Do you know the feeling you get with certain books that you will like them even though they don’t fit your favourite tropes or genre or anything else Do you know the feeling you get with certain books that you will like them even though they don’t fit your favourite tropes or genre or anything else tangible to go off of? And yet, you still have this inkling of holding a new fav in your hands?
I had this with Mirrorland. And I’m always super hesitant to start these books … because with high expectations it’s so much easier to be disappointed, even when a book is good. But I’m glad to report that I liked this one! It took me a bit to really get sucked into the book, the unusual way the story is told took a second to grow on me. But eventually, this was one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much. Mostly we follow Cat in the present, her coming back to Scotland after finding out her twin sister has gone missing. But slowly the past comes crawling up, old memories surface and reality and their childhood games blend together until you can’t be sure which is which. Cat is a very flawed character. Not easy to like and she goes through a lot of anger, jealousy and bitterness. But that’s what made her so intriguing to follow. She has a lot of old memories, past trauma and new revelations to work through.
Mirrorland is one of those books where I think the less you know, the better. Let yourself be swept up in the atmosphere and try to solve the mystery with Cat. I went through all the different emotions while reading this and it just held me captive the whole time.
Would recommend it to: people who like a confusing and emotional reading experience, who appreciate atmospheric writing with a blend of past and present...more
Hopefully, I'll get around to writing a longer review, but my first thoughts immediately after finishing the audiobook: I loved it! I didn't know the Hopefully, I'll get around to writing a longer review, but my first thoughts immediately after finishing the audiobook: I loved it! I didn't know the story it was based on or any book (An American Tragedy) or movie, so if you do it might influence your enjoyment as this is a very modernized version with Influencers and media campaigns. But I really enjoyed those elements. As well as the incredible audiobook which has a full cast narration. The book is in True Crime Podcast format and since I'm very much a fan of those podcasts ... I also quite enjoyed hearing all the different thoughts about the events, the people involved, etc. ...more
1. So much Chaos – so much fun 2. Intriguing murder mystery 3. brilliant autistic MC
I had so much fun reading this! I swear, if Reasons to read Accused:
1. So much Chaos – so much fun 2. Intriguing murder mystery 3. brilliant autistic MC
I had so much fun reading this! I swear, if you like this genre (and maybe even if you don’t tend to gravitate towards it) and you are in a reading slump? This one will save you!
I was fully invested in the story basically from the beginning, pulled in by the humour and the writing style. I loved that it was written in two timelines, present-day and flashbacks and one is a little more unreliable as it is Levi telling the story. It really keeps you on your toes trying to guess how everything fits together.
And it got a special place in my heart for the autism rep, which was very well done. I loved that Levi both confidently states that he is autistic but that there are also so many subtle (but still very obvious if that makes sense) little hints! I could see myself in so many tiny things, so relatable! Also, this is not about autism, he just is who he is and that is so wonderful to read about. Same with the LGBTQ+ rep. It was handled the exact same way.
Levi is such a joy to read about or rather read from his perspective. He is so funny and I truly admire his passion for establishing the KC Warlock Weekly, especially when everyone around him tries to tell him and it won’t work. It’s also quite interesting that he is not a powerful magic-wielding bad-ass, but just a regular guy who kind of stumbles into trouble and is determined to do what he believes is right.
Does he always make the smartest choices? No! Is he still very lovable and charming in his way? Absolutely! Another thing I quite liked was, that not everyone he meets like him, in fact, they usually don’t. Both because he asks too many questions but also sometimes because he can ask them in the wrong way?
Since he is the focus of the story, Levi is the most fleshed-out character, and from time to time that means, that some other characters remain more of a mystery. But I didn’t mind. Especially with Ben, since it made me question whether he was trustworthy or not. And I’m looking forward to learning more about both Levi, Ben, and all the other characters in future installments.
There was so much magical chaos, I loved it! So entertaining to read and I am most definitely continuing the series as soon as possible! I’m so happy it got third place, more than deserved! ...more
This is gonna be a hard review to write. I really wanted to love this. And on the paper? I should. It has devious fae who use bargains and vows to theThis is gonna be a hard review to write. I really wanted to love this. And on the paper? I should. It has devious fae who use bargains and vows to their advantage, it has wonderous courts to explore, different exciting creatures, and a forbidden romance plot. And yet ...
