The Night and Its Moon BOOK 3 REVIEW

[@lycianempire]

If there's only one university, how can they perform the required vicious rivalry with another university? That's like half of any academic identity!

[@ReadswithRachel]

Fae university rivalries is a book I didn’t know I wanted until right now

[@lycianempire]

@@ReadswithRachel Damn, now I want that too and you'd think after diving deep into academia I'd be sick of it.

[@ti9372]

Not again... I still can't believe this was marketed as sapphic romance despite the fact that I can count the sapphic scenes on one hand

[@Amaiguri]

Don't worry -- Piper CJ wants it to be known that this is a BISEXUAL fantasy 🙄

[@kaijuhunting]

@@Amaiguri i need her to stop dragging bisexuals under the bus.. don't we already suffer enough??

[@Amaiguri]

​​@@kaijuhuntingWe do 😔 #NotMYBisexualFantasy

[@bluester7177]

I'm glad I foubd this video before picking it up on kindle, I dont particularly like to have straight sex in the books I read, it's like a trigger to me, so I already know not to read it even though the covers are gorgeous.

[@cookkeh]

"we don't have indoor plumbing but we have HIPAA compliance?" made me choke with laughter i love your reviews so much

[@krisl6537]

You summed up why I watch these as a writer perfectly, research. However, as a regular schmegular person, I watch you because you're hilarious! I'm hoping for another collab with your hubby, it should be a series, "I explain insert sh*tty fantasy romance title here to my husband"

[@ReadswithRachel]

Wow, thank you!

[@RuthMadisonAuthor]

💯 Yes, that’s why I watch too as both a reader and a writer.

[@DawnOfDaravaja]

I, too, am a writer who uses your videos for tips, book recommendations, and entertainment. Thank you!

[@ohhmangos]

@@ReadswithRachel Special request for you to explain any SJM book to your husband for a video. Y'alls banter is hilarious!

[@krisl6537]

@@ReadswithRachel you are golden! And a lot of your input makes me proud of not committing the same mistakes other author's have created, especially with mental health and ab*sive topics. More writers need to learn that drama doesn't mean misrepresentation of the nuero-diverse community or glamorization of ab*se. As a member of the community myself, I have ADHD, and am a survivor of DV, I know how damaging these things can be, so it's refreshing to see more book tubers tackle these issues.

[@strangeaelurus]

THERE'S A THIRD ONE???

[@P4Stalot]

I think there are four? They're all to be released 6 months apart.

[@sagathestoryteller7920]

I think there's supposed to be four or five books total

[@HeartseekerJinx]

They will never stop 😖

[@HirilCelebrian]

There's novellas?????

[@katsuki_fan2465]

I thought the same thing. I knew that she was planning more books but I had no idea book 3 was already release.

[@sydmmetry]

The lack lustre worldbuilding in this whole series reminds me of the Terry Pratchett quote “you can have flying pigs, but you have to be aware that people are going to need really stout umbrellas” - feels like Piper CJ had ideas for the world she was building, but didn’t think about the ramifications of those objects/powers/people/structures existing in that world.

[@StarrySeal]

I love the level up with the "reviews are for readers" animation that's so real

[@ReadswithRachel]

Just wanted to make sure it was HEARD AND SEEN lmao

[@InsertUsernameHere-co1uv]

The worst is that the cover art and titles are so pretty but the series itself is so painful... very glad I never picked these up because I was enticed by a pretty cover...

[@ReadswithRachel]

So my understanding of Bloom (which is an imprint of sourcebooks) is they have a tendency to pick up authors who already have an established following. The following will guarantee the sales. They publish EL James. They publish this series. They also picked up Laura Thalassa.

[@ReadswithRachel]

That^ comment was supposed to go under a different comment I don’t know how tf it ended up here

[@InsertUsernameHere-co1uv]

@@ReadswithRachel the comment ending up there makes about as much sense as this book

[@RuthMadisonAuthor]

Yes! I love the titles and the covers 😭

[@Rialieee]

I am so sorry but whenever I see the covers I kept thinking to myself, "that's definitely made from Canva"

[@Amaiguri]

17:04 Re: "Idk if I love you or if that's a result of the Goddess" This is another "I am just Yennefer" plotpoint. Geralt makes a wish and then Yen falls in love with him. Just, food for thought

[@PrincessTripsy]

Every time you asked Alexa for info, the cold stare into the camera made me laugh. Something about it was just giving everything.

