Nate
The premise of the Reading Buddy is the narrative I wish was followed throughout the story. Instead what we got was a variety of subplots that didn’t feel needed or additive and ultimately felt rushed to complete in such a short read. From a thriller perspective this hit the nail on the head and hit what I want out of a thriller which is why I’m giving it three stars.
Nova Terra: The Secret of Galeeza is fast paced with a fun start: Narpaz stumbles into his quest not through destiny or fate, but by an old man. We join Narpaz as he seeks "The Heart's Desire" which is hidden in Galeeza. I think the story was fun and fast paced, but I did have some issues. I feel character development at times was lacking, and the pacing of the story felt off, but these are things that can be overlooked for a fun quick read!
The Warded Gunslinger is a fun and quick read that expertly blends sci-fi and magic. The classic wanderer visiting and rescuing its town from it's oppressive regime is augmented with a fun rescue. I think the systems were fun, the supporting characters unique, and overall a fun read outside my normal genres!
The tension, the suspense, and the horror here are outstanding. This truly feels just as tense and absorbing as watching a horror film. Daemon creates a world and cast of characters we fear for with such a dark atmosphere. I’m looking forward to reading the entire series and will be re-reading the entire series again once all four books release. Congratulations Daemon you’ve made a fan for life.
“Arcranium™” by Daemon Manx and Mark Towse is a captivating horror novel that pits four writers against each other in a unique competition to create the scariest story using the Arcranium™, a device that brings their tales to life in a VR space. The integration of different horror styles within a single narrative framework is brilliantly executed, with each story reflecting the distinct nature and strengths of its respective writer. The immersive VR setting adds an extra layer of intensity, making the horror feel palpably real and engaging.
While the conclusion felt a bit rushed, it ultimately made sense within the broader context of the story, tying together the various narrative threads. Despite this minor drawback, “Arcranium™” remains a standout read for horror enthusiasts, showcasing the innovative storytelling and compelling characters of both Manx and Towse. The novel's unique concept and execution earn it a solid four stars.
What a fun introduction to John Scalzi! The Kaiju Preservation Society isn't a book that will be on everyone's top reads, but for those who love Kaiju battles, and a world that you would love to explore more of this book is perfect for you. This was a fun read and I cannot wait to dig into more of John Scalzi's works!
Quaint Creatures is truly something special. We step into a magical world filled with giants, elves, dwarves, and more! Our lead character Rik is the owner and one of the vets of Quaint Creatures. What you'll find here though is a fun fast paced story that will leave you wanting more stories from this fun world. I cannot recommend this book enough!
Sentenced to Troll is my first LitRPG and I was very surprised by how much I liked it! The characters were interesting and grow throughout the story. The story follows a gamer who took things too far with in real life trolling and now must play as a troll for 30 days in a lifelike video game! I think the fantasy elements and battles were interesting! The part that drove me up a wall was the constant repeat of alerts, ability descriptions, and level up text that would never change or repeat in succession. I think this maybe a part of LitRPG I may just need to get used to as I plan to continue Sentenced to Troll!
This is a perfect sequel. So many pieces from book 1 were picked up and executed beautifully leaving little room for drag that can happen between books. This world feels lived in, the battles feel epic, the magic system draws you in. Colin crafted a masterpiece of a story that will be remembered amongst the greats.