We continue where we left off in book one. Elora could go home but chose to help Prince Brannick with the tournament. He can't touch her because of his bargain and Queen Alessandra begins to suspect something. I was intrigued by all of this. There are a lot of things happening in Castle of Bitter Thorn, lots of unexpected moments but the thing is, they all feel kind of disconnected.
In theory, all of these new plot points should have been engaging but actually, I felt like I missed a bit in between. Nothing flowed together or build on each other. Now, don't get me wrong, all those things served a purpose, to explore the world, to learn more about Queen Alessandra's schemes and her character, etc. but they still needed some more thread to pull them all together. In some parts, I felt a bit like reading a very elaborate outline instead of the final draft. It was too quick and disjointed. A bit too episodical.
And that got to me, because again, on paper I should have loved this book. But there were also some scenes where the full potential of this series shown through, moments that moved me or made me smile! Those scenes were worth it.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters better and I found that the quiet scenes, where not a lot was happening besides the characters talking to each other and getting to know each other more, were my favourite scenes. Hands down. Kay L Moody has beautiful writing during those quieter times.
My favourite character in this sequel was probably Vesper and I hope I get to see more of him in the third book!
The storyline with Elora and her emotions was quite cool! It was a little rushed, but that may just be my personal preference for really character-focused stories with an internal focus. But all in all, it was quite interesting to read about and I liked how it messed with the tournament.
The development of the relationship between Elora and Brannick was also very well done and I'm curious to see how it evolves after that ending! Because if you couldn't tell earlier, I'm invested and definitely gonna continue with the next book soon.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
It’s a story of loss and grief, of pride and vengeance, and the question of how far everyone is Originally published on my blog Papertea & Bookflowers
It’s a story of loss and grief, of pride and vengeance, and the question of how far everyone is willing to go to get it.
In the Shadow of Ruin is an action-packed book that is heavily inspired and based on ancient Nigerian folklore and I loved to see these stories through these characters. I’m a big fan of mythology and folklore and love when books take inspiration from them, especially when done so carefully.
Tonys writing style compliments this perfectly. It’s very to the point while still creating this atmospheric vibe that transports you right into the heart of the story and honestly doesn’t let you go. It reminds me a little of the stories of old in that regard. Being relatively clear but capturing one's attention so effortlessly.
“He could tell a storm was coming, he smelt it in the air and saw it in the way the clouds moved. He relished the rain to come; it had a purity about it as if it could wash away all his doubts, all his ill intentions and quell his sense of guilt when hard choices had to be made.
I was invested the moment we get introduced to King Jide on his way to the seers and gets a warning from what appears to be a little girl. It was a fantastic way to introduce not only Jide’s character and his current situation with the brewing war but also give us a little backstory about his connection with the gods. Immediately intrigued! That was the moment I knew I would enjoy In the Shadow of Ruin.
It was so easy to feel for the different characters and I was always left wanting more after each chapter and POV ended. I can’t really tell you who was my favourite (Niran) because I loved them all so much (Niran especially though). It was so easy for me to connect with the characters and their journey, so easy to feel for them and since I’m most definitely a character-focused reader … well, I loved it. All of them are so unique and distinct, you could never confuse them even if you forgot whose chapter you are reading you’d recognize them. That is incredibly important for a novel with multiple POVs. I need to know who I’m following even without the chapter title telling me, otherwise, they might just become one big mix in my head. Not happening here though!
The three brothers, Toju, Niran, and Enitan, are the perfect example of it. I loved reading their chapters! In the beginning when the whole plot starts to unravel they each vow revenge but in their own unique ways, with their own reasonings and strategies.
(view spoiler)[It also a testament to the writing that I cared when people died that I literally only knew for a couple paragraphs ... It shouldn't have affected me that much but it did! (hide spoiler)]
I loved how, even though the main conflict is a war, it is so much more. Simply because of all the various tribes and their beliefs and rituals and all the different gods. It influences how each character reacts and drives the plot forward. It also functions as a way to get to know the different characters more deeply and through a different lens. Each one is well developed, be it a main or side character. Everyone has their own flaws, thoughts and beliefs and inner conflicts and that creates an emotional depth that I love and it adds another layer to the main conflict of the novel.
