficult to pronounce if you just take some time to work out all the sounds without a guide.

[@mac8697]

the way you describe this book reminds me to the fanfics I used to read/write as a teen on this Naruto forum back in the early 2000s lol. secret worlds, kidnappings, a million characters, everyone's so witty all the time, it's a 12-parter... us forum kids would eat this up.

[@caricanread]

LOL

[@camila_f_]

That's exactly how I felt, the early 2000s HP crack fica.

[@Karenseiley]

This was a painfully accurate statement about the early days of fan fiction lol 😆 😂

[@r.8902]

LOL this is such a perfect example. we were probably on the same forum boards at that same time too lol i used to rp Naruto on this massive forum board site and it was the same sort of thing - everything was just so convoluted all of the time lol

[@chewymint5224]

me but i would write crossovers and make every oc a mary sue

[@moirasoma2863]

I guess the saying "dont judge a book by its cover" is applicable here? Its a gorgeous book, one of the prettiest I have seen from modern times, but its just hiding nothing of actual value. Such a shame!

[@Maseiken]

This sounds like A Series of Unfortunate Events but instead of being inscrutable without being pretentious it is inscrutable and extremely pretentious.

[@audri1273]

"A Collection of Fortunate Happenings" but theyre all miserable to read about

[@ashmosphere]

This sounds exactly like a really long dream where you feel like everything around you is really vague and random things just happen suddenly with no explanation….but fun to watch u uncover it in video format!!

[@caricanread]

omg yes exactly like that!!!

[@bEccleston]

If My Immortal was a real, published book, this is what the design of it would be

[@entropy5157]

But...the purple and red highlights on the cover are must with My Chemical romance song list in the back !!!

[@dankbudew4830]

The only time I accepted a character in a book directly communicating with the narrator was Maddie from Ever After High 😐 This book is just a BEAUTIFUL cake with no flavor on the inside. It’s just frosting.

[@Matyldahej]

The cover actually reminds me of children's book. They really go all out for the kids usually, I wish we got exciting-looking books like that more often!

[@caricanread]

the whole book is so pretty :') i miss when we had illustrations and designs in books!

[@Rhaifha]

Agreed! We need more pretty books!

[@sophiagonzales8974]

I'm surprised that physical paperback classic novels éditions still cut out the original illustrations and they're usually reserved for the editions for kids I just want printing with the original illustrations

[@juliet6385]

The review/endorsement things being "by" the characters, praising the author...I almost spat out my tea, I was laughing so hard, and not for the reasons I think the author wants people to 😅😅😅

[@caricanread]

Bahahha

[@arlet101]

When you said the reviews in the back where the characters praising the author my soul left my body 💀

[@jayjade6003]

I just don't even trust Booktok 😭😭 It's the same books repeated by different people all over again and it makes Booktok in general redundant

[@caricanread]

:''''')

[@rike1775]

I feel that. Booktoks obsession with Coleen Hover and just problematic books in general worries me.

[@sophiagonzales8974]

I remember I've listened to They Both Died at the End which was a booktok book before it was a booktok book and it was so disappointing afterwards like around last year I've read Hard Boiled Wonderland and that book was epic and a masterpiece and the ending just reminded me of that book just imagine ripping off a really good book only to post the ending as your entire novel. This book judging by how far I am in this video gives me Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy vibe, A Doctor Who episode or just one of those in another world theme that Japanese light novels and manga frequently use. Edit: I also remember reading A Good Girl's guide to murder and I didn't finish it because I felt like reading a true crime novel rather than a fictional story. Second Edit: I also don't understand why a prologue is a whole novel generally a prologue is like one chapter building up the world and characters, this is already a book one. Third edit: This novel is better up as a comic especially if it's dialogue heavy but even comics have problems to solve than this

[@dubbingsync]

@@rike1775 oh the amount of “ romanticised low key abuse” I’ve seen in some of the more “spicy” centred booktoks is a bit disturbing. Just proves that’s not my sort of thing.