[@285hannah]

the thing about the internet i’ve noticed is that we have so many people who are speaking out and standing up against racism, bigotry, etc. and that’s amazing, but because it’s the internet and people don’t want to look into things past scrolling on insta or flipping through YT, etc, its like the majority of people have an understanding that something is wrong but have no idea why, despite the multitude of resources, and i really feel like thats why we have so many authors who skirt around really important things like this- they want to make a statement but they have only a small understanding of why they even hold that belief… so piper cj having that same problem really doesn’t surprise me because it’s not like there aren’t cool ideas in here, it’s just so surface level

[@BanjoJill]

I've felt sorry for Nox for all of the first two books and I still do in this book. She has a lot of potential to be a great heroine, imo. I would've loved a book where she was the main character and discovering herself, making new friends, going on adventures she's not used to. Maybe Amaris can become a villain because she's been acting like one this whole time.

[@BanjoJill]

@@burnt-croissants That'd be very cool. Amaris has acted like she has a chip on her shoulder for most of the books, so knowing she's a chosen one would boost her ego to do whatever she wants until she delves into villainy. Nox, lost princess, has to step up to the plate to take care of take down her 'destined' hero!

[@AwsomenessRain]

@atlantisundiscovered that’s basically megamind if it had been brave enough imo

[@joyc.e.7511]

​@@burnt-croissantsReminds me of the School for Good and Evil.

[@CrypticaLuna]

Nox was my faveorite, too. Amaris...she gets on my nerves...like, alot

[@bonesey4954]

As a former cult member who had to learn to take accountability for the things I did and said during that time, I wanted to say thank you for highlighting that part! Because deprogramming is not just learning new perspectives, but it is also to realise you have made mistakes with your behaviour. For me, I was a child when my family managed to leave, so obviously a lot of my actions were also connected to childhood immaturity, but that doesn't mean I can just brush them aside without saying sorry. *Especially* if someone is so deep in that mindset like it is portrayed in that book. The idea of having a love interest be enough to "turn" her is also really disgusting to me. Because love doesn't just do a 180° on your brain.

[@NebulousMusic]

I just want you to know I am proud of you for taking breaks and prioritizing your wellbeing.

[@ReadswithRachel]

Thank you so much 💕

[@themanbehindthecurtains]

As an aspiring writer, all your videos are very helpful. It's definitely got me thinking about pacing and time passage... months sounds so freaking long for something that's supposed to be an immediate threat

[@ReadswithRachel]

I'm so glad to hear this! I know there's really helpful templates out there for helping you write out your time passage and fill in gaps

[@Virgo117]

Best of luck to you! :D

[@HirilCelebrian]

Why am I so excited for a review of a series I will literally never touch

[@warmlavender5525]

Rachel always makes me excited for her reviews of series I’ll never touch. 😂

[@P4Stalot]

The biggest reason for me that these books are so upsetting is that when you read about the characters, and moments that are supposed to be positive, you see all the internalized issues that the author has. Which, for me, what's particularly triggering is the internalized misogyny that is Amaris's entire character, alongside the strange misunderstanding of what sex positivity is supposed to be-- that shows up in almost every character!

[@ReadswithRachel]

I keep waiting for the series to be sex positive in a way that makes sense and is consistent and unfortunately I have found that isn’t the case here. I’m particularly disappointed with the portrayal/discussion of sex work in this. At no point do I feel this series has done anything to affirm that sex work is work and that it is valid work.

[@P4Stalot]

@@ReadswithRachel yes, that was the main reason I was initially interested in the book. Positive portrayal, by an experienced sex worker? Yes, please! But, then, I hadn't considered that it might have just been bad experiences, which of course then caused a warped depiction of "positive" sex work representation, and what sex positive in general actually looks like.

[@rat_enthusiast]

Piper CJ’s confidence leaves me speechless. She has to have the awareness of a plastic bowl. There’s no other explanation. You know how, if you mix the wrong cleaning products, you can create mustard gas in your toilet? This is what that series feels like. White audacity, long covid, and an SJM stan met in a suburban bathroom. They merged, gave birth to CJ, put a pen in her hand, and now we have to deal with the consequences. Idc if this is harsh. The way the brown girl is written. The evil disabled hand villain. The bloodborne ass racist backstory for Whitessa McPaleface. It’s too much. Someone has to stop this woman.