Another thing I liked was seeing the different strategies in the battle and how they played out! Especially when they were interspersed with the flashbacks and backstory of Jide and Olise and their story. It created such a lovely pace, like a piece of music. Everything flowed together so well. I would have loved to be more involved in that though. We often see only the consequences of said strategies but it was still a part I quite enjoyed.
The battle scenes were brilliantly written and kept me on the edge of my seat and I had to stop myself from jumping ahead to find out how they would play out. It was incredible to read about the determination and resilience of some of the tribes!
This brings me to my last point. There is so much potential in the world and the characters! There are so many characters that I could see having their own book and story. I’d most certainly read them!...more
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I don't read nearly enough middle-grade even though they can tr I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I don't read nearly enough middle-grade even though they can truly light up my day. I've found some incredible books in that age range through blog tours and review opportunities so I'm always glad when I get approached. Also, doesn't the synopsis sound really intriguing? Love me a good portal fantasy-type book!
If you like a reluctant hero, you will love Porter. He's 12 years old and would much rather just play football than being the next 'Kotalla Kan', the next Gatekeeper and having to learn all these spells and worst of all ... having to communicate with the Spirits in Pericael. They scare him a bit so be completely honest.
But then someone is knocking on the door and his cousin, who has no idea about Pericael even existing, is with him and hearing it, too. And Ames is way less reluctant to be dragged through the door to help, even though he has no clue what anyone is saying.
Pericael is in grave danger though and Porter really doesn't feel up to the job of saving it and battling against powerful magic. If he wants to come out alive ... he has to remember all his training and actually communicate with the spirits.
I actually really loved the inclusion of Ames, who is so excited by everything and doesn't really get the danger they are in. But that also enables him to see the situation from another standpoint and that helps quite a lot (when he pushes Porter to listen, for example, loved that scene!)
I can see younger readers being completely engrossed in this fast-paced adventure! It's a really quick read that keeps you turning the pages. Porter being so reluctant to get involved in Pericael is lovely to read about, how he feels so split between his two worlds and like he, ultimately, doesn't belong fully in either of them. But he also steps up when he needs to. I really appreciated his growth throughout the book.
But my favourite has to be Ames, he's a nerd and has so much excitement in him! He's so happy and always sees the bright side of everything, which makes him the perfect companion like I already mentioned. He has a really positive influence on Porter's perception of Pericael, infecting him a bit with his wonder at this different world.
Speaking of which, the world was well developed and I really liked exploring the magic and getting to see all the marvels of Pericael. A world filled with spirits, deadly creatures and so much more.
There never is a dull moment, Haley keeps the reader on their toes and takes them on a journey filled with action but also some slower scenes where we get to bond with the characters more. I really liked the themes of friendship and growth!...more
I knew almost immediately that I would love this book. But definitely after reading Chapter 2. I Read my full review on my blog Papertea & Bookflowers
I knew almost immediately that I would love this book. But definitely after reading Chapter 2. I can’t really explain in detail why, but being in Edwin’s head after Aubrey told him something in confidence and his struggle and thought process on how to respond … it was just so relatable and real!
Jade Fire Gold is a story of coming to terms with the past, finding a way to live with it. Both Altan and Ahn lived through traumatic events in their Jade Fire Gold is a story of coming to terms with the past, finding a way to live with it. Both Altan and Ahn lived through traumatic events in their childhood and both aren’t really ready to truly deal with them just yet. Ahn is blocking most of it from her mind, trying to forget while Altan is set on revenge. On taking back what’s rightfully his.
I absolutely loved the first, say, third of Jade Fire Gold. It was incredibly easy to get into and the prologue? Fantastic. The writing fits the overall tone of the story very well and is really good, considering this is a debut. The descriptions were my favorite part of it. The information was revealed slowly and carefully integrated into the flow of the story.
