Anita
A beautifully written story that reminded me of a particular childhood favourite - Avatar the Last Airbender.
We mostly follow two perspective, Wave and Jessandra, both a sort of outcast from their peers. Wave doesn't fit in with her fellow waterkin, while Jessandra's father grows tired at her lack of power. After an interesting bit of setup at the beginning, the story really begins to pick up after something unthinkable happens to Wave, and it throws her and those around her into a release of truth and confrontation.
I really enjoy the concept of the Gods granting the people their powers, and that some can have a stronger connection and tap into more than others. Of course, with great power comes great responsibility, as we learn with Wave and co. as they unravel more and more.
I look forward to reading the sequel, which I currently have an ARC for, to continue this journey. Hoping to see what happens to our beloved characters.
A great short story settled between the time Lev parts with CyFi and reunites with Connor/Risa.
It's interesting to see how the Native Americans have chosen a path separate to the rest of the world, choosing to adapt with animal parts rather than unwilling children.
Like many others, it definitely felt too short. I hope to see Wil mentioned in the future books.
Another well-written book by Shusterman, filled with the angst and worries that any teenager would feel under the same circumstances.
We are reunited with new and old friends. In particular, I was saddened to see reference to someone from the novella between the first and second book. Yet, it was inevitable, as I doubt Shusterman would have stressed the importance of a particular part without it being brought back into the series.
There was a lot of character development in this book. With Connor, we see his turmoil at being responsible for all the kids who he wants to keep alive. His relationship with Risa is clearly strained, whether it be due to what happened at Happy Jacks or the burden of being the top dog at base. Lev is trying to grow up as well as he can, but it's difficult when his parents reject him and the ones he loves most are horrifically endangered with him. And Risa wants to help, but is limited in what she could do after losing usage of her legs.
Cam...where do I even...I'm sorry for how he came into existence, but I cannot fault him for wanting to make the most of what he now has. He didn't ask for life, and definitely not in the way it happened. Without the reality check from Risa, it would have been horrible to see him brainwashed by the Proactive Citizenry. I definitely look forward to seeing what impact he has in the series.
Overall, a great read. A dark read with a slight touch of realism.
The characters in this novel were well-developed, Isabella Whitney's venture into writing fleshed out from the little that we know. It shows the hardships of women in the 16th Century, being seen as wanton if they deviated from the norm of society.
A pleasant historical romance read, with blends of feminism and forbidden relationship.
A marvellous mixture of magic and mythology, with some flawed characters who try their best to move forward and grow.
There is evidence of the amount of time and attention Amr Saleh has spent to create this story, with how detailed the Ancient Egyptian mythology is. All the Gods and Goddesses are introduced as we meet them, with perfect portrayal of what they are known for. We are also introduced to Pharaohs of wide renown and those who have been forgotten because of history. I loved meeting Hatshepsut and looked into her more after finishing the book.
Now our main characters...they were both very flawed, their relationship very complicated yet when taking their age into factor it is very understandable. Both are young, with ambitions and plans for their own people, yet they have an attraction to each other. Nefiri's growth is clear throughout the book, with her starting off as a naive and single-minded being and ending with more tolerance towards others.
The red herring thrown in was done very well. All the setup was there and yet Amr manages to knock us off our perch before we realised we were on it.
Overall, a very good read and I look forward to the hinted second book!
It's almost frightening that I'm reading this at a time where it isn't impossible for a future in the far off to happen along these lines. Like The Handmaid's Tale, it expands from a long time persisting issue, pushing human morals and creating a solution for the issue, which is ridding the world of abortion but also of unruly, unwanted children.
Schusterman has this way of writing which makes it difficult to put down. The chapters and done bite size, leaving you reading more and more before you finally discover you're at the end. These kids are people you could have, will have and may well know in the future - if society took a wrong turn then it could become a horror reality like what Schusterman has created.
The one scene of unwinding has definitely made me think. It's always been a tiny thought that comes out now and then, what makes a human alive, but the scene will stick with me.
The ending wasn't too great, but it has opened the story up for the sequels, which I'll have to read.
I don't know whether to be mad or glad that this book is over, as I am heartbroken and yet in awe of the sheer emotions that Kingfisher has managed to put down on paper.
Firstly, I would agree with others that say you should read this directly after the first book, since this picks up exactly where the previous left off. The journey continues pretty well and there is a lot of setup for this high risk, high reward mission that they're on. There was a lot of set up, a few side quests to finish off based on our dear Slate's backstory, and then the ultimate finale (which honestly was sidelined by the more heart-wrenching plot twist).
Learned Edmund is probably the one that goes through the most character development. He is a very young and impressionable, and it is clear that he was indoctrinated with the beliefs of the Many-Armed God very early on. The best indication of this is when he invites Slate to join him after their journey, forgetting the animosity that his brethren have against women.
The ending was weirdly unsatisfactory. I know that in order to qualify for a romance, the characters have to have a HEA, but I feel like leaving it as it had been and having them finish open-ended would have served better, especially after the events that happened.
