Mairin
I expected more from this story. Reading through it was a bit meth on moments, but only when book back at the story as a whole do I like it more. As I was reading my enjoyment was nit what I had wanted or expected from Sanderson.
There is defiantly some humor. But it wasn't as humorous to me from what I assumed from the premise. Here I think the deer dive into the magic failed, along with the ending plot. I wanted a character stumbling in an unknown world and making mistakes, not a antagonist that we got.
The characters were thought but but I did like the side characters more.
I would have loved to see more of the world, but it was an okay read
This book was meh. I can see why everyone likes it, but his is my second time trying to read his book and while his time a finished it I was left wanting more from the book.
I think my issue is the revenge part of the story is a bit slow. I enjoyed the fight scenes and some of the character moments, but expected more from Tao than I got.
The magic system is fascinating and l would love to learn more about it.
The ending restored my hope in this book and I wish here was more moments with the same drive or energy throughout the rest of the book.
An okay book, nothing incredible.
As a woman, I am ANGRY.
This isn't an author who can't write women, but OMG the Rpe in this book!!! I will preface if you like this book, that is absolutely fine, but you have to acknowledge that the Rpe in this book isn't the best, and should ideally be taken out.
Let's talk about this. This book came out years ago, and SA was known to be in a lot of older fantasy books, but never ever have I seen it this bad. I got through 50% of this book before i dnfed, and I was enjoying the story until the SA. Sa can be written into books if taken with enough care, and not just because of a trauma point, but Brett failed.
Brett did this in the first book. R*pe was there for no reason but i let it slide, thinking that as it was a debut he would grow and learn. The fuck was I wrong.
I was listening to this book at work, and for the hour I listened I was almost sick with how many times/long the scene was. It never went into detail, but as someone who isn't squamish, I was sickened. SICKENED. How the hell did the editors let this be published? I have no idea.
I'm not going to go into detail, but the scene in question about SA with the father, and the other sisters were telling the victim to put up with it, because they had to. Um F NO. that does not happen. Not to mention the character shows no abusive attributes. And after, she isn't traumatised but quite happy to sleep with a guy she fancies THE NEXT FING DAY
Sa is flooded through this book, not just from the women's side. A man is SAed as well. But Brett takes no time to process these instances, to give a voice on it and to show the victims feelings. It's just there. For no reason at all, and that is what sickens me.
I hate this book with all my being because of it. The SA could be torn from the book and it would change nothing. The plot is fine, the characters are okay and I was enjoying the series until this point. Demons? Give me.
As a woman I am so fed up of reading books where women are put down, SAed, treated as nothing. This book is like that, and even the other women treat other women like they are nothing. No solidarity, no advice on how to live in a man's world.
I really wish authors would do better. As a woman, I've had enough.
This book had me in a chokehold! Grouch, doing anything to achieve her goal, I could hardly put this down.
A political story woven so acutely, balanced with compelling characters (if not very nice characters). While not something I usually go for, this pulled me along with Grouch as she tried and failed and tried again to achieve her goal.
Macbethad! Oh how I want a man like Mecbethad.
I went into this with more expectations than the book delivered. My bad I should have read the blurb
Instead of sweeping action this story is told from two female perspectives. While I found these characters okay I feel the story lacked something. A deep dive into women's struggles as they try and keep their children alive, or seek to get more power for their children. Grouch(?) reminded me a little of Cersi from Game Of Thrones.
The story had no sweeping plot twists and the fantasy element was rather pushed to the back. But it was okay. A line of enjoyment but nothing that swept me away in the story.
It failed on my expectations but that doesn't make it a bad book. It just wasn't what I wanted when I read the title.
If I was to describe this story it would be meh. A meh kind of story.
dnf
the book started out strong but as we followed Raine through her journey it became clear that she had no motivations. the story fizzled out.
there was a point where Raine had a motivation, but when she is denied what she wants, instead of fighting for it she accept it. the characters were not well rounded or deep enough for me to follow them through a story that had hardly anything happening.
i do get the impression that the end of the book would, however, deliver strong but I couldn't bring up the urge to pick this book back up to read about someone I cared nothing about. there were strange things happening in the world, and yet, no one really seemed to care to do much about it.
Ovius. I have to mention him. he comes across as the nice guy, who pines after a character who doesn't share his feelings, but the trouble is, he isn't taking the hint and lies to others saying they are together and stalking the woman practically.
there was also a instance with Raine, a 17 yr in a relationship with a 30yr. this was grooming and the author took care to make that clear.
these moments could have been explored a lot more in depth, to show Raine dealing with these situations, instead most people accept Ovtius as he is, without curbing that side of him, or letting him know that it's wrong to stalk someone who doesn't share his feelings.
this story could have delivered a lot but it failed by being boring. the MC can see the dead yet that hardly gets a mention. things are happening around Raine, but she does little to nothing about it, or her situation. there was no drive to her, and that is why I couldn't finish this book.