I’m also a fan of the dual POV. Both were equally intriguing and I flew through the pages. I loved how both characters had some mentor figure in their life, who patiently and carefully guide them with love and acceptance.
All in all, the side characters and their relationships with the two main characters but also with each other were lovely to read about. Linxi and Tang Wei are so adorable together and both seem like so much fun. I’d love to read a book about these two! (I also really loved, how accepted lgbt people seem to be here, no one bats an eye at non-hetero relationships.)
Leiye is another character that I’d love to read more about. He’s quite the mysterious character here and I’m curious about his past and what he’s thinking.
Both Ahn and Altan, have a clear character arc and I really appreciated seeing their growth. I also really liked seeing them so intent on acting themselves instead of just letting everything happen to them.
They complemented each other really well, but I have to say I didn’t really feel their romance. They are awesome as partners and friends, but I didn’t connect to them as a couple. Which was a little disappointing since I’m a sucker for a good slow-burn romance. It also felt a little too quick for me, though that is probably personal preference because it is not insta-love. They do take their time, but I think since I didn’t really get their chemistry it still felt too quick to me.
The book can totally stand without its romance though and shines with its atmosphere, the Chinese lore/myths included, and its themes from wuxia & xianxia. I loved that it explores themes of history, destiny, sacrifice, and family. And forgiveness.
Both Ahn and Altan have to let go of their past and I really enjoyed their journey....more
I received an e-copy from Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review.
If you're in search of a fast-paced, super engaging read ... You'll probably I received an e-copy from Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review.
If you're in search of a fast-paced, super engaging read ... You'll probably love The Gentleman Thief. It was so easy to relax and get lost in this fun and tumultuous journey with Joe, our main character and the very Gentleman Thief.
While being confident in his ability to pull off one of the biggest steals in a long time, and being so close to achieving in the goal of becoming part of Alphonse's gang, he didn't expect everything to go so wrong when it all started out so well. But that's what he gets for being gentleman-ly, taking to princess' gift (even though she didn't seem to really want to part with it) or not just running away with this all the money he just stole.
He really seems to be cursed and that's something he intends to change real quick. Only problem is, for that to happen he has to get close again to the princess to 'reverse-pickpocket' her coin back to her. Not as easy or as uncomplicated as he hoped.
And with the magical cough, he contracted during his work as a chimney sweep ... well, let's just say there are a lot of absolutely hilarious magical mishaps.
Joe is such a lovable main character. He is sassy and charming, very modest (or not) and quite brave when he needs to be while also knowing when it's best to make a quick getaway and save his neck (appreciate that a lot!!) The story is told in first-person POV and that helps in endearing one to Joe Thorne.
Usually, I'm a character-driven reader but what makes this story stand out is definitely the writing style. It's fun, quirky, fast and hilarious. I'm always a little bit apprehensive when books are described as humorous or funny because that can be sooo hit or miss. But it worked perfectly for these quirky characters and bonkers plot. I giggled almost every time I turned the page.
The side characters were great, too. Especially Lydia, Barry, Hank and Gladys but also Althea.
The story flip-flopped occasionally and it was a little disorienting sometimes but I still had the most fun while reading this awesome adventure. The worldbuilding could have done with a little more detail, and sometimes it ould have been helpful to have more clues as to when and where something was happening, but I could still understand everything well enough to absolutely enjoy the book!
It was so refreshing to read a light book that is just pure fun with quirky magic. ...more
Firstly, I want to mention that I really appreciate Josie adding content warnings in the back of her book! I’d love more authors to do that. So definitely bonus points here.
But let’s start with the actual story, shall we? And oh boy, did I enjoy reading May Day! Actually, I loved it! It was the perfect book to read this last few days. With me currently writing my thesis and having a lot of other organizing stuff to do for Uni I was a stressed little cupcake and reading May Day was so relaxing and addicting and I’m in love!
Jack Valentine is an interesting character. She’s determined, stubborn and has a vendetta. I can totally see why people may not like her, but surprisingly enough I did, right from the start. And she only grew more and more on me. She is a little whiny sometimes, has no care for hierarchy or authority, a great appreciation for gin and really bad impulse control. In short, she is a bit of a disaster. And I’m here for it.