[@eldritchabomination9726]

Now that you mention it, there is a shocking amount of similarities between Bloodborne and this series

[@rat_enthusiast]

@@eldritchabomination9726 Ikr?? I think the author is just stealing shit from video games. It’s crazy

[@leightoningstrike6971]

This seems unfair to plastic bowls... they usually have labels that let you know if they can be microwaved or dishwashed lol

[@allbutperfect]

Brilliant comment 🤣🙌🏾

[@miseryhymns]

whitessa mcpaleface 💀💀

[@nmariecastro]

I was an arc reader for this book and I lost my mind at how Piper got anyone to believe that her nightmare of a novel made it to print. Also thank u to Rachel for standing up for us reviewers with out large platforms

[@elizadisbrow3167]

I saw this book at Target the other day and stopped in my tracks. My first and only thought was “I need Rachel’s review.”

[@Zombikaff]

I was drawn in for the sassy way you do reviews. I stay for the helpful tips for writing. And I love how you weave your sponsors in.

[@ReadswithRachel]

Oh thank you! 💕

[@werehimbo]

I'm so glad you talked about the nazi apologetics. Worth pointing out that a lot of fantasy authors try to sidestep that being called out by having POC be the fascists, but a certain east asian country has a infamous history of violently subjugating south asian people, which makes Tanith significantly more upsetting in how she's removed from the responsibility of her assault on south-asian-coded characters.

[@AlyGhostface]

Me, hearing about imaginary trade routes in Rachel’s personal fic: 😮 Okay you don’t have to share the writing or details but your design of trade routes WOULD BE A FUN VIDEO!

[@ReadswithRachel]

I would love to do this. Let me figure out if there’s a way that I can make a coherent video that isn’t just me pointing at my whiteboard and rambling.

[@AlyGhostface]

@@ReadswithRachel do what makes you most comfortable! 👏🏾

[@pixelsbykris5494]

@@ReadswithRachel I want to second this motion, btw! I'd love to know how and why things are worth what they are and how you figured out/researched what crops would go where. I know that that kind of information would be INVALUABLE to me as someone who has Supernatural/Horror/Steampunk/Fantasy world she wants to flesh out for her original TTRPG project.

[@mei-ck8rp]

Yes please. Would love to hear about your trade routs 💜

[@simplesimply3753]

I do agree. I find those that world build amazing. I wish I had the skill to build a world. Sadly try as I might, I can’t.

[@serafinassong]

This was super interesting and helpful for me as both an aspiring writer and aspiring beta reader. I have a character in my WIP who is deconstructing a super strict, oppressive government/military rather than a religious group, but definitely going to check out Rising Out of Hatred.

[@ReadswithRachel]

I also recommend this short (15min) video from a woman who grew up in the Westboro Baptist Church and talks about how she came to the realization she was wrong and left. I particularly wanna point out the part where she says she started to see the humanity in people she hated. That’s really key. As well as how she says, I wrote an apology for the harm I caused but I also knew an apology could never undo any of it. I wish Tanith had been written with this in mind. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIe5Y42hbZ2Vm7s

[@serafinassong]

@@ReadswithRachel thank you, I will check that out as well!

[@cheerful_Abyss]

@@ReadswithRachel Absolutely not taking away from Megan's experience leaving the WBC, but just to add some (unfortunate) context, some of those hateful beliefs never left her. She's in charge of the queerphobic and especially transphobic "The Witch Trails of JK Rowling" podcast and is supporting Johana. It's a shame :/ there's a great article on "She Seeks Nonfiction" and Pink News about it! (And I think Contrapoints has mentioned it?)

[@ReadswithRachel]

@@cheerful_Abyssno WAY that witch trials shit is HER?! Fuck. Fuck her for that.

[@cheerful_Abyss]

@@ReadswithRachel Yep, she's the host :/// and 110% agreed. Grifters be griftin' (ugh)

[@Strawbibble]

The Poppy Dens also feels racist & specifically Sinophobic due to the history of the opium wars irl.

[@ReadswithRachel]

Oh you are 100% correct. I didn’t even pick up on this until I was editing the video and I was like wait a minute that feels incredibly racist. I mentioned it on TikTok in a friends only video because I know if I say anything on TikTok then I’m going to get reported again. So I texted some friends about it and I was like am I losing it or is this racist? And they were like yeah that’s not appropriate given the context of who the character is. I’m going to talk about it in part two but yeah, all this to say you are absolutely correct.