[@yourlocaltheatrekid900]

Yeah. In general I've noticed a ton of booktok tends to go nuts over generally "eh" books? People were raving over The Inheritance Games, but when I read it it was just... it wasn't bad but it wasn't really good in my opinion. I think the best book i've read thanks to booktok, and the only one that's really stuck with me so far as being AMAZING, is the Six of Crows duology, and by association the Shadow and Bone trilogy and the King of Scars duology.

[@luizavazquez7029]

It's giving lemony snicket if he were a flop

[@caricanread]

hahah yes!

[@axokat]

this is the best comment I’ve read all day thank you

[@renatal.129]

this is 100% written by a nepotism kid i swear. the marketing screams it

[@laindarko3591]

Going into this video I legitimately thought this was gonna be some weird scam where booktokers were giving positive reviews to a book that actually did not exist and people were buying like empty books or AI written books because of it 😂

[@polymphus]

I feel like I've been cornered by the author of this book at every single party I attended in college

[@artcat0.0]

When you mentioned the people in the book were talking to the author… I’m sorry but I was like “this person has a god complex” 💀

[@caricanread]

bahah i think it was more to solidify the fact that this isn't a real book, its a document from another world, but i can see that!

[@camila_f_]

It's giving "early 2000s crack fanfic" 😅

[@frea_o]

@@camila_f_ I was about to say that it honestly makes me think of bad fanfiction authors' notes from 2006!

[@kasairan8492]

Or it’s intended lemony snicket-ish style of writing with a present narrator?

[@Flatcetera]

@@kasairan8492 people taking that as a negative right out of the gate sound really stuck up. Her criticism over the narrative is great and then you look at the comments and everyone is hyperfixating on the one thing that actually sounds interesting.

[@scoutz0rs]

As a book designer at a big kids publisher, I’ve never had that kind of spec budget IN MY LIIIIIFE.

[@msa8408]

And maybe never will. Ain't that some sh*t.

[@krati.]

Sounds like the author was trying to drop ideas in the book so the readers will continue this book. Bruh, if I wanted to read a bunch of ideas with no story, I will read my Scrivener doc.

[@caricanread]

LMAO

[@alycesutherland3786]

I am down bad for your long plot break down videos. Idea: do them for the Sarah J Maas books or other fantasy series with a lot of hype around them. I love your videos. You’re cool. You’re awesome. Can’t wait for that plot video.

[@caricanread]

🙏🙏🙏

[@katien3022]

The packaging is so cool, but I wonder if it’s a little overkill for the first edition of a book?? Unless this isn’t the first edition, idk. I just think that usually those fancy special emotions are reserved for books that do well so they make more beautiful versions of it.

[@luxindreams]

Overkill is all the extra merch they're selling on their website for outrageous prices even though all that's released so far is a prologue...

[@thebat7505]

The introduction was already a level that makes me feel like this book is meant for kids.

[@yinandyangmix]

THOSE PLOT VIDEOS ARE MY FAVORITE EVER. I can't even understand how I listened to 5+ hours of the plot when I'm not at all interested in Crescent City, but your ability to explain things is too good. I'm so excited, now I can't wait!

[@caricanread]

LMAO THANK YOU!

[@annabell4973]

Me too! Watched all 5 hours!!!

[@tea.a9511]

ahahah yesssssss

[@tbanaszak5595]

the part where the characters reminds me of those poorly written fanfics back in the day on ffn or ao3 where the author has full conversations with the characters, or hyping up the author for the next chapter as an outro

[@LeylaKaratas]

have you ever taken one of those ''what would the characters of *insert book/movie/anime* think of you'' quotev quizzes? and the quiz would start off like ''hi, i'm the author of this quiz and i'm here today with draco malfoy who wants to ask you some questions'' and they would pretend to talk to and interact with the characters throughout the quiz and have them ask you questions. it's usually really cringe and this book is giving me the exact same vibe. except it was written by an adult and not a 14 year old lol

[@axokat]

stop because I used to make those quizzes on quotev 😭 so happy i left that stage tbh

[@tatumfowler8362]

This comment slapped me in the fucking face I had completely repressed my experience on quiz websites as a 12 year old and this brought it all back 💀💀💀

[@zalhiami]

I never took those quiz but I have seen so many wattpad authors do that when I was 12. It's always so uncomfortable to read T-T