“Alright Valentine”, he says, “Whatever you say. I suppose you are going to storm out again now?” “You suppose right.” I lift my chin and do exactly that.
While May Day has a romance subplot (that I really enjoyed, but more later) it has also a really nice friendship that made me smile multiple times. Cam is the sunshine to Jack’s grumpiness and they work so well together. We don’t get too many scenes with them both, but the ones we do get are really showing how well they work together. They bicker and tease each other, but also talk about their relationship problems (or don’t talk about them … )
I quite liked Cam. He has a bit of his own relationship trouble but we don’t really go into depth with him and Ed. So I didn’t connect to that part really. The same with Naia, I find that I actually don’t really care for her. She is one of Jack’s colleagues and the more I read about her the less I liked her. The reverse happened with Ed and Boyd. I didn’t really care about either of them until we get some more little snippets about their personalities and then I instantly liked them. Ed and his love for his petri-dishes and not understanding that others might not share the same interest (moodTM) and Boys and his anti-social personality and not being good with people (again, moodTM)
There were a lot of minor characters where it was really interesting to see Jack (and Cam) interacting with them and see how the dynamics change. I thought that was really very well done. And when we are already talking about changing dynamics … I loooved how the relationship with Killian Drake and Jack evolved and changed constantly throughout the book. The love triangle between Jack, Dr Tabitha Ross and Killian Drake was one I actually really liked. It was well done and didn’t feel unnecessarily dramatic (largely because of Tabitha and how she handled everything!!) and I love all three of them. Tabitha and Killian are so different and I’m all for how the book ended in regard to those three.
Buuuut the book isn’t all relationships, far from it. The mystery is incredibly intriguing and just gets more and more complicated, convoluted and frankly … dangerous. I’m living for it. (Lately, I’m really into mysteries again!) The resolution worked perfectly with everything and I definitely didn’t guess it. If you’ve already read Josie’s other series The Gilded King than you are already familiar with the Silvers like I am. But I really enjoyed getting to know them, the Seekers and the Solis Invicti in this modern-day setting. How their justice system works, what is actually illegal and what the punishments are.
The writing flows very well and I didn’t want to put the book down. (I actually tried reading while eating but it proved difficult … my roommate can attest to that. Although it was quite the nice workout for my little finger. Poor thing had to hold the book open on its own)
I’m a little miffed at the fact that there is no sequel yet because the end made me so giddy to continue! What would I give for being able to continue right now!!!...more
Firstly, I want to be noted that The Ikessar Falcon has a recap in the front of what happened in The Wolf of Oren-Yaro?? I love it when books (especially high fantasy) have that! So bonus points for that!
And now … uff, how to properly explain what this book made me feel. I don’t think I can put into words how much this story and its characters touched me, held me captive and just … The Ikessar Falcon and The Wolf of Oren-Yaro are so dear to my heart and honestly, after reading this sequel … I have to say there in my Top 5 of all-time favourites! They just made me feel so much, go through all the emotions and physically feel them!!*
*So, expect a lot of gushing
I read the first few sentences and I was immediately back with Tali, Queen Talyien. I adore her so much! I loved how we got to experience all her thoughts and doubts alongside her. It made me love her even more, something I did not think was even possible.
She really is in a tough situation here with everything that happened in the previous book. The whole atmosphere of desperation, hope and these few golden moments of freedom and laughter sprinkled in between. Ach, the heartache! Queen Talyien didn’t have an easy life, at all, and she is still dealing with her complex feelings and memories regarding her father and her upbringing. But she also has to witness what she did have growing up and how vastly different the lives of others are. It’s amazing to watch her experience the world and the fates of other people.
She always knew that actions have consequences. That everything you get, someone paid a price for. It’s her normal. In her world of backstabbing, bickering warlords and betrayals … and the contrast that with people like Khine who grew up so differently. And him seeing what her world is like … that’s the good stuff! This book expands on not only Tali’s backstory and upbringing, but her relationships with other people and consequently their stories. We learn more about Khine as well, little snippets here and there.
