Gemma

Castle Coeurlieu by Naomi Novik
The Red-Rimmed Eyes of T??u M?? by Aidan Moher
The Hedgewitch by Sarah Beth Durst

The only story I truly loved was the one by Novik, but I enjoyed the other two to a degree. I branched out of my usual wheelhouse to read a short story collection and I don't really feel like I liked the experience. I own a couple other Unfettered and Unbound books, which I will try.

This was a short entry in the final half of this series, which followed on from a disappointing book. Like the previous story, I did not enjoy this book.

I did enjoy the plot relevant reveals, and can't wait to get to the next book which I hope will surprise me.

This was a delightfully quick read, which I was in need of after hitting a small slump. I found the writing to be a bit bland to read, but I suspect that was due to the author trying to convey the lack of emotions of some of the characters. This was a good thriller, and I would have given it four stars if the ending had not left me feeling unsatisfied. I understood the twists, and I really liked the idea of them, but I think if they had been revealed more gradually (over 20% of the book versus 10%) the impact of the individual twists would have hit me more. I will say that I only saw about half of the twists coming, and even then I wasn't really sure.

A genuinely engaging and surprising read, but not a favourite of the genre so far.

I am so disappointed with this book. On October 1st, I was on my way out the door to work and forgot to pick a book to bring with me. My boyfriend brought me this book and I thought it would be a quick, entertaining read that would make me think.

Boy, it did make me think. I thought a lot about the climate of tensions between Japan and Germany through the USA, I thought a lot about how the people in the book regarded others in different social classes. But mostly I thought about how interesting this book could have been. The premise of the book is exactly up my street and I was so excited about it. I found the writing style difficult and boring to parse, the characters had the potential to be really intriguing but never seemed to do anything particularly interesting.

This really should be a 3* read because I respect what the book was trying to do, but I had such high hopes I dropped it a star of pure disappointment.

This has been a really surprising book so far. I knew nothing about it when I began it and was really struggling with the writing style. It was slogging by and didn't feel like I was going to enjoy the story at all. Around 2/3 of the way through the first part it changed pace, and began to hit its stride for me. I began to enjoy Rachael and Borne's relationship at that point.

Other than that, I'm not sure I can make any other comment. This really was ‘new weird' and I'm not sure if I enjoyed it.

I loved this, I felt there was no dip in quality from the first volume. The only reason it gets four stars over five is because it didn't make me immediately pick up the next volume.

The cover is what first drew me to this book, months ago when I added it to my GR wishlist. Soon after I heard it was inspired by Russian folklore, which only intrigued me further. Some reviews came in from GR and YT, which made me more and more interested. Finally, I was gifted a gorgeous edition for Christmas and decided to pick The Bear and the Nightingale up after at least a year.

This is a fantastical historical fiction novel set in 14th century Russia. I found the fairy tale-esque writing style to be captivating and really set the tone of the story well. The book follows Vasya, a young girl who can see spirits in the world around her. This greatly complicates her life as she grows older and becomes one of the only people in her village to believe. Branded a witch, Vasya has to step up and protect her family from dangers only she knows exist.

I was surprised by the length of this tale, as I was reading it as an ebook borrowed from the library and could not see the thickness of the novel in my hands. So much happens in this book, it's almost impossible to recount it all.

I found this book enchanting, and it gave me the same feelings as reading North Child by Edith Pattou. It would be fair to say that the worldbuilding and atmosphere are really what set this book apart from others. While Vasya as a character was admirable and inspires a lot of love from the reader, the cold and creepy atmosphere that creeps in throughout the book kept me absorbed in the pages as I read.

Another successful re-read!

Lyra is a young girl who lives in the care of university scholars in Oxford. She lives in a world where everyone has a daemon; the physical manifestation of their soul as an animal. When the Gobblers come to Oxford and steal her best friend, Lyra embarks on a dangerous journey to save him.

I have a lot of nostalgia for this book, and I found reading it to be a lovely trip down memory lane. Not only did I remember the plot fairly well, but I still enjoyed all the twists and details that occurred along the way. I can never decide if this book is YA or children's, but as it deals with some heavier topics I would lean towards YA. It's actually one of the few YA books I would recommend for those who prefer to read only adult novels as I thought both the themes and execution were excellently done.

I only gave it four stars so the rest of the series had the potential to beat it. I might come back and update my rating.

I think this review can be best summarised by the fact that I don't think I will read another book in this series, and I won't be picking up a physical edition of this book.