[@firebreathingllama]

It feels like a book that wants to have every single possible cake and eat them too

[@DianeC1975]

I appreciate the way you let us know about these kind of weird books, which I now can avoid. 🤣 Cari, you are a one of a kind booktuber. I get such a kick out of your reviews. There is no one out there that I watch who gives us their kind, but honest opinion about the books they read. Double thumbs up👍👍 🤗😘

[@caricanread]

thank you so much always :'''')

[@mirandas8070]

The intrigue and witty vagueness at the beginning and especially the fourth wall breaking by talking directly to the narrator/audience really reminded me of the Lemony Snicket books, particularly the “who could that be at this hour” series. I loved those as a kid but definitely not something I would be interested in now and doesn’t seem like it would appeal very much to a more mature audience :/ kinda seems like a very big swing and a miss. But can’t wait for another big deep dive video!! 💕

[@caricanread]

definitely a less great lemony snicket vibe!

[@carolineblueskies]

That was my exact thought when she read the first page! I was excited because I love that vibe, but it’s a shame there was nothing of substance to back it up.

[@jestersudz6085]

@@carolineblueskies you might enjoy "Galapagos" by Kurt Vonnegut. It has that similar writing style where the narrator breaks the 4th wall, but it also has a compelling and engaging story. I really liked it.

[@Rara-zm2ps]

It's so unfortunate this book wasn't executed so well...initially it sounded like it had so much potential! 😫 Oh well...also I feel you with the reading slump Cari, I have many books I've put on hold since last year haha and many on my TBR...one of these days I'll get to them tho! Wishing you all the best, until next time ;)

[@caricanread]

right?! and ugh i hope that your reading slump ends soon, its torture!!

[@Rara-zm2ps]

Thank you! Same to you :')

[@may-tu5fe]

I’ve had this book sitting on my shelf for ages, I saw it on tiktok last year and bought it cause it was so beautiful (I’m very easily influenced lol) but i never read it, don’t know if i ever will but it looks cool on the shelf 😭

[@caricanread]

😭😭😭😭😭

[@davidchehab3450]

My best friend got me this book as a birthday present and I tried for a whole month to finish it before I DNFed it cause it was just mind-numbingly boring. Like almost 200 pages and nothing happens! There is no explanation and no intrigue to get me to keep reading the only silver lining is that the narrator is funny occasionally

[@caricanread]

yeah i was 100% reading for the funny bits and thats it :')

[@ashleyk.ballinger191]

Okay, I actually gave in and tried to buy this a year ago and it never got shipped to me. It got shipped to my town but then was sent right back to the UK because apparently there was a mistake on my address on the shipping label. And since it was coming from the UK shipping cost more than the actual book which was WAY too expensive (but that’s what happens when you’re depressed and scrolling through tiktok at 3AM) When I contacted customer service they basically were like “sorry no refunds. You should have triple checked your address.” So I got scammed.

[@Fiona_Co]

For some reason this book reminds me of being on tumblr in 2012. Me in my superwholock era would have probably loved this lmao

[@mari-m21]

I'd ordered it about a year ago or so as soon as I saw it on booktok, but found out that it's been delivered to the wrong place. Tried to get it back with no such luck, reached out, explained the situation and got a refund. And I'm so glad it happened and didn't waste my money on this book

[@crypty4074]

After buying it I noticed that the only people talking about it on social media were all just showing off the cool packaging and not actually talking about the contents of the book. Turns out that is a very bad sign :( Also those letters are such a huge scam? You basically pay for even more fancy advertising for the book itself

[@The_Mythical_Geek]

The story concept and marketing decisions are honestly really interesting and fascinating. The fact that it's all dialogue and there's a literal booklet to help you pronounce things is really daunting to me tho. And I have trouble with fantasy books that leave their world buidling super vague and have messy plots or literally nothing happening. I might still give it a shot. BTW great review, would've never come across this if it weren't for your video.

[@dustmotey]

lol I have a note book that's the same material as the cover of this book and when cari is describing it in the beginning I immediately was like "OH ITS THE KIND THAT GETS GREASY. GREAT..."