The price for Zarojo citizenship. I had to wonder, though, what was so awful about living in Jin-Sayeng that people were willing to brave the sea and live out in dirt and grime here instead. You’d think the ruler of Jin-Sayeng would know
I loved being back with all the characters. Lo Bahn actually became one of my favourites here, I really enjoyed his conversations with Tali. One thing that I appreciate immensely about Villoso’s characters is, is that she doesn’t shy away from showing the ugly side of humanity. None of these characters are free from sin, they make mistakes, grave ones sometimes. It’s what makes them feel so real and also what makes me feel so much for them and what they have to go through.
It was really interesting to read more of Rayyel, to get to know his thinking and his perspective in things. There was one conversation between Tali and Rai in particular that I adored. Rai is explaining why he thinks what he is doing is the best thing and Tali truly tries to understand and just … can’t. It’s so well done and I want to say so much more but can’t.
I’m very much a character-driven reader, as long as the characters are intriguing I can forgive a lacking plot or bland world-building … but even if I didn’t like the characters here, both the plot and world-building are so well done, complex and intriguing. I loved that we got to go back to Jin-Sayeng in this sequel, although it was fascinating to kind of get an outside view and to experience the country first through all the differences Tali encountered when travelling through the Empire.
K.S. Villoso really has a way with words. She perfectly balances introspective scenes with world-building and action scenes. It’s always exactly what the story and the reader need next. As I said, I loved that we got to explore the world more. The contrast between the different settings and how the people there react to them was fascinating to read and I could have honestly, read pages more just about Tali and Khine travelling and seeing and experiencing new places.
The world in this series is so rich and vibrant, and I feel like I could paint all the cities and villages (that is if I could actually paint …) and the political machinations, the different parties with their own hidden agendas … it was phenomenal. There are just so many small details that paint such a clear picture of how the different regions they come from affect their personalities, their way of thinking …
[…| the best thing he could do at the moment was humiliate me. It was a chilling thought. But the joke was on him. His Zarojo propriety didn’t understand Jinsein pride.
The book is, just like its predecessor, a character-driven story but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a engaging strong plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, glued to the pages and unable to stop reading. The character arc and the plot go seamlessly hand in hand. Without one we wouldn’t really get the full potential of the other. The Ikessar Falcon has a lot of introspective scenes where Tali has to find out who she is and who Queen Talyien is. And who is Yeshin’s daughter. How can she be all of them? But there is also so much action happening. Tali (and the reader) never has a dull moment, never can truly relax because the next catastrophe is just waiting around the corner.
Mistakes pile on top of each other, decisions made long ago throw their shadows and people who shouldn’t have control over current events are still the puppeteers with the strings in their hands. Difficult decisions have to be made and honestly, most of the times there is no good option. Just different paths going straight for the next mistake. I loved witnessing Tali’s reasons for what she does and what influences her.
Recommend for …
Everyone. Again, I can’t tell you how much I love this book.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a plot-driven or character-driven reader, you will find what you’re looking for in this series. The world is vast and intricate, with lot’s of political warfare, backstabbing and betrayals. Tali has so many expectations from everyone around her and everyone is judging her every step. She has to be perfect and no one is ready to forgive her mistakes while they do exactly what they are criticising her for.
The characters are all so real, complex and flawed. They all have their own unique way of looking at the world and their own aspirations and agendas that clash with each other.
Omg, I flew through the pages! The Inheritance Games hooked me from the very first page and just didn’t let me go. I stayed up till 4am to finish this book! So maybe plan carefully when you start it ^^
When I told my mom about the plot she said: Oh, so like these spam emails you always get where someone wants to send you 4 million dollars? And yes, exactly … only that for Avery, it is actually true!
I loved how this all started, with Libby (her older half-sister) never showing her the letters because … doesn’t really sound legit now, does it? But it is! And it’s a whirlwind of new (and dangerous) experiences.
Avery is a great main character to follow, she is clever, determined and quite funny in a dry type of humour. She had a lot to come to terms with, because even though it sounds like a fairytale … suddenly being the heir to a billionaire is not all roses and sunshine. People (understandably) want to know why. Only problem is, no one knows why. She is suddenly in the limelight. People notice her and study her every move.
