I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion to the Elements of Cadence duology. Everything I loved about A River Enchanted returns in A Fire EndlessI couldn't have asked for a better conclusion to the Elements of Cadence duology. Everything I loved about A River Enchanted returns in A Fire Endless and then some. Adaira and Jack's struggles against Bane are riveting and engaging; my need for them to succeed was almost visceral. Rebecca Ross has the talent to draw you into her story, to make you genuinely care about her characters and oh, boy do I. I didn't want to leave this world or these characters....more
Loved this. So much. I had so much fun reading this from the outset. Billie is Quinn's best female protagonist -- she's lively and fun, smart and brasLoved this. So much. I had so much fun reading this from the outset. Billie is Quinn's best female protagonist -- she's lively and fun, smart and brash. George is the best counterpart and their interactions and banter are top-tier. Quinn's best work out of the two series I have read from her....more
Some plot points could be handled with more subtlety, some peripheral characters feel flimsy, but this was a love letter to music and the infamous temSome plot points could be handled with more subtlety, some peripheral characters feel flimsy, but this was a love letter to music and the infamous tempestuous relationships that rocked ‘70s bands while making records....more
A fitting end to a fantastic scifi series. What I like best about Chamber’s is shown here. She writes with warmth and optimism; her books are a comforA fitting end to a fantastic scifi series. What I like best about Chamber’s is shown here. She writes with warmth and optimism; her books are a comfort even when they explore hard questions that lack easy answers....more
Fascinating, funny, accessible - the best kind of nonfiction. Southon excels at relating info while injecting humor into her conclusions about how RomFascinating, funny, accessible - the best kind of nonfiction. Southon excels at relating info while injecting humor into her conclusions about how Romans viewed/practiced/talked about murder....more
Clever alternate history. Loved the writing, the atmosphere, the inclusive feminist messages, how angry Juniper and Agnes were, and the way the magic Clever alternate history. Loved the writing, the atmosphere, the inclusive feminist messages, how angry Juniper and Agnes were, and the way the magic “system” functioned. ...more
Quite possibly the book of the year for me. It is definitely not for everyone and I can easily see why some people will not connect. It’ll be a quick Quite possibly the book of the year for me. It is definitely not for everyone and I can easily see why some people will not connect. It’ll be a quick hard pass or a slow unfolding of pure excitement. Unique and memorable and fun for this history nerd and fantasy fan.
Ford makes no concessions for his readers. They're expected to know the real historical records being recreated/changed and the literature that ties into it. Pay attention to what is said, how it is said or you will miss a lot. Close reading and detail recall helps.
Clever, layered, and dense with allusions and double meanings -- it made me feel dumb and I loved it for that. This story engaged my entire brain. It ties Byzantine politics to Medici banking to the royal succession in England to Welsh independence movement -- with some vampires running around and magic on the side.
Recommended knowledge of: Shakespeare's English plays esp Richard III, Byzantine history, and a good grasp on the events/people of the War of the Roses.
There's so much unexplained subtext (historical, emotional, political) that it makes the world feel very real but it doesn't make the most accessible for all readers. It is well built enough to work without going in informed -- but Byzantium/the War of the Roses/Medicis are some of my favorite subjects to see in fiction. I also v much enjoy Billy Shakes so this hits the perfect spot of fantasy x history for me....more
Intricate and heartbreaking. While the overall story's ending was known to me before reading, Alice Hoffman still manages to inject surprise and invenIntricate and heartbreaking. While the overall story's ending was known to me before reading, Alice Hoffman still manages to inject surprise and inventiveness into the story of the rebellion at Masada. The characters shine, even through their darkest impulses and worst moments; they felt wholly real and infinitely human. This was my first novel by Alice Hoffman but if they are all like this I have found a new favorite....more
I am not a verse novel person. I love poetry but often telling a story from beginning to end through that medium loses the impact and urgency, for me.I am not a verse novel person. I love poetry but often telling a story from beginning to end through that medium loses the impact and urgency, for me. I have a hard time consolidating the imagery into a plot and characters; it just gets lost in the words. Blood Water Paint is the exception. Joy McCullough paints a vibrantly realized Artemisia Gentileschi with obvious care. She reaches out from the page and will not be denied. Her voice is strong, identifiable, and angry. I loved the anger in this book and in Artemisia -- it's more than warranted. I can't believe I waited so long to read this. It is going to stay with me a long time....more
Sequel series are always a tough prospect. So much potential and hype going in, especially for a series like The Shades of Magic. Thankfully, V.E. SchSequel series are always a tough prospect. So much potential and hype going in, especially for a series like The Shades of Magic. Thankfully, V.E. Schwab knows what she is doing; The Fragile Threads of Power absolutely lived up to the hype. While I do wish there was more of a resolution to be found for this volume and these characters, it is the beginning of a new series so I shall be impatient for the next....more
Wow -- a strong debut and a thoroughly wonderful surprise. This was just absolutely fun and one I didn't want to end though I gobbled it up in two greWow -- a strong debut and a thoroughly wonderful surprise. This was just absolutely fun and one I didn't want to end though I gobbled it up in two great marathons of utter concentration. Nothing could divert me from Stella and Michael's slow-but-also-not courtship. From the start, it's authentic and engaging and focused on several often ignored perspectives with both sensitivity and care.
The Kiss Quotient is romance done really well -- it's warm, funny, and the plot is driven by more than just superficial conflict. It's an impressive effort for a debut because the story hardly misses a step. The author may be new but she knows her way around a trope; how to use them, invert them (reverse Pretty Woman!) and how to create sexual tension.
Helen Hoang's debut makes for a memorable and heartwarming read; one full of well-drawn characters in an engaging love story that brings the feels and the shipping. A promising beginning and easily a full five-star read. The Kiss Quotient is just plain fun to read. It's one that will be visited again in the near future when I need a guaranteed winner....more
Oh this was so good. Hopeful and humorous and so fun to read, even when it veers into serious territory.
Warm, joyful, totally charming. Heavy politicaOh this was so good. Hopeful and humorous and so fun to read, even when it veers into serious territory.
Warm, joyful, totally charming. Heavy political subplots, tied in perfectly with the main romance. Conflict handled nicely while still being authentic to characters. Excellent, heartfelt, realistic debut. I didn't want to end and I want to reread it immediately.
I'd recommend to fans of The Royal We, and vice versa....more
Loose retelling of Anastasia set in the future in a far-off galaxy. Khoury adapts the canon to invented plots and creations smartly; capable of more tLoose retelling of Anastasia set in the future in a far-off galaxy. Khoury adapts the canon to invented plots and creations smartly; capable of more than one surprise, though some are more plausible than others. Fun and shippy!...more
Broad in scope, skips around timelines and hops POVs effortlessly; full of adventure and rebellion. The rare occasion of comp titles (Mad Max: Fury RoBroad in scope, skips around timelines and hops POVs effortlessly; full of adventure and rebellion. The rare occasion of comp titles (Mad Max: Fury Road x GotG) being accurate. Bloody, brutal, great fun. That ending is a killer....more
Jessie Leigh
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