[@MM-jf1me]

I also knew exactly the type she meant immediately: the almost soft, matte texture feels so cool, but isn't worth the dirty appearance.

[@kamila2509]

It was a pleasure to watch! In the beginning when you were unboxing the book and reading the first page I felt as a child when adults read for us to sleep or at school. So sweet and warm!! Loved your review.

[@caricanread]

heheheh glad you enjoyed!!

[@inesbrites5035]

I must say, the book and it's packaging is very beautiful

[@caricanread]

agreed!!

[@hornedhare]

From an artist's standpoint, I absolutely hate this book's design. The font on the front is overkill to the point of being cartoonish rather than giving off the sophistication they probably intended. The design on the pages is distracting and once again, over the top- it reminds me of those YA novels that came out in the late 2000s early 10s where one of the main characters is usually goth, edgy or "dead". I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but in an age where graphic design software is so prolific you'd think that they could provide something that gives off actual intrigue and not the juvenile equivalent.

[@renatal.129]

my immortal could have the same design

[@spaceapricot4855]

I was surprised people were praising the design, it looks SO bad. The whole black page edges with the cartoonish gears? What? Is this a book for 12 year olds?

[@sobaz92]

so glad someone else feels this way, it looks absolutely ridiculous to me

[@Crankhy]

@@spaceapricot4855 a lot of here wish books like designed for children should be made for adults as well... 🥴 i know ppl will come at me "let ppl enjoy things" bla bla bla but i hate the infantilisation of society as a whole, and i dont need fucking cartoon edges, I am an adult, i just want good content..... but i suppose those people only (!) read ya as well....

[@syd1541]

The black designs around the pages instantly gave me flashbacks to those monster high and ever after high books that everybody was crazy about at the scholastic book fairs

[@mariafatma6656]

YES for the plot break down video! I'm hoping it will be for a Sarah J Maas book. Your videos explaining the plot of the Crescent City books was so entertaining to watch.

[@caricanread]

^_^

[@bybookandbone]

Its a pity that the book doesn't back up the different marketing. I'd never heard of it, become intrigued and let down, all in one video lol

[@Thislackspurpose]

I can appreciate the “mystery” aspect of this whole gimmick, like how it can’t be found in regular book stores and how it’s wrapped up, you get a letter and the book is all black and so on and so forth, like… had I known about this book when I was 15, I would’ve been salivating all over this. But it’s a shame that the ‘presentation’ seems to be the coolest part. I’d read a truly well-written and interesting book with a dull cover any day of the week. But hey, perhaps the other 12(!) books make up for this? If the author pulls that off, this could be something truly epic. ☺️ I mean. I still think the overall gimmick is pretty neat. And we’ve seen authors improve their writing styles over the course of a series before. I dunno, I’m kind of rooting for them? 😅

[@literaterue]

We love an honest book review! 🌸 PS: Watching this while hanging my finished laundry. Love watching your vids while I’m doing household chores. In a way, your content make the chore a little less boring and tiring. Thanks Cari!

[@caricanread]

wahhh thank you so much, happy to help^^

[@Silverraine1]

This whole video I was like 'yes, yes, this is why I always skip prologues!'🤣 And I love your plot breakdown videos🥰

[@caricanread]

LOL!!!

[@nezukochan86]

This is the kind of book that I'd 100% buy at the store just because I feel in love with the cover.

[@billie_the_birdie]

It would be amazing if prize winners got a special edition like this the holiday season after the winner was announced. High concept publishing for books you already know a chunk of people like

[@lpchambers3681]

I found you through your plot breakdowns, and I’ve since subscribed to book channel and main. Best decision of my life, obviously. I’m so excited for whenever it comes out!!

[@caricanread]

thank you so much :''')

[@mcheesey123]

I loved how you read the first page. Please record all audiobooks from now on

[@alycesutherland3786]

seconded

[@caricanread]

😂😂😂

[@tananario]

That’s not how audiobooks work. Companies contract with professional actors or the book’s author. My cousin has been doing this for years and has a professional studio to record.