I can't even say I hated it, I was simply bored by everything going on and I felt like some of the big reveals felt like I'd figured them out quite a while back. In some points the naivet?? and shortsightedness of Helene drove me mad. She is highly trained, yet acts with about as much thought as Laia.

The first book was great, the next two were disappointing.

An evening's read that I have been looking forward to. I have read and enjoyed Stardust by Neil Gaiman before, and I have a small interest in mythology.

I'm not sure I would reread it, but I enjoyed the experience and thought it was well written.

This is one of the most satisfying endings I have read.

I appreciated that this book didn???t shy away from the more gruesome and realistic parts of violence and war. It was surprising to read but I thought it improved the addition.

I picked up this book when I was around 14, and while I don't remember if I finished it at that age, I remember loving the first few chapters that I read. The premise of this book enthralled me so much that I have been thinking about it ever since. When I finally discovered the books were being released in new editions I decided it was a sign, and snapped them up.

This did not disappoint! The first book is a short tale, packed full of rich world building and a warm host of characters that really welcome you into the story. I devoured this book, despite worrying that I may have given it too much hype in my head over the years and it really did not disappoint. Not all books written for younger readers are enjoyable for me as I find some can be written with a pandering, over explanatory tone. This book avoids that tone entirely, and I loved it.

Truthwith ???????????????Windwitch ???????????????

I loved this book! Having read the first in the series and enjoying it, I quickly picked up the second. I'll admit I initially picked the series up thinking it would be a YA palate cleanser, but I'd already assumed I wouldn't enjoy it much.

My expectations were blown out of the water with this sequel. Having read the first 125 pages in early May and getting distracted, I had my boyfriend read me a short plot summary (so I couldn't spoil myself) and dove back in. I devoured the book in 2 evenings and I genuinely think the second book is better.

I still have the issue that not enough of the world is explained to the reader. However as it's becoming more and more evident that the characters don't know anything either, I don't mind as much.

A Darker Shade of Magic ???????????????A Gathering of Shadows ???????????????A Conjuring of Light ???????????????

Obviously as this is the third book in the series I won't be doing a full review with spoilers, but I have a lot of feelings to write out.

As much as it looks like I am disappointed by this series based on my ratings I adore Schwab's writing and would genuinely read thousands of pages about these characters. My main complaint about this series is that I feel short changed by the lack of plot. This book I personally feel delivered the most plot and really kept me more engaged than the second. I wish the series had been a duology and the plot relevant parts of the second had been moved to the first book.

I was ready to give this book five stars for a long period, but I found the conclusion to be weak and rather “neatly tied”. That isn't a fair opinion if I was to be considering it objectively, but the sacrifices made and difficulties felt like the minimal that could be done to prevent a neat ending that had no consequences. I'm possibly just bitter about how hyped this series was and how much I felt let down.

A fantastic reread of one of my favourite books from when I was younger. The world and concept of Prentisstown kept me captivated and turning the pages as quickly as I could.

Todd is the youngest boy in a town filled with only men. His world is overwhelmed with the noise of men???s thoughts which are projected into the air around them. When Todd is a month from his thirteenth birthday, on which he becomes a man, he discovers a patch of quiet in the swamp near his town. No thought can penetrate the quiet, and this discovery changes his perception of the world he knew.

The book was an excellent piece of teen fiction I can???t wait read the rest of the series as I never read past the first book in the series before.

The Way of Shadows ???????????????Shadow's Edge ???????????????Beyond the Shadows ???????????????

For this review, you need to know that I went into this trilogy with an open heart. I had read the complete trilogy years ago, possibly encroaching on ten years ago, when I was a bairn. When it came to my 2018 re-read I only remembered the first book but my feelings regarding the trilogy were warm and fuzzy.

That was lies. I adored book one, it always and forever will be a favourite book of mine. Both books two and three are trash fires that I kind of wish hadn???t been written. That???s not a fair nor objective response to those books. My hopes were high and then subsequently destroyed so my ratings are possibly an overreaction. I???m going to cover my issues with both of the sequels in this review, but be aware that beyond here there be spoilers.

In the second book the cast widens from the first to include POV from Kylar/Azoth???s childhood friends, Elene and Jarl. Additionally we get POV from another apprentice wetboy who was mentioned in the first book Vi, Momma K, Logan Gyre and Solon, Feir and Dorian. There is a wide range of backstories and character types in this cast that would have made for some excellent reading. Only, every time any of the women in the main cast are in a scene it is somehow related to their sexuality and connection to one of the men in the series.