I still love it despite what transpired, I can admire an author that cackles knowing the reader will break over what they've written.
A fun, second chance love involving an older main couple (fifties), dragons and our beloved Penrose Duckers.
Sequel to The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy, this follows the events quite nicely after, with ample time to allow the folks of Eternity to have a breather before the next big thing happens. While like the first book, with the aim of a dual POV, there is more of a definite focus on Twyla rather than Frank. We get to know Twyla and her hardships more than we do Frank, and when he does get a turn, it comes through what Twyla knows.
There's a strong ‘mom' vibe this time round, most likely because of Twyla's age. There's less action (apart from the end) despite it starting off with purple riding boots and glitter puke. This is definitely more of a coming-to-maturity book than the previous.
However, it was still an enjoyable read and the plot was more focused. The culprit reveal was a little surprising and, well, stupid honestly, but that's more to do with who it was than how it was presented.
Another great read, a sequel on par with the first book. The format is still something that largely interests me, but it has moved onto a podcast one due to the release of her AGGGTM podcast.
Pip still has her can-do attitude, knowing what her previous endeavours into crime solving had led her, yet she can't say no when her friend's brother has gone missing. Her relationship with Ravi has taken fruit, and they're actively dating. As for her friends from the previous book...after the events from there, I'm not surprised that it's a little strained (Lauren/Ant I really don't like you two).
The mystery behind this one feels a little unrealistic at times compared to the previous. There's a lot that's thrown into this, from drug dealings to witness protection. And while the initial two-thirds of the book seemed quite light-hearted despite the missing person investigation, it takes a much darker approach than what some would expect towards the latter third.
Overall, I still enjoyed it, finding it easy to read and difficult to put down.
Honestly, I'm speechless. This is probably the exact kind of cosy, magical fantasy that anyone interested in the genres would be looking for.
It has adorable talking plants, it has books, it has a man that will willingly suggest and offer to build bookshelves for said books and most importantly it has a mer-baby. Adorable, tiny tail mer-baby.
This is one of the best cottagecore, cosy fantasies that I have read. It was all very wholesome, with the main character opening up to people and settling down when she once came from. This will definitely be a treat for those with a sweet tooth, since there's so much of it around.
A first Jenn Lyons book for me, and I was not disappointed. This book ticked all the boxes for a high-fantasy, dragon filled adventure, bursting with action from beginning to end.
The world building is immense - so large that it definitely takes some time to get your head around. The descriptions are lush, the creatures and people painted so strongly, mixed in with the system they have in their world. I will say that I still don't 100% understand the meaning of the social and garden rings which people seem to pick at 15 years of age. Alas, there was no explanation but a lot of hinting, so maybe I'm just dense...
The storyline was amazing, being split into sizable parts to allow a sense of where a new major plot point was happening. While the beginning may have been a bit slower, with the plot set up and the meeting of all our beloved characters, it was worth the build up because it was just non-stop action, adventure and dragons. Gwydinion grew on me a lot, his mischievous mind always turning. I also loved Sicaryon and wished there was almost more of him.
There was also hint of a potential growing poly relationship, which didn't feel forced or sudden at all. While it's true that the attraction between Ris and Anahrod felt quite quick, the story not being too clear on how much time passed between start to end, it wasn't quite insta-love nor slowburn.
I am seeing this a standalone, even though it opens up a way for a sequel if needs be with the ending. Since that is the case, I look forward to reading Jenn Lyons other books.
An interesting premise with a plot twist to accompany it. I enjoyed the attempt to make me think and consider things carefully but it lacked a slight oomph.
Overall, still an enjoyable read.
I thoroughly enjoyed the whole premise of this book. The settings were vibrant, the characters were all loveable in their own ways, and the inclusion of myth and folklore were brilliant. The writing flowed well, and the plot was fun, even with some coincidental bumps along the way.
It was fun to see an early reveal into who Hani was, how she planned to deal with it and then another trouble was thrown in, forcing our endearing main characters to be together. I'm very open and looking forward to a sequel, whether it continues with Hani and Seokga, or moves onto others in the story.
The only downside to this was that I did find it a bit difficult to engage with the abundance of Korean myth folk, purely because I wasn't 100% sure on how to pronounce their names, or were able to imagine what they looked like. It didn't take too much away from the whole book itself, but they weren't memorable.
Definitely for lovers of kdrama, urban fantasy and mysteries!
This was a deliciously written book with an intricate plot and a badass female main character.
While our lead does have a tragic past (which we will hopefully go into more in the future books), it's left her a realist with strong perseverance. She's good at her job, and people know that. She has her underground connections, friends that she'd protect to the end of days and I think she might even fancy her most recent target...
It was enjoyable watching the relationship between Piper and Alec develop, with their initial meeting not under the best circumstances. As Alec sees more of the side that Piper tries to keep away from her job, it's clear that a new impression is being formed, for both of them.