[@caricanread]

@@tananario pretty sure they're just joking and trying to compliment my reading voice lol

[@lily.skylar]

even tho i read both cc books, your narration of the plot and characters was 🤌🤩, def had me wanting to see how you would describe other series so i’m v excited for your next plot video!! ngl part of me is hoping it’s acotar bc the content you could make from that would be peak comedy!

[@ayeshamahjabin7654]

I really loved your setup, yellow light background. It's very very relaxing. I hope u make more videos in this setting

[@randomuserwitharandomname6183]

The whole thing feels so pretentious. At first it caught my attention because "ooh, pretty book", but when they kept saying none of it, not one of it, it got tiring. Like, we get, Trevor. And then the characters talk to the narrator? That's a risky move that didn't pay off.

[@the123jswOo]

I am so happy to see someone actually review this book. I bought into the hype but got halfway (around where you did your first vlog) and didn't finish it... It was such a task to get through, there were more questions and uncertainties than resolutions or epiphanies, and honestly it bored me. I wonder if the story is actually gonna take of in the next instalments and if there are actually going to be enough people to purchase it, in order to maintain their marketing strategy.

[@rylie.annette4124]

I’m so ready for the ACOTAR plot video 😂

[@caricanread]

planning on starting to film this weekend!

[@oddeyes9413]

This book is the epitome of *Not all that glitters is gold*

[@Christined45]

Oohhhh I need to know what the plot summary book is! Can’t wait! ☺️

[@caricanread]

hehehe enjoy!

[@Hopuxx]

HERE FOR ANOTHER SUPER LONG PLOT BREAKDOWN VIDEO!!!!!!!! so excited!!!

[@caricanread]

just hung the first set of photos today :''')

[@atlashayes790]

I bought this book 2 years ago because of a Bookstagram post my friend saw, and I actually haven’t unwrapped it since. It’s still in the black wrapping on my bookshelf! Honestly sounds like something I would read on a vacation to get a laugh and take my mind off life. I appreciate actually getting to see a review about it

[@Lillyjoy]

That book looks so stunning 😍 I wish you had liked it more! The concept seems so cool

[@caricanread]

i wish i liked it more too!

[@dustyme29]

Hi Cari! I love your videos! I hope you have a good day, can’t wait for your next video!🧸😊

[@caricanread]

thank you^^ hope you have a great day too!!

[@alice-mc8ki]

why does the beginning of these reminded me so much of the ever after high books i read as a kid? lmao the margins! they had these purply pink margins on the pages that looked pretty much exactly like these ones and the characters can talk to the narrator too

[@ghoulslayer._.9281]

YAY I LOVE THE PLOT BREAK DOWN VIDEOS 🎉🎉🎉

[@missrandomreads]

OMG! I loved this vid! You need to make more reading vlogs, Cari. May I suggest re-reading at least one book from the Shadowhunter Chronicles each month until the release of Chain of Thorns on 2023? I mean.....please!!!!!

[@simplesimply3753]

I love a person who breaks in their book.

[@annabell4973]

Can't wait to see your next plot video! Love your vibe...

[@caricanread]

thank you!!

[@craftyreads]

I want to buy that book purely just for the cover. It is gorgeous 🤩

[@caricanread]

i know!!

[@RainWelsh]

If we’re just publishing A Dream I Once Had now (which is what this “and then this happened and then that happened and then an explosion happened” structure seems to suggest) I’m definitely going to publish the one where I was Donny Osmond’s bodyguard and ended up getting shot by a vampire in the line of duty. Also, very excited at the prospect of a new plot breakdown! I found you through your Crescent City videos, and I’m very on board for any more you feel like slinging my way.

[@jayjade6003]

This reminds me abit of Zatanna (she's a character from DC where the likes of superman and wonder woman exist) and she met her creator, the writers of DC and literally broke a panel (a canvas of the comic per se)

[@caricanread]

omg thats sounds amazing tho!

[@dwdillydally]

That sounds delightful. I've always ignored the Zatanna spin off. Thanks for the lead back to Batman lore.

[@motherdreamy.3489]

Omg omg the mysterious book tropeee--reminds me of the Hazel wood!!