[@christy2935]

I really appreciate how you promoted Skillshare in the beginning of the video and throughout your review. It's been promoted across a few channels this month but yours really made me the most interested in it, particularly when you talked about how it helps you critically analyze works. I'm newish to your channel and your analysis and humor are fantastic. Like several other commenters I'm a writer too so getting this in depth analysis from you and other commenters is so helpful. The picture inserts of characters was really helpful, and woof, does that really further nail down how derivative Piper is of other fantasy authors. Each time they showed up all I could think of was ACOTAR and Six of Crows. I've officially removed this from my maybe one day when I'm really bored I'll read this list. I take more care writing fanfiction and seen better fanfiction than this. Your make-up game is on point as always.

[@AlishaHerbiederbie]

Ah yes, oxytocin, doctor-patient confidentiality, epidemiology, meteorology, germ theory, and somehow making a sound have a scent/taste. All the hallmarks of a high fantasy in a medieval setting. Clearly us plebians could never.

[@VieDeBle]

Also it's a small thing but the phrase "sitting ducks" should NOT exist in a world without guns ! The anachronisms drive me so mad like this author clearly just writes what comes to her mind without thinking of the implications of certain words

[@SunshinePip]

Using a black woman as a vessel in this book considering the history of how bipoc women were treated and how they also had their children taken away from them in real life was kind of insensitive and racist. I remember when I was in nursing school and we had a discussion on the history and origin of modern day gynecology and obstetrics. I wouldn't recommend reading about it if you're sensitive to that kind of thing or not in a good head space. She really needed someone to help with editing this book.

[@keepitrealfox6605]

Yes! I thought the same thing when Rachel explained the f’d up lineage. It’s forced surrogacy of a black woman - what a terrible thing to utilize without calling it what it is!

[@teplavecernice]

28:42 hi, haven't finished the video yet but just wanted to point out that among the many anachronisms in this book the mention of the hippocratic oath is not one of them. it has actually been used since antiquity so way before indoor plumbing. love your channel btw it has provided me with so much entertainment, i really appreciate all the work you put into it

[@arawin25]

The hippocratic oath and HIPPA are 2 different things though?

[@teplavecernice]

@@arawin25 yes, but the book mentions just "doctor patient confidentiality" which is part of the hippocratic oath. rachel then mentions hippa which in this case is unrelated

[@sonder122]

Just about everything medically related in the book sounds anachronistic, for example the discovery of viruses didn’t occur till the late 19th century. The problem with anachronisms is that they stop the flow of a story inside your head. It’s like the needle scratching a record sound effect going off, you have to pause because something is just wrong. It’s the mental equivalent of somebody dropping an ad into a TV show.

[@rebeccasmith4295]

@@teplavecernice Isn't the Hippocratic oath to do no harm? And HIPPA is the US version of doctor-patient confidentiality?

[@teplavecernice]

@@rebeccasmith4295 hippocratic oath includes confidentiality

[@Virgo117]

Ah they discovered endorphins and oxytocin before the clitoris, bravo science, bravo.

[@bookishlybookish]

Hun, I feel the need to tell you, you are anything but a dumpster fire. You are beautiful, you are competent, you are a loving, caring person. Please don't sell yourself short. Full makeup, half makeup, no makeup. Wig or natural hair, you are beautiful. 💯 And as an aside to keep it book related, how the hell are there already 3 books published in this series when the first one came out last week!?

[@kuraihiroma]

I saw this cover in a bookshop yesterday, and it's so pretty it tempted me. But then I saw the first two novel covers on the back, and I remembered your videos! Didn't even remember anything from the video itself cause it's been so long, but just simply having the book cover in the thumbnail made me realize. Thanks for helping me save my time!

[@solfell_]

not to spoil a game from nearly a decade ago, but a magical ribbon that protects the holder from harm is literally an item in the witcher 3's blood and wine dlc

[@beautyandgrace7997]

It’s also a final fantasy thing

[@kandibug5303]

It was nice of you to beta read and review someone’s early draft. Hopefully the writer takes your suggestion to heart and improve their writing. 🙂

[@historydragonsandmagic]

I’ll never read this trilogy but your trilogy of videos about it have brought me so much joy! 😅

[@theycallmejodamo]

The way I cackled when you said “This line is really trapezoiding my rectangle” 🤣🤣🤣🤣💀💀💀💀

[@ReadswithRachel]

😂😂😂😂

[@TheFlamingGecko1]

I love watching your content, it helps me understand more what reads see and honestly I feel like the more I watch your videos the more critical and understanding I gain for other books ☺️

[@ReadswithRachel]

I'm so glad!