Actually, all the characters are extremely well written. I loved that they all had their unique motivations, not that we get to know them all … but you can always see them shimmer right under the surface. You can feel how real these characters are. It was a delight to follow them. You could never be sure who would do what next. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time (or pacing the room … with the book in my face).
Even the side characters, like Sky and Zara, were intriguing. They were just as well developed as the rest, with their own fears and desires. And I’m sure some of them will play a bigger role in the sequel (that I’m already desperately waiting for!!)
I loved the Hawthorne brothers, all four of them. Because I wanted to like them (just like Avery) but I never knew if I could trust them. One minute I thought I had one of them figured out and then the next paragraph changed that in a second. I absolutely adored that!
The setting was just as vivid as the characters. The Hawthorne house has just as many secrets as the brothers and Tobias. Speaking of Tobias, I loved all the little tidbits we got to know about him only through his letters and his riddles. That was such a unique and intriguing way to get to know a person.
It’s been a few days since I finished this book but I’m already itching to reread it just to experience this astonishing and exhilarating ride again with all its secrets and twists and turns.
All in all … the only thing I can say is: READ THE DAMN BOOK but be prepared to hate me after because you can’t read the sequel yet … Enjoy!...more
I received a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I love stories of the fae, so I jumped at the opportunity to read this book.
And by the end, I I received a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I love stories of the fae, so I jumped at the opportunity to read this book.
And by the end, I was really intrigued and I'm looking forward to continuing the adventure with Elora, Brannick and all the other fae.
The first third was a little rough for me, to be honest. While I understand the decision to start with Elora's parents alive and then have everything happen ... it felt a little forced to me. Like we should see all that Elora lost, but we were only told and had the story point a finger and say: see? Isn't that sad? I didn't actually feel anything though when reading the first couple chapters. But the potential was certainly there. Which somehow made it only that much more disappointing.
But luckily the story really picked up once we go into Faerie. Not only is the plot really interesting once there, but the descriptions are so beautiful and finally! I could see the emotions behind the words. And that point I became invested in Elora, Blaz and Brannick.
Although there were still scenes that needed more polishing there were also some true gems! Scenes that evoked deep emotions.
The scenes I liked the most where when Elora was alone in her room or when she was with Brannick. A lot of things git hinted at that we can be excited to explore in the sequel! And I can tell you, it ends in a way that'll make you crave the next book.
I quite liked the dynamic between Elora and Brannick and all the complications that arose from that. And I really appreciated her reason for changing her decision about something (you'll know when you get to the point. A quite powerful line comes right before it that I loved quite a lot.
I hope we get to know the side characters a bit better in the sequel as I'm sure they all have intriguing secrets and stories of their own. I was a bit sad that we didn't saw more from Chloe and Grace as I quite liked them. But then again, I understand why they couldn't be more present.
All in all I can recommend this to all you fae lovers (you just have to get past the first couple chapters and then the story will really grip you)...more
Erstmal möchte ich hier gleich ein paar Bonuspunkt an Ed McDonald vergeben. Ich liebe es, wenn Autoren am Anfang eine kleine Zusammenfassung der bisheErstmal möchte ich hier gleich ein paar Bonuspunkt an Ed McDonald vergeben. Ich liebe es, wenn Autoren am Anfang eine kleine Zusammenfassung der bisherigen Geschehnisse haben, die separat sind. So können die Leute, die die Serie an einem Stück lesen, den Teil einfach überspringen und müssen nicht die ganze Erklärung in den ersten paar Kapiteln bekommen (das kann manchmal wirklich sehr nervig werden!) und diejenigen (wie ich in diesem Fall) bei denen es schon etwas her ist, können hier nochmal wieder alles wichtige schnell erfahren.
Der Schrei des Raben spielt ca 3 Jahre nach den Ereignissen in Im Zeichen des Raben. Ich werde versuchen nicht allzu viel aus dem ersten Band zu spoilern, aber ganz zu verhindern ist es nicht. Ihr seid gewarnt! (Aber wie immer: keine Spoiler für Der Schrei des Raben!).