Alas, the ending left me with more questions that necessary. I hope they'll get answered in the next book.
A bit different to my usual reads, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn't put it down once it got to about the 30% mark. It was written extremely well, with a mix of history and myths, as well as political intrigue.
Whilst I didn't feel much for our main lead at the beginning, she really begins to grow as the story goes. Whether it's the right way, it's unsure, but it did lead to so very good plot points for growth within the story. We see a young girl shed her innocence and naivety as she goes from loss of friendships, to family and finally to love.
The book ended in a morbidly satisfying way, with our lead taking matters (quite literally) into her own hands as she realises that she doesn't want to return to being repressed and shut down when she has shown herself to be more than capable.
A guilty pleasure web novel filled with all the favourite flavours - hot 2d men, a doe like ditz and an ice queen who is misunderstood
There were certain vibes of the story that I enjoyed, with the subtle slip ups and odd behaviour of the characters, but I also felt that there was a discrepancy in pacing between the first and latter half of the book.
There was a lot of setup in the first half, with the film crew, and then the whole plot twist. It was slower than I would have preferred, but it was balanced in the information that was being fed to us. Then the latter half came and it was just a lot of plot twists and information in one big pile of spaghetti. There was so much going on, so much being unravelled, that it was almost too much.
The ending wrap-up was to be expected, similar vibes to As Good As Dead, which can put some people off I suppose. But overall, it was a good read - I found the chapter lengths and writing style easy to read in long periods without feeling like I was forcing myself.
I absolutely despised the ending this book took, purely because I didn't want it to happen. I understand the lead it would bring into the final book but it felt like a copout (sorry not sorry).
Aside from that, I enjoyed this sequel a lot, probably more than the first book. A lot was introduced, fleshing out the plotline and backstory of multiple characters. It was very easy to read and paced well.
Rating: 4.5 ????????????????????
A good introduction to the world of Bone Season, including our main character Paige and the voyants of the Seven Dials.
Looking forward to starting the main story.
A great light read hinging on heavier elements of life. Some of the topics it touched upon were sensitive, but was done in a way that wasn't taking it lightly nor intrusive.
The entire book was focused on just the MC and whatifs, which is something people dwell on a lot in their lives.
I enjoyed this book a lot, even with the open ending that I typically dislike. However, with this kind of plot, it felt natural.
Not as much supernatural stuff as I had expected from a book named ‘London Seance Society' but was enjoyable nonetheless.
An intriguing locked room murder mystery with multiple realities that just happen to line up perfectly for the end of the year, which brings the dark and mysterious out to play.
While it was a slow start, with Kembral constantly reminding us that she had just given birth and was on leave, and she now had a baby to think about so couldn't do half the things she did before getting pregnant, as well as the mass world building that was happening despite it mostly being kept towards a single party/house. However, after pushing through it, there was an urgency in the plot pacing due to the time constraints our main character had with resolving the issue at hand.
The plot had great potential, the idea of Echoes and the things within them being vividly described and fleshed out as we fell deeper into the depths with Kem and the party. While I preferred the focus on the game at hand, there were elements of romance mixed in with Rika, which I found well written.
The way things were wrapped up were nicely wrapped with a bow in some areas, yet I found it lacking in some others.
Overall, it was a good read and I may pick up the sequel in the future, being the world is interesting.
This sequel reintroduced loved characters Kianthe and Rayna, as well as adding a new enemies-to-lover pair, Bobbie and Serina.
While advertised as a cosy sequel, I would have said this was a more light-hearted fantasy, since there wasn't any time compared to the first book for our characters to sit down and even have a cup of tea. There were higher stakes than before, and despite there being cosy elements (crocheting mainly), it did not give enough to warrant it being a strict cosy fantasy.
Also, I did enjoy the storyline between our new pair, however I felt like the entire dragon plot line should have had its own book for focus rather being sharing the limelight with another storyline. The love story between Bobbie/Serina should have had their own POVs more than others, since I didn't feel very invested with their romance seen through others eyes.
I will still read book 3, since I am emotionally invested in this series, but I am unsure what direction it will next take in terms of cosy.
A very cosy and wholesome fantasy book about two lovers who escape together to start a new life as a book and tea shop owners.
I really enjoyed ready Can't Spell Treason Without Tea. It was nicely paced, probably on the slower side for some readers, but considering it's genre, I didn't care too much. There were sprinkles of fantasy and high stake plots which kept me interested, as well as genuine thought and interaction with the characters whether they were main or side (Gossley is precious). Before I realised, I had got to the epilogue and was looking forward to the second book.
The only downside I have is that I would have liked to explore the tyrannical queen of the Queendom more. She had a lot of potential plot points that could have been explored, but nothing happened with them, which was unfortunate. Plus, her naivety which lead to the resolution of a very large issue was kind of too simple.
Nevertheless, thoroughly enjoyed this book as a whole and I eagerly await the sequel, A Pirate's Life for Tea!