[@sonder122]

The description of the kiss sounded like the tasting notes from a posh wine. I guess Ms Piper has never met an adjective she didn’t like.

[@Wingysart]

Honestly I lost interest in Piper CJ after she deleted her Goetic practice TikTok after the slightest backlash. These books are just icing on the pretentiousness cake.

[@Elise.93]

What do you mean by Goetic practice?

[@ashannaredwolf8485]

@@Elise.93Goetia is generally the practice of invoking/summoning demons and angels, so I’m guessing Piper was foraying into that. But I’ve never followed her/cared about her unless Rachel is ripping her apart, so that’s an assumption on my part.

[@TheYasmineFlower]

I've totally lost track of which character picture is Amaris and which one is Nox, but I don't care enough to check. I don't think it would make things any less confusing.

[@Allison_Troy]

Normally this is where I slide in and make some comment about how good it is your reading these so I don't have to. But I've been reading these. And I feel like I need a Hate-Read Intervention because at this point I'm just reading them to see if they can get any worse. And the answer keeps ending up: Yes, they can. And they do. She's going to write another one isn't she?

[@erinhaury5773]

According to another comment, yes. Yes, she is. 😂

[@ReadswithRachel]

As far as I know it’s slated to be a four book series so we’ve got one more to go!

[@Allison_Troy]

@@ReadswithRachel At least we can suffer together.

[@Allison_Troy]

@@ReadswithRachel Well, I take comfort in knowing we're in this together. And the air will taste like Rock Star, caramel flavored coffee, despair, aggravation, and the gentle yet fragrant knowledge we could've been reading something better.

[@orkosubmarine]

that makeup 😍 also, so the Nox-Amaris-Goddess thing is exactly like the Djinn stuff between Geralt and Yennefer, got it

[@silverdreams3]

18:16 "This line is really trapezoiding my rectangle. ..." 😂😂😂 You said it so dead-panned and i nearly choked on my drink laughing!!

[@SamanthaWritesThings]

I watch your videos mostly as a reader, but I can’t deny that your comments about characterization, world building, etc are very helpful for my writing as well. Appreciate you!

[@marumae]

The "What does it mean?" had me dying every-single-time 💀.

[@angelaholmes8888]

Yes reviews are for readers 💯📚📖

[@antheathetiefling8581]

I will say this for the books. The covers are gorgeous....

[@robinronin]

1:36 I heard this. I was confused. I skipped back ten seconds. Heard it again. Paused the video for a full minute. Needless to say, I was not prepared and I am, in fact, terrified of everything that will happen after this. But also deeply delighted because videos longer than an hour bring me joy 😂

[@sagathestoryteller7920]

Not me wanting to watch all the previous videos in this series like a freaking Lord of the Rings movie marathon

[@Midgemer7127]

Thank you for your mental health transparency. My spouse has OCD and I cannot imagine what you go through, but can empathize (he has a hard time when I’m not around, too). Also your hair is hella cute.

[@hayleyhistorynerd2211]

Purple word salad! That is such a great way to describe that opening. It sounds like Piper CJ is trying to say some profound stuff about our human condition, but it just comes out completely garbled and confusing. I'm just surprised her editor doesn't tell her that this is not doing what she's hoping it is. Bleh I wish more books would do content warnings for suicide. I've run into lack of warning with fanfics too. It doesn't have to be a spoiler the author doesn't have to say which character. What the heck that ideation was out of nowhere. That does not make any sense at all. It seems like CJ wanted to push Nox in a certain direction and didn't care about the how of doing it. Wasn't he just saying he didn't believe anything the other person was telling him? What?? I think it's good that Amaris realizes she's being selfish, but then the narrative ignores that entirely. ::Sigh:: I totally agree that Amaris is awful and sooo self-centered, but I'm a bit confused about why Amaris is upset with Nox sleeping with others. When she was sold to a brothel Nox had no say in that, so it would be totally disgusting and victim blaming to claim that as infidelity. Is Amaris referring to Nox having intimacy with Maliek just now? Does Amaris know about that? They made out in the previous book, but have they established any kind of commitment to each other romantically/sexually? It would be good to know these things as the reader. I really dislike the trope of arguing because characters are refusing to talk things out (unless that is a core flaw of both characters involved and I particularly love those characters), but this isn't that either. I think it's a lack of clarification by author CJ about what the argument is even about. Ugh! It's really frustrating when there is a fantasy world that goes to the trouble of having a cool map. I know the maps are considered old hat now a days but I like them, but then proceeds to do nothing with the rest of the world. It feels like a waste and makes me curious, but annoyed I'll won't find out more. I could see Piper CJ saying something like, oh it's Medieval-style fantasy so they don't travel much... Gaahh that gets my goat Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta, lots of monastic figures, the armies of the Mongol Empire, and the Crusaders have all entered the chat to remind us they got around back then, dammit! As a fellow OCD having person, you do whatever you need to do to feel better. Don't even worry about us parasocial peeps. That said, you look gorgeous, seriously I couldn't look anywhere near as together as you do here when having an OCD spike. You're doing great.