10/10 for making me cry
This book had everything I love in books. Deep characters who aren't simply black or white in their personalities. A connected story that had me guessing and then fearing the outcome. The cruelness of others.
I was frightened to continue reading as I suspected what the outcome was and told me tell you o was not okay. A bawling mess at work
The characterisation in this book is masterful.
I will be thinking about this book for years to come.
A perfect standalone.
GIVE. ME. MORE. FEMININE. RAGE. BOOKS.
This book had me by the eyeballs. And the rage! There is so much rage in this book and it is definitely warranted. I was standing with the characters cheering, screaming for them at each moment.
While the elemental magic was amazing, it was the suffragette themes that drew me in and wouldn't let go. Everyone needs to read this book. Women fighting for their rights, how the government and police force would twist things to make them come out in a good light, and add elemental magic where some people are denied the ability to learn how to control it, and you have chaos.
Characters.
Both main characters drew me in in vastly different ways. There is N strong willed, determined, hardstrong in the best way. She would fight tooth and claw for what she wants.
Then there is G who is subdued, quiet, stuffing down her emotions to protect others.
This book started strong. I enjoyed the characters and the different views they brought to the story even if I disliked the romance plot between them. To me, these characters locked chemistry that made me believe they were at tracked to each other.
I did however expert more from Toraine. Shedidat learn too much from her mistakes and to see little to no progress from her storyline was annoying to read through.
There were moments toward the end of the story where I felt the intention was for me, as a leader, to heel deep emotion and it failed. I had little emotion for the story or the characters.
It was advent story and love the magic system. Toraine's Mum is a force to be reckoned with by and for the favourite and the life of the book
There was one scene that left he wanting for the rest of the book. I had thought, expected as it was mentioned so many times that they would cross the river to The Cursed City but we never did. it left me feeling so disappointed
I dnfed this.
it started off strong, but the main character grew dumber as the story went. for such an interesting concept, it flopped. it felt more like a YA than adult which isn't my thing.
the only character I liked was the perceived villain. the others characters didn't adapt to their situation, especially since the main character is meant to have grown up on the streets, she lacks some street smarts.
it got to the point where I was having to force myself to read, so I decided to put it down.
this would be perfect for someone who loves YA and romance.
the concept was good, the story could have gone in a really interesting way if I was pulled along by the characters but they were lacking. the concept was spooky, creepy, and death magic, everything I should have loved in a book, but I didn't.
this was such a fun read. like pirates of the Caribbean on the page. I devoured every second of this book.
the world was written so well and vivid, the characters driving the story forward and making me want for more.
the banter between a certain character and Amina I was dying for.
I can't wait to see where the story goes next.
I had so much fun reading this.
I wished I'd dnfed this.
I found Priory okay, but this book flopped so bad.
it was incredibly slow to start, with hardly anything interesting about the characters that would keep me engaged in reading. the worldbuilding was good, but at times it was a little infodumpy, and i would have liked more of an subtler take.
for such a big book, it was a slog to get through. some of the characters stories felt a bit rushed or they jumped about the story a little. the romances in these books were defiantly rushed and felt a little forced. some of the plot twists were easy to see.
the ending, where I should have been rooting for these characters instead, i was left feeling incredibly disappointed. the outcome of the whole plot, the one thing they were all trying to stop, stopped on it's own. there was nothing the characters really did that furthers the plot or tried to stop the main conflict. they were suffering and dying, and yet no one came up with any idea on how to stop it, instead all they had to do was wait.
highly disappointing read.
If you want Roman era but make it fantasy and gay? This book has it
Like most people im always skeptical about reading books by male authors. Are breast going to be mention countless time like their possessed and can move on their own? Do women have any characteristics? Are they just there to please the men?
Well Miles a Cameron blew my mind!
Not only where women written well, this book is the gayest thing I've read since GIDEION the 9th. Yup you hear me. It has lesbians gays, they/thems and it's not a romance!
Honestly I've been looking for books like this that feature lgbtq character but don't centre it around romance.
This book wouldn't be the easiest to read. You're thrust into the story and are expected to catch up. But a group of normal people wanting to tear down the gods ? Count me in.
Each character stood out and I loved watching the characters come together. Most of this book was plot driven but it had some nice character moments that left me feeling sweet and nice inside.
The worldbuilding was weaves throughout the story expertly and I never felt lost but I don't I wouldn't want to live there. No thank you leave me in middle earth where I belong
If I had one critique it would be please please write shorter chapters. You're making Tolkien la chapter look short.
The shadow casket. What should have been one of my best books of this year Only it wasn't. I was left feeling disappointed. What I expected after the ember blade I didn't get. I want big battles revolution and while there was a big battle, this book just felt like a lot of filler for the next book. Ot was more political than adventure which is what I expected. Things happened. And it had me in a chokehold from SPOILER CHARACTER and Aren.