Momma K is the only one who I feel could argue doesn???t fall prey to this as she is successful currently in the timeline of the series on her own means. However in scenes where she interacts with any bloke we are reminded of her beauty and how it made her the hottest commodity back when she was a whore. So I both loved Momma K and her boss ass knowledge/most competent character thing and hated how her backstory kept creeping back in there.

Then we get Elene, the virginal woman who is literally lifted onto a pedestal for her morals and innocence. She really felt like I should be imagining a golden glow around her the whole time. I think this could have been passed over if it hadn???t been for Vi???s demonisation due to her promiscuity. It mentions that she used sex as a weapon and that the master who essentially raised her abused her sexually, yet somehow she never felt sexual pleasure until she fell in love with our hero. I???m not buying the dick so good it reversed the numbness. I just don't. The triangle that was going on for the last two books never felt worth it to me as it was so one sided and undeveloped. Additionally we were treated to that double love triangle goodness in the third book with Jenine/Logan/Dorian. I???m not touching that one at all, none of it was believable or well written and I could have happily skipped it entirely.

Another issue I had with this series was the lack of world building. I struggled to keep the countries and motivations straight in my head the whole time. I???m still not sure where the Chantry is or why everyone seems to not mind that their method of recruitment is kidnapping. Alitaerans are who exactly and what stake do they have in any of this? Why is Cenaria the name of a city and its country (as far as I can tell)? I thought Ceuran meantime someone from Cenaria for ages, and now I???m not sure. I feel like having read this entire series twice I should be sure. If this element had been stronger I probably would have enjoyed this series better.

And finally, what brand of bullshit are we calling that ending? Vi realises magically that Elene is no longer pregnant at Elene???s funeral when touching her. Then instantly realised this must have been because of Dorian touching the two most magical artefacts (as they sang that weird song as a group as Elene lay dying) took her baby and implanted into the pregnant womb of the woman he loved. I would like to smoke whatever Vi is smoking because it might have made that make sense. After this bombshell is dropped, we just move on with life in the happily ever after.

I???m doubting my choice to buy the first four Lightbringer books now. Can someone reassure me they are better that this mess?

This young adult mystery novel about teens living in a boarding school had not been on my radar at all. It was recommended to me, and without that recommendation I might not have ever picked up this surprising book.

Stevie wants to solve mysteries like Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes, so she applies to attend Ellingham Academy. At this school she can finally flourish and focus on becoming the detective she has always wanted to be. So when things start getting dangerous at her new school, and clues tie into the original murder mystery from the opening of the school, who better to figure it all out?

A mostly enjoyable book with a surprise at the end. I didn't predict anything, but the writing and characters didn't grip me at all.

I wasn't immediately gripped by this one as I have been by all the other books in the series. You immediately find that there has been a time jump between the last book and this one and I thought it would change too much of my beloved characters. I was wrong.

The greater story at this point, the part of the plot with universe shifting elements, was the most intense and surprising aspect. I really really loved the ending of the book and the direction we are left facing. But I felt like I was missing character work. I adore the interactions between the Roci's crew and I didn't get as much time as I'd like watching the new interactions.

A fantastic finale to the series. This book took the characters I loved and pushed them further than we had seen them go before. A genuinely enjoyable conclusion to the series.

I have a few points to make below that could be considered spoilery. Firstly, a lot of reviews have commented on the inequality between the LGBT relationships and heterosexual ones. I agree that Dannyl and Tayend where short-changed a lot during this novel, and it would have been beneficial to the world to develop their relationship more. As it was currently it didn't really add much to the plot aside from added intrigue. I do think comments on getting more physical intimacy between the heterosexual of the two main relationships unfairly represents them. I feel a lot of the added intimacy of the main relationship is due to their verbal banter which isn't given any real attention with Dannyl and Tayend.

And my final point is simple. Why are so many people stopping for food and wine during a battle for the city? I feel like that happened over 3 times! Just fight your fight and eat later lads.

Looking more to reading more of Trudi Canavan's series.

The Magicians' Guild ???????????????The Novice ???????????????

The Novice is a massive improvement on book one in the series, and I loved The Magician's Guild. The series as a whole are full of find memories for me as ten years ago they were the first adult books I ever read. They opened a door for me into adult fiction and fantasy fiction in general that I am forever glad I found.