[@Goalysgirl]

So I love your reviews. Do I always agree, no, but even in the ones I don’t I learn something. As a hopeful one day writer I am applying lots of your tactics and suggestions to my work in hopes to make it better. But I really wanted to say, human-ing is hard and however many takes you have to do, do. My hubs is a marine and I have 3 kids, 2 with special needs. You are doing the things and that is awesome. No sarcasm just lots of love sent your way. ❤️❤️❤️

[@wingedoll8585]

piper cj took a look at all the racism allegations she got on the first book, thought "you know what will get the minorities to like me again? if i solve bigotry by making this hamfisted allegory fall in love with a mixed man thus curing her of racism forever". waiting for part two to see if this is confirmed lol..

[@thebookinmyhands]

You make me want to go back to school! I actually really love these long form videos. You make me think and think in a way my brain has not done so in a long, long time! And I adore your sense of humor! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

[@bekichan91]

I appreciate these videos because you're not just dunking on what you consider to be a "bad book" - you're looking at the text and explaining what it was that took you out of the story, where nhe weak points were, what needed improvements - this is all *really* hard to actually put into words concisely, yet you do a great job at it. On a silly note: don't you know that love fixes everything? /s

[@cheynneaguilar1794]

Didn’t the first one come out like barley a year ago? How did she publish 3 books and 2 novellas in less then like a year-year and a half.

[@Robi-Chaud]

It's easy when you just plagiarize and never write a second draft

[@mercycunningham2813]

I'm a writer and even if you steal a plot and caracters it's not that easy to produce so many pages. At least not if you have dayjob.

[@erinlewis6901]

The biggest help this series has given me is that sometimes I hit words that I just can't reword to make it sound like it belongs in a fantasy (like endorphins for example) and so I just wrote that the Land of Order is really obsessed with understanding everything and labling everything so you could presume that if there are "modern" sounding words it's probably because Realm Bray labeled it

[@Isobethia]

As a writer (who has a long way to go before unleashing my work unto the masses) your videos have been supremely helpful. I have a 6yo and a 9mo, so reading has been slow going (I used to be able to consume a book every week or two previously-I’m lucky if I can get something read in a couple months atm). My story also takes place in a fantasy setting, and the era in time it takes place in is similar to the early 1900s. So you can bet that after listening to your commentary I began constructing a list of things I haven’t addressed yet that I need to do some research on lol (though currently I’ve still been tweaking how the magic system works-I am pretty excited to say that my witches are beings that gave up their humanity to become something ‘other’ and draw their magic from a dead primordial god that they only have access to thanks to the current god of death, in return they do his bidding, which is to “inconvenience” the followers of the goddess of life, as death and life are twins and don’t get along lol) So, to sum it up: I love your videos and commentary

[@MR-zq5gt]

hope you’re doing better … I noticed something seemed off and was a little worried .. sorry to hear that the anxiety and OCD is bad.. sending hugs and best wishes your way 💕💕💕

[@qlipothian]

BOOK 3 ?! They made three of these ?

[@zacblake9249]

Good lord this is so unbelievably convoluted. Kudos to you to making sense of what is basically a ball of yarn.

[@Cofiend]

I’m 20 minutes in and already get the impression that some of these sentences were a result of dumping out several cans of alphabet soup, and challenging oneself to use all the letters in a single sentence.

[@ryanahunter4008]

This was extremely helpful! Thank you so much! The length is fine, there was a lot to cover.

[@ReadswithRachel]

Great to hear! Thanks for being here

[@user-wm1oo4os7e]

Oh hold up, she wrote an East Asian character and described her features as "expressionless"??? And she comes from a mysterious land that no one knows anything about? And, most troubling to me, she's set up as the fantasy equivalent to HITLER??? Literally talking about humans using the exact same language that nazis used to describe Jews? This is especially horrifying to me because I've been noticing a trend recently where people equate Asians and especially East Asians as being uber racists, "aligned with whiteness", sometimes even claiming us to be more racist and oppressive than white people. It convinces people that we can't be victims of racism ourselves or that we don't deserve protection or sympathy because apparently we're the biggest racists anyway. It's disturbing the way we're being portrayed as white supremacists somehow and the way this author is putting literal Adolf Hitler's words in an Asian woman's mouth is shocking

[@xiexielian]

"...sometimes even claiming us to be more racist and oppressive than white people..." wtf?????????????