Galharrow ist ganz schön gezeichnet von den Geschehnissen, sowohl körperlich als auch psychisch. Das merkt man ihm leicht an. Das Buch startet zwar direkt mit einer Lebensbedrohlichen Situation für Galharrow, aber abgesehen davon waren die letzen Jahre relativ ruhig. Er hat inzwischen sein eigenes Hauptquartier und hier lernen wir auch direkt zwei neue Charaktere kennen, die ich beide direkt sehr mochte. Valiya ist eine sehr intelligente Frau, die genau weiß was sie kann und was sie will. Sie hilft den Schwarzschwingen und koordiniert alles. Ihre Art war wirklich super und passte perfekt zu Galharrow. Die zweite war Amaira, eine 14-jährige (vermutlich eher 12-jährige) die Galharrow aufgenommen hat und jetzt dort als Dienstmädchen arbeitet. Sie ist stur, möchte eine Schwarzschwinge werden und treibt Galharrow ein kleines bisschen in den Wahnsinn (ich mochte sie extrem!)
Wie schon erwähnt ist Galharrow sehr mitgenommen, er ist grauer geworden und der Verlust von Ezabeth geht ihm nach wie vor sehr zu Herzen. Was nicht gerade von den Gerüchten der Herrin des Lichts verbessert wird.
Valengrad hat den letzten Kampf zwar überlebt, aber die Instabilität, die politischen Machtkämpfe werden nur noch verstärkt durch das Aufkommen des Ordens der Herrin des Lichts. Die Menschen haben Angst, und das ist hervorragender Nährboden für religiöse Versprechungen von Rettung und einem besseren friedlichen Leben.
Nachdem Ryhalt Galharrow dann eine ... fehlgeschlagene … Nachricht von seinem Meister Krähenfuß, einem der Namenlosen, bekommt und etwas aus dessen Gruft verschwunden ist, fangen die Probleme gerade erst an. Denn das kann nur ein sehr mächtiger Zauberer getan haben.
McDonald scheut definitiv nicht davor zurück seinen Helden wieder und wieder durch den Dreck (oder ... das Elend ^^) zu ziehen. Der arme Galharrow muss wirklich eine Menge erleiden. Ich mochte seinen Charakter schon im ersten Band sehr, aber hier erfahren wir noch si viel mehr über ihn. Ich bin definitiv ein Charaktermensch und liebe es, so gut ausgearbeitete Charaktere zu lesen. Nicht nur Galharrow, sondern auch alle Nebencharaktere. Sie sind alle so komplex und man merkt beim Lesen, dass man nur an der Oberfläche kratzt und wenn man wollte, unendlich mehr über jeden einzelnen erfahren könnte.
Es sind auch einige bekannte Gesichter wieder dabei, von Nenn und T'nota bis zu Black Maldon (den Galharrow inzwischen als sein Kind ausgibt, wenn auch ein sehr übellauniges). Wenn ich etwas zu bemängeln finden müsste, dann wäre es vllt dass Nenn nicht oft genug für meinen Geschmack auftaucht. ABER die Gespräche die die beiden miteinander führen waren großartig. Sie haben einem so viel über die beiden und ihre Beziehung zueinander verraten. Habe die Szenen wirklich geliebt!
Ich möchte gar nicht wirklich mehr über die Handlung verraten, aber wir erfahren noch einiges mehr über das Elend, was sehr spannend war.
Der Schreibstil ist unglaublich fesselnd, zieht einen direkt in den Bann der Geschichte. Man ist sofort emotional involviert und fiebert mit den Charakteren mit. McDonald hat die perfekte Mischung aus einer Kriegszerrütteten, trostlosen Welt mit brutalen, derben Charakteren die aber doch ein gutes Herz haben (meistens zumindest) und immer wieder zwischendurch herzerwärmenden Momenten, die den Charakteren etwas geben für das es sich zu kämpfen lohnt, geschafft. So muss Grimdark Fantasy sein!
McDonald kommt auf jeden Fall auf meine Autp-Buy-Author Liste. Und ich bin unendlich gespannt auf den dritten Teil!...more
Nora Eliana | Papertea & Bookflowers
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