[@rochoa7408]

The fact that the blurbs were written by the characters of the books… it’s not giving what it’s supposed to give.

[@gabrielavillaboim9701]

I need you to record an audiobook! No, really, that first page you read😧 perfect acting

[@catelyngrace6903]

My sister bought me this and while the packaging and book are amazing, beautiful, gorgeous. I can never seem to pick it up.

[@matcha.cinnamon]

I bought this book and it hasn’t shipped yet but now I’m rethinking my choices 😭😭 the packaging n advertisement for the book really doesn’t seem to match what it was actually about n that’s rly disappointing smh super glad I got to see u talk about it though!!

[@caricanread]

it was a fun read for at least half!! and maybe it will be a hit for you^^

[@Morfeusm]

And it will still look gorgeous on the shelf so win win

[@matcha.cinnamon]

@@Morfeusm omg yes thts true lmaooo

[@samworley3960]

OKAY but you've got another breakdown video coming omfg the hype is real

[@caricanread]

yesssss!

[@allyssagracevlogs]

I've never heard of this book before, but it sounds really interesting! I might have to read it

[@caricanread]

hope you like it!

[@oneiratoxia]

Love your book reviews! I am currently in a reading slump myself, but I’ve decided to start reading Piranesi by Susanna Clarke!

[@caricanread]

thank you! and good luck :') i read the hacienda (a gothic thriller) to wiggle me out of the slump but i hope piranesi does it for you!!

[@JY-vh3be]

Maybe take every recommendation with a grain of salt. That's how I was able to appreciate The Cartographers. Yes it didn't live up to the premise but I did like the map making and the descriptions in the beginning.

[@caricanread]

yeah i loved the beginning! the ending tho...

[@Sapphias]

This sounds like the most pretentious book ever published.

[@FrugalOverFifty]

Awesome- saved me some money plus a book breakdown video on the horizon. 🤘🤘🤘🤘Love it!

[@caricanread]

^_^

[@kahliskawaiicorner]

I hate when they have too much banter! Amazing video!! I always get so excited when I get a notification for your videos😃😃

[@caricanread]

thank you so much :'''')

[@itsnoterica]

This box has been sitting on my shelf since literally early 2021 lmao I haven't touched it in so long that I literally forgot I even bought it. I solely bought it bc I'm a sucker for marketing & packaging & I was bamboozled by a bunch of videos of ppl opening it on TikTok

[@beetsred2387]

Audrian, Isaak, Isadir and Lorin seem like the only names semi-decent. Lorin is an actual name and I think Isaak is as well. There are a lot of variations of names with Aud in them and Isadir... just seems like normal fantasy... I may have a slight hobby of researching names. The rest however look as if one took names that you would find in Welsh and Irish mythology (maybe others too.) and rearranged the spelling. Also I think I've seen all of these names on an actual fantasy name generator but I can't remember which one.

[@darcyreads]

New book video! Let’s go!

[@caricanread]

!!!!!!!!

[@shelbysteele6596]

I’ve had this book for over a year and it’s just been sitting on my shelf

[@caricanread]

:'''')

[@warwick3039]

I feel validated somehow :)) I never actually pronounce place names while reading (cities,worlds,etc.) :))

[@dzeren_7151]

I love it when you upload a new video ❤❤❤❤

[@caricanread]

[@lukeperry19]

I actually really enjoyed this book. I understand why so many don’t like it though. For me I read it as as a prologue and and introduction to what I think promises to be an exceptional world. I have preordered the 2nd book and hope that the story unfolds

[@zbcrazy]

How do you write almost 500 pages of prologue and NOT have a solid and coherent foundation for the main story to jump off from?

[@logoutyourbody]

As a kid I thought long works were so impressive because it’s so much typing. As an adult I’ve realized that short works tend to have more time put into them because they are actually edited down to the important stuff that doesn’t stagnate the story.

[@samayasubadin6418]

I was in that exact cafe just last week~ That zone has such nice cafes to read

[@Qxoi90]

I loved the reaction about the kids when they got found :D

[@grisellgarcia2768]

Why do I come running as soon as I get the notification? 🤣🤣

[@caricanread]

bahahah thank you!!!