[@Macy-ft5ge]

YESSSSSS IM SO EXCITED. You're so strong 💀 I'm having a shit week so watching this video is going to be a little reward after making it through the day ❤❤

[@KamenRiderFeline]

The trade question is such a valid world building point. I thought about it too and my WIP has a minor subplot about a character attempting to source coffee after the trade routes to her home city state were disrupted, which serves as an introduction to the B plot about a dispute between the city state and one of its neighboring states that eventually irks a foreign dignitary enough to bite the main villain's head off.

[@hatchet1013]

I literally just shouted "Oh no, YES" as soon as I Saw this thumbnail. Yes girl give it to us please I can't wait

[@cowboyscantdie8232]

in regards to you loving thinking about imports/exports/trade etc in your WIP: me too!!!!! trying to work through my worldbuilding like that is so fun! it's like a logic puzzle! i love coming up with a solution to a problem in the logic of my world because it's just so satisfying. glad I'm not the only one lol

[@Macy-ft5ge]

Love the color of eye shadow matched with black lipstick 🖤

[@katsuki_fan2465]

I so appreciate your videos because I never want to read anything by this person but I have almost morbid curiosity about this series and this is a great way for me to experience them. Thank you so much for the work you do!

[@clioalexandra6485]

I've started watching your videos and I love watching you review bad books! I've been writing my whole life but never put anything out there because Idk writing is hard lol! But you reviewing bad books is oddly so helpful to me and also very entertaining!

[@bibliophile2012]

I know you don’t like making such long videos, but I love it! It’s great for me to have on my Apple TV while cleaning my house without having to switch between videos as often :)

[@TheStateofSicknezz]

i played this video while knitting and the amount of times i mutter 'gurl what the fuck is she talking about' is insane. i kept rewinding thinking i missed something but nope, just none it made sense.

[@micahguillemette3344]

I can confirm, your videos help me reflect on my writing. Old and new ones.

[@metztli.dawnoftheflyingsil3901]

Your natural hair is so pretty!!!

[@anomaliecosmos]

Everything important has been said, but I don't think "meteorological light" being an anachronism is that much of an issue ("meteorology" was a word coined in the 1500s, for what that's worth). What's really sending me though? Meteorology is the study of WEATHER. It has NOTHING to do with space rocks (meteors), which was probably what she was going for since she was describing something made of stone. "Light resembling or evoking the study of weather" does not mean anything in ANY time period. What lab was that sequence of words grown in.

[@juliatalley1789]

33:50 I also wanna point out that the author fan casting a Korean actress as a character who’s essentially a fantasy eugenicist and fascist is so icky to me. Especially considering Korea’s long history as the victims of racist, fascistic, colonialist regimes. It’s so tone deaf.

[@emmy8495]

I saw this book on the shelf at a bookstore today and was like does Rachel know? I need her to read it asap.

[@ReadswithRachel]

I do not understand why the publisher keeps approving me for advanced reader copies of this series, but they do 😂 I’m dedicated to finishing this series

[@ComeAlongB]

I think this is my favorite review you've done so far. I really liked hearing your thoughts on the writing itself with the text examples as well as the plot and characters. It's especially helpful when you point out bad attempts at pretty language that's just nonsensical. I think I'm detecting hints of Horizon Zero Dawn and Assassin's Creed Odyssey in this book with the development of Amaris as a child of All Mother (Aloy from HZD) and the cult (Cassandra/Alexios from Odyssey). Tempted to read this book just to see, honestly. Also, I hope you're feeling better and everything's okay since the filming of this.

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

The fact that we got 2 beautytube-worthy makeup looks is 🎉🎉🎉! Also inspired me to spend an hour on my 2nd face of makeup today, just to go work 2 hrs at the artwalk lol...

[@weirdandproudofit1]

Rachel, I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the honestly in this video, it made me feel better about my own mh struggles. Yhe review itself is great and helpful and thoughtful as well. I love how clear your reasons are

[@clayrodriguez_author]

I feel drained just listening to your summary. Idk how you managed to actually read it. Your strength is truely mighty.