I said in my review for book one of the series that while I loved the atmosphere of the book it was lacking in plot and made for a strong set up for the later books. I completely agree with this statement since finishing book two. The same atmosphere is present in this book, with added uneasiness and intrigue. The plot moves quicker than previously, and has slightly more complexity.

In fact, my only complaint in the entire book is the way a characters sexuality is handled. Spoilers ahead. One of the main cast is gay, but is revealed to have used magic to suppress these feelings as his sexuality is frowned upon in his home land. When he reaches magical exhaustion, he is no longer ‘healing' his feelings away and remembers his past. Honestly I feel this is a ridiculous way to handle the situation - homosexuality isn't something wrong with any person and should be able to be healed away. I think the author was trying to do something with the character, who remains a favourite of mine despite the blunder, that she simply did not properly consider when writing.


I'm giving this book ??????????????? regardless. It's a fantastic novel that balances a large cast well and gives each character plenty time as to build up familiarity with ease. There is a real sense of history withing the world, and there isn't any part where I feel exposition was laboured or obvious. I am fond of every character, even some I shouldn't like.

Finally the ending was just enough of a cliffhanger to make me desperate to read book three.

This was a reread for me, I first picked up this series 10 years ago and adored it. in fact, it was the series that got me into reading properly. And it inspired in me a love of fantasy that still burns today.

The first book in the trilogy is a fair bit different to how I remember it, the plot moves slower than I remembered. Nevertheless I enjoyed the book and it's many characters. I get a good sense of the people in this book and their mannerisms and relationships. While some characters and their plotlines are boring and predictable for me, overall the book was a very interesting and engaging read.

I will say that the book does more for the trilogy as a whole than it does for itself. And by that I mean that the plot of book one is not particularly complex or compelling. Rather, the book sets the world up well and builds a strong network of characters I feel connected to. This means it sets up the following two books very well indeed without being considerable as a standalone. Actually I wouldn't read this if it were a standalone. But the plot of the trilogy will uphold the first book enough that the development makes it worth it.

I encourage everyone to try the series, particularly the second book. It's a strong favourite of mine.

A solid five star read. The art is beautiful and I love the colour palette. The story wowed me and kept me really entertained. I???m excited to read the second volume.

So, The Power isn't the book I was expecting if I'm honest. I was expecting to follow a girl and her story as she discovered her new abilities. I thought it'd have more emphasis on the story telling aspect? The book feels like its more politically charged than that.

I have to admit that the book is of a good quality. The writing style definitely had more of a reserved style that I associate with academics. I felt the writing was right for the book, as it is supposed to be a documentation of a historical event. The writing tried to balance a traditional fictional style with this more reserved style, as we get insights into characters thoughts. I really felt these styles did not mesh well.

I wasn't emotionally attached to any of the characters. I think this was partially due to the writing style, the perspective almost felt removed from the plot with no emotional connection to the person being observed.

In the end, this just wasn't the book for me. I think this could easily be a good read if you go into it knowing what you'll be reading.

DNF @ 15%

This year began I trend of taking risks on young adult fantasy and having a string of four and five star sucesses. I should have realised that there were bound to be misses. It just didn't occur to me that widely acclaimed Nevernight was going to be my miss.

On page, Nevernight has so many things I love. Assassins, revenge, what sounded like would be a fast paced and twisty plot and everyone on booktube raves about the main character, so I had unknowingly built quite the hype around this book. I ended up DNF'ing this book on page 64 (around chapter 6) simply due to the writing style. I liked that the flowery descriptions, but I found them to be nonsensical at times. No matter though, because I think that about The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater and it garnered a four star rating for me.

On the first nine pages of the UK paperback, the phrase “O, [blank]” appears on every page at least once. That got fucking tiring, really quickly. The narrator talked to the reader, and referenced the reader like an audience calling them “gentlefriends”. The footnotes felt unnecessary to the story, and gave the writing a smary feel to it. I have enjoyed books with footnotes before when I read the Bartimaeus Trilogy as a kid/teen, but I ended up skipping these ones. I just generally couldn't truck with the style of writing, and I'm really disappointed because this would have probably been a four star read for me otherwise.

Beautiful prose, really fascinating story. I had heard a lot about Jessie Burton's books but I was so surprised about how much I liked this one. Highly reccomend to anyone who likes fabulism and poetic writing styles.