I also really loved Klyssen POV. He really stepped up in this book Oh and Grub! GRUB IS THE BEST. But the plot... left me wanting. It meandered and drove away from what I felt like the characters should have been paying attention to. And some of the characters. They changed and things happened that didn't add up. I won't get too much into spoilers but I feel the author tries to ☠️ characters or bad things happen to these characters and I just don't feel much? In the ember blade I loved the character but in this they lacked a lot.
Fen. We NEED to talk about fen If you've read the book you know what the author did. And I can tell you I don't like it. It doesn't fit well with fens character but also WHY. Not only did I question one moment that happened to fen as it came across unbelievable and while after talking to some friends or could be possible I also find it highly unlikely someone like Fen would react to this SPOILER in that way. It left me feel sour and like the author has no idea about women. I am going to note that it seems like every female character Aren comes across there has to be a hint of romance. I'm not saying it's a bad thing but I don't like how that makes me feel as a woman It was an okay read. i feel the last book is going to be a big banger and I wish the middle book wasn't so middley
This was a warm hug with a little bit of tension and I loved it.
I originally read the self published version and I have to say I enjoyed it more than I did before. The narration was excellent
I enjoyed the world so much. And the characters. Though I struggled to see the connected between the two love interests (though one of the last scenes showed this) I still enjoyed them. And a bookshop? What is not to like.
However the antagonist felt a bit shoved down my throat. Same with the resolution. Personally I wished a bit more thought had gone into it as it seemed it relied too much on the antagonist believing what I could see was a foolish lie. But this could leave it open for another book so I'm not too bothered.
And dragons. DRAGONS. I loved this part of the story the most (well second to the training a bandit)
This was such an enjoyable story and is perfect if you're looking for something lighter or are struggling in life.
Tress is such a sweet story. I had the best time reading.
I loved the characters. Sanderson has a way with his characters when I fall in love with them instantly. The crew, tress, Charlie I loved them all.
Hoid. He gave me many a laugh.
The world building is where Sanderson excels. I loved this world, however dangerous the seas are, it was far different from what I've read before.
I cannot believe I didn't see the twist. Looking back, it really should have been obvious.
The ending was abit meh for me but only for a few select moments. Otherwise it was perfect for the story.
Highly enjoyable, and brilliant cosy fantasy.
Nelson stole the show! Nelson and Appolo.
I enjoyed this book for the most part. It has to be my least favourite of Klunes books and I wouldn't recommend this if you're new to his works because without the trust I have in him as an writer I wouldn't have believed he cloud have closed this story off that was satisfying with a sucker punch to the heart.
Characters. Nelson is amazing and I liked the manager. But Wallace's arc from asshole to okay guy seemed a bit rushed. The book would have felt deeper if Hugo and Wallace or the whole gang worked out Wallace's issues with being as asshole to then form friendships and relationships.
Overall a good read. As always T J Klune makes me Cry.
Fucking incredible.
This book took me on such an emotional rollercoaster I don't think I'll ever recover from.
It will forever be a book that I'll constantly be thinking about.
Not told in the typical way, with 1st 2nd and 3rd POV on the same page leaping back and forth so smoothly— this book won't be for everyone. It was dense. I found listening to the audio and reading at the same time helped.
One of those books that will stick with me. I'm baffled at the writing ability of Jimenez. Incredible. Amazing. Has to be one of my top favourites of this year.
I cried. I cringed. I laughed. It was everything I didn't expect and more.
Wish I'd DNFed.
Flat characters and it failed on what it was trying to achieve. The author wanted me to care for the character tipp in particular but I felt nothing. There wasn't enough depth and care to the characters not enough deep moments between them for me to care.
And the stakes while they tried to be high were just meh. I knew everything was going to be fine.
Not to mention the characters were stupid AF. The twist I knew from the start.
And the romance came in too quickly.
Kiva as a character was bland. There was no depth no secretive characteristics about her. Everything is from her POV yet because the author withheld information it made the book weaker. There isn't a lot to Kiva characters. Not to mention that she's such a damsel in distress. Constantly believing in lies taking a trail that could kill her for someone we are led to believe is no one to her (which as a survivor that's said through the whole book, why would Kiva do this ?) then doing nothing in the trials but letting others save her. Pathetic. I'm over this type of character.
And a note on disability. I am in no way an expert but I find the author could have done more research. It felt cheep. As in what others perceive disabled people to be rather than what they really are. It was lazy and with more research and disabled readers it would have made the representation better.
The writing was so weak. I found myself skimming most of it and that's when o should have DNFed but as it was a gift I felt I had to read. Some of the dialogue was cheep the actions and decisions of the characters were just meh. I didn't get the stupidity of the reasons some characters made the choices they did. Not to mention the filler that was there for no reason. If the character had an ounce of a brain they would have seen the twist From the start
The middle of the book lagged. For a book about trials there was little to no tension. Someone always came to save the day instead of Kiva rescuing herself.
Overall this was a very weak novel that with a few more rounds of edits would have made it stronger.