[@livenitup862]

I'm obsessed with your lipstick shade in the second half and your natural hair is so pretty 😍

[@camillagilmore1547]

Oooh, that was me. I was one of the people asking about how you Beta read. Oooh, now I'm even more excited for this! Thank you, Rachel! You're a brick!

[@authorhalierivers]

as a writer who has learned a lot from your rant reviews - i love these videos! Also you saved me having to read this myself 😂

[@catmarsh6547]

as I catch up on this whole saga, I gotta say as someone with big OCD I really appreciate your honesty on the subject and that you're up front about needing to take breaks to take care of yourself when it gets bad. (also I wish my target had had that shirt in stock, love that)

[@nicolegriggs538]

your face after Alexa said "psychology as a field of study began in 1854" sent me

[@nxfrvr]

this bit at the beginning about the reviews had me rolling for some reason

[@simplesimply3753]

I’m obsessed with your makeup look! It’s my favorite I’ve seen from you. But all your looks are amazing! I have zero makeup skills. Finally finished the whole video. I love your videos. I love the breakdown. It’s actually your videos that make me take a step back before I drove into writing. While I want to write, it’s so much more then I thought.

[@HeartseekerJinx]

Must be easy being so prolific when you don’t do any editing to your writing! These books feel like the fast fashion of the book world: poorly designed, shoddily constructed, trendy to a fault, and ultimately destined for the garbage heap.

[@danaslitlist1]

This entire comment is just *chefs kiss*

[@jasminv8653]

No but for real

[@Amaiguri]

This is too real. As writer, it's extremely disheartening to see stuff like this get so praised and loved in her internal community too. It's like "Why do I bother when I apparently could just do this and make money?" 🥺🥺🥺

[@vvitch-mist20]

I love hearing reviews, because I learn what readers want and don't want. In a comment section I learned people like to have little summaries of what happened in the previous book if it's a series. I never thought to do that and 3 out of 4 books I'm writing are apart of a series. If someone reads my work, and reviews it the only thing I would expect is to be a little gentler on the descriptions because I have Aphantasia and can't visualize my work, and I tote a line between being able to comprehend my work and giving fun to read descriptions. I'm doing my best lol. Thank you for being honest in your reviews. Edit: I have an attempted suicide in one of my romances and the entire thing is taken seriously, up to and including the main character for admitting part of it was his own fault bc he drank alone when he shouldn't have.

[@Robi-Chaud]

I'm also a writer who can't visualize! I tend to go with more emotion/association based descriptions. But I always make sure that the audience can understand those descriptions instead of using the Piper CJ method of just throwing in random descriptors and assuming the audience will figure it out

[@vvitch-mist20]

@@Robi-Chaud The only time I assume my reader knows what's going on is during smut but like it never comes out right if you have to describe it in detail.

[@grilledcheese8567]

Oh no. My desk chair is gonna need a seatbelt for this.

[@theproducers1967]

LOL my sister and I were at Target and while my sister was getting a book, I saw this on the bottom shelf… could NOT believe there was another one, told my sister to steer clear. Can’t wait to watch the video!

[@seanboggs215]

Gotta say, I'm diggin' this channel a lot! I have to ask, though, has Rachael done anything in regard to Empress Theresa and/or Norman Boutin? I'd very much like to see that.

[@ReadswithRachel]

not yet but i plan to!

[@Ivy11110]

Super excited for a part 2!

[@yarrowandlace1]

I’m really grateful for your reviews and all the work you put into this channel because I love to write and want to get better and perhaps publish one day? Either way, I’m plotting a project right now, and I want to know about things to avoid that I may not have thought about.

[@trs16]

21:09 you sort of can. I can’t do it but my best friend makes this awful wheezy/screeching air intake noise for fun sometimes

[@quiestinliteris]

"This is really trapezoiding my rectangle" made me shoot Guinness all over my cat, thanks.

[@ReadswithRachel]

I’m guessing Guinness isn’t even the cats favorite beer 🥺

[@quiestinliteris]

@@ReadswithRachel oh, no, he is an oramge of class and taste - far prefers murky plant water. Ideally with tadpoles.

[@ReadswithRachel]

A man of elegance I see

[@KamenRiderFeline]

yoink is such a beautiful word

[@ReadswithRachel]

I love it

[@CJacklover]

Hi Rachel thanks for the video I really enjoyed it, been loving the longer videos!

[@ReadswithRachel]

I'm so glad!